Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Oldmansour on June 26, 2011, 03:56:03 AM
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>You are Byakuren Hijiri, 3rd year student at Mayoiga High. A human of 18 years old, you are gifted with natural intelligence and athletic talent, yet you still study hard, lest you set a bad example to those that admire you.
>And there are many that do, as you are quite possibly the most popular person in school. Your surpassing beauty, your heart of gold and your generosity of spirit has led to your common nickname of Morning Star. You do not mind this at all, and strive to be worthy of their admiration, modest as you are, and unworthy though you judge yourself to be.
>You are a resident of the Moonside apartments, a small six apartment complex a little over five minutes? walk from school. Your parents and younger brother, Myoren, moved south to Feyhome last year, hoping the warmer environment would be a benefit to your brothers? ailing health, while you remained in Mayoiga to finish your schooling uninterrupted. It was not an easy decision to make, but Myoren believed it was best for you, and insisted.
>It is currently last period, Wednesday afternoon. You are sitting in Keine-sensei?s ancient history class, which is nearly over.
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>How do we deal with being ridiculously huge?
>How well do we speak Moonside? Or is that just the teleport guys? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hyWM74CBtk)
>What was today's lesson over?
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>Opinions on derrieres.
>What classmates do we know well?
>Who are the other teachers?
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>How do we deal with being ridiculously huge?
>How well do we speak Moonside? Or is that just the teleport guys? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hyWM74CBtk)
>What was today's lesson over?
>While you are certainly tall for an 18 year old girl, you are hardly ridiculously huge.
>Currently you speak Common, Eire, Francais and bits and pieces of other languages. You are unfamiliar with either the Moonside tongue or the concept of teleportation, though there are some youkai reputed to possess that magic. You may want to ask Patchouli about that.
>Keine-sensei was expounding over the middle of the First Lunarian War, dated approximately 405 years ago, detailing the resistance campaign against the Lunarian-held Bonn frontier out west.
>Opinions on derrieres.
>What classmates do we know well?
>Who are the other teachers?
>You certainly appreciate a shapely backside, as well as an ample bosom, though it is a person's personality, their soul, that truly moves your heart.
>Among those you know well, currently with you in class are Rin Kaenbyou, your slave, and Letty Whiterock, another resident of the Moonside apartments. You are familiar with many other students, particularly the tennis club, of which you are the captain, but they are currently in other classes.
>Among the more noteworthy teachers are Mokou Fujiwara, the gym teacher. Wriggle Nightbug, the biology teacher. Tokiko the math teacher. Yumemi Okazaki the physics teacher. Medicine Melancholy, the chemistry teacher, and Kaguya Houraisam, the classic literature teacher. Certainly there are other teachers in a school this size, but those 7, including Keine have the most... distinctive personalities.
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>What's the deal with SATs/ACTs/Entry Exams/What have you?
>How comfortable are we with these subjects?
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>What's the deal with SATs/ACTs/Entry Exams/What have you?
>How comfortable are we with these subjects?
>Mayoiga high is part of an escalator system, so normal entry exams do not apply, if you intend to continue on to Mayoiga University.
>You are uncertain yet if you wish to move south to rejoin your family after your third level has been completed, and recieve post-secondary education there, or if you wish to continue on here.
>Whichever you choose, you had given thought to pursuing an career in medicine, as you have always wanted to help people. Especially your brother. As far as you know, the medical program at Mayoiga U is very good, but there may be better.
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>Have we always been at war with Hogwarts?
>What have we to look forward to later today?
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>Have we always been at war with Hogwarts?
>What have we to look forward to later today?
>Only since the fifth book.
>You most certainly have been. The last time you tried that 'drink' down at Edgewalker's bar, you woke up next to Minoriko in the back of Aya's ferrari, halfway across town, missing 9 hours of memory. You are not certain how it has remained legal to distribute.
>After class today, the tennis club has practice scheduled. You also planned to walk Rin to her job at the Blue Lantern Cafe, along with Patchouli and Reisen, the latter of which also being employed at that establishment. You clubmates understand this routine of yours, and your second, Shikako Shirabi, is more than capable of handling affairs in your stead.
>Reisen also asked you to do some shopping for her on your way home. She is also a resident of the Moonside apartments, and you all take turns cooking meals for the group. Tonight is Reisen's turn, but her spice collection is a bit low, so she asked you to replenish her stores after seeing them off to work.
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>Who is this second customer?
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>Shikako Shirabi, a second year student, and your right hand woman in the tennis club.
>She is a whitetail deer youkai, appearing to be 17 years old. It's hard to be certain with youkai of their physical age, and those in schools are placed according to their mental age, as is the case with fairys, as well. You are uncertain of her true age, as many youkai are offended by the question, so you have decided not to ask unless she volunteers.
>She is quite talented at the sport, although not quite at your level. She has a keen mind and a serious disposition, as well as a strong sense of fair play. Were you soldiers, you suspect she would make an excellent lieutenant. Your younger members have attempted to get her to 'loosen up' on more than one occasion. Thus far, they have met with little success, but she is still very well liked. When the club meets and you are not there, she is in charge.
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>We have ways to deal with deer. >=[ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swdofsXjS-M)
>Any major events coming up? Exams, Festivals, Holy Grail Wars?
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> How much time is left in class?
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>Currently you speak Eire
> How do we know Irish? Why?
>Among those you know well, currently with you in class are Rin Kaenbyou, your slave,
> Our what now?
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>We have ways to deal with deer. >=[ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swdofsXjS-M)
>Any major events coming up? Exams, Festivals, Holy Grail Wars?
>In three days time, Mayoiga Day is slated to begin in the Hatori Saigyoji Memorial Park. It commerates the day the former head of the Saigyoji Group began reconstruction of the town, some 41 years ago, after the second Lunarian war. On one level, it is a testament to the vision of one man, and the tenacity of the living spirit. On a more basic level, it's one big excuse to party.
>Most of your midterm exams are complete, much to the relief of the student body. The only outstanding exam is Tokiko-sensei's math exam, which is slated for next monday. You feel you are quite adequately prepared, and you have been tutoring Letty and Minoriko Aki (who is also a resident of the Moonside apts.) in that department, though Nitori Kawashiro (the fourth resident of Moonside) has more expertise on the subject than you and has been leading the study sessions in that area.
Unfortunately, the last grail war concluded about a month ago. Lancer was the winner, and his wish was for the world to party for a week solid because he is MADE OF WIN.
> How much time is left in class?
>About two or three minutes. Keine is making her final points on the matter for the day.
> How do we know Irish? Why?
> Our what now?
>You know Eire because Rin speaks Eire. She picked it up during her time with Konngara, her previous owner, as Eire is spoken by practically every oni in the world. She was not completely fluent, and as a consequence, neither are you, but you can follow most conversations quite handily.
>Your slave. Oni have kept slaves for centuries, as far as you know, and the most of them treat treat their slaves very well. Evidently the majority of oni consider it an insult to their pride to mistreat a slave. Konngara was not among that majority. Barely a day went by when you didn't see Konngara berate her slave, even for no apparant reason, usually verbally, sometimes not. Being an oni, no one was really willing to do anything about it, so you took matters into your own hands. You challenged her, per oni code, and she accepted, citing the tennis courts as your battlefield. She wanted to humiliate you at your own game. She failed, and so, for the past two months, you have owned Rin.
>You would have released her right away of course, as you have no desire to 'own' anyone, but by oni law, there would have been nothing stopping Konngara from claiming Rin all over again. You are quite certain Rin is happier where she is, and her presence in your life has been nothing but good.
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>Bullshit. Lancer never gets to be awesome, ever. It is his karma to be cut down and never truly get to show his abject sweetness.
>Note down the final points, make sure our notes don't have any glaring holes.
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>He did a mighty fine job in UBW of being wicked awesome, I just wish he'd done it more.
>"...and so, on April 7th, a small group of Bonns, with a little support from the Eagleland air force, managed to knock out the inter-space communication relay at Barkhelle, effectively severing communication between the Lunarian occupation forces and the moon for weeks. This would open up several opportunities across all fronts of the conflict, but we'll save those for another day."
>As though timed to perfection, the chime rings out to announce the end of another school day seconds after she finishes speaking. Keine closes her notebook and turns to face the class with a smile.
>"Class dismissed, everyone. See you all tomorrow."
>The class rep, Murasa Minamatsu, calls for the class to stand and bow. The students begin to disperse afterwards, milling about or forming small groups, some following Keine out the door.
>You are a dedicated note taker, though more for the sake of your friends when they need to fill in the holes in their own notes, which happens more than most of them would like to admit, apart from Patchouli.
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> Recall what we know about Patchouli.
> Pack up our stuff and head out the door if there is no other business to attend to.
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> Recall what we know about Patchouli.
> Pack up our stuff and head out the door if there is no other business to attend to.
>Patchouli Knowledge is the fifth resident of Moonside apts. She is the youngest of you all, being a first year student, and is not usually in the best of health. Point of fact, she is a very frail girl, not that she would let on. She's very proud, in her own way, and gifted with a massive intellect. She excels at math and the sciences, but is no slouch at most the arts, either.
>Something of a rarity, she was born to two youkai magicians, and is expected to carry on their legacy once her schooling is done. Her father decided, however, that she should experience life in the mundane world as well, and enrolled her in the Mayoiga system. Her move to Moonside was, you suspect, a way to get out from under her parent's eyes a little. She does not speak of her parents often, but what she has said has left you with the impression that their relationship is not on the best of terms.
>While her vast intelligence and frail health are widely know, what is NOT widely known is that she possess a slave of her own. Reisen Udonge, who is technically owned by Patchouli's parents, shares her apartment with her. Her parents purchased the rabbit ostensibly to keep her health in check, but all three of you know that it was a way for her parents to keep her on a 'leash'.
>None of you are entirely opposed to this arrangement, however. Reisen is genunely fond of her master, and she and Rin have taken a great liking to each other. Patchouli's not the type to admit it, but you know for certain that she cares deeply for Reisen, and looks after her slave as much as the slave looks after her master.
>As you gather your belongings, Rin and Letty walk over to join you. The bell on Rin's collar tinkles softly as she approaches and speaks.
>"Off ta work now, Mistress?"
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>Work?
>Is the mistress calling required by oni codes?
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>Work?
>Is the mistress calling required by oni codes?
>You yourself have no 'regular' work, but you know Rin was looking forward to you walking her to her job. She enjoys these outings, especially when Patchy and Reisen are cloming along, as it the plan today.
>In a vague sense. You personally would prefer her not to call you that, and she does not when you're at home, but she does so in public because of an obscure clause in oni law. Escessive familiarity CAN be considered grounds for one oni to challenge a slave owner, as it could indicate a lack of control over one's slave. This law is very old, and is practically never invoked. However, as you do not know how extensive Konngara's knowledge of oni law is, and you know full well she'll take any opportunity she can get to challenge you again, you and Rin decided it was best not to take any chances, and thus, she referes to you formally when you're in public.
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>Nod. "Yes, let's not make you late."
>Escort!
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>Slave-keeping is codified by oni law, correct? But do other races also keep slaves, too? Obviously we're something of an exception, given Orin's circumstances, but what of Reisen?
>How are current relations with the Lunarians, given past wars and all?
>What, if anything, is Reisen's connection with the Lunarians?
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>What is Rin's job?
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>Slave-keeping is codified by oni law, correct? But do other races also keep slaves, too? Obviously we're something of an exception, given Orin's circumstances, but what of Reisen?
>As far as you know, neither Kappa nor Tengu keep slaves. You've asked Nitori about that before, and her race holds to the freedom of the individual in nearly all things. She's even been a little uncomfortable around Rin and Reisen, but you believe she's working past that. As for the Tengu, they keep much to themselves about their society in general, but based on what you've seen of the tengu in school, as well as those you've worked with outside school, they hold personal freedom in an even higher regard than the Kappa, and do not hold with slavery. As for the youkai, as with most things, in depends on the youkai you're asking. Patchouli's family is obviously comfortable with the concept, whereas other youkai have spoken often and publically against the practice.
>How are current relations with the Lunarians, given past wars and all?
>Tense, to say the least. The second Lunarian war ended less than half a century ago, and the wounds on the world and its people have yet to heal. There are a few individuals from the moon that have a place in society, among them your teacher Houraisam, and the chief administrator at the hospital, but they are rare individuals indeed.
>What, if anything, is Reisen's connection with the Lunarians?
>You are not certain. You know that Reisen is a Lunar rabbit, but she has not spoken to you of her past. You cannot even be certain she was born on Luna. As yet you have not discussed the matter with her, and she has proven reluctant to speak of it when asked by the other residents of Moonside.
>What is Rin's job?
>Both Rin and Reisen are employed as waitresses. Reisen sometimes pulls duty in the kitchen of the cafe, which is understandable given her culinary talents, but you understand this causes the manager, Koakuma, some consternation, as to which task she'd rather the rabbit do.
>Nod. "Yes, let's not make you late."
>Escort!
>The two of them fall into step behind you as you exit the classroom, Rin humming a little tune as she goes. You know she draws some envious looks from other students, but she's mostly become accustomed to that, as have you. You do not manage to get too far beyond the door, however, before you hear a metallic clanging sound coming down the hallway from the left, accompanied by a general gasping sound from the students in that vicinity.
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>Oh, that might not be good.
>Do we have any idea what that clanging might imply?
>What's normally down that hallway?
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>Take a look in that direction
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>Oh, that might not be good.
>Do we have any idea what that clanging might imply?
>You can't be certain by sound, but it sounds like a metal bucket falling on something. Or perhaps someone, the sound was more subdued than if it was a bucket hitting the ground.
>What's normally down that hallway?
>Classrooms A, B, and C, the student council meeting room, and one flight of stairs leading down to the lower floors.
>Take a look in that direction
>There's a small group of students standing outside B classroom, encircling another female student. You know it is a female because of her uniform rather than her face, because her head is currently covered by a metallic bucket, her clothes dripping wet.
>"That's not something you see every day." remarks Letty dryly.
>You don't have enough time to reply to her before something blows you by from the other way. Closing your eyes for a moment against the gust of wind (and making sure to keep your skirt from blowing up) you then hear the sounds of a camera.
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>We're familiar with these events, aren't we? Especially with Letty's tone.
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>We're familiar with these events, aren't we? Especially with Letty's tone.
>This particular event, no. However, you have a working theory. That class was Wriggle-chan's biology class, and Wriggle is something of a mystery about school. Nobody's quite sure if 'she' is male or female, and all surruptitious schemes to reveal this information have failed. If you had to guess, this was another one of those schemes. Given that the bucket landed on someone else's head, it appears to have been another failure.
>As for Letty's tone, this too is not unfamiliar. The winter youkai has a very dry sense of humor, and looks upon most events with a wry eye.
>As if to confirm your theory, you hear a familiar voice mutter between camara-snaps, "Ah, seagulls."
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>Who does this voice belong to?
>It isn't coming from the person under the bucket, is it?
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>Who does this voice belong to?
>You know the voice as Hatate Himekaidou, 2nd year student and proud member of the journalism club. A rare tengu student, she has an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time to catch the images she wants, which explains the sound of the camera, as well. She has a somewhat seedy reputation about town, and you are certain that she has rather 'choice' pictures by now of the entire student body, and probably the teachers as well. But she also recognizes potential when she sees it, and she was the one that introduced you to your agent, Aya Shimemaru, which has worked out rather well for you.
>It isn't coming from the person under the bucket, is it?
>It is not. It is hard to make out what she is saying, being that her head's in a bucket, but you believe it to be something like, "Oh, my. Has the power gone out?"
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>Oh go help the poor mook get the bucket off her head.
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>Oh go help the poor mook get the bucket off her head.
>You hear Letty remark to Rin as you move to help the clueless girl, "Was wondering how long it'd take her this time."
>"Can't help but help folks, she can't." is Rin's reply.
>You make your way through the assembled students, past the shutterbug Tengu, and remove the bucket from the girl's head, revealing the surprised face of Yuyuko Saigyoji. That would explain her reaction, the girl can be a bit... spacy, at times. She aims a bright smile at you after blinking a couple times.
>"Ah, Byakuren. What are you doing with that bucket?"
>Unsurprisingly, the crowd giggles.
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>Offer it to her.
>"You seem to be in need of one."
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>The Saigyoji heir accepts your gift with a bow.
>"Why, thank you so much. You're always so generous..."
>When she straightens, you can hear another general gasping sound from the crowd around you, though more of awe than surprise. Yuyuko looks perplexed. She doesn't appear to realize that her white blouse, now rather wet, has become more than a little transparant.
>Hatate's camera is joined by several others.
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>Do we have a camera?
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>Do we have a camera?
>Like most girls your age, your cell phone has a camera.
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Suggest:
>Watch the Watchmen.
>Photograph the people photographing Yuyuko in her current state.
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>Start with some crowd shots, then go into individuals.
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Suggest:
>Watch the Watchmen.
>Photograph the people photographing Yuyuko in her current state.
>Start with some crowd shots, then go into individuals.
>Good advice, but then read the graphic novel. Much better.
>You snap some images of the crowd of gawkers. If any of them notice you doing so, they give no indication, as they, man and woman alike, are enjoying the sight before them enormously.
>You obtain: Pictures of Yuyuko's 'fans'.
>Hatate, however, does appear to have noticed your actions, and chuckles softly to herself. She backs away from the crowd slightly, and gives you a mock salute with her camera.
>Yuyuko, for her part, appears to be pleased the crowd has found something entertaining to look at, even if she is not quite sure what that is.
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>Be sure to get a picture of Hatate if we haven't already.
>"You know, if would be a shame if picture of all the people here were to find their way into the hands of the faculty."
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>Be sure to get a picture of Hatate if we haven't already.
>You quickly snap a picture of Hatate. The little snoop blows you a kiss as you do so, then turns and saunters off. She tosses a couple of Francais words over her shoulder, which you translate to "Clever girl".
>"You know, if would be a shame if picture of all the people here were to find their way into the hands of the faculty."
>At that point, the sounds of cameras dissapear in an instant. It appears that only now does the crowd realize you haven't been photographing the same thing they have.
>"Crap, she's right!"
>"Vice-principal Mima'd tan our hides..."
>The mention of that name seems to create a palpable aura of fear amongst the assembled students.
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>Add Quest: The Vice Principal Does Not Exist >=[
>Formally disprove the vice principal's existence.
>"Now obviously, it would be impossible to manually check everyone and be sure the opportunistic material has been deleted, so I'll just take it on good faith that it has. And since it's been deleted, it most certainly won't be shown to others or circulated through the internet. And as long as those things don't happen, we won't worry about anyone else hearing about it."
>If Yuyuko's not figured it out: "Yuyuko dear, get a blanket, your shirt's soaked to transparency."
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>Add Quest: The Vice Principal Does Not Exist >=[
>Formally disprove the vice principal's existence.
>You apend your quest log.
>"Now obviously, it would be impossible to manually check everyone and be sure the opportunistic material has been deleted, so I'll just take it on good faith that it has. And since it's been deleted, it most certainly won't be shown to others or circulated through the internet. And as long as those things don't happen, we won't worry about anyone else hearing about it."
>There is a general muttering consensus as the crowd begins to disperse. You think that even an ultimatum a suggestion from the vaunted Morning Star is overshadowed by the fear inspired by the image of being brought before Mima for... discipline. You catch a couple of girls walking past with 'image deleted' on their phone displays. Mission accomplished, it seems.
>If Yuyuko's not figured it out: "Yuyuko dear, get a blanket, your shirt's soaked to transparency."
>Yuyuko blinks once, then looks down at her blouse.
>"Ara, so it is. That's a bit unusual, isn't it." You're not sure you've ever seen anyone quite so un-self-conscious.
>"Way ahead of ya, Byakuren." comes a familiar voice from out of the classroom. A pair of hands deposit a raincoat across the shoulders of Yuyuko as Reimu Hakurei walks out of the classroom and around her classmate.
>"Was wondering how you'd handle that crowd once I saw you out here. Most other folks would've blackmailed 'em, I think, tried to make a couple bucks."
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>"I suppose , but it's not as though I need the money or enemies. I was just trying to keep things sane for Yuyuko."
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>"I suppose , but it's not as though I need the money or enemies. I was just trying to keep things sane for Yuyuko."
>Yuyuko appears to be about to ask a question, but Reimu cuts her off.
>"That means, she was looking out for you, Yuyu. I knew she would, but-"
>Reimu, in turn, is interrupted by Rin, who glomps onto your arm with enthusiasm.
>"Now see here, you! Mistress would never even think of doin' that to someone! There's not a mean or selfish bone in her body, an don't you forget it!"
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>"Enough of that, Rin. She didn't mean anything by it."
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>"
But I thought you liked those kinds of games with me Rin~?
>What do we know about Reimu Hakurei?
>What do we know about the principal and vice-principal?
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>"But I thought you liked those kinds of games with me Rin~?
>"Not in public, mistress... Put that away, Letty!"
>What do we know about Reimu Hakurei?
>Reimu is the heir of the prestegious Hakurei Group, a multi-billion dollar family-run business empire, or Zaibatsu for short. Her family worked alongside Yuyuko's to rebuild the city into it's current state. The two of them are known to some as the Princesses of Mayoiga. There's a rumor that floats around from time to time that the two them are betrothed, to unite their families, but this has never been substantiated. She tends to be fairly laid-back and easy going... well, lazy, if we're honest. But she makes up for that with a great deal of natural talent, and a canny sense of business.
>She also happens to be your landlord. The Moonside apartments, as well as its sister complex, the Sunnyside apartments on the opposite side of the school, are owned by the Hakurei group, and Reimu was given the job of landlord as a sort of 'getting her feet wet in the business pool' job. Despite her laxidazical attitute, she has performed this duty quite well by your and the other residents.
>What do we know about the principal and vice-principal?
>The principal is a towering hulk of a man called Unzan, who has a pronounced fondness for professional wrestling, and the color pink. You understand he wanted to make pink the school's official color a couple years ago, but Mima thwarted his efforts. He has a BIG personality, and most suspect that the Saigyoji group placed Mima at his right hand to keep him in line. In this, she has succeeded. Mostly.
>Vice principal Mima herself is much more understated than Unzan. She is strict and sterm, a disciplinary type. You've almost never heard her raise her voice, which only serves to make her more intimidating. She has an aura of malice about, the sort of vice principal that would eat her students if they stepped out of line. While this has yet to happen (to your knowledge) she has come up with several... imaginative punishments for troublemakers in school. You've seen what the mention of her name can do to a crowd. She also walks with a cane, a subject which, by her decree, is never discussed.
>"Enough of that, Rin. She didn't mean anything by it."
>Rin's ears flatten against her head in dejection. "I know.... sorry...."
>Yuyuko then walks over to the kasha, a strange smile on her face. "You've seen that sort of thing more than once before, haven't you?" she says in a gentle voice. RIn gives her a small nod. "And it's not something you enjoy revisiting, is it?" Rin shakes her head briefly. Yuyuko turns her head and gives Reimu a look. Reimu's face twists for a second, then she places her hand behind her head, looking fairly abashed.
>"Sorry 'bout that, Orin. Never occured.... Actually in a way, that's kind of a compliment. Yuyuko and I've seen our familys deal with a lot of people, and not all of 'em are... well, as honest as Byakuren here. Heck, lot of 'em don't even come close, wouldn't even think twice about blackmailing someone, if they could get away with it. The fact that it'd never occur to Byakuren here's just one more piece of proof that you got a good deal on your trade in."
>Rin's ears perk up a bit, and she manages a small smile.
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>The principal is a towering hulk of a man called Unzan, who has a pronounced fondness for professional wrestling, and the color pink. You understand he wanted to make pink the school's official color a couple years ago, but Mima thwarted his efforts. He has a BIG personality, and most suspect that the Saigyoji group placed Mima at his right hand to keep him in line. In this, she has succeeded. Mostly.
i love you
>"Aww, thanks."
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>"Aww, thanks."
>Reimu merely shrugs, as though she were stating a fact. Then you hear Letty ask, "How would you know that, Yuyuko?"
>Yuyuko appears confused at the question. "Wasn't it obvious?"
>Reimu then throws her arm across Yuyuko's shoulder. "Come on, Yuyu, gotta get you dried off. Thanks again, Byakuren."
>The two of them walk down the hallway towards the washroom.
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>Let's get back to marching that rabite to work.
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>Let's get back to marching that rabite to work.
>The three of you head for the stairs at the end of the hall, with Letty still perplexed at Yuyuko's intuition.
>"How DID she do that? She always seems so... out of it." she muses as you walk downstairs
>"Well, then, how'd you explain her test scores? Never seen her get less than an A." Rin replies.
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>"I am sure many would say The Buddha was a strange person with strange prerogatives. Let it be a lesson that one cannot so easily understand what another thinks and perceives."
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>"I am sure many would say The Buddha was a strange person with strange prerogatives. Let it be a lesson that one cannot so easily understand what another thinks and perceives."
>That brings your two friends' discussion to a bit of a halt. Letty then cracks another of her wry grins.
>"Deep."
>Rin nods in answer. "I love it when she does that."
>The general conversation of the students going downstairs around you seems centered around the unexpected meteor shower last night. None of them seem to notice the doll sitting on the handrail between second and first floors. You can't be certain, but for a moment, its eyes appear to follow you down the stairs.
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>When was this meteor shower, if so many peoples noticed it?
>Consider the doll for a moment while passing by.
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>Observe as many details about this doll as quickly as possible. Do we know anyone who is involved with dolls?
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>When was this meteor shower, if so many peoples noticed it?
>Last night, at around... Actually, it was exactly at midnight. For six minutes, the sky was filled with shooting stars, the most in recorded history. It was unscheduled and unpredicted by all astronomers. You yourself watched with with Rin. It was beautiful to behold, but it left you feeling.... unsettled, for some reason. Your sleep was quite restless, as a result.
>Do we know anyone who is involved with dolls?
>You imagine most girls in school would, or might, have a doll, and perhaps some of the boys, as well. But no one who you would describe as 'involved' with dolls, no.
>Consider the doll for a moment while passing by.
[/quote]>Observe as many details about this doll as quickly as possible.
>The little doll is about 4 or five inches tall, with short blonde hair and big green eyes. She's wearing a simple, yet elegant purple dress, with a black ribbon tied around her neck, and a larger black ribbon adorning her head. Upon closer inspection, you find her eyes to be stationary. Perhaps it was your imagination?
>You continue down the stairs, only to spy another doll at then end of the handrail leading out to the first floor. This one is wearing a green dress and has violet ribbons, but appears to be a 'sister' doll to the one you just passed.
-
>Does it seem to be watching us as well?
>If so: "Am I the only one who finds those dolls a bit unsettling?"
-
>Put the dolls on the same handrail. Sisters shouldn't be apart, after all~
-
>Does it seem to be watching us as well?
>If so: "Am I the only one who finds those dolls a bit unsettling?"
>It does not appear to. But then, neither did the last one once you got close enough to. It still leaves you feeling unsettled, so you voice your concerns to your friends.
>"Seems so, mistress." Rin replies, directing your eyes to the students on the first floor. Fully half the assembled crowd seem to be holding dolls of a smilar make. There never seem to be quite the same combination of colors shared by the same doll, but there must be dozens of them down there. This might just be an overnight craze, but if it is, it's one of, if not the, oddest ones you've ever seen.
>Put the dolls on the same handrail. Sisters shouldn't be apart, after all~
>You return to the first doll, in order to reunite her with her green-clad sister, kind soul that you are.
>But when you touch the doll, you feel the temerature plummet all around you. An icy cold wind billows out from the doll in your hands, and although your hands are instantly numbed, you cannot release the doll. It's eyes fixate upon you, their emptiness filling your mind's eye. On an impulse, you turn around. All the people, your fellow students, are gone, and the stairs are filled with dolls. All of them starting at you, their empty eyes clawing at your spirit.
>It is when you turn that you realize the light has changed. A cold, pale blue light illuminates the building, and you turn to the window to see its' source. The entire wall is gone, leaving you with a panoramic view of what can only be described as another world.
>Distant hills are cast in shadow by the cold blue sun in the sky, burning the ground with an unearthly chill. A wide, silent river runs from the hills towards the school, dissapearing under your eyes. Dark forests with black leaves, their floors obscured by things far darker than shadows, dot the landscape here and there. And in the middle, a twisted castle rises, a brutal mockery of the land around it. It's pillairs rise like claws to stab the skies, and it stands on mislaid bricks, straining the mind as to how it might stand under the weight of its sheer wrongness. A veil of mist hangs above above the landscape, obscuring your sight of whatever horrors lurk beneath, but even this cloud dares not touch that castle, such is its power.
