Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on June 15, 2010, 10:32:46 PM
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>You are Ran Yakumo, Gensokyo's Premier Tail Authority!
>You are the Shikigami of Yukari Yakumo, bound to follow her desires. Thankfully, her habit of hibernating gives you generous vacation time. You have your own Shikigami, Chen Yakumo, that you regard as a daughter. You have some scholarly interests in regards to Gensokyo's history and various other fields of knowledge, often devoting great deals of time to studying and solving apparently minuscule problems. You are slightly infamous for your love of trains, which you blame on Yukari. You have impeccable manners, many have called you the ideal housekeeper. People will not leave your tails alone.
>It is a lovely end of the day in early spring, you can see the sunset through the window!
>You have gone on a whirlwind chase through Gensokyo and Makai after Yukari, who was sleepwalking and sleepgapping. You have had an instrumental behind the scenes role in helping to free Byakuren Hijiri! You have engaged the Prismrivers in a game of Card Battles, and ended in a draw! You broke into Scarlet Devil Mansion and learned Meiling's Terrible Secret! You have let slip that Yukari was sleepwalking to Aya! Youhave a floating ship parked in the field beside your house!
>You are presently at home, serving dinner to Chen and a half-awake Yukari.
> Prepare a plate of onigiri and some water for Yukari and set them before her.
> "Mistress, Chen spent her day looking for you, can you tell her "Gobble Gabble Geeble Blort?""
>You prepare food for Yukari.
>You then make a request on Chen's behalf. "Whu? Shurgen Ikan. Grobble gageeble blort, kan..."
>She has some water, which Chen giggles.
>_
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> Have some onigiri ourselves, then prepare what's left for traveling
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> Have some onigiri ourselves, then prepare what's left for traveling
>You dig in!
>That bluegill merchant was trying to trick you, this isn't stringy at all. It's a little strong, but the rice mutes that nicely.
>You end up going through a good ten of them before you're done; it's been a busy day. Dinner is a quiet affair, with Chen occasionally taking advantage of Yukari's half-awake state to get her to say some silly things.
>There are four left by the end.
>You obtain: Onigiri x4
>_
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> If there're any dishes, then clean up.
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> If there're any dishes, then clean up.
>You collect up all the dishes, while Yukari shuffles back into bed. While you clean the off, Chen seems to be occupied with some book. Judging by the size and shape of it, it seems to be one of those Card Battles guides.
>_
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> Is there anything else we need to do right now?
> If not, we should probably try to do damage control on letting slip to Aya about the sleep gapping.
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> Is there anything else we need to do right now?
> If not, we should probably try to do damage control on letting slip to Aya about the sleep gapping.
>In theory, Rinnosuke would probably like that job done. But you aren't exactly oathbound to it.
>_
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> Quests
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> Quests
>Your Quests are:
>Repo Ran
>Sanae owes Rinnosuke a shipment of Red Lily Pads. She is either to deliver today, or return the payment. Rinnosuke does not care which.
>Information Wants to be Free
>Aya knows that Yukari has been sleepwalking and sleepgapping. You must find a way to keep her from printing this!
>_
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> The situation with Aya is probably more urgent.
> Head to Hakurei Shrine to see if Reimu is willing to try and help us with this
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> The situation with Aya is probably more urgent.
> Head to Hakurei Shrine to see if Reimu is willing to try and help us with this
>You head out, telling Chen to keep an eye on things.
>Travelling northeast, you make a beeline for the Hakurei Shrine. Along the way, you pass by the flying ship. You see Murasa is fiddling with something on deck with Shou, while Byakuren and Ichirin are some distance off sitting in the grass, watching what remains of the sunset.
>By the time you come to the Hakurei Shrine, the sun has set. You find Reimu sitting on the front porch of the shrine, sipping a cup of sake. As you enter the grounds, she sees you and audibly groans. "We're...uh...closed, alright? Unless you're donating or something."
>_
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> "Well, I came to have a friendly chat. But if I must donate something, would some onigiri suffice?"
> "Aya knows about Yukari's sleep gapping, and wants to put in it the Bunbunmaru. If that info gets into her little paper, Yukari will be... not happy, and I could be left wishing for death. Got any idea's on what I can do to stop her, aside from getting tengu blood on my hands?"
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> "Well, I came to have a friendly chat. But if I must donate something, would some onigiri suffice?"
> "Aya knows about Yukari's sleep gapping, and wants to put in it the Bunbunmaru. If that info gets into her little paper, Yukari will be... not happy, and I could be left wishing for death. Got any idea's on what I can do to stop her, aside from getting tengu blood on my hands?"
>"Oh yeah, some onigiri would be the best donation right now."
>She pats the side of the porch for you to join her. You explain your problems.
>"...Yeah, I can't see Yukari being happy about that at all," says Reimu. "Not at all. And that's exactly why Aya would print it, too. She loves putting out stuff like that about the high and mighty like you wouldn't believe. Hmmm. You'll probably have to bribe her."
>_
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> "...I have a feeling I'm going to need to give her a lot more than just a few onigiri, won't I?"
> Sigh
> "Well, anyway, here's yours."
> Hand over two of our remaining onigiri
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> "...I have a feeling I'm going to need to give her a lot more than just a few onigiri, won't I?"
> Sigh
> "Well, anyway, here's yours."
> Hand over two of our remaining onigiri
>"Yeah, pretty much," says Reimu.
>You sigh and hand her two onigiri. "You're my favorite, you know that?" she says. "I don't care what anyone tries to say."
>She has a good-sized bite from one, then says, "With Aya, she's all about her journalistic integrity, see? Before you say anything, no I don't think she completely knows what integrity means. But anyhow, that's what you're up against. If she thinks it's important, you're gonna have to convince her to drop it. And that's where the bribe'll come in. You have to give her something better than what she already has. And get her word on it."
>_
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> "That doesn't sound like it's going to be at all easy to do. Especially given that, unlike her, I do know what integrity is."
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> "That doesn't sound like it's going to be at all easy to do. Especially given that, unlike her, I do know what integrity is."
>"Yeah, sounds like it'll be a problem," says Reimu through a mouthful of onigiri. "Don't know what you'd use, myself. Probably wouldn't be pretty, though."
>_
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> "Don't you suppose any ideas on anyone who would know, do you?"
> Ponder if we might somehow be able to use Hatate against Aya without doing something that would make us feel like a jerk
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> "Don't you suppose any ideas on anyone who would know, do you?"
> Ponder if we might somehow be able to use Hatate against Aya without doing something that would make us feel like a jerk
>"To be honest? I can't think of much that would entice Aya more than some other really important person," says Reimu. "And as far as I know, they've mostly been minding their business. Maybe if she has a personal interest in someone?"
>You might be able to, but you'd have to come up with a good plan.
>_
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> "Well, who's more interesting than Yukari? I don't keep up with the humans too much, but does any youkai grab their attention better than her?"
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> "Well, who's more interesting than Yukari? I don't keep up with the humans too much, but does any youkai grab their attention better than her?"
>"Depends on who you ask," says Reimu. "Some people find Utsuho interesting, what with the bout of megalomania. Others find Kanako interesting, since she's pretty friendly for a god. I could go on. But, if you want my thoughts? Play off her pervertedness. We both know she can't resist people in compromising situations."
>_
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> "You mean throw someone to the dogs?"
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> "You mean throw someone to the dogs?"
>"Yeah pretty much," says Reimu. "Mind you, I imagine she's already got plans for Biggun and her crew, so that's probably right out. Better someone who isn't Yukari, right?"
>_
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> "I see. I could throw myself out there, but they'd keep some attention around us. Who do you think would react best to being thrown at Aya?"
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> "I see. I could throw myself out there, but they'd keep some attention around us. Who do you think would react best to being thrown at Aya?"
>"Yeah, and she might not even be interested in you," says Reimu. "Might wanna ascertain that sort of thing, first."
>_
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> "Hmmm, considering Aya, the person would likely have to be some of the following: Attractive, a notable or at least decent bust-size, popular or well liked or rarely seen around, likly needs to be willing to be bribed or has an intrest that could likely result in that tengu having a chance to take a preverted picture of that person or that person being capable of beating the daylights out of the tengu... Of people I know, one of the closest matches to that would be myself or Yukari, which is obviously not a good idea, and... Do you know of someone else who could work?"
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> "Hmmm, considering Aya, the person would likely have to be some of the following: Attractive, a notable or at least decent bust-size, popular or well liked or rarely seen around, likly needs to be willing to be bribed or has an intrest that could likely result in that tengu having a chance to take a preverted picture of that person or that person being capable of beating the daylights out of the tengu... Of people I know, one of the closest matches to that would be myself or Yukari, which is obviously not a good idea, and... Do you know of someone else who could work?"
>"Hey, don't be implying I understand how her mind works that well," says Reimu, as she finishes off the first onigiri. "I'm pretty sure she considers it art...maybe you could hit up Momiji? I think they're kinda in cahoots."
>_
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> "Momiji... I'll definately try her."
> "I bet Lady Yukari's "favourite human" could work, and beat up that Tengu without trouble." Wink at Reimu and give her a little smirk.
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> "Momiji... I'll definately try her."
> "I bet Lady Yukari's "favourite human" could work, and beat up that Tengu without trouble." Wink at Reimu and give her a little smirk.
>"Woman, I just fought my way through Makai and broke an ancient seal today," says Reimu. "As far as I'm concerned, I get the next week off. And heaven help anyone who gets in the way of that. Not that I mind giving a little advice."
>_
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> "I'm sorry about that, I was only joking with you. But Lady Yukari does like you the most out of humans, that is no joke. That or she just treats you nicest out of the humans she does like."
> Ponder our potential love-life intrests :*
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> "I'm sorry about that, I was only joking with you. But Lady Yukari does like you the most out of humans, that is no joke. That or she just treats you nicest out of the humans she does like."
> Ponder our potential love-life intrests :*
>"Yeah, unfortunately."
>At this point, you're practically married to Yukari. Which is a shame, as it means your spouse is a cheating hussy who chases whatever catches her eye. Oh well...
>_
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> Is the relationship mutual, or is the practicly-married bit one-sided?
> If one-sided, do we feel that way about Yukari, or is it her for us, while she cheats like a delinquent on a big test :V
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> Is the relationship mutual, or is the practicly-married bit one-sided?
> If one-sided, do we feel that way about Yukari, or is it her for us, while she cheats like a delinquent on a big test :V
>You really aren't sure. You've gone past the point of infatuation and such long ago, to her being there just being sort of a habit. You're fairly sure it's mutual. But, it does kinda annoy you when she makes a big deal about chasing off after someone. And when she hides it... These sorts of things happen over the centuries when you're attached to someone who is both immensely power and fairly capricious.
>_
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>So is Chen more like your mutual child, rather than a servant/shikigami? Or are you unsure of what Yukari thinks of Chen?
>If Reimu is done with her food, thank her for her time and get ready to go to the mountain. Looks like our next goal is to find Momiji!
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>So is Chen more like your mutual child, rather than a servant/shikigami? Or are you unsure of what Yukari thinks of Chen?
>If Reimu is done with her food, thank her for her time and get ready to go to the mountain. Looks like our next goal is to find Momiji!
>Chen's really more of an adopted daughter for you, as she's not very useful as a servant yet. You do wonder you made her a shikigami a little too soon. She really isn't very responsible beyond little chores. You aren't sure how Yukari regards her other than some younger relative to be spoiled or spurned as mood dictates; though usually she's quite good with Chen.
>"No problem," says Reimu. "Thanks for the snack!"
>You start for the mountain again. If you're correct, Momiji ought to be either patrolling somewhere between the two towns, or at home for the evening. Unfortunately, you don't know where the latter is.
>_
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> Continue toward the tengu village, looking for Momiji along the way. Once we get close enough to where she might be that is.
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> Continue toward the tengu village, looking for Momiji along the way. Once we get close enough to where she might be that is.
>You fly toward the Tengu village. The early evening conditions cause you to take your time; both to avoid an accident and to look less like you're trying to sneak in.
>"Who goes there!" calls a voice, as you fly along the waterfall. Looking in that direction, you see a wolf tengu approaching. While you've never really met her, you're reasonably sure this is Momiji.
>_
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> "Are you miss Momiji? I wish to speak with you for a moment."
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> "Are you miss Momiji? I wish to speak with you for a moment."
>"Really now?" says the tengu as she draws closer, letting you get a good look at her lupine features. "I'm Momiji, yes, and I don't recall any business with the Yakumos, I'm afraid. To what do I owe this unusual pleasure?"
>_
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> Why did we come to speak with Momiji?
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>To find out how we can get to Aya, of course!
>Mention Aya in passing or through small talk to try and gauge Momiji's opinion of her... Although specifics of that small talk are lost to me.
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> "I came to speak to you about Miss Aya. Specifically, to keep her from publishing something I do not wish to be published. I am sorry if this is a bad time, but the sooner this can be done, the better. If Aya publishes that bit I don't want her publishing, I am afraid people would be hurt... badly... and I would likely end up one of them, if not the first."
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> "I came to speak to you about Miss Aya. Specifically, to keep her from publishing something I do not wish to be published. I am sorry if this is a bad time, but the sooner this can be done, the better. If Aya publishes that bit I don't want her publishing, I am afraid people would be hurt... badly... and I would likely end up one of them, if not the first."
>"Oh, you're trying to kill the freedom of the press, are you?" asks Momiji, frowning and knitting her brow.
>_
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> "No, I like the press, it's more like if one little piece of info Aya has gets published, I will likely be killed, as well as Aya, and who knows who else. Lives hang in the balence Momiji, my life, Aya's life, and many others. You know how other people have reacted to private info getting into Aya's paper? Well, let's just say, she has info that will cause a certain youkai to be VERY angry, to the point of wanting people DEAD. Please, help me convince Aya."
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> "No, I like the press, it's more like if one little piece of info Aya has gets published, I will likely be killed, as well as Aya, and who knows who else. Lives hang in the balence Momiji, my life, Aya's life, and many others. You know how other people have reacted to private info getting into Aya's paper? Well, let's just say, she has info that will cause a certain youkai to be VERY angry, to the point of wanting people DEAD. Please, help me convince Aya."
>"You're not the first person to tell this kind of story, you know," says Momiji. "You're not the tenth person to tell it. I remember when people were convinced Remilia would kill us all for reporting on little detective romp back when Tenshi was messing with the weather. Such a tempest in a teapot that was!"
>_
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> "Well, I am certain Lady Yukari is more then capable of it. Info Yukari would not want made public has fallen into Aya's hands. Info that if made public would likely enrage Yukari. I am certain you know even somewhat how powerful Lady Yukari is. Makai and the Former Hell hath no fury like Yukari's scorn."
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> "Well, I am certain Lady Yukari is more then capable of it. Info Yukari would not want made public has fallen into Aya's hands. Info that if made public would likely enrage Yukari. I am certain you know even somewhat how powerful Lady Yukari is. Makai and the Former Hell hath no fury like Yukari's scorn."
>"We have shrine maidens to deal with that kind of thing," says Momiji. "I'm sorry, but I just cannot allow you to try and suppress the freedom of the press in such a manner. You are free to talk with Miss Aya, but I can already tell you that your resistance is just going to make her want to print it more."
>_
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> "Momiji, you know as well as I do, perhaps more so, that Aya tends to add her own... Speculations, and then state them as fact. That's obvious just reading the paper. It is likely that if she publishes this article, there will be things added that border on slander. If it can be said to be as light as 'bordering' at all. I'm afraid that this is simply inexcusable given the nature of the information, and the speculations and misrepresentations that someone like Aya will make. "
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>Momiji shrugs. "You'll have to talk to her about that."
>_
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> "I already did, truth be told. She seemed completely unrepentant, and I'm not sure she even does it deliberately. She doesn't seem to see anything wrong with how she does things, which is worrisome to say the least... Perhaps she would listen to someone she knows better, however?"
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> "I already did, truth be told. She seemed completely unrepentant, and I'm not sure she even does it deliberately. She doesn't seem to see anything wrong with how she does things, which is worrisome to say the least... Perhaps she would listen to someone she knows better, however?"
>"Maybe," says Momiji, "but I have no real interest in telling her not to do what she loves or in suppressing the truth."
>_
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> Ponder any weaknesses Momiji might have.
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> Ponder any weaknesses Momiji might have.
>Weakness in what sense?
>_
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> Ponder any weaknesses that Momiji might have pertaining to fears or an excess amount of affection to a certain item.
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> Ponder any weaknesses that Momiji might have pertaining to fears or an excess amount of affection to a certain item.
>Momiji is pretty well known for being brave, or at least passing herself off as such. You don't have any real idea how much of her latest statements are just bluster versus actual willingness to stand up to Yukari; or willingness to let Yukari rage elsewhere. As for regarding things with affection, you've heard she has a sweet tooth, but you also know it would be hard not to make that look like bribery with the situation it is now. A different approach might help.
>_
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>"Is there perhaps anything at all I can do for you that may change your mind?"
>Examine inventory.
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>"Is there perhaps anything at all I can do for you that may change your mind?"
