>If she seems to still have some fight left in her, shoot some more basic danmaku at her while she's down. We want to make sure she's not going anywhere anytime soon.
>Do this while closing the distance between us
>"Ok, now can you tell me how you managed to pull all this off in the first place? Who'd you do it for? You kept saying that I wasn't taking other people into account. WHAT other people?"
>"What about lifespans? Will the people who are youkai live abnormally long lives while the humans don't? What about any youkai children? And on the matter of childen, almost everyone in Gensokyo was female! It didn't matter as much when they're all long-lived youkai, but if their lifespans are human now, this is going to turn into an island of old cronies! Even if they still live long, that has a variety of problems on it's own, in the outside world!"
>"I'd thought Byakuren was always supposed to be a walking pillar of peace. And Reimu seemed about as cranky as ever."
>Grumble at the fact that she may not be entirely wrong
>How well did we know Koishi? She was often away, wasn't she?
> Oh God, Parsee is gonna be pissed when we finally get to the bridge.
> Estimate as to how long this battle took.
> "Quick question: Why did you want to get to the hangar so badly?"
> "Yes, those maybe true, but when you did all this you took away the heart of Gensokyo, Gensokyo existed to preserve the supernatural. Youkai, Magic, truly wonderful things that made it Gensokyo"
> "What you've said would be more convincing if it wasn't a bunch of cherrypicked ends-justifying-the-means that won't even let those affected decide for themselves. Not to mention how shitty Miss Hieda's life is, for one."
> "What you've said would be more convincing if it wasn't a bunch of cherrypicked ends-justifying-the-means that won't even let those affected decide for themselves. Not to mention how shitty Miss Hieda's life is, for one."
>"You said not everyone is from the old world. What IS this place, anyway? Does the old Gensokyo exist, and we were just transported here? Did Kanako really remake the entire world?"
> " Or how about Yuugi's or Cirno's, or other people that were content with the real Gensokyo huh? how about them?"
> "What about the, WHAT ABOUT THEM!, you changed there life's and all you can say is what about them?"
>"Can you take me to Koishi? You said you had a way to restore her memories. I want to talk to her."
>"What about them?"
>"And what I want to talk to her? She had a hand in this, and I want to hear her side of it."
> "Changing everyone and destroying their identities is not how you solve their problems. The only thing you've given Remilia is a harder job that bears the load of an entire city. You've given us nothing and have taken away everything that made us who we are!"
> "What about them? You've destroyed their lives and reduced them to common thugs, you can't possibly think you're entitled to that! You don't even know if they've wanted this.
> "I'll find a way to restore everyone's memories and dispel the deception you've sown! Nothing in the world can justify whitewashing the truth for petty lies!"
> "In fact, what gave you guys the idea that the world needed to be better"
> "Stop turning questions around on me. I'm only asking you things because I'm following your suit. I cherrypicked because you cherrypicked. I cast judgment because you cast judgment. You did these things first, not me. My doing them is no worse than you doing them unprovoked. What allows you to do these things?"
>"It's not about this power! I love my family dearly, whether you believe that or not. And right now Orin is also suffering because she knows that this world is wrong. And don't tell me that we should just make sure she doesn't remember, and it'll all be alright. She deserves to know the truth. They all do."
> "Okay to let others suffer? OKAY TO LET OTHERS SUFFER?! IS THIS SOME KIND OF TWISTED JOKE?! People do still suffer in this world! Are you really so blind that you can't see that?! All you did is force another world with its own possibilities for suffering on people WITHOUT GIVING THEM A CHOICE! You refuse to see the fault in your own actions and declare that it's better for everyone without getting their own input on it!"
>"...and what happened to Suwako?"
> "What's with this burdening Reimu Thing? Heck the last two incidents were solved be Patchouli and Reisan"
> "Just to make things clear, was there anyone who was unaccounted for after the shift? Also, what happened to the large quantities of magic that the Border held in?"
>"Does the old Gensokyo still physically exist, somewhere?"
>"And what did Suwako think of all this? You've only ever mentioned what Kanako wanted."
>"And what do you mean, everyone had been suffering? It seemed pretty alright to me!"
> " The old world has its own possibilities for ending the suffering. People can fight for an end to their own suffering or others, just as they can do here! And how did forcing this world upon them do anything but toss them into the suffering they have now, if you want to go that route? You should have at least given them a choice as to what they wanted! Instead you forced something upon them that they didn't ask for, that they might not have wanted! Both worlds have their good points, and bad, and the old wasn't so horrible, nor is this one so wonderful, that forcing them is right!"
> "I only broke into the Research Institute because you guys struck first. Dealing with incidents? Incidents were people actively harming the lifestyles of other people; solving those are justifiable. Who was actively harming other people to the point where you needed to reset the whole world?"
>"So are we at an impasse, then? You force everyone into a new world, or I force everyone into an old one? Is there no third option?"
> "And who else was suffering? Were there really so many people that wished for a complete reset to their life that you were justified in dragging in those that didn't want it? Do you have any proof of these severe sufferings?"
> Check charge status.
mulit-post drifting wheeeeeeeeeeee
> "I saw no one suffering to that degree with my own eyes back in the real world, and you're basing your conclusion of this world off of two days of info. Hardly a large enough sample size to concretely conclude anything."
>"Actually, how long HAS it been? How much of our memories were planted, and how much have we actually lived?"
> "I look the same as I have for a while, and so do you. Whatever timetable we're working on, it's not enough to form a solid conclusion. Thirty years, maybe, but not whatever this has been."
> "My justification is not that someone else did it first. But I would ask why you would condemn me for doing the same thing you believed was right? I want to start by giving people choice! If I can be awakened to know, then perhaps others can be? If everyone truly wants this world then fine. But leaving it as it is? Just leaving everyone with a lie, not even having the chance to know what they once had to say that this now is better? No. You forced this on them without choice, and I... I will do my best to give that choice to them."
> "Suffering is a part of life. No amount of lies or delusions will change this. It's an experience that makes you a better person. Denying a person's free will is the greatest of all evils."
> "And that is where we differ. You want everyone to live in blissful ignorance. I want everyone to face the facts, regardless of how painful it is. Unfortunately for you, nothing can hold back the truth."
> "Very well. So how do you start this thing, anyway?"
> Gesture at the jet.
>"And if I leave you be, will you just go back to Kanako and have her come after me instead?"
> "I don't plan on flying it, I plan on making sure you don't fly it. Disabling the controls seems more humane than just blowing it up, though I could do that too if you want me to."
> "What, it doesn't have keys I can just take?"
> If there are keys, take them.
> If not, pop the front tire.
> Grin a little
> "So then, you were saying Kanakers would probably want to see me? Think she'll mind too much if I visit her first? Cause I'd like to know where she is so we can have a debate. Probably one that involves more of the same that I just had with you. Though if this can be resolved peacefully it'd probably be less of a pain in the ass."
> "Oh, right, I was also serious earlier. What time is it?"
> Can we see if we can find Stargazer again?
> Once we are finished with her knock her unconscious, we still have Parsee and Ace to meet up with.
> Also, how well can we fly carrying a person? If okay, take Sanae with you, she might prove useful later
> Knocking her out seems like a bit much if we aren't going to take us with her. Only do so if we can carry her long enough to catch up with Parsee and Ace
> Eh. It would be nice to knock her out (and believe me, this voice wanted to) but there's no real reason for it at this point. Fights are to be solved with violence, other things not so much. We have a new reputation to build to make our old life better.
>"Anyway, I have people who are going to be worried about me if I don't get back to them. Be a good girl, now. I'm going to figure out a way to straighten all this out."
>Outside? Has she been that far away from us of her own accord before?
>Go and check up on her
>Is she visible?
>"Are you ok? It's over, now."
>Are there other people milling about, that we can see?
> Take flight, we need to get to the meeting place
>Go closer to her
>"Stargazer, you don't need to be afraid of me. We're still after the same thing. We still want to fix the world. Don't you?"
> Let her know that we still know the world is wrong, we've just fixed ourselves.
> Suggest that, if she's still nervous about us, that she hang around Orin.
> "It's about what just happened, isn't it? She and two others caused the world to be wrong, they want to keep it wrong, while I am trying to fix it. What we did, was how disagreements were solved when words were not enough."
> "I'm sorry if I scared you Stargazer... it was not my intention at all."
> "I seem to be having difficulty even noticing you Stargazer, and it was been this way since I got back to normal... is something the matter?"
> When did we scream at her?
> Did we actually yell at her during that, or was it all directed at Sanae? This voice has to admit he sort of glazed over most of that out of frustration.
> Tell Stargazer that none of the yelling was directed at her, but the green-haired woman who served the person responsible for the wrongness and was arguing in the name of continuing it.
> "Well, let's just hope no more of it has to happen, alright? I'll do my best to make everything right, don't worry."
> "Let's go."
> Start heading to meet up with Parsee and Ace
> Go towards them
> "Hi guys, sorry I'm late but I just had to take a......detour you could say"
> Apologize again.
> "I had a run-in with a certain someone, which led to me getting a better indication of who's behind all of this."
>"Well, it seems I'm not the only person who remembers the original Gensokyo. Or, rather, they never forgot. I fought someone who was trying to make me forget again."
>"This is... going to be a lot to take in, but hopefully you've got enough trust in me now to believe it. But this Gensokyo... is not the one either of us were born in. The world has been literally reshaped. All 3 of us here, and many, many others here, have had the memories of our first life replaced with this one. Things were very different."
>"The people at the Moriya Shrine remade the world because they thought that this world would allow people to live happier lives than their old ones, but..."
> "....It's wrong, you know, changing people's lives like that with out their consent, taking certain things that made them, them, just cause a few people were unhappy with what they got"
>"I'm not entirely sure. I beat Sanae, that green-haired shrine maiden from the Moriya Shrine. But the purple-haired one there, Kanako, is an actual God. And I'm pretty sure she's rather upset with me at this point. I'm not so hot on the idea of fighting her without any spellcards. Um, they're... let's just say that they let me use some of my stronger abilities. I don't even know if they EXIST in this Gensokyo, to be honest."
>"I'd like to see if I can somehow find an edge. If they beat me, they claim to be able to wipe my memories. They did it once, so I don't doubt they can do it again. And I'm sure they'd be more careful about not letting me find all this stuff a second time. The only reason I could get this far is because they underestimated my chances of success. Sanae said as much."
>"I wonder if we can awaken the memories of anyone else, somehow?"
> Wonder how we can awaken Orin and Satori?
> Show them the Pocket watch "This pocket watch I have here might awaken the memories of whoever owned it but I can't figure out who"
>"Anyway, let's go find Reimu's. Even if I can't jog her memory, maybe she'll let me use her phone. And we should be harder to find here, at least."
>Head towards the forest shrine
>Was Orin's wheelbarrow just a plain old ordinary wheelbarrow? Not that you'd know where to find such a thing here, even if it weren't....
>"I don't think she really understood how all this was done, herself. She mentioned something that Kanako took from another place that was used to do this. Oh, and I think my aunt was the one who altered everyone's memories.... I'd really like to have a good talk with her about that one...."
>Do we now recall Eirin and her association to Eientei?
>Continue towards Reimu's
>Stargazer said there was some power unsealed in Eirin, when we met her. Could this have been at least part of her own memories? If our connection to Stargazer is still strong enough, try asking her if this is a possibility
>"It might help, but I don't even know what it is. And I can't imagine I can just sneak into the shrine and take it out from under the nose of two gods."
>Do we know enough about Keine to recognize the visible connection between her and Stargazer? Do we even know Keine's name?
> Didn't we run into Reisen and Eirin earlier in the woods? Whereabouts was that?
> "Did either of you recognize the soldier and the surgeon we ran into earlier? Do you have any idea where they might be right now? I suppose the soldier has probably been called into duty, but maybe the surgeon not so much."
>"You really think I can distract two gods by shooting at them?"
>"For all I know, they don't even keep it there. Whatever 'it' is, in the first place. I'd really like to see if there's any way for me to get some more information before I rush in. I don't want to get my ass handed to me and be back before square one."
>Continue towards Reimu's
> "Hello, Reimu, are you here?"
> "Also, we should try to find the surgeon and the soldier at some point. Stargazer says she felt powers within them, which she hadn't pointed out with anyone else, and Sanae said Kanako took whatever that thing is from the surgeon. Doc will probably be the better approach, she's supposed to be a moon genius or some shit. She won't have the military riding up her ass like the soldier will, and maybe we can get her to convince the soldier."
>"Well, this is the place. I don't really know how she'll react to me like this, but... at least she should recognize my face from the other day."
>Go up and knock on the door
> "Hello, Reimu, are you here?"
>"Reimu, really, I'm not here to hurt anyone! It's Utsuho. We talked the other day. You gave me tea. Talked about the forest spirit. Remember? It's still me, I swear."
> "What, I get a couple wings and suddenly I'm not allowed to genuinely be a person in trouble whose life has been turned upside-down? Thanks a lot."
> "W-what trick? I have a lot more answers now about what's wrong with the world..."
>"Don't you remember, though? You said you didn't get much company, so I figured you wouldn't forget me that quickly. The 'world is wrong', and all that jazz?"
>Is there a window we can poke our face into so that she can see us?
> "Remember how I told you about how the world was wrong, well I found out what is wrong with the world, come on Reimu, let me in and I explain everything"
> Did Reimu ever specifically mention her stance on the Moriya Shrine during our last visit?
> "I need your help, people are trying to kill me! If you won't help me I'm afraid to think of what will happen to me..."
> "Is there anyway I can prove to you that I'm me?"
> "You don't even have to let me in if you're worried about something bad happening. Either I can ask one of my friends to go in to talk to you. Friends that look "normal" for some definttion of it, or if I can get you to at least somewhat trust me, you can come out here and we can talk"
> "But you know what I can choose? Whether or not to just blow stuff up. And you know what? I'm not doing it. If I really wanted in, I could probably break down this door through brute strength, not even considering that I could just blow it up! Trust me, if I wanted to eat you or anything stupid like that, I wouldn't be bothering with this."
> "I want to restore you to your former glory! And I DON'T want to eat you! You saw these people with me! I haven't eaten them!"
>"Hey, to be fair, I didn't know I was a youkai back then either."
>"But look, I just came here because we needed some shelter at the moment, and this was as isolated a spot as I could think of. And because I wanted to talk to you about a few things that are important to your own life, too. Also, it would also be nice if I could use your phone."
