//We are Kirisa-a-a-ah~.>You slowly get up while rubbing your head as you tiredly shut the alarm clock off.
> "... Mrr..."
> Groan in pain.
> Start to lazily and slowly get up.
> "... Totally accurately... Plannedly."
> Rub our head and endure the pain as we look to turn the ringy thing off already.
> Relationships.
> View inventory>Inventory:
> "Sounds like a good time to get some mushrooms, ze.
> Where's our pet cryptid/snek, Tsuchinoko?>You keep him in a cage on top of a dresser in your r- Ah, it looks like he's escaped again.
>We got any plans for today or are we free?>You actually have a to-do list you wrote last night sitting on your nightstand.
> Take our time to wake up properly as we stretch. Well, not like that hit didn't do the work of wake us up...>You stretch and look around.
> Afterwards, examine ourselves. What are we wearing right now?
> Check usual chest growths.
> Examine surroundings of our room.
> What we did yesterday?
> Relationships.>Relationships:
> Alice's tsundere levels, too?>She is quite a tsundere...> Alice's drug dealer levels?
>Do we know of any jizo statues that manifested in the forest? For no reason at all.>You do not.
>Look down.>You look down.
> "There you are.">It hisses in content as you pet it.
> Pat its head gently.
> How it even escapes from the cage?>Sometimes it just because you forgot to lock it or left the door open, other times you're completely baffled at how it managed to get out. You do know it can control plants, but you don't have any in this room.
> Do we always keep it in the cage, or we release him at day?
>What exactly counts as "magic experiments"?>Usually inventing spellcards, trying to adapt or replicate another person's spells for your own use, creating potions, tinkering with the Mini Hakkero, miscellaneous magic things... stuff like that.
>What was Alice's doll supposed to do?>She called it "Goliath Doll Mk. II" it was a battle-ready doll that seems to be an attempt to make her dolls larger.
>Grab our stuff.>You grab your things from the nightstand.
> "Dad are you there? Whats for breakfast?"
>Have we ever considered giving our pet a name?>You have, but you've never gotten around to it.
>Speaking of our pet, put it back in it's cage.>You gently pick up the tsuchinoko and place him in his cage, making sure to lock it afterwards.
>And lock it too.
> Take a shower>You then decide to freshen up a bit before you go about your day. Leaving your room, you make your way to the bathroom.
> Consider what to have for breakfast. What do we have in the pantry?>Why you have food in your pantry, of course! And mushrooms, you have plenty of those. Not all of them are good for eating, though.
> What was the most recent incident, and what was our role in it?> That would be the incident where you, Reimu, Reisen, and Sanae had to go to the moon and stop an attack on the Lunar Capital to prevent the Lunarians from purifying Gensokyo, which was about a year ago.
> Interesting mushrooms lately?>Mostly common mushrooms, but you've seen a few of the rarer ones around. You bet that if you go to one of the spots you haven't been to in a while, you might find something new or extremely rare.
> Did we had any customers recently?
> After taking a bath look for some food in the house>You debate whether or not you want to take a shower as was the original plan, or switch to a longer bath instead...
> Do we have any clothes to wear in fhe wardrobe other than our trademark outfit?>Why yes, you have outfits you've worn during other incidents, including the one from the Undefined Fantastic Object Incident, which both Reimu and Alice have said looks ridiculous. Sanae didn't seem to mind it, though.
> Take a bath first.>You decide to take a bath instead. After filling the tub, you immerse yourself in the water for about 20-30 minutes.
> Afterwards head outside to the Forest of Magic.
>Eat breakfast before heading outside.>After you get dressed, you head on downstairs and fix yourself some breakfast.
>Pick up the newspaper and look at it.>You grab the newspaper.
> Look for some rare mushrooms.>You set off to search for some mushrooms. Tucking the newspaper under your arm
> Is there anyone we know in the forest of magic?
>Do we have a basket to carry mushrooms?>You have one at home. You did not bring it with you.
> Keep searching for mushrooms. Keep an eye out for the rare magical ones.>You continue searching, following your usual route. You're just seeing edible ones, as well as the occasional poisonous Fly Amanita, so far
> Does Rinnosuke have anything of interest?>He usually has something interesting in his store every time you go there.
> What does Alice want us to do?>You're honestly not sure if she'd want anything today. She will probably seek you out later if she does want something with you.
> Ponder if Alice could make versions more appropiate for our size of our past clothes...>She probably could, considering she makes clothes for all her dolls, including the giant one you fought last night.
> Reimu's happiness levels when she gets donations? ... ... ... Well, if we ever witnessed such miracle.>You've never witnessed it happen, but you'd imagine she'd either be ecstatic, or she'd be in a very cheerful mood all day...
> Pick some of the edible ones. Keep searchng for the rare ones.>You grab some of the edible 'shrooms
> Does Aya have any job offerings for us in Bunbunmaru news? How high is the sallary?>She does not.
> Pay Alice a visit while picking for some shrooms.>You decide to drop by Alice's house, searching for mushrooms along the way. You don't see any of the more interesting kinds yet.
> Personal opinion of Aya.> You think she's a bit of a pervert (Thankfully, you prefer to wear bloomers, so you're less at risk to be attacked...) but otherwise you have a bit of a neutral opinion of her.
> Knock- nah.>You gladly waltz in as if you own the place.
> Enter! She surely won't mind if we outright get inside as we did many times before!
> "Alice its me Marisa! Anything interesting lateley?">You are met with silence, though you can hear noises coming from upstairs.
> Look at Shanghai doll. Pat hit on the head.>You don't see Shanghai anywhere, but Alice does have a few minor dolls doing some cleaning. They aren't semi-independent like Shanghai, though, and they're usually only devoted to one task until Alice gives them new orders.
"Can I have some tea please?
> Describe what the noises sound like.>it sounds like running water.
> Equip Mini Hakkero.
> Creep slowly upstairs.
> Alice you okay? Whats going on over there, ze? I have mushrooms."
> Continue to creep slowly.
> Don't say this. I actually have in mind a situation for the lulz.>You make your way down the hall carefully, eventually arriving right outside the door.
> Keep going upstairs slowly and carefully, our objective being the supposed bathroom. Be aware of our surroundings.
> Try to peer through the crack in the door.
> Listen carefully.
> Don't make any noise.>Silently, you peek through the crack in the door.
> Don't peek through the crack of the door if that will make whoever is inside able to see us. Instead, just try to hear.
> "Yare yare daze~...">You kick open the door and strike a totally awesome pose with your Hakkero while delivering your lines
> Okay, prepare ourselves... This is going to be absolutely awesome.
> Making sure Shanghai nor Hourai are behind the door, and that Alice isn't going to get caught by what's about to happen...
> Step back of the door a bit...
> ... and kick it open!
> "Move and I'll shoot!"
> Point our hakkero in an awesome fashion!
> "Or rather, shoot and I'll move!"
> Bow down in embarrassment "Oh my goodness Alice I`m soooooo sorry!">Don't say that; we just pulled off a sick prank and that would be a bit contradictory.
> "Do you want some mushrooms?"
> "Hi Alice. I came to deliver drugs in a tactical ops way."
> Show her the mushrooms.
> "Oh. Hi Alice.">Alice glares at you
> Look sheepish.
> "What are you doing here?"
> "Fine whatever" roll eyes.>You roll your eyes.
> See if Alice's dolls are around.
> Walk out of the bathroom before one of the dolls shanks us or something.>You leave, and you hear Alice uncover herself and hastily shut the door behind you.> Too late?
> "Hey, Shanghs!">The doll smiles and waves.
> Wave.
> "Good morning~"
> "What's up shang? Nothin' to see here just paying a friend a visit, ze." Wink at Shanghai with a smile.>She cocks her head to the side.
> "Hey Alice last night was pretty awesome right?">"Y-Yeah I guess..." you hear Alice through the door, "Could've gone better for my doll though... I was actually planning on coming over to your house later to work out the bugs, if you're up for it."
> "Can I borrow Shanghai for today? I know you`re the controlling her butt I could really use some help from my errands today.">"Um... I'm not sure... you know how special she is to me. I wouldn't want her to get hurt. Exactly what 'Errands' are you running anyway?"
> Do we actually say "Ze" very often?>You think....
> "Oh nothing just the usual: Looking for mushrooms, Paying Rin a visit, Pissing off Reimu. You know normal Marisa stuff.">"Rin?" Alice says, confused, "Isn't that that cat from the underground? Why are you visiting her...?"
> Go behind Shanghai.
> Grab Shanghai and play her like a puppet.
> Start mimicing a cute voice "Please Master I wanna hang out with Marisa she's so dreamy!"
> Shank her before she shanks us!
> Seriously though, watch that she (or anyone else) doesn't try to attack us as we play with the doll.
Also how do you know she doesn't like that.
> "Sooorry.">You let Shanghai go, and she floats near Alice.
> Leave her be.
> "And Kourin, I mean." (Assuming you are speaking of Rinnosuke, of course.)
> "I mean Rinnosuke Alice. C'mon please oh PUH-LEEEEAAASE? Just for a day I swear to my grave she'll be safe.">"Oh, alright... And I dunno... Can I really trust you to keep Shanghai out of harm's way?"
> Grab a mushroom out of the pocket "Care for a mushroom?">"Er... no thanks." Alice politely refuses.
> "Anyway Alice how did you make Shanghai? How long has she been around, ze?">"You've really forgotten?" Alice looks slightly annoyed, "Shanghai has been around for years, and she's my greatest creation. She is the closest to true independence out of all of my dolls, and also one of the few who don't have gunpowder stuffed inside them, remember?"
> Check inventory and quest list again, just to make sure one of the dolls didn't pickpocket us out of revenge or something.>Inventory:
> "Okay here's the deal Alice. If I you see even a little scratch on Shanghai I'll... I'll...">You scream internally. You can't believe you just said that.
> Blush slightly "I"ll let you go on a date with me! Just you and me Alice! You, me, you're house of adorable yet creepy house of dolls okay? You can do whatever you want with me if I come back and you see her damaged, is that okay?"
> Scream internally.
>Breathe sigh of relief.>She said no.
>"So does that mean I can borrow Shanghai?
>Breathe sigh of relief.
>"So does that mean I can borrow Shanghai?
>She said no.>You sigh.
>>"Marry me, though."
> "I see... Well, if she indeed went with me, I would make sure she's okay.">Shanghai enjoys the petting.
> Gently pet Shanghai.
> "But I guess it can't be helped if you or her don't want to."
> Be silent for a little bit.
> "There's something I note it's missing, though..."
>"Also whatever happened to you're Goliath doll? If you're not using it anymore can I have it for ya know, Magical experiments?"
> "Rather, that someone is missing...">Alice sighs, "She's probably off brooding somewhere... or trying to hang herself again..."
> Look around.
> "Where's Hourai?"
>"Also whatever happened to you're Goliath doll? If you're not using it anymore can I have it for ya know, Magical experiments?"
> Ask her first what happened to Goliath, but skip the rest. Let's hear her first.>"Well, I was planning on coming over with the mk 2 again later today, but I haven't had a chance to rebuild it yet or iron out the bugs."
> Has Hourai tried to hang herself before?>Yes, several times. In the past when you've expressed concern, Alice assured you that she cannot die in that manner, since, being a non-youkai doll, she doesn't need to breathe... You've also been told that Hourai tends to cut herself down when she gets tired of hanging.
> "Are you sure it's okay to just leave her... hanging like that? Okay, bad pun, but all the same, just leaving a possibly-suicidal doll to her own devices sounds unhealthy...">Alice sighs, "I know... I just hope she grows out of it eventually... At least she doesn't need to breathe..."
> "Also, bugs? Since when do dolls get bugs?">"It's a figure of speech, Marisa. I'm talking about the flaws that cause every Goliath doll I've made to explode violently."