>Examine inventory.
>"If you're just trying to get me to help suppress her story, no. I won't. But, well...maybe if you were willing to offer her something better, I might be willing to help."
>Your Inventory Contains
>Long-sleeved robe: (Worn as clothes)
>Your favorite robe; its sleeves are perfect for concealing your hands.
>Shikigami: Wizard Fox Thoughts (Significantly expended)
>It creates thick leafy danmaku that one must move very little to endure.
>Shikigami's Radiance: Fox-Tanuki Youkai Laser (expended)
>An aimed burst of danmaku that leaves lasers in its wake.
>5 Ruined Spellcards
>These Spellcards have been ruined by water and are now useless.
>Shikigami's Radiance: Charming Siege from All Sides (Expended)
>Entraps your foe on all sides, forcing the them backwards if they wish to survive.
>Shikigami's Shot: Unilateral Contact (Expended)
>Sends out many shots, then has them rotate quickly.
>Illusion God: Descent of Izuna Gongen (Water damaged)
>A spellcard that starts simply, and slowly piles on more and more shots until there is hardly any space left.
>2 Onigiri
>Made with bass, they are a filling treat.
>_
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>"I'm indeed willing to do just that! Do you perhaps have anything in mind?"
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> "That is actually a very good idea. I was worrying too much over the matter that I forgot that could resolve the situation as well. Do you have anything in mind?"
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>"I'm indeed willing to do just that! Do you perhaps have anything in mind?"
> "That is actually a very good idea. I was worrying too much over the matter that I forgot that could resolve the situation as well. Do you have anything in mind?"
>"Well, there is something Aya loves as much as her job," says Momiji, "And that's her art. I would suggest trying to appeal to that."
>_
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>"Hmm... so you think we should get her to write about her art in place of the other article?"
>"Does Aya keep her art with herself or does she have it on display elsewhere?"
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>"Hmm... so you think we should get her to write about her art in place of the other article?"
>"Does Aya keep her art with herself or does she have it on display elsewhere?"
>"I don't think that would quite do it," says Momiji. "But you're welcome to try it. And she keeps a gallery in her home, I'm sure she would be thrilled to show you; she loves it when someone takes an interest. I don't think you would be disappointed, either, she's really quite a genius."
>_
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>"Heh, well, was worth a thought I guess. Do you think you might know anything else that Aya may find interesting?"
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>"Heh, well, was worth a thought I guess. Do you think you might know anything else that Aya may find interesting?"
>"Not enough that you'd dissuade her from printing the truth, no."
>_
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>"Alright, thanks for the help then! Is it possible I can make an appointment to see Aya?"
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>"Alright, thanks for the help then! Is it possible I can make an appointment to see Aya?"
>"Oh, you don't need an appointment," says Momiji. "Just go knock."
>_
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>Do we know which way to head to Aya's place?
>If not, then ask Momiji for directions.
>If so, then give Momiji our farewells and head that way.
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>Do we know which way to head to Aya's place?
>If not, then ask Momiji for directions.
>If so, then give Momiji our farewells and head that way.
>You don't know precisely, and get them from Aya.
>"Just go to the North once you get into town, then east. You'll see a sign."
>With these directions in mind, you say farewell to Momiji and follow her directions.
>Flying up the side of the mountain, you can see the tall buildings of the tengu town in the darkness. Tall and thin, few boasting less than two floors and all of them bristling with balconies, landings, and upper story entrances, their buildings give the distinct feeling of leafless trees. You can see a few tengu flying about in the night, and many of the buildings have lights in the windows, but otherwise it is pretty quiet right now. At the peak of the mountain, you can see the Moriya Shrine. Were it not for that shrine's presense and the influence of its deities, you would not have been allowed to come this far without a fight.
>Following Momiji's directions, you soon find a house that doesn't really stand out from the rest of the town, save for a sign that boasts "Home of the Bunbunmaru News!"
>_
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>Examine the house.
>Knock on the door.
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>Examine the house.
>Knock on the door.
>It is a three story home, with balconies on the second floor allowing access to people who can fly. Off to the side, you see an number of small perches and little houses, presumably for any birds that might be about. You can hear a kind of mechanical tapping sound inside.
>You knock on the door. After a couple moments, it opens and Aya steps out. "Oh, I didn't expect to see you," she says. "Is there something I can do for you?"
>_
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>"Hello there, I heard from throughout about your renown artwork and I'd like to know, is it possible I may be able to view it?
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>"Hello there, I heard from throughout about your renown artwork and I'd like to know, is it possible I may be able to view it?
>"Certainly!" she says, "Come in, come in!"
>Aya practically grabs your arm, and drags you inside. You enter a small, cramped living room and barely have time to kick off your shoes before she half-leads, half-drags you up a flight of stairs. "It's far too rare that I have anyone here to see my works," Aya says along the way. You don't really have time to register what is there, aside from a strange metal device with a number of buttons, sitting on a desk and flanked by sheets of paper.
>She leads you up to the third floor, which is a single large room with an A-shaped roof. the walls are covered with framed pictures, taking up practically all of the available space. "Would you like to view alone" she asks, practically bouncing on her heels. "Or would you like me around to comment?"
>_
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>"By all means, comment away! I'd love to hear about your motivation and inspiration behind your art.
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>"By all means, comment away! I'd love to hear about your motivation and inspiration behind your art.
>Aya nods. "Certainly. Well, I'll give you the first hint. All of these pictures? There're not really individual projects. You have to look at the whole thing."
>_
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>Examine the pictures.
>Is it possible to get them all in our view all at once? If so, try and back up to do so.
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>Examine the pictures.
>Is it possible to get them all in our view all at once? If so, try and back up to do so.
>You examine the pictures. They are about as you feared, you find they are all upskirt shots of the various residents of Gensokyo. Literally dozens upon dozens of them. They are arranged so any one person's shots are grouped together. Oh look, there's a few of you...
>You can, but you wouldn't be able to make out any individual details.
>_
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> "...When did you get those?"
> Point toward ones of us.
> Are there any of Yukari? Or, god forbid, Chen?
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> "...When did you get those?"
> Point toward ones of us.
> Are there any of Yukari? Or, god forbid, Chen?
>"Here and again," says Aya. "I take them as the opportunity comes up, once in awhile I go out on a run." You think you recall a couple of these; your face gives away you knew what was happening. Others, you don't seem to be aware that you were being photographed.
>There are a few of Yukari, both with and wituout clothes. In most of them she seems aware and faintly amused; and there's one or two where you'd swear she's outright posing for it. There's one, though, where you are pretty certain she wasn't aware of it.
>There are a couple of Chen, as well. It seems like practically every known youkai in Gensokyo is here, though you've not had time to go through your mental checklist and be sure.
>_
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> Ponder if we would be able to get away with making Aya suffer horribly for the pictures of Chen
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> Ponder if we would be able to get away with making Aya suffer horribly for the pictures of Chen
>You probably wouldn't be able to just beat the shit out of her and get away with it; at least not here. But there's all manner of revenge schemes of varying convolutedness you could theoretically apply.
>The trick would be to pull it off and not be blamed for it, as Aya would then have even less of a reason to keep that story secret.
>_
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>I fear we may need to contain our anger for Aya's pictures until after we fix the whole issue with the article of Yukari first. Priorities sadly...
>"I... see... this is... part of a series... isn't it?"
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>I fear we may need to contain our anger for Aya's pictures until after we fix the whole issue with the article of Yukari first. Priorities sadly...
>"I... see... this is... part of a series... isn't it?"
>"Yep," says Aya. "It's all one big work. Just keep looking at it, and it'll hit you."
>_
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>What order do the pictures go by?
>Are there any sort of obvious patterns?
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>What order do the pictures go by?
>Are there any sort of obvious patterns?
>There doesn't seem to be an order or pattern, aside from people's pictures being grouped together. You see Remilia, who looks especially pissed, beside Hina and Rumia, Mystia sandwiched between Kanako and Sakuya...
>About the only thing that's really in common is the upskirt nature of the shots; though in Wriggle and Mokou's case it's more of an angle while they were changing due to their choice of clothes.
>_
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"Well, so far I can see that they're pictures of people caught within some of their most embarrassing moments as it seems..."
-
"Well, so far I can see that they're pictures of people caught within some of their most embarrassing moments as it seems..."
>"You're on the right track," says Aya. "Keep going."
>_
-
> Are the pictures in an order similar to notable incidents?
> Point out the one or two pictures that showed Yukari practicly posing, "I-is she actually posing in these? How did you manage that, I never thought she would volunteer for an artistic display of this nature."
-
> Are the pictures in an order similar to notable incidents?
> Point out the one or two pictures that showed Yukari practicly posing, "I-is she actually posing in these? How did you manage that, I never thought she would volunteer for an artistic display of this nature."
>They don't seem to be in any kid of Incident-related order, either.
>"Oh, those? Yep, she posed for a few." Aya shrugs. "Usually she'd catch me in the act, and do it. Ruined a few excellent shots. To be honest, I wouldn't even display them, but she kind of insisted, and I guess they fit the method, if not the message."
>_
-
> "The message? And what would that be? That privacy doesn't exist?"
-
> "The message? And what would that be? That privacy doesn't exist?"
>She laughs. "You could say that. But look more closely. Everyone is here. Exposed. Vulnerable. From the greatest to the meekest. Is meekest a word? Who cares. But do you see now? The message should be clear to you now. Everyone, youkai, human, god, ghost...everyone is vulnerable sometime. Whether we like it or not. Whether we hide it or not. We're all the same."
>_
-
> "That is true. In some ways, we all always shall be vulnerable. And there are ways that we are all the same. But of course, there also are ways that we are all different, unique. Though I suppose that isn't really the point, is it?"
-
> "That is true. In some ways, we all always shall be vulnerable. And there are ways that we are all the same. But of course, there also are ways that we are all different, unique. Though I suppose that isn't really the point, is it?"
>"Yes, you can see that too," says Aya. "Not everyone has nine tails, as the pictures clearly record. But the sameness, the shared feeling, that is what should be really reaching you."
>_
-
>"Ah... I see. So even the greatest share that same vulnerability. A good theme for... a work of art such as this."
>Look at it for a few more seconds.
>"Do you by chance have any other sort of exhibits?"
-
>"Ah... I see. So even the greatest share that same vulnerability. A good theme for... a work of art such as this."
>Look at it for a few more seconds.
>"Do you by chance have any other sort of exhibits?"
>"Exactly," says Aya, grinning. "It's my pride and joy."
>You look at it a little more. Wow, Remilia is not at all happy in any of these pictures.
>"Not really," says Aya. "I have a few pictures I'm proud of, but this is my exhibit. I've been working on it for years. Don't know if I'll ever consider it really finished."
>_
-
>"Well... as long as there are youkai out there who try and hide that vulnerability, the desire to call the project complete might not be fulfilled."
>"Might there be... anyone or anything you've taken an interest of capturing the vulnerability of? Someone that you haven't had the chance to write an article about or take a picture of?"
-
>"Well... as long as there are youkai out there who try and hide that vulnerability, the desire to call the project complete might not be fulfilled."
>"Might there be... anyone or anything you've taken an interest of capturing the vulnerability of? Someone that you haven't had the chance to write an article about or take a picture of?"
>"The damn Yama" she says darkly. "Couldn't get a good shot during the flower incident, and since then she's never left her court long enough for me to catch her."
>_
-
>"I may have a proposal for you then... If I were to give you a chance to get some shots of the Yama, could you by chance... remove all traces of what I told you about Yukari and act as if it never happened? It would sadden me for art as precious as this to remain unfinished..."
-
>"I may have a proposal for you then... If I were to give you a chance to get some shots of the Yama, could you by chance... remove all traces of what I told you about Yukari and act as if it never happened? It would sadden me for art as precious as this to remain unfinished..."
>"Maybe," says Aya, narrowing her eyes. "What've you got in mind?"
>_
-
>"Well, most Yama have some sort of shinigami to bring in the souls correct? To do so, said shinigami would have to come here into Gensokyo. Maybe, if we were to find this worker, we can get him or her to arrange the Yama to come here. If we can bring the yama into some sort of situation where she'd show her vulnerability... maybe by getting her to have to change her clothes, you can take the shots of her!"
>"When you first met the Yama, did you by chance see her worker with her at all?"
-
>"Well, most Yama have some sort of shinigami to bring in the souls correct? To do so, said shinigami would have to come here into Gensokyo. Maybe, if we were to find this worker, we can get him or her to arrange the Yama to come here. If we can bring the yama into some sort of situation where she'd show her vulnerability... maybe by getting her to have to change her clothes, you can take the shots of her!"
>"When you first met the Yama, did you by chance see her worker with her at all?"
>"I like the way you think," says Aya. "I like it a lot. And yeah, I've had run-ins with Komachi before. It's why I can't really do it myself; she's wise to me. But, we'd need a really good reason to lure her over here."
>_
-
>"Well... any idea where she may normally be on her daily routine?"
>How much can we recall about the flower incident?
-
>"Well... any idea where she may normally be on her daily routine?"
>How much can we recall about the flower incident?
>"Almost always in Higan," says Aya. "Once in awhile, she'll make a surprise inspection on her shinigami, but aside from that, she almost never leaves. Komachi told me she tend not to work into the night, though, unless there's been a significant backup. But who knows what she does then?"
>You remember it was a tempest in a teapot for a lot of people who should have known better. You can kinda forgive the humans for getting worked up, it's not like they've seen it before. But many others really should have known better. You spent the time gathering up a lot of rose hips, jasmine, and such for future use. You think you still have some of the jasmine laying around in the pantry.
-
>"How about Komachi's? Any idea where she is most of the time?"
>"And do you perhaps know what might have made the Yama come out during the flower incident?"
-
>"How about Komachi's? Any idea where she is most of the time?"
>"And do you perhaps know what might have made the Yama come out during the flower incident?"
>"When she's being diligent, she's at the banks of the Sanzu River," says Aya. "But when she's not? Well...she can wander all over. But even then, it's not often she strays far away.
>"Komachi picked a really bad time to slack off," Aya says, as she walks over toward one of the pictures; Patchouli, unaware she's being photographed; and straightens it. "The yama got concerned enough that she came to inspect personally. Afterward, she started making surprise inspections."
>_
-
>"Alright, then I think I should go have a talk with Komachi. Maybe she knows something or can do something that might be able to bring over the Yama. Perhaps she may have some sort of insight upon when the Yama's next inspection of her might be at."
-
>"Alright, then I think I should go have a talk with Komachi. Maybe she knows something or can do something that might be able to bring over the Yama. Perhaps she may have some sort of insight upon when the Yama's next inspection of her might be at."
>"Try not to be too obvious about it," says Aya. "She shouldn't connect you up with me, but if you look too curious, she might connect the dots. And obviously, don't mention me. I'm pretty sure she has some way to contact the Yama as well."
>_
-
>"Noted. She won't know I have any association with you. Do you know the quickest way from here to the Sanzu River?"
-
>"Noted. She won't know I have any association with you. Do you know the quickest way from here to the Sanzu River?"
>"Go north of the village," says Aya. "There's a road. Just keep following it. You'll go past the Garden of the Sun and the Nameless hill, then into this little forest. Past that forest are the banks of the Sanzu River. It's kind of a long trip from here."
>_
-
> ...Ponder just what consequences there might be if we get on the Yama's bad side by doing this.
-
> ...Ponder just what consequences there might be if we get on the Yama's bad side by doing this.
>You honestly have no idea how much the Yama holds a grudge or would abuse power to satisfy a personal affront. She's supposed to be wise and virtuous, but you've lived long enough to know someone can be wise and virtuous, and still have a mean streak. You do know, however, that Yukari simply does not mess with the Yama. Whether it's out of respect for her position or respect for her power, you don't know.
>_
-
> "Honestly, one thing gives me some worry, but only some. Lasy Yukari never messes with the Yama, either out of respect for position or out of respect for power, and if it's due to power, I am obviously in trouble if I get caught working with you on this. I can only hope this goes off well."
> "In case you get the shot successfully and the Yama notices what you have done, I may have to attack you for the sake of avoiding trouble myself, are you ok with this? I will of course hold back if I even attack all, but are you ok with this?"
-
> "Honestly, one thing gives me some worry, but only some. Lasy Yukari never messes with the Yama, either out of respect for position or out of respect for power, and if it's due to power, I am obviously in trouble if I get caught working with you on this. I can only hope this goes off well."
> "In case you get the shot successfully and the Yama notices what you have done, I may have to attack you for the sake of avoiding trouble myself, are you ok with this? I will of course hold back if I even attack all, but are you ok with this?"
>Aya frowns. "Well. As long as you don't hurt the camera, I guess I can overlook it. But you better not be kidding about holding back or I'll be really upset. And you better not do unless you have to!"
>_
-
> "That is the plan. It would only be to hurt the chances she would think I'm working with you on this."
> Generally, if we saw Aya take a pic like that of someone we don't personally know, how would we act? Attack Aya, or Stay out of it?
-
> "That is the plan. It would only be to hurt the chances she would think I'm working with you on this."