> "I want somewhere safe to stay! I want somewhere that I won't have people trying to kill me! I didn't choose to suddenly be obviously a freak to everyone around me! And I most certainly did not choose to have a completely false life that had taken over all of my memories until this happened!"
> "I'm not evil! What do I have to do to prove this to you? I don't eat people, I'm not a monster!"
> "And if they don't kill me, they'll capture me! I don't want to become an experiment or have my memories wiped!"
> Ignore this post, it could really set her off
> "Trust me I ain't gonna eat you, heck, I never even ate people before" Did we actually? If we did, oh well, not like we're gonna eat her
> We ate a god once. Don't think we've ever actually eaten any humans, though. We'd sooner blow them up than eat them anyway.
>"Um, I don't suppose anyone ELSE here knows the sutra?"
>"Reimu, does it still count if I recite it back after you say it? I, uh, don't actually know it."
> "Why is a Shinto priestess asking us to recite a Buddhist mantra?"
> "Ace, you got any wireless shit on you that you could use to look up that surgeon, or would you need a desktop computer?"
> To Reimu: "We infiltrated the Research Institute. I managed to recover these belongings of mine, and they helped me realize why the world is wrong. It's all been fabricated. There's no Gensokyo Isle, only a regular old Gensokyo. One with many powerful beings, both human and youkai. Beings like me...and you, if you can believe it. In fact..."
> Lower voice.
> "...you even beat me."
> Raise voice again.
> "I want to bring this world back, but the authorities are all over my ass right now, so I need all the help I can get. You're the very best the real Gensokyo had to offer! I need you!"
> Can we create small, stable balls of bright energy safely? If so, light one for Ace, and tell her Eirin's name. Parsee at least got "Eirin Yago-" off the ID card.
>"I mean what I said. Someone altered the world, and replaced the original Gensokyo with this one. I managed to get my memories back, and then they tried to fight me so they could seal them again. You may find this hard to believe, but you were extremely powerful in the original Gensokyo."
>"I want to fix things. But a god was responsible for this. Maybe two of them. And I can't imagine she's happy with me, now. But you've beaten her before, if you could only remember."
>"Still, even if that's too much to take in, can we at least stay here for a little bit? The police are probably also looking for us, but I can't imagine they'll think to look here. Most people don't even seem to know this place exists."
>"These two can vouch for me, if you're still worried that I'm here to eat you."
> "Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but it's true. You must know there's at least some truth to what I'm talking about, since you figured out what I am as soon as you saw me. You know there's youkai; here I am. You know there's ghosts; I confirmed your green spirit story."
> "All of this Gensokyo Isle? It's a fake. Implanted memories, specific placement, all designed to make everyone in the real Gensokyo, humans and youkai alike, live 'normal' lives. None of us asked for this change, it was simply forced on us in the name of giving us 'happiness', when our existing happinesses weren't even considered. You're a very powerful shrine maiden in the real Gensokyo, Reimu. Possibly the most powerful human the world has ever seen. Admittedly, it often fell to you to fix Gensokyo's problems, like...like when I wanted to burn everything...and sometimes that aggravated you, but you still did it, to help your friends, and help the less fortunate than you. You've saved people plenty of times, more than I know of, I'm sure. You...You're a hero to the real Gensokyo, Reimu. A real-life hero to everyone."
>"And, Reimu, can I use your phone? I want to let my sister know we're ok. Well, at least not dead yet, anyway."
>"Sure, fair enough. I'm not expecting you to put stick your neck out that far for strangers. I doubt the cop's find this place anytime soon. Anyway, I appreciate the gesture."
>Walk inside
>"Ace, can you look up that woman, and see what you can find?"
>"And, Reimu, can I use your phone? I want to let my sister know we're ok. Well, at least not dead yet, anyway."
> Whoa there, it might be safer to do this later on with a pay phone or something. The police are definitely going to investigate Orin, and we don't need them tracking us down by a trace on Reimu's phone.
> To Ace: "Can you also look up a Nitori Kawashiro? We'll probably need her help too."
> Provide Ace with some light as best we can.
>"Well, like I said, in the original Gensokyo, you'd be the one who WOULD go do something about it. You made it your business to fix things like this. But, if you don't remember, I'm not sure what to say... I'd kinda hoped that seeing me like this might remind you of something, somehow."
>"Oh, and Ace, can that thing of yours make phone calls, too? I want to call Orin, but I don't want them to be able to trace us back here, if they get a hold of her cell phone, or something."
> "I can't really expect you to do something about it now. This reality-wipe did a number on all of us. It took me getting my stuff back before I could do anything useful. So, unless you can fly..."
>"Oh, yeah, that reminds me; got any family heirloom Ying Yang orbs or something? That's what you used all the time in the original Gensoyko."
>"Drat! Figures..."
>If we ever get near Rinnosuke's shop again, we should ask if he's got something like that. I wouldn't be surprised if it's not something he'd have out where everyone can see it.
>"Well, I suppose an email's better than nothing. But I'd really hoped to talk to her. At least she HALF-remembers, which is more than most people. I'm... worried they might go after her next, since she can't defend herself."
>"Any suggestions on how I could safely drop her a line?"
> "The other one was Reisan"
> "Well, I guess it's a nice thing to know anyways. It could be helpful if we get Eirin on our side."
> You don't really believe she would do that from what you heard of her but then again she is a different person, somewhat
>"Tea would be great, yes. It's... actually a bit of a tradition at your place, believe it or not."
> Do we know the head maid at the Scarlet Devil Mansion?
>Current time
>Any idea how late the pawnshop is open?
>"If we can't find a safe phone to call Orin, maybe I should try going back there in person."
>"I can keep high enough in the sky that I shouldn't have much to worry about from the police on the way there, anyway. Unless they're already waiting to ambush me inside the house, or something. The only person I'd worry about being spotted by on the way here is Kanako, and I don't know if she'll be out and about, yet. She might be able to find me, even while I'm here, for that matter. What're the rules for gods and being away from their shrines, anyway?"
>"Can you send text messages from that thing, at least, Ace? Or IM someone?"
> "Also, the REAL other one was Nitori Kawashiro, sorry. My bad. Good to know Reisen lives with Eirin, though, even if it means risking a fight."
>"Ok, after you're done that, I want to text Orin a line or two."
>"Ok, good enough. Whenever you're ready."
>Thank Reimu for the tea and take a sip
> "Something else we need to think about: where are we going to stay tonight? I can adequately defend myself from the military, so I'm not worried, but, well, neither of you can blow things up with a flick of the wrist, so you need to stay somewhere hidden. Ace, I'm guessing you'd be okay spending a night with Yuugs? Parsee, do you know anywhere you could stay?"
> Also, set the pocketwatch to the current time, but don't activate the time slowing effect.
>"Huh, what? But I've worked with her for 2 years now. She owns Kawashiro Heating and Air."
>Did we ever have a home number on her?
> "Wait, what?"
> Give her our work address and ask her to look up what's there.
>"Well, where do you think the 'Kawashiro' in the name comes from?"
>If we don't have it memorized, do we have it written down somewhere?
>Does the name 'Y. Robei' mean anything to us?
>"She can't just not exist. Hell, there were pictures of her in Yumemi's office, earlier today, too."
> How far was the shop from the entrance to the woods?
> "Can you check me? It's possible that 'awakening' like I have erases you from the grid since that you no longer exists, and Nitori got her hands on something"
>"I have her home phone number at my place, at least. So I could pick it up while I was there, or ask Orin to get it for me."
> "Hmm, if Nitori disappeared...can you look up Yumemi Okazaki?"
> "Actually, is there a picture of Robei? She could've used an alternate identity for some reason."
>"Could that mean it's just a front for something, or something?"
>"Either way, I'd like to get in touch with her."
>"Let me know when I can send Orin a text."
>Send a text to Orin's phone: "Hey, sis. It's Okuu. I'm alive. You ok?"
>"Probably looking for me. Busy hiding. Seen them talking to anyone? We solved part of. I'd like to see you."
>Any places that would be far enough from the forest not to draw suspicion to us being here, far enough from our home neighborhood to be clear of most of the cops, and ideally mostly uninhabited?
> How populated are the industrial districts at night? We don't want to put Orin in a dangerous situation, though.
>Are there places in the outskirts that are pretty sparse? We can cover the distance to anywhere probably quickly enough, so it's more important to be light on people, and far from the forest and police
>Aren't there any uninhabited parts at any OTHER edge of the island from the forest? Or is it pretty much to the waterfront on every other side?
>How crowded is the area around Kawashiro Heating and Air?
>"Seriously? They say why? And can you get me Nitori's phone number?"
>To Ace/Parsee: "She says they've shut the busses down. Was on the news...."
>"Hey, Reimu, you have a tv?"
>Text: "Nightstand by my bed."
>To Parsee: "Yeah, but how'd they manage to declare martial law over a break-in?"
>To Reimu: "Well, do you have a local news stream you can put on, or something? I'd like to see this."
>Write the phone number down in our notebook. We might need it while we're away from this thing
>Is there a rendezvous point within walking distance of our house that's relatively isolated?
>"It's going to make getting around a pain in the ass, though. I realize that's the POINT, but still..."
> Write the number down for later (get a pen and paper if we need one)
> Ask Ace to do a check on that number.
> It's going to make Orin getting around a pain in the ass. We have a two-person bike, flight capabilities, and, depending on what's still there, a van for an AC company that no longer exists.
> Text Orin: "Do you think you could get to Yamame's undetected?"
> Do we have Yamame's number readily handy?
> This voice would rather meet her at Yamame's. Inside is almost invariably better than outside right now.
>Text: "No. But it's a spot they mightn't immediately connect to me that we both know where to get to."
> "I'll also let her know."
> Assess hindrance to flight capabilities if we're carrying a passenger: speed, agility, endurance, maximum height, etc.
>Text: "Camera not necessary. I look a bit different now. Hard to blend. Still me, though. Try not to be scared. I actually look like I'm supposed to, again. I'm hoping you'll remember."
>To Parsee: "Yeah, you were. A lot of us were. You were one of the people I actually knew, there, too."
>Text: "Yeah, please. Don't want to give her a heart attack."
>Actually, what WAS Parsee like, other than the obvious. Did we have any interactions with her, other than incidentally, or with Yuugi?
>Take a look at the news
> Watch the news
> Do we know anybody on news from old Gensokyo?
> Ace did say we could make phone calls from her device, right?
> To Parsee: "We both live in the Underground part of Gensokyo. I live with Orin, Satori, and Aunt Koishi. I'm not actually sure if you live with anyone - we don't know each other very well. I recall that you're more or less in charge of the only bridge that connects the overworld's entrance to the main underground city. You also have a knack for jealousy. Don't know why. Maybe it fuels your magic, or maybe it was just who you were."
> "Yuugi lives down there too, actually. She's a lot more happy-go-lucky than the biker you know, but she's also incredibly strong. She's a real live oni, and one of the few people I would think twice about crossing. No one wants to piss her off, because they know they'll regret it. The other two bikers I only loosely recognize; they live somewhere aboveground."
> To Ace: "You think it might be a good idea to roll your bike in from the edge of the woods? The harder we make it for the cops to spot us the better."
> Do we remember Yamame from the real Gensokyo?
> Phew, smart move on Ace's part.
> Send a text to Yamame: "Hey, it's Okuu. You still awake? It's an emergency. Can't call, only text."
> To Parsee: "I don't know how much of a 'joke' you are, given you're in charge of that bridge. Can't be more of a joke than someone like me, anyway, I'm renowned for not being the brightest bulb in the box. I think Yuugi likes you, too, so even if someone thinks ill of you they aren't likely to say anything if they enjoy not having their nose broken."
> "Well, I don't know if she likes you in THAT sense, but I'm pretty sure she considers you a friend. She's also a lot less...biker-y than the Yuugi you know in this world; you as you are now would probably find her less obnoxious, really. It's honestly hard to decribe, since the personalities and, well, drinking tendencies are similar, but the real Yuugi is a better person. She definitely wouldn't go out of her way to inconvenience someone unless there was a good reason."
> To Yamame: "Check the news. Srs shit going down. They'll blame me, but it's a lot deeper than that. Orin's headed to you. Please take her in, she needs the help."
> "Well there's basically no chance of us getting anywhere easily now with our pictures having been on the news..."
> Get ready to head for Yamame's.
> "Well, I'm gonna head to Yamames, you guys stay safe okay"
> Kiss Parsee goodbye and head to Yamames place
> Observe what is going on in the Skids
>Fly to Yamame's place, but don't lower our altitude yet.
>Look if there's any landing spot near Yamame's place safe from any police/witness.
> Where are the police cars relative to Yamame's place?
> Do we know if Yamame was anything special in the real Gensokyo, like how we're basically a youkai crow, Orin's basically a youkai cat, etc.?
> Does Orin have a special connection to cats like we do crows, cause if so Yamame might have a special connection to spiders
> Actually, are there any crows nearby, we must establish that Crow's Spy Network
> Sigh, oh well, guess we have to wait till day time, land in Yamames backyard
>Go knock on the door
>Did... she not even notice the wings?
>"Yeah, this... isn't just for show, I'm afraid. It's a long story, but I'll do my best to explain."
>Enter the house
> "Ah yeah, I'll explain later, is Orin here yet?"
> Observe your surrounding
> "Ah yeah, I'll explain later, is Orin here yet?"
> Observe your surrounding
>Head towards the den.
>"Yeah, it really was me. Although I doubt most of the police have any idea why I was actually there. You know I'm not a common criminal."
>"Oh, and the wings? They, uh, ARE real."
>Spread them and close them again, by way of a demonstration
>"Like I said, this story will take a bit of explaining."
>Wave at her
>"Hey, sis. I hope I'm not freaking you out too much."
>"Is it too much to hope for that any of this looks at all familiar to you?"
> "Uh, hello...so I guess you guys want an explanation now huh?"
>"Well, that's something positive, anyway."
>"Ok, Yamame. Orin's filled you in about the whole 'world being wrong' thing, right? Well, I went to the research institute because I felt there might be some sort of connection there. And I was right. Deep in the basement, they were housing some unidentified objects they'd found. Some sort of secret black-ops foundation thing. But I recognized this stuff I'm wearing as soon as I saw it. I didn't know why, but I knew it was mine. And when I put it back on, I finally remembered all the things that I'd been struggling to figure out for the past few days."
