> Is there any way for us to re-purpose the ritual on the fly like this, so that it's more resistant against... resistance?
> What would be our best guess for 'where' we are right now?
> If this is some sort of metaphysical plane where each of us represents our life forces, and the tree's uprooting represents its breaking free of the ritual, what might the petals represent?
> Do we know how to seal a life force?
> Okay, perhaps that was the wrong question to ask.
> The transfer ritual was not designed to deal with resistance. But clearly, it is taking effort on the Saigyou Ayakashi's part to resist and break free. Would applying the ritual again, on this metaphysical plane, possibly be enough to keep it in check?
> Crap.
> Do we know how to seal a life force inside ourselves? This would be different than a regular transfer ritual, in that we'd be actively trapping the life force inside of us instead of setting it up to be integrated with ours. Or are we not a proper vessel for such a thing?
> What about the thing that Seiga did with trapping it within Meira? Could we do that with ourselves?
> Could we possibly redirect its curse back at it, or use some other techniques to put it to sleep? Consider this asked in both the 'is this even possible' sense and the 'are we, with our established knowledge and skill set, capable of such a feat' sense.
> Are we capable of conjuring fire?
> Would that require a talisman?
> Pull a talisman out, with the intent on preparing it for a fire-conjuring charm.
> Move to the right, away for being directly under the tree, so we can see the tree again.
> Can we see any roots?
> If so, are they within reach, and could we reach out for them without getting shredded by petals?
> Could we apply and activate a talisman by placing it on the flat of our blade and then using the blade to press it up against the desired surface?
> Is the petal chaff too thick to wander into without getting cut up?
> Have we been relatively safe under the tree so far?
> Undo our sash again and unhook ourselves from Meira, leaving her safe under the tree.
> Once this is done, re-tie our sash.
> With our agility restored and our area of pain decreased, carefully venture out into the petals in search of roots.
> Which side is the root to?
> Left
> Are we within arm's length of a root?
> Up
> How wide is the spiral?
> We are presumably still not at root level, yes?
> So it is wide enough for us to fit through with a little bit of leeway? (We will presumably have to deal with blossoms cutting through it when that happens.)
> Nothing for it, then. We gotta go up, so let's go up. Into the storm!
> Nudge ourselves left to get out of the way of the front-coming petals.
> Up
> Our left is still part of the wall of spiraling petals, yes?
> Do we have space in front of us?
> Forward!
> How's upward looking?
> How close are the roots now?
> Is the spiral wall of petals between us and the roots?
> How is forward looking, then?
> Are the roots directly in front of us, or off to a side?
> To the left, to the right, or both?
> How is right looking?
> Crap.
> Glance left.
> It is what it is. Left!
> How is forward looking now?
> Yes, face toward the tree properly, since that'll be the source of the roots.
> Could we fit through them if we turn ourselves sideways?
> Start flying toward this swirl and the tree behind it, positioned as though we are lying on our stomach and facing forward. before we get to the previously-noted gaps, rotate our body one-quarter turn (90 degrees) so our sword hand is above/on top of us and our other hand is below us.
> with this new orientation, head into a petal gap.
> Slap our current talisman against the nearest root.
> How many more roots are in reach?
> Which one writhed out, the talisman or the root?
> How much time do we have to keep slapping talismans down on nearby roots before we have to move?
> Are there more roots further away in both directions, or are they more or one side or the other?
> Did the talisman at least stay on the root?
> Pull out five more fire-conjuring talismans, slap a second one next to the current one, then slap two each on the two other roots within reach.
> Probably a petal.
> Are we reasonably clear to the left or to the right?
> Ignite the placed talismans, then proceed left, pulling out six more fire-conjuring talismans as we move.
> Are the open spaces themselves static or dynamic?
> Where is the closest one?
> Did we pull those talismans out?
> Head toward the gap mentioned previously.
> Are the petals moving toward us?
> Glance a bit to the right for another opening.
> Head toward the smaller one.
> Is any part of the tree within reach, be it branches, trunk, or roots?
> Slap two talismans onto the trunk side by side, then reassess the petal swarm.
> Are we already in the opening, or are we seeing it collapse from outside of it?
> And we can ignite our talismans from wherever as long as we can see them?
> We'll get 'em later, then. Zip on through the opening before it closes.
> Keep moving forward.
> Is our current location sufficiently unchaotic that we have the time to look back at our talismans and ignite them?
> Do so.
> Nifty.
> Okay, face forward again. What have we got for traversable spaces?
> Is the part of the tree currently to our right the part where we laid those two talismans? Or have we moved around the tree a bit away from them?
> Are we within reach of the tree?
> If not, is the way to the tree clear?
> Move close to it until it is within reach, then slap two more talismans down side by side.
> Ignite, then reassess petal situation.
> What about behind us?
> How far below us are those S shapes? Could we descend without running into them?
> Descend. (Maybe we'll get to some more roots!)
> The roots haven't vanishes on us yet, have yet?
> Are the roots within reach?
> Are we back under the trunk of the tree to a degree, then? Or are we hiding out among/below the roots?
> How are our current fires going?
> How is Meira holding up?
> Slap our two fire talismans on the underside of the root that is in the process of freeing itself, being careful to jerk our hand back away from any invading petals.
> ...How does that even work?
> Well, whatever. Can we at least see the sides?
> Ugh. Can we at least see the petal storm?
> Let's watch the space next to the root that is making its way free for an opening that we can just pop our head and shoulders up into, in order to slap talismans down and ignite them.
> Good. Burn, baby, burn.
> Pop our head up above ground and slap our remaining in-hand talismans side by side on an escaping root.
> Ignite these new two, then pull out six more and slap two of them side by side on the other root.
> FRom what we can tell from our limited field of vision, how much petal coverage is there between these two roots, in terms of us moving laterally?
> Move laterally a bit between the two branches to get away from our talismans. If we have room, move toward the trunk.
> Once we are at a location that is safer from the fire we just spawned, ignite the newest placed talismans.
> Are there other roots within reach that we have not yet ignited?
> Slap two talismans side by side on both roots (using four talismans in total), then duck out of this root gap and toward what would be considered the 'next' one given the direction we're going.
> Are they just stray blossoms, or is it a larger swarm?
> Let's wait them out 'underground' for a few seconds, then see how it looks.
> Can we see the last set of talismans we placed from here? If so, ignite them. If not, get a better view until we can, then ignite them.
> If we have the petal time to do so, visually examine the tree now that we've gone full pyro on it.
> And the roots aren't reacting at all yet, huh?
> How's our energy?
> Trees also tend to not uproot themselves, though, so it's worth checking.
> Slap two more talismans side-by-side on each of the two roots we are now near.
> Duck back down, pull out sufficiently many fire talismans that we have eight in hand, and head to the next root gap.
> Pop up if the petal swarm allows and ignite the talismans that we just left out previously.
> Stick two talismans side by side on each root, then duck back down and head to the next root gap.
> Pop up and repeat the ignite -> placement -> redraw -> head to the next root gap process.
> Is the whole thing on fire, or just a part of it that we can pop up away from?
> Move on to the next root gap, then.
> Well okay then!
> Move back to the root gap that we primed with talismans but did not actually ignite.
> This is the root gap where we put talismans but did not actually ignite them? Does that mean that the fire spread to them naturally?
> Crap.
> Look down the gap further away from the trunk. Has the fire spread all the way to the ends of the roots?
> Head further down the root gap we're currently under toward the ends of the roots.
> Have another look at how far down the fire has spread.
> So, in terms of avoiding the fire, we'd be safe to resurface here? (The petals are a different matter.)
> Okay, good. Return our attention to the petal storm that's blocking our resurfacing efforts. How's it looking?
> Go for it, then!
> Okay, we're in. What're our directional options?
> Nothing for it, then. Upward!
> If we took the second one, would turning sideways give us any sort of decent view of the tree?
> Let's do that, then. Take the second option, turning so we can look at the tree more easily.
> Can we see the last set of talismans we set up from here?
> Ignite them, then reassess our petal situation.
> Let's wait it out a little bit, then, and take the chance to watch the fire burn a bit.
> How is the progression of the uprooting?
> Are all of the roots on fire at this point?
> Have the tree's branches ignited yet?
> How's the petal storm between us and the trunk looking?
> Is it too dense to navigate?
> How much longer can we safely stay here?
> Could we at least enter into the storm proper right now without getting sliced to ribbons?
> Getting closer to the trunk is our goal, yes. How much space do we have to do right now, or within the next couple of moments, so that we can get away from our current location?
> How far away form the trunk are we at present?
> Have blossoms that got caught on our cape yet been a problem?
> Wait, that is possible? Does danmaku and the like typically penetrate clothing?
> Whatever. She who hesitates is lost!
> Head further into the storm, toward the trunk.
> Could we take the first one if we rotated ourselves?
> Let's rotate ourselves to best accomodate the narrowness of the first option, and then head that way. (Good thing we're so slim!)
> Is up an option right now?
> Crap. How about back?
> How close are the branches to going up in flames?
> Uh. Left? Right?
> Check the right.
> Good enough. Rightward!
> Are the branches above us alight yet?
> If we keep moving right, or if we move back, will we get out from under the branch cover?
> Could we move upward?
> How high do the tree's branches extend, anyway?
> Move upward, gently. Don't rush off and plow face-first into a petal.
> Are the branches within reach yet?