> Generally, if we saw Aya take a pic like that of someone we don't personally know, how would we act? Attack Aya, or Stay out of it?
>You'd probably say some rather angry things in Aya's direction. You aren't one for attacking people like that, that's more fore faeries and shrine maidens than people of your position.
>_
-
>"Well again, attacking you is only a worst case scenario. I'll try to my best ability to avoid such a situation. Anything else you want to add before I head off?"
-
>"Well again, attacking you is only a worst case scenario. I'll try to my best ability to avoid such a situation. Anything else you want to add before I head off?"
>"Well, if you're straight to Komachi, I'm definitely following," says Aya. "I don't want to miss my chance if she shows up while you're asking."
>_
-
>"Right then. We can go together, just make sure to keep a distance when we get near the Sanzu River."
>Start walking out of the building.
-
>"Right then. We can go together, just make sure to keep a distance when we get near the Sanzu River."
>Start walking out of the building.
>"Oh of course," says Aya. "Once we get to that woods, I'll linger behind."
>You make your way out of the building, Aya following behind you. A camera seems to have manifested into her hands.
>_
-
>"If there are any convenient gusts of wind in the next five minutes, you can say goodbye to that camera. And a good deal of your nervous system."
-
>"If there are any convenient gusts of wind in the next five minutes, you can say goodbye to that camera. And a good deal of your nervous system."
>"I remember when Yuka said the same time," says Aya. "Yet here I am, and there she is on the wall."
>_
-
> "Perhaps, but simply attacking isn't all I might be able to do. I assure you, if I see that camera flash during this walk, I will not assist you with this any further, and the vulnerability we all share WILL come to bite you back in the future, understand?"
-
> "Perhaps, but simply attacking isn't all I might be able to do. I assure you, if I see that camera flash during this walk, I will not assist you with this any further, and the vulnerability we all share WILL come to bite you back in the future, understand?"
>"Mokou said something like that," says Aya. "Besides, you came to me asking for a favor. So drop the tough talk."
>_
-
> "I just wished to make it clear. "
> "On a similar note, surely you do realize that your work does indeed anger people, yes? When you do such things as you do, you may wish to take the message you try to send to heart as well. To tell the truth, I am somewhat surprised that you haven't suffered retribution just yet, or if you have, its effects are not obvious."
-
> "I just wished to make it clear. "
> "On a similar note, surely you do realize that your work does indeed anger people, yes? When you do such things as you do, you may wish to take the message you try to send to heart as well. To tell the truth, I am somewhat surprised that you haven't suffered retribution just yet, or if you have, its effects are not obvious."
>"Oh, I know," says Aya, her confrontational tone fading away. "And a few people have tried. I'm not worried. Most of them can't even get close to me, thanks to the guards. Of those than can, not many want to risk angering Lord Tenma. Outside, well, first they have to find me. And then they have to actually get me. The majority, they've just got their danmaku, and I can dodge that well enough. After that, well, journalism's already a dangerous job."
>_
-
>"Don't you think it might hurt your sales on your newspaper though?"
-
>"Don't you think it might hurt your sales on your newspaper though?"
>"You'd think that," says Aya, "But it never really seems to change. I guess for every person that gets angry, someone else gets curious."
>_
-
>"One day this might come back to haunt you... But I guess it can't be helped for now."
>How much progress have we made to the river?
-
>"One day this might come back to haunt you... But I guess it can't be helped for now."
>How much progress have we made to the river?
>"Maybe, but that's true of practically everything. Really, I just wish I was allowed to display it publicly, but Lord Tenma doesn't want the trouble. And I suppose it's nice enough if people come and see once in awhile."
>You've made it part of the way down the mountain. Flying would probably be a lot faster.
-
>Begin flying toward the river.
>"So, do you and this Yama have any sort of history? Do you perhaps know her name at all?"
-
>Begin flying toward the river.
>"So, do you and this Yama have any sort of history? Do you perhaps know her name at all?"
>"She's Shikieiki Yamaxanadu," Aya says, as she takes flight near you. "We met once, during the Flower Incident. I was rather harried then, couldn't get a decent shot to save my life. I just call her the Yama because it's easier on the tongue."
>_
-
>"Ahh, I see. Wouldn't do me any good to refer to her as 'Yama' in front of Komachi or Shikieiki herself. How long have you been pursuing her picture?"
-
>"Ahh, I see. Wouldn't do me any good to refer to her as 'Yama' in front of Komachi or Shikieiki herself. How long have you been pursuing her picture?"
>"Well, Yama is also a title," says Aya, "Enma, too. And for years. Just, the rare times she comes out, I always miss her."
>_
-
>"That is true. Hopefully this goes smoothly then."
>Check surroundings as we fly, any oddities of the sort?
-
>"That is true. Hopefully this goes smoothly then."
>Check surroundings as we fly, any oddities of the sort?
>"Yeah. I'm not expecting anything right now, but I'm hoping to get lucky."
>You're passing over the human village now. Aside from a bit of smoke in the air here and there, the sky is empty and clear. The clouds have cleared up, and there's a lovely view of the stars.
-
>Continue onward to our destination.
>"Such a beautiful night sky, wouldn't you agree?"
-
>Continue onward to our destination.
>"Such a beautiful night sky, wouldn't you agree?"
>You continue northward. Soon you can see the Nameless Hill and the Garden of the Sun. There is some motion, you think, in the latter!
>"Oh, quite," says Aya. "Hopefully that large woman is enjoying it."
>_
-
>Fly a little slower and descend somewhat, then take a closer look at what it may be.
-
>Fly a little slower and descend somewhat, then take a closer look at what it may be.
>You fly and little lower and descend, trying to get a look at things.
>Hmmm, that looks kind of like Yuka, you think. She seems to be tending to her flowers. It wouldn't be unusual at all, really, if not for the fact that the flowers around her are glittering oddly.
>_
-
>"Hey Aya, I think you might want to check this out. Look at Yuka's flowers!"
-
>"Hey Aya, I think you might want to check this out. Look at Yuka's flowers!"
>Aya does. "Huh...that's different. "
>She snaps a picture.
>"Wonder what she's up to? Putting some kind of blessing on them?"
>_
-
>"Well... we can't figure out unless we check it out ourselves. Or do you think we should just head straight for Komachi?"
-
>"Well... we can't figure out unless we check it out ourselves. Or do you think we should just head straight for Komachi?"
>"If you're willing to risk dealing with Yuka," says Aya. "I'll admit, I'm curious..."
>_
-
>"I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. Let's just go check on things, and if there seems to be any danger, we'll just fly away."
>Descend towards Yuuka.
-
>"I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. Let's just go check on things, and if there seems to be any danger, we'll just fly away."
>Descend towards Yuuka.
>You descend the Garden of the Sun. Yuka quickly notes you and rises up to meet.
>"My," she says, smiling brightly. "What an unlikely pair at an unlikely time of evening."
>_
-
>Have we ever properly met Yuka prior to this?
>If not, what do we know about her?
-
>Have we ever properly met Yuka prior to this?
>If not, what do we know about her?
>Not really. You're aware of her existence, and she's likely aware of yours. You know she and Yukari has something of a rivalry, and likely a history to go along with it. You know Yukari seems to take it in good spirits, but you have no idea how Yuka regards it. You know she's got a propensity to be violent when piqued.
>_
-
>"Hello there! My name is Ran. I just noticed your flowers and I wanted to ask, how did you manage to make them glitter like this?"
-
>"Oh, just a little project of mine I've been keeping myself busy with," she says, "But what brings you out here this time of night?"
>_
-
>"We're trying to see if we can meet the Yama. We were on her way right now before I noticed your flowers. What kind of project is this?"
-
>"We're trying to see if we can meet the Yama. We were on her way right now before I noticed your flowers. What kind of project is this?"
>"Ah. Ambitious of you," says Yuka. "And they're very special. I've done a little cross pollinating here and there, toward breeding a flower with a natural mirror sheen to their petals. You're seeing bits of moonlight bounce off them."
>_
-
>"Ah I see! Is this the final result or is the process still going?"
>"Also... ambitious? Is there anything about this Yama we should know about?"
-
>"Ah I see! Is this the final result or is the process still going?"
>"Also... ambitious? Is there anything about this Yama we should know about?"
>"Oh, it'll be a generation or so before they're really ready," she says, smiling. "And yes, ambitious. She doesn't just come out, you know."
>_
-
>"As I feared... well, I can't wait to see how your project comes out then! I must be going now though, I have to get to Komachi. Goodbye Yuuka! It was nice talking to you."
-
>"As I feared... well, I can't wait to see how your project comes out then! I must be going now though, I have to get to Komachi. Goodbye Yuuka! It was nice talking to you."
>"Well, you have a nice evening!" says Yuuka. "Perhaps next time we can have a drink."
>_
-
>"That would be nice!"
>Wave goodbye and start heading off to Komachi.
>Look around to see if Aya is still following us.
-
>"That would be nice!"
>Wave goodbye and start heading off to Komachi.
>Look around to see if Aya is still following us.
>You wave goodbye and continue on.
>Aya is still following. She hasn't said a word since Yuka manifested. After you put some distance between the two of you, she quietly says, "I...think I'm awed, just a little bit."
>You continue onwards; there is a woods up ahead.
>_
-
>Reboot Parser
>Consider situation
>Shank Aya
-
>Reboot Parser
>Consider situation
>Shank Aya
>I got yer reboot right here!
>You are flying over the northern parts of Gensokyo, not too terribly far from the Sanzu river by this point. You have let slip an embarrassing story about Yukari to Aya, and are now trying to bribe her by luring out the Yama so that Aya may take candid photos of her, for the sake of either art, perversion, or simply to complete her collection. The trick is, you need to find a way to lure her out.
>_
-
>So, we were considering talking to Komachi about the Yama's habits, with Aya hiding away?
>I see no reason to not proceed.
-
>So, we were considering talking to Komachi about the Yama's habits, with Aya hiding away?
>I see no reason to not proceed.
>That is the plan thus far.
>You proceed!
>Soon, you pass over the forest where the northern road ends, and can see the Sanzu River not too far ahead. Aya slows down. "I'll wait among the trees," she says. "If something happens, I'll be there in a flash."
>_
-
> "All right. Also, sure there's not a story in those flowers? Though I'm sure you can cover it after this"
-
> "All right. Also, sure there's not a story in those flowers? Though I'm sure you can cover it after this"
>"Oh, there is," says Aya. "But this is much more important."
>She descends down toward the forest.
>_
-
Argh, I didn't revive this so it'd die again.
>So, I guess we approach Komachi now.
-
>So, I guess we approach Komachi now.
>You should be more decisive.
>You approach the river, and see a small dock at the edge of the river. There is a boat there, and a tall, somewhat familiar red-haired woman sitting off the edge of dock, shoes to her side as she dangles her feet into the water. She seems to be messing with a wooden puzzle of some sort. She glances toward you as you land nearby, and frowns. "You're not here to commit suicide, are you? Because trust me, that won't go well at all afterward."
>_
-
> "But there is so little in this world that is worthwhile anymore. Woe. Woe is me!"
> Theatrically pass out but catch yourself
> "Nah, just kidding. I'm curious how one would obtain an audience with the Yama"
-
> "But there is so little in this world that is worthwhile anymore. Woe. Woe is me!"
> Theatrically pass out but catch yourself
> "Nah, just kidding. I'm curious how one would obtain an audience with the Yama"
>You go into a little show. Komachi groans.
>"Oh, good," she says. "I was about to have to beat some sense into you. And, um, what do you need to see the Yama for?"
>_
-
>Ponder on a good excuse. Maybe mentioning Byakuren's arrival and requesting a karma check on her? Maybe she's not that a saint at all.
-
>Ponder on a good excuse. Maybe mentioning Byakuren's arrival and requesting a karma check on her? Maybe she's not that a saint at all.
>That might work, if you play it right...
>_
-
> "Well...um...I'm not sure if you're aware but I've been to Makai recently, as well as Reimu, Marisa, and the newcomer Sanae. We've returned with someone who was sealed there. Apparently many believe her to be a 'saint' of sorts but...well, I'm not sure if that's so certain. I don't know if this is the Yama's field before someone dies but would it be possible for her to pay a visit to this 'saint' and weigh her karma?"
-
> "Well...um...I'm not sure if you're aware but I've been to Makai recently, as well as Reimu, Marisa, and the newcomer Sanae. We've returned with someone who was sealed there. Apparently many believe her to be a 'saint' of sorts but...well, I'm not sure if that's so certain. I don't know if this is the Yama's field before someone dies but would it be possible for her to pay a visit to this 'saint' and weigh her karma?"
>"Huh," Komachi says. "That doesn't sounds so bad. Maybe I can slip your name into the schedule. Should only take a couple years if we don't get any huge rushes."
>_
-
> "Years huh?"
> Look downcast
> "So...she's that busy..."
> "Um...would it be possible she'd like something done that might...um...encourage her to move me up a little?"
-
> "Years huh?"
> Look downcast
> "So...she's that busy..."
> "Um...would it be possible she'd like something done that might...um...encourage her to move me up a little?"
>"Yep," says Komachi. "There's a whole lot of souls to judge and so on."
>She shakes her head as you ask about skipping you upward. "Naw, she's got things covered."
>_
-
> "Um...well...I've heard that she checks on you from time to time..."
> Look a little embarrassed at this
> "Um...do you know how frequently she does that? Perhaps I could appeal my case directly to her?"
-
> "Um...well...I've heard that she checks on you from time to time..."
> Look a little embarrassed at this
> "Um...do you know how frequently she does that? Perhaps I could appeal my case directly to her?"
>"Yeah, yeah she does," says Komachi as she sets her puzzle aside. "Kind of a pain, really."
>"Ha, I wish! I could get some rest better if I knew when she was coming."
>_
-
>"Oh...so...there's no pattern to it at all?"
-
>"Oh...so...there's no pattern to it at all?"
>"Not that I can find," says Komachi. "Sometimes she comes every day, other times she'll let me go for weeks or months."
>_
-
>"What's she done recently, out of curiosity?"
-
>"What's she done recently, out of curiosity?"
>"Same thing she always does," says Komachi. "On the bench like clockwork, making sure the bureaucracy runs smoothly, all that. "
>_
-
>"Is there a way she gave you to contact her at an instant if you ever needed to?"
-
>"Is there a way she gave you to contact her at an instant if you ever needed to?"
>"Oh, of course," says Komachi. "It'd be really bad if I couldn't, y'know."
>_
-
>"Well... might there be anything I could do for you that could possibly... move my appointment to a sooner date?"
-
>"AYA NEEDS A PANTY SHOT OF THE YAMA SO SHE CAN BE SENT TO JAIL! I SUDDENLY HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE, AND OUR TIMESTREAM DEPENDS ON THIS!"
> Start Sakuya Quest
-
>"Well... might there be anything I could do for you that could possibly... move my appointment to a sooner date?"
>"Well, it wouldn't be my call, first thing," says Komachi. "About the only time she'd make exceptions is for huge emergencies."
>"AYA NEEDS A PANTY SHOT OF THE YAMA SO SHE CAN BE SENT TO JAIL! I SUDDENLY HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE, AND OUR TIMESTREAM DEPENDS ON THIS!"
> Start Sakuya Quest
>Oh look, you dodged into that flaming rebar after all.
>_
-
>"What sort of emergencies? Has there been any kinds in the past?"
-
>"What sort of emergencies? Has there been any kinds in the past?"
>"It's pretty uncommon," says Komachi. "Stuff like large scale disruption of the cycle of death, mind control on that kind of scale. Messing up the flow of souls. You know, stuff that really gets in the way of cycle of life and enlightenment."
>_
-
>"Well... have their ever been any related to flowers by chance?"
>How many glowing flowers did we see earlier?
-
>"Well... have their ever been any related to flowers by chance?"
>How many glowing flowers did we see earlier?
>"Well, yeah," says Komachi. "There was the whole flower thing a couple years back. ...Really bad timing on my part, I admit. Sorry about that..."
>You think Yuka had a few dozen.
>_
-
>"The reason I ask is because I saw some abnormal shiny flowers a while back. I'm wondering if that might be a similar issue to that flower event."
-
>"The reason I ask is because I saw some abnormal shiny flowers a while back. I'm wondering if that might be a similar issue to that flower event."
>"And this is connected with that saint person?" Komachi asks, frowning a little.
>_
-
>"Yes. You see, the flowers are glowing much the same way that Byakuren is. I suspected she might have something to do with it. After all, she's responsible for her religion, and seeing how religions tend to deal with life after death... it makes it a little suspicious."
-
>"Yes. You see, the flowers are glowing much the same way that Byakuren is. I suspected she might have something to do with it. After all, she's responsible for her religion, and seeing how religions tend to deal with life after death... it makes it a little suspicious."
>Komachi chews on her lip for a moment. "Tell me some more. Can you show me one?"
>_
-
>"I saw it on my way over here. The light reflecting off them caught my eye while I was high up in the air. And yes I can show you one if you want."
>Point toward where we flew from.
-
>"I saw it on my way over here. The light reflecting off them caught my eye while I was high up in the air. And yes I can show you one if you want."
