Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Raikaria on July 28, 2012, 08:05:57 PM
-
Foreword:
Yep, the character I'm using for the next quest is one that never even appeared in Rumia Quest. Elly!
As Yuuka's guard, and the one who guards the boundary between Gensokyo and the Dream World, I feel Elly is a character that has hidden depth. Not to mention she does seem like an interesting character. I love characters without completely defined characters and hidden depth to GM, since that allows the players to help dictate their personalities to some extent.
---
(http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg524/scaled.php?server=524&filename=9a644915a0cd03edab32ca4.jpg&res=landing)
> You are Elly. You don't have a second name. It's just Elly.
> You are currently at the same point you always are, guarding the gateway to the Dreamworld, and, specifically, Yuuka's Mansion. Not the one in the Garden of the Sun, her REAL mansion, and her real garden. The Garden of the Sun and it's mansion is nothing compared to Yuuka's true home. In fact, the Yuuka that stays in Gensokyo is nothing but a split of her, with a fragment of her power, the real Yuuka lives in the Dreamworld.
> Over to you
-
>What did Boss Yuuka have planned today?
>What did Boss Yuuka have planned for us today?
-
>What did Boss Yuuka have planned today?
>What did Boss Yuuka have planned for us today?
> You're not sure about the branch of her in Gensokyo, but Yuuka in the dreamworld usually does three things with her day, sleep, tend to flowers, and find some poor soul in the dreamworld to torture. Never the same person twice in three days, since she likes variety.. and them to heal. If she can't find anyone she gets you, and if she can't find anyone besides you twice in three days she gets depressed.
> Hopefully nothing. Hopefully she finds something to make scream. While Yuuka is your boss, you serve the whole dreamworld, as you guard the entrance to there. She doesn't actually see you that much, outside of her sadism.
-
>...Were we the last one she got at?
-
>...Were we the last one she got at?
> No, today is not a 'safe' day for you. However, it is surprisingly rare for her to have to resort to you. She's satsified even if her Gensokyo 'branch' gets someone to torture. The most dangerous time for you is winter, when there are less flowers to attract people to her. It's summer.
-
>Well, at least we're mostly in the clear.
>"Hmm...I wonder who boss will get at next?"
-
>Well, at least we're mostly in the clear.
>"Hmm...I wonder who boss will get at next?"
> Indeed, you breathe a sign of relief.
> "Who are you talking to, silly gatekeeper~" a voice says. You know who this voice belongs to, the pusedo guard of the Dreamworld, because she makes her home at the lake of blood, which must be crossed to reach the gate to the Dreamworld.
(http://chan.sankakustatic.com/data/bd/47/bd47cbe3dbf98abd04956e6eec5c1dda.jpg)
Kurumi
Vampire that never needs to hunt
-
>"Oh, hey there Kurumi. I was just talking to myself really."
-
>"Oh, hey there Kurumi. I was just talking to myself really."
> "Like usual. You're nutty, I swear. Spend so much time with that sadist, and standing there all day long." the vampire says. "Aside from that sadist plant do you even have any friends?"
-
>Relationships
>Abilities
>Inventory
-
>Relationships
>Abilities
>Inventory
> Yuuka - Employer, Sadist, Tormenter
> Mugetsu and Gengetsu - You know of them, usually the dream world portal leads to Yuuka's dreamworld unless she specifically wants to be alone, in which case, since Yuuka is the only one who wants contact with outside [Due to her tenancies], the portal leads to a random dream dimension, usually Mugetsu and Gengetsu's.
> Kurumi: Annoying vampire that bugs you often. At least she's not a fairy.
> Abilities:
Flight
High Pain tolerance
Fast healing
Immunity to death by age
The ability to fling floor tiles without touching them.
However, your scythe has more notable abilities. The wood used to make it was taken from several apple trees, specifically, the original breed of apple, Malus Sieversii. One of these trees actually later turned Youkai, a rare, but far from unheard of, occurrence. This retrospectively effected your Scythe, making it magical. As such, your scythe is a precious treasure to you.
Inventory:
Your red outfit.
Your Semi-Youkai Scythe; Malus. Malus has the ability to have the handle change it's shape and size, although this is limited to double or half it's original mass, and it cannot be made thin enough so it cannot hold the weight of the blade, or else it would snap [So no millimetre thick massive length scythes]. The scythe's shapeshifting responds to your will. This allows you to use your scythe to bypass defenses by changing direction suddenly, even at 90 degree angles or more. Your most common use is using the shapeshifting to change the aerodynamics, allowing you throw Malus like a boomerang.
An apple in your pocket.
-
>Smirk a bit. "Eh, with how often you show up, I sometimes wonder if you don't have an 'interest' in the boss."
>We may as well mess with her a bit while she's here.
>Beat.
>...The boss' habits are starting to rub off on us it seems.
-
PC-98 character. *Does not approve* Mainly beacues I've never played the pre-Windows games and have very little knowledge of their casts, though. But whatever.
>Why do we continue to serve Yuuka?
>For that matter, why did we start?
-
>Smirk a bit. "Eh, with how often you show up, I sometimes wonder if you don't have an 'interest' in the boss."
>We may as well mess with her a bit while she's here.
>Beat.
>...The boss' habits are starting to rub off on us it seems.
> "Nah, I just get bored. Not many people go near a lake of blood. Kinda a bad omen. You may be a no-freinds masochist but you're at least fun to annoy." the vampire comments.
PC-98 character. *Does not approve* Mainly beacues I've never played the pre-Windows games and have very little knowledge of their casts, though. But whatever.
>Why do we continue to serve Yuuka?
>For that matter, why did we start?
[Oh come on, Rumia might as well be PC-98 with how little recognition she's got compared to the other EoSD characters. You'll grow to like Elly I hope.]
> You began, and continue, to serve Yuuka because she effectively saved your life when you decided to leave the service of the Yamas. You used to be a Shinigami-in-training, but you disliked the job of harvesting souls for judgement, and hunting down hermits and celestials. However, once you are in the service of the Yamas, and been in their realm, it is not easy to leave.
> That and you hated the stuck-up Yamas. Shikieiki's lectures in particular. The nature of the dreamworld stops the Yamas from interfering, as the dreamworld is a realm not captivated by life and death's cycle, so it is the one place where you are confident you are safe. You'd choose Yuuka over the Yamas anytime.
More Relationships Available:
Shikieiki Yamaxandu: Indirect Enemy; head of the Yamas, who you went into Yuuka's service to escape from since you disliked the Shinigami role and the Yama's attitudes.
Komachi Onozuka: Old Aquintence. You were training under her. You two got on well.
-
>Shrug. "Better than getting lectured all the time."
-
>Shrug. "Better than getting lectured all the time."
> "Only if you're a masochist~" Kurumi says, flying off as she sticks her tongue out. She evidently has never had to sit through one of Shikieiki's lectures. Those are torture in their own right.
-
>Well, that's one thing we wouldn't wish on our worst nemesis.
>Well, maybe we would.
>Sigh. "Well, at least she isn't a fairy, right Malus?"
-
>Well, that's one thing we wouldn't wish on our worst nemesis.
>Well, maybe we would.
>Sigh. "Well, at least she isn't a fairy, right Malus?"
> You might find it hard to wish Shikieiki to lecture herself, or at least hard to have it succeed.
> The scythe bends so that it looks like the blade is nodding. Malus cannot talk, but it can twist to do some minor communication. You just will it to answer.
> "Ah, Elly~"you hear a voice say from the direction of the portal. You are pretty confident you know who this is, and it's not a good thing if you are right.
-
Turn to the portal. If it's Yuuka, nervously ask "Any luck, mistress?"
-
Turn to the portal. If it's Yuuka, nervously ask "Any luck, mistress?"
> You turn to the portal. It is indeed Yuuka.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a230/humunuku/Others/yuuka.jpg)
Yuuka Kanzami
The Rose's Thorns
> "I am not here on that matter Elly, but another. Do you even know how long it is you have been standing guard here, hiding in fear of the Yamas?" Yuuka says.
-
...DO we know? If we cannot remember, use:
"I'm afraid I can't quite recall," ask with a small sigh of relief. "Not long enough yet, I'm sure."
-
...DO we know? If we cannot remember, use:
"I'm afraid I can't quite recall," ask with a small sigh of relief. "Not long enough yet, I'm sure."
> You don't recall.
> "I thought that might be the case. Let me ask you then, how many times in the last thirty years have you had to keep someone out of the Dreamworld?" your employer asks.
-
>Aside from those people from the first time, how many other times have we had to?
>...Those two were strong, to have been able to defeat not just us and Malus, but Boss too..
-
>Aside from those people from the first time, how many other times have we had to?
>...Those two were strong, to have been able to defeat not just us and Malus, but Boss too..
> Only a couple of times, to your memory. However, not within the last thirty years. Only the Miko and Witch, on the same day, were during this period.
> To be fair, they snuck in while she was asleep, and was far from fighting seriously, even in the second round. It's exceptionally rare for Yuuka to fight seriously, unless someone has actually made her particularly mad, normal mad just makes her hold back moroso than usual, so there's more left for her to torture afterwards, really mad is likely to lead to immediate atomisation. She wasn't mad at the Witch and Miko, she was just having some fun with them.
-
>"Only those two from a while ago Boss, the Witch and the Miko.....Even though they managed to beat me."
>Sigh, and sag a fair bit. "I guess I'm not too good at this, huh?"
-
>"Only those two from a while ago Boss, the Witch and the Miko.....Even though they managed to beat me."
>Sigh, and sag a fair bit. "I guess I'm not too good at this, huh?"
> "Half right. I think you need to go out. You're a gatekeeper that's not having to defend from anyone. You've hardly fought in over thirty years. You need practice. So, I've decided, you're on holiday. Go out into Gensokyo and do something. Learn about people who may come so you know what to expect, get into some fights, even if you try to avoid fights odds are you'll get into them anyway. In my view, what point is there in a gatekeeper that's forgotten how to fight, and doesn't know who she's guarding the gate from?" Yuuka says with a tone that makes it sound like you have no choice.
-
>"So...Just get in a lot of fights, learn more about those people out there where your branch is, and get stronger? I dunno if I'll ever be able to match up to you though Boss, you're on a whole other level compared to everyone else. Even that branch of yours is on a whole different caliber. But I guess there's no helping it huh? May as well enjoy myself while I'm at it. Maybe the apples out there are able to keep up with the ones from here now."
-
>"So...Just get in a lot of fights, learn more about those people out there where your branch is, and get stronger? I dunno if I'll ever be able to match up to you though Boss, you're on a whole other level compared to everyone else. Even that branch of yours is on a whole different caliber. But I guess there's no helping it huh? May as well enjoy myself while I'm at it. Maybe the apples out there are able to keep up with the ones from here now."
> "Yes, go about this however you want to~. Cause trouble, stop trouble, just doing nothing will probably end up with someone wanting to fight you, it's Gensokyo after all. I don't mind how you do it, but you're too rusty, and besides what I've told you, you know nothing about the powers of others. First hand experience is a thousand times better than my explanations~" Yuuka says.
> When you meet someone in Gensokyo, you can recall Yuuka's information about them. Yuuka knows most citizens of Gensokyo somewhat, and, as the gatekeeper who can make use of the knowledge, tells you stuff about them. As a result, despite not meeting characters before, you do know a bit about them, such as their power, and overall fighting ability [Although everyone is different shades of weak to Yuuka]
> "Oh, you have no chance of becoming able to hold a candle even to my cutting in Gensokyo. However, not many can. I can count on one hand the number who can fight even the cutting which has a faction of my power." Yuuka says.
[You can go about this however you want, even cause an incident if you want to. Elly can be good, bad, neutral, or whatever. Different actions will obviously bring different encounters and attitudes to you.]
-
>"So...What would you suggest? Start an incident for the laughs?"
>Fistpalm. "Maybe by stealing all the apples!"
>Beat.
>"...I think I might be a bit obsessed with apples."
>Fistpalm again. "But if I'm gonna start an Incident, I'll need minions! Maybe I should drag Kurumi along if I'm gonna do that."
-
>"So...What would you suggest? Start an incident for the laughs?"
>Fistpalm. "Maybe by stealing all the apples!"
>Beat.
>"...I think I might be a bit obsessed with apples."
> "I don't care what you do~ do whatever you think is best, your holiday. Personally I'd stir up some trouble, but I'm strong enough no-one can really stop me if I'm serious. Main reason I have that cutting, so if I get bored I can use that to stir up trouble yet still have fun and have to be weary of losing."
> "I might be a bit obsessed with people's screams and flowers. Your point?" Yuuka says in reply.
[If you want to start an incident I'll hold off posting so you lot can discuss what and how and everything]
-
>"Good point Boss."
Well guys? If we're gonna start an Incident, I'm all for Stealing All Of Gensokyo's Apples.
-
If you can figure out a way to do it.
-
Well guys? If we're gonna start an Incident, I'm all for Stealing All Of Gensokyo's Apples.
While I am all for GM'ing any idea you come up with [within reason and rules of the board] I shall point this out:
Where do you think at least some apple trees reside in Gensokyo? Or, more specifically, who's garden?
-
Steal all the apples except hers?
-
Steal all the apples except hers?
As I said, what you plan to do is up to you. I just felt like pointing out the potential issue of stealing from Yuuka that the plan would entail.
-
Is there anything we can do in Gensokyo that would screw with Eiki?
-
Is there anything we can do in Gensokyo that would screw with Eiki?
> There are all sorts of things you could do. Examples would include messing with Shinigami, especially if they are attempting to get a Hermit or Celestial. There are probably more things you could do, but, this is your chance to come up with ideas. I can only answer questions. Eiki does go into Gensokyo somewhat frequently, she is in charge of funerals, for example, and occasionally lectures people and youkai who are in danger of going to Hell.
-
Maybe we could steal a Celestial or two then!
...I got it!
We'll kidnap a celestial, then have her help us steal almost all the apples in Gensokyo! (Except yuuka's.)
-
Do we know about Tenshi? If so, does she seem easy to kidnap/convince?
-
Maybe we could steal a Celestial or two then!
...I got it!
We'll kidnap a celestial, then have her help us steal almost all the apples in Gensokyo! (Except yuuka's.)
Do we know about Tenshi? If so, does she seem easy to kidnap/convince?
> You actually know next to nothing about Tenshi from Yuuka, as the flower youkai has never met her. However, you recall Komachi mentioning her at one point when teaching you about Celestials. You know she can mess with the weather and cause earthquakes, as the Scarlet Weather Incident, while Yuuka was not involved, did effect the weather over the Garden of the Sun.
> "Celestials are people who have beat up a Shinigami, and pusedo-immortal due to it. They have cheated death. They live in the sky in some kingdom where we can't go, although if one leaves we always try to get them. After all, they're beings who's time is up, but they escaped their fate, we're honor bound to rectify that issue. Most of them are too smart to come down though, except that idiot Tenshi when she's bored... but she's pretty much the strongest of them too." Komachi had said.
-
>So we just trick her into stealing apples then!
-
>Set off in search of Tenshi, if she won't help us steal apples, she'll at least be likely to want to beat up shinigami with us.
-
>Set off in search of Tenshi, if she won't help us steal apples, she'll at least be likely to want to beat up shinigami with us.
>So we just trick her into stealing apples then!
> You have a plan concocted! You are going to find Tenshi and convince her to do something [Which will annoy the Yamas since their Shinigami cannot convince her to do anything, specifically die], the something specifically being stealing all the apples in Gensokyo except the ones in the Garden of the Sun.
> Unless she wants to take them. Then she can do that part herself. You don't have a deathwish.
> To execute this plan you will need to know:
> Where and how to find Tenshi, you know she lives in the sky but the sky is a big place.
> Where the rest of Gensokyo's apples are
> If anyone protects the apples
> If any angry shinigami become aware you can be caught because you're not at the DreamWorld.
-
>What do we recall about the human village?
-
>What do we recall about the human village?
> That it is guarded by were-hakutu named Keine, and looked over by an immortal human with power over fire named Mokou. You also know humans, besides those two and some who live outside the village, have very low pain tolerances, so Yuuka doesn't find them interesting at all, so never has her branch kidnap anyone for her... pass times.
> You also know the village does not take kindly to outsiders, and both Mokou and Keine are pretty strong.
-
>Make a mental note that there are probably a lot of apples there.
>Who do we know about who might know where Tenshi is?
-
>Make a mental note that there are probably a lot of apples there.
>Who do we know about who might know where Tenshi is?
> You guess the best places to ask for information are wherever Reimu and Marisa live. Odds are it was Reimu who fixed the Scarlet Weather Incident after all.
-
>If we know where the Hakurei shrine is, go there.
>If we don't, look for the nearest person.
-
>If we know where the Hakurei shrine is, go there.
>If we don't, look for the nearest person.
> You know roughly where the Hakurei Shrine is, so you head in roughly that direction. The Lake of Blood is in the Northwestern-most part of Gensokyo. The Hakurei Shrine is to the south of that.
> You eventually reach a building with a sign near it saying 'Hakurei Shrine'. You presume this is the place, but you can't see anyone here.
-
>Search the shrine for Reimu.
-
>Search the shrine for Reimu.
> You search the shrine, and find a note on the door to the main shrine:
> "Currently out sorting out a mess somewhere. Please wait warmly and leave a donation."
> You also manage to find a sleeping Oni.
-
Let's nudge her with Malus a bit to wake her up. Maybe she can help us in some way.
-
Let's nudge her with Malus a bit to wake her up. Maybe she can help us in some way.
> You nudge the one with you blunt part of Malus.
> "Five more minutes..." she grunts, rolling over.
-
Perhaps we can have a little fun with this - we DO bear a resemblance to a shinigami, after all, and it's possible the oni will be too tired to notice. Put our hand on her shoulder and say "Sorry, but you don't have five more minutes." Try to keep the scythe in her view.
-
Perhaps we can have a little fun with this - we DO bear a resemblance to a shinigami, after all, and it's possible the oni will be too tired to notice. Put our hand on her shoulder and say "Sorry, but you don't have five more minutes." Try to keep the scythe in her view.
> "Huuugh?" the oni says, turning over the opening her eyes a little.
> "Who are you red lady?" the oni says. You can smell sake on her breath.
-
>"Just a passing-through Shinigami. I'm looking for someone in fact."
-
>"Just a passing-through Shinigami. I'm looking for someone in fact."
> "Shiniwatti? Shikigami? Ooooh, you're one of Yukari's pets!" the Oni slurs while getting up. AS if to make things worse, she pulls up a gourd from the ground and drinks more sake out of it.
-
Facepalm. "No, I'm not anyone's pet. And do you really need to drink so early on?"
-
>"Shi. Ni. Ga. Mi. A Reaper."
-
> Tell the oni that you have to take her to be judged by the Yamas.
-
Facepalm. "No, I'm not anyone's pet. And do you really need to drink so early on?"
> "O' course I do! I'm an Oni! Didn't Yukarrrri teach you any'ing?" the drunken Oni says.
>"Shi. Ni. Ga. Mi. A Reaper."
> "I thought those harvester guys wore blue and 'ere too lazy to do anything." the oni says.
> Tell the oni that you have to take her to be judged by the Yamas.
> "Yamas can chew on my horns, harvester *hic*!" the oni says, staggering.
-
>Sigh. "Red's an Elite's colors y'know."
-
>Sigh. "Red's an Elite's colors y'know."
> "I'm sure Raymoo said the head one wears blue." the Oni mumbles, before also mumbling, "I knew she was lyin..."
-
Smile. "Humans will do that sometimes. By the way, do you know where she is?"
-
>While we're here, let's just ask
>"Do you know where I can find Tenshi?"
-
Smile. "Humans will do that sometimes. By the way, do you know where she is?"
> "Eh? She went to go nag at someone. I think it was Marisha." the oni slurs. You think Marisha is Marisa, but you can't be too sure.
>While we're here, let's just ask
>"Do you know where I can find Tenshi?"
> "Why do you wanna find Princesh Peach?"
-
>"Princess... Tenshi is a princess?!"
-
>"Princess... Tenshi is a princess?!"
> "Nah, just my nickname for her since she likes Peaches, although she's the 'Eldest Daughter' or something which makes her the family Princesh." the drunken Oni says.
-
>"Heh, I guess I'm not the only one who's obsessed with fruit."
>"Oh right, can you tell me where she is? I need to know because... err... no reason."
-
>"Heh, I guess I'm not the only one who's obsessed with fruit."
>"Oh right, can you tell me where she is? I need to know because... err... no reason."
> "You like fruit?" the Oni asks.
> "In the sky. I dunno exactly where. We can all fly but most of us can't fly that high unless you're a Tengu or Reimu or someone."
-
>Nod. "Apples. Much better than some lousy peach, a lot crisper y'know."
>"So...it's up pretty high huh? Guess I'll have to go quite a while to get at her."
-
>Nod. "Apples. Much better than some lousy peach, a lot crisper y'know."
>"So...it's up pretty high huh? Guess I'll have to go quite a while to get at her."
> "Except even the Tengu can't fly high enough to reach! I dunno why, all I know is you can't simply fly to Bah-bah--- whatever it is." the Oni says, adding "They can fly as high as there is air, yet they haven't found the Celestials. It's best to ask Raymoo I think."
-
"That probably would be a good idea." Pause for a moment before continuing. "So you said she might be at Marisa's? Could you show me where that is, perhaps?"
-
"That probably would be a good idea." Pause for a moment before continuing. "So you said she might be at Marisa's? Could you show me where that is, perhaps?"
> "There is a forest nearby and a forest that is filled with magical stuff. It's that forest." the Oni says.
> "I'm baaack!" a voice says suddenly. "I hope you've not ruined the shrine again Sukia!"
> "Or Raymoo can come back *hic*." the oni, supposedly called Sukia, says.
> A black-haired Miko in red and white enters the room, by flying. You do not recognize her. You know Reimu Hakurei as a purple-haired Miko who wears a completely different outfit and can't fly except on turtle.
(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/c9Cb_UpNZ6M/0.jpg)
[Apparently] Reimu Hakurei
The Maiden in Red
(http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/25900000/Suika-suika-ibuki-25999482-1363-1000.png)
[Finally being introduced to you]
Sukia Ibuki
Eternal Drunkard
-
>"...Wait, you're telling me that's Reimu? Can't be, I remember her being a little kid with purple hair and a different outfit, couldn't fly without that turtle of hers."
-
>"...Wait, you're telling me that's Reimu? Can't be, I remember her being a little kid with purple hair and a different outfit, couldn't fly without that turtle of hers."
> "Yeah. Wait... purple hair? You sure you didn't see a fake Raymoo?" Sukia says.
> "Who's your new drinking buddy Sukia... she doesn't even know who I am, she's that drunk. Everyone in Gensokyo knows who I am after all." 'Reimu' says, looking annoyed.
-
>Stare for a bit. "You sure you're that Hakurei kid that barged in on the boss a while back?"
>Give Malus a puzzled stare. "If she is, then I guess she grew up, huh?"
-
>Stare for a bit. "You sure you're that Hakurei kid that barged in on the boss a while back?"
>Give Malus a puzzled stare. "If she is, then I guess she grew up, huh?"
> "Define your boss." 'Reimu' asks.
> The scythe bends as if to nod, then turns and indicates at her black hair, and then swipes at a fly, which it indicates at. You take this to mean 'Hair Dye' from 'Hair Die'.
-
>Fistpalm. "Ah, so she dyed her hair! That makes a lot of sense."
>"Don't you know? Yuuka of course!"
-
>Fistpalm. "Ah, so she dyed her hair! That makes a lot of sense."
>"Don't you know? Yuuka of course!"
> Sukia laughs, rolling around on the floor. "Raymoo uses hair dye? How does she even get the money? Her donation box is always empty!"
> "T-T-T-his is natural!" Reimu says, looking defensive.
> "Yuuka..." Reimu says quietly. "Oh. You're that gatekeeper who I beat up effortlessly and you told me Marisa had already beat you up. So, why's Yuuka sent you here? She ran out of victims or something?"
-
>Shrug. "Eh, boss said I needed a vacation to make sure I hadn't gotten rusty. You and the witch were the first two I had to go up against after quite a while y'know. Hardly anyone tries getting into the Dreamworld after all."
>"Besides, she's fine with even the ones that branch of hers here gets. Which is good for me, because I don't get beat on to keep her happy."
>Grumble a bit. "Shoulda dragged Kurumi along just to throw her into something..."
-
>Shrug. "Eh, boss said I needed a vacation to make sure I hadn't gotten rusty. You and the witch were the first two I had to go up against after quite a while y'know. Hardly anyone tries getting into the Dreamworld after all."
>"Besides, she's fine with even the ones that branch of hers here gets. Which is good for me, because I don't get beat on to keep her happy."
>Grumble a bit. "Shoulda dragged Kurumi along just to throw her into something..."
> "Wonder what she's planning, that's almost an act of kindness." Reimu says.
> "Kurumi?"
-
>"Remember that vampire at the Blood Lake? That's her. She's such a pain y'know, but at least she isn't a Fairy."
>Grumble a bit more. "But I wouldn't mind pitching her into something."
-
>"Remember that vampire at the Blood Lake? That's her. She's such a pain y'know, but at least she isn't a Fairy."
>Grumble a bit more. "But I wouldn't mind pitching her into something."
> "No. Don't remember anyone over there. If I fought anyone there they were as insignificant as a fairy that's not Cirno." Reimu says.
[Yes this is based on Reimu forgetting Alice in particular, especially as LLS was even earlier than MS, and TD is FAR later than PCB, so Reimu certainly dosen't remember Kurumi.]
-
>Sigh. "She's about as annoying as a fairy too. Kinda makes you wonder if she's just some fairy pretending to be a vampire or something."
>"Ah well, any way I can get to find this Tenshi kid? I figured that maybe she'd know a good way for me to spend my vacation time."
-
>Sigh. "She's about as annoying as a fairy too. Kinda makes you wonder if she's just some fairy pretending to be a vampire or something."
>"Ah well, any way I can get to find this Tenshi kid? I figured that maybe she'd know a good way for me to spend my vacation time."
> Reimu looks suspicious.
> "Getting into Bhava-agra is hardly easy. I'm not sure how you can get there short of becoming a Celestial or being related to the Dragon like the Oarfish. However, Tenshi usually gets bored and shows up on the ground somewhat often, that's your best bet if you really wanna find that idiot." Reimu says.
> "I warn you, she's a ditz, and she's very strong."
-
>"Well, if she's strong, then she's gotta be a fun way to spend my vacation."
-
>"Well, if she's strong, then she's gotta be a fun way to spend my vacation."
> "Yeah, I guess since you live with Yuuka getting beaten up is fun for you." Reimu says.
-
>"Eh, you get used to it after a while. Besides, I heal quickly. Boss is generally good about keeping it to a safe zone.....Even if it hurts a lot. And even then, she only resorts to me if she can't get anyone else."
-
>"Eh, you get used to it after a while. Besides, I heal quickly. Boss is generally good about keeping it to a safe zone.....Even if it hurts a lot. And even then, she only resorts to me if she can't get anyone else."
> Reimu shrugs she shoulders, before mentioning "Why do all gatekeepers heal quickly. China does too."
-
>Shrug. "Dunno, guess that's why we got hired as gatekeepers. I'm back on my feet about a day or two afterwards, I bet she's probably the same."
>"Come to think of it, I oughta see her and compare notes."
-
>Shrug. "Dunno, guess that's why we got hired as gatekeepers. I'm back on my feet about a day or two afterwards, I bet she's probably the same."
>"Come to think of it, I oughta see her and compare notes."
> Reimu thinks.
> "Well, she guards the Scarlet Devil Mansion at the Misty Lake. There's also a library there, if there's information about the Celestials and how to get to their home in Gensokyo, it'll be there." Reimu says,
-
>"I thought you'd been everywhere in Gensokyo."
-
>"I thought you'd been everywhere in Gensokyo."
> "Oh no, I can reach there if I want due to my power of 'flight' being unrestricted, if I could be bothered to find exactly where it is. I can fly pretty much anywhere, even out of existence if need be." Reimu explains.
> You find Reimu's power being flight highly ironic seeing as she couldn't fly when you met her back when she was a purplette.
-
>Nod. "Ironic, isn't it? Last time I met you, you needed that turtle of yours to fly."
>"Ah well, guess I'll just ask around at that mansion then. Mind pointing the way?"
-
>Nod. "Ironic, isn't it? Last time I met you, you needed that turtle of yours to fly."
>"Ah well, guess I'll just ask around at that mansion then. Mind pointing the way?"
> Reimu points in the only direction there is in Gensokyo from her shrine, to the West.
> "You can't miss the lake. There's a ton of fairies around it all the time, be careful of one with ice-wings in blue, she's highly aggressive, highly stupid and stupidly strong for a fairy." Reimu says.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "I guess it can't hurt to get in a fight here and there, Malus has been getting restless lately anyhow."
>Look to Malus. "Isn't that right, partner?"
-
>Chuckle a bit. "I guess it can't hurt to get in a fight here and there, Malus has been getting restless lately anyhow."
>Look to Malus. "Isn't that right, partner?"
> The scythe 'nods'.
-
>"Well, I'll be going now. Maybe we'll meet again sometime."
>Let's get going in the direction Reimu pointed out, and look for a lake.
-
>"Well, I'll be going now. Maybe we'll meet again sometime."
>Let's get going in the direction Reimu pointed out, and look for a lake.
> You head in the direction Reimu sent you, and after a fair amount of trees everywhere, you notice what matches Reimu's description, a lake with mist thinly veiling it, and an impressive looking mansion.
-
>There's no way it stacks up to Mugenkan though.
>Hmm...do we go on to the mansion? Or make a little detour to have a little fight?
-
>There's no way it stacks up to Mugenkan though.
>Hmm...do we go on to the mansion? Or make a little detour to have a little fight?
> Oh, every mansion is impressive in it's own right. Of course you prefer Mugenkan, but you get the urge to guard this place too. It's a gatekeeper thing.
> Leaving the other thing open. Up to you guys after all. Of course, you could always do both at the same time and bug their gatekeeper.
-
>Well, it's been a while since we've had a good fight, so we might be a little rusty. May as well go find that ice fairy for a little warm-up.
>If we're gonna have a round with their gatekeeper, we need to make sure we're at tip-top shape, our pride as a gatekeeper won't permit anything less!
-
>Well, it's been a while since we've had a good fight, so we might be a little rusty. May as well go find that ice fairy for a little warm-up.
>If we're gonna have a round with their gatekeeper, we need to make sure we're at tip-top shape, our pride as a gatekeeper won't permit anything less!
> You decide to look for the fairy in blue with ice-wings. It takes some time, but eventually you find two fairies, one who's in green and the other matches the description Reimu gave you.
> "Cirno, there's someone scary behind you." the fairy in green says.
> "Scary? No-one's more scary than me Dai! I'm the strongest!" 'Cirno' says confidently. She hasn't actually turned around.
(http://www.advancedanime.com/pictures/normal_konachan_com_-_43682_cirno_daiyousei_touhou.jpg)
Cirno and Daiyousei
A couple of fairies notable for opposite traits
-
>Let's bring Malus around so the blade's right in front of the ice fairy's throat.
>"I heard you were strong for a fairy. Care to go up against someone stronger?"
-
>Let's bring Malus around so the blade's right in front of the ice fairy's throat.
>"I heard you were strong for a fairy. Care to go up against someone stronger?"
> Cirno's response to the scythe blade is "Shiny!". The other fairy looks scared, and then facepalms at the friend's reaction.
> The Ice Fairy finally turns around, and answers you by breathing out a what seems to be a miniature blizzard at you.
-
>Chuckle a bit, and back off some, bringing Malus around to a resting position on our shoulder.
>"So you can do stuff like that huh? Say, what's your opinion on floor tiles?"
-
>Chuckle a bit, and back off some, bringing Malus around to a resting position on our shoulder.
>"So you can do stuff like that huh? Say, what's your opinion on floor tiles?"
> You chuckle and back off a bit, a little bit too slow, as your sleeve gets caught and is covered in a thin layer of ice.
> "What's a floor tile?" Cirno asks confused.
-
>Grin a little, and fling some floor tile shots her way. "These!"
-
>Grin a little, and fling some floor tile shots her way. "These!"
> You pause, summoning your 'tile space' around you, a little trick you have. [If Nue can summon UFO danmaku you can do this.]
> You then proceed to have these tiles flip, with no pattern to which one does at any point, and fly towards the blue fairy.
> "Ow ow ow ow ow ow these sting!" the fairy says as she gets pelted.
-
>Let's have a little laugh. "Hurts, don't it? Man, you'll never even come close to scratching even a fraction of boss' power at this rate."
-
>Let's have a little laugh. "Hurts, don't it? Man, you'll never even come close to scratching even a fraction of boss' power at this rate."
> "Who's your boss?" the green-haired fairy asks, as Cirno keeps going 'ow' as floor tiles hit her.
-
>"Yuuka."
-
>"Yuuka."
> "You're boss is the lady who's mean to Wriggle?" Cirno says, before declaring, "This is revenge!", and hurtling numerous icicles your way.
-
>Let's slide out of the way, and fling more tiles!
>Do we know who she means by that?
-
>Let's slide out of the way, and fling more tiles!
>Do we know who she means by that?
> You dodge the icicles, but the fairy keeps flinging them, so you just smash them with floor tile retaliation.
> You have no idea.
-
>Pour on the heat. And by that, I mean fling more tiles, faster.
>"You can't keep this up forever y'know. Sooner or later you're gonna give out."
-
>Pour on the heat. And by that, I mean fling more tiles, faster.
>"You can't keep this up forever y'know. Sooner or later you're gonna give out."
> The fairy has learnt that floor tiles can be evaded, and is actually dodgeing now.
> "I can keep this up all day! Now then, time to show off my special moves! Ice Sign: Icicle Fall!" Cirno declares.
> You heave heard of the spellcard rules, but you don't have any spellcards as you technically don't live in Gensokyo. However, the rules tend to be welcoming to newcomers, and if you need spellcards ones will usually generate, appropriate to your skills.
> Meanwhile, Cirno is launching what seems to be weirdly angled icicles at you, in two waves. They will intersect in front of her, and the arcs are pretty large.
-
>We could use Malus to knock away the incoming shots, right?
-
>We could use Malus to knock away the incoming shots, right?
> You doubt it can defend from all of them. Malus cannot change it's BLADE size, only that of the hilt, in addition, the barrage is coming from multiple directions.
-
>"Alright then, it's been a while since we've had to use this one, eh Malus? Boomerang Form!"
>Time to fling Malus at the fairy like a boomerang! We'll do our best to not get hit while Malus does it's thing.
-
>"Alright then, it's been a while since we've had to use this one, eh Malus? Boomerang Form!"
>Time to fling Malus at the fairy like a boomerang! We'll do our best to not get hit while Malus does it's thing.
> You hurl Malus, and it curves so that it spins towards the fairy at a rapid speed, with the scythe in a position to reap.
> You get pelted by icicles, but they cause no actual damage seeing as they're danmaku, they just hurt.
> The scythe slams into Cirno and knocks her for a loop, before Malus changes form a little so it spins back and hits her again, this time with the blade. The fairy poofs into a cloud of ice as you catch the scythe.
-
>Adjust our hat a bit so it covers our eyes. "Well, that was a nice little warmup."
>That other fairy flew the coop, didn't she?
-
>Adjust our hat a bit so it covers our eyes. "Well, that was a nice little warmup."
>That other fairy flew the coop, didn't she?
> No, she's still there, looking scared at you. She dosen't seem to want to leave the cloud of freezing mist her friend currently is.
-
>Head over, and pat her head a few times. "When she comes to, tell her this for me would you? 'Try visiting Mugenkan sometime, Gatekeeper Elly will be waiting....As soon as she's finished her vacation.'"
>And with that, make for the mansion.
-
>Head over, and pat her head a few times. "When she comes to, tell her this for me would you? 'Try visiting Mugenkan sometime, Gatekeeper Elly will be waiting....As soon as she's finished her vacation.'"
>And with that, make for the mansion.
> "Uwwwuuuuuuu..." the fairy says, she seems to be on the verge of crying.
> You head towards the mansion gate, and see a sigure that is clearly no fairy leaning on the wall outside it. She has a hat with a yellow star on tipped over her eyes, and appears to be asleep. She looks like she's wearing Chinese Attire.
-
>"So, this is that other gatekeeper, huh, Malus? I gotta admit, she's a pretty snappy dresser."
-
>"So, this is that other gatekeeper, huh, Malus? I gotta admit, she's a pretty snappy dresser."
> The scythe does not respond. You guess it has no opinion on the matter. It's not easy for a scythe to shrug.
-
>Approach slowly, but keep a distance of six metres or so.
-
>Approach slowly, but keep a distance of six metres or so.
> You slowly approach the gatekeeper, and the gate. You hear snoreing.
-
Oh dear, we'll have to wake her up, and I'm bad at the conversation parts.
>"Hello?"
>If she doesn't respond, say it a bit louder.
>If that doesn't do it, clap in your hands. If we can't do that when holding Malus, then smack him into the fence (not too hard)
-
Oh dear, we'll have to wake her up, and I'm bad at the conversation parts.
>"Hello?"
>If she doesn't respond, say it a bit louder.
>If that doesn't do it, clap in your hands. If we can't do that when holding Malus, then smack him into the fence (not too hard)
> The gatekeeper does not respond to your voice.
> You clap your hands. There is a snort.
> You then tap Malus on the fence, which creates that metal-on-metal ringing sound. This sound makes the gatekeeper wake with a jolt.
> "I'm not asleep Sakuya! Honest!" she cries, before looking around and calming down.
> "Who are you?" she asks, noticing you.
-
>Chuckle a little, and adjust our hat a bit. "Let's just say that we're of the same profession. The only difference is, I'm on vacation."
-
>Chuckle a little, and adjust our hat a bit. "Let's just say that we're of the same profession. The only difference is, I'm on vacation."
> The gatekeeper relaxes a little. "You like taking naps in the sun too? Or are you like me in another way? Wait, vacation... you're someone else's gatekeeper? How long since your last vacation?"
-
>...How long HAS it been?
>"Well, let's just say that I was ordered to do so. Gotta get out, make sure I ain't getting too rusty, that sort of stuff. Hardly anyone ever tries busting into where I work. Well, there was those two from a long time back, a Witch and a Shrine Maiden. Since the latter of the two told me about you, I take it you've had to deal with them too."
-
>...How long HAS it been?
>"Well, let's just say that I was ordered to do so. Gotta get out, make sure I ain't getting too rusty, that sort of stuff. Hardly anyone ever tries busting into where I work. Well, there was those two from a long time back, a Witch and a Shrine Maiden. Since the latter of the two told me about you, I take it you've had to deal with them too."
> Never
> "Well I frequently have to fight off trespassing fairies, and witc... wait, did this witch wear back, have an obsession with stealing and have blonde hair? Was the Shrine Maiden Red and White with black hair?" the other gatekeeper says.
-
>"Well, back then she looked very different. Would you believe she had purple hair? I hear she dyes it now. And you know what? She couldn't fly without that turtle of hers, kinda ironic that her power is expressly flight, huh?"
>"But the witch wore purple and white. She was a blonde though, very troublesome one her, came in hot on the heels of the shrine maiden she did. And she did once mention breaking and entering."
(Referencing Elly and Marisa's dialogue in the trial version of LLS.)
-
>"Well, back then she looked very different. Would you believe she had purple hair? I hear she dyes it now. And you know what? She couldn't fly without that turtle of hers, kinda ironic that her power is expressly flight, huh?"
>"But the witch wore purple and white. She was a blonde though, very troublesome one her, came in hot on the heels of the shrine maiden she did. And she did once mention breaking and entering."
(Referencing Elly and Marisa's dialogue in the trial version of LLS.)
> "Yep, that sounds like Marisa. What is their obsession with purple back then? Well, they broke in here once too, because my Mistress caused trouble. Marisa still breaks in today to steal magic books from the library." the gatekeeper says, before looking shocked.
> "I forgot! I'm Hong Meiling." she says, extending a hand.
-
>Let's shake her hand. "Name's Elly. This guy here is Malus." Indicate our scythe.
>"Malus, say hi to her already."
-
>Let's shake her hand. "Name's Elly. This guy here is Malus." Indicate our scythe.
>"Malus, say hi to her already."
> The scythe wiggles in response.
> "Ah, that scythe's... part youkai, I guess the tree that some of the material it was pulled from went youkai afterwards." Meiling says, after looking at the scythe for a few moments. You swear her eyes had a rainbow shine to them for a moment before she said it.
-
>Nod. "That's about the speed of things. He can't talk, but he can gesture easily enough...Except for shrugs, those are kinda hard to do when you don't have shoulders y'know."
>Grin. "But a better partner you'll never find. He's always been a reliable one."
-
>Nod. "That's about the speed of things. He can't talk, but he can gesture easily enough...Except for shrugs, those are kinda hard to do when you don't have shoulders y'know."
>Grin. "But a better partner you'll never find. He's always been a reliable one."
> The scythe extends it's base and wraps it over your shoulders as if it's putting an arm around you. It also twists itself so the blade is upside down like a smile.
> "Eh, my most reliable freind is a maid that stabs me for falling asleep." the gatekeeper says, before adding "That and an insane vampire who lives in a basement."
-
>Chuckle a little. "Well, either way you look at it, you get more time to fight than me."
-
>Chuckle a little. "Well, either way you look at it, you get more time to fight than me."
> "Win a few lose a few." the gatekeeper replies. "Anyway, what's your business here? I might get yelled at if I stand here chatting all day long."
-
>Grin. "Two things. But I can do the second one last, as it involves you."
>"Anyhow, I came to see about learning how to get to Bhava-Agra, got some business up there."
Well you guys, I had an idea. If we're gonna do an incident, why not recruit a bunch of Final Bosses?
Such as Remi(Likely up for it if it'll stave off boredom), Tenshi(Does it for the lulz), and so on.
-
Works, although we'll probably need something more than stealing apples.
-
If we cause an incident, think of who will come. That will provide fights.
You see? Gensokyo's higher-ranking Youkai tend to enjoy a good brawl.
-
Well, do your thing, then.
-
We just gotta wait for Raikaria to update then.
-
>Grin. "Two things. But I can do the second one last, as it involves you."
>"Anyhow, I came to see about learning how to get to Bhava-Agra, got some business up there."
> Meiling looks confused at your first statement.
> "Ah, learning about something, eh? Well then, I'll take you to the library and let Lady Patchouli know. Most people seem to think visitors are not allowed in her library, but they never ASKED, they just break in." Meiling says.
-
>Sigh. "I know what you mean, that Witch sure is a troublemaker."
>Let's go with her when she motions to follow.
-
>Sigh. "I know what you mean, that Witch sure is a troublemaker."
>Let's go with her when she motions to follow.
> "I know! That kleptomaniac!" Meiling says.
> She then opens the gate, and mentions to follow, you do this, and, after a walk through the garden [With no apple trees], you enter the mansion itself, which is very... scarlet when it comes to the flooring, with suits of armor, no windows, and fairies dressed as maids flying around. It also looks larger from the inside.
-
>"Yeah, at least she didn't steal anything when she showed up, the boss saw to that personally."
>Keep on following. "Not bad, it's pretty red in here too."
-
>"Yeah, at least she didn't steal anything when she showed up, the boss saw to that personally."
>Keep on following. "Not bad, it's pretty red in here too."
> "I hear she stole her signature move." Meiling says.
> "Well, the owner is known as the Scarlet Devil."
-
>"Well, boss was just playing around, had to find some way to have some fun after all."
>Nod while following. "That makes sense then. Wonder if I'll run into that person while I'm here?"
-
>"Well, boss was just playing around, had to find some way to have some fun after all."
>Nod while following. "That makes sense then. Wonder if I'll run into that person while I'm here?"
> "Mistress doesn't come out that often, part of the parcel of being a vampire." Meling says before stopping outside stupid larger double doors.
> "The library is in here. Wait here please so the owner doesn't think you are an intruder and unleash elemental magic on you." Meiling says, before knocking, and then opening the door and sticking her head in.
> "Yo, Patchy! You alive in there! Someone wants to look for information in a book! Not steal anything. An actual visitor to the library!"
> A few moments pass, before you hear a weak voice.
> "We get visitors?"
> "Well, I guess we do." Meiling answers.
> "Koakuma's on her way... *cough* muyku~ I'm not feeling too good today..." the voice replies.
> "Yeah, sorry about that, the librarian's a sickly girl who suffers from Asthma, Anemia and possibly other things. " Meiling says.
-
>Wince. "Ooh, ouch. She wouldn't like visiting Mugenkan then, flowers everywhere y'know. But I wonder if there's a way to help her with that."
>Let's wait for this 'Koakuma' then.
-
>Wince. "Ooh, ouch. She wouldn't like visiting Mugenkan then, flowers everywhere y'know. But I wonder if there's a way to help her with that."
>Let's wait for this 'Koakuma' then.
> "I wouldn't wanna visit there if your boss is Yuuka..." Meiling says.
> A demon shows up on the other side of the door. This isn't a new thing for you, you've seen demons before, far stronger ones too, from other Dream Realms. You guess this demon is summoned by the librarian.
> "So... what are you looking for? No-one except Lady Patchouli knows the Library better than me." the demon says.
-
>"I'd like to know if there's a way to reach Bhava-Agra, I got business up there."
-
>"I'd like to know if there's a way to reach Bhava-Agra, I got business up there."
> Koakuma looks a little confused for a few moments, and then nods.
> "I'm afraid I don't consult the books on Heaven much myself, as a Demon. Books on that matter are toxic to me. I know where you can find the 'Heaven' section, however... I just can't touch any holy books, or get too close to them." Koakuma says. "I recall Patchouli researching from those books a few years ago when someone from Bhava-Agra caused problems, however. She mentioned Youkai Mountain."
> The Devil starts flying off into the gigantic library, mentioning for you to follow. You note Meiling has gone back to the gate.
-
>Let's follow then!
>"I got some business with someone up there, work-related matter y'know." Indicate Malus.