> Left is still back toward the trunk, yes?
> How is forward looking?
> Do we have time to glance behind us?
> Check behind us.
> Are the ones falling straight down to the right at least far enough apart for us to squeeze through?
> Good enough. Rightward!
> Upward, with care rather than speed.
> Are they coming from straight above, or at an angle?
> When we've been touched by the petals, have they felt like they had mass?
> Try blowing them back upward and a bit to our left.
> Pull out two more talismans, keeping an eye on the blown-upon petals.
> Swing said arm across our body to get it out of the way.
> Stick the talismans to the branches that are within reach.
> Are there branches higher than the ones currently within reach?
> Check upward again.
> Are they the branches we just primed, or are they other branches further away?
> Look in the direction that we would be moving if we were backing away from the branches that are immediately impeding our upward progress. How is the petal coverage in that direction?
> Take our sword out and start hacking away at nearby branches that do not have talismans on them, so as to clear up our upward path.
> Are the whirling blossoms in obvious danger of falling on our heads?
> Sheathe our sword and pull our machete out of our bag.
> Hm hmm! Bless you, mindscape.
> Use our lovely new machete to hack away some more at the thicker branches that our sword was less suited for cutting.
> How much open space do we have at our currently location now, in terms of petal coverage?
> How much longer would they need before they reached our current location?
> Put our machete away and pull out Tojiko.
> Put on a look of shock for a moment, then harden our expression and take on a tone of urgency.
> "Mind the petals, dear!"
> Pull out an umbrella and open it above Tojiko and ourselves.
> "The life force Seiga stole is that of this tree. It is currently resisting the transfer ritual."
> Is the umbrella actually shielding any against the petals?
> So some, but not all, of the petals are getting through the umbrella?
> Is Tojiko completely out of our item bag?
> Keep an eye on the umbrella for more petals that may come ripping through.
> "I will explain further once I am satisfied that I can keep you safe. I have an idea, but this may become stranger still. Do you trust my intentions, Tojiko?"
> "Of course, and I will explain those as best I can. Now hold tight, my dear."
> Put Tojiko back in our back most of the way, leaving her head sticking out.
> Take on a sympathetic tone.
> "My deepest apologies, Tojiko, but this will keep you much safer from all that is going on around us."
> Have a look downward. Is there any room to progress that way, with an end goal of getting back below the tree?
> Begin descending, without throwing ourselves into anything flaming.
> "Anyway, I believe we are in some sort of strange life force mindscape dimension. You will recall I mentioned that Seiga had stolen the life force of a Netherworld youkai tree and bestowed it upon a local noble? It seems Miss Youmu defeated this noble in combat. We brought the noble's body to the affected tree, at which point I began the transferrence ritual to return the tree's life force to its proper place. Unfortunately, I soon found myself in an illusory land, and after dissolving the illusion, found myself...wherever here is."
> Look outward, away from the trunk, toward areas where the roots are thinner and we are more able to continue descending below the roots without burning ourselves. How clear is the way?
> Once the above is complete, look back upward. Are the branches we primed still visible?
> Ignite the talismans we placed on the branches, and then head in the direction we just determined. Lean the umbrella forward a little bit so as to catch more blossoms before they descend into our air space.
> "Truth be told, I am not sure. In my efforts to combat this tree's efforts to break free of the ritual, I found myself able to retrieve things I did not actually possess. The tree is aflame due to a multitude of fire charm talismans I had not actually prepared. I was able to produce a machete to trim some of the tree's branches. And then, in an effort to test the limits of this phenomenon, I tried to summon you, and apparently succeeded."
> Nod.
> "I understand, yes. Mmm...with the multitude of deadly cherry blossom petals floating about, you will, at the very least, be valuable as a second set of eyes, as I can only look in so many directions at once. I...must admit I have not thought considered your potential role beyond that. I was merely testing my new-found ability to produce whatever I wished; I had not yet considered the practical ramifications of succeeding in summoning you."
> Chuckle and grin a bit sheepishly.
> "Quite. This is what happens when I do not have the two of you around to keep me in line."
> Have we yet made it to a point where we can safely descend further and get under the level of the roots?
> "Of course."
> Make our way to said spot.
> "I am closing the umbrella now. Fortunately, we should experience a substantial decrease in petals once we are below root level."
> Turn sideways as needed, close the umbrella, and descend until we're below the roots.
> "And there is the noble in question, where I left her earlier."
> Make our way back over to Meira, not moving too quickly so as to allow for avoiding any errant petals.
> Let go of the umbrella and offer the now-free hand to Tojiko.
> "May I assume you would prefer an exit more dignified than your entrance?"
> Reach into the bag carefully, find Tojiko's hand, and gently pull her out.
> Float on over to Meira.
> "I wish to conduct a quick experiment, before we return to the issue of the tree."
> Grab Meira and stuff her into the bag.
> Well damn. We should have just done that to begin with.
> Does Tojiko know the same fire-conjuring charm that we know?
> "Oho! This is fortuitous. Now I no longer need to worry about leaving this woman behind alone while she is unconscious."
> Pull out a green umbrella that matches the shade of Tojiko's dress and hand it to Tojiko.
> "Here, please take this. The petals are dangerous to the touch, as you may have gleaned from the number of cuts on my body. These umbrellas may not be perfect shields, but they serve fairly well in providing shelter from the storm. As long as you keep your wits about you, you should be safe, and will no longer need this sack for protection."
> Nod.
> "This tree you see here is a manifestation of the stolen Netherworld tree's life force. It is currently resisting my transfer ritual, and, in uprooting itself, is trying to break free from the ritual entirely and let itself loose upon the land. It seems I will need to subdue it before it succeeds in this, because this life force is a tremendous danger that must be safely confined. As I am not a woodworker, however, it seems to me that setting it on fire stands a decent chance of suppressing it."
> While speaking, try to conjure another two fire charm talismans in our hands, without reaching into the bag. If (and only if) that does not work, once we are done speaking, try pulling two fire charm talismans out of our mouth.
> "Hmm. Here."
> Hand the talismans over to Tojiko.
> "Do you happen to know this particular charm?"
> Tightly roll up and fold our bag so it becomes much easier to store, then stuff it down the front of our blouse to get it out of the way.
> Nod.
> "Very well. Here, let me have those back, and take this instead."
> Conjure up another machete in our hands, and then carefully hand it over to Tojiko, while retrieving our talismans from her.
> "We will be ascending into the branches again in a moment. I will be burning as many as I can. To help me with this task, you can use that to cut away branches that impede our ascent, or any that are not on fire as we pass. This will make our passage easier while further harming the tree."
> Frown.
> "Though the machete may perhaps be awkward to wield with the umbrella in one hand...may I try another experiment with you, dear?"
> Put on a sympathetic expression and soften our tone lightly.
> "If the experiment succeeds, but you do not feel comfortable with the results, I will reverse them and we shall continue on as we are. Is that fair?"
> "Very well. Would you please hold your arms straight out to your left and right?"
> Assuming Tojiko does this, gently place our hands on the sides of her torso, one hand on each side, about an inch below the bottom of her armpits. Once this is done, pull our hands away from those spots and conjure a second set of functional arms for Tojiko, one each protruding from the spots on her sides where our hands were. They should come with sleeves that are a part of her dress, and be independent of her existing arms.
> "Absolutely, my dear. I have the distinct feeling that no one will ever be able to see for themselves what has transpired here. Although I suppose I should not ask you to do something I was not willing to do myself..."
> Repeat the arm-conjuring process upon ourselves.
> Move our new arms and hands around for a few moments, to test them out.
> "Now we commence our journey back upward, into the branches of this infernal tree, and bring flame and blade to whatever is not already burning."
> Nod.
> "That would do splendidly. Use your umbrella as a shield from the falling petals, keeping watch for the occasional petal that passes through. Once we start reaching branches, you should cut away enough to allow us further upward passage, and I will follow behind, setting any remaining branches aflame."
> Take a look back toward where we most recently descended below the roots. How's the petal coverage over there?
> Gesture back in that direction with an upper arm.
> "Let us return the way we came. Make sure we go out far enough to give ourselves the space to pass through the flaming roots without catching fire ourselves. We may need to fold up our umbrellas to get them through safely, but we are more than skilled enough to avoid petals for a few seconds, I'd say."
> Cross our lower arms in front of us and follow.
> How are the roots going?
> Are we properly underneath branches, or are we on the outside edge of them?
> Are the roots still uprooting themselves?
> Are the branches above us on fire?
> Are the branches above us impeding our path further upward?
> "Let us begin, then. If you would, dear?"
> Watch her go until she has cleared out a maneuverable hole.
> Smile.
> "Splendid work, Tojiko."
> Follow along!
> Conjure a talisman in each hand and place them amongst the branches we are traveling through, but don't ignite them yet.
> Cross our lower arms in front of us again and continue following Tojiko.
> Are we in danger of passing through it?
> Again, conjure a talisman in each hand and place them amongst the branches we are traveling through, and again don't ignite them yet, instead continuing to follow.
> Can we see clear space again?
> Hold our umbrella up to help shield ourselves.
> "Let me know when you have broken through."
> Use our remaining free hands to place another set of fire talismans on the surrounding branches, then check behind us.
> Is there enough room to maneuver around her?
> In which hand(s) is she holding the machete?
> Is there enough room in the tunnel for her to open a second umbrella if she had one?