>And you are absolutely certain that, from somewhere within that monstrousity of a castle, someone is looking at you. They cannot possibly see you, but you know that they are looking at you. And a voice whispers in your ear, a voice that carries the weight of millenia, a voice that stared into the abyss and drank of its essesnce, cuts through the unearthy airs to whisper in your ear:
>at last....
>The sound of that voice overpowers you, and you swoon, finally releasing the doll in your hands. The next thing you know, a pair of strong arms are gripping you by the shoulders. You hear a voice speaking you, but you cannot make it out. It is as though someone is speaking to you across a vast crevasse...
-
>Oh goddamnit Lancer, this is all your fault!
>Do exactly what any sane person would do in this situation. Scream at the top of our lungs and get the hell away from those grasping hands on our shoulders.
-
>Oh goddamnit Lancer, this is all your fault!
Oh, sure, blame the irishman.
>Do exactly what any sane person would do in this situation. Scream at the top of our lungs and get the hell away from those grasping hands on our shoulders.
>Emitting a massive scream, you struggle against the hands that grip you. You hear another voice join the first one, but they seem to be talking backwards, as near as you can tell. Your desperation gives you a strength, and you break free from the hands, staggering backwards. You seem to find yourself falling then, falling backwards into some unseen abyss. A sharp pain explodes in the back of your head, and oblivion claims you....
>.... "-as I can tell. She'll have a massive headache once she wakes up, though."
>.... "Are you SURE?"
>.... "Well, I am the doctor here..."
-
>Groan.
-
>Groan.
>... "But this is Byakuren. Byakuren. If anything-"
>... "I know. I know how close you all-"
>"Quiet! I think she said somethin'."
-
>"Wha?"
-
>"Wha?"
>"Now I know I heard that."
>"So did I. ... Miss Hijiri? Are you back with us now?"
-
>"I think so..."
>Look around.
-
>"I think so..."
>Look around.
>The first thing you see is the face of the school nurse, Utsuho Reizhushi. She appears slightly concerned, but relieved to see you speak.
>You appear to be in the school's infirmary, lying in one of the beds. You have time enough to see the figures of Letty, Minoriko and Nitori standing at the foot of your bed before that massive headache one of the voices (probably Utsuho's) mentioned hits you like a tidal wave.
-
>"Ow!"
>Take a moment to recover.
>"Ah... what happened..."
-
>"Ow!"
>Take a moment to recover.
>"The worst will pass in a moment. Take a couple deep breaths..."
>Utsuho gives you a few moments to let you recuperate. The massive spike of pain eventually fades into a moderate ache, and the surge of disorientation fades to a subdued sense of discomfort.
>"Ah... what happened..."
>"We were hoping you could tell us. Hold still."
>Utsuho produces a small light from her coat pocket and shines it in your left eye, then your right. This does little to help your headache.
>"You fell down a flight of stairs. Do you remember that?"
-
>"No...What happened before that?"
-
>"No...What happened before that?"
>"Short term memory loss. Not uncommon with that kind of blow to the head. Still, no outward sings of a stroke... Are you experiencing any ringing in your ears? Any dizziness?"
-
>Are we?
>"Last thing I remember was moving that doll..."
-
wait
did i just unlock an ancient evil by touching a doll? oh fuck yeah
>That was... an extremely creepy experience.
>Who's the staff member at the school that we can talk to about that horrible.... day-mare?
-
>That was... an extremely creepy experience.
>Yes. Yes it was.
>Who's the staff member at the school that we can talk to about that horrible.... day-mare?
>Tthe school's guidance counsellor, Koishi Komeji, would seem a decent place to start. You could consult her about... whatever that was. Unless Utsuho here has a medical opinion. It's also not impossible that was some sort of supernatural occurance, as such things have been known to happen. If this was the case, you're not certain which faculty member would be the one to speak to. In which case, one of the town's shrines might be able to help you.
>Are we?
>A bit of disorintation, and your head is still half-full of cobwebs, but your hearing is free of ringing.
>"Last thing I remember was moving that doll..."
>The thought of that doll brings the images you saw back to your mind's eye. This is enough to send a fresh shudder down your spine. It was so cold...
>"You got a real far away look in your eyes when you picked that thing up." Letty supplies. "After that, you almost keeled over. Orin and I had to keep you from falling over the stairs. Then you started screaming, got free of us, and, well.... Here we are."
>Letty's frown deepens slightly. "Weird thing is, you were really cold to the touch. Like we just pulled you out a lake in winter."
-
>God damnit Lancer. We are kicking every dog we meet now and it's your fault.
>"I see...I felt something grab me, but...it did not feel like anything friendly."
-
>God damnit Lancer. We are kicking every dog we meet now and it's your fault.
>Why don't you blame Goldie, just for something different? Lay off the poor Irish bloke.
>"I see...I felt something grab me, but...it did not feel like anything friendly."
>Letty manages not to look too abashed. "That was us. We had to get a good grip, you were about to fall over. Guess even that wasn't enough. We'll do better next time."
>"Hey hey hey!" interjects Nitori, waving hers hand in the air in Letty's general direction, so emphatically, in fact, that the displaced air sends the curtian next to your bed to rustling. "There's not gonna be any next time! Got that?" She then hesitates, then looks at Utsuho. "Is there?"
>The nurse puts her light away then returns to her desk, making notes in her charts, pausing long enough to put her reading glasses on. "I'm honestly not sure, Miss Kawashiro. The rapid drop in temperature could indicate a hypothalimic imbalance, or perhaps a sudden drop in blood pressure, but the former wouldn't explain the loss of equilibrium, and neither explains the.... screaming." Her nose wrinkles at that word, but it appears to go on charts thusly. "Do you recall feeling cold at the time, Miss Hijiri?"
-
>"It wasnt the kind of cold you get when you take a cold shower, it was the kind of cold you get when something scares the dickens out of you. So yeah, I was cold."
-
>Because goldie didn't win, did he now?
>Let's say that more ICly: "It was like the chill of the ocean, of fear....And like none of these."
-
>Because goldie didn't win, did he now?
>Touche.
>Let's say that more ICly: "It was like the chill of the ocean, of fear....And like none of these."
>The four women exchange looks with each other that say approximately the same thing: That don't sound right. Utsuho furrows her brow as she tries to figure out how to jot that one down scientifically.
>"I'll have to consult with Sensei on the matter, but I'm going to reccomend you have an MRI, just to cover our bases. She'll probably agree, but if she doesn't, we'll have to make do with an X-ray. We'll get to the bottom of this."
-
>"Of course. The last thing I need is a relapse without any effort to find the cause..."
-
>Note to self that if anyone recommends going to a psychologist, ask if they can interpret dreams and visions.
-
>Note to self that if anyone recommends going to a psychologist, ask if they can interpret dreams and visions.
>You make a mental note.
>"Of course. The last thing I need is a relapse without any effort to find the cause..."
>Nurse Utsuho clicks her pen and stows it in her coat's breast pocket.
>"As for right now, young lady, I suggest you lie back down and get some rest. I don't want you going anywhere until that headache of yours passes. I don't suspect a concussion, but best not to take any chances."
>She turns towards the rear of the room, which is obscured by the sheet hanging by your bed. "And thank you again, for getting her here so quickly."
>Whomever she adresses makes a dismissive noise. "Jus' kept myself together while her fanclub panicked's all."
-
>Is this voice familiar?
>Either way: "Could you come in here, please?"
-
>Is this voice familiar?
>Either way: "Could you come in here, please?"
>Very familiar. You'd recognize that lazy, flowing speech anywhere. Though it is quiter than usual.
>"Why, I was waiting for you t'ask." comes the reply, and a woman wearing a male school uniform shirt to go with her female uniform skirt walks around the curtain.
>If you are the most popular girl in school, this girl, Marissa Kirisame, is a very close second. The beautiful blonde girl has been nicknamed Evening Star by her school mates, a compliment, perhaps, to your status as Morning Star. She's been part of the school system for as long as you have, and you've been friends every bit as long. Her brash exuberance sometimes clashes with your more... serene, some might say enlightened, personality, but knowing her as you do, you couldn't have asked for a better friend, and you can understand why she's won the hearts of so many.
>"Ya damn near gave the whole school a coronary, girl."
-
>"Apparently I gave myself something as well, if not as definitive. Thank you very much for being there for me, Marisa."
-
>"Apparently I gave myself something as well, if not as definitive. Thank you very much for being there for me, Marisa."
>Marissa waves her hand. "Don't mention it, girl, you'da done the same fer me in a heartbeat."
>She drops her hand then, and her lazy grin seems to darken slightly. "It was bad, wasn't it?"
-
>"It was. But, hopefully once the headache goes away I'll be fine."
-
>"It was. But, hopefully once the headache goes away I'll be fine."
>You're sure the others don't pick up on it, but for an instant, Marissa seems about to say something else, then stops, glancing at your other friends present momentarily. Her grin then returns to its usual cock-sure air.
>"You kiddin'? You're invincible. Got a whole army wishing ya back on yer feet."
>"She's not exaggerating my much, either, Byakuren." Minoriko adds. "There were quite a large number of students outside after Marissa brought you here. They were making quite a lot of noise until Marissa dispersed them."
-
>"I'm glad to hear it. Hopefully, I'll be the only one they'll have to gather for."
-
>"I'm glad to hear it. Hopefully, I'll be the only one they'll have to gather for."
>"Well, I ain't heard talk of nobody else takin' nose dives, so you got the place all to yerself. But we all oughta get goin' anyway, let you get some rest. Ain't that right, Okuu?"
>Utsuho's face instantly turns deep red, and she rises out her chair very quickly.
>"Unyuuu! How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?!"
>"... innnn public?" Marissa drawls with a sly look on her face. The nurse's red face takes on a decidedly pinkish shade, which seems to descend down her body. Marissa laughs lightly, then gives you a wave before departing, followed by the other three. Utsuho, for her part, sits down heavily at her desk, muttering imprecations under her breath.
-
>"Don't let her get to you."
>Relax, and enjoy the laydown, as much as one can with a sore head. Can we tell what time it is?
>Do we have anything we need to do today?
-
>Do we have anything we need to do today?
>Nothing pressing. If you were going to fall down stairs, this was a good day to recover from doing so on.
>Relax, and enjoy the laydown, as much as one can with a sore head. Can we tell what time it is?
>You lie back and take a load off. The infirmary is well stocked with comfy pillows, so your headache will likely dissipate with time. This experience has left you feeling rather drained, however. You consider taking a brief nap.
>You cannot see a clock from your position, but judging from the amount of sunlight (the regular kind, you think gratefully) illuminating the room, you would guess that no more than an hour has passed since your tumble. You make it for somewhere between four and five PM, five-thirty at the latest.
>"Don't let her get to you."
>You think you can see little wisps of steam coming from the head of the winged nurse as she hasilty scribes notes, still flushed in the cheeks.
>"And she loves doing that too. Unyuuuuu..... There're times when I swear her getting involved with you is the only thing that keeps her in line. Or at least, that's what people say, but I mean, can't all be wrong."
-
>Do we have any idea what Utsuho was being teased over?
>If not: "Well, if nothing else, at least I have no idea what you were being teased about?"
-
>Do we have any idea what Utsuho was being teased over?
>If not: "Well, if nothing else, at least I have no idea what you were being teased about?"
>Given that Marissa is involved, and that Utsuho's blush is more of embarrasment than anger, you are reasonably certain what that exchange was all about.
>To put it delicately, Marissa has won more than the hearts of many, and tales of her 'conquests' extend far beyond the limits of the school student roster. For someone who is only 18, she is reupted to have 'conquored' fully one third of the city. While you are absolutely certain this is an exaggeration, you, better than most, know that she is more 'active' than most, even if, despite the rumors that pop up now and again, nothing physical has happened between the two of you.
>The thought that she might have shared a bed with Utsuho doesn't surprise you in the least. Nor does it surprise you that she'd give Utsuho a good-natured tease after the fact. Marissa loves to do that, especially to the people she likes, and is wise enough to do so only when she knows the other person doesn't really mind.
>And you have to admit, Utsuho is very cute when she's flustered.
-
I thought her name was Marisa, not Marissa.
>Well, she does seem a little cute.
-
I assume it is a protest against the japanese pronunciation of an englitch name.
>"Don't let her get to you. She feeds off of it."
-
I thought her name was Marisa, not Marissa.
I assume it is a protest against the japanese pronunciation of an englitch name.
Actually, I've used two 's's since I learned of Marissa's existance. Just seems more natural to me, 'Marisa' just looks wrong to me, somehow. Don't know why. Heck, I didn't even notice the games use one s. Guess that qualifies as a Derp on my part.
>Well, she does seem a little cute.
>You can understand why Marissa wanted to see her blush.
>"Don't let her get to you. She feeds off of it."
>"She's just.... so good at pushing people's buttons. Has she always been like that?"
-
>Has she?
>"She is quite good at it."
>How Buddhist are we, anyhows? In terms of devotion and following the dogma?
-
>Has she?
>Basically, yes. For as long as you've known her, she's been a joker and a teaser, and she's only gotten better at it as the years have gone on.
>How Buddhist are we, anyhows? In terms of devotion and following the dogma?
>You believe in the concept of karma, that deeds done with good intent yield good fortune, while deeds done with ill intent yield bad fortune. You believe that the spirit is more important than the flesh, and that the world and its people should be seen for what they truly are, not as they appear to one's eyes. You believe in the cycle of rebirth, and those that remain in the world as ghosts and phantasms, as you know there to be, have 'fallen off' the wheel of life.
>However, you do not believe that desire (tanha) is inherantly a trait to rid one's self of. If one desires food to feed one's family, why would this contribute to one's suffering? If one desired to heal the sick, to take away the pain and suffering of the injured and helpless, why would this contribute to one's own spiritual suffering? You believe that is the intention behind that desire that should measure whether that desire is bad or not. Take Marissa, for example. She is a very physical person, who has many desires, and acts upon them frequently. However, her biggest desire is to make people happy. "Nobody frowns while I'm around!" she used to say. You cannot see this desire as inherantly wrong, nor is your own desire to make people 'better'. Rather than clash with Marissa's own stance, you've found your two goals compliment each other nicely, and are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
>Whether or not this stance of yours is a result of your own lack of understanding of the intricacies of the path of the Buddha, or a simple unwillingness to fully embrace the ideal that desire leads to suffering, you are not sure. You are, after all, very young, and have much more to learn.
>You realize that, strictly speaking, many 'true' Buddhists would not consider you as said. You have, however, taken some of the teachings of the religion and made them your own. Your brother, Marissa and Rin all have said the same thing to you on this subject, almost word for word, "Just one more thing that makes you special."
>"She is quite good at it."
>"She's definately one of a kind..." Utshuo admits, her blush finally starting to settle down.
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>If we can reach her, pat Utsuho on the arm.
>"Don't worry, nothing will leave here. And I don't think anyone can blame you for follow into Marisa's charm."
-
>If we can reach her, pat Utsuho on the arm.
>"Don't worry, nothing will leave here. And I don't think anyone can blame you for follow into Marisa's charm."
>You offer the nurse a comforting touch. She gives you a warm smile in return.
>At the mention of Marissa's charms, Utsuho blushes a little again and looks away slightly.
>"Yeah... She's almost impossible to resist." She then clears her throat soflty a time or two. "Thank you for your dis.. disc... discretion, is that the word?"
-
>"That's the word, and no worries. You can tell me anything you like."
-
>"That's the word, and no worries. You can tell me anything you like."
>Utsuho merely stares at you for a moment. She appears to be thinking something over as she looks you in the eyes. She hasn't stopped blushing yet.
-
>Be patient and let her think it over.
-
>Be patient and let her think it over.
>It seems like a very long time passes until Utsuho gives a small shake of her head, the sits backwards in her chair.
>"Thank you, Miss Hiji.... May I call you Byakuren?"
-
>"Please."
-
>"Please."
>"And you can call me Utsuho, if you like. ... To be honest, I never really liked talking all formal with people. I mean, it's okay when I'm on the job, diagnosing, treating, then it's okay. Part of the territory. But when I'm not being a 'doctor', I like being just 'Utsuho'. Know what I mean?"
-
>"I understand. Formality is helpful when dealing with strangers, but past that can be a restriction."
>What do we know about this nurse, anyways, aside from apparently having affairs with students?
-
>What do we know about this nurse, anyways, aside from apparently having affairs with students?
>For one, affairs with students isn't as uncommon in this school as it is in some others. Wriggle, for instance, was hired to replace a previous biology teacher, who eloped with one of his students. In fact, about the only faculty member considered out of bounds is Principal Unzan, and that's only because no student or faculty member truly believes they could keep up with his eccentricities. Even vice principal Mima has a fan following, but those few are (justifyibly) dismissed by their peers as 'masochistic fools'.
>As for Utsuho herself, you know she's about 6 or 7 years older than you, a graduate of the Mayoiga school system. You understand she finished the six-year medical program at MU in five years, proving herself a genius in the field of nuclear medicine. She studied under then-professor Eirin Yakogoro during her program, and when Eirin accepted the position of chief of surgery at Southern Cross hospital, she took Utsuho with her and got her a position as a lab technician. When the position of school nurse became available for this school year, Utsuho left the hospital to come work here, though you've never definitively heard why, especially since it likely involved a pay cut. You know she still works at the hospital now and again, but by all acounts, the students of Mayoiga High are her first priority.
>"I understand. Formality is helpful when dealing with strangers, but past that can be a restriction."
>Utsuho nods at your assessment. "Sensei always says 'Formality is only proper.', she's been calling me 'Miss Reizushi' since day one. I'm not sure I've ever heard her use anyone's first name, certainly never mine. I mean, the occasional 'Utsuho' wouldn't hurt, would it?"
-
>Man that's some abuse of the student/pupil relationship. This is some Twin Peaks business!
Fucking Lancer
>Nod. "How long have you two known each other, then, if she has an embarrassing nickname for you?"
-
>Man that's some abuse of the student/pupil relationship. This is some Twin Peaks business! Fucking Lancer
>It's a very loose environment, in most senses of the word. Place was like this long before Lancer kicked the awesome up a notch.
>Nod. "How long have you two known each other, then, if she has an embarrassing nickname for you?"
>Utsuho blinks in confusion. "Sensei doesn't have a nickname for me."
-
>"Sorry, I meant Marisa. My mind is wandering a little, I suppose."
-
>"Sorry, I meant Marisa. My mind is wandering a little, I suppose."
>Utsuho offers you a reassuring smile. "That's hardly surprising, given what you've been through today."
>"If you'd like, I can leave you alone for a while, let you get some sleep. I need to call the Blue Lamp, anyway, let Orin know how you're doing. Not that I wouldn't have, anyway, but she made me promise."
-
>"Alright. Thank you."
-
>"Alright. Thank you."
>Utsuho nods and rises, moving towards the door. She hesitates for a moment at the door, raising her head slightly.
>"What's that?" she asks, almost to herself.
-
>"What do you see?"
-
>Follow her gaze, if we can.
-
>Follow her gaze, if we can.
>"What do you see?"
>Utsuho doesn't respond initially, merely cocks her head to the sight slightly.
>"Not see.... Wait, you don't hear that?" she asks, turning her head to face you, her face confused.
-
>Do we hear anything?
>If this has anything to do with that 'vision...'
-
>Do we hear anything?
>If this has anything to do with that 'vision...'
>From outside, you can hear the cheerleading squad practicing, but that's about it, really.
>If whatever Utsuho is hearing is connected to your experience, there's no way to tell by looking at her.
-
>"Just the cheerleaders. What do you hear?"
-
>"Just the cheerleaders. What do you hear?"
>Utsuho's face strains, her eyes closed to let her listen better. "It's a.... a bird, I- I think, it's... I think it's a bird. But it's not like..." She falls silent then, then opens her eyes, her look one of someone far away. "It's gone."
-
>"Was it an unusual bird? I wouldn't think just hearing a bird would be very distracting..."
-
>"Was it an unusual bird? I wouldn't think just hearing a bird would be very distracting..."
>Utsuho's head drifts sideways slightly, her face a mystery. "It wasn't like any bird I'd ever heard before." Her voice has changed, too; deeper, more mysterious, somehow. "It was something I'd never even heard of before. Something that belonged in the sky, but swallowed the stars. It sounded like midnight, like fire trapped behind a veil of darkness. Infinite darkness...."
-
>"Perhaps you shouldn't leave immediately. This sounds...very disturbingly akin to what I felt.
>Give the surrounding area a wary look.
-
>Give the surrounding area a wary look.
>The sunlight streaming in from the window appears to be just that - ordinary sunlight. The only sound to be heard is the yelling of the cheerleaders, nothing out of place there. There are no dolls either in the window facing outside, nor the small window in the door. Your pillow is still comfy. So far as you can determine, the only thing out of place is Utsuho's admittedly creepy speech.
>"Perhaps you shouldn't leave immediately. This sounds...very disturbingly akin to what I felt.
>A shadow seems to pass over Utsuho's face, then she blinks, and looks at you again, all traces of her strange expression gone. "What you felt when?" Her voice is completely normal, as well.
-
>"When I picked up that doll. Could you describe what you felt in more detail, please?"
-
>"When I picked up that doll. Could you describe what you felt in more detail, please?"
>Utsuho appears very confused. "I'm afraid I don't follow. Why would you want to know what I was feeling at the time you picked up that doll?"
-
>Frown.
>"I meant a few moments ago, while you were taking about that sound."
-
>Frown.
>"I meant a few moments ago, while you were taking about that sound."
>"Unyuu?" Utsuho closes her eyes for a moment, apparantly listening. "All I hear is the cheerleaders. But then again, everyone within miles can probably hear them, thanks to Miss Kasodani. Is that what you mean?"
-
>Frown more deeply.
>"Think back to a few moments ago. You were walking toward the door, and you stopped. Tell me why?"
-
>Frown more deeply.
>"Think back to a few moments ago. You were walking toward the door, and you stopped. Tell me why?"
>"Because I heard you say my name, and then you started talking about what you were feeling when you fell down the stairs." She frowns herself now. Seems to be going around. "Are you sure you're okay? Headache not getting any worse, any double vision?"
-
>"So, you do not remember anything between those two things. There's no disconnect between where you are standing now, and were you were then?"
-
>"So, you do not remember anything between those two things. There's no disconnect between where you are standing now, and were you were then?"
>"Answer the question, please, Miss Hijiri."
-
>"Yes, I'm sure. No, I'm not experiencing a worse headache or double vision, or any new symptoms. Now, if you would please answer my question? I feel this is important."
-
>"Yes, I'm sure. No, I'm not experiencing a worse headache or double vision, or any new symptoms. Now, if you would please answer my question? I feel this is important."
>Your assurances of your health status serve only to soften the nurse's frown, rather than dispel it completely. "If it will make you feel better, then, no, I don't remember anything between those two things. And I assure you, I haven't struck my head against anything solid recently, from any height, if that was your next question."
>"Now, if there's nothing else you want from me, I have a couple of calls to make, and I suggest you get some sleep."
-
>"Very well. But should you encounter any curious sensation, please try not to disregard it. Sorry to trouble you."
-
>"Very well. But should you encounter any curious sensation, please try not to disregard it. Sorry to trouble you."
>Unlike your previous statement, that remark completely wipes away Utsuho's frown, leaving an expression you can best describe as bafflement. "You fall down a full flight of stairs, your doctor can't determine why... and you're worried about me?"
-
>"Two bad things would be worse than one, I'm sure you'll agree."
-
>"Two bad things would be worse than one, I'm sure you'll agree."
>Utsuho's expression remains unchanged for a few moments, then a warm smile crosses her face. "Any day of the week, Byakuren. And none's even better."
>With a friendly nod, Utsuho departs.
-
>Rest up for now.
-
>Rest up for now.
>You lie back down. Whoever did the inventory for this school did a very good job; this is really a comfortable bed. You find yourself drifting off as the sounds of the cheerleading squad dissipate.
>Some time later your eyes flutter open, finding you've rolled onto your side. The first thing you notice is that your head feels much better. In fact, you feel wonderful, none of the usual grogginess of the morning, no pains anywhere. You'd expect it to be somewhat darker, but if anything it's brighter than when you woke, with an odd light filling the room. It's different somehow than dawn, or early morning. Like white light, almost, but not hard on the eyes at all.
>You hear the sound of feathered wings rustling softly behind you.
-
>Look back.
-
>Look back.
>You roll over enough to turn your head, giving you a look at the source of the sound. Probably just Utsuho again.
>It is not Utsuho. It is in fact Marissa sitting by your bed, though she's wearing her hair differently. Instead of her normal braided part of the left side of her hair, she has a ponytail on the right side of her head. She's smiling gently at you, an expression that seems... quite different on her. Even her smallest smiles are better described as grins.
>Perhaps stranger are the pair of wings she now sprouts. Midnight black they are, blacker even than Utsuho's, but each feather is tipped with white.
-
>Gawk for a moment.
>Presuming nothing terrible happens, sit up.
>"...Marisa?"
-
>Gawk for a moment.
>Presuming nothing terrible happens, sit up.
>You gape at the young woman before you for a moment. Her expression remains unchanged as you rise up. In fact, nothing happens at all around you, terrible or otherwise.
>"...Marisa?"
>"Marissa... Yes, that is her name, isn't it. I wasn't sure of that; you have so many faces in your heart, so many names."
-
>"And who are you, exactly? How long have you been here?"
-
>"And who are you, exactly? How long have you been here?"
>'Marissa' throws her head back and laughs heartily.
>"'How long have I been here....' This world changed global calenders no less than four times after I got old. ... Or was it five? It's so hard to watch this place sometimes, at least for me. And time was never my friend. From your point of view, I may have always been here. Or I may not be born yet. Time was our enemy's speciality, not mine."
>"I had to borrow another face to be here. Even in this place, I am denied so much." She reaches up to the side of her head, and touches her ponytail lightly. "This doesn't seem quite right, though. Does she always wear her hair like this?"
-
>Does the hairstyle seem correct, aside from being braided on the wrong side of the head?
-
>Does the hairstyle seem correct, aside from being braided on the wrong side of the head?
>Marissa very rarely wears a ponytail of any sort, let alone one on the side of her head. Since she started growing her hair long some years back, she's almost always had some kind of braid in it. She says it's a good way to 'wake her fingers up in the morning.'
>That and ponytails are much more common than braids, and Marissa's the type to always do a little something different than the crowd.
-
>"It's... not quite the same, no."
>"And you never did answer my first question."
-
>"It's... not quite the same, no."
>"You might suggest it later. I think it suits her, if I do say so myself." She giggles rather girlishly, a sound that seems very incongrouous with the Marissa you know.
>"And you never did answer my first question."
>Marisa nods at your observation. "Very good. In point of fact, I can't. You'd probably figure out why, as well, but I'll save you the trouble. If my own face is denied me, wouldn't it make sense if my name was denied me as well?" She pauses for a moment, looking you up and down. "But that's fine, really. We don't really need names in this place. But if you want to call me something, you can always call me Marisa, at least for now. I can even try to talk like her, if that would make you happy."
-
>"I... think I would rather you didn't, if it's all the same to you."
>"And there is more to a person than just their name. Perhaps your name and your face are denied you here, but there is still something of you beyond those. Your mind and soul are here; those are clearly not something borrowed from my friend."
-
>"I... think I would rather you didn't, if it's all the same to you."
>"As you wish."
>"And there is more to a person than just their name. Perhaps your name and your face are denied you here, but there is still something of you beyond those. Your mind and soul are here; those are clearly not something borrowed from my friend."
>Her smile changes subtlely then, becoming almost an expression of pride. "You are every bit as insightful as you were when first I met you. Maybe even moreso. It's such a shame that you're not quite right, either. I'll explain, if I can, but even I'm a little fuzzy on how things work. I haven't been here in aeons."
>"What you're seeing isn't truly an extension of myself. All that I am is bound in another place. I have enemies, child, and their powers are beyond your comprehension. I think, if I were to call this myself anything, it would be... a memory. A memory of freedom. Some part of myself that even I have forgotten, that was able to find a single gap in the will of my enemies. A gap that led me here, to this place, where who should I find but you."
>"Oh, I have to ask. Would you prefer I use another another face? If you're uncomfortable seeing Marissa in this capacity."