-
>Let's follow then!
>"I got some business with someone up there, work-related matter y'know." Indicate Malus.
> "If you're attempting to claim you're a Shikigami, you don't fool me. Shinigami know how to get into Heaven, they frequently go there to try and reap the Celestials, to no avail." Koakuma says.
> "Anyway, there are several books here on Heaven, specifically, Bhava-Agra. I can't risk getting any closer to these, I'll be waiting here. Away from those books." the devil says.
-
>Sigh. "Well, I would have been one, but it was too repressive. I guess I can't get it past you, huh?"
>Well, let's head for the books, and look for the ones on Bhava-Agra.
(Also, it's Shinigami.)
-
>Sigh. "Well, I would have been one, but it was too repressive. I guess I can't get it past you, huh?"
>Well, let's head for the books, and look for the ones on Bhava-Agra.
(Also, it's Shinigami.)
(Shinigami, Shikigami, one letter, totally different meaning D:)
> "Well, I do read a large amount of these books. It's not easy to trick me." Koakuma says.
> You look on the bookshelf, and, after a short while, you find a book titled 'Tenkai, Realm of those who cheat death itself, there are other books that mention 'Heaven', but this one specifically mentions 'Tenkai', the Celestial Realm.
-
>Let's leaf through it for ways to get there that don't involve dealing with Higan.
>"I guess that makes sense. Maybe I should talk the boss into having something like this too, hardly anyone tries to break in. So it's slow going, being a gatekeeper for a place nobody tries to break into."
-
>Let's leaf through it for ways to get there that don't involve dealing with Higan.
>"I guess that makes sense. Maybe I should talk the boss into having something like this too, hardly anyone tries to break in. So it's slow going, being a gatekeeper for a place nobody tries to break into."
> "Who's your boss?" Koakuma asks innocently.
> As you read, you find a chapter titled 'Accessing Tenkai from the outside'. Reading it, summarized, brings this up:
'To enter Tenkai without becoming a Celestial yourself requires you to get the attention of a bored Celestial or other Heavenly resident, such as an Angel, or Dragon Envoy, and be invited there. The only place where you can be invited from is the very peak of Youkai Mountain, and you must have the intention of going there for a clear reason, or else the Celestials will not notice you. Even then, it is down to chance.
It is notable that one of the youngest Celestials, a few years ago, caused chaos within Gensokyo and it's weather, while openly inviting anyone who wanted to try and stop her, due to her boredom. If one wishes to visit Tenkai, attempting to get the attention of this Celestial, Tenshi Hinanawi, is your best option.
Of course, Shinigami can enter Tenkai uninvited, from Higan.'
> You note a footnote mentioning the page was last 'updated' a couple of years ago. You guess this is a magical book that updates itself if things change, or new things are learnt. These types of books are hardly uncommon in Gensokyo.
-
>Chuckle a little. "Ever hear of 'The Flower Master of The Four Seasons' before? That's who my boss is."
>Then sigh. "Well, hopefully I can get the attention of that celestial, since I'd have to go through Higan if I wanted to get there the other way. And me'n'Higan aren't on the best of terms since I flew the coop."
-
>Chuckle a little. "Ever hear of 'The Flower Master of The Four Seasons' before? That's who my boss is."
>Then sigh. "Well, hopefully I can get the attention of that celestial, since I'd have to go through Higan if I wanted to get there the other way. And me'n'Higan aren't on the best of terms since I flew the coop."
> "Ah yes, there's some books about her, there's books about most 'Ancient Youkai' such as Yukari Yakumo and Yuuka Kanzami." Koakuma says.
> "So you used to live in Higan? Yet you are clearly not a Shinigami. Interesting."
-
>Sigh. "Yeah, I was supposed to be one, but I couldn't stand being so lawful."
>Flash an impish grin. "Life's more fun when you can do things without regard for such things as good or evil y'know."
-
>Sigh. "Yeah, I was supposed to be one, but I couldn't stand being so lawful."
>Flash an impish grin. "Life's more fun when you can do things without regard for such things as good or evil y'know."
> "Well, I kinda have a biological intolerance for good and holy." Koakuma says.
> "Patchouli? Patchouli? Is there a visitor here that you and China neglected to inform me about?" a voice rings over the library. "Sakuya just told me you let someone enter a short time ago."
> "Oh, that'll be the Mistress. She dosen't sound angry, she's probobly just bored and curious." Koakuma says.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "So that's the big cheese here huh? Hopefully she's easier to deal with than the Yamas, they're a real pain in the neck y'know. Lectures. Lectures Everywhere."
>Shudder in disgust. "Enough to give a poor girl nightmares."
>We may as well drift up to be above the bookshelves, we'll bring the book and read more of it later on.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "So that's the big cheese here huh? Hopefully she's easier to deal with than the Yamas, they're a real pain in the neck y'know. Lectures. Lectures Everywhere."
>Shudder in disgust. "Enough to give a poor girl nightmares."
>We may as well drift up to be above the bookshelves, we'll bring the book and read more of it later on.
> You float above the bookshelf, holding the book.
> You see another vampire, wearing what seems to be a pink dress, with red ribbons, and has blue hair.
> "Ah, so you're the visitor here?" the vampire says with a coy smirk.
-
"Ah, you must be the mistress." Bow or curtsey. "I actually wanted to talk to you about something."
-
"Ah, you must be the mistress." Bow or curtsey. "I actually wanted to talk to you about something."
> You bow to the vampire. You just hope she's not like Kurumi.
> "Hmm? Talking to me clearly wasn't your purpose here, or the gatekeeper would have brought you to me... unnless you intended to check the books before bothering me. Yeah, that seems to make sense. What is it you want to talk about then anyway?" Remilia says.
-
>Smirk a bit. "Well, first let's start with a question. Have things been tedious and boring lately?"
-
>Smirk a bit. "Well, first let's start with a question. Have things been tedious and boring lately?"
> "The latter, yes, the former, no."
-
>Grin. "Well, I had an idea to stir up a little fun, you want in?"
-
>Grin. "Well, I had an idea to stir up a little fun, you want in?"
> A sly grin comes onto the vampire's face. "You have my interest caught... say more."
> Koakuma flies off.
-
>Match the grin. "Well, people like apples, right? So what would happen if, say, all of the apples in Gensokyo were to mysteriously vanish?"
>Chuckle a bit. "I bet people would freak out, and that Shrine Maiden would declare it an incident."
-
>Match the grin. "Well, people like apples, right? So what would happen if, say, all of the apples in Gensokyo were to mysteriously vanish?"
>Chuckle a bit. "I bet people would freak out, and that Shrine Maiden would declare it an incident."
> "Apples." the vampire says flatly, looking unimpressed.
> She thinks for a bit.
> "If you can give me evidence that stealing apples will actually cause some uproar or major incident then I might be interested... but stealing apples if anything will get me laughed at. I don't think even fairies do that. I have an image to uphold..."
-
>Sigh. "Hey, cut me some slack here okay..? It's the best I came up with before coming here, you have any ideas to make it better?"
-
>Sigh. "Hey, cut me some slack here okay..? It's the best I came up with before coming here, you have any ideas to make it better?"
> "If I had a decent idea I'd have put it into motion myself. However..."
> "Patchy, can you let Koakuma bring... the chart?" Remilia says.
> A few moments later, Koakuma shows up holding a chart on a chalkboard.
> "We've been recording the root causes of most incidents since the one we caused." Remilia says, adding, "So if Sakuya ever needs to fix something we have likely suspects."
> The board reads:
- Yukari being lazy again
- MOONPEOPLE
- Lazy Shinigami
- Oni wants to party
-Bored Celestial
- Moriya Shrine Conspiracy - Kanako is prime suspect for anything
- Buddhists - Not actually caused something but were heavily involved
- Taoists - Not actually caused something directly but close enough
-
>Nod while looking at the chart. "I see...So maybe we can take inspiration from those incidents!"
-
>Nod while looking at the chart. "I see...So maybe we can take inspiration from those incidents!"
> "Or ask some other incident causers about things. If you can convince me it's worthwhile to help out, then I might, but just stealing some apples seems like something below fairies." Remilia says.
> "Are you aware of what happened each time it was a major incident? Apples are nothing compared to what happened in these." Koakuma mentions.
---
> Quest Log Enabled
- Primary Quest: Holiday
> Yuuka has put you on holiday so that you can get some fighting experience, as you're too rusty. She said you can do whatever you want with your time off.
-- Secondary Quest: Incident
> You are currently attempting to create an incident so you get into fights with some of Gensokyo's stronger residents, particularly Reimu Hakurei, and possibly Marisa Kirisame, who are known even to you for resolving incidents.
-- Subquest: Remilia's Boredom
> Convince the bored Remilia to partake in the incident. Doing this will require convincing her that the incident is worth helping out in, although there may be other methods to get her help as well.
- Subquest: Path to Tenkai
> Get into Tenkai by getting the attention of the Celestals at Youkai Mountain's Peak.
- Subquest: Incident Research
> It's possible to research incidents, and talk to past incident causers to get a better idea of what is classed as a true incident, after all, you don't know what happens in Gensokyo by and large, and if what Remilia says is any indication, you're not gonna get much interest from anyone with apple heists.
-
>Do we know of anything that happened in Gensokyo?
-
>Do we know of anything that happened in Gensokyo?
> You only know of things that involved Yuuka, and even then, only if she felt like telling you. What you generally have is a very watered down version of events, mostly from the Bunbunmaru, with the exception of the Flower Viewing Incident, which you know is a regular occurrence every 60 years anyway as an ex-trainee Shinigami yourself. You were actually a little surprised Yuuka didn't realize the cause right away, but then you recalled Yuuka didn't know about the link between the Shinigami and the flowers... or if she did know, she had forgotten it over her long life.
> For example, about all you know from the Cherry Incident is that some evil youkai tree went haywire because Yukari messed with borders letting her forgetful pal try something, then forgot to change them back after her pal's plan didn't work, causing more problems.
-
>"Hmmm....I guess I should see about learning from the other incident-causers then, we might be able to-"
>Fistpalm. "I got it! We'll gather all the incident-causers, and then hammer out an idea that way!"
-
>"Hmmm....I guess I should see about learning from the other incident-causers then, we might be able to-"
>Fistpalm. "I got it! We'll gather all the incident-causers, and then hammer out an idea that way!"
> "I think Reimu might notice that, and gathering everyone is impossible anyway, unless you plan to rip open a dimensional hole to Makai on Yukari's watch." Remilia says.
> "However, I guess if you can convince others they can wait in my mansion until you gather everyone." she adds.
-
>Grin. "Not a problem, if we do it slowly, then she probably won't catch on until it's too late."
>"But I think we can manage the ones from Gensokyo at least, more people to work with that way anyhow."
-
>Grin. "Not a problem, if we do it slowly, then she probably won't catch on until it's too late."
>"But I think we can manage the ones from Gensokyo at least, more people to work with that way anyhow."
> "It's more likely she'll be too lazy to do anything until she has to." Remilia says.
> "Well, do you even know who you need to find?" Koakuma asks, attempting to sound helpful.
-
>"Not entirely, mind helping on that?"
-
>"Not entirely, mind helping on that?"
> Koakuma nods, and signals to a fairy, who signals to another, and so forth until you cannot see them anymore.
> A fairy brings a book, labeled 'Incident Log' and hands it to Koakuma, who hands it to you.
> "That book chronicles major incidents that required the attention of the Hakurei Miko. It updates itself, but also clears itself each time the Hakurei Miko changes, probably because what spurs everyone into action is different." Koakuma explains.
-
>Let's read through it for incidents and the culprits!
-
>Let's read through it for incidents and the culprits!
> There are several chapters.
> 1: The Attack on the Hakurei Shrine [And the 2nd one]
> 2: The Plot to steal the power of Hakurei
> 3: Magic Tournament
> 4: Makai Incident
> 5: Scarlet Mist
> 6: Netherworld and Borders
> 7: Spell of Imperishable Night
> 8: Oni Party
> 9: Flower Veiwing Incident
> 10: Moriya
> 11: Scarlet Weather
> 12: Underground Incident
> 13: UFO Incident
> 14: Desire Incident
[Note, LLS technically wasn't an incident, Yuuka hadn't CAUSED anything, she never claimed to be behind the large number of youkai, Reimu and Marisa just trespassed. Reimu was being Paranoid and Marisa curious/power hungry. I count Rika's activities as their own Incident as she attacked the Hakurei Shrine of her own accord. Reimu didn't take action in Hisoutensoku and GFW.]
-
Let's read up on "Moriya". Such a simple name means it must be really big.
-
Let's read up on "Moriya". Such a simple name means it must be really big.
> Moriya
> Culprit: Kanako Yasaka
> The primary incident involving the Moriya Shrine was shortly after they entered Gensokyo by force, Kanako using her divine powers to bring the shrine and the whole lake through the Hakurei Barrier. Shortly afterwards, Kanako started subduing the youkai, especially the Kappa and Tengu on the mountain and forcing them to worship her. 'Faith' is the lifeblood for gods, and Kanako was unable to get enough from humans in the outside world, so, in a last-ditch attempt of self-preservation, she went to Gensokyo.
> Reimu Hakurei became involved when she heard of a new shrine taking visitors and faith from hers. Not that her shrine gets any visitors and faith. Marisa Kirisame also became involved due to boredom.
> Beyond the incident directly after their arrival, Kanako Yasaka has been technically to blame for three of the four incidents that occurred after this, having masterminded one, and her previous actions having caused the other two. It has gotten to the point that if anything weird happens, people no longer instantly think 'Yukari' and think 'Kanako'.
-
>Lets look into the incidents after Moriya then.
-
>Lets look into the incidents after Moriya then.
> The 'Underground' 'UFO' and 'Desire' Incidents mention Kanako.
> The 'Scarlet Weather' incident, as you go over it, you notice has Tenshi listed as the culprit.
> Which would you like to read first?
-
>Let's read the Scarlet Weather one first.
-
>Let's read the Scarlet Weather one first.
> Scarlet Weather Incident
> Culprit: Tenshi Hinanawi
> This Incident came simply out of Tenshi's boredom. Due to her boredom, she used her powers to create natural disasters, starting with an earthquake which destroyed the Hakurei Shrine.
Using her Sword, she manipulated the weather, causing chaos, such as typhoons, scorching heat, and floods. She invited anyone willing to challenge her to come into Heaven and fight her.
The situation was so severe that Reimu and Marisa were joined by many other concerned citizens of Gensokyo. Tenshi was defeated, and everyone was far from amused when they heard she did everything she did due to simple boredom. She did rebuild the Hakurei Shrine, however, but had no remorse for her actions whatsoever, nor the chaos it caused. All other incidents in recent time had some other motive behind them, even the Scarlet Mist Incident, which was part boredom part allowing Remilia Scarlet to leave the mansion during the day. Tenshi quite literally did what she did for laughs.
-
>Let's read the other three now.
-
>Let's read the other three now.
> Underground Incident
> Culprit: Kanako Yasaka
> This incident is rather simple in details, but was arguably the most dangerous. In an effort to gather faith, Kanako Yasaka killed Yatagarasu, the God of the Sun, and let her corse he feastecd on by the Hell Crows, intending to use them, and Yatagarasu's power, to her own ends.
Utusho Reiuji was the crow who consumed the god, and she underwent a transformation. In addition, her newfound power drove her mad, with all of her limited brainpower suddenly being devoted to nuclear physics. She planned to pretty much cook the world. This caused disturbances underground, and lead to a gyser of spirits being let up by Rin Kaenbyou as a signal for help.
This spurred Reimu and Marisa into action, worried about the evil spirits, thinking they posed a threat. They calmed Utusho down, and later discovered Kanako was the cause.
---
> UFO Incident
> Culprit: Shou Toramaru and other followers - Nue Houjuu
> Indirect Cause: Kanako Yasaka
> The geyser started by Rin in the Underground Incident dislodged a flying ship, containing the followers of Byakuren Hijiri. They began a search for item, specifically, the Jewled Pagoda of Bisamoten, and fragments needed to reach Hokkai, a realm of Makai, to unseal Byakuren. Nue Houjuu disguised the fragments to try and mess with the efforts of reviving Byakuren.
> Shou suceeded in unsealing Byakuren, and, as a result, breaking the seal between Makai and Gensokyo. While Byakuren turned out harmless to Gensokyo, there is still the danger of the damage done to the Makai seal.
---
Desire Incident
Culprit: N/A; it was a natural event; triggered by the Mouyren Temple being built nearby.
Indirect Cause: Byakuren Hijiri; Kanako Yasaka [The temple would not exist if not for the Ship being freed]
> Due to the Mouyren Temple and Graveyard being built, more people came to the area where the Dream Spirit Mausloeum was buired. The increased amount of faith, and desires of humans and youkai gathering in the area triggered the resurrection of Toyosatomimi no Miko, and her follower, Mononobe no Futo.
> The spirits were thought to be gathering from all over for malevolent use, and, for various reasons, Reimu, Marisa, Sanae and Youmu went to investigate. It turned out that the gathering was harmless, however.
> Despite this, the revival triggered Nue to call the tanuki Mamizou Futatsuiwa to Gensokyo, claiming the balance of power had shifted and youkai were at threat.
-
>...Yeah, let's not try to get this Kanako lady involved, she seems like she'll shanghai it for her own ends. But this Nue person might be up for a little fun.
>"Well, let's, uh, not get Kanako involved. She might try to take over for herself or something, and that's not gonna make the Incident a fun one."
-
>...Yeah, let's not try to get this Kanako lady involved, she seems like she'll shanghai it for her own ends. But this Nue person might be up for a little fun.
>"Well, let's, uh, not get Kanako involved. She might try to take over for herself or something, and that's not gonna make the Incident a fun one."
> "I doubt a gatekeeper would convince a God to become her subordinate anyway." Remilia says. "Especially a stuck-up 'better than you' God."
-
>Sigh. "You got me there. But this Nue person, she seems like she'd be up for a few laughs."
-
>Sigh. "You got me there. But this Nue person, she seems like she'd be up for a few laughs."
> "I don't know much about the Nue. It's probably better to ask at the Mouyren Temple about her." Remilia says.
-
>Nod. "Alright, I'll have to make a stop there too, though it's not like I wasn't planning on it. Odds are, she might have a way to cause a ruckus for fun."
-
>Nod. "Alright, I'll have to make a stop there too, though it's not like I wasn't planning on it. Odds are, she might have a way to cause a ruckus for fun."
> "Nue may or may not have an idea above pulling a more elaborate prank than a fairy can do, but she is likly up for anything interesting.." Remilia says.
-
>Nod. "We might be able to rope some fairies into it, every incident has a lot of fairies in the way of the folks trying to bust it up after all."
>Let's look through the other incidents for likely people who are up for shenanigans.
-
>Nod. "We might be able to rope some fairies into it, every incident has a lot of fairies in the way of the folks trying to bust it up after all."
>Let's look through the other incidents for likely people who are up for shenanigans.
> "Fairies inherently gather where there is trouble." Remilia says flatly.
> You look at other incidents, and find that the culprits are listed as:
- Rika
- Mima
- Yuemi [In alternate dimension, also spelling derp]
- Shinki [In Makai]
- Remilia
- Yuyuko
- Yukari
- Eirin
- Sukia
The other events are listed as 'N/A', specifically the one you were caught up in, and the Flower Viewing Incident, which was related to Shikieiki.
-
>"Hmm..."
>Let's look through the general overviews of the incidents now.
-
You decide to begin at the beginning:
> The attack on the Hakurei Shrine [And the 2nd one]
Culprit: Rika
No-one knows why, but one day, just as Reimu was heading off to investigate the incident which was set up to try and steal her power, a tank rolled up, and a human inside it demanded to fight, but was easily defeated.
However, later, the human returned, in a new machine she called 'Evil Eye Sigma', in another attempt to destroy the shrine. This fight was far more difficult, with Reimu almost losing.
It is important that no-one knows why Rika attacked the shrine. She has also not been seen from since.
---
> The Plot to Steal the power of Hakurei
> Culprit: Mima
> To attract Reimu into a trap, the evil spirit Mima used her magic to get lesser youkai to cause a ruckus. This eventually lead Reimu into a unknown realm, to find the cause of the youkai rampage. This is when she first met Marisa Kirisame, who was working under Mima as her apprentice. Reimu defeated Marisa, and then went on to fight, and bearly defeat, Mima.
Mima seems to be a vengeful spirit, although why she's vengeful against the Hakurei Clan is unknown. She tends to lurk around the Hakyrei Shrine nowadays. She was also involved in the Makai Incident.
---
> Would you like to read about the next three incidents, which state that the culprit's location isn't in Gensokyo, or there was no culprit [Not to mention you were involved in it]?
-
>We may as well ignore those, there's no way we'll find those people. Boss Yuuka excluded, since we know where she is.
>Fistpalm. "Maybe I can talk the Boss into joining in too, pretty sure she's okay as long as she's hurting something that isn't a plant."
-
>We may as well ignore those, there's no way we'll find those people. Boss Yuuka excluded, since we know where she is.
>Fistpalm. "Maybe I can talk the Boss into joining in too, pretty sure she's okay as long as she's hurting something that isn't a plant."
> Indeed, it's probably not a good idea to read on things that won't aid you.
> "Do you think I'd help China if she wanted me to help her do something?" Remilia says to you. "The gatekeeper protects, they do not ask their bosses to do something for them and be their underling."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Who said anything about her being an underling? The fun part of this little incident, is that everyone involved is behind it as partners. It'll be sure to throw them for a loop when they think they've beaten the culprit, only to find that there's more than one."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Who said anything about her being an underling? The fun part of this little incident, is that everyone involved is behind it as partners. It'll be sure to throw them for a loop when they think they've beaten the culprit, only to find that there's more than one."
> Remilia looks a little confused. You guess 'equals' isn't a concept she digests easily, nor is the concept of treating her gatekeeper like an equal. That said, you can already tell Remilia has many, many more servants than Yuuka. Yuuka only has you, the dream sprites that live in her mansion are not related to her or in her employ. Remilia, judging by the fairy maids, has a LOT of underlings.
-
>Tap the side of our head with a slight grin. "Think about how confused they'll be when they find that who they think is the culprit, isn't the real orchestrator of it all."
>Laugh a little. "And they'll keep on going, looking for the real culprit, but they won't expect someone like me."
-
>Tap the side of our head with a slight grin. "Think about how confused they'll be when they find that who they think is the culprit, isn't the real orchestrator of it all."
>Laugh a little. "And they'll keep on going, looking for the real culprit, but they won't expect someone like me."
> "So you're planning to use us, and your employer, as decoys?" Remilia says, sounding irritated.
-
>Chuckle. "Not quite. More like everyone is the culprit, but they won't expect more than one or two. Imagine the look on their faces when the find that there's quite a good deal more than that."
-
>Chuckle. "Not quite. More like everyone is the culprit, but they won't expect more than one or two. Imagine the look on their faces when the find that there's quite a good deal more than that."
> Remilia puts on her coy smile. "Well, I guess it's the best way of showing her she's not invincible like she thinks she is, more people more chance, the Shrine Maiden gets too big for her empty donation box."
-
>Grin amusedly. "'xactly. We play it like that, and just watch the fun as the red-white goes all over hill and dale trying to find the culprit. Maybe the other folks who resolve incidents will end up getting dragged along too."
>Fistpalm, and grin deviously. "Maybe we can even see about tricking one or two of them into the whole thing."
-
>Grin amusedly. "'xactly. We play it like that, and just watch the fun as the red-white goes all over hill and dale trying to find the culprit. Maybe the other folks who resolve incidents will end up getting dragged along too."
>Fistpalm, and grin deviously. "Maybe we can even see about tricking one or two of them into the whole thing."
> "Tricking Marisa isn't difficult, admittedly, as long as you convince her she gets to spark something." Remiilia says.
> Sparking something is what Yuuka does when she wants to turn someone into a mist of subatomic particles. You can't imagine Marisa doing that.
-
>Grin. "Well, if she's that gullible, we might be able to rope her into keeping the red-white busy."
>If she can spark too, we definitely want to rope her in.
-
>Grin. "Well, if she's that gullible, we might be able to rope her into keeping the red-white busy."
>If she can spark too, we definitely want to rope her in.
> "She's not gullible, she's just insane and loves an excuse to blast someone." you hear a voice echo across the library.
> "Patch, are you listening in on my conversation again?"
> "You mentioned Marisa and sparking things. Those are red alert words for me, you know she keeps coming in here, sparking things and stealing books."
> You presume from the lack of damage to the mansion from de-atomisation that Marisa's 'sparks' are nothing compared to Yuuka's. It may even be a totally different move, just happening to be called a spark.
> What was the move called again... Yuuka has about three different power sources for her sparks based on the level of destruction she wants to cause, and then Double versions for each of them for when a cutting of her is nearby as well.
> You recall:
Nature Sign: Master Spark [Draws from the power of Nature, and Yuuka's flower manipulation]
Energy Sign: Atomising Spark [Draws from Yuuka's own energy, which is massive, this is the spark she uses when she wants to reduce something to subatomic particles]
Hate Sign: Absolute Spark [Draws from malice, hatred, and Yuuka's Sadistic nature. Her strongest attack... you've only seen her use it once, as a demonstration of her power to you to convince you she could protect you from the Yamas. The tear in the ground from where the laser passed over is still there, and nothing grows there, still. So many years on...]
-
>If the boss used Dual Absolute Spark.....
>Shudder for no readily apparent reason.
>"....Aaaanyhow, who should we start with first?"
-
>If the boss used Dual Absolute Spark.....
>Shudder for no readily apparent reason.
>"....Aaaanyhow, who should we start with first?"
> You're actually not sure if she can. When she uses Duel Atomising, she has to catch her breath afterwards, if only for a moment. Both the cutting and her can use the spark at full power because Yuuka literally can't direct enough of her power to maximize the spell at once into one point. She has to use her cutting to maximize the flow, hence why both her and the cutting can use the attack at the same power as if it was Yuuka alone.
> But with a different, more 'condense' as she explained once, power source, you're not sure if she has enough leftover power to do that.
> That said, if she could... it's really not worth thinking about.
> "It's your idea. Why are you asking me. I'm just gonna stay here and let everyone meet up in my mansion, after all." Remilia says, before adding, "Although, since you came here to find how to get to that Celestial, it seems sensible you go there first... to me, anyway."
-
>Nod. "Arrite then, I'll see about roping her in first then. Next stop, Youkai Mountain."
>Beat.
>"Er...got a map?"
-
>Nod. "Arrite then, I'll see about roping her in first then. Next stop, Youkai Mountain."
>Beat.
>"Er...got a map?"
> "I don't get out much, vampire and all that. The only one in here who does is Sakuya, and she has as long as she wants to find places since she can stop time. So no." Remilia says, before adding, "Not like you can miss the largest mountain in Gensokyo."
-
>Nod. "That's true, I'll just go there, and hope I get lucky. So I'll see you around, later!"
>Let's head out of the mansion, and take flight to find the mountain.
-
>Nod. "That's true, I'll just go there, and hope I get lucky. So I'll see you around, later!"
>Let's head out of the mansion, and take flight to find the mountain.
> Remilia nods, and you leave the mansion to head to Youkai Mountain.
>Grin. "Two things. But I can do the second one last, as it involves you."
> Do you still wish to do the other thing you planned to do with Meiling? If so, now or later?
-
>Ah, right. let's go see Meiling then.
-
>Ah, right. let's go see Meiling then.
> As you leave the mansion, you notice the gatekeeper, by the gate, awake this time.
-
>"Yo. Now it's time for my last bit of business here for a bit."
>Grin a little. "Gotta keep sharp after all."
-
>"Yo. Now it's time for my last bit of business here for a bit."
>Grin a little. "Gotta keep sharp after all."
> "Hmm?" Meiling goes, "Is that a pun on your scythe as your weapon of choice?"
-
>Chuckle a little, then give Malus a little twirl. "You could take it that way, but we are both gatekeepers after all, so you oughta be able to tell what I mean by what I just said."
-
>Chuckle a little, then give Malus a little twirl. "You could take it that way, but we are both gatekeepers after all, so you oughta be able to tell what I mean by what I just said."
> There is a small glint in China's eyes.
> "Well, since your weapon of choice is openly displayed, and you've shown me it can reshape itself, I'll tell you that my fighting style is martial arts, using every part of my body to it's full extent, combined with my spiritual power." Meiling says.
-
>Grin. "Well, let's have a nice little round then, eh?"
>Let's get ready for her to make the first move.
-
>Before we start, have Malus extend its handle over the edge of the blade.
>"There. Don't want to risk accidentally killing you."
-
>Grin. "Well, let's have a nice little round then, eh?"
>Let's get ready for her to make the first move.
> "Yeah, guess so." Meiling says, the gatekeeper replies, taking a stance.
>Before we start, have Malus extend its handle over the edge of the blade.
>"There. Don't want to risk accidentally killing you."
> Meiling looks almost offended.
> "I get stabbed multiple times daily by someone who I think is trained to kill as punishment for falling asleep. Short of you severing my head from my body, you won't kill me. I heal very quickly anyway. A few slashes won't take an hour compared to stabbed organs." she says.
> "Besides, I can't exactly soften my fists, and using your scythe that way probably limits your ability to manipulate it's shape, having it doubled back like that."
-
>Does it? If so: "True enough. All right, then. We'll do it your way." then return Malus to normal.
>If not: "Actually, no."
-
>Does it? If so: "True enough. All right, then. We'll do it your way." then return Malus to normal.
>If not: "Actually, no."
> Yes, since Malus has a limit to how far it can extend, to about twice it's normal length, or striking would risk breaking the thinner handle.
-
>"True enough. All right, then. We'll do it your way."
>Return Malus to normal.
-
>"True enough. All right, then. We'll do it your way."
>Return Malus to normal.
> You return your scythe to normal, and as you do so you feel it squirm happily. You guess it wasn't comfortable like that anyway.
-
>Adopt a combat stance, and prepare to counter Meiling's first move.
>"Ready when you are!"
-
>Adopt a combat stance, and prepare to counter Meiling's first move.
>"Ready when you are!"
> Upon saying that, the gatekeeper dashes at you with a punch, which you manage to block with the flat of your scythe. The impact is strong, and there's this rainbow aura left after the impact, which fades a few seconds later.
-
>Slash at her as quickly as we can.
>Then, if we manage to knock her off balance, go for a strong overhead slash!
-
>Slash at her as quickly as we can.
>Then, if we manage to knock her off balance, go for a strong overhead slash!
> You slash to counter-attack, but she raises her arm and blocks the scythe with it, without any damage being done outside a small scratch. You guess this is since she fights without a weapon, so she's pretty tough. The same rainbow aura appears when her arm blocks the scythe too.
> Meiling looks at her arm for a second, before she vanishes.
-
That probably means she'll try to get us from behind or something similar.
>Quickly turn around and leap backwards.
-
That probably means she'll try to get us from behind or something similar.
>Quickly turn around and leap backwards.
> You turn around and leap backwards, only, as you leap, to catch a glimpse of a chinese-looking woman coming down from above you.
-
>Above our initial position or above our position post-leap?
-
>Above our initial position or above our position post-leap?
> With the height she is at she can easily adjust her trajectory to your current location, she is moving now.
-
No time for thinking then. Although I'm pretty sure you can't adjust your trajectory when you're falling without any help...
>Hop backwards until we're out of range.
>If we get out of range: slash at her when she comes down.
>If not: drive Malus' handle upwards into her gut.
-
No time for thinking then. Although I'm pretty sure you can't adjust your trajectory when you're falling without any help...
>Hop backwards until we're out of range.
>If we get out of range: slash at her when she comes down.
>If not: drive Malus' handle upwards into her gut.
Almost everyone in Gensokyo can fly, and you can adjust it easily by shifting your weight and position so air resistance makes you change direction somewhat. It's how skydivers do it.
> You keep going backwards, and manage to scramble out of range of Meiling's foot that hits the ground. There is a rather large dent made in the ground where she lands.
> You counter-attack with a slash of your scythe, but Meiling grabs the sides of it with her palms, and then makes a motion as if she's gonna... headbutt you.
-
Flight. Of course. I'm an idiot.
>Extend Malus' handle into her face.
-
Flight. Of course. I'm an idiot.
>Extend Malus' handle into her face.
> You will Malus to extend, and it does, although the position is more a bash in the face with the non-sharp edge, still, the speed Malus reacts causes her tyo let go and stumble a step back, more out of surprise.
-
A bash with the non-sharp edge was actually intended. Regardless:
>Thrust the scythe toward her chest.
-
A bash with the non-sharp edge was actually intended. Regardless:
>Thrust the scythe toward her chest.
> A scythe isn't really a thrusting weapon, but you shove Meiling's chest as a follow up anyway. This doesn't achieve anything, except giving you a better impression of her bust size.
> Meiling knocks the scythe to the side, and performs a quick-step towards you, ready to punch your gut.
-
>Can we put as much force behind a slash as behind a thrust?
I'm under the impression not.
>Are we slashing to make contact with the tip or the chine?
-
>Can we put as much force behind a slash as behind a thrust?
I'm under the impression not.
>Are we slashing to make contact with the tip or the chine?
> Actually you can put more force, since the swing arc is generally larger, so the scythe picks up a lot more speed.
> Generally more contact area is more effective, and the more of the scythe you aim to hit with the more the target has to dodge. You may not have fought for a while but you've not forgotten Komachi's Scythe-Fu 101!
-
I'm learning things about scythes here.
>Knock her arm away with an upwards sweep.
>Assuming this is effective, charge the tip back down into her shoulder.
-
I'm learning things about scythes here.
>Knock her arm away with an upwards sweep.
>Assuming this is effective, charge the tip back down into her shoulder.
[Yeah, Force is linked to Velocity and Mass. The mass of Malus is set, so to increase the power of a blow, you swing faster.
A slash exerts the force over a larger area than a downward swing aimed to use the tip, like what you are doing this post. This basically means while a slash using the whole blade can cut more because... you're cutting more area, the smaller area tip would exert all the force in one place, which means more damage to a small area can be caused than a slash.
If Meiling was wearing metal plate armor for some reason, a Slash would do nothing, but what you are doing this post would puncture the armor, since all the force is concentrated into a small area.
Tl;Dr: Slashes cause less damage to a larger area, impaling in the manner you are now causes more damage to a far smaller area.]
> You sweep the scythe in a defensive motion to deflect Meiing's arm, before you bring the scythe back down to it's point stabs her shoulder. Meiling reacts quickly to this, and pushes it out before it goes too deep, and jumps back. You did hurt her, however, with her left arm hanging a little limp, and the green dress going a little red around the shoulder.
> You're not surprised to see the blood flow stop quickly. Meiling did claim she heals quickly. Her arm's still limp, so you just guess her blood clotted very quickly.
-
I know all that, but I was thinking more along the lines of how easy it is to actually cause damage to flesh. When you're slashing, a large portion of kinetic energy doesn't affect the foe at all and serves merely to direct your scythe in a different direction. With a thrust, all of the kinetic energy is aimed straight at your opponent.
blahblahblah, it's all settled anyway, let's get on with it
>How are we and Meiling currently positioned?
-
I know all that, but I was thinking more along the lines of how easy it is to actually cause damage to flesh. When you're slashing, a large portion of kinetic energy doesn't affect the foe at all and serves merely to direct your scythe in a different direction. With a thrust, all of the kinetic energy is aimed straight at your opponent.
blahblahblah, it's all settled anyway, let's get on with it
>How are we and Meiling currently positioned?
> You are in front of Meiling, about a 3 meters away.
-
>Wait for her to move.
-
> Aside from breathing motions, Meiling does not move.
-
Hmm...
>What's Malus' longest length that won't break the handle when we land a hit? In absolute length, please.
-
Hmm...
>What's Malus' longest length that won't break the handle when we land a hit? In absolute length, please.
> It varies based on how hard you swing the scythe, but generally 4 meters is the limit.
-
>Step slowly forward, watching any movement she makes.
>If she doesn't do anything, stop at a distance of 1.5 metres.
-
>Step slowly forward, watching any movement she makes.
>If she doesn't do anything, stop at a distance of 1.5 metres.
> Meiling takes a stance, but nothing else. You figure she's being cautious due to her wound.
-
I wouldn't think so, it's hardly serious... regardless:
>Attempt to slash at her ankles. Aim for the tendons.
-
I wouldn't think so, it's hardly serious... regardless:
>Attempt to slash at her ankles. Aim for the tendons.
It's more that she's on guard since last time she tried to punch you right up she got counter-attacked.
> You swing your scythe like a hook, swinging it behind the gatekeeper before pulling it towards you, aiming for her tendons.
> Unfortunately you seem to have forgotten that people in Gensokyo are pretty good at flying. As soon as Meiling realizes what you are doing she just takes off to evade your attack, before performing a spin-kick in your direction.
-
I seem not to have forgotten, actually.
>Duck below her leg if she's high enough to do so.
>Simultaneously, bring Malus up to catch her leg with the blade, and yank it back towards you.
>If we can't duck, just hop backwards. Her legs aren't extendable.
-
I seem not to have forgotten, actually.
>Duck below her leg if she's high enough to do so.
>Simultaneously, bring Malus up to catch her leg with the blade, and yank it back towards you.
>If we can't duck, just hop backwards. Her legs aren't extendable.
> She only went high enough to evade the sweep, so ducking is not an option.
> None the less, Malus re-shapes, going from the ground to around and above Meiling's leg, to catch it, and then pulls it down, grounding the gatekeeper.
> Hopping backwards is pretty pointless seeing as Malus stopped the kick.
> Meling's leg is cut quite badly, but, again, the bleeding stops very quickly.
> "Well, looks like melee isn't the right option against someone with a shapeshifting bladed weapon." she comments. You note a faint rainbow glow around her. "So I'll extend my range beyond simply melee."
-
>"Two can play."
>Hover slightly above the ground.
>We are capable of some danmaku patterns, right?
>Do we know how exactly spellcards are formed? Seeing we don't have any.
>Do one of those sweeping patterns with rapid bullets. Directed at Meiling, of course.
-
>Hell, let's go all out with the Tile-maku.
-
>"Two can play."
>Hover slightly above the ground.
>We are capable of some danmaku patterns, right?
>Do we know how exactly spellcards are formed? Seeing we don't have any.
>Do one of those sweeping patterns with rapid bullets. Directed at Meiling, of course.
> "Hmm?" Meiling says as you start to hover.
> You are capable of danmaku, although yours are from the old days, before the spellcard rules. However, apparently if you don't have spellcards they form according to your powers when you enter a spellcard duel. From then on, more form as you develop your powers.
>Hell, let's go all out with the Tile-maku.
> You decide to use sweeping arcs of Tile damnaku, when Meiling cries "Haiya!" and launches a rainbow malestrom towards you from her fist.
> You don't think this is danmaku. You guess it's an attack using her Chi.
-
Ooer, no danmaku. Wasn't seeing that coming.
>Dodge to the side!
>Keep flinging those tiles at her.
-
Ooer, no danmaku. Wasn't seeing that coming.
>Dodge to the side!
>Keep flinging those tiles at her.
> you dodge quite frantically to the side. The blast moves quite quickly, and catches your lower left leg still. Not much of an issue, seeing as you are in the air.
> Meiling seems to be catching her breath, so you use the advantage to begin to fling tiles out of nowhere at her. She raises her arms to block, and, unlike against the ice fairy, she doesn't seem *too* bothered, probably because she's tougher.
-
>Tiles, more tiles!
>Do a boomerang Malus. Throw past Meiling, try to hit her when it comes back.
-
>Tiles, more tiles!
>Do a boomerang Malus. Throw past Meiling, try to hit her when it comes back.
> You keep spamming tiles, however, when you attempt to throw Malus, the scythe doesn't respond.
> "Uuuu... this is my only real way of counteracting ranged attacks, and I ain't that great at it." Meiling says, as she starts to slowly spin, unleashing rainbow arcs of danmaku. "Rainbow Sign: Rainbow Wind Chime" she calls.
> You feel some things fall into your pocket.
-
>Try to identify these "things" by touch before the arcs reach us.
>Dodge to the best of our ability.
>Also tiles.
-
>Try to identify these "things" by touch before the arcs reach us.
>Dodge to the best of our ability.
>Also tiles.
> They feel like rectangular pieces of card.
> You quickly see a pretty obvious flow to fly between the bullets and do so.
> Your tile spam can't navigate the streams, however, and the tiles just break in the midst of the bullets.
-
Ah, there they are.
>Pull a card out at random.
>Use the sweeps of small danmaku we used against Reimu and Marisa.
-
Ah, there they are.
>Pull a card out at random.
>Use the sweeps of small danmaku we used against Reimu and Marisa.
> You pull out the card at the front of your pocket, being the easiest to reach. It reads "Keeper Sign: Scythe that Shields Dreams". You feel three other cards in your pocket.
> You fire off some of your sweeping danmaku, but Meiling's spell easily blocks it. Not that it's hitting you. It seems to be a set pattern with channels to follow. Not hard at all.
> You are aware that you can stop spellcards in two ways; by waiting until they end, or by landing enough hits during them to break the spell trance. You are also aware that to use a spellcard you have to concentrate heavily, entering a 'trance' where you can do little else during it.
-
>Do we know how to declare a spell card?
>Regardless, time out Meiling's spell.
>If we know how to declare it: do so immediately after the timeout.
-
>Do we know how to declare a spell card?
>Regardless, time out Meiling's spell.
>If we know how to declare it: do so immediately after the timeout.
> You presume you do it... by declaring it. Like Meiling called the name out before she started.
> Meling's spell does not last much longer before it ends, and as such, you declare your spellcard afterwards, causing Malus to glow a deep red.
> You lose control of your actions, entering the 'spell trance' and slash Malus through the air, a short distance from you a danmaku laser streaks like the swing of the scythe, and spawns a hail of crimson arrowhead-like bullets. Another swing in a different direction, and another hail. The swings ring out six times, each one with less delay than the last, and slightly further from you, each at different angles, before there is a small break, and you repeat.
> At the end of the second cycle, Meiling slips up and gets pelted, one bullet leading to another. She crash-lands soon afterwards from getting hit by a large amount in the following third wave, your spellcard ends when she lands, but it feels like you could have gone on longer.
[Note: Spell is kinda similar to Youmu's slashes that make danmaku, if you want a comparison]
-
>Let out a whistle. "So that's a spellcard....Heh, I bet I could do a lot with these now."
>Let's pull out the other three and take a look at 'em.
-
>Let out a whistle. "So that's a spellcard....Heh, I bet I could do a lot with these now."
>Let's pull out the other three and take a look at 'em.
> "Uuuuu..." Meiling groans in response.
> The spellcards are titled:
Scythe Sign: Slashes of Eight Directions
Defender Sign: The Floor that becomes a Wall
Malus Sign: Boomerang Scythe
You note that the final one listed has the name in a different color, a purple name instead of a white one. As you look at it, and connect the dots in your head of what this attack might be based from, it clicks, this is a survival spellcard, since it's based on your attack pattern which endows you with invulnerability for a short period.
[You just knew Elly would have a survival spell being the first boss to ever have a survival phase]
---
On a side note; partially due to knowledge that there was demand for it, and partially because I can't keep myself away for too long, I will be starting up another quest set in the Rumia Quest Universe soon. You won't be Rumia in it, seeing as she's a bit of a gamebreaker right now [Only Yukari, the Gods and Eiki could really match her now], but it'll still be set in the same universe, with the events of RC so far being canon.
Also, I realized something I never intended. I made Rumia, the first danmaku boss of the windows era, be arch enemies with the first danmaku shooter boss of the PC-98 era, Rika. [HRtP is not a danmaku shooter]
Totally not intended, but totally symbolic.
Elly Quest will not be effected by this decision. It will remain a separate universe, and, besides, this 'create your own incident and convince others to help' is fun too, at least for me to GM, as it's a lot more free form and less rigid than the 'There is plot planned beforehand' of Rumia Quest.
-
Oh sweet!
>Stick the cards back in our pocket, and go help her up.
>"You're pretty good, but you should work on your danmaku some.
-
Oh sweet!
>Stick the cards back in our pocket, and go help her up.
>"You're pretty good, but you should work on your danmaku some.
> You go to help up Meiling. You note a lack of actual injuries from the danmaku, despite her being pelted. You guess it's like Yuuka says, Danmaku simulates being hurt, but doesn't actually cause harm... which she loves since she can torture someone with the pain from danmaku and never actually cause life-threatening wounds.
> "I'm just useless at it. I tried to learn from Patchouli or Sakuya but they can't help me. Danmaku inherently draws from your magical powers and your abilities. I don't have an ability or much magical energy,and punching someone in the face is against the rules in danmaku. I'm pretty much incapable of being any better than I am now." Meiling says sadly.
> Malus shakes like it's saying 'no' when Meiling mentions she has no ability.
-
>"Malus here says you've got the potential. He'd know best of all I guess, given how he's tasted your blood."
>Grin. "Keep at it, and you'll get the hang of it eventually."
-
>"Malus here says you've got the potential. He'd know best of all I guess, given how he's tasted your blood."
>Grin. "Keep at it, and you'll get the hang of it eventually."
> Meiling looks curious at the scythe. "I wonder... you know, don't you..." Meiling says at the scythe.
> Malus actually responds to her, nodding... almost seeming like it's... bowing to her with how low it bends. You've never seen Malus bow.
> "Yeah... maybe." Meiling responds to your encouragement.
-
>Chuckle. "Malus here's a pretty sharp one, figuratively and literally. But either way, just keep at it and you'll get better. You didn't get that good at martial arts without a lot of time and effort, right? Danmaku's just like that."
-
On a side note; partially due to knowledge that there was demand for it, and partially because I can't keep myself away for too long, I will be starting up another quest set in the Rumia Quest Universe soon. You won't be Rumia in it, seeing as she's a bit of a gamebreaker right now [Only Yukari, the Gods and Eiki could really match her now], but it'll still be set in the same universe, with the events of RC so far being canon.