> "I will try to help! Pass the machete to your lower right hand, then keep your upper right and lower left hands open and ready to hold some things!"
> Conjure a second matching green umbrella in Tojiko's upper right hand and a second matching machete on her lower left hand.
> "You will likely have to overlap the umbrellas. Current circumstances limit our options, unfortunately."
> "If the umbrellas prove insufficient for keeping yourself safe, please inform me and I will try to produce an alternate solution."
> Use each hand to place a fire talisman on the branches in our immediate vicinity, then keep following Tojiko as she makes her progress.
> Is she saying she wouldn't complain about an alternate solution, or if she wouldn't complain about further petal problems? Does her tone suggest one or the other?
> Have we any knowledge of or experience with circular blades?
> Conjure up a circular saw blade, about a foot in diameter, with a hole in the middle and a handle that extends up both sides of the blade before connecting to itself in the hole in the middle of the saw blade. The hole in the middle of the saw blade should be the perfect size for the handle's connection through said hole, but the handle should otherwise allow enough space so that the saw blade can freely rotate in place. There should also be enough of a grip on the handle that we can hold this device in two hands if need be. This new device should be held in whichever of our upper arms is not presently holding our umbrella.
> Conjure up some protective eyewear on our face. Safety first!
> Aim the saw blade away from our body and Tojiko's body, and then make it spin very fast.
> Pull the saw blade away and stop the spinning.
> "Experimenting!"
> Conjure a machete of our own in the lower hand corresponding to the saw blade hand and whack away at the cut the saw blade made in the larger branch.
> Keep working away at it until we cut through the branch, or Tojiko breaks through, whichever comes first.
> Dissolve the machete, place a fire talisman into the space we just cut out of the branches with the saw blade, and then put our umbrella back up while waiting for Tojiko to finish.
> Instead of physically placing the talisman, try to cojure it directly on the tree, place it normally if it doesn't work.
> Did we cut out enough with the circular saw to create a hole we could move into to get out of Tojiko's way, if she wanted to descend back into the branches?
> "Are you all right?"
> If we squeezed into that hole, would we still need our umbrella to protect us from the petal storm?
> "Understood!"
> Will the saw blade to spin quickly again and cut away some more branches from the hole.
> Stop the saw blade and squish ourselves into the hole.
> Hold our umbrella close to keep it out of Tojiko's way.
> "Tojiko, move back down the tunnel! I am out of the way!"
> Has Tojiko moved far enough down the branch tunnel that we can get past her?
> Is Tojiko holding up okay physically, or is she sporting a bunch of fresh cuts?
> Is there indeed a now completed path back out into open space?
> Conjure a large square metal sheet, several yards across in each direction, about a foot above the hole in the branches Tojiko made, to act as a shield for the hole against the petals. Let's see how well this holds up against the petals compared to the umbrellas.
> "Ah, there we are. Much better."
> Will the metal sheet a few more outward, away from the tunnel hole, so that it is suspended in mid-air instead of pressing down on the branches.
> Exit the branch tunnel through the new top opening, hiding out under the metal sheet.
> "My sincerest apologies, my dear. Visibility was a bit of an issue. Please, come here and let me see if I can tend to your wounds."
> Frown.
> "...As you wish, then. But do please still come here, so that I may set fire to this tunnel without you trapped inside of it."
> Are we actually at the top of the tree, or are there more branches above us?
> Dissolve any leftover machetes, saw blades, and umbrellas we may have, and then ignite all of the talismans we've left in the branch tunnel.
> Now that she's close to us and we're safe under the metal, have a more proper look at Tojiko.
> "Are you sure you do not wish me to address those injuries? I may simply be able to will you well, the same way I have done pretty much all of the other extraordinary feats I have done here."
> "Hmm..."
> Conjure a large square pane of glass that is the same size as the large metal sheet that currently serves as a shield for us. This pane of glass should appear next to the large metal sheet.
> Once the glass sheet is created, watch it for how effective it is at blocking the petals.
> Tilt the glass pane away from us so that the petals slide off.
> Of what other transparent materials are we aware? Plastic, perhaps?
> Cringe and dissolve the glass.
> "How unfortunate. Mmm, we may have to simply peek around this metal sheet from time to time, if we are to journey upward."
> Glance back down at the tree, making a note of how much it is burning.
> "The source of these petals, it would seem."
> "Mmm, this is true, and there does not really seem to be anything up there, at least not close by...perhaps we would be best served continuing to demolish this tree and waiting for something to react."
> Nod, then will Tojiko's wounds healed and pain relieved.
> Make our way across the top of the branches to the other side of the tree, bringing the metal sheet along with us to shield us.
> Would it be safe to tunnel down here, or is the fire in the way?
> Gesture to the branches.
> "This should be safe from the fire for a time, I think."
> "I trust we will be able to adjust should the fire get too close for comfort. Particularly since we will no longer need our umbrellas. Ah, speaking of which, shall I trade yours in for tools more fitting our current task?"
> Turn Tojiko's umbrellas into machetes, so she has one in every hand. (Obviously, she should be holding the handles, and not the blades.)
> "Mmm...actually, would you like to try the hand-held saw blade tool I was using earlier? I may be able to make one so that you can activate it without my assistance."
> "Very well. Give it a try, and see what you think. It is not as though we cannot change our minds if you decide you do not like it. You will need protective eyewear, however."
> Give Tojiko some protective eyewear (and reform our own if it's not still there), and then turn the machete into a saw blade on a stick like the one we had before, except with a button on the handle that will make it go and stop as pressed.
> "You can press the button again to make it stop, if you come across a particularly thick branch that requires a regular blade."
> Gesture to the branches.
> "Go ahead and cut some branches with it, to see how it feels to you."
> "Wonderful! Here, have another one."
> Turn the machete in Tojiko's other upper hand into a match saw blade on a stick with a button.
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "I'm not sure I follow."
> "Ah."
> Give a slightly sad smile.
> "I admit this is not my finest moment. I can only pray my imperfections can be overlooked on the grounds of coming as a result of such an unusual situation."
> Chuckle a bit ourselves.
> "You have my gratitude. We can discuss this in more detail once we have both returned to the Shrine, I think."
> "In that case, shall we make a new tunnel downward through the branches?"
> Focus back on the metal sheet above us and tilt it away from us to dump petals off of it.
> Do we have room on our torso above our waist for another pair of arms, if we wanted to?
> Wave an upper hand in front of us at the incoming petals, to make a small breeze from our hand to blow the petals back.
> Look down at and inspect our sides. Given the current spacing of our arm pairs, does it look like one more pair would fit?
> Focus on the metal sheet again, and unrotate it to return it to its former position.
> Look back to Tojiko in preparation for following her into the soon-to-be tunnel.
> Let's give this a try, then. Look back down at our sides, and conjure another set of functional arms for ourselves, just a tiny bit above our waist.
> Follow Tojiko into the tunnel, practicing movement with our new lower arms a little bit.
> Is it that they're all going to get in the way of each other, or that it is a strain to keep track of everything mentally?
> Let's try practicing, then. Move our upper arms up and outward to reach out toward the upper part of the branch tunnel walls, our middle arms straight outward to reach toward the middle part of the branch tunnel walls, and our lower arms down and outward to reach out toward the lower part of the branch tunnel walls.
> That's okay, this'll take some time.
> As long as we're reaching out, conjure a fire talisman in each hand and place them on the branches.
> Bring our arms back toward our body one pair at a time, first with the upper, then with the middle, then with the lower.
> Move a bit further down the tunnel, assuming there is room to do so.
> Once we've moved a bit further down the tunnel, say a couple of yards, splay our arms again in the same manner as before, placing flame talismans on the surrounding tunnel walls once all hands are in place. There is no need to do this quickly, getting the hang of proper control is what's important.
> Pull our arms back in as we did before, from top to middle to bottom, and advance again if there is room.
> How is Tojiko holding up?
> How much space do we have above and below us when in an upright position in the tunnel?
> Splay our arms once again and lay flame talismans out with each hand.
> Pull our arms back in, one pair at a time in the same order as before.
> Lean forward a bit so we're no longer completely upright, and as such aren't quite as close to the branch tunnel ceiling.
> Brace ourselves for further bizarre sensations, then elongate our torso several inches, keeping our existing extra pairs of arms at the same distance from our main pair of arms as they are now, and producing enough space on our side to make room for a fourth pair of arms below the current lowest pair. If we can feel these changes are causing physical damage to ourselves, then stop immediately and return to our regular torso length.
> If our torso elongation succeeds, once it is done, produce a fourth pair of functioning arms in our newly-created torso space.
> Would adding weight at or below our waist help with this?
> Tojiko has not looked behind herself at us since we started making this tunnel, has she?
> How far through the branches are we in the process of making this tunnel?
> Are we at least still holding our current flight pattern with some degree of success, even if it isn't perfect?
Okay, one more should do it. Don't want to go too crazy and become impossible to handle.
> Brace ourselves, mentally and physically, for even more difficult balancing.
> Elongate our torso a bit more, in the same manner as before, to create enough body space for a fifth pair of functional arms below our current four. Once this is complete, create said functional arms.
> Quick, thicken all parts of our lower body, particularly our legs, in order to add mass and start to rebalance ourselves.
> Could we hold our upper body straight upright if we crossed our legs in mid-air in something of a seated position?
> If we did this, how aerially immobile would we become?
> How far ahead of us has Tojiko gotten?
