Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on August 05, 2010, 07:25:39 AM
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You are Maribel Hearn, and the world is wrong. Or rather, you're in the wrong world!
>Having woken up in a strange room, you've discovered you are in the middle of a world called Gensokyo, and you've finally discovered another world that you've always knew existed
>You grew up in Japan, living a fairly normal life. Still, you always had a strong instinct that there was more to the world than you could see. You studied psychology in college, and met your best friend there, a woman named Renko. The two of you shared a passion for the supernatural (extranormal, Renko called it, to make it sound more legitimate). In pursuing that passion, the two of you followed your instincts and moved to small island nation called Gensokyo. From there, then memories of the past half year fuzzy. You remember running a modestly successful detective agency and numerous attempts to find supernatural activity. You remember a woman named Utsuho being a prominent influence on your life in the last few days before you woke up here, but you can't remember a lot about it. You remember, though, that she helped you prove the supernatural exists beyond the shadow of a doubt! Too bad you can only recall vague details about it.
>You have been wandering through Gensokyo! You've learned some of the basics of flight, danmaku, and barrier magic, and you're on cloud nine! Reimu is very concerned you may easily end up a Youkai. Utsuho and Yuugi are in a doomed rivalry for Parsee's love. You visited Komachi and got her back to work on Reimu's behalf! Byakuren has asked you to assist Murasa at the underground clinic. Byakuren has agreed to consider enhancing your natural magical abilities if you gather the necessary ingredients. Yuka has commanded you to plant flowers in repentance for trespassing.
>You stand at the northern edge of human town, with a box full of flowers.
>Asking permission to plant it there yourself may be a good idea, however, especially if there's some power behind the flower. Thanks, Ruro!
>In light of the above, token Mario reference.
>See what else is around town right now!
>If anyone's just hanging around the temple, consider accosting them to ask about the flower. Maybe offer to plant one if Byakuren would like it.
>Failing that, investigate what's changed in town and whether there's anyone to talk to at the moment.
>Be the other girl.
>That sounds like it would satisfy the conditions.
>You don't want to hurt your nose, thought.
>Looking around, you can see some activity ahead.
>You don't see anyone hanging around the temple, but you do hear the faint sound of hammering within.
>This could be a plan, if you decide not to bother the people in the temple.
>I don't think you can handle this power.
>_
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Damnit you people go through these threads fast
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> Seek out Keine, she might know if this flowers are for a malicious purpose, at the very least we can plant one at the school
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>She's probably teaching class right now. But no harm in checking by the schoolhouse to see what's what.
>... unless Chen sees us. Hide the hat?
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> Consider asking Reimu about planting one at the shrine when we go back.
> Quests.
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> Seek out Keine, she might know if this flowers are for a malicious purpose, at the very least we can plant one at the school
>She's probably teaching class right now. But no harm in checking by the schoolhouse to see what's what.
>... unless Chen sees us. Hide the hat?
>You consider visiting Keine, but recall she's probably in class. You decide to check anyways, passing by Shou's Clothes and the tavern.
>Glancing at the school, you see the playground is empty. You also notice a little blonde girl staring out the window with the forlorn boredom of students in all worlds.
> Consider asking Reimu about planting one at the shrine when we go back.
> Quests.
>She might like that.
>Your Quests are:
>Renko Quest
>Given Renko has been your long-term partner in crime, if you're stuck here, chances are she is too.
>Escape from Eastern Wonderland?
>At some point, you should probably try to go home, right?
>Love is a Battlefield
>Your friend Utsuho in a bitter rivalry with Yuugi for the heart of Parsee Mizuhashi. What can be done?
>Maximum Charge Maribel Hearn
>Byakuren has offered to cast a spell to enhance your innate magic potential, if you gather the ingredients and prove yourself worthy.
>Clinic Catastophe
>Byakuren asked you to help Murasa run the clinic, and to make sure Murasa is doing her job.
>Hardflorale
>Yuka has recruited you to plant eight fire lilies around Gensokyo in places you feel are best, presumably in exchange for not breaking your face on a whim.
>_
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>Looking around town, can we find any shop that seems like it might sell a hand spade or garden trowel or something?
>Otherwise, pop into the tavern again
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>Looking around town, can we find any shop that seems like it might sell a hand spade or garden trowel or something?