>Point toward where we flew from.
>"Oh good, go bring one," says Komachi. "And, tell me more about what she's doing, exactly? I mean, this could be bad, but you've not really said much."
>_
-
Belay that. Try to think of a way to draw the Yama over to check. I'm leaning towards something like "I dunno...are you sure it's OK for just you to look? If it's actually something serious, wouldn't it be best to have the Yama make absolutely sure?"
ACH, too late :(.
-
>"I'm not exactly so sure myself. It might be part of some sort of reincarnation process."
>"Small question before I go about doing this. Are you sure it is the wisest thing for me to go messing around with what could possibly be a trapped soul?"
-
>"I'm not exactly so sure myself. It might be part of some sort of reincarnation process."
>"Small question before I go about doing this. Are you sure it is the wisest thing for me to go messing around with what could possibly be a trapped soul?"
>"Huh...yeah. That's a really good point," says Komachi, frowning. "Good call. Can you give me some kind of evidence, though?"
>_
-
>"Well... knowing the bird tengu it's possible one of them might have taken a picture of it. I'll go see if I can get one of them to give me a copy. Would that suffice?"
-
EDIT: Hmm...MAYBE it's divorced enough from us...MAYBE.
-
>"Well... knowing the bird tengu it's possible one of them might have taken a picture of it. I'll go see if I can get one of them to give me a copy. Would that suffice?"
>"You got any evidence that they're bad?" Komachi asks. "I mean, a picture is nice. But if I'm gonna bother Eiki, more is better."
>_
-
> "I don't suppose I necessarily have evidence, but an ounce of prevention saves a pound of cure, does it not? Is it not better to be safe then sorry?"
-
> "I don't suppose I necessarily have evidence, but an ounce of prevention saves a pound of cure, does it not? Is it not better to be safe then sorry?"
>"Yeah, maybe. Um, you at least got something to show this crazy saint person is connected to it all? I mean, it is kind of a hard story to believe without something. Maybe you ought to tell the shrine maiden?"
-
>Hmm... how much do we think Reimu likes us? Maybe we can get her help to convince Komachi...
-
>Hmm... how much do we think Reimu likes us? Maybe we can get her help to convince Komachi...
>Reimu, as far as you know, has a fairly good opinion of you. This said, you're pretty sure she isn't going to be in the mood to do much of anything following dealing with today's incident.
>_
-
>Hmm... how well do we think convincing Byakuren to help us might work? Do we know where to find her? It probably seems to be one of the few choices that might work in this case scenario.
-
>Hmm... how well do we think convincing Byakuren to help us might work? Do we know where to find her? It probably seems to be one of the few choices that might work in this case scenario.
>You honestly do not know Byakuren, other than the ship people all regard her as a saint. She seems nice enough, and happy to be free. She might feel obligated toward you. For the time being, you are pretty sure her ship is still near your house.
>_
-
>"Alright, I'll go see if I can find some sort of connection between Byakuren and the flowers. Will I be able to find you here when I come back?"
-
>"Alright, I'll go see if I can find some sort of connection between Byakuren and the flowers. Will I be able to find you here when I come back?"
>"Yeah, I'm not going anywhere," says Komachi.
>_
-
>Say our farewells
>Head off from Komachi. Find somewhere a good distance away from her and off from her sight to see if we can rendezvous with Aya.
-
>Also
>Tackle that P = NP situation from this angle of P !=NP (http://www.scribd.com/doc/35539144/pnp12pt)
-
>Head off from Komachi. Find somewhere a good distance away from her and off from her sight to see if we can rendezvous with Aya.
>You depart, heading some distance away. Looking into the forest, you don't see Aya at first, until you notice some motion among the trees.
>Also
>Tackle that P = NP situation from this angle of P !=NP (http://www.scribd.com/doc/35539144/pnp12pt)
>You don't think there is time for this right now, but you set it aside for later.
>_
-
> Keep moving in our current direction, but slowing so we can notice who it is.
> If we can tell it's Aya "Just a moment Aya, let's get a bit further away."
> If we can't tell who it is "Whose there?"
-
> Keep moving in our current direction, but slowing so we can notice who it is.
> If we can tell it's Aya "Just a moment Aya, let's get a bit further away."
> If we can't tell who it is "Whose there?"
>You keep moving. It's a bit dark, even for you, under those trees, but you're pretty sure you recognize that tokin.
>"I'll meet you on the other side of the forest," she replies.
>_
-
> Keep going along our way...
> Are we flying or walking?
-
> Keep going along our way...
> Are we flying or walking?
>You keep going.
>Are you walking or flying? The latter would be more useful for getting around the forest, at least.
>_
-
>Flying, probably be a lot easier.
-
>Flying, probably be a lot easier.
>There you have it, then. That should make getting around the forest a snap.
>_
-
>Continue off to the other side of the forest.
-
>Continue off to the other side of the forest.
>You fly to the other side of the forest, and find Aya standing by the road, watching the sky for you.
>"So how'd it go?" she asks.
>_
-
> "Well, I think it went rather well! Assuming you think having to wait a few years is well. But jokes aside, as is you would be best waiting around here for a while. The Yama's next time outside will almost certainly be one of her random visits to make sure Komachi isn't slacking. On my end, the Yama would come out for a chunk of time... in a few years. I have an idea to cut that down to a few minute or hours though."
-
> "Well, I think it went rather well! Assuming you think having to wait a few years is well. But jokes aside, as is you would be best waiting around here for a while. The Yama's next time outside will almost certainly be one of her random visits to make sure Komachi isn't slacking. On my end, the Yama would come out for a chunk of time... in a few years. I have an idea to cut that down to a few minute or hours though."
>"Go on," says Aya.
>_
-
>"You see, we need to somehow link Byakuren together with the flowers we saw earlier. I'm trying to see if we could possibly convince Komachi that these are an alarming warning of an emergency causing her to call out the Yama to investigate. Once she's out, then I'd be able to talk to her and we could move on to the next step from there."
-
>"You see, we need to somehow link Byakuren together with the flowers we saw earlier. I'm trying to see if we could possibly convince Komachi that these are an alarming warning of an emergency causing her to call out the Yama to investigate. Once she's out, then I'd be able to talk to her and we could move on to the next step from there."
>"Mmmm, good plan!" says Aya. "So how are we going to link the two?"
>_
-
>"I think I have one of two ideas we could do. First, we can possibly convince her to take a picture of her next to some of the flowers and possibly someone else faking their death... or we could ask Byakuren to come with us and possibly get her to talk to Komachi herself. Though I want to avoid that as I think Komachi might ask her directly to put an end to it and possibly ruin our chances. I guess we could also try and see if having a spellcard duel with Komachi might get her to call the Yama... but I seriously doubt that, it'd have to be a final case scenario."
>"One thing is, I don't exactly want to leave Komachi by herself because there's always the slightest chance that the Yama might just come in for a checkup while we're doing this... but we might have to do so anyhow."
-
>"I think I have one of two ideas we could do. First, we can possibly convince her to take a picture of her next to some of the flowers and possibly someone else faking their death... or we could ask Byakuren to come with us and possibly get her to talk to Komachi herself. Though I want to avoid that as I think Komachi might ask her directly to put an end to it and possibly ruin our chances. I guess we could also try and see if having a spellcard duel with Komachi might get her to call the Yama... but I seriously doubt that, it'd have to be a final case scenario."
>"One thing is, I don't exactly want to leave Komachi by herself because there's always the slightest chance that the Yama might just come in for a checkup while we're doing this... but we might have to do so anyhow."
>"Luring Byakuren up here might be the best," says Aya. "but...Yuka's definitely going to be a problem for that."
>_
-
>"Yes... we may have to either catch the garden when Yuka's asleep or directly confront her ourselves. We should try to see if we could do the latter now as she's close by."
-
>"Yes... we may have to either catch the garden when Yuka's asleep or directly confront her ourselves. We should try to see if we could do the latter now as she's close by."
>"I'm...going to just...leave that to you, then," says Aya, grimacing.
>_
-
>Shiver.
>"Alright, I'll do the negotiations then.
>Head off towards Mugenkan.
-
>Shiver.
>"Alright, I'll do the negotiations then.
>Head off towards Mugenkan.
>You shiver. Dealing with Yuka twice in one night...
>"Alright," says Aya. "I'll wait here. Maybe we'll luck out and the Yama will drop in."
>You make your way back toward where you saw Yuka last. You can see the glittering flowers, but no sign of Yuka herself.
>_
-
> Be puzzled at this.
> Examine flowers SUPER CAREFULLY.
> Don't touch them.
-
> Be puzzled at this.
> Examine flowers SUPER CAREFULLY.
> Don't touch them.
>You aren't sure where Yuka is. Maybe she's off doing something else."
>You draw close to the flowers, taking care not to touch them. They are silvery in color, and shine in the moonlight. Looking closely, you can somewhat see a kind of splotch then that might be a crude reflection of your face.
>_
-
> Well, if she's not around, we were planning to have Aya take pictures, right?
-
> Well, if she's not around, we were planning to have Aya take pictures, right?
>You could theoretically do that.
>_
-
> OH right, we wanted Byakuren to come.
> So...I guess we should go to her?
-
> OH right, we wanted Byakuren to come.
> So...I guess we should go to her?
>That may be a good idea.
>_
-
> Go to Byakuren and stop being uncertain!
-
> Go to Byakuren and stop being uncertain!
>You make your way back southward, past the village and toward where you saw the ship land. It is, for better or worse, where you remember it landing; not too far from your home. You can see some activity up on the deck.
>_
-
> Examine Activity.
-
> Examine Activity.
>Getting a closer look, it seems to be Shou, mopping the deck. She looks rather nonplussed.
>_
-
> "Hey Shou! Is there any chance I could talk to Byakuren about something?"
-
> "Hey Shou! Is there any chance I could talk to Byakuren about something?"
>"Oh, hello again, Ran," says Shou. "What would you need with her?"
>_
-
> "I need to ask a favor of her. It's kind of a strange one, but hopefully she'll at least listen to it?"
-
> "I need to ask a favor of her. It's kind of a strange one, but hopefully she'll at least listen to it?"
>"I think she would be inclined to do so," says Shou. "You did give us a little aid here and again. Go east a bit, she should still be watching the stars."
>_
-
> "Thanks!"
> Do so.
-
> "Thanks!"
> Do so.
>You follow Shou's directions, and soon see a sizable dent in the grass. Drawing closer, you can see Byakuren laying in it, watching the sky. You see Ichiri and Murasa snuggled against her, her with an arm around either one. Normally you would think that to be indicative of a rather intimate relationship, but in this case, you don't get that feeling.
>_
-
> "Oh...um...would now be a bad time to ask a favor?"
-
> "Oh...um...would now be a bad time to ask a favor?"
>Byakuren glances over toward you, as does Ichiin. From Murasa's lack of reaction, you think she has dozed off.
>"No, it's fine," says Byakuren. "It's just been so long since I've had contact with another being..."
>_
-
> "Yeah...I can imagine that'd be rather important. Um...anyway...I have a friend who seems interested in you, and she'd like to take a picture...I know, it seems silly but she seemed REALLY keen on the idea, and I figured it couldn't at least hurt to ask..."
-
> "Yeah...I can imagine that'd be rather important. Um...anyway...I have a friend who seems interested in you, and she'd like to take a picture...I know, it seems silly but she seemed REALLY keen on the idea, and I figured it couldn't at least hurt to ask..."
>"Oh?" Byakuren asks, "When you say take a picture, do you mean making a portrait?"
>_
-
> "OH! Right...you've been sealed away for awhile. It's sorta like that...except done almost instantaneously. It's done using a machine called a 'camera'. I think it might be from the outside world. But at any rate, my friend has one, and she wants to meet you and get your picture."
-
> "OH! Right...you've been sealed away for awhile. It's sorta like that...except done almost instantaneously. It's done using a machine called a 'camera'. I think it might be from the outside world. But at any rate, my friend has one, and she wants to meet you and get your picture."
>"Curious," says Byakuren. "Well, I suppose she could come whenever she likes."
>_
-
> "Um, well, she's a bit particular about her art. She wants a kinda strange pose. Well, some other things in the picture, actually. There are some interesting flowers that she thinks would compliment you in a photo. Do you by any chance have a few minutes to come with me?"
-
> "Um, well, she's a bit particular about her art. She wants a kinda strange pose. Well, some other things in the picture, actually. There are some interesting flowers that she thinks would compliment you in a photo. Do you by any chance have a few minutes to come with me?"
>"How unusual," says Byakuren. "Why would she want a strange pose, though?"
>_
-
> "Sorry, pose was a bad word. I meant posing with the flowers, which is kinda strange in and of itself"
-
> "Sorry, pose was a bad word. I meant posing with the flowers, which is kinda strange in and of itself"
>"Ah. If I may, why is she interested? I can't imagine she knows anything about me."
>_
-
> "I'd imagine because you just arrived. She takes an interest in a lot of people in Gensokyo for her art. A new arrival is probably exciting for her."
-
> "I'd imagine because you just arrived. She takes an interest in a lot of people in Gensokyo for her art. A new arrival is probably exciting for her."
>"Ah," she says. "Could it wait until morning?"
>_
-
K Other voices, I need help at this point. Not sure I can get it, and I really want to.
-
>"You see... that's the thing about the artwork, she wants to capture it with the night sky. The place she wants to take pictures at has these glowing flowers that become even more magnificent during the darkness of the night. It will enhance the picture significantly allowing the beauty of the area to reach its peak. This is an opportunity for a background that she doesn't want to miss."
-
>"You see... that's the thing about the artwork, she wants to capture it with the night sky. The place she wants to take pictures at has these glowing flowers that become even more magnificent during the darkness of the night. It will enhance the picture significantly allowing the beauty of the area to reach its peak. This is an opportunity for a background that she doesn't want to miss."
>"That does sound nice," says Bykauren. "But isn't it a little much for someone like me? I'm really not very suited for that sort of thing..."
>"Oh Hijiri," says Ichirin, "Stop being so modest."
>_
-
>"She just wants to make your first picture here in today's Gensokyo a happy one! It shouldn't be too much."
-
>"She just wants to make your first picture here in today's Gensokyo a happy one! It shouldn't be too much."
>"Well, I suppose that is alright," says Byakuren, as she gently slips free of Murasa. "Ichirin, could you take care of her for me?"
>"Of course, Hijiri," says Ichirin.
>Byakuren stands up, and says, "Please lead the way. I didn't really intend to start exploring until tomorrow, but a little preview shouldn't hurt."
>_
-
> Lead her to the flowers then.
-
> Lead her to the flowers then.
[/quote
>You take to the air, Byakuren following a little ways behind you. The trip is not as fast as you might like, Byakuren seems all too happy to just take her time and enjoy the trip. You suppose that you can't blame her for this, in retrospect, as she has been sealed away for a long time. But it doesn't change the fact it's a little irksome.
>Soon enough, you can see the Garden of the Sun drawing closer. "Oh, that is lovely," says Byakuren.
>_
-
>Any signs of Yuuka?
-
>Any signs of Yuuka?
>At a glance, you do not see her around.
>_
-
> Well, then I guess continue to the shiny flowers
> If we still are fine: "OK, let me go get my friend, she should be around here"
> And go get Aya
> If Yuuka appears...um...I'll come up with something.
-
> Well, then I guess continue to the shiny flowers
> If we still are fine: "OK, let me go get my friend, she should be around here"
> And go get Aya
> If Yuuka appears...um...I'll come up with something.
>You make your way toward the vicinity of the glittering flowers. There is still no sign of Yuka about. You near the edge of the field, and tell Byakuren to wait there. "Very well," the big woman replies. "I must say, this field is very pretty. I can see why your friend would like to use it as a backdrop for her portrait."
>You make your way back toward the nearby forest, and find Aya lurking near the edge of it, watching toward the north. She doesn't notice you just yet.
>_
-
> Go get Aya
> "I got Hijiri to come. She's by the flowers. Can you take the pic?"
-
> Go get Aya
> "I got Hijiri to come. She's by the flowers. Can you take the pic?"
>"Let's go," she says without prelude, turning and leaving the forest. "What'd you tell her?"
>_
-
> "That you were very interested in the people of Gensokyo and wanted her picture for your art, and wanted a pretty background with the flowers and the night sky."
-
> "That you were very interested in the people of Gensokyo and wanted her picture for your art, and wanted a pretty background with the flowers and the night sky."
>"Ah, a vanity shot," says Aya. "Sneaky. Let's go, then!"
>_
-
> Go then
-
> Go then
>You return to the Garden of the Sun. Byakuren, unfortunately, is not quite where you left her. Rather, she is in the garden itself, examine one of the mirrored flowers closely.
>_
-
> "They're pretty, aren't they? I wouldn't suggest picking any though. Um, my friend is here, if you're ready for your picture?"
-
> "They're pretty, aren't they? I wouldn't suggest picking any though. Um, my friend is here, if you're ready for your picture?"
>"They certainly are," says Byakuren as she looks over toward you. "Its a shame that they are a little pungent. And no, I had no plans to pick them."