> Get into the cross-legged sitting position so we can hold our upper body upright.
> Okay, here's where things get properly interesting.
> Reach our arms out by pairs in order; top arms out straight upward toward the ceiling, then upper middle arms out diagonally upward away from our body, then middle arms out straight horizontally, then lower middle arms out diagonally downward away from our body, then bottom arms out straight downward, to get hands on or very near to the walls, ceiling, and floor of this branch tunnel.
> Once all hands are in place, have each hand place a flame talisman on the tunnel walls.
> Bring our arms back home, one pair at a time, in the same order they were sent out.
> Once everyone is safely home, float along down the tunnel.
> If we maintained our current pose, would there be any vertical room to stretch further, either above or below us?
> Place another ten talismans in the same one-pair-of-arms-at-a-time manner as the last time.
Hmm, if we've found a reasonable pose, and we have the room...
> As before, bring our arms back home, one pair at a time, in the same order they were sent out.
> Before moving on, however, stretch our upper body up and out again until we have the space to create another pair of arms, and then create just that. Check the room we have once thus is done, both above and below.
> Is flight still possible?
> How much have we stretched at this point, if we can even tell?
> Check the room we now have above and below us.
> Conjure up a large metal sheet that is a bit more than our current height (extending down to the current bottom of our legs, rather than where they would be if they were hanging loose) as well as our current width while being an inch thick, and keep it fixed in the air right behind us so as to catch us if we wobble and start to topple in that direction. It should have a bit of a curve to also prevent us from sliding off in one direction or the other, should we end up leaning up against it.
> Once this is done, perform one last upper body stretch with the remaining room, and get one last extra set of arms on our incredibly elastic torso down below all of the rest of them.
> That's okay, that's exactly what the sheet is there for. Have the sheet hold our supertorso upright.
> Now the real fun begins! Reach our arms out by pairs in order; top pairout straight upward toward the ceiling, then the next pair out upward and somewhat to the left and right, then the next pair out left and right and somewhat upward, then the next pair out straight to the left and right, then the next pair out to the left and right ans somewhat down, then the next pair out downward and somewhat to the left and right, then the last pair out straight downward, to get hands on or very near to the walls, ceiling, and floor of this branch tunnel.
> Bring our arms back home, one pair at a time, in the same order they were sent out.
> Once everyone is safely home, use the metal sheet to push us along down the tunnel.
> Repeat the one-pair-of-arms-at-a-time talisman placing process at our new location.
> Do we think, with our limited extra-arm experience, it would be better or worse if we tried sending them all out at once?
> Repeat the one-pair-at-a-time arm retraction and use the metal sheet to push us further down the tunnel. Also, bee aware of any sudden changes in behavior from Tojiko, as we don't want her to turn around and see us like this.
> How wide are the gaps between our arms, again? About an inch each?
> Let's try the comedy option! Send all of our arms out in their assigned directions at once.
> Place talismans with each hands, then pull them all back at once.
> Use the metal sheet to push us forward a bit, and then repeat the all-arms-at-once talisman placing process, including reeling them all back in at once. Make a game note once we have reeled them all back in.
> Is the metal sheet behind us as wide as our shoulder blades?
> Use the metal sheet to push ourselves forward another yard, and then repeat the all-arms-at-once talisman placing process, including reeling them all back in at once.
> How far along through the branches has the tunnel gone now?
Almost done, then? Hmm...
> Create for ourselves another pair of arms, placed somewhat within the gap between our top two pairs of arms, but slid a little more forward on our torso since there obviously isn't enough room between our top two pairs of arms directly on our sides. There should be about a half-inch of space between the base of this new pair and each of the bases of our current top two pairs.
> We're not going to have them for long, so we'll just tough it out.
> Create more sets of arms directly below the newest set in each of the other five arm gaps.
> Make the plate push us forward another yard.
> Restructure the metal sheet to add a bit of a curve to it (as seen from above or below), sloping back from the edges to the middle, so that our upper body is protected from sliding off the side due to being 'inside' the curve.
> Send our highest pair of arms straight up, our middlemost pair of arms straight out to our side, and our lowest pair of arms straight down.
> Reach our upper pairs of arms between our top pair and our middlemost pair out in a roughly-evenly-spaced fan shape.
> Once this hilarious disaster has completed, reach our lower pairs of arms between our bottom pair and our middlemost pair out in another roughly-evenly-space fan shape.
> Use each hand to place a flame talisman on the tunnel walls, then reel our arms in, all at once and not with haste.
> Oh crap, that.
> Dissolve all of our additional arms except for the very first pair, so that we end up with four arms total. Then, squish our torso back down to its normal size, restore our lower body to its normal state, and dissolve the metal sheet behind us.
> Nod with a smile.
> "Excellent work, Tojiko. Your help so far has been invaluable."
> Gesture toward the hole with both of our left arms. (Good thing we practiced moving 26 of them at once!)
> "May I have a closer look, to help determine our best next step?"
> "Thank you."
> Rotate ourselves to get by Tojiko, and have a proper look-see out the hole she made.
> "Mmm, it does not seem much has changed down here, save for further spreading of fire. Let us head back up this tunnel and see if another one could be created to help the flames end this tree."
> Gesture back up the tunnel, using both right arms this time.
> "As it makes no sense for us to unnecessarily squeeze together so tightly again, please lead the way."
> Once Tojiko moves, follow her our of the tunnel. Keep all four arms spread in an X formation, sticking flame talismans on the walls of the tunnel every yard or so.
> Grin.
> "It is my hope that this will put a sizable dent in this insolent tree's will to resist."
> Conjure another square metal sheet two yards across, two yards above Tojiko's head, and will it to follow her around from above as she moves to protect her from the petal rain.
> "In the meantime, while I ignite these talismans, I would like you to scout around this place, looking for another section of branches suitable for a third tunnel, safe enough from the existing flames amongst the branches. The shield I have just made should keep you safe as you move."
> Assuming Tojiko obeys, let begin her investigation, then return our attention to the tunnel we just exited and ignite all of the talismans we left within it.
> Miko: Good riddance, infernal tree. May you be stuck here forever.
> Miko: How's our headache doing?
> Miko: Wave the others over, then once they start moving, inspect Meira to make sure her life force was properly returned.
> Youmu: "Oh, is she done?"
> Youmu: Walk on over to Miko and Meira.
> Miko: Is the purification ritual something we can do, or something better left to Reimu?
> Youmu: "Is the Saiygou Ayakashi restored? Is Meira safe again?"
> Miko: "Your swordswoman friend will require at least one purification ritual. But otherwise, all has been restored to its proper place."
> Youmu: Give Miko a bow. "Then I thank you, for your services to my home, to Meira, and to quite possibly all of Gensokyo."
> Miko: Look over to Reimu and Byakuren, to see what they're up to. "Your sentiments are appreciated, but you should perhaps shelve your gratitude until after Seiga has been properly punished for her deeds."
> Youmu: Frown. "If you say so."
> Miko: Look back to Meira, then back to Reimu.
> Miko: "In that case, may I request you perform the purification ritual, once time allows for it? My day of investigation is, unfortunately, not yet over."
> Miko: Nod. "Thank you."
> Youmu: "If I may ask, what other investigating do you have to do? I am not sure how to find Seiga without you, to be honest."
> Miko: "Seiga is on my mental list of tasks, yes. And we all still need to meet your mistress, as I recall."
> Miko: Pull the key out.
> Miko: "But my largest concern is still this, as I know have a lead as to its possible origin."
> Youmu: We presumably have all of these things, yes?
> Youmu: Look to Reimu and nod. "I can do this. Where would you like to to set up?"
> Miko: Look to Byakuren. "A sound suggestion. Do you wish to carry her, or shall I?"
> Youmu: Are there any ghosts in the vicinity?
> Miko: "Ah, thank you."
> Miko: How are we feeling on the whole, given we just finished mindscape-battling a tree that was cursing us to feel exhausted?
> Youmu: Is 'over near the garden entrance' part of Hakugyoukurou, or some place outdoors?`
> Youmu: Wait for Byakuren to secure her hold on Meira, then speak up.
> Youmu: "Very well. Please follow me, everyone."
> Youmu: Lead the group to a suitable location near the garden entrance.
> Miko: Follow!
> Youmu: Address the curious ghosts. "Ah, you all. Are you busy? I need a favor, concerning the unconscious live one you see here."
> Youmu: Are any of Reimu's requested supplies in the immediate vicinity, or known to be in any nearby rooms?
> Youmu: "Would you be willing and able to retrieve some salt from a kitchen and some pure water from a well for a purification ritual? This human has been tainted by the Saigyou Ayakashi, and needs the shrine maiden's help."
> Youmu: Smile and nod. "Thank you very much. Please bring them here when you have retrieved them."
> Miko: Is there anywhere reasonable to sit down here?
> Youmu: "That leaves the ink and brush." Look to Kotohime. "Would you like to join me in retrieving some?"
> Miko: Find the closest tree and lean the shit out of it.
> Youmu: Turn to the others. "We will be right back."
> Miko: Nod. "I have no intentions of going anywhere."
> Youmu: Once Reimu and Byakuren have also had the chance to respond, head off to the closest room most likely to have ink and a brush.
> Do we still have control of Miko? Or are we hard-split right now?
> Youmu: Collect some ink and a brush.
