> Nod.
> "Another simple immediate example, though perhaps more personal than political, is that Miss Kamishirasawa is on track for a premature demise."
> Frown a bit again.
> "She recovered from yesterday's accident, but came out of it more frail than one such as herself should be. She was later taken by a sufficiently nasty bout of pneumonia that not even Miss Yagokoro could address. It seems prudent to try to stave this off as we are able, even if we are not able to prevent it outright."
> "I imagine the best we can do is make sure she does not do more outdoor traveling in the winter than absolutely necessary."
> "These are just a couple of possibilities. Perhaps we should see Lady Patchouli before discussing more? I would like to speak to the Young Mistress as well at some point, of course."
> Nod.
> "Understood, Mistress."
> Curtsy.
> "Very good. I shall see you there, Mistress."
> Exit the room and head down to Flan's room.
>...actually, how long would it take for us to arrive at the kitchen to get a cookie and come back ?
> "Young Mistress? Please wake up."
>Using Time Manipulation, how much time can we cut from the process ?
> "Please wake up, Young Mistress. I have a pleasant surprise for you."
>Look confused.
>"Why are you sorry Young Mistress ? I do not recall you doing any ill."
> Smile.
> "Young Mistress, it is okay. That had nothing to do with my disappearance. Will you come with me to see Lady Patchouli so I can tell my story?"
> Nod.
>Nod again.
>"Do not concern yourself with that, i am the one that must apologize for my absence."
>"Of course, but before so..."
>Give her a gentle hug.
>"It is good to see you again Flandre."
>"If anything dear, you were one of the main reasons that motivated and helped me to come back sooner."
>"I want to make you happy."
> "Now come, let's go."
> Head out of Flan's room (with her in tow) to the guest chambers by the music hall.
> Knock and enter.
> Is Eirin here?
> "Indeed. How much have you heard? I have not told the Young Mistress anything yet."
> Look to Flan.
> "It means I went to almost a thousand years in the future."
> Pull out and show her the picture of her future self.
> "See? This is the future you."
> Can Remilia?
> "Indeed."
> Smile.
> "She grew up to be a fine woman, very wise and mature. I was very proud of her."
> ...Why would Remilia be upset by this?
> Nod.
> "Indeed. And she wanted me to give you a message. She wants you to know that it will get better, that you will develop and maintain control of yourself."
> Give her a wink and a grin.
> "And I believe her, since I got to see it first-hand."
> Look to Patchouli.
> "Yes. I had wondered if doing so would influence too much, but Miss Soga stated rather firmly that it is exceedingly unlikely that an individual could cause very much damage. In this particular case, I imagine that if there is any change with the Young Mistress, it will be that she grows even faster."
> "She gave an explanation rooted in Taoism, relating it to ripples in a pond. It was apparently good enough to convince a very skeptical Miss Toyosatomimi that it was not a bad idea to influence the past."
> "I'm afraid that is out of my area of expertise."
> "Indeed. As I told the Mistress before, the future nodes very well for Gensokyo on the whole, but very poorly for our household specifically. I believe it would behoove us to work toward helping along those things that good, or at least not interfering with them, and correcting those that are bad."
> "Well, not from yourself directly."
> Pull out Alice's book and wave it a little bit (but don't offer it).
> "Margatroid will probably share her gift to herself with you, however. She preserved your corpse rather impressively."
>"Notes of research, i have promised to deliver them to her past self."
> "I am not terribly happy with it either, but she assisted me tremendously in the future in exchange for delivering this."
> "I could not have located the hakutaku without her."
> "Well, I have not looked through it myself, but I presume the information contained within this book is research about the creation of artificial bodies for Margatroid to extend life spans, if not outright make someone pseudo-immortal. It would appear she intends to grant this to Lady Patchouli, as well as Marisa, for what that is worth."
> "There were a curious number of helpful people in the future that I would probably not give the time of day in the present, admittedly. Shameimaru, Hinanawi...even Saigyouji, in her standard irritating, circuitous way."
> "Believe me, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself."
> "Of course. I suppose the most immediate societal matter is that Yakumo is apparently working to expend Gensokyo outward somehow. It was much larger than it is now. The end result seemed good enough to me. The barrier was also apparently more stable."
> "I did not learn too many of the details, but it sounded like it was completed not too much longer after I disappeared. She passed away shortly after that, and had been gone for quite some time."
> Nod.
> "I believe there was something of a feeling that her life's work was complete."
> "Yes. Probably the other most momentous happening is the neighbouring dimension that gets created. It would seem that the Moriya Shrine, and Miss Yasaka in particular, have quite progressive ambitions, which clashed with the 'traditionalists', those who were quite happy with the things the way they were. There was apparently great tension until the neighbouring dimension was created and the progressives moved there, allowing everyone to live where they saw fit while still enjoying peace and easy travel to those in the other dimension."
> "If you'll pardon my curiosity, Mistress, why not?"
> "Well, they didn't try to lay any claim of authority over Gensokyo beyond their own shrine, at least."
> "I cannot say for sure what the details of such things were, but it was not an immediately-observed problem. It is also possibly worth noting that Yasaka was only one member of their government, which seemed composed of many high-level people from various realms of origin. Including Avalon, with may be of Lady Patchouli's interest."
> Shrug.
> "I do not know what to tell you, Mistress. These problems did not seem to be present, but I suppose it is possible that they could not be overfeed at a glance and no one ever thought them worth mentioning in my presence."
> "I meant more that the citizens of the new dimension did not seem to have issues with the government."
> "As you say, Mistress."
> "Hmm, what else...ah, a tangentially related curiosity, since Lady Patchouli took note of it. Near as I can tell, Gensokyo seemed to have subsumed Avalon. It also appears one of their leaders had previously run into Nue Houjuu, regarding a sword with an apparently sordid history."
> Shrug.
> "Well, there were Avalonians there, and they had made an effort to learn our language."
> "I am not sure I would classify then as invaders in anything but the most technical of senses. But it is possible that is what you intended anyway."
> "Nothing in particular beyond living their lives in their own neck of the woods. Most people in the main area of Gensokyo that I talk to about then did not even know they were there. Which was not terribly surprising, they were over an hour's flight southwest of the Hakurei Shrine."