I do think you should do another Rumia Quest eventually. We spent four quests getting her to where she is now; there should be another, if only as a slice-of-life sort of thing for what her life is like now.
-
>Chuckle. "Malus here's a pretty sharp one, figuratively and literally. But either way, just keep at it and you'll get better. You didn't get that good at martial arts without a lot of time and effort, right? Danmaku's just like that."
> "They say you don't know a person unless you cross swords with them. I guess that logic applies to the blade of any weapon and fists." Meiling says.
I do think you should do another Rumia Quest eventually. We spent four quests getting her to where she is now; there should be another, if only as a slice-of-life sort of thing for what her life is like now.
Who says you won't get to see what her life is like now from a perspective that isn't Rumia herself? Don't get me wrong, not playing as Rumia doesn't mean she isn't still an important character, she's just too powerful right now to be the MC unless I do something to bring her down from godmode status. Like Yukari Quest had something seal Yukari's gap powers for the most part.
-
Slice-of-life doesn't mean she'll be fighting though(Aside from a few good-natured sparring matches with some friends like Marisa.). I'd imagine she'd be more likely to just chill out with her friends, doing the usual. Maybe popping by Alice's for some socialization with a fellow Makaian. Enjoying life like she always has. (Slice-of-life means no Big Bad like the mainline quests after all, so there's room to screw around.)
And of course, acting as a Great Gazoo towards Rika. Just because you've overcame the inner chaos, doesn't mean you can't indulge in a little lighthearted goofing around. Just look at Yukari. Half her time's spent sleeping, or screwing around.
Incidentally, Shinki very much came across as a Bash Brothers sort of character. Comes in to save Rumia's can, and proceeds to get along with her fairly nicely after being proven that Rumia's 100% in control. Then proceeds to help open a can on the moonbroads.
Essentially, we were the Loki to Shinki's Thor/Odin. To use Norse Myths as an example.
>"Exactly. When your boss loves a good fight like mine does, you learn how to pick up on stuff like that."
-
Slice-of-life doesn't mean she'll be fighting though(Aside from a few good-natured sparring matches with some friends like Marisa.). I'd imagine she'd be more likely to just chill out with her friends, doing the usual. Maybe popping by Alice's for some socialization with a fellow Makaian. Enjoying life like she always has. (Slice-of-life means no Big Bad like the mainline quests after all, so there's room to screw around.)
And of course, acting as a Great Gazoo towards Rika. Just because you've overcame the inner chaos, doesn't mean you can't indulge in a little lighthearted goofing around. Just look at Yukari. Half her time's spent sleeping, or screwing around.
Incidentally, Shinki very much came across as a Bash Brothers sort of character. Comes in to save Rumia's can, and proceeds to get along with her fairly nicely after being proven that Rumia's 100% in control. Then proceeds to help open a can on the moonbroads.
Essentially, we were the Loki to Shinki's Thor/Odin. To use Norse Myths as an example.
>"Exactly. When your boss loves a good fight like mine does, you learn how to pick up on stuff like that."
Shinki was supposed to come across as a 'Well I don't like you much but I'm still motherly to everyone from Makai.' character. That and she had beef as a pusedo-goddess with Toyohime's use of various God's powers as if they were her own. Divine Retribution, as she put it. If Koakuma was in mortal danger she's probably show up for her too. Mess with Makaians[?] and you mess with her.
Not to mention the fight on the moon was never my intention. The whole finale was not planned that way at all, but I just went with it.
As for Slice-of-life... not my kinda style really. Even Mystcia 'Quest' had it's fair share of explosions. [Flandre v Mokou]
And everyone's a pain to Rika. She does kinda want to exterminate all Youkai, and doesn't care who gets in her way.
---
> "In Gensokyo, doesn't everyone like a good fight?" Meiling replies, before adding, "Your master is that Kanzami woman, right? I recall Patchouli doing research on her and mentioning a gatekeeper in red once."
-
Well, in the end, Shinki started warming up to our little Heroine. At least, that's how I saw it.
Besides, there can still be explosions of a sort, such as one of Rika's latest doohickeys backfiring on her in a comedic and slapstick way.
Kinda like the episodes of Tenchi Muyo when there isn't combat. Wacky hijinks, and generally good times. Basically, a lighthearted funtimes quest to balance out all the serious stuff like Yukari Quest.
>Grin. "That'd be the one, yeah. I guess even if people don't mention me by name, they still kinda know of me."
-
Well, in the end, Shinki started warming up to our little Heroine. At least, that's how I saw it.
Besides, there can still be explosions of a sort, such as one of Rika's latest doohickeys backfiring on her in a comedic and slapstick way.
Kinda like the episodes of Tenchi Muyo when there isn't combat. Wacky hijinks, and generally good times. Basically, a lighthearted funtimes quest to balance out all the serious stuff like Yukari Quest.
>Grin. "That'd be the one, yeah. I guess even if people don't mention me by name, they still kinda know of me."
> "The gatekeeper in red is apparently only mention once in all the books, and by the name. That said, how many people visit Yuuka?"
-
>".....Good point."
>Sag a bit. "Well, even if it's kinda depressing, it does mean I can pull off my plan easier that way. Just gotta get in touch with that one Celestial, and maybe a few others."
-
>".....Good point."
>Sag a bit. "Well, even if it's kinda depressing, it does mean I can pull off my plan easier that way. Just gotta get in touch with that one Celestial, and maybe a few others."
> "Yeah. So few people visit Yuuka I guess no-one knows of you."
> "I guess no-one sees you as a threat since they don't know you for causing trouble." Meiling muses.
-
>Slowly grin. "...I can use that then. I'll see you later once I've brought all the players back! Next stop, Youkai Mountain. And from there, Bhava-Agra!"
>Let's make for the mountain!
-
Who says you won't get to see what her life is like now from a perspective that isn't Rumia herself? Don't get me wrong, not playing as Rumia doesn't mean she isn't still an important character, she's just too powerful right now to be the MC unless I do something to bring her down from godmode status. Like Yukari Quest had something seal Yukari's gap powers for the most part.
I'd prefer to do that playing as her. Hanzo's right; there doesn't have to be anything too serious going on. Hell, you could always just take the same open-ended approach you're taking here (actually, that'd probably work out pretty well).
Just my own thoughts on the matter.
-
>Slowly grin. "...I can use that then. I'll see you later once I've brought all the players back! Next stop, Youkai Mountain. And from there, Bhava-Agra!"
>Let's make for the mountain!
> "Bhava-whatar?" Meiling says as you fly off.
> Not a lot happens, besides some annoying fairies that you can tell are not even worth your time bothering you, as you get to the largest mountain in Gensokyo.
> You don't think you have the energy to fly to the level of the mountain's pea. The higher you fly above the ground, the more tiring it is. Unless you are something like a bird youkai, flying up a mountain in one go without a break is impossible. Skirting the mountainside uses less energy, but has more chance of running into trouble on the way, you presume.
-
>Well, we do need to keep sharp, so let's skim the ground to conserve energy.
-
>Well, we do need to keep sharp, so let's skim the ground to conserve energy.
> You decide to skin along the ground, and fly up the mountainside doing such.
> You you do so, someone appears before you, keeping up with ease.
> "I've not seen you around before, and you're carrying a weapon. State your business." the stranger says. The newcomer is wearing mainly white, with some red, with canine ears, and a tail to match. She has a sword in one hand, and a shield bearing a red maple leaf insignia in the other.
-
>"Name's Elly, this here's Malus. Say hello, arrite Malus?" Indicate Malus.
>"I got some business with a Celestial, and I gotta use this here mountain to get up to her."
-
>"Name's Elly, this here's Malus. Say hello, arrite Malus?" Indicate Malus.
>"I got some business with a Celestial, and I gotta use this here mountain to get up to her."
> The scythe wriggles a little.
> "Momiji Inubashiri. Wolf Tengu. I'm on patrol for the security of my village."
> "Last time the Celestials did anything there were earthquakes that damaged our village, and made the younger wolves panic. Not to mention the crazy weather making it dangerous for the crows to fly."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Looks like Gensokyo's got a lot of gatekeeper-ish folks, huh? That girl at the one mansion, and myself as well. Ah, before you ask, I'm on vacation from my job, and figured I'd enjoy myself for a change. Boss's Orders y'know."
>"Anyhow, I don't think things will result in earthquakes this time around. I'll see to that." Indicate Malus once more.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Looks like Gensokyo's got a lot of gatekeeper-ish folks, huh? That girl at the one mansion, and myself as well. Ah, before you ask, I'm on vacation from my job, and figured I'd enjoy myself for a change. Boss's Orders y'know."
>"Anyhow, I don't think things will result in earthquakes this time around. I'll see to that." Indicate Malus once more.
> "I'm hardly a gatekeeper. We hunt and we protect. That is the job of the wolves." Momiji says.
> "I'm not sure if you realize how powerful Celestials are. They're up there because they beat up Shinigami."
-
>Chuckle. "Same thing when you get down to brass tacks though. You protect, I protect, see?"
>Then grin a bit. "You underestimate me, I'm a lot tougher than you think due to how my boss is. I won't say no to a fight if you want firsthand proof of that."
>Laugh a little. "Not that I'm outright challenging you or anything, I just figured you'd want proof that I can handle myself up there, us guardian sorts are a lot alike in that regard after all."
-
>Chuckle. "Same thing when you get down to brass tacks though. You protect, I protect, see?"
>Then grin a bit. "You underestimate me, I'm a lot tougher than you think due to how my boss is. I won't say no to a fight if you want firsthand proof of that."
>Laugh a little. "Not that I'm outright challenging you or anything, I just figured you'd want proof that I can handle myself up there, us guardian sorts are a lot alike in that regard after all."
> "You think along the same lines I do. I guess we are akin in a way. For the safety of my village, I cannot just let you visit the Celestials and risk bringing another disaster like the Scarlet Weather Incident. I hope you understand why I cannot allow you to pass until I am convinced of your power. This may only be a spar, but prepare yourself!" Momiji says, taking a stance ready to fight.
*Note: If you had taken the sky approach you would have met with Aya instead*
-
>Grin, and take a stance ourself. "Make sure to put up a better fight than that other gatekeeper, she only went down after one spellcard."
-
>Grin, and take a stance ourself. "Make sure to put up a better fight than that other gatekeeper, she only went down after one spellcard."
> "Other gatekeeper? Ah who cares, it doesn't matter." Momiji says, before proceeding to knock her sword on her shield, which causes several tight rings of danmaku to eminate from it, and when she pulls her sword away with a flourish, spirals, not unlike shells, made of far larger bullets follow.
> You're kinda shocked this is just a nonspell.
-
>Let out a whistle at how impressive the nonspell is while we try to slip through the cracks. and return with a few sweeping shots of our own when we get the chance.
>"For a non-spell, that's some impressive stuff!"
-
>Let out a whistle at how impressive the nonspell is while we try to slip through the cracks. and return with a few sweeping shots of our own when we get the chance.
>"For a non-spell, that's some impressive stuff!"
> As you whistle, you try to slip through. You quickly realize that the trajectory of the shells is such that they will clip you if you don't move away from them within the thick shower of smaller danmaku, but you notice a spot and manage to slip into it, narrowly avoiding the shell. This leaves an opening for you to shoot back at Momiji, who manages to dodge your counter-attack too.
> "Well, I'm not the most magical Tengu, wolves get the force, crows get the magic, so I don't have many spellcards. I just decided to compensate for it by focusing on my non-spells, which require a lot less magical energy to use." Momiji says.
-
>Grin a bit. "That's it! You just helped me figure out a way to help that gatekeeper from earlier! See, she's not too good at danmaku, and nearly all her spellcards I've seen involve some variety of physical combat. So I'll have to tell her to try focusing on improving her nonspells like you have!"
>Then laugh a little. "Well, I guess I should try out one of these spellcards then. Let's see...Ah, this one should be good! Defender Sign: Floor That Becomes a Wall!"
-
>Grin a bit. "That's it! You just helped me figure out a way to help that gatekeeper from earlier! See, she's not too good at danmaku, and nearly all her spellcards I've seen involve some variety of physical combat. So I'll have to tell her to try focusing on improving her nonspells like you have!"
>Then laugh a little. "Well, I guess I should try out one of these spellcards then. Let's see...Ah, this one should be good! Defender Sign: Floor That Becomes a Wall!"
> Momiji looks a little confused, and then takes a defensive pose when you pull out a spellcard.
> Your spellcard launches a large amount of floortiles from nowhere, like a rain, falling at different speeds. You guess since this is a danmaku fight they are not real floor tiles. Momiji dodges quite well, and parries ones she cannot dodge [Hey, Youmu can cut danmaku in PoFV :V], until the formation of tiles happens to send a decent sized *wall* of tiles towards her, no gaps between them at all, and she is incapable of blocking all of them, so takes some hits, although, she remains airborne.
> Your spell times out after that.
[Yay for randomized bullet patterns that can sometimes say 'screw you' with walls.]
-
>Let out another whistle. "Man, There's a doozy of a card for ya, eh? On to the next one! Keeper Sign: Scythe that Shields Dreams!"
-
>Let out another whistle. "Man, There's a doozy of a card for ya, eh? On to the next one! Keeper Sign: Scythe that Shields Dreams!"
> You are about to declare your spell, but Momiji beats you to the punch.
> "Just because I don't have many spellcards doesn't mean I have none at all. Dog Sign: Rabies Bite!" Momiji declares.
> Two rather thick walls of danmaku trap you, with prongs of danmaku like teeth. They are closing in.
-
>Let off another whistle, and try to slip out of range a bit.
>Then fire off some shots when we feel we can spare the effort.
-
>Let off another whistle, and try to slip out of range a bit.
>Then fire off some shots when we feel we can spare the effort.
> It's not really possible to slip out of range when the attack started surrounding you, however, you spot gaps in between the 'teeth', which then nash together and stop.
> You see the danmaku jolt, as if they are about to keep moving a second later. Unless you find a way out of the maw you will be hit by several large oval danmaku.
-
>Take stock of the possible paths between the danmaku, and pick the best one!
>Failing that, try to cancel some of them out by swinging Malus at 'em.
-
>Take stock of the possible paths between the danmaku, and pick the best one!
>Failing that, try to cancel some of them out by swinging Malus at 'em.
> Upon inspection there are gaps between the ovals making up the 'gums' of the maw you are within. You decide to swing Malus to make the gap wide enough for you to slide through, just as the two sides of the mouth continbue their path, overlapping. You have to swiftly turn around and repeat the process to avoid being hit by the jaw that was above you.
> The spell then promptly stops. It seems like it was either a one-shot type of spell or Momiji just canceled it, deciding it wouldn't work or something, to save energy.
> "If you escape that the first time no way it'll get you, I'd just be wasteing my time to repeat the same pattern." Momiji says.
-
>Grin. "Little something I hit on by watching you handle my last card. I figured it might work for me too, and I was right. Now then, time for one more card on my part, eh? Scythe Sign: Slashes of Eight Directions!"
-
>Grin. "Little something I hit on by watching you handle my last card. I figured it might work for me too, and I was right. Now then, time for one more card on my part, eh? Scythe Sign: Slashes of Eight Directions!"
> Momiji looks a little impressed, before your spellcard starts.
> Malus shifts size and position several times, forming an Eight-Pointed Star of danmaku slices around Momiji, which then disintegrate into a shower of small, white danmaku, which flies everywhere. The flurry is thick, but not particularly fast. It is hard to tell if Momiji has been hit or not due to your own bullets.
[*The Eight Pointed Star is identical to that Youmu makes in her Stage 6 Spellcard in PCB*]
-
>Well, all we can do is hang tight until she calls for a halt, or our card ends.
-
>Well, all we can do is hang tight until she calls for a halt, or our card ends.
> You see Momiji managed to dodge the first wave, so repeat your attack. This time, when Momiji vanishes, you hear something.
> "Tengu Sign: Pride Slash!"
> There is a large white, sword-wave of energy which rips through your danmaku and heads towards you. This isn't a normal spellcard, this is a bomb!
-
>Try to dodge it as best we can! ...IF we can. "Whoa-ho-hoa! That's the spirit!"
-
>Try to dodge it as best we can! ...IF we can. "Whoa-ho-hoa! That's the spirit!"
> You try to dodge the slash, but it just follows you, so you shield yourself instead with Malus. The impact causes your spell to break.
> "He... that's something I've not even shown that blasted crow yet..." Momiji pants, before she starts to fall to the ground. It's clear she's not been hit, however. She seems exhausted.
-
>Let's fly over to lend a hand in getting back on the ground.
>"I gotta admit, you're made of some tough stuff. I wouldn't mind having another fight like that with you after all this is wrapped up."
>Have a laugh! "Man, Gensokyo's full of strong opponents! I see why boss left a cutting of herself here! Wonder if I can figure out how to do the same?"
-
>Let's fly over to lend a hand in getting back on the ground.
>"I gotta admit, you're made of some tough stuff. I wouldn't mind having another fight like that with you after all this is wrapped up."
>Have a laugh! "Man, Gensokyo's full of strong opponents! I see why boss left a cutting of herself here! Wonder if I can figure out how to do the same?"
> You catch Momiji, who takes a while to catch her breath before she responds.
> "Us Tengu have to be tough. After the days of the Oni." she says.
> "I'm not that strong. There's a lot of stronger people. I mean, I can't even use a bomb without staying airborne yet, but there's people with the energy to use multiple bomb-attacks within Gensokyo." Momiji says.
> You recall Yuuka explaining what a 'bomb' is before, after you overheard her complaining about Reimu 'bombspamming' against her. It's a special spellcard which uses a massive amount of energy, but erases danmaku and deals high amounts of damage. However, the spellcard rules also allow one to take reasonable measures to defend from bombs and become immune to them, unlike normal danmaku, outside of a survival card, although doing so is equally draining. As a result, only powerful beings can use bombs with any frequency, and only a few can ignore them used against them, and even those save it for when people bomb their trump-spellcards.
> "Who... is your boss anyway?"
> You won't be able to make a cutting of yourself. You are not a plant Youkai like she is. A certain plant cuttings can be planted and will sprout into a clone of the original. You don't think it works that way on non-plants. Or even most plants.
-
>Blink a few times. "Oh yeah, never told you that, did I? Well, it's Yuuka Kazami. The one you guys know around here is just a clipping of the real one. Not quite as strong as the real deal, but still formidable. She ordered me to go on vacation and do what I want for a change, so I figured I'd have some fun here in Gensokyo."
>Chuckle a bit. "Would you believe Reimu dyes her hair? It's actually supposed to be purple! Can you believe it?" Laugh! "Purple I tell you!"
-
>Blink a few times. "Oh yeah, never told you that, did I? Well, it's Yuuka Kazami. The one you guys know around here is just a clipping of the real one. Not quite as strong as the real deal, but still formidable. She ordered me to go on vacation and do what I want for a change, so I figured I'd have some fun here in Gensokyo."
>Chuckle a bit. "Would you believe Reimu dyes her hair? It's actually supposed to be purple! Can you believe it?" Laugh! "Purple I tell you!"
> "I live in the same village as Aya. I think if anyone besides Reimu knows, it's us Tengu... however, didn't know that the Yuuka at the Garden of the Sun is a fake." Momiji says, before adding, "Not like Aya has enough of a deathwish to go anywhere near there anyway."
> You are vaguely aware that this Aya writes newspapers and takes pictures from Yuuka occasionally telling you stuff her cutting read from her newspaper. You know nothing else, except she is apparently a Tengu if she lives in the same village as Momiji.
-
>"Actually, it's her, but also not. It's a weird thing she can do that I've never really figured out completely. It's kinda like taking a plant, and trimming off a branch to plant for a whole new plant. It's an extension of her."
>Beat.
>"Ah, but keep this little thing about Boss between us, okay?"
-
>"Actually, it's her, but also not. It's a weird thing she can do that I've never really figured out completely. It's kinda like taking a plant, and trimming off a branch to plant for a whole new plant. It's an extension of her."
>Beat.
>"Ah, but keep this little thing about Boss between us, okay?"
> "Might be hard if Aya is creeping around and heard." Momiji says, before adding, "Not like anyone would dare argue with Yuuka if she says otherwise."
-
>Laugh a bit. "True, even a cutting of her is exceedingly powerful. But even that's nothing compared to the main branch."
>"Man...I still remember when I got to witness her full power...Even to this day, nothing grows in that land scarred by such terrifying might.."
-
>Laugh a bit. "True, even a cutting of her is exceedingly powerful. But even that's nothing compared to the main branch."
>"Man...I still remember when I got to witness her full power...Even to this day, nothing grows in that land scarred by such terrifying might.."
> "Why am I somehow not surprised by that..." Momiji says.
> "Anyway, you shall proceed whenever you want to. I wouldn't be able to stop you even if I was not convinced of your power enough to let you pass, since you'd win."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "We'll have to go at this again sometime. Just physical ability. Us guardians gotta keep sharp after all, aye? You gonna be okay to go about stuff on your own now? Don't wanna leave you in too worn-out a condition to be able to do your job after all."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "We'll have to go at this again sometime. Just physical ability. Us guardians gotta keep sharp after all, aye? You gonna be okay to go about stuff on your own now? Don't wanna leave you in too worn-out a condition to be able to do your job after all."
> Momiji laughs heartily. "You may have heard of an Oni and her drink, well, Oni have one rival in drinking contests, the Tengu! All I need is a sip from my 'emergancy flask' and I'll be fine!" Momiji says, puling out a small vial with 'Sake' written on it. "All patrol Tengu have a flask like this, just for a little energy kickstart if they need it."
-
>Laugh along with her! "I gotta remember to carry something like that meself! I bet Boss can make some damn good wine."
>Mental Note: Inquire with Boss about possibly making wine for personal use. If a Tengu can get a quick charge from a little drink, then surely we can too!
>"Well, I'll get going now, see you again some time!"
>Let's move along for the peak like we were prior to our encounter.
-
>Laugh along with her! "I gotta remember to carry something like that meself! I bet Boss can make some damn good wine."
>Mental Note: Inquire with Boss about possibly making wine for personal use. If a Tengu can get a quick charge from a little drink, then surely we can too!
>"Well, I'll get going now, see you again some time!"
>Let's move along for the peak like we were prior to our encounter.
> "Ah, wine. Weak stuff. I didn't think Yuuka would like that. Tell her to look up Minoriko." Momiji says.
> You doubt you have the same biology as a species that has evolved for heavy drinking due to long periods spent with the Oni. Still, alcohol is a good pain inhibitor as it is a sedative of sorts, so you make the mental note.
> You keep flying alongside the mountain, and have no disturbances until you approach the peak, where you notice a shrine near the peak. It is not in your path, and the peak is not far away. The shrine oddly enough is on flat ground, that really doesn't look naturally flat. There is also a large lake behind it, with large... metal rods around it.
-
>Huh...Didn't that book mention the shrine up here being behind a few incidents?
-
>Huh...Didn't that book mention the shrine up here being behind a few incidents?
> It did mention a shrine in the mountains being behind most of the recent incidents, except the one involving Tenshi. You presume this is likely that shrine, the Moriya Shrine, since, how many shrines are there at the top of Youkai Mountain? It's not like there's much more room for more up here.
-
>We can swing by here later, after we've met with that celestial. For now, let's make to the very peak.
-
>We can swing by here later, after we've met with that celestial. For now, let's make to the very peak.
> You continue to the peak of the mountain.
> You recall you have to try and catch the attention of the Celestials. How you do this is an unknown, and probably depends on what Celestials, or other Heaven-dwellers are bored and paying attention.
-
>What do we know about the celestial behind that Scarlet Weather Incident?
-
>What do we know about the celestial behind that Scarlet Weather Incident?
> She basically did it because she was bored. Aside from that and the fact she is very powerful, you know nothing.
-
Well guys, how do we go about getting Tenshi's attention?
-
>"Hey! Tenshi!"
Probably won't work, but what the hell, right?
-
>"Hey! Tenshi!"
Probably won't work, but what the hell, right?
> "WHAT?!" a bored sounding voice shouts down.
> You're shocked that actually worked. At the least, you've confirmed she's bored enough to be paying attention.
-
>Shout back; "I take it you're bored, yeah? I think I might be able to help fix that!"
-
>Shout back; "I take it you're bored, yeah? I think I might be able to help fix that!"
> "Of course I'm bored. What I'm curious about is why a reaper ain't using that backdoor to Higan, instead of the front door!" Tenshi shouts.
-
>"It's a loooooong story. Suffice it to say, I can't use that one. But I am up for a little boredom-eliminating shenanigans, want in?"
-
>"It's a loooooong story. Suffice it to say, I can't use that one. But I am up for a little boredom-eliminating shenanigans, want in?"
> "Why should I trust a reaper? I'm bored, but not suicidal. Not like you could kill me or anything, but for all I know there's another 10 waiting for me in a trap."
-
>Chuckle a little. "Let's just say that I quit that gig. Too stuffy if you ask me. besides, the only folks up here are you, me, and the wind. So, up for having a little fun at the expense of the red-white shrine maiden?"
-
>Chuckle a little. "Let's just say that I quit that gig. Too stuffy if you ask me. besides, the only folks up here are you, me, and the wind. So, up for having a little fun at the expense of the red-white shrine maiden?"
> "Well, you don't wear the outfit, even if you carry the scythe..." Tenshi muses, before adding, "There are more up here than me though. Maybe not right here, but whatever."
> You see a light shine from the clouds onto the very peak of the mountain suddenly.
> "I opened the elevator."
-
>Well, let's head up then. "And for the record, my Scythe, Malus, is actually my partner. The tree it came from went youkai eventually."
-
>Well, let's head up then. "And for the record, my Scythe, Malus, is actually my partner. The tree it came from went youkai eventually."
> You walk into the light, and your vision goes white. When it returns, you are standing on a cloud, with a figure in front of you, floating above the clouds on a keystone.
(http://dandreamz.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/tenshi-hinanai-4.jpg)
Tenshi Hinanai
The Bored Death Cheater
> You can feel... something... some kind of aura. An immense pressure around her. You can tell just from being near her that she is not to be trifled with, yet it is also taking every ounce of your focus to prevent grabbing Malus and attempting to kill her, due to you being trained to do this when you were a Shinigami in-training. Even after all these years, it's still drilled into you.
> "A youkai tree eh? Mildly interesting." Tenshi says. "Anyway, who are you? You seem to know who I am already."
-
>"Name's Elly, I quit the shinigami biz and became a Gatekeeper instead. I read this book on all of the past Incidents while I came to Gensokyo on vacation, and Boss did say I could do whatever I wanted to, so I thought I'd see about getting some folks together to see what all the fun is in causing a little incident. Problem is, best I can come up with right now off the top of my head is stealing all of Gensokyo's apples, which is pretty lame really. The book said you were pretty good about ideas for Incidents though, and that you were often bored with the tedium of life up here, so I figured I'd find you for two things. Help take care of your boredom for a bit, and see about new ideas for causing a little incident. I've already got a sort of plan involving getting some folks together that have already caused an Incident in the past. The way I see it, when Reimu goes out to bust some heads, she won't expect a whole bunch of seemingly unrelated people being behind the whole thing, Could you imagine the look on her face when she finds out that almost everyone's in on it?"
>Sigh. "Definitely not getting Kanako involved though, she sounds like she'll try to hijack it for her own ends."
-
>"Name's Elly, I quit the shinigami biz and became a Gatekeeper instead. I read this book on all of the past Incidents while I came to Gensokyo on vacation, and Boss did say I could do whatever I wanted to, so I thought I'd see about getting some folks together to see what all the fun is in causing a little incident. Problem is, best I can come up with right now off the top of my head is stealing all of Gensokyo's apples, which is pretty lame really. The book said you were pretty good about ideas for Incidents though, and that you were often bored with the tedium of life up here, so I figured I'd find you for two things. Help take care of your boredom for a bit, and see about new ideas for causing a little incident. I've already got a sort of plan involving getting some folks together that have already caused an Incident in the past. The way I see it, when Reimu goes out to bust some heads, she won't expect a whole bunch of seemingly unrelated people being behind the whole thing, Could you imagine the look on her face when she finds out that almost everyone's in on it?"
>Sigh. "Definitely not getting Kanako involved though, she sounds like she'll try to hijack it for her own ends."
> "Hey, stealing apples ain't the most dreadful idea. Although I'd want the peaches stolen too if I was to help out with that one." Tenshi says.
> "Who's Kanako?"
-
>"Some wind goddess or something, the book said she was behind the last three or four incidents. Folks don't even blame Yukari -whoever that is- for the weird stuff anymore, they blame Kanako. Going by how the book talked about her, she seems like she'll hijack the fun for her own selfish gain."
>"Anyhow, how can we improve on the idea enough to get some of the other incident-causers to want in on the fun too? I mean, just stealing apples and peaches ain't gonna be enough when you look at it."
-
>"Some wind goddess or something, the book said she was behind the last three or four incidents. Folks don't even blame Yukari -whoever that is- for the weird stuff anymore, they blame Kanako. Going by how the book talked about her, she seems like she'll hijack the fun for her own selfish gain."
>"Anyhow, how can we improve on the idea enough to get some of the other incident-causers to want in on the fun too? I mean, just stealing apples and peaches ain't gonna be enough when you look at it."
> "Well, if a natural disaster is your sort of thing..."
-
>"Hmm...maybe we need more people to bounce ideas off of? But I think we can use something like that in the plan. What sort of natural disaster were you talking about?"
-
>"Hmm...maybe we need more people to bounce ideas off of? But I think we can use something like that in the plan. What sort of natural disaster were you talking about?"
> "If it's something to do with an earthquake or the weather, I can do it." Tenshi says.
-
>Grin. "Alright, I'm pretty sure we can figure out a use for that. Why don't you join up with me for now while we go see about roping in a few others to help improve the plan further, eh? I've already arranged for a gathering place for all the participants too, so far you're one of the first few."
-
>Grin. "Alright, I'm pretty sure we can figure out a use for that. Why don't you join up with me for now while we go see about roping in a few others to help improve the plan further, eh? I've already arranged for a gathering place for all the participants too, so far you're one of the first few."
> "You think it's that simple to make a Celestial your subordinate?" Tenshi says with a grin, before she flicks her hand... almost as if flourishing a swo...
> You notice once Tenshi has stopped moving her hand and now holds a rainbow sword in her it. The sword is far too short to have reached you, yet, judging from the scarlet flowing from you, it did.
> "Don't worry, if I wanted to hurt you or kill you I would have, I'm just seeing something." Tenshi says.
-
>...
>"And that would be...?"
-
>...
>"And that would be...?"
> "Your temperament. Your spiritual nature, your weakness. What you're made of, if you would." Tenshi says, as the scarlet flowing from you takes the form of mist, which then, with a small flick of Tenshi's sword, vanishes, and changes the local weather.
> A small breeze flows, and there is a spattering of rain. It is a little warmer.
> "A bit of sadness, maybe regret, probably caused by the past, loyalty and happiness now, and calm and collected." Tenshi mutters, before flourishing her sword, and making the red mist return, and flow back into you, except for a small amount, which flows into the sword.
> "I need some of that stuff to make my sword's powers their strongest. Don't worry, no harm done to you."
-
>"That was... odd."
-
>"That was... odd."
> "Have you not heard of the Sword of Hisou?"
-
>Have we?
>Reply accordingly.
-
>Have we?
>Reply accordingly.
> "No." you cry up.
-
>"No, I haven't."
-
>"No, I haven't."
[I realized this was my derp, I'm GM'ing Tenshi. This ain't Tenshi Quest!]
> "Well, it's hard to explain, but it's a Celestial artifact that wields great power. Not only that but it's strong enough to be used as a weapon by us and not shatter due to our power." Tenshi says.
-
>"Whoa. We should be able to use this then. See, the idea I have overall, is that at first the incident will look like one person's work, but the moment they start heading for that one, someone else's trademark will start to seep in, implying they're behind it instead. Basically, at the very least, we'll send her running all over the place. Just what the incident itself will be though, as I mentioned earlier, is up in the air. We'll need more people to bounce ideas off methinks."
-
>"Whoa. We should be able to use this then. See, the idea I have overall, is that at first the incident will look like one person's work, but the moment they start heading for that one, someone else's trademark will start to seep in, implying they're behind it instead. Basically, at the very least, we'll send her running all over the place. Just what the incident itself will be though, as I mentioned earlier, is up in the air. We'll need more people to bounce ideas off methinks."
> "In all honesty, just annoying Ray-moo would be fun." Tenshi says, before adding, "I'm not one for heavy thinking though. Maybe you can find someone else to do the thinkin' for us, eh?"
> She jumps off her Keystone, which then vanishes.
> "Anywho, I'll tag along. More interesting whatever you're planning than this place. If I have to sit through one more lecture about how my family don't deserve to be here without doing something fun I might try and kill the one who lectures about it. And that's impossible since I'm not a Shinigami."
-
>Nod. "Arrite, let's go find some other folks to drag into the fun. And if it's good enough of a plan, that vampire from near the lake, Remilia, will want in on it too. She said so herself when I went to get her to help out. Apples aren't enough to get her involved."
>Fistpalm. "Maybe we can pin the whole thing on Kanako too! Heh, this is a great idea! Someone else gets blamed for an incident that nearly everyone else was involved in! And then the red-white's just running all over the place in a tizzy trying to figure out the culprit!"
-
>Nod. "Arrite, let's go find some other folks to drag into the fun. And if it's good enough of a plan, that vampire from near the lake, Remilia, will want in on it too. She said so herself when I went to get her to help out. Apples aren't enough to get her involved."
>Fistpalm. "Maybe we can pin the whole thing on Kanako too! Heh, this is a great idea! Someone else gets blamed for an incident that nearly everyone else was involved in! And then the red-white's just running all over the place in a tizzy trying to figure out the culprit!"
> Tenshi nods, and then groans.
> "Why her?" she says.
> "You really think I am going to let someone take you down to Gensokyo, where the Shinigami can swarm you like an insect, to cause trouble again? Foolish. I'll stop you before you can start this time." a figure behind you says.
(http://ip2.mjv-art.org/jvwall_images/1e5/1e5602d71c417797e24ecb2e23359bc2_bp.jpg)
Iku Nagae
Envoy of the Highest Force
> "I apologize, but I cannot allow you to take the Eldest Daughter from here, Scythe-Weilder." the new figure says, before pointing towards you, and unleashing a blot of electricity.
-
>Sigh. "Third fight I've gotten in in the span of an hour or two today. Ah well, I need the workout."
>Let's slip to one side to avoid the blot.
-
>Sigh. "Third fight I've gotten in in the span of an hour or two today. Ah well, I need the workout."
>Let's slip to one side to avoid the blot.
> You move to avoid the bolt, only to see that from where it landed it would have narrowly missed anyway.
> "Ugh, I can't fight her. It's a serious crime among the Celestials to attack an Envoy of the Dragon... and she is one. The punishment for doing so is being thrown through the next portal to Higan to open. You're on your own here, sorry." Tenshi says.
> "That was a warning shot. Leave without the Eldest Daughter and I will spare you. Stay and I will wound you and throw you back to earth. Try to fight, or take her, and I will show you no mercy."
> "Why are you being so serious Iku?" Tenshi asks.
> "Because unlike you, I take my duties seriously, and use my powers to prevent harm to below, not cause it. I can't beat you up and force you to stay as much as you can't beat me up to leave, so I'll just remove your reason for going. I will not allow another Scarlet Weather Incident." Iku replies coldly.
> "Well, I guess it would be no fun to follow someone who can't beat this sparkplug anyway. might as well impress me." Tenshi says.
-
>How are our spellcards right now then?
-
>How are our spellcards right now then?
> They're all available, however, you're not sure if Iku is going to fight by spellcard rules, seeing as she implied she has intention to kill if you try and take Tenshi.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Well, let's get this party started! Defender Sign: Floor that Becomes a Wall!"
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Well, let's get this party started! Defender Sign: Floor that Becomes a Wall!"
> Iku looks unimpressed as you choose to fight, and begin to unleash floor tiles at her.
> Iku takes a pose... almost like she's at a disco, and a blast of lighting falls which disintegrates the danmaku tiles.
> "I'm fighting seriously. This is technically not Gensokyo. We are not bound by the spellcard rules here." Iku informs you.
-
>Grin. "Arrite, guess I can go all out then. Mind your head there, arrite? I might end up taking it."
>Let's cancel the card if it wasn't already canceled by her blast, and then bombard her with our tile shots.
-
>Grin. "Arrite, guess I can go all out then. Mind your head there, arrite? I might end up taking it."
>Let's cancel the card if it wasn't already canceled by her blast, and then bombard her with our tile shots.
> You switch from danmaku shaped like tiles to actual, stone floor tiles being flung towards Iku.
> Iku switches her stance and counteracts with thin streams of electricity from her hands which pierce through them shattering them. She gets pelted by a few fragments, which bounce off the strange cloth around her arms, wrapped around her, which drifts to shield her.
-
>Now let's switch to our sweeps, and fling Malus like a boomerang!
-
>Now let's switch to our sweeps, and fling Malus like a boomerang!
> You start to unleash sweeps of bullets, which are effortlessly stopped, what Iku cannot stop with bolts of lightling, however, is the Boomerang Malus that heads towards her.
> Iku twirls the cloth around her, which changes shape to sheild her from the scythe, which fails to cut it.
> "I see, your scythe can change form like my cloth." Iku comments.
-
>Grin a bit. "Useful little ability, isn't it? But that's Malus' power, not mine."
>Now let's try a two for one! Tiles, and Boomerang Malus!
-
>Grin a bit. "Useful little ability, isn't it? But that's Malus' power, not mine."
>Now let's try a two for one! Tiles, and Boomerang Malus!
> Iku decides to counteract your attack by flying towards you, dodging Malus on it's way out and moving just enough to dodge it's return, while blasting tiles in her way. Meanwhile, her cloth wraps around her hand like a spear.
-
>Well, let's keep an eye on her, and be ready to dodge when she attacks.
>When she does, we'll slip behind her and bombard her with our fastest attack.
-
>Well, let's keep an eye on her, and be ready to dodge when she attacks.
>When she does, we'll slip behind her and bombard her with our fastest attack.
> She's coming right at you, so you swing around at the last moment and counter attack with the fastest thing you have... a punch. The attack connects in the small of Iku's back, causing her to go flying a bit.
> Whie you are not notably strong like, say, Meiling, you're still a fair bit stronger than a human. Like, twice as strong.
-
>Grin a bit. "Gotta play a bit more clever to get past me. You have no idea who I work for, do you? Let's just say she can put me through a lot worse than you ever could."
-
>Grin a bit. "Gotta play a bit more clever to get past me. You have no idea who I work for, do you? Let's just say she can put me through a lot worse than you ever could."
> "It does not matter who you work for. Not when you consider who I work for. I am the envoy of the Dragon itself, the most powerful thing in Gensokyo, responsible for it's creation and safety! I know that your 'boss' is an insignificant speck compared to the Dragon." Iku boasts, sounding very confident.
> This is a little worrying, because for a moment, you think that Iku's boss is stronger than even Yuuka... then it clicks into your head that Yuuka's main body is not in Gensokyo.
-
>Chuckle a little. "Well, you're sadly mistaken then, as boss only has a mere clipping of herself here. Perhaps you know of 'The Flower Master of The Four Seasons'?"
>We might not be able to use a spark, but we should be able to visually emulate the charging process easily and convincingly enough, correct?
-
>Chuckle a little. "Well, you're sadly mistaken then, as boss only has a mere clipping of herself here. Perhaps you know of 'The Flower Master of The Four Seasons'?"
>We might not be able to use a spark, but we should be able to visually emulate the charging process easily and convincingly enough, correct?
> "I know little of the people of the world below." Iku says. However, if your boss isn't even native to Gensokyo, then that raises the question about why you came from Gensokyo. However, I do not have anymore time to squander.
> You don't have an umbrella to imitate Yuuka using her flower-parasoul to charge the spark.
> Iku takes the pose she took when she called down the massive lightling bolt which obliterated your spellcard.
-
>Well, let's get in close on the double and slam a fist right into her gut before she can fire that thing off again!
-
>Well, let's get in close on the double and slam a fist right into her gut before she can fire that thing off again!
> You fly in close and try to punch her in the gut, but Iku gets out of her pose, and moves the cloth around her arms to block your fist.
> The cloth feels smooth and silky, but doesn't give an inch.
-
>Grin, and pull back a bit. "I've got this figured out, when you do that pose, that bolt's gonna happen a little while later. But if I keep you on your toes, then that bolt won't be a thing."
>Rapidfire slashes!
-
>Grin, and pull back a bit. "I've got this figured out, when you do that pose, that bolt's gonna happen a little while later. But if I keep you on your toes, then that bolt won't be a thing."
>Rapidfire slashes!
> You start to unleash a wild frenzy of slashes, which Iku parries by using her cloth as skillfully, but is being forced back none the less.
> Suddenly there is an opening, and without you even having to move, Malus reads you noticing it and re-shapes to take advantage, before it suddenly pulls back.
> "To be pushing me this far... admittedly melee isn't my forte, but I didn't think I'd have to pull this out..." Iku says, a field of wildly crackling electricity around her, almost as if she is glowing. If Malus had struck it would have carried the electricity directly to you.
> "Thundercloud Stickleback."
-
>Pull back a bit. "Not a bad trick there. To bad I can't do something like that, it'd make my job easier. Well, if people actually bothered to bust in that is, but hey."
>Does this seem to be a spellcard of any sort?
>Either way, liberal application of tiles and shots oughta do the job.
-
>Pull back a bit. "Not a bad trick there. To bad I can't do something like that, it'd make my job easier. Well, if people actually bothered to bust in that is, but hey."
>Does this seem to be a spellcard of any sort?
>Either way, liberal application of tiles and shots oughta do the job.
> Iku dosen't respond.
> You doubt it, since this is clearly real electricity. However, seeing as this move has a name, you wouldn't be shocked if she had a spellcard version.
> Your attacks just break against spears of lighting which arc from her barrier. Iku is slowly approaching you.
> Malus seems to be pulling towards Iku, almost like it has an idea. At least, that's what you think. It's never done this before, and it's not like it can tell you what it wants.
-
>"You want me to throw you?"
-
>"You want me to throw you?"
> Malus shakes.
-
>"...So we rush in and swing then?"
-
>"...So we rush in and swing then?"
> Malus nods. Considering it pulled away last time this is confusing.
-
>"Well, okay partner, I'll trust you on this one..!"
>Well, nothing for it then. Chaaaaarge!
-
>"Well, okay partner, I'll trust you on this one..!"
>Well, nothing for it then. Chaaaaarge!
> You charge and swing at Iku, who laughs as you come.
> "You'll be shocked by a few thousand Gigawatts before your scythe can even reach me!"
-
>Grin. "That's what you think! Malus! Do your thing!"
-
>Grin. "That's what you think! Malus! Do your thing!"
> As you slash, with confidence in your partner, Iku, confident in her defense, dosen't raise her cloth.
> At the last second, Malus retracts, pulling it's handle out of your hand, so you are not gripping it, as it connects with the lightling feild, cutting through, and slashing Iku.
> "What?!" Iku says just before she cries in pain from the slash.
> Malus falls to the ground, as does Iku. She's wounded but your trained eye knows it's nowhere near fatal, especially for a youkai.
-
>Rush to pick up Malus. "You okay buddy?"
>Once we've got Malus back, get back to our stance if he's okay.
-
>Rush to pick up Malus. "You okay buddy?"
>Once we've got Malus back, get back to our stance if he's okay.
> You go to pick up the scythe, which is sparking a little. On contact you get a small shock as the residual charge enters you, but nothing serious, just a little worse than static.
> Malus twitches a few times in response. You guess it's out cold or stunned.
-
>Rest 'im on our shoulder, then fix Iku with a stare. "You still wanna keep going?"
-
>Rest 'im on our shoulder, then fix Iku with a stare. "You still wanna keep going?"
> You get another small shock as you put the scythe on your shoulder.
> Iku doesn't respond.
> "If we're gonna go we gotta go now... she's gonna be mad when she wakes up." Tenshi says.
-
>Nod. "Alright, we'll lie low at this place I know until Malus recovers."
>Glance at Malus with a slight, warm smile. "You really pulled it off for me, partner."
>Let's get outta here! We'll hide out back at the Mansion!
-
>Nod. "Alright, we'll lie low at this place I know until Malus recovers."
>Glance at Malus with a slight, warm smile. "You really pulled it off for me, partner."
>Let's get outta here! We'll hide out back at the Mansion!
> Tenshi opens the 'elevator' to Gensokyo again, and you enter.
> As you descend the mountain, you see the shrine again and recall you wished to visit. Doing so now is convenient, but Tenshi is with you still, and Malus still isn't recovered.
-
>We'll come back here later, after we drop Tenshi off back at Remi's, and Malus snaps out of it. So for now, let's book it to Remi's place.
-
>We'll come back here later, after we drop Tenshi off back at Remi's, and Malus snaps out of it. So for now, let's book it to Remi's place.
> You keep heading to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Meiling is asleep at the gate, so a maid wearing blue greets you.
> "The Lady told me to meet you when you came back and see who you brought. I was not expecting her, although the Lady said I'd be surprised with you you were planning to bring anyway." the maid says.
> She then looks at Tenshi. "Don't. Break. Anything. Or you'll find knives in your immortal body. You may be immortal but I'm sure you feel pain."
> "Oh yeah, I feel pain. That's not gonna stop me from breaking anything if I get bored." Tenshi says. "Then you'll have to punish me!"
> "I forgot you're a masochist..." the maid sighs.
> You suddenly wonder if you should introduce Tenshi to Yuuka.
-
>Sigh. "Tenshi, just be patient, once we've got more folks together, we can get to work on the plan. For now, we'll wait until Malus has pulled himself together after that last stunt he pulled. Once he's pulled himself together, we'll find more folks to help out. I have a few ideas on who all to gather too, I just need to know where they are."
>Grin. "And once we've got enough, then the real fun can get started."