-
>"If you have no face that you would call your own more than hers, I suppose that is alright. But please, do continue."
-
>"Or would coming up with a new face for you work?"
-
>"If you have no face that you would call your own more than hers, I suppose that is alright. But please, do continue."
>She rests her elbow on her leg, and places her chin upon her palm. "I didn't think it would be quite this easy to reach you, I admit. It's as though you were waiting for me. Ha, and perhaps that's true, now that I think on it." She pauses then, her eyes fixed on you. Even though they are Marissa's own pale gold eyes, you see something much older behind them. Older, and yet... sad. "It makes sense she would find you first. You were strange among your kin."
>"Or would coming up with a new face for you work?"
>The question seems to take her aback. "A new face? You mean a face uniquely mine?" She smiles sweetly at you. "That's a very thoughtful idea, but I'm afraid it won't work here. You see, you're the only one of us who's actually here. In order to be visible to you, I had to borrow a body from your heart. There are many faces I could have borrowed, though. You are very loved in this world."
-
>Smile just a little
>"I am very blessed to be surrounded by so many kind people."
>"But you said 'she would find me first'? There is someone else looking for me, then? ...does this have something to do with that vision I had earlier today?"
-
>Smile just a little
>"I am very blessed to be surrounded by so many kind people."
>"But you said 'she would find me first'? There is someone else looking for me, then? ...does this have something to do with that vision I had earlier today?"
>"I don't have the freedom to speak of either of their actions, at least not in this place. I'm sorry, I know this must be frustrating for you. Bizzare things seem to be happening around you, and I am powerless to give you the answers you seek. But there may be answers out there, if you seek them. I don't know know if we are remembered. And if you cannot find the answers, then rest assured, they will find you. Much sooner than you think."
>She pauses again, and her expression becomes somewhat quizzical. "Tell me, have you ever wondered just why you are surrounded by, as you put it, so many kind people?"
-
>"Kindness begets kindness."
-
>"Kindness begets kindness."
>'Marisa' nods. "In so many words. Like is drawn to like as much as to opposite. It is the light in your heart that draws those around you, and that light is brighter than even you know. That's actually one of the things that makes you special - you would never consider yourself a special person. At least no more so than anyone else around you. You believe that everyone around you can be special, no matter who they are."
>"Remember that sentiment." Her voice, up until now gentle and light, become suddenly sharper, and very serious. "Never forget the brightness of your soul, or lose the light in your heart."
>She stands then, and walks to the window in the wall. The warm, gentle light seems almost to wrap around her, almost as though it could not touch her.
>"A great darkness is on the horizon, my child. Your world has many old wounds, and some of them refuse to stay closed."
-
>Frown just a little
>"And why have you sought me to tell me this?"
-
>Frown just a little
>"And why have you sought me to tell me this?"
>'Marisa' shakes her head slightly. "Because she found you first. And in a sense, it's good she did. I don't think think I could have reached the others. They're too bound to both of us. Although to be completely honest, I didn't come here to tell anyone anything. I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but I'm afraid my reasons are... somewhat more selfish than that."
-
>"What is it?"
-
>"What is it?"
>The woman with Marissa's face smiles a bit sheepishly. "I wanted to see your world."
>She waves her arm in front of her, and the wall of the room simply vanishes. Her wings rustle in the sudden wind as she spreads them wide.
>"Come along. I fear our time is limited." she says, glancing sideways at you.
-
>Were we on the ground floor to start with?
>What's outside the very large and sudden 'window', anyway?
>"Is... are we really still in the infirmary, or just a place that looks very much like it?"
-
>Were we on the ground floor to start with?
>The nurse's office is located on the ground floor, yes. Now, however, you appear to be on the second floor, as there is a substantial drop to the ground.
>What's outside the very large and sudden 'window', anyway?
>The east side of the city of Mayoiga, in all it's glory, bathed in the light of a strange sun. It is a kind of white, but you find that you can look straight at it without hurting your eyes. Rather than bleach the color from the city, you find things instead to be more vibrant. The greens of the trees are brighter, the paint of the houses in the distances seem newer, even the drag office buildings and syscreapers seem to pulse with a kind of light they don't have normally. And the light is so warm...
>"Is... are we really still in the infirmary, or just a place that looks very much like it?"
>"I would prefer to explain that when we're airborne. Come, please."
-
>Can we fly?
-
>Can we fly?
>Under normal circumstances, certainly not.
-
>Is there anyone who can, and if so, how common an ability is it? And who all can fly?
>"How am I to get airborn?"
-
>"And, as much as I hate to disappoint you, this is only tangentially like the world I know."
-
>Is there anyone who can, and if so, how common an ability is it? And who all can fly?
>All tengu can naturally fly, for obvious reasons, as can fairys. Winged youkai, such as your teacher Tokiko, can fly as well. Given the broad range that magic seems to cover, you're fairly certain some magicians can fly as well, but you know of no magician personally who have that power.
>"How am I to get airborn?"
>"And, as much as I hate to disappoint you, this is only tangentially like the world I know."
>"I think you'll be surprised how much of this place is akin to your home. And at the very least, it's close enough for me. And as for flying, well," she points over your shoulders with a light laugh. "Isn't that what those are for?"
-
>Look back over our shoulder
-
>What kind of wings have we grown? If there's space, give them a small test flap?
-
>Look back over our shoulder
>What kind of wings have we grown? If there's space, give them a small test flap?
>A pair of large white wings extend from your shoulder blades, and each feather is tipped with one of six colors: red, black, green, blue, yellow, and turquoise, producing a very odd visual effect. You test them out briefly, setting the curtains near the beds across the roon fluttering in the sudden crossbreeze.
-
>Could we sense nothing of their physical presence earlier? Logic says that we should have been lying on them if they were here all along.
-
>Are they also weightless?
>"...I'm dreaming, aren't I?"
-
>Could we sense nothing of their physical presence earlier? Logic says that we should have been lying on them if they were here all along.
>Logic, you suspect, may have little bearing on this place. It's much cooler than boring-ass logic. But 'not sensing theor physical presence' isn't quite accurate either. It's more like, you took them for granted, that they had slipped your mind. Like how people take their own breathing for granted sometimes. You find yourself a little surprised at being surprised to see your wings.
>Are they also weightless?
>As near as you can tell, each wing weighs a bit less than one of your arms.
>"...I'm dreaming, aren't I?"
>"Oh, no. Nothing so simple. If this I was merely a dream, I wouldn't feel so bad about not being able to tell you as much as I want to. Of course, I wouldn't have any answers, either. But you're right in that you're not in your world now, either. At least not entirely there."
-
>If the presence of our wings and the use of them feel essentially instinctive now, do we feel comfortable we could fly on them without risking falling?
>"Is this place somehow... between spaces? Between my home and... somewhere else?"
-
>If the presence of our wings and the use of them feel essentially instinctive now, do we feel comfortable we could fly on them without risking falling?
>Thinking on it, you're relatively certain you can fly to the mainland, if you've a mind to go there. Only one way to find out....
>"Is this place somehow... between spaces? Between my home and... somewhere else?"
>"I believe I said I'd prefer to be in the air before I explained. I don't particularly enjoy repeating myself, especially since we don't have much time left. I may only be a piece of myself, barely worth noticing, especially here, but it's only a matter of time before one or both of my enemies find me. You wouldn't want to be around me when they find me. Now, please. I can't move from this room without you."
-
>"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just so much to take in at once."
>Spread our wings and take flight
-
>"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just so much to take in at once."
>She nods sympathetically. "I know. For what it's worth, I am sorry."
>Spread our wings and take flight
>You climb out of bed and spread your 'new' wings wide. Even though you know it's the first time you've ever done this, the sensation feels like slipping on your most comfortable pair of shoes. It's a curious experience, but hardly an unpleasant one. 'Marisa' spreads her own midnight-black wings, and says "Just believe in yourself." and launches herself out the gap where a wall once was, hovering just outside. You take a couple of breaths. Even if this place isn't quite real, it certainly looks and feels real. You're a spiritual person, but no so much as to throw yourself out of windows, even ones in a pseudo-reality, without a bit of pause. 'Just believe', she said. Nothing for it, then. You flap your wings twice, and leap out of the 'wall'
>A firm but gentle updraft fills your wings as they beat against the air, and you pause for a moment to take in the sensation. There is at least 8 feet of open air between your toes and the ground. It's not like looking down over the side of a building, or even being in an airplane. It's exhilarating and terrifying, and more than both. You glance to your right, at 'Marisa', and she is smiling at you, a mother's smile, you think.
>"It won't all be bad, my child. This at least, I can promise you. There are dark days coming, for all of us, but there will also be moments like this, as well." She turns 'round and flies up and northward.
-
>Turn and follow after her
>"You said you couldn't leave the room unless I did. Why was that?"
-
>"You said you couldn't leave the room unless I did. Why was that?"
>"Because you're the only one who's real. I can only move as you desire. That's why I could leave after you stood, because you intended and desired to do so as well."
>Turn and follow after her
>'Marisa' elevates to over the room of the school, with you following along behind her. The sensation is unlike anything you'd ever experienced before in your life. The wind in your face is neither harsh nor biting, it wraps around you like the light of the sun. It's so hard to describe, it's almost like moving through pure joy. You wonder, in passing, why the tengu ever come down to the ground, why they would ever want to leave this. And image of Marissa's face comes unbidden to your mind. As physical a person as you know her to be, you wonder if she ever would come down, were she in your position. So consuming is this sensation that you almost miss the sounds coming from below you.
>Your companion guides you over the various sporting venues around the school. The pool, the tennis courts, the basketball court, the soccer field. Each of them fully engaged, the teams from your school engaged with visiting sporting teams from other schools. Each game is surrounded by onlookers, cheering it seems for both sides, engrossed in the spectacle of it all. 'Marisa' pauses over the pool, bringing you to a halt as well.
>"These people, these 'teams'. For what do they compete?"
-
>"Well, for titles or championships at times, I guess. Otherwise... I suppose for the joy of victory itself; to prove their skill against their opponents or perhaps even against themselves and their own limits."
>"Why do you ask?"
-
>"Well, for titles or championships at times, I guess. Otherwise... I suppose for the joy of victory itself; to prove their skill against their opponents or perhaps even against themselves and their own limits."
>"Why do you ask?"
>"For the same reason I will ask you more questions to come. And why I observe these things now."
>Each competition is spirited and fierce. You see your own tennis club competing fiercly against a rival school, each participant yelping with each volley, the crowd oohing and ahhing in turn. You see your soccer club racing down the field towards the visitor's goal, the charge being led by Cirno the star striker, each face strained and sweating. The Mayoiga basketball team, led by the oni Yuugi Hoshiguma, is winning handily, the bitter thought of defeat evident on the faces of their foes. The competition is tight in the swimming pool, with neither your own Murasa nor her opponent has a clear edge, to the delight of the crowd.
>"I recall a time when things not so benign. When defeat was absolute, and losers were sacrifices to the winners. This is no longer the case?"
-
>"Sacrificed? I- I'm not even sure I know how to interpret that in this context. Some people take the competition more seriously than others, true, but I would hope that we all play for the joy of the sport. In the end, it is really only our pride that stands to be damaged by a loss, and I do not see even that as a necessary fate. If one tries one's hardest, need they be shamed if someone else exceeded them in that one matter, at that one time and place? I have never seen a reason why both teams could not walk away from a match feeling that it had been worthwhile, and that they had gained something from it."
-
>"Sadly, there are many who do not share my perspective. There are those who play only for victory, and there are many people who do not play but get emotionally involved anyways. In some parts of the world, there can even sometimes be riots over the results."
-
>"Sacrificed? I- I'm not even sure I know how to interpret that in this context. Some people take the competition more seriously than others, true, but I would hope that we all play for the joy of the sport. In the end, it is really only our pride that stands to be damaged by a loss, and I do not see even that as a necessary fate. If one tries one's hardest, need they be shamed if someone else exceeded them in that one matter, at that one time and place? I have never seen a reason why both teams could not walk away from a match feeling that it had been worthwhile, and that they had gained something from it."
>"Sadly, there are many who do not share my perspective. There are those who play only for victory, and there are many people who do not play but get emotionally involved anyways. In some parts of the world, there can even sometimes be riots over the results."
>'Marisa' merely nods, as though pondering something else. "Yet I also see humans competing alongside other races. Human, Youkai, Oni, Fairy, Tengu, Kappa, all gathered together for a common purpose. Yet are they all of them equal? Does humanity stand astride its sister races, or have they fallen beneath the boot of their greaters?"
-
>What is the general dynamic of race relations here? Both locally and in the wider world.
-
>What is the general dynamic of race relations here? Both locally and in the wider world.
>In the past, relationships between the various races were.... strained. Each race believed themselves superior to the other, even the relatively mild Kappa, who were unwilling to share the waters of the world with those not truly of them. Oni and Human battles were common, as those two were the most belligerant races, especially with each other. Tengu, even more arrogant a race than either of those, made great profit preying on both. It is a great historical irony that it was not until the first Lunarian invasion that the races as a whole began to even consider working together, but the war forced them to.
>Nowadays, although each race still has a clearly defined culture of their own, populations around the planet are fairly well mixed. Even in the Eire empire, which is predominantly Oni, you will find Humans, Youkai, you name it. Of course, each culture still has aspects that grate on the nerves of their neighbous, for example, the Oni practice of slavery, and the Tengu's standoffish arrogance, but racial wars are a thing of the past, and in society at large, race is a not a factor in discrimination.
-
>"'Greater' is a very encompassing term. Some of the other races may be faster or stronger or possess abilities that we do not, but that alone doesn't make someone 'greater'. Every soul has something of its own to contribute, I believe. So yes, we stand together with our fellows. We are all fellow souls, regardless of the skin we wear in this lifetime. In the next, it might well be different."
-
>"'Greater' is a very encompassing term. Some of the other races may be faster or stronger or possess abilities that we do not, but that alone doesn't make someone 'greater'. Every soul has something of its own to contribute, I believe. So yes, we stand together with our fellows. We are all fellow souls, regardless of the skin we wear in this lifetime. In the next, it might well be different."
>"That you can say that is nothing less than I'd expect from you, but for the proof to be before my own eyes. Perhaps your world truly has changed... But that change came at a price, did it not." It is more a statement than a question. "If this world knows peace now between its' peoples, then surely that peace was bought with blood."
-
>"That... may be true, though I wish I could say otherwise. There was a common enemy, a long time ago. People saw past their differences, perhaps because they felt they had to. But however the road that led to this place, we are still here now. The peace between us lasted far longer than the war ever did, even when it was no longer strictly 'necessary' for each group's survival. I think that, at least, must count for something."
-
>"That... may be true, though I wish I could say otherwise. There was a common enemy, a long time ago. People saw past their differences, perhaps because they felt they had to. But however the road that led to this place, we are still here now. The peace between us lasted far longer than the war ever did, even when it was no longer strictly 'necessary' for each group's survival. I think that, at least, must count for something."
>She ponders your words for a time. You almost don't notice the sounds of the sports beneath you fading away. Glancing down, you see all four fields abandoned now, devoid of any signs of life.
>"Such is the way of both of our worlds. Blood is the only true language. But for your world to have kept this peace... for how long now?"
-
>How long has this peace lasted?
-
>How long has this peace lasted?
>The first Lunarian war ended approximately 400 years ago. There were some tensions after the fighting was done, but nobody on earth wanted more fighting to break out, and those tensions faded shortly. Obviously things haven't been completely peaceful on the planet for the whole of four centuries, but the inter-world peace gained from that war has yet to be shattered.
-
>"Arguably for about four centuries."
>Look ahead, past the sports teams.
-
>"Arguably for about four centuries."
>"A blink of an eye for some. Yet long enough for humans for forget. They live short lives, after all. But for the memory to endure for so long? ... Perhaps your people have changed."
>Look ahead, past the sports teams.
>Beyound the school yard lies Mayoiga city proper. You can see the Sunnyside apartments, the cherry trees leading to the school, all the usual sights. Much like the sports venues beneath were, and are now, they are devoid of people, of traffic. For now.
>"But I had forgotten." 'Marisa' says suddenly. "I owe you an explanation about this place, don't I. Come, I'll explain on the way, I dare not tarry here." She alights and flies off again, towards the west side of town.
-
>Follow her toward the west side.
Beware of sharks.
-
>Beware of sharks.
>You ensure you are not wearing your jets colors, but prepare a snappy dance number, just in case.
>Follow her toward the west side.
>'Marisa's' course leads you over the Moonside apartments. As you pass overhead, you can see Minoriko and Reisen tending their little garden in the backyard. You can hear Nitori puttering away at something in the little shed she commendeered the day she moved in. You remain surpised she hasn't burned it down by now. You see Patchy and Letty sitting on Letty's balcony, reading their books in the shade, and Rin bringing some drinks to the gerdeners below. It's a very nice little scene, but a typical one in Moonside. 'Marisa' glances back at you with a light smile on her face.
>"This place means a great deal to you, doesn't it."
-
>Nod.
>"My friends and I live here."
-
>Nod.
>"My friends and I live here."
>'Marisa's' eyes seem to linger on Rin's face. "That one is different, somehow. Something about her sets her apart from the others, in your mind. You love them all, this I see, but that one is somehow... different."
-
>"I've had to go through a lot of trouble on her behalf. She's kind of become my lackey as a result."
-
>"I've had to go through a lot of trouble on her behalf. She's kind of become my lackey as a result."
>The counterfeit Marissa comes to a halt, and turns in midair to face you.
>"'Lackey', is it? Is that how those around you see your bond, as well?"
-
>"It's a difficult thing to be accurate with. We have a tangled relationship, I saved her from slavery, and...well, she is rather tied to me now."
-
>"It's a difficult thing to be accurate with. We have a tangled relationship, I saved her from slavery, and...well, she is rather tied to me now."
>She seems more pleased by this answer. "You needn't try to make your answers simpler, or more 'palatable', for my benefit, or yours, child. SImply the truth, whatever it may be, is what will serve us both best, in this place. I am only sorry that I cannot be as forthcoming with you as I'd like, but rest assured, I am trying."
>"But what I would like to know is, is she happy, with you? And are you happy, with her?"
-
>"She seems to be, but it's difficult to tell. We must keep up the appearance of master and thrall in public, and it becomes a barrier between us, I think. I would be much happier to toss it aside. But, I suppose that is dancing around the question. I am happy to have her as a friend, but not pleased because of this situation."
-
>"She seems to be, but it's difficult to tell. We must keep up the appearance of master and thrall in public, and it becomes a barrier between us, I think. I would be much happier to toss it aside. But, I suppose that is dancing around the question. I am happy to have her as a friend, but not pleased because of this situation."
>"So you tolerate this situation for her benefit, even though it causes you discomfort and unease."
-
>"It is preferable to the alternative, yes."
-
>"It is preferable to the alternative, yes."
>She takes in your features for a moment, then smiles again. "I know that our time here is limited, and that I mustn't dawdle. But.... I'm going to hug you now. Is that alright?"
-
>Smile and spread our arms for her.
-
>Smile and spread our arms for her.
>Your companion flutters towards you, and exchange a warm embrace. 'Marisa' rests her head on your shoulder for a moment, and a small sound seems to escape her. You cannot be certain, as it was so very brief, but you think she was stifling a sniffle, or a sob. And then it passes, and she parts from you, smiling lightly.
>"Thank you, my child. Come, then. I shall try to explain where we are."
>She resumes her flight towards the western part of town.
-
>Follow that ghost!
-
>Follow that ghost!
>Even though the counterfeit Marissa is ahead of you, you find that you can hear her voice quite clearly in your ear, as though she were next to you.
>"You were correct when you guessed that this is a between place, at least partially. It's not quite a matter of 'between your world and another', it's more like.... between dream and reality. There's a part of you still in your world, though that is presently beyond my sight. There is another part of you that is dreaming peacefully. And between the two, there is this. I admit, I'm not certain if you will recall this place once you return to your world, but let's assume you will."
>"Because of the bonds upon me, I cannot enter either your world, nor the dreamtime. I have been aware of this place for some time, but until now, I've never been able to find my way here. Even now, it is only a part of myself that I may not even remember that is here. That would be a great irony, wouldn't it? If neither one of us could recall this place, this light."
>"But even if this place is not your world, that does not necessarily mean it is not real. Or at least, it is real enough to you. If I were really here, it would probably be real to me as well, but I don't think either one of us would enjoy that creation."
-
>"I would think, if two separate people are experiencing roughly the same thing, that would make it real enough. Perhaps it's not a permanent place, but it's good enough for now."
-
>"I would think, if two separate people are experiencing roughly the same thing, that would make it real enough. Perhaps it's not a permanent place, but it's good enough for now."
>"Let us hope." Her pace slows then for a moment, and you hear her mutter, "Hope.... How many aeons...."
>Sure enough, as did the school sports fields, and Moonside as well, the city below comes to life as you pass overhead, and fades away once you and your companion have moved on. The traffic in the streets, both pedestrian and vehicular, are lively and quick paced both. Yet the people do not appear to be in a special hurry, none of the animosity that other large cities so often display. Performers on the street entertain those that walk past, with song and dance and story. Yet these people are neither derelict nor destitute, most, you know, do not even do this out of a real need for money. Merely to amuse their fellows, and if they make a couple bucks, so much the better.
>You do, however, pass over a pair of women that do appear to homeless, but you also notice them being attended to by men in the uniform of Saigyoji Outreach. You recall one of the philosophies Hatori Saigyoji declared when they were rebuilding the city after the war, 'No man, woman or child, regardless of age, gender or race, shall ever want for food or shelter in my city, whatever price tag that entails.' 40 years later, his family has yet to fail in this task, as far as you know.
>Your companion slows as she passes over this sight, her expression a mystery. "The weak of your world, they are not preyed upon by the mighty?"
-
>"They are, if we are not vigilant. But, it is not a thing accepted as how the world should be, even if it happens despite our notice."
-
>"They are, if we are not vigilant. But, it is not a thing accepted as how the world should be, even if it happens despite our notice."
>'Marisa' nods. "Vigilance, it seems, is a price that all worlds must pay. Yours, mine, and those beyond. I know you would do the same as those men, and have done. To know that others would, as well, is a pleasing thought. Your people truly have gained at least a measure of peace with themselves."
>She flies on, slowing again as you arrive at Shirou street. This side street, sitting between the western shrine and the grand Hakurei Inn hotel, is one of the many things that make Mayoiga unique among the cities of Yamato. Nearly every establishment there, with the exception of a pizza parlor, is a bar of some sort, be it a dance bar, an Eire-style pub, you name it. In fact, it has more bars and pubs per square foot than any other street outside of Eagleland. Seeing it in this 'daylight' is a bit strange, but not quite as strange as seeing it deserted, no music, no people, no cars. It's a bit jarring.
>"You're probably wondering why I wanted to see this place.' your companion comments as she descends towards one of the bars on Shirou, the dance club Edgewalkers.
-
>"It does seem an unusual choice, yes."
-
>"It does seem an unusual choice, yes."
>"For a very simple reason, my child." she replies, placing her hand upon the Edgewalker's door. "Something your world once possessed, and still does, but its nature seems to have changed, over the years."
-
>"Which is dance clubs?"
-
>"Which is dance clubs?"
>"You're actually closer to right than you might think. The nature of those has changed as well, over the years. But in this case, what I meant was..." She opens the door. "Music." and enters.
>Despite her declaration, there is no sound coming from within, nor does there appear to be anyone inside.
-
>"Well, I would certainly agree that music has changed. The question on my mind, though, is about how music is significant in our case here."
-
>"Well, I would certainly agree that music has changed. The question on my mind, though, is about how music is significant in our case here."
>The counterfeit Marissa pauses at the door, then glances over her shoulder at you. "That will become clear when I ask you what I wish to ask you."
-
>Follow her in.
>"I expect it's not been the right time to ask?"
-
>"I expect it's not been the right time to ask?"
>She nods. "I couldn't, until we were seeing the same thing."
>Follow her in.
>Once you pass through the inner door (the first time you've done so without paying cover, or being carded, you note dryly) the place comes alive. The two-story building features a wide open dance floor on the ground floor, with the bar on the east face, and a flight of stairs next to the bar, as well as another staircase on the west wall. The upstairs floor features a smaller bar, as well a smaller space where people can dance. One of the places' attractions is the big named DJs they get to play nearly every night, including arguably the best DJ in the world, currently, Mystia Lorelai, whom you've heard is a part-owner of the joint. The club was named in honor of her most popular song, Walk the Edge, so even if she isn't an owner, she's said to always be here in spirit. In fact, she's the DJ now, playing that very same song.
>The scene before you, of a jubilant crowd full of familiar faces drinking, dancing, chatting, flirting, seems very familiar. It is not until you see Nitori's figure on the dance floor that you place this moment. It is the weekend of your 18th birthday, some months ago, and the girls of Moonside took you out to celebrate.
>'Marisa', you notice, is standing by one of the small tables along the west wall, beckoning for you to join her. Even in a crowded room, which looks as real to you as it did that night, and is every bit as loud, 'Marisa' seems to stand out amongst those around her.
-
>Does anyone seem to notice us?
>Approach that ghost!
-
>Does anyone seem to notice us?
>You would have to say no. On the night in question, you certainly turned your fair share of heads, but now, people's eyes pass over you without even pausing.
>Approach that ghost!
>You weave your way through the crowd as politely as possible. Nobody seems to hear you, either. For a moment, you wonder what would happen if someone were to fall into you, if they would simply fall 'through' you. This however does not happen before you reach 'Marisa's' table, and she holds out a chair for you.
>"I can see your curiousity, child, about more than simply why I wanted to come here. Is there anything you'd like to ask me, before I answer that question?"
-
>"You're told me a lot about what you can't answer, for arcane reasons. What can you tell me?"
-
>"You're told me a lot about what you can't answer, for arcane reasons. What can you tell me?"
>She pauses for a moment, closing her eyes. When she opens them again, she says, "That what we discuss here is important. Even if neither one of us can remember it after we return to our own worlds, we will remember it when the time is right. And that moment will be critical, for all worlds."
>She glances away, then quickly returns her look to you. "I think that might actually be why this part of me found you. To give us that moment. I don't know when that moment will be, or where, or anything beyond that it will happen, but it will happen. And when it does, we will be prepared."
-
>"Very well. What do you want to discuss?"
-
>"Very well. What do you want to discuss?"
>She waits for you to sit, then sits in the chair across from you. She waves her arm at the jubilant crowd around you. "We are here, because I must ask you, why are they here?"
-
>Look around. Does the scene seem to be replaying our own memories, or just having people we recognize.
>Who do we notice is here? Does it seem like anyone is conspicuously missing?
-
>Look around. Does the scene seem to be replaying our own memories, or just having people we recognize.
>Who do we notice is here? Does it seem like anyone is conspicuously missing?
>As closely are you are able to determine, it is a replay of your memories. There are faces among the crowd beyond those you recognize, in fact, strangers comprise the majority of the crowd. Though your friends took you out to celebrate your birthday, it was a normal night for the establishment. There are several faces from school that you recognize as well, but whether they are here because they knew you would be, or simply because they came to hear Mystia perform, you did not know at the time. You notice Aya, as well, sitting at the bar, and you remember speaking to her upon your arrival that night, learning that Minoriko had informed her of their plans. You recall she bought your first drink that night, as well, though this moment you are witnessing now is beyond that point, as Aya appears to be flirting with the young bartender. You see Nitori still on the dance floor, flanked by Minoriko and Patchouli, the latter of which appearing only slightly out of place. You recall her mentioning that Reisen had to convince her to come along, but you're not quite certain how she managed that. Reisen herself, you see, glancing up, is sitting at a table on the second floor, which has a large gap in the middle so those seated above can watch the DJ and dancers below, and she is seated with Letty.
>The only face conspicuous by its absence from the scene is your own. Even though this scene is from your memories, you feel you should be able to see yourself among it from your current position, when you do not.
-
>"I suspect because this seems to be based on a memory of mine, from not too long ago. Or are you implying there is something other than that?"
-
>"I suspect because this seems to be based on a memory of mine, from not too long ago. Or are you implying there is something other than that?"
>'Marisa' chuckles lightly. "Forgive me, perhaps I should have been clearer. I meant, why have these people gathered here in dance, and song, and drink?"
-
>"Well, largely to hear her."
>Gesture toward Grandmaster Sparrow
>"My friends and I came here for my 18th birthday."