> Youmu: "The aura of death that surrounded her earlier is largely gone. There are still a few vestiges of it, but if all three of them think she will recover, then I believe them."
> Youmu: "I miust admit that they know much more about this sort of thing than I do."
> Miko: "So given the current state of my friends, I have been dwelling on possible companions for my investigation into this key, and the doom it holds. I met a young human explorer named Renko earlier today, at the Kirisame residence; if I may ask, what opinions do you two hold of and her apparent wife?"
> Youmu: "Anyway, we have what we came for. Let's get back."
> Miko: "Very good. I will have to see if their services are for hire, if they are home by now."
> Youmu: Make our way back to the others.
> Miko: Give Reimu an exhausted smirk, then turn to Byakuren, lose the smirk, and pull the key back out. "I have come to learn this key has a doom upon it. A spinning dancer with green hair on the mountain was able to identify it despite not seeing it, and the Moriya Shrine maiden confirmed to me that this woman is a subject matter expert of sorts. In our conversation, the dancer seemed to suggest the doom was still dangerous despite its age, so I have decided to look into its origins and see if the threat can be suppressed. It would be foolish to approach such an unknown alone, however, and I had intended to learn what I could from the young explorer woman anyway, so this would resolve both of those issues."
> Miko: "Well, this is why I asked about them. If they are incapable of defending themselves, I will seek assistance elsewhere."
> Youmu: Hand over the ink and brush to Reimu.
> Youmu: "What's going on?"
> Miko: Look to Youmu. "I am pursuing possible travel companions for investigating the source of the doom placed upon that key."
> Youmu: "Huh."
> Youmu: What do we have slated for today, beyond tracking down the undergrounders and finalizing the play cast setup?
> Miko: Look back to Reimu. "Are you requesting I pursue this without assistance, then?" Make sure to ask this question in an honest, curious tone, rather than a bitter or aggressive one.
> Miko: "A shame. Renko did not seem terribly inclined toward mischief. Though I suppose being in the apprenticeship of Marisa may come with...unintended side effects. But very well. May I ask who might be better-suited for the task?"
> Miko: 'If I was willing to leave Futo by herself in her current state, I would not have started this conversation."
> Miko: Turn to Youmu: "Ah, before I forget. You should probably go ask Yoshika where your mistress has gone."
> Youmu: "Oh, that's not a bad idea. I will be right back, then."
> Youmu: Unless we are stopped, head back to Yoshika.
> Miko: "Certainly not, but I am acutely aware of how much we have imposed upon you already, and I am also not sure when you will be back."
> Youmu: Give Yoshika a wave in greeting. "Hello. Do you happen to know where the pink-and-blue ghost lady and her blonde friend have gone?"
> Miko: Nod. "Very well. In that case, I will take Tojiko with me, and leave Futo in your care. My thanks again for your hospitality."
> Youmu: "I see. Did they say where they were going?"
> Youmu: What is back in that direction beyond the gate? All of Hakugyokurou?
> Miko: Smile. "Ah, splendid. That makes me glad to hear."
> Youmu: "Really? They didn't say anything else around you?"
> Miko: Pull the key back out and study it some more.
> Youmu: Frown. "Very well. Thank you for this information."
> Youmu: Head back to the group.
> Youmu: "Well, that did not yield much extra information. Yuyuko-sama and Yukari-sama could be anywhere past here."
> Miko: "Is your mistress not chasing after your companions from the underground?"
> Youmu: Nod. "I intend to ask around with the ghosts, to see if anyone has an idea to where they went. Will you all be okay here until we get back?"
> Miko: "After dealing with that infernal tree, I have little issue with not going anywhere right now."
> Youmu: Did Yuyuko actually want to meet with her players?
> Youmu: Shift uncomfortably. "Well, I was hoping to find Yuyuko-sama before any of you left, in regards to her planned theatrical performance."
> Miko: Gently push ourselves off the tree.
> Youmu: "Very well. This way."
> Youmu: Take our guests to a nearby sitting room.
> Miko: Follow!
> Youmu: Gesture to the room. "This should do, I think."
> Miko: Flop down in one of the comfortable-looking chairs with as much dignity as possible.
> Youmu: "Please, make yourselves at home. I will try not to be gone long."
> Youmu: Look to Kotohime. "Will you be staying here, or coming with me?"
> Youmu: Nod. "Very well. Let's go."
> Youmu: Make our way to the nearest ghost that isn't busy carrying stuff for Reimu.
> Miko: Take our key back out, if we don't already have it out.
> Youmu: "Pardon me, miss? Have you seen Lady Saigyouji or Lady Yakumo recently?"
> Miko: Oh goodie, what a reward for our hard work this situation is.
> Miko: Look to Byakuren and hold the key up for emphasis. "Would you like a look? I admit I have not yet tried a full-blown study, but at least, on the surface, there are no discernible issues. I am not sure what the mountain dancer may have noticed."
> Youmu: "I see. Thank you!"
> Youmu: Make our way to the eastern palace.
> Miko: "Mmm. Let me try something a little more in-depth, then."
> Miko: Take the minutes necessary to give the key a proper scan.
> Miko: Does our minutes-long studying ability we've used a couple of times today only work on living things?
> Youmu: Call out to the nearest group, using appropriate indoor voice volume. "Hoy! Are you all searching for the living ones from Gensokyo's underground?"
> Miko: Slump back in our chair with a slight air of dejection. "Nothing. How vexing."
> Youmu: "Great. Do you happen to know where Lady Saigyouji is searching, or has otherwise gone?"
> Miko. "Mmm. The mountain dancer did suggest that the doom was likely related to that which this key opens. It does seem likely that, doom aside, there is nothing extraordinary about it."
> Youmu: "Thank you!"
> Youmu: Hasten to the Alabaster Tower, though not so quickly that we lose track of Kotohime. Can't let her out of our sight here!
> Miko: "Its earliest known whereabouts are the forest west and possibly south of the Kappa Village. I myself acquired it this morning, however, in a transaction at the curio shop in the Forest of Magic."
> Miko: "That would make sense. Presumably, the previous shopkeeper would have seen some sort of value in it when choosing to accept it."
> Miko: "At least it ended up in the hands of someone capable of addressing the issue, rather than a random civilian."
> Miko: "I have considered that. But if there really is a legitimate threat of some sort out there, it would not do to leave it be and wait for someone less able to deal with it stumble upon it by accident."
> Miko: "I cannot say one way or the other, unfortunately. All I have to go on are the mountain dancer's words. A puzzle without an easy answer, to be sure."
> Youmu: Give out mistress a bow. "Greetings, Yuyuko-sama. I come with the news that the Saigyou Ayakashi is restored."
> Youmu: Smile. "Thank you very much. We should also extend thanks to four of your five actresses for the help they provided, when you are ready to meet them."
> Miko: "Thank you. Would you care for me to relay my findings, for curiosity's sake if no other reason?"
> Youmu: "Yes, and I anticipate you will have your fifth once the patrols find her. I have not yet asked her, but after all we have done for her and her family, I expect she will not decline."
> Miko: "I will see that it is done, then."
> Youmu: "Ah, apologies, not her, her hell raven friend. The lone remaining role is that of someone well-built, and I believe the hell raven qualifies rather nicely."
> Miko: "You are most welcome. Unrelated to all of this, I must apologize in advance if I accidentally fall asleep in this chair. This has been a rather long day, and that last bout with the tree did not help matters."
> Youmu: "Oh, those two have been found, then?"
> Miko: "Indeed. And even without this key, I still need to decide what to do with Seiga..."
> Youmu: "Ah, that is good. May I go speak to them? Or is there something else you wish for me to do first?"
> Miko: "I do not know yet. Despite all that has happened, I am willing to forgive her affronts to myself, but Miss Youmu and her mistress must be compensated in some fashion for their troubles. I will have to speak to them and learn if they wish for anything from Seiga."
> Youmu: Nod. "Thank you. Before I leave, though..." Gesture to Kotohime. "This is Kotohime, a constable for the Human Village. She will be participating in your production." Look to Kotohime and gesture to Yuyuko. "Kotohime, this is Lady Yuyuko Saigyouji, Ruler of the Netherworld."
> Miko: "This is my hope. At the very least, if Seiga ever wishes to re-enter our fold, she will acquiesce, and properly behave herself until such time that the Netherworld is satisfied."
> Miko: Seiga doesn't have a history of disobedience, does she?
> Youmu: "Kotohime, is there anything you would like to say about yourself?"
> Miko: "Direct disobedience has never been a problem, but Seiga is quite clever when it comes to slipping between orders. We very pointedly disagreed on today's entire matter and whether or not it was justified, so I expect resistance to some degree."
> Youmu: Are we aware of how Seiga's powers work?
> Youmu: "I do what I can, Yuyuko-sama."
> Miko: "I can only hope she will make it as painless as possible."
> Youmu: Smile in return and give another bow. "Thank you very much, Yuyuko-sama."
> Miko: Chuckle a bit, then put on a thoughtful look. "Mmm, that reminds me. You seemed remarkably...indifferent to my admission as to where I acquired the key."
> Youmu: "Of course. I will be seeing to our guests upstairs now, then."
> Miko: "There did seem to be many assorted odds and ends there, yes. But that is not to what I was referring."
> Youmu: Give one last bow. "By your leave."
> Youmu: Head upstairs and look for Utsuho and Parsee.
> Miko: Put on a faintly amused expression. "Well, for one thing, the mouse all but offered me anything I wanted if it meant I would leave without causing her harm."