-
>Sigh. "Tenshi, just be patient, once we've got more folks together, we can get to work on the plan. For now, we'll wait until Malus has pulled himself together after that last stunt he pulled. Once he's pulled himself together, we'll find more folks to help out. I have a few ideas on who all to gather too, I just need to know where they are."
> "But-but-but that's just doing what I was doing up theeeere!" Tenshi whines, like a spoiled child.
> The maid's eyes glint. "I know, I'll give you someone to play with. I'm sure she'll be happy to have someone to play with that doesn't break."
> "Is she fun?"
> "Oh yes, lots of fun."
-
>Chuckle a little. "Well then, just don't let her get too busted-up, okay? I do need her for the plan after all. For now, I'll cool my heels until Malus gets over taking a one doozy of a shock he took when I was trying to pull Tenshi here away from that overprotective emissary."
>Sigh. "I can see why Shinigami are tasked with going after Celestials, they're all too stubborn to go down."
>Then chuckle a little more. "Then again, that'll be a component of the plan as well."
-
>Chuckle a little. "Well then, just don't let her get too busted-up, okay? I do need her for the plan after all. For now, I'll cool my heels until Malus gets over taking a one doozy of a shock he took when I was trying to pull Tenshi here away from that overprotective emissary."
>Sigh. "I can see why Shinigami are tasked with going after Celestials, they're all too stubborn to go down."
>Then chuckle a little more. "Then again, that'll be a component of the plan as well."
> The scythe wriggles a bit when you mention it. You guess it woke up during the trip.
> "That and only they have the power to actually kill us." Tenshi says.
> "Really. We might see about that." the maid says, sounding a little annoyed.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Now now everyone, mellow out, aye? The fun stuff hasn't even begun, and you guys are already as high-strung as a chicken in a fox's den."
>Then look to Malus. "Hey, how you holding up partner? You back with us now?"
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Now now everyone, mellow out, aye? The fun stuff hasn't even begun, and you guys are already as high-strung as a chicken in a fox's den."
>Then look to Malus. "Hey, how you holding up partner? You back with us now?"
> Tenshi looks bored. The maid is probably just worried about Tenshi causing some mini-earthquake and ruining the mansion. You guess they'll chill out once Tenshi is occupied.
> The scythe bends a few times, creaking a little the first three bends, and then not creaking anymore.
-
>Breathe a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're back with us man, that was one crazy stunt you pulled there. Can't really complain though, as it won us the fight."
>"Anyhow, now that we've got Tenshi, I can go get some other people to help out with the plan."
>Let's recap, who all was involved in past incidents besides Kanako?
>"I think my next step should be finding this Nue person, she sounds like she's got some good ideas, and should be pretty helpful in the plan in general."
>The book said something about where she can usually be found, right?
-
> The scythe does not respond.
> You recall the book only contained the culprits, not necessarily those involved, although it did mention some other people for the 'UFO' and 'Desire' Incidents.
> You recall, of those who's location is known that isn't the Netherworld or Makai, or you've not already spoken to and recruited:
Kanako Yasaka
Kaguya Houraisan
Sukia Ibuki
When you count those mentioned as a major part but not the direct cause, you add:
Nue Houjuu
Byakuren Hijiri
Toyosatomimi no Miko
Utsuho Reiuji
When you count those who's location is unknown, you add:
Rika
Mima
Yukari Yakumo
You don't know how you can reach:
Shinki [Makai]
Yuyuko Saigyouji [Netherworld]
Yumemi Okazaki [Future Alternate Dimension]
And of course there's Yuuka but she wasn't the cause of her incident, she just had her house broken into and got angry. Nor is it counting Komachi or Shikeiki, for obvious reasons.
> Nue should be around the Myouren Temple.
-
>To the Myouren temple!... if we know where it is.
>If not: wake up Meiling and ask her where the Myouren temple is.
-
>To the Myouren temple!... if we know where it is.
>If not: wake up Meiling and ask her where the Myouren temple is.
> The book mentioned where the Temple was formed, so you head in that direction. It's not far from the other side of the Misty Lake.
> As you are crossing you notice the same ice fairy which you made dissolve into a cloud of ice flying around, but she doesn't seem to notice you. Probably better that way, seeing how stupid she is.
> It's not long after crossing the lake that you arrive at the Myouren Temple. It reminds you of the Hakurei Shrine in the building's style, except it is many times larger.
> There is no-one at the gate. However, there is a warning to visitors sign.
-
>Let's go take a look at the sign then.
-
>Let's go take a look at the sign then.
> "Warning: Myouren Temple does not take responsibility for:
Jiangshi Bites
Heartattacks by Karakasa, Tanuki or Nue
Any drunken actions you may perform if you drink with the Tanuki
Overzelous bro-fists
Drowning Incidents
Objects going missing and being replaced by orbs of light or some other weird thing.
Your pal being replaced by someone who looks the same but has a tail
Your stuff being eaten by a Jiangshi
Burst Eardrums
ANYTHING NOT COVERED THAT THESE TWO DO:
There is a picture of a Tanuki, and one that matches the picture of Nue from the book.
~ Byakuren Hijiri
-
>"Well Malus, looks like we've got two potential allies here, eh?"
>Let's head on in then and look around for someone who can point the way.
-
>"Well Malus, looks like we've got two potential allies here, eh?"
>Let's head on in then and look around for someone who can point the way.
> You head into the grounds, and are swiftly found by someone.
> "Surprise!" a voice says as what is clearly the karakasa mentioned on the sign jumps in front of you. She sounds very cheerful.
-
>Chuckle. "Cheerful one, aren't you? Say, you know where I can find the Nue and that Tanuki?"
>Fistpalm, and grin. "Hell, you up for a little shenanigans yourself?"
-
>Chuckle. "Cheerful one, aren't you? Say, you know where I can find the Nue and that Tanuki?"
>Fistpalm, and grin. "Hell, you up for a little shenanigans yourself?"
> "Nue? Tanuki?" the karakasa thinks for a moment, before grinning. "Will you be surprised if I do know?"
> "Depends? Do I surprise people in these shenanigans?"
-
>Chuckle. "Depends, if you know their exact location, and a way to help me get them to help out with a little scheme I've got going, then that'd be a pretty pleasant surprise. Today's been a rough one y'know, got into two fights just getting one person in on it."
>"And as for if you'll get to surprise folks, I don't see why you can't try at least. I bet i can work it into the scheme somehow too."
>Grin. "Now, would you be so kind as to lead the way?"
-
>Chuckle. "Depends, if you know their exact location, and a way to help me get them to help out with a little scheme I've got going, then that'd be a pretty pleasant surprise. Today's been a rough one y'know, got into two fights just getting one person in on it."
>"And as for if you'll get to surprise folks, I don't see why you can't try at least. I bet i can work it into the scheme somehow too."
>Grin. "Now, would you be so kind as to lead the way?"
> The karakasa thinks for a few moments. "When I last saw Nue... she was thisaway!"
> The karakasa flies off towards the graveyard.
-
>Let's go after her then! "I read she was the sort who seemed to like stirring up a fuss, so I figured she'd be perfect for the scheme."
-
>Let's go after her then! "I read she was the sort who seemed to like stirring up a fuss, so I figured she'd be perfect for the scheme."
> "Well... Nue is a trickester at heart, and likes to play pranks ALLLLmost as much as fairies. Mamizou too but she does serious stuff occasionally too like beat up people who've not paid back these loan things." the umbrella monster says.
> You enter the graveyard and the karakasa starts to look around.
> "Problem is Nue is very hard to find if she doesn't wanna be found. She can make things impossible to identify, including herself. So it's impossible to find her if she doesn't wanna be found."
-
>"Huh, what about the Tanuki? That sign seemed to imply they know each other. So she might be easier to find."
-
>"Huh, what about the Tanuki? That sign seemed to imply they know each other. So she might be easier to find."
> "Well I haven't seen her in longer. Unless Nue to Mamizou in disguise. Mamizou could be anyone. You could be Mamizou tricking me!" the umbrella says, proceeding to fly around you, attempting to check if you have a tail.
-
>Quirk an eyebrow. Umbrellas these days...
>"So it's not gonna be easy to rope those two in, is it?"
-
>Quirk an eyebrow. Umbrellas these days...
>"So it's not gonna be easy to rope those two in, is it?"
> Yeah, umbrellas you know don't talk, or stare at your rear looking for a tail.
> Although they do fire lasers. And technically are a flower.
> "Oh no, if you can actually find them they probably won't need much convincing. Oh yeah, maybe the zombie saw if she went somewhere!" the umbrella says.
-
>Nod. "At this point, anything'll work. I guess we'll have to find that'n then. Let's roll."
>Let's roll!
-
>Nod. "At this point, anything'll work. I guess we'll have to find that'n then. Let's roll."
>Let's roll!
> The umbrella quickly locates the 'zombie' which you recognize as a Jiang-Shi. You wonder who raised it from the grave.
> "Uuuah... K-Kogasa!" the zombie says. Her voice isn't quite as slow and groany as you expected, but it's still obvious she's not quite at alive levels of motor skills.
> "Yoshika! I brought someone to talk to you!" the karakasa, presumerably named Kogasa, responds.
> "Talk? Ok... no biting or eating then." Yoshika says.
(http://rmart.org/27872/Src/27872-Touhou-Kogasa-Tatara-Miyako-Yoshika.jpg)
Kogasa Tatara and Yoshika Miyako
The Souls in shells they should not be
*Bonus Image which isn't canon due to Kogasa not holding the umbrella but is too *dawww* to not share:
http://www.zerochan.net/1126440 (http://www.zerochan.net/1126440)*
-
>"So, uh, you seen Nue around? I need her and her friend, that tanuki, for a scheme I've got going."
-
>"So, uh, you seen Nue around? I need her and her friend, that tanuki, for a scheme I've got going."
> Yoshika seems to think for a few moments.
> "Nuuue was here a few moments ago... she said something about wanting to explore the ruins, the Dream Spirit Mausole... Mausola... Ruins!" the Jiang-Shi says, before she hops around, and lowers her arms, which appear incapable of bending at the elbows, to indicate a hole in the ground.
> "She went down here."
-
>Nod. "Okay, so in summary, if I head down there, I'll probably find her. And when I find her, I can find that Tanuki too with her help."
>Grin. "See you two topside then, I've got a Nue to find!"
>Well, Geronimo! ...Who is Geronimo anyways? Ah well, down the rabbit hole!
-
>Nod. "Okay, so in summary, if I head down there, I'll probably find her. And when I find her, I can find that Tanuki too with her help."
>Grin. "See you two topside then, I've got a Nue to find!"
>Well, Geronimo! ...Who is Geronimo anyways? Ah well, down the rabbit hole!
> "Yeah... she's down there somewhere." Yoshika repeats.
> You fly down the hole, which descends a fair bit. When you reach the ground level, you notice Kogasa has followed you, and, a few seconds later, a loud thud as Yoshika crash-lands on the ground as well.
> "Yoshika... did you forget to fly again?"
> "I forgot how to land." Yoshika says.
> "Her brain is a bit rotted." Kogasa whispers to you.
-
>Eyeroll with an amused sort of 'You guys...' expression. "Yep, bein' a Jiang-Shi'll do that to ya."
>"So, she gonna be okay to keep going then?"
-
>Eyeroll with an amused sort of 'You guys...' expression. "Yep, bein' a Jiang-Shi'll do that to ya."
>"So, she gonna be okay to keep going then?"
> "Naw, it was the bein' dead BEFORE I was a Jiang-Shi!" Yoshika says happily.
> Yoshika answers you by raising up, viva flight. Her arms are not very useful at getting herself up since they seem incapable of bending.
> "Yeeeah. I'm made of tough stuff." Yoshika says.
-
>Sigh. "Well yeah, you usually have to be dead before bein' one. Outside causes that preempt the whole bein' dead part notwithstandin' 'f course."
>"Ah well, that doesn't really matter right now, we got a Nue to track down, so let's go. Hopefully we don't get lost, given that the only person here who knows this place like the back of their hand has a little memory trouble sometimes."
>Let's roll!
(Fun Fact: Canon shows that Yoshika can apparently go without her charm. She's a totally different person in those cases though, SoPM reports her as being prone to attempting poetry, much like she may have prior to death. She's generally regarded as being entirely disturbing in that state for whatever reason.)
-
>Sigh. "Well yeah, you usually have to be dead before bein' one. Outside causes that preempt the whole bein' dead part notwithstandin' 'f course."
>"Ah well, that doesn't really matter right now, we got a Nue to track down, so let's go. Hopefully we don't get lost, given that the only person here who knows this place like the back of their hand has a little memory trouble sometimes."
>Let's roll!
(Fun Fact: Canon shows that Yoshika can apparently go without her charm. She's a totally different person in those cases though, SoPM reports her as being prone to attempting poetry, much like she may have prior to death. She's generally regarded as being entirely disturbing in that state for whatever reason.)
[I'm aware that Yoshika can go without the charm, as it is basically instructions by Seiga. She probobly acts a lot more like a proper zombie without the charm though, making her more disturbing.]
> "But I don't know this place like the back of my hand. I guarded above it and then followed mistress! Still, not like you can get lost, it's just this tunnel and then you get to the spire thingy." Yoshika groans, before starting to float along the tunnel.
> You reach some sort of slab in the way, depicting some fancy artwork.
> "How do you open this thing again..." Yoshika thinks.
-
>Chuckle. "Maybe there's a password, lemme try."
>Let's head over to the slab. "Open Sesame?
(Actually, SoPM says she was once seen spacing out under a blanket of leaves while composing poetry. Memories from her time among the living.)
-
>Chuckle. "Maybe there's a password, lemme try."
>Let's head over to the slab. "Open Sesame?
(Actually, SoPM says she was once seen spacing out under a blanket of leaves while composing poetry. Memories from her time among the living.)
> The door does not budge.
> "Noooo, it's something you have to dooo" Yoshika says.
-
>"Hmm...I don't think I can figure this out then, maybe your boss would know then?"
-
>"Hmm...I don't think I can figure this out then, maybe your boss would know then?"
> "... NyanNyan!" Yoshika says quietly, before repeating louder and louder and louder.
> A blue... hole opens in the wall and someone comes out, before the hole closes.
> "Seiga!" Yoshika cries happily.
> "Only you ever call me NyanNyan. I don't even get why you do that..." the newcomer responds.
(http://static.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/822467-bigthumbnail.jpg)
Seiga Kaku
Wall-Passing Hermit
> "If I had known you wanted to come in here I would have let you in with the Nue and Tanuki." Seiga says.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "To be honest, I came down here to find those two. Got a little proposition for 'em."
>Then grin slightly. "Who knows, maybe even you might want in after hearing the proposition I plan to give them."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "To be honest, I came down here to find those two. Got a little proposition for 'em."
>Then grin slightly. "Who knows, maybe even you might want in after hearing the proposition I plan to give them."
> "Well, the truth is we don't know how to open the door. However, my ability allows me to use this chisel to bypass walls." Seiga says, pulling out what looked like a hair ornament.
> "Why would I ever need to open a door when I can go through it?" she says, with a sly grin.
-
>Grin right back in a similar way. "I think you'd be good for the scheme too then, bet you've got loads of useful ideas just a-waiting to pop, eh?"
>Then chuckle a bit. "Well, let's go find those two, shall we? I figure I may as well lay it all out with them present as well y'know."
-
>Grin right back in a similar way. "I think you'd be good for the scheme too then, bet you've got loads of useful ideas just a-waiting to pop, eh?"
>Then chuckle a bit. "Well, let's go find those two, shall we? I figure I may as well lay it all out with them present as well y'know."
> "NyanNyan is smart!" Yoshika cries.
> "Yes, I'm sure I can think of something." Seiga says.
> Seiga slashes the door with her chisel. "You have to go through before I do, or else it closes when I pass."
-
>Nod. "Arrite, let's go guys."
>Let's roll on in!
-
>Nod. "Arrite, let's go guys."
>Let's roll on in!
> you enter the blue portal, and come out on the other side of the wall.
> You see a cave, with a massive spiral spire going from the base to the top, roughly in the center. Not that the height of this is much issue when you can fly.
> Yoshika, Kogasa, and Seiga come through as well.
-
>Make a somewhat impressed and pleased expression.
>"Now the big question is; Where in this place are they?"
-
>Make a somewhat impressed and pleased expression.
>"Now the big question is; Where in this place are they?"
> "In dungeons the coolest stuff is at the top of the tower!" Kogasa says.
> You don't understand where she gets her logic from, but you can't deny it makes some sense.
-
>"So we just head up there, problem solved. At least it's underground, so we won't wear out at easily."
>Well, nothing for it, let's fly up around the spire in a spiral, just to be on the safe side.
-
>"So we just head up there, problem solved. At least it's underground, so we won't wear out at easily."
>Well, nothing for it, let's fly up around the spire in a spiral, just to be on the safe side.
> You fly up the spire in a spiral, just in case, around the outside. When you get to the top, Seiga uses her power to open another blue portal.
> The spire isn't anywhere near as large as a mountain, although still big, you can fly it in one go anyway.
-
>Well, let's head in like last time.
-
>Well, let's head in like last time.
> You head in, and are... confused by what you see.
> Everything is blue, and there are thousands, no, millions of spirits of various shades and sizes flying around. It's... beautiful.
> You can see two things that are not spirits below you.
-
>"Wh-whoa...So many spirits..."
>Shake it off Elly, you've got a pair of people to find! So let's go down and hope those two figures are them.
-
>"Wh-whoa...So many spirits..."
>Shake it off Elly, you've got a pair of people to find! So let's go down and hope those two figures are them.
> You resist the urge to try and gather them up to guide them to Higan. Not a strong urge. But still, lectures be lectures.
> You go down and see the two figures. One is certainly a Tanuki, and the other matches the picture of Nue.
(http://safebooru.org//images/874/4ec09ad7e1019d01b813785236e098636b9cb193.png?879785)
Nue Houjuu and Mamizou Futatsuiwa
Tricksters of the Temple
-
>Chuckle in an exasperated and amused way. "Took me long enough to find you two."
>Then smirk a tad. "Got a little scheme you two might want in on."
-
>Chuckle in an exasperated and amused way. "Took me long enough to find you two."
>Then smirk a tad. "Got a little scheme you two might want in on."
> "Huh? Someone looking for us, little strange that, eh Nue?" Mamizou says, without looking at you.
> "I know. I mean, no-one seeks us out except Hijiri when we've gone overboard on something." Nue replies, again, looking away from you.
> When you mention a scheme, Nue turns her head so one eye is looking at you.
> "What kind of scheme? Not to mention who's the unfortunate victim?"
-
>Grin. "Gensokyo itself, of course. I read you were quite the prankster there Nue, and when that sign implied you two knew each other, I figured you'd be up for a little shenanigans yourself."
>"As for the scheme, that's still somewhat up in the air. Right now I'm just gathering folks to help hammer out a good one."
-
>Grin. "Gensokyo itself, of course. I read you were quite the prankster there Nue, and when that sign implied you two knew each other, I figured you'd be up for a little shenanigans yourself."
>"As for the scheme, that's still somewhat up in the air. Right now I'm just gathering folks to help hammer out a good one."
> Nue looks a little confused.
> "How can you prank Gensokyo itself? If you mean everyone within Gensokyo, there are some I'd do harsher pranks to than others. Take Kogasa, for instance, I'd never do anything serious to her, she's kinda my apprentice since we both like surprising humans, but she's dreadful at it." Nue says.
> "What are you talking about? I'm great at surprising humans!" Kogasa protests.
> "Meanwhile I have some beef with, say, the Hakurei Maiden. She's beaten me twice in Danmaku... and Mamizou too once." Nue continues.
> "I'd prefer it if you didn't keep spreading around I lost you know. Moneylenders need an image to keep to... inspire repayments." Mamizou comments, nudging Nue in the side.
> "We both know Danmaku isn't how you convince people to repay." Nue says.
> "Well, anyway, how about I ask a different question. Who else is involved in this 'Gensokyo-wide prank' or whatever it is you're plotting? Seeing as they won't be the targets." Nue says.
-
>Nod. "Well, that celestial, Tenshi, for one. And Seiga and her Jiang-shi may also be involved. Kogasa's gonna do what she can to help, and I'm trying to get that vampire near the lake in on things. Once we've gotten everyone back to her place, seeing as she's letting me gather everyone there, we can figure out our next course of action, and who else we should bring in. She'll join if the plan's something better than just stealing all of Gensokyo's apples."
>Chuckle a bit, and sigh. "Yeah,I haven't had to cause a little trouble, so I'm still not all that good at it. Really, stealing all of Gensokyo's apples? What was I thinking?"
-
>Nod. "Well, that celestial, Tenshi, for one. And Seiga and her Jiang-shi may also be involved. Kogasa's gonna do what she can to help, and I'm trying to get that vampire near the lake in on things. Once we've gotten everyone back to her place, seeing as she's letting me gather everyone there, we can figure out our next course of action, and who else we should bring in. She'll join if the plan's something better than just stealing all of Gensokyo's apples."
>Chuckle a bit, and sigh. "Yeah,I haven't had to cause a little trouble, so I'm still not all that good at it. Really, stealing all of Gensokyo's apples? What was I thinking?"
> Nue and Mamizou look at each other. Then at Kogasa.
> They mutter to each other. You hear "Dunno Tenshi."
> You realize we're standing right here, right, not-a-reaper?" Seiga says meanwhile.
> Mamizou speaks up after the two stop huddling. "Well, it seems like we're in, who cares what's going on. We're pretty bored anyway, we came here to see if there was anything interesting, like a relic or something we could use for a trick, but nope, just spirits and blue."
> "Yep, we certainly didn't come here to just goof off. We were exploring." Nue says.
> You note a glint at what seems to be the very base of the inner spire. Then you note Yoshika fall down there.
> "... She forgot how to fly again." Seiga says. "It's hard for a half-rotted brain to learn a new trick. She couldn't fly in life, she can only fly thanks to the magical power I put in her..."
-
>Look over to Seiga. "Oh yeah, I figured you'd gone off to do something else or something. But anyhow, what's your thoughts on the plan so far?"
>Beat.
>Facepalm. "Hold that thought. I'll go get her you guys, maybe that glint is something useful too."
>Let's go and make sure she's okay-ish.
-
>Look over to Seiga. "Oh yeah, I figured you'd gone off to do something else or something. But anyhow, what's your thoughts on the plan so far?"
>Beat.
>Facepalm. "Hold that thought. I'll go get her you guys, maybe that glint is something useful too."
>Let's go and make sure she's okay-ish.
> "You have a plan? It seems like you didn't." Seiga replies.
> You follow Yoshika down to the bottom of the spire. She's alright, she's already stood back up. You guess she IS really, really tough, since she fell over 500 meters easily.
> You notice a small... pagoda on the ground. It has some jewels on it. You note on the bottom of it, it has a small label:
"If found please return to Shou - THAT'S DIRECTED AT YOU NUE"
-
>Sigh amusedly, and pick up the pagoda.
>"Well, you remember how to fly? Otherwise I'll have to fly you up until you remember."
-
>Sigh amusedly, and pick up the pagoda.
>"Well, you remember how to fly? Otherwise I'll have to fly you up until you remember."
> You pick up the Pagoda.
> "Uhhh..." Yoshika says, before she starts flying.
> "Yep!"
-
>"Arrite, let's head back to the others, and hope you didn't forget how to stop. Sometimes that happens to some folks."
>Let's head back to the others with Yoshika.
>"Found this pagoda-thing down there."
-
>"Arrite, let's head back to the others, and hope you didn't forget how to stop. Sometimes that happens to some folks."
>Let's head back to the others with Yoshika.
>"Found this pagoda-thing down there."
> You and Yoshika fly up to the others.
> When you show Nue the Pagoda, she looks confused.
> "How did that get here... honestly, we've taken and hidden that thing so many times, but this time, honestly not us. Look at it, there's dust on it this time. Too long a time passed for it to be us putting it here, and even then, Shou wouldn't be able to find it here, so it defeats the point of hiding it." Nue says, pointing to some dusty patches on the pagoda.
> "Either Shou's been here herself and dropped it, or someone else took the pagoda and hid it here." Mamizou comments.
-
>Raise an eyebrow. "So, anyone know what this thing does then?"
Beat.
>Smirk. "I think I got an idea, but it hinges on how she'll react to finding out this thing's being held for ransom. Even though it actually isn't."
>Chuckle a bit. "Pranks can be fun after all, you two oughta know that quite well."
-
>Raise an eyebrow. "So, anyone know what this thing does then?"
Beat.
>Smirk. "I think I got an idea, but it hinges on how she'll react to finding out this thing's being held for ransom. Even though it actually isn't."
>Chuckle a bit. "Pranks can be fun after all, you two oughta know that quite well."
> "It's a holy artifact of Bishamoten. As an Avatar of Bishamoten, Shou's power is greatly increased when she has it in her possession." Nue says. "She's actually pretty weak without it, but with it the only one in the temple stronger than her is Hijiri."
> "She'll probably react violently. Although, as Nue mentioned, she's not that strong without it. She can weild her spear pretty well, but she's magnitudes stronger with it." Mamizou explains.
> "It's one thing making Shou think she lost it, no-one for her to get mad at. Holding it ransom is sure to result in mad-Shou. As in, she'll probobly use the pagoda to incinerate you if you hold it ransom. Indeed, I don't know if she has to touch it to use it or just be near it." Nue says.
> "Shou's scary when she's mad." Kogasa mentions.
-
>Nod. "I think I've got this figured out then. The old Hiding In Plain Sight trick should work."
>"Basically, stick it where she's sure to notice it, and wait until she doesn't. Then when she realizes that it was in plain sight, move it somewhere else in plain sight. Keep repeating until either she gets flustered, or we get tired of it."
>"Failing that, we might even be able to rope her into the fun somehow."
>Grin. "Nothing wrong with getting a little light pranking in before we let off the big stuff, eh?"
-
>Nod. "I think I've got this figured out then. The old Hiding In Plain Sight trick should work."
>"Basically, stick it where she's sure to notice it, and wait until she doesn't. Then when she realizes that it was in plain sight, move it somewhere else in plain sight. Keep repeating until either she gets flustered, or we get tired of it."
>"Failing that, we might even be able to rope her into the fun somehow."
>Grin. "Nothing wrong with getting a little light pranking in before we let off the big stuff, eh?"
> "That sounds better, less chance of vaporization by laser beams." Nue says.
> Seiga looks half asleep, and bored.
-
>Nod. "Alright then, let's get going for now. We can do a little pranking once we've got everything else hammered out and such."
>Grin. "Now then, let's make for that mansion by the Misty Lake, that's the gathering place for everyone involved in all this."
>Let's roll for Remi's Place with everyone when we get the chance!
-
>Nod. "Alright then, let's get going for now. We can do a little pranking once we've got everything else hammered out and such."
>Grin. "Now then, let's make for that mansion by the Misty Lake, that's the gathering place for everyone involved in all this."
>Let's roll for Remi's Place with everyone when we get the chance!
> Seiga opens the two walls she needs to open, and then... vanishes.
> Yoshika stays at the graveyard, saying it's not a good idea for her to leave, unless Seiga tells her to and re-writes the orders on her talisman.
> Kogasa, Nue, and Mamizou go along with you to the Scarlet Mansion, taking the Pagoda with you. When Kogasa figures out where you are going, she zooms ahead, stating she wants to surprise China. Seeing the lok on the karakasa's face when you get there, you guess she succeeded.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Well, at least more people are on board. this makes at least five, countin' meself."
>Let's make for the gate if we aren't there already, then head on in and find Tenshi.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Well, at least more people are on board. this makes at least five, countin' meself."
>Let's make for the gate if we aren't there already, then head on in and find Tenshi.
> You head to the gate, and ask Meiling where Tenshi is.
> "... I'm afraid for your own safety, I can't take you to Tenshi. You're not immortal to anything but a reaper's scythe. Going there is hazardous to your health." Meiling says. "Tenshi is playing with the younger sister, who suffers from insanity, and has the power to destroy anything. She is prone to... killing anyone who sees her unpredictably, except the Mistress herself, and me."
> "Hmm? Is that who I think it is, standing there in red?" a voice that sends a shiver up your spine says. This was the second to last voice you wanted to hear.
-
>Uh-oh, who does this voice belong to?
-
>Uh-oh, who does this voice belong to?
> Komachi Onozuka. The right hand of Shikieiki Yamaxanadu, and your teacher in the ways of the reaper.
-
>Sigh. "This is just wonderful...Come to drag me back, eh teach? Bein' a gatekeeper's a lot less stressful y'know, I actually get vacations."
-
>Sigh. "This is just wonderful...Come to drag me back, eh teach? Bein' a gatekeeper's a lot less stressful y'know, I actually get vacations."
> You turn around to speak to Komachi, and notice there are many spirits around her.
> "Nah, still on this job, look at all these spirits I have to ferry. However, if I could find you, that means the Yamas are aware you are no longer in a realm outside normal life and death. It is very likly that after I'm done with this ferrying, Shiki will make me drag you to Higan." Komachi says. "Such a drag... I'd rather sleep."
> She looks serious for a moment. "Take it as a warning. Go back to wherever you were hiding. Because you know full well that it is impossible to escape me if I am serious about bringing someone to Higan, and when it comes to a traitorous student, that is one of the few things that will make me serious."
> "Well, I better be off. Bye Elly~" Komachi says, turning to leave.
-
>Sigh. "Well, this sure puts a crimp in my vacation plans..."
>We'll have to go get boss here in a bit then. S'the only way we can keep from getting dragged back.
-
>Sigh. "Well, this sure puts a crimp in my vacation plans..."
>We'll have to go get boss here in a bit then. S'the only way we can keep from getting dragged back.
> Actually, you are aware that not even Yuuka could stop Komachi if she was serious about taking you to Higan, due to Komachi's ability to manipulate distance. As far as you know, the only way to escape from Komachi when she is serious is to defeat her without moving an inch, as even single step will land you in her boat, crossing the Sanzu River. Since it is impossible to cross the Sanzu River in anything than a Shinigami's boat, once you are in the boat, there is no escape. Komachi usually doesn't use her ability like this unless she is annoyed, or sees the fight as part of her pride, since it takes all fun out of the fight for her.
> Not to mention Komachi could make the distance between herself and Yuuka an absolute, so no matter how Yuuka tries to approach, the distance between her and Komachi stays the same.
> Combined with the reach of her scythe, Komachi is pretty much impossible to defeat without moving.
-
>Then how is it that Yuuka protects us?
-
>Then how is it that Yuuka protects us?
> Yuuka herself does not protect you. It is the Dream World that does. The Dream World is a world beyond the reach of life and death. Dreams do not live or die. Shinigami and Yama cannot enter or approach. The Maisma of the Dream World is as toxic to them as the Forest of Magic is to normal humans. Yuuka protects you by giving you a place to stay, at the border of her Dream World dimension, at the cost of being the gatekeeper... and occasional plaything.
> That and Komachi can't manipulate dimensions. There is an infinite distance between dimensions. In the Dream World, Komachi would be beatable easily by Yuuka, especially since she is in command of her personal dimension in the Dream World.
> That and Komachi would be choking with the Maisma of the land beyond death.
> Despite her occasional use of you as a plaything, Yuuka is a lot better that what other Dream World dimensions would have been like. Indeed, sometimes, a gatekeeper doesn't solely keep things from coming in, but going out.
[Note: The aformentioned continuation to Rumia Quest will begin Monday or Tuesday [I'm moving to my new Uni home Sunday, so I won't have the time to start up this week]. I will confirm at this point; it will be Rumia Quest V]
-
>How did we escape from Higan in the first place?
>"Well, damn. Sorry, guys, but it looks like I'm going to have to call this off. I've gotta get back out of Gensokyo."
>"Meiling, could you let Tenshi know I had to leave, please?"
-
>How did we escape from Higan in the first place?
>"Well, damn. Sorry, guys, but it looks like I'm going to have to call this off. I've gotta get back out of Gensokyo."
>"Meiling, could you let Tenshi know I had to leave, please?"
> You escaped from Higan in the most simple way, you got on Komachi's boat and rowed across the Sanzu. It was a nightmare for Komachi to get her boat back to her side of the shore, apparently. The thing that stops most people using the Sanzu river boats to try and escape is the fact that they only have one oar, yet refuse to move with just one. The reaper's scythe doubles as a second oar. The river will only let the boat move when a scythe and the oar are used in unison.
> "I'm not sure if you realize this." Meiling says, "But Komachi had a LOT of spirits with her. Now, Sakuya says when she met her before, that she has to take spirits across the river, one by one, and the length of the river is different according to the soul. She's also a slacker. I think you have quite a bit of time."
> "Besides." Kogasa chimes up, "Surely everyone you've gathered so far can fight her off."
> "Yeah. Tenshi's a Celestial, right? That means she's beaten up Shinigami before." Meiling responds.
[Note: Komachi will only show up once you guys are done with your stuff. As Meiling said, it'll take her a while. Komachi just happened to spot you and wanted to warn you. You can continue going about the incident you're causing. The main point of this quest is the objective you want to complete. While that being done isn't the end of the quest[ I have something planned for the end of Elly's 'vacation'.], don't let the plot being dropped for that pur you off what you are doing now!
The last thing I wanted this plot point to do is encourage you to ruin your fun!]
-
>"It's not beating her I'm worried about. If she starts messing around with distance, the smallest movement on my part will be enough to put me in her boat."
>"Hmm... well, I was meaning to go talk to the boss anyways, so I'll just go there next and ask her what she thinks. Meiling, please... well, do whatever it is you'll be doing to accomodate all the guests. I'll be back as soon as I can."
>Head for the Garden of the Sun.
-
>"It's not beating her I'm worried about. If she starts messing around with distance, the smallest movement on my part will be enough to put me in her boat."
>"Hmm... well, I was meaning to go talk to the boss anyways, so I'll just go there next and ask her what she thinks. Meiling, please... well, do whatever it is you'll be doing to accomodate all the guests. I'll be back as soon as I can."
>Head for the Garden of the Sun.
> Meiling nods. "I understand, but you're a gatekeeper. I'm sure you're tough enough to withstand her, hold your ground, until we can help!"
> You fly to the Garden of the Sun, and, when you reach it, head for the mansion. You notice the 'other' Yuuka sitting on a chair, at the front, overlooking the sunflowers, sipping tea.
> You note this Yuuka looks a little different to the true Yuuka. In addition, she seems to prefer a skirt to trousers. You guess, despite her being a slightly weaker clone of the real Yuuka, over time, she became slightly different.
-
>Announce ourselves in the appropriate manner.
-
>Announce ourselves in the appropriate manner.
> "Mistress Yuuka... kinda?" you say.
> "I thought you were on holiday. Coming to visit your boss doesn't seem like something you'd do on holiday."
> Yuuka takes another sip. "Even if it's not quite your boss."
-
>Sigh in a somewhat dejected way. "That's the problem. While I was gathering folks to help out in a little Incident I was gonna kick off, I ran into Komachi."
>Sigh again. "I was lucky she was busy with all those souls for now...But it totally wrecks the good mood a holiday's supposed to have, y'know? Those Yamas are definitely gonna send someone to drag me back, but it's a lot easier just being a gatekeeper. I get vacations too this way, unlike those reapers."
-
>Sigh in a somewhat dejected way. "That's the problem. While I was gathering folks to help out in a little Incident I was gonna kick off, I ran into Komachi."
>Sigh again. "I was lucky she was busy with all those souls for now...But it totally wrecks the good mood a holiday's supposed to have, y'know? Those Yamas are definitely gonna send someone to drag me back, but it's a lot easier just being a gatekeeper. I get vacations too this way, unlike those reapers."
> Yuuka raises an eyebrow, and puts down her tea.
> "I knew the Yamas would find you quickly. Yet I gave you a holiday anyway. You cannot run from your past forever. Besides, if you ever get into trouble, remember this." Yuuka says, before she points to somewhere in the garden of the sun, and a flower flies towards her.
> "This is the Higanbana. Remember, I am the flower master of the four seasons, and there are flowers even within Higan. As long as there are flowers, I am there, and I am not one to..." Yuuka begins
> "Allow someone to mess with my employee." Yuuka finishes. You note this voice is from behind you, and you turn around to see the Dream World Yuuka.
> "Although, I guess if I am to confront the Yama, I can't do so without being at my full power. I wonder how strong the 'whole' me is now. Part of the reason why I split my power 48:52 is so that there were two mes to get stronger at once instead of one, yet both were still powerful enough to defeat almost anyone. Now, if the true me is stronger than I was when I split... and this one is the same... I'll be over twice as strong as I was pre-split when I re-merge. Maybe even three times stronger."
> That thought is possibly the scariest thing you've heard. Ever. A spike of three times in Yuuka's already immense power is beyond comprehension.
-
>Jawdrop. Then recover and smile a bit. "Well, I guess we can kill time with some shenanigans then, eh? Right now I've got a pretty nice little group of people gathered that are pretty notorious for causing trouble."
>Chuckle. "A right 'Rogue's Gallery' it is. Though I'm still not 100% sure on what the incident should be, but that's why I've got all those people together, so we can toss around ideas until we hit on one that'll work. I know you well enough that I'm pretty sure you'd be able to contribute quite a few good ones yourself. Er...selves? This whole cuttings of yourself business always was kinda confusing."
>Beat.
>"I wonder if the merged you would wear a skirt or trousers? Probably a riddle for the ages anyhow."
-
>Jawdrop. Then recover and smile a bit. "Well, I guess we can kill time with some shenanigans then, eh? Right now I've got a pretty nice little group of people gathered that are pretty notorious for causing trouble."
>Chuckle. "A right 'Rogue's Gallery' it is. Though I'm still not 100% sure on what the incident should be, but that's why I've got all those people together, so we can toss around ideas until we hit on one that'll work. I know you well enough that I'm pretty sure you'd be able to contribute quite a few good ones yourself. Er...selves? This whole cuttings of yourself business always was kinda confusing."
>Beat.
>"I wonder if the merged you would wear a skirt or trousers? Probably a riddle for the ages anyhow."
> "Your holiday. I'm not gonna tell you what to do. Although, I can suggest someone you might want to see if you want ideas. Eirin Yagokoro." The cutting Yuuka says.
> "Oh, it's simple. Some plants can have something cut off them that will sprout into a clone of them. I'm a flower Youkai, so I'm able to do that." Real Yuuka explains.
> The real Yuuka chuckles. "The stronger one, me, would be in control. Including fashion sense."
-
>Nod. "I get it. It's just kinda brain-twisting to have to deal with two of you boss. Especially when both of you are still pretty much your own person and all. Even if they're also the same...Eh, best not to think too much on it anyhow, I might overload or something."
-
>Nod. "I get it. It's just kinda brain-twisting to have to deal with two of you boss. Especially when both of you are still pretty much your own person and all. Even if they're also the same...Eh, best not to think too much on it anyhow, I might overload or something."
> "Remind me to make a temporary cutting next time I make you my plaything. Mental Torture is just as good as physical~" Yuuka says.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Me and my big mouth."
>Then sigh a little. "So, next question is though, where do we go from here? Should I gather more folks for the Incident, or what? I mean, it always helps to have advice and all."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Me and my big mouth."
>Then sigh a little. "So, next question is though, where do we go from here? Should I gather more folks for the Incident, or what? I mean, it always helps to have advice and all."
> "I already made my suggestion, get a brain behind your brawn you may have already acquired. Eirin is possibly the smartest being in Gensokyo, except maybe Yukari, who's like finding a needle in a haystack."
-
>Nod. "Hopefully she's up for some shenanigans then."
>Come to think about it, didn't that book we read say something about her?
-
>Nod. "Hopefully she's up for some shenanigans then."
>Come to think about it, didn't that book we read say something about her?
> Yes, it mentioned she was involved in the Imperishable Night Incident, replacing the moon with a 'fake'. You guess doing something on that scale means she's pretty strong as well as smart.
-
>Did it say anything about where to find her?
-
>Did it say anything about where to find her?
> A mansion called Eientei, in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.
-
>"Well boss. er, bosses? I'll get goin' now. Seeya 'round!"
>Let's go straight up to get a good view of the area, and make towards any bamboo we see that we know isn't a part of Yuuka's gardens.
-
>"Well boss. er, bosses? I'll get goin' now. Seeya 'round!"
>Let's go straight up to get a good view of the area, and make towards any bamboo we see that we know isn't a part of Yuuka's gardens.
> You recall seeing what appeared to be a mass of bamboo on your way to the Myouren Temple, further in that direction from the Scarlet Mansion. Seeing it from here would be impossible.
-
>Okay, let's head for where we saw the bamboo then!
-
>Okay, let's head for where we saw the bamboo then!
> You head back to the Myouren Temple, and upon re-locating the Bamboo Forest's direction, you head there.
> You presume it's easy to get lost here. Being called the Bamboo Forest of the Lost and all.
-
>Let's see if there's signs of anyone lingering around the entrance.
-
>Let's see if there's signs of anyone lingering around the entrance.
> You look for signs, but there are none. Except your own footprints.
-
>"Well Malus, looks like we may as well go on in and hope we find our way. You know what they say, 'In for a penny, in for a pound'."
>Let's go on in, and keep a careful eye on things. Since that mansion where Yagokoro lives is in here, there's bound to be a way there.
-
>"Well Malus, looks like we may as well go on in and hope we find our way. You know what they say, 'In for a penny, in for a pound'."
>Let's go on in, and keep a careful eye on things. Since that mansion where Yagokoro lives is in here, there's bound to be a way there.
> You enter the forest, and quickly become lost.
> You feel like you are being watched, but cannot see anyone or anything but the bamboo.
-
>"Who's there?"
-
>"Who's there?"
> A shy-looking girl emerges from the bamboo. She has, oddly enough, green hair, and is wearing a brown dress, which seems to have swirls and marks on it that remind you of bark. There are small flowers in her hair, pinky-white petals with red for the innermost area, in two bunches, one on each side, about five flowers each side. Her eyes are red. She looks nervous, scared.
> "Where... am I?" she says.
[WARNING: A WILD OC APPEARED]
-
>Sigh a bit, in an amused way. "This'd be the Bamboo Forest of The Lost. I've actually got business with a woman who lives somewhere in here, but I don't mind having a tag-a-long if you need a way out or something."
-
>Sigh a bit, in an amused way. "This'd be the Bamboo Forest of The Lost. I've actually got business with a woman who lives somewhere in here, but I don't mind having a tag-a-long if you need a way out or something."
> "That's not what I mean. I mean where am I? I was dragged through some portal with eyes and ended up here..." the youkai says.
> "I'll stick by you, at least until I understand what's going on."
-
>"Portal with eyes? Dunno much about that. As for the place in general? Well, s'called Gensokyo. Unless you already know that too."
>Let's keep going along with our little party member.
-
>"Portal with eyes? Dunno much about that. As for the place in general? Well, s'called Gensokyo. Unless you already know that too."
>Let's keep going along with our little party member.
> "Gensokyo? I dunno, never heard of it. We are still on Earth, right?!" the girl says, panicked.
> It is worth noting that you do know how beings are brought to Gensokyo, they are spirited away from the outside world and brought in by Yukari Yakumo. In most cases, anyway. However, it seems pretty cruel to drop someone off in The Bamboo Forest of the Lost.
> You keep moving.
-
>"I think so. The story goes that this is just a sealed-off part of it or something. I'm really just here on vacation though, my true residence is the Dream World. I keep it safe usually, that's my job. 'Gatekeeper of Dreams'. Name's Elly, this here's Malus, my partner in doing my job." Indicate Malus.
>Sigh, and keep a-walking. "I gotta say, that was pretty cruel, to drop a kid like you in a place like this. You're lucky I was around."
-
>"I think so. The story goes that this is just a sealed-off part of it or something. I'm really just here on vacation though, my true residence is the Dream World. I keep it safe usually, that's my job. 'Gatekeeper of Dreams'. Name's Elly, this here's Malus, my partner in doing my job." Indicate Malus.
>Sigh, and keep a-walking. "I gotta say, that was pretty cruel, to drop a kid like you in a place like this. You're lucky I was around."
> "Malus? Strange name. Means Apple. I don't have a name. I'm a tree Youkai, however." the girl says.
> "Oh, I'm not a kid. I've been a youkai for about four hundred years, and was a normal tree for a hundred before that. Being uprooted from what you call home and dropped here with no warning is pretty scary though."
> You notice a camp near you. A smouldering fire and a pile of plant material which is clearly some kind of bed.
-
>Four-hundred...Wasn't that about the same time Malus went semi-youkai..?
>"Don't suppose you were an apple tree, were you?"
-
>Four-hundred...Wasn't that about the same time Malus went semi-youkai..?
>"Don't suppose you were an apple tree, were you?"
> You're not sure of the time. It took a while for you to figure out what happened, in fact, Yuuka was the one who noticed, after you went to her and basically asked 'Is something wrong with this thing?'. That was about three hundred and fifty years ago, give or take. Yuuka did, however state that it would have taken time for a fragment of a tree to gain the power of a tree that went youkai, and that process wouldn't happen until the tree youkai had figured out it's own powers.
> "... I'm not sure. I've not borne fruit since I went youkai. It's hard... to remember back then. Plants don't have memories of before they became youkai, they don't have minds." the girl says. "Why are you asking?"
> You presume Yuuka would be able to tell what type of tree she is.
-
>"Well, Malus here used to be a normal scythe made from the wood of an Apple Tree. After a while he started going all weird about 350 or so years back, so I asked boss what was going on, and she said that the tree the wood came from went Youkai. Making Malus here Semi-Youkai. I bet boss could tell what sort of tree you were too. She's an ace at plant stuff, bein' a plant youkai herself."
>Chuckle a bit. "Flower Master of Four Seasons, Illusory Dream Flower, she's got a lot of titles on account of how strong she is. It's a wonder why she even needs a gatekeeper, but hey. Boss took me in, gave me a home, and kept me safe from the folks who tried making me one of them."
>Grumble. "Buncha free-will hatin' sots...What I do with my life is my choice after all, I like bein' a gatekeeper better than the job they had lined up for me. I mean really, bein' a reaper was too stiff and straight-laced for a girl like me."