-
>"Well, largely to hear her."
>Gesture toward Grandmaster Sparrow
>"And this person is someone special in your world?"
>"My friends and I came here for my 18th birthday."
>She tilts her head to the side somewhat. "Birthday? As in the anniversary of the day you were born?"
-
>"Yes, on both accounts."
-
>"Yes, on both accounts."
>She nods in contemplation. "Then the people of this world still gather to worship and exalt other mortals. Yet I do not see her honor guard, and her altar appears free of your offerings. Is this bacchanal, then, their tribute? Or is this merely the prelude to the true sacrifice?"
-
>"It's a concert, not an act of worship. Did you not have people who gathered fame outside of religion?"
-
>"It's a concert, not an act of worship. Did you not have people who gathered fame outside of religion?"
>"There is no fame in my world. And there was a time, in this world, when the famous were either venerated, or persecuted. The peoples of this world would once have gathered here, in a place like this, but the smell of blood, incense and wine would choke the air, and reason would yield to dogma and fear. But this is not the case on this night? What of other nights? If we had come here, say, a turn of the moon from this date?"
-
>Presumably such practices do not occur?
>If so: "Those kinds of things do not happen."
-
>Presumably such practices do not occur?
>Not for at least five millenia, since the last of the ancient empires were consumed by time.
>If so: "Those kinds of things do not happen."
>'Marisa's' face shows astonishment for a few seconds, then she smiles, almost in relief, before turning her head to look at the crowd once again. "Then these people have come here... for the sake of a song? To gather in the presence of music and drink for the pleasure of the thing? Not to appease their Gods, not to ward off their fear, not to sacrifice to their heroes, but simply to gather? And share in each other company?"
-
>Nod.
>"So it has been for millenia, at least."
-
>Nod.
>"So it has been for millenia, at least."
>Your companions eyes close slowly, as if she were digesting what you have said. When she opens them again, you find them filled with tears unshed. "It is good that your world has grown, that your people have changed. There is hope, at least, for one of our worlds."
>She leans back in her seat, smiling sadly. "I know I have said that I have so little time, that we shouldn't linger, that there is so much I wanted to see.... But can we stay here, for a moment? I did not expect to find what I find here."
-
>"As far as I am concerned, you are my guide. I shall follow where you lead, and when."
-
>"As far as I am concerned, you are my guide. I shall follow where you lead, and when."
>She nods gratefully, then returns to her crowd watching. "It seems that I can experience hope in this place as well. At least I think this is hope. That is what you call the sensation of.... Oh, I'm not sure the words... Would you call it 'hope', if I were to say, I wish moments like this will survive the days to come?"
-
>"Hope may be a word for it. Desire another. Optimism. Regardless, I think there is nothing wrong with that, save that you feel something is going to prevent it."
-
>"Hope may be a word for it. Desire another. Optimism. Regardless, I think there is nothing wrong with that, save that you feel something is going to prevent it."
>Her smile fades, her face sobers, and she faces you straight, clear eyes and somber. "One way or the other, your world and mine will change forever. They were sent down opposite roads long ago by my enemy, and they have clashed from time to time. But I have another enemy, and my enemies are also each other's enemies. Our worlds will cross paths again, one last time, and I do not believe my world shall survive. Even if they win, that world is doomed, and whether or not this world fades along with it, I cannot yet see. But here, at least, in this place, I can dare to hope."
-
>"Why?"
-
>"Why?"
>"I beg your pardon?"
-
>"Why you do feel this? What makes you think any one force could that?"
-
>"Why you do feel this? What makes you think any one force could that?"
>"A single individual has changed the course of both your world and mine before. Imagine the force an entire world can bring to bear against another, especially after countless millenia of strife. They will be free; they will be destroyed. There is nothing else for them, or for our enemy. And their freedom means the end of your world."
-
>Frown.
>"If there's been millenia of strife, wouldn't that imply there isn't much force to bear? Strife is hardly productive, even in the best of times. Prolonging it would only hurt their overall strength more, I would imagine."
-
>Frown.
>"If there's been millenia of strife, wouldn't that imply there isn't much force to bear? Strife is hardly productive, even in the best of times. Prolonging it would only hurt their overall strength more, I would imagine."
>She nods slowly. "A logical point. However, your world once believed that 'The weak perish, the strong flourish.' It is the same for them. Only the strongest survived the fall, and only the strongest of those have survived that world. Their numbers are far less than those of this world, but those that remain possess powers and skills unseen on your world since the age of mythology. Every one of them is empowered by centuries of tempering, forged in the crucible of a world that hates them, led by a Queen and Goddess. Their hatred has festered in the darkness since time forgotten. They will be forgotten no more."
-
>"Forged with what, though? Strife and tyranny are notoriously bad at feeding people, or creating infrastructure necessary for there to be much in the way of any kind of advancement. It's one thing, I suppose, for a fighter to crush all comers, but it's another thing to be a fighter when you can't reliably eat, or get proper nutrition, or medicine, or so on. Let alone things like education. Wouldn't you really just end up with a bunch of malnourished and sickly isolationists who couldn't trust anything, rather than any kind of thing that could be considered a unified force?"
>Ponder for a moment, while being pleased with paying attention in history class.
>"Well, I suppose that queen could do...something in regards to that. But it seems terribly inefficient to just create resources from nothing, in a number of ways, and it wouldn't cover the self-defeating nature of such a system, it would just perpetuate its death throws, one would think."
>What do we know about gods and poofing up things with magic, anyways?
-
>What do we know about gods and poofing up things with magic, anyways?
>Precious little, honestly. Magic is nearly unknown to you, beyond the couple of tidbits you've gleaned from proximity to Patchouli. If you had to guess, you would say that simply conjuring things into being with any degree of permanence was very difficult, depending on the magician, of course, but you cannot be certain of even that. Gods, on the other hand, are a different matter, being, well, Gods. You are not an especially secular person, beyond your interest in the beliefs of Buddhism, but that is widely considered to be more a way of life, rather than a devoted religion. You know the four shrines of Mayoiga are devoted to the four companion spirits of the Mother of the world, and you know little of them beyond common knowledge. You suspect that 'poofing' things in and out of existance would not be a difficult task for the Mother, but you are not certain of the gains of doing so. Not has she done so, as she dwells apart from her world, letting her people live their own lives.
>"Forged with what, though? Strife and tyranny are notoriously bad at feeding people, or creating infrastructure necessary for there to be much in the way of any kind of advancement. It's one thing, I suppose, for a fighter to crush all comers, but it's another thing to be a fighter when you can't reliably eat, or get proper nutrition, or medicine, or so on. Let alone things like education. Wouldn't you really just end up with a bunch of malnourished and sickly isolationists who couldn't trust anything, rather than any kind of thing that could be considered a unified force?"
>"Well, I suppose that queen could do...something in regards to that. But it seems terribly inefficient to just create resources from nothing, in a number of ways, and it wouldn't cover the self-defeating nature of such a system, it would just perpetuate its death throws, one would think."
>"What you say makes a great deal of sense. If you were dealing with any of the mortal races dwelling on this world. These beings are beyond many of the constraints known to Humans, Oni, all the others. And their struggles have not been directed at each other as much as they have been against their world. What society they have is bound to their Goddess, for only she can control their world at all. Their hatred binds them to each other, and she holds their chains, because no one else can."
>'Marisa' opens her mouth to speak furthur, then it snaps shut again. She seems surprised at that. "I may have said too much...."
-
>"What do you mean, said too much? Who determines that?"
-
>"What do you mean, said too much? Who determines that?"
>"Oh, no, no...." she frets, covering her mouth with her hand for a moment before, abrubtly, the music changes, and the crowd does with it. A darkly sinister ambiant song replaces the jubilant Walk the Edge, and a pall of black smoke begins to billow from behind Mystia's stage. Mystia herself now appears to be draped in a dull black, hooded robe, a faint sneer upon her face as she raises her clawed hands out and up. The crowd before her turns to face her altar, their faces buried in their hands, a sign of utter supplication. But among those with lowered heads are those faces that are familiar to you. Minoriko, Aya, Nitori, Reisen, Letty, Patchouli, Rin, Marissa, Reimu, Yuyuko, even Myoren and more, have turned away from the bleak gathering and are looking directly at you, defiant and proud.
>"Just invoking her title was beyond me...? Has brought us to this?" 'Marisa' nearly whispers.
-
>Observe them calmly. It's already been established this is half a dream. See if there's anything of note about them.
-
>Observe them calmly. It's already been established this is half a dream. See if there's anything of note about them.
>You take in the familiar faces before you. Each of them is wearing the same expression, one of quiet defiance of the scene around them, and a strength in their eyes. Several of them are quite obviously out of place, especially your brother, but they each appear as they do in the 'real' world. This Marissa has her usual side-braid, as opposed to your companion 'Marisa's' other-side-ponytail.
>Speaking of whom, 'Marisa' turns back to face you, her expression of fear gone, replaced a kind of sad acceptance. "It seems our time here is ending. But it must end in the light." With that she stands bolt upright, her chair clattering behind her, and she flies straight up. She passes through the second floor roof as though it wasn't even there.
-
>Do the same.
-
>Do the same.
>You stand and take to wing, flying up after your guide. Flying into a ceiling is certainly a new experience for you, and you don't manage it as well as your companion did. It's very difficult to put into words what the sensation is like, as you essentially swam though semi-liquid wood. For a moment, you feel almost as though you won't make it, but then you remind yourself, "It's not quite real." With that thought firmly in your mind, you pass through the ceiling. It felt like feet upon feet of movement, when it was barely a foot of material, in reality. Or whatever passes for reality in this place. Passing through the roof proves much easier, almost like moving through a doorway, into the sky beyond.
>The warm, comforting light of the pale sun envelops you again as you rise to meet 'Marisa', who hovers directly about Edgewalkers, looking to the south with a mysterious expression on her face. "She's coming for me." she says simply.
-
>"This Godqueen, or someone else?"
-
>"This Godqueen, or someone else?"
>"It doesn't matter." She seems almost to fade out, for a moment, and you could see through her in places, before she becomes solid again. She turns to you, her face full of a strength that was not there before, and reaches out to grab your shoulders. "I can do nothing to change the course of the days to come, nor can I tell you who our enemies are, but I can tell you something you need to know. Something that might save you, that might even save your world, the only weapon that can truly best them. It is the answer to my final question."
-
>Consider pointing out that if they are as she described, they would sabotage themselves attempting to organize before much could be done to be a real external threat. Decide to leave it aside.
>"And that is?"
-
>Consider pointing out that if they are as she described, they would sabotage themselves attempting to organize before much could be done to be a real external threat. Decide to leave it aside.
>You contemplate telling 'Marisa' about a potential self-defeating flaw in her/your enemies' goals, but decide against it, given her apparant haste.
>"And that is?"
>She releases her grip on your shoulders, beats her wings a couple times, and floats backwards from you, spreading her arms wide. She seems almost faintly silhouetted by the white light around her.
>"What is this light?"
-
>Frown.
>"I think...only you can answer that, right now."
-
>Frown.
>"I think...only you can answer that, right now."
>"Close your eyes, my child. Close your eyes and listen. No, don't listen to me, listen. You must understand."
-
>Close our eyes
>Listen
-
>Close our eyes
>Listen
>You do as you are told, and listen, even though you are not certain what you're supposed to be listening to. Your wings make a small sound as they flap to keep you aloft, yet your companions do not, you note. There is an ominious noise from the south, which you don't particularly care to identify. You can still hear the creppy-ass music from Edgewalkers below, but those appear to be the only sounds you can hear. At least with your ears. And you wonder, now, why you exaclty, she told you to 'listen' in order to identify the light.
>But when this thought crosses your mind, a stray memory sparks. You recall a night, nearly 7 years ago, when your family went on vacation to the coast. You had gone for a walk along the beach, to see the stars and the moon, to listen to the waves, the sounds you'd never hear in the city. You stopped on a rocky outlook to meditate, and it was there that your brother found you. You had your eyes closed at the time, but your face was pointed directly at the full moon, and it's cool light seemed to speak to you. In that place, you had an insight there, a sense of the world beyong the physical, and, as you told Myoren, you were 'Listening with more than my ears.' You don't think he really understood. You were not completely certain you did either, but it was a special thing you had, if fleeting.
>You're not certain how you know, but you know 'Marisa' is nodding. As if to say 'that's the way. go with it."
-
>Listen with more than our ears. Try to recapture that feeling we had then.
-
>Listen with more than our ears. Try to recapture that feeling we had then.
>You let your mind drift back, to try and recall the sensations you had on that night. To help you do so, you turn your face in the direction of the 'sun in the sky, following its warmth. It is a different kind of warmth tham your own yellow sun, you think. This pale white star is simehow closer, somehow more intimate, than a distant sphere of burning gas, throwing its heat out into the cosmos. The light of this star seems to embrace you, like a warm blanket on a cold night.
>No.... No, more than that. The light feels like... Like when your mother came to your room and comforted you, when you had a nightmare. When your father built you your first bicycle, how he skinned his knuckles in the doing, and you bandaged them with your little hands. Like when you saw your brother for the first time, after he was born, how he was so small, but he held your finger so tightly. Like your first day of school, how it was sad and scary, but you knew your family was waiting for you once you got home. Like when you and Myoren used to go chasing butterflies, even when you knew your mother would scold him for being out so long, and you for getting so dirty. Like the first day you met Marissa, how she seemed so brash, but you knew right away that she was a special person. Like the first day you moved into Moonside, and meeting Letty and Minoriko, and how they seemed to make you feel at home right away, which meant so much after your family moved away. Like the first night Rin stayed with you, and how happy she was at being 'free'.
>You can hear the voice of 'Marisa' coming though the light, asking you softly, once again, "What is this light?"
-
>"Everything."
-
>"Is it... love?"
-
>"Everything."
>"Perhaps to some."
>"Is it... love?"
>When you utter that word, the music below stops as abrubtly as it began. The ominious sound to the south seems to pull farther back, and you swear you can 'Marissa' smiling.
>"Yes. We stand in the light of love. And more, this is the love within your heart." She pauses before continuing. "A great darkness is coming, my child. The blackest rage and hatred of the forsaken peoples will be coming, seeking to plunge your world into utter darkness. They will seek to consume the hearts of your people, turning beauty into filth, compassion into disgust, and love and friendship into greed and envy. Strength of the heart might ward them off, for a time, but it is the light of love, the pure light of the heart, that is the truest strength, that can truly defeat them. And your heart, Byakuren Hijiri, is the greatest of all peoples. Hold fast to the love within your heart, for it can pull the lost from the dakrness. Do not fear, for you've enough love to hold the world by your heart. In fact, you may have to. As long as you can hold onto that light, and bring that love to those lost in the darkness, then your world shall have hope. ... And so shall I."
>She says that like she really means 'Goodbye', but you do not have time to ask before you seem to find yourself falling out of the sky.
-
>Are our eyes still closed?
>If so, open them
-
>Try to catch ourself with those wings.
>Should that not work, plummet.
-
>Are our eyes still closed?
>If so, open them
>Your eyes are, indeed, still closed, but you open them now. You are, indeed, falling, and your companion has undergone a bit of a change. Instead of two black wings, she now sports six feathered wings, each one is colored solidly with the colors that your own feathers are tipped with: Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Turquoise. From the south, you can see the source of that ominious noise: a violently chruning black cloud stretching across the horizon. It seems an slimy darkness, spreading across the sky like an oil slick, seeming somehow to suck the very light from the ground beneath it.
>The light of the sun seems to grow somehow in responce to this incursion into its sky, getting brighter and brighter. You can see almost a visible wave of light in the sky, rolling forward like a carpet of day to meet the blackness coming. And floating, rising to stand between those two unimaginable forces, is your companion, smiling gently as she raises her hand, and waves goodbye.
[/quote]>Try to catch ourself with those wings.
>Should that not work, plummet.
>You stretch out your wings to try and stabilize your fall, only to watch them dissolve away into twinkling sparks of light. You imagine you must look like something of a shooting star yourself as you plummet. But you do not plummetas far as you expected before impacting something. But that something is neither the ground, nor the roof of Edgewalkers, but something soft, yet firm. You suspect it to be a body, and sure enough, there are arms encircling your body. These arms, however, appear to be a solid grey shadow, surrounded by a hazy light grey aura, as if it were fog made solid. An androgynous voice seems to whisper into your ear, you are never alone....
-
>Turn our head towards that voice and look
-
>Turn our head towards that voice and look
>You turn your head to see your benefactor, but your head seems to move in slow motion. Seconds seem to strech into minutes, as the air around you brightens and brightens. The warmth of the light seems to have changed in the presence of the darkness. It seems harsher now, outright hot, and getting hotter by the second. It's actually getting hard to keep your eyes open, and when you finally get a look at the figure's face, the light is so bright, you can make out nothing at all about the face, you're almost blinded. Finally, the pain in your eyes becomes too much, and you snap them shut to try and relieve the pain. In the instant before you do, however, so quick you nearly miss it, you think you see a smile upon the figure's face. Then a sound like tidal wave washes over you, eradicating your awareness of anything and everything.
>Later (years later?) when you finally open your eyes, you think you're still in that place, for all you can see is white. But it seems a different kind of white, almost more like a.... bedsheet?
-
>If it's really a bedsheet, try moving it aside enough to see
>How do we feel?
-
>How do we feel?
>Like you've been riding a rollercoaster for about eight hours. You wouldn't want to try running any marathons any time soon, but that headache you had has receeded nicely. It's down to a dull ache in the back of your head. Strangely, however, your eyes seem to hurt slightly, as though you'd been staring at the sun.
>If it's really a bedsheet, try moving it aside enough to see
>You paw at the cloth material over your eyes before shiting it enough to see beyond. Even the subdued light here makes your eyes ache slightly, and you blink and squint. You appear to be looking at a wall, of some sort, when, from behind you, a quiet, accented voice says, "Ah, ya back with us?" You'd recognize Rin's voice anywhere, and her subdued tone doesn't quite mask the concern in her voice.
-
>"Uh... maybe a little?"
>Try to look around
-
>Try to look around
>You glance around the room. You appear to be in the school infirmary. Based on the orangy light suffusing the room, you would guess it to be around sundown. Rolling over, you see Rin sitting next to your bed, a little smile on her face.
>"Uh... maybe a little?"
>"Musta been some dream you were havin'. Ain't never seen ya toss and turn s'much."
-
>"It was that. How long have you been waiting here?"
-
>"It was that. How long have you been waiting here?"
>"Ehhh..... half hour, give'r take."
>She adds quickly, "And before you get worried, I know I'm still s'posed to be at work. But the shop weren't that busy all day, so boss Koa lemme go early."
-
>Smile a little
>"I hope I didn't cause you too much worry."
-
>Smile a little
>"I hope I didn't cause you too much worry."
>Rin reaches out and places her hand over yours. "I'm just glad things weren't worse, that's what matters. 'sides, 's actually the first time I've had someone to worry over. Bit of a weird feelin', ain't it.
How's your head? That was one heluva bad fall you took."
-
>"Just a dull ache."
>First time she's had to worry over someone?
-
>First time she's had to worry over someone?
>Rin hasn't spoken a great deal about her past, but you're insightful enough to know that she hasn't had an easy life. She's one of those youkai that 'emerged' rather than was born. She was a cat that ascended to the level of youkai a handful of years ago, and lived in the wilderness one of the southern islands of Yamato, until being caught by Konngara and her family. That was the only life she knew until you won her from Konngara. It's entirely possible you were the first one who ever really gave a damn about her in her life. By the same token, it's quite possible you're the first person she's ever felt close to at all.
>"Just a dull ache."
>"That's a step right. Ah, almost forgot. Doc wanted me to do this for her." She sticks her left hand up, with her index and pinky finger extended. "How many fingers I got up?"
-
>"Two."
-
>"Two."
>"Bang on." she chirps. Lowering her hand, she continues, "Wanna talk about it?"
-
>"What have you been told?"
-
>"What have you been told?"
>"Doctor Reizushi brought me up to speed once I got here. She had to head out not long after that. But she couldn't tell me what I really wanted ta know, and that's why you had that fall."
-
>"I...she told you about the hallucination, yes?"
-
>"I...she told you about the hallucination, yes?"
>Her eyes glance up momentarily as she thinks, then replys, "She said somethin' bout you stoppin' her once, startin' talking bout a sound, how you had a weird feelin at the time, and when you touched that doll." She pauses, thinking again, the continues, her voice a mix of curious and concerned. "She never mentioned a hallcination. Why? What happened when you touched that damn doll, Byakuren?"
-
>"It's a bit fuzzy now. But yes, I...saw things. Strange and terrible things. It's why I panicked when someone touched my shoulder."
-
>"It's a bit fuzzy now. But yes, I...saw things. Strange and terrible things. It's why I panicked when someone touched my shoulder."
>Rin nods as you explain your experience on the stairs. "Sorry 'bout that, but we was afraid you were gonna keel over. Never imagined that we'd freak you out even more."
-
>"It's alright. You couldn't have known. I appreciate the gesture."
-
>"I would have done the same in your shoes."
-
>"I would have done the same in your shoes."
>Rin smiles and squeezes your hand. "I know."
>"It's alright. You couldn't have known. I appreciate the gesture."
>"But it don't make no sense. I mean, those dolls're all over school. Hell, they're all over town, too, damn things're everywhere, and 's far as I know, nobody else had gone over stairs when they touched em. Or anything bad at all, apart from maybe spendin' too much money, I ain't sure how much they cost. So why're you the only one that this happened to? I mean, I touched that doll, too, and so did Letty, and we're peachy."
-
>How much of the dream... vision... thing do we remember?
-
>How much of the dream... vision... thing do we remember?
>Which of the two experiences you've had are you referring to? The vision you had when you touched the doll, or the 'dream' you just awoke from?
-
>The latter.
-
>How much of the dream... vision... thing do we remember?
>At the moment, it seems like an especially vivid dream. The details are fairly fresh in your mind, but by the same token, you're still a touch groggy, so it would likely take you a moment or two to recall one specific detail among them all. It seems that 'Marisa' was wrong about that particular predition, at least as it pertains to you.
-
>"I expect I would sound insane if I told you what I think."
-
>"I expect I would sound insane if I told you what I think."
>"Ya might sound it, but that don't make it true." Rin puts a finger to her lips, then grins. "Hey, that don't sound half bad, I oughta write that down."
-
>"Very well, then. You said that I was tossing and turning in my sleep, right?"
>"I just experienced some sort of strange... thing that was really strange."
>Describe the dream, or whatever it was, in as much detail as we can.
-
>Rather than be boring about it...
>"I dreamt that I was in here, and some approached me. She looked almost exactly like Marisa, but not quite. She wore her hair in a ponytail, and assured me she was not, she was simply borrowing the form. She asked me to come with her, out the window. When I asked how, she showed me that I had wings. So we flew out together, we looked over the sports fields, where all the teams were playing, and she talked about how her world was different, how all things seemed to be about life and death. She was shocked we were not like that. We went to that club, the one that we went to for my birthday a little while ago. There we talked more, she told me there was some kind of threat coming, something she felt only I would be able to fight. Some terrible, bloodstained place would strike at us, soon. "
-
>Rather than be boring about it...
>"I dreamt that I was in here, and some approached me. She looked almost exactly like Marisa, but not quite. She wore her hair in a ponytail, and assured me she was not, she was simply borrowing the form. She asked me to come with her, out the window. When I asked how, she showed me that I had wings. So we flew out together, we looked over the sports fields, where all the teams were playing, and she talked about how her world was different, how all things seemed to be about life and death. She was shocked we were not like that. We went to that club, the one that we went to for my birthday a little while ago. There we talked more, she told me there was some kind of threat coming, something she felt only I would be able to fight. Some terrible, bloodstained place would strike at us, soon. "
>Rin's eyes grow wider and wider as you recount your experience in the Between to her. The mention of you with wings, however, seems to strike a sparkle in her eyes and brings a smile to her face. Which fades as you expand upon the threat that 'Marisa' warned you of, even making her ears droop on her head. When you finish, she stands from her chair and ambles a few paces away, shaking her head slightly. "I don't know about 'insane', but I gotta admit, that's one heluva story, Byakuren." She doesn't sound disbelieving, rather... amazed, but what you've said.
-
>"You sound rather accepting of it, if I've not misjudged the tone of your voice."
-
"We should makes signs and stand on the street corner 'The end is neigh, pony-tailed Marisa said so!'"
-
>"You sound rather accepting of it, if I've not misjudged the tone of your voice."
>Rin moves to the window, scratches the back of her head for a second, before replying. "If you say that's what happened, then that's what happened. You wouldn't lie. But the why it happened, that, I gotta admit, I can't work out." She starts twirling one of her braids, which you know her to do when she's thinking.
-
>"Well, this... individual seemed to think I could do something about it."
-
>Frown. "She said some things that, were I to repeat, would sound like boasting."
-
>Frown. "She said some things that, were I to repeat, would sound like boasting."
>Rin shoots you a small grin. "Well, you're due fer a bit of a boast now'n then, if I'm honest."
>"Well, this... individual seemed to think I could do something about it."
>"So... you believe that this was real? I mean, what I mean is, you really think that this... someone, waz reachin' out to ya?"
-
>"I'm not sure yet, but it's strange and vivid enough that I don't feel I should discard it out of hand."
-
>"I'm not sure yet, but it's strange and vivid enough that I don't feel I should discard it out of hand."
>The cat youkai nods slowly, then returns to her chair by your bed, looking you square in the eye. "So what's our first move?"
-
>Think back to the places we saw in that dream. Did anything seem awry with them, with the exception of the dance club after it got all weird?
-
>Think back to the places we saw in that dream. Did anything seem awry with them, with the exception of the dance club after it got all weird?
>Physically, no. Apart from the infirmary being one floor up, the city you saw was identical to the one of this world. But it seemed to be a sort of idealized place, as far as the people went. The crowds at the sports events, for instance, were loud and boisterous, but they all appeared friendly with each other, no matter which side they were cheering for. The same can be said for the competetors, as well, as you've seen teams be more... heated, to say the least. Traffic on the streets was moderate and measured, no signs of illegal parking, road rage, none of that sort of thing. In fact, you even think you saw an young man helping an old lady across the street. It is possible you might have seen something more out of whack, had 'Marisa' had more time.
>Thinking on it, though, as you were on Shirou street, or even on approach, she never seemed to look directly at the western shrine, which lies just up the hill from there.
-
>What's the deal with that shrine?
-
>What's the deal with that shrine?
>The shrine on the western side of town is devoted to one of the companions of the Mother of the World, the great White Tiger. It's one of the more popular of the four shrines, especially amongst people your around your own age, though this has more to do with the chief miko there, Satori Komeji, than out of any profound sense of religion. She's the only youkai head miko among the four shrines, and she's reknown for her predictions and advice, especially about love. It's one of the three shrines that were rebuilt after the war, as only the northern shrine survived the destruction of the city. You can think of no particular reason why 'Marisa' might've shied away from the place, but then again, you didn't exactly have long to get to know her, either.
-
>"There are two places I can think of going. One would be that dance club, to see if anything there is awry. The other, well, thinking on it, my guide never seemed to look toward the western shrine directly, even when we were very close to it."
-
>"There are two places I can think of going. One would be that dance club, to see if anything there is awry. The other, well, thinking on it, my guide never seemed to look toward the western shrine directly, even when we were very close to it."
>Rin raises one of her eyebrows in curiousity, which you've noticed makes the ear on that side of her head twitch. "The Cat shrine?" She glances out the window again briefly. "This time a day, they probably getting set to close up shop. They don't keep late hours, cept on special occasions, of course. But the Shell shrine does, they open all hours."
>The Shell shrine she referrs to is the southern shrine, devoted to the Black Tortoise. Rin has a tendancy to place simplistic names on locations, as her command of the common tongue is not profound.
-
>"Perhaps so, but it's also not quite related to what we were doing. I suppose we'll have to go there first."
-
>"Perhaps so, but it's also not quite related to what we were doing. I suppose we'll have to go there first."
>"Mind a suggestion afore y'start fishing fer answers?"
-
>"Please."
-
>"Please."
>Rin jerks her thumb in the general direction of the window, grinning lightly. "Wanna swing by home, have some grub first? Ya may have to save the world, but ain't nobody said ya had to do it on empty stomach."
-
>Would we have time to do that and get to the shrine before it closes?
-
>Would we have time to do that and get to the shrine before it closes?