>"Okay big girl," says Aya, "That's a good pose there, kneeling by the flower. Just cup it you hand under it a bit, let the stem slip between your fingers."
>"My name is Byakuren," replies the big woman, as she follows Aya's directions. "And like this?"
>"There you go," she says. "Look toward the flower, give it a kind of pensive look? There we are." Aya takes a few pictures as Byakuren follows her directions.. "Okay, smile? Lovely." She takes a few more pictures.
>"Oh my!" comes a voice from above. "So many guests this evening!"
>_
-
> "OH! Hi Yuuka!"
> "Those flowers were really pretty, and we also had a newcomer to Gensokyo recently, and Aya wanted a picture of both so I arranged this."
-
> "OH! Hi Yuuka!"
> "Those flowers were really pretty, and we also had a newcomer to Gensokyo recently, and Aya wanted a picture of both so I arranged this."
>You look upward, seeing Yuka flying overhead and wearing a grin that reveals more teeth than you are comfortable with. "Well then!" She says as she brandishes her open umbrella in your general direction.
>"You have a very lovely garden, Miss," says Byakuren, as she stands up and gives a worried look toward Yuka.
>_
-
> Look a little downcast
> "Um...I'm sorry about my presumption. You weren't around and it was getting late...and Aya wanted the picture with a night time backdrop...I was worried Byakuren might be asleep if I delayed too long..."
> "Is there anything I can do to make up for any wrong I might have committed?"
-
> Look a little downcast
> "Um...I'm sorry about my presumption. You weren't around and it was getting late...and Aya wanted the picture with a night time backdrop...I was worried Byakuren might be asleep if I delayed too long..."
> "Is there anything I can do to make up for any wrong I might have committed?"
>"Certainly!" she says, "Hold still!"
>The umbrella flares with light as she cries, "Master Spark!"
>_
-
>...
> wellp
> Dodge the FUCK out of the way, preferably away from the flowers
> "RUN!"
> Spellcards/inventory
-
> ABORT MISSION.
> Pray that Yuka doesn't hold this against us.
-
We've been challenged to a spellcard duel. I think running is a BAD THING.
> Quick rundown of honor and shits involved in spellcard duels.
-
>...
> wellp
> Dodge the FUCK out of the way, preferably away from the flowers
> "RUN!"
> Spellcards/inventory
>You dodge as well as you can, throwing yourself aside. The blast catches your lower body, slamming you to the ground.
>You manage to gasp out a cry of "Run!"
>Your Inventory Contains
>Long-sleeved robe: (Worn as clothes)
>Your favorite robe; its sleeves are perfect for concealing your hands.
>Shikigami: Wizard Fox Thoughts
>It creates thick leafy danmaku that one must move very little to endure.
>Shikigami's Radiance: Fox-Tanuki Youkai Laser
>An aimed burst of danmaku that leaves lasers in its wake.
>5 Ruined Spellcards
>These Spellcards have been ruined by water and are now useless.
>Shikigami's Radiance: Charming Siege from All Sides
>Entraps your foe on all sides, forcing the them backwards if they wish to survive.
>Shikigami's Shot: Unilateral Contact
>Sends out many shots, then has them rotate quickly.
>Illusion God: Descent of Izuna Gongen (Water damaged)
>A spellcard that starts simply, and slowly piles on more and more shots until there is hardly any space left.
>2 Onigiri
>Made with bass, they are a filling treat.
> ABORT MISSION.
> Pray that Yuka doesn't hold this against us.
>Perhaps it is time to show the better side of valor.
> Quick rundown of honor and shits involved in spellcard duels.
>Getting shot is bad.
>You may run, but it counts as a loss. How humiliating this is depends on who you are running from.
>_
-
> How humiliating would it be to run from Yuuka? Especially when we're kinda in the wrong?
-
> How humiliating would it be to run from Yuuka? Especially when we're kinda in the wrong?
>There's only a few others you could run from that would be less humiliating. It's well know that Yuka is not to be trifled with.
>_
-
> How likely is Aya to blackmail us for this?
> How long will we be out if we lose?
-
> How likely is Aya to blackmail us for this?
> How long will we be out if we lose?
>You think it depends on whether you get Aya what she wants.
>Hard to tell. Sometimes you can limp away, other times you're knocked out for a day or more.
>_
-
> Eh, let's at least give this a try.
> Fire a blast of danmaku straight at her, take to the air, dodging whatever she throws at us
> Declare Illusion God: Descent of Izuna Gongen (Water damaged)
-
> Eh, let's at least give this a try.
> Fire a blast of danmaku straight at her, take to the air, dodging whatever she throws at us
> Declare Illusion God: Descent of Izuna Gongen (Water damaged)
>You decide to stand your ground.
>You fire off a shot of your basic danmaku, a wave of kunai bullets. Yuka, focusing her umbrella upon Bykauren who futilely calls out for Yuka to stop, doesn't see them coming at first. But she looks over and in time and dodges, ruining her attack. Byakuren takes to the air and starts to back away.
>You declare llusion God: Descent of Izuna Gongen (Water damaged). The spellcard takes effect, then catches fire. It seems you will have to remake this one now.
>You take to the air, floating to and fro, tossing out wide arcs of bullets. Yuka has no trouble dodging around them. "I told you to hold still," she says.
>_
-
> "BUT THAT WOULD HAVE HURT!"
> "And plus...it was my fault that Byakuren is in your garden. She's an innocent bystander! If you need to fight over it, you should be fighting me!"
> Declare Shikigami's Shot: Unilateral Contact
>Don't declare new card, keep the old one going.
-
> "BUT THAT WOULD HAVE HURT!"
> "And plus...it was my fault that Byakuren is in your garden. She's an innocent bystander! If you need to fight over it, you should be fighting me!"
> Declare Shikigami's Shot: Unilateral Contact
>Don't declare new card, keep the old one going.
>"It's supposed to hurt!" says Yuka, as she sends a speedy line of bullets at you, dodging around you arcs of white bullets with ease. You can feel the card building up still; there's is quite a bit more to add yet.
>_
-
> "BUT I DON'T LIKE BEING HURT!"
> Dodge the quick moving danmaku by going above it a little
> Fire a gout of danmaku at her to edge her into an arc
> Throw an onigiri at her to where she's most likely to dodge our danmaku.
-
> "BUT I DON'T LIKE BEING HURT!"
> Dodge the quick moving danmaku by going above it a little
> Fire a gout of danmaku at her to edge her into an arc
> Throw an onigiri at her to where she's most likely to dodge our danmaku.
>"I suppose you should have thought ahead!" Yuka says, as you fly over the stream of danmaku.
>She then shifts it upwards toward you!
>You can't devote any energy to firing at the moment, unless you wish to break the spellcard prematurely.
>You ready the onigiri for an opportune time.
>_
-
> Continue dodging as best we can, since we can't fire.
> Try feinting in one direction once we've cleared the current danmaku and then dodge the other way
> "WELL MAYBE YOU SHOULD THINK BEHIND!"
> Pretend to be looking at something big behind her and grin
-
> Continue dodging as best we can, since we can't fire.
> Try feinting in one direction once we've cleared the current danmaku and then dodge the other way
> "WELL MAYBE YOU SHOULD THINK BEHIND!"
> Pretend to be looking at something big behind her and grin
>You try to dodge, but due to not really having much of a plan on how to do it, you don't really succeed, and Yuka's danmaku catches you in the leg.
>Gritting your teeth, you try to pull a feint, which doesn't seem to do a whole lot as Yuka drops her current stream.
>You try to trick her. Yuka's response is to wave her hand and send more lines of danmaku radiating out from her. You are in between them at the moment. Then they begin to spin toward the left!
>Your card draws enough power that it starts to release small bursts of butterfly danmaku in a counterclockwise direction.
>_
-
> Check for gaps in the danmaku
-
> Check for gaps in the danmaku
>It looks like there's some, but it's quite fast. The line to the left is almost on you now!
>_
-
> Dodge into a gap as best we can.
> How's the airspace above and below us?
-
>Any gaps in the line to the left? If there's anyones large enough try to dodge through it, then look for the next closest line.
-
> Dodge into a gap as best we can.
> How's the airspace above and below us?
>Any gaps in the line to the left? If there's anyones large enough try to dodge through it, then look for the next closest line.
>It's fast-moving, but you think you see a slightly wider gap to the left! You move through it, just barely making it. Whether or not it is due to skill or luck is hard to say.
>Yuka ends the attack, as she darts around a few purple butterflies, and twirls her umbrella again.
>The sky is clear, for now.
-
> Take advantage of the sky, but be ready to dodge any sit your ass down danmaku heading our way.
-
> Take advantage of the sky, but be ready to dodge any sit your ass down danmaku heading our way.
>What.
>Are you trying to make some sense? Make some sense.
>You head upward, spreading your card's danmku further. Yuka seems content to stay where she is. Then she levels her umbrella at you.
>_
-
> Oh God Master Spark
> Note the direction she's attacking in and dodge, upward, and also horizontally in a direction that takes us closer to the edge of Yuka's danmaku.
-
>Before we dodge, see if we can possibly throw her aiming off by heading the opposite direction we plan on taking to the edge of Yuka's danmaku, then quickly switching to the direction toward the edge of Yuka's danmaku, faking her out.
Cripes, I hope that made sense.
-
> Oh God Master Spark
> Note the direction she's attacking in and dodge, upward, and also horizontally in a direction that takes us closer to the edge of Yuka's danmaku.
>Before we dodge, see if we can possibly throw her aiming off by heading the opposite direction we plan on taking to the edge of Yuka's danmaku, then quickly switching to the direction toward the edge of Yuka's danmaku, faking her out.
>Thankfully, her danmaku has passed you.
>You move upward and to the left as another master spark flies at you! Thankfully, the angle works in your favor, and you are able to avoid it.
>Your spellcard has drawn enough energy that it begins to release clusters of red bubble shots in a clockwise direction as well. The sky is starting to get crowded with your danmaku.
>_
-
>How well is Yuka dodging?
> Is there an opening to distract her with the onigiri?
-
>How well is Yuka dodging?
> Is there an opening to distract her with the onigiri?
>Yuka is handling herself well so far, but addition of the red bubble shots is giving her a couple problems.
>You may be able to hit her with it.
>_
-
> Does the spell card progress any more than this?
> If not, get in a good position and lug the onigiri
> If so, what's added?
-
> Does the spell card progress any more than this?
> If not, get in a good position and lug the onigiri
> If so, what's added?
>It certain does. It will take a bit yet, then a constant wave of arrowhead danmaku follows, then a wave of yellow spheres, and then loose clusters of speedy blue spheres.
>_
-
> Let's keep dodging til the yellow spheres. Then we can hem her into one.
> Anything to dodge right now?
-
> Let's keep dodging til the yellow spheres. Then we can hem her into one.
> Anything to dodge right now?
>For the time being, it doesn't seem that Yuka is firin-Wait, there's a spellcard.
>"Flower Sign: Reflowering of the Gensokyo"
>A significant amount of danmaku unfolds from her, arcing out in all directions.
>_
-
> What's the pattern? Does it leave gaps and go in waves at all?
> If so, can we get into a gap that will let us move as the pattern changes?
-
> What's the pattern? Does it leave gaps and go in waves at all?
> If so, can we get into a gap that will let us move as the pattern changes?
>The basis of it seems to be numerous arcs of petal-like Danmaku unfolding from Yuka in a manner akin to a flower blooming. She The arcs overlap, gaps tend to be covered by other arcs close behind.
>_
-
> Can we graze the arcs and slip in between them easily?
> Is there any clearance above or below?
> Also, try to move out a little bit and dodge where the arcs spread more.
-
> Can we graze the arcs and slip in between them easily?
> Is there any clearance above or below?
> Also, try to move out a little bit and dodge where the arcs spread more.
>You could try, but you have no idea if it will be easy.
>Above, no, the arcs would probably catch you.
>Below...there doesn't seem to be anything yet.
>You move out more, but you realize this will also make it that much easier for Yuka to dodge your own spellcard.
>_
-
> Will it matter as much as the pressure increases in the card?
-
> Will it matter as much as the pressure increases in the card?
>More bullets will make it harder to dodge, but too much distance between you and she will still limit it's effectiveness.
>_
-
> Can we get in close enough for it to be effective and still have gaps to graze?
> If so, try this, taking the underneath for the time being.
-
> Can we get in close enough for it to be effective and still have gaps to graze?
> If so, try this, taking the underneath for the time being.
>You think so, but it will be a tight squeeze.
>Take the what? Ima assume you meant down. You go down.
>You drop th Yuka's altitude; where they are no shots. However, you notice the arcs from above will soon be raining down on you. Yuka dodges around your shots, finding the gaps between them pretty easily at your current distance.
>_
-
> Get in a little closer
> MIND THE GAPS
> and the arcs. Very much mind the arcs, and squeeze in as best I can.
-
> Get in a little closer
> MIND THE GAPS
> and the arcs. Very much mind the arcs, and squeeze in as best I can.
>You move in closer. As you do, the arcs of bullets begin to rain down around you. Looking up, you can see some gaps, but due to the layering of the bullets, you are would have to zig-zag between them.
>_
-
> Zig zag between them. While doing so try to get as close as one safely can
> Spatial awareness is awesome so keep an eye on the pattern so as to not crash into anything while we zig zag.
-
> Zig zag between them. While doing so try to get as close as one safely can
> Spatial awareness is awesome so keep an eye on the pattern so as to not crash into anything while we zig zag.
>You start to zig-zag through the arcs. For the first few, it is tight, but very managable. Then you notice the gaps are starting to get erratic. Some are wider, some are narrower. You're not sure why.
>You hear Yuka cry out. You bet it was one of the butterflies that got her.
>_
-
> Is there still a pattern to them?
> If so, continue reading and zig zagging
> If the pattern has dissolved, do some sight reading around us and try to dodge into gaps, while trying to predict where things are moving to always leave one avenue of escape to another gap.
-
> Is there still a pattern to them?
> If so, continue reading and zig zagging
> If the pattern has dissolved, do some sight reading around us and try to dodge into gaps, while trying to predict where things are moving to always leave one avenue of escape to another gap.
>You don't know if there's still a pattern or not. You aim for the gaps, and find they're becoming irregular.
>You think the arcs are converging and diverging with each other.
>_
-
>How close are we from her?
>Do the gaps get wider upon further distance from her or closer?
-
>How close are we from her?
>Do the gaps get wider upon further distance from her or closer?
>You aren't sure, but you think further away would lead to wider gaps.
>_
-
> But we can still dodge if we're a little closer, even if not as close as before?
> If so, keep up the sight reading of the bullets and zigity dodge damn or whatever.
-
> But we can still dodge if we're a little closer, even if not as close as before?
> If so, keep up the sight reading of the bullets and zigity dodge damn or whatever.
>You have no idea if you could or not.
>_
-
>Pah. Better safe than sorry. Back off a bit and keep up the dodgery where the gaps are a little wider. Still stay as close as possible in this endeavor.
> we gotten to the yellow balls yet?
-
>Pah. Better safe than sorry. Back off a bit and keep up the dodgery where the gaps are a little wider. Still stay as close as possible in this endeavor.
> we gotten to the yellow balls yet?
>You back off, easing a little bit of the pressure on Yuka. The gaps further out are definitely wider, you are able to read them well enough to get through them, though not what you would call comfortably. You try to keep close as possible
>The card is still building up toward the next volley, but it will be a big one.
>_
-
> Keep dodging as we are then. There's...uh...not really a whole lot to do besides that
> How do above and below us look?
-
> Keep dodging as we are then. There's...uh...not really a whole lot to do besides that
> How do above and below us look?
>There doesn't seem to be at this point.
>Things above look terrible, it is where all the drama is coming from at the moment. Below is confusing, but perhaps a bit less crowded.
>_
-
> Hmm...go down a little, get in a little closer, and pay VERY close attention to patterns and keep zig zaggin.
-
> Hmm...go down a little, get in a little closer, and pay VERY close attention to patterns and keep zig zaggin.
>You descend, taking a bullet to the shoulder. You feel your spellcard waver, but it holds strong.
>It is a little less crowded here, but the motion of the bullets grows difficult to read.
>Your spellcard draws enough energy to release a constant wave of fast arrowhead bullets moving in a clockwise fashion. Yuka very quickly finds her section of sky signifcantly more crowded.
>_
-
> Does now feel like a good time to toss an onigiri at her?
> Can we maintain dodging in our current place?
> If so, keep sight reading the bullets and grazing
> If not, pull back up and back a little VERY CAREFULLY
-
> Does now feel like a good time to toss an onigiri at her?
> Can we maintain dodging in our current place?
> If so, keep sight reading the bullets and grazing
> If not, pull back up and back a little VERY CAREFULLY
>It's a bit too hard to read what's going on to know it it would be especially effective. This may be a sign in and of itself.
>You don't know how long you can keep dodging, but you see one of the blue arrowheads clip Yuka in the leg.
>_
-
> OK, let's go for it. Carefully get into a good position from where we are, taking great care to dodge all the bullets
> Aim at Yuka from this good position
> Lob the onigiri at her with the intent of of pushing her into the most damaging danmaku that's headed her way.