> Youmu: "Well, this play is her work. I imagine she is very excited to see the pieces come into place."
> Miko: Shake head. "Not intentionally, certainly. I was merely looking for information regarding the whereabouts of my companions at the time. Truth be told, I was not even aware she was the current proprietor until I walked through the door."
> Miko: "At the very least, I doubt it will happen again."
> Youmu: Knock on the door, or the wall if the door is not in reach due to being open, to get their attention.
> Miko: "The former. Perhaps the latter as well, but I cannot say for sure. Who can say what the future may hold?"
> Youmu: Frown. "Do I?"
> Youmu: Inspect ourselves.
> Miko: "If I may ask, what happened to the previous shopkeeper?"
> Youmu: "I recovered the life force of the great cherry tree you may have seen in the gardens. Sadly, this involved a very fierce duel with one I would have wished to call a companion, if not a friend."
> Miko: "Really? How much trouble could a shopkeeper truly cause in a land such as this?"
> Miko: ...Is that even possible?
> Youmu: Nod. "Eventually, but yes. A group of notable Gensokyo residents helped me bring her here, so the tree's life force could be removed from her and restored to its proper place. Reimu is tending to her now, in the garden."
> Miko: Blink. "...I see. Hmm. I suppose that explains why the mouse claimed trades were something of a tradition for that shop."
> Youmu: "Indeed. But now that the Saigyou Ayakashi is taken care of, I can return to other things. How are you two holding up, by the way?"
> Miko: Nod. "Understandable. I assume no one knows about this man that does not need to know?"
> Youmu: "I understand. I apologize for setting her off like that."
> Miko: Nod. "That is for the best, yes."
> Youmu: "I hope Satori joins us in the end. Maybe she'll have an idea."
> Miko: "But of course. Unusual magic or no, shopkeepers do not tend to be warriors. Making so many enemies in a land such as this is a recipe for destruction if one cannot hold their own."
> Youmu: Nod. "Yes, Rin, I think, explained the situation to me. When I left, though, it was still up in the air."
> Miko: "I hope the time since has not been too difficult on all involved?"
> Youmu: "I suppose that may be true. I wonder what we could do differently, then?"
> Miko: "That sounds...quite difficult. He was truly that far gone?"
> Youmu: Frown. "That is unfortunate."
> Miko: "I suppose such is a necessary evil."
> Youmu: "I imagine Yuyuko would not use more ghosts for such a task than is necessary. She is quite good about understanding this sort of thing."
> Miko: "Understandable. It may be painful in the short term, but it is for the best for both himself and this land in the long term."
> Youmu: Nod. "Yuyuko-sama is exceedingly observant, and a very sharp thinker. If there is anyone that can come up with a proper plan for finding Koishi, it is her."
> Miko: "Oh, ah, no, I agree with you. I was referring to the act of continuing to care for him. If his current state is one where he cannot function autonomously and he still poses some degree of threat to the land, it is best for him to be treated until both of those issues are resolved."
> Youmu: "Is there anything you would like to do in the meantime, then?"
> Miko: "Is there anything else he takes interest in, that you could use to help bring him back to where he is supposed to be?"
> Youmu: Look to Utsuho specifically. "There is actually something I need to ask you. Did I tell you two about Yuyuko-sama's upcoming play earlier?"
> Miko: "Books, hmm? I wonder if you could arrange something with the vampire manor and their library."
> Youmu: Nod. "I was hoping you would be willing to be the fifth player."
> Miko: "Perhaps, though with the sheer volume of books in that library, it seems as though you would have a very wide selection even if all of the dangerous ones were set aside."
> Youmu: Smile. "Excellent. Thank you. That gives us a full cast, then."
> Miko: Chuckle. "Oh, I believe it, after meeting her."
> Youmu: "I'm not sure. I've not yet been tasked with ticket sales, so I've no idea how Yuyuko-sama wishes to handle that."
> Miko: "She does, at least, seem the type willing to make arrangements, provided proper compensation."
> Youmu: Is Kotohime in the room with us?
> Youmu: "We shall see, I suppose. Regardless, if you would like to meet your fellow players, they are all currently scattered about the Netherworld, though I at least know where they are."
> Miko: "Mmm. You may be able to lessen the impact by convincing her superior to make it worth their household's time to help out. It is one thing to be asked by an outside party, it is quite another to be given an order."
> Youmu: Gesture to Kotohime. "Very well. This over here is a Kotohime, a princess from the moon that currently operates as a constable for the human village."
> Miko: "I suppose her status, as well as her gate guard, would pose an obstacle."
> Youmu: "As for the others, Reimu is currently tending to an unwell human, and I imagine she does not wish to be bothered at present. I can bring you to meet the other two now, however, if you like."
> Miko: Tap chin in thought. "Mmm...I may be able to assist with this issue, if you are sufficiently interested in procuring Patchouli's help. I cannot guarantee anything, however."
> Youmu: Nod. "Very well. Let us tell Yuyuko-sama what we are doing, and then I will take you there."
> Miko: "Ah, I see. That should work just fine as well."
> Youmu: Head back down to Yuyuko-sama.
> Miko: "If you ever change your mind, let us know. I am sure we can work out an agreement of some sort."
> Youmu: "Yuyuko-sama, Miss Utsuho has agreed to be our fifth player. I am taking our guests to our other players, who are waiting near the Saigyou Ayakashi's garden entrance."
> Miko: "You are most welcome."
> Youmu: "Certainly, if you do not mind interrupting what you are doing."
> Miko: "Tojiko is, at least. Unfortunately, while they were searching the land for my stolen sword, it seems an oni with no taste picked a fight with them over not liking their faces. They came out victorious, of course, but Futo is currently asleep and recovering at the Hakurei Shrine."
> Youmu: "Ah, you will join us, then?"
> Miko: Frown. "I thought that might be the case. My apologies for the disturbance."
> Youmu: "I was going to introduce them to each other while you took care of your business, actually. But if you are ready now, then it certainly makes the most sense to have everyone gathered at once. Reimu is currently tending to the human that was infused with the Saigyou Ayakashi's life force, however, so she may not be too available for conversation."
> Miko: "Ah, okay. Yes, I noticed the clinic set up in one part of the town. Quite a useful addition to the area, it seems."
> Youmu: Nod. "Very good, Yuyuko-sama. Let us head back to those who are waiting, then."
> Youmu: Assuming Yuyuko-sama does not stop us, lead everyone back down to where we left Byakuren and Miko.
> Miko: "I do hope they at least appreciate the service?"
> Miko: Nod. "That is good to hear. How are your disciples faring these days, by the way? I have encountered a few today, but not all of them."
> Miko: "I did not encounter them today. Did something unexpected come up?"
> Miko: "Ah, yes, I suppose that would be an issue. Hopefully things will clear out soon."
> Miko: Fairies tend to gather when there are shenanigans afoot, yes?
> Miko: "Well, today's incident seems to have come to a close at this point, so that should help."
> Miko: Look to the doorway. "In that case, hopefully the others will be back soon, so we can hear and learn what is needed of us before we can resume our daily activities."
> Youmu: Are the two of them still in there, rather than having throttled each other from being left alone together for so long?
> Youmu: "Apologies for the delay, but everyone is gathered now."
> Youmu: Enter the room properly.
> Miko: Observe Youmu's entourage.
> Miko: Examine newcomers. Without staring, of course, there's no need to be rude.
> Miko: Raise hand.
> Youmu: Give a bow. "Thank you very much, Yuyuko-sama."
> Miko: "May I assume there will be scripts? I imagine written information is less likely to be overheard, at the very least."
> Youmu: With whom did we confirm that the Human Village wasn't planning anything major any time soon?
> Youmu: "Yes, it did not seem as though there were any major events planned for the village in the foreseeable future."
> Miko: "Will some sort of schedule be available today or tomorrow? I must admit that I can be a little hard to find."
> Miko: Nod. "I will keep this in mind."
> Miko: Take ours and have a look-see.
> Miko: Look around at our fellow players and gauge their reactions.
> Miko: "So which roles are everyone else playing?"
> Miko: Check script against whatever names we get.
> Miko: Quickly check script for those (two) names and see how they are connected to Amelia, if at all.
> Youmu: "Why did you not give a character a name, Yuyuko-sama?"
> Youmu: "I see. Is that a plot point?"
> Miko: "I seem to be Amelia. It is difficult to tell how we are all connected, however, or if we even are."
> Youmu: "Understood. Very good, Yuyuko-sama."
> Miko: "Hmm, interesting."
> Miko: Look around the room expectantly, but don't answer yet.
> Miko: "I suspect seeing this in action will help decide if there are further questions."
> Youmu: "Understood, Yuyuko-sama."
> Miko: "Before I depart, perhaps we should work out a suitable punishment for Seiga, for her actions this day?"
> Youmu: Do we still have Miko's sword, or did we give that back?
> Youmu: How far would we trust Seiga as a servant?
> Youmu: "What are you thinking?"
> Miko: "Mmm...would servitude suffice?"
> Youmu: If we did get Seiga as a servant, what tasks around here could she actually do?
> Miko: Is Yoshika capable of devouring ghosts?
> Youmu: "Perhaps. Can that zombie, uh, eat ghosts?"
> Miko: "Most likely."
