Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on December 15, 2010, 05:23:32 AM
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>You are Iku Nagae, Gensokyo's premier messenger and dancer, and the sky has fallen!
>You do not know how, or why, but Bhava-Arga has fallen from the sky and now hovers scant yards over the surface of Gensokyo. This has caused numerous problems. On top of this, Tenshi has run off after stealing the Sword of Hisou. This has made her a primary suspect in the eyes of many. including yourself at one point.
>You are an oarfish youkai in service to the Dragon Palace. As a resident of Bhava-Agra, you bear a status similar to that of a Celestial, and are considered a minor functionary in the Celestial Bureaucracy that makes certain the known universe runs as it should, with all the rights privileges, and duties that come with this position. You are in the service of The Dragon, who reigns quietly as the highest god of this realm, and is among the highest beings in the universe. It regards you well, and you think of it as a guardian.
>While your duties and position suggest your place is in Bhava-Agra, you have a tendency to roam to other places. You somewhat blame this on Tenshi Hinanai, whom you have unfortunately been charged with keeping out of significant trouble, and her tendency to visit Gensokyo whenever possible. You are well-know for your love of dance, and excellence in performing it; oftentimes you've been asked to star in performances given at the Dragon Palace. Others have styled you the Dance Empress, particularly those who would try to claim that title for themselves. You are, as far as you know, well regarded by everyone you know and are welcome practically anywhere in Gensokyo, save perhaps for Higan. The only real black spot in your days is periodically having to deal with Tenshi's chicanery.
>You have been tasked by The Dragon in dealing with this incident. You have taken some stock of the damage surrounding the fall. You have found that Bhava-Agra's food supply has been badly affected by these events; you defeated a tsuchinoko on Minoirko's behalf in hopes of alleviating this. You have delivered messages for Patchouli. You have had bad run ins with Marisa and Reimu; and nearly had one with Sanae. You have found Tenshi hiding in the Ancient City, became convinced of her innocence, convinced her to join you, and have had several spats with her. You've done your best to bond with Tenshi, and you think you've made some progress in that regard. You've been hearing a lot about a search for some thing called the Brocken Spectre. You found and rescued Yamame, who was captured by faeries. You've been given a hit list by Yuugi. You've released Aya from prison after a rather confused encounter. You've discovered that the islands of Bhava-Agra do not cast proper shadows; nor does Nitori, who is now practically dead to the world. You've found Kogasa has had her shadow stolen very recently. Yukari has loaned you a very important tool. You have learned of a mysterious poltergeist roaming the Forest of Magic, and have deduced that she is both the shadow thief and the Brocken Spectre. You've beaten the Brocken Spectre in combat, then got exilled away to what you believed was the missing shadow of Bhava-Agra. You managed to escape there and end up in Makai, and have had several misadventures.
>"Not married, no, but she's in good health, and she was certainly quite energetic and cheerful when I saw her this morning."
>"I guess you don't really get the chance to see her, do you? With Shinki barring travel to Gensokyo?"
>"Oh, well I'm sure she's just biding her time," says the woman, making little gestures with her hands. "It's so good to hear she's okay, I only get letters every so often. I do try to get someone there to summon me, but you know how those Magician sorts are. Always so calculating..."
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>"Yes, I know what you mean."
>"I could deliver something to her, if you'd like. That's where I'm headed now, in fact."
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> Sechs? Aren't we above such temptations as a Bhavagran? And it's not like Tenshi would agree.
> ...would she?
> ...no, she probably wouldn't.
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> Sechs? Aren't we above such temptations as a Bhavagran? And it's not like Tenshi would agree.
> ...would she?
> ...no, she probably wouldn't.
>Look at you, a pathetic creature of meat and bone...
>"Yes, I know what you mean."
>"I could deliver something to her, if you'd like. That's where I'm headed now, in fact."
>"Oh, that would be so nice of you," says the woman, smiling and her wings twitching. "But, I don't have much to offer you. I have to split all my tolls with that stupid catfish in the river. I suppose if you wanted to stay the nice, and get out of those muddy clothes, I could certainly make room for you..."
>_
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>Smile
>"I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I really have no time to tarry. No matter how pleasant the company. Lives are in danger the longer it takes me to return to Gensokyo, and I do not say that lightly."
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>Smile
>"I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I really have no time to tarry. No matter how pleasant the company. Lives are in danger the longer it takes me to return to Gensokyo, and I do not say that lightly."
>You smile and politely defer. "Oh," she says. "It's just, it'll take me some time to write a proper letter."
>_
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>"I suppose I can stop for a short while, but I still must be gone today, I'm afraid. I don't mean to rush you, but matters are quite serious in Gensokyo, now."
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>"I suppose I can stop for a short while, but I still must be gone today, I'm afraid. I don't mean to rush you, but matters are quite serious in Gensokyo, now."
>"Well piss," she says, "I guess you better just go, then. No point in trying to rush it and hold things off."
>_
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>"Oh, I- I didn't mean to offer and then make circumstances such that you can't even accept. That's just unnecessarily cruel of me."
>"You said that you sometimes get a chance to see her if a magician summons you. Can I assume that Patchouli is capable of this?"
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>"Oh, I- I didn't mean to offer and then make circumstances such that you can't even accept. That's just unnecessarily cruel of me."
>"You said that you sometimes get a chance to see her if a magician summons you. Can I assume that Patchouli is capable of this?"
>She waves off your apology. "She could, but won't. She already has my Petite as a familiar. Typically it's when Petite has some time off, you know?"
>_
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>"So, she can come back then? I thought entering Makai was as difficult as leaving it? Or can Patchouli just send her back temporarily and recall her?"
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>"So, she can come back then? I thought entering Makai was as difficult as leaving it? Or can Patchouli just send her back temporarily and recall her?"
>"Familiars are special, yes," says the devil. "The contract does let them come and go; why do you think anyone gets involved with it?"
>_
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>"I am not familiar with summoning magic, I'm afraid. Or Makai itself, for that matter. I'm told Shinki has forbidden any of her subjects from leaving, and I know that people from Gensokyo generally do not or cannot come here. But beyond that, my knowledge of passage between the realms is very limited."
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>"I am not familiar with summoning magic, I'm afraid. Or Makai itself, for that matter. I'm told Shinki has forbidden any of her subjects from leaving, and I know that people from Gensokyo generally do not or cannot come here. But beyond that, my knowledge of passage between the realms is very limited."
>"Well, you've pretty much summed it up," she says. "Contacts are how people who want to get out get out. But that involves tricking a magician into doing it."
>_
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> "Hmm. Are you familiar with cameras and what they do? The last person I talked to about them wasn't."
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> "Hmm. Are you familiar with cameras and what they do? The last person I talked to about them wasn't."
>She shakes her head.
>_
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> Pull out Aya's Camera and the picture of Yumeko's goats.
> "It is a device that allows the user to create a still image of whatever the camera is pointed it. The terminology involved is to 'take a picture'. The images are kind of like paintings, but much faster, much more realistic, and much smaller."
> Show the woman the picture of Yumeko's goats.
> "This is a picture I took of some goats I passed by a little while ago. You can see for yourself how realistic the end product is."
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> Pull out Aya's Camera and the picture of Yumeko's goats.
> "It is a device that allows the user to create a still image of whatever the camera is pointed it. The terminology involved is to 'take a picture'. The images are kind of like paintings, but much faster, much more realistic, and much smaller."
> Show the woman the picture of Yumeko's goats.
> "This is a picture I took of some goats I passed by a little while ago. You can see for yourself how realistic the end product is."
>You remove Aya's Camera and the Picture of Makai Landscape with Goats from your bag, doing what you can to keep them dry, then show the latter to the devil.
>"Oh, that is simply amazing!" says the devil, goggling at the picture.
>_
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> Smile and nod.
> "It is quite impressive, yes. My thinking is that I can take a picture of you and deliver that to Petite. While it is true that she already knows what you look like, I imagine it would be nice to be able to see you every day, even if only in this still image form. Would this be acceptable?"
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> Smile and nod.
> "It is quite impressive, yes. My thinking is that I can take a picture of you and deliver that to Petite. While it is true that she already knows what you look like, I imagine it would be nice to be able to see you every day, even if only in this still image form. Would this be acceptable?"
>"Is it expensive?" she asks. "I don't have much to share, but if you would like to come in for a little while, I'd be happy to give you everything I can..."
>_
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> "It is not expensive, no, nor is it time-consuming. In fact, I could do it right now, if you like."
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> "It is not expensive, no, nor is it time-consuming. In fact, I could do it right now, if you like."
>She nods, biting her lip a bit. "Will it hurt?"
>_
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> Shake head.
> "It hasn't yet. There is a small flash of light that you'll need to be prepared for, but it's not that bad, and otherwise all you have to do is stand there."
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> Shake head.
> "It hasn't yet. There is a small flash of light that you'll need to be prepared for, but it's not that bad, and otherwise all you have to do is stand there."
>"Then just tell me what to do!" she says.
>_
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> Is there enough ground available so that, were Petite's mom standing in front of her house door, we could stand and take a picture of her without dunking ourselves into the river, or would we have to hover to take that picture?
> "Sure. Before we begin, though, is there anyone else you'd like in this picture? I can't be in it since I'm taking it, but perhaps someone else from Makai? Maybe that piranha woman you mentioned earlier? Or would you like to be in the picture by yourself, since it's for Petite?
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> Is there enough ground available so that, were Petite's mom standing in front of her house door, we could stand and take a picture of her without dunking ourselves into the river, or would we have to hover to take that picture?
> "Sure. Before we begin, though, is there anyone else you'd like in this picture? I can't be in it since I'm taking it, but perhaps someone else from Makai? Maybe that piranha woman you mentioned earlier? Or would you like to be in the picture by yourself, since it's for Petite?
>The house door is opposite of the river, so you should be fine. Hopefully rain won't be a problem.
>"Oh that minnow can go choke on a meatball-shaped rock," says the devil. "This is fine."
>"I heard that!" comes a voice from the river.
>"Good!"
>_
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> Is there any immediate cover from the house, such as an awning?
> Put the picture of the Makai landscape away.
> "All right then. In that case, why don't you stand in front of the door to your house?"
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Heading out for a few hours, though Wacko plans on showing up. Current plan for picture is to have Koakumom stand in front of her doorway and pose like she's waving while taking the picture from slightly above, slightly angled down, so hopefully rain does not splash onto the lens while the picture is being taken.
If there's immediate shelter provided by the house (such as a small roof over the door), get under it and turn the camera on there. No sense in taking the water damage risk.
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> Is there any immediate cover from the house, such as an awning?
> Put the picture of the Makai landscape away.
> "All right then. In that case, why don't you stand in front of the door to your house?"
>There really isn't any cover, save the brim of your hat.
>The devil nods, and does so.
>_
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> Mentally sigh. Hopefully Aya's camera is okay.
> Turn Aya's camera on.
> Float over to a spot a good distance away from the devil such that she and her door would appear entirely within a picture. Float up a littte bit as well, so we're angled slightly down.
> If there are any water droplets on the lens, keep a very firm hold of the camera with one hand and wipe them off with the other.
> "Okay, now pose still with your hand in the air as if you were waving to me!"
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> Mentally sigh. Hopefully Aya's camera is okay.
> Turn Aya's camera on.
> Float over to a spot a good distance away from the devil such that she and her door would appear entirely within a picture. Float up a littte bit as well, so we're angled slightly down.
> If there are any water droplets on the lens, keep a very firm hold of the camera with one hand and wipe them off with the other.
> "Okay, now pose still with your hand in the air as if you were waving to me!"
>You turn the camera on, and clean it with as much of a dry part of your sleeve as you can. Then you get into position, as does she; the devil looking up with a slightly confused expression while waving.
>_
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>Take the picture
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>Take the picture
>You take the picture!
>You obtain: Picture of Mother Devil in Rain.
>_
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>Show the picture to her
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> "How does that look?"
Damnit, forgot to tell her to smile.
EDIT: Ask her what her name is, in case we run into Patchouli again (or, more likely, Meiling) and need to explain why we're there.
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>Show the picture to her
> "How does that look?"
>You show it to her. "Wow, it looks just like me!" says the devil. "Do you have a tiny youkai painter in that box?"
>_
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>"I admit I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I'm fairly certain it's nothing like that. It's a kappa invention, I believe."
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>"I admit I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I'm fairly certain it's nothing like that. It's a kappa invention, I believe."
>"Oh, I didn't know kappa came that small," says the devil.
>_
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>"I, uh, don't believe they do. But no matter. Would you like me to take a second picture, so you can have a copy?"
>If she agrees, do so, and give her said photo
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Ask her to smile for the second one so we can give the smiling one to Koa <_<
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>"I, uh, don't believe they do. But no matter. Would you like me to take a second picture, so you can have a copy?"
>If she agrees, do so, and give her said photo
>"Sure!" she says.
>You take another picture. This time, she seems much less confused and more natural.
>_
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>If she seems more natural now, take another one from our current position, and hand one of the latter two to her. We can considered the bewildered-looking one a trial run
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>If she seems more natural now, take another one from our current position, and hand one of the latter two to her. We can considered the bewildered-looking one a trial run
>You take one more, then hand one of the pictures to the devil.
>You obtain: Better Picture of Mother Devil in Rain
>_
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>"Well, I apologize again for being in such a hurry, but I probably should keep going, if I can. Is there anything you'd like me to tell her when I see her?"
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>"Well, I apologize again for being in such a hurry, but I probably should keep going, if I can. Is there anything you'd like me to tell her when I see her?"
>"Oh just tell her to be well," says the devil, making a little dismissive gesture. "And to stop beating around the bush already."
>_
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>"I will. And thank you, um... it occurs to me now that I actually don't know your name. I'm Iku."
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>"I will. And thank you, um... it occurs to me now that I actually don't know your name. I'm Iku."
>"Thank you, Iku," she says. "And I'm Madeleine."
>_
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>"It was a pleasure, Madeleine. Have a pleasant evening."
>Cross the bridge, assuming no attempt is made to stop us
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>"It was a pleasure, Madeleine. Have a pleasant evening."
>Cross the bridge, assuming no attempt is made to stop us
>"You too!" she says, before marveling at the picture.
>You cross the bridge. Despite it's rickety appearance, and leaky room, it seems fairly sturdy under your feet. And it is nice to get out of the rain for a moment.
>On the other side, you find more forest, no less vibrant or rain-soaked than that on the other side of the bridge. The mountains do not seem to be too far away now.
>_
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>Continue on towards the mountains
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>Continue on towards the mountains
>You continue onward, and the trees soon give way to bare and rocky foothills. Looking ahead, you think you can see a path of sorts wending its way up through the foothills to the side of a mountain. It would also be possible to go north or south; the latter path seeming a bit craggier, but ascending faster. Obvious exits are North, South, East, and West.
>_
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>Can we see any sights or points of interest along either of these paths?
>If not, keep going west
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>Can we see any sights or points of interest along either of these paths?
>If not, keep going west
>None of the paths really stand out.
>You continue westward. The trail begins to incline sharply upwards, while the land inclines even more sharply. Rocky crags dot the land, as do sharp cliffs. Dark and rainy as it is, you imagine practically anyone else would have a hard time seeing through all of this. For you, it is merely wet and cold. Neither of these things are terrible, really, you are an oarfish youkai, but it's much better when the damp part is a constant thing in a pool or stream rather than falling intermittently from the sky during a chilly evening. The ground is a muddy mess as well, with runnels of water racing down the inclines and making things even more wet and difficult to travel. The path, as it were, grows steeper and more treacherous, more so with the weather. Cliffs and step inclines border it on one side, while the other is a increasingly perilous drop down a sharp hill that would likely break something of yours were you to tumble down it.
>Finally, the path comes to an end in a yawning cavern.
>_
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>Cautiously enter the cavern
>How dark is it in here? Dark enough to make it difficult to see?
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>Cautiously enter the cavern
>How dark is it in here? Dark enough to make it difficult to see?
>You carefully enter the cavern. The floor is inclined up a bit, thankfully, but a stream of water along the left edge suggests that water is getting in from somewhere.
>The cave is pitch back.
>_
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>Can we conjure a stable light source of some sort? If so, do so
>Otherwise, conjure a spark of lightning bright enough to get a decent view of our surroundings, for however long it lasts
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>Consider if you are likely to get eaten by a grue.
>Is it possible to create some light that will stay for at least a few minutes for you to see? Dammit, DracoOmega beat me to the punch.
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>Consider if you are likely to get eaten by a grue.
>Is it possible to create some light that will stay for at least a few minutes for you to see? Dammit, DracoOmega beat me to the punch.
>It is Makai. Given the number of unpleasant things you've encounters in other biomes around here, goats excluded, you would not be surprised to ecounter something both angry and hostile here.
>Or did he!?
>Can we conjure a stable light source of some sort? If so, do so
>Otherwise, conjure a spark of lightning bright enough to get a decent view of our surroundings, for however long it lasts
>You might be able to hold an electrical glow around you for a little bit.
>_
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>Attempt to hold said glow
>Examine surroundings
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>Attempt to hold said glow
>Examine surroundings
>You gather some electricity to yourself, and try to release it slowly. It is a but like holding your breath, as it grows uncomfortable quickly.
>You see the cavern continues on some yards before fading into darkness. Water streams out along the left side, where the floor slightly slants. The floor seems to be smooth, if uneven.
>_
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>Continue into the cavern
>If maintaining this light is taxing, take a pause and rest, intermittently
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>Continue into the cavern
>If maintaining this light is taxing, take a pause and rest, intermittently
>You head into the cavern!
>Every few minutes you have to stop and take a rest, plunging yourself into darkness with only the sound of flowing water to keep things from being dead silent. Soon, as you pass by rivulets in the walls, even the water stops flowing and you are left completely alone in the dark. The air changes; losing its charged aspect; you had gotten so used to it that now the air just feels kind of dry and stale.
>As you continue on, having walked for some minutes down the straight tunnel, you see what appears to be an old paper on the wall.
>_
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>Is there anything written on it? If so, read it.
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>Is there anything written on it? If so, read it.
>The paper is yellowed and brittle, but you can make out writing on it.
>"Dear Shinki: I was alright with putting up with everything else, but the last winter did not stop until May! That is just too much! I quit! Please send my back pay to Higan, I will be seeking future employment there. -Sara."
>_
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>Can the living seek employment with Higan?
>Continue onward
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>Can the living seek employment with Higan?
>Continue onward
>You don't think so. But...are the Yama and the Ferrywoman not alive? Huh.
>You continue onward. Soon you see a light up ahead. You catch a second wind and your pace quickens. Soon the light expands to a gentle purplish glow; or at least it seems like a glow to you. There is a breeze, much too chilly for your sodden form, but invigorating all the same. The end is in sight, and then you step outside.
>It is night now, but looking around, you are unmistakably back in Gensokyo. Ahead; to the west if the waxing moon is any indication; you can see a small forest; and what you think might be the roof of the Hakurei Shrine peeking from it in the distance. To the North and South are more mountains. You are cold, tired, dirty, sore, and starving, but at least you're home...
>_
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>At last! Savor the moment.
>Given what we think our current location is, about how far away and in what direction would the place that we last saw the spectre be?
>Similarly, distance and direction to the Dragon Palace?
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>At last! Savor the moment.
>Given what we think our current location is, about how far away and in what direction would the place that we last saw the spectre be?
>Similarly, distance and direction to the Dragon Palace?
>You take a deep breath, and try not to shiver.
>If that is the Hakurei Shrine, you would have had your last encounter with the Brocken Spectre to the south and west a bit. The Dragon Palace should be to the north west. You are not sure which is closer.
>_
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>Head towards the Hakurei Shrine
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>Head towards the Hakurei Shrine
>How will you be approaching it?
>_
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>Flight is fine, if that would be more direct
>Keep an eye out for forms on the skyline, though, if we can see any
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>Flight is fine, if that would be more direct
>Keep an eye out for forms on the skyline, though, if we can see any
>You take to the air and fly toward the Hakurei Shrine. Thankfully, the skies are clear for the time being. You hope there aren't incident solvers out this late, you could only imagine how irritable they must be.
>You approach the Hakurei Shrine from the air. There are some lights on, suggesting that someone is home. You land outside the old torii and take stock of things. You can see Reimu laying on the porch of the shrine, staring at nothing, so far as you can see. Glancing around, the place seems to have really fallen into disrepair since you last saw it a couple years ago, has she bothered with it at all? Or perhaps having a live-in oni just makes maintenance impossible?
>Reimu groans. "Hoped you'd be gone for a few days," she says, as she slowly pulls herself up.
>_
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> "Actually, as stupid as this may sound, when did we last encounter each other? Just this morning?"
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> "Actually, as stupid as this may sound, when did we last encounter each other? Just this morning?"
>"Yep," she says, as she stretches and starts to work some kinks out of her neck.
>_
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>"Well, that's something, anyway..."
>"Reimu, I've just returned from Makai. It's a very long story, but I have discovered the source of much of what's gone wrong, today. Will you listen?"
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>"Well, that's something, anyway..."
>"Reimu, I've just returned from Makai. It's a very long story, but I have discovered the source of much of what's gone wrong, today. Will you listen?"
>"Short white-haired poltergeist stealing shadows?" she asks. "Yeah, Tenshi told me all about that a while ago. So I'll ask what she couldn't answer. How's that anything but a cover for what you and Eientei are up to?"
>_
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> There are lights, huh? Is Reimu casting a proper shadow?
> Take out the picture of the tied-up poltergeist and show it to Reimu.
> Take out the pictures of the shadowless tree and shot them to Reimu.
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> There are lights, huh? Is Reimu casting a proper shadow?
> Take out the picture of the tied-up poltergeist and show it to Reimu.
> Take out the pictures of the shadowless tree and shot them to Reimu.
>As far as you can tell, she does. It's a bit dark out.
>You produce the pictures. She looks at the picture of the shadowless tree. "Yeah, she said something about this. Couldn't find the thing again, though."
>She then looks at the other picture. "Fancy coat. But that's not really answering anything I'm asking."
>_
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>"So, you don't believe us when we say that this poltergeist is actually the one responsible for stealing the shadows?"
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> Sigh.
> "Well, we can go find Nitori and Kogasa if you like, since they were also victimized. But if you really believe me to be responsible for all this, I would be glad to hear why you think I would show up on your doorstep, of all places, at this time of day in this condition after what you and Marisa did to me this morning."
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>"So, you don't believe us when we say that this poltergeist is actually the one responsible for stealing the shadows?"
>"What I believe is what Marisa, and later Eirin told me," says Reimu. "And I'm waiting for you to give me a good reason to think otherwise."
> Sigh.
> "Well, we can go find Nitori and Kogasa if you like, since they were also victimized. But if you really believe me to be responsible for all this, I would be glad to hear why you think I would show up on your doorstep, of all places, at this time of day in this condition after what you and Marisa did to me this morning."
>"What's this about Nitori?" asks Reimu. "Tenshi told me about Kogasa, though. I'm not saying they don't have problems. I'm saying it's just as likely you did it as anyone else; more likely in fact. As for why you're here, who knows? I've found forethought and incidents don't go hand in hand. So, let's hear it."
>_
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>"Why would I wish to harm them? I risked my own life to try and save them! I fought my way back out of Makai after she cast me down, so that I could pick up where I left off, without food or rest, because I cannot let them remain as they are! I have sworn utterly to set things right."
>"I came here because I felt you should know what had happened; I thought Tenshi had been trapped as I was. I did not expect her to have spoken with you. Also, I didn't know what had happened in my absence, or what further damage the spectre may have wrought. I thought you might."
>"Also, I was hoping to find Suika. She is the only person I know of who has spent time with the spectre in relative peace. I'd like to speak with her."
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>"Why would I wish to harm them? I risked my own life to try and save them! I fought my way back out of Makai after she cast me down, so that I could pick up where I left off, without food or rest, because I cannot let them remain as they are! I have sworn utterly to set things right."
>"I came here because I felt you should know what had happened; I thought Tenshi had been trapped as I was. I did not expect her to have spoken with you. Also, I didn't know what had happened in my absence, or what further damage the spectre may have wrought. I thought you might."
>"Also, I was hoping to find Suika. She is the only person I know of who has spent time with the spectre in relative peace. I'd like to speak with her."
>"Yeah, and that's your word," says Reimu as she interlaces her fingers and stretches her arms in front of her, "Which is nice and all, but it kind of doesn't answer much. And don't even start on how bad your day's been, I've had to deal with you, Remilia, Kanako, and Eirin today, as well as practically every faerie there is around here."
>She nods. "Yeah, I'll keep an eye out for this poltergeist. If it makes you feel better, I've not heard anything else about it, which I guess is a good sign."
>Reimu frowns. "Well that's a first, most people looking for Suika also have a bill or something. She's up on her little island, making the tengu flip out. Refuses to leave it at all. She's kinda in a bad mood about it."
>_
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> "Wait, Remilia? Why?"
-
>"Well, at least Suika seems to be ok, then. Given what's happened to nearly everyone else who encountered this poltergeist, I wondered if she might have lost her shadow as well."
>"Actually, what did Tenshi tell you about what happened the last we were together? I... didn't expect her to come out ok from it, to be perfectly honest."
-
> "Wait, Remilia? Why?"
>"Okay, it was more like dealing with Sakuya," says Reimu, frowning. "But I talked with Remilia and that's already enough to ruin a day. And because I saw that stupid flag they put up on that mountain and figured I should investigate."
>"Well, at least Suika seems to be ok, then. Given what's happened to nearly everyone else who encountered this poltergeist, I wondered if she might have lost her shadow as well."
>"Actually, what did Tenshi tell you about what happened the last we were together? I... didn't expect her to come out ok from it, to be perfectly honest."
>"Don't know if she still has it or not, but she was acting more or less normal," says Reimu.
>"Said that you captured that Poltergeist, then got in an argument; then she sucked you into her shadow. Tenshi ran for it, which kinda tells you just how scared she was." She shrugs. "I found her in the middle of the fields south of town, she was panicking pretty badly. We looked around the Forest of Magic a bit, but no luck. After that, I decided I really needed some rest and came home to find someone stole my bed. Then you showed up."
>_
-
>"Someone... stole your bed?"
>"Do you know where Tenshi went afterwards, anyway?"
-
>"Someone... stole your bed?"
>"Do you know where Tenshi went afterwards, anyway?"
>"Someone stole my bed," she says. "Suika's too. Don't even talk to me about a bad day."
>"She said she was going to try to get more help. No idea where she went after that."
>_
-
> Wow, those fairies are pretty damn daring.
> "Well, Sakuya's as good as Remilia, I guess. My issue is with that house in general, sans Patchouli. They seem to have claimed one of Bhava-Agra's islands as their own and have enslaved many of my people to work in their mansion. It's on my list of things to take care of, but given the immediate threat, I've had to put it on the back burner. Possibly for a few days."
-
>"I'm glad to hear she's alright... I need to find her and let her know I'm ok. Well, perhaps not 'ok', but still in one piece."
>"A word of caution: whatever the poltergeist did to me, she did without warning or motion, while bound. I'm not sure there's a defense against it. She said she planned to make everyone disappear. I expect she is fully capable following up on that threat. No matter how defenseless she might seem, you cannot underestimate her for a moment. Not even you."
-
> Wow, those fairies are pretty damn daring.
> "Well, Sakuya's as good as Remilia, I guess. My issue is with that house in general, sans Patchouli. They seem to have claimed one of Bhava-Agra's islands as their own and have enslaved many of my people to work in their mansion. It's on my list of things to take care of, but given the immediate threat, I've had to put it on the back burner. Possibly for a few days."
>They really were. And they were lucky this place was empty.
>"Personally, I don't care what they do with it," says Reimu. "I'm more concerned about the problem with those islands."
>"I'm glad to hear she's alright... I need to find her and let her know I'm ok. Well, perhaps not 'ok', but still in one piece."
>"A word of caution: whatever the poltergeist did to me, she did without warning or motion, while bound. I'm not sure there's a defense against it. She said she planned to make everyone disappear. I expect she is fully capable following up on that threat. No matter how defenseless she might seem, you cannot underestimate her for a moment. Not even you."
>Reimu nods. "I'll keep it in mind, and ask questions later."
>_
>_
-
> "Even if you haven't believed anything else you've heard from either of us today, believe me when I say you're not he only one concerned about the problem with Bhava-Agra."
> "Anyway, I believe I need to go and find Tenshi. I have some ideas where she may have gone. Unless you still think I'm responsible for this and wish to prevent me from leaving?"
-
> "Even if you haven't believed anything else you've heard from either of us today, believe me when I say you're not he only one concerned about the problem with Bhava-Agra."
> "Anyway, I believe I need to go and find Tenshi. I have some ideas where she may have gone. Unless you still think I'm responsible for this and wish to prevent me from leaving?"
>"You've sort of dodged around the whole Eientei part, I've noticed," says Reimu. "I think you better reassure me about all of this if you intend to leave under your own power."
>_
-
> "To be honest, I expect you won't believe me on those grounds anyway. But, okay, if you wish to know what I've been told, and what I've speculated since."
> "In my searchings, I had the misfortune of running into Marisa after she had...I don't really want to say 'talked' to Eirin, since Marisa doesn't talk so much as blow things up, but I'm sure you know what I mean. They were on one of our islands when I first saw her laser. I managed to lose her in the Bamboo Forest and made my way back to that island, to find Eirin still recovering and aiding the injured. She told me she lied to Marisa in order to save her own home - she was certain that, if she continued to deny knowledge of this incident, Marisa would run roughshod over Eientei, where Reisen had currently fallen ill. Apparently she was at our island looking for ingredients for medicine to cure that illness. Given how Marisa accosted her out of nowhere in the first place, I can't say I disagree with her theory on how Marisa would behave upon guilt denial, as much aggravation as her lie has caused me and my people."
> "I imagine she maintained the same lie in that same interest when you came to discuss things with her in whatever way you carry yourself in that sort of situation. I can't imagine what you and Marisa would do to her or her house if her story didn't add up between the two of you, especially given how Marisa conducted herself the first time around."
> "So there you go. Eirin was the victim of an unfortunate circumstance, and was forced to lie and cast blame onto me in order to save her friend from the Gensokyo problem solver that had shown up with guns and unsubstantiated accusations blazing. This is why Marisa thinks I am responsible, and I imagine why you think I am responsible as well. I obviously have no proof of this - I don't even know for sure that Reisen is sick, not having been to Eientei today myself - but I imagine Eientei hasn't gone anywhere, and that you could head over there to check for yourself if you so desired."
-
>"For what it's worth, I have never even been to Eientei."
>We'd never even spoken with Eirin before, correct?
>Assuming so: "And before this morning had not even ever spoken to Eirin at all."
-
> "To be honest, I expect you won't believe me on those grounds anyway. But, okay, if you wish to know what I've been told, and what I've speculated since."
> "In my searchings, I had the misfortune of running into Marisa after she had...I don't really want to say 'talked' to Eirin, since Marisa doesn't talk so much as blow things up, but I'm sure you know what I mean. They were on one of our islands when I first saw her laser. I managed to lose her in the Bamboo Forest and made my way back to that island, to find Eirin still recovering and aiding the injured. She told me she lied to Marisa in order to save her own home - she was certain that, if she continued to deny knowledge of this incident, Marisa would run roughshod over Eientei, where Reisen had currently fallen ill. Apparently she was at our island looking for ingredients for medicine to cure that illness. Given how Marisa accosted her out of nowhere in the first place, I can't say I disagree with her theory on how Marisa would behave upon guilt denial, as much aggravation as her lie has caused me and my people."
> "I imagine she maintained the same lie in that same interest when you came to discuss things with her in whatever way you carry yourself in that sort of situation. I can't imagine what you and Marisa would do to her or her house if her story didn't add up between the two of you, especially given how Marisa conducted herself the first time around."
> "So there you go. Eirin was the victim of an unfortunate circumstance, and was forced to lie and cast blame onto me in order to save her friend from the Gensokyo problem solver that had shown up with guns and unsubstantiated accusations blazing. This is why Marisa thinks I am responsible, and I imagine why you think I am responsible as well. I obviously have no proof of this - I don't even know for sure that Reisen is sick, not having been to Eientei today myself - but I imagine Eientei hasn't gone anywhere, and that you could head over there to check for yourself if you so desired."
>"For what it's worth, I have never even been to Eientei."
>We'd never even spoken with Eirin before, correct?
>Assuming so: "And before this morning had not even ever spoken to Eirin at all."
>Reimu nods as you tell your tale and try to add as much distance between yourself and Eientei as you can. "I'm not wholly convinced," she says. "But I'm not wholly unconvinced either. We'll just say this. I'll let you go now and if things get worse? You better have an invincible alibi. Otherwise I will seal you up so bad that Hijiri will think she got off lightly. You have no idea how much I am not in the mood anymore."
>_
-
>"Oh, I think I have some idea. But I promise you, I will be doing everything in my own power to keep things from getting worse. I did not swear that lightly. I do not intend to let another person fall victim to this poltergeist, if there is a thing I can do to prevent it."
>"On that note, I think I will bid you good night. I hope the rest of the evening passes peacefully for you. And for all of us."
>Leave and fly off to Nitori's
-
>"Oh, I think I have some idea. But I promise you, I will be doing everything in my own power to keep things from getting worse. I did not swear that lightly. I do not intend to let another person fall victim to this poltergeist, if there is a thing I can do to prevent it."
>"On that note, I think I will bid you good night. I hope the rest of the evening passes peacefully for you. And for all of us."
>Leave and fly off to Nitori's
>She nods. "I'm going to see if there's some blankets I can scrounge up."
> You leave the Hakurei Shrine, and make you way toward Youkai Mountain. The flight, thank heaven, is a peaceful one. You're still hungry, cold, wet, sore, dirty and bedraggled, but at least things are peaceful enough to let you meditate on these issues, rather than adding new ones.
>You reach kappa town without problems, and find there is barely any activity at this time. There are some lights in the windows of the warehouse, though.
>_
-
>Go knock on Nitori's door
-
> Put on a 'tired and annoyed' face.
> What is Bhava-Agra's stance on profanity?
-
>Go knock on Nitori's door
>You knock on the door.
> Put on a 'tired and annoyed' face.
> What is Bhava-Agra's stance on profanity?
>This does not take much effort at all.
>You really shouldn't, but the problem isn't words so much as the emotions behind them.
>The door opens, and Utsuho looks out. "Oh, hi," she says, frowning. "You look awful, what happened?"
>_
-
> "Everything and then some. Who's here?"
-
> "Everything and then some. Who's here?"
>"Just me and Nitori right now," says Utsuho. "Parsee is walking Yuugi home, then she'll be coming back."
>_
-
>"So, Tenshi never came here? What about Renko, Maribel, and Kogasa?"
-
> Facepalm.
> "Ugh. This is the worst day ever."
> Look back to Utsuho.
> "Okay, I'm going to be completely straight with you. Things have changed over the course of the day. A lot of very important things. Some very dangerous things. To make a long story short, there was a second shadow attack on Kogasa, I know who the culprit is, everyone is in a lot of danger from this culprit, and I'm pretty sure fate wants me dead, along with a few choice individuals throughout Gensokyo and elsewhere. Everyone I just named knows about Nitori and please don't get riled up about that because it's important that we stick together and share knowledge and firepower. The longer Nitori is a secret and we stay splintered, the greater the risk this culprit presents to everyone."
-
>"So, Tenshi never came here? What about Renko, Maribel, and Kogasa?"
>She shakes her head.
> Facepalm.
> "Ugh. This is the worst day ever."
> Look back to Utsuho.
> "Okay, I'm going to be completely straight with you. Things have changed over the course of the day. A lot of very important things. Some very dangerous things. To make a long story short, there was a second shadow attack on Kogasa, I know who the culprit is, everyone is in a lot of danger from this culprit, and I'm pretty sure fate wants me dead, along with a few choice individuals throughout Gensokyo and elsewhere. Everyone I just named knows about Nitori and please don't get riled up about that because it's important that we stick together and share knowledge and firepower. The longer Nitori is a secret and we stay splintered, the greater the risk this culprit presents to everyone."
>She frowns. "I'm sorry...?"
>You try to explain things quickly. Utsuho just continues to frown. You suspect you've lost her to some degree.
>_
-
> Deep breath.
> Speak a bit slower.
> "I know who stole Nitori's shadow. They've also stolen Kogasa's shadow. They also almost stole mine, and that wasn't the worst of what they did to me today. We need to gather a group together for self-defense, as well as to find this person and put a stop to their antics."
-
> Deep breath.
> Speak a bit slower.
> "I know who stole Nitori's shadow. They've also stolen Kogasa's shadow. They also almost stole mine, and that wasn't the worst of what they did to me today. We need to gather a group together for self-defense, as well as to find this person and put a stop to their antics."
>Utsuho nods. "Alright, I understand. So who was it? And, you told others about Nitori? I suppose it was inevitable. Just, let me break it to the others, they'll be more angry than disappointed about it..."
>_
-
> "I kept it a secret until it became detrimental to keep it a secret. I apologize for telling others of Nitori's condition, but more important now is that people know this is happening, especially since it has happened to Kogasa, and possibly others."
> "As for who did it? It was a poltergeist, but she's more than just that. How much do you know about how poltergeists come to be?"
-
> "I kept it a secret until it became detrimental to keep it a secret. I apologize for telling others of Nitori's condition, but more important now is that people know this is happening, especially since it has happened to Kogasa, and possibly others."
> "As for who did it? It was a poltergeist, but she's more than just that. How much do you know about how poltergeists come to be?"
>"They're kind of like evil spirits, right?" asks Utsuho.
>_
-
> "I don't know if they're evil per se. This one acts like she could be, but...well, better to just explain how this works."
> "A poltergeist comes to be through sheer force of will and belief. When something is believed so hard the people believing it can't comprehend the idea that it's not true, that idea is manifested as a poltergeist. I understand the Prismriver Sisters were created this way, by a fourth sister from long ago. This particular poltergeist was created through the mass belief that there's something out there, something linked very strongly to shadows, something that wants to hide itself at all costs."
> Pull out the picture of the hogtied 'geist.
> "This poltergeist is the Brocken Spectre."
-
> "I don't know if they're evil per se. This one acts like she could be, but...well, better to just explain how this works."
> "A poltergeist comes to be through sheer force of will and belief. When something is believed so hard the people believing it can't comprehend the idea that it's not true, that idea is manifested as a poltergeist. I understand the Prismriver Sisters were created this way, by a fourth sister from long ago. This particular poltergeist was created through the mass belief that there's something out there, something linked very strongly to shadows, something that wants to hide itself at all costs."
> Pull out the picture of the hogtied 'geist.
> "This poltergeist is the Brocken Spectre."
>You explain, then show her the picture.
>"Wow..." she says. "Is this a joke? That doesn't look anything like what the Brocken Spectre ought to have looked like."
-
> "Dead serious. Tenshi has seen her in action, but...I don't know where Tenshi is right now."
> "Basically, this girl can hurt you by kicking and punching your shadow. She can also absorb a shadow into herself, which is what happened to Nitori and Kogasa, and then change her shadow to match the shadow of something she's absorbed so as to take on the properties of that thing. I fight with electricity, so she morphed her shadow into that of a stone. That was rather unpleasant to deal with."
> "I have also found that she can just up and absorb a person whole into her shadow, because she did this to me. It dumped me into some weird shadow void, where I managed to make contact with Nitori and learned a few important things about her. I don't really know how, but somehow I escaped from there, though Nitori was left behind for some reason - my nearest guess is that it was because Nitori was in the void in shadow form, whereas I was in the void as entirely myself."
> "You can see what having a shadow stolen does to a person just by looking at Nitori. This girl is strong enough to do that and worse to someone of my caliber, and given she was believed to be hiding herself at all costs, she has resorted to stealing the shadows of people that see her in order to keep herself hidden. This is why she is so dangerous."
-
>"I only managed to drag myself back to Gensokyo a few minutes ago, so I'm not sure what has happened in my absence. Renko and Maribel were taking Kogasa with them, and supposed to meet us here, before I got swallowed. I'm worried why they never showed up."
>"When the spectre sent me into that shadow, she did so without touch or gesture, while still bound. She said that she intended to make everyone disappear. Given what she did to me, I have no doubt that she's capable of making good on this threat."
-
> "Dead serious. Tenshi has seen her in action, but...I don't know where Tenshi is right now."
> "Basically, this girl can hurt you by kicking and punching your shadow. She can also absorb a shadow into herself, which is what happened to Nitori and Kogasa, and then change her shadow to match the shadow of something she's absorbed so as to take on the properties of that thing. I fight with electricity, so she morphed her shadow into that of a stone. That was rather unpleasant to deal with."
> "I have also found that she can just up and absorb a person whole into her shadow, because she did this to me. It dumped me into some weird shadow void, where I managed to make contact with Nitori and learned a few important things about her. I don't really know how, but somehow I escaped from there, though Nitori was left behind for some reason - my nearest guess is that it was because Nitori was in the void in shadow form, whereas I was in the void as entirely myself."
> "You can see what having a shadow stolen does to a person just by looking at Nitori. This girl is strong enough to do that and worse to someone of my caliber, and given she was believed to be hiding herself at all costs, she has resorted to stealing the shadows of people that see her in order to keep herself hidden. This is why she is so dangerous."
>"I only managed to drag myself back to Gensokyo a few minutes ago, so I'm not sure what has happened in my absence. Renko and Maribel were taking Kogasa with them, and supposed to meet us here, before I got swallowed. I'm worried why they never showed up."
>"When the spectre sent me into that shadow, she did so without touch or gesture, while still bound. She said that she intended to make everyone disappear. Given what she did to me, I have no doubt that she's capable of making good on this threat."
>She nods, looking rather serious now. "That sounds pretty bad. And, I've not seen or heard anything about those people, sorry. But, you said you saw Nitori?"
>_
-
>"Yes. I met Nitori's shadow, inside the world that the spectre cast me into. To me, she looked like just a shadow along the ground, but her consciousness was there. We spoke to each other at length about what had happened to her and what she'd seen. I couldn't hear her - she was just a shadow, after all - but she traced messages on the ground to me."
>"That hill you found her on? The night before, she'd gone out for a walk, and happened to see the spectre sneaking around there. Nitori called her out on it - apparently she thought she was up to no good - and the spectre attacked her, and ended up tearing her shadow away from her. Since then, she's been in that shadow world."