> "Perhaps Nue had something to do with that?"
> "I could not say what changed it. Though, apparently, there was some sort of time flow difference between the two lands. From Nue's perspective, it had been many centuries since she had seen her local noble friend, but from his perspective, it had only been a few years."
> "What else, what else...I already mentioned Princess Sukuna. Ah, the Usami and Hearn lines were still going strong. Apparently at least a few of them were well off, if the donation notes on the museum's placards were any indication."
> "Let us hope it is the former, given some of the positions their descendants found themselves in."
> "The Hakurei Shrine Maiden was an Usami, for one."
> "I know, I was surprised too. But the goddess of the Shrine was a Hakurei, so I suppose that counts."
> "It is as I have said. The goddess of the Shrine was a Hakurei. A former shrine maiden that ascended to godhood, it seems."
> Nod.
> "It would seem so."
> Frown a bit.
> "I must admit, though, that I am not immediately sure what else there is to say that is relevant to our house."
> Who would this include? Presumably Saigyouji. Anyone else?
> "All right. Saigyouji had not changed over bit, though Konpaku was long since dead."
> "No one that I saw. Saigyouji had somehow come into a young runaway human girl, no more than ten or twelve, but she did not actually serve. I have no idea if Saigyouji intended to eventually have her do so."
> "She did say she suspected the child had been abused before running away. Perhaps that was a deciding factor."
>"More like the child itseld would likely do so on her own from what i experienced."
> "I would say it is my duty to do so. Unless you mean you are surprised I was so adventurous?"
>"The netherworld was about the same, perhaps quieter. Eientei was actually no more, at that point in time. No one was quite sure just what had happened to them, if I recall correctly."
> "Indeed. The only rabbit I encountered had never even been there. I never learned the details, though personally I would not be surprised if their disappeared was related to whatever was done to Fujiwara after Keine passed away."
> Did we ask earlier if Eirin is here?
> "Is Keine over there as well?"
> "I see. It is probably for the best she is not present for this conversation. Her future was no more pleasant than ours."
> "In regards to other noteworthy people, the Buddhist faction and the Taoist faction seemed to be on much friendlier terms. Miss Toramaru and Miss Soga in particular almost seemed one step short of being in a relationship."
> "To that end, I have procured a number of their signatures on a statement of suggesting peace, to be show to their present selves in the hope of expediting the lowering of tensions."
> Smile.
> "I do what I can, Mistress."
> "I cannot think of anything else specifically, unless you have someone in mind you wish to know about in particular."
> "Pardon?"
> "I was hoping either you or Keine could tell me that. Neither Ran Yakumo nor the hakutaku could tell why what happened happened. Only that some unknown force dragged me through time."
>Examine our pocket watch speaking of that.
>"Understandable."
> "Well, unfortunately, at this point I had assumed whatever caused the explosion had something to do with the unknown force. If it did not, then I am completely at a loss as to why this happened."
>"So the cause is still unknown ?"
>Would it be possible to assemble all the maids so they can report what they saw on the day of the explosion on an organized manner ?
>Hmm... are there any maids on the staff that possess special abilities ?
>"For now i have yet to think of anything more other than what we can already assume."
>Which ones are the most notable ones ?
> "Of course. So what was that explosion about, anyway?"
> "Ah. That is unfortunate."
> "I suppose I should go find Meiling, then. Unless there is anything else you all wish to know?"
> "All right. If it is permissible, I will make a number of deliveries while I am out, small favors in return for small favors in the future."
> "Thank you, Mistress. I will do my best to not take longer than necessary."
>"I shall return later."
>Bow, and then make our way back out to the gate.
> "Hello again. I'm off to retrieve Meiling so she can return to her post and you can look through Lady Patchouli's reagents to see what may have gone bad."
> "Sorry, but it is not my place to supersede a request from Lady Patchouli. Best of luck."
> Take flight and head to the Hakurei Shrine.
> Land and head toward the shrine proper on foot.
> Knock on the half-open front door (or the wooden frame around it if it is made of paper).
> "Sadly, no. There was an accident at my home and I went missing for a while. Everything is fine now, but it is my understanding that Meiling has gone looking for me. Did she come by here?"
> Nod.
> "A sensible decision. Did she say where she was going next?"
> "Very well. Thank you for your help, Reimu."
> Grin just a bit.
> "Then I had best hope I find her quickly, before it gets cold. See you later."
> Take flight and head to the Human Village.
> Head toward the Myouren Temple. Might as well start delivering messages while we search!
> Make our way over to Ichirin.
> When was the last time we visited Rinnosuke?
> "Actually, no, not this time. There was an accident at my home and I went missing for a while. Everything is fine now, but it is my understanding that Meiling has gone looking for me. Did she come by here?"
> Nod.
> "I will do my best to return here once Meiling is found, then. Do you know where she might have gone?"
> What time is it now?
> Frown a bit.
> "Unfortunate."
> Shake head.
> "No, merely frustrated at the prospect of tracking her down. Certainly no one here is to blame for that."
> "No, but she is needed back at her post now that I have returned."
> "Not as such. This is likely going to be met with skepticism, but there was an accident at our home, and in the midst of dealing with it, some unknown force flung me forward in time, nearly one thousand years into the future."
> Smile a little.
> "That is admittedly less skeptical than I expected. I do have something of interest to your Temple from the future, though, if you wish to see."
> "The long and short of it is that I traveled forward in time somehow. And I would not say it is dangerous at all. Rather, it is a simple message from several of your future selves. With signatures, of course, to help show authenticity."
> Pull out and offer the Sworn Statement.
> "Those are from your future selves."
> Frown a bit.
> "I'm not sure how else to explain it. When I was sent to a thousand years in the future, many of you were still alive and well, and you all signed that statement to be brought back to your present selves to see."
> "I do not know the details. Some unknown force was responsible. Even the hakutaku of the time was not sure how it happened. My getting back was the work of Ran Yakumo; all I did was gather materials for her, and she did the rest."
> "It is indeed real, and nearly everyone was immediately happy to contribute. Only Miss Toyosatomimi had any reservations, and they were only about influencing the past, not the actual message."