>Otherwise, pop into the tavern again
>You recall there was a blacksmith. It is likely, you think, that she would have tools.
>_
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>Go check out the blacksmith
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>You walk down the street and find the blacksmith.
>The blacksmith shop is mostly outdoors, with an anvil, a furnace, and several other pieces of equipment you can't identify set up under a large awning extending from a small building you suspect serves as the blacksmith's home. The smith herself is a darker-skinned woman with brown hair styled into a tight bun. She is currently holding something in the furnace with a set of tongs. Off to the side, you see a rack of tools, including several shovels, spades, and trowels.
>"Morning, stranger," she says, glancing over at you for a moment.
>_
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>"Good morning. I don't suppose you have a trowel that I might be able to get a loan of for a little while? I've ended up with... a rather unpleasant problem than involves planting flowers. I'd offer to buy one, but I don't have any conventional money on me at the moment. Unless maybe you can point me in the direction of a place that buys antiques?"
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>"Good morning. I don't suppose you have a trowel that I might be able to get a loan of for a little while? I've ended up with... a rather unpleasant problem than involves planting flowers. I'd offer to buy one, but I don't have any conventional money on me at the moment. Unless maybe you can point me in the direction of a place that buys antiques?"
>"Problem and flowers?" she says, glancing over at your box, then turning her tongs a little. "Sounds like a good run-in with the flower youkai. You got my sympathy. What're you doing running around where she is, anyways?"
>_
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>"Um, not watching where I was going well enough, I think. She wants me to plant these in various appropriate places, as some sort of penance for flying over her garden. I'm not even sure what counts as a good place for them, but I'm hoping I can find something soon."
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>"Um, not watching where I was going well enough, I think. She wants me to plant these in various appropriate places, as some sort of penance for flying over her garden. I'm not even sure what counts as a good place for them, but I'm hoping I can find something soon."
>"Alright," says the blacksmith, not looking at you, "You can borrow one for a little bit. But in turn, keep an eye out for my good bellows, would you? I think some faeries got them them other day."
>_
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>"Thanks a bunch. And yes, I'll definitely keep an eye out for that if I see it. I imagine you have no idea where it went, though, right?"
>Find an appropriate tool and take it
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>"Thanks a bunch. And yes, I'll definitely keep an eye out for that if I see it. I imagine you have no idea where it went, though, right?"
>Find an appropriate tool and take it
>"Not a one," she says.
>You find a trowel you think will do the job, and put it on the edge of the box.
>You obtain: Garden Trowel (borrowed)
>_
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> "Ah, before I go, may I have your name? I'm Maribel, and I'm new in the area. Sorta explains why I'm in this situation."
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>"By the way, I don't suppose you do know of a place that might be interested in some antique coins, though, would you?"
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> "Ah, before I go, may I have your name? I'm Maribel, and I'm new in the area. Sorta explains why I'm in this situation."
>"Huh," she says. "Ari."
>"By the way, I don't suppose you do know of a place that might be interested in some antique coins, though, would you?"
>"Maybe that place out the way of the forest," says Ari. "I hear the shopkeep likes weird things more than money."
>_
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>"I don't suppose you can give me directions to the place?"
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>"I don't suppose you can give me directions to the place?"
>"Don't go out that way," says Ari, turning her tongs a bit. "Follow the south road, and it'll take you to the forest, sure enough."
>_
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>"Ok, well thanks again. I'll return this as soon as I'm done with it."
>Head out along the south road
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>"Ok, well thanks again. I'll return this as soon as I'm done with it."
>Head out along the south road
>She nods, as you depart.
>You find the South Road rather easily. It's the same one you took to get into town to begin with. You see a crossroads up ahead, and the forest in the distance.
>_
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>Continue towards the forest. Can we see anything that might be a store? If so, head towards it
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>Continue towards the forest. Can we see anything that might be a store? If so, head towards it
>You pass by the crossroads and the pond, and continue toward the forest.
>As you reach the outskirts, not too far from where Mystia's stand is, you think you can glimpse a building within the forest.
>Drawing closer, you can see it is an old-looking house, with a fair amount of junk in front.
>_
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>This might be hopeful
>Walk closer
>"Hello?"