>"She seems to have partial memories of other experiences, though, in the physical world. I think what her body experiences seems like a distant dream to her. She wasn't even sure it was real, until I explained I don't think she can remember much of it."
>"More interestingly, though, are memories she has of what the spectre has been doing since then. I'm not entirely sure why, but I have a suspicion. During our battle, the spectre's shadow changed into Kogasa's. I wonder if the person whose shadow it is can sense things, while they're being manifested in the physical world? In any case, she saw the spectre in a cave that she thinks is in the mountainside here, somewhere. She also saw the spectre drinking with Suika, on what I think is Guest Island, currently on the side of the mountain. I find this even more puzzling, since the spectre's been hostile to everyone else she's dealt with, that I know of. But I intend to try and find out, now that I'm back in Gensokyo."
>"For what it's worth, Nitori seemed to be in fairly good spirits, despite what's happened to her."
-
>"Yes. I met Nitori's shadow, inside the world that the spectre cast me into. To me, she looked like just a shadow along the ground, but her consciousness was there. We spoke to each other at length about what had happened to her and what she'd seen. I couldn't hear her - she was just a shadow, after all - but she traced messages on the ground to me."
>"That hill you found her on? The night before, she'd gone out for a walk, and happened to see the spectre sneaking around there. Nitori called her out on it - apparently she thought she was up to no good - and the spectre attacked her, and ended up tearing her shadow away from her. Since then, she's been in that shadow world."
>"She seems to have partial memories of other experiences, though, in the physical world. I think what her body experiences seems like a distant dream to her. She wasn't even sure it was real, until I explained I don't think she can remember much of it."
>"More interestingly, though, are memories she has of what the spectre has been doing since then. I'm not entirely sure why, but I have a suspicion. During our battle, the spectre's shadow changed into Kogasa's. I wonder if the person whose shadow it is can sense things, while they're being manifested in the physical world? In any case, she saw the spectre in a cave that she thinks is in the mountainside here, somewhere. She also saw the spectre drinking with Suika, on what I think is Guest Island, currently on the side of the mountain. I find this even more puzzling, since the spectre's been hostile to everyone else she's dealt with, that I know of. But I intend to try and find out, now that I'm back in Gensokyo."
>"For what it's worth, Nitori seemed to be in fairly good spirits, despite what's happened to her."
>You have the suspicion she doesn't really get it, but she nods. "It's good to hear she's kind of okay."
>After a moment, she adds, "You think that poltergeist can do this to anyone, right? Then, is it a good idea to corner her like this? If she's trying to stay hidden, and you tell a bunch of people, doesn't that make it more likely she'll just go after people? Or, go after anyone at all?"
>_
-
>"She already said that she planned to make everyone disappear, and people have had their shadows taken for simply bumping into her. It's possible that spreading knowledge of her may provoke her, yes. But people need to be warned. And we need to find a way to restore the shadows she has taken. I don't think we can simply hope that if we'd left her alone, she'd leave others alone. Look at what's happened already, when no one knew of her."
>"She's even taken shadows from inanimate objects. I have no idea why, yet.
>Show her a picture of the shadowless tree
>"Certainly it cannot be because a tree knows too much about her. I don't know how to explain why she took down Bhava-Agra, either."
>"She needs to be stopped. And we need to find a way to restore the shadows she has taken. I'm not sure how to do either, yet. But they must be done."
-
>"She already said that she planned to make everyone disappear, and people have had their shadows taken for simply bumping into her. It's possible that spreading knowledge of her may provoke her, yes. But people need to be warned. And we need to find a way to restore the shadows she has taken. I don't think we can simply hope that if we'd left her alone, she'd leave others alone. Look at what's happened already, when no one knew of her."
>"She's even taken shadows from inanimate objects. I have no idea why, yet.
>Show her a picture of the shadowless tree
>"Certainly it cannot be because a tree knows too much about her. I don't know how to explain why she took down Bhava-Agra, either."
>"She needs to be stopped. And we need to find a way to restore the shadows she has taken. I'm not sure how to do either, yet. But they must be done."
>"I guess your right," says Utsuho, as she looks at the picture of the tree. "Is there anything I can do?"
-
>"Tell the others, when you see them. Both the good and bad news. And make sure to emphasize how dangerous she is. Even if she looks incapacitated, she may still be able to imprison you at will. I don't know how she did it, or how it can be prevented. I wouldn't count on being able to get out again on your own; I'm not even sure how I did."
>"I'm going to go to Guest Island. I've heard that Suika's still there, and I need to speak with her."
>"If Tenshi, or anyone else I mentioned drops by the meantime, tell them where I've gone. I'll return when I'm finished, just to let you know if I've found out anything more. If you think I've been gone too long, well... you know where I've gone. Use your own discretion. But these are times where people involved need to stick together, I think. It may be dangerous to be alone, if she's on the move."
-
> "It should also be noted that, if I come back and you're still here, it may be best for us to get on the move, so we can start gathering people together. It's a shame we'll be without whoever has already gone to bed, but, at least in Yuugi's case, she should be more or less safe underground. Outside of Nitori and Kogasa, the only other person the poltergeist knows I associate with is Tenshi, but she may know where Nitori lives, and the poltergeist does know I associate with other people, so that could be bad for anyone standing guard here alone. I am very seriously considering us taking Nitori from her and flying her to Renko and Maribel's house, where I believe Kogasa is stationed, as I don't believe the poltergeist is aware of any connection of ours to that house, and going there will get more of us in a group. I think, between the two of us, that we can probably manage to get Nitori off the ground as necessary."
> "While I'm out, use your best discretion when greeting any visitors. Better safe than sorry."
-
>"Tell the others, when you see them. Both the good and bad news. And make sure to emphasize how dangerous she is. Even if she looks incapacitated, she may still be able to imprison you at will. I don't know how she did it, or how it can be prevented. I wouldn't count on being able to get out again on your own; I'm not even sure how I did."
>"I'm going to go to Guest Island. I've heard that Suika's still there, and I need to speak with her."
>"If Tenshi, or anyone else I mentioned drops by the meantime, tell them where I've gone. I'll return when I'm finished, just to let you know if I've found out anything more. If you think I've been gone too long, well... you know where I've gone. Use your own discretion. But these are times where people involved need to stick together, I think. It may be dangerous to be alone, if she's on the move."
>"I'll be here," says Utsuho.
>_
-
> ;_;
> "It should also be noted that, if I come back and you're still here, it may be best for us to get on the move, so we can start gathering people together. It's a shame we'll be without whoever has already gone to bed, but, at least in Yuugi's case, she should be more or less safe underground. Outside of Nitori and Kogasa, the only other person the poltergeist knows I associate with is Tenshi, but she may know where Nitori lives, and the poltergeist does know I associate with other people, so that could be bad for anyone standing guard here alone. I am very seriously considering us taking Nitori from her and flying her to Renko and Maribel's house, where I believe Kogasa is stationed, as I don't believe the poltergeist is aware of any connection of ours to that house, and going there will get more of us in a group. I think, between the two of us, that we can probably manage to get Nitori off the ground as necessary."
> "While I'm out, use your best discretion when greeting any visitors. Better safe than sorry."
-
> ;_;
> "It should also be noted that, if I come back and you're still here, it may be best for us to get on the move, so we can start gathering people together. It's a shame we'll be without whoever has already gone to bed, but, at least in Yuugi's case, she should be more or less safe underground. Outside of Nitori and Kogasa, the only other person the poltergeist knows I associate with is Tenshi, but she may know where Nitori lives, and the poltergeist does know I associate with other people, so that could be bad for anyone standing guard here alone. I am very seriously considering us taking Nitori from her and flying her to Renko and Maribel's house, where I believe Kogasa is stationed, as I don't believe the poltergeist is aware of any connection of ours to that house, and going there will get more of us in a group. I think, between the two of us, that we can probably manage to get Nitori off the ground as necessary."
> "While I'm out, use your best discretion when greeting any visitors. Better safe than sorry."
>Don't gimme that.
>"Alright," says Utsuho, "But, um, you don't look like you're in any shape to be dealing with the poltergeist. So how about this, if Parsee gets back first we'll just go to Maribel's, okay? I'll leave a note on the door."
>_
-
>"Ok, that sounds good. And... you're probably right. I'm sure I would have collapsed already, if I felt I could rest in good conscience while this danger is about. But there's still work to be done before I can let myself. Maybe when the others are gathered... Hopefully, nothing else will go wrong before we see each other again."
>Fly off to Guest Island
-
>"Ok, that sounds good. And... you're probably right. I'm sure I would have collapsed already, if I felt I could rest in good conscience while this danger is about. But there's still work to be done before I can let myself. Maybe when the others are gathered... Hopefully, nothing else will go wrong before we see each other again."
>Fly off to Guest Island
>"Good luck," says Utsuho, as you depart.
>You make your way toward Guest Island. As you do, you notice there are a few Tengu patrols out. A couple draw fairly close to you, but them seem content to leave you alone. As you draw close to the Island itself, you hear the familair voice of the oni shout, "Slog off! I said I ain't leaving!"
>_
-
>Continue approach
>"I'm not here to try and drive you off, Suika. I just want to talk to you."
-
>Continue approach
>"I'm not here to try and drive you off, Suika. I just want to talk to you."
>"Oh," she calls, "Well, that's alright then. You bring anything to drink?"
>_
-
> "I'm pretty wet from the rain in Makai. Does that count?"
-
>There are peach trees around, correct?
>Do we know if Suika's typically laid claim to these, too? Or are they fair game?
-
> "I'm pretty wet from the rain in Makai. Does that count?"
>"Naw, no one wants to drink that," Suika calls.
>There are peach trees around, correct?
>Do we know if Suika's typically laid claim to these, too? Or are they fair game?
>There are peach trees. Suika has claimed them, but she doesn't seem to mind if others use them.
>_
-
>Gesture to the peach trees
>"You don't mind if I have a few, do you? I've had a worse day than I care to contemplate, and virtually nothing to eat the whole while."
>If she gives permission, grab one and dig in
>"Why have they been trying to drive you off, anyway?"
>"I guess you were on the island when it fell?"
-
>Gesture to the peach trees
>"You don't mind if I have a few, do you? I've had a worse day than I care to contemplate, and virtually nothing to eat the whole while."
>If she gives permission, grab one and dig in
>"Why have they been trying to drive you off, anyway?"
>"I guess you were on the island when it fell?"
>"Sure, knock yourself out," says Suika as you draw close to the island. You can see the short oni standing near the edge, looking the same as always.
>You find the trees are pretty bare, but there are a couple peaches still hanging there. You grab one and dig in! It is heavenly; you can't recall ever having a better peach. You could write a poem about it if you were so inclined.
>"Eh, tengu being tengu," says Suika. "Funny how they forget it's still technically our mountain. We just let 'em have it, like. And yeah, I was here when it went down. When're you lot gonna deal with that, anyhow?"
>_
-
>"I've been spending the whole day trying to deal with it, actually. Got thrown into Makai, dealing with it. Nearly had something very close to my soul torn out of me, trying to deal with it. To say nothing of the multitude of people who have shot, grappled, thrown, or battered me."
>"...sorry."
>"This is a very long story, but I'll try to be as brief as I can on the important points. The islands fell because something has stolen part of their shadow. It's too dark to see now, but during the day it was clear that the shadows were significantly fainter than they ought to be. This is not an isolated problem, either. People have had their shadows stolen from them, too. In their case, it's left them nearly dead to the world."
>"I eventually manage to track down the person responsible for all this. Before she cast me down into Makai and escaped, at any rate. I came to speak with you because you've actually shared a drink with her, and are nearly the only person I know to have survived actual contact with her."
>Show Suika the photo of the spectre
-
>"I've been spending the whole day trying to deal with it, actually. Got thrown into Makai, dealing with it. Nearly had something very close to my soul torn out of me, trying to deal with it. To say nothing of the multitude of people who have shot, grappled, thrown, or battered me."
>"...sorry."
>"This is a very long story, but I'll try to be as brief as I can on the important points. The islands fell because something has stolen part of their shadow. It's too dark to see now, but during the day it was clear that the shadows were significantly fainter than they ought to be. This is not an isolated problem, either. People have had their shadows stolen from them, too. In their case, it's left them nearly dead to the world."
>"I eventually manage to track down the person responsible for all this. Before she cast me down into Makai and escaped, at any rate. I came to speak with you because you've actually shared a drink with her, and are nearly the only person I know to have survived actual contact with her."
>Show Suika the photo of the spectre
>Suika listens; or at least you hope she is. She doesn't seem too perturbed by your outburst, at least. You then show her the picture. She frowns at it for a moment, then says, "Oh, right, the shy girl! Not a bad sort, but not much fun to drink with."
>_
-
>"How'd you end up meeting her?"
>"Did she talk about anything, while you were together?"
>"And when was this, anyway?"
-
>"How'd you end up meeting her?"
>"Did she talk about anything, while you were together?"
>"And when was this, anyway?"
>Suika scratches her head. "Heh, that's a lot of questions. Let's see, uh...think it was two days ago I saw her? Yeah. She we just sorta looking around the island, like, so I called her over to have a drink. Didn't say a whole lot, really, so I just talked about things."
>_
-
>"And she just sat quietly and listened?"
>"I don't suppose you ever asked her who she was? Or what she was doing here?"
>When we finish off our peach grab another. For that matter, just keep on going. Can't run on empty forever.
-
>"And she just sat quietly and listened?"
>"I don't suppose you ever asked her who she was? Or what she was doing here?"
>When we finish off our peach grab another. For that matter, just keep on going. Can't run on empty forever.
>The oni nods. "Yeah, she was one of those listener types. Don't think she could hold her sake very well either. Speaking of, you here to get away from the job? I've got more than enough for you."
>"Naw, didn't ask her nothing like that. No need to worry about that with a good drinking partner, like. Figured she just came up for a visit."
>You dig into another peach, having devoured the last one with rather embarrassing speed.
>_
-
>"No, I'm afraid I'm here on business. As much as I could use a break at the moment, there's still too many things going on."
>"And it's probably a good thing you never asked her any of that. So far, everyone I know of who has, has been attacked by her; most of them with extremely serious consequences. It might surprise you, given your experience with her, but she is a paranoid, violent, and extremely dangerous person. Even for you."
>"Did she say anything at all, that you can remember? That might be of even the most tangential interest?"
-
>"No, I'm afraid I'm here on business. As much as I could use a break at the moment, there's still too many things going on."
>"And it's probably a good thing you never asked her any of that. So far, everyone I know of who has, has been attacked by her; most of them with extremely serious consequences. It might surprise you, given your experience with her, but she is a paranoid, violent, and extremely dangerous person. Even for you."
>"Did she say anything at all, that you can remember? That might be of even the most tangential interest?"
>"Ah fine," says Suika, shrugging. "Be that way."
>"Naw, you're thinking of some other woman," says Suika, "She wasn't anything like that."
>Suika ponders for a moment, as she starts to wander deeper into the forest. "Yeah," she says, "Think she mentioned something about people being after her."
>_
-
>Follow along
>"Oh? Did she say who they were? Or why they were after her?"
-
>Follow along
>"Oh? Did she say who they were? Or why they were after her?"
>You follow, as she leads you deeper into the island. You note quite a few fallen and ruined peaches here, too.
>"Just said she had some people after her, like," says Suika. "Figured maybe Reimu or someone else was getting too eager in the youkai hunting."
>_
-
>"No, that wouldn't be Reimu's doing. Ironically, I don't believe any of the people searching for her meant her any harm. At least none that I know of. But I suspect she wouldn't believe this if anyone tried to tell her. Certainly not if it came out of my mouth, after what she's already tried to do to me today."
-
>"No, that wouldn't be Reimu's doing. Ironically, I don't believe any of the people searching for her meant her any harm. At least none that I know of. But I suspect she wouldn't believe this if anyone tried to tell her. Certainly not if it came out of my mouth, after what she's already tried to do to me today."
>"Even if it's you saying it," says Suika, "You gotta be thinking of someone else."
>_
-
>"I fought her myself, this afternoon. I took the photo. That's my shawl she's bound with, if you notice."
>Show the photo again
>"That IS the same poltergeist you remember, isn't it?"
>"She attacked me nearly as soon as I tried to speak with her. She nearly tore my shadow away with her own hands. Trust me when I say this is something you never want to experience yourself."
-
>"I fought her myself, this afternoon. I took the photo. That's my shawl she's bound with, if you notice."
>Show the photo again
>"That IS the same poltergeist you remember, isn't it?"
>"She attacked me nearly as soon as I tried to speak with her. She nearly tore my shadow away with her own hands. Trust me when I say this is something you never want to experience yourself."
>Suika stops and squints at the picture again. "Yeah, I'd know that coat everywhere. S'her alright. I guess if you're saying all that, like, it must be true."
>She shrugs.
>_
-
>"The difference between our experiences does surprise me, though. I wonder if the only reason was because I said that I was curious if she knew something about a mystery. She kept yelling about how I 'knew too much' and had to be silenced. But I still wonder if there's something more to it. Or, I would like to hope there is."
>"As best I knew, she was extremely reclusive, hiding in the Forest of Magic, and pretty much trying to avoid everyone. I'd like to figure out why she came all the way out here herself. Or why she wanted to steal Bhava-Agra's shadow in the first place."
>"I don't suppose you've noticed anything unusual around the island today? Aside from the whole falling bit."
-
>"The difference between our experiences does surprise me, though. I wonder if the only reason was because I said that I was curious if she knew something about a mystery. She kept yelling about how I 'knew too much' and had to be silenced. But I still wonder if there's something more to it. Or, I would like to hope there is."
>"As best I knew, she was extremely reclusive, hiding in the Forest of Magic, and pretty much trying to avoid everyone. I'd like to figure out why she came all the way out here herself. Or why she wanted to steal Bhava-Agra's shadow in the first place."
>"I don't suppose you've noticed anything unusual around the island today? Aside from the whole falling bit."
>"Might do," says Suika. "Well, it wouldn't be the first time someone got to curious, like, and caused trouble."
>She shakes her head. "Nah, just the falling bit, and most of the fruit going splat."
>You come to a small clearing. The amount of trampling on the grass suggests that it sees a lot of traffic. There is a blanket set up by a tree; Suika flops down onto it.
>_
-
> "If I may ask, on what terms did you two part?"
-
> "If I may ask, on what terms did you two part?"
>"Proper enough terms, if you ask me," she says. "Drifted off, found she was gone when I woke up."
>_
-
> "Hmm. I must admit, while it is certainly no fault of your own, this is immensely frustrating. I need to find out why she acted the way she did with you. There are just too many inconsistencies with everything else she's demonstrated. I've never even seen her make any attempts to fly, and yet she got up here somehow. And what was she doing away from her forest, when she was so dead-set on getting back there when she was removed from it?"
> "Honestly? Ultimately, I'd like her to be the person you had a few with. From what I understand of her backstory, her raging paranoia isn't even her fault. For whatever reason she wants to hide away from everyone, that reason needs to be resolved, to give her a chance at a normal existence here rather than the dangerous one she presents now. I don't know what you managed to unlock in her, but...I wish we could do the same thing. I wonder if it's too late for me now, though."
-
> "Hmm. I must admit, while it is certainly no fault of your own, this is immensely frustrating. I need to find out why she acted the way she did with you. There are just too many inconsistencies with everything else she's demonstrated. I've never even seen her make any attempts to fly, and yet she got up here somehow. And what was she doing away from her forest, when she was so dead-set on getting back there when she was removed from it?"
> "Honestly? Ultimately, I'd like her to be the person you had a few with. From what I understand of her backstory, her raging paranoia isn't even her fault. For whatever reason she wants to hide away from everyone, that reason needs to be resolved, to give her a chance at a normal existence here rather than the dangerous one she presents now. I don't know what you managed to unlock in her, but...I wish we could do the same thing. I wonder if it's too late for me now, though."
>"Oh!" says Suika, sitting up straight. "Good thing you mentioned that, the flying. She mentioned that too. Forgot all about it 'til you said something."
>She takes the gourd from her side and has a drink. "Yeah, she said something about how she had to fake it, since she doesn't know how to fly proper. Not in those kinda words, but it's pretty much what it was. Made herself some wings usin'...something."
>She shrugs.
>_
-
> "'Something'? Huh...you know, when Tenshi and I dealt with a tsuchinoko earlier today, it make some wings using leaves. I wonder if she did the same thing?"
> "But she actually talked about this? And was calm and okay about it?"
-
> "'Something'? Huh...you know, when Tenshi and I dealt with a tsuchinoko earlier today, it make some wings using leaves. I wonder if she did the same thing?"
> "But she actually talked about this? And was calm and okay about it?"
>Suika shrugs. "Could do. Wasn't proper flying, I don't think. So I thought good on her and left it at that. And yeah. Think I was talking about how the wind must've made it a pain to get up here. Well, up there..."
>_
-
> How confident do we feel in our own flying ability to teach it to someone that doesn't know how? Clearly it's learnable, since those kids from the outside mentioned being able to fly.
> "Huh. Very interesting. I wonder if learning how to fly properly would make her more docile? It would be a nice gesture, at least. Hell, maybe being nice and not actually caring about who she was is why she had no problem with you, as much as it still doesn't explain why she got onto this island in the first place or how she even knew Bhava-Agra existed."
-
> How confident do we feel in our own flying ability to teach it to someone that doesn't know how? Clearly it's learnable, since those kids from the outside mentioned being able to fly.
> "Huh. Very interesting. I wonder if learning how to fly properly would make her more docile? It would be a nice gesture, at least. Hell, maybe being nice and not actually caring about who she was is why she had no problem with you, as much as it still doesn't explain why she got onto this island in the first place or how she even knew Bhava-Agra existed."
>You are reasonably confident you could. It might take some time to teach it, but you think you can.
>Suika shrugs. "Might do."
>_
-
> "Thank you for your help, Suika. Whether you intended it or not, I think you've become the beacon of hope for Gensokyo by demonstration it's possible for this girl be a regular person instead of a paranoid, shadow-devouring maniac. It's a very frustrating situation - she absolutely cannot be left unchecked, but with the way she came to be, she essentially had her paranoia and anger forced on her by outside forces. I can only hope we are capable of duplicating what you have managed before she makes good on her threat to deal with everyone."
> "Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, the least I can do for you is tell you what I know about your situation. I suspect you've flopped down onto that blanket here and are in a bad mood because your bed at the shrine has gone missing? Reimu told me about that. I don't know where it is, but I have a feeling I know who took it. I met a group of four fairies in my search for this girl - one blonde in a green dress, one dark-haired fairy in a red gown, one brown-haired fairy in a white dress, and one fairy who I sadly don't remember, but was shorter than her three companions. She was about a foot tall, maybe a little over. They were headed to the Hakurei Shrine with revenge in mind for Reimu beating them up, and they mentioned counting on the fact that Reimu was distracted by the incident. If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say they're your bed thieves."
-
> "Thank you for your help, Suika. Whether you intended it or not, I think you've become the beacon of hope for Gensokyo by demonstration it's possible for this girl be a regular person instead of a paranoid, shadow-devouring maniac. It's a very frustrating situation - she absolutely cannot be left unchecked, but with the way she came to be, she essentially had her paranoia and anger forced on her by outside forces. I can only hope we are capable of duplicating what you have managed before she makes good on her threat to deal with everyone."
> "Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, the least I can do for you is tell you what I know about your situation. I suspect you've flopped down onto that blanket here and are in a bad mood because your bed at the shrine has gone missing? Reimu told me about that. I don't know where it is, but I have a feeling I know who took it. I met a group of four fairies in my search for this girl - one blonde in a green dress, one dark-haired fairy in a red gown, one brown-haired fairy in a white dress, and one fairy who I sadly don't remember, but was shorter than her three companions. She was about a foot tall, maybe a little over. They were headed to the Hakurei Shrine with revenge in mind for Reimu beating them up, and they mentioned counting on the fact that Reimu was distracted by the incident. If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say they're your bed thieves."
>"Aw, now you're just trying to butter me up, like," says Suika as you tell her she's been a beacon of hope.
>"Wait, what?" says Suika. "What's all this about my bed? I've not been back home in a few days..."
>_
-
> "You mean that's not why you're in a bad mood?"
-
> "You mean that's not why you're in a bad mood?"
>"It's only bleeding island's fallen out of the sky, and now there are bloody tengu everywhere," she says. "A pain right in my arse is what it is."
>_
-
> "Ah. Okay, yeah, that makes sense. But yes, your bed and Reimu's bed have been stolen, and I presume those fairies are the cause. Whenever you decide to go back to the shrine, you should probably let her know. It may not be why you're in a bad mood, but it's certainly a contributing factor to hers."
> "Anyway, unless there's anything else you know, or anything else you want to know from me, I'll be heading back down the mountain to meet up with some people, so we can work on what to do about this girl."
> What do we remember about the cave in Youkai Mountain that Nitori mentioned? Anything other than the fact that it was somewhere on the mountain?
> How much ambient light do we have to work with right now?
-
> "Ah. Okay, yeah, that makes sense. But yes, your bed and Reimu's bed have been stolen, and I presume those fairies are the cause. Whenever you decide to go back to the shrine, you should probably let her know. It may not be why you're in a bad mood, but it's certainly a contributing factor to hers."
> "Anyway, unless there's anything else you know, or anything else you want to know from me, I'll be heading back down the mountain to meet up with some people, so we can work on what to do about this girl."
> What do we remember about the cave in Youkai Mountain that Nitori mentioned? Anything other than the fact that it was somewhere on the mountain?
> How much ambient light do we have to work with right now?
>Suika nods. "I fancy Reimu will have it all sorted by the time I get back. I suppose if you don't wanna stay and have a drink, there's nothing for it. Good luck!"
>Nitori was not able to give you many details at all; just that she remembers being there for some time.
>You have the light of the waxing moon. It's not much, but it's enough for you to be comfortable with.
>_
-
> "Sadly, I have other things to attend to. But who knows? If I run into this girl again and can't find any other way to get her to calm down, maybe I'll bring her back here for a few."
> "Anyway, thank you again for your time, and good luck to all of us that this gets sorted out properly."
> Grab one last peach for the road, then fly back toward Nitori's warehouse.
-
> "Sadly, I have other things to attend to. But who knows? If I run into this girl again and can't find any other way to get her to calm down, maybe I'll bring her back here for a few."
> "Anyway, thank you again for your time, and good luck to all of us that this gets sorted out properly."
> Grab one last peach for the road, then fly back toward Nitori's warehouse.
>"Wouldn't mind that," says Suika. "But get the whole floaty thing sorted first. And come back whenever you please."
>You grab another peach, and head back toward the warehouse.
>You obtain: Peach
>Reaching the warehouse, you find the lights are off, and a slip of paper affixed to the door.
>_
-
> Oh good, at least Parsee made it back.
> Look around to make sure no one's in the immediate area. If we are indeed alone, check the paper just to be sure.
-
> Oh good, at least Parsee made it back.
> Look around to make sure no one's in the immediate area. If we are indeed alone, check the paper just to be sure.
>So it seems.
>You look around and see no one is there, then read the paper. It says, "Parsee got back, left with Nitori."
>_
-
> Take the note and stick it in our purse. No need to leave it there hanging for anyone to wander by and see.
> Take flight and head back to Maribel's, keeping a bit low, close to (but still above) the tops of the trees.
> Keep our ears open for any unusual sounds, such as activity in the forest from other people.
-
Damnit, I forgot to ask Suika if she had seen Pocky and Brocky's book.
Oh well, we can ask her when we go back up the mountain to investigate that cave.
-
> Take the note and stick it in our purse. No need to leave it there hanging for anyone to wander by and see.
> Take flight and head back to Maribel's, keeping a bit low, close to (but still above) the tops of the trees.
> Keep our ears open for any unusual sounds, such as activity in the forest from other people.
>You obtain: Okuu's Note.
>You take a low flight to Kame House Maribel's home. You think you might catch a glimpse of Minoriko along the way, but it's hard to be sure. But aside from that, there is no really unusual activity and you arrive at your destination safely.
>_
-
> Put on that same "tired and annoyed" face from before.
> Knock on the door.
-
> Put on that same "tired and annoyed" face from before.
> Knock on the door.
>You don't think it's really left you, to be honest.
>You knock on the door. It opens a crack after the first knock, and the short, blonde form of Parsee glances out at you. "You're in one piece," she says, "mostly. C'mon in, they're expecting you."
>She opens the door. Inside, you can see that Renko and Maribel are sitting at the odd white table, with Utsuho off to the side. You also notice Luna laying on her stomach in the corner, messing with an ink brush and some paper while kicking her feet into the air.
>_
-
> "Thank you."
> Enter.
> "Are those in this room all that have gathered? Not trying to be rude, just want to take stock."
-
Kind of random but...
> Consider the possibility that the poltergeist was docile until we 'linked' her to the missing shadows.
-
> "Thank you."
> Enter.
> "Are those in this room all that have gathered? Not trying to be rude, just want to take stock."
>"Well, we have Nitori and Kogasa in back," says Maribel. "But yes, this is everyone here."
>"Before you ask," says Utsuho, "Apparently Tenshi came by right after you disappeared and told them to stay put."
>Renko nods in agreement.
> Consider the possibility that the poltergeist was docile until we 'linked' her to the missing shadows.
>You are struck with a curious thought; did you accidentally create the shadow thief? You don't think so; Nitori was struck three days ago, long before you really thought about the concept.
>_
-
>"Oh, I see. ...what else did she tell you about what happened?"
-
> "And what sort of state was she in? I am glad to hear Reimu's report substantiated that she managed to escape the same capture, but I worry for her all the same, especially if she is alone. If she was not at Nitori's, and she is not here...where could she have gone?"
-
Idea: I want to see Nitori and Kogasa before we leave in search of Tenshi/to get cleaned up.
-
There's always the chance that Tenshi actually went back to Bhava-Agra. Remember, Reimu said she left to get more people to help, and where else would you find as many people willing to leap into action on Iku's behalf?
That being said, it also would not surprise me if Tenshi has a hard time getting people there to believe her about what happened to us, either.
Still, unless something else comes up, the Dragon Palace is probably our best next stop. Change of clothes and such, and we can check if anyone has seen her.
-
Yeah, that was my thinking as well. Given the day's events, Bhava-Agra and the Moriya Shrine are the only two places I can think of that she would even consider visiting for help. But I figure it's worth asking for the extra info, all the same.
-
>"Oh, I see. ...what else did she tell you about what happened?"
>"Nothing, really," says Maribel.
>"What she said was, in total, 'Stay here, it's too dangerous!'" Renko says. "Then she ran off. We figured if she was in that much of a hurry, it must have been pretty serious."
> "And what sort of state was she in? I am glad to hear Reimu's report substantiated that she managed to escape the same capture, but I worry for her all the same, especially if she is alone. If she was not at Nitori's, and she is not here...where could she have gone?"
>"Panicked," says Renko. "And no idea. I think she ran off north, but there's a lot of north."
>_
-
>"Well, I'll fill you guys in on what happened. I'm glad she had the forethought to come back and warn you, at any rate."
>"Oh, Parsee, did Utsuho explain about the poltergeist to you?"
-
> Poor Tenshi. We've really done a number on her today.
> Mental check: what is to the north? Specifically, would the Dragon Palace and HinanaiShrine be in that direction?
> "Did Tenshi at least still have her sword?"
-
>"Well, I'll fill you guys in on what happened. I'm glad she had the forethought to come back and warn you, at any rate."
>"Oh, Parsee, did Utsuho explain about the poltergeist to you?"
>Parsee nods. "I don't buy the whole thing with it being the Brocken Spectre, but she told me what she could."
> Poor Tenshi. We've really done a number on her today.
> Mental check: what is to the north?
>She did get kind of strung along.
>Northward, you would find the human town, the Yakumo residence (a bit east as well), the Hakurei Shrine (very east), the Dragon Palace, the Hinanai shrine, the entrance to Hakugyokurou (also very east) and eventually the Sanzu River.
>_
>_
-
> "I suppose it's possible it isn't the Brocken Spectre, but the evidence lends itself to that theory very strongly, given the nature of poltergeist creation."
> "Did Tenshiat least still have her sword?"
So that seems to have not been a help. I imagine Tenshi's flight path to be Turtle House -> Hakurei Shrine -> ???, which gives us no new information.
Off to Bhava-Agra once we're done here, then?
-
> "I suppose it's possible it isn't the Brocken Spectre, but the evidence lends itself to that theory very strongly, given the nature of poltergeist creation."
> "Did Tenshiat least still have her sword?"
>"No way," says Parsee. "The Spectre is still out there. Even if there's some pissy little shadow thief trying to pretend she's the real thing."
>Renko shrugs, "I didn't look."
>_
-
>"Well, Brocken Spectre or no, she is still who she is, and a very dangerous person at that. For the moment, it may not matter whether it's true or not. This situation needs to be resolved in either case."
>"Here's what happened after Tenshi and I left this place, this afternoon."
>"We were about halfway to Nitori's when the spectre woke up again. I tried to talk with her a bit, but her attitude towards me was hateful to say the least. Whenever I could coax her to speak at all, she mostly just made threats. She said she was going to make everyone disappear. I questioned how she planned to do that in her current condition, and, well... I'm not entirely sure what happened, but I think she trapped me in her own shadow. She didn't move or touch me, or do anything I could see, but suddenly the world around me went black and I was elsewhere. I'd assumed she'd captured Tenshi as well, but I guess she managed to escape, and I am glad to hear of it. I don't know quite how I escaped, myself, and I'm not at all confident we could count on it working like that a second time."
>"I met Nitori inside there. Or her shadow, rather. She seems to be fine, despite being imprisoned and decorporialized. I couldn't find Kogasa, however. I suspect that whatever place those shadows go may be partitioned somehow. Or there's something else at play. I don't really know."
>"In any case, while I was inside I somehow fell through some sort of hole in the shadow world and ended up in Makai, and eventually back here. Nitori didn't end up travelling through with me. I suspect she may not be able to, being only a shadow, but I'm not sure. I don't think we can expect anyone inside to find a way out on their own though. It seems very much like it's meant to be a prison, to me. "
>"I spoke with Reimu when I got back, and apparently Tenshi went to her for help. They searched the forest again, but couldn't find the spectre. I don't know where she went, and the last thing she told me was that she planned to make everyone disappear. Given what she did to me, I have no doubt she's fully capable of it, and she's still out there, somewhere."
-
>"Well, Brocken Spectre or no, she is still who she is, and a very dangerous person at that. For the moment, it may not matter whether it's true or not. This situation needs to be resolved in either case."
>"Here's what happened after Tenshi and I left this place, this afternoon."
>"We were about halfway to Nitori's when the spectre woke up again. I tried to talk with her a bit, but her attitude towards me was hateful to say the least. Whenever I could coax her to speak at all, she mostly just made threats. She said she was going to make everyone disappear. I questioned how she planned to do that in her current condition, and, well... I'm not entirely sure what happened, but I think she trapped me in her own shadow. She didn't move or touch me, or do anything I could see, but suddenly the world around me went black and I was elsewhere. I'd assumed she'd captured Tenshi as well, but I guess she managed to escape, and I am glad to hear of it. I don't know quite how I escaped, myself, and I'm not at all confident we could count on it working like that a second time."
>"I met Nitori inside there. Or her shadow, rather. She seems to be fine, despite being imprisoned and decorporialized. I couldn't find Kogasa, however. I suspect that whatever place those shadows go may be partitioned somehow. Or there's something else at play. I don't really know."
>"In any case, while I was inside I somehow fell through some sort of hole in the shadow world and ended up in Makai, and eventually back here. Nitori didn't end up travelling through with me. I suspect she may not be able to, being only a shadow, but I'm not sure. I don't think we can expect anyone inside to find a way out on their own though. It seems very much like it's meant to be a prison, to me. "
>"I spoke with Reimu when I got back, and apparently Tenshi went to her for help. They searched the forest again, but couldn't find the spectre. I don't know where she went, and the last thing she told me was that she planned to make everyone disappear. Given what she did to me, I have no doubt she's fully capable of it, and she's still out there, somewhere."
>The others listen. Even Luna looks up from her scribblings from time to time. Parsee has a seat beside Utsuho as you speak. Every so often you note her giving a sidelong glance toward Maribel and Renko, then snuggling up to Utsuho. Utsuho clearly done't mind this.
>"So," Parsee asks, "Have you figured out how to beat this thing?"
>_
-
Idea the Second: I've been playing around with tactics in my head with the group we have now, trying to account for firepower, knowledge, attitudes, relationships and a few other things. I assume you'll agree that finding Tenshi is Priority One, and given what we've talked about I'm assuming you're fine with starting the search in Bhava-Agra.
When it comes time for us to leave, I would like to ask Renko and only Renko to come with us, but to make it an option for her so it doesn't seem like we're trying to rip her away from Maribel, as I would be okay with searching solo. I don't want Utsuho traveling with us in the interest of power distribution, I don't want Parsee traveling with us because she's most likely going to be a bitch about Pocky and Brocky being who she is (and thus possibly useless as a source of knowledge), I don't want Luna going with us because I don't want to keep track of an 8-year-old with a ten-second attention span, and I don't want to take everyone with us because that leaves Nitori and Kogasa completely unguarded from everything, including non-poltergeist shenanigans. That leaves Renko and Maribel, and Renko is more useful by virtue of being much more heavily invested in the Brocken Spectre project.
Random side amusement: I think this is the greatest number of player characters that have ever gathered in one place - we have exactly 50% of the ones to date in this house.
---
Idea the Third, since Parsee's question reminded me: If possible, I'd also like to grab any PrismReznors we can get our hands on (Lunasa being the best option for obvious reasons). They'll have the most knowledge on what it's like being a brand new poltergeist, and that could help immensely in getting Pocky and Brocky to calm down.
-
>"Unfortunately no. At the time she was bound, I considered it relatively safe. Clearly this was not the case. But I've only been back in Gensokyo long enough to start taking stock of things, again."
>"She does have some weaknesses. Her danmaku is quite easy to dodge. Unfortunately, it also hits with enough force to splinter wood. Moreover, she cannot fly under her own power. Unfortunately, these seem more than adequately compensated by her shadow manipulations. I still don't know the extent of what she's capable of, but would not be surprised if there are even more things she can do with this than she's demonstrated."
>"I... am not certain we can restore the shadows she's stolen unless we can convince her to do so herself. And, well... to say she was unwilling to co-operate would be putting it mildly."
>"I'm still hoping I we may be able to learn something useful if we can figure out why she's stolen some of the shadows she has. For Nitori and Kogasa, and her attempt on myself, this seems clear enough. She was trying to silence us. However, she has taken shadows from seemingly ordinary trees and rocks. Clearly she was not attempting to silence them. And I don't know what she wanted with Bhava-Agra, either. Moreover, its shadow seems only partially stolen, unlike all these others."
>"There is one other anomalous event I've learned of. She visited Guest Island a couple days ago - shortly after stealing Nitori's shadow, I believe. And she shared a perfectly peaceful drink with Suika. Not only is Suika the only person I know of who managed to come away from direct contact with her unscathed, but Bhava-Agra is very far from the forest that she's been so eager to remain concealed in. I still don't know what would have prompted her to go that far from home on her own. I suspect figuring out why may be important."
-
I generally agree with your assessment of traveling companions. Assuming anyone but us wants to keep traipsing around at this time of night, of course.
As for the Prismrivers, although Lunasa is certainly interested in the poltergeist, you may recall that she was engaged with just as much hostility as us, when she tried approaching her. Moreover, we don't actually know specifically where they live.
-
The PrismReznor thing is more a pipe dream than anything else - if we can find one, great, but if not, oh well - and I don't really need them as traveling companions so much as sources of information abuot what it's like being a poltergeist. We didn't even know how they came to be before asking, I'm sure we don't know what it's like being one. All I can imagine is that suddenly popping into the world with a limited list of preset knowledge and abilities and being told to run with it from there is not the easiest thing to do, especially when alone.
EDIT: I also wouldn't tell everyone why we're asking for only Renko when it comes to that unless they specificaly ask for it. A simple "I've been mulling over movement tactics" should suffice.
-
Honestly, my intuition, given what caused the Prismrivers to exist, is that they would come into being as essentially the same people they were modeled after. I expect they wouldn't have had any of the same issues the spectre does, and might even have had a full compliment of life memories, too. Or, at least, approximations of such.
On the flip side, I believe they were actually alive while their human counterparts were, too. That... must have been odd, to say the least, if they ever met each other.
-
>"Unfortunately no. At the time she was bound, I considered it relatively safe. Clearly this was not the case. But I've only been back in Gensokyo long enough to start taking stock of things, again."
>"She does have some weaknesses. Her danmaku is quite easy to dodge. Unfortunately, it also hits with enough force to splinter wood. Moreover, she cannot fly under her own power. Unfortunately, these seem more than adequately compensated by her shadow manipulations. I still don't know the extent of what she's capable of, but would not be surprised if there are even more things she can do with this than she's demonstrated."
>"I... am not certain we can restore the shadows she's stolen unless we can convince her to do so herself. And, well... to say she was unwilling to co-operate would be putting it mildly."
>"I'm still hoping I we may be able to learn something useful if we can figure out why she's stolen some of the shadows she has. For Nitori and Kogasa, and her attempt on myself, this seems clear enough. She was trying to silence us. However, she has taken shadows from seemingly ordinary trees and rocks. Clearly she was not attempting to silence them. And I don't know what she wanted with Bhava-Agra, either. Moreover, its shadow seems only partially stolen, unlike all these others."
>"There is one other anomalous event I've learned of. She visited Guest Island a couple days ago - shortly after stealing Nitori's shadow, I believe. And she shared a perfectly peaceful drink with Suika. Not only is Suika the only person I know of who managed to come away from direct contact with her unscathed, but Bhava-Agra is very far from the forest that she's been so eager to remain concealed in. I still don't know what would have prompted her to go that far from home on her own. I suspect figuring out why may be important."
>The others nod.
>"Maybe she went on vacation?" Luna says.
>"So," says Parsee, "You don't know how she did it, you don't know how to stop it, and you probably want us to help you fight her. well, I guess it's not the stupidest thing we've done."
>"Not at all," says Utsuho. "Be a bit more optimistic, Parsee."
>Parsee grumbles.
>"What do you want us to do, anyways?" asks Maribel.