> Scandalous! Everyone shall know Kirisame Marisa for helping the first doll who tries to suicide herself!>Yes, you've helped her on occasion. Notable times include helping her test spellcards and new dolls.
> Have we helped Alice before with her experiments? If so, of what kind?
> Did they ended with a 'BOOM!', certainly NOT because of us, yes?
"Yeah you can come later in my house Alice. I always wanted to see more explotions!">"It won't explode this time, I assure you!" Alice replies.
>Just for the sake of curiosity, Where is Alice's Grimmore?
> Do we have any idea why Hourai hangs herself?>You're pretty sure Alice told you once, a long time ago, but you can't seem to recall.
> If we do not, ask.
//... I probably had the most unusual idea you guys can think of, and it's related to Hourai. (Don't worry, as it's not something bad. Significant, but not bad, and I guess it can be somewhat original, but I do suppose people might disagree)>No, she usually keeps to herself when you do see her.
> Is Hourai hostile by any means? Recall how she normally is.
> "You don't want Shanghai to end up acting like her, I guess?"
> "Has Hourai herself ever said why she does that?">"She mentioned that hanging herself like that helps her feel more at ease or something like that... It's still distressing to see."
> "Can't she just take up a less morbid hobby, like writing or knitting or something?"> "At least she doesn't have a hat as a friend that helps her relax..."
>"Gee Hourai sure is, ya know edgy and wierd eh? If there is anything you want me to do to help her just say so!">"I'll keep that in mind."
//I'll just jump in the middle and try to understand what's going on without reading cause that will take too long
>What were we (yes, "we", because "I" is overrated) doing again?
>Not really doing anything; we woke up, took a shower, then went mushroom hunting. While we grabbed mushrooms, we decided to check in on Alice.//Meow pretty much explained the gist of it.
EDIT:
Also, we had a to-do list:
-Daily mushroom gathering
-Pay weekly visit to Patchouli
-Magic experiments
-Crash at Reimu's shrine for a bit (Maybe)
// Personally? I'm kinda interested in resolving the somewhat suicidal Hourai problem. You?>"Uh... No, I don't mind. Though you will have to find her first."
> "You mind if I try talking to her? Just to get Hourai's thoughts firsthand, suggest alternatives..."
//I do also want to resolve this matter, yes. And if possible, I do also want to improve our relation with Hourai.>Rather neutral. You don't interact with her as much as Alice and Shanghai.
> How's our relation with Hourai?
>"What do you think do we need to fix out Hourai's odd habit Alice. Is there any material and stuff out there that may come in useful?">"I guess anything that could be a healthier alternative to her behavior..."
> "Oke, then. Where she hangs around usually?">Alice frowns slightly. You should probably work on your phrasing...
> ... Woah. That was so unfitting.
>"Hmmn, Hey Alice I'll be stopping by Rinnosuke today. He has a lot of cool stuff and he might know Hourai's problem. Do you wanna come?">"Um, sure." Alice nods.
>What time is it?
>How far away is Rinnosuke to us?
> Mental check of where we have and haven't been in Alice's house.>You've been to most of the rooms in Alice's house, the only ones you haven't seen are a few of the closets and the other spare room.
> "Ok, I'll have a look for her.">You begin
> Start looking through the various closets and spare rooms for a doll that's brooding or has a rope around her neck.
>Go up the Attic to see if Hourai is there.>You then make your way to Alice's attic, and soon enough you find a lone doll in a red outfit hanging from a rafter by a rope around her neck.
>Is Hourai hostile if someone interups her doing her thing?
>Creep slowly and gently as to not scare her.>You slowly approach the doll.
>Be ready in case Hourai does something.
>"Hi Hourai! How`s it hangin`ze?"
> Examine surroundings.>You are in a dusty attic. Various boxes of Alice's extra belongings are stacked along the walls.
> Examine Hourai.>Hourai resembles Shanghai, but has a dark red dress as opposed to a blue one, She is currently hanging limply from a rafter by a rope tied around her neck, and is carrying a cleaver in one of her hands. Her back is toward you.
> Did Alice and Shanghai followed us?>No.
> "... Hourai. Hey."
> If Hourai is facing other way than it isn't us, then walk to face her. Be careful of any loose objects.
> Sigh.>She mumbles something. You're not sure if it's intentional or if the rope is making it difficult to talk.
> "What is this all about?"
> "You will have to forgive me, but-"
> Untie the rope. Do it regardless of any objections.
> Prepare for any cleaver-related interruptions. Just in case.>You mentally prepare as you reach for the rope.
> "Silly Hourai. You can't kill people if you're killing yourself at the same time!"
> Take away the cleaver and equip it.
> "Let me show you how to kill people."
> Kill Alice and Shanghai.
>"I`m sorry Hourai but this is for your own good.">You threaten the doll.
>Equip Mini Hakkero.
"Let me cut off the rope or else..."
> Would it be possible to disarm Hourai somehow as she swung the cleaver (catching the weapon or deflecting it, for instance?>Maybe...
> "You know, I am sure Alice wouldn't mind if it's for this."> "Is she?" Hourai looks skeptical, "I mean, she really has nothing to worry about. It's not like I can actually die by hanging..."
> Frown.
> "She's worried too, ya' know? For you, I mean."
> "Well, to do something like that, even if you know you aren't going to get anything from it, it must have a reason. And I unless I am outdated, I think the reasons to do something like that aren't exactly nice..">"Well my reasons for doing it are none of your business, now go away."
> Do we know any instances where Hourai acted hostile towards anyone that tried to address her?> You don't know. You normally don't interact with Hourai much.
> "We just wanted to talk to you... Your habit has proven worrisome to Alice, and she's worried for some time...
"Look I wont do anything to you unless you start acting stupid okay? Now please Hourai cpme down so you and Alice can have a little chat.">"Alice and I have talked about it before, and she knows very well that what I do helps me feel more... at ease..."
Examine hand that Hourai swiped with her cleaver. Is there a wound that may need patching up?
"Yes I know that but your master is worried about you. Please Hourai just come down and we'll have a short talk. But first throw that cleaver of yours away you'll cut off someones head with that thing!">"Says the one who carries around the much more dangerous giant laser shooter." Hourai frowns.
"Happy now? Maybe you'll talk to us once I laid down my weapon, right?"
> "Then, if you excuse me...">Hourai rolls her eyes and raises her cleaver, before she slices through the rope.
> Leave our hakkero on the ground, and then look back at her again.
> "There."
>"Thanks. That was very... CLEAVER of you.">Definitely don't say that. We can make puns later.
>Definitely don't say that. We can make puns later.
Remember to put the silly jokesLol forgot about that sorryin strike-throughs like thisso the parser doesn't take them too seriously.
>Stare at cleaver darkly.>You examine. It's a fancy cleaver, like those used by some of Alice's combat dolls.
>Examine cleaver.
>Nice cleaver ya got there! Did you make it yourself?"
> Don't say that either.>You hold your tongue
> "Can you come down with me to Alice now?">"Give me a minute..." she descends down to the scarf on the floor, before untying the rope. You notice rope markings on her neck, which she quickly conceals with the scarf.
>"Thanks. That was very... CLEAVER of you."
>"Thanks! Now lets go meet your master."
>Climb down the attic with Hourai.
> Don't leave our hakkero.>You leave that attic with Hourai slowly following you, remembering to retrieve your Hakkero before you go.
> How big/small is Hourai in comparison to us or Alice?>She's the same size as Shanghai, about a foot tall, maybe an inch or two more.
>"Hey, Alice, I found Hourai! Now we can try to figure out what to do."
>Find Alice.
>Find Alice first, before saying that.>You navigate the house, soon locating Alice in the front room, sewing a doll together.
//I've been thinking... What do you guys think about taking Hourai to live with us for some time? I'd like to isolate her from living with Alice and Shanghai for a bit and see if that changes something in Hourai's behavior. Also to see if we can improve our relation with her, and who knows? Maybe she will tell us why is hanging around so oftenly.> You are unsure. You don't think they do, considering they're the closest dolls Alice has to independence.
> Do Hourai and Shanghai need some kind of energy to maintain themselves active?
>"Hey Alice I found Hourai!
> Look at Hourai. How she's reacting?>Hourai seems uninterested in what Alice is doing, though you do notice her glance at Shanghai briefly.
> Look back at Alice. What kind of doll she's sewing, if different?
>"Hey Alice I found Hourai! Er, what are you making? Is it a new doll?"
> She's already aware of that. Therefore, no need to repeat it. The rest is okay.>"No, I'm just repairing a few of my combat dolls to pass the time." Alice replies.
> "Did you fought someone recently or what?"> "The last person I battled with was with you last night. These dolls were from a previous battle."
> What is Shanghai doing?
>What did we do to Alice last night other than her experiment?>Nothing. The battle Alice is describing is referring to said experiment.
>"What happened that other time?">"Ah, you know, usual things. Was flying, some fairies attacked me. Some dolls received minor damage."
> What have happened recently with Reimu.>Not much. Reimu is in her between incident "boredom phase" as you would describe it. And she still hasn't been receiving any donations, as usual...
> Recall events of previous battle.
>Both.>With Alice, which occurred last night, she mostly sat back and commanded her Goliath Doll Mk. II it was pretty strong, capable of shrugging off a Master Spark to the face. However, it did eventually explode mid-battle for no reason.
> Bah. Screw that red-white. We'll kick her ass later... For sure! AND we will win!>You resolve to get back at Reimu. Someday...
> Did we brought our broom?>You blanch a bit. You totally forgot it at home! Good thing you don't need to fly anywhere any time soon, right?
> Where are the mushrooms?>In your pockets.
> "Was that ice fairy on their group? Or maybe her friend?"> Alice shakes her head.
> Actually, recall any 'recent' battle we had that doesn't involve Alice nor Reimu.>The most recent "battle" you've had that wasn't a common fairy encounter would be when Patchouli tried to stop you from borrowing her books last week. Though you were making your getaway at the time and she was having one of her "bad days"...
> Particularly, recall the last battle we had with Cirno.
> Definition of Patchouli's 'bad days'... I-It can't be THOSE days, right...?> The days where her ill health gets the better of her and she has an asthma attack 30 seconds into the battle.
> Did we visited the SDM after that even?>Nope. But you are due for your weekly visit.
> WHAT?! Cirno not wanting to fight us in months?! What kind of sorcery is this?!> You wonder why she hasn't approached you in so long... S-She couldn't have found someone stronger than you to challenge, could she?
> Reassess munney.>You have ?1500
> "Annoying.">You flop on the nearest couch. Hourai hovers in a corner, leaning against the wall.
> Drop next to Alice on the couch she's sitting on. If she isn't sitting on such, or if it isn't any space for us to sit on, then drop on the nearest couch.
> How interested have we been/are we to learn other kinds of magics?>Please elaborate.
>Turn to Alice.>"It's not that hard once you get the hang of it. And, sure, I could teach you later if that's what you want. Though be warned, you will have to sit a while and pay attention..."
>"Say Alice how did you turn your dolls into ya know magical moving ones? Could you teach me how to be as good in foll magic as you?"
>Roll eyes>Alice frowns. "My dolls don't explode all the time, you know..."
>"Aww, well that sucks. I just wanna see things explode!
> Where's Hourai?>in the corner of the wall opposite of you, leaning against it while hovering in midair.
> "I always wondered 'bout that... Why you do that? I mean, I know it's to surprise enemies... but for what else? That's a strategy that can get old too quickly, ya' know."
> "Then there's the problem of using up your own troops early...">"I could go into full detail of how the magic that keeps them automated interacts with the gunpowder, but that will take a long time to explain and will probably bore you to death..." Alice explains.
>How do you make them explode? Did you convert them to Islam?
>Whoops that was inappropriate!
>"Ha, Nice one Hourai!
>"Oh right almost forgot. Alice I think you should yalk to Hourai about her odd habits."
>Alice already knows that Hourai hangs herself and she knows that it's a problem. We don't need to tell her about them.