>"This Gensokyo we live in is not the same Gensokyo any of us were born in. History and the world itself have been altered, and our memories changed along with it. None of us are human. Or supposed to be human, at any rate. Not me, not either of you. Someone did this. Someone changed the world and all of us."
>"The fact that the ghost who tagged along with you is a two-tailed cat is not coincidence, Orin. You're a kasha. You used to hang out as a cat a lot, in our old life. We lived underground, in the Ancient City, in the Palace of the Earth Spirits. I hope I don't just sound crazy. I hope at least some of this sounds familiar to you, Orin"
>"Crazy stuff," says Yamame, shaking her head. "Kinda wondering why you didn't tell me anything, buddy?"> "I would've contacted you sooner, but a lot of crazy stuff just kept happening."
> "I would've contacted you sooner, but a lot of crazy stuff just kept happening."
> Unyu.
>"Don't take it personally. I didn't tell very many people who weren't directly involved, already. For one thing, it's kind of hard getting people to believe that you're not just crazy, without any proof. And I also didn't want to drag any more people into this for their own sake. There are dangerous people on the other side of this. I feel bad enough dragging you into it now, but we needed a safe place away from my own house. I'm sure the police have their eyes on it. Did they really not question you or Satori, yet, Orin?"
> "Okay, in that case, we need a good story for you two. The people in charge want to come down swift and hard on anyone even remotely responsible. Boss Nitori's vanished, according to computer records. I feel bad for Dean Okazaki, too, since she's probably in huge trouble just for letting her ID get stolen for this."
> "I don't know how long I'll be here, but I sure don't want to be when police pull up, if they ever do. Orin, I suggest you say you saw me on the news, couldn't get in contact with me, and decided to come herein the hopes I was here instead. Neither of you know where I am now since Yamame's been gaming for the past while, so you're keeping each other company. That should be enough to keep them off both your cases. Yamame, you might want to delete those texts I sent. Also, Orin, if they offer to take you to the Moriya Shrine for an exorcism, tell them you changed your mind and are willing to live like this. You do NOT want to get involved with them right now."
>"Ok, here's the lay of the land at the moment. After awakening, I got into a fight with the shrine maiden of the Moriya Shrine. They're the ones responsible for this. They're the ones that reshaped the world. They're also the only ones, to my knowledge, that retain their memories of the old world. She wanted to force me to have my memories and power suppressed again."
>"Problem is that, although I beat her, she's still got two actual gods back at the shrine, and I can't imagine they're happy. Or Kanako, anyway. I still don't quite know Suwako's role in all this."
>"I might be able to beat Kanako. I don't know. But I'm not confident enough to rush into this without looking for some backup. If I lose, I'm sure they'll make me forget everything, and I'll never get it back. I only got as far as I did because they figured I'd never pull it off. They won't make that mistake again."
> "By the way, Yamame, if you're curious, you're an Earth Spider in the real Gensokyo. You look basically the same as you do now, you're just a youkai instead of a human. I admit I don't know a whole lot about the old you, since we didn't see each other very often, but that makes me glad we've had a chance in this world, at least."
> "I don't know how Nitori is. She's been completely erased. No records or anything, and Kawashiro Heating and Air...isn't. The location is owned by some name we think is just a government placeholder to cover up Nitori's disappearance. I need to get there at some point tonight. Do you still have her home phone?"
> "As for beating the gods, well, among other things, I can do this."
> Create a small ball of fusion. Away from things it might destroy, preferably.
>"Well, I'm pretty powerful, myself. I was just about the strongest person in the underground, with... a possible exception or two. I can control the power of nuclear fusion."
>Give a small, non-dangerous demonstration of this
>"I've never fought Kanako, though. And she's bound to be tougher than Sanae was. I also don't have my spellcards, here, and no idea where I could even find them. They may not even exist in this Gensokyo."
>"I talked to the one person who I know has fought Kanako and won, but... she doesn't remember a damn thing."
>"You know that crow ghost that was following me around? When I found this stuff, it merged with me and gave me my true form back. I wonder if your ghost can do the same to you? But I'm not sure we could find an object you have enough connection to to trigger it."
> "I'm not sure about Nitori, when I got a friend of mine to check on her, she apparently didn't appear in the records and her shop was owned by some other person"
> "Lets just say I didn't always have this control rod originally"
> "They can't erase me, they need me as Public Enemy #1 right now. Nitori was far more expendable, especially since she used to work for them and quit out of disgust. They probably think she told me classified information."
> "I 'woke up' simply by putting my old stuff back on. I imagine the same would happen to anyone that's been touched by a spirit that represents their former selves. Unfortunately, the only other thing I have is a time-slowing watch, and I don't know who it belongs to."
> "Actually, now that I think of it, Yamame, do you have a wheelbarrow?"
>"It's a fusion orb. Think of it as a very tiny sun. I can make them much, much bigger, but I don't want to melt your house down or anything."
>"About the awakening, all I did was put the stuff I'm wearing on, and then the crow merged with me somehow, and I remembered everything. You don't really have anything as unusual that you were associated with, except maybe that wheelbarrow you carted around. It wasn't particularly magical, but nothing else comes to mind.
>"And yeah, I'm not sure even these people could change all these records this quickly. I'm not sure what's up with Nitori."
> Hmmm, could Nitori possibly never exited in the records in the first place? but that could only mean she doesn't want to exist on paper in the first place, and that is very shady
>"Anyway, can I use your phone? Mine's kinda not in my possession anymore. I'm going to see what's up with Nitori."
>Call Nitori's number
>"Hey, it's me, Utsuhou. Are... you ok?"
> "I know! I'm sorry! But this was the only way to get reality back! Trust me, Priority One for me is getting you to a safe place, and I'm equipped to do it!"
>"What the hell!? You had nothing to do with any of this! I made sure of it!"
> "I'm wielding SCP-969! The cape, the eye, the rod, all of it! You should know what that means!"
> Cover mouthpiece.
> To Orin and Yamame: "I might have to leave you two here for a little while. Nitori and Yumemi are in deep shit. Life-or-death deep shit."
> "Just tell me where you and Yumemi are, I'll come get you two."
> "I'm wearing them because they're mine! Look, time is short, right? Where are you? I can get you to safety! I do have the power! I know the Foundation has their big guns, but this rod is a damn big gun itself! Besides, the chance is better than sitting there and waiting for the Foundation to kick your door in, right?"
>"I can wear them because they were meant for me. They were always mine. I have forged suns with my own power, in a life I had forgotten I had lived. When I put them on, I finally remembered who I was back then."
>"And I don't care what I'm up against. I'm not letting you take any blame for this crap. I already have a god angry with me. What's a few more black suits? Where are you now?"
>How much do you know about the SCP Foundation?
> Nitori herself is small and light enough to carry around without much issue, right?
> "Look, to put it bluntly because I don't have much time, I'm a youkai who can create atomic explosions with my mind! I'll do whatever it takes to save you, Nitori!"
>"Ok, I'll be there as soon as I can."
>To Orin/Yamame: "Can I borrow one of you guy's cell phones to take with me?"
We're not leaving just yet, I want Rin to touch that wheelbarrow first. You never know.
> Hey did we set the pocket watch right?
> "Hey, Yamame, do you know anybody with a wheelbarrow?"
> Mentally judge air travel time from Yamame's house to Nitori's house.
> Mentally judge travel time from Nitori's house to the edge of the woods where Reimu lives.
> "A park ranger? Orin, weren't you talking to such a person earlier today?"
>"Hmmm... we might have to work on that angle later."
>"Orin, try concentrating on some of what I told you about your old life while I'm gone. See if you can remember anything else."
>"I'm going to go save Nitori now. Please stay safe. It's like the whole world's gone crazy, now. I wish I could be everywhere at once. I don't want to leave anyone undefended. But we don't have a lot of time, so I'm just going to have to do the best I can. Call me if anything at all comes up."
> "Okay. Good luck, you two. And don't forget that alibi. You never saw me. If they bring up the phone call, tell them you called Nitori looking for me. I'll try to be back as soon as I can. Even with all this happening, waking you up proper is still high priority, sis."
> Give them both hugs, and then speed off to Nitori's place.
> As with last time, fly enough to disguise ourselves.
> Estimate on current time.
>Can we recognize who it is? Is it Kanako or Sanae?
> Oh what the
> Can we make out any details?
> Do they appear to be specifically aiming for us?
> Oh god I hope it's Sanae, we owe her a broken nose and a few shattered ribs
> "Oho, so it's you. And to what do I owe this honor?"
>"And are you here to drag me back and seal my memories again, too?"
> "Oh and why not?"
> "Oh, don't be like that, Kana-chaaaaaan. You know you can trust me to follow my heart. C'mon, when have I ever lied to you~?"
> "Yeah, I gotta imagine that's inconvenient for a god with an inferiority complex. You know, having those pesky people with free will around, or asking before you cause wild changes to the world."
> "I'm curious. Did you agree with Yuka when she decided to make winter a bit warmer than usual?"
> "Or did you agree with Yorihime when she wanted to impose her rule on Patchy?"
>"You're damn right I want to keep them! You had no right to take them in the first place. And what're you worried I'll do? Tell other people the truth? Because, you see, truth messes up this whole plan of yours, doesn't it?"
>"The foundation isn't your doing?"
>"First I'd like some answers. Why did you do this? And don't just give me the same line Sanae did. I know there's more to it than that."
> "Kanako, are you really behind this, or is the SCP controlling you or forcing you to do this?"
> Make a pouty face.
> "It's not my fault those meanies took my stuff! I just wanted it back. I tried to ask nicely, but noooooo, some angry soldier tells me she's being nice by asking me questions before killing me! How nice is that really, Kana-chan? Those business suits should really take a chill pill, y'know? Mellow out for a while, let the world reset to what it's supposed to be, y'know? It'd be so much easier on their blood pressure. And probably yours too, Kana-chaaaaaan~"
> "Fair enough, but you have quite a stake in this one. There was something in common between those and this, you see. It's someone trying to push their worldview on, well, the world without the consent of those involved. So, why are you starting another incident, dearest Kanako?"
> How unobtrusive is charging?
> If it's not obvious, can we start charging without starting the fight?
> Mental note: no angry yelling. Stargazer does not approve. This is a shot at getting her back a little more.
>"Is there any way I can prove to you that this isn't just about pride? Is it so hard for you to believe that I honestly care about people, and don't like seeing their lives locked away from them by someone else?"
> "So, the argument boils down to you're right because you're you. And you call ME the prideful one? I am amazed at how much of a hypocritical bitch even a god can be."
> Say the above matter of factly, not raising your voice or anything.
> "So basically I'll have to copy Reimu's performance from awhile ago? For someone who seems to think I'm a loose cannon, I think you have suddenly dipped yourself into a worse track record."
> Charge the cannon
> If she notices and reacts to it, say "Please wait. I'm pretty sure you have spellcards. You kinda left me without any. I think it's fair I at least get a 50% head start if we much fight. If' you'd prefer a peaceful resolution, I'd still prefer the insurance."
> If she doesn't notice just keep talking.
> "What made you think this is about Pride? What you did was wrong and I'm just trying to set everything right again, changing what made them, them, its very sickening"
>"Yes, I know what you mean to say. But did even you ask Satori? I would like to be able to talk to the others, and see what they honestly feel. Whether they honestly feel they have gained more than they've lost. Can you make that possible?"
> "I'm not asking for the world back just at my word. I'm not that selfish. What I'm asking for is to give those affected a choice! The other Gensokyo wasn't that horrible, it didn't have everyone being oppressed and senselessly slaughtered at a cruel ruler's whim. And neither is this world some perfect utopia! Do you know what's been happening to Akyu? Do you? She's being blackmailed, having to live in fear! Can you really say that she's better off?"
> "Well, what's your suggestion for a peaceful resolution? I'm sure a god as gracious as you is willing to at least have a somewhat even fight. Unless you plan to toss me a couple of my spellcards, that'd be pretty cool actually."
> "See, the trouble here is, you won't explain yourself. So, all we know is that you've taken Gensokyo hostage, and plunged everyone into a new world with new memories without their permission. All because you apparently think it's right. Again, what makes that different from Yuka thinking that the flowers growing year round superceded the comfort of Gensokyan citizens? What makes that different from Yorihime thinking that Patchy needed to be arrested for an accident? Instead of addressing these, you've decided to claim you're right because, well, you're you. How is this at all not an incident? And since you put Reimu out of commission, someone has to solve it."
> "Despite your beliefs to the contrary, I'm not unreasonable. If you can explain to me how this is justified and not an incident, I'll go quietly. So, why are you so averse to explaining, hiding under a false pride?"
> "Oh, also, you keep saying Satori and Koishi, and maybe a few other name drops. Besides the fact my impression is you didn't ask Satori, isn't that still following the incident model? Doing something drastic on the behalf of a few people? I daresay I'm caring more about the citizens of Gensokyo than you right now. I'm worried more about the greater good of those citizens as opposed to the desires of one or two of them. Life is unfair, but that hasn't changed in this new world. I can't imagine I'm the only one who's had to go through this rigmarole because you all forced this world upon us. Having to feel the utter wrongness of this world. In fact, I know Orin has been as well. That's another indication this is an incident, I believe."
> "Wait. You did this "for love"? Hah! You really ARE Queen Inferiority Complex! Wow, and here I was just trying to get under Sanae's skin. Who knew a god would have had self-esteem issues?"
> "A band aid never cures the wound. Suppressing the truth won't make it go away. This cycle will repeat endlessly. And I think neither of us wants that hell. I just want to know why you didn't give anyone a choice?"
>"There must be something I can do to convince you I'm sincere. Whether you believe me or not, Sanae attacked first. I defended myself because I didn't want her to do to me what she said she would do. I don't want to fight you either, if I don't have to."
> Have we ever gone full out in a fight? Barring all rules
> If we did, how badly would we hurt ourselves or the terrain around us?
> "I am merely preparing to defend myself, you know I don't want to go with you, and that only leaves force. So what will it be? We don't have top fight if you don't push the issue"
>"Why am I charging? To be honest, because I have a hard time trusting you right now. Messing with people memories like this is about the biggest kind of trust violation you can do. I don't trust that if I let my guard down for a moment, you won't just lock me away again. I don't want to have to use this power."
>"I stand firm by what I said earlier about actually talking to the others. Is there anything I can do as a show of good faith than I can feel comfortable you won't capitalize upon?"