>_
-
>"For what it's worth, I don't think a lot of her shadow attacks are effective against more than one person at a time. In our first encounter, when I managed to guard my shadow from her, she was not terribly adept at evading my spellcards. I imagine several people working together could have an advantage, if she can only attempt to incapacitate one of us at a time."
>"As for what to do now.... well, my first priority was to assess what's happened in my absence, and make sure everyone was informed. I really hate to say it in these terms, but like it or not, you may all be targets at this point. I still don't know what her ultimate plans are."
>"I also need to go find Tenshi. I have an idea where to look from her, and she also needs to know that I'm alright. Well, intact, at the very least."
>"As for after that... I wish I could say something more useful. We still don't know where the poltergeist is, which makes direct action difficult at the moment."
>"Luna, I don't suppose you remember anything about that book you said you saw the poltergeist reading?"
>"For that matter, I don't suppose you'd heard of any fairies finding a book around the forest, lately?"
-
Posting this for potential use later, since I'm leaving for home and you snuck in a post before I did.
"If you can believe it after all I've told you...I'm not actually sure I want to fight her. I'll admit I'm operating under the theory that she's the Brocken Spectre, but, if she is, that means she was created with an inherent drive to hide herself at all costs, because that's what everyone believed the Brocken Spectre to be doing. She was basically made to be paranoid and angry, forced to be these things by outside forces instead of her own decisions. I...honestly feel a bit sorry for her, in that regard. I'd rather attempt to assuage whatever her paranoia's foundation is than simply kill her, assuming poltergeists can actually die. Of course, if she remains unreasonable and gets violent while around any of us, then we won't really have a choice."
-
>"For what it's worth, I don't think a lot of her shadow attacks are effective against more than one person at a time. In our first encounter, when I managed to guard my shadow from her, she was not terribly adept at evading my spellcards. I imagine several people working together could have an advantage, if she can only attempt to incapacitate one of us at a time."
>"As for what to do now.... well, my first priority was to assess what's happened in my absence, and make sure everyone was informed. I really hate to say it in these terms, but like it or not, you may all be targets at this point. I still don't know what her ultimate plans are."
>"I also need to go find Tenshi. I have an idea where to look from her, and she also needs to know that I'm alright. Well, intact, at the very least."
>"As for after that... I wish I could say something more useful. We still don't know where the poltergeist is, which makes direct action difficult at the moment."
>"Luna, I don't suppose you remember anything about that book you said you saw the poltergeist reading?"
>"For that matter, I don't suppose you'd heard of any fairies finding a book around the forest, lately?"
>"Well great," says Parsee. "Nothing like being hunted!"
>"Hush," says Utsuho. "But, I suppose there is a point to this. We'll have to come up with a good way to find her."
>Luna frowns for a moment as you ask her about the book. "Um...it had a brown cover? And...um...I think Ficus got some candy for giving the doll youkai a book a couple days ago! It was minty."
>_
-
> "The doll youkai? You mean the youkai who uses dolls or the youkai that is a doll?"
-
> "The doll youkai? You mean the youkai who uses dolls or the youkai that is a doll?"
>"The first one," says Luna. "I think it's the first one. I guess it could be the second one, but I don't know if that one would have candy."
>_
-
> "Okay. Hmm, that makes sense. I could see Alice holding an interest in books. Probably more than Medicine, at any rate."
-
>"I know I already mentioned this to a couple of you, but the poltergeist was desperately looking for a book of hers when I saw her. She demanded I give it back to her, actually. It would be good to be able to find out what it was, in case it has some significance. But even if the book is mundane, it clearly has a great deal of significance to her. Maybe we might even be able to soften her attitude a little, if we could find and return it to her."
-
> "Okay. Hmm, that makes sense. I could see Alice holding an interest in books. Probably more than Medicine, at any rate."
>"And not as much minty candy," Luna adds, before going back to her scribbling.
>_
-
> "I know I already mentioned this to a couple of you, but the poltergeist was desperately looking for a book of hers when I saw her. She demanded I give it back to her, actually. It would be good to be able to find out what it was, in case it has some significance. But even if the book is mundane, it clearly has a great deal of significance to her. Maybe we might even be able to soften her attitude a little, if we could find and return it to her."
> "Anyway, with the information we have now, I think it's time we started doing something. Before, that, though, are Nitori and Kogasa still awake, or at least as awake as they are in this state? I would like to see them momentarily."
-
>"I know I already mentioned this to a couple of you, but the poltergeist was desperately looking for a book of hers when I saw her. She demanded I give it back to her, actually. It would be good to be able to find out what it was, in case it has some significance. But even if the book is mundane, it clearly has a great deal of significance to her. Maybe we might even be able to soften her attitude a little, if we could find and return it to her."
> "Anyway, with the information we have now, I think it's time we started doing something. Before, that, though, are Nitori and Kogasa still awake, or at least as awake as they are in this state? I would like to see them momentarily."
>"It sounds like something to try," says Utsuho.
>"They should be," says Renko. "They're in back."
>_
-
>"Thank you."
>Go back and check in on them
-
>"Thank you."
>Go back and check in on them
>You go to the back, and find a modestly appointed sitting room. Kogasa and Nitori are laid side by side on a blanket near one of the windows; Nitori seems to be staring through it. Kogasa just clutches her umbrella.
>_
-
>Walk over to them
>"I'm sorry I still haven't fixed things, you two. I'm giving it the very best I can, I promise you."
>Try taking hold of Nitori's hand. Our shadows were attached at one point. Maybe some shade of connection between us might still be possible?
>"I'm sorry I couldn't bring you out with me. But I'll still find a way. I won't stop looking until I do."
-
> Would The Dragon be able to find Tenshi with the power he wields?
> How do we address The Dragon directly?
-
>Walk over to them
>"I'm sorry I still haven't fixed things, you two. I'm giving it the very best I can, I promise you."
>Try taking hold of Nitori's hand. Our shadows were attached at one point. Maybe some shade of connection between us might still be possible?
>"I'm sorry I couldn't bring you out with me. But I'll still find a way. I won't stop looking until I do."
>You walk over to them and apologize. If nothing else, they don't seem to be actively condemning you right now.
>You take Nitori's hand. She shifts her eyes from the window toward you, but does nothing else. You're reasonably sure she isn't looking through you as she usually has in the past.
> Would The Dragon be able to find Tenshi with the power he wields?
> How do we address The Dragon directly?
>You are certain it could.
>Generally, you visit it. Prayer may work, but it tends not to directly respond to such entreaties without there being significant need.
>_
-
> Take Kogasa's hand as well.
> "I can only hope you girls are hearing any of this. If you think it's a daydream, it isn't. Try to pay attention and remember as best as you can."
> "I don't know how she does it, but that poltergeist can use you girls somehow. If you ever feel like you're being used to fight someone, resist it. Try to resist it however you can. Resist her with everything you have. Do whatever it takes to disrupt her. We're trying to figure out a way to get her to restore you, but until then, fight her with every ounce of energy you can muster."
> Look back and forth between them as we talk.
> How do we address The Dragon when speaking? Sir, Lord, Your Honor, August One, something else?
> Would The Dragon be annoyed with us if we asked it to find Tenshi?
-
>So, it looks more like she's actually looking AT us, this time?
>"Nitori? Can you hear me?"
-
> Take Kogasa's hand as well.
> "I can only hope you girls are hearing any of this. If you think it's a daydream, it isn't. Try to pay attention and remember as best as you can."
> "I don't know how she does it, but that poltergeist can use you girls somehow. If you ever feel like you're being used to fight someone, resist it. Try to resist it however you can. Resist her with everything you have. Do whatever it takes to disrupt her. We're trying to figure out a way to get her to restore you, but until then, fight her with every ounce of energy you can muster."
> Look back and forth between them as we talk.
> How do we address The Dragon when speaking? Sir, Lord, Your Honor, August One, something else?
> Would The Dragon be annoyed with us if we asked it to find Tenshi?
>So, it looks more like she's actually looking AT us, this time?
>"Nitori? Can you hear me?"
>Kogasa's hand is too busy being wrapped around her umbrella to be taken. She doesn't seem to really notice you. Nitori, you get the sense she at least acknowledges that you're there on some level.
>You try to contact Nitori. You think she may have tried to answer, and least from the way she exhaled when you reached her.
>The Dragon's proper form of address is Most Revered and August One. How annoyed it would be depends on how much effort you've put into a situation, and how much of a possible path is available to you; as well as how often you've called upon it.
>_
-
>"Nitori, I can't be certain you are aware of me, but this seems different than the earlier times I tried to speak to you. Maybe it's because you're more aware of what's happened to you?"
>"I don't know how much of this will reach you, but I'm back in Gensokyo. Things seem to have been ok in my absence. We don't know where the spectre's gone, but I'm going to look for her. I don't know how long it will take to set things straight, but I'll keep going until they are. I'm sorry I couldn't pull you out when we were in that shadow together."
>Do we have any idea how late at night it is? Late enough to risk waking or disturbing people, if we tried to visit them? Even for potentially important matters?
-
> Does The Dragon sleep?
> How close was the Dragon Palace to the human village? We should probably check in on the tavern in our search.
> Well, we've exhausted Reimu's place, Nitori's place and the Turtle House; if we need to ask The Dragon it will mean Tenshi isn't at the main island...maybe all those combined with the tavern would count as "enough effort" to be put into a search for Tenshi, given time is of the essence? She could have gone to the Yakumo household or the Moriya Shrine, but she didn't seem very well enamored with either, and searching anywhere beyond that would be a total stab in the dark.
> We haven't asked The Dragon for help recently, have we? Certainly not today, as our only contact with The Dragon today was when we were summoned.
> What exactly is meant by "how much of a possible path is available"?
-
>"Nitori, I can't be certain you are aware of me, but this seems different than the earlier times I tried to speak to you. Maybe it's because you're more aware of what's happened to you?"
>"I don't know how much of this will reach you, but I'm back in Gensokyo. Things seem to have been ok in my absence. We don't know where the spectre's gone, but I'm going to look for her. I don't know how long it will take to set things straight, but I'll keep going until they are. I'm sorry I couldn't pull you out when we were in that shadow together."
>Do we have any idea how late at night it is? Late enough to risk waking or disturbing people, if we tried to visit them? Even for potentially important matters?
>You think Nitori groans a little in response.
>It's early evening, you think. For many people, there's a fair chance they would still be awake. You imagine it's more likely youkai would be awake than humans.
> Does The Dragon sleep?
> How close was the Dragon Palace to the human village? We should probably check in on the tavern in our search.
> Well, we've exhausted Reimu's place, Nitori's place and the Turtle House; if we need to ask The Dragon it will mean Tenshi isn't at the main island...maybe all those combined with the tavern would count as "enough effort" to be put into a search for Tenshi, given time is of the essence? She could have gone to the Yakumo household or the Moriya Shrine, but she didn't seem very well enamored with either, and searching anywhere beyond that would be a total stab in the dark.
> We haven't asked The Dragon for help recently, have we? Certainly not today, as our only contact with The Dragon today was when we were summoned.
> What exactly is meant by "how much of a possible path is available"?
>You don't think so...
>The human village would be more or less on the way.
>You aren't sure what it would think of this. But it seems reasonable.
>You have not called upon it lately for anything; you seldom do at all.
>It is more likely to respond favorably if there doesn't seem to be a possible solution to a problem than if there is an you just do not want to do it.
>_
-
> "I'm heading back out to keep working toward fixing all this. Hang in there, you two. I'll be fighting for you. If you can, try to fight for me, too."
> Assuming no effort is made to stop us from leaving the room, leave the room and return to the main group.
-
> "I'm heading back out to keep working toward fixing all this. Hang in there, you two. I'll be fighting for you. If you can, try to fight for me, too."
> Assuming no effort is made to stop us from leaving the room, leave the room and return to the main group.
>You give them your final assurances, then return to the front room.
>"Find anything?" asks Utsuho.
>_
-
> "I think I actually found Nitori again, albeit very temporarily, and very tenuously. If she was to be believed in that shadow void, they both were able to hear me, but they may have just thought it was a daydream. Here's hoping what I said got through to least one of them."
> "Anyway. I've been mulling over how to handle this situation, the necessary approach and tactics, fun stuff like that. Here's what I have so far."
> "With the poltergeist's location currently unknown, there are two immediately important tasks; Find Tenshi, and get that book back. The latter is a simple trip to Alice's house to find out what she'll want for it, or if she's willing to just give it away if I play my circumstances cards correctly. I believe that should be taken care of first. Finding Tenshi, of course, is a much more complicated matter, as I have no substantial leads. Near as I can tell, after coming here and telling people to stay put, she went to Reimu's shrine, went around with Reimu, then flew off somewhere to "get more help". As she is not here or in Nitori's workshop, there are only a few places I can think of where she might have gone."
> "It is possible she went to the Yakumo house or to the Moriya Shrine. I must admit I rather doubt these, however, as she was not particularly enamored to the situations we initially encountered in both of those locations today. Far more likely is that she went back to Bhava-Agra's main island, where the Dragon Palace and Hinanai Shrine are. Her tavern in the human village is along the way from here to there, so checking it would also be worth doing. Lastly, there is an outside chance she went to visit her mother; I pity Cirno if that is what actually happened, as she'll be in Tenshi's way, and getting in Tenshi's way when she's determined and has that sword is not something I would wish on anyone. Anything beyond those places would be a complete shot in the dark; hopefully things won't come to that."
> "On top of these immediate goals, we also have the inherent goal of staying together and staying safe. As the group we are now, however, I do not think it prudent to move as one, as we still have Nitori and Kogasa to watch over. As such, it would be best for us to split up; some will stay here to watch over our incapacitated friends, and the rest will go out and search."
> "Now. Yuugi has gone home, and fetching her back would be both rude and time-consuming. Given who we have here now and what each of us brings to the table, I have run through what I feel is the best combination in terms of producing results and preventing casualties of any sort. I will, of course, being going out to look for Tenshi..."
> Point to Renko.
> "...and I ask you, Renko, if you would be willing to come along with me. I will say that I think this is the best tactical decision, but I will also say that I did not relish the idea of taking anyone here away from the ones they care about, so I will leave it as a choice for you to make. I believe I can handle myself alone if I keep my wits about me at all times, so do not feel obligated to join me. In addition to that, I will note that, when I was delivering that message earlier today, Alice looked upon the list of participants and was notably displeased. I do not know with whom she was unhappy, but I cannot imagine it was with Patchouli or Marisa, and your name and Maribel's name were on that very short list, so if you two do indeed have a history and meeting her would be unpleasant, again, I am not obligating you to come with me."
> "The rest of you, however, I believe would be served better staying here, to take care of each other as well as Nitori and Kogasa in the event of something unpleasant. Fewer taken away from the house means a better defense, and whoever is out wandering about on the search will at least have random passers-by to help dissuade any surprise attacks, as well as immediate knowledge of where the others are, in the event a retreat is necessary."
> "Now then, are there any questions about this plan?"
-
> "I think I actually found Nitori again, albeit very temporarily, and very tenuously. If she was to be believed in that shadow void, they both were able to hear me, but they may have just thought it was a daydream. Here's hoping what I said got through to least one of them."
> "Anyway. I've been mulling over how to handle this situation, the necessary approach and tactics, fun stuff like that. Here's what I have so far."
> "With the poltergeist's location currently unknown, there are two immediately important tasks; Find Tenshi, and get that book back. The latter is a simple trip to Alice's house to find out what she'll want for it, or if she's willing to just give it away if I play my circumstances cards correctly. I believe that should be taken care of first. Finding Tenshi, of course, is a much more complicated matter, as I have no substantial leads. Near as I can tell, after coming here and telling people to stay put, she went to Reimu's shrine, went around with Reimu, then flew off somewhere to "get more help". As she is not here or in Nitori's workshop, there are only a few places I can think of where she might have gone."
> "It is possible she went to the Yakumo house or to the Moriya Shrine. I must admit I rather doubt these, however, as she was not particularly enamored to the situations we initially encountered in both of those locations today. Far more likely is that she went back to Bhava-Agra's main island, where the Dragon Palace and Hinanai Shrine are. Her tavern in the human village is along the way from here to there, so checking it would also be worth doing. Lastly, there is an outside chance she went to visit her mother; I pity Cirno if that is what actually happened, as she'll be in Tenshi's way, and getting in Tenshi's way when she's determined and has that sword is not something I would wish on anyone. Anything beyond those places would be a complete shot in the dark; hopefully things won't come to that."
> "On top of these immediate goals, we also have the inherent goal of staying together and staying safe. As the group we are now, however, I do not think it prudent to move as one, as we still have Nitori and Kogasa to watch over. As such, it would be best for us to split up; some will stay here to watch over our incapacitated friends, and the rest will go out and search."
> "Now. Yuugi has gone home, and fetching her back would be both rude and time-consuming. Given who we have here now and what each of us brings to the table, I have run through what I feel is the best combination in terms of producing results and preventing casualties of any sort. I will, of course, being going out to look for Tenshi..."
> Point to Renko.
> "...and I ask you, Renko, if you would be willing to come along with me. I will say that I think this is the best tactical decision, but I will also say that I did not relish the idea of taking anyone here away from the ones they care about, so I will leave it as a choice for you to make. I believe I can handle myself alone if I keep my wits about me at all times, so do not feel obligated to join me. In addition to that, I will note that, when I was delivering that message earlier today, Alice looked upon the list of participants and was notably displeased. I do not know with whom she was unhappy, but I cannot imagine it was with Patchouli or Marisa, and your name and Maribel's name were on that very short list, so if you two do indeed have a history and meeting her would be unpleasant, again, I am not obligating you to come with me."
> "The rest of you, however, I believe would be served better staying here, to take care of each other as well as Nitori and Kogasa in the event of something unpleasant. Fewer taken away from the house means a better defense, and whoever is out wandering about on the search will at least have random passers-by to help dissuade any surprise attacks, as well as immediate knowledge of where the others are, in the event a retreat is necessary."
> "Now then, are there any questions about this plan?"
>"Yeah, we can do that," says Parsee. "We were kinda planning to stay up here today anyways, where doesn't make all that much difference, I guess."
>Utsuho nods in agreement.
>"Um, if it's all the same," says Renko, "Maybe it'd be better if someone else goes. I don't think having me with you is going to make Alice want to do anything."
>"Do I have to do anything?" Luna asks.
>_
-
>"No, no, that's ok. I can go alone if there's still bad blood between you. It's a short enough trip, and hopefully nothing will happen along the way."
>"Myself and Utsuho are the strongest fighters here. I would have suggested she come, but I don't want to leave either group without one of us."
>"And no, Luna. I don't think you need to worry about any of this right now. But thanks for asking."
-
>"No, no, that's ok. I can go alone if there's still bad blood between you. It's a short enough trip, and hopefully nothing will happen along the way."
>"Myself and Utsuho are the strongest fighters here. I would have suggested she come, but I don't want to leave either group without one of us."
>"And no, Luna. I don't think you need to worry about any of this right now. But thanks for asking."
>"Kay!" says Luna, as she gets back to her doodling.
>"This means I have to go, doesn't it?" asks Parsee.
>_
-
>Shake our head
>"Strictly voluntary, and I won't think any less of you if you'd rather not, quite honestly."
-
> "I'll also warn you ahead of time, I plan on operating assuming this girl is the Brocken Spectre, so if that bothers you, you'll have to cope with it along the way."
-
>Shake our head
>"Strictly voluntary, and I won't think any less of you if you'd rather not, quite honestly."
>"Let's just go," says Parsee. "Otherwise Okuu will give me that look all night."
>"What look?" Utsuho asks, frowning.
>"That one, pretty much," she says.
> "I'll also warn you ahead of time, I plan on operating assuming this girl is the Brocken Spectre, so if that bothers you, you'll have to cope with it along the way."
>"Whatever," says Parsee. "we'll wait for the facts to come to light."
>_
-
>"Fair enough. And thank you."
>"Well, we should be off now, I think. We'll stop by after Alice's, one way or the other, and let you know we're still ok."
>Assuming nothing else comes up, leave and head to Alice's
-
>"Fair enough. And thank you."
>"Well, we should be off now, I think. We'll stop by after Alice's, one way or the other, and let you know we're still ok."
>Assuming nothing else comes up, leave and head to Alice's
>Parsee nods and stands up. "I'll be back sooner or later," she says.
>You and the bridgekeeper leave and take flight toward Alice's house.
>"So, if this thing attacks," says Parsee, "What do you want me to do?"
>_
-
>"Well, first of all, we try to avoid actual combat if possible. I'd still like to try reasoning with it. Both because I think its eventual co-operation may be required, if we are to fix things, and because I'm still hoping my original premise was correct, and that it does what it does because that was the existence it was born into, and that it can be shown better."
>"Still, I know enough not to be naively optimistic. If combat happens, I think we should try to spread out from each other, and place our shadows in places where she cannot draw near to both at once. Never let her touch your shadow. I cannot warn you enough on that front. But she does generally seem to need to be stationary when manipulating shadows, which should make her an easy target for the other party. She also appears incapable of flight, so take advantage of that in your targeting, if you can. Her danmaku is substantially more forceful than usual, but should not be too difficult to dodge on its own, if your shadow is safe from her. If she does manage to grab either of our shadows, the process can be interrupted by damaging her. That fact alone should make this much safer with a second person."
>How clearly can we see our shadow's position, in the current light?
-
>"Well, first of all, we try to avoid actual combat if possible. I'd still like to try reasoning with it. Both because I think its eventual co-operation may be required, if we are to fix things, and because I'm still hoping my original premise was correct, and that it does what it does because that was the existence it was born into, and that it can be shown better."
>"Still, I know enough not to be naively optimistic. If combat happens, I think we should try to spread out from each other, and place our shadows in places where she cannot draw near to both at once. Never let her touch your shadow. I cannot warn you enough on that front. But she does generally seem to need to be stationary when manipulating shadows, which should make her an easy target for the other party. She also appears incapable of flight, so take advantage of that in your targeting, if you can. Her danmaku is substantially more forceful than usual, but should not be too difficult to dodge on its own, if your shadow is safe from her. If she does manage to grab either of our shadows, the process can be interrupted by damaging her. That fact alone should make this much safer with a second person."
>How clearly can we see our shadow's position, in the current light?
>"Okay, I'll be sure to keep away from you if she comes," says Parsee.
>Not very well, even though the moon gives a fair amount of light, the darken forest doesn't really show you where your shadow is very well.
>_
-
>But well enough to tell approximately?
-
> Well, we should at least know in which direction our shadow should be in given the placement of the moon...
-
>But well enough to tell approximately?
> Well, we should at least know in which direction our shadow should be in given the placement of the moon...
>You think so. The position of the moon gives you an idea of direction.
>_
-
>Continue on to Alice's
-
>Continue on to Alice's
>Despite, or perhaps thanks to your precautions, you land near Alice's house with no undue trouble. Looking around the darkened lakeshore, you see no signs of the poltergeist, either.
>There are lights in the windows of Alice's cabin, suggesting that someone is home.
>_
-
>Knock on the door
-
>Knock on the door
>You approach the door of the simple white cabin and knock on it. You think you hear a bit of activity inside before the door opens and Alice stands at the threshold. She glances at you both individually, then says, "Let's hear the bad news first."
>_
-
> "That book you bought with the mint candy from that fairy? It has very likely shot you all the way up to #2 on the personal hit list of one of the more major threats Gensokyo has seen in some time. I would know, I'm #1."
-
> "That book you bought with the mint candy from that fairy? It has very likely shot you all the way up to #2 on the personal hit list of one of the more major threats Gensokyo has seen in some time. I would know, I'm #1."
>"Lovely," says Alice.
>_
-
> "Yeah. The worse news is that the person that wants their book back is the same person that brought Bhava-Agra crashing down by draining its shadow. The even worse news is that this person can drain any shadow they can get their hands on, including the shadows of other people. If the two such people we've come across so far are any indication of the norm, they turn into hollow shells of their former selves, barely conscious, with barely any of the basic motor skills."
> Pull out the pictures of the shadowless tree and show them to Alice.
> "I don't have any pictures of those people, but I do have these, at least, so you can see how being shadowless works."
-
> "Yeah. The worse news is that the person that wants their book back is the same person that brought Bhava-Agra crashing down by draining its shadow. The even worse news is that this person can drain any shadow they can get their hands on, including the shadows of other people. If the two such people we've come across so far are any indication of the norm, they turn into hollow shells of their former selves, barely conscious, with barely any of the basic motor skills."
> Pull out the pictures of the shadowless tree and show them to Alice.
> "I don't have any pictures of those people, but I do have these, at least, so you can see how being shadowless works."
>You explain a bit more and show her the picture. She looks at it and goes hmmm. Then she looks at you and says, "Your point being?"
>_
-
>"She has an extreme level of attachment to it. When I bumped into her this afternoon, she was tearing the forest up looking for it. Demanded I return it to her. Didn't believe me when I told her that I knew nothing of it. She is aggressive and extremely dangerous. I nearly had my own shadow stolen, and I fully expect her to try again should she see me."
>"I admit, though I have learned where it went, I still don't even know what sort of book it is. Could you tell me?"
-
> "And yes, about this girl that's pretty angry about her lost book. The two people that have had their shadows drained? They're no slouches, but she got them with little effort. She even pushed me to my limit and almost got mine before I finally managed to repulse her, and that didn't stop her from coming back for a second fight, where she just up and sucked the entire me into her own shadow while she was bound hand and foot. Thankfully I apparently have beings in very high places looking out for me, so I managed to come back, but I sincerely doubt many others would be able to do the same."
-
>"She has an extreme level of attachment to it. When I bumped into her this afternoon, she was tearing the forest up looking for it. Demanded I return it to her. Didn't believe me when I told her that I knew nothing of it. She is aggressive and extremely dangerous. I nearly had my own shadow stolen, and I fully expect her to try again should she see me."
>"I admit, though I have learned where it went, I still don't even know what sort of book it is. Could you tell me?"
> "And yes, about this girl that's pretty angry about her lost book. The two people that have had their shadows drained? They're no slouches, but she got them with little effort. She even pushed me to my limit and almost got mine before I finally managed to repulse her, and that didn't stop her from coming back for a second fight, where she just up and sucked the entire me into her own shadow while she was bound hand and foot. Thankfully I apparently have beings in very high places looking out for me, so I managed to come back, but I sincerely doubt many others would be able to do the same."
>You summarize the story, with some strict interpretation of the truth thrown in.
>"That would be a shame for her," says Alice, "As it is my book to begin with, and I was rather curious about its fate. I don't expect you know how this shadow person took it?"
>_
-
>"I... have no idea, to be honest. I know virtually nothing about it, other than her extreme desire to get it back. She wouldn't tell me anything about it when I asked, so I had no idea what kind of book it even was."
>"When did you notice it missing?"
-
> "And what color is it?"
-
>"I... have no idea, to be honest. I know virtually nothing about it, other than her extreme desire to get it back. She wouldn't tell me anything about it when I asked, so I had no idea what kind of book it even was."
>"When did you notice it missing?"
> "And what color is it?"
>"About a week ago," says Alice, reaching through the door with her left hand and making some gestures. "While I suppose I can credit her with not leaving too much a mess, she wasn't the most subtle thief. To be honest, I attributed it to an especially clever faerie."
>One of her dolls floats out, carrying a book bound in brown leather. "I expect you'll want to see it," says Alice, as the doll presents the book to you.
>_
-
>"Thank you."
>Take the book and examine it
-
> Do we know if item duplication spells are possible?
-
>"Thank you."
>Take the book and examine it
>You take the book from the door and examine it. It's title is: "The Ways of the World."
>Looking through it, you find it lacks a table of contents or an index or things of that nature. But examining it, you see that it seems to revolve around summing up the various worlds through the lenses of the six realms of rebirth, fitting everything into those categories. It seems to be somewhat old.
>_
-
> Do we know if item duplication spells are possible?
> What are the six realms of rebirth?
-
>Does the book say anything about Bhava-Agra? If so, what?
-
> Do we know if item duplication spells are possible?
> What are the six realms of rebirth?
>You don't know that they are possible, but you imagine so.
>It is a concept of buddhism, placing the experiences of life in six difference tiers; Hell, Preta, Animal, Human Ashura, and Deva. While these are most techinically states of being; they also correspond loosely to places as well. Bhava-Agra is most definitely a part of the Deva Realm for instance. Not everything fits into it so neatly.
>Does the book say anything about Bhava-Agra? If so, what?
>There is a section on Bhava-Agra. It is not particularly large or especially detailed, but it seems to give an good overview.
>_
>_
-
> Does it state how to travel there?
-
> Does it state how to travel there?
>Not explicitly, that you can see. But it is mentioned that part of Bhava Agra floats over a particularly sacred mountain in the human realm. You suspect that one can infer from that.
>_
-
>Skimming through it, can we see any other bits that strike us as unusual or potentially relevant to the current situation?
>"I wonder what possessed her to steal this particular book? I suppose I didn't know quite what to expect, but whatever it was wasn't this."
-
> "When did you get this back, anyway? Just today?"
-
>Skimming through it, can we see any other bits that strike us as unusual or potentially relevant to the current situation?
>"I wonder what possessed her to steal this particular book? I suppose I didn't know quite what to expect, but whatever it was wasn't this."
>There are a few things that could be relevant. It will take a little time going through this to really be sure.
>"I have no better an idea than you do," says Alice.
> "When did you get this back, anyway? Just today?"
>"Yesterday, actually," Alice says.
>_
-
> "Hmm. Tangentially related, but do you happen to know anything of item duplication spells?"
-
> "Hmm. Tangentially related, but do you happen to know anything of item duplication spells?"
>"Just borrow it," says Alice. "It's not especially important to me, but if you can get it back in one piece, do so."
>_
-
>"Thank you. I'll do my best."
>Stow the book
>"Also, I should show you what she looks like, so you can be warned if you see her. In case, perhaps, it occurs to her to come back here looking for 'her' book."
>Show Alice the photo of the poltergeist
-
> "It seems unlikely, but if you should see her, your best bet is to pretend you did not. If she confronts you, well, Suika is the only person we know of that has not been attacked by this girl, so if you can offer her a drink without acting like you care who she is, that should be good enough. If worst comes to worst and she tries to fight you, keep your shadow away from her. She can hurt you by physically assaulting it, and will even take it from you if she is given the chance. Her danmaku is very strong but very unrefined, and she does not fly; someone such as yourself, who can attack from multiple angles, should be able to defeat her if you keep on your toes."
-
>"Thank you. I'll do my best."
>Stow the book
>"Also, I should show you what she looks like, so you can be warned if you see her. In case, perhaps, it occurs to her to come back here looking for 'her' book."
>Show Alice the photo of the poltergeist
>You obtain: Book Entitled: The Way of the World
>You show her the photo. Alice looks at it. "You've been busy today. I suspect you had a hand in freeing Aya, then?"
> "It seems unlikely, but if you should see her, your best bet is to pretend you did not. If she confronts you, well, Suika is the only person we know of that has not been attacked by this girl, so if you can offer her a drink without acting like you care who she is, that should be good enough. If worst comes to worst and she tries to fight you, keep your shadow away from her. She can hurt you by physically assaulting it, and will even take it from you if she is given the chance. Her danmaku is very strong but very unrefined, and she does not fly; someone such as yourself, who can attack from multiple angles, should be able to defeat her if you keep on your toes."
>Alice nods. "I'll keep it in mind. I think I might have seen this person once now, a couple weeks ago, now that I think about it."
>_
-
> "I've had a very busy day, yes. Let's just say I've been to Makai and back, and it was not the strangest place I've visited."
> "As for Aya, well, I needed info at the time. Then the bottom kinda fell out of my day and made my encounter with her rather moot."
> Smile.
> "I'm quite thankful for the camera she lent me, though. These pictures have been invaluable in informing people as to what's going on."
-
>"What was she doing, when you saw her? And where was this?"
-
> "I've had a very busy day, yes. Let's just say I've been to Makai and back, and it was not the strangest place I've visited."
> "As for Aya, well, I needed info at the time. Then the bottom kinda fell out of my day and made my encounter with her rather moot."
> Smile.
> "I'm quite thankful for the camera she lent me, though. These pictures have been invaluable in informing people as to what's going on."
>"So I imagine," says Alice.
>"What was she doing, when you saw her? And where was this?"
>"It was along the way to Marisa's house," Alice says. "And, I don't quite remember what she was doing anymore. Nothing remarkable, I'm sure."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "All right. Thank you for your time and generosity, Alice. Stay safe, and deny my presence here tonight if you need to."
> Unless Alice makes an effort to stop us, fly back to Maribel's house.
-
> Nod.
> "All right. Thank you for your time and generosity, Alice. Stay safe, and deny my presence here tonight if you need to."
> Unless Alice makes an effort to stop us, fly back to Maribel's house.
>Alice nods. "At least it wasn't one of my better books. Good night." With that, she turns and heads back into her house.
>You return to Maribel's home, Parsee flying along side of you quietly. She constantly watches the forest below, as if she were expecting some part of it to rise up and strike her.
>Despite this, you return to Maribel's house safely.
>_
-
>Knock on the door
>"We're back."
-
>Knock on the door
>"We're back."
>You knock on the door, and announce your return as Renko opens it.
>"So, did it go okay?" Utsuho asks.
>"Not a peep from whoever," says Parsee.
>_
-
> "We have the book, and I'm pretty sure Alice will be safe. I've told her how to handle herself in the event she sees the poltergeist, and I imagine it won't matter anyway, because Alice can't really be tied to me, and she's not the unnecessarily aggressive type like Kogasa with her surprises."
-
> "We have the book, and I'm pretty sure Alice will be safe. I've told her how to handle herself in the event she sees the poltergeist, and I imagine it won't matter anyway, because Alice can't really be tied to me, and she's not the unnecessarily aggressive type like Kogasa with her surprises."
>"So, what's the book?" Renko asks.
>_
-
>Step inside
>"Apparently the poltergeist had actually stolen it from Alice originally, about a week ago. It's not quite what I was expecting, and I'm not sure why she would have broken in and stolen it in the first place, but there it is."
>Pass the book around, if anyone wants a look at it
>"Although it would have told her of Bhava-Agra's existence, and suggested a way to reach it, if she made the right inference. Aside from that, I wonder if there's some significance to this I'm overlooking."
-
>Step inside
>"Apparently the poltergeist had actually stolen it from Alice originally, about a week ago. It's not quite what I was expecting, and I'm not sure why she would have broken in and stolen it in the first place, but there it is."
>Pass the book around, if anyone wants a look at it
>"Although it would have told her of Bhava-Agra's existence, and suggested a way to reach it, if she made the right inference. Aside from that, I wonder if there's some significance to this I'm overlooking."
>"What'd it actually say about Bhava-Agra?" asks Renko, as she holds her hand out for the book.
>_
-
>Hand her the book
>Summarize what the book had to say about it, that we saw
-
>Hand her the book
>Summarize what the book had to say about it, that we saw
>She takes the book and flips through it. "Sounds kind of basic," says Renko. "But that's really useful to someone who's new."
>"I wish I could have gotten something like that," says Maribel, as she peers over Renko's arm.
>_
-
>"Yes, I suppose it could be useful in that regard. I guess I was simply hoping that there might be something in her choice of reading material that might help explain some of the actions she's taken. Or why she is so zealously attached to it."
>"Although, I suppose that this at least indicates a desire to learn more about the world, which may be a hopeful thing yet."
-
>"Yes, I suppose it could be useful in that regard. I guess I was simply hoping that there might be something in her choice of reading material that might help explain some of the actions she's taken. Or why she is so zealously attached to it."
>"Although, I suppose that this at least indicates a desire to learn more about the world, which may be a hopeful thing yet."
>"We'll see," says Renko, not looking up from the book.
>"Have any ideas for the next step?" asks Utsuho.
>_
-
> "The only other immediate goal is to find Tenshi. She needs someone with her right now; the poltergeist has actually seen her with me, which makes her a huge target. She absolutely cannot be left alone right now, especially in the state of mind I have heard she is in."
> Ball a hand into a fist.
> "And if that poltergeist so much as looks at her wrong, we will have a serious problem."
> "Anyway, I must head to the Dragon Palace and search for her there. Parsee, you may come again if you wish. Renko, please look over that book and see what else you can find."
-
> "The only other immediate goal is to find Tenshi. She needs someone with her right now; the poltergeist has actually seen her with me, which makes her a huge target. She absolutely cannot be left alone right now, especially in the state of mind I have heard she is in."
> Ball a hand into a fist.
> "And if that poltergeist so much as looks at her wrong, we will have a serious problem."
> "Anyway, I must head to the Dragon Palace and search for her there. Parsee, you may come again if you wish. Renko, please look over that book and see what else you can find."
>"I'm sure she'll be okay," says Utsuho.
>"You gonna be coming back?" Parsee says. "I suppose I'll come if you're coming back, but if you are going stay there, then you're on your own."
>_
-
>"Once we find her, I'll accompany you back here. I'm not going to ask anyone to go alone, if they don't have to."
-
> Does our room door lock?
-
> Does our room door lock?
Even if the spectre were to try such a thing, she not only doesn't know where we live, or which room is ours, but by that point she would have had to go through who knows how many celestials along the way. To say nothing of The Dragon down the hallway. Lock or no lock, it's a more defensible position than an isolated house by the spectre's own forest.
-
I know, I planned on staying there regardless. It was more a curiosity question.
The one circumstance under which I would consider abandoning our room is if we found a shadowless Tenshi, because who knows if that means the 'geist learns which room is ours.
If our room does have a lock, though, we're using it. >_>
-
>"Once we find her, I'll accompany you back here. I'm not going to ask anyone to go alone, if they don't have to."
>"To be honest?" says Utsuho, "It doesn't look like you can make it."
>"You do seem kind of dead on your feet," says Renko, glancing up from the book for a moment.
> Does our room door lock?
>No. Locks are extremely rare in Bhava-Agra.
>_
-
>"Be that as it may, I don't plan to stop until I find her. I can pass out afterwards."
>For that matter, how barely are we hanging on, here?
-
>"Be that as it may, I don't plan to stop until I find her. I can pass out afterwards."
>For that matter, how barely are we hanging on, here?
>Parsee nods. "Yeah, fine, I'll make sure you don't get ambushed then."
>It might not be a good idea to sit down too long, lest you drift off.
>_
-
>"Thank you."
>"I'll leave the book with you, Renko. Peruse it as you will; perhaps you can discover something of interest. If, for whatever reason, you encounter the poltergeist, tell her that I found it for her, and allow her to have it. Make careful your words cannot imply that I had it all along, but that I sought it on her behalf. Hopefully this should not arise tonight, but I say so just in case."
-
> "And since it is very likely I will not be back here tonight, I suggest organizing a watch-keeping system between the lot of you. There are enough here that you should all still get plenty of sleep."
-
>"Thank you."
>"I'll leave the book with you, Renko. Peruse it as you will; perhaps you can discover something of interest. If, for whatever reason, you encounter the poltergeist, tell her that I found it for her, and allow her to have it. Make careful your words cannot imply that I had it all along, but that I sought it on her behalf. Hopefully this should not arise tonight, but I say so just in case."
>"I'll be sure to tell you what I find tomorrow," says Renko.
> "And since it is very likely I will not be back here tonight, I suggest organizing a watch-keeping system between the lot of you. There are enough here that you should all still get plenty of sleep."
>"Yeah, I was going to make them do this myself," says Parsee.
>_
-
>Where is the island that Tenshi's mother was staying on, in relation to here and the Dragon Palace?
-
>Where is the island that Tenshi's mother was staying on, in relation to here and the Dragon Palace?
>It would be southwest of here; mostly west.
>_
-
>Nod
>"Very well. I think we should probably head out again, now."
>Assuming nothing else comes up, fly off to the Dragon Palace
-
Hell yeah, posting from a concert.
I'm good to leave whenever you are. Just be sure to thank them for sticking with us.
-
>Nod
>"Very well. I think we should probably head out again, now."
>Assuming nothing else comes up, fly off to the Dragon Palace
>You depart the house, Parsee following you out.
>As you start toward the Dragon Palace, Parsee says, "So, you keep saying you want to get this poltergeist to stop being so messed up. What've you got up your sleeve to make that happen?"
>_
-
>"Well, if my theory is correct, and she is the Brocken Spectre, she was essentially born into this life of paranoia and secrecy that others envisioned for her. She has likely literally known almost nothing else. I wanted to try and show her that there could be a life beyond that. A life free from hiding and fear. It is a terrible cruelty to be thrust into that sort of existence through no fault of your own. Unfortunately, the last conversation I had with her was... unproductive, to say the least. But, I shall take the fact that she could share a drink with Suika without trying to attack her as positive. I admit that I'm hoping that returning the book to her will be the sort of gesture she's honestly never experienced, and that it might even be enough to give her pause. But... I have to admit that I would be unsurprised if it did nothing to soften her demeanor."
>"Beyond that... I don't know. It's difficult to extend trust towards her, when she has proven herself so dangerous. Allowing her to go free and unchecked seems tantamount to consigning others to Nitori or Kogasa's condition, and I don't want to take that risk."
-
> "I'm also hoping an offer to teach her how to fly will help convince her that not everyone is out to get her. And maybe some alcohol could help as well."
-
>"Well, if my theory is correct, and she is the Brocken Spectre, she was essentially born into this life of paranoia and secrecy that others envisioned for her. She has likely literally known almost nothing else. I wanted to try and show her that there could be a life beyond that. A life free from hiding and fear. It is a terrible cruelty to be thrust into that sort of existence through no fault of your own. Unfortunately, the last conversation I had with her was... unproductive, to say the least. But, I shall take the fact that she could share a drink with Suika without trying to attack her as positive. I admit that I'm hoping that returning the book to her will be the sort of gesture she's honestly never experienced, and that it might even be enough to give her pause. But... I have to admit that I would be unsurprised if it did nothing to soften her demeanor."
>"Beyond that... I don't know. It's difficult to extend trust towards her, when she has proven herself so dangerous. Allowing her to go free and unchecked seems tantamount to consigning others to Nitori or Kogasa's condition, and I don't want to take that risk."
>Parsee nods. "Well, here's hoping, then. You know her better than I do. Personally, I don't even know what to think."
> "I'm also hoping an offer to teach her how to fly will help convince her that not everyone is out to get her. And maybe some alcohol could help as well."
>"Sounds like a good oni solution," says Parsee. "But I dunno. That sounds a little optimistic, don't you think?"