> "Well, we should talk about solutions...">"Solutions?" Hourai frowns.
> "Something else you can do to help you relax. Reading or knitting, for instance.">> "Probavly no hats, though. Koishi dropped by earlier to let us know what she thought about that sort of thing..."
>"Come to think of it you sure are one talkative doll.">"The process I used to attempt to give Hourai independence, despite the many unfortunate shortcuts it took, was able to give her speech. Shanghai isn't able to speak yet, since I'm going with a slower, less rushed approach for her."
>Turn to Alice.
>"How come only Hourai is the one capable of talking so much?"
>"No need to be too upset Hourai for today is the greatest day in Gensokyo, ⑨ day!"
>[Partying Intensifies]
> "Like I said, maybe we could look into trying something else, like writing or painting...">"That wouldn't be the same..." Hourai frowns.
> "See it this way. We don't want to take away what makes you feel at ease. We want for you to find something that makes you feel at ease that doesn't involve anything wrong, such as hurting you, hurting other, that kind of things.">She rolls her eyes.
>"Oh I see I think because of you giving Hourai the ability to speak and have a personality the side effect was her morbid habit. Say Alice how about you take away Hourai's ability to speak.>"Excuse me!?!" Hourai looks offended.
> Look at Hourai.
>"I'm sorry its probably for your own good Hourai."
> "Have you tried writing or knitting before? You can't really know until you try...">Hourai refuses to respond and is giving you a look.
//... Uuuh...>"What's that supposed to mean?" Hourai frowns.
> "Okay. Sorry, sorry!"
> Sigh in an apologetic-Marisa way.
> "Didn't meant to sound THAT harsh... But let me ask a question to you, Hourai. SInce how long you have been like this?"
//I think I got something>"Well, Hourai was just a normal doll until several years ago, where I used her as the prototype for Shanghai. She was a test of one method of giving dolls independence, which didn't really work out as I planned it to." Alice glances at Hourai, "She's nearly finished anyway, the only thing I could give her is the one thing I'm struggling to obtain with Shanghai..."
> "Also, Alice, when did you stop working on Hourai and why did you?"
>"So you said you took some shortcuts eh Alice. Define what exactly those shortcuts are, ze. Does involve necromancy or some creapy stuff that I should tell Reimu about?">Alice hesitates for a moment before speaking, "I-I used my Grimoire. It had a spell for bringing things to life. I thought it would've been simpler than the more complicated methods, though I know better now..."
>"Hey Hourai since you don't want to talk to Alice about you're habit that much how about I take you to a good friend. He's names Rinosuke and he has the ability to know about a things quirks and abilities maybe he'll give you some advice regarding you're habit.">Hourai looks between you and Alice and sighs, "As much as I don't want to, I'd rather not be in this house right now. So why not?"
>"Oh really? Say Alice how about we go to Rinosuke today, maybe by letting Hourai go outside a bit she might cool down a bit and Rinosuke may offer some advice.">"Well I already agreed to come with you earlier. So I wouldn't mind that..." Alice replies.
>"Oh come on Hourai! I thought you wanna go outside. What, are you afraid Rinosuke will take you apart? He wont do that to you and besides Alice does that to you already right?"
>Stubborn doll. Think to yourself.
>"Say Alice about that spell you used on Hourai. Is it only restricted to inanimate objects or can it also raise the dead from the living? I mean a dead person is technically a 'thing' right?"
>Only say that part about Alice taking apart Hourai if Alice actually takes apart Hourai.>Hourai refrains from speaking, as if she's not comfortable with saying whatever she was going to say right now.
> Gotcha. The problem seems to be Alice-related. Hourai doesn't want to go as soon as Alice said she would accompany.>You have a eureka moment.
> Is Hourai looking at us or aside?
> How's Shanghai faring?
> "I'm also pretty sure that Reimu would yell at ya'. Or kick you. One of two. Or two of two.">"Yeah..."
> Subtly whisper to Alice, making sure that Hourai won't notice. If that isn't possible, then don't do this:>Alice subtly nods without Hourai noticing and seems to wait for your cue.
> "I will take a walk with Hourai. Say that you won't be able to follow. Trust me."
> Get back to our seat as if nothing happened.
>Please elaborate.
> Oh, right! Like how interested are we in learning Patchouli's elemental magic, or Alice's puppetering magic? What do we know so far of each of them?>You would be happy to "borrow" Patchouli's magic and adapt it to your own style. In fact, you've already done it before with your Non-Directional Laser. As for Alice, well... you feel like she'd throw a hissy fit if she found out you "stole" her magic...
> Is there any other 'witch' we might heard of?
> "Yosh!">"I already said I'm not--"
> Pat our thighs and stand up.
> " 'kay Hourai. Time to go."
>Wait we don't have a broom. Are there any magical brooms we could use?>You could try to borrow one from Alice, but it'll likely not be nearly as efficient as yours.
> How much time until Rinnosuke's from the house of Alice?>About 5-10 minutes by flight, 30 minutes on foot.
> "Huh? Ya' sure you don't want to come?"
> "Hey Alice, I will take one of your brooms for quick succession. Can I? Yes? Thank you."//I dont think you should ask permision from Alice. I mean we're Marisa right? We "Borrow" stuff not ask for permision.
> Proceed to do so.
>Close enough. Lets "borrow" one of those brooms if you know what I mean :).
//I'm debating if we should or not... Because like that, we could have time to talk with Hourai, but I guess that can be done at other moment, like after visiting Kourin.>"I-- Uh... Wait--" Alice tries to object as you swipe one from a nearby closet.
> "Hey Alice, I will take one of your brooms for quick succession. Can I? Yes? Thank you."
> Proceed to do so.
> Do we know what 'efficiency' applies to?>You likely won't be able to fly nearly as fast or handle as well on that broom than your own.
> "See ya', then. Don't worry about her. Hourai will be safe with me."
> Wave and exit the house.
>"Alright Hourai lets go to Kourin and see whats off with ya!"
>Activate the broom and fly. Hang on tight in case the broom stutters out of control.
>Don't say the part about "seeing what's off with ya"; it's rude.>"Whatever." Hourai replies.
>"Man this broom sucks. Maybe after my time with Hourai I'll swing back to my house for my real broom later.">Hourai catches up and takes a seat at the front of the broom, looking away from you.
>How far away is Hourai from us?
>"Hey Hourai I was wondering, Alice said you were a prototype for Shanghai to make a truly independent doll. Since you aren't fully indipendent what are the things you can and can't do? Come to think of it since you aren't fully independent does that mean Alice is somehow controling you but not really or something? It's really confusing you know l."
> Does it seem that it would be FAR more better to just walk? In terms of speed, too.>You're still moving faster than walking speed, at least...
> "Why's that? I mean, you aren't fully independent."> "I mean, I AM bound to her. But she doesn't seem to be able to control me..." Hourai sighs, "Besides, aside from the binding, I feel mostly like I can act on my own... Just that... something is holding me back... like some part of me is missing... or was never there to begin with... I don't know. It just feels like I'm... incomplete..."
//Poor baby.>"No... Not exactly..." Hourai sighs, "Look, I don't know why I'm telling you this, but you wouldn't understand what it feels like to be me. Sometimes, I don't know, I just have this gut feeling, this instinct. Sometimes it tells me that everything is fine, but half to time if feels like I shouldn't exist... Hanging seems to calm this feeling, and as a result, it makes me feel more at-ease..."
>"I-Is that why you hang yourself all the time? When was the last time Alice worked on you?"
>"Oh I see... But like I said since when was the last time Alice tried to improve you?">"Not since I was given my current state of existence... She's probably too focused on my replacement to truly care anyway..."
>"Maybe you feel like you don't have a purpose to live now that Alice's not working on you anymore?">"I don't know..."
>"So you're not close to Alice then. How's your relationship towards Shanghai and the rest of Alice's dolls? Do ya ever get irked whenever Alice blows up one of your comrades?">She tenses up a bit at the mention of Shanghai.
>"Why do you hate Shanghai too much? What did she/it do to you?"
> "I see... though, I have to ask... How are you doing with Alice? I was clever enough to notice that you aren't specially fond to her.">Hourai turns around and frowns, "I don't hate her... It's just that sometimes she makes me want to get away from her for a bit... It's complicated..."
>Where are we? Are we near Kourin's place?>You are about a third of the way there.
> "Well, she called you a failed experiment right in front of you. I can imagine that making someone upset... But I'm sure she doesn't mean any bad, she's just not good at talking to people. She doesn't have many friends besides me anyways...">Hourai frowns, "I guess you have a point there..."
> "Just remember that even though she might say those things about you, she cares about you.">She turns around and mumbles something.
> "Hm? You said something?">"It was nothing."
> "Right.">Nope. Nothing...
> Glance around a bit to see if there's anything interesting around. Make sure we aren't going to bump with a tree, though!
>"You know Hourai if you really dont want to bewith Alice you can stay with me you know. I think you're pretty cool especialy since you're a talking doll unlike boring Shanghai back at Alice's place. I tried to borrow Shanghai from her but she wont let me; I dobt know what Alice see's in that mute doll.">"My 'little sister' is Alice's pride and joy. That should explain enough what she sees in her..." Hourai replies, "And why would I want to stay with you, anyway?"
>"Because with me you will know the true meaning of freedom! You can do whatever you want with me Hourai. The possibilities are endless with you being a doll and me being the greatest magician in Gensokyo."
> "If nothing else, you get to get away from Alice and Shanghai. If things don't work out then you can come back, with no harm done."
>Throw the crappy broom at the wall>You toss the broom and announce your presence.
>Kick open Rinosuke's door.
>Scream "What's up Kourin? Did ya miss me?!"
> Waltz in like>You do a classic Marisa entrance.you own the placelike you normally do.
> Examine Kourin.
>"You can say that again..." Hourai glances around at Rinnosuke's> "Hi, can I have a dozen red roses?"
> "Just wanted to stop by and introduce you to someone. Rinnosuke, this is Hourai. Hourai, this is Rinnosuke, and this is his junk shop!"
>Yep, and he has quite the habit too, am I right Hourai?"
>Nudge at Hourai.
>Whisper to Hourai "C`Mon don't be shy say something!"
>But Hourai has said something! We don't need to ask her to say something again!>"Please don't talk about that so loud in public..." she frowns.
> Check the shops> Rinnosuke's random assortment seems to be as usual. You don't see anything new today, at least not in this section of the store.junkmerchandise.
> Try to remember how things are bought and sold here.
>Whisper to Hourai "Still, you gotta say something. Tell him who you are, what you like to do... Unless you're okay with him thinking you're a weirdo... ">"He'll think I'm a weirdo either way, though..."
> "Just say something! He needs to know something about you...">"Uh... Hi. I'm Hourai. I'm... ...a doll."
>Yep, She/it's a doll. Pretty cool right. Unlike Shanghai she actually talks and has facial expressions. Funny, I never noticed that until recently. How about you give her a good look if ya know what I mean..."
>Wink.
>Go with "she".>"You mean you want me to use my ability on her?" Rinnosuke raises an eyebrow.
>Also, don't say "if ya know what I mean..." and don't wink. That makes it sound wrong.
> Turn to Hourai and shrug.>"Exactly what does it do?" she asks.
> "What do you think?"
> Wait and watch.>Inventory:
> Check inventory.
"Don't worry Hourai it won't hurt. Besides do you even experience pain?">"Yes..." Hourai frowns.
> "We'll be working on that. No need to worry."> "Alright then." Rinnosuke replies.
> "Wait, what? Do you indeed experience pain?"> Hourai nods.
> Look surprised.
>"That's odd. You usualt know what an object's uze id. I wonder why you cant find Hourai.">"Like I said, I never tried it on something a living doll before. I tend to examine inanimate objects."
>Has Kourin ever seen Reimu's robit maid. Do we know where it is?