> "There are at least two people I am aware of that exist physically in this time but did not exist physically in the future, yes. I admit it is also possible that either your family or theirs have more members than I was aware of."
> "That is actually my goal, though I would request I go with you. On top of all of the necessary explaining, Miss Toramaru requested I deliver a message to her specifically, in private."
> "Sure."
> Follow!
>"I noticed there seemed to be some sort of event going on at some of the stores. I don't intend to keep you from getting Shou, but what's that about?"
> "Ah, how fortuitous. I had something for her as well. But that can come later."
> Did we get the statement back from Ichirin, or does she still have it? Or did we never actually outright hand it over to her in the first place?
> Nod.
> "Indeed. However, I must preface this by explaining how it came to be. As unbelievable as this may sound, yesterday morning, some sort of unknown force dragged me forward through time, to nearly one thousand years in the future."
> "Yes. I have this."
> Offer the Statement to Byakuren.
> "Those signatures are from your future selves. Well, ah, most of your future selves."
> "Yes. As I told Miss Kumoi, nearly everyone I found was immediately happy to contribute. Only Miss Toyosatomimi had any reservations, and they were only about influencing the past. She supported the actual message just fine."
> Nod.
> "The impression I got was that things had been that way for a while before I appeared. It is perhaps worth noting that I found Miss Toramaru and Miss Soga at the same time, preparing to share a meal at a smaller branch Temple in a different region."
> Look at Murasa and shake our head.
> "Apologies for the concern, but it is nothing like that. It is simply that neither of you were present when I was collecting signatures."
> Look over to Byakuren.
> "That is to say, in your case, Miss Hijiri, your presence in this building was no longer physical."
> Don't do this.
> Look at Murasa and shake our head.
> "My apologies for causing concern. I assure you that any missing names are absent for much less offensive reasons."
> Look back to the general crowd.
> "Anyway, at thee risk of telling too much of the future, there will eventually come a time where having multiple establishments is prudent for your faith, as well as a number of businesses. Miss Toramaru appeared to be in charge of one such Temple; when I visited, Miss Soga was also present, and I believe you two were preparing lunch."
> "I do not recall what lunch was."
> Nod.
> "Of course. Though perhaps I can add just a little more, even if it is not particularly concrete proof that this happened?"
> Look to Shou.
> "In particular, I have a personal message for you, Miss Toramaru, to be delivered in private."
> "It is better than you might think. It will also be quite quick. Is there somewhere nearby that we can shuffle off to for a few moments?"
>Nod and follow.
> "Yes. Your future self says to not worry about Murasa."
> Nod.
> "Apparently you worry that she will not find peace? I would guess that did indeed come to happen, though your future self did not outright say so."
> "Of course. I presume that is why your future self wanted this message to be private."
> Nod.
> "Of course. That is all I had to say. Or all that you had to say, I suppose."
> "No, no one else requested anything private."
> Follow!
> Watch the proceedings.
> "There is no rush, of course, but I would like that back before I leave."
> Give a small smile.
> "With all due respect, Miss Kasodani, it is for everyone that signed it to see. Once everyone has seen it, I will let your two organizations decide what is to be done with it, unless either or both of you want nothing to do with it."
> "I don't think you will need to worry about that."
> Shake our head.
> "Well, you are free to take this information however you wish."
> "I don't suppose any of them are in the area?"
> "I suppose I will simply hope to luck into one, then."
> "...Perhaps later. I do still need to find Meiling, and there are other messages to deliver."
> Oh, that's not good. How do we normally handle such situations?
> Frown a bit.
> "Mmm, that's not good. I suppose I could see him for a bit, then."
> "Thank you."
> Head toward Rinnosuke's room.
> ...Okay, time to be completely, 100% honest with ourselves. What's our actual relation to Rinnosuke?
> "I see you are still in bed."
> Is there anywhere in the room to sit down?
> Take on a slightly gentler tone.
> "At least promise me you will get dressed today, okay? Even if you don't want to do any more than that."
> Have a seat.
> "Of course."
> What do we normally talk about during our visits?
> "So what interesting things have I missed since I was last here?"
> Is it permissible to discuss Kourindou while here?
> "Then what uninteresting things have I missed?"
> How often does he leave the room?
> Have we told him about the kobito incident?
> "Have you been out and about recently? Setting today aside, of course."
> "Mmm. That is unfortunate."
> Frown a bit.
> "Hopefully that will decline soon, if not outright end."
> "It would be for the good of everyone involved, at least."
> Did we retrieve the Sworn Statement, or did we leave it with the crowd?
> "You might be surprised, actually. A very curious thing happened yesterday morning, where some unknown force dragged me forward in time, nearly one thousands, to the Gensokyo of the future."
> "Indeed. It would appear that, at some point down the line, the Temple and Miss Toyosatomimi's faction will come to something of a peace accord, if not outright friendship."
> "Yes, I was surprised too."
> "Only a little over a day or so. I returned to this time no more than an hour or two ago."
> "It is admittedly very hard to believe. Time travel is not exact an everyday occurrence. You might be amused to know, however, that I found your glasses on display in a museum that will eventually be built here in the village."
> Do we remember what the plaque for his glasses said?
> "Kourindou also still stood, though the proprietress was someone I had never met before."
> How often does Rinnosuke use that dead woman's name?
> "I trust you will not try to alter the future with this information?"
> "It is doubtful any of us could change anything on a grand scale, but altering one or two lives is easier, I think. Regardless, her name was Shuuei, I believe. Apparently she currently works as an apprentice at the jeweler's shop. Her remarks also suggested you will return to Kourindou at some point; I got the feeling she only took over after your passing."
> "I assume so, though she did not have any sort of mask at the time. She was applying some sort of...something that made it so it was impossible to actually focus on her visually. It was like she was simply some sort of blur, where I could only occasionally make out minor edge details. She refused to answer any questions about it and quickly requested I change the subject. If she's running around in the present day behind a mask, that does at least suggest she is the same person."
> Shrug.
> "I couldn't really say beyond what I saw for myself."
> ...How often do we try to put one over on Rinnosuke?
> "That would be rather inappropriate, given the circumstances."