-
>"Well, Malus here used to be a normal scythe made from the wood of an Apple Tree. After a while he started going all weird about 350 or so years back, so I asked boss what was going on, and she said that the tree the wood came from went Youkai. Making Malus here Semi-Youkai. I bet boss could tell what sort of tree you were too. She's an ace at plant stuff, bein' a plant youkai herself."
>Chuckle a bit. "Flower Master of Four Seasons, Illusory Dream Flower, she's got a lot of titles on account of how strong she is. It's a wonder why she even needs a gatekeeper, but hey. Boss took me in, gave me a home, and kept me safe from the folks who tried making me one of them."
>Grumble. "Buncha free-will hatin' sots...What I do with my life is my choice after all, I like bein' a gatekeeper better than the job they had lined up for me. I mean really, bein' a reaper was too stiff and straight-laced for a girl like me."
> The tree youkai stays quiet, before muttering. "Interesting."
> "The strong ones always hide. They see themselves as above others. Why fight when you can get someone else to do it for you?"
> "I'm afraid I know nothing of reapers."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Well, boss does love a good fight. She usually finds someone to 'entertain' her. Sometimes when she can't get at anyone, she has to make do with me. Ah well, least she never puts me outta commission."
>"Ah, you'd probably know 'em as Shinigami, death gods. Too tedious a job for little ol' me. All that paperwork, the restrictive lifestyle, don't like it."
>Let's keep going until we find a clearing or something.
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Well, boss does love a good fight. She usually finds someone to 'entertain' her. Sometimes when she can't get at anyone, she has to make do with me. Ah well, least she never puts me outta commission."
>"Ah, you'd probably know 'em as Shinigami, death gods. Too tedious a job for little ol' me. All that paperwork, the restrictive lifestyle, don't like it."
>Let's keep going until we find a clearing or something.
> "Shinigami? Death Gods? I know of them, but I don't know anything about them. I imagine it's not a pleasant job."
> You are already in a clearing of sorts, the campsite is in an artificial clearing.
> You hear footsteps coming towards the camp.
-
>Look towards the footsteps. "No it ain't. They generally come in two or three kinds. The Reapers, who go out and find the souls of the dead. The Ferry Guides, who carry them across Higan. But then there's all the bureaucracy, red tape, and paperwork both have to deal with...."
>Sigh in a disgusted way. "I don't like dancing around things, give me a nice and straightforward job like gatekeeping anytime."
>Who's walking towards us anyhow?
-
>Look towards the footsteps. "No it ain't. They generally come in two or three kinds. The Reapers, who go out and find the souls of the dead. The Ferry Guides, who carry them across Higan. But then there's all the bureaucracy, red tape, and paperwork both have to deal with...."
>Sigh in a disgusted way. "I don't like dancing around things, give me a nice and straightforward job like gatekeeping anytime."
>Who's walking towards us anyhow?
> The plant Youkai nods, she looks worried about the footsteps.
> Out of the bamboo comes a silver-haired girl dressed in red and white. Her attire gives off a distinct tomboy impression.
(http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo113/mr_bungle700/mokou.jpg)
Fujiwara no Mokou
Immortal Embers of Hatred
> "Well well, what have we here? A couple of youkai. Are they lost souls, or are they assassins on a 'trial of guts?'" the girl says to herself.
-
>Quirk an eyebrow. "A guts-trial...I should remember that idea for the boss, she does love a good challenge. Not too many can provide though."
>Chuckle a bit. "Anyhow, I'm actually tryin' to find someone in here. Wouldn't know anyone by the name of Yagokoro would ye?"
>Fistpalm. "Oh, the the girl here's some kinda tree youkai, but apparently she ain't from Gensokyo. I'm guessin' she's one of the rare ones from outside Gensokyo or something.
-
>Quirk an eyebrow. "A guts-trial...I should remember that idea for the boss, she does love a good challenge. Not too many can provide though."
>Chuckle a bit. "Anyhow, I'm actually tryin' to find someone in here. Wouldn't know anyone by the name of Yagokoro would ye?"
>Fistpalm. "Oh, the the girl here's some kinda tree youkai, but apparently she ain't from Gensokyo. I'm guessin' she's one of the rare ones from outside Gensokyo or something.
> "I guess you're not sent by her..." the stranger says.
> Upon hearing Yagokoro, you see the girl twitch, her face seeming exceptionally angry for a moment.
> "Well then... she has no way of knowing of the story of the inhabitants of this forest. The immortals of Eientei are my arch-enemies. Kaguya Houraisan, the immortal who shamed my father so much he committed suicide, and Eirin Yagokoro, the pharmacist who made her an immoral so I cannot take vengeance for my father... I hate them both, and kill them on a daily basis."
> "Now then, why are you attempting to find my second most hated being in existence?" the stranger says. You note small flames coming off her body. The tree youkai backs away, looking terrified of the fire.
-
>Sigh. "I was looking to enlist her in some shenanigans. I was considering offering you the same thing too actually, but your response pretty much means a one or the other kinda deal."
>Then sigh again, and facepalm too. "Don't suppose you could tone back the flames? You're scarin' the kid half to death here."
>Beat, then Foreheadpalm.
>"Wait, if they live here, and you probably live in here too, doesn't that make you guys neighbors?"
-
>Sigh. "I was looking to enlist her in some shenanigans. I was considering offering you the same thing too actually, but your response pretty much means a one or the other kinda deal."
>Then sigh again, and facepalm too. "Don't suppose you could tone back the flames? You're scarin' the kid half to death here."
>Beat, then Foreheadpalm.
>"Wait, if they live here, and you probably live in here too, doesn't that make you guys neighbors?"
> "I'm not one for shenanigans."
> "Sorry, when I'm angry there's fire. Just thinking about those two... it makes my blood boil, and boiling blood leads to fire in my case."
> "Keep your allies close, and your enemies closer. Besides, I need to live somewhere were our fights won't kill everyone nearby. If no-one's nearby... no-one else dies."
> There is something off about this girl. She seems very powerful, yet, she is clearly giving off human vibes. Humans are not usually this strong seeming. Or live alone in a forest in Gensokyo. Or talk about killing and murder so blatantly, especially about immortals.
> The girl looks uneasy. "Well, I guess I should at least introduce myself before I decide if I let you live or burn you for wanting to visit her. Fujiwara no Mokou."
-
>"Name's Elly, I work as a gatekeeper usually, but right now boss told me to go on holiday, so I figure I'd use my holiday to have a little fun like most folks in Gensokyo do. Kick off a little Incident of my own. The kid here doesn't really have a name though. I figure boss can come up with something though, she's good with plants. Ever hear about the 'Flower Master of Four Seasons'? That's boss."
-
>"Name's Elly, I work as a gatekeeper usually, but right now boss told me to go on holiday, so I figure I'd use my holiday to have a little fun like most folks in Gensokyo do. Kick off a little Incident of my own. The kid here doesn't really have a name though. I figure boss can come up with something though, she's good with plants. Ever hear about the 'Flower Master of Four Seasons'? That's boss."
> "Interesting. However, attempting to your your boss against me is foolish. You see..." Mokou says, raising a hand with a fireball in.
> "I am also an immortal, made by stealing the elixir Yagokoro made. Now then, how about I test something, to see if that feared one draws good help." Mokou says, throwing the fireball.
> "Fire!" the tree youkai shouts, before her arm... grows, and expands, before swatting the fireball away like it was nothing, only a small black mark being left.. You see wooden textures on her massive palm when she does so, before the arm bends in impossible ways, and the hand grips Mokou.
> "Fire... fire... fire... I hate fire... burning, death, destruction..." the youkai says. She sounds terrified still.
> "Don't make me actually fight." Mokou warns. "I just wanted to test the reactions of the gatekeeper, see how she would react to that threat." Despite the tree youkai's grip, she sounds fine.
-
>Pat the kid's shoulder gently. "Uh...Kid? You can let go of her now y'know. Ain't her fault fire's her ability. Just look at me, I can create tiles and a little dimension all my own to use them in, which my opponent gets sucked into as well. And then there's this nifty little thing you just did. Flash Overgrowth, not a bad draw there kid, boss will definitely wanna see you later."
-
>Pat the kid's shoulder gently. "Uh...Kid? You can let go of her now y'know. Ain't her fault fire's her ability. Just look at me, I can create tiles and a little dimension all my own to use them in, which my opponent gets sucked into as well. And then there's this nifty little thing you just did. Flash Overgrowth, not a bad draw there kid, boss will definitely wanna see you later."
> "Fire is death... fire is death... the wildfire... so many dead trees... brothers, sisters..." she says, letting go slowly, before her arm and hand return to normal.
> Mokou just looks... impressed if anything.
-
>Nod. "Maybe so, but boss did teach me this about nature. Fire also paves the way for new life. It clears out the old and dead brush that suppresses the seeds that sleep in the soil, allowing those seeds to take root and grow. For every tree that fire claims, another will eventually grow to be even grander. S'been like that since the dawn of time according to boss. Says that's why fire's a thing to begin with she does."
>Chuckle. "Besides, you're a Youkai now, fire won't do quite as much to ya anymore. Youkai are pretty durable after all. Hell, I don't think boss is even damaged by fire anymore. Hell, she's a Magician too, in addition to bein' a Plant Youkai. Betcha she could probably teach you lots of neat stuff you haven't even imagined."
>Beat.
>"...Normally I'm not that poetic. Boss must be rubbin' off on me."
-
>Nod. "Maybe so, but boss did teach me this about nature. Fire also paves the way for new life. It clears out the old and dead brush that suppresses the seeds that sleep in the soil, allowing those seeds to take root and grow. For every tree that fire claims, another will eventually grow to be even grander. S'been like that since the dawn of time according to boss. Says that's why fire's a thing to begin with she does."
>Chuckle. "Besides, you're a Youkai now, fire won't do quite as much to ya anymore. Youkai are pretty durable after all. Hell, I don't think boss is even damaged by fire anymore. Hell, she's a Magician too, in addition to bein' a Plant Youkai. Betcha she could probably teach you lots of neat stuff you haven't even imagined."
>Beat.
>"...Normally I'm not that poetic. Boss must be rubbin' off on me."
> "I watched my brothers and sisters burn... they couldn't move like me. They couldn't run. I couldn't save them. I couldn't do anything." the tree youkai says, "A replacement will never make up for them."
> "I'm not too sure if that's a good idea... making me stronger."
-
>"Bein' stronger's just a side effect though, if boss thinks you've got potential, she's gonna make sure it's realized. 'specially since you and her are the same kinda thing, a Plant Youkai. Plus, goin' by that flower in your hair, I'd say you were one of those flowering trees, like apple, peach, or cherry. That'll make it even more likely she'll wanna help ya grow. It's just how boss is. She's a good person really, if you look past the fact that she's a bit of a battle maniac, and likes causing pain a bit more than most. But hey, she usually treats me right, so she's good in my books."
>Grin. "Plus, boss's home is filled with all sorts of plants, regular and maneating variety alike. I wonder if there's a few Demon Trees in the mix somewhere, I hear those are right deadly beauty, like boss."
-
>"Bein' stronger's just a side effect though, if boss thinks you've got potential, she's gonna make sure it's realized. 'specially since you and her are the same kinda thing, a Plant Youkai. Plus, goin' by that flower in your hair, I'd say you were one of those flowering trees, like apple, peach, or cherry. That'll make it even more likely she'll wanna help ya grow. It's just how boss is. She's a good person really, if you look past the fact that she's a bit of a battle maniac, and likes causing pain a bit more than most. But hey, she usually treats me right, so she's good in my books."
>Grin. "Plus, boss's home is filled with all sorts of plants, regular and maneating variety alike. I wonder if there's a few Demon Trees in the mix somewhere, I hear those are right deadly beauty, like boss."
> "Fine... take me to her later if you're so convinced." the tree youkai says.
> "You two gonna chat in my camp all day?" Mokou says, sounding annoyed.
-
>Nod. "Just point the way and we'll be off."
>Let's go where Mokou points!
-
>Nod. "Just point the way and we'll be off."
>Let's go where Mokou points!
> Mokou doesn't point.
> "Just look for rabbit youkai." she grunts.
-
>Nod. "Arrite. Thanks."
>Let's head out and keep an eye peeled for rabbits.
-
>Nod. "Arrite. Thanks."
>Let's head out and keep an eye peeled for rabbits.
> You and the tree youkai leave Mokou's camp, heading in the direction Mokou approached from.
> It doesn't take long for you to see a shadow running in the direction you are heading. A shadow with large ears.
-
>Follow that shadow!
-
>Follow that shadow!
> You follow the rabbit shadow, and after a short period, you come across what seems to be a palace of sorts.
> You guess Mokou came from this direction because she just tried to kill her enemies or something.
-
>Chuckle, and look back at the treekid while pointing a thumb over our shoulder at the palace.
>"Swanky place, ain't it? Here's what I was lookin' for I guess. That person the book mentioned, and Boss told me to try to get in on the fun, lives in there I guess."
>Let's head up to the door!
-
>Chuckle, and look back at the treekid while pointing a thumb over our shoulder at the palace.
>"Swanky place, ain't it? Here's what I was lookin' for I guess. That person the book mentioned, and Boss told me to try to get in on the fun, lives in there I guess."
>Let's head up to the door!
> The tree youkai shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know what's going on, I'm just tagging along because I have no clue where I'm going."
-
>"Well y'see, here in Gensokyo, Youkai like you and me tend to express their boredom, or distaste for tedium, or just because they want to, with what's commonly called an 'Incident'. The book that keeps tabs of all the incidents implied they were pretty simple things. Like demon tourists, some ghost wanting the power of the Hakurei Clan, typical fare really. Since I'm on vacation, boss said I could do whatever I wanted. So I figured that since she also said I should flex my skills and keep my fighting ability sharp, causing an Incident of my own was just the ticket. Basically, I figured that since Hakurei already busted me up when she went after boss that one time, I'd return the favor, and keep her on her toes while I'm here. But kicking off an incident ain't easy, that takes preparation."
>Let's go knock on the door!
-
>"Well y'see, here in Gensokyo, Youkai like you and me tend to express their boredom, or distaste for tedium, or just because they want to, with what's commonly called an 'Incident'. The book that keeps tabs of all the incidents implied they were pretty simple things. Like demon tourists, some ghost wanting the power of the Hakurei Clan, typical fare really. Since I'm on vacation, boss said I could do whatever I wanted. So I figured that since she also said I should flex my skills and keep my fighting ability sharp, causing an Incident of my own was just the ticket. Basically, I figured that since Hakurei already busted me up when she went after boss that one time, I'd return the favor, and keep her on her toes while I'm here. But kicking off an incident ain't easy, that takes preparation."
>Let's go knock on the door!
> The tree youkai looks a little confused, but shrugs. "Gensokyo has a weird culture."
> You go and knock on the door, and a rabbit youkai opens it, popping her head out from behind it. Rabbit youkai are not large, fairies are about half the size of most youkai's human forms, rabbit youkai are hardly larger than fairies.
> "Yes?" she squeaks.
-
>Nod. "Yeah, looking for a person by the name of Yagokoro, got some stuff to talk to her about."
-
>Nod. "Yeah, looking for a person by the name of Yagokoro, got some stuff to talk to her about."
> "She's not in." the rabbit says.
> "EIIIIIRRRRIIIIIINNNNN!" a voice screams.
> "I'll get her..." the rabbit says, sounding annoyed.
-
>Make sure our ears are okay. (This is gonna be a running gag in your quests, isn't it man?)
>Nod. "Arrite. Take your time though, I'm not in that big of a rush."
-
>Make sure our ears are okay. (This is gonna be a running gag in your quests, isn't it man?)
>Nod. "Arrite. Take your time though, I'm not in that big of a rush."
> You ears are alright. You're not sure where you got the idea that the scream damaged them. (Nah, it was just the rabbit lied. 'She's not in' 'Proven wrong' '-_- face on rabbit')
> The rabbit leads you through the mansion, which seems mostly populated by rabbits, to a room which is labeled 'Eirin's Lab'.
> "I don't like going in here, so I'm off." the liar rabbit says.
-
(True, but the whole 'Kaguya Being Loud' thing. It happened at least once or twice in RumiaQuest, and will probably happen here too.)
>Well, nothing for it, may as well knock.
-
(True, but the whole 'Kaguya Being Loud' thing. It happened at least once or twice in RumiaQuest, and will probably happen here too.)
>Well, nothing for it, may as well knock.
(Loud NEET is loud, she forgets to turn off CAPSLOCK)
> You knock.
> "Yes?" you hear from within.
-
>"Mind if I come in? I was told you were pretty smart, so I figured I'd come see you about something."
-
>"Mind if I come in? I was told you were pretty smart, so I figured I'd come see you about something."
> You hear some clanging, and pouring, and moving.
> "OK the delicate equipment is away. Come in."
-
>Head on in.
>"So, I guess I should get straight to the point, eh?"
-
> The woman in blue and red looks at you and the tree youkai.
> "Yes, who knows how long it'll be until the Princess wants something again."
-
>Nod. "Name's Elly, and the kid here? Well, she doesn't have a name, all we know is that she's some sort of Tree Youkai, and does not like fire one bit."
>Fistpalm. "But that's not the main thing, that's just introductions. The main thing is this, I'm working on gathering some folks for a little shenanigans. Either at Gensokyo's expense, or at Hakurei's expense. Anyhow, boss told me you were a sharp one, and that you'd be a good addition to the team."
-
>Nod. "Name's Elly, and the kid here? Well, she doesn't have a name, all we know is that she's some sort of Tree Youkai, and does not like fire one bit."
>Fistpalm. "But that's not the main thing, that's just introductions. The main thing is this, I'm working on gathering some folks for a little shenanigans. Either at Gensokyo's expense, or at Hakurei's expense. Anyhow, boss told me you were a sharp one, and that you'd be a good addition to the team."
> "Excuse me for a moment." Eirin says, walking out of the room.
> A few minutes later, Eirin shows up again. "The Princess says she has no problem if I leave to mess around with the Hakurei Maiden, she has Reisen and the other rabbits anyway."
> "REEEEIIIISSSSEEEENNNN!" you hear.
-
>"Should I assume that was her?"
-
>"Should I assume that was her?"
> "Yes, that shouting for other people is her."
-
>Sigh. "Loud, isn't she? I take it she has no concept of volume control?"
-
>Sigh. "Loud, isn't she? I take it she has no concept of volume control?"
> "Well, Eientei is a large place. And sometimes my work is noisy. And sometimes rabbits are noisy."
-
>Nod. "Makes sense. I'd just hate to be next to her when she does that, it'd probably bust my eardrums, even with me being good at healing from injuries."
>"So, I guess it's time to get you to where the others are then. If there's stuff you want to bring along, I can wait."
-
>Nod. "Makes sense. I'd just hate to be next to her when she does that, it'd probably bust my eardrums, even with me being good at healing from injuries."
>"So, I guess it's time to get you to where the others are then. If there's stuff you want to bring along, I can wait."
> "You get used to it. I mean, the rabbits are fine with it, and look at how large their ears are!" Eirin says.
> "Ready when you are."
-
>Nod. "Arrite, let's go then. The others are waiting anyhow."
>Grin slightly. "Let's see what everyone can cook up, eh?"
>Let's roll! "Oh yeah, kid. You're gonna get to see a little Incident firsthand. Just sit back and enjoy the show. But don't hesitate to offer any ideas when we're all in the planning phase if you have any."
-
>Nod. "Arrite, let's go then. The others are waiting anyhow."
>Grin slightly. "Let's see what everyone can cook up, eh?"
>Let's roll! "Oh yeah, kid. You're gonna get to see a little Incident firsthand. Just sit back and enjoy the show. But don't hesitate to offer any ideas when we're all in the planning phase if you have any."
> Eirin nods.
> "I'll need to know what's at our disposal, and have some time to plan." Eirin says.
> The tree youkai looks pensive for a moment. "Long as we don't set fire to anything I'm fine."
-
>Nod. "No worries about that, fire's probably not gonna be a thing. Unless you count Danmaku, but fireball-type Danmaku don't actually burn stuff from what I've noted, it just looks like it."
>"Well, I got that one celestial, Tenshi, in on things. Nue and Mamizou from the Myouren Temple are along for the ride as well, since their abilities and nature as tricksters could be a big help. And if the scheme's good enough, Remilia herself will join in. I also roped in that Karakasa, Kogasa, into the scheme. Pretty sure the boss of that Jiang-Shi, Seiga, is along for the fun too, but she's a hard person to read. And then there's us. I'm no slouch when it comes to fighting either, my job calls for it after all, even though I'm on holiday currently."
>That should be everyone we recruited, right?
>Let's make for Remi's place!
-
>Nod. "No worries about that, fire's probably not gonna be a thing. Unless you count Danmaku, but fireball-type Danmaku don't actually burn stuff from what I've noted, it just looks like it."
>"Well, I got that one celestial, Tenshi, in on things. Nue and Mamizou from the Myouren Temple are along for the ride as well, since their abilities and nature as tricksters could be a big help. And if the scheme's good enough, Remilia herself will join in. I also roped in that Karakasa, Kogasa, into the scheme. Pretty sure the boss of that Jiang-Shi, Seiga, is along for the fun too, but she's a hard person to read. And then there's us. I'm no slouch when it comes to fighting either, my job calls for it after all, even though I'm on holiday currently."
>That should be everyone we recruited, right?
>Let's make for Remi's place!
> "I wonder if there is flower danmaku?" the tree youkai says.
> "Interesting, a mixture of brains, brawn, and stealth. Even a good distraction in the Karakasa." Eirin comments.
> Yes, that is everyone.
> You arrive at the Scarlet Mansion, and see... two Meilings. One awake, the other sleeping.
-
>"Flower Danmaku? Boss uses that a lot, bein' a Flower Youkai herself. I bet she'd even teach you how to split yourself via Cuttings like she does too. It's a plant youkai thing after all, so you can probably pick up that trick for yourself. And learnin' a new thing's never bad y'know."
>Raise an eyebrow at the Meilings. "Two of you? Which one's the fake then?"
-
>"Flower Danmaku? Boss uses that a lot, bein' a Flower Youkai herself. I bet she'd even teach you how to split yourself via Cuttings like she does too. It's a plant youkai thing after all, so you can probably pick up that trick for yourself. And learnin' a new thing's never bad y'know."
>Raise an eyebrow at the Meilings. "Two of you? Which one's the fake then?"
> "Not all plants can be cloned from a cutting." the tree says.
> "She's the fake." the awake one says.
> The sleeping Meiling just snores.
-
>Nod. "True, but I hear Willow Trees can do that. Just cut a branch off, and plant it, and eventually another one will grow."
>Let's get a closer look at the sleeping one.
-
>Nod. "True, but I hear Willow Trees can do that. Just cut a branch off, and plant it, and eventually another one will grow."
>Let's get a closer look at the sleeping one.
> You inspect the sleeping Meiling. Upon inspection you can tell she has no weird features... however there is a small hole in her outfit's shoulder, and a small amount of blood still around said hole.
-
>Chuckle. "Oh really? Look here."
>Point out the hole in her clothing. "See that hole with the blood on it, the hole in her clothing on the shoulder? I made that when I had a sparring match with her earlier today."
>Turn to face the one that's awake with a grin. "You're the fake, aren't you? Nue?"
-
>Chuckle. "Oh really? Look here."
>Point out the hole in her clothing. "See that hole with the blood on it, the hole in her clothing on the shoulder? I made that when I had a sparring match with her earlier today."
>Turn to face the one that's awake with a grin. "You're the fake, aren't you? Nue?"
> "Well deduced. Except for oooone thing." the fake Meiling says, before there is a puff of smoke.
> Mamizou stands there. "I'm not Nue."
-
>"....Oh. Well, I was close. At least I figured out which one was the real one."
>Well, at least we deduced who was the fake, that's good enough!
>Shrug. "Anyhow, this is everyone for now. let's all gather so we can hammer out the scheme fully. I've got the goal in mind, but the details of how to go about achieving it is the fuzzy bit."
>Let's head in and gather the crew,
-
>"....Oh. Well, I was close. At least I figured out which one was the real one."
>Well, at least we deduced who was the fake, that's good enough!
>Shrug. "Anyhow, this is everyone for now. let's all gather so we can hammer out the scheme fully. I've got the goal in mind, but the details of how to go about achieving it is the fuzzy bit."
>Let's head in and gather the crew,
> You head in. Kogasa is behind the door and asks if you are surprised. Nue turns up a few moments later. Tenshi is fetched by Sakuya, and looks burnt, bloody, but happy. She's also healing very rapidly.
> Seiga isn't here. However, Yoshika is, with something stuck onto the end of her tag, saying 'Help that Elly person'.
-
>Sigh amusedly. "Well, let's find a spot to hammer things out, shall we?"
>Look to Sakuya. "Ah, since your boss was considering joining in if the plan was good enough, I figured she'd want to sit in on the planning part of things."
-
>Sigh amusedly. "Well, let's find a spot to hammer things out, shall we?"
>Look to Sakuya. "Ah, since your boss was considering joining in if the plan was good enough, I figured she'd want to sit in on the planning part of things."
> "Remilia is waiting in the dining room for everyone already." Sakuya says, with a small bow.
-
>Nod. "Thanks. Let's go there then, so we can hammer everything out."
>Let's take everyone and follow Sakuya to the dining room.
-
>Nod. "Thanks. Let's go there then, so we can hammer everything out."
>Let's take everyone and follow Sakuya to the dining room.
> You all follow Sakuya and go to the dining room. Except Kogasa, she vanishes halfway there.
> You arrive at the dining room to find a confused looking Remilia and a happy Kogasa. Sakuya looks confused too.
> "How did she get here?"
> "Surprised?"
-
>Deadpan. ".....'Kay."
>Shrug. "Well, let's all sit down, and get to brass tacks, eh?"
-
>Deadpan. ".....'Kay."
>Shrug. "Well, let's all sit down, and get to brass tacks, eh?"
> You are not surprised. Although Sakuya is. Making Kogasa fly around the room a few times ecstatic.
> This buys time for Yoshika to catch up, having moved significantly slower than everyone else. Everyone sits down except Yoshika, who can't, and Kogasa, who just floats. [When asked she states "Why would an umbrella sit?"]
> "So then, we have a Celestial, the Brain of the Moon, a tanuki and a Nue, a karakasa, a tree, a Jiang-Shi and an ex-reaper, on top of myself, and a time controlling maid." Remilia says.
> "Wait, since when was I dragged into this?" Sakuya asks, sweatdropping.
-
>"I dunno, since your boss said so?"
>Nod, then get into a proper scheming pose (http://www.funnymotivationalposters.net/fmp/gendo-pose-its-contagious). "Alright, so the goal's to cause a little Incident that'll cause trouble for the Red-White, and keep her on her toes. Anyone have any ideas as to just what should be done to accomplish this?"
-
>"I dunno, since your boss said so?"
>Nod. "Alright, so the goal's to cause a little Incident that'll cause trouble for the Red-White, and keep her on her toes. Anyone have any ideas as to just what should be done to accomplish this?"
> "Thank you for pointing out the obvious." Sakuya says.
> "So... we're making an incident... to keep you on your toes!" Yoshika says. You recall you wear red and white too.
> Everyone ignores Yoshika.
> "I am thinking we could combine Tenshi's power and Remilia's Red Magics to create a hybrid of the Scarlet Weather and Scarlet Mist incidents, which, while it seems harmful, actually isn't. Nue and Mamizou can disguise as Remilia and Tenshi to throw off the trail." Eirin begins.
> "This means whichever one Reimu thinks is behind the incident first, she'll be tricked by Nue or Mamizou first, which will irritate her. Then we keep messing with her, until she figures out that Remilia and Tenshi are both behind it. Only then she finds myself as she goes to confront them."
> "This will make her doubt what she thinks. Maybe I'm behind it, but why were Nue and Mamizou masquerading? She'll keep going, and that's when everyone will be gathered, with Reimu tired, confused, and irritated." Eirin finishes.
-
>Grin. "And that's when I show myself as the one who made all this possible by gathering everyone, yes?"
>Laugh a bit. "She won't expect something like that, which oughta be a nice little surprise."
-
>Grin. "And that's when I show myself as the one who made all this possible by gathering everyone, yes?"
>Laugh a bit. "She won't expect something like that, which oughta be a nice little surprise."
> "I'm not sure what would be worse, you showing up as the mastermind, or the prospect that Yuuka is behind it all and after going through everyone else Reimu would have to face HER too." Eirin says. "Another reason why you only show yourself at the end."
-
>Grin. "Well, this should be a good one, either way, eh?"
-
>Grin. "Well, this should be a good one, either way, eh?"
> "What do I do?" the tree youkai says.
> "And me?" Kogasa asks.
> "Meeee?" Yoshika groans
> "I hear no mention of myself in your plans either... Eirin." Sakuya says, avoiding eye contact.
> "That's up to Elly. You four have no set role in my plan, it's her incident, she's the boss. I'd think that she should decide what you four do." Eirin says.
-
>"Hmm...."
>Assume correct scheming pose (http://www.funnymotivationalposters.net/fmp/gendo-pose-its-contagious). "This is going to take some more thinking."
>Nod. "Alright, kiddo? You'll be watching from the sidelines with me. As for you two, Yoshika and Kogasa, just get in her way when you can, that should work."
>Then look to Sakuya. "As for you, it's your job to recover people when and if they're defeated."
-
>"Hmm...."
>Assume correct scheming pose (http://www.funnymotivationalposters.net/fmp/gendo-pose-its-contagious). "This is going to take some more thinking."
>Nod. "Alright, kiddo? You'll be watching from the sidelines with me. As for you two, Yoshika and Kogasa, just get in her way when you can, that should work."
>Then look to Sakuya. "As for you, it's your job to recover people when and if they're defeated."
> You assume a Gendo Pose.
> "I guess so, I don't know how to fight anyway." the tree youkai says.
> "We'll surprise people and be those two bosses not relevant to the plot!" Kogasa says. Yoshika looks confused.
-Somewhere Yukari shouts DAMMIT KOGASA and has to fix the fourth wall-
> "I shall also help Mistress. I can cover ground very quickly with my time control, and things may seem odd if I am not with Mistress. I can also be with the fake one to make it seem more realistic." Sakuya says.
-
>Nod. "That'll do it, gotta make the ruse a convincing one after all."
>Stand up from the seat, and appraise everyone's reactions. "Alright, everyone clear on the plan?"
-
>Nod. "That'll do it, gotta make the ruse a convincing one after all."
>Stand up from the seat, and appraise everyone's reactions. "Alright, everyone clear on the plan?"
> "Yes." Sakuya says.
> Everyone responds 'yes' in their own way, except Yoshika, who just groans, sounding confused, but Kogasa just says 'Stay with me.' and the Jiang-Shi then nods.
-
>Nod. "Alright, anyone got a way me and the kid can watch things remotely?"
>Fistpalm. "We need to account for the other incident-resolvers though, we can't afford to have them interfere. It'll throw everything off."
-
>Nod. "Alright, anyone got a way me and the kid can watch things remotely?"
>Fistpalm. "We need to account for the other incident-resolvers though, we can't afford to have them interfere. It'll throw everything off."
> Everyone looks at each other.
> "Nope." Kogasa chimes up.
> "I do know someone who might be able to let you do that, but, it's... well... Yukari." Eirin says.
> "I'm sure Patchouli could help, but Reimu will almost certainly search my mansion anyway." Remilia says.
> "Marisa and Sanae? Well all you'd have to do is tell Marisa it's all a prank on Reimu and she'd probably join in. Sanae might be harder, because if Kanako or Suwako ordered her to stop the mist, she won't stop until she does." Sakuya explains, before adding, "Besides, I kinda want to fight that miko."
-
>Chuckle. "Ain't she always up for shenanigans though? Or did I read that Logbook wrong? I wouldn't be surprised if she's watching all this right now in fact."
>Nod. "So before we kick things off, we should square away at least Marisa by telling her we're messing with Reimu."
-
>Chuckle. "Ain't she always up for shenanigans though? Or did I read that Logbook wrong? I wouldn't be surprised if she's watching all this right now in fact."
>Nod. "So before we kick things off, we should square away at least Marisa by telling her we're messing with Reimu."
> "Quite the opposite. Yukari spends approximately 23 hours a day asleep." Sakuya says.
> "True, giving Marisa a heads-up might be smart. In fact, giving Sanae a heads-up BEFORE we make the skies go red and the weather wacky might be prudent to prevent Kanako bossing her about." Eirin says.
-
>Nod. "Alright. I'll make for Marisa's then. Sakuya, you handle that other miko, 'kay? Have a little match with her if you want, whatever. It's all up to you, just so long as she's not a factor anymore. We'll kick things off once everyone's back together."
>Beat.
>"...Where's Marisa's place again?"
-
>Nod. "Alright. I'll make for Marisa's then. Sakuya, you handle that other miko, 'kay? Have a little match with her if you want, whatever. It's all up to you, just so long as she's not a factor anymore. We'll kick things off once everyone's back together."
>Beat.
>"...Where's Marisa's place again?"
> "You realize if I lose I can't stop her, right?" Sakuya says.
> "You won't lose Sakuya." Remilia says.
> "Marisa lives in the Forest of Magic." Eirin says.
-
>Nod. "That's why I'm leaving how to go about that up to you. I can tell you know what to do in almost any given situation, so I'm trusting your judgement on that."
>Grin. "Bein' a gatekeeper means you gotta be able to read a person's intent after all."
>"Okay then, Kiddo, you'll stay here with the others while I make sure Marisa doesn't end up as a spanner in the works. I'm pretty sure that the library around here's got some books you might be interested in anyhow. It sure feels like it's got just about everything you could ask for in a book."
-
>Unless she hates books. Paper being made from trees, and all that.
-
>Nod. "That's why I'm leaving how to go about that up to you. I can tell you know what to do in almost any given situation, so I'm trusting your judgement on that."
>Grin. "Bein' a gatekeeper means you gotta be able to read a person's intent after all."
>"Okay then, Kiddo, you'll stay here with the others while I make sure Marisa doesn't end up as a spanner in the works. I'm pretty sure that the library around here's got some books you might be interested in anyhow. It sure feels like it's got just about everything you could ask for in a book."
> Sakuya looks proud.
> "If that's the case China would be a lot better socially." Remilia says.
>Unless she hates books. Paper being made from trees, and all that.
> The tree youkai doesn't seem bothered from the mention of books. "I guess you'll get me when it's time to do something."
-
>Shrug. "Then again, bein' a good meatshield works too."
>"Alright, everyone clear on the plan? Good. Now, Sakuya, let's set to taking care of the wild elements that might throw the scheme off. And good luck with your end of things."
>Let's roll for the Forest of Magic!
-
>Shrug. "Then again, bein' a good meatshield works too."
>"Alright, everyone clear on the plan? Good. Now, Sakuya, let's set to taking care of the wild elements that might throw the scheme off. And good luck with your end of things."
>Let's roll for the Forest of Magic!
> "Uuuuuu~" you hear Meiling cry from outside.
> Sakuya vanishes.
> You head towards the Forest of Magic, with the Tree Youkai tagging along.
> "If we're going to a magic forest maybe there will be more tree youkai, or maybe I'll see something that reminds me what kind of tree I am!" she says.
-
>Nod. "That's as good a plan as any. Just be careful though, if Marisa's still as she was the last time we met, she's going to be of the 'shoot first, ask later' mindset."
>Let's roll!
-
>Nod. "That's as good a plan as any. Just be careful though, if Marisa's still as she was the last time we met, she's going to be of the 'shoot first, ask later' mindset."
>Let's roll!
> "Shoot first ask questions later? Might be interesting to watch." the tree youkai says.
> You arrive at the Forest of Magic. Unfortunately you don't know exactly where Marisa's house is in this place.
-
>SIgh, then facepalm. "Hey, think you can ask the trees about any houses or something in here? Because I got no idea where she is."
-
>SIgh, then facepalm. "Hey, think you can ask the trees about any houses or something in here? Because I got no idea where she is."
> "Trees don't speak." the tree youkai says.
> "However..." she begins, as what seem to be roots, thin roots, extend from her legs swiftly.
> "Ah, I bumped into something that's like a house." she says after a few minutes.
-
>Nod. "Arrite, let's head there then. Lead the way."
>Let's follow the kid!
-
>Nod. "Arrite, let's head there then. Lead the way."
>Let's follow the kid!
> You follow the tree youkai until you reach a building. There is a sign saying "Certainly not Marisa's House. Go away Sakuya. Patchy's books are not here." next to it.
-
>Give the kid an amused look with a raised eyebrow. "Kid, I get the feelin' this is the place. Seems she hasn't changed since the last time I fought her a while back."
-
>Give the kid an amused look with a raised eyebrow. "Kid, I get the feelin' this is the place. Seems she hasn't changed since the last time I fought her a while back."
> "I wouldn't know if she's changed or not." the tree youkai says.
> The door opens, and a witch steps out. She looks a *little* different to how you recall her, but there is no doubt that this is Marisa.
> "Why's Kanzami's gatekeeper here ~ze?"
-
>Grin. "Been a while, hasn't it? Came to give you a little heads-up, don't worry if things go weird today, s'just a little prank on the red-white."
-
>Grin. "Been a while, hasn't it? Came to give you a little heads-up, don't worry if things go weird today, s'just a little prank on the red-white."
> "Not long enough. I'd rather not have anything to do with your boss again." Marisa says, tipping her hat.
> "What's that supposed to mean? What kind of weird? Why would you prank yourself?"
-
>Chuckle. "The other red-white. Besides, you won't have to worry about boss any, I'm on holiday for once."
-
>Chuckle. "The other red-white. Besides, you won't have to worry about boss any, I'm on holiday for once."
> "You mean Mokou?"
-
>Facepalm. "The other-other red-white."
>Sigh. "Man...Being all mysterious and enigmatic like those guys and Boss is hard work, how do they do it so easily...?"
-
>Facepalm. "The other-other red-white."
>Sigh. "Man...Being all mysterious and enigmatic like those guys and Boss is hard work, how do they do it so easily...?"
> "Oh, you mean Remi? No, wait, her dress is more a shade of pink. Must be Reimu then." Marisa says.
> "It comes with power ~ze. If you keep your sanity. I haven't."
-
>Sigh in a frazzled way. "Reimu's the one."
>Then slump a bit. "Man...Boss said to do whatever I wanted, but kicking off a little incident to mess with Reimu is harder than it looks y'know. At least I've got everything all set and squared away for the most part."
>Then look back up to her with a slight grin. "So...Want in on the fun?"
-
>Sigh in a frazzled way. "Reimu's the one."
>Then slump a bit. "Man...Boss said to do whatever I wanted, but kicking off a little incident to mess with Reimu is harder than it looks y'know. At least I've got everything all set and squared away for the most part."
>Then look back up to her with a slight grin. "So...Want in on the fun?"
> "Ah. I shoulda guessed her first."
> "Well, considering no-one's managed to pull one off on Reimu yet, it does take planning."
> Marisa thinks. "Nah, I'm too used to solving messes. In fact... if you don't want me to interfere, then I'll just have to satisfy my itch for interfering by fighting the last boss now!" Marisa declares, pulling out an item you've not seen before. It's an octagonal object, with a ornate pattern and a ying-yang orb in the center. An oddly Eastern Themed item for the Western Style Witch.
-
>WHY does everyone always attack us?
>Floor tile her in the face.
-
>Chuckle a bit, and look to the kid. "Kid, looks like you're in for a show."
>"Arrite then, let's see how things go!"
>Let's take to the skies!
-
>WHY does everyone always attack us?
>Floor tile her in the face.
> "I blast everyone ~ze. Ask Alice if you don't believe me. Or Reimu. Or Sanae." Marisa admits.
> You fling a floor tile. It hits Marisa in the face. You hear 'owch'.
>Chuckle a bit, and look to the kid. "Kid, looks like you're in for a show."
>"Arrite then, let's see how things go!"
>Let's take to the skies!
> The tree youkai backs off to what she thinks is a safe distance.
> "I kinda wanna test something too, something only you might be able to give me feedback on." Marisa says. "Well, only you and one other person who I'd rather not fight."
> You and Marisa rise above the trees. The tree youkai follows, but still keeps to a safe distance.
> "Now then..." Marisa begind, holding out the object, "You wanna see my signature move, and the adaptations I made to it?"
-
>Grin. "Only me or boss huh? I think I can take a wild guess as to what the move is then. And I'll tell you right now, it'll never be as powerful as the one boss uses. When you can scar the land and leave it barren for years to come after the beam passes, then you'll probably be gettin' close."
>Laugh a bit. "But that goes without saying, I may as well see it since I know the scope of Boss' power better than anyone but her."
-
>Grin. "Only me or boss huh? I think I can take a wild guess as to what the move is then. And I'll tell you right now, it'll never be as powerful as the one boss uses. When you can scar the land and leave it barren for years to come after the beam passes, then you'll probably be gettin' close."
>Laugh a bit. "But that goes without saying, I may as well see it since I know the scope of Boss' power better than anyone but her."
> "Aw, you figured it out? Oh well. LOVE SIGN: MASTER SPARK!" Marisa says, before she flies backwards on her broom from recoil from firing a massive laser from the object she is holding.
> You gotta admit, it's stronger than what you expected, but it's not even a quarter of the level of Yuuka's weakest spark, Nature Sign: Master Spark. You also note if the name is any indication, the spark draws from the power of Love.
-
>Evade the beam!
>"Not bad, but it's not even one-fourth of the power of the weakest one Boss has."
-
>Evade the beam!
>"Not bad, but it's not even one-fourth of the power of the weakest one Boss has."
> You evade the beam.
> "Oh really? Well then, let's see how you see other versions of that move." Marisa says, her item glowing again.
> "Spirited Love: Master Spark Shotgun!" Marisa calls, before many mini-spark beams fire from the item. This is gonna be harder to dodge.
-
>Alright, focus on the gaps between the beams, and slip through them as opportunities present themselves!
>"Neat trick though that one, gonna have to remember to tell Boss about it. She might improve on it."
-
>Alright, focus on the gaps between the beams, and slip through them as opportunities present themselves!
>"Neat trick though that one, gonna have to remember to tell Boss about it. She might improve on it."
> You try to fit through the gaps, but get into a position where one can't be dodged. You instinctively raise Malus to defend, and are surprised when the scythe actually cuts through the small beam. You guess the power is split, making each of the beams not even 1/100th of Yuuka's basic Spark. Not that if it landed it wouldn't hurt still, but that level of power can actually be defended against.
> "I have more like that!" Marisa says. "I've made many variations! What I lack in power I make up for with imagination!"
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Well, at least you know how to make up for your weakness compared to boss. Who knows, maybe she'll be proud that someone's managed to adapt and create more varieties."
>Grin. "Got any more?"
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Well, at least you know how to make up for your weakness compared to boss. Who knows, maybe she'll be proud that someone's managed to adapt and create more varieties."
>Grin. "Got any more?"
> "Love Sign: Blazing Star!" Marisa says, putting the object behind her... and fireing the Master Spark like a jetpack, coating herself in it, and flying at you at stupid speed.
> You must admit, you didn't see this coming.
-
>Raise an eyebrow. "Well, didn't see that coming."
>Cut the flight, and let gravity do the work!
-
>Raise an eyebrow. "Well, didn't see that coming."
>Cut the flight, and let gravity do the work!
> Nope, you didn't. Only an insane witch would use Master Spark as a Jet Booster to ram into you.
> You cut flight and start falling. Marisa adjusts her trajectory and follows you.
-
>Boss might consider something like that though, we'll have to tell her about this when everything's all said and done.
>Flight on, and juke left when she gets close!
-
>Boss might consider something like that though, we'll have to tell her about this when everything's all said and done.
>Flight on, and juke left when she gets close!
> Yuuka doesn't ride a broom, so at the very least it wouldn't be as stylish.
> You wait for Marisa to get close, then graze to the left, narrowly avoiding the attack. Only for Marisa to slam into the ground.
> "Ow." you hear. You can see Marisa picking herself up. Her broom is embedded in the ground.
> "Well, I guess showing you my variant of Double Spark is pretty pointless, seein as your Master uses that too, and I have my limits of energy, so I'll just pour it all into my strongest attack." Marisa says.
-
>She certainly wouldn't mind if it means she gets to inflict pain up-close and in person though. Boss likes that after all.
>Grin. "Let's see if it stacks up then!"
-
>She certainly wouldn't mind if it means she gets to inflict pain up-close and in person though. Boss likes that after all.
>Grin. "Let's see if it stacks up then!"
> Marisa begins charging a huge amount of energy, enough to make the ground below her glow a bit. This is more like it! Not that that's a good thing for you.
> "Magicannon: Final Spark!" Marisa shouts, before a massive version of her Master Spark erupts from the item she is holding. You can tell just be looking that this blast is on par with Yuuka's, although the name implies Marisa can only use it once, while Yuuka can use her Nature Sign: Master Spark hundreds of times in a day if she wants. [Not like she ever needs to do so]
-
>Dodge to the side.
>"Not bad. Think you actually matched the boss' weakest version there."
-
>Dodge to the side.
>"Not bad. Think you actually matched the boss' weakest version there."
> It's pretty easy to evade the massive laser due to the distance allowing time for you to do so. That and the fact Marisa charged it for a while.
> When the roar of the laser dies down, you see Marisa is panting heavily, the object she was holding smoking and glowing red.
> "Yeah, but I can only fire this like once a day. It drains all my energy and overheats the Hakkero -ze." Marisa pants.
-
>"And boss can do hers over and over. Still, even matching it at all is pretty impressive."
-
>Grin. "Maybe if you found something more to draw from than just Love, and your own energy. Maybe then you'd stack up. Boss doesn't need a fancy gizmo like that thing after all."
>Make a thoughtful expression. "Maybe if you drew from more emotions than just Love, you'd be able to fire that thing more often."
-
>"And boss can do hers over and over. Still, even matching it at all is pretty impressive."
> "Yeah, I know I'm not as strong. I mean, I'm a young human, while she's an ancient youkai of who knows how old!"