> Frown a bit worriedly, but lessen it to our usual look.>"No, not really. Things have been as usual here... Yukari came by the other day with the monthly deliv--"
> "So... Anything on the ducket recently, Kourin? Anythign worth noting?"
> "I'm gonna check the damage, OK?">Rinnosuke nods.
> Go over where the crash was heard from. Make sure not to trip over anything.
>"Hi Tokiko!">Tokiko jumps, "H-Hi."
>Examine Tokiko.
>Tokiko relationship
> "Are you ready for round 2?"
> What kind of contents are we talking about? Take a look at them.
> Help Tokiko to gather them.>You help out.
> "Ya' should be more careful."
> ?So, how have things been??>"S-Same as usual..."
> Watch for broken glass or anything sharp. Wouldn?t want to shank yourselfToo late!
>"Meet my new friend over here she's a living doll and her name is Hourai!>"A-A living doll?" she tilts her head, "Like the ones t-that one girl has...?"
>?Who??>"Y-You know... That blonde girl... with the dolls."
> ?Yep, that?s one of Alice?s dolls.?>"So h-her name is Alice...?"
> What?s Hourai doing?
> ?Last I checked, yes.?>No.
> Does it look like Tokiko needs any more help?
> If not, return to the front of the store, saying, ?That reminds me, I should probably check that Hourai hadn?t shanked ol? Kourin yet. Later!?
> What is Rinnosuke doing?>Rinnosuke seems to be cleaning the part of the counter that Hourai isn't sitting on.
> Hourai'sTsunderestatus! How she seems to be faring while doing the great activity of sitting on the counter?
> "All clear."
> ?A few of the jars were. Not sure if anything else was.?>"As long as it wasn't anything valuable, then I'm fine with it."
>You know she can be a bit clumsy at times. She's usually shy and timid, though.> "Tokiko broke."
> Do we know how clumsy Tokiko normally is?
> "Are you making her do errands or something?"
> "Oh?">You sit on Rinnosuke's counter like you own it, positioning yourself between him and Hourai.
> Search for any place to sit. If it's a Marisa-would-sit-here place, then all the better.
> "To whom?"
> "I haven't. That's why I want to know where your knick-knacks go via Tokiko.">"Oh. She was just organizing the shelves and moving some extra merchandise into storage."
> "You don't have people that order your things? Like, the kappas? Those surely would like to take a look at this thingies.">"I honestly never considered a delivery system." Rinnosuke adjusts his glasses.
> "That could work to make your store more known.">"While I do agree with that, I don't have any practical way of implementing such a service. Tokiko's a great assistant and all, but I honestly doubt she will be able to carry merchandise through the air for miles and have it come out unscathed. On top of that there's random fairy attacks to worry about, among other danmaku-related obstacles."
> Shrug.
> Have we ever worked with Kourin in... anything?>You've helped him out with a store cleaning on occasion, but that was both before Tokiko and because you had nothing better to do at the time.
> "You could have someone work for you besides Tokiko. Like, hire someone.">"It's not a matter of money. It's more of finding someone who would be willing to do such a job for me and devote a lot of their time for it. There's also the chance that a delivery service wouldn't get that far off the ground either."
> ...
> "Or you can't afford so?"
> "Why you think so? People would like to get more notice of your knick-knacks that, albeit they are knick-knacks, they can be interesting for people here.">Several. Most of them you "borrowed" in response.
> Did Kourin had any interesting item that got our attention in the past?
> "The problem with your store is, mainly, how unknown or unreachable to people is, given the possible attacks that X person can suffer on they way here. Haven't you tried advertising?">"I've advertised in the village a little in the past."
> "Hm... What about renting, if any, a free place to place a small shop there?">"Well... I suppose that's an option." He taps his chin.
> "Maybe have Tokiko work there. It could help her to be more open to others and start having experience."> "It's a nice thought, but don't forget that it would be a Youkai doing business within the village. I, being only half youkai, could pass as being more trustworthy, besides I already have somewhat of a reputation. Tokiko, on the other hand, would find it a bit more difficult to conceal her nature. Don't forget that this is the Human Village we're talking about, if anybody saw someone who was explicitly a youkai doing business there, no matter how harmless they really are, they would understandably be a bit skeptical and cautious."
> Glance at Hourai with a thoughtful expression.>Hourai looks back at you, looking quite bored.
> "... Hm."
> Look back at Kourin.
> How's our reputation concerning the Human Village?
> "And if someone spreaded the word letting everyone know that she's harmless? Someone that has good reputation, I mean."
> Glance at Hourai with a thoughtful expression.
> "... Hm."
> Look back at Kourin.
> How's our reputation concerning the Human Village?
> "And if someone spreaded the word letting everyone know that she's harmless? Someone that has good reputation, I mean."
//Lel? Dunno what happened there...>He had a pretty average reputation last time you knew. Which was about the time you left. You could care less about what it is right now.
> Do we know if our father has good reputation? Or do we hate him so much to even care about that?
> "With a helping hand that is trustyworthy it can work."
> Do we know how people see living dolls?
> "if someone like, say, Keine helped Tokiko, people would trust her and she would have things smooth when it comes to the Human Village. Like that, she won't have any problem with businesses she might have there.">"That might work, I suppose."
> Hmm... We know that Goliath explodes for whatever reason, but what about other larger-than-usual dolls that aren't Goliath-size? Like... human-sized dolls?>The only one you know that is that size isn't even owned by Alice: It's an independent youkai doll named Medicine Melancholy. You also know she doesn't like Alice or humans very much...
> "I guess. I suppose I am not the most reliable for that task, but welp.">You check on Hourai. She still looks quite bored.
> Hourai check.
> Does Alice dolls know about Medicine?
> "Hm... Well, we'll come up with something soon or later.">Rinnosuke nods. "I'll think on it for a while."
> "Are we that boring, Hourai?"
> "I guess that, instead of boring, you would mean 'particular' After all, things that he sells can be awkward to people here.">Hourai shrugs. "It's boring to me at least."
> "... Well, that's true."> "Have you even looked at my wares?" Rinnosuke frowns.
> Look at Kourin.>"Perhaps, though I'm not sure about her preferences..."
> "You probably have some kind of ware that could be interesting for Hourai? Maybe in your storage or something?"
> Look at Hourai, waiting for her answer.>"You know what I like to do, Marisa..." She frowns.
> "Well then.">You almost feel the twinge of annoyance on Hourai's face.
> Look at Kourin.
> "Show us anything that can't be used to harm."
> Wait for him.>"Well, you said anything, so I grabbed the first harmless item I saw." He holds up a small ball, which he then briefly squishes in his fingers, "This object is called a 'stress ball' and it's purpose is to reduce stress."
> "A ball that reduces stress? That's handy!">You snatch the ball and give it a few squeezes. You honestly don't understand it, but then again you aren't that stressed right now either.
> Snatch the item from his hand.
> "Hmm..."
> Try it.
> Let Hourai try.
> "Hey, I guess squeezing balls can help to get rid of your urges to punch someone or so. It's worth a try." (LEL)>"Er... No thanks..."
> "Ya' sure?">You give the ball a big squeeze right in front of Hourai's face.
> Squeeze.
> "Oke.">"You want me to find another item?" He raises an eyebrow.
> Give the ball to Kourin.
> "Next."
> "But of course. I said something that would interest Hourai, not something that would make her think this is an even more boring place."
>"I know you gotta have something in here.">"Well, let me take another look... You still want harmless things, right?"
> Nod.>Kourin heads behind the counter and grabs an empty box, before heading off to the aisles.
> Look at Hourai.>"It's fine... At least I'm out of the house for a bit..."
> "Sorry for this boreness."
> "... Do you really dislike being there that much?">"Not all the time..."
> "Oh? So that thing speaks or something?">You press the symbol that looks like "G"
> Push one of the symbols.
> We don't know english, yes? Only japanese?>What is this english you speak of?
> "... Okay, this is weird."
> "Wait...">You push the symbols 'X' and 'D' this time
> Push two symbols this time
> "...">"Ayy... Ess... Dee... Jay... Pee... Kyuu... Eye... Double-You... You.. Eff..."
> Wriggle our fingers and push ten symbols or so!
> "Hehehey, this is really fun! Maybe I'm acting like a kid, but this is actually fun!">Hourai quickly covers up a look of amusement.
> Look at Hourai.
> "What do you think?"
> "Okay.">You set the Speakandthingy between the two of you.
> Take the... thing and place it next to us and Hourai.
> "Next!"
> "Oh, so it's a battle with our mind?">"Well..." Rinnosuke spins different sections of the cube, which break up all the colors and distribute them throughout the cube, before setting it on the counter near you, "From what I understand, you have to turn the cube until all the colors are on the correct sides again. Think of it as a puzzle."
> ...
> "How does that work?"
> Grab it.>You grab the cube. This is going to be a piece of cake!
> "That's easy!"
> Try some of it.
> Keep on for a bit more...>You keep going until you're fed up with it and throw it at the box unceremoniously.
> ...
> "Hmph!"
> Throw the thing back to the box.
> "Next!"
> Blink and take the thing back.>You snatch it out of Rinnosuke's hand and turn the cube about five more times, prompting an annoyed reaction from Hourai.
> "Next after I finish."
> Continue, then! We can do it!
>"If you're so smart why don't you try it?"
> Turn it randomly again and hand it over to her.>You mix up the cube and hand it to her
>"Eh, you got lucky.">"No I didn't. I just did every turn the two of you did in reverse..."
> "... Reverse...?">She nods.
>Look surprised.>"Yeah..." Hourai rubs the back of her head, "I-Is that a bad thing?"
>"You could remember every turn the two of us did?"
> "... Well, I wasn't expecting that, for beginners... But nah! That's actually pretty cool.">Rinnosuke takes another object out of the box, it's a small rectangle with a circle of buttons on it. He also pulls out a wire of some sort with two objects attached to it.
> Take the cube thingy and hold it up to Kourin.
> "This was a good one. Next?"
>"That's a pretty selfish purpose.">"Perhaps, but I'm not the one who made this, nor do I know who did, so I honestly can't judge."
> Take the MP3 player and examine it.>You take it.
> Press some of the buttons at random.>You press several button at random, eventually pressing the one in the center of the circle.
> Check if the screen has been switched on yet.
> Read them.>The list reads:
> "... Neat."
> "... How does this works?">You press the top and bottom sections of the circle, and it moves the highlight over a different part of the list. The top section seems to make it go up one, while the bottom section makes it go down one.
> Press buttons time!
> Are there any other buttons?>There are the left and right sections of the circle, as well as the one in the center, which has a triangle, followed by a slash, followed by a pair of bars. There are also smaller buttons to the sides, one has a picture of an arrow looping on itself, while another has two arrows crossing over each other. There is also a button with a square on it.
> Push the one of the center?>You push the one in the center.
> "... Oh... It's like a band is inside this thing or something.">"Sure sounds like it..." Hourai comments, "I can't understand a thing they're saying, though..."
> Who has the earbuds right now?>Rinnosuke is holding them.
> Try pressing the circle.>You press the inner circle again. The music stops. The symbol of two bars shows up next to the currently highlighted thing on the list, which is "Smash Mouth - All Star"
> Highlight another of the things there.>You press down on the outer circle to change the highlight, but the highlight doesn't move.
> "... Ah. This is confusing. Damn.">The VOLUME bar goes back up.
> Press up, then.
> ... Press the right of the outer circle?>The highlight skips to the line below it and begins playing a new music track. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nu7LtizQg4)
> "... Okay.">Hourai takes it and presses a button at random. You notice she presses the one with the square.
> Look at Hourai.
> "What do you think?"
> Handle the artifact to the doll.
> "... Okay. I admit it. You are a smart-ass with this. You want to keep it or something?">"No." She sets it on the counter, "I'm not much of a music person... Those other things he's holding look like they might be good for hanging, though..." she gestures towards the earbud things.
> Stare.>"It again." she says slowly.