> "Regardless, I am not sure there is much else in the future I saw that you would be interested in, though if you have any curiosities, I would be glad to answer them as best I can."
> "It is possible I am extrapolating erroneously, I suppose."
> ...What might he have been implying?
> "Right, I understand."
> "Perhaps there is something else you are curious about instead?"
> "Then it can be simply set aside as an amusing curiosity."
> How long do our visits usually last?
> "Regardless, the only other really interesting thing that has happened since my last visit here would probably be the incident with the amanojaku and the kobito. Had you heard about that at all?"
> Opinion of Seija Kijin.
> "More or less. The kobito as a whole should come out of it okay, though."
> "Of course. You may in the future, though. But I hope you never have anything to do with that amanojaku. The less Gensokyo sees of her, the better."
> "I imagine they're all true. They are probably even too kind, given who you probably heard them from."
> "A proper pain in the ass."
> What was she like? General description aside.
> "She did her job of being irritating quite well. She also is a rather nasty combination of a habitual liar and clever enough to word her lies to fool a listener that knows her to be a liar anyway."
> "Like I said, the less Gensokyo sees of her, the better."
> "Anyway, that is about it for interesting happenings recently."
> "She was duped by the amanojaku. Fed some lies about how humans have oppressed kobito, or some such, I think?"
> "Quite possibly. She did at least see the light after the fact."
> Whereabouts is Shinmyoumaru, anyway?
> "I am only presently aware of the one, though she is apparently a princess. Last I was aware, Reimu kept her in a cage at the shrine, to keep an eye on her."
> Nod.
> "In Reimu's defense, she has a rather powerful wish-granting magic mallet."
> "Indeed. I imagine it will not last too much longer, though."
> "Her imprisonment."
> "Apparently not, in this case. Either that, or she doesn't want to leave."
> Nod.
> "It would not surprise me."
> How far is Rinnosuke allowed to travel, supervised or unsupervised?
> "Perhaps you would be interested in visiting her?"
> Would Rinnosuke, as a non-combatant, need assistance traveling such a distance?
> Nod.
> "Would you like to today, or some later day? I would be glad to accompany you there since I need to see Reimu again, but I have some other bits of business to conduct here in the Village first."
> "It is up to you."
> Nod.
> "If you like, I can take care of my other village business and then return here when you have made a decision. Or, if you have decided already, I can wait until you are ready, and you can join me on that business."
> Nod again.
> "Of course. I hope to be back shortly."
> Exit the room and make our way back to the kitchen where everyone else was.
> "Yes. I have other quick business to attend to in the village, but will be back shortly once it is done. do you know where the statement has gone?"
> Smile a little bit.
> "You might be surprised. Here, something to make your returning the statement to me worthwhile."
> Pull out Future Kyouko's letter to herself (https://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,20753.msg1338654.html#msg1338654) and hand it over while retrieving the Sworn Statement.
> Put the Sworn Statement away and watch Kyouko patiently, waiting for a reaction.
> Nod.
> "I hope it is of some use to you. And that it will not result in any accidental mischief. I did not read it myself, as the label requested."
> "Shoot."
> "Oh, I do not intend to tell everyone, certainly. But I believe those for whom I have messages deserve an explanation, at least."
> "Of course."
> "I will do my best."
> Nod.
> "Of course. It is appreciated."
> "Is there anything you are able and willing to share? I must confess I am rather curious. If it is entirely private, however, then that is fine."
> Nod.
> "Understood. My apologies."
> "Anyway, do you know where Ichirin went? I have one last quick message for her."
> "Excellent. Thank you."
> "I do not believe so."
> "Oh, ah, no, I should be fine. Thank you, though. Have a pleasant day."
> Head back out the front.
> "Ah, Miss Kumoi, one last thing before I depart for a bit."
> "A brief message from yourself to yourself; patch the hole in the roof sooner rather than later, if possible."
> "I did not tell him, as it was message to you from you, not to him or from him."
> "Oh. My apologies, I did not realize. No, this is from your future self. He did not bring it up."
> "Of course. I will actually be back for Rinnosuke in a bit; we will be traveling to the Hakurei Shrine together, but I have other things to do in the village first, and he needs to get ready."
> Nod.
> "Indeed."
> "He did seem to take a bit of interest in the prospect of meeting the kobito princess."
> "Anyway, I will be back soon. Take care."
> Head toward the market.
> Take the main roads; our goal at present is Yuuka. Make a note if we go by the tavern, though.
> ...Has Yuuka's table ever been that popular with the townsfolk?
> Wonderful. Of all the times in the world for us to actually want to talk to Yuuka and she's right there and we still don't have the opportunity.
> Make a mental note of the length of the line, and then head toward whichever of the tavern and the jeweler's store is closer to our current location.
> Go to the jewelry store anyway. Maybe getting closer to the crowd will give us an idea of how long we can expect this to take.
> Good. She'll want to know what's up when we return.
> Continue on to the jewelry store.
> Enter (the jewelry shop)!
> Time for some acting!
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> Look mildly relieved.
> "And also thank you both for being only two people, and two people uninterested in Miss Kazami's wares, no less. Better the quiet of here than the mob out there."
> "This is what I've heard too. Anyway, I'm searching around town because I have a letter to be delivered to a Miss Shuuei, and it is my understanding she tends to be somewhere around the village. Would either of you know where I can find her?"
> "Ah, how fortuitous."
> Pull out Spectre's Missive and give a slight grin.
> "Apparently there is a first time for everything, Miss Shuuei."
> Offer her her own missive.
> Wait patiently for a reaction.
> Frown a bit ourselves.
> "Mmm, the sender did warn me you wouldn't take it so well. I can assure you it is no prank, however."
> Look back to Shuuei.
> "I assure you that I do not know anything about what is written in that letter. The sender requested I not read it."
> "I will be glad to tell you my story, though I will warn you that the sender, whose handwriting I imagine you recognize, told me you would most likely not believe me."
> Frown.
> "I promise you, I know nothing of what is written there."
> "Not at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. And, again, I did not make it. I merely offered to deliver it."
> "You did, nearly one thousand years from now."
> "I did say you would most likely not believe me. Or, rather, your future self told me you would most likely not believe me. It is your handwriting, is it not?"
> Frown.