>Grin. "Maybe if you found something more to draw from than just Love, and your own energy. Maybe then you'd stack up. Boss doesn't need a fancy gizmo like that thing after all."
>Make a thoughtful expression. "Maybe if you drew from more emotions than just Love, you'd be able to fire that thing more often."
> "Wait, Yuuka doesn't draw the power from love?"
> "It would be impossible for me to use Sparks without channeling my energy through the Mini-Hakkero and using it as a reactor to amplify it." Marisa admits.
> You recall you've never seen Yuuka fire a spark without her umbrella-flower.
> "Love is the strongest emotion ~ze. Tainting it with other emotions will weaken the spark."
-
>Grin. "Think about it, what's she usually surround herself with on this side of the dream door? Flowers. Do the math."
-
>Grin. "Think about it, what's she usually surround herself with on this side of the dream door? Flowers. Do the math."
> Marisa sighs. "Flowers are more powerful than Love?"
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Not just flowers, but the entirety of Nature itself!"
-
>Chuckle a bit. "Not just flowers, but the entirety of Nature itself!"
> Marisa looks confused.
> "That concept is beyond me, ~ze. Besides, why would nature lend it's power to an attack that ruins it?"
-
>Shrug. "I dunno, why don't you ask boss next time you see her?"
-
>Shrug. "I dunno, why don't you ask boss next time you see her?"
> "I wouldn't go as far as to see her to ask that." Marisa says.
> "Anyway, I'm too worn out to do anything about any incidents that might happen~" Marisa says, winking.
[Question: Would you like temporary control of Sakuya for the Sanae/Sakuya interaction or not?]
-
I'm okay with it, but let's get some input from the others.
>Grin. "Heh, just watch the fun from afar. I think you'll like it."
-
Eh, whatever.
-
I'm okay with it, but let's get some input from the others.
>Grin. "Heh, just watch the fun from afar. I think you'll like it."
> "If Reimu gives me trouble about not helping I'll just say it's Alice's fault." Marisa says. "Everything is her fault. Even when it isn't."
-
>Grin. "Or you could say you're all tapped out from an earlier fight. Which is sorta the truth."
-
>Grin. "Or you could say you're all tapped out from an earlier fight. Which is sorta the truth."
> "Yes. A fight with Alice. Because it's all her fault. Always." Marisa says.
-
>Chuckle. "You sure like blaming things on her, she a rival magician?"
>Smirk a bit. "Or maybe you've fallen for her."
-
>Chuckle. "You sure like blaming things on her, she a rival magician?"
>Smirk a bit. "Or maybe you've fallen for her."
> "Nah, everything really is her fault. Ask Reimu. Honestly, not lyin' at all." Marisa says. "Especially putting hats on stone statues."
> She then pouts. "She's my neighbor. Kinda. She lives in this forest too."
-
>"Hmm...She smart? Might have to watch out for her if she decides to do a little Incident Resolution."
-
>"Hmm...She smart? Might have to watch out for her if she decides to do a little Incident Resolution."
> "She's bight but doesn't get involved in other people's business unless I drag her along or someone else drags her into it. She likes dolls more than people." Marisa says.
-
>Nod. "So it's pretty unlikely she'll try to meddle then."
>Grin. "Well, guess I've got some stuff to take care of, Incidents don't cause themselves after all."
>"...I wonder why the other Culprits didn't do anything like this? Ah well, guess hanging around boss all the time's rubbed off a bit."
>Smirk just a tad. "Well, see you around."
>Look to the kid. "Well, back to the base, I'm sure we can find some info on what kinda tree you used to be in that Library there anyhow. Failing that, Boss oughta know."
>Let's head back to the Mansion!
-
>Nod. "So it's pretty unlikely she'll try to meddle then."
>Grin. "Well, guess I've got some stuff to take care of, Incidents don't cause themselves after all."
>"...I wonder why the other Culprits didn't do anything like this? Ah well, guess hanging around boss all the time's rubbed off a bit."
>Smirk just a tad. "Well, see you around."
>Look to the kid. "Well, back to the base, I'm sure we can find some info on what kinda tree you used to be in that Library there anyhow. Failing that, Boss oughta know."
>Let's head back to the Mansion!
> "Yep. She won't get involved unless someone gets her involved." Marisa says.
> "I thought they did."
> "Because their plans were not to simply prank Reimu?"
> "Yeah. Maybe."
> "Yes, there dosen't seem to be any other tree youkai here." the tre youkai says.
> You head back to the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
===
> You now control Sakuya Izanoi, who is currently standing outside the Moriya Shrine. You've never actually been here, despite hearing about it multiple times. Your task is simple, convince Sanae, the Shrine Maiden here, to not meddle in the incident that is about to unfold. You were not told any specifics of how to accomplish this.
> You have the following powers:
- Flight
- Time Manipulation: You can slow, speed up and freeze time. You cannot reverse it. Your time manipulations have a 5 second limit to them for each use [Measured by your magical pocket watch, which only ticks when it is in your time/space realms], where an equal amount of time to what you froze must be spent before you can re-manipulate time.
- Super Speed: While not as fast as a Tengu, or Reimu, you are still one of the fastest in Gensokyo.
- Above-human strength and dexterity: While you seem human, your power and dexterity are anything but.
The maximum factor at which you can speed up time is 100 times, although this is restricted to 3 times in a danmaku fight.
The maximum factor you can slow time is 50 times, although, again, in danmaku this is limited to 3 times.
- Space Manipulation: Somewhat limited, and a lot less controlled then your time manipulation, but you still have some due to time and space being intertwined. You can basically make things 'bigger on the inside'. The Viole Library is the perfect example of this.
Inventory:
Magical Pocket Watch: It only ticks in your time/space dimensions. It works as a time measure when you're messing with time.
Knives x 70: You can just stop time and pick them back up, however.
Spellcards: You have a lot of them, most based off messing with time and hurling knives, so many that the card limit comes into force and you can't carry all of them at once. These will be explained if it comes to it.
They mostly have a murder theme to their naming.
-
>Well, let's head on up into the grounds proper and see who's around.
-
>Well, let's head on up into the grounds proper and see who's around.
> You head into the grounds of the shrine.
> There is no-one around, but you hear voices from the inside of the main building.
-
>Let's see about heading up and then stopping time to appear suddenly near them.
>"My apologies for interrupting, but I have some business with a..'Sanae Kochiya', I believe her name is?"
-
>Let's see about heading up and then stopping time to appear suddenly near them.
>"My apologies for interrupting, but I have some business with a..'Sanae Kochiya', I believe her name is?"
> You stop time and walk into the building.
> You see two figures you recognize from the Bunbunmaru, Sanae, and her goddess, Kanako.
> You un-stop time and appear next to them. Kanako looks less than impressed.
> "What is the devil's dog doing in my shrine?" she says.
> "Sorry about her... we can talk outside." Sanae says.
-
>Look to Kanako, then bow politely, as usual for the Perfect and Elegant Maid. "I simply have something to discuss with your Shrine Maiden."
>"But of course, I'll leave you two to finish the conversation you were having earlier." And timestop back on out to the grounds themselves to wait.
-
>Look to Kanako, then bow politely, as usual for the Perfect and Elegant Maid. "I simply have something to discuss with your Shrine Maiden."
>"But of course, I'll leave you two to finish the conversation you were having earlier." And timestop back on out to the grounds themselves to wait.
> "Well, I still do not wish you to be in my shrine." Kanako says.
> You timestop outside. You overhear:
"Yes, something is certainly going on. From the Tengu reporting that Tenshi has come down from above, and Nue being seen laving the Temple with Mamizou, and now the Scarlet Mansion's maid." Kanako says.
> "The events are probably not linked Kanako..." you hear Sanae say.
> "But what if they are? Keep it in mind. If something happens, you may have to go and investigate."
> At this point a massive laser can be seen flying through the sky, from the Forest of Magic. It seems Marisa is fighting.
> Sanae runs out of the shrine.
> "Wonder what made Marisa blast stuff this time?"
-
>Chuckle a bit. "As energetic as usual..."
>Elly should be able to handle herself easily enough. (Nevermind that she already did.)
-
>Chuckle a bit. "As energetic as usual..."
>Elly should be able to handle herself easily enough. (Nevermind that she already did.)
> "If Marisa doesn't fire a massive laser daily she'll probably blow up from the energy contained within her or something." Sanae jokes. "Although that one was particularly large."
-
>Smirk a little bit. "For all we know, she could be showing off. That's normal for her after all."
-
>Smirk a little bit. "For all we know, she could be showing off. That's normal for her after all."
> Sanae doesn't look convinced, and looks a little worried.
> "So, what was it you wanted to say?" Sanae says.
-
>Nod. "Simple really. Don't worry if things start being strange, that extends to Kanako as well. I can tell you right now that it will be nothing harmful. Just a little experiment."
-
>Nod. "Simple really. Don't worry if things start being strange, that extends to Kanako as well. I can tell you right now that it will be nothing harmful. Just a little experiment."
> Sanae looks like she realised something.
> "Lady Kanako was right! The signs are all connected, right?! I can't just sit by is Tenshi is gonna cause trouble again, last time I sat by there were disasters!"
-
>Sigh. "I told you, it's nothing harmful. Am I going to have to settle things the usual way to get you to understand this?"
-
>Sigh. "I told you, it's nothing harmful. Am I going to have to settle things the usual way to get you to understand this?"
> "Nothing harmful, yet Tenshi is involved, and since you're involved, so is your mistress. I'm not stupid. A vampire and an earthquake causer teaming up? That can't be good. Besides that point, it almost sounds like you're threatening me, with that usual way talk." Sanae says.
-
>Facepalm. "Actually, it's a simple warning that things could end in a fight, as is the norm for disputes in Gensokyo."
>Timestop, then use that to move behind her and set our back to hers with our usual arms-crossed pose. "Besides, milady is not directly involved, she merely sent me to ensure the experiment would not be interfered with. She finds it something worth watching."
-
>Facepalm. "Actually, it's a simple warning that things could end in a fight, as is the norm for disputes in Gensokyo."
>Timestop, then use that to move behind her and set our back to hers with our usual arms-crossed pose. "Besides, milady is not directly involved, she merely sent me to ensure the experiment would not be interfered with. She finds it something worth watching."
> "Between who?" Sanae asks.
> Sanae looks worried when you appear behind her suddenly, and spins around. "This experiment being?"
-
>"A test to see how Reimu will react to a few heralds of prior Incidents occurring all at once."
-
>"A test to see how Reimu will react to a few heralds of prior Incidents occurring all at once."
> "So why haven't you tried to rope Kanako in?"
-
>"The person behind the experiment feared she would 'attempt to co-opt it for her own gain'. Her own words, not mine. That, and she wanted people with a history of being troublemakers. Which neither you, nor Kanako fit the proper bill for apparently."
-
>"The person behind the experiment feared she would 'attempt to co-opt it for her own gain'. Her own words, not mine. That, and she wanted people with a history of being troublemakers. Which neither you, nor Kanako fit the proper bill for apparently."
> "So, despite Lady Kanako causing most of the incidents recently, she doesn't have a history of causing trouble?" Sanae says.
> "I can hear you Sanae..." Kanako says from inside the shrine.
> "She's telling the truth anyway." another voice says.
> "Quiet Suwako..." you hear Kanako say, much more modestly.
-
>"Well, she was more looking for people who enjoy causing the more lighthearted sort of trouble. Pranksters and such."
>Timestop, and let's go see who this other voice is. But keep timestop up.
-
>"Well, she was more looking for people who enjoy causing the more lighthearted sort of trouble. Pranksters and such."
>Timestop, and let's go see who this other voice is. But keep timestop up.
> "Earthquakes and typhoons are completely lighthearted and destroying the Hakurei Shrine is simply a prank." Sanae says.
> You check inside to see a small being, with a funny hat. She looks almost like a child, but even in your timestopped dimension, you can feel that she is a god. She also reminds you of a frog.
-
>Go back to where we were earlier with Sanae, and unfreeze time. "Well, she was mostly worried that Kanako would take the reins and try to push the experiment to her own gain, as I previously stated. Perfectly valid reasoning really, given the past record."
>"That being said, the experiment does not involve earthquakes or typhoons. We've made certain of that."
-
>Go back to where we were earlier with Sanae, and unfreeze time. "Well, she was mostly worried that Kanako would take the reins and try to push the experiment to her own gain, as I previously stated. Perfectly valid reasoning really, given the past record."
>"That being said, the experiment does not involve earthquakes or typhoons. We've made certain of that."
> Sanae dosen't comment.
> "How am I supposed to be sure, how do I know you can keep her in control?" Sanae asks.
> It crosses your mind Sanae is not aware of the basement dweller in the Scarlet Mansion. If she was she'd probably know right away that Tenshi is nothing. Unfortunately, she's not aware, and Remilia has forbidden you to speak of her to anyone who doesn't know, since she tries to keep Flandre a secret.
-
>Smirk. "Don't you worry, she's currently being occupied by an associate. She won't be doing any earthquakes at the least. Heavy rain and other such bizarre weather perhaps, but no typhoons or earthquakes."
-
>Smirk. "Don't you worry, she's currently being occupied by an associate. She won't be doing any earthquakes at the least. Heavy rain and other such bizarre weather perhaps, but no typhoons or earthquakes."
> "Being a sky Goddess, Lady Kanako isn't too keen on people messing with the weather you know." Sanae says.
-
>"I'll remember to tell her to not meddle with the weather around here then."
-
>"I'll remember to tell her to not meddle with the weather around here then."
> "Fine. But one sign of an earthquake, typhoon, or anything like that, and I'll be going to your mansion to beat up your mistress myself." Sanae says.
-
>"And I'll be there to stop you if you do. No hard feelings though, it's just my job. Until next time."
>And timestop-teleport on outta there. But be sure to leave behind a playing card like always.
-
>"And I'll be there to stop you if you do. No hard feelings though, it's just my job. Until next time."
>And timestop-teleport on outta there. But be sure to leave behind a playing card like always.
> You timestop and accelerate in your personal world to 300 times to fly away. You don't leave playing cards, you leave a knife, in the center of a circle, with marks for Roman Numerals inside it. Your dexterity allows you make make these clocks in the ground in hardly any time, especially in accel-time.
> Despite moving at 300 times your normal speed in accel-time, you can't make the full trip in one 5 second interval. Quite. It's somewhat annoying.
===
> You are now in control of Elly again, and you are back at the Dining room of the Scarlet Mansion. Sakuya arrived before you, apparently, despite having to go further.
-
(She actually leaves playing cards behind in a few moves in the fighters. It's kind of a thing she has.)
>"Well, things went pretty well, all things considered. Marisa opted out due to being worn out from firing all those sparks. I guess all we have to worry about now is Reimu, but she's the one we're after anyhow."
-
(She actually leaves playing cards behind in a few moves in the fighters. It's kind of a thing she has.)
>"Well, things went pretty well, all things considered. Marisa opted out due to being worn out from firing all those sparks. I guess all we have to worry about now is Reimu, but she's the one we're after anyhow."
(Really? Never seen or noticed that. Still, a knife in the middle of a clock seems so much more appropriate for her, no?)
> "Sanae says she won't get involved unless there is an earthquake, typhoon, or the weather encroaches on the Moriya Shrine. Which could work in our favor, since if the Moriya Shrine isn't effected, Reimu may suspect Kanako." Sakuya says.
-
(The move I was implying, 'Vanishing Everything', is her teleport. She drops a playing card.)
>Grin. "Works even better. Not that the plan called for earthquakes or typhoons though."
-
(The move I was implying, 'Vanishing Everything', is her teleport. She drops a playing card.)
>Grin. "Works even better. Not that the plan called for earthquakes or typhoons though."
> "Even though it's fun." Tenshi says sadly.
> You note she seems charred and beat up again.
-
.Grin. "Hey, on the upside, you can still make all sorts of crazy weather. Just not around that mountain."
>Fistpalm. "You could make crazy weather like flower seeds falling like rain! Or frogs and fish! Or-"
>Beat.
>"Make it rain apples."
-
.Grin. "Hey, on the upside, you can still make all sorts of crazy weather. Just not around that mountain."
>Fistpalm. "You could make crazy weather like flower seeds falling like rain! Or frogs and fish! Or-"
>Beat.
>"Make it rain apples."
> "My weather manipulation is based on the emotional mists gathered by the Sword of Hisou. I can't make it rain anything that dosen't occur naturally... that would require an un-natural emotion, which is impossible."
-
>"What if you mix and combine some of the mists? Like say, mist from a happy person, and merge it with mist from a sad person? And so on."
-
>"What if you mix and combine some of the mists? Like say, mist from a happy person, and merge it with mist from a sad person? And so on."
> "Then you just get a weather inbetween, or a mixture. For example, Happy and Sad are opposites, Sun and Rain, so you'd get a cloudy day, or maybe a rainbow." Tenshi explains.
> "However, it's not so much their emotions they exhibit at the time, but their temperaments, their overall emotional tendencies. Because, you know, otherwise everyone would give me 'scared' 'frightened' or 'angry' because I am cutting them with a sword."
-
>"What if you mix all the mists then? That should be weird enough, right?"
-
>"What if you mix all the mists then? That should be weird enough, right?"
> "Mixing everything creates an Auroua." Tenshi says. "Rainbow streaks across the sky, with the sky turning night-like. It's something that happens at the poles. It's a beautiful sight."
-
>Grin. "That should work. It'll be a nice little way to make Reimu wonder just what's going on I bet."
-
>Grin. "That should work. It'll be a nice little way to make Reimu wonder just what's going on I bet."
> "How would this react with the scarlet mist, however?" Remilia asks.
> "The mist could be kept near ground level, but flying above it would make the aurora visible. Or maybe the mist should be thin, enough to make everything seem redder." Tenshi says.
> Remilia nods.
-
>Nod. "I think the second option will work out pretty good. It should prove to be an amusing show at the least."
-
>Nod. "I think the second option will work out pretty good. It should prove to be an amusing show at the least."
> "It also takes less energy to make a thin mist than a thick fog." Remilia says.
> "Well, if everyone is ready, I have to get prepared to use the Red Magics to summon the mist, which takes some time." Remilia announces, standing up.
-
>Nod. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. The only remaining thing to deal with is how I'll be watching the whole thing from an unseen place."
-
>Nod. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. The only remaining thing to deal with is how I'll be watching the whole thing from an unseen place."
> "Well, the original plan was to watch from above the thick mist, but that's not possible now." Remiia says.
> "Simple. I'll produce a time-space pocket at the location we wish to do the reveal. Elly and the tree youkai can stay in there. They'll be undetectable, it'll basically be a pocket dimension." Sakuya says.
-
>Nod. "That'll work. I don't suppose it can move around can it?"
-
>Nod. "That'll work. I don't suppose it can move around can it?"
> "No, not really. It's quite a task for me to even make a pocket dimension." Sakuya says.
-
>Nod. "So, where's the whole thing happening then?"
-
>Nod. "So, where's the whole thing happening then?"
> "That's up to you, all we know is somewhere in the sky, probably not too close to Marisa or Sanae... or for that matter the Myouren Temple." Remilia says, after a short think.
-
>"Hm? Why is that?"
-
>"Hm? Why is that?"
> "Well, otherwise Reimu will get angry at them for not helping in an incident right over their heads." Remilia says.
> "That and Sanae said we can't effect the Moriya Shrine or she will get involved." Sakuya reminds you.
> "We can't guarantee the Mouyren Temple won't act if we're right above their heads doing this." Nue says.
-
>Nod. "Good point. So I just gotta stick close to either you or Mamizou during the fun, huh?"
-
>Nod. "Good point. So I just gotta stick close to either you or Mamizou during the fun, huh?"
> "No, you gotta stay in the pocket dimension and wait for us to bring Reimu there." Reimilia says.
-
>"A'ight, so where exactly should we stick the pocket then?"
-
>"A'ight, so where exactly should we stick the pocket then?"
> "I dunno." Kogasa pipes up.
> Eirin smirks. "Isn't it simple? We wait for Reimu to leave the shrine, to investigate, and make the dimension above her own shrine. If the goal is to mess with Reimu, surely there is no better solution than that."
-
>Return the smirk. "That'll do it. I should be able to see everything from there too, right?"
-
>Return the smirk. "That'll do it. I should be able to see everything from there too, right?"
> "The Hakurei Shrine is on top of a hill, you'll be able to see the events at the Scarlet Mansion at least." Eirin says,
-
>"Anyone got a way to boost my eyesight to see everything? Like, I dunno, a temporary spell or something."
-
>"Anyone got a way to boost my eyesight to see everything? Like, I dunno, a temporary spell or something."
> "I have eye-drops!" Eirin says, pulling out a vial from nowhere. You wonder how she did that.
-
>"Nifty trick you've got there."
>"Alright, let's give them a try."
-
>"Nifty trick you've got there."
>"Alright, let's give them a try."
> "What do you mean?" Eirin says with a small smirk.
> You let Eirin put the drops in your eyes. Your vision goes funny.
> "Magical eyedrops that make your eyes kind of like a telescope. You just need to set the zoom and focus with your mind. You can also cancel the effect when you want, although it'll only last 6 hours." Eirin explains.
> Right now it seems your vision is not focused, and zoomed in about 2.5 times.
-
>Okay, let's focus on setting our sight to the normal range and zoom we have.
>"Neat stuff this, shame it only lasts a few hours."
-
>Okay, let's focus on setting our sight to the normal range and zoom we have.
>"Neat stuff this, shame it only lasts a few hours."
> It takes a few moments, but your vision changes to normal.
> "Yes, well, it's not that easy to make, and it's not easy to use. You give it to most rabbits at Eientei and they'll just stumble around with no clue the rest of the duration." Eirin says.
-
>"Be kinda neat if there was a permanent version, I could get used to having sight like this."
>Grin. "Well, time's a-tickin', so we'd best get things started!"
-
>"Be kinda neat if there was a permanent version, I could get used to having sight like this."
>Grin. "Well, time's a-tickin', so we'd best get things started!"
> "No, the eyedrops cause a strain on your eyes and mind. If they lasted too long the effects would be heavy migraines and eventually blindness." Eirin says.
> "Yes, I've been waiting foreeeever." Nue pipes up.
> Everyone goes off to do whatever it is their role is. Sakuya stays in the room with you.
> You soon notice a faint scarlet mist forming outside, from the sole window in the room. The sky is also changing.
> "We cannot set up until Reimu has left the shrine." Sakuya says.
-
>Nod. "Arrite, we'll wait until then. This oughta be good!"
>Once we get word Reimu's left the shrine, we'll head out and get set up.
-
>Nod. "Arrite, we'll wait until then. This oughta be good!"
>Once we get word Reimu's left the shrine, we'll head out and get set up.
> You wait, until Sakuya vanishes for a couple of seconds, and then re-appears.
> "She has left." Sakuya says.
-
>Inspect the shrine for places that would provide the most dramatic appearance for when the time comes.
-
>Inspect the shrine for places that would provide the most dramatic appearance for when the time comes.
> Above the shrine is probably the best view, but in the doorway is the most dramatic.
-
...yeah, I think I know how we should appear.
>"Above the shrine, then. Fire that dimension up!"
-
...yeah, I think I know how we should appear.
>"Above the shrine, then. Fire that dimension up!"
> "I have to make the dimension around you." Sakuya says.
-
>Nod. "Arrite kid, let's get in position. I'll keep you posted on what's going on outside of your sight range."
>Up to the proper spot above the shrine with the kid!
-
>Nod. "Arrite kid, let's get in position. I'll keep you posted on what's going on outside of your sight range."
>Up to the proper spot above the shrine with the kid!
> You fly up to above the Hakurei Shrine.
> The tree youkai follows.
> Sakuya looks like she is focusing heavily, and has her pocket watch out, before everything turns fuzzy for a few moments.
> Sakuya says something but you can't hear her.
-
>She holding up alright?
-
>She holding up alright?
> She appears to be. She repeats what she seems to say before, but you can't hear.
-
>"I can't hear you, is everything set or something?"
-
>"I can't hear you, is everything set or something?"
> Sakuya nods, and looks satisfied. You hear her voice from inside the orb, as she speaks into her watch:
> "If I hadn't set it up right you'd have been able to hear me before. Sound doesn't usually transcend space-time anywhere similar to light."
-
>"I see. Um, pun not intended."
-
>"I see. Um, pun not intended."
> Sakuya doesn't look bothered, looks into the distance and vanishes.
> You can make out some fighting over the Misty Lake.
-
>Zoom in and watch.
-
>Zoom in and watch.
> You zoom in to see the Ice fairy you beat up earlier being beaten up by Reimu. She doesn't last five seconds. However, it appears she got in the way of Reimu and who she's actually fighting, Yoshika and Kogasa. She seems a little confused about the two of them working together, you guess this is due to the fact that Kogasa wanted Reimu's help to get rid of Yoshika during the Desire Incident.
-
>Alright, so everything's going as planned.
>"Okay, the scheme's going as planned. Reimu's fighting Kogasa and Yoshika right now. And she's pretty puzzled about them working together too."
>Let's keep watching!
-
>Alright, so everything's going as planned.
>"Okay, the scheme's going as planned. Reimu's fighting Kogasa and Yoshika right now. And she's pretty puzzled about them working together too."
>Let's keep watching!
> Well, everything except the Ice Fairy. That was a bonus.
> It doesn't take very long for Reimu to defeat Kogasa and Yoshika, and they don't seem able to really wear her down.
> However *Tenshi* [Actually being Mamizou, as you can tell from the small tanuki tail], floats down, making Reimu more confused, but she seems to be happy as well, deciding that *Tenshi* is the cause, and not Remi.
> The two start fighting. Mamizou seems to be holding back, according to what she told you while you headed to the mansion, she usually fights using animal-shaped danmaku, but you see none. You guess she has to hold back or else her cover is blown.
-
>"Okay, everything's going as planned so far, Reimu's just made contact with the Fake Tenshi, Mamizou. She's holding back to not give away the ruse."
>Let's keep watching the fun!
-
>"Okay, everything's going as planned so far, Reimu's just made contact with the Fake Tenshi, Mamizou. She's holding back to not give away the ruse."
>Let's keep watching the fun!
> The tree youkai nods.
> It doesn't take long for the fake Tenshi to lose, and Reimu looks confused by how easy the fight was. At this point, the Tenshi begins unleashing animal danmaku, shocking Reimu and landing a few hits before she can react.
-
>Laugh a bit. "Ooh, now it's gettin' good! She thinks she's beaten the fake, and is all confused about how easy it was, then blammo! Surprise attack!"
>Beat.
>"We really should've gotten some of this for you too kid."
>This is gettin' good!
-
>Laugh a bit. "Ooh, now it's gettin' good! She thinks she's beaten the fake, and is all confused about how easy it was, then blammo! Surprise attack!"
>Beat.
>"We really should've gotten some of this for you too kid."
>This is gettin' good!
[Fun fact; I just played Mission 4 of Fantasy Maiden Wars.
The main enemy is Elly. Guess what she does.
Summons and flings Floor Tiles as her trump card <_<]
> "I think the biology of a plant youkai is different enough it would be dangerous for me." the tree youkai says.
> It seems to be. Reimu manages to defeat Mamizou, easily brushes aside Meiling, and goes inside the Scarlet Mansion.
> You don't see anything for a while. Until you see two figures fly through a hole in the roof. A very angry and confused looking Reimu, and Nue, who is morphing from Remilia into her usual form.
> Nue explained before that her Seed of Non-Identification makes people see what they think an object or thing looks like. Nue used one on herself and waited where Reimu would expect Remilia to be, so she saw Nue as Remilia.
> You see, much closer to the shrine, the real Tenshi, Reimilia, and Eirin gather.
-
(Inorite?)
>Grin. "Oooh...Remilia's not gonna like that, Reimu and Nue just busted a hole in her roof. But, Reimu's angry and confused, so she's gettin' more and more frazzled by the moment. And the real Tenshi and Remilia are on the way here, Eirin too."
>Laugh it up! "This is gettin' rich!"
>Let's keep watching!
-
(Inorite?)
>Grin. "Oooh...Remilia's not gonna like that, Reimu and Nue just busted a hole in her roof. But, Reimu's angry and confused, so she's gettin' more and more frazzled by the moment. And the real Tenshi and Remilia are on the way here, Eirin too."
>Laugh it up! "This is gettin' rich!"
>Let's keep watching!
> Nue starts to fire a rain of arrow-like danmaku from hr wings, and Mamizou flies up to support her friend, launching what seems like a tidal wave of dog-like danmaku, as does Kogasa, who starts to spin her umbrella and fire lasers.
> Reimu forms seven orbs of rainbow light around herself, which eradicate the danmaku fired at her, and explode on contact with the trio, who fall to the ground. There's no doubt that was a bomb.
-
>Sigh, and doff our hat. "Brave guys, they took a bomb to the face to further the plan. But it was a spellcard bomb, so they'll be back on their feet soon enough."
>Keep watchin'!
-
>Sigh, and doff our hat. "Brave guys, they took a bomb to the face to further the plan. But it was a spellcard bomb, so they'll be back on their feet soon enough."
>Keep watchin'!
> Reimu flies down to them, and seems to talk, before heading towards the shrine.
> You see Tenshi and Remilia move to intercept, they meet halfway across the forest. Reimu looks frustrated that both are going to fight her at once, before she has to dodge a swing from Tenshi's sword, and a lance of red energy thrown by Remilia.
> You guess Eirin is going to pretend to be the mastermind first, as she goes inside the shrine.
-
>"Ooh, now it's heatin' up! You can see the fightin' from even here now, can't you?"
-
>"Ooh, now it's heatin' up! You can see the fightin' from even here now, can't you?"
> "Yeah." the tree youkai says.
> Reimu dodges the two attacks, before Tenshi slams her sword into the ground, causing it to splinter, almost as if there was a mini-earthquake. Reimu is forced into the air, where Remilia fires massive amounts of scarlet danmaku. Tenshi then pulls out a keystone, and fires red alsers from it, making a ground/air attack.
> It looks like this couple are pressing Reimu.
-
>Grin, and put our hat back on. "Hoo-wee, she's gonna be pretty worn-out by the time she gets to the real culprit, eh?"
>How's Malus reacting to all this fun and chaos?
-
>Grin, and put our hat back on. "Hoo-wee, she's gonna be pretty worn-out by the time she gets to the real culprit, eh?"
>How's Malus reacting to all this fun and chaos?
> "That's the whole idea, right?" the tree youkai says.
> Your scythe seems excited.
> Reimu unleashes what seems to be a spellcard, which forces Tenshi and Remilia on the defensive, she forms several orbs around herself, and starts letting out massive amounts of amulets.
-
>Nod. "Yep, that's the whole point. Malus here's pretty excited, I bet he can't wait to get to our turn at bat!"
>Grin. "I know I'm havin' a hard time keepin' myself restrained."
>Looks like she's using one of her strongest cards, doesn't it? All the better, since it'll be depleted when we come into play.
-
>Nod. "Yep, that's the whole point. Malus here's pretty excited, I bet he can't wait to get to our turn at bat!"
>Grin. "I know I'm havin' a hard time keepin' myself restrained."
>Looks like she's using one of her strongest cards, doesn't it? All the better, since it'll be depleted when we come into play.
> "Yes, I can imagine why, seeing this is even getting my blood boiling... although, I don't have blood."
> You're not sure if this is one of her strongest cards or not, you just know it's a strong-looking card.
> The three fight for quite a while longer, until Tenshi looks annoyed, and slashes Remilia, causing a Scarlet Mist from her, and herself, as well as gathering some crimson mist from the sky, making a patch of normal sky, before the Sword of Hisou glows, with the scarlet mists swirling around it.
> You actually hear Tenshi announce this attack, the power behind it: "Hisoutoken of all Humankind!" she cries, as he unleashes a massive blast of scarlet energy from her sword.
> You're not sure why you could hear that from inside the pocket dimension, maybe the power of the emotions Tenshi gathered is the reason.
-
>Grin. "That's the fun of it all. And apparently, while Danmaku hurts, the pain doesn't stick around too long. It'll definitely put you out of commission for a bit though if you take too many hits though. And from how I'm understanding it, you won't catch fire if you get hit by a fireball type Danmaku. It just looks like a fireball."
-
>Grin. "That's the fun of it all. And apparently, while Danmaku hurts, the pain doesn't stick around too long. It'll definitely put you out of commission for a bit though if you take too many hits though. And from how I'm understanding it, you won't catch fire if you get hit by a fireball type Danmaku. It just looks like a fireball."
> "Yes, but surely it feels like being hit by a fireball." the tree youkai says.
> You hear a loud crack, as Tenshi blast makes contact with the ground, splintering the ground. You gotta say... that's an impressive blast, although you wonder if she focused on one emotion instead of fusing conflicting ones, how strong it would be. Right now you'd put it on par with Marisa's Final Spark, maybe a bit stronger. You'd need to inspect the crater to be sure.
> You see Reimu emerge from the blast site. She looks like she was hit, but seemed to block the worst of it, she has a few tears in her arm...things, and her ribbon. She's holding a few talismans that are scorched, so you guess she made some kind of barrier.
> Remilia then floats above Reimu, spread as if she is on a cross.
> "Scarlet Sign: Red the Nightless Castle" you can make out viva lipreading, before Remilia is engulfed in a massive red cross of energy, which engulfs Reimu.
-
>"I wouldn't really know. It might. But the way I see it, it's just energy that looks like it. I used a spellcard version of my non-danmaku Tile Shots, They looked like the tiles, and hit about as hard, but weren't my tiles how I know 'em."
>Fistpalm. "Hey, remember that girl from before, Mokou? I bet that fireball she threw was actually Danmaku."
>Let out an impressed whistle. "That was on par with Final Spark almost, maybe even stronger. I'll have to look at the crater after all this."
>Then wince a bit. "Ooh, that one's definitely gonna leave a mark."
>Let's keep watching!
-
>"I wouldn't really know. It might. But the way I see it, it's just energy that looks like it. I used a spellcard version of my non-danmaku Tile Shots, They looked like the tiles, and hit about as hard, but weren't my tiles how I know 'em."
>Fistpalm. "Hey, remember that girl from before, Mokou? I bet that fireball she threw was actually Danmaku."
>Let out an impressed whistle. "That was on par with Final Spark almost, maybe even stronger. I'll have to look at the crater after all this."
>Then wince a bit. "Ooh, that one's definitely gonna leave a mark."
>Let's keep watching!
> "Really? Well, the idea is not to get hit, so I hope I never have to find out how a fireball danmaku feels like."
> Just as you comment on Remilia's attack hurting, you see what seems to be a blue amulet rise from the ground, spinning, pushing back Remilia's attack, forcing her to fly away.
> Reimu is sweating a bit. She seems to have protected herself from Remilia's attack... at least the worst of it.
> Tenshi and Reimilia look at each other, and seem to talk.
> Tenshi and Remilia both raise a card.
> "Keystone Kaname Funnel" Tenshi delclares, hurling several keystones, which erupt into rings of firey danmaku, like a web.
> Remilia's wings reach out, as she glows with a scarlet aura, the mist thickens, and the moon in the auroura sky turns red. "Scarlet Gensokyo." Remilia announces, as she lets out a spiral of bubble danmaku, which leave behind small, crimson danmaku, before she flaps her wings, and they start to move, before she unleashes another wave.
> As Tenshi's keystones start to move as well.
> The walling potential of this combo is stupid.
-
>Let out another whistle. "Damn kid, when those two put aside their issues, they make one helluva team. This one's bound to leave a mark on just about everything. Even the terrain."
-
>Let out another whistle. "Damn kid, when those two put aside their issues, they make one helluva team. This one's bound to leave a mark on just about everything. Even the terrain."
> "Nah, these attacks are all airborne." the tree youkai says. "Terrain's safe."
> Reimu gets completely pelted by danmaku, but unleashes a burst of amulets which home in on Tenshi, and throws some talismans which hit some of the keystones, and cause them to stop making the fire.
> After a short while, where Reimu is forced to make defensive barriers which keep getting broken, she manages to stop Tenshi's attack, and Remilia's attack soon follows. The two stop, looking worn out, and flee towards the shrine.
> Reimu looks worn out, yet, something Tenshi said made her angry, especially as she's heading to the shrine.
> Reimu arrives, and you see Eirin step out. You see Sakuya arrive too, with her watch open, so you can hear.
> "What... are you doing here... *pant*... and why are you in charge of these guys working together?" Reimu says. She looks beaten up, and exhausted.
> "I'm not the mastermind. I am simply a mind, recruited by someone to help make an incident, specifically to defeat you. I don't have any real intention of fighting you anyway. Everything you've faced so far was a diversion to wear you down for her, mentally and physically." Eirin says, before Remilia nods to Sakuya.
> The pocket dimension dissolves, and Reimu looks... horrified.
> "Don't tell me YUUKA'S behind this?! I'm REALLY not in the state to fight her now."
-
>Grin. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
>Then give Malus a little twirl. "Look sharp now! I'm next up y'know! It's been a while since we last fought, so I'm lookin' forward to seein' the new tricks you've picked up!"
-
>Grin. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
>Then give Malus a little twirl. "Look sharp now! I'm next up y'know! It's been a while since we last fought, so I'm lookin' forward to seein' the new tricks you've picked up!"
> "Actually, I really wouldn't like to know she's behind everything..." Reimu says.
> "What are you, though, the midboss or the stage boss?" Reimu pants.
-
>Grin. "Stage. I guess you could say you're in the endgame as of now."
>Let's pull out Scythe that Shields Dreams, but not use it yet. "Been holdin' back a few surprises for just the right moment, and now's as good a time as any."
>Spare a glance to the kid. "Kid, you might wanna land and go chill with the others."
-
>Grin. "Stage. I guess you could say you're in the endgame as of now."
>Let's pull out Scythe that Shields Dreams, but not use it yet. "Been holdin' back a few surprises for just the right moment, and now's as good a time as any."
>Spare a glance to the kid. "Kid, you might wanna land and go chill with the others."
> "I hoped so." Reimu says.
> You pull out a spellcard, ready, and Reimu sighs. "Everyone wants to fight today."
> The tree youkai nods and lands.
-
>"Ain't that par for the course though? Well, let's get this party started!"
>Let's start off with a simple enough set of spiraling shots! The typical nonspell we generally use.
-
>"Ain't that par for the course though? Well, let's get this party started!"
>Let's start off with a simple enough set of spiraling shots! The typical nonspell we generally use.
> You start launching spiral shots, which Reimu lazily evades, before sending out thick rings of amulet danmaku.
-
>Focus on the rings, then slip past when an opening shows up!
>Then fire a barrage of the normal shots!
-
>Focus on the rings, then slip past when an opening shows up!
>Then fire a barrage of the normal shots!
> The openings are very thin, but you manage to graze through. Reimu stops her nonspell to easily dodge your shots.
-
>Grin. "Gotten better at this huh?"
>Pour on the juice!
-
>Grin. "Gotten better at this huh?"
>Pour on the juice!
> You pump up your nonspell, but Reimu easily evades it and then throws needle danmaku back at you.
> "I may be tired but I'm not tired enough to be defeated by this level!"
-
>Slide on outta the way. "Well, let's take it further! Scythe that Shields Dreams!"
-
>Slide on outta the way. "Well, let's take it further! Scythe that Shields Dreams!"
> You declare the spellcard, and begin to unleash the slashes that this spellcard is associated with, which spawn danmaku from them. Reimu dosen't react fast enough, and takes several hits, but rushes into close range through the barrage.
> "Spirit Sign: Fantasy Seal -Spread-" Reimu declares
-
>Cancel that spellcard and dash backwards!
-
>Cancel that spellcard and dash backwards!
> You get the sudden instinct to dash backwards, so you break the spell trance and do so, just a second before Reimu unleashes a seemingly random spray of danmaku, like a 360 degree shotgun. Even from this distance, the speed of it makes it hard to evade, although no longer impossible.
-
>We can cancel out bullets with Malus, right?
-
>We can cancel out bullets with Malus, right?
> Only by swinging it. Just holding Malus there doesn't work.
-
>Well, let's just carve out a path with a wild flurry of slashes as we slip through the gaps!
-
>Well, let's just carve out a path with a wild flurry of slashes as we slip through the gaps!
> You dodge while canceling Danamku with your scythe.
> There is an opening once the wave is gone, it seems as if Reimu is charging the next bust.
-
>Let's barrage her while she's charging, and keep on guard for the next burst!
-
>Let's barrage her while she's charging, and keep on guard for the next burst!
> You unleash a Barrage of danmaku at Reimu, which she takes on the chin, before she unleashes another burst, thicker than the last.
-
>Alright, we'll back off further, and cut down shots as they approach!
-
>Alright, we'll back off further, and cut down shots as they approach!
> It doesn't matter how thick a shotgun is, it's still a shotgun, so it's far less effective further away. There's not even any need to slice anything at this range.
-
>Well, let's bombard her with every sort of shot short of a spellcard we can muster!
-
>Well, let's bombard her with every sort of shot short of a spellcard we can muster!
> You start using every type of nonspell shot you have in a mad bombardment, and you hear a chime as Reimu's spell breaks.
> Reimu winces and reels back.
-
>Now let's ramp it up into making it all spiral every which way! We'll set the small shots to aim, the medium shots to go clockwise, and the larger ones to go counterclockwise!
>After all, we're the 'Final Boss', so a non-spell like this is perfectly legit.
-
>Now let's ramp it up into making it all spiral every which way! We'll set the small shots to aim, the medium shots to go clockwise, and the larger ones to go counterclockwise!
>After all, we're the 'Final Boss', so a non-spell like this is perfectly legit.
> You guess that this increase in danmaku potential is fueled by adrenaline. Reimu does her best to evade, but, regardless, takes several hits, and almost hits the ground.
> Before she vanishes.
> "Fantasy Seal: Blink" you hear.
-
>Let's keep on guard, if she shows up near us, we'll swat her with Malus' handle.
>Otherwise, ease up on the barrage for more mobility.
-
>Let's keep on guard, if she shows up near us, we'll swat her with Malus' handle.
>Otherwise, ease up on the barrage for more mobility.
> You see something red fly past at such a speed you cannot track it, it's almost leaving afterimages.
> It's also leaving fans of amulets, which start moving towards you, from multiple angles and directions, before, on the 3rd pass, shoots out a massive stream of fast moving bullets, making almost a net.
-
>"Playin' that way huh? Well, gotta give you credit for the effort!"
>Let's move slowly and carefully, slashing the amulets and bullets if they get too close for comfort.
-
>"Playin' that way huh? Well, gotta give you credit for the effort!"
>Let's move slowly and carefully, slashing the amulets and bullets if they get too close for comfort.
> You play defensive, but regardless of your efforts, you still take a few hits.
> Reimu slows down, for a moment, before moving again and repeating the attack. It seems the window of vulnerability is small.
-
>Alright, let's move carefully, and swing Malus rapidly to try to clear out shot clusters that get too close.
>When she slows down, barrage!
-
>Alright, let's move carefully, and swing Malus rapidly to try to clear out shot clusters that get too close.
>When she slows down, barrage!
> You carefully evade Reimu's danmaku, and, when she pauses, fire again.
> However, due to the distance, she starts moving before your bullets actually reach her.
-
>Start shooting next to us just after the second pass. Attempt to emulate Reimu's previous position.
>Unless that keeps us from dodging.
-
>Start shooting next to us just after the second pass. Attempt to emulate Reimu's previous position.
>Unless that keeps us from dodging.
> You wait for the second wave of manulets to fire, before you blind-fire around yourself.
> To your surprise, some of your shots hit something flying past... although there is a shower of large orb danmaku fired at you as it zooms past, you evade that, as it's basically just streaming.
> Reimu stops moving, and there is some smoke coming off her side from were there were impacts with danmaku.
-
>Grin. "Not a bad trick there Reimu, you almost had me there~"
>Let's keep on guard, and if she goes back into the speedy-stuff, we'll do the same as before!
-
>Grin. "Not a bad trick there Reimu, you almost had me there~"
>Let's keep on guard, and if she goes back into the speedy-stuff, we'll do the same as before!
> "How can you read my movements when I'm using Fantasy Seal -Blink-? That's not possible. It musta been a fluke." Reimu says, before going back into zooming around the area.
> You repeat your shot at the right time, this time it breaks Reimu's spell. She almost falls to the ground, but stops right before.
> "I don't get it..." she mumbles.
-
>Chuckle. "It's simple really, I just waited for a few passes, and timed them. That's all. You've got a short window of time where I can tag you with shots, and I struck mere moments before that window actually came up, thus giving the shots time to actually hit the mark."
>Grin. "Of course, firing indiscriminately and hoping you smack into a few shots helps in the interim between windows."
-
>Chuckle. "It's simple really, I just waited for a few passes, and timed them. That's all. You've got a short window of time where I can tag you with shots, and I struck mere moments before that window actually came up, thus giving the shots time to actually hit the mark."
>Grin. "Of course, firing indiscriminately and hoping you smack into a few shots helps in the interim between windows."
> "Well, I don't know how much longer I can keep going in my condition, so I'll just have to bring out the big guns..." Reimu says. The look on her face almost reminds you of Yuuka, as she glows with a red aura.
> "Paradise Sign: Unsealed Hakurei Might" Reimu announces, before she vanishes.
> "Never seen this one before." you hear Remilia comment.
-
>"Well, don't I feel honored? Just came up with this one yourself, didn't you?"
>Let's keep on guard for anything, and keep our Cards on hand just in case.
-
>"Well, don't I feel honored? Just came up with this one yourself, didn't you?"
>Let's keep on guard for anything, and keep our Cards on hand just in case.
> "No, I've had this card for ages, in fact, you've faced it before, well, the non-spellcard version anyway. This spellcard is based on the bombs of my old days, where I would unleash the power of the Hakurei Orbs and basically vaporize everything around me." Reimu says. "I just haven't had to use the full power of the Hakurei Orbs since the spellcard rules came into force."
> You see four Hakurei Ying-Yang orbs materialize around Reimu, and start spinning, pulsing red and white.