>Can we see a sign or anything?
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>This might be hopeful
>Walk closer
>"Hello?"
>Can we see a sign or anything?
>You walk closer, and see a sign by the door that reads "open".
>Calling out, you don't receive any kind of answer.
>_
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>Walk on in
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>Walk on in
>You enter the building.
>Inside, you find a large, square-shaped room filled with odds and ends on shelves and racks. Near the rear of the room is a counter. A white-haired man blue robes sits there, reading a book. He looks up as you enter, and gives you a long, appraising glance. Then he nods in your direction, "Good morning, my lady."
>_
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>"Good morning to you, too."
>Browse the merchandise on the shelves
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> 'My lady'? Sounds oddly formal. And what was up with that long look?
> Quotes intentionally left out, this is meant to be internal monologue.
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>"Good morning to you, too."
>Browse the merchandise on the shelves
>He nods, and goes back to his book.
>The store contains
>Broken Sword Handle
>Iron Key
>Jeweled Box
>Introductory Nuclear Physics by Kenneth S. Krane.
>Nightlife (Extended)
>Bar of Baker's Chocolate
>Bottle of Wine
>Green Yo-Yo
>Lacquered Chopsticks
>Dusty Ring
>The Histories by Herodotus
>Bag of Birdseed
>Green Glass Rod
>Large Pillow
>Clear Crystal
>Deck of Cards
>White Vase
>French Horn
>Bonsai Tree
>3 Caramels
>Turtle Statue
>Vial of Sand Grains
>Large Ball of Yarn
>Stethoscope
>Pocket Clay Sculpting Set
>Bottle of Ethanol
>Silver Necklace
>Can of Alphabet Soup
> 'My lady'? Sounds oddly formal. And what was up with that long look?
> Quotes intentionally left out, this is meant to be internal monologue.
>That was very formal. How odd. And you're not sure you liked that look....
>_
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>Examine Dusty Ring, Clear Crystal, Silver Necklace, Green Glass Rod, Vial of Sand Grains
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>Examine Dusty Ring, Clear Crystal, Silver Necklace, Green Glass Rod, Vial of Sand Grains
>Dusty Ring
>This plain bronze ring is covered with ages worth of dust.
>Clear Crystal
>This naturally shaped crystal is clear as glass.
>Silver Necklace
>A simple, unadorned silver necklace. It seems like an understated accessory.
>Green Glass Rod
>A rod made of green glass, about a foot long and as thick as your little finger.
>Vial of Sand Grains
>This tiny vial contains eleven grains of sand.
>_
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>"Excuse me, but I don't suppose you might have any interest in these?"
>Show him the ancient coins
>"I was also wondering if you might know where I could find a geode?"
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>"Excuse me, but I don't suppose you might have any interest in these?"
>Show him the ancient coins
>"I was also wondering if you might know where I could find a geode?"
>You have to set the Box of Fire Lilies down to properly show him. He glances at the bag, and then looks at the coins. "Hm, I could trade for them," he says.
>"I would ask one of the magicians, or inspect underground. If you are asking me to obtain one, I can, but it will take time."
>_
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>"No, I was just wondering if you might know. Byakuren asked for one, but said she didn't know where to find it. You seem to have an interest in eclectic things, so I figured I'd ask."
>"Actually, on the topic of random questions, I had a bit of a run-in with Yuka, earlier, and she's left me with these flowers to find a good home for. I don't suppose you know of any spot that could use some sprucing up?"
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>"No, I was just wondering if you might know. Byakuren asked for one, but said she didn't know where to find it. You seem to have an interest in eclectic things, so I figured I'd ask."
>"Actually, on the topic of random questions, I had a bit of a run-in with Yuka, earlier, and she's left me with these flowers to find a good home for. I don't suppose you know of any spot that could use some sprucing up?"
>"I get one every few years," he says, "And typically it will come from one magician and go to another."
>He considers the flowers. "I suppose a couple by the door wouldn't be too out of place."
>_
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>"Do you know if that spots gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, and a little shade, too? I don't mean to be so picky about this, but I get the impression that you can never err too far on the side of caution where Yuka's concerned."
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>"Do you know if that spots gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, and a little shade, too? I don't mean to be so picky about this, but I get the impression that you can never err too far on the side of caution where Yuka's concerned."