> "If it really was someone else, what motive would they have to do this?"
> "I have told you already. I understand that time travel is hard to believe, but yours is not the only message that has come back with me. You are welcome to ask the Temple about what they got to confirm what I have told you. Or you could ask Miss Kazami once I have given her her message to herself."
> Shrug.
> "Very well. If you do not wish to believe what I have told you, despite having the opportunity to check with other people, that is your decision to make. I have other messages to deliver, so I will be taking my leave."
> "Or what?"
> Toward us or away from us?
> If she is coming toward us, wait until she is almost upon us, and then step out of time.
> Exit the store, doing our usual best to not break the door while opening or closing it.
> Is the line for Yuuka visible from here?
> Run toward it, less out of a sense of panic and escape and more out of a sense of trying to not over-exert ourselves by stepping out of time for too long.
> Step back into time.
> Get into line properly.
> Look back toward the jewelry shop.
> Mmm. In that case, pull out Yuuka's missive and make our way back toward her table.
> Wave the missive a little bit.
> "Delivery, not purchase."
> Make our way to the table and hand over the missive.
> Good. Let her find us, and we'll see what Little Miss Secretive tries here in broad daylight.
> "You won't believe me unless you read it. You might not even after that, really."
> "The latter. My apologies. It will make more sense once you read it."
> Glance toward Shuuei, then look back at Yuuka.
> Shake our head.
> "Not at all. That handwriting is genuine. I would be glad to discuss it in private once your line has died down."
> "Yes. Incidentally, the sender did correctly guess you would immediately suspect forgery, which is why it is signed."
> Look back.
> "Terribly sorry, everyone. I'll be sure to make this quick."
> Glance toward Shuuei again.
> Look back to Yuuka.
> "Hmm. Perhaps in a side alley? There are not too many places in this village I can think of off the top of my head that are truly private and secluded."
> Look back at Shuuei.
> "Ah, though it seems that we may have a little bit of extra time to dwell on it."
> "She was, ah, far more skeptical about her letter than you were of yours, shall we say."
> Is the umbrella open or closed?
> Take a couple of steps to the side away from Yuuka.
> Look to Shuuei and call out.
> "You might want to stand down!"
> Any property damage?
> Look to the crowd.
> Hold up a hand in what we hope is a reassuring gesture.
> "Sorry again, everyone. It's fine now."
> Look back to Yuuka.
> "Anyway, some sort of side alley? Preferably one in her direction, I imagine I will be carrying her somewhere once our conversation is concluded."
> "Well, we could use the tavern instead, I suppose, though it carries a risk of being overheard."
> "The tavern it is, then."
> Head toward the tavern.
> Curious. Peek inside!
> Enter and make our way to said corner booth. Make note of who the server is along the way.
> "Of course. The short version of my story is that there was an explosion in our library yesterday morning, and during the immediate rescue efforts, some unknown force flung me forward in time nearly a thousand years. I only returned to this time late this morning. That letter you have was written by your future self."
> Are we hungry at all?
> What teas are on the menu?
> Do we have enough of our own currency on-hand to cover a mint tea?
> If so: "A mint tea for me, please."
> "Anyway, yes, I realize how nonsensical and impossible it sounds. Certainly I'd have a hard time believing myself if I didn't live through it. All I can really offer in the way of evidence is the messages I have brought back for various people from their future selves, as much as that apparently wasn't good enough for the jeweler's apprentice."
> "Certainly. What do you wish to know?"
> Look to Tenshi.
> "Thank you."
> Wait for Tenshi to leave, then look back to Yuuka.
> "Yes, though I'm rather surprised your future self did not simply write such in the missive. Anyway, your future self says that you 'don't have nearly as much time to put Yukari in her place' as you think."
> Why would Remilia not like that?
> "I beg your pardon?"
> "Ah, I suppose that is true."
> "For what it is worth, if you do see fit to act on this, I hope you go easy on her, so to speak. The Gensokyo of the future has grown tremendously in size and space, and it is my understanding that she had a hand in that expansion before finally kicking the bucket. I think it would be best for Gensokyo if that outcome were not disturbed."
> "Ah, that is good. That is no business of mine, then."
> Purse our lips a bit.
> "...Yes, actually."
> ...Until what?
> Raise our eyebrows, but say nothing.
> Sample our tea.
> Did she go anywhere, or is she just standing in place?
> Did she touch her tea?
> Finish ours off.
> Glance over at Tenshi while continuing to drink our tea. If she looks at us, give a light shrug.
> "I expect she will return. I do have something for you in the meantime, though."
> Sip.
> Take a quick glance around. Nobody obviously listening or easily within earshot, we hope?
> Take on a low tone of voice.
> "I have been delivering messages for various people today. The Temple folks got one, the jeweler's apprentice got one, Miss Kazami got one. You got one as well. They can be taken as fortunes, or advice for the future, or what-have you. You can take yours with whatever volume of salt you desire, but I can, at least, vouch for the authenticity of the source of the message in relation to you, regardless of the value of the message itself."
> "Sorry. The long and short of it is that someone you can trust asked me to deliver a message to you. You can take it or leave it as you wish. And no, before you ask, this is not me trying to get out of my bill."
> Pull out the cost of our tea and put it on the table.
> "Anyway, the advice I am to deliver to you is to 'Meet up in the barn. Aim for the upper left shoulder, near the neck.' I have no idea what this is in relation to; they didn't give me anything other than that."
> "I'll tell you if you really want me to, but I imagine you won't believe me. It must absolutely be kept a secret, however."
> Nod.
> "It was you, nearly one thousand years from now."
> Grin just a little bit.
> "I did warn you that you would likely not believe me."
> Sip.
> "As I said, the information is yours to do with as you will, even if you decide to do nothing but think me out of my mind. I would guess, however, that since your future self did not elaborate at all, you presumably have someone in mind already."
> Sip.
> "It sounds like combat advice to me. Perhaps a duel you do not wish to be discovered immediately, or at all? Beyond that, I couldn't begin to tell you what your future self was thinking."
> "You are quite welcome."
> Sip.
> "For what it is worth, you seemed to have done quite well for yourself in the future."
> Shrug lightly again.
> Sip.