>_
-
>"I know better than to be too optimistic, unfortunately. But in absence of anything better to try, I'll just have to hope for the best. If none of this accomplishes anything, well... then I'll just have to come up with something else."
-
>"I know better than to be too optimistic, unfortunately. But in absence of anything better to try, I'll just have to hope for the best. If none of this accomplishes anything, well... then I'll just have to come up with something else."
>"Yeah, I'm just saying that 'Let's go have drinkies' probably isn't going to work on anyone who isn't an oni," says Parsee. "At least not before you beat them."
>_
-
>"Well, I beat her once. Didn't seem to put much of a dent in her spirits, but then again, she had another trick up her sleeve, so maybe she didn't feel actually beaten? To be fair, I guess she actually wasn't. I wonder if she realizes I escaped her trap?"
-
In very briefly.
Don't forget to stop off at the tavern, it's been stated as being "on the way" to the main island, and there's a chance Tenshi's been there. Even if she isn't now, we can ask whoever's minding it if she had been there before.
-
>Stop by the tavern en-route to the Dragon Palace
-
>"Well, I beat her once. Didn't seem to put much of a dent in her spirits, but then again, she had another trick up her sleeve, so maybe she didn't feel actually beaten? To be fair, I guess she actually wasn't. I wonder if she realizes I escaped her trap?"
>Parsee shrugs. "Dunno, but I hope you can do it twice. Because I'd try it again if I were her."
>Stop by the tavern en-route to the Dragon Palace
>You are drawing close to the village, and decide to look into the tavern.
>Landing in front of it, you see the village is pretty quiet at the moment. There's some activity from the blacksmith; at least the light and sound of metal being hit suggests so, but otherwise the roads are empty at the moment. That and the general noise coming from the Tavern.
>Entering the establishment, you see there are a fair few people here. Nazrin is still tending to the bar, while various tradespeople occupy the seats, as well as a couple of celestials. Aside from that, there doesn't seem to be anyone notable here.
>_
-
>Walk up to Nazrin
>"I don't suppose you've seen Tenshi around here recently?"
-
>Walk up to Nazrin
>"I don't suppose you've seen Tenshi around here recently?"
>"Nope," says Nazrin. "She still missing?"
>_
-
>"No. Well, yes. I mean, we've been together for a fair part of the day, but lost each other again."
>Sigh
>"It's... been a very, very long day."
-
>"No. Well, yes. I mean, we've been together for a fair part of the day, but lost each other again."
>Sigh
>"It's... been a very, very long day."
>Nazrin nods. "Want a drink?"
>_
-
>Shake head
>"No, I think I should go and keep looking. Thanks just the same."
>"If you see her, tell her that I've gone to the Dragon Palace."
>Leave, and fly to the Dragon Palace
-
>Shake head
>"No, I think I should go and keep looking. Thanks just the same."
>"If you see her, tell her that I've gone to the Dragon Palace."
>Leave, and fly to the Dragon Palace
>"Kay," says Nazrin, as one of the tables motions towards her.
>"It was a good thought at least," says Parsee as the two of you depart.
>It's not too far to the Dragon Palace from here. As you draw closer, you notice that there seems to be something going on around the village on the far side of the island. It seems that there's an abnormal number of people gathered in the streets there.
>_
-
>Head over to this village and investigate the gathering
-
If Tenshi's getting help, send Parsee ahead to introduce us. We risk embarrassing her if we show up first.
-
>Head over to this village and investigate the gathering
>You descend on the village, and see about a dozen or so celestials are gathered around one of the houses. Others are watching from the distance. Just about everyone seems either confused or concerned. One of the people you note near the house is pink-haired celestial with two ponytails; you recognize her as Emiko, the head chambermaid of the Dragon Palace.
>_
-
>Can we spot Tenshi among the group?
If Tenshi's getting help, send Parsee ahead to introduce us. We risk embarrassing her if we show up first.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean.
If us being fine makes her look like she was crying wolf, I say we simply state loudly to the crowd how she absolutely did the right thing, and that we stand behind her actions. A public siding with Tenshi's word ought to do more to help her than trying to be subtle about not embarrassing her, I'd think.
How does sending Parsee ahead help, anyway?
-
>Can we spot Tenshi among the group?
>You do not see Tenshi.
>_
-
>Approach the house, and Emiko
-
You ask questions with answers difficult for phone posting. Just think about Tenshi's emotional fragility and the nature of crowd mentalities.
-
I do believe I understand what you're referring to. Us being fine, after she's spend time convincing people we're not, could make her lose face. But remember, with the crowd we're talking about, our word carries a great deal of weight. If we say something, they'll listen. In fact, when would the last time Tenshi ever got publicly thanked for doing anything?
-
>Approach the house, and Emiko
>You draw closer to the house. You don't see any lights on inside it.
>A few of the spectators note your appearance as you land, while Parsee looks around, frowning and shifting a bit. As you approach the house, Emiko looks toward you, and the worried look she was wearing disappears. "Lady Nagae," she says, speaking quickly as she is wont to do, "The Eldest Daughter has holed herself up in the at house and we don't know what to do!"
>_
-
>Quietly enough that our voice might not be heard inside the house itself yet: "Holed herself up? What happened?"
-
Well, that's convemient.
Now I'd say have Parsee talk to her first for dramatic effect. >_>
-
>Quietly enough that our voice might not be heard inside the house itself yet: "Holed herself up? What happened?"
>Emiko fidgets a bit with the hem of her robe. "I don't know the whole story but she came and said you were in big trouble and we needed to do something, then someone saw that she had stolen the sword and then things got bad and now she's here!"
>_
-
>"Got bad? Howso? I guess no one believed her when she said that I was in serious trouble?"
-
>"Got bad? Howso? I guess no one believed her when she said that I was in serious trouble?"
>"No no we believed her, Lady Nagae," says Emiko, "But it's just she stole the sword and we said she needs to give back and then she got really angry and then...um...this."
>_
-
>"And it was felt it more important to disarm her in a time of crisis than to attend to the emergency she had brought to everyone's attention?"
-
>"And it was felt it more important to disarm her in a time of crisis than to attend to the emergency she had brought to everyone's attention?"
>"We could do both things, Lady Nagae," says Emiko, frowning. "And, um...she shot at some of the laundry staff for getting too close."
>_
-
>Sigh
>"She retains the sword with my permission, nor do I intend to take it from her now. What becomes of this later can happen later. For now, there are more important matters."
>Walk up to the house door, knock, and call in
>"Tenshi! It's me! Can you please let me in?"
-
> While talking and after knocking, gesture to the crowd that they are to hold back. A raised hand opened out to them should do. Accompany it with a no-nonsense stare.
-
>Sigh
>"She retains the sword with my permission, nor do I intend to take it from her now. What becomes of this later can happen later. For now, there are more important matters."
>Walk up to the house door, knock, and call in
>"Tenshi! It's me! Can you please let me in?"
> While talking and after knocking, gesture to the crowd that they are to hold back. A raised hand opened out to them should do. Accompany it with a no-nonsense stare.
<Emiko frowns, then nods.
>You approach the door and knock, then call out. Parsee stays behind. As do others when you hold up your hand.
>"What!" comes Tenshi's voice from inside. "What happened? Aren't you supposed to be dead or something?!"
>_
-
>"Not dead, thankfully. Although it is a minor miracle that I was able to escape where she cast me into. It's a very long story. Can I please come in? No one else is going to come in with me, I promise."
-
> "And no one is going to try and take the Sword of Hisou from you."
> Fix another no-nonsense look on the crowd.
> "Are they?"
-
>"Not dead, thankfully. Although it is a minor miracle that I was able to escape where she cast me into. It's a very long story. Can I please come in? No one else is going to come in with me, I promise."
> "And no one is going to try and take the Sword of Hisou from you."
> Fix another no-nonsense look on the crowd.
> "Are they?"
>You give the crowd a look. You're met mostly with confusion from them.
>"Yeah, okay," says Tenshi. You head the sound of something large and furniture-sounding scooting across the floor, and the door opens a bit.
>_
-
>Step inside and close the door behind us
-
>Give Parsee an apologetic look right before we enter.
-
>Give Parsee an apologetic look right before we enter.
>You try to give Parsee an apologetic look. She shrugs.
>Step inside and close the door behind us
>You step inside. The house is a modest little place, you note a chest of drawers right by the door. A few sheets had been hung up to make little rooms, but Tenshi seems to have torn them down.
>"So...you're still you, right?" asks Tenshi, eying you from the middle of the room.
>_
-
>"I'm still me. Battered, bruised, and exhausted, but still me."
>Approach her. Let ourselves smile a little. It's good to see her again, after all this...
>"Oh, Tenshi... I'm so glad you're alright. The whole time I was gone, I... I thought you'd been lost, like the others."
>If she doesn't seem too uncomfortable or defensive, grab her in a hug before she has time to protest
-
> Has Tenshi ever heard us sing?
-
>"I'm still me. Battered, bruised, and exhausted, but still me."
>Approach her. Let ourselves smile a little. It's good to see her again, after all this...
>"Oh, Tenshi... I'm so glad you're alright. The whole time I was gone, I... I thought you'd been lost, like the others."
>If she doesn't seem too uncomfortable or defensive, grab her in a hug before she has time to protest
>"Well that's good," she says. "And yeah, I was worri-"
>She seems more exhausted than anything. Hug her.
>"-Gaak! Stop that, geez! You're gonna start rumors!"
> Has Tenshi ever heard us sing?
>Almost certainly. Today aside, it is a common thing in Bhava-Agra.
>_
-
> Please ignore previous post, mind was changed.
-
> Lower voice a bit and smile.
> "Who cares what they say, right?"
> Do we know what her favorite song is?
> If we do, do we know how to sing it?
-
> Lower voice a bit and smile.
> "Who cares what they say, right?"
> Do we know what her favorite song is?
> If we do, do we know how to sing it?
>"Well no one," says Tenshi, "But it's still a pain to hear it!"
>You do not.
>_
-
>"Oh, let them speak, if they must. I'm just glad to see you again. I really, truly am. You know what kind of hell this day has been better than most. I clawed my way out of Makai to get back to you. I haven't even stopped a moment."
-
>"Oh, let them speak, if they must. I'm just glad to see you again. I really, truly am. You know what kind of hell this day has been better than most. I clawed my way out of Makai to get back to you. I haven't even stopped a moment."
>"Wait, she sent you to Makai?" Tenshi says.
>_
-
> "I wish. She sent me to some weird and desolate shadow void. I somehow managed to get out of it and I ended up in Makai. Still have no clue how any of that worked."
-
> "I wish. She sent me to some weird and desolate shadow void. I somehow managed to get out of it and I ended up in Makai. Still have no clue how any of that worked."
>"Oh," she says. "Well, uh...I tried to help afterward."
>_
-
> Squeeze just a smidge tighter.
> "So I hear. I am very grateful to you for doing so."
-
> Squeeze just a smidge tighter.
> "So I hear. I am very grateful to you for doing so."
>You squeeze a smidge tighter. She stiffens a little in response. "Good," she says. "Because these idiots sure don't care!"
>_
-
>"I can only imagine how frustrating it must be, after all that's happened today. I will say now that I do not intend to let them take the sword away from you."
-
> She isn't making any effort to hug back, is she?
-
>"I can only imagine how frustrating it must be, after all that's happened today. I will say now that I do not intend to let them take the sword away from you."
>"Well, good," says Tenshi, "I'll take 'em all down before they can have it!"
> She isn't making any effort to hug back, is she?
>Not really.
>_
-
> "I don't think it will come to that."
> "How are you holding up, anyway?"
-
> "I don't think it will come to that."
> "How are you holding up, anyway?"
>"Better not," says Tenshi.
>"Um...okay, I guess. I think I got away from her."
>_
-
>"What did it look like happened, from your perspective?"
-
> Does The Dragon know where we are at any given time?
> Would The Dragon have known that we were in the shadow void?
> Would The Dragon appreciate a status report of some kind, or would it probably already know everything important that has happened?
-
>"What did it look like happened, from your perspective?"
>"Kinda like you fell in," says Tenshi, "While getting all hazy and see-through. It only took like a second."
> Does The Dragon know where we are at any given time?
> Would The Dragon have known that we were in the shadow void?
> Would The Dragon appreciate a status report of some kind, or would it probably already know everything important that has happened?
>Assuming it wants to, you believe it should be able to find you at in given place in Bhava-Agra or the mortal realms.
>You have no idea.
>You suspect it would, but given it has yet to beckon you, it's clearly not a priority.
>_
>_
-
> "Was this with the giant shadow, or just a normal-sized one shaped like her?"
> "What did she do after that?"
-
>"From my perspective, it just looked like everything was getting dark around me, and then when it went black I was elsewhere. I thought you'd gotten sucked in, too, but I couldn't find you anywhere inside."
>"Did the spectre do anything else afterwards, that you could see? For that matter, did you even see her doing anything, then?"
-
>"From my perspective, it just looked like everything was getting dark around me, and then when it went black I was elsewhere. I thought you'd gotten sucked in, too, but I couldn't find you anywhere inside."
>"Did the spectre do anything else afterwards, that you could see? For that matter, did you even see her doing anything, then?"
>"I think she was just concentrating on it," says Tenshi. "Then I kinda ran, while she tried to get free."
>_
-
> "Did she use the giant shadow, or just a normal-sized one shaped like her?"
-
> "Did she use the giant shadow, or just a normal-sized one shaped like her?"
>"Just that big one, if you're asking about the one that sucked you in," Tenshi says.
>_
-
> "Strange. Well, it's a very good thing she left you alone, then. Did her shadow stay as the big one as she tried to get free?"
-
> "Strange. Well, it's a very good thing she left you alone, then. Did her shadow stay as the big one as she tried to get free?"
>"Maybe, I dunno," says Tenshi with an exaggerated shrug. "I was trying to get out of there before I was next."
>_
-
>"I can't blame you for that. What happened, then? Reimu told me that the two of you went searching, but couldn't find anything. I assume you went back to the spot I vanished?"
-
>"I can't blame you for that. What happened, then? Reimu told me that the two of you went searching, but couldn't find anything. I assume you went back to the spot I vanished?"
>She nods. "Yeah, we had a look around there. Then looked around the forest some. But Reimu was tired and grouchy so that didn't last long."
>_
-
> "All right."
> Release the hug and give Tenshi a chance to adjust herself.
> "I have much to tell you about what has happened today, not the least of which is how helpful your actions following my disappearance were to our overall situation. I have learned some important things and done some planning for how to resolve this situation. You will be a key part of all this, as the poltergeist knows who you are and that you are connected to me, and because those of us directly involved in this situation have started to band together."
> "But this is neither the time nor the place, with the crowd outside, as well as my guest from the surface. I wish to address the crowd, an address which will include a statement on your retaining the Sword of Hisou, and then I wish for us to retreat to my room, where we will discuss the matters that need discussing. Is this amenable?"
-
> "All right."
> Release the hug and give Tenshi a chance to adjust herself.
> "I have much to tell you about what has happened today, not the least of which is how helpful your actions following my disappearance were to our overall situation. I have learned some important things and done some planning for how to resolve this situation. You will be a key part of all this, as the poltergeist knows who you are and that you are connected to me, and because those of us directly involved in this situation have started to band together."
> "But this is neither the time nor the place, with the crowd outside, as well as my guest from the surface. I wish to address the crowd, an address which will include a statement on your retaining the Sword of Hisou, and then I wish for us to retreat to my room, where we will discuss the matters that need discussing. Is this amenable?"
>You finally let Tenshi go. It was nice not having to stand under your own power for awhile...
>"We'll see," says Tenshi. "I think maybe I'm done for awhile. Maybe tomorrow. I guess I can at least listen."
>_
-
> "Yes, we're not going to do any more tonight. Believe me, I'm about as dead on my feet as you are."
> "But that reminds me."
> Grin.
> "Do you remember the day you went chasing after that treasure ship, and I watched the tavern for you?"
-
> "Yes, we're not going to do any more tonight. Believe me, I'm about as dead on my feet as you are."
> "But that reminds me."
> Grin.
> "Do you remember the day you went chasing after that treasure ship, and I watched the tavern for you?"
>"Good," she says. "And yeah, what about it?"
>_
-
> "I'm calling in that favor. We are going to find an extra futon, and you are going to sleep in my room tonight."
-
> "I'm calling in that favor. We are going to find an extra futon, and you are going to sleep in my room tonight."
>Tenshi frowns, her eyes widening a bit. "...What."
>_
-
> "I have my reasons for requesting this. And no, they are not those kinds of reasons; note the inclusion of the extra futon. But I would rather not discuss them in this place at this moment. If you are worried about privacy, there is plenty of space in my suite for addressing those concerns."
-
> "I have my reasons for requesting this. And no, they are not those kinds of reasons; note the inclusion of the extra futon. But I would rather not discuss them in this place at this moment. If you are worried about privacy, there is plenty of space in my suite for addressing those concerns."
>Tenshi gives you a long look. "You're just bound and determined to cause as many weird rumors are possible, aren't you?"
>_
-
>"Well, I'm sure what I'm going to say to the crowd out there could start a few on its own. But after all I've been through today, rumors are about the least of my concerns. Let them talk, if they must."
-
> Did we stop grinning? Resume if so.
> "Besides, I'm sure I can get the Eientei doctor to tell anyone you need her to that you're not afflicted with Stockholm Syndrome."
-
>"Well, I'm sure what I'm going to say to the crowd out there could start a few on its own. But after all I've been through today, rumors are about the least of my concerns. Let them talk, if they must."
>"That's easy for you to say," says Tenshi, "You don't have to deal with them looking down on you already."
>_
-
>"You're right that I don't live life through the same eyes you do. But why would you think anyone would look down on you just because you let me express some actual caring for you?"
-
> May the players assume there are bathrooms stationed as appropriate through the Dragon Palace, and they are simply not made mention of in the interest of eliminating the uninteresting?
> Does our suite have a private washroom?
> Other than The Dragon, is there anyone in Bhava-Agra above us bureaucratically?
-
> Did we stop grinning? Resume if so.
> "Besides, I'm sure I can get the Eientei doctor to tell anyone you need her to that you're not afflicted with Stockholm Syndrome."
>"...What?" says Tenshi.
>"You're right that I don't live life through the same eyes you do. But why would you think anyone would look down on you just because you let me express some actual caring for you?"
>"The likes of them?" says Tenshi. "Probably find some way to do it."
> May the players assume there are bathrooms stationed as appropriate through the Dragon Palace, and they are simply not made mention of in the interest of eliminating the uninteresting?
> Does our suite have a private washroom?
> Other than The Dragon, is there anyone in Bhava-Agra above us bureaucratically?
>Usually chamberpots in the rooms, but yes.
>Yes. You don't want to imagine what it is like right now.
>You have many equals.
>_
-
> "I think you may be making unnecessary negative assumptions, Tenshi. But I suppose only time will tell for sure."
> "Anyway, are you ready? I hear my suite calling both of our names."
-
>"Well, if they can turn this into something to criticize you for, then I figure they can do it with anything. So why worry whether they'll judge you for it? There's nothing wrong with accepting a little kindness, and if they think less of you for that, I feel sorry for how small-minded they must be."
-
>"Well, if they can turn this into something to criticize you for, then I figure they can do it with anything. So why worry whether they'll judge you for it? There's nothing wrong with accepting a little kindness, and if they think less of you for that, I feel sorry for how small-minded they must be."
> "I think you may be making unnecessary negative assumptions, Tenshi. But I suppose only time will tell for sure."
> "Anyway, are you ready? I hear my suite calling both of our names."
> Say things in this order.
-
>"Well, if they can turn this into something to criticize you for, then I figure they can do it with anything. So why worry whether they'll judge you for it? There's nothing wrong with accepting a little kindness, and if they think less of you for that, I feel sorry for how small-minded they must be."
> "I think you may be making unnecessary negative assumptions, Tenshi. But I suppose only time will tell for sure."
> "Anyway, are you ready? I hear my suite calling both of our names."
>"Urgh, fine..." says Tenshi.
-
> Smile and nod.
> "Let's go, then."
> Exit the house.
> Keep an eye out for Parsee.
> If there is still a crowd gathered, raise our hand in the stopping gesture again and float a bit above the crowd so as to be heard more easily.
> Raise voice as necessary to be heard across the crowd.
> "Can I have your attention, please?"
-
Draco, I'll be home it about 80 minutes and can post the adjusted speech then.
-
> Smile and nod.
> "Let's go, then."
> Exit the house.
> Keep an eye out for Parsee.
> If there is still a crowd gathered, raise our hand in the stopping gesture again and float a bit above the crowd so as to be heard more easily.
> Raise voice as necessary to be heard across the crowd.
> "Can I have your attention, please?"
>You exit the house, and call for the attention of the crowd. All eyes are upon you, include Parsee, who has taking to leaning against another house.
>_
-
> "I am sure you all wish to know what has happened here tonight regarding the Eldest Daughter. I will do my best to fill you all in, as well as clear up a couple of things."
> "First, as you may be able to guess from my physical condition, there was indeed some serious trouble earlier today in my efforts to discover what has become of our land, as well as how to fix it. I would like to profusely thank the Eldest Daughter for doing her best to gather assistance to help me."
> Gesture to Tenshi and quickly take note of her facial expression before resume looking at the crowd.
> "In terms of working to fix our land, there have been many mysteries so far, but I believe I have made significant progress on that front in my searching today, including dealing with the source. I hope to have Bhava-Agra fixed within the next couple of days. On that note, given what I have determined may be necessary for our land's restoration, and after observing her behavior with it for much of today, I am hereby allowing the Eldest Daughter to retain possession of the Sword of Hisou in the interest of working toward a faster solution to our land's problem. I will take full responsibility for whatever may result in this, and I offer my apologies to all parties negatively affected by tonight's confusion. I sincerely wish I had been here to help out, but circumstances beyond my control kept me from here until now."
-
> "I am sure you all wish to know what has happened here tonight regarding the Eldest Daughter. I will do my best to fill you all in, as well as clear up a couple of things."
> "First, as you may be able to guess from my physical condition, there was indeed some serious trouble earlier today in my efforts to discover what has become of our land, as well as how to fix it. I would like to profusely thank the Eldest Daughter for doing her best to gather assistance to help me."
> Gesture to Tenshi and quickly take note of her facial expression before resume looking at the crowd.
> "In terms of working to fix our land, there have been many mysteries so far, but I believe I have made significant progress on that front in my searching today, including dealing with the source. I hope to have Bhava-Agra fixed within the next couple of days. On that note, given what I have determined may be necessary for our land's restoration, and after observing her behavior with it for much of today, I am hereby allowing the Eldest Daughter to retain possession of the Sword of Hisou in the interest of working toward a faster solution to our land's problem. I will take full responsibility for whatever may result in this, and I offer my apologies to all parties negatively affected by tonight's confusion. I sincerely wish I had been here to help out, but circumstances beyond my control kept me from here until now."
>You make a speech. At the appropriate time you gesture toward Tenshi and note her expression. She seems to just be listening, and makes no especial reaction. You get the feeling she's not surprised.
>The rest of the crowd, as you conclude, bows their heads in acknowledgement. "Have you any new instructions, Lady Nagae?" asks Emiko.
>_
-
>"Not at the moment. Simply attend to your usual affairs. If matters change, I will let you know."
-
>"Not at the moment. Simply attend to your usual affairs. If matters change, I will let you know."
>"As you wish," says the head chambermaid, "We'll get back to cleaning up at once."
>_
-
>Nod
>"Just don't push yourself. The day has been stressful enough on everyone, and I can only imagine how much work there's been already. If you or anyone else could use rest, feel free to take it."
-
>Nod
>"Just don't push yourself. The day has been stressful enough on everyone, and I can only imagine how much work there's been already. If you or anyone else could use rest, feel free to take it."
>She nods. "Of course, Lady Nagae."
>_
-
>Walk over to Parsee
>"Thank you for accompanying me, even if nothing untoward happened in the end."
-
We may want to generally dismiss the group of the celestials, just so they know for sure we're done.
-
>Walk over to Parsee
>"Thank you for accompanying me, even if nothing untoward happened in the end."
>You approach Parsee, as the crowd begins to scatter. "Someone had to do it, I guess," she says. "So, are we done here?"
>_
-
> Well go ahead and make me look dumb, then.
-
>"No further business, at least. But I don't have much left in me, and will likely have to turn in for the night shortly. As much as I wish I could continue to attend to matters, I cannot ignore my physical limits indefinitely."
>"That being said, I did promise to accompany you back, and don't intend to renege."
-
> Well go ahead and make me look dumb, then.
>What, did you think they wouldn't get the hint?
>"No further business, at least. But I don't have much left in me, and will likely have to turn in for the night shortly. As much as I wish I could continue to attend to matters, I cannot ignore my physical limits indefinitely."
>"That being said, I did promise to accompany you back, and don't intend to renege."
>"Don't bother," says Parsee. "It's pretty clear your poltergeist is hiding somewhere. I'll be fine."
>_
-
>"Are you sure? I don't want to you just saying that for my benefit."
-
>"Are you sure? I don't want to you just saying that for my benefit."
>"Yeah, I'll be fine," says Parsee.
>_
-
>"Very well. Thanks again, and I hope the rest of the evening passes peacefully for all of us."
>Head towards our room, Tenshi in tow
-
>"Very well. Thanks again, and I hope the rest of the evening passes peacefully for all of us."
>Head towards our room, Tenshi in tow
>"You too," says Parsee, as she waves and departs.
>"You know," says Tenshi, "I'd almost swear she was nicer these days."
>The trip back to the palace, and back to your chambers, is depressingly long. That relief is almost in sight just makes every step seem to drag on longer. The Palace itself seems to be less of a mess than the last time you were here. Much of the debris has been moved to the sides, and you can see a couple of celestials here and there sorting through it. That aside, there is little activity. While the Palace certainly calms down at night, it's typically not this quiet.
>Eventually, you get back to your chambers, you are relieved to see that someone has made a cursory effort to clean them up. The broken pottery had been cleaned away, the furniture righted, and much of the mess set off to the side. Best of all, the bed has been changed and made. Rather than looking like a mess, your room is just barren and a bit unrecognizable.
>_
>_
-
>Let ourselves flop on the bed for a moment
>"Oh, you have no idea how nice it is to finally be back here. This has been one of the longest days I can ever recall."
>Do we know where we would fetch a spare futon from?
-
Suggestion: When it becomes appropriate, offer Tenshi the bed.
-
>Let ourselves flop on the bed for a moment
>"Oh, you have no idea how nice it is to finally be back here. This has been one of the longest days I can ever recall."
>Do we know where we would fetch a spare futon from?
>You flop down on the bed. Never has there been a sweeter embrace...
>"Tell me about it," says Tenshi. "So, what'd you want, exactly?"
>There's a few storage areas, though you imagine they must be frightful right now. You're pretty sure Tenshi has her own, if she cared to drag it over.
>_
-
> How big is our bed?
> Could two people sit on it comfortably without putting their backs to each other?
-
Suggestion Redux: When discussing the potenti for a docile poltergeist, point out that she set to freeing herself after absorbing us, and left Tenshi alone. It certainly seems she's not mindlessly homicidal, even in the company of aggressors.
-
Well, enough other things suggest she isn't mindlessly homicidal, but I don't think we can use this particular incident to mean anything. Tenshi was almost certainly out of range before the spectre had a chance to try it on her (assuming she couldn't do it to both at once), and long gone by the time she freed herself.
-
But she started trying to free herself in Tenshi's presence. It makes me wonder how concerned she was about Tenshi's presence.
-
She did? I thought Tenshi said she didn't get a chance to see her do anything?
-
I recall it coming up at some point.
-
> Did Tenshi or Reimu ever mention the poltergeist trying to free itself after we were captured?
-
> How big is our bed?
> Could two people sit on it comfortably without putting their backs to each other?
>You think so, but it's not much bigger than that.
> Did Tenshi or Reimu ever mention the poltergeist trying to free itself after we were captured?
>Tenshi said she ran while it was trying to get free.
>_
-
>Shift aside a little to make room for Tenshi to sit down
>Gesture towards the space: "Here, have a seat."
>"In any case, I wanted to fill you in on what's happened since we last saw each other. Although I may have found more questions than answers, I still have learned some things."
>"I met Nitori inside that shadow realm the spectre cast me into. Well, her shadow, at any rate, and her consciousness too, it seems. She's alright, or at least as alright as anyone trapped inside that place can expect to be. She told me what happened to her, the other night. For the most part, it was about what you'd expect. She bumped into the spectre by that hill near the village, asked her why she was sneaking around, and then the spectre attacked her and tore her shadow away."
>"What's more interesting is that the spectre went as far as the kappa village of her own accord. Further, even. Apparently she shared drinks with Suika on Guest Island afterwards. Nitori was vaguely aware of a couple things the spectre did since she was trapped; I suspect this is while the spectre is manifesting her shadow, although I can't be sure. It seems she never attacked Suika at all; I can only think this must be because Suika never bothered to ask her any questions about herself, although I'm still not certain why she would go to Bhava-Agra of her own accord in the first place, given how intent she's been on hiding."
-
>Shift aside a little to make room for Tenshi to sit down
>Gesture towards the space: "Here, have a seat."
>"In any case, I wanted to fill you in on what's happened since we last saw each other. Although I may have found more questions than answers, I still have learned some things."
>"I met Nitori inside that shadow realm the spectre cast me into. Well, her shadow, at any rate, and her consciousness too, it seems. She's alright, or at least as alright as anyone trapped inside that place can expect to be. She told me what happened to her, the other night. For the most part, it was about what you'd expect. She bumped into the spectre by that hill near the village, asked her why she was sneaking around, and then the spectre attacked her and tore her shadow away."
>"What's more interesting is that the spectre went as far as the kappa village of her own accord. Further, even. Apparently she shared drinks with Suika on Guest Island afterwards. Nitori was vaguely aware of a couple things the spectre did since she was trapped; I suspect this is while the spectre is manifesting her shadow, although I can't be sure. It seems she never attacked Suika at all; I can only think this must be because Suika never bothered to ask her any questions about herself, although I'm still not certain why she would go to Bhava-Agra of her own accord in the first place, given how intent she's been on hiding."
>You shift aside to make some space and gesture for Tenshi to sit down. She does so. She nods along as you tell your story, at one point saying, "Wow, Suika really can get along with anybody, can't she?"
>You ponder why she came to Bhava-Agra. "Well, she probably took it's shadow, right?" asks Tenshi. "So I guess that's why she came."
>_
-
>"Yes, but this was several days ago, so she must have left and came back again later. Suika didn't see where she went; she passed out while she was still there, but the poltergeist was gone when she woke up. In any event, she did not take its shadow until several days later, for whatever reason. I'm not certain it was her original objective when she went there first. For that matter, I still don't know why she took its shadow at all. Her usual motive doesn't seem to apply to a land mass that can neither know secrets nor speak them."
-
>"Yes, but this was several days ago, so she must have left and came back again later. Suika didn't see where she went; she passed out while she was still there, but the poltergeist was gone when she woke up. In any event, she did not take its shadow until several days later, for whatever reason. I'm not certain it was her original objective when she went there first. For that matter, I still don't know why she took its shadow at all. Her usual motive doesn't seem to apply to a land mass that can neither know secrets nor speak them."
>"Several days ago?" says Tenshi. "...Oh, your right, yeah. Nitori was a couple days ago. When did she meet Suika?"
>_
-
>"Sometime after that. I suspect it might have been that very night. Suika herself said it was a couple days ago, anyway. I stopped by Nitori's place looking for you, and thought I should speak with her while I was in the neighborhood. She confirmed what Nitori thought she vaguely remembered, and filled in a couple more details. Apparently the spectre was shy and harmless the entire time they were together, but Suika didn't have much else to tell us; she never asked her much. Quite possibly a good thing for her health, of course."
-
>"Sometime after that. I suspect it might have been that very night. Suika herself said it was a couple days ago, anyway. I stopped by Nitori's place looking for you, and thought I should speak with her while I was in the neighborhood. She confirmed what Nitori thought she vaguely remembered, and filled in a couple more details. Apparently the spectre was shy and harmless the entire time they were together, but Suika didn't have much else to tell us; she never asked her much. Quite possibly a good thing for her health, of course."
>"Wonder how she got past the Tengu patrols?" Tenshi asks.
>_
-
Just FYI, I'd like to get in on this conversation before it ends.
-
And yeah, Tenshi points out something I thought of earlier and forgot.
-
>Would the Tengu normally intercept someone en route to Guest Island?
>Would it be plausible to slip past their notice if one were cautious?
>What about if one went above the cloud line before passing the Kappa village itself?
-
>Would the Tengu normally intercept someone en route to Guest Island?
>Would it be plausible to slip past their notice if one were cautious?
>What about if one went above the cloud line before passing the Kappa village itself?
>The patrols typically intercept anyone they don't recognize.
>You might be able to slip through, if you played your cards right. But you'd definitely have to know the patrol routes.
>They probably wouldn't bother you then, simply for not seeing you. But being up that high makes navigation a little difficult unless you are used to it.
>_
-
>"That's a good question, although I suppose it's not impossible that she evaded the patrols. She does take remaining unseen rather seriously, after all. But it may be worth asking them if they saw anyone flying that way, a couple days ago."
>"Which actually raises another interesting question: the poltergeist can't fly. At least not in the usual way. I strongly suspected this during our battle, since she allowed herself to be hit by attacks that could easily have been evaded by becoming airborne. Suika said that she actually told her she couldn't fly, and that, in order to reach Bhava-Agra, she had to make wings for herself out of.... something. I don't know what it was. Either Suika forgot, or never paid enough attention in the first place, sadly."
-
>"That's a good question, although I suppose it's not impossible that she evaded the patrols. She does take remaining unseen rather seriously, after all. But it may be worth asking them if they saw anyone flying that way, a couple days ago."
>"Which actually raises another interesting question: the poltergeist can't fly. At least not in the usual way. I strongly suspected this during our battle, since she allowed herself to be hit by attacks that could easily have been evaded by becoming airborne. Suika said that she actually told her she couldn't fly, and that, in order to reach Bhava-Agra, she had to make wings for herself out of.... something. I don't know what it was. Either Suika forgot, or never paid enough attention in the first place, sadly."
>"Okay," says Tenshi, "So she had to get past the patrols, then do whatever to get herself into the air. Huh..."
>_
-
>"Would be nice if we knew what it was. I wouldn't be surprised if shadows were involved somehow. But I don't think there's much we do but idly speculate, given what little we know. It is an avenue for investigation tomorrow, however."
>"On that point, I discovered something else of interest this evening. You recall me mentioning the book the poltergeist said was stolen from her? Well, we found it. I stopped by Renko and Maribel's to see if you'd returned there, and found Luna still around. It occurred to me to ask her if she'd heard tell of any fairies finding a book in the forest. Apparently one had, and had traded it to Alice for some candy. The rather more curious thing, when I spoke to Alice about this, is that it turns out to have been her's in the first place. The poltergeist stole it from her, a week or so ago."
>"It's a book describing the various worlds, from the reference point of the six realms of rebirth. There's a small section on Bhava-Agra, among other things, and enough information that she may have been able to infer how to reach here. Beyond that, I'm not sure the book's relevance, or if there's any connection aside from simply curiosity on the poltergeist's part about what's out there."
>"I left the book with Renko for the night. so she can have a look through it. I'm hoping she may be able to find something more particularly relevant to this situation in there, but even if not, I think the poltergeist would appreciate me returning it to her. Or, at least, I hope that she might. Given her attitude earlier, I will take nothing for granted. I realize that the book is actually Alice's, but under the circumstances, I think it rather less important to try and correct the spectre's notion of ownership than to attempt to mollify her."
-
>"Would be nice if we knew what it was. I wouldn't be surprised if shadows were involved somehow. But I don't think there's much we do but idly speculate, given what little we know. It is an avenue for investigation tomorrow, however."
>"On that point, I discovered something else of interest this evening. You recall me mentioning the book the poltergeist said was stolen from her? Well, we found it. I stopped by Renko and Maribel's to see if you'd returned there, and found Luna still around. It occurred to me to ask her if she'd heard tell of any fairies finding a book in the forest. Apparently one had, and had traded it to Alice for some candy. The rather more curious thing, when I spoke to Alice about this, is that it turns out to have been her's in the first place. The poltergeist stole it from her, a week or so ago."
>"It's a book describing the various worlds, from the reference point of the six realms of rebirth. There's a small section on Bhava-Agra, among other things, and enough information that she may have been able to infer how to reach here. Beyond that, I'm not sure the book's relevance, or if there's any connection aside from simply curiosity on the poltergeist's part about what's out there."
>"I left the book with Renko for the night. so she can have a look through it. I'm hoping she may be able to find something more particularly relevant to this situation in there, but even if not, I think the poltergeist would appreciate me returning it to her. Or, at least, I hope that she might. Given her attitude earlier, I will take nothing for granted. I realize that the book is actually Alice's, but under the circumstances, I think it rather less important to try and correct the spectre's notion of ownership than to attempt to mollify her."
>Tenshi nods as you talk. "I dunno, I guess it might help to give it to her. But it sounds like she really really hates you for telling everyone about her."
>_
-
>Frown
>"I'm afraid it seems so. But I don't see that I could have done otherwise, given the danger she represents."
>"Nor do I think she would have remained secret for long if I had done nothing. If more and more people turned up like Kogasa and Nitori, you know full well that sooner or later she'd bring the incident solvers down on her head."
-
>Frown
>"I'm afraid it seems so. But I don't see that I could have done otherwise, given the danger she represents."
>"Nor do I think she would have remained secret for long if I had done nothing. If more and more people turned up like Kogasa and Nitori, you know full well that sooner or later she'd bring the incident solvers down on her head."
>"Yeah," says Tenshi, "I guess."
>_
-
>"Plus, you never saw her before any of this. You could see the anger on her face from almost the first words out of my mouth. She hated, before I had done barely anything meriting this aside from than knowing she existed. I think hate comes freely for her. Perhaps I've crossed a line now, even by those standards, but there is nothing that can be done to undo this. I do honestly wish her a happier life, despite the terrible things she's done, and I will try. But I will also end them, one way or another."
-
>"Plus, you never saw her before any of this. You could see the anger on her face from almost the first words out of my mouth. She hated, before I had done barely anything meriting this aside from than knowing she existed. I think hate comes freely for her. Perhaps I've crossed a line now, even by those standards, but there is nothing that can be done to undo this. I do honestly wish her a happier life, despite the terrible things she's done, and I will try. But I will also end them, one way or another."
>She nods. "Well, maybe giving her it will do something?"
>_
-
>"It's a first step, anyway. I can't predict how she'll react for certain. It may be the first time in her life that anyone's done an actual favor for her. But she may simply hate me too much to care."
>"Although, either way, we need to find her again first, which was difficult enough the first time."
>"Nitori also mentioned seeing her spending time in a cave, which she thought was somewhere in Youkai Mountain. I didn't investigate it tonight, but it may also be worth looking into tomorrow."
>"One other thing that concerns me a little is that I couldn't find Kogasa when I was inside the shadowy Bhava-Agra. I don't know if this means whatever place the shadows go is partitioned somehow, or perhaps they can't be seen there if she's manifesting them?"
-
>"It's a first step, anyway. I can't predict how she'll react for certain. It may be the first time in her life that anyone's done an actual favor for her. But she may simply hate me too much to care."
>"Although, either way, we need to find her again first, which was difficult enough the first time."
>"Nitori also mentioned seeing her spending time in a cave, which she thought was somewhere in Youkai Mountain. I didn't investigate it tonight, but it may also be worth looking into tomorrow."
>"One other thing that concerns me a little is that I couldn't find Kogasa when I was inside the shadowy Bhava-Agra. I don't know if this means whatever place the shadows go is partitioned somehow, or perhaps they can't be seen there if she's manifesting them?"
>"Huh, what was she doing in that cave?" asks Tenshi.
>_
-
> How far is Tenshi's guest room from our suite?
> The Dragon aside, are there any in Bhava-Agra that would be expected to best us in combat, assuming both parties are well-rested?
-
> How far is Tenshi's guest room from our suite?
> The Dragon aside, are there any in Bhava-Agra that would be expected to best us in combat, assuming both parties are well-rested?
>It's a decent walk.
>Expected is hard to say. You know Tenshi with the sword would give you a hard fight. Overall, though, danmaku battles and the like are uncommon in Bhava-Agra, so few really get a reputation as a fighter.
>_
-
>"Just sitting around is all Nitori remembered. But keep in mind that it seemed like a half-remembered dream to her. There could be something important she never saw, or doesn't remember. Or there could be nothing. I honestly don't know, and finding you was more important at the time than scouring the cliffside for caves. But it's definitely something to look into tomorrow."
-
>"Just sitting around is all Nitori remembered. But keep in mind that it seemed like a half-remembered dream to her. There could be something important she never saw, or doesn't remember. Or there could be nothing. I honestly don't know, and finding you was more important at the time than scouring the cliffside for caves. But it's definitely something to look into tomorrow."
>Tenshi nods. "Okay, that sounds important. When was she there?"
>_
-
>"Nitori couldn't really tell. Obviously after her shadow was stolen, which means no more than a couple days ago, but other than that? I'd assumed that attacking Nitori, visiting the cave, and then going to Guest Island were all in the same trip, but I suppose they wouldn't have to be. I don't think there's really any way to know at the moment."
-
>"Nitori couldn't really tell. Obviously after her shadow was stolen, which means no more than a couple days ago, but other than that? I'd assumed that attacking Nitori, visiting the cave, and then going to Guest Island were all in the same trip, but I suppose they wouldn't have to be. I don't think there's really any way to know at the moment."
>"Maybe," says Tenshi. "But I dunno. Trying to get by those tengu twice would be tricky, don't you think?"
>Though you're getting closer to being only half awake, you get the feeling this is the voice if experience.
>_
-
> "I can imagine, yes. Even getting by them once to come to Guest Island would be difficult enough as task, especially from someone that had only just learned about Bhava-Agra."
> Try to stifle a yawn.
> "Anyway, I believe that's everything important to the state of affairs on the ground. Tomorrow we will look into that cave, and we might want to have a talk with the tengu patrols as well. That was a good point you picked up on - they may know something useful."
> "I assume you won't want to share this bed, so shall we fetch a futon before I'm down for the count?"
-
> "I can imagine, yes. Even getting by them once to come to Guest Island would be difficult enough as task, especially from someone that had only just learned about Bhava-Agra."