> ?Hourai? I?m not sure I heard that quite right. Could you say it again, but slowly??
> Turn to Rinnosuke and look at him.>Rinnosuke blinks.
> "Either way. It's not going to happen.">You snatch the earbuds from Rinnosuke and pocket them, along with the MP3 player.
> Store the thing, along with the earbuds, in our pocket.
> "... What? This can be entertaining. If you don't want it, I do.">Rinnosuke shakes his head and pulls out the next item. It seems to be some kind of metal coil.
> Sway a bit in expectation.
> "Awright. Next."
> "... ... ...">"I just said what it was..."
> ...
> "What is that."
> "Unless they have complex of wanting to become some kind of worms. Because that looks like a worm wannabe.">He pulls out another object. It looks like a bottle with a large funnel-like object at an end.
> Look at him.
> "Next."
> "Uh... and how it works?"
> Pick it up and squeeze any squeezable parts.>You grab it and find a button on the top that looks squeezable. You press it.
> "WHAAAAT!">You let go of the button.
> Stop!
> Wait several seconds for people's ears to clear up.
> "Sorry..."
> Put that thing away.>"Maybe... it's a good idea.... that you don't touch everything..." Hourai frowns.
> "... My... ears..."
> "H-How I was going to know this... artifact of hell could do such noise...?! ... And yea! Everything's okay...">"I mean... the shopkeeper said that its purpose was to 'Make noise'..." Hourai remarks.
> "Yah', but I wasn't expecting THAT sound.">Rinnosuke nods and pulls out a wooden paddle with a rubber ball attached to it by a string.
> Sigh and look at Kourin.
> "Anything else?"
> "... And how does that thing entertains? Hit someone with it?">Rinnosuke shrugs.
> Chuckle.
> Hit Hourai with the paddleball as hard as you can.
> Pick up the paddleball and swing it around a bit.
> "Oh. That was pleasurable.">You try to make the ball hit the paddle again, but it eludes you!
> Try to do it again.
>You keep doing it. You manage to smack it once with a satisfying ping.> Yay, I gave a living doll a concussion.
> Keep trying to hit the ball.
> "Hey, THIS helps with stress. It's also satisfying.">Hourai frowns at the paddle that's half her size, "Uh... no thanks..."
> Look at Hourai and offer it.
> "... Right.">"We're almost at the end of the box." he says, putting the paddleball away, before pulling out a black ball with a white circle displaying the number 8 on it, "This is a 'magic 8 ball', its purpose is to tell fortunes."
> Give the thing back to Kourin.
> "More?"
> "Hoh? How can we do it?">You take it and turn it around, finding a glass panel in the bottom filled with some kind of black liquid.
> Take it and examine it.
> ".. Huh? What? This doesn't tell my fortune. It just told me to concentrate!">"Maybe you have to ask it something first?" Hourai suggests.
> "Hm... Hey, ball. Will Kourin have a successful business in the future?">The triangle doesn't change.
> Do so.>You turn it over and ask again.
> "... Will my shop be successful?>"Reply Hazy, Try Again."
> Turn it.
> "Hey, I asked if my shop will be successful!">"Don't count on it."
> Try it again!
> It is assumed that's what the ball showed, yes?>Correct.
> "..."
> Give the ball to Hourai with a pout.
> "S-Sorry.">You help Hourai support the ball.
> Help her.
> "Ask something, I guess.">"Like what?"
> "Like... If something you want to achieve will happen?">"Or something ridiculous, maybe?" Rinnosuke suggests.
> Wait for her.>Hourai continues to think.
> And now we wait...>She eventually mutters something into the ball and tries to turn it over.
> Help her to do so.>You help her.
> "... Houra? You okay?">"Y-Yeah, I'm f-fine..." she quickly looks away.
> "Err...">As she's already let go of the ball, you take it and give it to Rinnosuke.
> Take the ball if she allows so and give it to Kourin, then look again to Hourai.
> "...">"W-Well... this is the last thing in here before I have to grab more..." he says, pulling out some strange device, "This is a 'Kazoo', its purpose is to make noise."
> Look at Kourin.
> "... What's left?"
> Take it and examine it.>You take it. There is a dish-like thing on the top -- or is it the bottom? there's also two holes, a narrow one on one end, and a wide one at the other end, closer to the dish thingy. They connect to form a tube.
>Look at Hourai.>You catch a glimpse of Hourai's dress as she flies out the door.
>"Uh... Hourai, you okay?"
> "Uuuh...">You give it back and jump off, making sure to grab the crappy broom you got from Alice's house.
> Give the thing to Rinnosuke and, jumping off the counter, follow her. Make sure we take our broom.
> "Hey, I have to keep you safe. That's what I told Alice.">"Please... I don't want to be seen like this..."
> Frown.
> "... Don't go too far away.">"I won't..."
> Re-enter the store after looking Hourai a bit more. Sigh.
>"I won't...">"I don't know! She just muttered something to that stupid ball and then started crying... I didn't even know that was possible..."
>You start to head inside, peeking your head around the doorway to glance at her one last time. You notice her bury her head in her knees.
>You then fully enter and sigh.
>"What happened?" Rinnosuke asks.
>_
>"I don't know! She just muttered something to that stupid ball and then started crying... I didn't even know that was possible...">"Did it give her a bad fortune...?"
> ?It looks like it did...?>You walk back to the entrance and peek out.
> Look at Hourai again.
> Walk out to Hourai.>"Didn't I just tell you to leave me alone...?" she says as you approach.
> ?Hourai? You OK??
>"Ya know, at times like this it's better to talk to someone about what's bothering ya.">"I don't want to talk about it..."
>Sit down beside her.
>"I'm all ears."
>"C'mon, I'm sure it'll make ya feel better. Besides, it's not like crying alone will do any good.">She doesn't look at you and remains silent...
>Flash a thumbs up
>"I'm all ears ~ze."
>"Well, I'm not goin' anywhere. If ya decide to say something, I'm here...">The two of you sit in silence...
> Wait for a while
> "Hourai... What happened?">She sighs, "Y-You aren't gonna leave me alone, are you...?"
>"...Well, if you REALLY want, I can leave you alone.">Instead of the first phrase.
>Instead of the first phrase.Yeah, that's better
>"...If you really need some time, I'll give you it Hourai."
>"...Well, if you REALLY want, I can leave you alone."
>Put a hand on her shoulder.
"I just wanna help y'know. That's why I'm here."
>Instead of the first phrase.>"Thanks for offering to help... But I'd rather not talk about it right now... I'd like some time to myself... to think... if you don't mind..."
>"...If you really need some time, I'll give you it Hourai."
>"If not right now, would you like to talk about it later? I won't press for you to tell me when or anything. Just, whenever it's most convenient for you.">"Later..." she slowly nods.
> "Yosh. Later will be, then.">She nods slowly.
> Smile.
>"Take care.">You leave Hourai to her own devices once more...
>Slowly depart.
> Look at Kourin.>He nods. "So... Is there anything else that you came here for?"
> "She just needs some time. Hopefully, I will be able to talk with her later."
> "Not much, really. Unless you had something interesting to tell me.">Nope.
> Did we had any problems with our Hakkero recently?
> "Well, damn. I guess I'll have to drop by Reimu's place and see what's up">"I see. I take it you're leaving, then?"
> Where are the clothes we used in the past, again?>As in the ones you're wearing right now...?
> Our purple ones. You know, those that doesn't fit us now.>They're back at home, in your dresser.
> When our clothes get tattered is Rinnosuke that work on them or Alice?>You usually just roughly patch them up yourself, however Alice has fixed them up for you on occasion.
> Well! Are we good at it?>You think you do a decent job...
> "Maybe. Maybe not. My main concern right now is Hourai though."
//I will tell him. I have an idea.>"Oh..."
> "Well... Basically, from what Alice told me, Hourai has the bad habit of wanting to hang herself..."
> "I really didn't had any reason to come here besides wanting for that doll to... be better. See if you had anything she might like to pass her time with. Something that didn't involved hanging herself."
>Replace "that doll" with Hourai. It's better to be considerate about her, given how she's acting now...>"Ah, so that's why you had me bring out those items..."
> "Yup. The... thing I took in my pocket was one of the few that took my attention. For the rest, they were just for Hourai...">"Hmm... Perhaps I shouldn't have brought out that 8-Ball... I honestly thought it was going to be harmless."
> "What is already done can't be helped. I am curious now what she wished for and why that ball made her be like that... I mean, it's just a ball...">"It seems so. But like I said, its purpose was to tell fortunes."
> ...
> "... Right?"
> "But... it can't be right! It's just a stupid ball!">"It could be possible. Though, on the other hand, outside world merchandise is quite strange..."
> "It sure is..."
> ?Any idea how the ball works??>"Not sure. Remember that my ability lets me determine a purpose of an object, not how it works or how it's put together. We could probably try to take it apart and see, but that would be damaging the merchandise..."
> "How much damage could do to your stuff to see what's inside a ball?">"Preferably nothing irreversible. I do plan on selling it, after all..."
> "I mean, I just could take it, the way I did with that thing that makes music, and it automatically becomes mine. Like that, we wouldn't need to worry about it being okay or something, do we?">Rinnosuke sighs and shakes his head, smiling slightly, "Has there ever been a moment where you haven't just taken something?"
> Grin.
> "When people give me something willingly. Why can't you? It's so easy.">"But if I gave it to you willingly, then I would've invested in that item only to receive no profit from it. Surely, as the owner of a magic shop, and the daughter of a shopkeeper, you should surely understand, right?"
> Motion properly, still with our grin.
> "Just take the ball from there, extend your arm towards me and give it. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy!"
> "I understand that I would find more use to that thing than anyone else.">Rinnosuke sighs again
> "You know I am right.">"I won't confirm nor deny anything."
> "Well, then? If you don't want me to outright open it up savagely, then find a way to open it without damaging the thing.">"It'll take some time. Are you okay with being patient, for once?"
> "... I don't like the idea, but if that's going to take us to ACTUALLY do something, then fine...">Rinnosuke grabs the 8 ball and moves towards the back. "I'm going to grab my tools. Are you going to wait here or pass the time somewhere else?"
> "Probably somewhere else. I have to take Hourai to other places and clear her mind from that ball thing."> "Alright. Come back later then. I should probably have something in a few hours."
> "Got it. Take care, shopkeeper.">You exit with the MP3 Player and Earbuds still in your pocket.
> Taking what it belongs to us, exit the store.
> "Hourai?">You look.
> Look for her.
> ...?!>No response...
> "Hey?! Hourai!"
> Prepare to blast-off on our broom->You instinctively grab the broom from Alice's house and kick things into overdrive. Moving to the spot where Hourai once was.
> RIGHT! We don't have OUR broom!
> Well, whatever! Prepare the one we took from Alice's house!
> Examine if there's any signs that could lead us to where she is. Examine, specially, where she was.
>Excuse me? Why didn't we take everything from the store then?
>Assess blondes we know of.>Look around for a folding chair.
>Yukari probably wouldn't have let a struggle even happen if she wanted someone...>You narrow the list...
>It could've been Alice, her dolls, or Medicine, given they're less likely to want to harm Hourai and there wasn't any sign of damage to anything but the dirt around her. Those could be our prime suspects.
>"Houraiii!">...
> Take the skies and look for anyone flying - especially if they're flying away from us.>You ascend on the broom, looking for anything.
> Wait on that.>In opposite directions.
> Where, exactly, are these figures going?
> Yea, we know that, but are these figures going to any remarkable place? Like, the Youkai Mountain, Reimu's shrine...>The larger cluster is heading slightly northeast. The only notable locations in or near that direction are the eastern half of the Forest of Magic, the Hakurei Shrine, and the entrance to Makai in the mountains behind the shrine.
>We could go full Marisa and shout to get both of their attention. Probably even fire off something to help with that. Hourai's missing after a struggle. It may be serious enough.>The clusters seem to be out of earshot. Shouting would be pointless until you got close to one.