>"Move the table by the door, and they should be fine," says the merchant.
>_
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>"Well, I think I'll go do that now, if you don't mind."
>Assuming no further comment, go outside, and find a suitable spot by the door for the flowers, and plant a couple
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>"Well, I think I'll go do that now, if you don't mind."
>Assuming no further comment, go outside, and find a suitable spot by the door for the flowers, and plant a couple
>He nods.
>You step outside, and check around the door. There's a bit of junk here, in particular an old table, but it is easy enough to move out of the way. The soil gives you no difficulty as you dig it, and the plants slip out of their pots easily enough. After a couple minutes, two fire lilies flank the door of the shop. It's a nice effect, you think.
>_
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> Dust off hands. Mustn't be rude and get dirt all over the shopkeeper's store or merchandise.
> Re-enter store.
> Examine Iron Key, Jeweled Box, Physics Book and Bag of Birdseed
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> Dust off hands. Mustn't be rude and get dirt all over the shopkeeper's store or merchandise.
> Re-enter store.
> Examine Iron Key, Jeweled Box, Physics Book and Bag of Birdseed
>You clean your hands off and head back inside. The merchant doesn't look up from his book.
>Iron Key
>A simple ring-handled key made of iron.
>Jeweled Box
>A small ornate box made of brass, with jewels set into the lid and sides. It stands on little feet.
>Introductory Nuclear Physics by Kenneth S. Krane.
>A basic textbook on Nuclear Physics.
>Bag of Birdseed
>This is a two-pound bag of birdseed.
>_
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> How big is the bag of birdseed? In terms of distance and volume, not weight.
> How sturdy does it look?
> Do we know anyone that would be interested in birdseed?
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> How big is the bag of birdseed? In terms of distance and volume, not weight.
> How sturdy does it look?
> Do we know anyone that would be interested in birdseed?
>It's about the size of a standard brown paper sack.
>It's in a cloth bag, it looks like it can take a small beating.
>Well, you know a couple people who seem to be part bird. Whether or not it'd be a gift or an insult...
>_
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>Try picking up and feeling the Dusty Ring, Clear Crystal, Silver Necklace, and Green Glass Rod. Can we sense anything potentially magical or unusual about them, or do they seem perfectly mundane? Try on both of the accessories in a similar fashion
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>You pick up each of these items, and don't feel anything to them.
>You try on the Silver Necklace, and don't feel anything special.
>Slipping the Dusty Ring on your finger, you feel...different. You can't quite tell how.
>_
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>Take the ring off and bring it over to the counter
>"I don't suppose you could tell me a little more about this ring?"
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>Take the ring off and bring it over to the counter
>"I don't suppose you could tell me a little more about this ring?"
>You take the Dusty Ring to the counter.
>"This, I've had it for awhile," he says. "It was made by someone with a beautiful voice, and an awful sense of rhythm. The ring is designed to correct the latter to an extent."
>_
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>"Rhythm in the purely musical sense? Or would it also have other uses? Does it affect one's perception, or just one's production?"
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>"Rhythm in the purely musical sense? Or would it also have other uses? Does it affect one's perception, or just one's production?"
>"I've not bothered to find out," says the merchant, "I prefer to listen to music rather than make it."
>_
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>"Hmmm... it's kind of interesting, though."
>"What value would you place on these coins in terms of items here?"
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>"Hmmm... it's kind of interesting, though."
>"What value would you place on these coins in terms of items here?"
>"Hm. I would let you have one or two more things for the set," he says. "Depending on their value. Perhaps three, if they are common enough things. I would be willing to allow some credit, if you prefer."
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>"Well, I think I'd be interested in the ring. Perhaps I could take that, and leave the rest as credit for now, in case something strikes my fancy later?"
>"And I don't suppose you have a backpack or satchel or something shelved somewhere that I can't see it, around here?"
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>"Well, I think I'd be interested in the ring. Perhaps I could take that, and leave the rest as credit for now, in case something strikes my fancy later?"
>"And I don't suppose you have a backpack or satchel or something shelved somewhere that I can't see it, around here?"
>"Very well," he says.
>"I might, if you'd do me a small favor? Arrange for Mystia to bring lunch today?"