> Try to stifle a yawn.
> "Anyway, I believe that's everything important to the state of affairs on the ground. Tomorrow we will look into that cave, and we might want to have a talk with the tengu patrols as well. That was a good point you picked up on - they may know something useful."
> "I assume you won't want to share this bed, so shall we fetch a futon before I'm down for the count?"
>"I'll get it," says Tenshi. "Doesn't even look like you could get up on your own, anyways."
>_
-
> "Well...okay, if you're really okay doing it on your own. There is something else brief I want to talk about when you get back, though."
> Try to stand up again. As nice as it would be, we can't fall asleep just yet.
-
> "Well...okay, if you're really okay doing it on your own. There is something else brief I want to talk about when you get back, though."
> Try to stand up again. As nice as it would be, we can't fall asleep just yet.
>"Sure," she says, as she gets up and leaves the room.
>It takes a great deal of willpower to stand up properly. You were so comfortable, for the first time all day...
>You decide it would probably be a good idea to go through your evening devotions at this time, as frankly you probably aren't going to be able to get to them later without begrudging it.
>Not long after you finish, you hear a knock on the door, before Tenshi comes in with a futon and some blankets under her arms.
>_
-
> "Over here."
> Indicate to Tenshi where we feel would be the best place for setting a futon up.
-
> "Over here."
> Indicate to Tenshi where we feel would be the best place for setting a futon up.
>You direct Tenshi; she follows your suggestion and flops the bedding onto the floor with little preamble.
>_
-
> Sit back down on the bed where we were before.
> Pat where Tenshi had been sitting before while looking at her.
> "One last thing, and then we can wrap this night up, okay?"
-
> Sit back down on the bed where we were before.
> Pat where Tenshi had been sitting before while looking at her.
> "One last thing, and then we can wrap this night up, okay?"
>You sit back down on the bed, and gesture for her to join you.
>Tenshi has a seat beside you and says, "Yeah, what?" The wariness in her voice is easy to hear.
>_
-
> "Don't worry, Tenshi, I'm not going to ask you to do anything I think you'll find uncomfortable. And if I do by accident, tell me and I'll stop, okay?"
-
> "Don't worry, Tenshi, I'm not going to ask you to do anything I think you'll find uncomfortable. And if I do by accident, tell me and I'll stop, okay?"
>"...Kay," she says.
>_
-
> Breathe.
> "Throughout today, I've observed a couple of things from you that I'm not sure I understand when put together. You've made it very clear you don't like being looked down upon by anyone, which is certainly an appreciable attitude. I've also felt that oftentimes, when I've tried to treat you as how I feel I would treat an equal, a friend...you've shied away, or assumed the worst was coming. Not always, but often enough to be noticeable."
> "Is there something I'm doing wrong, or what? I just don't understand the apparent dissidence."
-
> Breathe.
> "Throughout today, I've observed a couple of things from you that I'm not sure I understand when put together. You've made it very clear you don't like being looked down upon by anyone, which is certainly an appreciable attitude. I've also felt that oftentimes, when I've tried to treat you as how I feel I would treat an equal, a friend...you've shied away, or assumed the worst was coming. Not always, but often enough to be noticeable."
> "Is there something I'm doing wrong, or what? I just don't understand the apparent dissidence."
>"I already told you," she says, frowning, "You're weird and really...uh...clumsy about it and it feels like it's mostly an act. And you can pretty much get me in trouble whenever you want, so there's that too."
>_
-
> "...You really worry I'd do such a thing?"
-
> "...You really worry I'd do such a thing?"
>"Pretty much everyone here would, so yeah."
>She frowns a bit. "But, I guess for what it's worth, you've not been too bad when you haven't been all weird or trying to embarrass me or ditch me or stuff."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I appreciate the sentiment. And yes, I will admit I have been prone to lapses in judgment today."
> "You do make me think of something else, though. You have said many times today that I was 'weird'. Now, even I'll admit there were times where that was warranted, like back at the Tengu Village where...let's just forget that happened. There have been others, though, where I wasn't sure how I was being weird. So, I guess I'm wondering...is 'weird' really that bad?"
-
> Nod.
> "I appreciate the sentiment. And yes, I will admit I have been prone to lapses in judgment today."
> "You do make me think of something else, though. You have said many times today that I was 'weird'. Now, even I'll admit there were times where that was warranted, like back at the Tengu Village where...let's just forget that happened. There have been others, though, where I wasn't sure how I was being weird. So, I guess I'm wondering...is 'weird' really that bad?"
>"Yeah, otherwise it wouldn't be weird," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "I guess we must just have different definitions of the word then. Like, with me, I think Renko and Maribel being here is weird, because they come from the outside world, and we pretty much never seen outside world humans in Gensokyo. But I don't think I'd say that them being here was a bad thing."
-
> "I guess we must just have different definitions of the word then. Like, with me, I think Renko and Maribel being here is weird, because they come from the outside world, and we pretty much never seen outside world humans in Gensokyo. But I don't think I'd say that them being here was a bad thing."
>"Naw, they're just different," says Tenshi. "Nothing that weird about them. Except, well...you know. They won't keep their hands off each other public and stuff."
>_
-
> "Does that sort of thing bother you that much? Not to accuse you of anything, I'm genuinely curious."
> Where are Tenshi's hands at the moment?
-
> "Does that sort of thing bother you that much? Not to accuse you of anything, I'm genuinely curious."
> Where are Tenshi's hands at the moment?
>"Not usually," she says, "but they're kinda really bad about it."
>She has them behind her, leaning back a little and resting on them in absence of any kind of seat back to lean into.
>_
-
> "Mmm, I see."
> Breathe again.
> "I suppose this is enough for tonight. But."
> Put a hand on hers and look her in the eyes. If she audibly reacts to this action, wait in silence until she is done.
> "Please believe me when I say that this has not been an act, despite any clumsiness on my part. Everything I have said and done today regarding all this, I have meant all of it. And please believe me when I say that I would get you in trouble with Bhavagran authorities just because it came to me on a whim. I would never do that to you. Never."
-
> "Mmm, I see."
> Breathe again.
> "I suppose this is enough for tonight. But."
> Put a hand on hers and look her in the eyes. If she audibly reacts to this action, wait in silence until she is done.
> "Please believe me when I say that this has not been an act, despite any clumsiness on my part. Everything I have said and done today regarding all this, I have meant all of it. And please believe me when I say that I would get you in trouble with Bhavagran authorities just because it came to me on a whim. I would never do that to you. Never."
>She doesn't say anything, but she does grimace.
>"See," she says, "That hand thing you just did. It's weird. Why are you even doing that? But okay...you say that, and I kinda believe you. Just, you know, it's weird."
>_
-
> Remove our hand.
> "Physical contact is used as non-verbal communication. In this case, it was meant to further demonstrate the sincerity in my words. I suppose, though, that a hand on a shoulder is less...intimate, I guess, than a hand on another hand. Would that have been better?"
-
> Remove our hand.
> "Physical contact is used as non-verbal communication. In this case, it was meant to further demonstrate the sincerity in my words. I suppose, though, that a hand on a shoulder is less...intimate, I guess, than a hand on another hand. Would that have been better?"
>"But...you're doing it wrong!" she says. "So, yeah. That second idea would have been better."
>_
-
> "Oh? What would have been the correct hand-to-hand contact, then?"
-
> "Oh? What would have been the correct hand-to-hand contact, then?"
>"I don't know," she says. "It's just weird when you do it!"
>_
-
> Sigh.
> "I think this is also something better left until an opportune time tomorrow, then."
> Get up off the bed and head for the futon and blanket pile
> Have we taken care of whatever personal business we take care of in preparation for sleep?
-
> Sigh.
> "I think this is also something better left until an opportune time tomorrow, then."
> Get up off the bed and head for the futon and blanket pile
> Have we taken care of whatever personal business we take care of in preparation for sleep?
>"Sure," says Tenshi.
>You are prepare to drop like so many stones.
>_
-
> Prepare the futon and blankets to our liking.
-
> Prepare the futon and blankets to our liking.
>You start to lay them out and arrange them nicely.
>"Hey, what're you doing with my stuff?" Tenshi says.
>_
-
> "It would be rude to request you spend the night here and then make you sleep on the floor, would it not?"
-
> "It would be rude to request you spend the night here and then make you sleep on the floor, would it not?"
>"I always sleep on the floor, though," she says. "But okay, it's your choice."
>_
-
> Nod and smile.
> Did Tenshi not have a proper bed in her room prior to the remodel of her family's shrine?
-
> Nod and smile.
> Did Tenshi not have a proper bed in her room prior to the remodel of her family's shrine?
>She shrugs.
>You have no idea.
>_
-
> Did she have a bed in the guest room she was given during the remodel? We were in the shadow version of her room; use this to mentally verify.
> Once the futon and blankets are prepared to our liking, finish personal pre-sleep preparations (getting changed into night-time clothing, removing shoes, etc.).
-
> Did she have a bed in the guest room she was given during the remodel? We were in the shadow version of her room; use this to mentally verify.
> Once the futon and blankets are prepared to our liking, finish personal pre-sleep preparations (getting changed into night-time clothing, removing shoes, etc.).
>No.
>Once you have it made, you go change into your nightgown and such.
>You return to find Tenshi hasn't bothered; she's simply kicked off her footwear and crawled under the covers.
>_
-
> "Good night, Tenshi. And thanks for everything today."
> Settle down into that futon.
> For the love of The Dragon, sleep like a mofo.
-
> "Good night, Tenshi. And thanks for everything today."
> Settle down into that futon.
> For the love of The Dragon, sleep like a mofo.
>She mumbles something back. You aren't certain it is properly in language.
>You settle down on the Futon and find your mind is now racing too quickly to properly fall asleep. This is so very frustr-
>You are swimming through the water. It's cool and relaxing, not a care in the world. Looking down, you see a fire poker lodged in the mud. That's curious; you swim down to get a better look. When did fire pokers grow out of the mud, that's what you'd like to know? So you take it in hand, and walk into town.
>Looking around town, you see it's quite busy today. Busy enough they moved all the house out of the way. You walk over to a stand, being tended to by a rather shabby-looking youkai. she takes a look at the fire poker and says, "We don't take those! Go trade it in down the road." So you go down the road.
>The cave is a little too dark, and all the leaves blowing around keep getting tangled in your hair. At the very end, you find a tengu reading a book. You tell her about the stand you visited, and she pulls out a cake from her pocket and hands it to you. It's about time! You tear into it and get cold icing all over your face. Mmm, peach cake... But now you can't get the icing off! Is this what a beard feels like?
>You open your eyes. Light streams in from the windows, and you hear a light snore somewhere above you.
>_
-
> Assess physical condition.
> So Tenshi snores, huh? Heh heh heh...
-
>Tiredly check face for icing beard
-
> Assess physical condition.
> So Tenshi snores, huh? Heh heh heh...
>You're a little sore and a little drowsy. But you feel a lot better than before.
>Tiredly check face for icing beard
>Your chin feels as beardless as ever.
>_
-
>Give ourselves another moment to enjoy the soft warmness
>Then get up and stretch
>Take a look out the window
-
> Examine room surroundings.
> Make a mental note to tease Tenshi about snoring the next time she tries to needle us with something.
-
>Give ourselves another moment to enjoy the soft warmness
>Then get up and stretch
>Take a look out the window
>You enjoy the bed a bit more. Feels so nice in here... It's going to take you forever to reach Nirvana at this point.
>You get up and have a good stretch. Looking out the window, you see it is sunny with party cloudy skies. That's just not right, seeing clouds outside the window.
> Examine room surroundings.
> Make a mental note to tease Tenshi about snoring the next time she tries to needle us with something.
>The room has not changed much since yesterday.
>It'll certainly be a good comeback if she teases you about being too tall.
>_
-
>Our wardrobe was scattered about from the fall, but still mostly undamaged, correct?
>Go find a new outfit, and assuming there is an adjoining room that we can get changed in, get dressed. New shawl, too
>Wonder how many pieces our last one is probably in... But not for too long, because that's just depressing.
-
>Our wardrobe was scattered about from the fall, but still mostly undamaged, correct?
>Go find a new outfit, and assuming there is an adjoining room that we can get changed in, get dressed. New shawl, too
>Wonder how many pieces our last one is probably in... But not for too long, because that's just depressing.
>Your stuff was mostly intact that you remember.
>Looking around, you manage to scavenge a workable outfit; something a bit warmer than yesterday's garb, and a new shawl to go with it.
>Who knows what the poltergeist did to it? Sigh...
>Returning to the main part of your suite, you see that small tray with two covered plates has been set just inside the door.
>_
-
>Pick up the tray, and have a look at what's under the covers
-
>Pick up the tray, and have a look at what's under the covers
>You peek under the covers, and see a few peach tarts and a small loaf of peach bread.
>_
-
>Oh, food.... how we've missed you.
>Do we have a table in here to eat on? If so, set the tray down on it
>Is there enough here to comfortably feed two people?
-
>Oh, food.... how we've missed you.
>Do we have a table in here to eat on? If so, set the tray down on it
>Is there enough here to comfortably feed two people?
>Warm food is such a treat~
>You do have a table; and you suspect there's a reason why there are two trays. It should be enough for both of you.
>_
-
>Tenshi is still looking comfortably sleepy over there?
>If so, put the tray down on the table, and start to have some breakfast
-
>Tenshi is still looking comfortably sleepy over there?
>If so, put the tray down on the table, and start to have some breakfast
>If the snores are any indication, she is.
>You have some breakfast. It's so nice to be able to sit down and enjoy something without being on the run or dealing with an irked oni. After a bit, the snores cease.
>_
-
> "Good morning, sunshine."
-
> "Good morning, sunshine."
>Tenshi groans a bit. "What?" she says.
>_
-
>Smile
>"I said good morning."
>"I hope you found the bed comfy enough?"
-
>Smile
>"I said good morning."
>"I hope you found the bed comfy enough?"
>"Oh," Tenshi says as she sits up. "Yeah, it was alright."
>_
-
>"There's some breakfast here for you, if you'd like. It's quite good."
-
> Did she really wear her daily clothes to bed?
-
>"There's some breakfast here for you, if you'd like. It's quite good."
>"Kay," she says, as she stands, stretches, and kind of stumbles toward the table. With little preamble, she sets into into her share.
> Did she really wear her daily clothes to bed?
>She sure did. They are a rumpled mess now.
>_
-
>Keep eating and give Tenshi a chance to work the grogginess off
-
>Keep eating and give Tenshi a chance to work the grogginess off
>Naturally, you finish first. But the meal seems to perk her up a bit.
>_
-
>"After a day like yesterday, it's amazing what a privilege it feels to simply have a warm meal in peace and safety. Were it not for the clouds outside the window, I could almost let myself forget that things are amiss for a moment."
-
>"After a day like yesterday, it's amazing what a privilege it feels to simply have a warm meal in peace and safety. Were it not for the clouds outside the window, I could almost let myself forget that things are amiss for a moment."
>Tenshi nods. "Yeah, I suppose. Rather have something out of the tavern, though."
>_
-
>"To each their own. Although, frankly, with as little food as I was running on all yesterday, I don't think I would have minded what there was to eat, as long as it was edible."
>"Hopefully there will fewer bruisings in store for me today than yesterday. Whatever problems will arise from confronting the spectre again, I will be quite happy enough not to have to return to Makai any time soon. Our resident incident solvers are positively courteous in comparison to some of the natives."
-
>"To each their own. Although, frankly, with as little food as I was running on all yesterday, I don't think I would have minded what there was to eat, as long as it was edible."
>"Hopefully there will fewer bruisings in store for me today than yesterday. Whatever problems will arise from confronting the spectre again, I will be quite happy enough not to have to return to Makai any time soon. Our resident incident solvers are positively courteous in comparison to some of the natives."
>"Not much of a surprise there," says Tenshi. "What happened there, anyways?"
>_
-
>"Well, I appeared there in the middle of nowhere, as near as I can tell. I wasn't entirely sure where I actually was at first, though I had my suspicions. Wandered a while until I found someone I could ask directions from. She turned out to be Yumeko, Shinki's right hand. And she was convinced that I had committed some sort of terrible atrocity and been cast out of Bhava-Agra, or there could be no other reason for me to be there. I suppose I can't fault her for not accepting 'No, I just appeared out of nowhere' on faith."
>"Unfortunately, by extension, she told me that I owed fealty to Shinki, and could not be allowed to leave. She, uh, draws a sword extremely quickly."
-
>"Well, I appeared there in the middle of nowhere, as near as I can tell. I wasn't entirely sure where I actually was at first, though I had my suspicions. Wandered a while until I found someone I could ask directions from. She turned out to be Yumeko, Shinki's right hand. And she was convinced that I had committed some sort of terrible atrocity and been cast out of Bhava-Agra, or there could be no other reason for me to be there. I suppose I can't fault her for not accepting 'No, I just appeared out of nowhere' on faith."
>"Unfortunately, by extension, she told me that I owed fealty to Shinki, and could not be allowed to leave. She, uh, draws a sword extremely quickly."
>"Wow, she sounds awesome," says Tenshi. "How'd you beat her?"
>_
-
>"Sorry to disappoint you, but we never ended up trading blows. And it was a fortunate thing, too, given what happened afterward. She'd made a point about my shawl's absence, and how this factored into her assessment that I had been cast out. So I showed her the photograph I'd taken of the spectre bound by it, as proof of where it had gone. I admit I was somewhat surprised that she had never heard of such a thing. Photos, I mean."
>"Although... her first idea of why I'd bound like that was somewhat... off the mark, to say the least."
-
>"Sorry to disappoint you, but we never ended up trading blows. And it was a fortunate thing, too, given what happened afterward. She'd made a point about my shawl's absence, and how this factored into her assessment that I had been cast out. So I showed her the photograph I'd taken of the spectre bound by it, as proof of where it had gone. I admit I was somewhat surprised that she had never heard of such a thing. Photos, I mean."
>"Although... her first idea of why I'd bound like that was somewhat... off the mark, to say the least."
>"They don't have reporters in Makai? Huh."
>She pauses for a minute, then says, "...Oh! So when did you get beat up?"
>_
-
>"An angry, territorial youkai a little further down the road. Well, after an entire forest opened fire at me for not paying to pass by it. I don't even want to think of the number of times someone told me that I couldn't walk somewhere without paying someone..."
>"In any case, I attempted to go over the forest, but soon bumped into someone else who had laid claim to the sky. Someone by the name of Sameko. By this point, I had had quite enough of being obstructed, and was worried what the spectre might be doing in my absence, so I told her as polity as I could that I needed to pass by, and would be as swift as possible. And then she tried to tackle me."
>"I don't know if she is incapable of danmaku, or simply prefers to beat upon people with her fists, but that was what she proceeded to do. Repeatedly. She was faster than me, and very strong. She also had natural resistance that rendered my lightning ineffective against her, and I was without my shawl to defend myself at close range. I swear it felt as if I were wrestling with an Oni."
-
>"An angry, territorial youkai a little further down the road. Well, after an entire forest opened fire at me for not paying to pass by it. I don't even want to think of the number of times someone told me that I couldn't walk somewhere without paying someone..."
>"In any case, I attempted to go over the forest, but soon bumped into someone else who had laid claim to the sky. Someone by the name of Sameko. By this point, I had had quite enough of being obstructed, and was worried what the spectre might be doing in my absence, so I told her as polity as I could that I needed to pass by, and would be as swift as possible. And then she tried to tackle me."
>"I don't know if she is incapable of danmaku, or simply prefers to beat upon people with her fists, but that was what she proceeded to do. Repeatedly. She was faster than me, and very strong. She also had natural resistance that rendered my lightning ineffective against her, and I was without my shawl to defend myself at close range. I swear it felt as if I were wrestling with an Oni."
>"Well I don't blame her, if you're just going to ignore her and do whatever you please," says Tenshi. "But you beat her, right?"
>_
-
>"Well, if you had seen how she was acting, I doubt you would have been too inclined to think a peaceful solution was possible, either. About the only other option she presented was to go back into that forest-sized cloud of danmaku I'd just escaped from. At the time, I was more willing to take my chances with her than it."
>"But yes, I won eventually. I, uh, broke her nose with my head. ...then broke a branch in half, across her face."
-
>"Well, if you had seen how she was acting, I doubt you would have been too inclined to think a peaceful solution was possible, either. About the only other option she presented was to go back into that forest-sized cloud of danmaku I'd just escaped from. At the time, I was more willing to take my chances with her than it."
>"But yes, I won eventually. I, uh, broke her nose with my head. ...then broke a branch in half, across her face."
>"Damn," she says. "Must not have left a pretty corpse..."
>_
-
>"Well, she was still muttering threats at me as I left her, although thankfully from flat on the ground. I suspect she's back to lording over her domain already."
>"...although I am not in a hurry to return and test this theory, let me tell you."
-
>"Well, she was still muttering threats at me as I left her, although thankfully from flat on the ground. I suspect she's back to lording over her domain already."
>"...although I am not in a hurry to return and test this theory, let me tell you."
>Tenshi nods.
>_
-
>"As for today, assuming nothing else has changed while we slept, I think our first stop should be Renko. We can see if she learned anything from the book, and take it with us, in case we encounter the spectre in our investigations. And then we can head to Youkai Mountain, and ask the Tengu if they spotted her there several days ago, and whether they know of any caves in the mountain that might match the one the spectre visited. Then we look around the cave itself."
-
>"As for today, assuming nothing else has changed while we slept, I think our first stop should be Renko. We can see if she learned anything from the book, and take it with us, in case we encounter the spectre in our investigations. And then we can head to Youkai Mountain, and ask the Tengu if they spotted her there several days ago, and whether they know of any caves in the mountain that might match the one the spectre visited. Then we look around the cave itself."
>"Got it," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>Are there any other tasks we would normally want/need to attend to in the palace in the morning?
>Would any of them still be relevant, given the current situation?
-
>Are there any other tasks we would normally want/need to attend to in the palace in the morning?
>Would any of them still be relevant, given the current situation?
>Typically you would meet with your subordinates to deal with the daily affairs of the palace. But given you are on a mission from The Dragon itself, you imagine that has been superseded. You do still have morning devotions to do, but that can be done any time before you begin your day.
>_
-
>Are such devotions standard practice for everyone here?
>If so, do we know how dutiful Tenshi is on that front?
-
>Are such devotions standard practice for everyone here?
>If so, do we know how dutiful Tenshi is on that front?
>Yes.
>You honestly don't know. You assume she is.
>_
-
>"Well, I think I should tend to my devotions, and then I believe I should be ready to leave. Is there anything else you wanted to take care of first?"
-
>"Well, I think I should tend to my devotions, and then I believe I should be ready to leave. Is there anything else you wanted to take care of first?"
>"I should probably get changed and stuff," Tenshi says. "Meet up in front?"
>_
-
>"Sounds good. I'll see you shortly, then."
>Attend to our devotions once Tenshi departs
>Then exit the palace
-
>"Sounds good. I'll see you shortly, then."
>Attend to our devotions once Tenshi departs
>Then exit the palace
>You and Tenshi part ways. You tend to your devotions, taking some time to center yourself. Then you depart.
>The palace hasn't changed much from last evening. Some more of the debris has shifted around, but not enough to make a significant impart. More celestials are working on it now, creating a decent crowd, but there is nothing akin to the crowd there was yesterday before this whole tragedy started. There are a couple songs in the air, but it is a pale shadow the usual babble of voices and music.
>A few minutes after you exit, you see Tenshi emerge from a nearby corridor. She walks toward you, passing by a celestial carrying some debris and shooting her a rather nasty look as they get close to each other. "Sorry about the wait," she says. "Took a bit to find some socks."
>_
-
>"No worries. It's a wonder anyone can find anything after the mess that was made of this place, yesterday."
>"Shall we be off, then?"
>Assuming no objections, depart and fly to Renko's
-
>"No worries. It's a wonder anyone can find anything after the mess that was made of this place, yesterday."
>"Shall we be off, then?"
>Assuming no objections, depart and fly to Renko's
>You receive no objections, and depart.
>It's a nice day out, a little chillier than the prior one, making you glad that you dressed more warmly. You fly southward toward the edge of the Forest of Magic. Passing over the human village and its outlaying farms, it seems that business is as usual there. It is almost like they are simply taking no notice of Orchard Isle floating overhead. The Isle itself seems fine, though a glance reveals that the trees are depressingly bare compared to yesterday.
>Soon enough, you reach Renko's home. It seems to be in the same condition as yesterday., which is encouraging.
>_
-
>Knock on the door
-
>Knock on the door
>You knock on the door. After a few moments, it opens and Maribel stands in the threshold. "Welcome back, Iku, Tenshi," she says. "You'll be pleased to know nothing happened last night. Please come in, we think me may have found something in the book, too. It's not much, but Parsee is convinced it's key to what drew the poltergeist to your home."
>_
-
>"Really? That sounds hopeful."
>Step inside
-
>"Really? That sounds hopeful."
>Step inside
>You step inside. The front room is practically empty now, without the people from before. The book rests on the table, a bookmark stuck into its pages. Maribel opens it and hands it to you. "Read the third paragraph of the intro," says Maribel. "Parsee's convinced that's why she went there."
>_
-
> "Out of curiosity, where is she?"
> Read the third paragraph of the intro.
-
> "Out of curiosity, where is she?"
> Read the third paragraph of the intro.
>"She and Utsuho are asleep right now," says Maribel. "They did the last shifts of watch last night."
>You open the book, finding the Bhava-Agra entry and go to the third paragraph. It reads:
>"Oh verily, ye credulous reader, I tell you truly of this most marvelous land that floats in the skies our mortal realm, giving neither sight nor shadow of itself to the people of this blind earth. Upon it dwell a people most pure, our ancestors that have freed themselves of the cares that bind you and I to this woeful cycle of suffering. There they dwell, supping upon the sweetest fruits and the choicest nectars, living in gratitude of that which would inspire only indolence and contempt among the baser peoples. This land of Bhava-Agra is home to the very demiurge that to whom we owe our beautiful world, dwelling in a palace many thousands of cubits in size, looking upon all as it pleases. The enlightened flock to it, rejoicing in its presence with their hearts most pure in a manner worthy of envy. Yet to us, this land is as removed as the firmament itself, a place only for the enlightened that they might distance themselves from their greatest pleasures and truly leave this binding life."
>_
-
> "You know, this makes us sound like the perfect place to hide from anyone you thought might care about finding you. And, well, if you're from the surface world, I suppose it's true."
-
> "You know, this makes us sound like the perfect place to hide from anyone you thought might care about finding you. And, well, if you're from the surface world, I suppose it's true."
>Maribel nods. "That's true, but it's not the part that Parsee noticed. Did you see it?"
>_
-
> "...It's The August One. She's afraid of The August One, isn't she? One who looks upon all as it pleases. She can't hide from it."
> "But her attempts at silencing The August One cannot succeed. Even ignoring the vast difference in their power, it is not confined to flesh and bone, and may simply choose to exist as pure will, in which case it will not cast a shadow. I suppose she would not have known this, however."
> Does The Dragon's Quarters have door guards?
-
> "...It's The August One. She's afraid of The August One, isn't she? One who looks upon all as it pleases. She can't hide from it."
> "But her attempts at silencing The August One cannot succeed. Even ignoring the vast difference in their power, it is not confined to flesh and bone, and may simply choose to exist as pure will, in which case it will not cast a shadow. I suppose she would not have known this, however."
> Does The Dragon's Quarters have door guards?
>She ponders for a moment. "That may be true, but not really what Parsee noticed. She was thinking about the line mentioning the shadow."
>It does not. There would be no need for such anything, and there has never been a desire for it.
>_
-
> "That Bhava-Agra does not cast one? Hmm...is it possible she was merely curious about such a place? Or did she drag us down to the ground to prove a point?"
-
> "That Bhava-Agra does not cast one? Hmm...is it possible she was merely curious about such a place? Or did she drag us down to the ground to prove a point?"
>"It seems to follow that someone whose into shadows would be really interested in that, I think," says Maribel, though a you can hear some uncertainty in her tone now.
>_
-
>"She might be, yes. Perhaps it would even be enough to draw her all the way from her hiding place? I'm not sure I could say. Although, I still don't see this suggesting why she would have attempted to steal its shadow."
-
> "Please do not feel unsure of yourself on account of my musings, though. It's entirely possible I am missing something important. Tenshi can attest that I have been a bit scatterbrained recently."
-
>"She might be, yes. Perhaps it would even be enough to draw her all the way from her hiding place? I'm not sure I could say. Although, I still don't see this suggesting why she would have attempted to steal its shadow."
>"Didn't you say she took a whole bunch of them without having any reason for it?" asks Maribel. "It kinda seems true to form, really."
> "Please do not feel unsure of yourself on account of my musings, though. It's entirely possible I am missing something important. Tenshi can attest that I have been a bit scatterbrained recently."
>"The things I've seen..." says Tenshi, shaking her head.
>_
>_
-
>"Well, I'd been hoping more that there was a reason, and we simply had not found it yet. In fact, I was hoping that we might be able to learn something significant about her if we could only figure out what it was that drove her to do it. Perhaps they truly are arbitrary. I cannot say. But it seems like one less point to use to reason with her, if that is so."
-
>"Well, I'd been hoping more that there was a reason, and we simply had not found it yet. In fact, I was hoping that we might be able to learn something significant about her if we could only figure out what it was that drove her to do it. Perhaps they truly are arbitrary. I cannot say. But it seems like one less point to use to reason with her, if that is so."
>"Well, I did kind of tell you it wasn't much..." says Maribel, frowning a little.
-
>"Oh, there's no need to feel bad. I'm not meaning to sound critical. I'm just thinking out loud. I very much appreciate the efforts that you put into reading this, and bringing it to my attention. Every potential hint is valuable. Thank you."
-
>"Oh, there's no need to feel bad. I'm not meaning to sound critical. I'm just thinking out loud. I very much appreciate the efforts that you put into reading this, and bringing it to my attention. Every potential hint is valuable. Thank you."
>"Sorry," says Maribel. "It just felt like we were really onto something. But I suppose you do have a point. I guess you didn't have any problems, either?"
-
>"We did not. Things were peaceful and uneventful back in Bhava-Agra; a very welcome respite from the events of yesterday, I can assure you. It will still take some time to clean and repair the damage, but matters seem stable, and the people in better spirits than they were."
>"We're planning to go investigate around the mountain, now, and attempt to find the cave Nitori said she remembered the spectre staying in. Again, it may be a mundane cave of no significance, but any potential clue is valuable."
>"Actually, it occurs to me now that perhaps she was using the cave as shelter to hide from the Tengu patrols? I'd been wondering how she reached Bhava-Agra in the first place without alerting them."
-
>"We did not. Things were peaceful and uneventful back in Bhava-Agra; a very welcome respite from the events of yesterday, I can assure you. It will still take some time to clean and repair the damage, but matters seem stable, and the people in better spirits than they were."
>"We're planning to go investigate around the mountain, now, and attempt to find the cave Nitori said she remembered the spectre staying in. Again, it may be a mundane cave of no significance, but any potential clue is valuable."
>"Actually, it occurs to me now that perhaps she was using the cave as shelter to hide from the Tengu patrols? I'd been wondering how she reached Bhava-Agra in the first place without alerting them."
>"Maybe so," says Maribel
>"Hey, yeah," Tenshi says, "That'd make a lot of sense."
>_
-
> "Indeed. We should probably make mention of this when we speak to the Tengu. I'm sure they won't be too thrilled to learn there is a potential safe zone to hide from their patrols."
> "Anyway, I think it may be time for us to head out. And please, Maribel, do not be upset by the nature of my thinking out loud. What you have offered is something I did not have before, something very valuable indeed - a look into where the poltergeist was coming from when she did what she did. Until now I have only been able to speculate pretty wildly about her motivations. The information contained within this book has helped focus potential theories."
> Inventory
-
> "Indeed. We should probably make mention of this when we speak to the Tengu. I'm sure they won't be too thrilled to learn there is a potential safe zone to hide from their patrols."
> "Anyway, I think it may be time for us to head out. And please, Maribel, do not be upset by the nature of my thinking out loud. What you have offered is something I did not have before, something very valuable indeed - a look into where the poltergeist was coming from when she did what she did. Until now I have only been able to speculate pretty wildly about her motivations. The information contained within this book has helped focus potential theories."
> Inventory
>"No they won't," says Maribel. "And, alright. It just sounded like you had better ideas."
>Your inventory contains:
>Wide-brimmed hat (worn as hat)
>Exceedingly Stylish!
>Heavy Flamenco Dress (worn as dress)
>Allows both modesty and freedom of movement
>Large Black Purse
>Exactly what it sounds like. It holds all your stuff
>Spine Sign: "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds"
>This spellcard engulfs you in a shield of electricity. It can be broken with enough force, and only lasts for a short time before it must be renewed
>Light Orb: "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes"
>This recreates an image of one of The Dragon's physical manifestations in lightning and sends it out.
>Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds"
>Fills the air with webs of lightning, but leaves you motionless.
>Dragonfish: "Dragon Palace's Messenger Swimming Shot"
>Sends electricity spiraling out from you, but leaves you defenseless.
>1☼
>This is 1☼
>Gnawed Mushroom Stalk
>The remains of a tsuchinoko's dinner.
>Jail Key
>The key to the tengu jail.
>Aya's Primary Camera
>She'll be very angry if you break this.
>2 Pictures of Shadowless Tree
>Taken in the Forest of Magic.
> Picture of Sky and Shadowed Land
>A picture of the Brocken Spectre's shadow and the clear horizon
>Picture of Unconscious Poltergeist
>A Picture of the Brocken Spectre after you defeated her.
>Yukari's Screwdriver
>Under no circumstances can others suspect this exists!
>Picture of the Shadow Dais.
>Taken within The Dragon's Chamber in the false Bhava-Agra.
>Picture of Makai Landscape with Goats
>Taken to show Yumeko how a Camera Works
>Picture of Mother Devil in Rain.
>She looks a tad confused by the picture-taking process.
>Better Picture of Mother Devil in Rain
>She seems much less confused and more natural in this picture.
>Peach
>Taken from Guest Island.
>Okuu's Note.
>It reads: "Parsee got back, left with Nitori."
>Pink Shawl
>A shawl that represents your status as a part of Bhava-Arga and allows you to defend yourself with devastating techniques.
>You obtain: Book Entitled: The Way of the World
>A book depicting various parts of the universe through the idea of the Six Realms of Rebirth.
-
>"Well, I think we should head out now and look into that. Hopefully the next time you hear from us, we'll have good news of one sort or another to report. Be well, Maribel."
>Leave and fly off to Youkai Mountain
>Is Momiji the one generally in charge of the Tengu patrols?
-
> Status of spellcards
> Status of peach
-
>"Well, I think we should head out now and look into that. Hopefully the next time you hear from us, we'll have good news of one sort or another to report. Be well, Maribel."
>Leave and fly off to Youkai Mountain
>Is Momiji the one generally in charge of the Tengu patrols?
>"I hope everything turns out alright," says Maribel as you depart.
>You head toward Youkai Mountain. You're not certain what position Momiji occupies in the guard, but you think she has at least some rank of note.
>As you fly close to the mountain at the foot of the forest, you notice that the tengu patrols seem to be ranging out further today. They usually only cover part of the mountain, but now they seem to be out over the forest as well.
>_
-
> Oh come on, man, you had like 8 hours to see that post.
> Status of spellcards
> Status of peach
> "Suppose we should go find out exactly why the tengu are covering wider patrols, Tenshi?"
-
> Oh come on, man, you had like 8 hours to see that post.
> Status of spellcards
> Status of peach
> "Suppose we should go find out exactly why the tengu are covering wider patrols, Tenshi?"
>Hey I had to go to the bathroom and forgot about it =[
>Your spellcards are all in good condition and ready to be used.
>The peach is still a tasty fruit.
>"I think they're looking for someone who escaped from jail," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> The bathroom? For that long? I hope no one died.
> "Ah, yes, that. I think I heard about something like that last night from Miss Margatroid. Shame they couldn't be looking for rogue poltergeists, but I suppose escaped convicts would take higher priority. I wonder how she escaped?"
-
> The bathroom? For that long? I hope no one died.
> "Ah, yes, that. I think I heard about something like that last night from Miss Margatroid. Shame they couldn't be looking for rogue poltergeists, but I suppose escaped convicts would take higher priority. I wonder how she escaped?"
>"We let her go, remember?" says Tenshi.
>_
-
> Mentally facepalm.
> Check around the immediate area for any tengu patrols that might be nearby and in earshot.
-
> Mentally facepalm.
> Check around the immediate area for any tengu patrols that might be nearby and in earshot.
>You indulge in a mental facepalm.
>As it stands, you are reasonably sure the patrols haven't ranged out this far, yet.
>_
-
> Lower our voice, bring our head closer to Tenshi and put a hand partly over our mouth so that any sound coming out of it is angles in Tenshi's direction.
> "Yes, but we're not telling any of them that, or that we have her camera or any of the pictures I've taken. If they ask about her, I will act natural and say I only learned about the escape last night from Alice. You should do the same, except you can say you heard it from me. Okay?"
-
> Lower our voice, bring our head closer to Tenshi and put a hand partly over our mouth so that any sound coming out of it is angles in Tenshi's direction.
> "Yes, but we're not telling any of them that, or that we have her camera or any of the pictures I've taken. If they ask about her, I will act natural and say I only learned about the escape last night from Alice. You should do the same, except you can say you heard it from me. Okay?"
>"Oh," says Tenshi. "Huh...didn't think you were allowed to do that kind of thing."
>_
-
>"You are right, and it is not something I take lightly; I very much hope I am not put in a position to do so. But we cannot afford to antagonize the patrols today, given our desire for their assistance and need to search within their territory. Dealing with spectre is more important for Gensokyo at large than Aya's whereabouts. Whatever becomes of that situation can happen later. For now, it is overruled by other matters."
>"Remember, we neither know where she is or where she went. That is entirely truthful. There is no information we could provide that would assist them, and they should hopefully ask no more than this."
-
>"You are right, and it is not something I take lightly; I very much hope I am not put in a position to do so. But we cannot afford to antagonize the patrols today, given our desire for their assistance and need to search within their territory. Dealing with spectre is more important for Gensokyo at large than Aya's whereabouts. Whatever becomes of that situation can happen later. For now, it is overruled by other matters."
>"Remember, we neither know where she is or where she went. That is entirely truthful. There is no information we could provide that would assist them, and they should hopefully ask no more than this."
>"Oh, I see," says Tenshi. "I think."
>_
-
>"Just... don't volunteer any information to them, and let me handle the topic if it comes up, ok? If they ask you, just say that you don't know any more than I do, which is completely truthful."
>Continue heading towards the mountain
>Scan about for signs of Momiji
>If we can spot her, approach. If not, approach any other nearby patrol
-
> Presumably lying is frowned upon in Bhava-Agra, right?
> Do Bhava-Agra's social conduct codes account for homeland security, such as in this case?
> If not, and we are forced to lie, will we need to repent with The Dragon later?
-
>"Just... don't volunteer any information to them, and let me handle the topic if it comes up, ok? If they ask you, just say that you don't know any more than I do, which is completely truthful."
>Continue heading towards the mountain
>Scan about for signs of Momiji
>If we can spot her, approach. If not, approach any other nearby patrol
>Tenshi nods. "Got it."
>You head for the mountain, keeping an eye on the patrols. You soon find a couple of them approaching you as you fly over the forest. One, you note, is headed by Momiji. You angle toward it; after a moment the other patrol breaks away to let Momiji deal with it. Momiji's patrol, you note, is composed of her and three other tengu.
>"Hey!" she calls out, "This is very important, come here for a bit!"
> Presumably lying is frowned upon in Bhava-Agra, right?
> Do Bhava-Agra's social conduct codes account for homeland security, such as in this case?
> If not, and we are forced to lie, will we need to repent with The Dragon later?
>Greatly.
>Security typically isn't an issue for Bhava-Agra, but you doubt an exception would be made.
>Almost certainly.
>_
-
>Approach her
>"Yes? What is it?"
-
>Approach her
>"Yes? What is it?"
>"According to eyewitness reports," says Momiji, "You were seen entering the town jail yesterday. We'd like to know exactly what you were doing, please?"
>_
-
I'd been hoping we hadn't been seen, and that there would be no direct suspicion leveled towards us. (In fact, I thought the area was examined at the time to make sure that we weren't seen). They could have asked us if we'd seen her, we could honestly answer no, and that might be the end of it. But given that we were seen going in around the time she disappeared, you know that they will likely ask a direct question like 'Did you let her out', at which point I see no way to deflect it without directly lying. Given Iku's position, and the strictures of Bhava-Agra, I really, really don't want to do that.
Which leaves us with quite a problem. Tell the truth and potentially get into serious trouble now, or lie and get into serious trouble (with a higher authority) later. (To say nothing of the ethical considerations) I realize we do have the greater good of Gensokyo in mind, when it comes to not being obstructed now, but even so...
Alternatively, we can admit that we spoke with Aya, and got the loan of her camera, and hope that they don't ask the awkward followup questions. We can say that we haven't seen her since, and that we have no idea where she is. But if they ask 'did you let her out?', there we are. It seems like a long-shot, but I'm not sure what else I have that doesn't involve actually lying to them.
-
If they ask the question, they ask the question, and we deal with it then. In the meantime? We needed to borrow Aya's camera for the sake of gathering evidence of missing shadows, and we can show them these pictures if they like, since we have two pictures of a tree on our person. That's a legitimate answer to the question she asked.
-
If you're fine with it, I am, too. I'm just a little reluctant to forge forth on my own, given that what we say here may have lasting consequences that we can't easily undo, and I imagine you and I have differences of opinion over some of them.
>"I spoke with Aya briefly about the events of the day. She was being rather... loud about it, as I passed by there. Then asked if I could borrow her camera, as a means of gathering evidence of some of what has happened. Too many times previous that morning had one person or another not believed what I had told them about my own investigations into Bhava-Agra's fall. A photo is much harder to deny."
-
I>"I spoke with Aya briefly about the events of the day. She was being rather... loud about it, as I passed by there. Then asked if I could borrow her camera, as a means of gathering evidence of some of what has happened. Too many times previous that morning had one person or another not believed what I had told them about my own investigations into Bhava-Agra's fall. A photo is much harder to deny."
>"That's unusual," says Momiji. "I can't imagine she would just give that kind of thing away. May I ask what transpired between the three of you?"