> Keep on dodging while trying to aim.
-
> OK, let's go for it. Carefully get into a good position from where we are, taking great care to dodge all the bullets
> Aim at Yuka from this good position
> Lob the onigiri at her with the intent of of pushing her into the most damaging danmaku that's headed her way.
> Keep on dodging while trying to aim.
>You try to work your way up and try to take aim at Yuka. The bullets are erratic, but you think you've found a temporary calm spot. You let the onigiri fly at Yuka. >She, simply put, does not see it coming. Far to occupied trying to dodge around the four separate and overlapping arcs of danmaku you've been througing at her, a lone riceball in the air hardly stands out. It smacks into her hip and splatters a bit, leaving a small mess on her dress. It is, enough, to distract her for a moment, allowing for several of you arrowhead shots to smack into her. Her spellcard breaks, giving you a blessed reprieve.
>_
-
> "Huh. I never thought..."
> Smirk a bit
> "That you'd fall for something that fishy!"
> Prepare to dodge a master spark and keep the pressure on her as best we can.
-
> Actually, be prepared to dodge any danmaku. But expect a master spark.
-
> "Huh. I never thought..."
> Smirk a bit
> "That you'd fall for something that fishy!"
> Prepare to dodge a master spark and keep the pressure on her as best we can.
> Actually, be prepared to dodge any danmaku. But expect a master spark.
>You don't think she hears you, over all the dodging she is doing. She definitely has her umbrella ready, though, which suggests a Master Spark is on the way. However, she is having a hard time finding an opening at the moment.
>_
-
> Definitely anticipate a master spark
> Move in closer to increase the pressure on her
> But make sure to leave room to dodge the FUCK out of the way when she shoots.
> Also be prepared to dodge normal danmaku that tries to prevent us from closing.
-
> Definitely anticipate a master spark
> Move in closer to increase the pressure on her
> But make sure to leave room to dodge the FUCK out of the way when she shoots.
> Also be prepared to dodge normal danmaku that tries to prevent us from closing.
>You most definitely expect her to level that umbrella at you at some point.
>You move forward, forcing her to move back.
>She sends a wave of converging and diverging danmaku at you through one of the rare openings in your card.
>_
-
> Only a single wave? It should be readable to the point we can moderate our speed and continue forward I think?
> Continue forward through gaps in the wave.
-
> OH! Wait! Be very careful of that master spark.
> If she shoots it, dodge forward diagnonally to clear the gap since that's PRECISELY when she'd shoot it.
-
> Only a single wave? It should be readable to the point we can moderate our speed and continue forward I think?
> Continue forward through gaps in the wave.
> OH! Wait! Be very careful of that master spark.
> If she shoots it, dodge forward diagnonally to clear the gap since that's PRECISELY when she'd shoot it.
>You move through a gap caused by divergent bullets, and thankfully get no face full of master spark. She sends two more of them at you, while sliding between a column of butterflies; faster but less dense.
>_
-
> Slow down a bit to catch the gaps in these ones.
> Keep going generally forward and pushing her
> Also consider up and down as viable avenues for dodging the inevitable Master Spark
> Remain vigilant about dodging above all
-
> Slow down a bit to catch the gaps in these ones.
> Keep going generally forward and pushing her
> Also consider up and down as viable avenues for dodging the inevitable Master Spark
> Remain vigilant about dodging above all
>You take it slow and steady here, trying to slip through the gaps. Unfortunately the waves are too broad to offer a easy escape up and down.
>Yuka rounds an arc of white shots and levels her umbrella at you as you dodge between the waves!
>_
-
> Open avenues to dodge the current shots?
-
> Open avenues to dodge the current shots?
>Ahead of you is open, but Yuka is there, above and below do not see viable. The sides...its hard to tell at a glance; things are moving and converging.
>_
-
> How close is Yuka?
> Could I tackle her by any chance before she could throw off a master spark?
> How does the back of me look?
-
> How close is Yuka?
> Could I tackle her by any chance before she could throw off a master spark?
> How does the back of me look?
>Some yards away, tackling her is out of the question.
>You look back, and find the bullets you dodged are still there.
>"Master Spark!"
>_
-
> Dodge ahead diagonally past the spark
-
> Dodge ahead diagonally past the spark
>You move toward Yuuka and to the left, not bothering to look where the spark is.
>The blast flies at you, and you move to the side to evade the worst of it. Still, it catches you side, sending a fierce bolt of pain through your torso and racing along your tails. Your spellcard holds, but just barely.
>It has also gathered enough energy to begin sending out waves of yellow spheres, making the air even more cluttered than before, you quickly lose sight of Yuka in the mess.
>_
-
> Do I have a general idea of where she is?
> Is any more danmaku flying at me right now?
-
> Do I have a general idea of where she is?
> Is any more danmaku flying at me right now?
>You get glimpses of her as you she dodges frantically.
>Not at the moment. Yuka is now fully on the defensive.
>_
-
> What's left in the card?
> How close are we?
-
> What's left in the card?
> How close are we?
>There is one attack left to it, and there's still a little time left in it.
>_
-
> Sorry, I meant how close are we to Yuka proximity wise?
-
> Sorry, I meant how close are we to Yuka proximity wise?
>It's hard to tell, she tends to be obscured by all the danmaku.
>_
-
> Well, where we are now seems to be working fine, so stay there until the blue bullets come out
> Ready the second onigiri by the way
> Prepare to dodge anything Yuka tries to throw at us if she manages to get a free second.
-
> Well, where we are now seems to be working fine, so stay there until the blue bullets come out
> Ready the second onigiri by the way
> Prepare to dodge anything Yuka tries to throw at us if she manages to get a free second.
>You decide to let the card do its work, while readying your other onigiri, just in case.
>Soon, the card reaches its full potential, adding speedy blue orbs to the mix. It is an attack that even the Shrine Maiden and her friends have had much difficulty in dealing with, one of your finest works. Remaking it will take time, unfortunately. But you are certain Yukari would agree you've spent it well. You cannot see Yuka any more, and she has had no time to fire back upon on you.
>About half a minute passes, and the card expends itself. The danmaku clears...and you see nothing.
>_
-
> What the shits?
> Look around self first. INCLUDING BEHIND
> Then, look down to see if there's a crashed Yuka
> Be wary of any tricks.
-
> Did our card have the increased bullet speed during the last half minute?
> Look around, trying to find Yuka, be ready to dodge Master Spark as soon as we hear it, dodging away and to the side of where we hear the voice from.
-
(Pretty sure we just dropped her. AND WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU WHEN THE FIGHTANZ WERE INTENSE!? SPELLCARD DUELS ARE NOT MY THANG!)
-
> What the shits?
> Look around self first. INCLUDING BEHIND
> Then, look down to see if there's a crashed Yuka
> Be wary of any tricks.
> Did our card have the increased bullet speed during the last half minute?
> Look around, trying to find Yuka, be ready to dodge Master Spark as soon as we hear it, dodging away and to the side of where we hear the voice from.
>The card did all that it should have, it worked flawlessly.
>You look around, and then behind. There she is...burned and battered, but smiling fiercely as she levels her umbrella at you. You catch a glimpse of motion beneath you, as well.
>_
-
> So beneath and behind (now in front)
> Prepare to be set upon by two master sparks
> Dodge up and back, as well as to the left
> Fire danmaku at the on that used to be behind us
> Declare Shikigami's Radiance: Fox-Tanuki Youkai Laser
-
> So beneath and behind (now in front)
> Prepare to be set upon by two master sparks
> Dodge up and back, as well as to the left
> Fire danmaku at the on that used to be behind us
> Declare Shikigami's Radiance: Fox-Tanuki Youkai Laser
>You've heard of this, and you move! A master spark erupts from Yuka's umbrella, while another comes from below, crossing in the middle; drawing uncomfortably close to your already battered legs. You sight is completely taken up by the immense blasts.
>You through some common danmaku as you ready your spellcard, and find that the one that was behind you is gone.
>_
-
> Look down, then behind again, then around, INCLUDING UP
> If Yuka is down, fire more common danmaku
> If there are still two Yukas, dodge generally downward and probably forward, correcting for whatever angle they are pointed at.
> If there is only one Yuka, Declare Shikigami's Radiance: Fox-Tanuki Youkai Laser on her.
-
> Actually, belay all that
> Look around in general, starting with down, then up, then around
> Prepare to dodge as noted
> Fire common danmaku at the first Yuka we see
> Declare Shikigami's Radiance: Fox-Tanuki Youkai Laser on her as well
-
> Wait, insert a finish of our look around in before declaring our spellcard, THEN declare it, and dodge the intersection of the sparks if there are still two yuukas.
-
> Look down, then behind again, then around, INCLUDING UP
> If Yuka is down, fire more common danmaku
> If there are still two Yukas, dodge generally downward and probably forward, correcting for whatever angle they are pointed at.
> If there is only one Yuka, Declare Shikigami's Radiance: Fox-Tanuki Youkai Laser on her.
>You look down and see Yuka there, flying up toward you while still grinning fiercely, weaving around your kunai shots.
>There is only one at the moment; you declare Shikigami's Radiance: Fox-Tanuki Youkai Laser. She halts ascent as you do, then dives out of the way as you send a tight blast of Danmaku at her. It's no master spark, but it will do. Lasers branch out in the wake of your attack. one nearly hitting her.
>_
-
> Shoot more danmaku at her to try to drive her into a laser
> Be prepared to dodge her normal danmaku
> If she brandishes her umbrella prepare for another master spark
> Throw the onigiri at her if our dankmaku has her close to a laser but not quite hitting it.
-
> Shoot more danmaku at her to try to drive her into a laser
> Be prepared to dodge her normal danmaku
> If she brandishes her umbrella prepare for another master spark
> Throw the onigiri at her if our dankmaku has her close to a laser but not quite hitting it.
>You aim another shot at her, trying to drive her into one of the lingering beams. She moves again, very nearly moving into one. She thing starts to follow along it, trying to get closer.
>_
-
> Do the lasers move with me?
> Move a little to the side if they do, hopefully driving the laser into her.
> Fire some danmaku to surround her, to her right and left.
-
> Also, be ready to dodge shits, probably backwards.
-
> Do the lasers move with me?
> Move a little to the side if they do, hopefully driving the laser into her.
> Fire some danmaku to surround her, to her right and left.
>They do not, they're dependent on the blast of danmaku.
>Your card's shots are too tight to surround her like this. It is, in essence, a thick, dense, moderately slow cloud that you can aim.
>_
-
> Can I shoot two bursts to her left and right?
> How many lasers are fired with this card?
-
> Can I shoot two bursts to her left and right?
> How many lasers are fired with this card?
>You can, but it would take a little time between them while it recharges.
>A number of them, roughly perpendicular to the blasts' wake.
>_
-
> Do they keep firing?
> If so, move to the side to keep spreading the lasers
> Fire a burst of Danmaku to try to push her into the new lasers.
-
> Do they keep firing?
> If so, move to the side to keep spreading the lasers
> Fire a burst of Danmaku to try to push her into the new lasers.
>The lasers persist for a short time, serving as obstacles.
>You move to the side to the side, and fire another shot, trying to trap Yuka. This one, you do not aim directly at her, but a bit off to the side, sending new beams shooting through where she is trapped now. She tries to move, but is pinned against one of the prior beams, and takes the shot to the torso with a grunt.
>Them the beam pinning her fades, and she moves toward you again, massaging her new wound with a free hand.
>_
-
> Send another barrage of lasers out
> Move backwards
> Be on the look out for things to dodge
> Send another shot out to try to edge her into the previous one
> Cancel lasers, Declare Shikigami's Shot: Unilateral Contact
-
> Send another barrage of lasers out
> Move backwards
> Be on the look out for things to dodge
> Send another shot out to try to edge her into the previous one
> Cancel lasers, Declare Shikigami's Shot: Unilateral Contact
>You're not really making the laser yourself, but you can move back.
>It doesn't seem like she's firing, but rather trying to close in on you.
>You send out another burst, then cancel the spellcard, effectively wasting the burst.
>You send out a number of bullets, radiating them out from you in dozens of straight lines. One of them catches Yuka in the shoulder, making her stagger. Then she flies between them. The bullets then begin to rotate, swriling and closing in around you once more. Several more of them nick her, but she is able to move quickly enough to dodge the worst of it.
>_
-
> Does the swirl move with us?
> If so, keep moving back to chase her with the storm
> If possible fire danmaku at her to push her back
> be on the look out for return fire.
-
> Does the swirl move with us?
> If so, keep moving back to chase her with the storm
> If possible fire danmaku at her to push her back
> be on the look out for return fire.
>A little.
>You move back, as fast as you can while maintaining the card, trying to keep the moving bullets an obstacle for her as you sending out another barrage. This time, she can see it coming and dodges the initial burst perfectly, brandishing her umbrella she closes the distance between you to a couple of yards. The bullets are ready to swirl in behind her.
>_
-
> Well, time to do something she won't expect
> Throw the onigiri, dive as fast as possible, going forward towards Yuuk
> Fire a burst of danmaku upwards under her, and follow up by grabbing her legs
> From there attempt to rip her skirt off (and hope Aya is around)
> Let go if she's starting to maneuver to where she can hit us, disengaging with a danmaku shot.
-
> Well, time to do something she won't expect
> Throw the onigiri, dive as fast as possible, going forward towards Yuuk
> Fire a burst of danmaku upwards under her, and follow up by grabbing her legs
> From there attempt to rip her skirt off (and hope Aya is around)
> Let go if she's starting to maneuver to where she can hit us, disengaging with a danmaku shot.
>"Master Sp-" then she is hit with the onigiri in the face.
>You dive as she recovers.
>You cannot fire random danmaku with this card, much like you can't with a lot of cards, so you settle for the next best thing and draw the bullets inward. Yuka levels the umbrella at you again, trying to move out of the way of the onrushing bullets. But being in the epicenter with you, there is little she can do. Still, she tries her best as the converging bullets tear into her.
>The bullets swirl away, leaving her standing and breathing heavily.. Her clothes are ruined, to say the least, and she has a number of bruises and cuts. She places her hands together, and bows toward you.
>"Would next thursday be good for you?"
>_
-
> "Um, sure, yeah ^-^"
> Bow back
> Head down to the ground and avoid the flowers.
> See if we can see Byakuren or Aya nearby.
-
>Er, before all that, she means for the tea party, right?
-
>Also, we ARE free Thursday, right?
> If not, see if we can find another day
> If so continue as first commands.
-
> "Um, sure, yeah ^-^"
> Bow back
> Head down to the ground and avoid the flowers.
> See if we can see Byakuren or Aya nearby.
>"Good," she says. "Would a teahouse on the mountain suffice?"
>You return the bow.
>Yuka departs without a word, you can't tell whether she is smoldering with anger or is truly as nonchalant as she seems.
>Descending down, you see no sign of Aya. You do see Byakuren, who is frowning.
>_
-
> "My apologies. I forgot, in my zeal to help my friend, how...uh...territorial the mistress of this garden can be...."
-
> "My apologies. I forgot, in my zeal to help my friend, how...uh...territorial the mistress of this garden can be...."
>She nods. "I had presumed you had cleared it with whomever called the garden her own. Are you alright?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, I'm fine. Honestly, I probably shouldn't have gotten into the duel and just accepted she was right. But I didn't want her to turn on you or my friend if I wasn't there. Either way, do you know where my friend went?"
-
> "Yeah, I'm fine. Honestly, I probably shouldn't have gotten into the duel and just accepted she was right. But I didn't want her to turn on you or my friend if I wasn't there. Either way, do you know where my friend went?"
>You tell Byakuren you're fine, stretching the truth just a bit as taking a Master Spark is not a comfortable experience at all.
>"I...don't know if just saying she was right would have done anything," Byakuren says, frowning in the direction that Yuka fled. "And, your friend ran into that forest very quickly."
>_
-
> "Well, by saying she was right I mean running away and conceding the spell card duel to her. That would basically imply I was wrong and not willing to defend what I did."
> "Anyway, I'll go find her...I won't take up any more of your time if you don't want. Can you find the way back ok? Again, sorry about that unpleasantness..."
-
> "Well, by saying she was right I mean running away and conceding the spell card duel to her. That would basically imply I was wrong and not willing to defend what I did."
> "Anyway, I'll go find her...I won't take up any more of your time if you don't want. Can you find the way back ok? Again, sorry about that unpleasantness..."
>"Is the whole portraiting thing done?" asks Byakuren. "When should I expect to get one?"
>_
-
> "It should be, and you should get one...hmm, I'm not sure how long it takes her to develop them. I can't imagine it'd take more than a couple days, if that. I'll take it to you, or get someone to do so when they're ready."
> Smile reassuringly
> "I'm sure they'll come out really well."
-
> "It should be, and you should get one...hmm, I'm not sure how long it takes her to develop them. I can't imagine it'd take more than a couple days, if that. I'll take it to you, or get someone to do so when they're ready."
> Smile reassuringly
> "I'm sure they'll come out really well."