>Probably not, but it's not impossible. Reisen was supposed to cook for the lot of you tonight, so it's entirely possible she set aside your portion. And if Nitori or Reisen's home, you'd be able to bum a ride off of one of them, as the both of them have their liscenses. Assuming Nitori's bike hasn't exploded and taken Reisen's bike with it. Again.
-
>"I'd prefer not to risk missing the closing time. If I'm wrong, we've missed a meal, and I'll buy us something on the way home. If not, well, then time is likely of the essence."
-
>"I'd prefer not to risk missing the closing time. If I'm wrong, we've missed a meal, and I'll buy us something on the way home. If not, well, then time is likely of the essence."
>Rin frowns momentarily. "Well, it's your call. You're the one with the dreams." She then bounces to her feet. "Then we better get movin'."
-
>"Indeed we should."
>Get movin'.
>We should phone the place, and let them know we won't be there on time. Do that on the way out.
-
>"Indeed we should."
>Get movin'.
>You climb out of bed, slowly, as a small wave of dizziness passes over you. You're not perfect just yet, it seems, and Rin steadies you until you're sure of your footing. Your tummy growls as you leave the infirmary and head towards the main door, but you put that out of your mind. You've got other things to worry about at the moment.
>We should phone the place, and let them know we won't be there on time. Do that on the way out.
>You do not know the shrine's number at the moment.
-
>What about the Moonside Apartments' number?
-
>What about the Moonside Apartments' number?
>You have the numbers of each of your fellow resident, land line and cell, as well as Reimu's business number.
-
>Call up Reisen on the way out.
-
>Call up Reisen on the way out.
>You punch in Reisen's number as you retreive your shoes from the shoe locker. There are three envelopes resting atop your shoes. Reisen answers on the third ring. "We're glad to hear that ring, Byakuren. How you feeling? Still in bed?"
-
>"No, I'm out of bed."
>"Listen, I have to go to the White tiger shrine, so I won't be back in time for dinner. I'll explain later; it's kind of a long story, and I need to get moving before they've closed up for the day."
>Open the envelopes and read their contents.
-
>Amend that to Rin and I.
>"If you could set us something aside, that would be much appreciated."
-
>"No, I'm out of bed."
>"Listen, I have to go to the White tiger shrine, so I won't be back in time for dinner. I'll explain later; it's kind of a long story, and I need to get moving before they've closed up for the day."
>Amend that to Rin and I.
>"If you could set us something aside, that would be much appreciated."
>"I prepared some soup for you earlier, actually, in case Reizushi-sensei didn't want to keep you overnight. But are you sure you want to take off like that after having the fall you did? I realize it must be something important, for you to be in a hurry like that, but you wouldn't want to do yourself any more harm by being more active than you should be."
>Open the envelopes and read their contents.
>Opening the envelopes, you expect at least one, if not all, of them, to be fan letters. You average at least one a week. What you find, however, are two handwritten 'get well' messages, wishing you a speedy recovery from your accident earlier today. The third, however, is not quite as benevolent. It reads simply, "You'd better not be badly hurt. I don't want her back by default."
-
>Do we recognize who wrote any of the letters.
>"If it's a poor hunch, I'll be sure to take it easy when I get back. Thank you, Reisen. Let the others know I am okay."
-
>Do we recognize who wrote any of the letters.
>All three are unsigned, and you do not recognize either the handwriting or the tone of the first two. The third, on the other hand, while also possessing handwriting unknown to you, has a fairly familiar tone. The only person in school that speaks so bluntly to you on even a semi-regular basis is Konngara. Rin might recognize her handwriting, if you showed the letter to her.
>"If it's a poor hunch, I'll be sure to take it easy when I get back. Thank you, Reisen. Let the others know I am okay."
>"I will. Did you want me to ask Nitori if she can give you a ride? Her bike's working, at least for now, and you're going need some wheels to get to the shrine on time."
-
>Can her bike accommodate two people and a driver?
>"Yes, that would be most helpful."
>Consider a proper location that we could meet up with Nitori without having to stop and wait for too long. Or preferably meet her on the go. Then give it to Reisen.
-
>Can her bike accommodate two people and a driver?
>Nitori's bike does have an optional sidecar, and the bike itself is large enough to accomodate both a rider and a passenger.
>"Yes, that would be most helpful."
>Consider a proper location that we could meet up with Nitori without having to stop and wait for too long. Or preferably meet her on the go. Then give it to Reisen.
>Given that you all live 5 minutes' walk away from the school, she could meet you at the front gates in very short order, as soon as she fits her sidecar on. You pass this on to Reisen. "I'll pass that along. Just try to keep her from breaking any speed limits this time."
-
>"I'll try. I'll see you later."
>Go wait for Nitori.
-
>"I'll try. I'll see you later."
>Go wait for Nitori.
>Saying goodbye to Reisen, you put on your outdoor shoes, pocket the letters (even the one you suspect came from Konngara) and head outside with Rin. The approaching sunset bathes the school ground in diffused orange light, which Rin pauses only momentarily to bask in. That's one freedom you've granted her she seems to have especially enjoyed; Konngara wasn't big on 'basking' in general. The place is very quiet now, the cheering squad must've gone home by now, and the sounds of traffic are distant, at best. The walkway to the front gates is about 40 feet long, but you don't get too far along it before an odd sound catches your ear. You can't be certain, but it almost sounds like a woman's yell.
-
>Is it pained, surprised, frightened, something else?
>Regardless, look in that direction.
-
>Is it pained, surprised, frightened, something else?
>Regardless, look in that direction.
>It seems fairly indistinct, and some ways away. It seems to be coming from around the building, towards the sports areas, where the cheering squad was practicing. This gives you an idea. Two members of the cheering squad are romantically involved, which is neither strange and unique, but these two are known to be rather... loud, to use the diplomatic term. You yourself have heard them in action on more than one occasion. They're a bit distracting, but harmless.
>The look on Rin's face, however, tells you a different story about the nature of that cry. Her ears are perked, and you would describe the look on her face as alarmed.
-
>That's good enough, go investigate the scream.
-
>That's good enough, go investigate the scream.
>You start to head in the direction of the scream, but Rin catches your arm. "Let me go first, Mistress. There's another sound I can hear from there, and it ain't like nothin' I've ever heard before."
-
>"We'll go together, now let's not waste any time if someone's in trouble!"
>Progress!
-
>"We'll go together, now let's not waste any time if someone's in trouble!"
>Progress!
>You pull away from Rin's grasp as make a dash for the source of the sound. Another yell issues forth as you approach the corner of the school, and even your hearing can detect that it is most definately not a cry of pleasure. Rin actually passes you, and rounds the corner first just before you. You can hear her gasp as you turn the corner yourself. In fact, you nearly run into her back as you skid to a halt. Before you is a scene unlike anything you've ever seen in your life.
>Kyouko Kasodani, member of the cheering squad, is the one yelling, but her cries are getting weaker. A large gold hoop has encircled her around her chest, and a sickly greenish glow is all around her. This glow is drifiting away from her like a sort of guided mist, into the outstretched hand of a creature that could well have walked out of a nightmare. It is humanoid, likely female based on the simple black dress, but her skin is a dark yellow, with thin wirey hair sticking out of its nearly bald head. It's eye sockets are distented, massive things, with two tiny pricks of yellow for pupils. Its hands end in four distended fingers, more like claws, and it hovers a couple inches off the ground.
-
>Pause for a moment.
>Does the stranger seem to be aware of us?
>Does the hoop constricting Kyouko seem to be under the stranger's control, given our understanding of magic?
>If the stranger is not away of us, does it seem like we could approach her without being seen?
>How far away are they both? Are there any obstacles between us and them?
>How good's our throwing arm? We still have all of our school stuff, right?
-
>Pause for a moment.
>Does the stranger seem to be aware of us?
>Although it appears to be looking in your general direction, it makes no outward sign of noticing you.
>Does the hoop constricting Kyouko seem to be under the stranger's control, given our understanding of magic?
>You cannot be certain, given your limited understanding of magic, but given the creature's otherworldy appearance, it seems at least a reasonable assumption.
>If the stranger is not away of us, does it seem like we could approach her without being seen?
>How far away are they both? Are there any obstacles between us and them?
>Kyouko is approximately 15 feet directly in front of you, with the stranger about 8 or 9 feet behind her and to her left. Unfortunately for you, it is all open ground between you and both of the other parties. There's nothing you can use for cover between you and the stranger that you and her without running a very strong risk of drawing her eye.
-
>How good's our throwing arm? We still have all of our school stuff, right?
-
>Have we ever been in a fight?
-
>How good's our throwing arm? We still have all of our school stuff, right?
>No better or worse than other human girls your age. You might be able to bean the stranger from here, given what you have on hand, which does still include all your school pariphenalia.
>Have we ever been in a fight?
>You have never been in a physical altercation in your life, unless you count a pillow fight with your fellow Moonsiders.
-
>Whip out a book, lob it upward a bit so it sails over Kyouko. In particular, try to bonk the stranger on the head.
>Don't wait to see if it connects, charge right in after it and go around Kyouko. Give her two things to worry about at once.
>Has Principal Unzan made wrestling a mandatory class? =D?
-
>Has Principal Unzan made wrestling a mandatory class? =D?
>If not, should we give him this idea?
-
>Has Principal Unzan made wrestling a mandatory class? =D?
>If not, should we give him this idea?
>Mandatory, no. Strongly encouraged, yes. That was the best he could do without Mima dragon suplexing him repeatedly.
>Whip out a book, lob it upward a bit so it sails over Kyouko. In particular, try to bonk the stranger on the head.
>Don't wait to see if it connects, charge right in after it and go around Kyouko. Give her two things to worry about at once.
>You produce one of your textbooks and huck it in the direction of the stranger, over poor Kyouko's head. You also notice that her yelling has ceased, and she seems fairly limp. You hear Rin draw in a sharp breath, but she says nothing. She does however charge forward as well, going around Kyouko on the other side you're going. Your aim is very good, and the book is angling in for a shoulder shot, before the thing reaches up with her free hand and plucks it from the air. She looks at it curiously, seemingly taking no notice of either you or Rin.
-
>Close in, and swing our bag at her chest. Hopefully knocking the wind out of her will prevent further castings.
-
>Mandatory, no. Strongly encouraged, yes. That was the best he could do without Mima dragon suplexing him repeatedly.
>Would he enjoy this
>Do we know how much fighting Rin's seen?
-
>Would he enjoy this
>Knowing him, you wouldn't rule it out.
>Do we know how much fighting Rin's seen?
>It hasn't come up directly. Given that she was owned by an Oni family for years, you suspect she's had a few fights, at least, but she's never discussed them with you.
>Close in, and swing our bag at her chest. Hopefully knocking the wind out of her will prevent further castings.
>You close the gap between you and the yellow-skinned woman, avoiding touching the greenish cloud linking her to Kyouko, and swing your back at her chest with all your might. The improvised weapon strikes home, but the woman doesn't even flinch. She merely turns her eyes upon you, and looking at those yellow pinpricks is a frightening moment. "Why?" she rasps, her voice somehow seeming to echo upon itself.
-
>Does it feel like hitting flesh?
>"Leave her alone!"
-
>Does it feel like hitting flesh?
>She had about as much give to her as the side of a building, which is about what hitting her felt like as well.
>"Leave her alone!"
>The woman drops your book, then narrows her eyes at you. She seems to be considering something, then her pupils dissapear and reappear in the blink of an eye. The greenish mist tethering her to Kyouko vanishes into her hand, and the young youkai collapses in a heap. The ring around her chest dissolves into thin air. Rin, you notice, has circled around behing the stranger, seemingly ready to pounce.
-
>Does she seem to be doing anything other than standing there and glaring?
-
>Does she seem to be doing anything other than standing there and glaring?
>At the moment, no. But she doesn't seem to be 'glaring' so much as 'sizing you up'...
-
>In a calm, but firm tone. "What were you doing to her?"
>If she does something weird with her hands that gives up a bad feeling, swat them with our bag.
-
>In a calm, but firm tone. "What were you doing to her?"
>If she does something weird with her hands that gives up a bad feeling, swat them with our bag.
>"Only what she- what she- what she-" The stranger stammers like a broken record, then her head snaps suddenly to one side, with an audible sound of crackling muscle. It's a sickening scene. When her head rightens, she pulls her lips back in a sneering expression, her mouth full of misshapen teeth, yellowed serrated things. "What I must...." she rasps, raising her left hand slowly. Given everything else that's happened, this gives you a very bad feeling, so you take another swing at that arm. Again you connect, but this has no more obvious effect than the first one did. A small ring of gold materializes around her hand, but she doesn't get a chance to do anything with it before you hear Rin scream, "Don't you touch her!" and launch herself at the stranger. She crashes into the back of the stranger, grabging her about the head, which draws a startled cry from her and makes the ring vanish.
-
>Assist Rin in overpowering this person. If there's some stray limb that looks like it's going to be a problem, grab onto it and put our weight on it. but don't make any especial effort to break something or do particular harm, the goal is to restrain her.
>"Stop it now!"
-
>Assist Rin in overpowering this person. If there's some stray limb that looks like it's going to be a problem, grab onto it and put our weight on it. but don't make any especial effort to break something or do particular harm, the goal is to restrain her.
>"Stop it now!"
>You grab ahold of the yellow-skinned woman's right arm as she flails about, trying to dislodge the feline youkai on her back. Her 'skin' is cold to the touch, and feels metallic, somehow, like somebody coated flesh with a metal sheet and let it cool. You Rin calling to you, "You get out of here, Byakuren! I can hold her, you run!"
-
>Would we be able to carry Kyouko at any useful speed?
Don't forget we have backup on the way soon enough, sort of.
-
>Would we be able to carry Kyouko at any useful speed?
>Kyouko is rather light, and wouldn't encumber you too much if you were to carry her. That said, however, you have no way of knowing how fast the stranger herself can move, so determing what is a 'useful' speed in this situation would be problematic.
-
>"I think I'd rather not take that risk, Rin!"
>Can we look at the stranger's face effectively in this position? If so, do so and say, "Please stop struggling! Just calm down, and we can discuss this whole thing! Who are you?"
-
>"I think I'd rather not take that risk, Rin!"
>Can we look at the stranger's face effectively in this position? If so, do so and say, "Please stop struggling! Just calm down, and we can discuss this whole thing! Who are you?"
>You can, and do so. When the woman hears your question, her eyes seem to change color, to a light yellow, but only for a moment. She ceases her efforts to dislodge Rin, and lowers both her arms. Her face doesn't change, but you swear you can hear something approaching sadness in her voice when she answers, "Nothing. Nobody. Anymore. Wouldn't have me- Had no use..."
-
>Keep a firm hold, but don't apply any more force than needs be.
>"Had no use for what?"
-
>Keep a firm hold, but don't apply any more force than needs be.
>"Had no use for what?"
>Maintaining your grip on the metal-feeling arm, you inquire about her odd statements. "Byakuren, I don't think that's-" Rin starts to say, but the stranger snaps her neck again, twice as loud as the last time. You think this must be what it's like when steel girders snap. "Can't stop-Mustn't stop.... WON'T BE FORGOTTEN AGAIN!" She roars, the sound stunning you for a second, and she swings the arm you're attached to in a violent arc. Your grip isn't strong enough to overcome the massive force exerted upon you, and you find yourself flying backwards towards the side of the school at an amazing speed.
>The next thing you know, you find your backside on the ground, your back against something solid. There's a dull ringing in your ears, your vision is blurred, and you have what feels like a terrible headache in your entire body.
-
>Groan...
>If we can think straight and speak straight, cry out, "I remember you!"
-
>Groan...
>If we can think straight and speak straight, cry out, "I remember you!"
>Your head is swimming in a way you've never felt before. You try to yell something to the stranger, but your voice sounds strange to your own ears. Your vision is dancing with stars, but you think you see that greenish glow again, away in the distance. You think you can hear someone calling to you, but they sound so very far away.
-
>Try to focus. We need to speak properly. If this person knows that someone recalls something about her...
>Breath, try to set aside any pain for now. Then call out again. More loudly this time.
-
>Try to focus. We need to speak properly. If this person knows that someone recalls something about her...
>Breath, try to set aside any pain for now. Then call out again. More loudly this time.
>You take a deep breath to try and steady yourself. This is not an easy task, given the force of the impact you sustained, but you manage to clear at least some of the cobwebs from your head, and a handful of stars vanish from your vision. You think you can see the yellow-skinned stranger some distance away, and there is definately another one of those green clouds present, much closer to her this time. You call out to her again, in as loud a voice as you can manage. A pair of voices answer you, one bizzare and grating, the other strained and weak.
>"Remember-Nothing to remember-Already forgotten-Lies in the Light..."
>"Mistress.... Run..."
-
>"Thousands of years ago! Something happened! you were locked away, weren't you!"
-
>"Thousands of years ago! Something happened! you were locked away, weren't you!"
>The answer that comes to you is neither one of the two voices you heard previously, but a third. This one light, and friendly. Strangely, it seems to almost speak into your mind, rather than your ears, which might actually be better, until your ears stop ringing.
>"I admire your insight, sheer speculation though it may be, but you can't save your friend that way."
-
>Oh crap, are we hearing voices?
-
>Oh crap, are we hearing voices?
>If they are, you at least have a sense of the source of this one. Despite your blurred vision, you can clearly see a little doll on the ground in front of you. You're not certain how you know, but you're almost certain it was the one speaking to you.
-
>"What?"
-
>"What?"
>"Ah, good, you can hear me. That was quite a blow you sustained, I wasn't sure how long I'd have to wait. But as I said, you won't be able to talk to that creature. You're going to need power to fight it. And I can give you that power."
-
>Does it look like the one we touched before.
>"What?"
-
>Does it look like the one we touched before.
>It looks indentical to the one you touched before.
>"What?"
>The little doll moves its little arm, reaching into its dress and pulling out a purple-colored ring. A ring that looks about large enough to fit on your finger.
>"I can give you the power you need to save your friend. Save the world, even."
-
>On one hand, we have exactly negative reason to trust this doll. On the other, we also don't have time.
>How are Rin and the stranger doing?
-
>On one hand, we have exactly negative reason to trust this doll. On the other, we also don't have time.
>How are Rin and the stranger doing?
>Time certainly does seem to be something you have precious little of. You still cannot see all that clearly (except, oddly, for the doll in front of you and her ring) but as nearly as you can determine, the yellow skinned woman has Rin trapped in another of those rings, and whatever it was doing to Kyouko, it is currently doing to your helpless friend.
-
>Well, worse comes to worse, it would get us and not Rin, and we've already kind of made peace with that idea when we started.
>"Give it to me."
-
>Well, worse comes to worse, it would get us and not Rin, and we've already kind of made peace with that idea when we started.
>Your courage and nobility are to be admired.
>"Give it to me."
>Although the expression on the doll's face does not change, you swear you canhear it smile happily when it replies, "Thank you, Byakuren Hijiri. I knew you would be the hope of the world." The doll extends the ring to you. "Place it upon your finger, and know power beyond even the Youkai and the Oni. Power to save the people and the world you love."
-
>Follow these directions. Try not to think too hard about how frightening those kinds of words actually are.
-
>Does the voice sound like 'Marisa''s?
Why did nobody think to ask that?
-
It wouldn't be IC at this immediate point and time?
-
You don't think that in this situation, Byakuren would recognize the voice of the person who told her she'd have to fight creatures like this one?
-
No? Given it's a life or death situation, as far as we can tell, she's been knocked around, and so on, she's not really going to be doing vocal analysis of something she heard in a dream. She's not a computer, she's going to be worrying about other things in this kind of situation.
-
I'm not thinking of any sort of 'analysis', just her recognizing a voice she recently heard. But, well, it's not really important at this moment, so let's just move on with the quest, shall we?
-
>Does the voice sound like 'Marisa''s?
>The two sound quite distinct from each other.
>Follow these directions. Try not to think too hard about how frightening those kinds of words actually are.
>You take the ring from the little doll. It's a pale lavender, quite a pretty shade, with a single white cut stone set in. You also not not to think too hard about the ominious undertone you can detect in the words. The ring fits perfectly on the index finger of your right hand, and you slip in on.
>The instant you do, an inky blackness swims within the stone, blotting it out. You have a strange sensation of falling, of lurching backwards, as if the wall behind you had vanished. In fact, everything around you has vanished, swallowed by blackness. There is no ground, no sky, no scent, no sight. Only empty blackness surrounding you.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 1.
-
>Don't panic.
>Don't panic!
>Try to see something, anything?
>Are we actually aware of this corruption thinger?
-
>Don't panic.
>Don't panic!
>Try to see something, anything?
>You do your best to keep a lid on your mounting alarm, and manage to have some success. You look about you in any direction, and see nothing but darkness everywhere you look. It seems more than merely an absence of light, but almost a physical thing, surrounding you like a bleak curtain. You can, however, see yourself perfectly, but nothing else. Only blackness.
>Are we actually aware of this corruption thinger?
>At the moment, you feel nothing out of the ordinary about yourself. Well, nothing beyond a sense of fear, but that can easily be explained by your current situation.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 2.
-
>Take a few steadying breaths. There is air here, right?
>"I can't be here right now. I assume someone has done this, and I need to go back. Afterward, we can do this again."
-
>If that doesn't get a response: If the darkness seems like it's a physical thing surrounding us, try to walk through it.
-
>Take a few steadying breaths. There is air here, right?
>There does appear to be air here, and you take several inhalations to stready yourself. It does help calm your nerves, but the air seems odd here, somehow. Too thick, somehow, as though you were drinking the air rather than breathing it, could almost taste the darkness itself.
>"I can't be here right now. I assume someone has done this, and I need to go back. Afterward, we can do this again."
>You send your words out into the darkness, hoping that someone, something, will hear you. But your voice sounds hollow, your words swallowed by the blackness around you. You sense a strange sensation coming back at you after you speak, but the descripition of this sense defies your best efforts.
>If that doesn't get a response: If the darkness seems like it's a physical thing surrounding us, try to walk through it.
>You decide to set this sensation to one side for the moment, and rise to your feet. There does appear to be ground here, or at least, your feet are upon something solid. You take an experimental step forward. You feel a wispy sensation on your face and arms, almost like touching cobwebs.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 3.
-
>Ponder if this is another illusion of the doll's, and try to will it away. Try to see through the darkness, to the proper world that is presumably being cloaked by it.
-
>Keep moving forward while doing so.
>Can we feel any of the power the ring is supposed to be giving us?
-
>Ponder if this is another illusion of the doll's, and try to will it away. Try to see through the darkness, to the proper world that is presumably being cloaked by it.
>You consider the possibilty that this is another vision given to you by the doll, and attempt to force it away, to get back to reality. To your surprise, the blackness around you almost seems to ripple for a moment at the act, and a hissing sound assaults your ear. You squint your eyes and try to see through the veil of darkness to the world beyond. Although you can see no sign of the schoolyard, you have the distinctly uncomfortable sensation that something in the darkness is looking back at you.
>Keep moving forward while doing so.
>Can we feel any of the power the ring is supposed to be giving us?
>You continue on through the darkness, the sensation of moving through cobwebs getting more and more pronounced as you go. You swear you can almost see visible wisps of black.... stuff falling off your arms. Your feet make no sound upon the ground as you walk, if indeed it is ground beneath your feet. You feel no sense of power at all, from the ring or otherwise. In fact, just the opposite, you feel almost powerless. Thus far today, you've had a disturbing vision of a world not your own, an extended conversation with an otherworldly being who posed dire warnings about the future of your world, and who almost seemed to be judging your people, then a yellow-skinned creature attacks your schoolmate, your friend and yourself, and you could do nothing to her. And now, here you are. Engulfed by a black sea, with no escape, no sound, nothing but you. Alone. In the dark.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 5
>You feel a cold tingle run down your spine.
-
Fight smarter, not harder.
>Can we tell anything about that presence that was looking at us? Either way, continue to try to part the black sea, to speak. There's no time for this.
-
>And fight those feelings of despair. No giving up.
>Look at the ring; does it seem to be doing anything?
-
>And fight those feelings of despair. No giving up.
>You call upon your reserves on inner strength to ward off the darkening thoughts surfacing within. Sure, you've had one monstroudly bizzarre day, but you're not about to crawl into a corner and take it lying down! Assuming this place even has corners...
>Look at the ring; does it seem to be doing anything?
>You glance at the violet band upon your finger, and the currently black stone set therein. The stone seems somehow to blend into the darkness around you, as though the two were connected somehow. It's strange, though, seeing it sitting on your finger. Like a hole, almost. A fathomless void resting on your tiny little hand, a little sliver of this place you've made your own.... You tear your eyes away from the stone as that thought creeps into your mind, but you find them drifting almost unconsciouslessly back to it now and again.
>Can we tell anything about that presence that was looking at us? Either way, continue to try to part the black sea, to speak. There's no time for this.
>You continue moving forward, if such a term can be used in a place like this, and try to ascertain something about the being observed feeling you're experiencing. But there is nothing to be seen, in any direction, no eyes, no people, no animals, only a murky darkness surrounding you, despite the increasing sense of haste you feel.
>Actually, that's not entirely accurate. Perhaps it's a trick of your eyes, or perhaps they are becoming adjusted to the dark, but you think, for a moment, you can almost make out ripples in the darkness before you, behind you, around you, as though there were figures moving behind a great curtain surrounding you.
> Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 7.
-
>I meant in the sense of resisting the illusion rather than accepting it ;_;
>Can we tell if those figures seem to correspond to Rin and the Stranger's positions, or motions?
-
>I meant in the sense of resisting the illusion rather than accepting it ;_;
>Are you so certain this is illusion?
>Can we tell if those figures seem to correspond to Rin and the Stranger's positions, or motions?
>They seem to be coming from all around you, so there has to be more than simply those two, if indeed Rin and the stranger are even out there at all. The sense of being observed is stronger, now, as though more eyes are upon you. And more than just eyes. Sounds now come at you from the murky blackness, strange sounds. Almost like a chorus of whispers, hundreds, thousands of voices, speaking to each other in hushed tones. They surround you, circle you, persistant whispers, the breath of the blackness itself.
>And yet, despite the ominousness of this noise around you, the whispers in the darkness, you swear you can hear Rin's voice among them. You catch snatches of her voice, something like "...ank you en.... id you wan...."
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 8.
-
>"There is no time for this. My friend needs me, right now. Please let me go, we can discuss whatever you need later tonight. Right now is too important, I am sorry."
-
>"There is no time for this. My friend needs me, right now. Please let me go, we can discuss whatever you need later tonight. Right now is too important, I am sorry."
>You speak to you know not what, pleading for reason, for some understanding of your need to help your friend. Somewhat to your surprise, you get a reply. The sound from the darkness changes, from hundreds of whispers to something else. It takes a few moments for you get a grasp of the new sound, but you'd wager it's laughter. The uniform secret snickers of... of whatever's out there.
>"She doesn't understand, she doesn't understand."
>"Of course not, she's still only human."
>"Is she afraid? Is that human fear?"
>"Or is she angry? She thinks she can't see her friend!"
>"No. Surely not!"
>"Why, she can hear her, if she but listens hard enough."
-
>Try to hear Rin, or the Stranger for that matter.
-
>Try to see them, too. Will it as hard as we possibly can.
-
>Try to hear Rin, or the Stranger for that matter.
>Try to see them, too. Will it as hard as we possibly can.
>You perk your ears and strain your eyes against the darkness, trying to find your friends' voice amongst the noise, some sign of her amidst the gloom. It doesn't take long to find her voice again, and you look in that direction. You look as hard as you can at the black curtain before you, and it almost seems to part at your focus. A surge of light assaults your eyes and a blast of wind nearly takes you off your feet. You take a moment to steady yourself as the gale passes, and see a scene before that is... impossible.
>The school sports field does stand before your vision, deserted as it was moments ago, but there is no sign of the yellow-skinned stranger, no sign of Kyouko either. What you see is... YOU. Byakuren Hijiri, clad in a long black gown, hiding your feet, with elbow-length black gloves. The outfit itself is strange to you, but even more alien is the aura, the presence of command surrounding her/you. It is an imperious feeling, like anyone in your presence would bow down before Byakuren, as they rightly should. In fact, sure enough, there IS someone kneeling before Byakuren on all fours, even. Though she is not directly in front of Byakuren, but rather Rin, who is standing next to you, alongside a tall woman with blue hair whom you do not recognize, and seems to be licking Rin's shoes. It takes you a moment to recognize the dark-haired woman at Rin's feet is Konngara, right about when you notice Rin speaking.