>_
-
>"I have it with me, if have doubts about her letting me have it."
>Take the camera out and show her. And, for the love of everything, don't open our purse in such a way that anyone could have even a chance of peering into it and seeing the jail key
>"Although you're right that she wasn't very happy about it. But I'm not sure she felt she was in much of a position to argue, given that the camera was on the outside of the cell, and she was on the inside. Plus, I think she's rather hoping we can get some shots she might eventually have use for, herself. She seemed rather frustrated that she's missed so many incidents entirely, now."
-
>"I have it with me, if have doubts about her letting me have it."
>Take the camera out and show her. And, for the love of everything, don't open our purse in such a way that anyone could have even a chance of peering into it and seeing the jail key
>"Although you're right that she wasn't very happy about it. But I'm not sure she felt she was in much of a position to argue, given that the camera was on the outside of the cell, and she was on the inside. Plus, I think she's rather hoping we can get some shots she might eventually have use for, herself. She seemed rather frustrated that she's missed so many incidents entirely, now."
>You show her Aya's Camera, you're pretty sure she doesn't see anything else inside your purse.
>Momiji looks at it a moment and nods. "That she was. And while there's no doubt you have the camera, you haven't really told me what transpired between the three of you. "
>_
-
>"Well, she started by protesting her innocence nearly the moment I poked my head in, and saying that her incarceration was a setup by the Yama. I don't know the details, but I admit I was skeptical of this, and not entirely inclined to take her word for it, given the circumstances. Then we discussed the issue of the camera, and she showed me how to use it. There was some discussion of... art, as she puts it, and her rather forceful opinions of what do and do not constitute it. As well as threats of what she'd do to me if I ever damaged this. Then we left."
-
>"Well, she started by protesting her innocence nearly the moment I poked my head in, and saying that her incarceration was a setup by the Yama. I don't know the details, but I admit I was skeptical of this, and not entirely inclined to take her word for it, given the circumstances. Then we discussed the issue of the camera, and she showed me how to use it. There was some discussion of... art, as she puts it, and her rather forceful opinions of what do and do not constitute it. As well as threats of what she'd do to me if I ever damaged this. Then we left."
>Momiji nods. "Yes, Aya is quite vocal about artistic merit. Blame Kakashi Spirit News for that. She was always very much into her work, but that really pushed her perfect it and consider it a virtue. Did anything unusual happen while you were there?"
>_
-
> Oh for the love of.
-
> Oh for the love of.
>Stupid procedural questions. Of course they were going to be interested in unusual things if there was an unexplained escape...
>_
-
>Yeah, you could say that...
>"Well, I'm not sure if this is unusual for Aya or not, but... she did ask me to attempt to take a... surreptitious photo of her, with her camera, at some point when she was not expecting it. And, that I'd need to wait until she was out of jail for this."
-
>Yeah, you could say that...
>"Well, I'm not sure if this is unusual for Aya or not, but... she did ask me to attempt to take a... surreptitious photo of her, with her camera, at some point when she was not expecting it. And, that I'd need to wait until she was out of jail for this."
>"Oh, really?" says Momiji. "Huh, she must have a lot of faith in your abilities; the only other person she ever asked was me. Was there anything else of note?"
>_
-
>"I'm not sure why she would have such faith, given that I had never used a camera before today. But I guess she's not one to pass up what she sees as an opportunity when presented with one. But no, I don't think she said anything else that struck me as unusual."
-
>"I'm not sure why she would have such faith, given that I had never used a camera before today. But I guess she's not one to pass up what she sees as an opportunity when presented with one. But no, I don't think she said anything else that struck me as unusual."
>Momiji nods. "Did anything else unusual happen, I mean?"
>_
-
> "Um..."
> Rub our hand on our forehead a few times, then drag it down our face.
> Sigh.
> "...there was. But...I really didn't want to mention this, because..."
> Stare directly at Momizi.
> "Can you come here for a moment? I'd...rather not say this out loud, and I think your judgment would be better than mine concerning what to do with it."
-
> "Um..."
> Rub our hand on our forehead a few times, then drag it down our face.
> Sigh.
> "...there was. But...I really didn't want to mention this, because..."
> Stare directly at Momizi.
> "Can you come here for a moment? I'd...rather not say this out loud, and I think your judgment would be better than mine concerning what to do with it."
>You feel some embarrassment, and ask Momiji to come closer.
>She does so, frowning a bit, while Tenshi giggles.
>_
-
> Put our mouth right next to Momizi's ear and cup the back of her ear with our hand.
> Lower voice to a whisper.
> "She stripped naked."
> Step back with a sad frown on our face.
-
> Put our mouth right next to Momizi's ear and cup the back of her ear with our hand.
> Lower voice to a whisper.
> "She stripped naked."
> Step back with a sad frown on our face.
>You whisper to Momiji. She jerks back; the aerial equivalent of a surprised backstep, and gives you a look. "What? You're serious? Was she drunk out of her mind or something!?"
>Tenshi cackles.
>_
-
> "I would hazard a guess she thought it would entice me into letting her out."
> Frown a bit harder.
> "The whole situation was quite uncomfortable, though."
-
> "I would hazard a guess she thought it would entice me into letting her out."
> Frown a bit harder.
> "The whole situation was quite uncomfortable, though."
>"That...doesn't sound like Aya at all," says Momiji.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "I have to admit, hers are not a mind's workings I have spent much time contemplating. What happened happened, though."
-
> Shrug.
> "I have to admit, hers are not a mind's workings I have spent much time contemplating. What happened happened, though."
>"Was there anything else unusual?" Momiji asks.
>_
-
> "Well, I think there being no other tengu in sight would qualify as unusual."
-
> "Well, I think there being no other tengu in sight would qualify as unusual."
>"Perhaps," says Momiji, "It was unfortunately necessary. Did Aya say anything of note? Or ask you to do anything?"
-
> "Nothing beyond what you would expect given the situation. Asking if I'd let her out, making sure I'd return her camera eventually. That sort of thing."
-
> "Nothing beyond what you would expect given the situation. Asking if I'd let her out, making sure I'd return her camera eventually. That sort of thing."
>"Why did she give it to you, anyways?" asks Momiji. "You'd think she'd want to lend her other one..."
>_
-
> "She did, but her backup camera was somewhere else, and my situation was rather time-sensitive. And, well, to be honest, it still is, but I can understand your need to attend to this first."
-
> "She did, but her backup camera was somewhere else, and my situation was rather time-sensitive. And, well, to be honest, it still is, but I can understand your need to attend to this first."
>"Mmm, that's a shame," says Momiji. "I would rather like for you to tell some of these things to Lord Tenma personally. I'd rather suspect he'd have a few questions about Aya's...behavior on his own."
-
> Frown.
> "Mmm. And perhaps he can explain to me why the tengu patrols are letting suspect individuals make their way up this mountain, past tengu territory?"
-
> Frown.
> "Mmm. And perhaps he can explain to me why the tengu patrols are letting suspect individuals make their way up this mountain, past tengu territory?"
>"Excuse me?" says Momiji, her voice significantly less friendly and more neutral than it was a moment ago.
>_
-
> "I have testimony from Suika Ibuki that she had a visitor on Guest Island a few days ago. A white-haired poltergeist in a blue shirt with a brocade collar. In doing some of my own research into this poltergeist, I have not only discovered that she is the one responsible for Bhava-Agra's current state, but that she found her way to Bhava-Agra in the first place by climbing this mountain, slipping past the tengu patrols in the process. I also have very strong reason to believe that she would not have been able to bring Bhava-Agra down from the sky had she not been able to find her way there in the first place. My own personal experience with this poltergeist is that she is very dangerous and very determined, and she is still on the loose somewhere. She is responsible for the incapacitation of other individuals, including the teal-haired karakasa, whom I believe can be found right now at the home of the two girls from the outside world, if you wish to investigate into the matter for yourself."
> "Now, I don't know how she slipped past patrols. It is possible she managed to hide from them very well - I have very strong reason to believe she has spent time on this mountain in an unknown cave. It is also possible she was spotted, but managed to incapacitate any patrols that found her. Whatever the reason, she made it up the mountain past the tengu territory and was able to find Bhava-Agra, thereby enabling her to do to it what you saw for yourself yesterday."
> "Granted, the tengu are not directly tasked with guarding Bhava-Agra. Surface access originates on this mountain, past the area that is under their patrol, but still, it would be a bit heavy-handed to place the blame for Bhava-Agra's fall on whatever patrols failed to spot her."
> Shrug.
> "Of course, I think it would be similarly heavy-handed to place blame on someone due to an unfortunate coincidence."
-
> "I have testimony from Suika Ibuki that she had a visitor on Guest Island a few days ago. A white-haired poltergeist in a blue shirt with a brocade collar. In doing some of my own research into this poltergeist, I have not only discovered that she is the one responsible for Bhava-Agra's current state, but that she found her way to Bhava-Agra in the first place by climbing this mountain, slipping past the tengu patrols in the process. I also have very strong reason to believe that she would not have been able to bring Bhava-Agra down from the sky had she not been able to find her way there in the first place. My own personal experience with this poltergeist is that she is very dangerous and very determined, and she is still on the loose somewhere. She is responsible for the incapacitation of other individuals, including the teal-haired karakasa, whom I believe can be found right now at the home of the two girls from the outside world, if you wish to investigate into the matter for yourself."
> "Now, I don't know how she slipped past patrols. It is possible she managed to hide from them very well - I have very strong reason to believe she has spent time on this mountain in an unknown cave. It is also possible she was spotted, but managed to incapacitate any patrols that found her. Whatever the reason, she made it up the mountain past the tengu territory and was able to find Bhava-Agra, thereby enabling her to do to it what you saw for yourself yesterday."
> "Granted, the tengu are not directly tasked with guarding Bhava-Agra. Surface access originates on this mountain, past the area that is under their patrol, but still, it would be a bit heavy-handed to place the blame for Bhava-Agra's fall on whatever patrols failed to spot her."
> Shrug.
> "Of course, I think it would be similarly heavy-handed to place blame on someone due to an unfortunate coincidence."
>"There have been no reports of any such skirmishes," says Momiji, "Can you tell me when this would have been? In fact, don't bother. It would be much better that you tell Lord Tenma himself of this."
>_
-
> Put a hand on side of our forehead and rub a little bit.
> "You are putting me in a very tough position, Miss Inubashiri. I certainly do sympathize with the tough situation you yourself are in, being forced to hunt down your friend, but time is of the essence here. I have photographic evidence on my person that this poltergeist exists, as well as evidence of what she can do. There is testimony that she managed to make it to Bhava-Agra - all you have to do is ask Suika, and even if you don't trust me, you know she will not lie to you. There is evidence of what this poltergeist can do to other people in the teal-haired karakasa, and quite possibly others. Not to monger fear, but I would suggest making sure all patrol heads are accounted for. For the sake of The August One, I need to find this girl before she causes the further, greater harm to Gensokyo she has threatened, and, with all due respect to Lord Tenma, I cannot do this while I am being brought forward to him and forced to answer the same questions that I have just covered with you."
-
> Put a hand on side of our forehead and rub a little bit.
> "You are putting me in a very tough position, Miss Inubashiri. I certainly do sympathize with the tough situation you yourself are in, being forced to hunt down your friend, but time is of the essence here. I have photographic evidence on my person that this poltergeist exists, as well as evidence of what she can do. There is testimony that she managed to make it to Bhava-Agra - all you have to do is ask Suika, and even if you don't trust me, you know she will not lie to you. There is evidence of what this poltergeist can do to other people in the teal-haired karakasa, and quite possibly others. Not to monger fear, but I would suggest making sure all patrol heads are accounted for. For the sake of The August One, I need to find this girl before she causes the further, greater harm to Gensokyo she has threatened, and, with all due respect to Lord Tenma, I cannot do this while I am being brought forward to him and forced to answer the same questions that I have just covered with you."
>"Perhaps if you tell me where this poltergeist is," says Momiji, "I may be able to arrange for someone to apprehend her? I'm afraid I can't just let you go after saying such things."
>_
-
>"If I knew where she was, I would be there myself, now. I came here to see if I could find the cave she took shelter in the other day, and see if there were any clues there to her current whereabouts."
>"I apprehended her myself, yesterday, but she escaped. She has the ability to consume people in her shadow, and she threw me into Makai, while still herself bound. By the time I could return, she was long gone. I have not seen her since."
-
>"If I knew where she was, I would be there myself, now. I came here to see if I could find the cave she took shelter in the other day, and see if there were any clues there to her current whereabouts."
>"I apprehended her myself, yesterday, but she escaped. She has the ability to consume people in her shadow, and she threw me into Makai, while still herself bound. By the time I could return, she was long gone. I have not seen her since."
>"We've been searching caves all morning," says Momiji. "What are you hoping to find, exactly?"
>_
-
>"I have no idea, I'm afraid. I know nothing other than that she was there. There may be nothing inside the cave whatsoever, but I'd been holding out hope, given that a second search by Reimu and Tenshi last night was unable to locate her."
>Take out and show her the photo of the spectre
>"Here is what she looks like."
-
> "And before you ask, no, I am not into that sort of thing. Her restraint was necessary: she can cause physical harm to a person by touching their shadow."
-
>"I have no idea, I'm afraid. I know nothing other than that she was there. There may be nothing inside the cave whatsoever, but I'd been holding out hope, given that a second search by Reimu and Tenshi last night was unable to locate her."
>Take out and show her the photo of the spectre
>"Here is what she looks like."
>"I'll ask around and see if anything noteworthy has turned up," says Momiji. "And show this photo to everyone else. In the meantime, you may go speak with Lord Tenma."
> "And before you ask, no, I am not into that sort of thing. Her restraint was necessary: she can cause physical harm to a person by touching their shadow."
>She blinks. "Who was asking that?"
>_
-
>What do we know about Lord Tenma? Including past interactions with us, with Bhava-Agra, and where he can be found.
-
>What do we know about Lord Tenma? Including past interactions with us, with Bhava-Agra, and where he can be found.
>You've not met with him in a long time, but you know he is very big on formalities and decorum. Thankfully, your position manages to free you have having to follow much of it. Your past meetings have been cordial, and generally over non-serious issues. Overall, you know he is very well respected by the tengu as a whole, and looks out for his people well; easily in the exclusion of others' wellbeing in times of trouble.
>_
-
>Where can he be found?
>It's not customary to disarm oneself or have one's possessions inspected before being admitted to his presence, is it?
-
>Where can he be found?
>It's not customary to disarm oneself or have one's possessions inspected before being admitted to his presence, is it?
>In tengu town, his manor is a bit south of the prison, as you recall.
>Yes, but you're an exception as it would be considered insulting. With Tenshi, you aren't sure.
>_
-
>She blinks. "Who was asking that?"
>"Let us say that my trip through Makai was a... trying one, in several ways."
>"In any case, I will go directly and relay the same information to Lord Tenma. May we both meet with good fortune in search of our respective quarries."
>Assuming we're not held up, continue to Lord Tenma's manor
-
>"Let us say that my trip through Makai was a... trying one, in several ways."
>"In any case, I will go directly and relay the same information to Lord Tenma. May we both meet with good fortune in search of our respective quarries."
>Assuming we're not held up, continue to Lord Tenma's manor
>"I see..." says Momiji. "Yes, please do this. Do you need someone to show you the way?"
>_
-
>"No, I have spoken with him in past, but thank you."
>Head to Lord Tenma's
-
>"No, I have spoken with him in past, but thank you."
>Head to Lord Tenma's
>Momiji nods. "Please be sure to tell him everything."
>You take flight toward the tengu town, while Momiji's patrol follows for some distance, before breaking up to seek out others. Soon the town is in sight.
>"So, uh, now what?" asks Tenshi.
>_
-
>"Now I believe we go to Lord Tenma and relay the information we were asked to. While I would be just as happy not to, I think our position is tenuous enough as it is without Momiji learning that I failed to do as I said I would."
-
>"Now I believe we go to Lord Tenma and relay the information we were asked to. While I would be just as happy not to, I think our position is tenuous enough as it is without Momiji learning that I failed to do as I said I would."
>She nods. "You think he's going to find out?"
>_
-
>"I... hope not. Or at least not under adverse circumstances. Perhaps he will be satisfied that the patrols have cleared me. Although Momiji was more persistent than I had hopped for. I suppose I cannot blame her, were our positions reversed."
-
>"I... hope not. Or at least not under adverse circumstances. Perhaps he will be satisfied that the patrols have cleared me. Although Momiji was more persistent than I had hopped for. I suppose I cannot blame her, were our positions reversed."
>"Yeah, I guess people would suspect us..." says Tenshi. "Why'd we even think this was a good idea, anyways?"
>You land near the entrance of Lord Tenma's manor. It is a bit different than most of the tengu architecture; where most tengu homes are thin and at least three stories tall, most of the Tenma Manor is no more than two stories tall, and sprawls over much of a town block. Here and there are spires that reach to proper tengu heights, but overall the place looks squat and rather wide compared to most of the town. You have a sneaking suspicious that it was once home to one or more of the Devas of the Mountain.
>_
-
>Approach the main entrance
-
>Approach the main entrance
>You approach the main entrance. A tengu with long dark hair stands by the entrance, spear in hand. She nods as you approach. It seems that she a least recognizes what you two are. "May I ask your business?" she asks.
>_
-
>"We are hear to speak with Lord Tenma about an intruder that slipped past the patrols several days ago. I explained the situation to Momiji and she asked that I relay my information in person."
-
>"We are hear to speak with Lord Tenma about an intruder that slipped past the patrols several days ago. I explained the situation to Momiji and she asked that I relay my information in person."
>The tengu frowns, and nods. "Please come with me."
>_
-
>Follow the tengu
-
>Follow the tengu
>You are lead into the manor, and down a hall with numerous warm-colored banners hanging from the ceiling. Small artworks line the walls, primarily small porcelain works on various stands and tables. Past there, you are led into a small corridor of paper walls painted with pictures of tigers and birds and lush landscapes, and taken through a path that is vaguely familiar but not enough that you can really recognize it. Soon, you stop outside a set of two sliding doors. You recall this as the audience chamber.
>"May I have your names, so I may announce you properly?" she asks.
>_
-
>"Iku Nagae"
>Gesture towards Tenshi
>"And Tenshi Hinanai"
-
> Recall bureaucratic relationship with the Yama.
-
> Good afternoon, parser.
-
>"Iku Nagae"
>Gesture towards Tenshi
>"And Tenshi Hinanai"
>The tengu nods, and disappears between the doors.
> Recall bureaucratic relationship with the Yama.
>The Yama is most definitely several ranks above you, but you can claim priority if you are speaking on behest of The Dragon. However, it is also quite rare that your interests overlap, and you would have to make a strong case.
> Good afternoon, parser.
>Sup dawg.
>_
-
>Given protocol, we're supposed to wait now to be called in, correct?
>If so, do so
-
> But we are a part of the same general bureaucracy?
> If the Yama's personal issues were to get in the way of us completing a command from The Dragon, would we be able to supercede her then?
-
>Given protocol, we're supposed to wait now to be called in, correct?
>If so, do so
>Yes.
> But we are a part of the same general bureaucracy?
> If the Yama's personal issues were to get in the way of us completing a command from The Dragon, would we be able to supercede her then?
>Yes, but you are in different branches of it.
>You suspect so, but it wouldn't necessarily be a clear cut issue.
>The tengu emerges and bows. "Lord Tenma will see you now."
>_
-
>"Thank you."
>Follow her inside
-
> Why was Aya in jail, anyway? How much of that story do we know?
-
> Why was Aya in jail, anyway? How much of that story do we know?
>You don't know much of it; but you're certain it involved her "artistic" habits and the Yama.
>"Thank you."
>Follow her inside
>She does not lead you inside, but rather gestures for you to enter.
>You enter the chamber. The walls are covered with heavy silken curtains, while banners bearing emblems of the tengu and Lord Tenma's house dangle from the ceiling. The ceiling is coffered, covered with numerous elaborately designed panels of gold, red, and blue. Terrace-like steps set into the far side of the room allow for more panels to be displayed. An alcove is set into the wall, covered by a thin silken curtain. Through it, you can see the silhouette of a tall man, reclining on what is no doubt and elaborate throne.
>"Ladies," he says in a strong, melodic voice, "Enter."
>_
-
>Approach
-
> Mentally recall visual description of Lord Tenma.
-
>Approach
>You do so.
>"Stop," he says as you cross two thirds of the room. "Miss Hinanai, look to the ground. Kneel. Now back to me."
>"What?" Tenshi says, softly enough that you're reasonably sure he didn't hear it.
> Mentally recall visual description of Lord Tenma.
>You've never seen him personally, at least not more personally than you are right now. This is not the first time you've had to speak to him through a curtain.
>_
-
> Take a low, soft voice ourselves.
> "It's to honor him. Please, do it."
-
> Take a low, soft voice ourselves.
> "It's to honor him. Please, do it."
>She nods, and does so. "Don't see why you don't..." she mutters.
>"Look to the floor, now stand up, now back to me," says Lord Tenma. "You have something to tell me."
>_
-
>"Indeed, Lord Tenma. I have knowledge of a dangerous intruder who evaded your patrols and ascended the mountain two days ago. I spoke of this with Miss Inubashiri, and she asked that I relay it directly to you."
>"She is a poltergeist, white-haired and wearing an ornate blue coat. More significantly, she was the person responsible for causing Bhava-Agra to fall. She visited Guest Island two days ago; Suika Ibuki can confirm this. I believe the poltergeist used a cave in the mountainside as shelter to avoid detection while she ascended, although I do not know its precise location."
>"She has also perpetrated serious assaults against several people. She has the ability to steal the shadows of other beings. Those so affected lose their connection to the conscious world, becoming little more than shells. She does this with little provocation, making her extremely dangerous. As of yet, I do not know how they can be restored to their normal selves."
>"I apprehended her yesterday afternoon, but she used her shadow manipulation to somehow send me into Makai. When I returned, she was gone. A subsequent search has failed to uncover her, and she is still at large."
-
>You see his silhouette nod as you speak.
>"Close your eyes," he says. "Imagine. How did she get through this town without being seen? Or the patrols for that matter. I cannot think of a way, can you?"
>_
-
>"I asked Miss Inubashiri about this, and she said she had heard of no one matching her description. I even showed her a photo of the poltergeist. I know not by what means she made it past the mountain, but I am quite certain that she did."
-
Is there a reason we're skipping the shadow void step in the story of our interdimensional journey? This is the second time I've noticed it.
-
Oh, I think that was mostly so that we don't need to bother to explain that we don't know how we got out of it. Although, this time I think it was mostly unconscious condensation of events. Do you think it's important to mention this specific point here?
-
>"I asked Miss Inubashiri about this, and she said she had heard of no one matching her description. I even showed her a photo of the poltergeist. I know not by what means she made it past the mountain, but I am quite certain that she did."
>"I wish to know more about this poltergeist," he says after a moment. "Tell me."
>_
-
>"She is paranoid and hostile, and takes great effort to conceal herself. Several of her victims were attacked simply to prevent them from knowing about her. I, myself, nearly had my shadow stolen in a similar manner when I encountered her, but was fortunate enough to overpower her before she could complete the process."
>"She can manipulate things through their shadows: inflict pain by striking it, inhibit movement by grasping it, or pull it away from them completely. I also saw her move a tree's branches by manipulating its shadow. As I said, she can also cast people out of Gensokyo entirely by somehow subsuming them in her shadow. I don't know the limitations and constraints of this ability, but she was able to use it against me while she was bound and restrained. Additionally, she can assume shadows that she has stolen and gain some of their properties as her own. During our battle, she assumed the statue of a rock and gained immunity to my lightning attacks. I also saw her assume a shadow of the karakasa she attacked, as well as what I believe was from an island of Bhava-Agra."
Any objections to explaining her origin, and explaining why we don't want to harm her, if at all possible?
-
The void is admittedly a double-edged sword in this particular capacity: being in the void is where we learned Pocky and Brocky hid in that cave, but it also creates the uncomfortable question of how we got out of it.
I would, in fact, encourage explaining why we don't want to harm her if we can avoid harming her; I actually think that less people actively hunting her would be for the better, because she doesn't want to be found as-is. Wait until she's been convinced that she doesn't need to hide before letting the entire tengu village descend upon her from above. Her origin I see no issue in explaining either, though hopefully Lord Tenma was not particularly interested in the mystery so we won't be ruining it for him. >_>
-
I would, in fact, encourage explaining why we don't want to harm her if we can avoid harming her; I actually think that less people actively hunting her would be for the better, because she doesn't want to be found as-is. Wait until she's been convinced that she doesn't need to hide before letting the entire tengu village descend upon her from above. Her origin I see no issue in explaining either, though hopefully Lord Tenma was not particularly interested in the mystery so we won't be ruining it for him. >_>
Yes, absolutely. I was going to make a case for why we don't want to harm her, either way. But it's possible to do so (less effectively) without being entirely forthcoming on the whole origin thing. I just wanted to make sure you were fine with giving him all the details, before I did so.
And yes, I would have rathered not effectively announce everything about her to the whole village, but our meeting with Momiji didn't give us a lot of options in that regard. It would be too problematic to have declined. But if the spectre didn't hate us already, well...
-
>"She is paranoid and hostile, and takes great effort to conceal herself. Several of her victims were attacked simply to prevent them from knowing about her. I, myself, nearly had my shadow stolen in a similar manner when I encountered her, but was fortunate enough to overpower her before she could complete the process."
>"She can manipulate things through their shadows: inflict pain by striking it, inhibit movement by grasping it, or pull it away from them completely. I also saw her move a tree's branches by manipulating its shadow. As I said, she can also cast people out of Gensokyo entirely by somehow subsuming them in her shadow. I don't know the limitations and constraints of this ability, but she was able to use it against me while she was bound and restrained. Additionally, she can assume shadows that she has stolen and gain some of their properties as her own. During our battle, she assumed the statue of a rock and gained immunity to my lightning attacks. I also saw her assume a shadow of the karakasa she attacked, as well as what I believe was from an island of Bhava-Agra."
>There is a moment before he answers. "It is disturbing such a person has evaded us. Messenger, can you tell me what we do about it?"
>_
-
>"Obviously vigilance and extreme caution in dealing with her are advised. Her abilities bypass many usual forms of defense, but outside of this she is not an especially skilled combatant. I can give no suggestion for how to catch her, without knowing the means by which she evaded notice in the first place."
>"However, despite the danger she presents, I would rather she not come to harm, if at all possible. There are two reasons for this:"
>"Firstly, I do not know that it is possible to restore the shadows she has stolen without her co-operation. Simply incapacitating her did not break her hold on them. I believe they are somehow bound directly to her, now."
>"Secondly, the circumstances surrounding her motives and behavior are rather unique. Are you aware of how poltergeists come to be?"
-
>"Obviously vigilance and extreme caution in dealing with her are advised. Her abilities bypass many usual forms of defense, but outside of this she is not an especially skilled combatant. I can give no suggestion for how to catch her, without knowing the means by which she evaded notice in the first place."
>"However, despite the danger she presents, I would rather she not come to harm, if at all possible. There are two reasons for this:"
>"Firstly, I do not know that it is possible to restore the shadows she has stolen without her co-operation. Simply incapacitating her did not break her hold on them. I believe they are somehow bound directly to her, now."
>"Secondly, the circumstances surrounding her motives and behavior are rather unique. Are you aware of how poltergeists come to be?"
>"I most assuredly know," he says. "Continue on."
>_
-
>"I assume you are also aware of the rumors concerning the Brocken Spectre? Well, she is it. Or, rather, she was created to be it, because so many people believed so strongly that she absolutely must exist. And so she does. But many of the beliefs held about her have had darker ramifications when made manifest. Everyone who believed in her existence knew that she must be extremely skilled at concealing herself, and must be willing to do so at all costs. How else could she have evaded notice in that forest for so long? And so she does. I do not know if even she knows why she does, but she attempts to suppress any knowledge of herself with an almost pathological zeal."
>"In this sense, she was born into a life of paranoia and perpetual hiding, through no fault of her own. It is what she was made, and she has known nothing else. But she is a sentient being now, and I cling to the hope that she can shown how to move past this. That she is not bound to forever live out the beliefs that gave her form. No one deserves the life that she was thrust into."
-
>"I assume you are also aware of the rumors concerning the Brocken Spectre? Well, she is it. Or, rather, she was created to be it, because so many people believed so strongly that she absolutely must exist. And so she does. But many of the beliefs held about her have had darker ramifications when made manifest. Everyone who believed in her existence knew that she must be extremely skilled at concealing herself, and must be willing to do so at all costs. How else could she have evaded notice in that forest for so long? And so she does. I do not know if even she knows why she does, but she attempts to suppress any knowledge of herself with an almost pathological zeal."
>"In this sense, she was born into a life of paranoia and perpetual hiding, through no fault of her own. It is what she was made, and she has known nothing else. But she is a sentient being now, and I cling to the hope that she can shown how to move past this. That she is not bound to forever live out the beliefs that gave her form. No one deserves the life that she was thrust into."
>"That is unfortunate," says Tenma. "But it does not change that she has violated our laws. I expect more information as you find it. Decisions will be deferred."
>_
-
>"I understand. I would not claim that this excuses her actions, and I have seen more of them in person than any other. I simply suggest that this might give grounds for clemency, should she be willing to reform. But yes, I will notify you if there are any important development in this situation."
>Is that just a touch of impropriety to 'expect' us to give him regular updates?
-
>"I understand. I would not claim that this excuses her actions, and I have seen more of them in person than any other. I simply suggest that this might give grounds for clemency, should she be willing to reform. But yes, I will notify you if there are any important development in this situation."
>Is that just a touch of impropriety to 'expect' us to give him regular updates?
>"Good, thank you," he says. "Have you anything else to share?"
>It could be. Or it could be a quiet compliment to your diligence in such matters.
>_
-
Should we let him know about the cave?
-
Should we let him know about the cave?
I already mentioned that, didn't I? Or was there something else about it you wanted to say?
>"She is a poltergeist, white-haired and wearing an ornate blue coat. More significantly, she was the person responsible for causing Bhava-Agra to fall. She visited Guest Island two days ago; Suika Ibuki can confirm this. I believe the poltergeist used a cave in the mountainside as shelter to avoid detection while she ascended, although I do not know its precise location."
-
Oh, no, I just missed that while at work.
Unless you think we should ask him about potential caves on the mountain we could investigate.
-
I don't think so. The patrols themselves would seem to know that best. Momiji said they've been looking in caves all morning, implying that there's both a fair number, and that they're likely going to be doing a better job of it than we can. Checking in with Momiji to see if she's found out if any of the other patrols have found anything is probably more useful than looking around ourself, I think.
>"No, I believe that is all the pertinent information I have at this time. I intend to resume my search as soon as I leave. Hopefully it will be more fruitful than last night's."
-
>"No, I believe that is all the pertinent information I have at this time. I intend to resume my search as soon as I leave. Hopefully it will be more fruitful than last night's."
>"You may go," says Lord Tenma.
>_
-
>"Thank you, Lord Tenma."
>Exit
-
>"Thank you, Lord Tenma."
>Exit
>You thank the Tengu leader, then make your way from the throne room. The tengu from before meets you at the doors, and quietly leads you away after closing the doors. You are certain you hear Lord Tenma call for an attendant, something involving a horse.
>Soon you lead back outside the manor.
>_
-
>Bid good day to the Tengu attendant
>Fly off towards the area we encountered Momiji originally, and see if we can spot her
-
>Bid good day to the Tengu attendant
>Fly off towards the area we encountered Momiji originally, and see if we can spot her
>You bid the tengu farwell, and depart.
>"So...are we in the clear?" asks Tenshi.
>_
-
>Assuming no one's in earshot: "I... don't know, to be honest. We could easily be taken to task when we speak with Momiji again. I would not count out that possibility. We'll simply have to wait and see, I think."
-
>Assuming no one's in earshot: "I... don't know, to be honest. We could easily be taken to task when we speak with Momiji again. I would not count out that possibility. We'll simply have to wait and see, I think."
>You think no one is able to overhear, and answer Tenshi. She nods. "Well, so far so good." says Tenshi.
>As you make your way back down the mountain, you see Momiji approaching you.
>_
-
>Approach her
>"I don't suppose you've found something?"
-
>Approach her
>"I don't suppose you've found something?"
>"We have," says Momiji, "But it isn't much."
>She opens her hand and presents what seems to be a bit of blue thread.
>"We found that in a cave about halfway up the main slope," she says. "We think this cave would have afforded a good view of the current patrol routes, if one were patient enough and also managed not to be in there when we checked it. That said, we've combed it over and found nothing else of interest."
>_
-
> Compare the shade of blue to our mental recollection of the shade of blue of the poltergeist's shirt.
-
> Compare the shade of blue to our mental recollection of the shade of blue of the poltergeist's shirt.
>It certainly seems to match her coat.
>_
-
> "That certainly looks like it came off her shirt. At least now we definitely know what function that cave served, given your assessment of it. If you found nothing else, though, it's a good bet observation and possibly hiding were the only functions of that cave."
-
>"Incidentally, how close is this cave to Guest Island's position?"
-
> "That certainly looks like it came off her shirt. At least now we definitely know what function that cave served, given your assessment of it. If you found nothing else, though, it's a good bet observation and possibly hiding were the only functions of that cave."
>Momiji nods. "We saw no evidence of a campfire or any sleeping arrangements. "
>"Incidentally, how close is this cave to Guest Island's position?"
>"Currently?" says Momiji, "It's some distance away. "But you can at least see it. Not that there aren't many where you can't." She glances over toward the mired island.
>_
-
>"Thank you, Momiji. Even finding the cave empty is useful information: it means we can focus our search elsewhere."
>"I suspect she may have returned to the forest. At least, it seems the likeliest place, given what we know of her at present. That she could not be found there last night in no way reassures that she isn't actually present."
-
>"Thank you, Momiji. Even finding the cave empty is useful information: it means we can focus our search elsewhere."
>"I suspect she may have returned to the forest. At least, it seems the likeliest place, given what we know of her at present. That she could not be found there last night in no way reassures that she isn't actually present."
>She nods. "I'm glad to be of service. In turn, I hope you'll tell us anything you find about Aya."
>_
-
>"Of course. If I chance across her, I'll be sure to let you know."
-
>"Of course. If I chance across her, I'll be sure to let you know."
>Momiji nods. "Anything else?"
>_
-
>"I don't believe so. Good luck to you, Momiji, and have a pleasant day."
>Head to Nitori's
-
>"I don't believe so. Good luck to you, Momiji, and have a pleasant day."
>Head to Nitori's
>"If you see Aya, tell her I'm very annoyed with her right now," says Momiji, as she draws away.
>You return to the Kappa village, and land near Nitori's Warehouse. It seems very quiet right now.
>_
-
>Go knock on the door
>To Tenshi: "I don't know if Yuugi was planning to come back here, today, or not. I figured we ought to check, just in case, rather than have her wondering where everyone else went to."
-
>Go knock on the door
>To Tenshi: "I don't know if Yuugi was planning to come back here, today, or not. I figured we ought to check, just in case, rather than have her wondering where everyone else went to."
>There's no answer.
>"Oh, I see," says Tenshi.
>_
-
>"Well, better safe than sorry, I figure, since we were already in the neighborhood."
>Fly off to Mystia's
-
>"Well, better safe than sorry, I figure, since we were already in the neighborhood."
>Fly off to Mystia's
>Tenshi nods. "Yeah, I didn't think of that."
>You leave the kappa village behind, and fly over the border forest again, then angle toward the Forest of Magic. Mystia's stand is rather difficult to find from the air, being in the deeper forest and well concealed from overhead by the trees. Thankfully, her house is not that difficult to find, and you soon make out is peaked roof among the branches.
>Landing near it, you see there are no customers at the moment; or at least none with their feet on the ground.
>_
-
>Approach the stand
-
>Approach the stand
>You approach the stand and move the curtain aside. On the other side of the counter, you see Tokiko. She gives you a shaky smile, and says, "Um, welcome to the stand. What would you like?"
>_
-
>"Oh, good morning Tokiko. How are things, today?"
-
>"Oh, good morning Tokiko. How are things, today?"
>"A little strange," she says, glancing toward the southern sky, "But I suppose it's okay. Oh, the peaches were very good, thank you."
>_
-
>Smile
>"I'm glad to hear it."
>"I'm afraid I didn't actually come here for lamprey this morning, though. I spent the last of the money I had with me on some yesterday. Is Mystia around?"
>"Actually, for that matter, I don't suppose you've seen a woman with short white hair and a fancy blue coat around the forest lately? I found a book of hers that I wished to return to her."
-
>Smile
>"I'm glad to hear it."
>"I'm afraid I didn't actually come here for lamprey this morning, though. I spent the last of the money I had with me on some yesterday. Is Mystia around?"
>"Actually, for that matter, I don't suppose you've seen a woman with short white hair and a fancy blue coat around the forest lately? I found a book of hers that I wished to return to her."
>"Mystia is in town right now," says Tokiko. "And...that sounds kind of familiar, but I haven't seen anyone like that this morning."
>_
-
>"Hmmm... but you think you saw her earlier, though?"
>"I don't suppose you recall what part of the forest this was in?"
-
>"Hmmm... but you think you saw her earlier, though?"
>"I don't suppose you recall what part of the forest this was in?"
>"I don't know..." says Tokiko. "There's lots of people, you see..."
>_
-
>"Oh, well if you're not really sure, don't worry about it."
>What other people do we know live in and around the forest? And among them, whose houses do we know how to actually reach?
-
>"Oh, well if you're not really sure, don't worry about it."
>What other people do we know live in and around the forest? And among them, whose houses do we know how to actually reach?
>You know of Alice and Marisa for sure, though you only have a general idea where the latter dwells. You know that the insect youkai from yesterday lives around here somewhere, but you aren't sure where. Scarlet Devil Mansion stands on the southern edge of the forest. There is Kourindou as well. You also imagine Kogasa has to have a home somewhere. And only The Dragon likely knows how many faeries live around the forest.
>_
-
>"Well, thank you just the same. Have a pleasant day, Tokiko."
>Head to Maribel's
-
>"Well, thank you just the same. Have a pleasant day, Tokiko."
>Head to Maribel's
>"You're welcome, I suppose?" says Tokiko.
>You depart and heard for Maribel's house. You reach it without incident. You see Renko outside with a bucket of water, apparently washing the windows.
>_
-
> Recall known information about the Blunted Javelin we saw at Kourindou yesterday.
-
>"Good morning, Renko."
-
> Recall known information about the Blunted Javelin we saw at Kourindou yesterday.
>It was short, about as long as your forearm, with a strangely shaped rubber head that was open on the end and hollow inside.
>"Good morning, Renko."
>"Morning, you two," she says.
>_
-
>"We just got back from the mountain. The tengu were searching through caves and found the one we think the spectre visited. At least, there was a scrap of thread in there which appears to match the spectre's coat. Nothing else, though. We think she probably just used it as shelter to hide from the patrols on her way to Bhava-Agra."
>"We're probably going to search the forest again, in a little while, but I think I may see if we can gather any other information on sightings of her. If there's any pattern, it may be possible to narrow down the area she lives in, if indeed she does have something like a stable home."
-
>"We just got back from the mountain. The tengu were searching through caves and found the one we think the spectre visited. At least, there was a scrap of thread in there which appears to match the spectre's coat. Nothing else, though. We think she probably just used it as shelter to hide from the patrols on her way to Bhava-Agra."
>"We're probably going to search the forest again, in a little while, but I think I may see if we can gather any other information on sightings of her. If there's any pattern, it may be possible to narrow down the area she lives in, if indeed she does have something like a stable home."
>Renko nods as you give her an abbreviated version of the earlier events, then future plans. "Sounds like a productive morning," says Renko. "You're going to want us to help with the search, right?"
>_
-
> "If we have the woman-power for it, then yes, that is actually a good idea, as I am mostly out of leads again."
> "I am thus curious; who is currently present? I may have an idea of how to properly split parties up, given who is involved in this mess, but I know some may still be asleep and others may simply not be here."
-
> Oh fuck me how is it that you two departed before I did.
> GRAH
-
> And then I'm the first one back. Come on, now.
-
> "If we have the woman-power for it, then yes, that is actually a good idea, as I am mostly out of leads again."
> "I am thus curious; who is currently present? I may have an idea of how to properly split parties up, given who is involved in this mess, but I know some may still be asleep and others may simply not be here."
>She nods. "Well, whenever you're ready. Just let me finish up this window first. And it's just me and Mary, and Okuu and Parsee. Luna went home last night, but the others should be awake about now."
>_
-
> "Actually, if that's the case, I don't think we're ready just yet. There is one other thing I have to attend to that may help us in the research department, and it will take me a little bit of time. Given that, I think we may want Yuugi in on this one, just in case."
-
> "Actually, if that's the case, I don't think we're ready just yet. There is one other thing I have to attend to that may help us in the research department, and it will take me a little bit of time. Given that, I think we may want Yuugi in on this one, just in case."
>Renko nods. "I'm not sure if Yuugi plans to come back up today."
>_
-
> "I hope she will. I'm thinking it may be best to split up into two groups, and her presence would make doing so a lot easier. Not to mention I think she'd be interested in learning what happened yesterday after she left."
-
> "I hope she will. I'm thinking it may be best to split up into two groups, and her presence would make doing so a lot easier. Not to mention I think she'd be interested in learning what happened yesterday after she left."
>"I suppose we can hassle Parsee into making sure of it," says Renko. "What's the plan on your end?"
>_
-
> "I have to travel into town to get some potentially helpful information from Mystia. I meant to get it yesterday, but, well. Hopefully she still has it. After that, assuming nothing earth-shattering comes up, I think it would be best to split up into two groups to search, as they will cover more ground and appear less threatening to the poltergeist than if a large group of 6 or 7 appeared right in front of her, especially with me in it. Given who we have available, I'd say the best distribution would be yourself, myself, Tenshi and Maribel on one side and the underground trio on the other. I feel this would be the best way to balance both firepower and investigative abilities, as well as keeping people together that work well together."
> "The one sticking point I can see is communication between the two groups, in the event that something important is discovered. I have an idea that might work one way, but it's pretty crude and may not be terribly effective. I am actually curious to hear what you might have to suggest, as I understand you spearheaded the search efforts for the Brocken Spectre and thus likely know more about forest searching and communication than I do."