> Youmu: Put on a thoughtful face for a few moment, then nod. "All right. I wish for a duel with Seiga. If she wins, then she is free to go. If I win, she will work here in servitude to Yuyuko-sama and myself for two weeks, without her zombie, as well as Meira for another week afterward, and she will also surrender that wand to me."
> Miko: "Is Yoshika's participation in this duel permitted?"
> Youmu: "She can use Yoshika or the wand, but not both."
> Miko: Nod. "Very well. If this satisfies you, then she shall be informed of these conditions."
> Youmu: "I wonder if there would be time after the tournament tomorrow? Oh, before I forget."
> Youmu: Offer Miko's sword back to her in a safe and dignified manner. "Here. I believe this belongs to you."
> Miko: Take our sword carefully and gracefully, breathe a sigh of relief, and sheathe it. "You have my deepest gratitude."
Yar, there is the question about the hair pick.So we're just going to assume that Youmu knows her power comes from the hair pick? I was thinking that we could gain a edge in combat by cutting it off with our swords, if we can get close enough.
>Youmu: Are we aware that Seiga's hole making power comes from her hair pin?
>Youmu: Would it be considered dishonorable if we cut Seiga's hair pick off?
> Miko: Allow ourselves to relax a bit, now that we finally have our sword back.
> Youmu: "I suppose that is true. Maybe before the tournament, then?"
> Youmu: Grin. "Then we shall begin the day with a Hakugyokurou victory, and end the day with a Hakugyokurou victory."
> Miko: Raise an eyebrow, but say nothing.
> Youmu: Turn to the rest of the group and look ever so slightly embarrassed. "Ahem. Please forgive my impertinence. Is there anything else I can do for any of you, before you depart?"
> Youmu: Nod. "That should be fine."
> Miko: "I do not believe I have any other concerns. I would have liked to have met your swordswoman friend properly, but it would not do to interrupt the purification ritual."
> Youmu: "Ah. Yuyuko-sama, is there anything else you would have me take care of today?"
> Youmu: How are we feeling?
> Youmu: Would it be possible to get back to Yoshika without disturbing Reimu?
> Youmu: Nod. "Very well. Thank you, Yuyuko-sama."
> Miko: "Ah, one last thing that occurs to me. I would like to check in on Yoshika before I leave, and given what you have laid out to me, it would not be a terrible idea if you joined me."
> Youmu: "That's not a bad idea, since I don't know if I will run into Seiga again."
> Miko: Nod. "I will wait here, then, while you see the others out. There is no sense in delaying those who have commitments back home on account of my personal matters."
> Youmu: Look to Byakuren and Kotohime. "Is this okay with you two? Or did you want or need to stay for something?"
> Youmu: Nod to Byakuren. "We were glad to have you. Thank you for your assistance with everything today."
> Youmu: Once Byakuren has responded, look to Kotohime. "Well, I suppose you don't have to leave if you don't want to."
> Youmu: Look back to Byakuren. "Shall we be off, then?"
> Miko: Nod in Byakuren's direction. "I wish you safe travels home, and will keep you notified on what we discussed. Until we meet again."
> Youmu: Lead Byakuren back toward the Gensokyo entrance to the Netherworld.
> Miko: "Ah, Lady Saigyouji, may I have a moment of your time before you resume your routine?"
> Youmu: Make a note of when we are well out of earshot of the sitting room where the others are.
> Youmu: Look to Byakuren. "My apologies for abandoning you so abruptly to seek out my Mistress. I hope there were not any problems."
> Miko: ...Child?
> Miko: "Is Lady Yakumo still present?"
> Youmu: "Ah, please pardon me, I did not mean to imply such. I just know that there are a few people in Gensokyo I would rather not share a room with for an extended period of time."
> Miko: "Mmm, a shame. In that case, may I ask you what you know of the Saigyou Ayakashi?"
> Youmu: "Then I thank you for your patience as well."
> Miko: "The...process of transferring the Saigyou Ayakashi's life force back to the tree itself was...not as simple as originally assumed, shall we say. I was wondering if you would be able to shed light on the nature of the beast in a way that might explain why, or if she would be able to explain why she agreed with me when I initially stated it would be a simple matter."
> Youmu: Nod. "Very well."
> Miko: "Ah, so that is why I felt a desire of control and a curse of exhaustion."
> Youmu: "What does that script look like, anyway?"
> Miko: "That is the other curious thing. That tree resisted the transfer ritual. When it could no longer cling to the swordswoman, it tried to break free outright."
> Youmu: "It is truly Yuyuko-sama's work, then."
> Miko: "...I suppose I should probably have asked all this during my first visit here."
> Youmu: Look to Kotohime. "What about you and your role?"
> Miko: Shake head. "I am not terribly familiar with the Netherworld. My focuses in life have been elsewhere. A lesson learned, I suppose."
> Youmu: "I guess it really will be a challenge, then."
> Miko: "I suppose we each do have our own burdens to bear. Oh!"
> Miko: Look to the two unfamiliar youkai. "My apologies, I do not believe we have been properly introduced." Give them a short bow. "I am Miko, a simple Taoist hermit."
> Youmu: Smile. "Do not worry. I am sure you will all perform splendidly."
> Miko: "I see. In which part of the underground do you dwell? I was down there earlier today, but I do not believe I caught sight of either of you."
> Youmu: "Well, I would not have asked you if I thought you could not do it."
> Miko: "Ah, I see. Do you live in the city proper, or perhaps in the mansion off to the side?"
> Youmu: "Excellent."
> Miko: Do we recall a domicile under the bridge?
> Miko: "Oh, yes, I do seem to recall a living area there." Take on a small grin. "May I assume the city life down there is not quite to your taste?"
> Miko: "Oh, my apologies, I did not realize."
> Miko: Nod. "It seems so, if you are here today. Say, are you the ones Youmu was pursuing earlier today, when we were here last?"
> Miko: "Mmm. And I am guessing there is at least one other person still missing?"
> Miko: Frown. "That is a shame. Is there anything I can do to help?"
> Miko: "Mmm, perhaps. Do we have any idea where she may be right now?"
> Miko: Give an uncertain frown. "That does not bode well for not getting lost, I must admit."
> Miko: Does this room have a door?
> Miko: "Do you have any idea why she ran away?"
> Miko: Frown. "Hmm. Does she have any particular travel tendencies that she might be following? I think it is safe to assume she is as lost as you were."
> Miko: If we were to leave the room and close the door behind us, would that muffle the desires of those inside the room?
> Miko: Put on a thoughtful face. "...May I try something? I will need to leave this room and close the door behind me."
> Miko: "Of course. Please pardon me a moment."
> Miko: Head out of the room, close the door behind us, then take ten steps down the hall to the left.
> Miko: Remove earmuffs carefully.
> Put our earmuffs back on, and then head back into the room, leaving the door open.
> Miko: "It was a simple process. But as little as this means, it does not seem your friend is in the immediate area, extending out as far as where Reimu presently is."
> Miko: "You are welcome. Sadly, there is not much more I am aware I can do, given my outstanding commitments back in Gensokyo."
> Miko: Nod. "When Youmu returns, I shall."
> Youmu: "Safe travels in your journey home!"
> Youmu: Return to that sitting room at a swift pace, but not so swift that Kotohime cannot easily match it.
> Miko: "If you are willing to bring me back to where Yoshika is, taking a path that does not disturb Reimu, then I will be glad to join you. I would like to see Youmu one last time before I leave, however, to give a proper farewell if nothing else."
> Miko: Nod. "Thank you."
> Miko: Follow that ghost!
> Miko: Enter the garden. "Will you be joining me for this conversation? It should be short."
> Miko: "It would be good to have a Hakugyokurou representative present."
> Miko: Head back to where Yoshika was.
> Miko: "By the way, I must say that Youmu is quite the skilled individual. You must be very pleased."
> Miko: How poor is Yoshika's memory?
> Miko: Re-angle our walking path to make seeing us less difficult on Yoshika.
> Miko: "Hello again, Yoshika. How are you doing?"
> Miko: "I believe Seiga has said she will retrieve you when she can."
> Miko: Look to Yuyuko. "Assuming this is permissible, of course."
> Miko: "It did not seem she had any objections when discussing the terms of the duel earlier. But we can certainly wait for her to return to confirm this."
> Miko: Look back to Yoshika. "Now listen to me, Yoshika, because this is important. Seiga's plan to instill a local noble with great amounts of power has failed, and Youmu the swordswoman has requested compensation for being wronged."
> Miko: "Youmu has requested a duel with Seiga, tomorrow morning, before the mahjong tournament. If Youmu wins this duel, then Seiga must work in servitude here for two weeks, followed by an addition week of servitude for the local noble I mentioned earlier. If Seiga wins this duel, then there will be no further recompense necessary. Is this clear?"
> Miko: "Then let Seiga know that she must speak with Youmu before leaving this place."
> Miko: Look to Yuyuko. "Or, if Youmu is unavailable for some reason, would speaking to you suffice?"
> Miko: Nod. "Very good. Then let it be known that I accept the terms of this arrangement, and if Seiga wishes to improve her standing in my eyes, she will do the same."
> Miko: Look to Yuyuko. "If Seiga gives you or your attendant any further trouble, please inform me and I will see to further discipline."
> Miko: Look just a bit taken aback. "...Is something amiss, Lady Saigyouji?"
> Miko: "Ah, no, I certainly had no such intentions in that regard. My apologies for the error."