>"I can't thank you enough, my Lady. I'm honored by this gift."
>Byakuren merely nods in acknowledgement, while the blue-haired woman intones in a resonating voice, "Justice from the Dark Lady..."
>"Did you want me to do anything special with her, my Lady?" Rin continues, as Konngara pauses in her 'task', glancing up long eough to glare at Rin before a look from Byakuren returns her face to the ground, her attitude melting with that imperious look.
>"Anything you wish," Byakuren speaks, in a powerful voice you barely recognize as your own, full of towering superiority. "As once she owned you, so now do you own her. Until such time as you grow bored with her."
>Rin rubs her hands together, smirking broadly. "That won't be anytime soon, my Lady. I can be very creative." Byakuren chuckles darkly, as Rin produces a collar and leash. "And I've been looking forward to this for a long time." She fastens the collar around Konngara's neck, and snaps the leash to it. "Time for a walk, you. Let's see how YOU like being a pet for a while."
>Byakuren sneers as Rin bows deeply before you and walks off with her new pet. You feel contempt for the subjugated oni, but this is no more than what she has earned for herself, and the bare minimum that you grant to your favored. Such is your world, the world of the Dark Lady.
>The curtain of darkness rolls in again, leaving you alone in the dark once more.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 14.
>You feel a distinct chill around you, and a weight pressing down on your shoulders.
-
>"No. That is not me. I will never become such a person."
>Keep willing the darkness away. We need to help Rin, and we're not going to let whatever this is stop us.
-
>Rather than a 'this isn't me.'
>"What would be the point of that? It doesn't solve anything with Rin or Konngara."
>After all, resentment and justification would still be issues, it's just inspire Konngara to do something later on, likely something drastic. Not that there is time to explain this.
-
>Let's say both.
-
>"What would be the point of that? It doesn't solve anything with Rin or Konngara."
>After all, resentment and justification would still be issues, it's just inspire Konngara to do something later on, likely something drastic. Not that there is time to explain this.
>You reaffirm your beliefs on the subjects of vengeance to yourself and whatever's out there before assuming, likely correctly, that this is not the proper time for a philosophical debate with some otherworldly influence.
>But in the back of your mind, a fleeting thought occurs. Why DO you care about Konngara at all? As far as you know, she's never done any good for anyone, and has only made life more difficult for everyone around her. Rin especially, but yourself as well. You weren't looking for any more responsibility, and because of that obnoxious oni, you now have to take care of a youkai who couldn't look after herself well enough. But Rin has proven to be worth your affection, so why shouldn't she have some payback? Who's to say that that wasn't what she really wants? And seeing her get what she wanted DID feel satisfying....
>That thought vanishes from your mind almost as quickly as it formed. Leaving you with the unsettling question of why you had it in the first place...
>"No. That is not me. I will never become such a person."
>Keep willing the darkness away. We need to help Rin, and we're not going to let whatever this is stop us.
>You cast your defiance out into the night, vowing never to become the kind of person you witnessed just now, trying to keep your friend foremost in your mind. The black veil before ripples again, and you can hear the sounds of snickering again. It seems louder this time.... No, that's not right. There seem to be more voices now is what it is, leering at you from the darkness.
>"'Become such a person'?"
>"She doesn't understand!"
>"Only human after all."
>"Wouldn't they know their own birthright? Or the truth when they see it?"
>"Or wonder, if they can do that much, what could they do for others? Other close to her heart? Her own blood, even..."
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 15.
>The chill around you worsens, and the weight on your shoulders grows slightly heavier. Your right hand starts to feel numb.
-
>"I was told that wearing this ring would give me the power to protect what I care about. I will not allow such power to corrupt me. If you're so convinced that what you showed me is who I am, that I would come to misuse such power, then give me the chance to proove you wrong."
-
>"I was told that wearing this ring would give me the power to protect what I care about. I will not allow such power to corrupt me. If you're so convinced that what you showed me is who I am, that I would come to misuse such power, then give me the chance to proove you wrong."
>Before we say this, do we even know that it's acting on us?
>As for the stray thought, the answer is obvious: utility has no meaning in the evaluation of a being. They live and experience, this is enough to make it worthy to preserve them.
I say we take the ring off. It has failed to help us, and if this has happened in real time, likely gotten Orin in a world of shit.
-
>Before we say this, do we even know that it's acting on us?
>You cannot say with absolute certainty, but given that you're losing feeling in the hand you're wearing the ring on, and that it's gemstone turned black the instant you put it on, this seems at least a decent guess.
>As for the stray thought, the answer is obvious: utility has no meaning in the evaluation of a being. They live and experience, this is enough to make it worthy to preserve them.
>Oh so enlightened are you... Shame that this place still sees you as only human. You would make a fine example of your race.
>"I was told that wearing this ring would give me the power to protect what I care about. I will not allow such power to corrupt me. If you're so convinced that what you showed me is who I am, that I would come to misuse such power, then give me the chance to proove you wrong."
>Defiantly you deny the darkness around you, and whatever creatures it holds, vowing your heart will never be swayed. The voices from the dark stop their laughing, if indeed that's what they were doing in the first place. The ripples in the darkness stop as well, though whether this is because whatever was out there has vanished, or simply stopped moving, you cannot be certain. But for the moment, you find yourself alone again, awash in a black sea. You think you can hear something, barely, coming from far away, but it's too far to make out clearly, and Rin isn't here to be your ears this time.
-
>Strain to hear it, moving towards it as we do.
>Also, continue attempting to will the darkness away.
Let's go a little longer before removing the ring. It's clearly doing something, and as far as the promised power is concerned, I think we may be getting closer to it. Also, I expect that this is not happening in real time.
-
>Also, continue attempting to will the darkness away.
>You continue to draw upon your willpower to ward off the gloom pressing down upon you. A weight, you note, that seems to be getting heavier and heavier. You have always been a strong person, very sure of yourself and your own identity, with a will surpassed by few, if any, you've known.But this isn't like when you faced down Konngara, or when you decided to remain in Mayoiga, away from your family. You are alone here, more alone than you've ever been, a simple teenage human girl at the mercy of some otherworldy force. A power, or being, even beings, perhaps incomprehensible to the greatest minds of the world, and that power has you trapped firmly in its' icy cold grip.
>Strain to hear it, moving towards it as we do.
>You strain your ears against the silent wall of black, trying to focus on the distant sound. You draw a bead on it and set of in its direction, whatever direction that is. The darkness seems even thicker now, you almost seem to shove your way through. The sensation is... disturbing. Like dozens of spiders dancing across your skin, chilling you with their frigid, spindly legs.
>Time passes as you press on, and after what seems like an hour, but what easily could have been only a minute, you draw close enough to the sound to hear it more clearly. It is another voice, just one this time. And it sounds familiar, too. Almost like....
>... Myoren?
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 17.
-
>Take heart. We can remove the ring whenever we wish.
>Try to focus on this voice. It seems we are married to this course of action for now if it's been that long.
-
>Take heart. We can remove the ring whenever we wish.
>You take comfort in the knowledge that you can remove the ring at your convenience. Any comfort, at this point, is a welcome sensation, however small it is.
>Try to focus on this voice. It seems we are married to this course of action for now if it's been that long.
>As you focus your attention on the lone voice, you find that it is, indeed, the voice of your brother. And yet at the same time, different, somehow. It seems stronger, more robust, than you're used to hearing your soft-spoken brother sound. "I still can't get over what you've done to me." you hear him say, before the darkness before you rolls back as it did before. The burst of wind that accompanies it this time seems more comfortable this time. Perhaps because you knew it was coming. But then, perhaps not.
>You see before you part of a room you have never seen before, with red carpet and hardwood walls, and a woman with short blonde hair you've never seen before guarding the door. The black-clad version of yourself is present, as is your brother. He is different than the last time you saw. He's always been sickly, and a bit frail, but now he looks... buff. Ripped, even, as you look at his shirtless form. He seems energized, full of a life he's never had before, as he grins from ear to ear and rubs his hands together. "To free me from the prison of my own body, give me a life I'd barely dared dream of before.... with all that comes with it...."
>The blonde girl at the door raises her arms to her side and intones, "Glories to the favored of the Dark Lady." as Myoren turns to face the other occupants of the room. A lineup of women, each with different outfits and appearances, each with the same hopeless look in their downcast eyes, standing at attention as they are inspicted by your newly virile brother. He struts before the young women, sizing them up with an obvious look on his face as to why they, and he, are here.
>"Do any of these appeal to you, brother mine?" Byakuren inquires of Myoren, who pauses in his appraisement, raising his hand to his mouth in exaggerated consideration. Byakuren smirks at your brother's newfound humor.
>"Well, they're a fine bunch, that's for sure. Certainly adequate, buuuuuut...." he drawls, turning his gaze to Byakuren. His eyes are smoldering. "I think I'd rather have you."
>The blonde door guard starts from her place, her expression outraged, but just as quickly, her stops, her hands flying to her chest, and she screams, dropping to the floor. You note that Byakuren's hand is surrounded by a dark purple glow, Byakuren's neutral face somehow frightening to behold. Myoren's grin seems cruel as he watches the blonde writhe in agony on the floor, black sparks flying from her chest as she continues screaming. The line of women cover their faces with their hands, a gesture of supplication, you believe, rather than simple dread.
>"Mind your place, little demon. Lest I send you back to the world that spawned you." Byakuren intones in a terrible voice, before lowering her hand, the glow fading. The guard screams once more, briefly, before curling up into herself and gasping shallowly. She returns her gaze to Myoren, and crosses the room to him, tracing the musculature of his sculpted chest lightly.
>The last thing you see before the darkness rolls back in upon you and covers your sight, leaving you alone again, is the image of Myoren wrapping his arms around Byakuren.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 25.
>You feel a sharp chill in your heart, accompanied by a pleasant feeling throughout your body. As though the dark and cold were welcoming you to where you belong.
-
>Wince at the chill, then shudder.
I think, at this point, there is literally no reason Byakuren would keep the ring on if she's feeling this place is welcoming her.
-
Agreed. But first...
>"Again, you are wrong. You show me with the power to help my brother, and yes, I would do so in a heartbeat if I could. But I would not be the person you show me to be. I will not allow myself to become that person."
>Remove the ring.
-
>Add, before taking off the ring, "I have no more time for this farce. People need me."
-
To be honest, I'd like to go the 'dark lady' route (and yes, I think I could make the transition without breaking character), but something tells me I'm probably alone in that. Although if you do want to do that, then say so.
-
Sounds boring, really. And moreover, out of character at this point in time.
-
>Wince at the chill, then shudder.
>"Again, you are wrong. You show me with the power to help my brother, and yes, I would do so in a heartbeat if I could. But I would not be the person you show me to be. I will not allow myself to become that person."
>Add, before taking off the ring, "I have no more time for this farce. People need me."
>Remove the ring.
>You cringe at the sensation within your chest, and the lowering temperature around you, then decide that alright. Enough is enough. Whatever you hoped that ring was going to do, it obviously hasn't done you any good. At least not the kind of good you wanted in the first place, and you've certainly had enough of being alone in this place. Power or no, it's time to leave, and you take hold of the purple band around your finger.
>Before you yank it off your hand, however, you hesitate. It truly was good to see your brother that healthy, that full of life, for the first time in his entire life. You'd hoped to see him thus for the whole of your life, and had dabbled with the idea of a medical career to make it so. But here, in this place, you have seen it come to pass. Because of you. And he looked no older here than he did the last time you saw him, which means, you think at least, that you could walk out of this place, stretch your arm out, and give him the life he's always dreamed of.
>And that's just your brother. If you could do that for him, what's to stop you from doing so to someone else? Anyone else? And when that crosses your mind, the voices from the dark whisper around you, closer, somehow, this time.
>"People do need her. Her world needs her."
>"She doesn't know how much."
>"More than she can know."
>"She doesn't know why."
>"Because she hasn't asked the right questions."
>"She doesn't know the questions."
>"Of couse she doesn't. Why else would she still resist what she is?"
>"Only human..."
-
>Some prices are not worth being paid, some bargains are not worth taking.
>Remove it.
-
>Before removing the ring: "I resist what you've shown me because I do not want to be that person. You say that's who I really am, but you are wrong. Even if I were to have such power, I would not allow myself to become the person you showed me. If you insist that I'm wrong, then tell me how to obtain that power, and I will use it as I choose to, but I will do so without becoming the person you showed me. Otherwise, we're done here."
>Assuming that no power of information on how to obtain it is forthcoming, remove the ring.
I still think we should go the 'dark' route, but whatever.
-
>"If you insist that I'm wrong, then tell me how to obtain that power, and I will use it as I choose to, but I will do so without becoming the person you showed me. Otherwise, we're done here."
>Let's not say this. Blatant power hunger is unbecoming of ideals that do not require it to flourish. It betrays what such is about to begin with and implies it's being done for personal profit.
-
I'd say Byakuren would want power right now, because she needs it in order to help Orin and others. That's why we put the ring on in the first place, remember So I guess she doesn't really want it, but she'd recognize that she needs it. If you think that needs rephrasing, go ahead, but the idea I was trying to communicate is that of a claim that these voices are wrong about us, that we would not become a different person even if we had the power we were shown. And also to emphasize that yes, we are seeking power right now, because in the current situation, we really kind of do need it (although I suspect that we've already gained some, and that we gain more the longer we wear the ring for).
-
>Some prices are not worth being paid, some bargains are not worth taking.
>Remove it.
>Despite the temptation before you, you resist it, holding true to yourself and your heart. And so, thrusting aside thoughts of a vindicated Rin and a surprisingly buff Myoren, you pull the ring off your finger.
>.... And nothing happens. Even with the ring now securely removed from your hand, the chill remians in your heart. The air around continues getting colder. That weight upon your shoulders persists. The voices fall silent again. And you are still surrounded by a sea of darkness, still as alone as you were since this all began. A lone human in an empty world of black.
-
>"Well, at least you're quiet now."
>Take a few moments to close our eyes, and listen for sounds of Rin and the Stranger.
-
>"Well, at least you're quiet now."
>Take a few moments to close our eyes, and listen for sounds of Rin and the Stranger.
>The blackness offers you no response as you shut your eyes. Not that this is an entirely necessary thing to do, but it does help focus your hearing, at least on a psychosomatic level. You strain your ears to hear some sounds of your friend, or your enemy. No sound of any sort returns to your ears. Not even the sound of your own heartbeat can be heard at the moment, nor your breathing. Only silence. Only empty, endless, lonely darkness.
-
>Check pulse.
-
>Check pulse.
>You place your right hand to your wrist to check your pulse. Given that this hand is currently numb, you try switching hands. Although the violet ring is cool to the touch, it's a comfortable kind of cold, rather than a numbing chill. Gauging your pulse, your heartrate is elevated (which is quite understandable) but not dangerously so. Your right arm, however, is quite cool to the touch. You are still very much alive.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 28.
-
>So sound doesn't work correctly here.
>Drop the ring.
-
>So sound doesn't work correctly here.
>You would wager precious little works correctly in this place, as you understand the functions of the world. It may be a small miracle you can even still see yourself.
>Drop the ring.
>You open your left hand, letting the ring drop to the 'ground'. Except that it passes your feet and continues falling, down, down, dissapearing into the lonely abyss below, as though you were standing on air.
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 29.
-
>Not that surprising, given we shouldn't be able to see it in the first place.
>Have a seat, so to speak, and just try to clear our mind.
-
>Not that surprising, given we shouldn't be able to see it in the first place.
>Have a seat, so to speak, and just try to clear our mind.
>You tentatively lower yourself to the 'ground', half expecting to find yourself falling like the ring before you. But you do not. It seems that the ground is indeed solid, at least for you.
>You try to calm your mind, steady your nerves. This is much easier said than done, even for someone like you. You can't shake the fear that something terrible has happened to Rin while you were on your own here, and even worse, that that yellow skinned freak is still on the loose, free to roam, doing whatever it wants to whoever it wants. Did it get Nitori, too? Or the rest of your friends? There's no way to know how long you've been here. It might have traversed the entire city by now, while you've been here. Seperated from your friends, your loved ones, your world, perhaps even your senses. With an otherworldy power acting as it will upon. Is it trying to give you the power you wanted? Is it trying to bend you to its will, for some aim of its own? Could both be true? Neither? You do not know. For a moment, you consider asking the darkness itself what it, or they, want. They've been chatty enough at times, when it suits them, but on the other hand, they're hardly the most reliable source of information. Then again, it's not like there's anyone else here. Just one simple human female, alone, in the grip of a force beyond her. Is this what 'Marisa' warned you about, you wonder? The doom of your world? Is this darkness what she predicted will befall your world?
>... what if it already has?
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 30.
-
>Breath deeply. Even if there's nothing to breath, do so simply to have the calming effect.
>This darkness is a false thing. This we know for certain. It has clouded our senses, shown us falsehoods of things we'd never do, tried to offer justifications we'd never accept, tried to distract us from what we need to do. It is merely a veil over our eyes. It is time to remove it. It offers us nothing but falsehood, nothing but lies. It is not a true thing of the worlds, merely a delusion projected upon on. Now it is time to cast it aside.
>Do our best to ignore the darkness, the voices, and everything else about it. Focus, stay calm. It cannot hurt us, it cannot sway us. Try to reach through to the reality we know it is obscuring.
-
>Hold tight to the love in our heart. Remember the faces of those that we love and that have loved us. Remember the feelings we have shared with them, the moments. The light of love can drive back even this darkness. We were told it would be so. Even here, in this realm of corruption and shadow, let the love within us shine as bright and pure as the dawn.
-
>Breath deeply. Even if there's nothing to breath, do so simply to have the calming effect.
>This darkness is a false thing. This we know for certain. It has clouded our senses, shown us falsehoods of things we'd never do, tried to offer justifications we'd never accept, tried to distract us from what we need to do. It is merely a veil over our eyes. It is time to remove it. It offers us nothing but falsehood, nothing but lies. It is not a true thing of the worlds, merely a delusion projected upon on. Now it is time to cast it aside.
>Do our best to ignore the darkness, the voices, and everything else about it. Focus, stay calm. It cannot hurt us, it cannot sway us. Try to reach through to the reality we know it is obscuring.
>Hold tight to the love in our heart. Remember the faces of those that we love and that have loved us. Remember the feelings we have shared with them, the moments. The light of love can drive back even this darkness. We were told it would be so. Even here, in this realm of corruption and shadow, let the love within us shine as bright and pure as the dawn.
>You draw into yourself, away from the lies and temptations you perceive around you. You know yourself. You are strong, unmoving. You shall not be swayed by the illusions of the night. Whatever you might accomplish by surrendering yourself to whatever is out there, that is something you simply cannot do. Not only for the sake of yourself, but for those around you. Perhaps you could do good for your loved ones, but would they truly be happy that way? You do not believe so. They can be happy, and you might be able to make them happy, but if- WHEN you do, it will be on your own terms. No one elses. The light of your heart cannot be darkened. Not even here, in this lonely, bleak landscape. You might be alone here, but you will not be alone in your heart.
>An ominous rumbling noise stirs from the darkness, like a great gust of wind issuing from a deep cave. No, not quite like that. As though thousands upon thousands of voices are groaning, sighing, all at once. Somehow, though you can still see nothing beyond your own flesh, you can feel something in the darkness before you. Something more... directed. One voice emerges, stronger than even this raucus noise.
>"You've always been so very strong, so wise. So different from those around you. But you're still wrong about this place. There is so much you do not know, but you could learn, if you are willing. If you would stop fighting, and accept your birthright."
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 30.
-
Now the question is, is this genuine, or merely a trick that uses honeyed words to lure us in?
-
I say go for it. Accept this 'birthright'. I know we're not going the 'dark' route, but that's a choice of actions, not power. We can fight that side of things (and I'm getting the idea that that's part of the point, anyways).
-
If nothing else, we've proven we can fight it once.
>Stay seated, as we were. "Who are you, and why do you talk to me about birthrights?"
-
>"Let us assume that you're right, that the power I was shown is my 'birthright'. If I have power, then how I use it is my choice. I will not fall into evil ways."
-
>Stay seated, as we were. "Who are you, and why do you talk to me about birthrights?"
>"If you cannot see me, you are not prepared to accept what I am yet. But this is only natural. I can see the turmoil within you. You have seen glimpses of what you can do here, but you fear the consequences. This is only natural. Your is still, for now at least, only human. You cling to your friends, your loved ones, the light." That word draws another chorus of moans from the darkness around you before the stronger voice returns, powerful yet soothing. It almost sounds like the Byakuren you saw in those visions. "These are the true illusions. All hearts begin in darkness, and all so end. What you have seen here is the gifts the darkness can bring to those you favor. You are alone. You have always been alone. Everyone, in the end, is alone. But, that does not mean that they must be lonely. That you must be lonely. There is pleasure in the darkness, and you could bring that pleasure to them. Much better, don't you think, than the alternative. Ah, but then, you don't really know what the alternative is, do you?"
>"Let us assume that you're right, that the power I was shown is my 'birthright'. If I have power, then how I use it is my choice. I will not fall into evil ways."
>"You're almost right again. You could be the most powerful creature in either world, as you were born to be. But your choice is not as unlimited as you might perceive. You really have but two choices before you. You have been given glipses of one of those choices, and could see more, if you desire. Would you like to know what the other choice is?"
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 31
-
Lemme handle this, Guy.
>"You say I am alone, and it is untrue. I have my brother, my friends, everyone around me. I am not here because I am alone. I am here because I wish to help them. And, more over, you have not explained what the significance of a birthright is, or any reason why I should believe you or anything else here. Why are you being evasive?"
-
>"You say I am alone, and it is untrue. I have my brother, my friends, everyone around me. I am not here because I am alone. I am here because I wish to help them. And, more over, you have not explained what the significance of a birthright is, or any reason why I should believe you or anything else here. Why are you being evasive?"
>As you deny the voices' claim that you are alone, that you bear the love and light of those that have shared your life, something unusual happens. A visible tremor runs through the curtain of blackness before you, like somebody struck it with a hammer. You can almost feel the shaking all around you, and the sound of vibrating darkness is almost impossible to describe. When the voice returns, it has increased in both volume and intensity.
>"You're wrong. You are alone. Others may have touched your heart, but no more than that. They cannot understand you, they cannot be what you are. You are above them, beyond them, and we could stand astride the world once you accept this. You could have the hearts of the whole world in your hand, once you embrace the darkness!"
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 30.
-
>"You are still incorrect, and now you are trying to twist what the word alone means. You say they cannot be what I am? Rubbish. We eat the same food, we breath the same air. We feel the same warmth from the sun, the same chill from the night. We are formed of the same carbon. We love. We hate. We toil. We play. We exist. We are not alone. We are unique, and together. We understand so much that we can live together in harmony, yet we are so unique you cannot closely examine any two people and call us the same without lying to yourself. I do not need any hearts in my hand, I am content for them to be where they are. What reason is there to embrace a darkness that cannot understand these simple things?"
And winamp starts to play this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJLo3oyjRcE&feature=related) whilst I type. Goddamnit, Lancer.
-
>"I don't want to have the hearts of the whole world in my hand. I already have my brother, my friends, everything I need. All I want is to protect that."
>"And even if you're right, if they cannot truly understand me, well, that doesn't matter. They still care about me, and I about them. And that is enough."
-
>"I don't want to have the hearts of the whole world in my hand. I already have my brother, my friends, everything I need. All I want is to protect that."
Not this, it's a very unbuddhist attitude to not care outside your own cliche.
-
The 'everything' bit was supposed to encompass that, but I'll rephrase.
>"I don't wants the hearts of the whole world in my hands. I already have my brother, my friends. And there is the world. It may not be 'mine', but I don't want it to be. It is there, and that is what matters. I already have everything I need, and all I want is to protect that."
-
>"You are still incorrect, and now you are trying to twist what the word alone means. You say they cannot be what I am? Rubbish. We eat the same food, we breath the same air. We feel the same warmth from the sun, the same chill from the night. We are formed of the same carbon. We love. We hate. We toil. We play. We exist. We are not alone. We are unique, and together. We understand so much that we can live together in harmony, yet we are so unique you cannot closely examine any two people and call us the same without lying to yourself. I do not need any hearts in my hand, I am content for them to be where they are. What reason is there to embrace a darkness that cannot understand these simple things?"
>"I don't wants the hearts of the whole world in my hands. I already have my brother, my friends. And there is the world. It may not be 'mine', but I don't want it to be. It is there, and that is what matters. I already have everything I need, and all I want is to protect that."
>The tremoring in the blackness around you grows worse as you continue to reject your solitary status. This time you actually can feel the shaking sensation in your body. Including your right arm, which is slowly regaining its feeling. You think you can hear something like a cracking sound all around you, like glass under intense pressure.
>"You think you have everything you need? Oh, but you know better. You've been warned. That being that visited you before. It warned you of the threat to your world. That threat is real. Very real. And there are only two outcomes of its presence. You accept us, and embrace the darkness, and the rule the world like the Black Goddess you were born to be. And you will do this because of the alternative. If you reject us, this is the only fate of your world. Empty darkness, blackness. Despair, hopelessness, empty death! The utter ruination of your world, the extinction of life, the dominion of that which was forgotten and will be forgotten no more! Only if you become the Dark Lady can you save this world. Only if you become the Dark Lady can save those you love." The enraged voice drips venomous sarcasm at the word, and her disembodied chorus jeers and moans in responce.
>"Cling to the light *moan* if you must. But it cannot save your world. It cannot save those you care for. It cannot save you. It is weak and frail, and cannot stand against the Hate and the Rage and the Sin and the Sinners. Reject me, and you condemn your world to eternal damnation! Join with me, and take up the mantle of the Dark Lady. It is the only way to save our world." In contrast to her previous rant, she now sounds like she's almost pleading with you. "I know how great your heart is, but your friends, your loved ones, they cannot help you. They cannot save you, and you cannot save them if you reject me."
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 25.
>The chill in your chest diminishes.
-
>"You claim that you can stop this mysterious force, that I have no chance again it whatever. Yet, you cannot seem to stand against me. You've not done much to convince me that accepting such egotistical things as birthrights or divinity would do anything at all to actually help. I am not sure why threats are supposed to sway me when you've done little thus far but lie and misrepresent things. Why am I to consider anything you say in light of these facts? It's clear, for all of your disgust with "the light", you either do not understand it or you willfully misrepresent it."
-
>"You say that the threat she warned me of is real. But do you know what else she told me? She told me that I can stand against it because I have hope. Because I have people who I care about, and who care about me. Because I know love. If I face this threat your way, become what you showed me, then the world will be safe from one darkness but ruled by another. And I do not want that. So say my cause is hopeless, say I'm doomed to failure. I'm going to fight the darkness regardless of what you say. And I will never lose hope."
-
>"You claim that you can stop this mysterious force, that I have no chance again it whatever. Yet, you cannot seem to stand against me. You've not done much to convince me that accepting such egotistical things as birthrights or divinity would do anything at all to actually help. I am not sure why threats are supposed to sway me when you've done little thus far but lie and misrepresent things. Why am I to consider anything you say in light of these facts? It's clear, for all of your disgust with "the light", you either do not understand it or you willfully misrepresent it."
>The trembling in the darkness, the sounds of cracking glass, all of them stop. And thought that silence, a masculine voice can be heard now, a voice that would snap the Gods to attention, if they dared stand in its presence. "I understand better than you ever could. Better than the whole of Her races every could. I understand because I was denied it. That is why I must destroy it. You think you can stop me? You can't even escape from this place, let alone thwart the rage of those who share my hatred. Hold to your bravado if you will, little human. It may serve you well, for a time. But you are alone here. No friends to help you, no loved ones to call upon. Go ahead and try, it will do you no good. I will have you. And you will only be the first."
>"You say that the threat she warned me of is real. But do you know what else she told me? She told me that I can stand against it because I have hope. Because I have people who I care about, and who care about me. Because I know love. If I face this threat your way, become what you showed me, then the world will be safe from one darkness but ruled by another. And I do not want that. So say my cause is hopeless, say I'm doomed to failure. I'm going to fight the darkness regardless of what you say. And I will never lose hope."
>A savage shockwave can be seen in the darkness, the pulse running through your body like an electrical current; brief but exilerating. Sharp cracking sounds can be heard, louder, more of them. The feminine voice returns, sounding... subdued. Almost sad. "You cannot get out of here. Not alone."