> "Of course, the spellcard rules prevent this from being an all-consuming flash of light that can't be escaped. Instead, it channels the full power of the Hakurei Orbs another way." Reimu states, the red aura still around her.
> Reimu vanishes.
-
>Alright now, let's focus, and clear our mind. When the time is right....We strike with everything we've got!
-
>Alright now, let's focus, and clear our mind. When the time is right....We strike with everything we've got!
> You focus, and ready yourself, when you see the Hakurei Orbs appear again, far from each other, circling around the area, like they are orbiting around you.
> They suddenly all unleash a massive amount of talisman danmaku, seemingly spammed randomly, no pattern, yet the amount is massive.
> You are starting to figure this might be a survival spell, as there is no sign of Reimu.
-
>Grin. "I'll have to go through my cards next then."
>Let's carefully maneuver to let the shots slip past, and scythe-cancel any shots that stray too close.
-
>Grin. "I'll have to go through my cards next then."
>Let's carefully maneuver to let the shots slip past, and scythe-cancel any shots that stray too close.
> There is no response.
> You maneuver the amulets, which, while thick, move slowly, giving you plenty of time to cancel them when they start to overwhelm you.
> The amulet danmaku vanish, and the orbs start spinning faster, collecting energy in a manner that almost reminds you of the Master Spark.
-
>Focus, and when the time's right....Dodge like mad!
-
>Focus, and when the time's right....Dodge like mad!
> You see each Ying-Yang orb fire a laser, opposite orbs fireing red and white, with the four lasers meeting in the centre of the feild, as the orbs spin around, making almost a windmill of lasers.
> Small red and white danmaku emanate from where the lasers collide. These are not as thick as the amulet danmaku previously, but are far faster.
Also I shoulda posted this at the start of the fight, but whatever: Boss Theme... from Reimu's point of veiw seeing as you're the 'villain' here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_RLrydScnI)
-
>Alright, let's rotate with the lasers, and just slash like mad to cancel the incoming bullets!
-
>Alright, let's rotate with the lasers, and just slash like mad to cancel the incoming bullets!
> You have to quickly swirl around to evade the lasers that are swiftly sweeping the area, while you dodge, slash, and get hit by, the red and white bullets. Some are just too fast to slash or dodge, but they are small and weak.
> The orbs are spinning faster and faster, if this keeps up you will not be able to keep up.
-
>Fly over the lasers.
Think in three dimensions, people.
-
>Fly over the lasers.
Think in three dimensions, people.
> You attempt to fly over the lasers, but doing so has your head hit some massive barrier.
> It appears Reimu has made this a 2D fight.
-
>That's hardly fair.
>Get close to the center, where the lasers meet. That way we don't have to move as fast in order to keep up with them.
-
>That's hardly fair.
>Get close to the center, where the lasers meet. That way we don't have to move as fast in order to keep up with them.
> Getting closer to the center means the fast moving bullets are much more dense, and would be impossible to dodge.
-
>Could we use Malus to break open a path in the lasers then?
-
>If not: we don't have to dodge all the shots; we can cut through what we can't avoid. Get as close to the center as we can without even that combo being overwhelmed.
-
>Could we use Malus to break open a path in the lasers then?
> Lasers are a continuous stream, a small cut will not mean anything.
>If not: we don't have to dodge all the shots; we can cut through what we can't avoid. Get as close to the center as we can without even that combo being overwhelmed.
> You get closer to the center of the laser spiral, however, you quickly find you can't fly as quickly when you're madly swinging Malus.
[Hint: Think in two dimensions, there's a way out. There is also an alternate solution, which Hanzo was close to.
Of course there are other solutions probably too, I just won't have 'Go Up' as a simple solution to a danmaku pattern.]
-
I think I got an idea.
>Two people on opposite sides of a fight can have a spellcard active at once, right?
-
I think I got an idea.
>Two people on opposite sides of a fight can have a spellcard active at once, right?
> You can activate a spellcard, but there is no Reimu to attack. Still, the danmaku can be used to protect yourself, canceling enemy danmaku.
-
>What's the status of our spellcards?
-
>What's the status of our spellcards?
> All four are available. So far you have only use nonspell danmaku.
-
>Would we be able to bust through the lasers with any of our cards involving Malus?
-
>Would we be able to bust through the lasers with any of our cards involving Malus?
> You wouldn't be able to break thought them, however, you do have your own survival spell, Malus Sign; Boomerang Scythe; which makes you invulnerable during it. In this case, it would become a battle of timers.
-
>Let's move as fast as we can while canceling the shots with scythe swings.
>Once about 20-25 seconds of that passes, we'll use Boomerang Scythe and hope we don't time out first.
-
>Let's move as fast as we can while canceling the shots with scythe swings.
>Once about 20-25 seconds of that passes, we'll use Boomerang Scythe and hope we don't time out first.
> You move as fast as you can, while defending yourself. However, you can't keep away from the lasers for 20 seconds, you can only manage about 12.
> You enter the spell trance, and the laser washes over you, with no effect. Is there anything in particular you want to aim Malus at?
-
>Let's have him just careen around the field bustin' up shots as he goes!
-
>AIm for the orbs.
-
>Let's have him just careen around the field bustin' up shots as he goes!
At first you think just throwi it anywhere, when something comes into your head.
>AIm for the orbs.
> You aim Malus towards the path of the Ying-Yang Orb. At first it misses, however, you manage to hit one of the orbs on your second throw. The orb's pulsing red shield vanishes, and the laser thins. When the boomerang scythe comes back around, it its it again, and the orb vanishes with a 'Picchun!' sound.
-
>Alright, let's keep it up! Aim for the next orb!
-
>Alright, let's keep it up! Aim for the next orb!
> You destroy all four orbs, and Reimu appears where the lases were converging, unleashing a very thick, and pretty fast, pattern of amulet danmaku, the general shape being ying-yang orbs, which, after moving a distance, erupt and spray the amulets everywhere.
-
>Now let's set Malus to revolve around us three times, then careen around wildly! Since we're invincible too, the shots won't actually DO anything to us, but hey.
-
>Now let's set Malus to revolve around us three times, then careen around wildly! Since we're invincible too, the shots won't actually DO anything to us, but hey.
> You kind of have to throw Malus at something in the spellcard, but you just circumnavigate this by having it target yourself, since you're invulnerable, it just flies around you for a short time.
> You can hear inside your head a 'boop' sound every second. You can also hear a 'boop' from outside your own head. It's almost like an echo.
-
>This must mean both the cards are timing out! We just need to hold out long enough....!
-
>This must mean both the cards are timing out! We just need to hold out long enough....!
> You figure the beeping sound is a countdown to the spells timing out, and looking at Reimu's face tells you this is likly, as she looks worried.
> The tone changes after seven beeps, to a 'BoopBeep' before both spells simultaneously end after a count of three. Reimu looks tired.
> "Keh... shoulda figured you'd have a survival spellcard... you went invulnerable for the start of our last fight." Reimu says.
-
>Chuckle. "Of course! That was a pretty fun one there. Nerve-wracking, but fun."
>Grin. "So, we gonna keep going? I still got a few more cards to use."
-
>Chuckle. "Of course! That was a pretty fun one there. Nerve-wracking, but fun."
>Grin. "So, we gonna keep going? I still got a few more cards to use."
> "The idea isn't that my spells are fun..."
> "I've not crashed yet, have I..." Reimu says, wincing.
-
>Grin. "Well, I do enjoy a good fight every so often, so this is a nice way to cap things off."
>"So let's go to the next card! Defender Sign: Floor That Becomes A Wall!"
-
>Grin. "Well, I do enjoy a good fight every so often, so this is a nice way to cap things off."
>"So let's go to the next card! Defender Sign: Floor That Becomes A Wall!"
> You call out your next spellcard, and the battlefeild gains a floor, made of floor tiles, which proceed to fly at Reimu in no particular pattern, while you're also making and flinging more from the sky.
> Reimu's movements seem sluggish, she's having trouble even evading the tiles, which are pretty slow danmaku at this stage, and the card gets thicker as it goes on.
-
>"You alright over there? This one'll knock the dye right out of you!"
>Continue to sling ceramic facsimiles!
-
>"You alright over there? This one'll knock the dye right out of you!"
>Continue to sling ceramic facsimiles!
> "Hey, hey not in front of everyone!" Reimu hisses quietly.
> They're not ceramic, these ones are made of magic technically.
> Although, they feel like cement slabs, not ceramic ones. The Dream Mansion is old-fashioned.
> The pace of the flinging gets faster, until the end of the spell, where all the remaining tiles making up the ground fling fowards at once. The tried Reimu has no chance of dodgeing, takes several hits, and then crash-lands outside the shrine's entrence.
> Upon the impact with the ground, Sukia waddles out of the shrine, and trips over Reimu, lying on top of her.
-
>Suppress a laugh just a bit. "I guess that's a win on my part?"
>Let's float down for a better look.
-
>But stay wary, just in case it's a trick.
-
>Suppress a laugh just a bit. "I guess that's a win on my part?"
>Let's float down for a better look.
> "Guess so." Tenshi comments.
> You float down. You hear Reimu groaning and mumbleing. That and Sukia groaning drunkenly.
>But stay wary, just in case it's a trick.
> You doubt it'll be that easy for Reimu do to anything with an oni on top of her.
-
>Observe and enjoy.
-
>Observe and enjoy.
> You observe Reimu squirming, attempting, and failing, to wriggle out from beneath the alcohol-inhibited body of an Oni. For some reason you take some delight in this scene of suffering. Maybe Yuuka has rubbed off on you after all.
> Tenshi and Remilia return the skies to normal, after all, the point of the incident is over.
> "There's one thing I don't get." Reimu says. "Usually, when something goes wrong, at least Marisa gets involved. Sanae usually sticks her nose in too. Yet they are nowhere to be seen. I understand why Sakuya wasn't involved... on my side, of course."
-
>Grin. "That's because we convinced them to sit back and enjoy the show. That, and Sanae and her group agreed to not get involved as long as the area around the mountain wasn't made all weird during it all. As for Marisa? She wanted to show off a few new variations of that Spark move she picked up from the Boss. Kid wore herself out using 'em all."
>"And you might have already figured this out, but I'm the one behind all this. Pretty nice having an Incident that doesn't involve something too dangerous, eh? This was all planned out to keep you on your toes."
>Laugh it up! "Can you believe my original plan was to steal all of Gensokyo's apples? How stupid was that?"
-
>Grin. "That's because we convinced them to sit back and enjoy the show. That, and Sanae and her group agreed to not get involved as long as the area around the mountain wasn't made all weird during it all. As for Marisa? She wanted to show off a few new variations of that Spark move she picked up from the Boss. Kid wore herself out using 'em all."
>"And you might have already figured this out, but I'm the one behind all this. Pretty nice having an Incident that doesn't involve something too dangerous, eh? This was all planned out to keep you on your toes."
>Laugh it up! "Can you believe my original plan was to steal all of Gensokyo's apples? How stupid was that?"
> "Wait, so you convinced Sanae not to interfere... and wore out Marisa." Reimu says.
> "Actually, I'm still half expecting Yuuka to pop up behind you and point a spark at my face," Reimu admits. "I mean, EVERYONE ELSE has claimed to be behind this today, even Cirno..."
> "I wanted to steal peaches too!" Tenshi adds.
> Remilia facepalms at that statement. Reimu looks blank, before saying, "About as stupid as half the incidents these days."
> While the red mist is gone, and the aurora, you can't help but notice a faint, white mist seeping into the area.
> "Wait... this mist... I'm sure I've seen it before." Reimu says.
> "Same here." Tenshi adds.
> "It was when that slacker was around during the Scarlet Weather Incident. " Reimu says, before adding, "But why would she be here?"
> You hear the sound of metal scraping along the ground. The familiar sound of a scythe.
-
>Sigh. "Looks like it's time for my turn to face the Final Boss. Used to be a reaper meself y'know, didn't like it one bit. Too stuffy and repressive. The big cheeses must've sent her to drag me back. She used to be my teacher, believe it or not."
>Let's get ready for a fight, and wait for her to show herself properly.
-
>Sigh. "Looks like it's time for my turn to face the Final Boss. Used to be a reaper meself y'know, didn't like it one bit. Too stuffy and repressive. The big cheeses must've sent her to drag me back. She used to be my teacher, believe it or not."
>Let's get ready for a fight, and wait for her to show herself properly.
> "Final Boss? Why would you call me that?" Komachi's voice rings out, as she walks out from the mist.
> "A-a reaper!" Tenshi says, slightly panicked.
> "Ah yes, you again. Don't worry, I'm not here for you this time, although if you get in my way, I'll warn you that I've been promoted to actually be able to reap souls, instead of just ferrying them." Komachi says, before adding, "Well, more returned to duty. Hell found the solution to the financial issues we were havin'... make us work more hours."
> Komachi swings her scythe, drawing a line in the ground, by your feet.
> "You can either cross that line voluntarily, or I will make you. Don't try to run, you know you won't cover any distance with my ability." the shinigami says.
> Remilia orders Sakuya to attack Komachi, but Sakuya... freezes in mid-air, and then lands.
> "You won't cover any distance attempting to interfere either." Komachi says.
> There is a flash of light, and you hear a voice.
> "You know, just because you shorten the distance doesn't mean what exists within that distance ceases to exist. While your distance manipulation may prevent others from interfering from outside the boundary you decree, it doesn't stop someone already inside from interfering. There are thousands of flowers along this line... after all."
> The light fades, and Yuuka is standing between you and Komachi. "I know due to the way your powers work, there is no way for me to stop you dragging my employee off, kicking and screaming. So I'll just warn you; you take her; you'll have to take me as well. I'll raise a complaint to your boss. Negotiate... violently."
> Yuuka then looks to the tree youkai, who suddenly teleports next to her.
> "Huuh?" the tree youkai says, after her teleportation
> "You're coming too, Apple Tree." Yuuka says. "I can manipulate plants, so you don't have a choice in the matter."
> "Wait? I'm an Apple Tree?"
> "You didn't know what kind of tree you were? Well, I guess that can't be helped, don't meet that many other plant youkai. I guess you probably don't know that you're the same tree that makes up her scythe either. I wonder if Elly figured that out yet, seeing as you have the same powers. "
> Komachi looks annoyed. "You really are a fool, if you think you can convince the Yamas otherwise. If you wish to die so badly, so be it."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "I actually had a hunch that she was, but I was gonna wait until everything cooled down to see if I was right."
>Look to Komachi with a serious and determined expression. "Teach, let's settle things here and now. I'll prove how much stronger I've gotten since I left the Reapers...Strong enough to carve out my own path, not the one the Yamas tried to force me to take."
-
>Chuckle a bit. "I actually had a hunch that she was, but I was gonna wait until everything cooled down to see if I was right."
>Look to Komachi with a serious and determined expression. "Teach, let's settle things here and now. I'll prove how much stronger I've gotten since I left the Reapers...Strong enough to carve out my own path, not the one the Yamas tried to force me to take."
> "Did you? Interesting. Maybe I taught you well after all." Yuuka says.
> Komachi looks unimpressed. "Elly, Elly, you don't know, do you? Do you ever wonder how one becomes a Shinigami in the first place?" she says, shaking her head.
> She then points at you. "You were not forced to take this path. You chose service to the Yamas over death, in your previous life, and the Yamas revived you as a Shinigami, to work for them, as a life-debt. Of course you have no memory of your previous life, but you still chose service over death. You owe us your life, Elly, and turning your back on us means we'll take your life back."
-
>Tch...We really were an idiot in life, huh?
>"I suppose you could say I've had a change of heart. I was a real coward back in those days, but not anymore. I'll face whatever comes my way, that's what I've learned while working as a Gatekeeper."
-
>Tch...We really were an idiot in life, huh?
>"I suppose you could say I've had a change of heart. I was a real coward back in those days, but not anymore. I'll face whatever comes my way, that's what I've learned while working as a Gatekeeper."
> You guess your past self feared death too much.
> "Except you are still a coward Elly. All these years, you have been running and hiding in a land beyond life and death, so that we couldn't find you. Only now, when your boss forced you to take a holiday, did you come out. You ran from death in your past life, you ran from your obligations this one, and you have been running from your retribution! Well, there is nowhere left to run now, it is impossible to run from me."
> "Now then, let me ask you this, reaper." Yuuka says. "If she is such a coward, why would she work for me? Why would she stand in front of my power, unflinching, and resolve to protect me, and, what's more, protect the Dream Portal, from things that want to go in... and out."
> "Simple. It is preferable to the alternative, being Hell." Komachi says.
-
>Give a wry chuckle. "If only you knew, Teach. That world isn't always all sunshine'n'roses. Nightmares are dreams too. Everyone who sleeps contributes to that world. So there are unspeakable horrors dredged up from the very depths of the psyches of all who live, their deepest fears and nightmares made manifest."
-
>Give a wry chuckle. "If only you knew, Teach. That world isn't always all sunshine'n'roses. Nightmares are dreams too. Everyone who sleeps contributes to that world. So there are unspeakable horrors dredged up from the very depths of the psyches of all who live, their deepest fears and nightmares made manifest."
> "Aw, Elly, you're being too nice!" Yuuka comments.
> "In the end, talking to me about this is pointless. I have been ordered by Shikeiki to bring you to Higan for Judgement and Sentencing. As a Shinigami, I live to serve the Yamas. I am not an ungrateful traitor like you. If you have a case to protest, protest it before Eiki herself!" Komachi declares.
-
Well you guys? How do we go from here?
-
Hmm... she just said there's no point in talking.
Beyond "stand really still", there's not much I can think of.
-
Anyone else have any ideas?
-
>"'Live to serve the Yamas'? How did you manage to say that with a straight face? You'd rather spend all day lying around than get any work done."
>"I think I've made myself clear. I'm not coming back."
-
>"'Live to serve the Yamas'? How did you manage to say that with a straight face? You'd rather spend all day lying around than get any work done."
>"I think I've made myself clear. I'm not coming back."
> "... There's a difference between putting off low-priority work and a direct order from the Yama Council to bring back my student. In the end, I still do what they say. Maybe not quite fast enough, but still."
> "I think I've made myself clear. You have no choice in the matter. Moving even one step from that spot will land you in the Titanic on it's way across the Sanzu. I really don't want to have to force you into my boat, but I will if I must. I can quite easily make you move. It's impossible for my quarry to escape me. You have a better chance convincing Shikieiki than stopping me."
-
>"Perhaps. But what is there to stop me from attempting both?"
-
>"Perhaps. But what is there to stop me from attempting both?"
> "Oh no. You can try to stop me. You'll fail, however, my capturing of my quarry when I'm serious is infallible."
> "Maybe it is best if you go along, and wait your chance, Elly." Yuuka says. "After all, I presume that she won't want to drag you into her boat on the other half of the river. You can make her pay then if you want. Personally I want to see the Yama myself anyway."
-
>"Oh."
>Well, the boss said it!
>"Then... I yield. Let's get moving."
UNLESS someone else wants to do... something else?
-
>"Then... I yield. Let's get moving."
>Don't say this. Instead, say: "Well, you heard her."
>Take a step forward.
-
>"Oh."
>Well, the boss said it!
>"Then... I yield. Let's get moving."
UNLESS someone else wants to do... something else?
>Don't say this. Instead, say: "Well, you heard her."
>Take a step forward.
> "Smart. You listen to your boss at least." Komachi says, as you, Yuuka, and the Apple Tree youkai step fowards.
> The next thing you know, you are all crammed in Komachi's boat, which floats from the shore just a little. Komachi picks up the solitary oar in one hand, and puts her scythe in the river with the other, before she starts to row.
> It's almost a security feature of the Sanzu River boats. They will not move unless there are two 'oars'. However, the boat itself only has one, the other oar is a Shinigami's scythe. The scythe is almost a key to start up the boat.
> The exception, of course, is if a Yama is using the boat. The boats will just move on their own accord, no rowing involved, if a Yama steps on one.
> While this is good at stopping people using the boats to cross the Sanzu to get to Higan without permission, and stopping spirits fleeing, it's not so good if a Shinigami decides to turn tail and run like you did.
> The Titanic quickly bumps onto the shore of Higan. A simple realm. Hilly, with Higanbaga flowers covering the hillside, and the occasional cherry-blossom tree.
> Komachi steps off the boat. "Eiki is further in, at the Judgement Stand."
-
>"Lead the way."
-
>"Lead the way."
> Your group follows Komachi over several hills, until you reach an ornate thorne. The whole design unnerves you whenever you see it. It is imposing.
> Sitting in it is Shikieiki herself. Eyes closed, holding the Rod of Remorse just below her chin.
(http://konachan.com/image/9558054b307cc871e0b746659b1d7846/Konachan.com%20-%2087071%20lynchis%20shikieiki_yamaxanadu%20touhou.jpg)
> "I trust you have some excuse to blurt out for why I should not sentence you to death for betraying your side of the Life-Debt." she says.
-
>"Well, for one, if you want people to hold to an agreement, it would really work better if they remembered making it."
>"Also, I think my boss here would... object to my death."
-
>"Well, for one, if you want people to hold to an agreement, it would really work better if they remembered making it."
>"Also, I think my boss here would... object to my death."
> "That is impossible. One of the things that can happen to a spirit that has passed on is reincarnation. They cannot have memories of their past life is this is so. You were reincarnated in a special way, but the process still removed your memories." Eiki says.
> Yuuka steps forward. "Yes. I do have a slight issue with my gatekeeper being taken away. I have a very large problem with one of my toys being taken too. However, there is something else I cannot stand... worse than those two... as I expected you would be last time I saw you... I let it pass that time, since you were just passing through, after a little danmaku fight, but you are doing it again, and this time, I am your guest."
> Yuuka takes another step forward.
> "You...are...looking...down...on...me." Yuuka says, venom in every word. "I am the one who looks down as people writhe in fear and pain under my feet. I do not stand to be looked down on my anyone."
> "With apologies to your ego, Miss Kanzami, as the Head Yama, it is my job to look down upon the souls of others, and judge their sins. I must take this chance to say, your soul is one of the most sin-laden I have ever come across, and you have lived far too long for a flower, or even most youkai." Shikieiki says calmly. She doesn't seem to even care that Yuuka is getting irritated.
-
>Let's... not say anything more right now.
-
>Let's... not say anything more right now.
> The Yama turns back to you. You can see Yuuka biting her tongue as she does this.
> "Would you like to add anything else, or should I pass Judgement?"
-
>"I don't think there's much more to be said. My current boss wants to keep me around, and I'm sticking with her. If that's not acceptable, well, I think both she and I have made our feelings clear."
-
>"I don't think there's much more to be said. My current boss wants to keep me around, and I'm sticking with her. If that's not acceptable, well, I think both she and I have made our feelings clear."
> "Very well, if you have nothing else to say then, Elly, I shall pass Judgement." Shikieki says, as the stones around her seat glow.
> "Elly, you have been found guilty of failing to keep up your end of a life debt to the Yamas. For this, your sentence is to forfeit your life, and have your soul sent to Hell. However, as with all souls given a sentence to Hell, they have one chance."
> The Yama pauses.
> "You may fight for your right to survive, as the Celestials have. However, due to the severity of your crime, fighting against a Shinigami, like usual, is not your path." the Yama says, before stepping off her throne.
> Komachi backs off, looking worried.
> "You shall have to face me, the one you have transgressed against. However, I am not merciless, and I am fully aware that is it impossible to defeat me alone. As such, your allies may join you in combat." the Yamaxandu says, indicating the to Apple Tree youkai and Yuuka.
> "However even then, it would be merciless to expect you to defeat me. As such, all you need to do is wound me. However, I shall point out that such a thing has never been accomplished by anyone."
> "Perfect. I intended to fight you anyway to stop you looking down on me." Yuuka says.
-
>"Alright, then... although I fear you're underestimating her."
>Create a small floor of tiles under us and slightly float upwards with it.
>"And you should, too. Let us begin!"
>Fling the floor at her in a spreading rectangle shape and send a spray of pellets after it.
-
>"Alright, then... although I fear you're underestimating her."
>Create a small floor of tiles under us and slightly float upwards with it.
>"And you should, too. Let us begin!"
>Fling the floor at her in a spreading rectangle shape and send a spray of pellets after it.
Battle Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE9Y0hA_wCo)
> "I do not underestimate anyone. I can see their abilities in Black and White." Shikieiki says plainly, as you rise atop tiles.
> "Hey, remember this ain't no danmaku fight, we can go as wild as we want here!" Yuuka says, as multiple flowers of varying kinds bloom around her, as she thrusts her parasoul into the ground.
> "I'll fight as hard as I can... I guess." the tree youkai says, before growing to three times her usual size. You can see her skin take on a wooden texture when she grows.
> You fling the floor tiles you are standing upon, as well as a barrage of bullets. The tree youkai launches some massive bubble-like shots as well, while the flowers around Yuuka all face the Yama, and unleash a massive spray of both danmaku and toxic pollens.
> The attacks all hit the Yama. When the dust kicked up clears, she is standing there, completely fine.
> "I sincerely hope that is not the best you have to offer." Shikieiki says, before she vanishes from where she was, and appears in the middle of your group.
> "It will take more than that level of power to even reach me."
-
>Slash Malus at her. If possible, make danmaku emit from him.
-
>Slash Malus at her. If possible, make danmaku emit from him.
> You swing Malus at Eiki, however, she just grabs the shaft of your scythe, and uses it to throw you overhead to the ground. The Apple Tree youkai extends her arm to catch you so you don't slam into the hills.
> "You're open!" Yuuka declares, moving almost as if she teleported into Eiki's range, and delivering a slash with the point of her parasoul.
> Yuuka looks completely shocked as her attack just glances off the Yama.
> "Even your level of power isn't enough, Miss Kanzami." Shikieiki says flatly, before sending out a shockwave that blasts Yuuka back a few meters, despite her digging her heels in.
> "You think that was even a fraction of my powers? I'm still only playing with you~"
-
Well, how do we get through this one? I've got a few possible ideas.
#1: Somehow recombine Malus with the Kid for a stronger weapon that can also return to the kid's form.
#2: Allow the kid to make Malus into a Cutting, adding an extra ally.
#3: Combination Attack!
-
I was thinking combination attack. How about:
>Hold your ground and bombard the Yama with tiles(stone ones) until Eiki gets attacked by the boss or the tree youkai.
>Once that happens, dash at Eiki and strike!
-
Well, how do we get through this one? I've got a few possible ideas.
#1: Somehow recombine Malus with the Kid for a stronger weapon that can also return to the kid's form.
#2: Allow the kid to make Malus into a Cutting, adding an extra ally.
#3: Combination Attack!
> I'm not going to comment on these, but I wil say that this fight isn't going to be easy, after all, the Yama just shrugged off an attack from Yuuka.
I was thinking combination attack. How about:
>Hold your ground and bombard the Yama with tiles(stone ones) until Eiki gets attacked by the boss or the tree youkai.
>Once that happens, dash at Eiki and strike!
> You fling Eiki with stone tiles that you summon, which break before they even reach her, but it draws her attention to you.
> "You're still using that pitiful power as an offensive weapon. Thinking mere stones can harm a Yama... foolish!" Eiki declares, raising her rod into the air.
> A massive swath of roots and branches entangle Eiki. It seems Yuuka and the Tree Youkai combined their powers and both unleashed a massive growth of roots and branches.
> You use this as a chance to slash Shikieiki, but, to your surprise, nothing happens. It feels like you struck a diamond.
> "My resilience is as powerful as my convictions. Unwavering." Eiki declares before a wave of black and white bullets rip the branches apart.
> "OK then. If that isn't going to work, I'll apologise to the flowers and trees beforehand, and get serious." Yuuka says, pointing her parasoul at Shikieiki.
> "Elly, Tree Kid, I advise you to get behind me." Yuuka says sweetly, before adding, "Unless you've become a bit of a masochist over the years Elly~"
-
>Grin. "Using 'that one', eh chief? Well alright!"
>Let's get behind her, and set a bunch of tiles as bracing for everyone!
-
>"Kid, get the hell back."
>Get behind Yuuka ourselves.
-
>Grin. "Using 'that one', eh chief? Well alright!"
>Let's get behind her, and set a bunch of tiles as bracing for everyone!
>"Kid, get the hell back."
>Get behind Yuuka ourselves.
> You tell the tree youkai to get back, to which she looks confused for a moment, until you repeat, with emphasis on the 'hell'. you then form a barrier of tiles around you two, with enough of a gap to see through.
> "Yes. It's time to feel my full power~" Yuuka says. You can tell from the energy she's giving off she's lying. Big time. She's not even serious yet. If she was she would have said to do more than simply get behind her.
> "... Master Spark." Yuuka says simply, before firing a massive beam of green-white energy at the Yama. The humming noise is immense.
> When the light clears, Eiki is still standing where she was before, unharmed, with her Rod before her. Judging from the dead flowers... she CUT the spark.
> "I can tell when you are lying, Miss Kanzami. That too, was not a fraction of your powers. All it achieves is adding onto your list of sins, although, lying on your list of sins is about as significant as is jaywalking is to high treason."
> Yuuka splits into two, her cutting returning, and blinking behind Eiki.
> "Well then, you can't cut it from two places at once!" both Yuuka say, before they unleash the Double Spark.
> When the blasts both hit Eiki simultaneously, a pillar of light erupts into the air. Yet even now, you know Yuuka is still not taking this fight seriously.
-
Hmm. Now what?
I'd say we stay back and fling more ceramics at her--I daren't get close when Yuuka's firing sparks about.
-
Well, Eiki said something to the effect of 'still using that weak power for offense'.
So I'm inclined to think we should just take the kid and hide out under a thick bunker of tiles until things slow off.
-
>Stay back and wait for the blast to clear.
-
It isn't like it takes a lot of effort to throw tiles at her, but yeah, it probably isn't worth it.
Let's go ahead and do that then.
>"Kid, I think this is a little too high-caliber for us. Let's wait this out."
>Make a thick wall of tiles in the direction of the onslaught and add a roof to it (above our head).
>Do leave a peeping hole in it.
-
Well, Eiki said something to the effect of 'still using that weak power for offense'.
So I'm inclined to think we should just take the kid and hide out under a thick bunker of tiles until things slow off.
Hmm. Now what?
I'd say we stay back and fling more ceramics at her--I daren't get close when Yuuka's firing sparks about.
I'll take this chance to point Elly can keep her defense up while attacking with her tiles. She does have a limit of generation, but it's pretty huge, over 500 tiles at once.
>Stay back and wait for the blast to clear.
> The blast clears, and you see Eiki, one hand at each side of her, clearly having somehow blocked the attack. Yuuka's cutting returns to her.
> "You speak about me looking down upon you, yet you are still not fighting seriously, Yuuka Kanzami. I would not call that a hundredth of your power." Eiki says.
> "She's joking, right... right?!" the tree youkai says, looking worried. "What kind of monster is your boss?"
> Yuuka opens her parasoul, and starts to spin it around slowly. "Well then, I'll just have to overwhelm your defense. I'll not take it seriously until I'm sure I have to~"
It isn't like it takes a lot of effort to throw tiles at her, but yeah, it probably isn't worth it.
Let's go ahead and do that then.
>"Kid, I think this is a little too high-caliber for us. Let's wait this out."
>Make a thick wall of tiles in the direction of the onslaught and add a roof to it (above our head).
>Do leave a peeping hole in it.
> "Y-Yeah, your boss said to anyway."
> You thicken the defense, and add a roof, almost like a military bunker.
-
>Would we be able to make a funnel out of our extra tiles we can summon, and boss can use to enhance her spark's efficiency by putting more power into a smaller area?
>Regardless of if we can or can't do it, let's use our excess tiles to harass and distract Eiki so she can't defend as easily.
-
>Would we be able to make a funnel out of our extra tiles we can summon, and boss can use to enhance her spark's efficiency by putting more power into a smaller area?
>Regardless of if we can or can't do it, let's use our excess tiles to harass and distract Eiki so she can't defend as easily.
> Your tiles would be vaporized.
> You generate tiles and fling them at Eiki from various angles. They just shatter when they get near, like before. The tree youkai generates some danmaku too, which this doesn't reach her either.
> "Elly. You think that you've seen all my Sparks, don't you? No, I only showed you a couple of uses of them. This is the maximum potential of Nature's Power I can output!" Yuuka says, spinning her parasoul faster and faster.
> You see pinpoints of light forming in front of her... you can see ninety, although Yuuka is in the way, so you presume the number is closer to a hundred.
> "Nature's Fury: Master Spark Gatling Gun" Yuuka declares, as everything turns white.
-
>Max tiles on the bunker, stat! "Holy sh-! Kid, this is gonna be a bumpy ride!"
-
>Max tiles on the bunker, stat! "Holy sh-! Kid, this is gonna be a bumpy ride!"
> You can feel the tiles being burned away, but not at a faster rate than you can replace them.
> You hear Yuuka laughing as the roars of the sparks fire one by one.
> When the light clears, the Yama is not there.
> "Did I vaporize her?" Yuuka says, closing her parasoul and slinging it over her shoulder, looking towards your bunker... and the molten slag at it's base from melted tiles.
> "Behind you!" she shouts.
-
Oh dear.
>Simultaneously:
-Turn around.
-Try to dodge whatever's coming for us. Drag the kid along if she doesn't move.
-
>And for good measure, set up as thick a barricade of tiles as we can, closing us and the kid off from everything.
-
Oh dear.
>Simultaneously:
-Turn around.
-Try to dodge whatever's coming for us. Drag the kid along if she doesn't move.
> You turn around to see Eiki behind you, swinging her Rod of Remorse. As expected, she is completely unharmed. What's more surprising is how... silent she was getting here.
>And for good measure, set up as thick a barricade of tiles as we can, closing us and the kid off from everything.
> There is no time for this.
> You and the tree Youkai dodge to the side of Eiki's swing, which sends a shockwave which shatters all of your tiles, and sends a blast across towards Yuuka, who evades it. She then rights herself again.
> "You did well to dodge that, although if Miss Kanzami was not so certain of her victory, she would not have been able to warn you of my impending attack, and you would have lost." Eiki says, before pointing to Yuuka.
> "Look at the wanton devastation you cause. In that name of your own ego and position. Your own goals. You are the worst of sinners!"
> "You know, lecturing me isn't gonna help. Elly, I'm gonna lift the first seal on my powers, it looks like I might need a percentile to defeat her after all. Buy me some time." Yuuka says.
> You are aware that Yuuka employs seals on her powers, so that when she is... playing with someone, she doesn't outright kill or vaporize them. This seal ended up sealing off her spark techniques higher than Master Spark, and she employs two seals, to your knowledge. Wanting to lift the first one means she will have enough power to reduce things to atoms, and utilize her Atomising Spark, for which the source of power, instead of nature, is her own boundless energy and power.
> You've never seen anyone push Yuuka in a fight enough for her to want to life her seals since she applied them.
-
>"Got it!"
>Time to trap Eiki in a prison of tiles, and each time she starts blasting from the inside out, we'll pile more on from the outside and push 'em further in!
>"Kid, help reinforce!"
-
>"Got it!"
>Time to trap Eiki in a prison of tiles, and each time she starts blasting from the inside out, we'll pile more on from the outside and push 'em further in!
>"Kid, help reinforce!"
> You surround Eiki with tiles, which she doesn't seem to make an effort to evade. The tree youkai wraps extended roots and branches around them to help out.
> "... Stall for time as much as you want. One percent. One Hundred percent. It doesn't matter. Besides, Yuuka is just a barrier to my objective. All I need do to seal your fate is defeat you, or break your will. I just wish for you to realize the weight of your sins before you descend into Hell... and know my pain for being forced to do this to you. I would rather break your spirit by defeating your master at her strongest than defeat her while she is holding back."
> You feel a massive release of energy, and a killing intent behind you. Enough to make your hair blow in front of you. Sunflowers bloom all over Higan, as far as your eyes can see.
> ".... Even I do not know the limits of my powers after I reunited with my other half, as both of us got stronger over the years... I feel far stronger at this level than I did before." Yuuka says. Her hair has grown longer, back to the length of the day when Reimu and Marisa invaded the Dream Mansion.
> Yuuka takes a step forwards, and the grass grows around her feet.
> "I'm no longer playing with you, Yama. In a few moments, you'll be reduced... to a mist of atoms~" Yuuka says, before swinging her hand in a motion, and what looks like a massive load of intertwined sunflowers grows from the ground, and smashes down on the prison you created, shattring it and driving the tiles into the ground.
> These are not true sunflowers, Yuuka's power at this state is enough to effect the very atomic makeup, and hence, even the DNA of the flowers. She can make the flowers harder than diamonds, sharper than knives, yet lighter than they normally are... or as heavy as an elephant.
-
>Let out a whistle, and pull the kid away so boss can get to work.
>"You may want to break my will, but that won't happen. Working under boss has shown that I can't be a coward anymore. When I first made the deal, I was a scared little girl who couldn't handle dying. When I ran from being a reaper, I was a coward still, even then. But now...Now I've found my reason, I'm the Stone Wall of The Dream World, I keep the dreams and nightmares in, and people out. That, is my reason. Boss Yuuka helped me overcome my cowardice. I don't care if it's a sin, I'm not just doing this for myself anymore!"
-
>Let out a whistle, and pull the kid away so boss can get to work.
>"You may want to break my will, but that won't happen. Working under boss has shown that I can't be a coward anymore. When I first made the deal, I was a scared little girl who couldn't handle dying. When I ran from being a reaper, I was a coward still, even then. But now...Now I've found my reason, I'm the Stone Wall of The Dream World, I keep the dreams and nightmares in, and people out. That, is my reason. Boss Yuuka helped me overcome my cowardice. I don't care if it's a sin, I'm not just doing this for myself anymore!"
> "My my, so confident that I escaped. Aren't you?" the Yamaxandu says, appearing in front of her Judgement Stand. "Regardless, to break your will, I simply have to defeat Yuuka Kanzami. She is what is holding you up. She is who you are hiding behind."
> Yuuka appears behind Eiki, and slashes the afterimage Eiki leaves as she dodges, ripping it apart. Yuuka's hand touches the ground, and more sunflower groups, like the one that crushed your tiles, sprout within seconds, and fly towards Eiki's new location.
> "Harder than Daimonds... huh?" she says calmly, before her white and black danmaku rips through the plants. "Well... I can tell you were not lying, but I'm dissapointed by the hardness of diamonds."
> "Something is wrong." Yuuka says. "There's no way she could have escaped your prison without busting out, yet, she appears by that Stand. I'm sure I felt the flowers hit her too."
-
Well, how do we take her down guys?
Since boss can mess with plants, a possible option is for her to break the limits on Malus. Though I don't know what sort of repercussions that would have on the kid.
Alternately, have her return Malus to the kid, so we get an Improved Partner.
-
>"You don't think she's just teleporting?"
-
>"You don't think she's just teleporting?"
> "No. I felt those flowers connect. Unless something tricked them, in which case something's up anyway. She may have teleported, but not before she got hit." Yuuka says.
-
>"You're saying something's protecting her, then?"
-
>"You're saying something's protecting her, then?"
> "Yes. I also began to suspect it when I saw the way the energy spike formed after my Double Spark, yet Eiki's post afterwards. She did not block that with her hands, or else the energy going upwards would have met at a lower point." Yuuka says "Do you find it strange that your scythe failed to harm her at all on a direct hit when she was restrained?"
-
>"Yeah, but who knows what's normal with a Yama?"
>"Okay, we've gotta destroy her protection. Any clues as to what and where it is? Or do we just start breaking everything in sight?"
-
>Did it feel like she might have been using an adaptation of Komachi's Distance Control to protect herself?
-
Too bad we're no Nazrin. But what could it be...
Maybe it's something with her Judgement Stand?
-
>"Yeah, but who knows what's normal with a Yama?"
>"Okay, we've gotta destroy her protection. Any clues as to what and where it is? Or do we just start breaking everything in sight?"
> "Yamas. I presume Shinigami would too, but evidently ex-Shinigami don't know." Yuuka says.
> "The latter option is ALWAYS viable Elly."
>Did it feel like she might have been using an adaptation of Komachi's Distance Control to protect herself?
> You would know if Komachi was involved.
Too bad we're no Nazrin. But what could it be...
Maybe it's something with her Judgement Stand?
> You figure it is reasonable that the Judgement Stand has something to do with it, seeing as she appeared there.
> The stand itself is surrounded by fourteen stones. Seven white with carvings on them, and seven black with carvings on them. The white stones and black stones face each other, on opposite sides of the stand.
-
>Grin. "I got it! Keep the heat off me while I try something!"
>Let's make for the white stones!
-
>Grin. "I got it! Keep the heat off me while I try something!"
>Let's make for the white stones!
> Eiki is pretty much ignoring you at this point.
> You head for the white stones. Unfortunately, you don't know what they say, as they are written in language of the Yama. However, getting close to them makes two of them glow light blue.
> Meanwhile, one of the black stones, not aligned with the glowing white stones, starts to glow red.
> Specifically, the white stones are the ones furthest and in the center, and the black stone is the one 3rd furthest away.
> However, a fifteenth stone rises from behind the Yama's Stand. This one is also black, but deeper. It is glowing too, but is icy blue.
[Advance Warning: I am taking part in the Grand Hakurei Balls of Fortune thread. There is a realistic chance of me being put on probation for a day as the penalty for running out of coins from Saturday Night [8:00pm GMT] onwards. Do not panic if I suddenly become a Chen-in-a-box, it's nothing serious, but likewise, no updates that day.]
-
Well, seems I had the right idea. Looks like she's a Puzzle Boss.
Anyone got any ideas as to how we should solve this?
As for the hakurei balls thing, that's why I didn't join in.
I like a gambling-type game every now and again, but the little penalty for going bankrupt put me off completely.
-
Well, seems I had the right idea. Looks like she's a Puzzle Boss.
Anyone got any ideas as to how we should solve this?
As for the hakurei balls thing, that's why I didn't join in.
I like a gambling-type game every now and again, but the little penalty for going bankrupt put me off completely.
In all honesty a day break from posting to give my brain a chance to plot is arguably good.
-
>Throw Malus at one of the glowing black stones, then call it back and throw it at one of the non-glowing ones. Be on guard for any attacks, from them or from Shiki.
-
>Throw Malus at one of the glowing black stones, then call it back and throw it at one of the non-glowing ones. Be on guard for any attacks, from them or from Shiki.
> You throw Malus at the glowing black stone nearest you, but it just bounces off. The same applies to the non-glowing one.#
> "I'll try something." the tree youkai says, stepping forwards, closer to the stones than you.
> Suddenly, the stones change. The closest, 3rd closest, and 2nd furthest white stones start glowing instead of the previous ones. Meanwhile, the center dark stone starts glowing, as well as the final dark stone. The center stone stops glowing icy blue.
> "Say Elly! I know what language that is, it's Latin!" Yuuka says as she flies past, fighting Eiki.
> Fat load of good that does you. You don't know Latin, you only know Japanese.
-
>"Can you read it?"
>If she can't, ask the tree youkai. May not be likely, but it can't hurt to ask.
-
>"Can you read it?"
>If she can't, ask the tree youkai. May not be likely, but it can't hurt to ask.
> "Little busy here!" Yuuka says, as the Yama throws her away to the next hillside, only for Yuuka to hook her arm with her parasoul's handle and take her along for the flight.
> "... I can't read Latin... but I have an idea of what this could be. I mean, this is the Yama's Judgement Throne... so she judges people. The stone have Latin inscriptions. There are seven of each shade of stone, and another one which appeared and started glowing for you. I think... these stones... each one represents a Vice and Virtue. Although I'm not sure about the center stone, nor do I know what stone means what."
> "Chastity against Lust. Temperance against Gluttony. Charity against Greed. Diligence against Sloth. Patience against Wrath. Kindness against Envy. Humility against Pride." the tree youkai says.
-
>"Makes sense."
>Examine the center stone.
-
>"Makes sense."
>Examine the center stone.
> "... You have no clue do you..." the tree youkai says, sounding a little dissapointed.
> As you get closer to the stand than the tree youkai, the lights swap back to the orientation they had for you.
> The final stone, which is now glowing, has markings that look like:
> 'Proditio'
-
>"No, I think you're right. And if you are, then I'm pretty sure I know what this lone one here is. Aside from the seven vices you named, there is one other: betrayal."
>Examine the stand itself.
-
>"No, I think you're right. And if you are, then I'm pretty sure I know what this lone one here is. Aside from the seven vices you named, there is one other: betrayal."
>Examine the stand itself.
> "Would make sense. Betrayal is considered it's own Sin in some cases... and if it's only reacting to you, and your charge is betraying the Life Debt..."
> You examine the stand. It has a pink pillow on it for Eiki to sit on. With the picture of a rabbit on it. There is nothing besides it looking imposing to note.
> At this point, Yuuka flies past. For the brief moment that she is closer to the Stand than you are, every single white stone stops glowing, and ALL of the black stones glow vividly.
> "I'll ask again... what kind of monster is she?" the tree youkai says, sweatdropping.
-
>Chuckle weakly. "A real Youkai among Youkai, Sometimes I wonder if, instead of being a plant youkai like you, she's actually some kinda Nightmare Demon."
>Grin. "But she'd take that as a compliment."
-
>Chuckle weakly. "A real Youkai among Youkai, Sometimes I wonder if, instead of being a plant youkai like you, she's actually some kinda Nightmare Demon."
>Grin. "But she'd take that as a compliment."
> "Or maybe she's both? A flower nightmare demon youkai?"
> Yuuka flies back over the stones, and you see her glowing with a green aura, and open her parasoul.
> "I'll have to ask you two to hide again. Further back. However, I also have to ask you to keep your eyes open for anything strange." Yuuka says, as green energy collects at the tip of her parasoul. "After all, if she gets hit by this, and she comes out fine, something would have happened to protect her.
> You know this can only mean one attack is coming. An attack that Yuuka prides for reducing anything hit by it to simple atoms, that draws from her own immense energy; Energy Sign: Atomising Spark.
-
>"Uh, kid, we'd better run like hell. She's goin' all out with this one."