> Nod.
> "You're welcome."
> Sip.
> Finish off our tea.
> How much would Yuuka's drink be, and do we have enough to cover it, just in case?
> Were they in line earlier?
> Frown a bit.
> "What on Earth...?"
> Get up and head to the door, looking outside.
> Head outside and check Yuuka's table.
> Make our way over to Yuuka.
> "She's all yours."
> Can we see the place where Shuuei lay on the ground from here?
> "That is fine. I believe I should be cleaning up the mess left in the street right now anyway."
> Nod.
> "It should be little trouble. Have a pleasant day, Miss Kazami."
> Walk over to Shuuei's limp body.
> Is the missive visible and undamaged?
> Lift the youkai up, sling her over our shoulder, and head back to the jewelry shop.
> Peek inside. Is the owner back out front again?
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> "Certainly."
> Help get Shuuei where she needs to go.
> "Of course."
> Head back down into the main shop.
> "Oh, it was not too much trouble. I apologize in return that Miss Kazami left her in this state."
> Shake our head.
> "I did not wish to engage in such a confrontation, for a handful of reasons. I do feel at least partially responsible for what happened regardless, as much as I did not expect Miss Kazami to pull the trigger, so to speak, so quickly."
> "Of course. If I may, I might suggest visiting the Temple with her once she is active again, and have her ask them about a message I gave to them, how I claim I got it for them, and what they think of such a claim. She doesn't need to go into any details about her own message; just knowing that the Temple also received one should hopefully be enough to calm her down."
> "Of course."
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> Do we remember how to get to the present-time cave that Futo was in in the future?
> "I must continue my business now. Have a pleasant day, Mister Ichiro."
> Exit the store and make our way to the Taoist cave.
> Poke our head in.
> "Miss Toyosatomimi? Are you there?"
> Did we pick up a light source, such as a torch or a lantern, at any point?
> If not, do we recall if the Temple had one, or if any of the shops sell them?
> How much cash do we have on-hand?
> Head back to said lantern shop.
> Oh, we did come home with 1 mon? Whoops. Oh well.
> Head back to the Temple instead.
> Hold up a hand.
> "Wait, not yet. Do you have a torch or a lantern I can borrow for a bit? I have one more stop before I am done here."
> "I wish to check the cave in the southwest corner of the cemetery. I hope that is not a problem."
> "Miss Hijiri did wish to discuss things with Miss Toyosatomimi, at least."
> "Perhaps, but I have also promised to deliver personal messages to some of them as well."
> Take it.
> "Thank you. Incidentally, since Miss Houjuu was not around for my visit, when telling her about all this, would you let her know that her Avalonian friend is doing quite well for himself?"
> "Of course. She is quite lucky that the time flow between Gensokyo and Avalon is so different, as it means she will actually get to see him again. If she can find him. Don't worry about that danmaku, by the way, Miss Kazami and Miss Hinanawi simply differ in opinions on proper etiquette."
> "Indeed. Thank you again, and I will be back soon."
> Head back to the cave and actually enter and explore it this time.
> "Pardon me, but is anyone here?"
> Very well. Pass through the doors and press onward!
> Head to the seeming-island.
> "Ah. Miss Soga, is that you?"
> Make our way toward the voice.
> "Sakuya Izayoi, of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. I have something important for you and your family."
> "It is a bit of a story that I would rather tell everyone only once, if possible. The immediately important aspect is that I have a message for Miss Toyosatomimi and her advisors, and it will require a bit of an explanation."
> "It would be appreciated."
> Pull out the Sworn Statement, but don't hand it over or display it so it is easy for Tojiko to read.
> "As for what this is about, please forgive my impertinence, but I would really rather not need to explain myself more than once, given how outlandish the origins of this message will seem."
> Frown a bit, then sigh.
> "...It has your signatures on it, from nearly one thousand years in the future."
> Nod.
> "Thank you."
> "Indeed. My apologies for the intrusion, Miss Toyosatomimi. The quick summary is that, yesterday morning, an unknown force dragged me forward in time nearly a thousand years. I was able to return this morning, and brought back messages for a number of people in this time period. This includes you and your advisors."
> Hand over the Sworn Statement to Miko.
> "As well as, ah, a number of other people, as you can see."
> 'Desires are open?' What does that mean?
> Blink with a bit of an uncertain expression, then nod.
> "Thank you, Miss Toyosatomimi."
> "Of course. Unfortunately, I have little else to offer in the way of private information that might further verify my story. The future Miss Mononobe did ask me to pass on a personal private message to get, but it is verbal and not particularly long or informative. At least, not that I can tell."
> "The statement there? Oh yes, everyone that signed it read the full message and was completely on board with it. The Miss Toyosatomimi of the future had some reservations about altering the past, but other than that, no one had any real concerns."
> "Does this mean that you do not wish to hear your future self's message?"
> Nod.
> "Very well. The Miss Mononobe of the future did request complete privacy, however. It is up to you whether you want to take her advice or not, but I want to be sure the request is at least understood."
> "All right. Where shall we go?"
> Nod.
> "Lead the way."
> Follow!
> "Of course. I must say in advance, however, that I have no idea about the context of this. Your future self warned me that you may not take it well, and that it would definitely be a problem if said in the presence of others. Presumably it is related to something deeply personal. As such, I can assure you I have no knowledge of the significance of this message."
> "Very well. Your future self says that 'there is nothing to fear'."
> Shrug.
> "'There is nothing to fear.' That is all that she said."
> "I can only guess at possibilities. Perhaps you have some deep-rooted fear, or an embarrassing fear you have never told anyone? She actually preemptively apologized to me in the event that you acted out against me, for what that is worth. That suggests it is related to something you do not want anyone to know."
> How does she look? Angry, confused, terrified and ready to bolt, something else?
> Frown and nod.
> "Understood. My apologies that I was not able to offer you anything of use to you."
> Blink.
> "Nothing of the sort, Miss Mononobe. Is something wrong? Can I help you somehow?"
> "Ah! Miss Mononobe, wait!"
> Step out of time, retrieve the lantern with a free hand (hopefully our candle only requires the one), step back into time, and give chase!
> Step out of time again.