>Byakuren Hijiri Corruption Score: 16.
-
>"As I have said, I'm not alone. You may feel it is such, but it is not the case. But, are you alone, in your own words?"
-
>"As I have said, I'm not alone. You may feel it is such, but it is not the case. But, are you alone, in your own words?"
>The utterance of the words "I'm not alone" has a profound impact on the world around you. The vibrations in darkness stop, the sensation of things whispering around your skin ceases, the voices in the dark vanish all together, and you no longer have a sense of directed intent coming from the blackness before you. There is one last sound of creaking glass before an enormous shattering sound rings out all around you. Thousands upon thousands of shards of glass crash to the ground, it sounds to your ears. As though the air around you was made of glass, and somehow shattered under some terrible impact. And as lound and as harsh as that noise is, even worse is the scream. Above the shattering sound is an earth-splitting howl. The masculine voice screams his rage, and somehow you perceive countless years of anguish in that voice. Aeons of impotent rage, of loss beyond mortal understanding, and a soul-chilling certainty that you have thwarted something truly monstrous this day, but only this day. The howl and the shattering glass seem to fade away, falling into an unfathomable abyss, and the last thing you hear before silence falls upon you again is the feminine voice, barely more than a whisper, "You win..."
>For a few moments, there is only darkness again, only the emptiness, and you pause for a moment to let all this sink in. Even Rin might not believe this one so easily, you think fleetingly. You sure hope she's all right....
>You blink your eyes suddenly. You thought you saw something off in the distance, but then it was gone. But wait! There it is again. A shape, coming towards you out of the night. As it draws closer, floating rather than walking, you discern a humanoid shape, but greyed out somehow. Like a solid grey shadow, surrounded by a hazy aura of grey light. It alights in front of you, and extends its hand out to you.
-
>Where are we?
>Does it seem to be offering us a hand, or about to claw our shit?
>"Who are you?"
-
>Where are we?
>You are still within the dark place. To your eyes, nothing has changed.
>Does it seem to be offering us a hand, or about to claw our shit?
>Very much the former.
>"Who are you?"
>The grey image remians stationary, its hand extended, inviting you to take it. A memory stirs in your mind, of a strange voice uttering you are never alone...
-
>"What happened to the others?"
>Accept the hand tentatively
-
>"What happened to the others?"
>Accept the hand tentatively
>You cautiously reach out and take the hand offered by the gray figure before. Given everything that's happened today, not the least of which is your adverse reactions to touching strange things, you've no idea what in the world to expect this time around. Much to your relief and somewhat to your surprise, nothing extraordinary seems to happen this time. The grey hand itself is a bit on the odd side; almost feels like you're touching a thick cloud, but one that has an odd warmth to it. It feels like forever since you've felt anything truly warm...
>You inquire about the other voices, the other presences around you, but the shadow makes no vocal response. It's head seems to tilt to one side slightly, as though it were asking what others?
-
>"Voices that spoke to me about loneliness and darkness and such. If they were truly people, then I would not like to simply forget them."
-
>"Voices that spoke to me about loneliness and darkness and such. If they were truly people, then I would not like to simply forget them."
>The voice that answers you comes from the area of darkness to your left, and you'd swear it sounds like Marissa. "Well, I doubt you're gonna forget em, but they weren't quite people either. Least not as far as we can figure."
>Rin's voice seems to answer her, "She's still over dere, yknow."
>"Hey, least she can hear us now!" Marissa replies, only slightly miffed. "You wanna do the honors, kid? She handled her end, now it's our go."
>And now Myoren? "I wish you'd stop calling me that, you know. But sure." He elevates his voice slightly, probably adressing you, "You might want to shield your eyes. This is probably gonna be pretty bright at first."
-
>Do any of these voices seem to be coming from the gray figure?
>Regardless, shield our eyes. But keep our ears peeled.
-
>Do any of these voices seem to be coming from the gray figure?
>Not as far as you can determine.
>Regardless, shield our eyes. But keep our ears peeled.
>You throw your free arm in front of your eyes, bracing yourself against you're not sure what. You hear Myoren say, in a slightly strained voice, as though he were lifting something heavy, "Here goes!" Seconds later, you hear another one of those massive shattering sounds, but this time, with an accompanying visual effect. The darkness itself falls to pieces around you, falling to the ground like shards of an enormous mirror hit by a hammer. And you actually CAN see ground now, or rather, a floor, of white tile, and a red carpet under your feet. The black shards fade away into nothingness once they touch the ground, revealing a sea of faces surrounding you. Faces you know, friendly faces. Fellow students of Mayoiga High, people around town, people from your past that you haven't seen in years. Doctors that treated Myoren, old friends of your parents, people you met on vacations, there must be hundreds lined up on either side of the carpet, on either side of you. In the forefront of this crowd are faces more familiar, mostly the faculty and fellow students you're friendly with, but also the likes of Aya, Koakuma, Momiji, and all them, to a man, smiling at you.
>The room you find yourself reminds you very much of Mayoiga's indoor gym, minus the banners. And it is indeed brightly lit, the roof being missing and revealing open sunlight, after all. Strangely, this does not hurt your eyes at all. It actually reminds you of the light of the 'sun' of the Between; very warm and inviting.
>At the end of the red carpet sits a small staircase, only four steps, leading up to the gym stage. On the stage sits a small marble column, about 4 feet high, with a velvet cushion resting atop it. It appears a staff, or baton, of some kind, rests atop it, but you cannot discern any details beyond its' violet coloring from where you are. And standing around the column are Rin, Myoren and Marisa.
-
>"And this is?"
-
>"And this is?"
>"The end result of your choice." Myoren replies from the stage.
>Marissa continues, "You rejected the darkness, and held true to the person you are. But that doesn't mean you get to walk away empty handed."
>Rin takes over, "Dere is power t'be found here. It's true, you coulda had more power'n some Gods, had you chose the darkness."
>Myoren: "But that doesn't mean choosing the light leaves you with nothing beyond warm feelings and friends. There's power here, too, and that's what this is." he gestures to the staff in front of him.
-
>Examine the scepter.
>"What is it, exactly? May I ask what it does?"
-
>Examine the scepter.
>The rod is somewhere between a foot and a foot and a half long. It is a straight cylindrical shape, colored a light violet color, capped by a small gold-colored counterweight at one end. The other end, which you'd guess is the 'top', has a stylized lotus flower on it, it's pink and white petals surrounding an oddly faceted jewel in the middle of it. The center of the rounded stone is a vivid purple, but there are six equal segments of the jewel surrounding the purple core, each of them colorless.
>"What is it, exactly? May I ask what it does?"
>The three of them exchange a look with each other before Marissa answers, "We're... not entirely certain, really. We have insights here, but no more real knowledge than you do."
>Rin continues, "But we're pretty sure that once you touch this staff, you'll get the power you wanted."
>Myoren concludes, "Believe me, we'd love to be able to answer that, and all your questions, of which we're sure you have many, with certainty. But we can't. However, unlike that fake Marissa, we can at least tell you why, and it has to do with what we are. Or more accurately, where you are."
-
>"Then I shall have to accept that, won't I? Please explain."
-
>"Then I shall have to accept that, won't I? Please explain."
>"Now, normally," Marissa begins, placing her hands upon her hips. "this'd be waaay out there, but given the day you've had, it's probably gonna sound par for the course."
>Reimu, who's standing a few feet in front of you to your left, pipes up then. "This.. is you. We're inside you, Byakuren. Inside your soul."
>Yuyuko, standing next to her, nods. "Everything that's happened since you put that ring on has happened within your own soul. Has been manifestations and expressions of the forces within you."
>Reisen, standing across from Yuyuko on your right, grins slightly. "We're the light side of yourself. You were able to come to this place only after you rejected the darkness."
-
>"Mmm. I see. Explain what you mean by light and darkness in this case?"
-
>"Actually, might we be able to do this later? Rin's kind of in trouble right now, and I'd like to save her before it's too late."
-
>"Mmm. I see. Explain what you mean by light and darkness in this case?"
>You hear Aya's voice from behind you, "As you know, all that live have two forces within their hearts: the light and the dark. Yin and Yang, Virtue and Sin, many other names people use for the same basic principal. Good and evil also works, but you generally don't like using terms that black and white."
>Minoriko, standing between Reisen and Nitori, continues, "Your case here, however, was a bit different than other people's. The seed of darkness within you, which you were forced to conquor, came from your heart, yes. But there was also a part of it that did not come from you."
>Patchouli, standing next to Reisen, continues, "The darkness is alone. It has no sense of attachment, of affection, of kindness. It is selfish and ultimately self-destructive, thinking only of itself. Whereas the light is this," she says, spreading her arms wide. "Light is never alone. Light is hope, light is love, family, friends, joy."
>Rin continues, "The darkness would have had you believe that there was no hope for this world, that whatever was coming would destroy our world, and there was nothing we could do about it. There was... IS... a part of you that accepted that, that took up the mantle of the Dark Lady, who tried to salvage what she could of this world. But we're not sure if she became completely corrupted by the darkness around her or not. We can't know; you rejected that part of yourself." Strangely, her speech is perfect here, no trace of her flawed speech patterns.
>Myoren continues, "You chose to believe there was hope, to not give up on your love, both for your world and those you cared for and cared for you. That's the light within your heart. That's what led you here.
>Marissa's grin turns a little regretful. "We're not sure if this makes all that much sense to you, but remember, we're just aspects of your own soul. You're questioning yourself here. And there's a whole lot that we don't know. It's almost too much for a human."
>"Actually, might we be able to do this later? Rin's kind of in trouble right now, and I'd like to save her before it's too late."
>Letty, standing next to Nitori, answers you. "We don't know. You don't know. Remember, we've no more idea about how much time has passed than you do."
>You hear Koakuma's voice from behind you, "We also don't know if you can find your way back here. It was a pretty monumental and unique event that led you here in the first place. You wouldn't have a clue how to duplicate it, or even if you need to."
>Myoren gives you a sad smile. "If we had to guess, given that this has been your inner war, we're still in the same heartbeat as when you put that ring on your finger. By the same token, it could be the middle of next month, or years later. But there's just no way to know for sure."
-
>"I suppose, then, I need to learn more. I'm not quite so ready to cast away a part of myself as being without use or redemption."
>Grab that sceptre.
-
>"I suppose, then, I need to learn more. I'm not quite so ready to cast away a part of myself as being without use or redemption."
>Grab that sceptre.
>You extend your hand to take up the lotus-topped staff, but a black-gloved hand reaches out and intercepts yours. Turning you head, you look full into the face of Dark Lady Byakuren, now sporting a pair of black feathered wings.
>"A choice made cannot be unmade. You have rejected me, turned your back on the darkness. So be it. The fate of the world rests in your hands now, not mine. But I can still help you, if you're willing to listen to me. I know the source of your power, I know how you can strengthen yourself. I can help you give your world the best chance you can give it, if you're willing to listen to me. And I know, you've seen what I would have done. What I would have become. You don't have all that much reason to trust me. But you must trust me. Your power is the antithesis of your enemies, and it is strong, but it's not enough. As it is, it's not enough to defeat what's coming. I can tell you how to get stronger, how to battle your enemy as best as you can." She pauses, then waves at the people around me. "And if you won't believe me, ask them. You might believe I'd lie to you, but they won't. And they will know. Ask them if you can trust me, if you must."
-
>Consider for a moment.
>"You understand, then, what I will ask in turn?"
-
>Consider for a moment.
>"You understand, then, what I will ask in turn?"
>She seems to consider that herself, for a moment, before answering. "As best as I can."
-
>Nod, and hug our lame evil doppelganger.
>Then grab that sceptre.
-
>Nod, and hug our lame evil doppelganger.
>Then grab that sceptre.
>Quickly you embrace your black-clad self, and take a hold of the purple scepter. A sensation of... It's hard to desribe, really. Almost a sense of completion washes over you, of serenity and empowerment at once. The staff feels 'right' in your hand, like a long lost friend, almost. The vivid purple core of the gemstone in the center of the lotus flares once, seemingly in recognition of your touch.
>Seconds later, a strange noise comes from beside you, where your twin stands. Glancing to look, you see her wings are starting to dissapear, dissolving into wisps of black smoke that vanish into thin air. The Dark Lady regards her vanishing appendages with an expression of detached surprise. "In retrospect, I probably should have seen that coming, too."
-
>"Ah well. Now, what do we do next?"
-
>"Ah well. Now, what do we do next?"
>"I'm afraid it's going to be you very soon. It seems that you and I can't coexist, now that both of our choices are set in stone." She pauses, looking you square in the eye. "Will you believe me? Will you trust me?" Her wings are half gone and going.
-
>"I will trust you. But I will need you to do the same."
-
>"I will trust you. But I will need you to do the same."
>Your other face grins lightly. "Of course. You hate lying to anyone, and you'd never lie to yourself."
>Only a quarter of her wings remain when she continues. "You've been told your power come from the light, that love can save our world. I can't speculate about the latter, but the former is true. And this is the light, this is your power. It is the people within your heart, the people whom you care for, who care for you. The more people you love, the more people that love you, the more powerful you will become. The power you'll have when you leave this place will be great- more than enough for the Youma that you saw before you came. Enough to thwart the efforts of your enemy for some time to come. But their leaders, their generals, are beyond you right now. If they come through, if they can bring their full power to bear against you, you will fail, and this world will fall. Before that happens, you must brighten your heart. This crowd of figures here MUST grow, if you've any hope of winning."
>She pauses then, considering her next words. Her wings are completely gone, and you notice her hands and feet have started to fade, all four nearly half gone. "And because I know you, I feel I must say this. You are a spiritual person, you believe the heart surpasses the flesh. Physicality and sensuality are not as important to you are they are to others, but you live in a physical world, and many- most, I dare say- people around you are grounded in the flesh. Do not forget that aspect of life, of love."
-
>"I'll see what I can do, and I understand your last point. It's not a standard I hold against others."
-
>So go forth and seduce, Hero of the Light! The world is your harem, and all its peoples await your embrace!
>She nods. "Of course, you wouldn't. And it's one of the many things that seperates our world from theirs, as well. Life takes so many forms, our people are all so different. One human is drastically different from the one standing next to him and yet, at heart, are they not so much alike? It's such a paradox, but it is merely life."
>Her feet and hands are gone now, her calves and forearms dissipating.
-
>Goddamnit Lancer
>"We will be fine."
-
>I'm afraid he might be a wee bit out of your league, but dear lord, what a lay he'd be...
>Her form continues to fade. You don't suspect she'll last much longer.
-
>"Thank you for your advice. I may not approve of your methods, but it seems that we both want to protect this world, and I intend to do just that. Farewell, my other self."
-
>"Thank you for your advice. I may not approve of your methods, but it seems that we both want to protect this world, and I intend to do just that. Farewell, my other self."
>The Dark Lady looks at her fading right arm, then her brow creases in concentration. "I gave up everything I was, my very soul, to try and hold onto a sliver of heaven in the guts of hell. I may even have succeeded, we'll never know. You're the one now who must go on to face the ultimate danger." Her right arm seems to reconstitute itself fully, but at the cost of her other extremities. Her dissipation accelerates. "What faith I have, I place in you, my twin star."
>She lightly touches your face with her now gloveless hand, then quickly lurches forward and kisses your lips, briefly, but firmly, before pulling away, smiling, only her face and arm remaining. "Farewell." she whispers, and then she is gone completely.
-
>Well that was weird.
>"You'll be here with me. Do not worry."
-
>Well that was weird.
>Perhaps not so much as other things that have happened today, but by itself, definately weird.
>"You'll be here with me. Do not worry."
>You hear Yuyuko's voice from the crowd. "I wonder if we'll see her again. Her existance was strange, at least as far as we can understand."
-
>"She still exists, I am certain. She is, after all, a part of me."
>Examine the scepter. Are we getting any sort of idea of how to use this power we're supposed to have now? If we don't: "Can anyone here aid me in the use of this power?" If we do: "If there is nothing more to be done here, then I must go now and save my friend. How would I go about leaving this place?"
-
>"She still exists, I am certain. She is, after all, a part of me."
>Shikako answers, "Yes and no. It's more like, she was a potential you. She was, or is, as much YOU as YOU are. Merely the you that chose to dwell in the darkness, rather than the you that chose to dwell in the light."
>Kogasa: "The you that dwells in this place. It's possible that, had Byakuren chose the darkness, SHE would be the one to leave this place, and neither YOU, nor us, would exist. Unless of course, we'd exist within her."
>Reisen: "On the other hand, the dark is alone, a barren, empty place. If she'd been the one to win, it's a decent bet we wouldn't be here to speculate about it."
>Marissa: "Whereas you've rejected her, but you also accepted her as part of yourself, even if it's only as a part that exists to be conquored."
>Examine the scepter. Are we getting any sort of idea of how to use this power we're supposed to have now? If we don't: "Can anyone here aid me in the use of this power?" If we do: "If there is nothing more to be done here, then I must go now and save my friend. How would I go about leaving this place?"
>Reimu continues, "But of course, that debate can wait. You've got another issue."
>Turning the violet-colored rod over in your hand offers no great insight as to how it's supposed to empower you. Fortunately, you are in the right place to ask for insights, and, fittingly enough, Rin replies to you. "The power of the word is as prime here as it was when you were lost in the dark. There are words you must say, a phrase, a 'charm', if you will, that will give you the power to save the world, and open the way out of this one."
-
>"Then I must say these words. Can you tell me what they are, or must I find them on my own?"
-
>"Then I must say these words. Can you tell me what they are, or must I find them on my own?"
>As if in answer to your question, you feel words in your thoughts, words coming to your lips as though you bid them there yourself. And those words are-
Parser's box: And this is where I give you, the players, a choice in the matter. You can either make your own phrase, or go with the 'default', which is "Lotus Purity Ascension". The choice is yours.
-
>"I'm all out of bubblegum"
>"Girl! I wanna take ya to a gay bar!"
>"Goddamnit Lancer"
>The default shall work fine.
-
Works for me.
>"Lotus Purity Ascention."
-
>"Lotus Purity Ascention."
>You speak the words, but not alone. Hundreds of voices of the people around you join in, a chorus of sound. Rin, Marissa and Myoren transform into humanoid-shaped figures of multi-hued light, all the colors of the rainbow and more. Without even looking, you know the crowd has done the same. Those lights then elongate and fly towards you, encircling you in a rainbow of light. Ribbons of light reach out from the pillair surrounding you, encircling your torso. Then your wrists, then legs, then feet, then neck. It is a strange sensation, almost like being covered by butterfly wings, a blanket of pure light.
>The lights remain on your person for no more than a handful of seconds, before blinking out in a shower of multihued droplets that fade away around you, leaving a fairly odd by most standards outfit in its place. (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/656582/arianoir-blush-breasts-gradient_hair-hijiri_byakur) A magical change in clothes is bizzare enough, but the accompanying surge of power is even odder. You feel like you could juggle cars, and spring to the top of a building with but a hop. You've never felt stronger, more alive!
>From all around you the voices of your heart return, joined this time by others, many others, countless others. Like a chorus of millions of voices raising cheer at the coming of their hero, the ascent of the chosen one, standing forth to face the evil in the name of all that is right and good.
>The curtain of light around you fades suddenly, revealing the schoolyard landscape before you. It seems you've returned to whence you came, somehow. The little doll is still sitting at your feet, but it looks different now. She wears a black dress now, with a red bow, and her hair is long and black with blue streaks now. Her face is still expressionless, but you think can detect a hint of surprise in her voice when she says, "Such light... Such power... More than I expected at this point."
>The yellow-skinned creature, which your counterpart referred to as a Youma, is still present, and has Rin trapped in one of those gold hoops. But that only last about a second after it looks at you, before it throws its hands in front of its face and shreiks, staggering backwards. The ring around Rin's body vanishes, and she drops to the ground with an audible thud.
-
>Take a moment to get our bearings, all that light and noise has to have done a number on our senses.
>Does the Youma seem to be doing anything other than cowering?
>Do we still have the spectre scepter?
-
>Get between the Youma and Rin.
>Does it look like it's going to attack, or flee, or anything?
>Do we still have that ring? We dropped it in that vision thing, but that may not have been the actual,, physical ring.
-
>Take a moment to get our bearings, all that light and noise has to have done a number on our senses.
>Between the light, the noise, the dark, the noise, the.... just about everything that's happened over the past however-long that internal battle was, you decide to take a couple seconds to reorient yourself to the physical world. Everything appears to be in working order. In fact, you feel better than perfect. There appears to be something a little... off, about your vision, but nothing you can put your finger on at the moment.
>Does the Youma seem to be doing anything other than cowering?
>Cowering AND screaming. Its voice is horribly distorted, almost echoing back on itself after every syllable, but you think you can discern "Too bright! Too bright!" over and over.
>Do we still have the spectre scepter?
>Do we still have that ring? We dropped it in that vision thing, but that may not have been the actual,, physical ring.
>The violet-hued staff is indeed still in your hand. However, so is the ring you put on before this sleigh ride began. The gem on it, however, is no longer black, but a beautiful shade of white, and it is no longer cold to the touch.
>Get between the Youma and Rin.
>Does it look like it's going to attack, or flee, or anything?
>You move forward, stepping over the doll on your way. Your body feels strange, somehow. Charged, would be the way you'd describe it. Bristling with energy. This makes the Youma shreik even louder, then she seems to trip over her own feet, falling backwards. Her body makes an echoing metallic sound as it hits the ground, as if she were hollow. There is definately something different about her to your eyes, but you can't make out what, or why. You take this opportunity to place yourself between Rin and the Youma. Rin emits a soft moan as you come nearer to her.
-
>Look at the Youma, and say, "What you are doing won't help you."
>Concentrate, see if we can dim the light a little for it. We're not going to learn anything if it's just shrieking.
-
>Concentrate, see if we can dim the light a little for it. We're not going to learn anything if it's just shrieking.
>You focus, and try to dim the light that causing your enemy such panic. You see no increase nor decrease in the surrounding illumination, so she must be responding to something else, beyond simple sight. Your efforts meet with little success, however, as the creature continues to flail and try to move back from you, alternating whimpers and shreiks.
>Look at the Youma, and say, "What you are doing won't help you."
>Nothing in the creatures' vocalizations seems to indicate a response. Or even that it understands you. The doll behind you, however, offers some advice. "You can't reason with it. I said that a few seconds ago, didn't I? It's an unstable existance, an improvised weapon. It barely has any concept of self, beyond the misery it was in before, and the misery it's in now. You'll have to deal with it more directly."
-
>"I do not accept that so easily,"
>If it is trying to get away, see if we can maneuver its back to a wall and cut off any escape.
>To the Youma: "You spoke to me once. You understood me to a degree. Talk to me again. The light hurts, but that pain means you are not alone or forgotten. I remember you. I won't hurt you, take all the time you need to gather yourself, and speak to me. Speak, and be remembered."
-
>If it is trying to get away, see if we can maneuver its back to a wall and cut off any escape.
>At the moment, it may be trying to get away, but it's not really going anywhere. It's almost like it doesn't know how to move, now that it's on the ground. It just keeps flailing, barely moving inches.
>"I do not accept that so easily,"
>To the Youma: "You spoke to me once. You understood me to a degree. Talk to me again. The light hurts, but that pain means you are not alone or forgotten. I remember you. I won't hurt you, take all the time you need to gather yourself, and speak to me. Speak, and be remembered."
>You continue to try and coerce the creature into speaking to you. You're not certain the wretched thing can even hear you over the sound of its own shreiking, at least at first. Then it stops, and with a distinct creaking sound, it turns its head to look at you. A sickly brown liquid flows from her eye sockets, reeking of something you're not quite sure you want to put a name to. "Brightbrightbrightbright" it stammers, over and over, before reaching a creaking hand out towards you. "Hurts... Threw me away.... Wasn't ready for youmeyouheryou."
>"I said you had to deal with it more directly, I didn't say you had to destroy it." the doll chides you. "If this was a better made weapon, that might be necessary. But with this one, you're quite able to purge it, rather than eradicate it. At least I'm fairly sure, if I'm right about you. You'd rather heal it than destroy it, wouldn't you?"
-
>Nod.
-
>Nod.
>"If I remember right, that means 'yes.'" the doll replies. "In that case, you need to remove its dark heart. That's the source of its misery. Although I admit, I'm not certain you can see it. You should be seeing though different eyes, now. Look at it carefully, not just with your eyes. With your heart. See to the core of its suffering."
-
>Try to look at it, but not quite at it, but rather through it, as though we were actually looking at something behind it. Don't focus on the details of the Youma.
-
>Try to look at it, but not quite at it, but rather through it, as though we were actually looking at something behind it. Don't focus on the details of the Youma.
>You closely at the creauture, but also try to unfocus your eyes at the same time, to see beyond the flesh. Or whatever that thing has for flesh. Your vision of the youma changes as you look closer, and you see a visible aura radiating from it, a sickly hue of purple. Within the yellowish outline of the creature you see a tiny sphere of... something, you're not sure what. A translucent loop, but more interesting is the black nodule resting atop it. This ebon pustule pulsates with an ugly light, it almost hurts your eyes to look directly at it, and you have no doubt at all that this is what the doll was talking about by the dark heart.
-
>"How do I heal this?"
-
>"How do I heal this?"
>"Your power is love, and you can externalize that love by focusing your will, your emotion, though that staff of yours. If your desire to purfiy that thing is strong enough, and I suspect it is, then point your scepter at it, call upon the love in your heart, and speak the words to destroy the seed of evil."
>"Oh, right, the words. Think of them as a kind of 'charm', a touchstone for focusing and unleashing your powers. The words themselves are your choice."
Parser's Box: Choice #2, people. Default choice for your healing attack, "Violet Lotus: Karma Purification". But feel free to make up your own, if you see fit..
-
>Shit, if we're going Buddhist style, let's go Buddhist style.
>"Realization of the Wandering."
-
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that term. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me?
-
Translation of Samsara. Understanding the concept is a fairly critical step.
-
Ooh, I like that.
But would you object to prefixing it with 'Violet Lotus'? I had an idea for that to be a common theme in your powers, but that's up to you folks.
-
>"Viole
nt Lotus: Realization of the Wandering."
-
>"Violent Lotus: Realization of the Wandering."
>Giving your scepter a quick twirl, leaving faint trails of pink and purple light in its wake, you point it at the weeping youma and intone your healing charm. The petals of the stylized lotus at the end of the staff glow gently, and a beam of pale lavender light emerges from the flower. This beam strikes the youma in the chest, and suffuses her with its light, her yellow skin turning color to match your power. She stiffens, touches the part of her chest where the beam touches, and then closes her eyes, smiling, the violet light growing brighter around her. "The light.... takes me...." For the first time, she sounds peaceful, almost serene, and then her form vanishes completely amidst the light.
>When the light fades, the youma is gone, and you hear a small metallic tinking sound on the ground, a small gold ring present where the creature once stood. Of the nodule of darkness within her, only a couple very thin wisps of oily substance remain, hanging in the air, circling each other.
>"It actually worked." the doll says from behind you. "Not bad, for your first time."
-
>Examine that ring, with both old and new senses.
>If we can't detect anything dark, pick it up.
-
>"What happened to it?"
-
>Examine that ring, with both old and new senses.
>If we can't detect anything dark, pick it up.
>Neither your 'light vision' nor your 'vision vision' reveal anything beyond the ordinary about the ring. It seems to be a simple loop of gold, plain and unadorned by any jewel. No sense of dark, of life, of anything. Crossing the field, you approach and scoop it off the ground. Once it's in your hand, you get a vague of something at the edge of your 'new' vision as you look at the ring, but you can't quite make it out without focusing.
>"What happened to it?"
>"You're looking at it." the doll answers. "That's it real form. You s-" Her voice cuts off abrubtly as the wisps of darkness emit an odd noise, a kind of pulsing sound. They then accelerate their spinning. "That might be a problem."
-
>Observe this darkness with both forms of vision.
-
>Observe this darkness with both forms of vision.
>Your second sight shows you something interesting about those shards, now that they are free from their physical shell. As impossible as this might sound, they appear to be physical manifestations of grief, of pain made real. And they appear to be in a hurry, because they rocket up into the sky after a couple seconds. Following them, you see a giant bat in the sky above you, must be the size of an eagle up there, colored black and green. You can see its eyes from here are glowing a malevolent greenish color, and you'd swear it was sneering down at you. The wisps of darkness dissapear after they circle the bat once, and it exchanges a look with the doll.