-
> "I have to travel into town to get some potentially helpful information from Mystia. I meant to get it yesterday, but, well. Hopefully she still has it. After that, assuming nothing earth-shattering comes up, I think it would be best to split up into two groups to search, as they will cover more ground and appear less threatening to the poltergeist than if a large group of 6 or 7 appeared right in front of her, especially with me in it. Given who we have available, I'd say the best distribution would be yourself, myself, Tenshi and Maribel on one side and the underground trio on the other. I feel this would be the best way to balance both firepower and investigative abilities, as well as keeping people together that work well together."
> "The one sticking point I can see is communication between the two groups, in the event that something important is discovered. I have an idea that might work one way, but it's pretty crude and may not be terribly effective. I am actually curious to hear what you might have to suggest, as I understand you spearheaded the search efforts for the Brocken Spectre and thus likely know more about forest searching and communication than I do."
>"Usually, we'd just confer afterward at the tavern or Mystia's stand," says Renko.
>_
-
> "Hmm, that does seem problematic. I assume this was because you were unable to come up with any sort of instant communication idea?"
-
> "Hmm, that does seem problematic. I assume this was because you were unable to come up with any sort of instant communication idea?"
>She nods. "To be honest, we didn't think it'd be that necessary."
>_
-
> "Understandable. Gensokyo has made it this far without a need for it, after all."
> "Oh, and while I am thinking about it. Tenshi and I recently saw an outside world object in Rinnosuke's shop. Have you been there recently to see it? We were wondering what purpose it served. It rather looked like a blunted javelin, to be honest, but seemed ineffective for that sort of combat."
-
> "Understandable. Gensokyo has made it this far without a need for it, after all."
> "Oh, and while I am thinking about it. Tenshi and I recently saw an outside world object in Rinnosuke's shop. Have you been there recently to see it? We were wondering what purpose it served. It rather looked like a blunted javelin, to be honest, but seemed ineffective for that sort of combat."
>"Haven't had time to make my way back there," says Renko with a shrug. "What do you mean blunted?"
>_
-
*cough*
Looking over it's description again, this javelin sounds a lot like a plunger.
-
That was my first guess at the time, and I'm back to thinking it was, but some of the later stuff in the description was kind of puzzling, and we'd been meaning to ask for a while now. Besides, there's always room for a little casual fun like this.
> "It was kinda flattened. It had a rubber head that was very oddly shaped and open on the end."
> Mime the overall shape of the javelin by tracing paths in the air with our hands.
> "It looked something like this."
-
> "It was kinda flattened. It had a rubber head that was very oddly shaped and open on the end."
> Mime the overall shape of the javelin by tracing paths in the air with our hands.
> "It looked something like this."
>"Sounds like a plunger," says Renko. "They...uh...wouldn't see much use around here."
>_
-
> Recall known information on plungers.
> If we know little or nothing, turn to Tenshi.
> "Have you heard of a plunger before?"
-
> Recall known information on plungers.
> If we know little or nothing, turn to Tenshi.
> "Have you heard of a plunger before?"
>You find yourself having to consult with Tenshi.
>She shrugs. "Nope."
>_
-
> Turn back to Renko.
> "What does it do, then?"
-
> Turn back to Renko.
> "What does it do, then?"
>"Uh..." she says, frowning. "You use it to get clogs out of drains."
>_
-
> Mentally check known usage of 'drain' as a noun, rather than a verb.
-
> Mentally check known usage of 'drain' as a noun, rather than a verb.
>Drains do exist, but they tend not to have sizable complexes of plumbing involved with their function.
>_
-
>Gauge Renko's visible uncomfortable-ness.
-
> "Are drain clogs common in the outside world? We do not have terribly complex drain systems here."
-
>Gauge Renko's visible uncomfortable-ness.
>She seems a little uncomfortable.
> "Are drain clogs common in the outside world? We do not have terribly complex drain systems here."
>She nods. "Moreso than here, anyways."
>_
-
> "I see. I admit I am curious as to how the outside world's plumbing works if it requires such tools, but I think that matter can be delayed until today's more important tasks have been taken care of."
-
> "I see. I admit I am curious as to how the outside world's plumbing works if it requires such tools, but I think that matter can be delayed until today's more important tasks have been taken care of."
>She nods."Yeah. It's kind of out of my field, anyways."
>_
-
> "Another time, then."
> "Anyway, here is what I propose. Tenshi and I will go to town to find Mystia and retrieve what we're looking for, then return here unless something else comes up while we're there. In the meantime, if you could ask Parsee and Utsuho if Yuugi could be convinced to return to the surface for today given the circumstances, that would be excellent. When we return here, we will then decide how best to search the forest given the people we will have. Does this sound acceptable?"
-
> "Another time, then."
> "Anyway, here is what I propose. Tenshi and I will go to town to find Mystia and retrieve what we're looking for, then return here unless something else comes up while we're there. In the meantime, if you could ask Parsee and Utsuho if Yuugi could be convinced to return to the surface for today given the circumstances, that would be excellent. When we return here, we will then decide how best to search the forest given the people we will have. Does this sound acceptable?"
>Renko nods. "Sounds like it ought to work."
>_
-
> "All right then. And, as a final word of caution, should Marisa happen by, do not tell her you are working with me in any capacity. She brutalized the Eientei doctor into telling lies about who was responsible for Bhava-Agra's fall, lies that have implicated myself. She was willing to attack the Moriya Shrine after this simply because I had been there. I imagine you two will be okay - if she hasn't visited you by now, I imagine she won't at all - but be careful all the same. Be well, Renko. We'll be back soon."
> Assuming Renko doesn't object to our leaving, take flight and head toward the human village.
-
> "All right then. And, as a final word of caution, should Marisa happen by, do not tell her you are working with me in any capacity. She brutalized the Eientei doctor into telling lies about who was responsible for Bhava-Agra's fall, lies that have implicated myself. She was willing to attack the Moriya Shrine after this simply because I had been there. I imagine you two will be okay - if she hasn't visited you by now, I imagine she won't at all - but be careful all the same. Be well, Renko. We'll be back soon."
> Assuming Renko doesn't object to our leaving, take flight and head toward the human village.
>"She's a friend, I don't think we're going to have anything to worry about," says Renko.
>You depart, taking flight and heading northward. "Hey," Tenshi says after a few minutes, and gestures toward a lone person on the ground. You're a bit high up to be sure, but the presence of wings on her outside suggests it is Mystia. She seems to be carrying several baskets.
>_
-
> "Ooh, good catch."
> Fly down a bit more to confirm it is indeed Mystia.
> Assuming it is, fly all the way down to the ground and greet her.
-
> "Ooh, good catch."
> Fly down a bit more to confirm it is indeed Mystia.
> Assuming it is, fly all the way down to the ground and greet her.
>You descend and see it is Mystia, and fly down to meet her.
>She is indeed carrying a basket in each hand, and have several other looped over her arms. "Oh, hello there, you two!" says Mystia. "Aya hung around for hours, yesterday looking for you! She was pretty worried when you never showed up."
>_
-
> "Yeah, it's a bit of a story, and I feel bad about it, but we didn't have much of a choice in the matter."
-
> "Yeah, it's a bit of a story, and I feel bad about it, but we didn't have much of a choice in the matter."
>"Well, she left me a note," Mystia says as she puts down a couple of her baskets and digs into a pocket. She then hands you a folded piece of paper."
>_
-
> "Thank you."
> Read the note.
-
> "Thank you."
> Read the note.
>You obtain: Aya's Note.
>It reads: "Did some looking around. Word has it there's a blue-coated ghost running around the forest. Lots of people coming and going looking for the Brocken Spectre. Some rock near Marisa's house missing a shadow; investigated it, found nothing else special. Wasn't able to ask around SDM. Kogasa seems to have gotten much more dangerous lately; maybe a connection? Couldn't ask. Will return tomorrow afternoon. Owe you bigtime -Aya."
-
> Kogasa dangerous? That doesn't sound like her. And she's been incapacitated!
> Wait...what color was the poltergeist's normal danmaku?
-
Story time!
So tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I don't know what Purvis' schedule looks like, but Draco is V/LA for the holidays and I have church, church and more church to attend. This means that Christmas Eve afternoon will not be covered by either of us unless Draco manages to secure a laptop or something. For those of you that lurk because you're afraid you'll do something we'll shoot down, well, you shouldn't be afraid of that anyway, but tomorrow afternoon will be open season for any and all inputs from people that don't post as much as we do. I will likely lay down the ideas I have at the time just to make sure no one takes any actions that make them impossible, but after that it's all up to you guys for roughly seven hours.
So have at it!
(And seriously, have at it more than just tomorrow afternoon. This is a game for everyone, not just the two of us. Don't refrain from playing just because you think we'll disagree. Hell, we disagree with each other all the time! That's what discussion is for. Get in here and play.)
-
> Kogasa dangerous? That doesn't sound like her. And she's been incapacitated!
> Wait...what color was the poltergeist's normal danmaku?
>Quite. Perhaps she hadn't found out about that yet?
>It tended toward purple and blue, if you recall correctly.
Story time!
So tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I don't know what Purvis' schedule looks like, but Draco is V/LA for the holidays and I have church, church and more church to attend. This means that Christmas Eve afternoon will not be covered by either of us unless Draco manages to secure a laptop or something. For those of you that lurk because you're afraid you'll do something we'll shoot down, well, you shouldn't be afraid of that anyway, but tomorrow afternoon will be open season for any and all inputs from people that don't post as much as we do. I will likely lay down the ideas I have at the time just to make sure no one takes any actions that make them impossible, but after that it's all up to you guys for roughly seven hours.
So have at it!
(And seriously, have at it more than just tomorrow afternoon. This is a game for everyone, not just the two of us. Don't refrain from playing just because you think we'll disagree. Hell, we disagree with each other all the time! That's what discussion is for. Get in here and play.)
(They really do. Also they'd appreciate the idea, even bad ones)
-
> "Kogasa more dangerous? That sounds unusual. Maybe better at surprising people, but she's still ultimately harmless. Hmm..."
> Turn to Tenshi.
> "A thought occurs. Do you remember what happened to us yesterday, after we first talked to Minoriko but before we met up with Sanae for the final time?"
-
> "Kogasa more dangerous? That sounds unusual. Maybe better at surprising people, but she's still ultimately harmless. Hmm..."
> Turn to Tenshi.
> "A thought occurs. Do you remember what happened to us yesterday, after we first talked to Minoriko but before we met up with Sanae for the final time?"
>"I guess she could be exaggerating," says Tenshi.
>"Oh, you mean when we wandered through Hina's forest?"
>_
-
> "Yes, when we were attacked by those fairies. Do you remember anything odd about them?"
-
> "Yes, when we were attacked by those fairies. Do you remember anything odd about them?"
>"Not really," says Tenshi. "They were pretty much being faeries during an incident, right?"
>_
-
> "Hmm. I remember noting that something felt out-of-the-ordinary about those fairies, but not being able to put my finger on it. Now I'm not so sure. Maybe there wasn't. And even if there was, maybe it was a side effect of being in Hina's part of the forest. It bothers me to think about it, though, because those fairies used purple bullets."
> "Let me think about this for a moment, because it's going to pick at me if I don't. Maybe there's something I'm forgetting..."
> How much of that fight do we remember?
-
> "Hmm. I remember noting that something felt out-of-the-ordinary about those fairies, but not being able to put my finger on it. Now I'm not so sure. Maybe there wasn't. And even if there was, maybe it was a side effect of being in Hina's part of the forest. It bothers me to think about it, though, because those fairies used purple bullets."
> "Let me think about this for a moment, because it's going to pick at me if I don't. Maybe there's something I'm forgetting..."
> How much of that fight do we remember?
>"I think it's just Hina's forest and them being from it," says Tenshi.
>You remember it fairly well, you think. You're relatively sure that those faeries were following you for awhile. Past the initial ambush, it wasn't too bad fighting them.
>_
-
> Is following a target before ambushing them normal fairy behavior?
> Did those fairies cast shadows?
-
> Is following a target before ambushing them normal fairy behavior?
> Did those fairies cast shadows?
>It can be. Really it depends on the faeries themselves.
>You have no idea, you didn't even think to look for such a thing at the time.
-
> Agh! What was so unusual about them, then?
> Do fairies normally fire purple bullets?
> How much noise did they make? Did they talk a lot?
-
> Agh! What was so unusual about them, then?
> Do fairies normally fire purple bullets?
> How much noise did they make? Did they talk a lot?
>They were a little on the pale side, not quite so much as the Makai Faeries, but noticeably enough.
>Faeries tend toward all sorts of colors.
>You're not sure how talkative they were, it was a brief encounter, but they were pretty quietly while following you.
>_
-
> Was Kogasa noticeably paler after having her shadow absorbed?
-
> Was Kogasa noticeably paler after having her shadow absorbed?
>Not that you saw.
>_
-
> "Ah, now I remember. Those fairies were oddly pale. I suppose the bullet color was just a coincidence, then."
> What time of day is it?
> Where are Mystia's Stand and the Turtle House in reference to where we are now?
-
> "Ah, now I remember. Those fairies were oddly pale. I suppose the bullet color was just a coincidence, then."
> What time of day is it?
> Where are Mystia's Stand and the Turtle House in reference to where we are now?
>"Yeah, I guess they were," says Tenshi. "Maybe it's because they live around there?"
>It's still fairly early in the morning. Sunrise was a couple hours ago.
>Mystia's Stand is southeast of here, Maribel's home southwest. Neither very far; you can still kinda see Maribel's house.
>_
-
> "Possibly. That could be a good question for Hina if we're out that way with no other leads."
> Turn back to Mystia.
> "May I assume you're carrying those baskets back to your stand?"
-
> "Possibly. That could be a good question for Hina if we're out that way with no other leads."
> Turn back to Mystia.
> "May I assume you're carrying those baskets back to your stand?"
>Tenshi nods.
>"Yep," says Mystia, as she regathers the baskets.
>_
-
> "Would you like some help carrying them?"
-
> "Would you like some help carrying them?"
"If you're not terribly busy," says Mystia. "But it seems like you have things to do, so I'll take care of them."
>_
-
> "Oh, well, all right then. I did have a couple of questions for you, though, and I figured it would be rude to follow you along and ask them while you carry all those buckets, but I admit I likely don't have enough to get back to your stand on all of them."
-
> "Oh, well, all right then. I did have a couple of questions for you, though, and I figured it would be rude to follow you along and ask them while you carry all those buckets, but I admit I likely don't have enough to get back to your stand on all of them."
>"Well, you can carry them some of the way," says Mystia, offering you one.
>_
-
> "Sure."
> Take the offered basket.
> Can we tell what's in the baskets? If they're covered, don't bother checking, there's probably a reason.
-
> "Sure."
> Take the offered basket.
> Can we tell what's in the baskets? If they're covered, don't bother checking, there's probably a reason.
>You take the basket. It is filled with various packets of spices. She then hands you another, which is covered.
>)
-
> Loop the first one around our arm as she has done.
> Take the second one with the hand attached to the arm around which the first one is looped.
-
> Loop the first one around our arm as she has done.
> Take the second one with the hand attached to the arm around which the first one is looped.
>You take them both on one arm. Mystia continues on her way.
>_
-
> Follow.
> Be sure to keep at least half an eye on the baskets, ready to steady the one on our arm with our free hand.
> "Might as well get right down to it. Have you seen a white-haired girl in a blue coat recently? She has a brocade collar."
-
> Follow.
> Be sure to keep at least half an eye on the baskets, ready to steady the one on our arm with our free hand.
> "Might as well get right down to it. Have you seen a white-haired girl in a blue coat recently? She has a brocade collar."
>"I haven't myself," says Mystia, "But I've heard a couple of customers mention it."
>_
-
> "How recently was this, and who mentioned it?"
-
> "How recently was this, and who mentioned it?"
>"Uh, not very recent," Mystia says. "Rinnosuke asked me about her a few days ago, Alice did last week."
>_
-
> Did we give Alice a physical description of the poltergeist?
> "Rinnosuke, huh? Hmm. Did either of them say where they saw this girl?"
-
> Did we give Alice a physical description of the poltergeist?
> "Rinnosuke, huh? Hmm. Did either of them say where they saw this girl?"
>You showed her the picture.
>"Alice didn't really say so, but Rinnosuke mentioned he saw her through the window. I think she was watching the store."
>_
-
>"Watching the store? Did he say any more than that? Do you know if it looked like she was searching for something? Or just keeping an eye on the place?"
-
>"Watching the store? Did he say any more than that? Do you know if it looked like she was searching for something? Or just keeping an eye on the place?"
>"The way he talked about it, I figured she was staring into the window from a little ways away," says Mystia.
>_
-
>"Hmm... I'd been hoping I might be able to track down a more recent whereabouts for her, or find someone who knows where she lives. I don't suppose you can think of anyone else around here who might know? I've already spoken with Renko, Maribel, Alice, and Kogasa. Marisa and I aren't... exactly on speaking terms at the moment. Anyone else?"
-
>"Hmm... I'd been hoping I might be able to track down a more recent whereabouts for her, or find someone who knows where she lives. I don't suppose you can think of anyone else around here who might know? I've already spoken with Renko, Maribel, Alice, and Kogasa. Marisa and I aren't... exactly on speaking terms at the moment. Anyone else?"
>"Well, there's Wriggle," says Mystia. "And just about any of the faeries, for what they're worth with this kind of thing. Oh, you could ask at Scarlet Devil Mansion, or maybe the heretics?"
>_
-
>"Hmmm... I suppose the Scarlet Devil Mansion may be a possibility, although I have doubts they may have roved deep enough in the forest recently. I've asked what fairies I've run across. The others, I have no idea where to find."
-
>"Hmmm... I suppose the Scarlet Devil Mansion may be a possibility, although I have doubts they may have roved deep enough in the forest recently. I've asked what fairies I've run across. The others, I have no idea where to find."
>"Wriggle lives over to the west somewhere," says Mystia. "She goes to Youkai Mountain a lot, but I don't know what her schedule is. The heretics, they're way to the southeast, past Scarlet Devil Mansion."
>_
-
>"Hmmm... I'll keep that in mind, if I can find them, next time I'm in the area. Thank you."
>Continue along to Mystia's stand, with the baskets
-
>"Hmmm... I'll keep that in mind, if I can find them, next time I'm in the area. Thank you."
>Continue along to Mystia's stand, with the baskets
>You enter the forest, it shouldn't be far now to her stand.
>"Aya asked me about her too," says Mystia. "Are you two planning something?"
>_
-
>"I suspect Aya asked about her because she's someone she doesn't know of, and I can't imagine there are too many people that fit into that category where she's concerned. Probably smells a potential story on the wind. As for myself? Suffice it to say that she's involved in the current incident, and that it's rather important I find her again."
-
>"I suspect Aya asked about her because she's someone she doesn't know of, and I can't imagine there are too many people that fit into that category where she's concerned. Probably smells a potential story on the wind. As for myself? Suffice it to say that she's involved in the current incident, and that it's rather important I find her again."
>"Oh, I see," says Mystia. "Aya did talk my ear off yesterday about pretty much everything."
-
> What oni ranks the highest within the oni hierarchy?
> How do they compare to Lord Tenma, given oni rank higher than tengu in the grand scheme of things?
-
>"I have no trouble imagining it. From her perspective, there's probably no end to the important and newsworthy things she's missed. I imagine she'll be trying to make up for lost time as quickly as she's able to."
>"...which may or may not be a good thing, depending."
-
> What oni ranks the highest within the oni hierarchy?
> How do they compare to Lord Tenma, given oni rank higher than tengu in the grand scheme of things?
>The Four Devas are, as you understand, equals. Realisitcally, you're pretty sure Suika has much less pull among the oni than anyone else.
>The position of the oni in the heirarchy is a hard thing to say; some would say they aren't part of it at all, others say they perform a function, some say they are implicitly part of it despite ignoring it from time to time.
>"I have no trouble imagining it. From her perspective, there's probably no end to the important and newsworthy things she's missed. I imagine she'll be trying to make up for lost time as quickly as she's able to."
>"...which may or may not be a good thing, depending."
>"Yeah that sounds about right," says Tenshi.
>Mystia nods.
>_
-
>"It's hard to tell with her, sometimes. Although I suppose she's nothing if not consistent."
>Continue onward to the stand
-
>"It's hard to tell with her, sometimes. Although I suppose she's nothing if not consistent."
>Continue onward to the stand
>The others nod, and that seems to be enough as Mystia leads you to a certain spot in the underbrush and pushes through.
>Past that, it is but a short walk back to Mystia's Stand. "Thanks for the help," she says, "I'll take it from here."
>_
-
>"Happy to be of assistance."
>Hand her back the baskets we're carrying
>"Have a pleasant day, Mystia."
>Head for Kourindou
-
>"Happy to be of assistance."
>Hand her back the baskets we're carrying
>"Have a pleasant day, Mystia."
>Head for Kourindou
>You hand off the baskets and say your farewells to Mystia. "Don't be a stranger!" she says as you depart.
>You make your way back through the thickly grown trail to main main road, then turn south toward Kourindou. As you draw close to the old house that is home to the store, you notice something curious about the island that is floating near it; a red flag flies at the top of its modest mountain.
>_
-
>Is this not the same island that Remilia claimed yesterday?
>Could it have moved that far in one day?
>If not, how far are we now from the SDM?
-
>Is this not the same island that Remilia claimed yesterday?
>Could it have moved that far in one day?
>If not, how far are we now from the SDM?
>It is not, you are quite sure of it. This is the island where Tenshi's sister is; and on whose shadow you met Nitori.
>Scarlet Devil Mansion is some distance to the south.
>_
-
>Sigh
>"It seems Remilia is not content to claim ownership of 'merely' those islands above her own domain."
-
>Sigh
>"It seems Remilia is not content to claim ownership of 'merely' those islands above her own domain."
>You heave a well-earned sigh.
>"Huh?" says Tenshi. She glances up toward the island. "...Oh."
>_
-
> Was the first flag red as well, or was it white?
> "I believe the older of your two sisters is on that island. We may have to liberate it at some point. Of course, restoring its shadow may solve that problem for us, but all the same..."
> If Remilia put up a huge fuss about ownership of the island, would The Dragon be inclined to get involved?
> Is it a sin to encourage surface dwellers to lie?
> If so, is it still a sin even if we believe the cause to be just and in favor of Bhava-Agra's well-being?
-
> Was the first flag red as well, or was it white?
> "I believe the older of your two sisters is on that island. We may have to liberate it at some point. Of course, restoring its shadow may solve that problem for us, but all the same..."
> If Remilia put up a huge fuss about ownership of the island, would The Dragon be inclined to get involved?
> Is it a sin to encourage surface dwellers to lie?
> If so, is it still a sin even if we believe the cause to be just and in favor of Bhava-Agra's well-being?
>It was red.
>"She'll be alright," says Tenshi. "It's probably better with Remilia in charge anyways."
>You imagine so, but you also though The Dragon wouldn't allow for one of the Four Devas to take over Guest Isle, and it has yet to lift a finger in that regard.
>Leading others into bad practices is very much forbidden.
>Yes, you are expected to find a way rather than taking the low road.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Remilia has forced celestials to be maids. Are you sure your sister will..."
> Shake head.
> "No, I suppose you would know. You knew the first time that your family was okay."
-
> Frown.
> "Remilia has forced celestials to be maids. Are you sure your sister will..."
> Shake head.
> "No, I suppose you would know. You knew the first time that your family was okay."
>"She can handle a little dusting," says Tenshi. "It's the others you oughta worry about. They're the ones that'll stick their noises in the air or something and get Remilia mad at them."
>_
-
> "Mmm. Let's think about such unpleasantries later. Something else makes me curious. Did you notice that Renko seemed a little uncomfortable when we were talking about that plunger?"
> What functions do our drain systems perform?
-
> "Mmm. Let's think about such unpleasantries later. Something else makes me curious. Did you notice that Renko seemed a little uncomfortable when we were talking about that plunger?"
> What functions do our drain systems perform?
>"Yeah, a little," says Tenshi.
>About the same as any drain system; they let water or other liquids out.
>_
-
> "I wonder why that was. I'm not sure what's so uncomfortable about an object blocking a drain. I guess it must depend on the object doing the blocking."
> Continue on to Kourindou.
-
Should be around for another hour or so, but I don't know how much of that will be spent getting prepared for tonight's activities.
Draco and I decided last night that, as long as we were going back to Rinnosuke's to ask him about Pocky and Brocky, we could give up a spell card for that gem Tenshi wanted. Dragon's Gleaming Eyes will hopefully pay for it, as it wasn't particularly effective and I want to hang on to Acanthodii and Thunder Court. There's a little more to what I want to do at Kourindou beyond get the gem and ask about the 'geist but I'm hoping I'll still be around for it (or that we'll still be at Kourindou by the time I next get access).
Now, as for things I'm reasonably sure won't come up before I leave:
- I was hoping we could get someone (Maribel?) to plant a lie in Marisa's head that Remilia and Eirin were overheard congratulating each other on backstabbing us and successfully procuring some Bhavagran islands while Marisa was busy chasing us, but that idea's out. As a backup plan to possibly getting help getting those celestials free from Remilia's control, well, as players we know Renko and Maribel's fault that the SDM was so out of fairies to begin with, and it's largely Renko's fault Bhava-Agra fell, so if we as Iku can get her to realize that while being clueless (or otherwise not directly trying to guilt her into or accuse her of anything), they might help out.
- If we do snare Yuugi and she's willing to help out in any way possible, we might be able to use her to keep Aya safe. All other acts of bureaucracy-but-not-really aside, I highly doubt any tengu patrol is going to keep up pursuit of Aya if they run into Yuugi and she tells them to sod off.
- If we get Yuugi, like I said, I'd like to split the parties as IkuTen/GFC and the Love Triangle. (If we somehow snag Yamame as well, she can join the undergrounders.) If we get no additional help, then I'm thinking a split of IkuTen and the other four, as Tenshi's likely a good deal stronger than any of the undergrounders that aren't Utsuho, plus we'll have the book.
-
> "I wonder why that was. I'm not sure what's so uncomfortable about an object blocking a drain. I guess it must depend on the object doing the blocking."
> Continue on to Kourindou.
>Tenshi shrugs.
>You enter the store. Rinnosuke is at his desk, contemplating an unfired clay figurine of what seems to be a bat. He nods toward you.
>The store contains
>Trumpet
>Broken Sword Handle
>Iron Key
>Introductory Nuclear Physics by Kenneth S. Krane.
>Copper Bracelet
>Nightlife (Extended)
>Lacquered Chopsticks
>3 Caramels
>Turtle Statue
>Vial of Sand Grains
>Red Gem
>Bag of Mushrooms
>Large Ball of Yarn
>Stethoscope
>Rusted Wakazashi
>Set of Marbles
>Figurine of a Master Lichen
>Pocket Clay Sculpting Set
>String Performance: "Guarneri del Ges?"
>Paper Fan
>Stuffed Platypus
>Statue of a Robed Black Man
>Can of Alphabet Soup
>Pale Green Plant
>Bath Towel
>Bottle of Soil
>Empty Box
>Gray Box
>Blunted Javelin
>Celestial Shawl
>Set of Wolf Ears
>Bag of Glittering Powder
>Glass Bottle
>_
-
> That shawl was here yesterday, right? Or is it our lost shawl?
> Identify (but do not elaborate on) any items that have appeared since we were in here last.
> Take out Dragon's Gleaming Eyes.
> "Would this be enough to cover the cost of the Red Gem?"
-
>Check: String Performance: "Guarneri del Ges?", Set of Wolf Ears, Empty Box and Gray Box
-
Activities commence. Expect very few visits from me.
Merry Christmas to all and to all get the hell on with it!
-
> That shawl was here yesterday, right? Or is it our lost shawl?
> Identify (but do not elaborate on) any items that have appeared since we were in here last.
> Take out Dragon's Gleaming Eyes.
> "Would this be enough to cover the cost of the Red Gem?"
>It was here yesterday, it is not yours.
>You don't remember that trumpet or fan. Maybe other things appeared as well, you don't have the stock perfectly memorized.
>Rinnosuke glances up at it. "That and a bit more," he says.
>Check: String Performance: "Guarneri del Ges?", Set of Wolf Ears, Empty Box and Gray Box
>String Performance: "Guarneri del Ges?"
>It is a spellcard that seems to be made for use with a violin.
>Set of Wolf Ears
>A hairband with two cloth wolf ears on them.
>Empty Box
>This is an empty wood box, about the right size to store jewelry, spellcards, and other small objects.
>Gray Box
>A wooden box painted gray, it is closed. A small note beside it mentions if you open it, you bought it.
>_
-
>Did we ask about the Gray Box last time? If so what did it do?
>If not "What does this gray box do?"
-
> A card AND some? Oy gevalt...
> Inventory, sans details
Draco, I think we may need to offer that key if we want the gem. You know Rinnosuke's lips are sealed.
-
Actually, I think he meant that the card would cover the gem AND a little more. Not the other way around. But I could be wrong.
>"Do you mean that the card would be sufficient to cover the gem, and purchase a little extra?"
>Examine fan
-
>Did we ask about the Gray Box last time? If so what did it do?
>If not "What does this gray box do?"
>You did not. Was it here last time?
>"It is a mystery," says Rinnosuke, as he gently turns the figurine a few inches. "Perhaps it is something wonderful, perhaps it is simply a waste of everyone's time. I can assure you it is not empty."
>"Could we shake it or something?" asks Tenshi.
>"Most assuredly not," says Rinnosuke.
> A card AND some? Oy gevalt...
> Inventory
>You suspect he meant it the other way around; that is it could cover the glass and other items.
>Wide-brimmed hat (worn as hat)
>Exceedingly Stylish!
>Heavy Flamenco Dress (worn as dress)
>Allows both modesty and freedom of movement
>Large Black Purse
>Exactly what it sounds like. It holds all your stuff
>Spine Sign: "Acanthodii of the Thunder Clouds"
>This spellcard engulfs you in a shield of electricity. It can be broken with enough force, and only lasts for a short time before it must be renewed
>Light Orb: "Dragon's Gleaming Eyes"
>This recreates an image of one of The Dragon's physical manifestations in lightning and sends it out.
>Cloud Realm: "The Thunder Court in the Sea of Abstruse Clouds"
>Fills the air with webs of lightning, but leaves you motionless.
>Dragonfish: "Dragon Palace's Messenger Swimming Shot"
>Sends electricity spiraling out from you, but leaves you defenseless.
>1☼
>This is 1☼
>Gnawed Mushroom Stalk
>The remains of a tsuchinoko's dinner.
>Jail Key
>The key to the tengu jail.
>Aya's Primary Camera
>She'll be very angry if you break this.
>2 Pictures of Shadowless Tree
>Taken in the Forest of Magic.
> Picture of Sky and Shadowed Land
>A picture of the Brocken Spectre's shadow and the clear horizon
>Picture of Unconscious Poltergeist
>A Picture of the Brocken Spectre after you defeated her.
>Yukari's Screwdriver
>Under no circumstances can others suspect this exists!
>Picture of the Shadow Dais.
>Taken within The Dragon's Chamber in the false Bhava-Agra.
>Picture of Makai Landscape with Goats
>Taken to show Yumeko how a Camera Works
>Picture of Mother Devil in Rain.
>She looks a tad confused by the picture-taking process.
>Better Picture of Mother Devil in Rain
>She seems much less confused and more natural in this picture.
>Peach
>Taken from Guest Island.
>Okuu's Note.
>It reads: "Parsee got back, left with Nitori."
>Pink Shawl
>A shawl that represents your status as a part of Bhava-Arga and allows you to defend yourself with devastating techniques.
>Book Entitled: The Way of the World
>A book depicting various parts of the universe through the idea of the Six Realms of Rebirth.
>Aya's Note
>It reads: "Did some looking around. Word has it there's a blue-coated ghost running around the forest. Lots of people coming and going looking for the Brocken Spectre. Some rock near Marisa's house missing a shadow; investigated it, found nothing else special. Wasn't able to ask around SDM. Kogasa seems to have gotten much more dangerous lately; maybe a connection? Couldn't ask. Will return tomorrow afternoon. Owe you bigtime -Aya."
>"Do you mean that the card would be sufficient to cover the gem, and purchase a little extra?"
>Examine fan
>"Just so," he answers.
>Paper Fan
>A common fan made of paper and bamboo.
>_
-
> "Does this fan shatter shields?"
So what else did you want? Those boxes look pretty appealing, though the empty one only as a gift to Tenshi.
-
I'm honestly tempted by the grey box, despite the very real chance of junk inside it. Not a lot of other things jump out to me at the moment.
>Did we ask Rinnosuke about the copper bracelet the other day? If so, what did he say about it?
-
> "Does this fan shatter shields?"
>"Perhaps if they were also made of paper," says Rinnosuke.
>Did we ask Rinnosuke about the copper bracelet the other day? If so, what did he say about it?
>You did; he said it was enchanted to allow the wearer to consume much more than their normal natural capacity.
>_
-
>Did we ask Rinnosuke about the iron key? If not, ask about it.
-
The plunger could be an amusing purchase. The trumpet and strings card could be useful for getting PrismReznor help. Beyond that, ask Tenshi what catches her eye?
-
Trumpet and strings card, perhaps, but I imagine that's going to take a reasonable bit more capital on our part, and I don't want to trade in TWO of our cards (or more for the trumpet, potentially)
And aren't we already getting Tenshi something? :P
>"Is the fan itself perfectly mundane, then?"
>"Would the spellcard I mentioned be sufficient to purchase both the red gem and the grey box?"
-
>Did we ask Rinnosuke about the iron key? If not, ask about it.
>"Ah, that key has been here as long as I can remember," he says.
Trumpet and strings card, perhaps, but I imagine that's going to take a reasonable bit more capital on our part, and I don't want to trade in TWO of our cards (or more for the trumpet, potentially)
>"Is the fan itself perfectly mundane, then?"
>"Would the spellcard I mentioned be sufficient to purchase both the red gem and the grey box?"
>"Perfectly," he says. "and yes it would. You could get another small item, as well."
>_
-
>"Do you have any idea as to what the key goes to or how you came across it?"
>Recall what Rinnosuke said about the "javelin" last time we were here. Does he seem to know its purpose?
-
>"Do you have any idea as to what the key goes to or how you came across it?"
>Recall what Rinnosuke said about the "javelin" last time we were here. Does he seem to know its purpose?
>"It's been here for a very long time," says Rinnosuke. "To be honest, I don't remember how I acquired it. I have no idea what it goes to."
>He said it was an outside artifact. You have the feeling, if he knows the use of it, he's being tight-lipped about it.
>_
-
What do you guys think, the card for the gem, grey box and plunger? Or trade out the plunger for the key?
Also:
>"Where or how did you acquire this mysterious grey box?"
-
I don't see that we have any potential use for either the plunger or the key, but since a couple people seem to find the plunger amusing, and I have nothing else I'm strongly attached to, I suppose I wouldn't object.
-
The key's been there since Patchy Quest and we have enough on our plate as it is. We can grab it next quest to see where it goes.
My vote is for the plunger.
-
>"Would that spellcard for the red gem, grey box, and this curious javelin be an equitable trade?"
-
>"Would that spellcard for the red gem, grey box, and this curious javelin be an equitable trade?"
>Rinnosuke nods.
>_
-
>"Very good."
>Make the trade
>"I was also wondering what you may know about a poltergeist that's been spotted around the forest recently. Short white hair, and a fancy blue coat?"
-
>"Very good."
>Make the trade
>"I was also wondering what you may know about a poltergeist that's been spotted around the forest recently. Short white hair, and a fancy blue coat?"
>You obtain: Red Glass
>You obtain: Plunger
>You obtain: Gray Box.
>"Yes, I do remember seeing a young lady of the sort around previously," says Rinnosuke. "A few days ago, I saw her staring in through the window there."
>He gestures toward the window to the west.
>"She was some distance away, but I was quite certain she was looking into the store. I imagine she must be quite young, s I left her be. Then last night, I saw her run past the story in quite a hurry."
>_
-
>"Do you have a good idea which way she went?"
-
>"Do you have a good idea which way she went?"
>"Southward, I believe," says Rinnosuke.
>_
-
>What lies southward of here?
-
>What lies southward of here?
>Marisa's House is somewhere to the south, as is Alice's and the Misty Lake. Past that would be Scarlet Devil Mansion. YOu suspect there is more i you go southeast or southwest; such as the faerie homes to the southeast or the hot springs and the entrance Underground. Southwest, more to the west, is Eientei.
>_
-
> "This was late last night?"
> "Was she carrying anything?"
-
> "This was late last night?"
> "Was she carrying anything?"
>"Not that late," he says. "And I do not believe so."
>_
-
> "Hmm...how did she look as she hurried by? Scared? Angry? Happy?"
-
>Would the area where we found her originally have been south of here?
-
Wait a minute. Why didn't we take the string from Momizi and bring it to Patchouli?
-
> "Hmm...how did she look as she hurried by? Scared? Angry? Happy?"
>"I couldn't tell," says Rinnosuke.
>Would the area where we found her originally have been south of here?
>Southwest.
>_
-
Wait a minute. Why didn't we take the string from Momizi and bring it to Patchouli?
I considered it at the time, but if an entire dress was barely enough to work, I can't imagine that a single thread would have been useful for anything.
...of course, I suppose we could have asked, anyway. But that's why I never bothered.
>Does knowing she went south actually eliminate any considerable part of the forest?
>"Would this have been closer to due south? Or maybe more east or westward? I realize that it may have been hard to tell."
-
> "Did she see you see her either time you saw her? What was her reaction if so?"
-
Can't Nazrin find anything if she has a good enough description of it?
And we have a picture...
:o
-
> "Did she see you see her either time you saw her? What was her reaction if so?"
>"She might have seen me the first time," Rinnosuke says, "But I don't believe she knows I saw her. The second time, I doubt she was paying attention."
>Does knowing she went south actually eliminate any considerable part of the forest?
>"Would this have been closer to due south? Or maybe more east or westward? I realize that it may have been hard to tell."
>Not really, given you're still fairly on the north end.
>"I want to say more westward," says Rinnosuke, "But you appreciate that such is harder to judge."
>_
-
>"Of course."
>Where was the spot we last saw the spectre, in relation to here?
Can't Nazrin find anything if she has a good enough description of it?
And we have a picture...
:o
I'm not sure quite how good this particular Nazrin's tracking abilities are. The topic hasn't come up much. I know that she failed to find a UFO that she saw fly past her only a few minutes before, in Reisen Quest.
>Do we know anything about Nazrin's tracking abilities?
-
>"Of course."
>Where was the spot we last saw the spectre, in relation to here?
>Do we know anything about Nazrin's tracking abilities?
>You last saw her northeast of here, on the road to Youkai Mountain.
>You know Nazrin is a dowser. You have no idea how reliable she is.
>_
-
Well, I don't think there's much more we can milk that for, right now. Feel free to stop me, if you have a different idea.
>"Well, thank you very much for your assistance. It's the most contemporaneous information we have so far. Have a good day, Rinnosuke."
>Exit Kourindou
>Smile
>Give the red gem to Tenshi
>"Merry Christmas, Tenshi!"
>"I believe I made you a promise?"
-
>"Well, thank you very much for your assistance. It's the most contemporaneous information we have so far. Have a good day, Rinnosuke."
>Exit Kourindou
>Smile
>Give the red gem to Tenshi
>"Merry Christmas, Tenshi!"
>"I believe I made you a promise?"
>"You as well, Miss Nagae," says Rinnosuke as you leave.
>You had Tenshi the Red Gem with a smile.
>"Wow, this is so much better than the five minutes of Virtue of Wind God I got for Kanakomas!
>"Thanks," she says, as she takes it into her hands and looks at it. "That was nice of you!"
>_
-
>"It was my pleasure. I'm just happy you like it."
-
>"It was my pleasure. I'm just happy you like it."
>Tenshi turns it over in her hands. "It's just really pretty, you know?"
>_
-
> Nod.
> "It is indeed. I wonder what might happen if you hold it up to the sun? Maybe it will catch the light really well."
-
> Nod.
> "It is indeed. I wonder what might happen if you hold it up to the sun? Maybe it will catch the light really well."
>She holds it up to the light, and it does take on a nice red glow. "That it nice," she says.
>_
-
>Smile and let Tenshi admire it a little more
-
>Smile and let Tenshi admire it a little more
>It's hard not to smile a bit as she twists and turns it in the light, squinting into its depths as though she expected to find something.
>_
-
> Did Rinnosuke say the gem did anything special?
-
>Oh, the simple joys of life, even at a time like this...
>Let her go until she seems satisfied, of her own accord
-
> Did Rinnosuke say the gem did anything special?
>He said it was just a piece of glass.
>Oh, the simple joys of life, even at a time like this...
>Let her go until she seems satisfied, of her own accord
>Indeed.
>After a few more moments, she stuffs it into a pocket and asks, "So, what now?"
>_
-
> "I think we have a few options. We could go ask Alice again about our poltergeist friend, and we can hunt for Wriggle to see if she knows anything. But perhaps going back to Renko and Mary's house first before organizing any of this would be best."
-
> "I think we have a few options. We could go ask Alice again about our poltergeist friend, and we can hunt for Wriggle to see if she knows anything. But perhaps going back to Renko and Mary's house first before organizing any of this would be best."
>"It's all the same to me," says Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Let's go back to the Turtle House, then. I think there's been enough time for them to do what they need to do."
> Head on back to the Turtle House.
-
> "Let's go back to the Turtle House, then. I think there's been enough time for them to do what they need to do."
> Head on back to the Turtle House.
>Tenshi nods, and you return to the house to find Renko is still washing the windows.
>"Hey," she says. "Find anything? Parsee left a little bit ago. Ought to be back in awhile."
>_
-
> "A bit. Sadly, Mystia's info was pretty much entirely things we already knew, but Mystia herself gave us a couple of leads. Apparently Rinnosuke spotted the poltergeist hurrying south past his shop last night. This is the most recent sighting of her of which I'm aware. Right now I'm thinking we pay Alice another visit, as well as look for Wriggle. One of them may know something. If not...I'd rather not visit the Scarlet Devil Mansion right now, as I am not particularly happy with them and am not sure I could entirely maintain my composure, but they'd be further southward."