>Even with Comet: Blazing Star, we couldn't catch up and encounter both?>It might work... If you acted quickly enough and moved in the right direction on the return trip...
> I suppose there's a limit on how much distance the Master Spark can cover. We couldn't possibly use Master Spark one of these figures right now and use it as well to blast-off towards the one in the opposite direction... right?>You could probably fire a spark at them, but there will be some travel time. While you can fire two at once, you can't fire them in opposing directions. You would probably need a second hakkero for that, something you don't have.
> Would Final Spark cover more distance, on that matter?
> Are we confident that a Master Spark would, at least, reach and hit any of the figures right now if it was fired?>Assuming they don't dodge it. The time it would take to travel that distance gives plenty of time to notice and dodge the beam, not to mention that the beam makes quite a bit of noise and emits a lot of light...
> By 'smaller cluster' we take that this figure in particular is smaller because... well, that's the size of owner of said figure, or because it's more far away than the other?>It seems to have less dots than the other cluster.
> Wait, so one of this figures has dots surrounding it or something?>Both clusters are far enough away that they're dots. One cluster seems to have more than the other, which would imply more things flying there...
Don't they both have multiple dots?//Yes, lol. I thought I made that clear twice already.
//Alright, let's head after the larger one...>You start flying as fast as you can on this broom towards the larger cluster...
>Go after the larger cluster.
>Is there any we can speed up our flight?>You could use Blazing Star to propel yourself...
>Does it look like we're catching up to them at all?
>May just be fairies. Given they're heading towards locations we know, the smaller cluster may have been a better choice...>You would have to high tail it and give it your all, perhaps using something to boost yourself to reach the other cluster at this point, as they're out of visible range, but might not be too far...
>Is it too late to head for the other group, should we desire?
> Is really Blazing Star the best thing we could use? We don't have anything else to propel ourselves (or anything that make us gottagofast-like) that is faster than that?>It's the best option you have in terms of propulsion right now.
>Are the wings fairy wings?>They might be...
>Do we know of any winged blondes in specific?>Lily White
>Keep following and trying to catch up.>You keep going.
>Great.>No...
>Can we still see the other group?
>Let's hope we can catch up to them, then.>You do so.
>Turn around and hightail it towards the other group.
>Would we be able to catch up if we used Blazing Star?>Possibly, assuming they haven't gotten too far or veered off-course.
>Try to activate blazing star and rocket towards the last group.>You declare your spellcard and aim your hakkero behind you, causing you to rocket off on a beam of light.
Hopefully they haven't veered off course (though given Gensokyo, that's a definite possibility...)
> Ram the bastards.
> "HEEERE'S MARYYY!!">Medicine turns around and blanches slightly, quickly getting out of the way of the expected collision before shouting something to her fairies. You spot Hourai being held in her arms, Medicine's hand over her mouth. She locks eyes with you...
> Decrease our speed properly and stop using Blazing Star until we are on a distance we can easily catch this people if they try to escape, but also remember to start slowing down prematurely if doing such take us time.
> "Live- I don't have time for all of you, got it? Out of the way! And come here Mediciiine!">Medicine continues to flee towards the forest canopy...
> Does the patterns seem to go after us/towards us?
>> If not, they are supposedly making a barrier of sorts or something?
>> If that is so, can we easily ignore the fairies and go after Medicine?
> If the danmaku is coming towards us and we can't easily pull of from this situation to pursue Medicine, shoot lasers to the fairies while we dodge the danmaku.
> If this succesfully makes her stop shooting for a moment, which should make a gap for us to pass through, take advantage of it and advance more while we shoot lasers to the other fairy. Dodge things as necessary.>The fairy stops shooting, and seems more preoccupied with crying. The other fairy stops shooting as well, making plenty of gaps for you to weave through.
> Pursue that dolltastic girl!>You follow her into the treetops. She seems to be trying to lose you by maneuvering around the trees.
> Attempt to cut her path if we are faster than her.
>Don't we DARE lose her.>You begin dodging around trees at high speed.
>If we can without interrupting our flight: "What're you trying to do with Hourai!?"
> ?Hourai? Where are you? Call out if you can hear me!?>Hourai can't say anything. Medicine is covering her mouth.
> Continue the pursuit. Cut her path whenever we can.
> "That's the friend of my friend! AND she's also my friend! So don't talk about care when you probably haven't asked her what she wants!"
>Proposaling a different thing to say:>You keep going, neither of you relenting.
>"I could be anything and still care for her affairs. Even if our roles were switched, I'd still care! She's my friend, and your liberation is just kidnapping and discrimination!"
>"Well what's Hourai's thoughts on this whole mess? If you're doing such a huge favor, what's your hand doing over her mouth?"
>Follow the kidnapper.
>"Let HER choose what to do!">This broom honestly sucks. When you attempt to turn to follow her, it "skids" a little and you end up feeling a sharp pain I your left arm as you clip the tree she that Medicine herself almost hit.
>"Complications like what? Her screaming for help? Her saying something you don't want her to say? Whatever the reason, dropping an unmarked package in the middle of the Human Village would be less suspicious than what you're doing!">"Away from you, of course." She replies, ignoring the first question.
>Try to check on our wound if it doesn't distract us from flying.
>"Hey, where the hell are you going, anyway?"
>Can we remember why we prefer to avoid this part of the forest?>You concentrate on swerving.
>Focus on not colliding with another tree rather than engaging in any verbal sparring.
>How are we feeling?>A little winded from the flight and you arm hurts, but otherwise fine.
>We seriously can't remember why we try to avoid this region? Surely we wouldn't avoid it if it were something harmless...
>You start to close the distance with Medicine, while remaining cautions. You start passing by the mushroom she brushed against...>Parser, stop being vague af with Marisa's memory. If her memory were that bad she wouldn't be a witch. She'd be a thief who blew things up with magic on occasion... Oh wait.
>Get closer to Medicine.
>But not too close.
>So what was it?>You recall that these giant mushrooms are rather nasty: They release spores when they're disturbed. The last time you were here, which was shortly after Mima was sealed away, you inhaled a few spores and felt unwell for several hours...
>We probably should honestly have avoided the mushroom if we were actually being cautious...
>"D-Damn it!"
> Are we still capable of seeing Medicine?>You can see all two of her.
> Do we think we can overfly the forest to avoid hitting trees due to our woozyness, or would that mean we can lose her more easily?
>Could we catch them if we used blazing star again?>It's very likely at this close range. Though there are still trees to worry about
>"Let her go, Medicine...">"She will be unharmed. Stop following me."
>We can still continue. We have to.
> Would shooting Medicine be a safe option?>You wouldn't know which one to shoot. You could probably Master Spark, but that would risk hitting Hourai.
>Can we open our eyes?>...
>Do we recognize the cat?>You're not sure.
>Get up if we can.
>?Yes... Who are you??>A girl looking no older than 12, holding a cup, walks into view. She has a pinkish-red ribbon tied in her long blonde hair as is wearing a dress that looks similar to yours, but is colored red instead of black.
>Have we met before?>You think...
>Take the drink.
>"Thank you."
>Sip.
>How much sugar do we usually have in our tea?>You tell her two lumps.
>Go ahead and tell her.
>"Say, Elly... How did you find me?">"Ellen." she corrects, "I heard that commotion you and those other people were making, and after I taught that mean girl some manners I carried you all here."
> "And the feeling of having met you before is mutual, by the way...">"Really?"
>"How's... The smaller one? Hourai?">"She seemed troubled. I hope you could forgive me, but I was afraid she was going to hurt herself so I restrained her... She's unharmed, I assure you."
>"Where is she now?">"In the same room that I put the rude one in... She really needs to learn to play nice..."
> Do we feel well enough to get up?>You think you can probably sit up...
> ?I should probably go see Hourai... She might be worried sick...?
>Bring our leg up some. If we can't use our hands to.>You attempt to move your leg, it feels very stiff but you have limited movement, so you sit up and lift it with your hands.
>"I-I can, see?"
>Grin slightly.>Ellen giggles again, "Oh, you're silly!" she smiles.
>"I could walk on my hands if I wanted to."
>Try the tea.
>"She seemed troubled. I hope you could forgive me, but I was afraid she was going to hurt herself so I restrained her... She's unharmed, I assure you.">Still restrained.
>Sigh.>"She's still restrained. The rude one is too."
>"I'm glad things are alright though. Is she still restrained, or did you let her go?"
>"What did she try doing that you had to stop her?">"I simply didn't trust her and didn't want her to run away. I would've released her a while ago, but she made things... difficult...."
>Can we move the rest of our legs?>You try...
>Get out of bed.>You slowly stand up. You're a bit wobbly, but you think you can walk.
>Carefully.
> "Walk I can walk for sure. Let me try...">You attempt to float without the assistance of a broom...
> Float a bit, balancing ourselves if necessary.
> Follow Ellen.>You stop floating and follow Ellen out of the room, wobbling a bit as you walk.
> Go up the stairs.>Going up would be silly as the staircase leads down. Besides, there's a ceiling in the way.
> Make a mental note to pick up a few things before we leave.
>Hurm...>"I'm not interested right now." Hourai replies
>"Well, since the two of you can both talk freely now, let's go over this again. Medicine, you wanted her to join you, right? Well Hourai, what do you have to say to that?"
>?Medicine, I?ll be blunt: no means no. And don?t even start with the ?look in her eyes? BS.?>"You're human. Of course you wouldn't understand the significance of the look I saw."
>"Just because I'm a human doesn't mean I don't understand her. All I need to know is the pain of feeling useless and lost and when it feels like someone else seems to be better than me. And she doesn't need your help, right Hourai?">Hourai nods.
>"And believe me, all I need is one look at Reimu to feel that way.">Medicine scowls, "This is exactly what I'm talking about. You really don't understand what she's going through right now..." she looks at Hourai, "And you... You shouldn't be so trusting of her. All humans do is discard things like you and me when they feel we no longer have any worth."
>"We all have names. We're not just 'you' and the human or whatever. You can't just come to someone and assume they'll blindly follow whatever you have to say. And you definitely shouldn't force them to either.">"Sometimes force if necessary if the person involved is incapable of deciding for themselves. In certain situations it can be beneficial to see another side of things... Especially if my hunch about what she's going through is correct..."
> "It doesn't mean she's incapable of deciding for herself. It just means she hasn't found a clear answer yet. Things like what you did aren't the answer she needs, nor what it will help her. Why would she need to be forced to see things in a certain way? Such would only blind her, and probably make her more confused about what she wants due to following something she wasn't even considering in the first place and suddenly having the idea forced into them.">"Who said I was forcing anything? Just because I'm showing her my side of things doesn't mean she has to see them... Whether or not she wanted to support my side of things would be her decision. Of course, you wouldn't understand th-"
> "MASTAAAH SPAAARKU!!"
> "... Either way, I won't rush things up with Hourai. If making her find her most desired and safe way to live is to have patience while teaching her, then so be it. I will have it. And you know what? I don't have any problem with that."
> Look at Hourai.>You look
//Certainly we don't want things to be like that.//It's kind of like trying to get rid of an unhealthy addiction or a bad habit. If you go back to that habit, you have to start over. We were trying to find something less harmful for her to do. (Even though hanging herself doesn't seem to harm her.) But we weren't really forcing her to do any of them.
Do you consider we have been forcing Hourai so far? I mean, there were moments where she pointed this or that could be used to hang herself with, and we happily took it away.
>"In that case, I would accept her choice. But she's the only one who can say if she doesn't want my help anymore.">You overkill
>"And what if she ends up rejecting your side...? Hmmm?"
>_
//So, how about this?//I'm for this.
>"I admit I wouldn't give up so easily, but if I couldn't convince her, I wouldn't force her."
//So, how about this?>"Then it seems we agree on one thing..."
>"I admit I wouldn't give up so easily, but if I couldn't convince her, I wouldn't force her."