> "I am merely preparing to defend myself, you know I don't want to go with you, and that only leaves force. So what will it be? We don't have top fight if you don't push the issue"
> Could there be anyone trying to sneak up on us?
Don't say this, just go with what Draco said. This sounds more hostile than we need to be right now
> "Didn't you think you got it right this time? How will you being 'more vigilant' prevent anything?"
> "Ohhhhhhhh? This is interesting. I assumed it was because you screwed up, given how antagonistic things have been so far between us. Is there something you'd like to say? I really hope this isn't going to turn into 'I wanted to make an example of you' cause that'd be kinda mean and also kinda toilet about 90% of your arguments right now."
> It's not that aggressive. It's merely closing off one of her excuses by pointing out it causes a logical inconsistency. It's banter with teeth, sure, but it's still well within the realm of banter.
EDIT: Wait, you don't seriously think a fight is avoidable at this point, do you? Buying time is all well and good but you still want to maintain control of the conversation, as well as try to get her angry. Angry people make mistakes.
>Eh, lets get someone else to decide
>"Destroying things? How many things have I honestly destroyed since I gained my power back? One jet tire, by my count."
>"By accident? What do you mean?"
> "Ohhhhhhhh? This is interesting. I assumed it was because you screwed up, given how antagonistic things have been so far between us. Is there something you'd like to say? I really hope this isn't going to turn into 'I wanted to make an example of you' cause that'd be kinda mean and also kinda toilet about 90% of your arguments right now."
> "And we had permission to destroy that jet tire. I wanted to just take the keys, but jets don't have keys, or something."
> "If I intended destruction, I have had more than enough opportunity to do so already. I... Am aware that my track record in the other world is, um, not a good one... I honestly do not believe my actions during that particular incident can be excused, but have I not shown that I have no desire to destroy things in this world? I didn't even really hurt Sanae any more than enough to get her to surrender... Surely you don't believe that I am going to suddenly start destroying things again?"
> "Honestly, Kanako, I just want to go home. Not to some fake imitation of it."
> "A fake gensokyo is just that. A fake. No amount of pleasure will make it more valuable or desirable than the true one."
>"Are you saying that you led the crow spirit to me? Why?"
>"And how does that explain Orin's cat? I know you weren't there for that, because I was."
>Can we get any idea of who it is?
> "Then who wasphoneresponsible for it?"
> So she doesn't seem to be with Kanako?
> Maintain normal eye positioning and forget there's anyone behind her.
> Sigh theatrically
> "Are you going to tell me anything straightforwardly? You say on the one hand I'm being prideful and not thinking of everyone else, but on the other you refuse to tell me the whole story. If you can just memory wipe me, what do you have to gain by speaking in riddles and implying this or that without saying anything?"
>"And does Sanae know that this was primarily for her? Do you think she'd accept it if she knew that?"
> How charged are we?> Disco Fever, baby. Let's kick it off at 78 rpm all night long. Ohhh yeah.
> "So you're saying she doesn't know? Perhaps you should tell her, just to be sure."
> Is the other person coming closer?
> "So you did it for her, why do that exactly, did she not like living in Gensokyo? If so, couldn't you guys just move out, why...why do all this?"
> How charged are we?
> Disco Fever, baby. Let's kick it off at 78 rpm all night long. Ohhh yeah.
> "So she loved it enough to let you mold it into something entirely different without asking its denizens if it was what they wanted as well? What about it did she love, if not the people?"
> "So are you saying that you won't even ask her? Someone who trusts you, and already knows about this world, and you won't even ask her what she thinks about it? Do you really believe that you cannot err? That it cannot be wrong simply because you do it?"
> If possible, bleed off a bit of the charge in a non-violent manner. There was mention of a full charge potentially hurting us if held for too long correct?
> Is there anyway to discharge power without blowing stuff up? We want her to trust us and I'm willing to drop to 60%.
> If we CAN discharge safely, say "Unrelated, but I'm fully charged now, and am currently purging a portion of my charge as a sign I'm still willing to discuss this. Course, you probably already knew I was at full. Fair enough?"
> "I suppose I should come out and say it, since it's been put to me several times. I disagree that the ends justify the means. All the empirical evidence means nothing to me in the face of consent violation. And, from the sounds of things, I'm not the only one that thinks so."
>"Of course I'm not unhappy that people feel happier. But don't you feel there should be limits to how much you can shape other's lives? As a god, your power comes from the faith of those who believe in you. How much faith do you think some of these people would have if they knew what you'd done? Is it right of a god to betray the faith that others have placed in you?"
>"And do these followers understand what has been taken from them? Things have been given, yes, but also taken. What is the truth of faith not given knowing truth? So, Kanako, I pray to you for truth."
>Can we get a better idea of who that figure is, without making our looking too obvious?
> "Your standard is not absolute any more than mine is, goddess or not. You have already all but said that someone who already remembered the other world was responsible for the first part of my awakening. Are you saying you will just ignore the reasons they might have for their efforts as well? Are you saying that no one else could possibly prefer the other world? Are you saying that you know exactly how all their minds work, to know for sure what they would think?"
> "That sounds like an excuse to not ask Sanae to me. It would certainly explain how she felt it was justified just because you did it. Are you not going to ask her directly because you're afraid of hearing something you don't want to?"
> "And even if she does feel this is right for reasons other than because "you did it" it still leaves us at an impasse. You creating this world in the name of your loved ones, me restoring the real one in the name of mine."
> "And what of this other party, who seeks to undo your plans? They must hate Sanae, right?"
> Do we know anyone that has a mop hat?> I'm thinking Yukari may have put on a charade but I'm not quite sure.
> Do we know anyone that has a mop hat?
> "How is it selfish to want a choice for others? And how is it not selfish to take it away? Don't tell me it was because your intentions were good, fueled by love. My intentions are simply because I do not agree with the lack of choice inherent in this. I believe that you were wrong in how you did it, and you believe that I'm wrong. So why are you convinced that your judgment is the correct one? Come to think of it, can you really say that there IS any one correct answer?"
> "Her isolation was her own choice, and if it is really a problem, it is one that can be solved on its own. I fight for my loved ones by seeking to return the choices they made instead of letting them sit in choices forced upon them."
> Our knowledge from this world tells us Yukari and Maribel both had mop hats.
> Regardless of who it is, we don't want to recognize them yet. They may be on our side and we don't want to alert Kanako to their presence.
>"Or is it possible that she realized something you did not?"
>"How did you do all this, anyway? I didn't think you had this kind of power."
>"Suwako?"
>"Do you mean that you did all this just by working together? Or something else?"
> "Ah. Why hello there Suwako."
> Who is the other person?
> Darn it, fly back a couple of feet
>Do we know that Suwako has the power to create earth? As in land, not the planet itself, of course.
> Is the person in the mop hat still behind Kanako?
> Damn it.
> Abscond, but do we retreat towards the mysterious third person or away from them?
> I"m going with towards.
> "Well, I don't think that this is going to go anywhere..."
> See if we can dash above and past Kanako and Suwako. If we can create some sort of shield against any attacks they might make, do so.
> Wouldn't retreating towards that figure also be moving towards Kanako? Back away from Kanako and Suwako
> "Come on, now, two against one?"
> "So, Just to get this straight. It was you two and Koishi who decided and did this? No one else?"
> This ain't gonna end well.
The way I see it, you're trying to crush Sanae's dream. And that's not happening. Too precious."
> "May I ask one thing? Let's say somewhere there is a very very unfortunate person. This person has been spectacularly unfortunate, whether viewed subjectively or objectively. This person is in nature the personification of misfortune, and even the elderly Prince Siddhartha who had mastered the deepest meaning of enlightenment would have turned his eyes away from this person. One day, she (this person may be a he, but I will just assume it is a she to skip the trouble) drifts into slumber while tormented by her usual misfortune, and the next day when she wakes up, the world has turned completely upside-down. It has become a world marvelous beyond words, indescribable even by the word "Utopia." In this world, her misfortune has completely been swept away, and her body and spirit are filled from head to toe with fortune in every aspect. No misfortune will fall onto her shoulders, and she must have been taken by somebody from hell to heaven in a single night.
Of course, the person's own will does not play a role here. She is taken away by somebody she does not know, and that somebody's real identity is completely unknown. It is unknown why that somebody does this to the person. Probably only heaven knows.
So, in this case, should the person be happy? By changing the world, the person's misfortune is completely gone. However, this world is a little different from her original world, and the biggest mystery remains as to what the reasoning is behind such changes.
In this case, using the best evaluation criteria available, should the person express her gratitude?
Though I'm guessing we're past that at this point. I guess you were waiting for her, Kana-chan?"
> "And the way I see it, you're trying to warp Gensokyo into Sanae's dream."
>"Is this really Sanae's dream? I want to hear you ask her, and her say it. You can give me that much, can't you?"
> "I'm guessing you didn't ask her what she wanted either, huh?"
> "I'm also guessing you're not going to let me leave here to save the innocents that are about to die at the Foundation's hands?"
> "May I ask one thing? Let's say somewhere there is a very very unfortunate person. This person has been spectacularly unfortunate, whether viewed subjectively or objectively. This person is in nature the personification of misfortune, and even the elderly Prince Siddhartha who had mastered the deepest meaning of enlightenment would have turned his eyes away from this person. One day, she (this person may be a he, but I will just assume it is a she to skip the trouble) drifts into slumber while tormented by her usual misfortune, and the next day when she wakes up, the world has turned completely upside-down. It has become a world marvelous beyond words, indescribable even by the word "Utopia." In this world, her misfortune has completely been swept away, and her body and spirit are filled from head to toe with fortune in every aspect. No misfortune will fall onto her shoulders, and she must have been taken by somebody from hell to heaven in a single night.
Of course, the person's own will does not play a role here. She is taken away by somebody she does not know, and that somebody's real identity is completely unknown. It is unknown why that somebody does this to the person. Probably only heaven knows.
So, in this case, should the person be happy? By changing the world, the person's misfortune is completely gone. However, this world is a little different from her original world, and the biggest mystery remains as to what the reasoning is behind such changes.
In this case, using the best evaluation criteria available, should the person express her gratitude?
Though I'm guessing we're past that at this point. I guess you were waiting for her, Kana-chan?"
> "And the way I see it, you're trying to warp Gensokyo into Sanae's dream."
> "However, I ask that we may settle this issue later on. If I don't hurry, people's lives will be lost."
> "The very lives you claimed to save, Kanako."
> "No lifting? Let me cut to the chase, So you three were the only ones in your little group who had the power to do this?"
> No retreating yet, the "innocents" hand hasn't folded.
>Blast them for being more prepared and perceptive than we expected
>I suppose we can spare a glance to Yukari now
> "Would it now? My surrender would completely pacify a corporation that is willing to kill innocents because they are loosely related to criminals? Criminals created and driven by your own inadequacies, I might add. Both of you have already flubbed things twice. Why should I trust you'll save those innocents, and why should I trust another like me won't come along later, starting the whole cycle all over again?"
> Also don't blast them in the literal sense please >_>
> If we absolutely went all out, would we stand a chance at beating both of them? We're talking DEFCON 1 here.
> Retreat towards Yukari? if we don't stand a ghost of a chance at beating both Suwako and Kanako. (And to be blunt, we probably don't)
> No retreating yet, the "innocents" hand hasn't folded.
> We don't know Yukari or Whoever's allegiance, anyway.
>She's probably on her own side, as usual. But there's a good chance she's no on theirs, either. At the moment, that may be enough.
> "That doesn't answer my question. Why should I trust you to solve this problem when you've already demonstrated related incompetence twice?"
> In my opinion, it may the best to make a tactical withdrawal. Especially since we're kinda leaving Nitori hanging and we don't know who the other person is.
> Can we make a shield that would protect us from their attacks the way we blocked the bullets from those security guys earlier?
> If so, withdraw immediately.
> "Well, let's check my math shall we? A little bird told me the world was wrong and I chose to do something about it. Sore ga Un da"
> "Then a little kitty rubbed up against my sister and accidentally popped some dangerous, to you, ideas in her head. Sore ga deux da"
> "My persistent escapes and victories could be counted as more, but we'll stick with the little crow."
> "Okay, you're right, I miscounted. Three times. Once when you let the Foundation hold such a policy, once when you let me wake up, and once just tonight, when you chose to pursue me ahead of saving people that are in real danger. You must know that I've had the safety of my friends first and foremost in my mind ever since I became myself again, right? Is Sanae's dream world really one where her goddesses will let innocents die because bringing down someone that cares about those innocents and wants to save them is a higher priority?"
>Since we know they know the "other" person is there, this means we could, y'know, go find out who she is. It's kind of important to know the identities and alignments of anyone with their memories/powers.
>Can we see what color clothing the other woman is wearing?
> To Suwako: "Your ineptitude let them slip through. Kanako has admitted carelessness on your parts as a major factor; you're hardly blameless for this."
> To Kanako: "If Nitori is 'safe', why have all computer records of her been erased? Why is there no trace of her to be found without actually seeing her with your own two eyes?"
>"Why would they want to make it hard to find former agents when it's plenty easy to find CURRENT agents? And it's not like Nitori stopped using her own name in everyday life, and in the name of her business, and so on."
> To Suwako: "So you're saying Kanako is a liar, or what?"
> To Kanako: "And this is acceptable business practice? An employee leaves, they need to be turned into a non-person? Is that what Sanae dreams about?"
> Look around the surrounding area: is there anyone or anything else of interest besides the two goddesses? What is the mop-hatted woman doing?
> Wait what the hell? Nitori was saying they were going to kill her, not throw her into witness protection.
> "I've talked to Nitori since my awakening. She said that they were going to kill her! Are you saying you didn't know about this?"
> Dismiss Suwako with a half-hearted backhand wave.
> "I cajoled nothing out of Nitori. She honored her non-disclosure agreement to the fullest. Why is this worthy of death?"
> "If the Foundation isn't a business, then what are they, and how can you allow them to operate here with such suspect measures in place?"
> We should probably make our way to the third person now. Suwako and Kanako are quite dead set on their inane objectives.
> Be ready to defend ourselves from any potential attacks from the gods.
> We're not done fishing for info (or contradictions) yet. This conversation is also calling Kanako's bluff by keeping all of us occupied instead of sending someone to help Nitori or Yumemi. Once they make it obvious that they're not talking anymore and want to rumble, then we'll give it a go. But not before.
> "Ooh, that is indeed interesting. What do they do that would necessitate "all of us" stopping them?"