> Get ahead of Futo by a few yards, then stop in her flight path, turn around, hold our arms out to our sides, and step back into time.
> Stop our chase.
> Look in the direction of the voice.
> "Miss Toyosatomimi?"
> Look back in the direction Futo was bolting, then back to Miko.
> "...Sorry."
> "Please give her my apologies when she does. Though I suppose she probably believes me now, if she didn't before. Did you happen to overhear any of that?"
> "Ah, well, thank you."
> Nod.
> "By the way, Miss Hijiri wishes to discuss that statement with you."
> Nod.
> "She did not offer any sort of time table, so presumably any time that works for you."
> "Understood. Do you wish for me to be present for this, or should I move on to other things? Or does it not matter?"
> "Understood. I hope it goes well for everyone involved."
> "Ah, yes. Miss Soga, your future self wanted to let you know that, in a general sense, 'things will work out'. She did not offer specifics or request privacy, only that message."
> "Well, at least you can take comfort in the knowledge that they will."
> "Any time. In that case, unless Miss Kaku is around, I shall impose upon you no longer."
> Allow ourselves a slight grin.
> "I see. Well, the next time you see her, please tell her to try the baklava. I imagine that will not make sense for a very long time, but if she remembers it when it becomes relevant, she will not be disappointed."
> "I believe it is, yes. It is even entirely possible it has not been invented yet. But she recommended it to me, and it was delicious, so it is the least I can do to return the favor."
> Can we tell which way is out?
> "Thank you."
> Curtsy (as best as possible without lighting ourselves on fire).
> "Have a pleasant day. And please keep me informed of how things go. As much as it is not my business, it would be nice to know that something came of all my message delivery."
> "Thank you. See you all around."
> Head in the direction we think 'out' is.
> Head back to the Temple.
> "Hello again."
> "Yes. And here."
> Offer the candle back.
> Nod.
> "Of course."
> Look to Ichirin.
> "Thank you again, Miss Kumoi. And just as a heads-up, Miss Toyosatomimi agrees that meeting with Miss Hijiri about that statement is a good idea. I imagine she will be by later today."
> "Did something else happen while I was gone?"
> "Really?"
> Frown and facepalm.
> "Ugh, Miss Mononobe..."
> "Yes. Miss Mononobe also had a personal private message to be delivered. She, ah, took it very poorly..."
> "She started panicking almost immediately and did not take long to simply run off. I was set to give chase to try to calm her down, but Miss Toyosatomimi told me not to while physically holding Miss Soga back from presumably doing the same thing I was doing."
> Glance over at the state with a frown.
> "I had wondered where she had gotten to..."
> "Where did she go afterward?"
> "I haven't the foggiest idea, I'm afraid."
> "I imagine she will turn up eventually. Oh, that reminds me - how did the other fight go? I assume it is at least over?"
> "Well, it is what it is."
> Look to Rinnosuke.
> "Let's go, then."
> "Miss Kazami and Miss Hinanawi."
> "Indeed. Perhaps it will be worth looking into later. For now, the Hakurei Shrine beckons."
> Head (on foot) to Reimu's.
> "Ah, here we are."
> Head through the torii. Hopefully Reimu's still outside.
> "Nothing of the sort, unless you count Yuuka selling her plants in the village and then beating the tar out of Tenshi."
> "Ah, if you see Miss Mononobe while you're there, please try to simply send her home, she's in quite a distressed state. Also, is the little princess accepting visitors right now?"
> Do we know where Shinmyoumaru is kept?
> Is she ever allowed out?
> How mature is she? Childish, young adult, proper adult?
> "Thank you. Beat of luck."
> "Ah! One last thing! Is she allowed out?"
> Look to Rinnosuke and shrug.
> Head inside the shrine and search for the princess.
> "Greetings, princess, This is Rinnosuke Morichika, a friend of mine."
> What did we call her before?
> "Circumstances have changed, so yes."
> What does Shinmyoumaru look like? (Try not to ogle.)
> "Thank you."
> Get comfy!
> "So how have things been here at the Shrine?"
> "Fairy? Has Cirno been bothering Reimu recently?"
> "Oh. Ah, Plum Flower. I presume you have been giving as good as, if not better than, you have been getting from her?"
> "Is she around now?"
> "Ah, how fortuitous."
> "All the more reason to enjoy what you have while you have it."
> Gesture to the newspaper.
> "Anything worth reading?"
> Chuckle.
> "Which paper is that? Bunbunmaru or Kakashi?"
> "Shameimaru sure is fast. That mansion is my home, which I am sure you will visit sooner or later if the interest takes you, and the explosion was just yesterday morning. I am surprised Reimu did not know Yuuka was selling her plants in the village today if it was listed in the paper, though. And what's this about Shameimaru and Himekaidou going at it some more?"
> Why would Rinnosuke find that comment funny?
> "That sounds good for a laugh. May I see it?"
> "Thank you."
> Have a look for this article and read through it if we find it.
> Chuckle again.
> "Well then."
> Glance over at Rinnosuke.
> "Normally, no. But consider what I have been through very recently."
> "Oh, on the contrary, it will get better rather than worse. Not a lot better, but better."
> "Indeed. Regardless, princess, would you like to tell Rinnosuke a bit about yourself?"
> Do we remember any other kobito in the castle?
> "I imagine time in the cage has become less and less? Particularly since Reimu just left you here."
> "Ah, I see."
> Grin a little bit.
> "That would make sense. Reimu is kinder than her gruff exterior would have one believe."
> "Will you stay here permanently, then?"
> Nod.
> "Of course. We all do."
> "Enjoy it while you have it, yes."
> Is the blood relation between Rinnosuke and that dead woman public knowledge?
> Shoot him a quick icy glare, then return focus to the kobito with a casually neutral expression.
> "Hardly. Rinnosuke has simply recently had a rough time, and we both know it is good for him to travel now and again. Since he had never met a kobito before, it seemed logical to visit you. Not to make a spectacle out of you, of course."
> "Well, I will not speak for the princess, but honestly, in my case, I would not mind it too much. I had figured you would have at least a few curiosities when I suggested we visit here."
> "There is that as well, yes."
> Do we know how to get to Eientei?