>Let's grab the kid and get to a good distance, but keep an eye on the fight, and have some tiles on hand to absorb any incoming shockwaves.
-
>"Uh, kid, we'd better run like hell. She's goin' all out with this one."
>Let's grab the kid and get to a good distance, but keep an eye on the fight, and have some tiles on hand to absorb any incoming shockwaves.
> You back off. As in, to the next hill off, and form another bunker, just as Yuuka fires a massive green lazer. All of the flowers just below the laser vaporize, and Eiki dosen't see to try and dodge.
> The white stones glow for a brief second, before Eiki appears on her stand.
-
>"..I got it. It is the stand, just like we thought! The white stones seem to be protecting her, which means if they're removed from the equation temporarily, she can be beaten!"
-
>"..I got it. It is the stand, just like we thought! The white stones seem to be protecting her, which means if they're removed from the equation temporarily, she can be beaten!"
> Eiki doesn't comment on this.
> "Ah, so she is being protected by something after all. Well. There are two ways to stop this. Overpower the protect or shut it down." Yuuka says.
> The question is, how do you turn off the white stones, and do the black stones have any role in this?
-
>Since the white stones are a virtue, and the black ones are vices...
>"Aha! Kid, gimme a hand in swapping 'em around! Put the vice where the connected virtue is, and vice-versa! Boss, keep her off us like usual."
>Let's get to it!
-
>Since the white stones are a virtue, and the black ones are vices...
>"Aha! Kid, gimme a hand in swapping 'em around! Put the vice where the connected virtue is, and vice-versa! Boss, keep her off us like usual."
>Let's get to it!
> The problem is each stone is massive. Like a pillar. They are clearly one stone, but they are large. You don't think you can move a stone that large.
-
>"Hmm...How to move them..."
>Let's see if we can rotate them where they are.
-
>If not, try pushing them with the kid's help.
-
>"Hmm...How to move them..."
>Let's see if we can rotate them where they are.
>If not, try pushing them with the kid's help.
> You try and push one of the stones to rotate them, the stone closest to you. It remains unmoving.
> When the tree youkai tries to move it, it turns, as if it's light as a feather.
> "Didn't that one glow for me?" she says.
-
>Raise an eyebrow, and step away enough so that she's closest.
-
>Raise an eyebrow, and step away enough so that she's closest.
> you step away, and, indeed the stone is still glowing.
> "I guess this stone represents one of my virtues..." she says.
-
>"Which one was this one again?"
-
(Sorry to be resident baka here, but I haven't the faintest clue what this "X Character Quest" thing is. Someone care to explain?)
-
Text Adventures, and that there's a question best suited to the questions thread in this forum section.
-
(Sorry to be resident baka here, but I haven't the faintest clue what this "X Character Quest" thing is. Someone care to explain?)
As elaboration:
'X Quest' takes a character, usually, seeing the nature of the forum, from the Touhou Universe [Although not always], and the players, which are open-ended, role play that character in whatever situation the GM cooks up... or they get themselves into. They can play the character however they want, and do whatever they want, to an extent.
-
>Go to one of the white stones that glowed for us and try to turn it. Then try to push it out of alignment.
-
>Go to one of the white stones that glowed for us and try to turn it. Then try to push it out of alignment.
> You walk over to the centre stone, and push it around, it works, and you are also able to shove it out of alignment, although this takes a bit of effort.
> As you do so, you hear in your head: 'Diligence'.
-
>Dilligence...Well, we did keep the Dream Door well-guarded since leaving the reaper biz.
>Let's go over to one of the other white stones that glowed for us, and do the same as before.
-
>Dilligence...Well, we did keep the Dream Door well-guarded since leaving the reaper biz.
>Let's go over to one of the other white stones that glowed for us, and do the same as before.
> The only other stone that glowed for you is the one furthest away from your initial position.
> When you move it, you hear in your head 'Humility'. Makes sense, seeing as despite being proud about being a gatekeeper, you don't brag about it, and you certainly don't go around telling everyone your scythe can shapeshift or anything like that.
> That said, besides Yuuka... and today, you've hardly had contact with anyone for years.
-
>"Hey, kid, move the others stones that glowed for you out of alignment."
>Move the red one that glowed for us next.
>That just leaves the betrayal stone, correct? Try to push it to the side.
-
>"Hey, kid, move the others stones that glowed for you out of alignment."
>Move the red one that glowed for us next.
>That just leaves the betrayal stone, correct? Try to push it to the side.
> The tree youkai moves the white stones that glowed for her.
> You try and move the black stone that glowed for you, however, it refuses to move. Instead, something goes through your head.
> You get images of you cutting down people with Malus. getting angry at Reimu and Marisa. All the while you hear 'Warth. Wrath. Wrath.'
> "Elly!" the tree youkai shouts, snapping you out of it in time to see black... figures, of the old Reimu and Marisa, which vanish into smoke.
-
>"Well, then. Doesn't look like we can move the red ones. Unless..."
>Try moving the Sloth stone, the one that was opposite Diligence. Then try moving one that isn't the opposite of one of our virtues.
-
>"Well, then. Doesn't look like we can move the red ones. Unless..."
>Try moving the Sloth stone, the one that was opposite Diligence. Then try moving one that isn't the opposite of one of our virtues.
> Nothing happens when you try and push the stone.
> Eiki appears above the stand again.
> "I'll save you time, seeing as you're re-arranging my stones without my permission. The arrangement has nothing to do with whatever has your boss riled up. The power of these stones can only be drawn on my two types of beings. Those with all seven virtues, or those with none of the vices. Unless someone here besides me fits those criteria, there is no way to interfere with the power."
> You guess this is likely the truth, seeing as it is Eiki speaking.
-
Well you guys, any ideas?
-
Malus. It has some capacity for thought, but I doubt it's done enough to exhibit any of the vices.
>Throw Malus at one of the white stones.
-
Malus. It has some capacity for thought, but I doubt it's done enough to exhibit any of the vices.
>Throw Malus at one of the white stones.
> You throw Malus at one of the white stones. It hits the stone and bounces off, and lies on the ground, closer to the Stand than you.
> None of the stones glow. Before Malus landed, they were glowing in accordance to you.
> The stand is glowing instead.
-
>Call Malus back and throw it at the stand.
-
>Call Malus back and throw it at the stand.
> You throw Malus at the stand, and... something happens.
> A surge of energy enters Malus, and it starts pulsateing white, then black.
> "Huh? No-one except a Yama should be free of vices, or have all the virtues. Only a Yama should be able to tap into that power." Eiki says, noticing the glowing scythe. "How could a weapon tap into it... weapons do not have souls, they are not alive to be judged in the first place..."
-
>Grin. "That's where you're wrong! When the tree that the wood that Malus was made of became a Youkai, it gained life as well!"
-
>Grin. "That's where you're wrong! When the tree that the wood that Malus was made of became a Youkai, it gained life as well!"
> "... I sense that you are telling the truth." Eiki says.
> Malus is still pulsating with energy.
-
>Let's try calling Malus back now then!
-
>Let's try calling Malus back now then!
> You call the scythe back. You feel a massive amount of energy passing through it. It seems like the scythe is happy, and is pulling towards Eiki, however, ready to fight.
-
>Grin. "I bet we can actually do some damage now, eh, Partner?"
Someone else wanna do the honors? :3
-
>Boomerang scythe attack!
-
>Boomerang scythe attack!
> You hurl Malus like a boomerang towards Eiki, who evades it on the way out. However, she forgets that your scythe is like a boomerang, and the scythe hits... some energy around her.
> There is a cracking sound, as the barrier around Eiki breaks. Eiki vanishes, and a figure appears in the middle of the battleground. Inbetween you and Yuuka.
> You can feel this figure is stronger than the Eiki before.
> "Well. Interesting. You managed to dis-spell my illusion by absorbing some of the Divine Power somehow with that scythe. I might have to be careful with the energy in your scythe. I didn't anticipate an animate scythe being free of virtue and vice, so being able to tap into the Yama's Divine powers..." Eiki muses.
> "The real fight begins now." she decrees.
> "Yes.... it does." Yuuka says. You turn to look at her, and instantly, fear courses through you.
> You have only seen Yuuka's green and white wings once. It means she has unleashed her full power. Last time you saw them was when she demonstrated her maximum power to you, to convince you she could protect you from the Yamas.
> You're not too sure of the exact limits of Yuuka's power when she's fighting fully serious, however, you know the destruction her hatred can cause when she channels it.
-
>Let out a whistle. "G-goin' full-tilt, eh Boss? I've busted open the path for you, so do what you can. Leave the kid to me, I'll keep 'er safe."
>Let's find the kid and get her to a safe distance. Preferably far behind Boss.
-
>Let out a whistle. "G-goin' full-tilt, eh Boss? I've busted open the path for you, so do what you can. Leave the kid to me, I'll keep 'er safe."
>Let's find the kid and get her to a safe distance. Preferably far behind Boss.
> "I would have rather not, there are a lot of flowers here, and they will never grow again... however, a few percentiles of my power are not enough to make her stop looking down on me."
> Yuuka watches you move away. She laughs.
> "You know that ain't anywhere near far enough" she says.
> Eiki moves to follow, but is suddenly rooted to the ground by a massive amount of plants that grow instantly. As you're moving further back, you see the mass of plants get torn apart, only for a swath of sunflower heads of fly around the area like a typhoon. You presume these are like diamond buzzsaws with Yuuka's control over the atomic makeup of plants,
-
>Far enough...Aha! "Boss, I know how to keep damage to a minimum! Hold her off until I bring back the solution!"
>Let's take the kid and find Komachi! Her distance powers can keep the flowers and such safe!
-
>Far enough...Aha! "Boss, I know how to keep damage to a minimum! Hold her off until I bring back the solution!"
>Let's take the kid and find Komachi! Her distance powers can keep the flowers and such safe!
> "This isn't an enemy I can take lightly." Yuuka admits.
> Komachi happens to be sitting on the next hill. You fly over there.
> "You can't go any further." she says, picking up her scythe ready. "Although I gotta say I'm shocked the flower youkai is stopping Eiki chasing you like a bloodhound."
-
>"Cool yer jets teach, I remembered that your power over distances will come in handy. You wanna make sure this whole place doesn't end up a smoking crater, right? Well, Boss is going full-out this time around. I've only ever seen those wings of hers once before, back when she proved she could keep the Yamas off my tail while I was still a coward back in the old days. So I'd make it so they have a set arena they can fight in, to minimize damage. Boss doesn't wanna wreck all the flowers around here, but she also feels she's gotta use her full power. And both of us know what'll happen if Higan gets blown sky-high. So minimizing the damage is the best thing folks like us can do."
-
>"Cool yer jets teach, I remembered that your power over distances will come in handy. You wanna make sure this whole place doesn't end up a smoking crater, right? Well, Boss is going full-out this time around. I've only ever seen those wings of hers once before, back when she proved she could keep the Yamas off my tail while I was still a coward back in the old days. So I'd make it so they have a set arena they can fight in, to minimize damage. Boss doesn't wanna wreck all the flowers around here, but she also feels she's gotta use her full power. And both of us know what'll happen if Higan gets blown sky-high. So minimizing the damage is the best thing folks like us can do."
> "Manipulation of distance doesn't stop things existing. A blast as a blast, it'll cover the distance regardless, about all I can do is manipulate distance so people can get out of range in time."
-
>"Do whatever you can, then. This ain't gonna be pretty."
-
>"Do whatever you can, then. This ain't gonna be pretty."
> "It already ain't pretty, but why should I help you?"
-
>"Ain't for me, s'for the kid here. When push comes to shove, I want you to get her somewhere safe while I stay behind. As an Ex-Reaper, and the current Gatekeeper of the Dream World, I gotta stick around regardless of who wins, so I can confirm it."
-
>"Ain't for me, s'for the kid here. When push comes to shove, I want you to get her somewhere safe while I stay behind. As an Ex-Reaper, and the current Gatekeeper of the Dream World, I gotta stick around regardless of who wins, so I can confirm it."
> "... Good answer." Komachi says, before her and the tree youkai vanish, you guess Komachi having taken them much further away.
> The storm of sumflower... flowers flying around gets ripped through by a blast of black and white energy, which throws Yuuka back a bit, Eiki then holds her Rod of Remorse, which is glowing.
> "Yuuka Kanzami, feel the weight of all of your sins!" she declares, before swinging the rod. You hear a sickening thud as it makes contact, and Yuuka is sent flying into the side of the hill you are on.
-
>We know how that rod works, right?
>Attempt to shoot lightning bolts with Malus.
Sounds ridiculous, but it is worth a shot.
>Set up the ceramic bunker. Don't use more than 300 tiles for now.
-
>We know how that rod works, right?
>Attempt to shoot lightning bolts with Malus.
Sounds ridiculous, but it is worth a shot.
>Set up the ceramic bunker. Don't use more than 300 tiles for now.
> The rod is heavier based on how sinful the person is. It'll feel like a light tap to the righteous, however, one such as Yuuka, you can't even fathom the weight it was.
> You attempt to shoot lighting with Malus. It doesn't work, although it's worth noting the scythe is still glowing.
> You set up a tile bunker around yourself, and see Eiki through the gap fly casually towards you.
> "Now that I have defeated Yuuka, will you accept your fate?" she asks.
-
>"Do you really think you've defeated her so easily?"
>Take a swing at her with Malus.
-
>"Do you really think you've defeated her so easily?"
>Take a swing at her with Malus.
> "Do you really think she could stand up to something that powerful?" Eiki says.
> You would swing Malus, but there's a wall of tiles between you and her, with only a post-box sized slit.
> You feel a tremendous aura. While you are not in tune with the martial arts, you can only call it a 'ki', killing intent...
> Eiki turns around, as Yuuka rises from the base of the hill. One of her wings are buckled, and her left arm mangled horribly, along with it looking like her left side is dented, oozeing... sap.
> "I must admit, that's the hardest... anyone's ever hit me." Yuuka says, before she starts to glow with a black aura. "Now it's my turn."
-
>Wince, and let out a slight tch/hiss sound. "Ooh..Really shouldn't done that y'know. Now you really got her mad, and now even I don't know what she can do at this point. And I'm one of the rare few folks who know her pretty closely."
>Time to pile on more tiles! Since they're inanimate, they have no sin. And thus, she can't break them with her rod.
-
>Wince, and let out a slight tch/hiss sound. "Ooh..Really shouldn't done that y'know. Now you really got her mad, and now even I don't know what she can do at this point. And I'm one of the rare few folks who know her pretty closely."
>Time to pile on more tiles! Since they're inanimate, they have no sin. And thus, she can't break them with her rod.
> Eiki turns around to face Yuuka. "Such malice. Such spite. Yet, look at my position. If you turned your power upon me now, you would blow away your gatekeeper as well."
> You pile on more tiles. You guess her rod can't damage them, when they suddenly shatter, and you are thrown into the air. As you look down, you see it's Yuuka, the black aura growing stronger.
> You notice Yuuka isn't holding her parasoul, and puts out her palm, before a massive blast of black energy shoots out from it. Even from the distance she threw you in the air, you can feel the power... and pain. You are getting several cuts just by being in the proximity of this blast, and you can hardly keep your hat on with both hands.
> The beam isn't stopping at hills, it bores right through them, splitting them into two hills with it's power. The power of Yuuka's anger and hatred can twist the very landscape.
-
>Yeah, time to get the hell outta there. "Ohhhh man, this is crazy! I'm no coward anymore, but I still know when stuff's too risky for me. So this ain't cowardice, it's just plain bein' smart!"
-
>Yeah, time to get the hell outta there. "Ohhhh man, this is crazy! I'm no coward anymore, but I still know when stuff's too risky for me. So this ain't cowardice, it's just plain bein' smart!"
> You fly away from the beam... or try to. You're not going anywhere. It seems like the beam is attempting to pull in everything near it as well, but your efforts are keeping you getting closer too.
> The beam dies down. The ground where the beam swept is nothing but molten rock. Yuuka is on one knee, panting, and coughs up some sap.
> "D...damnit... that rod... really messed me up." she grunts, as she places her good hand on the hill.
> Eiki is standing where the beam was, unharmed, surrounded by a flickering black and white barrier. She is panting heavily.
-
>So even a Yama can get worn-out...This means our ability to regenerate quickly will some in handy, since it means we've got more stamina than most.
>"Sit back chief, You've already gotten pretty banged up for my sake. After all, If you die, I lose my job. So I'll take it from here. You've already set the seeds, so it's my job to make 'em grow!"
>Let's charge in with a flurry of slashes from all sorts of angles!
-
>So even a Yama can get worn-out...This means our ability to regenerate quickly will some in handy, since it means we've got more stamina than most.
>"Sit back chief, You've already gotten pretty banged up for my sake. After all, If you die, I lose my job. So I'll take it from here. You've already set the seeds, so it's my job to make 'em grow!"
>Let's charge in with a flurry of slashes from all sorts of angles!
> You fly down, between the Yama and Yuuka.
> "Very well..." Yuuka says.
> You charge in, unleashing a flurry of attacks from various angles and distances with Malus. Eiki's barrier glimmers every time your scythe comes close, until, suddenly, it shatters. Eiki's eyes open in shock, before she unleashes a tsunami of black and white bullets from behind her, and backs off behind the wave, and caries out:
> "Judgement: Guilty or Not Guilty"
> Upon doing this, purple wings of energy form from Eiki's back, and her Rod of Remorse starts to glow purple.
> "This is the full power of my Judgement." she says.
-
>"No judgements will be passed today!"
>Are there openings in this wall of bullets?
>Move somewhere that won't get Yuuka in the line of fire.
-
>Fall back a bit to make evasion easier, and while doing so, boomerang scythe attack Eiki.
-
>"Looks like this is the final showdown then. No matter who wins, no hard feelin's, yeah? I've got a more important job now more than ever. Someone's gonna have to watch the Dream Gate while Boss recovers from all this, so I can't lose here."
>Let's keep our distance, and fling a few tiles every so often to gauge the offensive and defensive power she's got now. And be on high alert for any attacks.
-
>"No judgements will be passed today!"
>Are there openings in this wall of bullets?
>Move somewhere that won't get Yuuka in the line of fire.
> "There will be a judgement, it question remains what the judgement is." Eiki says.
> Of course there are openings. There are always openings.
> You don't need to do that, she has her parasoul again, spread in front of her. It's Danmaku-proof.
>Fall back a bit to make evasion easier, and while doing so, boomerang scythe attack Eiki.
> You fall back a bit so you can evade better, while you hurl Malus at Eiki, who evades it.
>"Looks like this is the final showdown then. No matter who wins, no hard feelin's, yeah? I've got a more important job now more than ever. Someone's gonna have to watch the Dream Gate while Boss recovers from all this, so I can't lose here."
>Let's keep our distance, and fling a few tiles every so often to gauge the offensive and defensive power she's got now. And be on high alert for any attacks.
> "Your fate is already sealed." Eiki says.
> As you go through a gap in the wall of bullets, the Rod of Remorse glows brighter, and then, it seems to unleash a purple aura, of energy, in the same shape as itself, except larger. It resembles a sword.
> "Bar of Ten Kings; bring down Judgement upon the wicked." Eiki chants, before she flys towards you, ready to swing the giant energy blade. Yout tiles just get smashed by the energy she's giving off.
> Malus returns to you from you threw it. It's still glowing with whatever freaky Yama power is absorbed.
-
>Block her slash and retaliate!
-
>Block her slash and retaliate!
> You block her slash, but retaliation is impossible, a the force of the strike shoves you out of range, despite your block.
> Eiki unleashes a beam from her blade.
-
>"Funny thing that, Fate. If you've got the will to surpass it, you can rebel against fate itself. I used to be a coward, but working for the Boss changed that, I can't be the Guardian of The Dream Gate, and a coward. Those two are mutually exclusive! And seeing everyone else enjoying the lives they've chosen for themselves, even Boss...That makes me want to continue on the path I've chosen for myself even more! Because I'm one of the only people who actually cares about an old demon like her, and because of that, I'll keep fighting to retain my role as the Dream Gate's Guardian, even if my soul itself burns away! That is the extent of my loyalty to her, and now you'll feel it as a storm!"
>Let's try to do the same with Malus! Failing that, dodge like crazy!
-
>"Funny thing that, Fate. If you've got the will to surpass it, you can rebel against fate itself. I used to be a coward, but working for the Boss changed that, I can't be the Guardian of The Dream Gate, and a coward. Those two are mutually exclusive! And seeing everyone else enjoying the lives they've chosen for themselves, even Boss...That makes me want to continue on the path I've chosen for myself even more! Because I'm one of the only people who actually cares about an old demon like her, and because of that, I'll keep fighting to retain my role as the Dream Gate's Guardian, even if my soul itself burns away! That is the extent of my loyalty to her, and now you'll feel it as a storm!"
>Let's try to do the same with Malus! Failing that, dodge like crazy!
> Eiki remains quiet.
> You don't know how to do that, but you guess it's the same as normal, think about it.
> Malus shakes, as the black and white energy collects around the blade, suddenly, there is the sound of a sword being unsheathed, as Malus' blade extends to about three times it's normal length, with the black and white energy collecting as an extension around it, like an aura. It even keeps the usual shades in proportion, the divide between the black topside and sharp, white underside.
-
>Now, let's dodge the beam, and charge in at full speed!
>But, when she takes a swing at us, drop down and strike from below!
-
>Now, let's dodge the beam, and charge in at full speed!
>But, when she takes a swing at us, drop down and strike from below!
> You graze along the beam, because you want more points!
> Eiki swings the rod at you, and you dip under it, attempting to hit her from below. You get batted away by one of her laser-energy wings, however. It looks like the only way to get to her is head-on.
-
>As in through the beam?
>If so, test if Malus can resist the beam.
-
>"Heh...As straightforward and blunt as ever, eh? Looks like I'll have to take you head-on, which is fine by me!"
>Well, since the only way to beat her is to tackle her head-on, we'll have to fling the improved Malus at her, then charge in ourselves with tiles flying like that rapid-fire move Yuuka pulled, and catch Malus to deliver a slash as soon as it loops back to us!
-
>As in through the beam?
>If so, test if Malus can resist the beam.
> Eiki stopped the beam when she swung her Rod/Blade at you.
>"Heh...As straightforward and blunt as ever, eh? Looks like I'll have to take you head-on, which is fine by me!"
>Well, since the only way to beat her is to tackle her head-on, we'll have to fling the improved Malus at her, then charge in ourselves with tiles flying like that rapid-fire move Yuuka pulled, and catch Malus to deliver a slash as soon as it loops back to us!
> "Yes, you must face me head-on." Eiki says.
> You fling Malus towards Eiki, which she parries with the Rod of Remorse's aura-blade. You charge in yourself, flinging tiles everywhere, which Eiki smashes using the energy-wings and her blade, unable to counter-attack as she defends herself, allowing you to catch Malus and slash towards Eiki, who, as she raises her blade to block, Malus re-shapes around Eiki's blade
> Eiki backs off, and all the energy around her dies down. You see once the purple lights die down, that there is a small cut on Eiki's shoulder. Not large by any means, but it is still a wound.
-
>"Defense isn't the only thing I have to do as the Guardian, sometimes I have to attack too. It's the only way to keep the Nightmares in."
>Let's hang back, and watch for now, but set about 10 tiles to orbiting around us on different tracks.
-
>"Defense isn't the only thing I have to do as the Guardian, sometimes I have to attack too. It's the only way to keep the Nightmares in."
>Let's hang back, and watch for now, but set about 10 tiles to orbiting around us on different tracks.
> Eiki puts her finger to the cut, and looks at the blood.
> "Is it strange, that I see my blood as white? Us Yama can only see in Black and White. However, we do aknowledge, that there are mixtures of the two, shades of grey." she says, before flying away, somewhat slowly, before commenting; "I keep my word. Take your freedom."
-
>Heh...finally over... "It was a fun one, maybe someday we can have a spellcard duel for fun..."
>Let's will Malus to go back to the usual, and fly on over to Yuuka. "It's over, Boss. We can finally wrap this up."
>Grin a little. "It was kinda fun, I can see why the folks in Gensokyo start incidents of their own."
>Then laugh. "Boss, I think you're rubbing off on me, for better or worse. Ah whatever, let's find Teach and the kid and head back to Gensokyo so I can say my goodbyes to the folks who helped out. You'll be good as new once we get home I bet, what with home being your root world and all, and loaded to the brim with plants."
>Let's help Boss if she needs it, and get rolling.
-
>Heh...finally over... "It was a fun one, maybe someday we can have a spellcard duel for fun..."
>Let's will Malus to go back to the usual, and fly on over to Yuuka. "It's over, Boss. We can finally wrap this up."
>Grin a little. "It was kinda fun, I can see why the folks in Gensokyo start incidents of their own."
>Then laugh. "Boss, I think you're rubbing off on me, for better or worse. Ah whatever, let's find Teach and the kid and head back to Gensokyo so I can say my goodbyes to the folks who helped out. You'll be good as new once we get home I bet, what with home being your root world and all, and loaded to the brim with plants."
>Let's help Boss if she needs it, and get rolling.
> Eiki doesn't respond.
> Malus returns to normal, and you note there is no longer the energy around it either.
> You fly over to Yuuka. Is is lying on the ground, slumped, her hand connected to the ground, fused. She looks withered.
> You see a flash of black energy from the direction Eiki went. A massive explosion of swirling black energy.
-
>....Shit. "Boss, I already won. We're in the clear."
-
>....Shit. "Boss, I already won. We're in the clear."
> You comment on that. The withered Yuuka doesn't move, so you fly over to where there doesn't seem to be a battle anymore.
> You see a massive sunflower in the distance. Where the explosion was. You also see some strange colors in the center of the sunflower, although you can't make out what they are.
-
>...Well, this can't be good. We'd better get a closer look.
-
>...Well, this can't be good. We'd better get a closer look.
> You head over to the giant sunflower, which shrinks as you approach. By the time you get there, it's still giant for a sunflower, but it's only twice your size.
> You see Eiki, looking badly hurt, being held by the head by what appears be be Yuuka, or part of her, sticking out of the center of the sunflower.
> "Oh, I finished her off Elly. We win~" Yuuka says. "Don't worry, my old body was broken and battered so I just made myself a new body~"
-
>Sigh. "Yeah, um, about that. I already won. You were probably busy making that new body of yours when I did. I only had to draw blood, which I managed to pull off."
-
>Sigh. "Yeah, um, about that. I already won. You were probably busy making that new body of yours when I did. I only had to draw blood, which I managed to pull off."
> "Yes, you won. I didn't. Now I win too!" Yuuka says. "You don't think I could let her get away with forcing me to make myself a new body, do you?"
> Yuuka throws Eiki down to the ground. She doesn't move.
> "... Can you look away please? Thing about making a new body that spawns from this flower is that you emerge without any clothing on. I'd rather I magic up my clothing without anyone looking."
-
>Let's look away, but check make sure Eiki's alright.
-
>Let's look away, but check make sure Eiki's alright.
> You look away. Unfortunately, this is also looking away from Eiki. You hear Yuuka land on the ground, and some sparkly sounds of magic.
> "OK~" Yuuka says. You turn around and Yuuka is clothed, and holding Eiki under her shoulder.
> "I'm taking her home with me. Not every day I get my chance to have some fun with a Yama~" Yuuka says, indicating Eiki.
-
>Sigh. "I dunno if that's such a good idea though boss. I mean, she kinda has a job to do."
Well you guys, how do we defuse THIS?
-
>Sigh. "I dunno if that's such a good idea though boss. I mean, she kinda has a job to do."
Well you guys, how do we defuse THIS?
> "So do you. Doesn't stop her." Yuuka says,
-
>"Teach'll probably just mess with distance to keep us here if you try to bring Eiki with us."
-
>"Komachi'll probably just mess with distance to keep us here if you try to bring her with us."
> "I wouldn't bet on it. She's overworked, underpaid, and too weak to stop me." Yuuka says.
> Somehow you get the feeling Komachi is probably sleeping or something, or else she might have forcibly messed with the distance between Eiki and Yuuka to keep Eiki away.
> "Besides, it's not like I won't bring her back home afterwards." Yuuka says, pouting.
-
>Sigh. "Why do I get the feeling this is going to backfire on us spectacularly?"
-
>"You had to fight at full power, and you barely won even then. You bring her back, and we're likely to lose the entire dream world in the inevitable second round."
-
>Sigh. "Why do I get the feeling this is going to backfire on us spectacularly?"
> "Because if you somehow convince me to leave her here, someone's gonna have to make up for it~" Yuuka says.
>"You had to fight at full power, and you barely won even then. You bring her back, and we're likely to lose the entire dream world in the inevitable second round."
> "I only had to make a new body because I underestimated how heavy that rod is. Also, the Dream World is my domain. My home field, not hers like Higan." Yuuka says, taking the Rod of Remorse from Eiki and throwing it away.
-
>"I just... I just want this to be over. I don't want to see her, or Higan, or the shinigami, or any of it again. And if you kidnap Eiki, it'll never end. Everyone in Higan will be after you, and they won't stop coming. Maybe you could handle it, but I couldn't."
>"Please, boss. I normally don't ask for a lot, but I'm asking now. Please, just let this end here."
-
>"I just... I just want this to be over. I don't want to see her, or Higan, or the shinigami, or any of it again. And if you kidnap Eiki, it'll never end. Everyone in Higan will be after you, and they won't stop coming. Maybe you could handle it, but I couldn't."
>"Please, boss. I normally don't ask for a lot, but I'm asking now. Please, just let this end here."
> Yuuka thinks.
> "Then I'll follow you later! Oh wait I can't cross the Higan without you."
> She thinks again, then looks depressed, and drops Eiki.
> "Fine. But I'll drag you and that vampire of the lake into my room when we get back to make up for it... and that tree youkai. Where is she anyway?"
-
>"I told teach to get her somewhere safe while we fought Eiki. Besides, I don't want her to end up all banged up on my account. I'll take her share of it too if I gotta."
-
>"I told teach to get her somewhere safe while we fought Eiki. Besides, I don't want her to end up all banged up on my account. I'll take her share of it too if I gotta."
> "Well, let's look at it this way. She can't leave without your scythe paddling the boat. I can't leave either. Besides, I need some new blood to make up for the lack of new blood from the Yama."
[Note: The main storyline of Elly quest is done. However, there is the possibility for you to do an 'Extra Stage' if you want to. This is completely optional, and not directly related to the main storyline. As such, my GM'ing of what happens in it will be less forgiving than usual, and you can get a bad end in the 'Extra Stage' without completely screwing things up on purpose. If I choose to continue the Elly Quest storyline, the Extra Stage would be counted as non-canon. It's just for funsies.]
-
Well, what do you guys think? You wanna move on to the extra stage, or not?
-
I don't really care one way or the other. You can choose.
-
Do eet! We like a challenge. Right?
-
Personally, I'm okay with ending on as light a note as we can get. And ending here's as light as it's gonna get.
-
Well... we're tied at 1 do it, 1 not sure and 1 not.
~_~
How about some more information to help you make up your minds.
It involves Elly's Day Job, guarding the Dream Portal.
-
I was hoping for that, to be honest.
-
Well, as long as it isn't too serious, I guess so...
-
Well, that's 2 for it, 1 neutral now... so...
===
2 Days later
===
> Your holiday is now over, and you're back at the gate to the Dream Worlds. You still ache after Yuuka was through with you, but it's nowhere near as bad as yesterday.
> The tree youkai left for Gensokyo after the whole event, although she decided upon a name, once Yuuka told her her species of apple. Sievi [Pronounced See-vee], based upon the original species of apple tree that she is, 'Malus sieversii'.
> Kurumi wasn't happy about getting dragged into Yuuka's realm and tortured. She's been staying away to lick her wounds the last few days.
> You suddenly feel something weird from the portal behind you. Turning, you see it has shifted color. Usually, it is a green~gold, the main colors of the sunflower. Now, it is a pinky~blue combination... shifting between the two.
-
>Pink and blue...Don't we know about people who use those colors?
>Well, let's keep an eye on it, and see what comes through. If it's a hostile, then it's our job to repel it.
-
>Pink and blue...Don't we know about people who use those colors?
>Well, let's keep an eye on it, and see what comes through. If it's a hostile, then it's our job to repel it.
> No, you don't know about inhabitants of other Dream Realms. However, you have seen this portal before. As Reimu and Marisa apparently left Yuuka's realm, the portal turned this shade. Reimu and Marisa left not through Yuuka's realm, but whatever this one is.
> Yes, it's your job, and Yuuka can't back you up, her realm is sealed off from this one, unless she passes through whatever this one is.
> You recall that the portal reacts to whatever world wants passage the most, for whatever reason. Usually, it's Yuuka, because she doesn't care about intruders, employs you, and occasionally takes people through, and openly accepts challengers. However, she doesn't care about the portal being open to her realm much. Most of the time, other realms want to be left alone. The change in the portal means something has changed the mind of whoever is in this realm.
> For that matter, you and Yuuka still have no clue what happened when Reimu and Marisa got dragged into this realm... or why the inhabitants dragged them into it.
-
>Well, wonder who's on the other side? "Oi, what's all this then?"
-
>Be on guard. Something may well come through.
>Has Malus returned to normal after being energized with... whatever that was back in Higan?
-
>Well, wonder who's on the other side? "Oi, what's all this then?"
> There is no response.
>Be on guard. Something may well come through.
>Has Malus returned to normal after being energized with... whatever that was back in Higan?
> Oh yeah, you're not gonna let yourself be anything but on guard.
> Yes, it has returned to normal. It turned to normal after you willed the scythe to return to normal.
-
>"Hey Malus, what do you think's on the other side of the portal?"
>Would we be able to poke our head through? Or would we have to go through completely?
-
>"Hey Malus, what do you think's on the other side of the portal?"
>Would we be able to poke our head through? Or would we have to go through completely?
> The scythe stays still. You guess this means it has no clue. Scythes struggle to shrug, after all.
> You are pretty sure there is no danger to putting your head through, after all, something has to go through first, and you've seen Yuuka do it when she wants to talk to you. Well, there MIGHT be danger, but not from the portal itself.
-
>Well, nothing for it then. Let's hold our breath, cross our fingers, and poke our head into the portal to get a look-see.
>But be on even higher alert than usual, so we can pull back through at a moment's notice.
-
>Well, nothing for it then. Let's hold our breath, cross our fingers, and poke our head into the portal to get a look-see.
> You poke your head through the portal.
> You see a... strange world. It appears to be largely red, with what seems to be stars mixed in the red. There are jet-black islands, as if they are made of onyx. There is a creepy moon, purple, which is clearly in a crescent phase, yet, the phase looks impossible, almost like someone took a small bite out of the upper left of the moon.
-
>"..The hell?"
-
>"..The hell?"
> There is no response.
> The world feels... eerie, yet strangely beautiful at the same time. It feels wrong... but also right, calling you in, yet pushing you out.
-
>"...Freaky. Maybe I oughta consult boss on this. She'd know more about other dreamworlds."
-
>"...Freaky. Maybe I oughta consult boss on this. She'd know more about other dreamworlds."
> Malus smacks you over the head with it's pommel.
> This reminds you that you can't speak to Yuuka while this portal is open... unless you go through this world and find wherever the portal to Yuuka's world is, which could be hard, seeing as this is a whole dimension.
-
>Sigh. "Nothing for it then, huh? Guess we'd better get this overwith, eh Malus?"
>Well, can't catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger's den. We may as well head in fully, and hope we can find our way back to Boss.
-
>Sigh. "Nothing for it then, huh? Guess we'd better get this overwith, eh Malus?"
>Well, can't catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger's den. We may as well head in fully, and hope we can find our way back to Boss.
> The scythe 'nods', as you decide to move into the strange world.
Theme for the Strange World (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp1bxC4YO8Y&feature=related)
> The floor, to the feel of your feet, really does feel like a gem, cold, yet smooth. You wonder if the 'islands' really are made of Onyx, or are just similar.
> You see some moving lights in the red, starry ground. It looks like moving stars... but not quite. There is black within the shimmers.
-
>Let's get a closer look at the floor then. "Hey Malus, y'really think this is Onyx? Wonder if the Kid would like some as a keepsake?"
-
>Let's get a closer look at the floor then. "Hey Malus, y'really think this is Onyx? Wonder if the Kid would like some as a keepsake?"
> Malus bends down and traps the floor a few times, rather hard. It doesn't leave a mark.
> It 'nods'.
> The strange glowing objects are getting closer.
-
>"Wonder how we're gonna get some to take back then? Well, we'll figure it out sometime."
>Well, let's go see what they are, but be ready to tilespam if they end up bein' hostile.
-
>"Wonder how we're gonna get some to take back then? Well, we'll figure it out sometime."
>Well, let's go see what they are, but be ready to tilespam if they end up bein' hostile.
> You look closer at the objects moving towards you. As they get closer, they almost look like the sun does during an eclipse, black orbs with a fiery corona around them. There are about six of them.
> They seem to be heading towards you, but haven't done anything else yet.
-
>Let's set a few tiles to orbiting around us, just in case. And keep an eye on them as they approach.
-
>Let's set a few tiles to orbiting around us, just in case. And keep an eye on them as they approach.
> You set a few tiles floating around you.
> The objects float around you, almost like orbiting like the tiles. They don't feel hot being near, despite their solar-appearance, but instead, feel slightly cold to be around.
-
>Let's triple the number of orbiting tiles, and fly upwards to see if the orbs track.
-
>Let's triple the number of orbiting tiles, and fly upwards to see if the orbs track.
> You increase the number of tiles around you, causing the objects to distance themselves a little, just a few inches, but it shows they are aware of what's going on.
> You fly upwards. You find doing so difficult, like there is air resistance, despite no air currents. The orbs follow you, a couple of seconds behind your movements.
> "....Whoooo..." you hear come from the orbs.
-
>"...Hey Malus, are my ears playing tricks on me, or are those things trying to talk to us?"
-
>"...Hey Malus, are my ears playing tricks on me, or are those things trying to talk to us?"
> Malus nods, and indicates to the orbs.
> "Are.... you...." the voice continues. It seems they are... struggling to communicate, like they are thinking a lot before every word, and being very deliberate with their pronunciation, almost like someone picking up a new language.
-
>"I'm the gatekeeper to the Dream Door. It was acting up, so I went in to investigate what was making it go on the fritz. Gotta say, only seen it do this once before, I guess this was on the other side of the portal that time too."
-
>"I'm the gatekeeper to the Dream Door. It was acting up, so I went in to investigate what was making it go on the fritz. Gotta say, only seen it do this once before, I guess this was on the other side of the portal that time too."
> "...We...do...not...understand...door. Sisters...control."
-
>Raise an eyebrow. "I keep an eye on it from the other side. See, my boss lives in a different Dreamworld, and it's bad news if she can't get in or out."
>"So, about those sisters you mentioned, I take it they're the head honchos here in this Dreamworld?"
-
>Raise an eyebrow. "I keep an eye on it from the other side. See, my boss lives in a different Dreamworld, and it's bad news if she can't get in or out."
>"So, about those sisters you mentioned, I take it they're the head honchos here in this Dreamworld?"
> "Other...worlds... different...Dream World? This...world...is...true...world. Not a dream." the orbs say. You guess since they are... presumably, native to this world, for them, that's true.
> "Sisters... of... moon. The Dreamy Moon... The Illusionary Moon..."
-
>Nod. "Mind showing me the way to 'em then? If anyone knows what's up, it's them."
>Fistpalm. "Ah, to you guys this is the real world, but to folks on the other side of the Dream Door, this world is a Dreamworld. Kinda funny how that works out, but yeah. There are other worlds on the other side of the door, I keep an eye on the Nexus Area where they all meet."
-
>Nod. "Mind showing me the way to 'em then? If anyone knows what's up, it's them."
>Fistpalm. "Ah, to you guys this is the real world, but to folks on the other side of the Dream Door, this world is a Dreamworld. Kinda funny how that works out, but yeah. There are other worlds on the other side of the door, I keep an eye on the Nexus Area where they all meet."
> "... Fly towards... the moon. They...will...find...you."
> "We...do not... understand."
-
>Sigh. "I don't expect you guys to understand right away, just chill out and think on it, you'll get it eventually. To put it simply, the Dream Door leads to another world where I live. It's from there that the Dream Door connects to other places."
>Nod. "Well, see you 'round, I got some folks to find! And thanks for the help."
>Let's stop with the orbiting tiles, and make for the moon!
-
>Sigh. "I don't expect you guys to understand right away, just chill out and think on it, you'll get it eventually. To put it simply, the Dream Door leads to another world where I live. It's from there that the Dream Door connects to other places."
>Nod. "Well, see you 'round, I got some folks to find! And thanks for the help."
>Let's stop with the orbiting tiles, and make for the moon!
> The orbs stay quiet, but stop orbiting you, instead, they fly away, as you stop the tiles.
> You start heading for the moon, and see some black orbs materialize in your way, crackling with a blue energy.
-
>Set a few tiles to orbit us.
>Then, slowly get closer while being on guard. If they turn out to be hostile, it's tile-smackin' time.
-
>Set a few tiles to orbit us.
>Then, slowly get closer while being on guard. If they turn out to be hostile, it's tile-smackin' time.
> You set up some revolving tiles.
> You approach the orbs, which suddenly start spewing white energy blasts, not unlike danmaku, at you, and moving erratically.
-
>Well, let's set up a few tiles as floating shields, then set a few in various positions around the area so we can bank shots off 'em!
-
>Well, let's set up a few tiles as floating shields, then set a few in various positions around the area so we can bank shots off 'em!
> You form tiles around yourself to deflect the shots. The shots are not strong enough to penetrate them, at least, in this sort of timeframe, maybe if you give long enough...
> One of the orbs charges towards you.
-
>Alright, we'll send a spinning tile at it!
-
>Alright, we'll send a spinning tile at it!
> You fling a tile at the orb that rushes towards you, putting a spin on it. When they collide, the orb erupts into a massive explosion, which pelts you with small bits of tile.
> It seems these things are volatile.
-
>Pick them off one by one, never shooting more than three tiles at once.
-
>"Volatile eh? This oughta be a good one then."
>Let's see about making a 200-tile thick floating bunker, and then set the remaining 300 to orbiting wildly, but never colliding with each other.
-
Won't that make them explode all at once?
-
That's what the bunker's for mate.
-
Yeah, but he did say we can lose, so I'm going to be extremely careful.
>Make that bunker, then pick them off with two-second intervals.
-
>"Volatile eh? This oughta be a good one then."
>Let's see about making a 200-tile thick floating bunker, and then set the remaining 300 to orbiting wildly, but never colliding with each other.
Yeah, but he did say we can lose, so I'm going to be extremely careful.
>Make that bunker, then pick them off with two-second intervals.
> You make a bunker of tiles, and then smash tiles into the orbs with intervals. You hear four explosions as your tiles hit, but the intervals allow one of the orbs to get through, and it explodes against your bunker.
> The first layer was blown away, and there are cracks in the second. There are only two layers.
> The orbs have all exploded.
-
>"Sheesh, those things pack a punch, eh Malus? Nothing compared to Boss and Eiki, but still pretty impressive."
>Let's fling the tiles away to summon a fresh field of 500 to set to orbiting us as we fly along our path to the moon.
-
>"Sheesh, those things pack a punch, eh Malus? Nothing compared to Boss and Eiki, but still pretty impressive."
>Let's fling the tiles away to summon a fresh field of 500 to set to orbiting us as we fly along our path to the moon.
> The scythe nods, as you replace your tiles, and set them to an orbit.
> You see a humanoid shadow dart in front of the moon for a second.
-
>Set the tiles to follow behind us in a wing-like formation.
>"Hmm...For a moment, I coulda sworn someone flew past the moon."
>Let's keep going towards that moon.
-
>Set the tiles to follow behind us in a wing-like formation.
>"Hmm...For a moment, I coulda sworn someone flew past the moon."
>Let's keep going towards that moon.
> "Hmm. Someone has keen eyes." a voice says. You can't pinpoint where it came from.
-
>Set the tiles into a minefield formation while chuckling a little. "And now an unseen voice too? Today's getting to be a real case of 'Through the Looking-glass' now, eh Malus?"
-
>Set the tiles into a minefield formation while chuckling a little. "And now an unseen voice too? Today's getting to be a real case of 'Through the Looking-glass' now, eh Malus?"
> It's kinda hard to put something that doesn't explode into a mine field formation, so you just spread them out randomly.
> "Hmm. Maybe she spent too long staring at the moon and went mad." the voice says.
> There is a distortion in the air for a few moments, before a figure materializes.
(http://safebooru.org//images/342/7c45a27ec8d59978fa1618e5aac4286262a46877.jpg?341518)
Mugetsu
Elder Moon Demon
-
>"Nope, just talking to my scythe. It's alive, you know. Made from a tree that later went youkai."
>"Also, hi."
-
>"Since you're different from the orbs and stuff from before, I take it that you're one of the folks in charge here?"
-
>"Nope, just talking to my scythe. It's alive, you know. Made from a tree that later went youkai."
>"Also, hi."
> "Really? Interesting."
> "Hello."
>"Since you're different from the orbs and stuff from before, I take it that you're one of the folks in charge here?"
> "I guess you could say that. At least, I am responsible for the opening of the portal. I am Mugetsu." the stranger says with a small bow. "I'll let you know that I am a Lunarian Demon, along with my sister. We got ousted from the moon years ago, however, so we made our own dimension."
> You've never heard of Lunarians, but you know what a demon is from Yuuka's encounters with several when she went to Makai. That said, you're smart enough to peice together that it probably has something to do with the moon, with the purple moon in the sky, and 'lunar'.
-
>Let's tip our hat a bit, gotta be polite. "Name's Elly, this here fine piece of work is Malus. I actually keep an eye on the portal from the other side. I guess you could call me a gatekeeper."
>Sigh. "The big problem though, is that there's only one portal, and I can't get in touch with Boss if the portal's connecting here instead of her world. And even though she's pretty strong, I still worry about her."
-
Continue in a new thread.