>"I'll be waiting, then," she says. She bows to you. "I should get back then. Um, are you sure you're alright?"
>_
-
> "I'm pretty much fine. Any damage I DID take will wear off soon enough. I'd be more worried about Yuka to be honest"
> "Anyway, have a good night...again, sorry about what happened..."
-
> If she doesn't say anything further to us, fly off to the woods
-
> "I'm pretty much fine. Any damage I DID take will wear off soon enough. I'd be more worried about Yuka to be honest"
> "Anyway, have a good night...again, sorry about what happened..."
>She nods. "If you say so, I suppose that must be how it is. I am sorry you had such a rough time of it."
> If she doesn't say anything further to us, fly off to the woods
>The two of you part, and you return toward the woods.
>_
-
> Look for Aya
-
> Look for Aya
>You look around for Aya, and see nothing in the immediate area.
>_
-
> Continue through the forest then, towards Komachi
> While looking for Aya
-
> Continue through the forest then, towards Komachi
> While looking for Aya
>You head into the forest, heading northward.
>The forest is full of moss curtains, practically pitch black in the night. Your eyesight is good enough to see well enough to avoid tripping, but details are difficult to make out. Obvious exits are north and east
>_
-
> Call out for Aya
> Can danmaku light the way any?
-
> Call out for Aya
> Can danmaku light the way any?
>You call out for Aya. After a moment, you hear some rustling in the trees to your right. "Is she gone?" comes Aya's voice.
>_
-
> "Both her and Byakuren are gone."
-
> "Both her and Byakuren are gone."
>"Oh thank heaven..." Aya says, as she descends from one of the trees. "...You look like hell, Ran. Did you actually try to hold her off?"
>_
-
> "Hold her off? I beat her ^-^. Tea party is next Thursday."
> "I figured that I should give you two time to escape since it was kinda my fault you were there. So, you got the pictures, right?"
-
> "Hold her off? I beat her ^-^. Tea party is next Thursday."
> "I figured that I should give you two time to escape since it was kinda my fault you were there. So, you got the pictures, right?"
>"Wow, good job!" says Aya. "And yeah, I got them."
>_
-
> "Are they already developed? And can Byakuren get a copy of one? She seemed to want it ^-^."
-
> "Are they already developed? And can Byakuren get a copy of one? She seemed to want it ^-^."
>She holds up a few photographs. "I thought she'd want a set. We'll worry about it later, though."
>_
-
> "Well then, very good ^-^. So, I'll show these to Komachi now, unless there's anything else right now?"
> If there isn't, go to Komachi.
-
> "Well then, very good ^-^. So, I'll show these to Komachi now, unless there's anything else right now?"
> If there isn't, go to Komachi.
>"I'll be waiting for the right moment," says Aya, grinning.
>You take the best-looking photograph, and return to the banks of the Sanzu River. You find Komachi there, staring at the stars. She glances down as you approach. "Hey, that didn't take too long," she says. "Have any luck?"
>_
-
> "Amazing luck. I went to Aya and apparently she caught wind of the story. She gave me these pictures."
> Shudder a little
> "Please do not ask how I convinced her to part with them."
> "Anyway, it might not mean anything, since you know Aya, but I REALLY think the Yama should look into this"
> Show her the pictures.
-
> "Amazing luck. I went to Aya and apparently she caught wind of the story. She gave me these pictures."
> Shudder a little
> "Please do not ask how I convinced her to part with them."
> "Anyway, it might not mean anything, since you know Aya, but I REALLY think the Yama should look into this"
> Show her the pictures.
>Komachi nods. "Won't ask a thing. I know all about Aya."
>She looks at the picture. "Is...that to scale? Huh. So, those are the flowers, right? What's the deal with them again?"
>_
-
> "That's what I don't know but am nervous about. I don't know if it has to do with the dead, but considering flowers were the sign of the LAST incident involving the dead..."
> "I know the Yama is busy but this could be very important."
-
> "That's what I don't know but am nervous about. I don't know if it has to do with the dead, but considering flowers were the sign of the LAST incident involving the dead..."
> "I know the Yama is busy but this could be very important."
>"Actually," says Komachi, "I kinda asked this before, but you didn't say much. But how come you aren't taking this to the shrine maiden?"
>_
-
> "She's already told me she's not dealing with any more incidents today. She might in the future but she's...ah...kinda tired from today with the flying ship thing."
> "Of course, having this resolved as soon as possible would be a very good thing, and if the Yama can nip it in the bud, or confirm it's not her problem, then I think many of us would be relieved"
-
> "She's already told me she's not dealing with any more incidents today. She might in the future but she's...ah...kinda tired from today with the flying ship thing."
> "Of course, having this resolved as soon as possible would be a very good thing, and if the Yama can nip it in the bud, or confirm it's not her problem, then I think many of us would be relieved"
>"I dunno," says Komachi. "Might be a bit much to bother the Yama about it..." She frowns, looking at the picture.
>_
-
> "It might be, sure. But if it IS something, well...do you REALLY want to deal with the Yama knowing you had some advance warning? I think it'd be better to be safe than sorry. If it turns out to be a false alarm, I doubt she'll be that irritated with you...but if it's real and you call her, she'll certainly be grateful...and if it's real and you don't call her...I can't imagine she'd like that."
-
> "It might be, sure. But if it IS something, well...do you REALLY want to deal with the Yama knowing you had some advance warning? I think it'd be better to be safe than sorry. If it turns out to be a false alarm, I doubt she'll be that irritated with you...but if it's real and you call her, she'll certainly be grateful...and if it's real and you don't call her...I can't imagine she'd like that."
>Komachi frowns. "Yeah...maybe you have a point. Give me a minute."
>She reaches into a pocket and pulls out a small disk, about the size of a coin. "She clutches it tightly in her hand, then says, "Shiki, it's me. Um, we might have a situation. Can you come down here and have a look at it?"
>She is quiet for a moment, then puts the disk away. "She'll be here in a minute."
>_
-
> "Thanks. Admittedly, I hope it's something because I'm taking the Yama's time but...I also kinda hope it's nothing because I really don't want there to be another incident..."
> Wait for the Yama.
-
> "Thanks. Admittedly, I hope it's something because I'm taking the Yama's time but...I also kinda hope it's nothing because I really don't want there to be another incident..."
> Wait for the Yama.
>Komachi nods, and says, "Well, you seem pretty concerned, and I guess this could be a big deal. So it's not a problem to take up the Yama's time for it."
>In the distance, you can see a lone figure approaching from the north.
>_
-
> Continue waiting
> Assume Aya is ready to spring into action when the time comes.
-
> Continue waiting
> Assume Aya is ready to spring into action when the time comes.
>You wait as the figure approaches.
>Soon, she lands in front of you, hovering beside Komachi. With her green hair, blue tabard over a black and white dress, and crown-like hat, there is no doubt she is a part of the celestial bureaucracy. The rod she cares in her left hand leaves no doubt of her position.
>"There is a problem?" asks Shikieiki, looking to Komachi, after glancing at you.
>"Best let her explain it," says Komachi, gesturing toward you.
>_
-
> "Um...well...basically, I was on my way here to ask about this new person who's arrived in Gensokyo and ask you to do a karma check on her...but then I passed these strange flowers, and I noticed that she and they had a similar glow. Well, I hastened here to talk to Komachi about it, and she wanted more evidence. So I went back, and then realized that Aya would probably be all over this if there was any connection. So I visited her, and she actually had already taken pictures. I...managed to acquire a set..."
> Shudder again
> "...and bring them to Komachi. It perhaps might be nothing or a coincidence...I mean, Aya isn't exactly the best source, but I don't think this should be ignored...and calling you over to make sure things are copacetic is a lot better than doing nothing and it turning out to be a preventable incident. I called you over Reimu partially because Reimu's already handled an incident today and really wasn't hearing about anything else, and partially because I remember the flower incident from awhile back involved you so I figured you'd be good to call over."
-
> "Um...well...basically, I was on my way here to ask about this new person who's arrived in Gensokyo and ask you to do a karma check on her...but then I passed these strange flowers, and I noticed that she and they had a similar glow. Well, I hastened here to talk to Komachi about it, and she wanted more evidence. So I went back, and then realized that Aya would probably be all over this if there was any connection. So I visited her, and she actually had already taken pictures. I...managed to acquire a set..."
> Shudder again
> "...and bring them to Komachi. It perhaps might be nothing or a coincidence...I mean, Aya isn't exactly the best source, but I don't think this should be ignored...and calling you over to make sure things are copacetic is a lot better than doing nothing and it turning out to be a preventable incident. I called you over Reimu partially because Reimu's already handled an incident today and really wasn't hearing about anything else, and partially because I remember the flower incident from awhile back involved you so I figured you'd be good to call over."
>Shikieiki listens to you. Then she says, "That was an interesting story, Ran."
>_
-
> Look confused if her tone implied she didn't believe us
> "Um...so you'll check it out?"
-
> Look confused if her tone implied she didn't believe us
> "Um...so you'll check it out?"
>"There are some elements of truth to it, Ran," says the Yama, frowning slightly, "But don't you think you may be going too far in trying to serve your master? Endangering innocents, angering the flower youkai? Is this really have you think peope should behave?"
>_
-
> "...well, she IS my master. And at least I fought Yuka instead of just cutting and running and leaving the other two to deal with it."
> Sigh
> "Fine, I'll go, sorry for wasting your time."
> Fly off, but hope Aya comes out and catches the Yama in time.
-
> Turn around
> "You know what? I've come this far. You seem to be on top of things. So, one card each. May the best girl win."
> Declare Shikigami: Wizard Fox Thoughts
-
> "Komachi, please don't interfere, I'll explain after this, and I'm sorry for getting you tangled up in this stupid business."
-
To everyone watching, by which I mean no one, I feel SO BAD for this. Like, for serious, I don't think it's WORTH it, but, I think that one SHOULD try their best to reach a given objective...
-
> "...well, she IS my master. And at least I fought Yuka instead of just cutting and running and leaving the other two to deal with it."
> Sigh
> "Fine, I'll go, sorry for wasting your time."
> Fly off, but hope Aya comes out and catches the Yama in time.
>"Do you really think that alone would make things better?" Shikieiki asks. "If I were have judged you now, with the weight that rests on you from the things you have done in Yukari's name, not just this but others as well, do you believe I could truly let you pass on to a favorable afterlife?"
> Turn around
> "You know what? I've come this far. You seem to be on top of things. So, one card each. May the best girl win."
> Declare Shikigami: Wizard Fox Thoughts
>Shikieiki nods. "Let us see if you can learn anything from this."
>Suddenly the world around you explodes into rods of judgment, while your card is readies itself to fire!
> "Komachi, please don't interfere, I'll explain after this, and I'm sorry for getting you tangled up in this stupid business."
>You cannot see Komachi for all the danmaku in the air!
>_
-
> What's the pattern look like?
> Sight read as best I can for now, dodging in any available gaps as our card readies
> "How about YOU try being her shikigami awhile and then tell me how I should be judged!"
-
> What's the pattern look like?
> Sight read as best I can for now, dodging in any available gaps as our card readies
> "How about YOU try being her shikigami awhile and then tell me how I should be judged!"
>You don't know!
>You try to sight read it, but it is like looking too hard into one of Yukari's gaps. All you can really discerns is that there's wooden rods coming for you!
>"I am well aware," says Shikieiki, barely visible beyond the terrible swarm.
>_
-
> "You might know, but I doubt you're aware."
> Fly up if possible and try to dodge the rods coming at us, being mindful of rods around us in all directions.
-
> Also, call out for Aya. No point being sneaky now.
-
> Also, are we able to declare our card at all?
> And if not, fire some normal danmaku at Shiki.
-
> "You might know, but I doubt you're aware."
> Fly up if possible and try to dodge the rods coming at us, being mindful of rods around us in all directions.
>"Am I not?" Shikieiki replies.
>You fly up, and find you would have to do some fancy maneuvering to get very high.
> Also, call out for Aya. No point being sneaky now.
>You shout for Aya. You don't know if she heard you, but you can't imagine she's missed this.
> Also, are we able to declare our card at all?
> And if not, fire some normal danmaku at Shiki.
>You were. It's still waiting for you to fire.
>_
-
> Oh, awesome, fire it then.
> Take stock of our surroundings again
> Where are the rods going?
> Dodge as best we can, possibly backwards a little if it's safe
> "You can quite easily see without observing, my dear Yama!"
-
> Oh, awesome, fire it then.
> Take stock of our surroundings again
> Where are the rods going?
> Dodge as best we can, possibly backwards a little if it's safe
> "You can quite easily see without observing, my dear Yama!"
>You invoke your card and fire a lone bubble shot through the hail of danmaku, and quickly lose track of it. You hear it explode, and see some green shots of yours amidst the Yama's storm of bullets.
>You can't see your surroundings very well, but you are in a field with some gentle hills.
>The seem to be mostly heading in your general direction, some crisscrossing and interlacing, others diverging. It's too much to read reliably for any length of time.
>You are dodging as well as you can, but the barrage is getting to be too much.
>"I do not believe you thought that out very well, Ran," comes the Yama's voice, to the left.
>_
-
> How much can we fire with this card?
> "Heh, maybe you're onto something and my conscience wants to lose"
> If they are heading for us, then we probably want to keep moving, taking care not to slam into another bullet. Try to feint a dive and then pull back up safely, going away from the Yama
> Fire as many bullets as we can around the Yama.
-
> How much can we fire with this card?
> "Heh, maybe you're onto something and my conscience wants to lose"
> If they are heading for us, then we probably want to keep moving, taking care not to slam into another bullet. Try to feint a dive and then pull back up safely, going away from the Yama
> Fire as many bullets as we can around the Yama.
>One shot every couple of seconds; but the amount created by the shot exploding is considerable.
>"Perhaps it is so," says Shikieiki, coming from the left. "Despite the things you're willing to do in your master's name, you are not without hope."
>You try to feint a dive, and find you simply don't have room for it if you want to move at any kind of speed.
>You fire toward the Yama's voice, and have no idea how well it works.
>A rod clips your left ear.
>_
-
> "Surprised to hear you willing to admit that my case isn't hopeless."
> "Then again, you also gave Jeff K. Anon a free pass so..."
> Let's fire in a circle around us and keep ourselves moving around the bullets, but very precisely. Make small movements except when it seems like a gap is clearing up temporarily. Then go for it and chain to any other gaps I can find.
-
> "Surprised to hear you willing to admit that my case isn't hopeless."
> "Then again, you also gave Jeff K. Anon a free pass so..."
> Let's fire in a circle around us and keep ourselves moving around the bullets, but very precisely. Make small movements except when it seems like a gap is clearing up temporarily. Then go for it and chain to any other gaps I can find.
>"I have no reason to deceive you," Shiki replies.
>"That hasn't happen yet."
>You begin to fire in a circle around you, a shot every few seconds, trying to move as little as possible. You find this serves you...reasonably well, but another one strikes one of your tails. You have no idea how well your attacks are doing. But it is getting more and more crowded.
>_
-
> Are our shots persisting at all?
> Either way, start concentrating fire at where the danmaku seems densest
> Keep up the micromovement dodging. Be prepared to move around bullets that come uncomfortably close, but carefully
-
> Are our shots persisting at all?
> Either way, start concentrating fire at where the danmaku seems densest
> Keep up the micromovement dodging. Be prepared to move around bullets that come uncomfortably close, but carefully
>They fly away with a moderate amount of speed, but not so quickly as to keep you from overlapping them.
>You fire where the danmaku is most dense. You really cannot see the results of this.
>You take another hit to your side despite your best efforts to keep dodging. You card is holding, but you don't know for how long.
>_
-
> Continue firing around there
> Try to move slowly backwards from the Yama's voice
> "Yeesh, this is a tough fight."
> Micrododge as we move back.
-
> Continue firing around there
> Try to move slowly backwards from the Yama's voice
> "Yeesh, this is a tough fight."
> Micrododge as we move back.
>You continue to focus your shots toward where the danmaku is thickest, and move slowly away from her.
>"I hope you didn't expect me to be a pushover, Ran,"
>You continue to try to dodge, and handle yourself decently for the the time being.Things get a little lighter as you move back.
>_
-
> Does her voice seem to come from where the danmaku is thickest?
> If not, try to shoot the source of her voice
> If so, keep on firing there.
> Continue micrododging, moving back carefully and slightly.
-
> Does her voice seem to come from where the danmaku is thickest?
> If not, try to shoot the source of her voice
> If so, keep on firing there.
> Continue micrododging, moving back carefully and slightly.
>It is close by.
>You continue to focus where the the voice comes from, not really able to see how well you're doing, while backing away.
>Then you a strange sound in Shikeiki's direction, followed by laughter that is slightly maniacal.
>"What did you just do!?" the Yama cries, as the Danmaku begins to slacken.
>_
-
> "...wait, you DIDN'T know everything?"
> If we can see the Yama, shoot her!
> Pay mind to dodging in our current position.
-
> "...wait, you DIDN'T know everything?"
> If we can see the Yama, shoot her!