> Miko: "Mmm, that is unfortunate. But some things cannot be helped, I suppose. I imagine she would rather have that part all to herself tomorrow morning anyway, though."
> Miko: Smile. "We can return to those we left by themselves, if you like."
> Miko: "Farewell, Yoshika. I expect we will meet again tomorrow."
> Miko: Follow that ghostie.
> Youmu: Speak once we get in reasonable speaking range. "Did you have business elsewhere?"
> Miko: "I thought it worth the time to pass some information along to Yoshika, regarding tomorrow's plans."
> Youmu: "Ah, that's good."
> Youmu: "Are you ready to leave, then?"
> Miko: "Mmm...actually perhaps there is one last thing we can do. Is there another empty sitting room nearby with writing utensils and paper?"
> Youmu: "Certainly."
> Youmu: Lead Miko to the closest such place.
> Miko: Follow!
> Youmu: "Will this do?"
> Miko: Nod. "Yes, this is fine."
> Miko: Have a seat at a writing surface. "I would like to write up the details of your requested duel and sign it myself, in the event that you meet Seiga again while I am no longer present. I imagine she will return here at some point to retrieve Yoshika; you can lay your challenge then, if you like."
> Youmu: "Sounds fine to me."
> Youmu: Fetch some writing tools.
> Youmu: Place the materials down on the writing surface. "Here you are."
> Miko: "Thank you."
> Miko: Write the following letter:
> Seiga,
> It seems your grand design has failed. Miss Konpaku was able to defeat the noblewoman you found, and with her unconscious, the Netherworld tree's life force has been restored to its proper place. The Netherworld has requested compensation, and as this act was done in my name, I have granted their request.
> Miss Konpaku has issued a challenge to you, to be met tomorrow morning, before the commencement of the mahjong tournament at the Hakurei Shrine. You and she will duel, as is the custom of this land. If you emerge victorious, then the Netherworld will request no further compensation. If Miss Konpaku emerges victorious, then you will hand over your recently-acquired wand to her. You will also complete two weeks of servitude to Miss Konpaku and her mistress, Lady Yuyuko Saigyouji, and then will complete another week of servitude to the noblewoman you have involved in these affairs. Miss Konpaku will be permitted the use of her swords, while you will be permitted the use of one of Yoshika and your newly-acquired wand. You may make this decision yourself, but it must be declared before the duel. Any attempt to involve both will be considered a gesture of forfeit on your part.
> I myself am willing to forgive what has happened today, both the risk of smearing my name and the danger I faced in the process of restoring the tree's life force to its proper place. However, I very, very strongly recommend you accept this duel. I am sure you understand the potential ramifications if you decline.
> If we do not meet each other again this evening, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning. We will need to work out a plan for helping you finish your move.
> Yours truly,
> - Toyosatomimi no Miko
> Miko: Put our writing utensil down and hand our letter over to Youmu. "Here, I think this will do nicely."
> Youmu: Take a look at what Miko just wrote.
> Youmu: Tap lightly at the part in question. "Does this mean 'wand and Yoshika', or 'wand or Yoshika'?"
> Miko: "One or the other, but not both, as requested."
> Either: Is there room enough to make a small edit to that part?
> Miko: Reach out a hand for the letter. "Here, I will fix it."
> Youmu: Return the letter.
> Miko: Find 'the use of one of Yoshika and your newly-acquired wand' and change 'and' to 'or', then hand the letter back to Youmu.
> Youmu: Take the edited letter. Does everything else look okay?
> Miko: Do we recall if our tengu escort had a sword?
> Miko: "That should serve you well in the event that you encounter Seiga again today, or at least before I do. I do expect she will return for Yoshika at some point today, at least. Speaking of, I wished to make sure it would be permissible if Yoshika were to leave here in her care."
> Youmu: Nod, with a slight frown. "I believe our dirt has been occupied for long enough."
> Miko: "Very well. With that, I do not believe I have any further business here. Shall we rejoin the others, so I may say give proper well-wishes?"
> Youmu: "Certainly."
> Both: Head back to the room with Yuyuko and the undergrounders.
> Miko: Nod. "The time for my departure has arrived, so I wished to return here one last time before that."
> Miko: Nod in return. "Fare thee well until we meet again. I wish you the best of luck in your search for your missing companion."
> Miko: Turn to Yuyuko and give a small bow. "And thank you for your hospitality, Lady Saigyouji, especially in light of what was done to your home in my name."
> Miko: Smile. "I like forward to working with all of you in the future."
> Miko: Look to Youmu. "Shall we depart?"
> Youmu: "As you wish."
> Youmu: Lead Miko back to the entrance to Gensokyo.
> Youmu: "Is this it, then?"
> Miko: "For as short as it is, yes. Before I depart, however, I did wish to check with you on one last thing. How familiar are you with the tengu of the mountain?"
> Youmu: General knowledge of tengu society.
> Youmu: Are we familiar with any particular tengu?
> Youmu: Are we familiar with any bit of the history between the tengu and the oni?
> Youmu: "Generally, yes. Why do you ask?"
> Miko: "When I was there earlier, I noticed that my escort had a sword. Since I will be returning to the mountain, I had the idea to ask them if any would like to join us in the friendly duelling organization you are putting together."
> Youmu: How likely does it sound that an insular people like the tengu would do such a thing?
> Miko: How familiar are we with the history between the tengu and the oni?
> Youmu: "Hmm, that's not a bad idea. I do wonder if they would join a group with an oni in it, though..."
> Miko: "Would that be a problem for them?"
> Youmu: "Normally, yes. It is intended to be friendly competition, though, as you said. And she seemed rather enthusiastic for the idea. I think she almost broke gravitas in encouraging me to put it together."
> Miko: "With how much oni favor their fists to weapons, I would not be surprised if she only rarely gets an opportunity to duel. She lamented my lack of sword when we first met, and I made a promise to return once I had retrieved it."
> Youmu: "That might get the tengu over their fear of the oni, then. Definitely play that up. You're a good speaker, I'm sure you'll know what to do."
> Miko: Smile on the inside.
> Youmu: "Oh, but there is one other...mmm. I need both of your words that what I am about to say does not leave this place, please."
> Youmu: "No, not that. Well, maybe that too, but definitely do not talk to anyone about what I am about to say."
> Miko: "As long as I am not compromising myself, I can do this."
> Youmu: "Despite the fact that she can wield a sword more than competently, I would rather Tenshi Hinanawi not catch wind of this group. I have already dealt with her more than I care to."
> Miko: Who is this person?
> Miko: "Very well. I have only heard of this person, however. What do they look like?"
> Youmu: What are Tenshi's distinctive features beyond the long blue hair?
> Youmu: "She has long blue hair, and tends to favor blue-and-white clothing and a wide-brimmed hat with peaches on it. Every so often, she will be tending the tavern in town. She was there earlier today, in fact."
> Miko: Does this description match anyone we've seen?
> Miko: "I believe I have seen such a person. Very well, I shall not breathe a word of it to her."
> Youmu: "Thank you. In the future, once we're established, maybe I'll tell her. If she starts behaving properly."
> Miko: Look to Kotohime. "You have met this person, yes? Does this match your experience?"
> Miko: "Indeed. Regardless, I shall keep this in mind."
> Youmu: "Ah, unrelated to all that. I understand you do your best to avoid shinigami. Is this true even if they are off-duty?"
> Miko: ...Are shinigami being 'off-duty' even a plausibility?
> Miko: Frown. "I suspect meeting such a person is not worth the risk."
> Youmu: Do we know anything about Komachi's schedule, in the mindset of the possibility that she will attend tomorrow's tournament?
> Youmu: "Well, there is always the possibility that a large gathering in Gensokyo will see the Sanzu ferrywoman in attendance, so I'd suggest being wary tomorrow. Particularly since I threw in that wand forfeiture request because she specifically asked me to see it returned."
> Miko: Frown fully. "Wonderful. And what does this person look like?"
> Youmu: What would we say are Komachi's distinguishing features, red pig-tailed hair aside?
> Youmu: "She is rather tall, with red hair done up in pig tails. I would honestly be surprised if she got bent out of shape upon seeing you or your attendants, she is a very relaxed individual."
> Miko: "What about?"
> Miko: Oh. Well.
> Miko: "Ah, I see. Well, that should not ever be a problem for one such as myself, as I do not plan on ever visiting that region of Gensokyo."
> Miko: "Very well. I shall simply take appropriate measures should the worst-case scenario come to pass tomorrow."
> Youmu: "I believe that is all I have. At the very least, I cannot think of anything that I need addressed before tomorrow morning."
> Miko: "In that case, I shall take my leave." Give Youmu a proper bow. "It has been a pleasure, Miss Konpaku. Thank you again for recovering my blade for me."
> Youmu: Return the gesture. "And thank you for restoring the Saigyou Ayakashi. I shall see you tomorrow morning."
> Miko: "Best wishes to both of you until then. Farewell!"
> Miko: Make our way out of the Netherworld and back toward the Hakurei Shrine.
> Youmu: Head back toward where Yoshika is situated, avoiding any paths that would disturb Reimu.
> "Hello."
> Look to Kotohime expectantly and casually gesture toward Yoshika.
> "If you like, you may feed her some cherries. Be sure not to stick your hand too close, though."
> "Not usually, and it is my hope that we will not be here for much longer. But simply leaving her there in the ground feels a little inhumane."