> Do we still have Nitori's home phone handy in our head?
>"And I assume that the things they don't feel the world could handle include Sanae, as well? Yet, you say that as two gods, it would still be too difficult for you to stop them? Is that really a better world for her to live in, then?"
>"Why do you keep thinking I don't care? I said that I care. Before you interrupted me, I was flying off to put my life on the line for my friends. I'll still put my life on the line for them. If you want to help with that, I can accept your help. As long as it doesn't mean making any of us forget any of this."
> "I did nothing of the sort. The Utsuho Reiuzi you created and let get 'infected' through your own incompetence is the one that set all that into motion. I have done nothing but attempt to help my friends, despite repeated ignorant Moriya interference. Of course, if you hadn't created this world in the first place, we wouldn't have to deal with them at all, would we? But I suppose hanging the threat of the Foundation over the heads of all Gensokyo natives is ignorable collateral damage in the name of making Sanae happy, huh?"
>How about Parsee's number? Do we have that memorized? Or is her phone still back at the Institute?
>"Yes, I chose to do it freely, I admit. This decision may have been made in ignorance, but I made what seemed like the best choice to make at the time. It had fallout I did not intend or expect, and I do regret that. Does that satisfy you any? It still would not have happened if not for what you'd done."
>"And it's not just my memories I'm worried about. You said I was being selfish. Well, wouldn't it be selfish if I was content that only I remember?"
> "Alright, fine, I screwed up. I did something risky, my friends got caught up in it, and in the end, it was my actions that put them in danger. I was seeking answers, trying to find what was real, and it led to this."
> "But no. My memory isn't the issue here. I'd rather know the truth than be thrust into a lie, but at the same time, I don't want others to be thrust into that same lie. Surely you understand that by now? This isn't just about me. I admit, part of me does desperately want to go back. This world now feels completely wrong, as if it simply should not be! But I would be willing to stay in it, if I knew... If I knew it was what the others affected wanted. None of us can read minds, be sure that this world is better for everyone than the other. Not completely, and no matter what you say, I will stick to that."
> "So what now, then? I'm still going to press on for my friends and loved ones, to the death if need be, and I imagine you'll do the same, though I guess death isn't really a concern for goddesses, is it?"
> Wave to the mop hat woman.
> "Hey! We all know you're here! You wanna join us?"
> "So, will this be fair or will you two gang up on me? It appears I don't have that much of a friend ^-^"
> Check charge. Should be 60%, IIRC?
> "Who is it, anyway?"
>"So, it really all comes down to this in the end, anyway? I'm disappointed."
>How close are Kanako and Suwako to us, physically?
> Unleash SUBTERRANEAN SEPULCHRITUDE!!!!
> ...Crud. It's not at all likely that we'll be able to deal with both of them at once. Or successively for that matter.
> Well, nothing says we can't do our best at it while running away at the same time.
> Dash underneath and past Kanako, sending some shots of the most disorienting variety we have toward her while we do so.
> We're retreating TOWARDS the mystery third person, yes? We're going to need a potential ally in this.
> Is it possible to move toward and then through a less dense cluster of bullets while still heading in the general direction of the mystery person?
> Do so if that is the case. If not, launch trapping arcs of bullets toward Suwako
> Inquiry: Is it within our abilities to create a fusion shield to block danmaku and convert it into charge?
>If we're still near to point-blank range of both of them, unleash a nova from ourself
>No. Otherwise you never would have lost to Reimu to begin with.
> Quickly dodge forward, down, and to the right!
>What if it dramatically drained charge to do so and was apparent? Hence why it's not a good idea except for a few seconds as a surprise.
>If we can dodge in directions that take us closer to the mystery person, do so. Maybe they'll act if we force the issue
>Try emitting an intense but close range heat from ourselves. Can we burn the lilies?
>Dash forward towards Kanako to evade the aimed shots from above, shooting danmaku as we go, then quick ascend to try avoiding those from behind us
>Spin around and shoot the splitting/curving danmaku on Suwako. Might still be good for one hit, anyway
> Diagonally? Try to quickly judge the trajectory, can we dodge it by going up?
> Do so if that is the case, but don't stop moving forward regardless
> Charge if we can do so without reducing our speed.
>Dash forward towards Kanako to evade the aimed shots from above, shooting danmaku as we go, then quick ascend to try avoiding those from behind us
>Spin around and shoot the splitting/curving danmaku on Suwako. Might still be good for one hit, anyway
> Wait. Isn't Kanako still behind us? Don't dodge toward her if that's the case, we're trying to go toward the stranger right now.
(Booo... curse my 3d spatial awareness)
>So, Suwako is below us, and Kanako is behind and above us? Assuming this is correct
>Spin around dash underneath Kanako, staffing basic danmaku up at her as we do
>Then, when we're past her, spin around again so that both Kanako and Suwako are in front of us
>Launch the splitting/curving danmaku at Kanako from this position
> How close are we to the stranger?
> Stop the heat wave. Instead, try shooting at the lily pads ahead of us, with extremely hot bullets.
> Come to think of it, what's the cost for certain moves? For example, arcing, trapping danmaku, or a sun.
> Continue moving forward as fast as we can, with something of an erratic pattern of zig-zagging, though making sure to focus on dodging the rainbow bullets. If the lilies don't wilt with our shots, quickly zoom to the right just before we hit them
> What sort of single blast can we release at 100% charge?
> Fire normal straight shots at Kanako while she's trapped in between the splitting shots, akin to what we did to Sanae.
> Try to shoot through the lilypads at Suwako with a laser. Then rush toward Kanako, shooting some standard danmaku at Kanako, preferably something that will take advantage of the decreasing distance
> Can we get closer to Suwako without tossing ourselves straight into some lilypads? If possible, do so, and unleash whatever we can that's most powerful at point blank range if we can get there. This even includes if it's necessary to directly shoot through a few stray lilypads to do so, though we shouldn't waste our effort on large clusters.
> If that's not possible, can we get closer to Kanako instead and do something similar to her?
> If neither, can we get into a position where it's more difficult for Kanako to summon the pillars without hitting herself or Suwako?
> If none of these, simply dodge to the left while continuing to shoot at Kanako.
> Is there a clear line between us and Kanako? Do we have time to get right up next to her before the columns hit us? If so, dash toward her at full speed and give her a sun to the face, preferably right after giving her a physical punch with all our strength.
> If not, dodge downward and to the left if doing so doesn't send us right into Suwako's danmaku. Right as the second option, and forward as third. If any of these puts us right into line of fire, dodge backward instead, shooting normal danmaku at Kanako.
> Darn, stay on the defensive until we can get our charge up
> Can we observe the Mop-Hat person without compromising ourselves
>If we can't really see the pillars through the sun, ascend quickly and try to get out of the line of any that could be aimed at us
>Face downward, and launch a rapid-fire medium spread at Kanako tracing the edges of where she might be forced to move to evade that sun
>Where is the third person in relation to us, now?
>Is it possible to direct the path of a sun already shot by us? Pull it backwards?
> How far behind you?, if close enough for her to hear you "So, uh, are you gonna introduce yourself?"
>Launch a stream of danmaku at Kanako's front and immediate side in an attempt to force her backwards towards the sun's position while moving backwards
>Then quickly dive, and flip around so you're facing upwards, and can hopefully see both Suwako and Kanako at once
> Wait, Stargazer's here with us?
> Emote to her that these two are the source of the wrongness, and that we need her help to beat them.
> Time for some non-verbal communcation with Stargazer.
> Ask her if she sees and understands the smaller of the two enemies, and the large brown thing on top of her head.
> Tell her to grab the large brown thing and pull it down onto the smaller one, to cover the smaller one's head, and hold it there as best she can.
>If the pillars are not aimed at us, can we tell what they're aimed at?
>Spiral to the side, away from the lasers, and dash forward
>Strafe shots at Suwako while we do this
>Try to angle such that we can get a better look at the pillars trajectory
>Wide in what sense? Does it just cover a large horizontal area in front of us?
>And does all around us include upward / downward?
>Are there wide enough gaps in the lasers to reasonably expect to be able to slip through some if we dashed forward?
>Move forward, trying to slip through the lasers
>Fire a stream of danmaku in front of you as you move. Aim towards Suwako, but try to shoot down any lilypads that are obviously in your way as you do this.
>Can we see Kanako and the third person from here without shifting our concentration?
> When we looked at the third person, did we see if they had wings or not?
> Assuming we've seen a picture of Governor Scarlet before, did the person look anything like that?
> Nonverbally congratulate Stargazer, she's doing well! Tell her to keep it up!
>How much distance did we manage to cover last time, during the period that time was slowed by the pocketwatch?
>Are we at a similar or lesser distance now?
>If not, try to carefully maneuver closer, and once close enough, do the following: (If already close enough, do it anyway)
>Mentally yell to Stargazer: "Get away!"
>Open the pocketwatch
>Dash to Suwako as quickly as we possibly can. Be willing to scrape by a projectile or two if necessary. Push it.
>Swing around Suwako such that her and Kanako are in a straight line from us
>Expend all our charge to shoot a fusion laser at point blank range, with both Suwako and Kanako in its line of fire
> Okay. So the unknown person was Minoriko.
> Too bad we likely don't know her.
>Capitalize on her staggering and launch another barrage of danmaku at Suwako
>Shift backwards to open enough room to dodge a counterattack
>Keep an eye on Kanako
>Are all these pillars by the edge turned towards us? Or are they just forming a stationary barrier?
>Sweep away from the line of blue cards, and move to follow Suwako's direction
>Shoot the splitting/curving danmaku at Suwako. If she's trying to put distance between us, let's limit her options
> Continue nonverbal communication with Stargazer; congratulate her on a job well done.
> Ask Stargazer if she recognizes the bigger enemy, the one in the long red dress, and if she (Stargazer) does, to move toward her (the red dress woman).
> Can we tell approximately where Stargazer is?
> What does Suwako's wound look like? A simple bruise, drawn blood, a small chunk of torso missing, etc.
>Can we go over or under this wall? If so, do so, and continue to pursue.
>Otherwise, ascend a bit
>Fire danmaku at Kanako while she remains the visible target, whether we can move past the wall or not
>Move out of the way quickly!
>If either direction seems possible, try to move towards Suwako. Dive past the wall, if it'll get you there faster.
> Nonverbally tell Stargazer to contact us when she has reached the larger enemy.
> Do this after dodging the new wall of cards as described in the previous post.
>Keep moving from these lines, towards Suwako
>If we have any line of fire at all to Suwako, fire at her
>How far do the lines extend behind us before they end? As in, how long will it take one of them to pass by, and the way back to open again?
>How close are we getting to the pillars?
> How much concentration does it take to reset the watch?
>The walls are large, but fairly narrow, correct? Meaning that we still have a pretty clear line of sight to Kanako, between the two lines we're currently sandwiched between?
>How close is Suwako? Have we seen her do anything other than attempt to run away, at this point?
>Do we know where the third person is?
> Nonverbally tell Stargazer to take the front of the long red dress and pull it up onto and over the head of the woman wearing it.
>Do we have enough room to shift between the incoming wall, and one of the existing ones?
>If so, fly between the two of them towards her, launching a stream of regular danmaku as we do
>If not, dive down to beneath all of these walls, and try to relocate Suwako
>Continue moving towards Kanako and dive downwards and bank to the right
>Spare a glance behind us, and then around us. Try to relocate Suwako
>Continue firing at Kanako
> Is Kanako actively firing upon us right now?
> If not, pull out the watch again and adjust it by three seconds in whatever direction we adjusted it last time.
> If Kanako is firing upon us right now, do not pull the watch out.
>Is Suwako near the other person?
>Fly towards Kanako
>Try to keep make irregular adjustments to the flight path to avoid any direct shots. Bank to the left, then up, then back to the right, while preserving mostly forward momentum
>Continue to shoot at Kanako as we close in
>What are the orbs of light doing?
> Nonverbally apologize to and sympathize with Stargazer, and tell her to move away from the combat so she doesn't get hurt some more.
>Mentally signal Stargazer to get out of the way
>Flip open the watch
>If time slows, quickly dive under Kanako, and loop up behind her, at point blank range
>Then, whether time slows or not:
>Launch a giant sun at Kanako. Pour all our charge into it
>Once the sun is launched, try to follow up with danmaku around the edge of the sun's trajectory, to constrain movement
>Dash towards Kanako, while shooting rapid-fire danmaku
>As we get closer, bank and sweep away from both her and Suwako and shoot a couple larger blasts
>How close are the frogs, and how much area are they covering?
>Where's the other figure now?
>Dash backwards in the general direction of where we think the other figure is, and angle to the side to attempt to avoid the incoming knives
>How large and dense is the frog cloud?
>Try launching a few shots into it to see if we can destroy them by shooting them
>Resume charging, if we haven't already.
You think you see a way through it, if you hold still.
>Does this mean that it looks like if we do not move from our current position, the frogs will simply pass us by?
>If we remain still, do we estimate the frog cloud will reach us before the knives have passed by?
>Stay in our current position to evade the knives
>Fire a fusion laser at Kanako. Keep the power low enough that we can sustain it for long enough to trace her position as she moves to evade
>Once the knives are past, burst backwards, and try to stay ahead of the cloud, a little
>Let the knives pass by, again
>What is the rough proximity and direction of all 3 other people?
>Yell "Hey, you back there! If this is your doing, do you think you can lend a hand?"
>Launch a sun at Suwako
>If the sun seems to burn up the frogs, follow it in towards Suwako
>While moving, fire a few shots at Kanako. Can't let her get complacent
> "What 'but'? C'mon, get with it! Didja bring me back just to watch me get blasted?"
>Continue navigating through the frog cloud, following the sun for as long as it provides cover
>Try to break through to the other side
>Aim a few more shots at Suwako
>How can the shots be both coming from her, and all around us? Are they fast enough that the cloud has ALREADY reached us?
>Is the sun still moving?
>How dense is the cloud?
>If we think we can navigate laterally through it, try to position ourselves so that the sun is between us and Kanako, and can serve as shield, at least briefly
>While doing such, try to launch a couple more shots at Suwako
>Given a cursory analysis of the patterns around us, how do we feel about our ability to approach Suwako and Kanako respectively?
>Do we see any areas not currently (or shortly to be) within the both of these clouds?