>"Then what led you to thinking kidnaping her would do any good?">"It's fine..." Hourai replies.
>Sigh.
>"We're juts going back to the start again. That's enough arguing about a person that's right here... Sorry Hourai."
//If anyone still wants to continue this, countermand this and do so.
>"There's one last thing I want to say: You should try seeing things from someone else's point of view yourself sometime, Medicine.">Medicine rolls her eyes, before looking at Ellen, "So are you going to untie me?">YEAH TAKE YOUR OWN MEDICINE FOR ONCE :getdown:
>Do we have anything else we want to say?
>"You did just try to run off with Hourai in captivity...">Medicine glares at you.
> "Uh...">"I won't..."
> Look at Hourai.
>Don't interrupt.>Yes.
>For now.
>Is there any way we can surreptitiously prepare our hakkero (without Medicine or Elly noticing)?
>...Er, do we even have our hakkero?>Yes.
>Also, inventory.
> "Hey, let's calm down for a moment...">"I've been tied to this chair against my will for hours..." she scowls.
> Prepare the hakkero if Medicine tries something.>You prepare.
> Alternatively, Prepare to run away.
>Continue being prepared.>"You won't. Because I'm sure you trust me just as little as I trust you."
>"How can we be sure you won't try to do something funny if we do untie you?"
>"I'm sorry, but I must have missed the part where you told me why I should untie you..."
>Flip off Medicine.
>Then Master Spark her.
> "Well, maybe we can resolve things without getting explosive...">"...How dare you." Medicine frowns, "Have you really spent enough time around Margatroid that you think all of us are explosive!?"
> Chuckle.>Medicine just scowls at you.
> "Very much."
>She raises an eyebrow.> "... Mastah Sparku."
> "Now, now... Hey, I know we, uh, don't like each other... but I think that we are under a big misunderstanding..."
> "Can you tell us what is this all about before anything?">"Why, the liberation of a doll who has lost her way, of course. Well, moreso an attempt to help said doll to find a purpose in her life, judging from the look on her face when I saw her." Medicine replies.
>Don't cry.>You do your best to remain calm as you pull the cat off Medicine's leg just before he tries to bite.
>Don't scream.
>Remain perfectly calm. It's only the descendant of a fearsome predatory animal...
>"Sokrates, stop! You're hurting me as well!"
>Pull Sokrates off of Medicine's leg.
>"Medicine, I think she's made it so that we share the damage we take!"
>Check on Ellen to see if she's OK.
>"I think I'm fine...">You check your leg. You have some claw marks, identical to those on Medicine's leg.
>Check our leg.
>Check Medicine's leg, too.
>Have we ever encountered a spell like that before?
>"Anyway, as I was saying, it looks like any of the wounds one of us receives are shared with the rest... So I guess that's gonna serve as the promise I won't Master Spark you..."
> "L-Let's keep the weird magic off for a bit, please...">"I-I wasn't planning on casting anything else..." she stops flipping, "I was just checking my notes."
> Are the wounds bleeding?
>"Can you... undo this, and do it the right way? This is kind of uncalled for...">"U-Uh yeah.. lemme just..." she stares at the page for a few moments before sweating and flipping through the notebook.
> Sigh.>"I-"
> "... Can you at least tell us what else is shared between us?"
>Not even a means to undo it?>It does not seem so.
>"Not even a means to undo it?"
>Sigh.
>"Well, uh... I guess these aren't the worst conditions to have a conversation... Just be careful - if something happens, you won't be the only one getting hurt..."
>>Master Spark Ellen.
>Then Master Spark Medicine.
>?Now what??
>"Hey, I'm not THAT bad... Right, Hourai?">Hourai shakes her head.
>"You know what, maybe it'd be better if we got outside help. I know a woman - Patchouli Knowledge - who might be able to assist. Besides, even if she doesn't, her library's probably got a book or two on the subject...">"Ugh, then let's get there sooner than later." says Medicine.
>"Of course, we'll have to leave this place and go to where she lives, but still, it seems to be our only option."
>"First off... Where's the exit?">"Follow me."
>Follow Elly's directions and leave her house.
>How long were we out again?>"Several hours." says Ellen.
>If we don?t know, ask.
>Do we know the way to the Scarlet Devil Mansion from here?
>Did we lose our broom? I don?t think it was in our inventory last we checked...//asleep probably...
>If we can fly without it (or if we do have it after all), fly upwards.
//Where is everyone?
> ?Dangit... Say, Elly, did you happen to find a broom where I was? Or at least a broom I can borrow??>"Ellen." she corrects, "And I didn't see one. I might have one or two inside, though."
>?Oh, and before we set out proper, do any of you have problems with going o the Scarlet Devil Mansion??
>Go back inside and search for a broom.>You land and dash inside, quickly finding a broom in the nearest closet. You then return and explain things to Ellen.
>Once we?ve got the broom, go back outside.
>?It?s this giant mansion by the edge of a lake. Bigger on the inside, it?s got a pair of vampire sisters, a time-manipulating maid... And a magician with a huge library. The latter might be able to find a solution.?
>?If the books I borrow from her are any indication, she?s an excellent magician. But enough talk, let?s go there.?>You hop on the broom and soar upwards through a dense canopy. Emerging with twigs and leaves stuck to your dress, you can confirm that it is indeed evening. The moon is full.
>Head to the SDM.
> How close are the others?>They're lagging behind.
> If they?re close enough, keep going.
> If they?re too far, wait for them to catch up.
>Realize we forgot to borrow stuff from Ellen's house. Dangit!>You mentally berate yourself.
>?I think I?m fine.?>You look around, finding no source.
>Look around for any source of the jerk/push.
>?Oops, sorry... Guess I should try to keep pace with y?all...?>You start flying again. Thankfully, it's easier for your companions to keep pace now that they don't have to struggle through dense forest canopy.
>Start flying again, but this time try to keep close to ourharemfellow prisonerscompanions.
> Just in what kind of situation we got into...>You wonder about how all of this happened... it was supposed to be just an ordinary day when it started...
> "Say, Ellen..."
> Did we examined Ellen before? If not, then do so. Don't make an eye-ing spectacle of it, though.
> "Just what kind of magic was that?"
>"Is that really all you know about it?">"I probably knew more... b-but I didn't write it down... o-or I wrote it down somewhere else if I did..."
> We really do not recall this kind of spell even from Patchouli's mouth/books?>Not really...
>"Knew? Past tense? As in, you forgot?">She looks a bit ashamed, "Y-Yes..."
>"Do you forget things very often, Ellen?">"I-I've been a bit... forgetful... for as long as I can remember... w-which isn't long..."
>Keep flying.>"Hey, I just got an idea! Maybe, if we kill the person who cast the spell, its effects will vanish! Let's give it a try, shall we?"
>Kill Ellen.
>"Do you know when it'll wear off, at least?">"I-I don't..."
>Where?s Hourai?>She's floating near you.
>?Well, I just hope Patchouli can figure something out...?>"She better..." says Medicine.
>Keep going.
> "... What.">"W-What is that...?" Ellen asks.
> Dome? A dome made of some kind of material? Or like a barrier made out of magic of sorts?
> Look at the surroundings. What else can we gather from this situation?
>Get a bit closer to the crowd so we can see who they are.>That dome was never there before.
>Was that dome there before?
>If not, say, ?Yeah, that definitely wasn?t there before... Just try to keep out of the dome...?
>Fly up to the crowd.>You approach.
>Once we're there, get to where Reimu and Yukari are.
>"Reimu? Yukari? What's going on here? Sakuya's pocketwatch malfunction or something?"
>?Eliminated? You don?t mean... Like an assassination, do you? And what of he other members of the Scarlet Devil Mansion??>"I have reason to believe that Sakuya did this to keep something in... Judging by the rate at which the boundaries of this bubble are decaying, it seems like she won't be able to hold it forever... And then there's the presence I sense within..."
>What?s our relationship status with the SDM?s residents?>Patchouli is a "friend." You habitually borrow books from her, though, despite all the trouble you cause her, the two of you can still get along and cooperate if the time arises.
> How much do we like or dislike Yukari? Or we don't have any notable opinion about her?>You don't really like or dislike her, though her more playful actions do annoy both you and Reimu sometimes.
> "We do have our reasons, sooo...">The edges of the time bubble are very slowly receding and seem to flicker on occasion. It seems pretty stable though, despite that.
> Look at the boundary.
> ?Any idea what the something might be? The presence you felt??>"No. But whatever it is, it's powerful... very powerful..."
>You turn to see Ellen sticking her hand into the time bubble and moving it around.>"DO IT TOucH THE THING"
>"What are you doing?"
>Go to Ellen.
>...Moving? Like, moving her hand in the bubble which supposedly stops time?>Yes.
>"...Wasn't that bubble supposed to stop time?">"You need to go completely inside for it to affect you. Case in point." Yukari points behind you.
>Look at Yukari.
>What?s Reimu?s reaction to all this?>She has spellcards ready. It seems she's waiting on Yukari.
>?Long story short, A kidnapping, a capture, then negotiations that got a little crazy and now we?re all bound together by some tethering spell.?>"I see..." Reimu studies your group for a moment, "So how long is the spell supposed to last...?"
>Look at Ellen.>"W-Well... to be honest... I don't know..." she tilts her head, "By the way, you look somewhat familiar, have we met before?"
>"Ellen, explain."
>"I thought Patchouli could help us, but...">"Of course you do." Reimu frowns, "What is it?"
>Suddenly idea. //To check if the tethering spell lets us move inside the time sphere if at least one of the "links" is outside of it
>"I have an idea, but I don't think you're going to like it."
>"You saw how they pulled Cirno out of there, right? So I was thinking maybe this tethering spell could let someone move around in there if someone else that's tethered would stand outside? Even if it's possible, I'm not sure if three people is a chain long enough.">"You're right. I don't like that idea."
>?Uh... Crap. Hadn?t thought of that.?>Yukari raises an eyebrow.
>Look at Yukari.>?Lets just Master Spark the sphere!?
>Master Spark the sphere.
>"We still don't know if it even works the way I think it does. If nobody's against me testing it I'll just walk in there and see what happens.">"Suit yourself." says Yukari, "I'm certain at least one of us will pull you out if you freeze..."
>Look around. If no-one offers...>"I-I'll try." Hourai offers.
>"Well don't all of you volunteer at once!"
>Sigh.
>"I mean... You will pull me out if I get frozen, right?"
>Approach the dome.
>Walk into the dome boldly!>You do so...>Then wait for our inevitable death.
>"Hey, it worked!">"We won't be able to get very far in, though." Ellen comments.
>Do the others connect to us separately or is it a chain?
>Isn?t there a chain connecting us to Hourai, too?>There never was. She was never hit by the spell as far as you know.
> "It seems this chain thing might be useful... in a way. We just need to figure it out what we can do to extend it to infinity and beyond or something.">"If only I could remember where I found it." says Ellen, "If I did I could study it and try to change its effects..."
> When we got pulled due to being 'magically' chained to Ellen and Medicine, did it hurt in any way?>No, but it nearly yanked you off your broom.
> So we are the main point of the connections, correct? We hold both Medicine's and Ellen's chains?>Maybe? You think that the chains might've made a triangle when they were first formed...
> Try to feel the chains... if possible, of course.
> We didn't felt anything?>nope...
>"Hey, Medicine, Ellen, could you two try to go in opposite directions until the chain pulls you back? I wanna check how long it is.">They nod and move in opposite directions.
>Wait for them to move away, and when the chain gets activated, look to see how long it is.
> "... Hey, you know... This might sound crazy... but what if we can, actually, go the three of us inside this dome of time-stop without freezing? Maybe the spell has some special properties that allows so and not because you two are outside?">"Are you sure that's okay?" Ellen asks.
> "Hey, hey, I know how it sounds. But even so, there's no real harm in trying. Others can pulls us away from the dome and we can try other things.">"I'm not doing it." says Medicine.