>"Small victories." it calls down at the doll, its voice harsh, like sandpaper on skin.
>"A victory nevertheless." the doll responds, sounding a little more smug that before. The bat snorts derisively, then fixes its evil eyes on you.
>"Just what do you hope to accomplish, little human?"
-
>"It is traditional to introduce oneself before asking just things."
>Bow.
>"I am Byakuren Hijiri."
-
>"It is traditional to introduce oneself before asking just things."
>Bow.
>"I am Byakuren Hijiri."
>"You are meaningless. Just like the rest of this soft, pathetic world." Greenish smoke wafts from the corners of the bats eyes. You don't even need your new senses to see the aura of rage and malice emanating from this thing. "All you have done here today is delay the inevitable. I expected this mudball to be completely defenseless. I won't make that mistake twice."
-
>"If I an to be destroyed, may I have the honor of knowing why?"
-
>"If I an to be destroyed, may I have the honor of knowing why?"
>The giant bat chuckles a dark chuckle. "You chose your own destruction. You're a pretty enough piece of meat, you might have found a place under one of my siblings' boots. But you've made your choice today. Savor your little victory here. For it shall be fleeting." The air around the bat ripples like the surface of a pond, and it vanishes.
>"Always a pleasure dealing with one of their kind." the doll comments sideways, floating off the ground.
-
>"What would it's kind be? And, your kind?"
>Go check on Kyouko and Rin.
-
>"What would it's kind be? And, your kind?"
>"Not my kind, Lotus. I'm about as far removed from them as you can imagine. Which may be a bit of a misnomer, now that I think about it." The little doll floats over to the wall of the school, then sets itself down. "As for their kind... That's a long story."
>Go check on Kyouko and Rin.
>Rin is closer to you, so you move to her side and kneel down to examine her. She exales softly as you turn her to face you. She feels quite cool to the touch, but she's still breathing. A bit shallowly, but still breathing. Physically, she appears undamaged, but she seems to be barely conscious. Her eyes open, but they're very unfocused when she looks up at you. "is... is she safe...?" she breathes.
>The doll's voice rings in your head before you can answer, "You shouldn't tell her who you are. She won't recognize you, in your transformed state, but to share in what you've become is to share the danger of the life you've chosen. Your enemies would use her, and all your loved ones, against you. And you know her, Lotus. She would try to help you, mere mortal though she is. This danger is not for her.
-
>"Everything's fine,"
>Go see to Kyouko. In the meantime, to the doll, "Why would they not use her anyways?"
-
>"Everything's fine,"
>Rin nods faintly before her head falls back to the ground, her eyes closing again.
>Go see to Kyouko. In the meantime, to the doll, "Why would they not use her anyways?"
>"At the moment, she is no different than any other mortal to our enemies. Just something else they can use. As long as she stays that way, she'll be in no more danger than anyone else. Which I suppose may not sound like much comfort, especially given the current circumstances, but believe me, any mortal deemed 'useful' to them is in even graver danger than this."
>Kyouko appears to be in rougher shape than Rin. Her breathing is very shallow, and she is definately unconscious.
>"Speaking of using," the doll continues, "you should hang on to that ring. They used it once, it's not impossible they could use it again. I'm not certain yet how far your power extends in that field."
-
>Do we know any kind of first aid we could apply to Kyouko?
>"I'll have questions about it later. But right now, what can you do for her?"
-
>Do we know any kind of first aid we could apply to Kyouko?
>You do know CPR, and you have a rudimentary knowledge of first aid, but what that creature was doing exceeds anything you've ever seen before. You're not ever sure what the problem is, let alone what you can do to fix it.
>"I'll have questions about it later. But right now, what can you do for her?"
>"Me? I don't have to do anything. You've already done it."
-
>"What do you mean?"
-
>"What do you mean?"
>"You defeated the Youma. Bought the world some more time. That's what she needs right now, is time, rest. A chance to regain her energy. Just like your friend, and the other two."
-
>"What other two?"
>Look around for them.
-
>"What other two?"
>Look around for them.
>Twirling your head about reveals no one else about in view, although there is a small shed some distance away, closer to the baseball diamond. This is either a small equipment shed for one of the sports clubs, or a utility shed used by Mei Ling, the school custodian, you can't recall which off the top of your head. It's door appears to be open, which is odd for this time of day.
-
>Go look inside, after grabbing that ring.
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>Before going inside: "Rin already knows that I have been chosen to fight. And my friends know that something is going on, although I haven't yet told them what. It's too late to keep this a secret from Rin, although I could probably still hide it from the others. But I choose not to. I cannot win this fight alone. If I am to be victorious, I will need their help. I can keep this a secret from the general public, but I will need my friends to know, as I already know that I can't do this without them. And if the enemy does try to use them against me, the enemy will fail. If my friends are attacked, I will protect them. If they are corrupted, I will purify them. But I will not leave them in the dark. Even if I didn't need their help, I owe them that much. So thank you for the warning, but I intend to tell them everything."
>"Also, you said this ring I purified might me useful. Could someone else gain power from it the way I did with the ring you gave me?"
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>Before going inside: "Rin already knows that I have been chosen to fight. And my friends know that something is going on, although I haven't yet told them what. It's too late to keep this a secret from Rin, although I could probably still hide it from the others. But I choose not to. I cannot win this fight alone. If I am to be victorious, I will need their help. I can keep this a secret from the general public, but I will need my friends to know, as I already know that I can't do this without them. And if the enemy does try to use them against me, the enemy will fail. If my friends are attacked, I will protect them. If they are corrupted, I will purify them. But I will not leave them in the dark. Even if I didn't need their help, I owe them that much. So thank you for the warning, but I intend to tell them everything."
>The expression on the doll's face never changes, neither does it's tone of voice. "That is, ultimately, your decision. But you're only making your task harder on yourself, and placing a burden upon them that they're not prepared to bear. Consider, you're prepared to tell your friends that the only hope your world has against a greater threat than it has ever known, a force born from a nightmare darker than the darkest dream of any mortal... is a teenaged human girl. What you've seen here today was but a taste of the trials to come, you know that. Sharing that knowledge with them means that they share that fear, that worry, that they would sleep every night wondering, 'Is this my last night?' 'What if she fails?' 'There's nothing I can do to help her.' You may not be alone in your heart, Lotus, but you are alone in this fight."
>"Also, you said this ring I purified might me useful. Could someone else gain power from it the way I did with the ring you gave me?"
>The doll does not answer that question for a couple of seconds. "It could be useful to our enemies, not to us. In the hands of terrans, even yourself, it's just a plain gold ring. It has no properties or signifigance beyond whatever meaning it has in your society. But if she got it back, she could turn it into a youma again, and would do a better job of it this time around, now that she knows she has to work for her energy. I'm a bit surprised she found an item with Potential so soon, but I suppose we should be glad she did. That's why it was so easily beaten."
>Go look inside, after grabbing that ring.
>Securing the ring, you move to explore the shed. It is indeed an equipment shed for the sports teams, and a bit of a mess, at that. Nets, tennis rackets, basketballs, baseballs, there's something for every sport played at Mayoiga in here, and it appears to have been basically chucked in here willy nilly. Lying atop a small stack of wrestling mats is a naked woman with long blonde hair and feathery white wings. This would be Kyouko's girlfriend Lily White, and the fact that she's wholly unclad, her clothes strewn about the place, gives mute testament to what she and her girlfriend were up to before being interrupted by the ring-turned-Youma. Visual inspection tells you that she's in about the same shape Kyouko's in.
>Of the 'other one' the doll mentioned, you see nothing inside the shed.
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>Frown. Try not to stare. Does she seem to be in similar condition to the others?
>"Where's the fourth one?"
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>Frown. Try not to stare. Does she seem to be in similar condition to the others?
>You do your best not to look too long at Lily's form. You're not the ogling type, after all. But you have to admit, she's a very, very pretty girl. With a bright personality to match, from what you know of her. Kyouko's the envy of many a schoolmate. Visual inspection tells you that she's in about the same shape Kyouko's in: unconscious, breathing regular but shallow. Rin's condition is very similar, but she doesn't seem quite as bad off as these two. Perhaps because she never got as bad a dose of whatever the ring-youma was doing to them, or perhaps there's another factor.
>"Where's the fourth one?"
>"To your left, about 7 of your feet away."
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>Check in that direction. If there is a wall in the way, go around it.
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>Check in that direction. If there is a wall in the way, go around it.
>Looking in that direction, you see another winged female form lying in a heap on the ground. The shed had obscured her from your sight until you were here. She seems familiar to you, but it takes you a couple of seconds to recognize her. She is another tengu, one of Hatate's 'protoges' in the journalism club, called Fuuka. Much like Lily and Kyouko, her breathing appears to be shallow, and she seems unconscious. Fully clothed, however.
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>Sigh.
>Does she have a camera out?
>Also cover Lily with a tarp or something.
>"What is that ring, exactly?"
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>Sigh.
>Does she have a camera out?
>Offering up a slightly vexed sigh at the habits of certain tengu, you look around for any signs of a camera around Fuuka. To your slight surprise, no camera appears to be in evidence. Perhaps she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? Doubtful, given this tengu's seedy reputation, but at least this time around, it doesn't SEEM like she was up to no good.
>Also cover Lily with a tarp or something.
>Poking your head back into the shed, no tarps of usable size appear within reach, but you do locate a spare school flag lying under a few baseball bats. Not much, but it offers the girl some dignity, at least. You drape the flag across the unconscious girl's shapely form before exiting the shed.
>"What is that ring, exactly?"
>"Do you mean the one you're wearing, or the one you returned to normal?
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>"Both, but the golden one in particular. Why was it a person beforehand? I understand it is something that the bat did, but that is just how, not why."
>Go back to Rin.
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>"Both, but the golden one in particular. Why was it a person beforehand? I understand it is something that the bat did, but that is just how, not why."
>Go back to Rin.
>The doll fields your question as you return to Rin's side. "The... 'bat', as you put it, needed a weapon, a tool, with which to acquire the energy it needs. It didn't have enough strength to do so directly, not after forcing its' way through to this side, so it had to improvise. Are you aware of the concept of tsukumogami youkai, as they're called in this country? Objects that become living creatures?
>You feel a small ache forming in the back of your head.
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>Rub the back of our head and nod.
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>Rub the back of our head and nod.
>The doll continues as you massage the back of your skull, "As I recall, a similar phenomonon can occur in animals and humans, but that's besides the point. Items that can become youkai have a kind of "potential" that can be detected, if you know what to look for. Items such as that ring. That bat found it, and placed that dark heart within it. Your enemy has the ability to form mystic concentrations of emotions, such as anger, jealousy, negative emotions. In this case, the seed took the form of grief. It took that seed and placed it inside that ring, forcing it's transformation into something living, but less than a true youkai. A Youma. It had no true life of its own, no spirit, no soul. Just a purpose, a task it probably didn't even understand itself. It was nothing more than a weapon, forced to endure a false existance for a dark master. You'll be facing more of them, I have no doubt. And the ones you'll meet later won't be so weak, so unstable. This one was only so weak because that bat was so badly drained of strength. That's not a mistake I expect her to repeat. The upside is, she's lost most of the energy she was gathering here, so it'll take some time before she has enough power to try this again."
>Your ministrations to your head come to no avail. If anything, the ache spreads to your hands as well as getting a little worse.
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>"Is this supposed to be painful?"
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>"Is this supposed to be painful?"
>"Painful? You're experiencing pain?"
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>"Yes."
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>"Yes."
>"I was afraid of that. You're a very special person, in more ways than one, but you're still human. And you're channeling an immense power. I'm not certain if that alone is the problem, that it's just your body hasn't adapted to that power yet, or if you didn't expel enough energy against the youma. Either way, you can't stay in your transformed state. Not without doing yourself considerable damage.
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>"Then let's conclude this issue quickly. You told me that I would heal that being. Now it is dead. Why did you lie to me?"
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>"Then let's conclude this issue quickly. You told me that I would heal that being. Now it is dead. Why did you lie to me?"
>"Weren't you listening? It was never alive in the first place, no more than a hammer, or a missile. It was a tool, just a doll, with an invader pulling it's strings. All it was was suffering and grief, which you ended. What you did was restore it to its proper form."
>"Incidentally, now that it's been purfied, it has the potential to become a true youkai again, with a genuine life. What that life holds, I don't know, I don't know that ring's story. But, thanks to you, the world has at least a few more days of future, in which anything can happen."
>The pain in your head worsens, and has now spread to the whole of your arms. It feels like your bones are growing too big for your skin.
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>"Puppets do not speak or act independently. They do not react to changing circumstances. They do not learn. This being did all of those things. You directed me to kill it under the guise of healing it. Why? Why did you lie to me?"
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>"Puppets do not speak or act independently. They do not react to changing circumstances. They do not learn. This being did all of those things. You directed me to kill it under the guise of healing it. Why? Why did you lie to me?"
>"This is going to be a very dificult partnership if you're going to be obstinate about things. You can't kill something that was never alive. Some vestige of the objects history may have surfaced, maybe even a vestage of the creature it could become- potential has a great deal of power, too, by the way. It was unstable, haven't I made that clear? No, I suppose not. You're still only human. I shouldn't expect so much. Let me put this as simply as I can. You're wrong. It was not alive as you are, it was a... 'golem', I think the term was, at best. You didn't kill it anymore than you could kill a gun."
>The pain spreads throughout your torso. You swear you can almost see your skin streching, and you start to feel hot. Very hot.
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>"No, I don't think we can work together if you hold life so cheaply you will trick others into destroying it. It was alive enough that it could react and learn, that is enough to make it worth preserving. Instead, you chose to discard it, and you used me as your tool to do so. If this is how you intend things to be, it is best we save ourselves the trouble of pretending this will ever work out and go our separate ways."
>There are likely words to end the transformation. Try to call them to mind.
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>"No, I don't think we can work together if you hold life so cheaply you will trick others into destroying it. It was alive enough that it could react and learn, that is enough to make it worth preserving. Instead, you chose to discard it, and you used me as your tool to do so. If this is how you intend things to be, it is best we save ourselves the trouble of pretending this will ever work out and go our separate ways."
>You hear the psychic equivilent of a sigh as the doll shakes its little head and stands on its little feet. Blue and white sparks creep into the edges of your vision.
>"I suppose this is partly my fault. I may not have explained it in a way that you can understand. I haven't been corporeal for a long time, after all. I never tricked you, I never lied to you, I never used you, and you're wrong about it having any life. It might have life one day- You might actually give it life, for all I know. Your power's unlike any of the others."
>"On the other hand, it may not be my fault, and you simply may be a stubborn, foolish human girl who won't admit she's wrong, or that the being that actually knows what it's talking about tries to tell you about what you just fought, and what you'll have to fight again. Thanks to your victory here, we have some time to waste on your mistrust. I wouldn't take too long, if I were you, though.
>The doll pauses, cocking it's head to the side as it looks at you. "All this is probably going over your head now, isn't it? I somehow don't think humans listen at their best when they're in as much pain as I think you're in."
>There are likely words to end the transformation. Try to call them to mind.
>You search your mind for the charm to end your transformation. This proves to be a very difficult task as your mind, like your body, is wracked with extreme pain. Your thoughts flick around your head like a drunken hummingbird, leaving you unable to pin any of them down for more than a fleeting instant.
>"There's a few ways you can return to your human state, Lotus." the doll offers. "It'll become easier and easier over time, and I'm almost certain this problem won't come up again, or at least not as pronounced. But this way might work best in this case. If, of course, you're willing to listen to me."
>Given that your very soul feels like it's on fire, listening to the doll on this one would be a very good idea.
>"Right now, you've got a hold of an incalculable amount of raw power, like holding on to- what would be the thing in this time...? Power lines. Live wires. Like you've got your hands wrapped around live wires. Picture that image in your mind... and let the cables go.
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>Do that.
>"Fine. So I didn't kill it because it wasnt ever alive. It seems, then, that we have differing definitions of 'alive'. And that is not the only thing you have told me that I cannot agree with."
>"You say that there is nothing my friends can do to help me, but you are wrong. Even if they can't fight-which I'm not prepared to accept just yet; some of them arent as helpless as you seem to think-they can help in other ways. You say that I must bear this burden alone, but I already know that I cannot. I can fight only because of them. I need them to be there for me, even if they can't join me in battle. There are other ways to work against this threat, is more to this than just pure combat. And in addition, as I said before, I will not lie to them. I will need them, but even if I didn't, I would not lie to them. I will tell them the truth; I owe them that much. Yes, this will mean they will share in my burden, but I believe they will do so gladly, and they are stronger than you seem to think, And together, we can do far more than I ever could alone."
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>"You say that there is nothing my friends can do to help me, but you are wrong. Even if they can't fight-which I'm not prepared to accept just yet; some of them arent as helpless as you seem to think-they can help in other ways. You say that I must bear this burden alone, but I already know that I cannot. I can fight only because of them. I need them to be there for me, even if they can't join me in battle. There are other ways to work against this threat, is more to this than just pure combat. And in addition, as I said before, I will not lie to them. I will need them, but even if I didn't, I would not lie to them. I will tell them the truth; I owe them that much. Yes, this will mean they will share in my burden, but I believe they will do so gladly, and they are stronger than you seem to think, And together, we can do far more than I ever could alone."
>"Time will tell, hero of the heart. Time will tell. You may indeed prove right, on even more fronts than either one of us can see."
>"Fine. So I didn't kill it because it wasnt ever alive. It seems, then, that we have differing definitions of 'alive'. And that is not the only thing you have told me that I cannot agree with."
>The doll nods in agreement. "That is understandable. And I'm sure you have many more questions, as well, about a great many things But let's straighten you out first."
>Do that.
>Even with a bit of guidance, forming a mental image at all is not an easy task, as you're also devoting so much effort not to fall to the ground and scream. But after what feels like an eternity, you manage to form the doll's suggestion in your mind. And when you let the power lines go in your mind's eye, the effect is profound. The force acting upon you seems to flow out of you in all directions, and you let out a breath that feels volcanically hot on your lips. All the energy, excess and otherwise, leaves your body in a rush, and you find yourself on your knees before you even realize it. Your body is free of fire, but it feels like somebody dropped a mountain atop your shoulders. You didn't think it was possible to feel so completely exausted, physically or mentally. You feel your consciousness fading.
>"It'll be easier to make the change next time, even if the fight might not be. But for today, your fight is done. You've earned your rest, Lotus."
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>If we can manage it before passing out, drag the pair out of the shed.
>Then pass out.
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>If we can manage it before passing out, drag the pair out of the shed.
>Then pass out.
>You try to rise to your feet. At least you think you do, even thinking about the attempt makes your head swim, presenting you with a rather pretty vision of color swirls dancing before your eyes, before your head hits the ground. Some time passes, and you hear something... an engine, off in the distance. A small shadow passes before your eyes before they shut, and you can hear a strange voice speaking very softly, "I'm sorry." The shadow passes, a larger shadow takes its place, and for a moment, you think you hear someone shouting. Then nothing.
>The first sensation you have next is a smell. A very pleasant smell. Raspberries? Yes, that is indeed raspberries, which draws you back into the world of the living, at least partially. You open your eyes, but somehow this act feels like pushing your apartment building. You feel weaker than a newborn kitten, but you automatically recognize where you are: your room in Moonside. The room is rather bright, you suspect it's daylight outside, and the raspberry smell is coming from the small kitchen down the hall. Lifting your head off the pillow of your bed is a massive undertaking, but you manage it after a couple of attempts, and with a couple of groans. You can hear the sounds of puttering from the kitchen, as well as the sound of soft breathing from the floor by your bed. A look (not a quick one, for you think turning your head too quickly would make you pass out) reveals the sleeping form of Rin in her futon. The events of the past day come rushing back to you as you see her form, and you feel a dull ache forming on top of the other dull aches all over your body. This particular dull ache is born of worry, given the state you saw in her moments (from your perspective) ago, but unlike then, this time she seems to be resting peacefuly. Her left ear is even twitching slightly, which you've come to know is a sign she's having a good dream. You breathe a sigh of relief, and it feels like whatever strength is left on your body leaves with your breath. Remaining in a seated position isn't going to be easy for much longer, but the sight of Minoriko coming out of the kitchen keeps you there for a moment longer. That would explain the smell of cooking, as well.
>She explains how Nitori found you, and the others, near the school sports fields, and called an ambulance. She detected a strange smell in the air, but the arriving doctors couldn't smell it themselves. They figured it was a gas leak of some kind. They looked over each of you, and determined that you'd all be fine once you had some good rest at home. This seems odd even to your still-exausted brain, but Minoriko assures you that you all received a thorough check over on the scene, and the doctor in charge of the scene saw no need to truck the lot of you to the hospital when your own beds would do just as well. And if Nitori had taken issue with this, Minoriko adds with a smile, the ruckus she would have raised would have roused you all on the spot. She's a very... spunky little thing, after all. So she carried the two of you back herself, where you'd been resting ever since. She adds that, although Rin's sleep was rather peaceful, you seemed to be having a lot of dreams, not many of them good. She caught you mumbling things about a ring, a doll you couldn't trust, and a bat with green eyes, among other things. Unlike the other crazy and disturbing visions you've had since this affair began, you have no memory of those. She says you seemed the most agitated when you were muttering about 'the old man in the molten throne room.' and something about 'the walls... the walls...' This tugs at your memory for an instant, then it is gone again.
>Which reminds her of something, evidently, and she compliments you on your new accessories, and wonders where you got them from. Puzzled, you ask what she means, and she crosses the room to your desk, and retreives the items in question: a small, plain gold ring, and a stylized lotus-blossom hairpin. She also points to the violet ring with a white gemstone on your hand.
>Recalling your declarations to the doll about total disclosure of yesterday's events to your friends takes a moment, but it does come to you. You start to explain, but Minoriko holds up her hand. She can plainly see that you're still drained to empty, and curious though she may be, as are all your friends, she tells you it can wait, and that you need your rest. Despite your new mission, you find you can't argue with her on this one. You thank her, for her concern, and ask her to pass along the sentiment to Nitori as well. Minoriko nods and offers you that motherly smile of hers, before returning to the kitchen. Looking down at Rin one more time, you remember the greenish glow that surrounded her, and how weak Lily and the others looked after you'd won. Things could have been worse. Much, much worse. But they won't ever be that bad, not if Byakuren Hijiri, Magical Lotus, Hero of the Heart, has anything to say about it. No matter how powerful a foe you face, no matter how much deception you must sift through, no matter how many secrets you must unravel, you will keep this world, and all who dwell upon it, safe.
>Laying your head upon your pillow again, your eyes close easily, and you can't help but wonder fleetingly, before sleep claims you, just what the future holds...
>Magical Lotus Episode 1: End.
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>Dream of electric sheep, and totally not about the fact we killed a person.
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This concludes episode one of my first foray into parsing. I realize this is a bit of an unorthodox format, but it's the route I wanted to go. Episode two will launch in a day or two, after I iron out a couple of bugs.
However, in the meantime, I am perfectly open to feedback; questions, comments, critisism. If there's something you wanted in the next installment, feel free to say so, and I'll try to accomodate it. Something you're curious about that I can answer without revealing what's to come, feel free to ask.
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Did we break it? =[
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I beg your pardon?
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To be more specific, did many unexpected character actions, or lacks of actions, take place?
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To be more specific, did many unexpected character actions, or lacks of actions, take place?
All over the place. Which was actually a good lesson for me, and for any other potential parser reading this little tale: Your players will do things you don't expect them to.
When you dealt with the Yuyuko situation, I expected you to chuckle at her naievety, and basically go on your way. Instead, Purvis and Mouse scare the bajeezus out of the crowd of gawkers and threatened them into good behavoir.
I also didn't expect you to tell the little doll is basically get lost towards the end. It was a source of answers, of information, the most reliable one you'd had so far, and Purvis could have driven a wedge between you and it, but Guy seems to have salvaged that.
The biggest unexpected act, however, was Kips basically tripping over the plot. When you first saw the dolls, I expected you to remark about the oddness of the new fad, that it was so big overnight, and then head off to Rin and Reisen's work. Instead, Kips went back and touched one of them. That was an opportunity too good to pass up, but one I certainly never expected to have. This was compounded by Purvis basically pitching Byakuren over a flight of stairs. So instead of a stroll through the town with your friends leading to a scene with Koakuma, and then going from there, you end up in the infirmary with a mild concussion, and get a scene with Marissa and Utsuho.
I was kinda hoping to get you laid before the end, but opportunities for that seem to be more limited than I'd anticipated. I'll work on that in the subsequent chapters.
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All over the place. Which was actually a good lesson for me, and for any other potential parser reading this little tale: Your players will do things you don't expect them to.
When you dealt with the Yuyuko situation, I expected you to chuckle at her naievety, and basically go on your way. Instead, Purvis and Mouse scare the bajeezus out of the crowd of gawkers and threatened them into good behavoir.
I also didn't expect you to tell the little doll is basically get lost towards the end. It was a source of answers, of information, the most reliable one you'd had so far, and Purvis could have driven a wedge between you and it, but Guy seems to have salvaged that.
The biggest unexpected act, however, was Kips basically tripping over the plot. When you first saw the dolls, I expected you to remark about the oddness of the new fad, that it was so big overnight, and then head off to Rin and Reisen's work. Instead, Kips went back and touched one of them. That was an opportunity too good to pass up, but one I certainly never expected to have. This was compounded by Purvis basically pitching Byakuren over a flight of stairs. So instead of a stroll through the town with your friends leading to a scene with Koakuma, and then going from there, you end up in the infirmary with a mild concussion, and get a scene with Marissa and Utsuho.
I was kinda hoping to get you laid before the end, but opportunities for that seem to be more limited than I'd anticipated. I'll work on that in the subsequent chapters.
That... That is pretty damn amusing. I've been lurking around a lot, but I should probably join in the next chapter.
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All over the place. Which was actually a good lesson for me, and for any other potential parser reading this little tale: Your players will do things you don't expect them to.
When you dealt with the Yuyuko situation, I expected you to chuckle at her naievety, and basically go on your way. Instead, Purvis and Mouse scare the bajeezus out of the crowd of gawkers and threatened them into good behavoir.
I also didn't expect you to tell the little doll is basically get lost towards the end. It was a source of answers, of information, the most reliable one you'd had so far, and Purvis could have driven a wedge between you and it, but Guy seems to have salvaged that.
The biggest unexpected act, however, was Kips basically tripping over the plot. When you first saw the dolls, I expected you to remark about the oddness of the new fad, that it was so big overnight, and then head off to Rin and Reisen's work. Instead, Kips went back and touched one of them. That was an opportunity too good to pass up, but one I certainly never expected to have. This was compounded by Purvis basically pitching Byakuren over a flight of stairs. So instead of a stroll through the town with your friends leading to a scene with Koakuma, and then going from there, you end up in the infirmary with a mild concussion, and get a scene with Marissa and Utsuho.
I was kinda hoping to get you laid before the end, but opportunities for that seem to be more limited than I'd anticipated. I'll work on that in the subsequent chapters.
Yeah I've been there.
But yeah, the doll thing shouldn't be too unexpected, given that Byakuren's whole deal is extending love to those who don't have it and bringing in the marginalized, to the point she was literally sent to another dimension (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hzMbrBULnw) for it. Abnd this person was pretty much tricked into executing someone whom couldn't pose a threat to her. Frankly, it's going to take something massive get her to trust that doll ever again. I imagine it's probably going to be a huge source of trauma for her pretty much the rest of the game, you don't just get over blatantly violating everything you believe.
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I can see we'll have to clear up that misconception sooner, rather than later, then. I'll add that to the to do list.
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Indeed. The next argument is going to be fun~
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So I have things in order for episode 2. A couple of issues were brought to my attention, and I've done my best to adress them. I realize that this is my first project, and it shows, but we can't all start off as good as Purvis and Draco. I strive to improve. And I might add, I think you Purvis, Guy, for bringing this episode to its conclusion. And you're more than welcome to do more than lurk in the coming episodes, Kasu. And that goes for anyone else lurking about.
However, the family vacation is in a few days time, and I'll be away for the better part of two weeks, so, I think I'll wait until I get back before starting episode 2. Not much sense in starting up a new installment, getting to page 3 or 4, and then having to put it on the shelf for a week and a half.
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You did well once things got going. Don't be too hard on yourself. =]