>Fly towards Kanako, taking care to avoid the incoming frogs as best as possible in the process
>Take whatever opportunities present themselves between Kanako's snakes to shift northward, a little at a time
>Leave some bullets in our wake, generally directed sideways towards Suwako's location
>How/where do the pillars seem to be moving?
>Continue trying to push to the north, shifting through the gaps in the snakes as best as possible
>How can they be gathering and spreading at the same time?
>Do they appear to be angling towards us?
>Continue to move as we have been
>Fire a couple larger danmaku, followed by a stream of wide-angle smaller danmaku towards Kanako. (Both non-charge types) Hopefully, the concentration of moving all those things will limit her ability to dodge at least a little
>Are the pillars angling straight down towards the ground, or down towards us? If the former, and this is essentially like lining up a grid of nails to hammer into a board, how large are the gaps between these pillars? How large are the pillars themselves?
>Keep an eye on them, and be ready to fire and move quickly as soon as those pillars show any signs of sudden movement
>Are they just spreading over the area currently covered in the snake/frog field?
>How close are we to the outside or range limit of either field?
>If we were to use a supernova style attack at current charge, how far out from us would it reach?
>I meant more in the point-blank sense, centered on ourselves
> Continue moving towards Kanako as best as possible, while making our way through the danmaku pattern and throwing a few bullets towards her that do NOT use charge, if possible.
> Are the pillars directly above us/ if they came straight down right now, would any be able to hit us?
>Try to position ourselves so that there is no pillar immediately above us
>Are they still spreading out?
>Can we at least see the openings between the pillars, even if all the snakes and frogs around us make it difficult to maneuver to said openings?
>Keep moving northwest
>The moment the pillars start to move, launch a sun towards Kanako
>Follow in the gap created in its wake (positioning ourselves to use it as shelter against both the snakes and frogs) to a safe spot between the pillars
>Wait for the pillars to pass by
>If we can launch some more shots at her while moving, without losing too much speed, do so
>Quickly follow the wake of that sun
>Move into another gap, closer to Kanako that we can reach before the pillars rise back up through this, again
>If we can launch some more shots at her while moving, without losing too much speed, do so
>Can we safely occupy the space WITHIN one of our own suns?
>Do we have any room to dive back into the sun from our current position? Before it reaches Kanako?
>If it canceled out the pillars in front of us, and we're only a couple yards away from Kanako, does that mean we have an essentially clear path to her, for another second or two? (Once the pillars immediately around us fly by)
>Maneuver just a little closer, into this gap
>Then launch another sun shot at Kanako
>Immediately dive into the sun
>Burst out at a slightly different trajectory (off to the side, but still headed toward Kanako), with as much speed as we can put into a quick movement
>Appear to be dashing AT Kanako, then at the last moment, sweep to the side and around behind her, leaving some shots in our wake
>Loop one arm through her Shimenawa and hold it tightly, level our control rod at her and fire
>Push the limits of our physical strength, and do our best to hold her for just a moment, just long enough for the sun in front of her to smack into her
>Can we quickly see what did this?
>Take care not to lose sight of any other bullets still coming our way
>Wait, wasn't she in front of us? How's she below and behind us now?
>Kick her hand away, if she tries to grab our other leg
>Oh. I thought we weren't in a position where Kanako could do that without us knowing.
>Well, shoot her with all we've got! We can't let her get that boot off, and if she's that close, it's impossible to miss!
> Quick, unleash a quick burst of small bullets into her face, and when she is distracted by it punch her in the face and get some distance on her
> Wait, try what again? We haven't gone after her this directly yet.
(You know, why is it that cement boot to the face seems somehow meaner than blowing someone up with a giant sun?)(Hey, I didn't start this war, but it's on.)
> How much energy would it take to produce generate a mini-sun around us?
> No, do not ask for clarification.
> Assess the location of Kanako's face relative to our cement boot.
> If close, give her a CEMENT BOOT TO DA HEAD
> If not, fly away from her releasing a stream of Danmaku in our wake
>Is she still holding onto one of our legs?
>Where is the sun shot relative to us, now?
>If we can get any propulsion out of ourself, try to drag us away from Suwako (northward)
>Mentally communicate to Stargazer: "Get her fingers off my leg."
> Flying "away from her" might be harder than normal, given she has a deathgrip on our leg.
> Where are Suwako's shots relative to us right now? Distance and direction.
> How much energy would it take to produce generate a mini-sun around us?
>Wait, is she restraining BOTH our legs?
>Then why couldn't we kick her with the other one, earlier?
> Ask Stargazer if the heat and energy from our sun is hurting her.
>Keep flailing our leg with the boot to keep it out of Kanako's reach
>Fire some shots at her to distract her from getting a good grip on it
>Make sure that she's still in the path of the sun. Try to keep us there
>Drag her towards the line it's traveling in, if necessary
>If Stargazer succeeds in loosening Kanako's grasp enough for us to break free, quickly tackle Kanako into the sun
> Can we blast her into the sun with another sun at this range?
> If we can, align her with the existing sun and blast her point blank with a second sun to push her into the first one.
> Follow with our own momentum if needed.
>Before doing this, tell Stargazer to latch back onto Kanako with all her might and don't let her move.
> If we succeed in pushing her into the sun, start humming
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk="Here Comes The Sun"[/url)
> Keep a firm grip on Kanako with our arms while headbutting her as hard as we can. Be willing to take the collateral gut damage.
>If our control rod is angled around her in any way that could possible hit her, shoot while still grappling. Even if it only grazes across her back or something. Try for larger bullets that would have a wider path
>If she appears to break free, quickly unleash a self-origin nova-style burst before she can get any distance
>Why didn't we burst her when she broke away?
>Is the light just what's coming from the sun? Or is it something else?
> Try to regain our senses.
> Nonverbally cheer Stargazer on to keep her motivated!
>Oh, so did she appear at actually get hit by the sun, then, or something?
>Dash out of the sun, up and away from the direction whatever it was that hit us. We need to be able to see again
>Sweep wide of the rings, while firing strafing shots at Suwako. Move in a direction that allows us to see both her and Kanako at the same time
>What's Kanako's apparent condition, from what we can see?
>Try to weave find an opening in the rings to one side of Suwako and dash past, sending bullets in your wake in her direction.
>Then double-back and do the same thing on the other side of her
>Don't get TOO close to her. Try to stay far enough away that she can't hit you hit a ring before you can tell where she's throwing it
>Dive under the ring, and swing around for a third pass
>Give every indication that we're continuing the same attack as before
>And then when we reach more or less the closest point of our attack run to Suwako, swing towads her and unleash that point-blank nova attack
>Are there any gaps between the rings, that we feel comfortable navigating through?
>If not, try diving
>Let Suwako get a little closer to us
>If we're hemmed in by the rings, or she gets suitably close: nova burst
> Rest for a moment and observe both Kanako and Suwako's situations.
> What is the third person doing?
> Are the pillars heading for us or are they being set up for an attack?
> Is there a clear path to the third person?
> If so, fly over to them.
> Instinctively dodge upwards as fast as we can, while looking back to see what's coming towards us.
> "I don't know who you are, but I need your help to defeat them! I might not be able to do this alone, we're both on the same side here!"
> Examine the battlefield, what shots are coming towards us. and where are Kanako and Suwako located?
> Quickly, dodge to the left. Pay attention to the pillars from above so we won't run into anymore of them.
> "It doesn't matter if you're no match for them, if we combine our efforts we can win!"
> How charged are we?
> "Just do whatever you can do. That's more or less what I've been doing the entire time."
> Assess the situation, what's heading towards us and what is Suwako and Kanako doing?
> If Suwako is charging directly towards us, fire some fast danmaku directly at her to slow her down
> "You can at least distract them! You don't need to do much damage, but it would really be helpful if they weren't both focused on me!"
> Dodge to the right, and try firing at Suwako, preferably with some sort of spread shot.
> Come to think of it, can we do something like our splitting danmaku, but have it split horizontally from our perspective, allowing sort of a wall with repeated fire?
>"I didn't want to fight you two, either. But some things are worth fighting for! You wouldn't have started this if you didn't care, too, Minoriko."
>Find a gap between the pillars, and position ourself in it.
>Then dash upwards through the path of this gap
>Stafe Suwako as we go, if we can see where she is
>If Suwako closes into close range during this, launch a sun at her
> Actually, if it seems like Suwako can't dodge, use up all our charge on a laser straight into her. If she takes the full force of that, it will probably do severe damage
> Try to ask Stargazer if she can pull down the large brown thing over that girl's head again.
> Start by firing a shot that curves/splits at Suwako's sides
> Tell Stargazer to pull it down now, and get away as fast as possible after doing so.
> Charge forward, fire a laser above Suwako, and sweep it vertically from top to bottom.
> Dive down below while charging Suwako, punch her with all we've got if she tries to dodge by dropping altitude.
>If we can slip between them, move away from them entirely
>Find a gap between the pillars, and be prepared to ascend through it when the pillars move, and away from these lasers
>Once we ascend past the pillars, strafe over Suwako, firing downwards, then round around and lay down some crossfire
>"Minoriko, even if fighting isn't what you wanted, it's what's happening now! They said they'd deal with you once they were done with me. I'm not sure you can avoid that by just staying back now. But if you can help, you help both our chances."
>"I don't want to drag anyone else into this. But you were the one who said you'd 'deal' with her. How am I supposed to know what that means? Your idea of 'dealing' with me hasn't been too much fun for either of us, so far. I still want to protect people, whether you believe that or not!"
>Find a path between the spokes, and dive towards Suwako, firing towards her as we go
>Mentally to Stargazer: "If you can do it, do it now!"
>If we see Suwako falter, fire a sun at her
>Otherwise, dive down, and bank up underneath her
>"That's not what I'm saying at all! I'm saying that I'm worried you'll do that ANYWAY."
>Position ourselves at a gap in the pillars that is close to where Suwako is
>Thrust up through it, and shoot a sun at Suwako when we get close to her
>Continue shooting through the sun, and follow in its wake
>If Suwako moves out of the sun's path, and we can use the sun to navigate towards her (by dashing through it, or using it as a shield), do so
>Can we see the pillars incoming from above us, again?
>If so, try to position ourselves through another gap, near the sun
>After the pillars fall, or If we think we have enough to pull the following off before the next barrage of pillars fall:
>Dive into the sun
>From inside one position, launch several streams of bullets at Suwako
>Then, with the sun masking our position, emerge from the OTHER side of the sun (compared to where we were shooting from), and shoot a fusion laser at her while she hopefully thinks we're elsewhere, and is dodging the previous streams
>Do we have enough room to simply move quickly up through the pillars, and avoid the lasers?
>If so, do so
>Otherwise, can we see any other openings?
>Try diving quickly, getting further down than the lasers, without the pillars catching up to us
>Then, when away from the lasers, find a gap in the pillars and get into it
>If it doesn't look like we're going to be able to get away this way, launch a sun defensively against the incoming offense
>Shoot a fusion laser at Suwako, and pour everything we have into it
>Keep the beam steady, and sweep it after her if she moves out of the way
> Are we really still charged to 60%?
> If so, push her down with a sunburst and punch/tackle her to force her to the ground hard.
> If not, still see if we can add a little inertia to her fall.
> Keep an eye out for Kanakoness.
> Try to catch Suwako, assuming she IS out cold.
> Hope she isn't letting herself fall in order to trick you.
> How heavy is Suwako? Would she be a great flight hindrance?
> Could we carry her around in flight by locking her neck into the crook of our non-rod-arm elbow and pressing her up against our torso?
> That's okay, I'm not interested in bulletan right now.
> Is Kanako currently firing at us?
> If not, rig Suwako up in our arm as described in the previous post and point the control rod at her. Fly up toward Kanako like this, with a blank expression.
> If Kanako IS firing at us, act to use Suwako as a shield from anything that's not a light pillar.
> Allow a small smirk.
> "She was right, you know. I really am bad at math. It never was a two-on-one. Lucky for me I have friends that know my memory is lacking."
> Drop the smirk.
> "So, you like talking, right? We're all pretty beat up right now. Let's take a moment and talk, then."
> Kinda hoping she'd lead there. Well, whatever. We can lead. Need to check up on Minoriko first.
> Where is Minoriko right now relative to the rest of us?
> As long as she's within calling distance, that's fine. Anyway, back to Kanako.
> "So I'm curious. Let's say Suwako was still conscious right now. What do you think she'd tell you to do in this situation?"
> Waggle the control rod up and down a little for effect, but keep it trained on Suwako.
> "I-it was a rhetorical question."
> "So she'd want you to shoot me, knowing full well I could just swing her body around to block most everything? She's certainly self-sacrificing, I'll give her that. But I wonder if she'd think that's what Sanae would want?"
>"There's been a lot of things none of us have been happy about, these past few days."
>"And even if it's beyond my power, is it beyond yours?"
>"Must be awfully convenient to be able to go into battle knowing that if people still put their faith in you, you cannot be destroyed. I've never had that luxury."
>"Yes, sorry."
>"Do you intend to continue this? We've already done plenty of damage to each other, and you know I never wanted any of this in the first place."
>"I didn't fight this hard only to surrender now. I didn't want this fight, but if you refuse to yield your position even in a little, I guess I have no choice either."
>"But... if you insist on resuming, at least let me move Suwako out of the line of fire. You may still be convinced that I am a prideful person who cares of no one but themselves, but I don't want to hurt her any more than I have to. I have no desire to cause suffering for its own sake."
>"Minoriko, for whatever role she played in this, doesn't seem eager to harm anyone. Would you feel comfortable if I entrusted Suwako to her for the time being?"
>Fly over to Minoriko
>"It seems Kanako insists on finishing this, and despite all of this, I don't want anyone to get hurt more than necessary. Could you take care of Suwako for the moment? Don't harm her."
>Assuming agreement with this, hand her Suwako
>Then quickly (and hopefully try to position ourselves such that both of their bodies disguise this action from Kanako), take out Yamame's cell phone, and use its clock to properly reset the pocketwatch to the current time
>"Don't worry, I don't intend to let you get hurt out of this, either."
>Fly back towards Kanako, and stop at a respectful distance
>How does her condition look now, anyway? Any improved?
>"Well, I guess this is it, then, isn't it?"
>Launch a few quick blasts at her, then strafe past her from the left, laying down fire as we go
>Pay close attention to the charms, and be prepared to react quickly, once we can figure out where they're going
>Are the cards following her as she moves? Or staying at the spot where they were originally conjured?