-
> "A bit. Sadly, Mystia's info was pretty much entirely things we already knew, but Mystia herself gave us a couple of leads. Apparently Rinnosuke spotted the poltergeist hurrying south past his shop last night. This is the most recent sighting of her of which I'm aware. Right now I'm thinking we pay Alice another visit, as well as look for Wriggle. One of them may know something. If not...I'd rather not visit the Scarlet Devil Mansion right now, as I am not particularly happy with them and am not sure I could entirely maintain my composure, but they'd be further southward."
>"Well, I can certainly understand being wary of that mansion," says Renko. Does that mean you're gonna proceed with searching the forest?"
>_
-
> "It is not an issue with being wary, it is an issue with Remilia taking advantage of Bhava-Agra's plight by laying claim to its islands and enslaving its people."
> Clench fist and frown.
> "And it angers me greatly that my priorities are forced elsewhere and will not allow me to rectify that situation until later."
-
>"I think she may have been heading southwest. Certainly, where we left her was northeast of Rinnosuke's, so running past his place would put her in that direction. He also thought she may have been angling slightly westward. The place we found the spectre the first time was also in the southwest. That may be her area, as it were."
>"Apparently Wriggle lives in the western section of the forest as well, although I don't know exactly where. If she's nearby, she might be a good person to ask about any sightings."
>"Any ideas on how we should proceed in there, if we want to do it orderly?"
-
>"I think she may have been heading southwest.
> Alter this to "I think the poltergeist may have been heading southwest" to better fit the flow of conversation.
-
> "It is not an issue with being wary, it is an issue with Remilia taking advantage of Bhava-Agra's plight by laying claim to its islands and enslaving its people."
> Clench fist and frown.
> "And it angers me greatly that my priorities are forced elsewhere and will not allow me to rectify that situation until later."
>"Don't worry about it," says Tenshi. "It'll do most of them some good to have to to deal with not being the greatest and most perfect things ever for awhile."
>"I think she may have been heading southwest. Certainly, where we left her was northeast of Rinnosuke's, so running past his place would put her in that direction. He also thought she may have been angling slightly westward. The place we found the spectre the first time was also in the southwest. That may be her area, as it were."
>"Apparently Wriggle lives in the western section of the forest as well, although I don't know exactly where. If she's nearby, she might be a good person to ask about any sightings."
>"Any ideas on how we should proceed in there, if we want to do it orderly?"
> Alter this to "I think the poltergeist may have been heading southwest" to better fit the flow of conversation.
>"Oh, I've passed by Wriggle's house a few times," says Renko. "It's a bit hard to find, though, since she lives off the beaten path. There's a stream south of the house, which eventually feeds into the lake. Follow it westward, and you ought to see a trail by a stand of trees. There ought to be a lot of mushrooms around it, but it might be a bad time of year for them right now."
>She shrugs.
>"Anyways, follow that path, and you'll find a huge mushroom. She lives in that. Shouldn't be too far from the edge of the bamboo forest."
>_
-
> "How does this sound for a floating plan, then? Tenshi and I will go visit Wriggle to find out if she knows anything and then return here. If Parsee has not returned by that point, we'll wait for her to return, and then set off investigating given the information we have. I would be happy to wait until after any splits we decide are a good idea before revisiting Alice, if you like."
-
> "How does this sound for a floating plan, then? Tenshi and I will go visit Wriggle to find out if she knows anything and then return here. If Parsee has not returned by that point, we'll wait for her to return, and then set off investigating given the information we have. I would be happy to wait until after any splits we decide are a good idea before revisiting Alice, if you like."
>Renko nods. "We'll be here."
>_
-
> "All right. We will return shortly."
> Head south and search for the aforementioned stream.
-
> "All right. We will return shortly."
> Head south and search for the aforementioned stream.
>"Good luck!" says Renko, waving at you with her washrag hand.
>You head southward, going into the forest once more. The foliage isn't too heavy and the leaves are mostly dry and crackly. You see a path leads right to the stream; like this is where Maribel and Renko get their water from. The stream itself is broad and shallow, flowing lazily between the trees.
>_
-
> Head west.
> Keep an eye out for any people or any trails.
-
> Head west.
> Keep an eye out for any people or any trails.
>You make your way down the stream, picking your way through the underbrush. It's rather nice and peaceful, with the periodic leaf floating down the stream and the breeze rustling the trees. Sunlight shines from above, adding some warmth to the cool air. Unfortunately, Renko's directions are rather vague, and it is difficult to tell tell exactly which path she was taking about, for there are many trails leading off from the stream. You try to look for those that would nest a lot of mushrooms, and it helps you eliminate many of them in more verdant areas.
>As you investigate one such path, you hear rustling. Then Tenshi cries out.
>_
-
>Quickly, look towards what Tenshi seems to be looking at
-
>Quickly, look towards what Tenshi seems to be looking at
>You look back.
>Between you and Tenshi is the Poltergeist. She stands on Tenshi's shadow, pinning the celestial's arms down with her feet. Tenshi seems to be struggling in place, and certainly is sounding less and less happy by the moment. The poltergeist pays her no mind, instead glaring at you. A long, thin shadow with many branches lays on the ground in front of her, nearly reaching your feet.
>"How are you here?" she says. "You disappeared!"
>_
-
>"I did. But I came back. If you make me disappear again, I will just come back again. And again. You cannot make me vanish just because you wish it. Not while you still hold the shadows of the others hostage."
>Keep an eye on her shadow. If it starts to approach, move back and make sure not to stand in it
>Also keep an eye on our own shadow, and prevent approach to it
>Where is our shadow in relation to us and her at the moment?
-
>"I did. But I came back. If you make me disappear again, I will just come back again. And again. You cannot make me vanish just because you wish it. Not while you still hold the shadows of the others hostage."
>Keep an eye on her shadow. If it starts to approach, move back and make sure not to stand in it
>Also keep an eye on our own shadow, and prevent approach to it
>Where is our shadow in relation to us and her at the moment?
>"How?' she asks, her glare hardening.
>Your shadow is presently behind you.
>_
-
>"That is immaterial. Suffice it to say that your shadow cannot hold me. My presence here is proof of that."
>"As I said the last time, I just wish to speak with you. I have no desire to see you come to harm."
-
> Is Tenshi still holding her sword?
-
So what are we thinking here. Brocky's mad but off-balance - and it's obvious enough that she can't really cover it up with bravado later. Still, Tenshi's in a very bad spot, and that tree shadow worries me a bit (though mostly for combat reasons). Do we offer her the book back to get her off Tenshi? We could put it down and back away to show we have nothinng up our sleeve.
-
I've been holding back on mentioning the book until we can at least exchange a few words first. If we offer it to her, and she accepts (under any conditions), she's under no obligation to do what she says, and we lose what may be our only bargaining chip. I can easily see her taking it, and not changing her tone towards either Iku or Tenshi. So I don't want to play it just yet. We may have a certain psychological advantage already, in that we have done what ought to be impossible, and potentially disarmed the ace that she's used to relying on when dealing with people.
I am a little concerned for Tenshi, admittedly, but I'm not sure the spectre has enough foresight to try to use her as leverage against us, and right now she seems to be mostly ignoring her. The thing is, we can get ourselves out, but not Tenshi. Maybe the spectre won't make that connection? Either way, if it looks like Tenshi is starting to get sucked in, we shoot her; no hesitation. Other acts of aggression on her part can be met with more moderate response.
Otherwise I don't suppose I have a plan, as such. Gauge her reaction, and try to move forward as seems best at the moment. I'm willing to extend at least a little faith towards her, regarding the book. I just didn't want to do it quite yet (unless you think we really should?)
-
I can see wanting to withhold the book for that reason, yes. I don't think we have too many bargaining chips otherwise, but the psychological advantage is a good one. Talking about Suika would be a good way to keep her off-balance, because we shouldn't know that happened.
-
Technically, we could know about the encounter with Suika simply by having asked Suika herself, although it was still a topic I planned to ask about at some point. Far more interesting, I think, is that we talked with Nitori. I wonder if even she realizes that's possible?
-
>"That is immaterial. Suffice it to say that your shadow cannot hold me. My presence here is proof of that."
>"As I said the last time, I just wish to speak with you. I have no desire to see you come to harm."
>"I will take your shadow and throw it to the winds," she says. "Tell me!"
> Is Tenshi still holding her sword?
>No; she has it sheathed at her side.
>_
-
>"And if I tell you, then what?"
-
>"And if I tell you, then what?"
>"Then I won't throw it away," she says.
>_
-
>"Then would you keep it for yourself, instead? Or let it remain where it belongs?"
-
>"Then would you keep it for yourself, instead? Or let it remain where it belongs?"
>She seems content to let her irate glare answer for her. You wonder if she's aware that Tenshi is shooting an identical look at the back of her head?
>_
-
Here, this was my idea.
---
Shrug and smile.
"It was a rhetorical question anyway."
"You see, I am in the direct employ of a greater power. In my line of work, I tend to know plenty of other greater powers, and I end up learning some secrets. I'm sure you can imagine that, if a secret comes from a greater power, that means it needs to remain a secret. And as I value my position in life, well..."
Drop the smile and put on a very serious face.
"Let's put it this way. It's not that I don't want to tell you. It's that, if I let out any of their secrets that I know, anything you could possibly do to me would be nothing in the face of what they would do to me."
-
>"Very well. There is a crack, in the shadow realm you sent me to. I passed through it. I know how to find it again."
-
>"Very well. There is a crack, in the shadow realm you sent me to. I passed through it. I know how to find it again."
> Smile while saying that. Not an evil grin, more of an understanding smile.
-
>"Very well. There is a crack, in the shadow realm you sent me to. I passed through it. I know how to find it again."
> Smile while saying that. Not an evil grin, more of an understanding smile.
>Her eye twitches. "I'll deal with you in a different way, then."
>_
-
>"Why are you so intent on harming someone who wishes no harm to you? I'd much rather we simply talk in peace. Or, I can talk and you can listen, if you'd rather."
>"My name is Iku, by the way. I'm from Bhava-Agra. I understand you visited there a few nights ago?"
-
>"My name is Iku, by the way. I'm from Bhava-Agra. I understand you visited there a few nights ago?"
> Before/while introducing ourselves, go through whatever physical motions are customary for Bhavagran introductions.
-
>"Why are you so intent on harming someone who wishes no harm to you? I'd much rather we simply talk in peace. Or, I can talk and you can listen, if you'd rather."
>"My name is Iku, by the way. I'm from Bhava-Agra. I understand you visited there a few nights ago?"
> Before/while introducing ourselves, go through whatever physical motions are customary for Bhavagran introductions.
>You fold your hands and bow slightly while introducing yourself. You tend to do this reflexively.
>"Why do you keep saying that you mean me no harm? Do you think if you say it enough, it'll change what you've done?"
>_
-
> Smile again.
> Extend our arms out a bit to our sides, palms facing outward, as if we were preparing to receive a hug.
> "Why do you keep accusing me of lying? Do you think if you do it enough, it will change my motivations?"
-
>"Obviously none of us can undo the past. We can only move forward from the present. But I speak truthfully when I say that I would rather we could get along peaceably. You obviously feel I have wronged you greatly. I am sorry for that. I can say only that I never intended to do so. Perhaps that is beside the point. Given that we can only start from the present, what can I do now to attempt to redress that? That does not involve anyone disappearing?"
-
> Smile again.
> Extend our arms out a bit to our sides, palms facing outward, as if we were preparing to receive a hug.
> "Why do you keep accusing me of lying? Do you think if you do it enough, it will change my motivations?"
>"Your actions tell a different story," says the Poltergeist.
>"Obviously none of us can undo the past. We can only move forward from the present. But I speak truthfully when I say that I would rather we could get along peaceably. You obviously feel I have wronged you greatly. I am sorry for that. I can say only that I never intended to do so. Perhaps that is beside the point. Given that we can only start from the present, what can I do now to attempt to redress that? That does not involve anyone disappearing?"
>"That is the only solution; and you are to blame for making it necessary for so many," she says.
>_
-
> Keep on smilin'.
> "Really? Does 'that many' include Suika Ibuki, the oni from the floating island you visited?"
-
> Keep on smilin'.
> "Really? Does 'that many' include Suika Ibuki, the oni from the floating island you visited?"
>You keep smiling and ask about Suika.
>The Poltergeist practically grits her teeth for a moment. "I haven't decided. It seems so, if the likes of you have learned about her."
>_
-
>"I've known Suika for years, you realize. Her island is near to where I live."
-
> Can we tell how Tenshi is faring?
-
>"I've known Suika for years, you realize. Her island is near to where I live."
>"Then you should have left her alone," says the poltergeist. "You should have left everyone alone. But no, you had to expose me and tell everyone you could, didn't you?"
> Can we tell how Tenshi is faring?
>She doesn't seem to be hurt, but she most definitely seems to be furious.
>_
-
>"When Nitori encountered you, she had no idea who you were. She knew no secrets of yours. She didn't know there were even secrets to know. She was just out for a walk by her own home. But you still attacked her and tore her shadow away. If that is any example, not knowing of you does not seem to leave a person safe, either."
-
>"When Nitori encountered you, she had no idea who you were. She knew no secrets of yours. She didn't know there were even secrets to know. She was just out for a walk by her own home. But you still attacked her and tore her shadow away. If that is any example, not knowing of you does not seem to leave a person safe, either."
>"What?" she says.
>_
-
> "It is true. The same can be said of Kogasa, the teal-haired karakasa you encountered whose shadow you used in our first meeting. She did not know who you were, nor anything about you. She was only interested in surprising the next person she met, because that's what she does. She does it to everyone. In fact, she had just surprised the two of us not long before you encountered her, and before I had any idea who you were."
-
> "It is true. The same can be said of Kogasa, the teal-haired karakasa you encountered whose shadow you used in our first meeting. She did not know who you were, nor anything about you. She was only interested in surprising the next person she met, because that's what she tries to do. She does it to everyone. In fact, she had just surprised the two of us not long before you encountered her, and before I had any idea who you were."
>"What are you even talking about?" says the Poltergeist.
>_
-
> Drop the smile.
> "...Do you not remember encountering these people?"
> Is the poltergeist's shadow still the same shape it was before?
-
> Drop the smile.
> "...Do you not remember encountering these people?"
> Is the poltergeist's shadow still the same shape it was before?
>"I don't know who you're talking about!" she says.
>It is still a tree shadow.
>_
-
> "Really? But...you remembered Suika, and you remembered me. Not to accuse you of lying, but there's a disconnect here I don't understand."
> "As crazy as this may sound, please bare with me for a moment. How much of our battle yesterday do you remember? Do you remember morphing your own shadow into the shadows of other things, like you are doing right now with that tree?"
-
>"That night you traveled to Bhava-Agra and met Suika, do you not remember speaking with someone else, on a hill near the mountain, a little earlier? Blue hair with pigtails, green hat, wearing a dress with a lot of pockets on it?"
-
> "Really? But...you remembered Suika, and you remembered me. Not to accuse you of lying, but there's a disconnect here I don't understand."
> "As crazy as this may sound, please bare with me for a moment. How much of our battle yesterday do you remember? Do you remember morphing your own shadow into the shadows of other things, like you are doing right now with that tree?"
>"You said an oni," says the Poltergeist. "I don't know what Suika is, but I assume it was the oni."
>"Of course! Do you think I'm as big a fool as you?"
>"That night you traveled to Bhava-Agra and met Suika, do you not remember speaking with someone else, on a hill near the mountain, a little earlier? Blue hair with pigtails, green hat, wearing a dress with a lot of pockets on it?"
>"Yes. She threatened to expose me."
>_
-
> "Suika is the oni, yes. And it seems you do remember Nitori, as she was the girl with blue hair and pigtails. Do you remember the second shadow you fought with yesterday, the one after the rock? The one that held the umbrella? That would be the teal-haired karakasa I mentioned earlier."
-
> "Suika is the oni, yes. And it seems you do remember Nitori, as she was the girl with blue hair and pigtails. Do you remember the second shadow you fought with yesterday, the one after the rock? The one that held the umbrella? That would be the teal-haired karakasa I mentioned earlier."
>"The one that ambushed me," says the poltergeist.
>_
-
> "Yes. Like I said, that is what she does. She does it to everyone, myself included. She didn't know or care who you were, only that you were there at all and thus someone to surprise. The girl in pig tails is a similar case: she did not know or care who you were, only that you looked like you were trying to sneak into her warehouse. I fear this may have simply been a series of misunderstandings."
-
> "Yes. Like I said, that is what she does. She does it to everyone, myself included. She didn't know or care who you were, only that you were there at all and thus someone to surprise. The girl in pig tails is a similar case: she did not know or care who you were, only that you looked like you were trying to sneak into her warehouse. I fear this may have simply been a series of misunderstandings."
>"The kappa threatened to expose me," says the Poltergeist, "There was no mistaking it. The other knew too much."
>_
-
> "If the kappa threatened to raise any sort of alarm it was because a suspect individual was in the area. It was no personal slight against you. Have you tried questioning her yourself?"
> Are the local shadows still largely unchanged?
> Is Tenshi still more angry than hurting?
-
>"Nitori had no idea who you were, why you were there, or what you could do. You were as much a stranger to her as she was to you. What was there for her to expose?"
>"As for Kogasa, what led you to believe that she knew too much? Did she demonstrate any knowledge of you, during your encounter?"
-
> "If the kappa threatened to raise any sort of alarm it was because a suspect individual was in the area. It was no personal slight against you. Have you tried questioning her yourself?"
> Are the local shadows still largely unchanged?
> Is Tenshi still more angry than hurting?
>"She threated to expose me," says the poltergeist again, a little more slowly.
>The local shadows don't seem to have changed.
>Tenshi definitely seems angry, though she has settled from outright fury to simmering anger that is likely to explode into fury. She doesn't seem to be any more hurt than before.
>"Nitori had no idea who you were, why you were there, or what you could do. You were as much a stranger to her as she was to you. What was there for her to expose?"
>"As for Kogasa, what led you to believe that she knew too much? Did she demonstrate any knowledge of you, during your encounter?"
>"Nitori didn't need to know and she didn't need to try to expose me. She did. And don't act stupid, you know exactly what she could have done!"
>"It doesn't need to be said around this celestial," says the Poltergeist.
>_
-
> "Perhaps a different question is in order, then. You are demonstrably unhappy when removed from your forest. Why, then, were you on that hill in the first place?"
-
> "Perhaps a different question is in order, then. You are demonstrably unhappy when removed from your forest. Why, then, were you on that hill in the first place?"
>"You, of all people, don't need to know," she says.
>_
-
> "Well, to be honest, I think I can hazard a guess as to what your ultimate goal was. I'll admit distress at your unwillingness to tell me what motivated you to undertake leaving the forest for any reason, though"
> "This may or may not comes as a surprise, and you may or may not believe me, but as much as you may think otherwise, I care about who you are. Not what you are, who you are, and yes, there is an important difference, one that makes all the difference in the world. I have done a bit of thinking about you, and have come to some conclusions that actually make me sympathetic to your situation. Again, as much as you probably don't believe me."
> "Just to let you know head of time, I already know the general answer to the question I'm about to ask. I ask it because I want to know what you know. To that end, do you know exactly how and why you came to be?"
-
> "Well, to be honest, I think I can hazard a guess as to what your ultimate goal was. I'll admit distress at your unwillingness to tell me what motivated you to undertake leaving the forest for any reason, though"
> "This may or may not comes as a surprise, and you may or may not believe me, but as much as you may think otherwise, I care about who you are. Not what you are, who you are, and yes, there is an important difference, one that makes all the difference in the world. I have done a bit of thinking about you, and have come to some conclusions that actually make me sympathetic to your situation. Again, as much as you probably don't believe me."
> "Just to let you know head of time, I already know the general answer to the question I'm about to ask. I ask it because I want to know what you know. To that end, do you know exactly how and why you came to be?"
>"You are lying," she says. "Everything you have done stands as proof of your real intentions. And why would I tell you anything, after you delight in exposing me?"
>_
-
> "I do not delight in 'exposing' you. I do it for very different reasons, partially related to your clemency for stealing the shadows of others, and partially related to my empathy for your origin and the existence that was cast upon you without you having a say in the matter. But we can argue ourselves blue in the face over that issue later."
> "You say I have demonstrated nothing but malevolent intentions. I will admit that I felt bad for tying you up yesterday, and for that, I do apologize. Have you stopped to think, though, about those circumstances? Were you harmed in any additional manner while unconscious? Did I not offer a compromise for setting you down and then do it anyway even after you did not agree? Most importantly, did I not offer to help find your lost book when we first met?"
> "In fact, if you really think I have nothing but malevolent intentions toward you, do you think I would have cared to continue searching for said book last night?"
-
> "I do not delight in 'exposing' you. I do it for very different reasons, partially related to your clemency for stealing the shadows of others, and partially related to my empathy for your origin and the existence that was cast upon you without you having a say in the matter. But we can argue ourselves blue in the face over that issue later."
> "You say I have demonstrated nothing but malevolent intentions. I will admit that I felt bad for tying you up yesterday, and for that, I do apologize. Have you stopped to think, though, about those circumstances? Were you harmed in any additional manner while unconscious? Did I not offer a compromise for setting you down and then do it anyway even after you did not agree? Most importantly, did I not offer to help find your lost book when we first met?"
> "In fact, if you really think I have nothing but malevolent intentions toward you, do you think I would have cared to continue searching for said book last night?"
>"So you could try to use it against me," says the Poltergeist. "Or perhaps to find something else to expose."
>_
-
> Resume the warm smile.
> "Or maybe to simply give it back to you, as you requested."
> Pull out the book and show it to her.
-
> Resume the warm smile.
> "Or maybe to simply give it back to you, as you requested."
> Pull out the book and show it to her.
>The poltergeist's brow knits. "Give it back!" she cries.
>_
-
> How far away is the poltergeist from us?
> Does the poltergeist's face appear even angrier, or more flustered and/or surprised?
-
> How far away is the poltergeist from us?
> Does the poltergeist's face appear even angrier, or more flustered and/or surprised?
>She's a few yards away.
>Angrier, and perhaps flustered.
>_
-
> Nod, and keep up that same smile.
> "Of course."
> Step about a yard to our left, so we can walk forward without trodding along the poltergeist's shadow. If there is a tree in the way, step about a yard to the right instead.
> Walk a couple of yards forward toward the poltergeist, parallel to her shadow, so there is about two yards between her and us.
> Gently set the book down on the ground. Make sure it is not on top of her shadow in any way and that she would need to move her entire body to get to it to pick it up.
> Walk back a couple of yards backwards, making sure not to trip over anything we might have noticed on the ground on our way forward.
> If the poltergeist has not retrieved her book by the time we stop moving, gesture toward it, still smiling.
-
> Nod, and keep up that same smile.
> "Of course."
> Step about a yard to our left, so we can walk forward without trodding along the poltergeist's shadow. If there is a tree in the way, step about a yard to the right instead.
> Walk a couple of yards forward toward the poltergeist, parallel to her shadow, so there is about two yards between her and us.
> Gently set the book down on the ground. Make sure it is not on top of her shadow in any way and that she would need to move her entire body to get to it to pick it up.
> Walk back a couple of yards backwards, making sure not to trip over anything we might have noticed on the ground on our way forward.
> If the poltergeist has not retrieved her book by the time we stop moving, gesture toward it, still smiling.
>You step aside, carefully dodging around her shadow, and set the book down. She does not go for it, instead watching you with obvious wariness.
>You gesture toward it. "Leave." she says.
>_
-
>Is the book in such a position that the spectre could pick it up without stepping off of Tenshi's shadow?
-
> Take a quick look behind us to survey the ground, then turn our head back around.
> Shrug while still smiling.
> "I definitely cannot leave without my friend. But I can assure you that neither of us will attack you unless you attack first. And I can do this, at least."
> Take a few more steps back, making sure to avoid tripping over anything we just say.
-
>Is the book in such a position that the spectre could pick it up without stepping off of Tenshi's shadow?
>It is not. You'd have to practically put it at her feet for that.
> Take a quick look behind us to survey the ground, then turn our head back around.
> Shrug while still smiling.
> "I definitely cannot leave without my friend. But I can assure you that neither of us will attack you unless you attack first. And I can do this, at least."
> Take a few more steps back, making sure to avoid tripping over anything we just say.
>You back away, managing to avoid tripping over anything.
>"Leave," she says again. "You think I'm stupid enough to do anything while you're both here?"
>_
-
> "And how much did we do to you yesterday, when you were tied up and Tenshi was free?"
-
> "And how much did we do to you yesterday, when you were tied up and Tenshi was free?"
>"You exposed me, for one thing!" she says, practically spitting the words.
>_
-
> Shake head.
> "I mean physically. If we did not assault you yesterday when you appeared defenseless, what makes you think we're going to attack you today, when you're very clearly not?"
-
> Shake head.
> "I mean physically. If we did not assault you yesterday when you appeared defenseless, what makes you think we're going to attack you today, when you're very clearly not?"
>"I don't care," she says. "Leave!"
>_
-
> Sigh.
> Put a hand to our forehead.
> "Come on. Get past your seething hatred for me for one second and think about this situation. Your book is right there. I went and found it for you, as I offered to do from the very beginning. It's yours for the taking. I'm not going to attack you, Tenshi's not going to attack you. If we were planning on that we would have done it yesterday. Besides, even if I wanted to leave, if I left as things are right now and Tenshi stayed with you, surely I would need to find you again in order to get my friend back. And logically, I would have more people with me to help me in my search, because more people looking for something will find it quicker, and I don't think you'd want that. What you have on your hands right now is a situation with only the two of us. No one else is around to discover you. You can make your situation worse by forcing me to leave, or you can keep your situation favorable by just taking the book and getting on with it."
-
> Sigh.
> Put a hand to our forehead.
> "Come on. Get past your seething hatred for me for one second and think about this situation. Your book is right there. I went and found it for you, as I offered to do from the very beginning. It's yours for the taking. I'm not going to attack you, Tenshi's not going to attack you. If we were planning on that we would have done it yesterday. Besides, even if I wanted to leave, if I left as things are right now and Tenshi stayed with you, surely I would need to find you again in order to get my friend back. And logically, I would have more people with me to help me in my search, because more people looking for something will find it quicker, and I don't think you'd want that. What you have on your hands right now is a situation with only the two of us. No one else is around to discover you. You can make your situation worse by forcing me to leave, or you can keep your situation favorable by just taking the book and getting on with it."
>"As you wish," says the poltergeist. as she drops to her knees on Tenshi's shadow, drawing an "Oof!" from Tenshi.
>_
-
> "Hey!"
> Begin building a charge.
> Take two steps forward, again avoiding tripping on things.
-
>"If you attempt to harm her, you realize you will leave me no choice but to force you to stop?"
-
> "Hey!"
> Begin building a charge.
> Take two steps forward, again avoiding tripping on things.
>You cry out and start building up a charge.
>You advance; the Poltergeist puts her left hand on Tenshi's shadow, watching you warily.
>"If you attempt to harm her, you realize you will leave me no choice but to force you to stop?"
>"I gave you a choice, you refused to take it," she says. "Instead, you threatened to expose me moreso. Who is left with no choices?"
>_
-
> Stop advancing.
> "Abandoning my friend was not a choice. I told you this once already."
-
> Stop advancing.
> "Abandoning my friend was not a choice. I told you this once already."
>You stop.
>"Then you leave me no choice," says the poltergeist. "For the final time, leave!"
>_
-
> What is the expression on Tenshi's face?
-
> What is the expression on Tenshi's face?
>She looks like she is recovering from being punched in the gut, and not even a little bit happy about it."
>_
-
> Keep that charge building.
> Take a step back.
> "Why do you want to hide so much?!"
-
> Keep that charge building.
> Take a step back.
> "Why do you want to hide so much?!"
>"Why do you people want to expose me?" She says back.
>_
-
> "Because it's not right that other people forced this paranoia on you!"
-
> "Because it's not right that other people forced this paranoia on you!"
>"And if you would stop trying to expose me, there would be no problems!" She says, "But no, you won't stop! It's your fault there's any problem to begin with! Leave!"
>_
-
> Keep that charge coming.
> Take another step back.
> "Everyone I've told I've told to stay away from you! There are fewer people looking for you because of me!"
-
> Keep that charge coming.
> Take another step back.
> "Everyone I've told I've told to stay away from you! There are fewer people looking for you because of me!"
>You keep charging. It's coming along quite steadily now.
> You step back, and try to tell her there are fewer people searching for her now. "You lie," she says. "Do you think I'm so easy to fool? If you didn't want people to find me, you wouldn't tell them about me!"
>_
-
> Chargin' chargin' chargin'
> "You think people want to go looking for someone that will steal their consciousness?!"
-
> Chargin' chargin' chargin'
> "You think people want to go looking for someone that will steal their consciousness?!"
>You keep charging.
>"They haven't stopped!" she says. She shifts her hand as if tightening her grip on Tenshi's shadow. "Leave!"
>Tenshi gasps.
>_
-
> Have we yet hit a charge level where we could unleash a flashbolt?
-
> Have we yet hit a charge level where we could unleash a flashbolt?
>You could, but it wouldn't be as effective as usual.
>_
-
> How soon is a flashbolt cast from the moment we command it?
-
> How soon is a flashbolt cast from the moment we command it?
>All but instantly, but you have direct it with your hands.
>_
-
> Keep on chargin', charge charge chargin'...
> Look wildly back and forth between Tenshi and the poltergeist with a nervous expression, settling on the poltergeist after a few looks.
> Lower our voice to a little softer than normal levels.
> "Why? Why are you doing this? I didn't want anyone to get hurt..."
-
> Keep on chargin', charge charge chargin'...
> Look wildly back and forth between Tenshi and the poltergeist with a nervous expression, settling on the poltergeist after a few looks.
> Lower our voice to a little softer than normal levels.
> "Why? Why are you doing this? I didn't want anyone to get hurt..."
>You look between the two of them wildly, it's really not hard to feign panic at this point. Rather, it's more difficult to hold the real thing at bay.
>"Because you forced me!" she shouts. "Leave!"
>_
-
> 5:11 charging erryday
> "But why was Suika so different? You could be like that with others..."
-
> 5:11 charging erryday
> "But why was Suika so different? You could be like that with others..."
>You're still building a decent charge.
>"Because she didn't try to expose me!" She shouts. "Of course, you told her anyways., so now I have to deal with her too."
>_
-
>"Even if I did, why would she want to try to expose you now, if she didn't then?"
>"For that matter, why did you think I was trying to expose you when I met you first? I only wanted to talk with you! I had no idea you were even responsible for the shadows!"
-
>"Even if I did, why would she want to try to expose you now, if she didn't then?"
>"For that matter, why did you think I was trying to expose you when I met you first? I only wanted to talk with you! I had no idea you were even responsible for the shadows!"
>"You were looking for me!" she shouts. "You wouldn't leave me alone!"
>_
-
>"You tried to attack me almost the moment I spoke! What chance does that even give someone to leave you alone? What was I supposed to do?"
>"For that matter, I even offered to help you, and you can see that I made good on it."
-
>"You tried to attack me almost the moment I spoke! What chance does that even give someone to leave you alone? What was I supposed to do?"
>"For that matter, I even offered to help you, and you can see that I made good on it."
>"You should have left me alone!" she says, "But you didn't! And you've exposed me, you've brought others after me! The books it probably a trick too, even if you weren't the one that took it! Your words are hollow before what you've done! Now leave!"
>_
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>"How could the book possibly be a trick? You clearly recognized it. I was under no obligation to offer it to you, and I did so freely, because, and only because, I knew that it mattered to you. Because I honestly cared."
>"If you are uncomfortable to move to retrieve it, I can bring it to you. I left it where it was because I thought the distance would be less threatening."
-
>"How could the book possibly be a trick? You clearly recognized it. I was under no obligation to offer it to you, and I did so freely, because, and only because, I knew that it mattered to you. Because I honestly cared."
>"If you are uncomfortable to move to retrieve it, I can bring it to you. I left it where it was because I thought the distance would be less threatening."
>"You can leave," she says. "Do it!"
>_
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>"Let Tenshi go. I will not leave without her. That is non-negotiable."
>Get ready to fire, if she so much as moves to harm her again
-
>"Let Tenshi go. I will not leave without her. That is non-negotiable."
>Get ready to fire, if she so much as moves to harm her again
>"So you can both attack me?" she says. "Go!"
>_
-
>"And if I leave now, what becomes of Tenshi?"
-
>"And if I leave now, what becomes of Tenshi?"
>"That will be up to her," says the poltergeist.
>_
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>"Up to her, how?"
-
>"Up to her, how?"
>"Don't be stupid," she says, "It depends on what she chooses to do!"
>_
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>"And you would let her leave unharmed, too? If she did not try to harm you in return?"
-
> What does Tenshi's facial expression seem to be?
-
>"And you would let her leave unharmed, too? If she did not try to harm you in return?"
>"That will be up to her," says the poltergeist.
>"There ain't going to be no unharmed!" says Tenshi between heavy breaths. "I'm about to knock her ass to the moon capital!"
> What does Tenshi's facial expression seem to be?
>Not quite pained, but certainly not comfortable. But most certainly furious.
>_
-
C'mon, Ten-chan, what are you doing? :|
-
Well, as long as she's being this talkative, might as well give it a shot. Veto it if it doesn't fit with whatever you're doing, though.
> "And if I leave you, what will become of our home?"
-
C'mon, Ten-chan, what are you doing? :|
I don't honestly think we could hold Tenshi back now, even if we were here and in control of the situation when she is freed (one way or the other). And we sure as hell can't if we're not. And Tenshi WILL lose, if she tries to fight her on her own. She's far too hot-headed, especially at the moment.
At one point, I had idlely entertained the thought of offering ourself as hostage in Tenshi's place, so that we could see her to safety first. But, even if we could get the spectre to agree, I suspect Tenshi will ruin it by being unable to restrain herself, and the gesture will have been for naught.
-
I'm more annoyed at her total inability to assess the situation. Far too many people in this game have been blinded into single-mindedness for their own good.
-
I hear ya. It does seem a rather long list when you sit down and think about it. Although, to be honest, I was surprised that Tenshi had not been uttering threats and curses at her long before this point >.>
Of all people, she's not exactly known for her situational awareness.
-
> "And if I leave you, what will become of our home?"
>"I don't care," she says, "Leave! I'm not saying it again!"
>_
-
>Consider using an Armor Piercing Question (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highest-valued_currency_unit). Would it anger her into attacking?
-
>Consider using an Armor Piercing Question (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highest-valued_currency_unit). Would it anger her into attacking?
>Trying to invoke "The Rules", as opposed to an actual in-story solution, is probably the fastest way to ensure failure.
>_
-
>"I know how much your book meant to you. You wouldn't have stopped until you'd got it back, would you? Well, my home and the shadows of the people you stole mean just as much to me. And I also cannot stop until they are restored to their proper place. Surely you can understand that? You can understand what it means for something important to be stolen from you?"
-
>"I know how much your book meant to you. You wouldn't have stopped until you'd got it back, would you? Well, my home and the shadows of the people you stole mean just as much to me. And I also cannot stop until they are restored to their proper place. Surely you can understand that? You can understand what it means for something important to be stolen from you?"
>"Then you people should have left me alone!" says the poltergeist. "Do you want it to keep happening? Go!"
>_
-
>"Of course I don't want it to keep happening! All that I have done is so that I can prevent that. But what has already happened must also be undone."
-
>"Of course I don't want it to keep happening! All that I have done is so that I can prevent that. But what has already happened must also be undone."
>"And you've only made it worse," says the poltergeist. "Leave!"
>_
-
>"Is there anything that could ever be done, by anyone, even in theory, that would make you willing to release them?"
-
>"Is there anything that could ever be done, by anyone, even in theory, that would make you willing to release them?"
>"I am done with you and your lies!" she shouts. "Leave!"
>_
-
Thinking out loud here.
We know that the poltergeist pretty much hates our guts. After speaking to Purvis, I think I came up with a few possible reasons for this, and they all happened before we were cast into the void:
1) The part where we threatened to drop the poltergeist if she struggled. This may have made her think that we were strictly malevolent, if she didn't already. Though she was glaring at us even beforehand, so this probably wasn't it.
2) Taking her out of the forest in the first place. That's where she was hiding from everyone, so being forcefully taken out of her element was have been a very negative thing. Though this couldn't be helped, because we needed to find some way to get the shadows back.
3)
"Many others already know all that I do. Can you track them all down? This doesn't end if you stop me."
Even if the poltergeist was able to stay in the forest, this line would have told her that someone was out spreading information about her. This is probably the thing that set her off the most. ...Though she was already attacking us at the time, so...
If nothing else, I think this whole situation has been approached the wrong way. Some of it probably can't be fixed, but there has to be at least one thing that can. ...If I were a more analytical sort, I might be able to help more, but as it stands, things don't look good.
-
I'm not sure if this was asked in the previous encounters with the poltergeist, so, well.
>"You claim that you do not want others to find out about you, yet your actions contradict this behaviour. If you truly did not wish to be found, why would you do something like causing Bhava Agra to fall?"
>"You claim that I am the one responsible for making others search for you, however, if you had not stolen the shadows would this have happened?"
>"I would have been perfectly fine with leaving you alone had you not damaged my home. I would not have had to tell others about you if you had not stolen the shadows of their friends and presented yourself as a threat to us. Surely you must have known that both a large scale incident such as Bhava Agra falling and smaller incidents where residents of this land are turned into vegetables would cause people to seek out the perpetrator of these incidents."
-
It was largely avoided because we didn't want to go on the offensive like that. :C
-
Feel free to disregard what I say.
It doesn't seem like the poltergeist is going to listen to Iku though.
And she's already plenty mad anyway.
-
Actually, you know what? Why the hell not. Let's go with it. I've privately wanted to ask those questions for about 3 threads now anyway.
-
Honestly, I'm really wondering why we're wasting so much time trying to reason with the poltergeist instead of taking matters into our own hands already. :\
-
I'm not sure if this was asked in the previous encounters with the poltergeist, so, well.
>"You claim that you do not want others to find out about you, yet your actions contradict this behaviour. If you truly did not wish to be found, why would you do something like causing Bhava Agra to fall?"
>"You claim that I am the one responsible for making others search for you, however, if you had not stolen the shadows would this have happened?"
>"I would have been perfectly fine with leaving you alone had you not damaged my home. I would not have had to tell others about you if you had not stolen the shadows of their friends and presented yourself as a threat to us. Surely you must have known that both a large scale incident such as Bhava Agra falling and smaller incidents where residents of this land are turned into vegetables would cause people to seek out the perpetrator of these incidents."
>"You are a fool," says poltergeist. "You, and others, have tried to expose for me for as long as I can remember. You blame me for defending myself? Blame yourself for coming after me to begin with! Blame yourself for forcing my hand! None of you had to do any of that! None of you had any reason to hunt me at all!"
> "Look. What if I turned around? I obviously can't attack if I'm not looking at you."
>You see something move through her features for a moment; did you put her off guard?
>"That wouldn't do anything about her," she says after a moment; "And you would still be here waiting for me to let my guard down."
>_
-
Oho.
One moment!
-
> "I would still be here, yes, because I still want my home returned to normal, and I still don't want to physically assault you to do it. But."
> Turn to Tenshi.
> "Tenshi, I know how angry you are at all this, and I suspect you are even angrier with me for not taking decisive action yet. For this, I am truly sorry. But you also know her story. You know she is doing this because others made her this way, not because she chose to be this way. Look at her. She's lashing out at everyone because so many people are searching for her when she does not want to be found. She's no more than entertainment value to some, an interesting side project to pass the time. They see her as something less than them - and they may not even realize it. Does this sound familiar to you?"
-
> "I would still be here, yes, because I still want my home returned to normal, and I still don't want to physically assault you to do it. But."
> Turn to Tenshi.
> "Tenshi, I know how angry you are at all this, and I suspect you are even angrier with me for not taking decisive action yet. For this, I am truly sorry. But you also know her story. You know she is doing this because others made her this way, not because she chose to be this way. Look at her. She's lashing out at everyone because so many people are searching for her when she does not want to be found. She's no more than entertainment value to some, an interesting side project to pass the time. They see her as something less than them - and they may not even realize it. Does this sound familiar to you?"
>"What are you talking about?" Tenshi says, "Just get her off me so I can kick her ass!"
>_
-
> "I'm saying she's little more than sport for the people searching for her. They don't see her as an equal, they see her as something less. Don't you see? She's in a situation similar to the one you're in! You, of all people in Gensokyo, you must be able to understand what's going on here. Would you have wanted your peers to approach you with violence in order to 'fix' the problem? Would you have appreciated it if I kept electrocuting you yesterday morning, instead of treating you as an equal and a friend? Please, do for her what you would want done for you!"
-
> "I'm saying she's little more than sport for the people searching for her. They don't see her as an equal, they see her as something less. Don't you see? She's in a situation similar to the one you're in! You, of all people in Gensokyo, you must be able to understand what's going on here. Would you have wanted your peers to approach you with violence in order to 'fix' the problem? Would you have appreciated it if I kept electrocuting you yesterday morning, instead of treating you as an equal and a friend? Please, do for her what you would want done for you!"
>"Well it's a lot more honest than what they normally do, at least!" says Tenshi, scowling. "Fine! Okay! Since you got me that gem, I guess!"
>The Poltergeist is clearly watching you suspiciously, and trying not to look confused.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Thank you, Tenshi. From the bottom of my heart."
> Turn back to the Poltergeist.
> "She will not attack you if you move off of her. I will again volunteer to turn around. You can retrieve your book, she will move away without attacking you, and I will be in no position to do anything to you. Okay?"
-
> Smile.
> "Thank you, Tenshi. From the bottom of my heart."
> Turn back to the Poltergeist.
> "She will not attack you if you move off of her. I will again volunteer to turn around. You can retrieve your book, she will move away without attacking you, and I will be in no position to do anything to you. Okay?"
>Tenshi answers with a sort of annoyed grunt.
>"So, she'll leave?" asks the poltergeist.
>_
-
> "Is it not acceptable for her to merely remain at my side? I rather enjoy the company of my friend, and if you're still worried about an assault, at the very least, you would not be surrounded."
-
> "Oh, and I suspect we are all about to be the victims of sharp blades in the back, so try to brace yourself for that."
-
> "Oh, and I suspect we are all about to be the victims of sharp blades in the back, so try to brace yourself for that."
>And then Bhava-Agra finished falling!