> "It is my understanding that there are markers that will lead you there, if you enter the Bamboo Forest at the right place."
> "Go with Reimu sometime, perhaps? I would consider offering my own services, really, but I do not have business there at present."
> "Ah, that is a shame."
> Frown.
> "That is unfortunate."
> "You probably could."
> Shrug.
> "That, I cannot say."
> Look to Rinnosuke.
> "Are you sure you do not wish to ask anything?"
>"I have to admit I'm curious about some of the details myself."
> Nod for her to continue.
> "I suppose I can't blame you for that, if you're not able to connect with them."
> Chuckle.
> "You might be surprised. It would be worth your time visiting my home some time, I think."
> "It sounds like you have already taken care of that."
> Frown.
> "My sympathies."
> "Will you have your retainers take care of them?"
> "Of course."
> "Like I said, you should visit my home sometime."
> "Well, we have a number of fascinating pieces of art and various historical artifacts from a number of past civilizations."
> Nod with a bit of a smile.
> Does Rinnosuke know about the open house days?
> "We do already have the open house days, at least."
> "Anyway, perhaps I should continue searching for Meiling. I assume you two will be fine by yourselves."
> "Yes, she was looking for me."
> "I unexpectedly disappeared yesterday, so. Thankfully I was able to return this morning, so now I need to retrieve her."
> "Unfortunately not. I am simply doing to continue delivering messages and hope I run into her."
> "That is my next stop, yes."
> "Thank you."
> "I will see you both at a later date. Farewell!"
> Leave the Shrine, then take flight and head toward Youkai Mountain.
> Land and make our way along the road up the mountain by foot.
> Give a short wave.
> Have we seen this person before?
> Smile a bit.
> "Thank you. Say, did a well-built woman with long red hair come through here this morning?"
> "Excellent. Thank you again, and have a pleasant day."
> Continue on up the mountain.
> Do we know what the large building is?
> Head to the large building.
> Do any nearby outdoor kappa look not particularly busy?
> Make our way over to the human.
> "Good afternoon, sir. Did you happen to see a well-built woman with long red hair come through here recently?"
> Nod.
> "That would have been me, in fact."
> "Ah, wonderful. Do you know which way she went?"
> "All right, I'll try there next. Thank you very much."
> "Have a pleasant day, sir."
> Head back to the path up the mountain and continue on upward by foot.
> Take to the air and fly up it, then, rather than trying to hike it.
> Stop in place and watch them with a calm, neutral expression.
> Does she look familiar?
> "It is twofold. Primarily, I'm looking for a well-built woman with long red hair. I hear she may have come this way recently."
> "She would have been looking for me. It is important I meet up with her again and bring her home."
> "The one in the Human Village?"
> "Oh, I see. My apologies. Would I be permitted to retrieve her, then?"
> Grimace just a bit.
> "Has something happened?"
> "Ah. Of course, of course. I understand. It simply sounded like something catastrophic happened, like that money thing a couple of years ago."
> "No worries. This does segue into my other reason for coming here, however. If possible, I would appreciate audiences with Aya Shameimaru, Hatate Himekaidou, and Kazuha Hanayama. Fairly casual audiences, it is not as though any of them have wronged me. ...Recently."
> "I have been takes with delivering personal messages to each of them."
> "Oh my. Well, I personally do."
> Curtsy.
> "Sakuya Izayoi, chief maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
> "Thank you. Though, ah, I must confess I do not know where exactly in town any of those three live."
> Nod.
> "Do I need some sort of permit?"
> "Understood. Thank you for your time."
> "Any time. Have a pleasant, Miss Inubashiri."
> Continue on into the village, looking for a prison.
> "Any time. Have a pleasant, Miss Inubashiri."
> Continue on into the village, looking for a prison.
> Don't do these. Instead:
> "Of course. In that regard, just to be sure, may I retrieve my friend first? Or is it not permissible for her to join me in my business in the village?"
> "All right, I'll retrieve her afterward."
> How attractive is Momizi, anyway? Presumably not comparable to Future Kazuha since we didn't think about it immediately, but the question still stands.
> The other tengu in this squad are still a good distance away, right?
> Frown a bit in thought.
> "...One final thing, before I leave you be. How close are you the people I mentioned? Consider it a curiosity."
> Nod.
> "Thank you. I will detain you no longer, then. Have a pleasant day, Miss Inubashiri."
> Continue on into the village, looking for a prison.
> Aim for that nondescript building. That seems more likely to be a prison than the fancy building.
> Is the door guarded from the outside?
> If not, enter.
> Did the door close behind us? If not, close it.
> "Miss Kazuha, I presume? Miss Momizi told me you would be here."
> Curtsy.
> "Sakuya Izayoi, chief maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. I have something for you that you may find amusing."
> "Oh, don't worry, it's not anything bad. At least, I don't think so."
> Walk up to the desk, pull out the Expired Fairy Pass, and offer it to Kazuha.
> "Though not everyone has reacted favorably to this sort of thing, so perhaps my judgement is off."
> Does that pass have some sort of date on it?
> Smile a bit.
> "Not a prank at all, Miss Kazuha. The truth is far stranger than that. That pass actually comes from nearly a thousand years in the future."
> "I'm afraid I don't know who 'the captain' is. You are welcome to look at the date, though I believe Gensokyo may have changed the way it tracks years some time between now and then."
> Frown a bit.
> "No one has. It is as I have said. I admit I know extremely little about the tengu law enforcement system, but frankly, if one of your superiors were going to try to put one over on you, it seems to me that there are much easier and better ways of doing so than to grab one of the servants of Gensokyo's non-tengu houses and have her tell you stories about time travel."
> Sigh.
> "May I assume, then, that you do not have any interest in hearing about your future self, or what she wants to tell you?"
> "Very well. I did make one visit to this village in the future, and of the patrol that spotted me, you were the one that came close and approached me, similar to what Miss Momizi just did to me a few minutes ago."
> "I had a fairy companion at the time, and apparently fairies were forbidden from entering this village."
> Gesture at the Expired Fairy Pass.
> "Though temporary access would be granted for a small fee."
> "Also our encounter ended with us doing the do several times because you're so hot. Honestly, I came here hoping this one could end the same way."