>Continue to strafe around her
>Do we see openings between these cards?
>Aside from the cards flying towards us, how close do the rings of still stationary cards around her allow us to get?
>Launch a sun at her, and follow it in
>Try to use it as cover, and get a little bit closer in
>If this fails to provide adequate cover to close in at all, and we get to the point where we think we'll be unable to weave through the cards at all, do the following:
>Dive into the sun
>While in it, open the pocketwatch
>Burst out at slightly different angle, towards Kanako's side
>If the time window gives us enough dodging ability to get close to her, do so and nova
>Otherwise, try to hit her with a fusion laser, from a different angle than the incoming sun, ideally before she can get a bearing on us, after our extremely rapid exit from the sun
>Move into the gap left in the sun's wake
>Continue firing at Kanako
>Once the cards close in, again, open the pocketwatch
>Weave through the cards as quickly as we can, and try to find a position that has as few cards between Kanako and us
>Fire a fusion laser through this gap, and keep it trained on Kanako
>Quickly access openings around us
>Is there still a semi-clear path to Kanako?
>Can we at least dash AWAY safely?
>If the only path we can see at all is towards Kanako, take it
>Summon up whatever willpower we have left. This is the final moment, here, and we will NOT be the one who falls first. Think of all the people who are depending on us!
>Continue shooting while we move forward
>The moment we can launch a sun, do it! And use it for cover
> Nonverbally tell Stargazer that we need her to try again on the big woman
> Tell Stargazer to grab the bottom of the big woman's red robe and pull it up over the woman's head
>Continue firing from within our shelter
>How close to Kanako are we now?
>How long do we estimate the sun will last at this rate?
>Do we have enough of a path to Kanako to dash out and try dragging her INTO the sun?
>If so, launch a few more shots while we dash out
>Then try to actually kick her, as we come out, (with the leg that does not have the boot she was trying to remove, earlier) and grapple both her arms and shift her back towards the sun
>Well, keep shooting and poke our head out enough to see. If the above commands seem at all possible, once we can see, attempt them
>Catch her!
> Ask Stargazer to help us catch her
> Can we detect where Stargazer is?
> Do we know what part of the city we're above?
>Find a nearby rooftop, free of people, to land on
> How long have we been fighting, and how is our current physical state?
> When we land, reset our stopwatch with the phone.
> How far are we from Nitori, and would we have enough energy to carry Nitori back to Reimu's when we get there?
> Ask Minoriko to check on Nitori, and if possible, to bring her back here>Lets not. Minoriko probably can't bring Nitori, she also doesn't know anything about her, neither does Nitori (likely) know her or would trust her; and we only just MET Minoriko, it's kind of rude to start sending her on errands she isn't well suited to do at all.
>Set Kanako down, and lie down ourselves. We can rest a bit, as long as we don't let ourselves just collapse with exhaustion, either
>When Minoriko lands: "I think there are a few things you ought to tell me, now."
> Ask Minoriko to check on Nitori, and if possible, to bring her back here
> Hold the questions off for later, we need to save Nitori
>Kanako said the Foundation had no agents here at the moment. And we need a rest before we'd be able to do anything drastic to save her, either. We can go after a little bit
>Lets not. Minoriko probably can't bring Nitori, she also doesn't know anything about her, neither does Nitori (likely) know her or would trust her; and we only just MET Minoriko, it's kind of rude to start sending her on errands she isn't well suited to do at all.
>Besides, Kanako said the foundation has their hands full trying to get us, first, so it'll probably be fine to wait until we can get Nitori ourselves.
> "I see... Well, back to the matter at hand, how did you reawaken and what was your place on the island before that?"
>"Look, I'm sorry for trying to push you. I hope you can understand where I was coming from. It's almost a miracle in and of itself that I'm still in one piece, here."
>Did we have any idea who Minoriko was in the old Gensokyo?
>If not: "Worshiped? So, you're a god, too, then, are you?"
>"They said you send the crow spirit to me somehow. How'd you do it? And more importantly, why?"
>"Can gods not be sealed here like youkai, can? Or were you in on their deal to start with?"
> "Are you aware of how may spirits are roaming around? Also, is there anyone else who is conscious of the change?"
>"I don't just mean why did you send the spirit to ME, but why did you attempt to undo what they had done at all?"
> "If you initially supported it, why did you want us to defeat Suwako and Kanako for you? What changed?"
>"I only fully regained my memories when I put back on the items that I'm wearing now. The crow spirit joining with me just gave me the sense that the world was wrong. My sister has found her cat spirit, now, but do you know how we could awaken her fully?"
>"Also, can you see the other spirit with me? I think she may be unconscious now. You said other youkai left other things. Is this a spirit that should belong to someone else?"
>"And really, why did you pick me, as opposed to say, Reimu? She's already beaten both Kanako and Suwako. And me.... If you wanted to pick the person with the best odds to beating them, I might have to admit it would have been her..."
> "I see... So it was kind of an issue with all of the imports and what not?"
> "So that spirit in me right now is another special person? Who is she? I'd like to be able to better communicate with her. Does she have a human body here to go with, like Orin and I did?"
> "And if you could see her, why couldn't Suwako? I can't believe Sanae was able to detect her immediately yet Suwako fell for the same trick twice."
>"You recognize her, then? Special case, how? Do you have a name? Maybe we can find her."
>"Who else do you know whose memories are still intact?"
> If we get out of this alive and restore Gensokyo proper, we are so demanding health benefits and vacation time from Kanako for our reactor maintainence work after all the shit she's put us through. Hell, tack dental onto that, too.
>"Well, even if you don't know where she is, a name could be enough to find her in the phone book."
>"And do you know if anyone other than Kanako, Suwako, Koishi, yourself, and your sister are aware of the change that's happened?"
> Recall any personal memories of a Keine Kamishirasawa
> Is the name Shizuha familiar to us in either real Gensokyo or this Gensokyo?
>"Actually, do you know who this belongs to?"
>Show her the pocketwatch
>"Also, what do you think we should do with these two, now?"
> Recall any details we know about the person who works at the nursery.
> Recall current inventory.
> "So what are Shizuha and Koishi doing? I must admit I don't know much of anything about your sister, and all I know of about Aunt Koishi in this world is that she travels a lot and we almost never see her. Have they been hiding away at the Shrine to help Kanako and Suwako, or should I be on the watch for them if they decide to go after me? I know you said Shizuha can't stop me, but I still don't like ignoring potential risks."
> "A caretaker to the park? You mean she's the park ranger? Or is that someone else?"
>Are we feeling in good enough shape to at least fly to the shrine?
>And I assume the pocketwatch was still supposed to be in our inventory, there
>Did we reset it again? If not, do so
>Judging by the condition Sanae was in an hour or so ago, do we think she might be in a position to beat us, if she decided to press the issue?
> "Well, shoot, I don't suppose Shizuha would let Orin borrow her wheelbarrow if she wants to maintain this world, huh?"
> "Who is this 'Sakuya'? Do you know what she was, or maybe where she is in the city?"
> "Are there any other spirits you're aware of? I have a few friends I'd like to tag along with, and at least a couple of them might qualify as animals."
> Who do we think those spirits that were mentioned belong to?
> "Is Sakuya a Scarlet, then? I might be able to find her name online if she's a high-level city worker."
> "A firefly, huh? I recall someone I've been traveling with normally has feelers. I wonder if they'd match up. Bad news on the oni and kappa, I was hoping for at least one of them. No spiders, though?"
>"Do you know how Kanako and Suwako did it? Sanae mentioned some item they took from Eientei."
>"Did you actually try talking to Kanako and Suwako about why you didn't like this world? About how you wanted to go back?"
>"And is what they said true, about gods being able to know what their priestesses would want, without even asking them?"
> "Oh yeah, Eientei! Have you seen a rabbit spirit about? I think I know who it would belong to if you have!"
> "Were there any spirits that radiated jealousy or anything?"
> Scratch this entirely, I forgot we know who Sakuya is.
> "Wait, Sakuya? Sakuya Izayoi? The Chief Administrator at City Hall? I've met her! What spirit might she have?"
>"Do you think this jewel is at their shine? Would you have any idea how we could undo any of this, even if it were?"
>"Well, maybe, maybe not. But we should probably hurry, just the same. I'm just a little worried about running into more trouble, with the condition I'm in. You have any idea how long we can expect those two to be out? I have no idea how gods react to unconsciousness."
>Do we have Reimu's number? If not, call Orin
> Hold up, don't call Orin just yet. We might want to call Nitori first; her situation is more time-sensitive.
>Get up and fly towards the shrine
>Call Orin on the way
>That's... disturbing
>Do we have Reimu's number? If so, call her
>If not, call Nitori
>"Hey, it's Utsuho, again. I'm sorry for the delay, but I just finished fighting two gods on the way to your place. Yes, literally. There's a lot more than the Foundation at work, here, and I'm going to have to make another side trip before I come pick you up, but can you do me a quick favor and see if you can find an address on a Keine Kamishirasawa?"
>"What, seriously? You know her? I... have something that belongs to her, even if she doesn't know it yet. And it might be important that she gets it back as soon as possible. I was going to tell you this in person, but there's a good chance that I might get delayed, again, so I'll give you the short version now. I'm not human, and neither are you. And neither is she. I mean, we're not SUPPOSED to be. Someone changed us, and the world around us. I found my old self again, though. And I have something that belongs to her old self."
>How close are we to the shrine, now?
>How far away is Nitori's from the shrine, anyway?
>"Yes, I'm sure I do. You might believe me if you saw what I looked like, though. Look, you worked with a lot of freaky stuff that most people wouldn't think existed, so you ought to have at least some tolerance for other freaky stuff. Keine evidently had some ability to manipulate history, and history is one of the things that also isn't right, right now. We might need her to remember what she can do, if we're going to fix this."
>We're still flying towards the shrine while talking, right?
>"Can you tell me where she lives? I need to see her. Was she ever involved in Foundation stuff herself?"
>Get her phone number, too, and store it in the phone
>"Ok, going to have to call you back, now. With any luck, I'll be able to get what I'm after here without anyone ELSE trying to kill me, tonight. Hang tight, I'll be with you as soon as I can get the chance."
>Land near the shrine
>Move quietly towards the shrine
>Whisper to Minoriko: "Any idea where they might keep it? Any particularly sacred places? Is it possible to even sense it somehow?"
>Quietly enter the shrine
> "Hellz yeah!"
>Turn towards the voice
>"I wondered if you'd be here or not. And I can't say that I want to unmake everything, just like that, but there's a lot of things about how this was done that I just don't like at all."
>"Can you tell me why you did it? I know why they did, but why you?"
> "And what are you doing in my head at night, anyway?"
> Speaking of which, how necessary is sleep to our daily functions as a hell raven?
>I'd be wary of being aggressive, here. We're in no shape to fight some with serious power> Agreed. We've fought too many powerful people tonight and this can only end badly for us due to our wounds and fatigue.
>"I can guess, but I still want to hear you say it."
>"And what do you intend to do now? Are you going to try to seal me again, too?"
> Pray we don't have to fight a fourth person tonight.
>I'd be wary of being aggressive, here. We're in no shape to fight some with serious power
> Agreed. We've fought too many powerful people tonight and this can only end badly for us due to our wounds and fatigue.
>"Traitor is a harsh word. You know how much I care for my family, and don't you dare tell me that I don't. But can making a few people you care about happier really justify all that's been done to everyone else? Without even asking them?"
>"And is there no middle ground? There must be."
> "Please don't try to goad me into anything, I'm not in the mood. Just rest assured I'm positive you're as much of a traitor to our family as you're positive I am and let's move on to something less stressful."
>"Wait, come back! Tell me why it's not that easy!"
>Move to follow, at least a little ways
>Maybe we could just leave Koishi's (and possibly Satori's, if she so desires) powers sealed after restoring Gensokyo.
>Voice this idea to her.
> "Yeah, run away from your problems again. Miss Satori was ever so proud of you the first time."
> "Ugh, fine. Just tell me one thing: did you at least ask her?"
> "You'll just have to deal with it and stop letting what you are get in the way of who you are. If you can't, then well... I'm sorry. That's all I can say."
> "Enjoy your time while you can, Koishi."
>"And why won't it work? It's obviously not all one way of the other, here. I'm a youkai and I have my memories. She's a human, and she doesn't. We're both existing in the same world together. So it has to be possible."
> Whatever. Add Koishi to the list of people we're flipping off once the real Gensokyo comes back.
> Back into the Shrine, assuming we left it to follow Koishi into the trees.
> "It's ok Minoriko. I don't want to cause anyone suffering, I just wish we all had been given a choice. This world, the way it is... it's just running away from out problems and issues."
> "I gotta check something real quick." Try calling Orin again, and if that fails, try Yamame, if we have/remember her number.
>"No, it's ok. I wish she hadn't run off like that. There's just so damn many things about this whole situation that I don't like, and it seems that no one is even willing to listen. Everyone already has their minds made up, and don't want to talk about it."
>Don't call anyone while we're here. There'll be time later. We need to be quick, and as stealthy as we can
>Continue into the shrine
> So wait, by 'Koishi began to lift off', it meant she was flying?
> If so, say "Minoriko, why was Koishi able to fly?"
>Head east
>Be quiet, and pay attention to any noises we might hear. If Sanae is here, let's see if we can hear her before we see her
>"I want to hear your side of this. Please."
>"Falling apart? How? Is some part of whatever magic they used to do this going wrong, too?"
>"I don't know if Sanae really understood what I meant, because she was so certain in her own position that's she already made her mind up about what I believed. I'll just say this. I understand what you were trying to do, but I don't think that any of us has the right to erase people's pasts, whether we think it's for their good or not. And I'm sad that we had to end up fighting over it. I did my best to avoid that, but Kanako and Suwako were determined to do it, anyway. I'd like to somehow create a world that's fair to as many people as I possibly can. So yes, I do want to fix things."
>Move forward. Can we see that artifact beyond the shimenawa, by any chance?
>Sigh
>"It might have been easier to for us to have had an honest conversation if each time they hadn't been either trying to beat me within an inch of my life, or seal my memories away again."
>"But there's never been much dialog on this, from the beginning, has there? Surely, even you can understand why a person would be upset that someone else had stolen the memories of their life, locked away part of who they are, and then expected them to be grateful for it?"
> "I, uh, may have been in a bad mood at the time. But no real proper justification was ever given to me for involving so many people in this without asking them, so I'm still pretty dead-set on this path. And no, before you produce it too, I don't buy the explanation that the people were hurting and needed assistance."