> Pay mind to dodging in our current position.
>"I knew," the Yama cries, "But I didn't expect her to sneak up on me then!"
>The cloud has cleared up greatly, but it doesn't seem like she's paying attention to you anymore.
>Beyond, and below the Yama, you can see Aya, grinning like a madwoman.
>_
-
> "It's Aya. Do you REALLY think she'd miss? She just needed a distraction. Lord knows how she gets the REST of her shots. I knew I had paid off my blundering to Aya the minute you engaged with me. Need we continue this or should I just go?"
-
> "It's Aya. Do you REALLY think she'd miss? She just needed a distraction. Lord knows how she gets the REST of her shots. I knew I had paid off my blundering to Aya the minute you engaged with me. Need we continue this or should I just go?"
>You are reasonably certain that Shikieiki is no longer listening to you, as she fires upon Aya.
>_
-
> Well, we completed our mission
> Let's just kinda fly away now
> Flash a thumbs up to Aya as we go
> Cancel our card
> Actually, let's watch the fight from the woods
> Make a note to ask Aya what color they are when she's less engaged.
-
> Well, we completed our mission
> Let's just kinda fly away now
> Flash a thumbs up to Aya as we go
> Cancel our card
> Actually, let's watch the fight from the woods
> Make a note to ask Aya what color they are when she's less engaged.
>You consider your part of the deal done, and depart after cancelling your card.
>You try to give Aya a thumbs up, but you think she is too busy dodging around blasts of judgment rods to really notice.
>You draw back to the forest to watch. It seems wherein you tried to work within the danmaku, Aya avoids it altogether. You also see her camera flash every now and again.
>_
-
> Mutter to ourself "Jeez... that tengu..."
> Ponder, if the Yama says that we wouldn't exactly get a "favorable afterlife" based on what we have done, what may be the best way to repent?
-
> Mutter to ourself "Jeez... that tengu..."
> Ponder, if the Yama says that we wouldn't exactly get a "favorable afterlife" based on what we have done, what may be the best way to repent?
>She really is devoted, isn't she? Or maybe obsessed.
>You think back on your past deeds. There was the whole invading the moon thing you helped out with. Things like that.
>_
-
> Meh, how much life do we probably have left anyway?
> Can't we repent tomorrow or something?
-
> Meh, how much life do we probably have left anyway?
> Can't we repent tomorrow or something?
>It's kind of hard to say. But you think you could continue to last a long time.
>You probably could. You're not sure if it's worth as much credit, though.
>_
-
> We have time, let's just watch. I mean, hell, we've bested Yuka, distracted the Yama, we need a break.
> Yukari can read our mind, can't she? So she'll know about this, won't she?
-
> We have time, let's just watch. I mean, hell, we've bested Yuka, distracted the Yama, we need a break.
> Yukari can read our mind, can't she? So she'll know about this, won't she?
>You decide the best thing to do is enjoy the show. As you watch, you can see Aya's dodging technique isn't nearly as good as yours on the small scale; she gets hit with things that you think you could have easily dodged. Her speed, however, lets her evade a lot of things entirely that you simply couldn't. Still, it's fairly clear that the battle, as it were, is Shikieiki's to lose. You see Aya's camera flash every so often. The Yama seems to have given up shouting and lecturing, and has just focused solely on blasting the tengu from the sky. You get the feeling she might not be sated with just Aya.
>Yukari has a kind of mental connection with you that she could use to view your thoughts. However, she also considers it highly distasteful and seldom does it outside of emergencies. That said, you imagine she would find the story highly entertaining.
>_
-
> Yes, I imagine she will. Might be something to bring up once we know we're ok
> If Aya seems to be almost down and out, cut and run.
-
> Yes, I imagine she will. Might be something to bring up once we know we're ok
> If Aya seems to be almost down and out, cut and run.
>You decide it may be a tale to tell, but first you need to get away.
>You watch a little while longer. Aya seems to enjoy living dangerously, as she has a tendency to swoop far too close to the Yama for your comfort. And in the process, she tends to pay the price. You're reasonably certain she's not going to last much longer by this.
>_
-
> Yeah, we should probably go now
> The fight was fun to watch but now we need to save our tails.
-
> Yeah, we should probably go now
> The fight was fun to watch but now we need to save our tails.
>This might be a good idea.
>_
-
> Do we have any more quests?
> If not, let's go back home.
-
> Do we have any more quests?
> If not, let's go back home.
>You believe you've finished up everything.
>With that in mind, you make the flight back home. It is, thankfully, a peaceful trip. There is no one to bother you, and nothing unusual happens. You land by the front door of your home, and find the lights are off inside.
>_
-
> Is this unusual?
> If not, just carefully and quietly go in and get to bed
> If it is, be on guard
-
> Is this unusual?
> If not, just carefully and quietly go in and get to bed
> If it is, be on guard
>It is not. You think everyone's just gone to bed.
>You head inside, and slink off to bed. It takes you a little while to fall asleep, but you're satisfied that you got your job well done. There's no way Aya could complain about what happened, at least not enough to abandon her side of the bargain. And if she should fall through, you have the feeling that, after all your efforts, Yukari would look the other way if you burned her house down. You also find yourself pondering out how you're going to remake your lost spellcards.
>You wake up the next morning to find Chen poking you in the shoulder, asking when it is going to be time for breakfast. Aside from sleeping in a bit, the day proceeds more or less normally. Chen disappears to go to school, then to play with her friends. Glancing out the window, you are a little relieved to see Byakuren and her friends have moved their ship elsewhere. You really didn't want to have to deal with gawkers coming around, especially with Yukari trying to sleep. You clean up the house, then make a trip to Kourindou and then to the village to stock up on more groceries. Checking the Bunbunmaru News, you find no mention of Yukari sleepwalking whatsoever, just speculation of her involvement with the events of yesterday. Returning home, you find a curious envelop on the front porch. You take it inside and find it contains a small note and a number of photographs.
>The note reads: "Didn't know what hit her. -Aya. P.S. Delivering those pictures to the big girl with the hair, don't worry about it."
>There are a few sets of pictures inside. The first set seems to be a collection the pictures she took of Byakuren. The ones where she asked Byakuren to smile as though they were real photos are actually quite nice. The second set are a couple of scattered upskirt shots of Byakuren and Yuka, no doubt going right to her gallery. You wonder where she got the opportunity for the former. The bulk of the collection, however, is devoted to various pictures of Shikieiki. Quite a few of them are upskirt, some just of her in the middle of the fight and looking rather furious, and toward the end...of the Yama with her clothing shredded and ruined far beyond any semblance of maintaining modesty. How the hell did she do that!? The last set are several of you. This isn't terribly surprising.
>You are tempted to throw them out, but knowing that Yukari would enjoy seeing them with the story you keep them around. Life proceeds as normal. You are somewhat paranoid about the Yama kicking down you door, but this never seems to happen. After a few days, Yukari rouses, full of stories about having the best dream. Predictably, these parallel a lot of your experiences with her from her time spent sleepwalking. Upon explaining things she is rather touched by all the trouble you went through on her behalf, kisses you on the cheek, and apologizes for all the trouble she caused you. You don't think this has ever happened before! Well, at least not all these things at once. She also has quite a few good laughs about your efforts to preserve her good name, and forbids you from ever tossing the photographs away; taking them from you for safekeeping. Later you find she has displayed some of them in her room, and at one point you find her looking at one of the particularly explicit photos of the Yama and cackling to herself. Someday Chen is going to ask you why she has those. ...Or perhaps not. Chen can be very perceptive when it comes to Yukari's oddities.
>Soon after Yukari awakens, you are sent on an errand to Hakugyokurou, to retrieve a kind of tea that Yukari finds herself craving. Upon arriving, you find yourself obligated to attend dinner and keep Yuyuko company. It is not unpleasant, but you do find it kind of tedious: Yuyuko is someone you have to be in the mood to entertain. You are not able to return home until late at night. The next morning, you find the Bunbunmari news is no longer in circulation, and a special edition of the Kakashi Spirit News proclaiming the conviction of Aya Shameimaru. You notice a small mention of an accomplice that could not be apprehended at the time of the trial. Now that the case is closed, you should be fine as far as the tengu are concerned. Hopefully the Yama won't decide to take matters into her own hands.
>You have gotten a happy end! (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/319484/2girls-animal_ears-blonde_hair-brown_hair-cat_ears)
>Credits:
>Original Inspiration: TranceHime
>Programming, Music, Typos, Database Errors: Purvis Hobotech
>Great Player: You!
>See you next phantasm
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YAY! Victory!
>Unlock Music Room
> Music: Fighting Yuka
> Music: Fighting the Yama
> Music: What did I just say? (telling Aya about Yukari)
> Music: Wait, she knew? (The Yama telling us we were lying)
> Music: Gapped to Makai!?
> Music: Yuki and Mai fight
> Music: Chasing Yukari
> Question: How'd the tea party with Yuka go? Was she particularly pissed at us?
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> Congratulations on finally finishing this 5-month excursion.
-
Oh, right
> Music: Aya to the...rescue? {Yama fight)
> Question: Did Ran ever solve P = NP with that link :P?
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Finally over. 'Tis was some great Gaiden game, going with the Prequel trend, retconning some of the stuff. :V
Still, it was good.
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> BGM: Byakuren's Release
> Why did you decide to do a prequel?
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> BGM: Shiki fight/The Yama Realm.
-
> Why did you decide to do a prequel?
Given the circumstances surrounding the creation of this game, it was probably intended to be something short and quick, and a prequel would fit that pretty well since we already know where it's supposed to lead.
-
YAY! Victory!
>Unlock Music Room
> Music: Fighting Yuka
> Music: Fighting the Yama
> Music: What did I just say? (telling Aya about Yukari)
> Music: Wait, she knew? (The Yama telling us we were lying)
> Music: Gapped to Makai!?
> Music: Yuki and Mai fight
> Music: Chasing Yukari
> Question: How'd the tea party with Yuka go? Was she particularly pissed at us?
>Music room unlocked
>Fighting Yuka: Didn't You Mean to Ask About Flowers? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aNcqCYCJKk&feature=related)
>Fighting Shikieiki: Owning Up. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDg2z0iys7Q&feature=related)
>What did I just say? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvCvYupApRE)
>Underamused Psychopomp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPJniY91Psc&feature=related)
>The Backhills of Makai (http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=PeyserConley#p/u/2000/_UCvWWym74s)
>Don't Get Flanked! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gh9qhZST5I&feature=related)
>What's Yukari up to now? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgq119NAtEI)
>The tea party went well enough. Yuka chose not to mention the incident at all, so it was just the normal walking on eggshells. You wisely declined to mention the photos to her.
> Congratulations on finally finishing this 5-month excursion.
>Gracias.
Oh, right
> Music: Aya to the...rescue? {Yama fight)
> Question: Did Ran ever solve P = NP with that link :P?
>Underamused Psychopomp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPJniY91Psc&feature=related)
>If I told you, she'd have to kill you.
Finally over. 'Tis was some great Gaiden game, going with the Prequel trend, retconning some of the stuff. :V
Still, it was good.
You're a retcon!
> BGM: Byakuren's Release
> Why did you decide to do a prequel?
>Free at last! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43rz6F9zlbk&feature=related)
>Because I needed an idea in a hurry with the forum being closed on April 1st, and fully being fooled by it. So I figured the untold story of UFO would do well.
> BGM: Shiki fight/The Yama Realm.
>Underamused Psychopomp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPJniY91Psc&feature=related)
Given the circumstances surrounding the creation of this game, it was probably intended to be something short and quick, and a prequel would fit that pretty well since we already know where it's supposed to lead.
>Yeah this thing.
>_
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> Will you ever do an SA or MoF sidestory?
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> Will you ever do an SA or MoF sidestory?
>Mmmm, plausibly. If I can come up with a good idea for one.
>_
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MoF/SA sidestory = Tenshi Quest
I cannot begin to imagine the horrors that would be wrought.
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> BGM(s): Anything else you might you Legend of Mana music for :3 Seriosuly, Legend of Mana is a fantastic game with equally fantastic music.
> Are there any plans to have a Sanae/Kanako/Suwako quest, or a quest for someone from the SDM, aside from Patchy? At any point? Ever?
Edit: Oh yeah, who was the Final Boss, and who was the EX? Were their any boss fights we missed/avoided?
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> Could I have avoided the fight with Yuka with the course I chose?
> What about the fight with the Yama?
> Were there other good ways to get the Yama over so that Aya could get a panty shot?
> Was there anyway to skip the Aya Quest completely?
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> BGM(s): Anything else you might you Legend of Mana music for :3 Seriosuly, Legend of Mana is a fantastic game with equally fantastic music.
> Are there any plans to have a Sanae/Kanako/Suwako quest, or a quest for someone from the SDM, aside from Patchy? At any point? Ever?
Edit: Oh yeah, who was the Final Boss, and who was the EX? Were their any boss fights we missed/avoided?
>It don't work that way, muchango
>None may know the Z-Machine Secret! But I will mention, of the 9 or so people you indicated, I do have an embryonic idea for at least one of them. I may never use it.
>The Ex-Bosses were Shinki, Yumeko, and Yuka. Where-in if you angered her too much you were gonna get it. =[ The endboss was Shikieiki. Beating her was not necessary, just surviving and distracting.
> Could I have avoided the fight with Yuka with the course I chose?
> What about the fight with the Yama?
> Were there other good ways to get the Yama over so that Aya could get a panty shot?
> Was there anyway to skip the Aya Quest completely?
>If you had looked around before starting the photoshoot, you would have seen Yuka coming.
>Not really. She didn't approve of being drug from Higan to preserve Yukari's honor.
>Had you mathematically figured out the Yama's inspection schedule, she would have taken notice.
>Not once you let the cat out of the bag.
>_
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> Oh fuck, we DID have Mathemagic or whatever.
> Facepalm
> Anyway, if we had stayed silent would we have avoided that panty quest?
> What would have happened if Ran had *happened* to destroy the flowers in the fight?
-
> Oh fuck, we DID have Mathemagic or whatever.
> Facepalm
> Anyway, if we had stayed silent would we have avoided that panty quest?
> What would have happened if Ran had *happened* to destroy the flowers in the fight?
>You sure did.
>You sure are.
>Possibly. Aya was going to ask others, who did see you carting Yukari around Makai.
>That wasn't the only patch. But Yuka probably would have gone all out on you.
-
> So why did Yuka give up when she did?
> Also, was she rather mad at losing?
-
> So why did Yuka give up when she did?
> Also, was she rather mad at losing?
>She was doing much worse than what she anticipated she was going to do.
>Obviously.
>_
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> Could we actually have defeated the Yama before Aya got her panty shot?
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> Could we actually have defeated the Yama before Aya got her panty shot?
>Yes. Aya showed you the key.
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> Was I almost out of the cloud when I kept moving back?
> And was that a non card?
-
> Was I almost out of the cloud when I kept moving back?
> And was that a non card?
>You didn't really move back that much. You were more focused on offense.
>Yep. But she would have relented if you had beaten her, regardless.
>_
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> Ah, why didn't she use a card then?
> Also, did I ever actually hit her?
-
> Ah, why didn't she use a card then?
> Also, did I ever actually hit her?
>She didn't feel the need to do so. (I didn't want to look one up)
>You got her a couple times, but nothing major.
>_
-
> Well, glad I at least hit her.
> Is Ran going to hell now?
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> Well, glad I at least hit her.
> Is Ran going to hell now?
>Probably.
>_
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> Ok... BGM: Shinki Fight
> BGM: Yumeko Fight.
> Any other fights I missed?
Edit: Any references within Ran quest to the other quests?
-
>Gotta say, this was a pretty fun text adventure and I'm glad I had the opportunity to participate in it. Loved it!
>Did Ran get to talk with Byakuren again after the events about her pictures?
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> Ok... BGM: Shinki Fight
> BGM: Yumeko Fight.
> Any other fights I missed?
Edit: Any references within Ran quest to the other quests?
>Shinki Battle: Now You're In Deep Trouble (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5-sVGb6rXE&feature=related)
>Yumeko Battle: Sword Rain (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaV7Jt6u-l4&feature=related)
>Possibly~
>Yuka's flowers were a pretty big one. And Aya's incarceration.
>Gotta say, this was a pretty fun text adventure and I'm glad I had the opportunity to participate in it. Loved it!
>Did Ran get to talk with Byakuren again after the events about her pictures?
>Ah bless ye~
>Not in depth. Ran is fairly busy keeping her house together, and dealing with Yukari's missions, while Byakuren quickly set herself up as a spiritual figure, which doesn't leave much free time.
>_
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I honestly loved this... I'm actually kinda sad this had to end... does not help I'm listening to Night Falls ~ Evening Star, and at the sad sounding part.
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Heh, sorry Mystearica. Basically, I didn't want this to get abandoned, but Purvis also was moving somewhat slower with responding to IMs, Maribel Quest, AND Ran Quest when I revived it, so I wanted to bring it to a finish as soon as I could so that he could be freed up. I tried to leave openings for other people at first but they didn't seem to be taken often...
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> What key did Aya show us?