> "H-Hey!">"I think it's because I'm not frozen and he's touching me." Ellen hypothesizes.
> Point at Sokrates.
> "He is okay!"
> "... Medicine?">"What?"
> Look at her.
> "Up for it? Yea, it's unsettling, but nothing that couldn't be reversed.">Medicine sighs and steps inside. The moment she completely enters the bubble, she suddenly seems to teleport back a few feet with Reimu holding on to her.
> "... Heh?">"The instant she crossed over the three of you froze." Reimu explains.
> Look confused.
> "Why?"
>?Unless we were to somehow lengthen the chain...?>"What do you think we should do?" Ellen asks.
>?Chaining more people together would also put more people at risk, so that?s not much of an option....?
> "I'm not really sure... I have a few ideas, but nothing that could possibly help in this situation...">"No..." Hourai hesitantly replies.
> Look at Hourai.
> "Any idea, Hourai?"
> "You don't sound so sure... Anything can help, really.">"Y-You wouldn't like it."
>"Does it involve a rope?">Don't say this.
>Don't say this.
>"Whisper it in my ear. Then I'll decide..."
> "Don't worry how it might sound.">"W-Well... um... Alice uses magical 'threads' to control her dolls. And they have a very long range, I'm pretty sure... Anyway, since I'm sorta autonomous, I'm not attached to any, bit I'm thinking that maybe if you could use a thread to connect me to you-"
>"Medicine, there are people in there, who are in danger, and Hourai was just proposing a solution... We don't have to follow it, but unless there's something better in mind...">"Not like I have a choice about leaving them if I'm bound to you two..." Medicine frowns.
>"And before anyone asks, leaving them in there is not an option."
> "Well, they can help us with this problem, so this is worth a try.">Medicine sighs, "Fine. But I am still very against this idea." she turns to Hourai, "Do you realize what could happen if you-"
>"But we can cut that thread thingy off when we're done, right?">Hourai nods.
> Nod.>"Well, we can't really ask Alice herself for help. She probably won't allow it." says Hourai, "Though it seems simple enough that I think anyone with a basic understanding of doll magic should be able to do it, especially since I'm not connected by an existing thread to anyone."
> "So... how would we make this work?"
>Do we know anyone besides Alice who knows any doll magic?>You don't think so...
> How much do we know about doll magic?>Not much. Dolls aren't really your specialty.
> From Alice?>from Patchouli. Alice has only one book of note and it's one you can't get your hands on.
> "Hey, do you think I could do it? I don't think I have that much of knowledge, tho..."
> Where do we have that book?>If you indeed borrowed something like that, it's probably buried in your pile somewhere...
> "So... you mean a magically made string? Or an actual one?"
> "Someone who has knowledge about that sort of thing that isn't Alice...">"ME!?!" Medicine gives you an incredulous look, "Why would I even want to know how to do that!? I want to liberate dolls, not enslave them!"
> Think for a moment, then look at Medicine questioningly.
> "... Would you be able to do it?
>Facepalm.>"I-I was just suggesting that I try to figure out that thread spell thing myself..."
>"Elly... Don't do it.... but what is it?"
>"Do you think you might be able to pull it off? Preferably without any incidents like the last times...">She shrugs.
> "I have other solution, which is going to home and take a book that probably talks about this matter, but I don't think it's good to lose more time...">"T-Trial and error..." she fidgets a bit.
> "First of all, what were you going to do, Ellen?"
> "Trying to do what?">"That thread thing we were talking about."
> "How you were going to do it, I mean.">"I dunno... maybe will a thread or connection to appear?" Ellen fidgets.
> Look at Hourai.
> "Do we need to know anything else besides what you told?"
> "Okay then... Ellen, do you have that spell in that book? Show me">"The spell of tethering?"
> "No-">She nods nervously.
> Pause.
> "Wait... trial and error means you are going to try something without any kind of guidance? That you don't have what you are going to do in that book?"
>Look over at what Reimu and Yukari are doing.>Reimu seems to be watching your conversation. Yukari is fanning herself.
>Look back at Ellen.
>"I... I don't think we can really afford to take that risk right now..."
> "... I will go get that book I have at home.">You grab your broom
> Take the broom.
> "Let's go, let's not lose time."
> Grin.>You start dragging your group towards the Forest of Magic.
> "Just who do you think you are talking to?"
> Look at ourharemgroup.
> "Let's not lose more time!"
> Once they are ready to go, to the Forest of Magic we go!
> "Dis' a quick operation. Go to home, take that book and leave. As simple as that. Alice won't even notice we were there.">You keep flying.
> Continue until we arrive there unless something of note happens.
>"Let's not.">"S-Sorry..." Ellen pouts.
> "You know which one is better?"
> Look at Hourai.
> "SUICIDE SQUAD!"
> Continue on.>You continue your house is soon in sight.
>Yes, of course. We could use a faster broom.>You won't leave it again.
>Inventory>Inventory:
> "What else could I ask for?">You sell anything, really. Despite the name being "Kirisame Magic Shop." Most of your items are mushrooms and things that have magical applications, but you also sell services, such as "borrowing" and extermination. You also have a few copies of your book, "The Grimoire of Marisa" in there.
> Chuckle.
> What do we have currently on sale, by the way? We run a shop, after all...
> Get inside and search for that book!
> "Nice, right? Yea, yea, you don't have to say it. I already know it.">"N-No, not that I mean... M-Marisa, I-I didn't know you were a... a..."
> Where is that book?
> "A what? An excellent magician?">"N-No... I mean a... a... a hoarder..."
> Start searching. Do we at least know its name?
> "I didn't heard you, what is it?">"A-A hoarder..."
> Keep at it. It has to be somewhere!
> Ah! Right!
> "Also, watch out for my mascot, please. Don't hurt it if you see it."
> "Yes. My snake mascot.">"A snake!?" Ellen jumps, falling backward onto a book pile. Another pile of junk right next to it begins to wobble.
> Keep searching.
> ... Do we AT LEAST know how it looks like?>Yes. It should look like a book.
> "Why yes. It's friendly, so no damage to him please~"
> Keep searching.
> "Also, y'alls could help me..."
> Yes, that's indeed a hint... Appearance of that book in specific?>It should look rectangular and have pages, a spine, and a cover.
> Keep searching.
>Hourai is on her back, holding a book, looking at the Tsuchinoko sticking its head out of the pile.> Parser plz
> "Oh, nice."
> Look at her.
> "Wait! Stop! He's a good boy! I said y'alls don't have to hurt iiit!">Medicine hesitantly lets her guard down as your pet slithers out of the pile and towards you, before nuzzling your legs affectionately.
> "See? Nothing wrong with it.">"So you really do have a snake..." Hourai gets up.
> "Yup. Have you found it, Hourai?">"I think this is it." Hourai holds up the book, titled A Novice Guide to Magical Automata
> "Hey, quiet!">Sokrates attempts to bat at the Tsuchinoko, who continues to hiss.
> Pick our Tsuchinoko. Make sure that, when we do, we cover him from Sokrates so he doesn't clings to him while we grab it.>You grab your pet, which glares at the cat as it gets farther away.
>Pet our pet.>You pet the
>"We don't want anyone get hurt."
>Look to Hourai.
>"Now let's have a look at that book."
> Take the book with our free hand (the one that isn't holding the Tsuchinoko).>You do so.
> "Okay... Can you open it for me, Hourai?"
> Adjust it on our arm so it's more easy for her to do it.
>Look for anything related to dolls.>The entire book seems to be about them you think...
> "Let's see...">You find a chapter called "Basic Automaton Control"
> Search for something that could teach us how to make magical threads just like Hourai told us.
> "Could this be...?">It describes, in detail, how to create magical threads between you and a magical automaton and exercise basic control.
> Read a bit.
>"Looks like we've got some reading to do.">You check on Ellen.
>Also we forgot that Ellen is trapped under a pile.
> Eh, she will be fine.>You read more.
> "Okay! Looks like we have tests at hand!"
> Start reading. We should reach practical part soon enough!
>But what about undoing threads? We don't want Hourai to stay stuck to us forever.>You continue reading, it seems like severing a connection to a doll is easier than forming one.
> "Alright. Let's do this.">You set the Tsuchinoko on a nearby desk
> Set Tsuchinoko aside (and away from Sokrates)
> "Ready Hourai?"
> If she is, then try what we have been told in that book.
>Are all our thoughts our own?>Yes
> Try making Hourai move about in a small circle for a few seconds.>You will Hourai to move in a circle.
> Then sever the thread and start a new one.
> then ask Hourai how she feels so far.
>Rub the place where we hit.>You rub your face, feeling something wet. Your nose might be bleeding.
>"Are you okay, Hourai?"
//... sigh>"I-I'm fine..." she shifts uncomfortably, "I thought I could trust you enough not to do that unless you had to, though..."
> "I-I am sorry for that. Are you okay?"
> "I am very sorry. I admit it was a stupid doing of mine.">You wipe your nose, getting some blood on your hand.
> Get up and wipe our nose.
> "Don't worry. It won't happen again.">"It better not, or next time it will be more than just a punch..." Medicine grumbles.
> "Uh,yea..."
> Help Ellen already.
>"I know. Don't worry about it.">"A-Alright."
>Find some tissues.
> Wipe our nose with them.>You do so. It still feels like it's bleeding, though.
> Take some more just in case if the others have the same problem.
> Get back with the others.
~~> "Master Spark"~~
> "Stop, you two.">You take your
> Take Tsuchie again.
//Lol. Too much Discord~>It stings a bit and is probably still bleeding.
> "Okay, uh..."
> How much does our nose hurt?
> Do Ellen and/or Medicine seem to be bleeding too?
> "We have a plan, then?"
> "Sounds like a plan, then.">It said it could get quite long, up to a couple miles, but it becomes more difficult to control the doll the farther you get.
> Did the book specified how lengthy can this magical thread be?
> We don't need that, so no worries.>You head upstairs to put your
> "Okay, a plan will be."
> Place Tsuchie inside his 'cage'. Hopefully it won't go away this time...
> Once this is done, take the book and bring a tissue along with us so we stop the bleeding a bit.
> "Alright. Let's go."
> Take our broom, of course.>You backtrack to grab your broom, haphazardly tossing Ellen's broom aside.
> Depart with our companions.
> Keep going. We don't have much left until we hit Yukari's time limit.>You keep flying until the time bubble comes into view once more.
> "Well, since we are searching for Patche, we will probably need to resolve this matter to talk with her, sooo... Resolve this incident will be.">"So... beat up the person causing this? Got it."
> "Blonde Squad is back!">"Y-You actually used it!" Ellen smiles.
> Get in position with our group near-but-not-so-near the bubble.
> "No one does, hey.">Hourai nods and readies herself.
> Tell Hourai to be prepared, and prepare ourselves too.
> "But even so, we have to help them so the gap woman doesn't do anything harsh."
>"I will.">You attach yourself to Hourai.
>Remake the connection with Hourai.
>Turn to the rest.
>"Ready?"
> "Okay. We'll get in. If this work, we'll resolve this in just some minutes!">You walk into the dome, allowing Medicine and Ellen to follow you.
> Try to walk inside the dome, letting Medicine and Ellen follow us, but leaving Hourai outside it (Don't control her, for the love of god).
> How is the sight inside here?>It looks rather gloomy and desaturated.
> "Don't worry."
> Go to the mansion gates!
> Look around for anything that might be... 'lost in time'? That is, something interesting that got freezed due to the time dome.>You see a few fairy groups frozen in time... And some birds.
> How does it feel to be inside? Can we feel magic?
> So being in here doesn't make it feel any different?>You reach the gate. No sign of Meiling...
> Keep advancing to the gate. Do we see Meiling somewhere?
> "Oke... Let's join the party.">You open the gate and join the exclusive house party at the SDM. Mission accomplished!
> Open the gates.