> "The majority of Gensokyo didn't suffer either, but of course, that didn't stop you guys from running away from the facts. You aren't allowed to destroy who and what we are simply because there's a few sour grapes in the bunch."
> "Why should I consider the thoughts of a select few after they didn't consider the thoughts of everyone else in the first place?"
> "It's all pretty cowardly when you think about it."
> "Really? That's not what Kanako tried to argue. It is an interesting point, though. If you all knew I thought my life was fine and you went ahead and did this to me anyway, did you really expect anything less of me than what you've all seen tonight?"
>"It matters what you think because I honestly care. I know I have a bit of an uphill battle convincing people of that, but I want to try."
>"And no, I wasn't one of them, but I lived with one of them. And I can't imagine that, no matter how much she might have wished for this life for herself, she would have wanted to force this on others for her sake. And THAT is the biggest problem, here."
>"You know, in all honesty, I'd probably give up all of this if I thought it would make the people I care about happiest. But I don't believe it would, and I can't ask them because their memories were taken away. And I'm sad if you honestly think I don't care who I leave in my wake."
>"But, in any event, where is this jewel?"
> "I'd have thought Kanako and Suwako would think of something other than their family's whims. I guess today's just full of moral code surprises, eh?"
>Go into the room in the left
>Quietly, to Minoriko, when out of earshot: "Do you see me like that, too? As someone who's just doing this for themselves?"
>"Maybe she's hurt about your role in this, too? No end to the hurt and righteous anger going around tonight. I just wish someone would believe that I'm not just out for myself, for a change, and give me a chance."
>Pick up the strongbox and give it to Minoriko
>"She said I'd need you to open it. Any idea why? Something to do with you being a god?"
> "To be honest, even as irritating as I've found them all tonight, I don't think any of them are bad people either. I think they're not doing anything more than what I've; they're just doing it in a completely different direction. They changed the world because they thought it was for their family's best, and I wanted to bring it back because I thought it was for my family's best. It can all be altruistic just as easily as it can be self-absorbed. I think this is what Sanae was trying to tell me. Of course, I've realized now that I think this is the right path because it's the right thing to do for the majority, but I guess there's no way for someone else to differentiate that from simple ego boosting on my part."
> "Your sister has a point. I need to stop making excuses. I answer to them just as much as they answer to me. I believe that what I'm doing is the right thing to do, and...I think Satori would want me to do what I think is the right thing to do, instead of blindly doing what is best for the family. In that way, at least, Koishi and I are not much different. I hope she comes around eventually. But man, this would all be a lot easier if we could just ask Satori what she thinks."
> "Anyway, once we're done here, do you want to go talk to her about this? If all these shenanigans have reinforced anything to me, it's that family is really important."
> Examine object inside box.
>Pick up the crystal. Can we sense anything unusual about it?
>If not, pocket it, and head back out of the storeroom
>"Stargazer? Does this feel familiar to you, somehow?"
>"Is there- Is there something like you... IN this?"
>"Is it trapped? Or is this just a normal place for it to be, like you were inside trees, earlier?"
> "Also, does "Keine" mean anything to you?"
>"Well, we got what we came for."
>Leave the storeroom
>"Did you two want to have a moment? I can go on ahead."
> To Stargazer: "We think we may have found a...missing piece of you. Would you be interested in seeing it?"
> To Shizuha: "For whatever it's worth, I must admit, you were right about several things about me. I still believe what I'm doing is right, but I realize I've been going about it for the wrong reasons. I've thought about it, and I've come to realize better reasons for me to be on the path I'm on. And, for whatever else it's worth, I don't hold any of this against you, even if you may hold it against me, however subtly you do."
>"I have a hunch about someone who may be able to do something with this. I just hope she can remember how to do it."
>"Anyway, I'm sorry that this night has ended up being so unpleasant for everyone. I'll do my best to make it right."
>Leave the shrine
> Have we seen Keine, the Dean of the school, before? If so, recall her physical appearance.
> If not, turn to Minoriko. "So what does Keine look like, anyway?"
>"I'll keep it in mind. All I can do now is the best I know how to. I just hope it's enough."
>Leave the shrine, and head towards Keine's
> To Shizuha: "Nothing to be lost from trying. Besides, I think I may be able to cook up a powerful body or two myself to help me out with this thing. We'll see what happens."
> To Minoriko: "I'm going to Dean Keine's place. Are you coming, or would you like to stay here?"
> Based on Minoriko's assessments, how long do we have before Kanasuwa regain consciousness?
> Also to Minoriko, assuming either we haven't left yet or she came with us: "Do you have any idea who would have sent some thug-for-hire named Nue Houjuu after me? She was stalking me for a while a day or two ago and claimed the Scarlets hired her when I punched her, but based on my dealings with City Hall, as well as recent events, I can't imagine they were actually behind it, since they'd be as unaware of the only reason to have me followed as anyone else."
> To Shizuha: "Really? Don't suppose you could lend my sister your wheelbarrow?"
> To Minoriko: "Oh dear. Uh...if you run into her again, tell her I'm sorry for giving her a black eye and I'll try to return the rest of the money you gave her when I can."
>"How do you know for sure it's not hers?"
> "Do you know where hers is?"
> Well, shoot.
> Say goodbye to the two goddesses and start flying toward Keine's.
> Congratulate Stargazer for a job well done in the fight earlier.
> Ask Stargazer why she appeared in front of the girl with the grapes in her hat.
>Do the police seem to be congregated in any particular place?
>How far away is the helicopter? Does it seem likely they could see us from this distance, if they were looking?
>Oh, was the university uptown?
>Not implying it was, but it could have been in the same neighborhood....
>Continue towards Keine's, while keeping out of sight as best as possible
>If there ARE any search lights, be very aware of where they're pointing, and make sure not to get caught in one
>How well can we narrow down the area where she lives without being able to see street signs?
>Her address was for a condo, correct? Are there multiple condo buildings visible in that area?
>Fly towards the area that we can narrow it down to
>Is the phone we have advanced enough to have any sort of mapping or gps system in it? Or just a browser we could use to check out google maps, or something?
>Fly towards that building
>Did we also get an apartment number to go with that address?
>Do the condos have balconies?
>Did the condo number indicate it was above the ground floor?
>Difficult, but not impossible, if we knew the correct one?
>Land on the roof
>What time is it?
>Do we see any access to the building from here?
Is it possible to fold our wings then wear our cape inside out (starry sky pattern outside) so we don't stand out as much?
>Don't change cape. We're going to be flying in, anyway. No way to disguise that we're abnormal
>Call Keine
>"Miss Kamishirasawa? I'm very, very sorry to be calling you in the middle of the night, but this is something of an emergency."
>"It's a really long story, but I can say that someone is probably going to kill her, if I can't stop things first. And there's something you can do to help me with that. I need to see you in person."
>"Look, I'm sure this sounds like a prank phone call or something, but it isn't, I swear. Could you at least take a look out on your balcony for a moment? I promise I'm not lying."
>Fly out, and try to get a look at the balconies, to see if we can see any movement there.
>Tell Stargazer to head in the building first and look if the person inside feels familiar to her. It'd help if Keine is awakened first.
>"Mokou? I don't even know a Mokou. And can you please indulge me on this one? If this really is just a prank call, what's the harm of stepping out there, anyway? I assure you that there's a lot going on, and you're already move involved than you realize."
> "This involves Professor Okazaki as well. As far as I know, she's in as much danger as Professor Kawashiro, thanks to tonight's events at the Research Institute."
>Quickly find what balcony she's on
>Have stargazer go to her first.
>We're wanted and supposedly a dangerous armed person, so don't show up yet.
> Would we be able to get into the building from the rooftop?
>Fly off the roof and find Keine> Make sure to not just do this blithely with no regard for stealth. Remember, the cops are still somewhat around.
> Fly in the direction Stargazer went, keeping close to the building, looking down at the third floor balconies.
> "Dean Keine, are you all right?"
> Make sure to not just do this blithely with no regard for stealth. Remember, the cops are still somewhat around.
> Where is the crystal? Do we still have it in our possession, or did Stargazer fly off with it?
>Fly towards this balcony, cautiously
>Unless we think the police might be able see us from this angle, in which case, get back to the roof and let it pass by first
> Speak the same line to Keine through the phone.
> Watch the cruiser carefully. Crouch down to minimize obviousness; don't want them seeing us! Do NOT leave the roof!
>"Are you ok? Do you remember who you are?"
> "I usually go by Okuu in my household. We've never met before in the real Gensokyo. I live in the underground, near the Ancient City."
> Do NOT tell Keine our real name. She's surely seen it on the news. Who knows how she'd react.
> Has the police patrol passed by yet?
>"Probably because your non-human aspect was tagging along with me for the last couple of days, after I found her."
> "A part of you was with me, a spirit of some sort. She had long green hair and red eyes. If I wasn't told by the harvest god you two were connected, I wouldn't have guessed; your hair doesn't look very green to me."
>"I'm on the roof of your building, actually. I can fly down your way once the police pass by. And what's happened is a long story. In a nutshell, Kanako, Suwako, and Koishi used a jewel containing the essence of a hakutaku to remake the world. We're in the Gensokyo they created. There are very few of us who remember anything of our old lives. Most everyone is living as a normal human."
> "You could say that the current Gensokyo we're on is an island in the Outside World."
>"Yeah, we all have. I'm not sure how much of it really happened, and how much we just remember happening, but it all feels plenty real to me."
>If the coast is clear, stealthily fly to her balcony
>"Yeah, this here."
>Hand it to her
>"Stargazer seemed to feel there was another being like her inside it. I hope you might be able to know how to use it."
>"You know... it may take some getting used to to not thinking of Stargazer as a separate entity..."
> "It's also worth noting that Kanako nipped it from Eientei. I'm hoping to also get Eirin's help somehow to fix things."
> "Surely you've seen me on the news? If you're willing to harbor that, then I'd be glad for a place to stay. Lord knows I could use it after completely wrecking myself tonight."
> "I actually have Sakuya Iazyoi's pocketwatch as well. I think it may be worth our while to bring her back to reality. With the firepower that was behind this in the first place and is now seeking to maintain it, I think we're going to need all the help we can get."
>"Kanako and Suwako already fought me to prevent me from trying to change anything back. They should still be unconscious, but I don't know how much time we have before they start moving again."
>Follow her in
>"No problem? How does it work, then?"
> "I must admit I'm curious about something. Is your green spirit experience the reason you trust me this much even now? One of the pretenses Kanako and Suwako claimed they kept in mind was to change the lives of those in Gensokyo that 'suffered' so they'd be happier here. Do you feel this way at all, like you would have been happier if I hadn't come to you tonight and let you live the life they gave you instead? Part of the reason I'm working to undo what they did is because I don't think it's right they did this without asking people first, but obviously I can't say everyone would prefer to return to their real selves or even that everyone feels the same way about the rightness or wrongness of not asking."
>"Historic uncertainty? What does that mean?"
>"And... would it be at all possible to keep a couple of the changes they've made, in isolation? Even if that was trickier to do?"
>"And, Keine, I'd... like to know what you think of this life you've led. Do you think it was better than your old one?"
>"If you change everything back, will.... will we all forget that this happened? I feel like I may be a better person for some of what I've learned through this life, and I... I'm not sure I want to lose that."
> "So bad things could have happened to this reality even if we all continued on in these lives as if nothing had happened? I wonder if Kanako and Suwako tried to account for that."
> "By the way, are you aware of a group called 'The Foundation'"?
> "After we change everything back, how do we prevent Kanako and them from just doing this all over again?
> "Anyways, got any ideas on what to do next? It'd be nice if we could restore someone like Reimu so they'd be able to help us..."
>"Are you able to use this to awaken people directly, somehow? There are a couple of people I'd like to be able to talk to."
>"Does that mean it would only work on humans? I wanted to speak to Satori. Apparently, she was one of the main people Koishi did this for. I'd... like to hear what she has to say."
> "Hmm, let me think. I'd like to awaken Orin, her youkai spirit has found her so she knows all this is fake, but she's still not herself, so she's had to live through knowing this world is wrong without being able to do anything. Given I lived through that hell myself, it's not something I like seeing her subjected to. Then, of course, Satori and Yamame and Nitori. After them...Reimu would be helpful, though I think she'd resist, given how she is now. Yukari would be helpful, I remember her being really powerful. I thought Reisen and Eirin would be helpful, but you think we don't need them, so I guess they're not that necessary. Uh, who else...The leader of the Armistice High bike gang, Yuugi. I know her pretty well, she's a really strong oni. And then there's Parsee, though I don't know how she's going to react to being awakened, given...the circumstances. Oh, and maybe Sakuya too. Hopefully that won't be too many."
>Keine can kinda just fix everything now when we're all ready, can't she? We don't really need to go awakening people that we don't need to talk to. Well, I can understand if it's someone who could help fend off Suwako/Kanako/Sanae trying to get back the gem, but we don't need to go on an awakening spree.
> "Her Youkai aspect... this will not be easy... I don't even have any clue on what it would look like, let alone where it would be. Unless you have an idea.">Well it'd be her third eye, wouldn't it? They said some youkai aspects materialized as objects.
>"Do you have any idea how we even COULD find her youkai aspect?"
>"And so, you think humans would be doable, then, without any special work?"
>"How long would it take you to restore things, anyway? Would I need to be able to buy more time against Suwako and Kanako?"
> "Her Youkai aspect... this will not be easy... I don't even have any clue on what it would look like, let alone where it would be. Unless you have an idea."
> Consider calling Orin again, to see if she is safe.
>Well it'd be her third eye, wouldn't it? They said some youkai aspects materialized as objects.
>What happened to that eye pendant we had? Did we leave it at the base? Did it look anything like Satori's third eye?
> Do we recall additional voices accompanying Reimu and Marisa when they first came down to beat us up?
>"What about Parsee's youkai aspect? Or does she not really have one, in the same sense?"
>"And do you mean that once you start, time will have changed in such a way that no one else would be able to stop you, anyway?"
>"....does that mean that I would need to break into the museum and steal the painting for that to work?"
>"I have a hard time imagining she'd go for that idea, without understanding why it was important."
>Thinking back on the woman who ran the museum, do we know who she was in the old Gensokyo?
>"Actually, Patchouli runs the museum. If you can awaken her, she might be willing to let us inside the place."