>_
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>"That I can do. I already met her earlier today, actually. Oh, and perhaps I could have your name, so I know where to tell her to bring it?"
>Exchange the coins for the ring and store credit
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>"That I can do. I already met her earlier today, actually. Oh, and perhaps I could have your name, so I know where to tell her to bring it?"
>Exchange the coins for the ring and store credit
>"Good. I'll have it ready when you get back. I am Rinnosuke Morichika."
>You obtain: Ring of Rhythm
>_
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>"OH! Is this Korindou? Yamame mentioned this place on my way out of the underground!"
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> "I noticed you gave me a long look earlier, when I first came in. What was up with that? I can think of a few reasons why anyone here might stare at me, but I'm curious as to yours."
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>"OH! Is this Korindou? Yamame mentioned this place on my way out of the underground!"
>"Did she now?" says Rinnosuke, as he marks down the sale in his notebook. "I'll keep this in mind."
> "I noticed you gave me a long look earlier, when I first came in. What was up with that? I can think of a few reasons why anyone here might stare at me, but I'm curious as to yours."
>"You look markedly like one of my better customers," says Rinnosuke. "It took me a moment to discern what was going on."
>_
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>"Let me guess, Yukari? You would be something like the fourth person to mention that already today, I think."
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>"It was even worse when I was wearing my purple dress... it'd take a minute for them to realize I wasn't her."
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>"Let me guess, Yukari? You would be something like the fourth person to mention that already today, I think."
>"That would be her."
>"It was even worse when I was wearing my purple dress... it'd take a minute for them to realize I wasn't her."
>"Ah, I could see how that would be a problem," he says.
>_
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>"In any event, thank you for this, and I'll be back later."
>Take the flowers and trowel with us, and leave the store
>Do we remember the way to Mystia's
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> Fly up in the air to get better look of surroundings
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>"In any event, thank you for this, and I'll be back later."
>Take the flowers and trowel with us, and leave the store
>Do we remember the way to Mystia's
>"You are welcome," he says.
>You gather up your stuff and head out.
>You kind of remember the way. At some point, you turn east off the road, and it was a straight go.
>_
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>Where is the road in relation to our current location?
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>Where is the road in relation to our current location?
>Right outside the door, really.
>_
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> Continue along the road until we see a path that goes east
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> Test flight, in current situation. Only for a moment, though.
(also god DAMN how did this get to be a whole 1000 posts in like three days)
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> Continue along the road until we see a path that goes east
>You look for a path, but it is in vain. You didn't really have a path, so much as a spot that wasn't quite so overgrown...like that one, over there!
> Test flight, in current situation. Only for a moment, though.
>You try to fly. Taking off isn't so hard now, you think your practice is paying off!
>After that, you settle back to the ground.
>_
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>Move in through the less overgrown spot
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> Keep practicing Barriers along the way
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>Move in through the less overgrown spot
>You head east.
>Yes, you remember this spot. There's not quite a trail, more of just spots that aren't overgrown through the trees. There is motion to the southeast! Looking over, you see a deer bounding away. Wow, you've never actually seen one of those. Obvious exits are east and west.
> Keep practicing Barriers along the way
>You were distracted by the deer. Also your hands are full of box.
>_
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>See if we can practice shooting danmaku from places that aren't our palms. But be careful not to shoot from the palm anyway.
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>See if we can practice shooting danmaku from places that aren't our palms. But be careful not to shoot from the palm anyway.
>Probably best not to risk it while our hands are carrying Yuka's flowers. That would be a BAD thing to accidentally hit
>Go east
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> Practice barriers without hands
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>See if we can practice shooting danmaku from places that aren't our palms. But be careful not to shoot from the palm anyway.
>Probably best not to risk it while our hands are carrying Yuka's flowers. That would be a BAD thing to accidentally hit
>Go east
>You decide that randomly firing about when carrying delicate cargo is probably a bad idea.
>You go east.
>You work your way through the foliage, and catch a distant glimpse of Mystia's house. You are hear some sounds ahead, which distinctly remind you of danmaku noises.
> Practice barriers without hands
>Reimu pretty distinctly told you that you'd need them.
>_
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>Oh boy....
>See if we can get a view of what's going on, and who's shooting at each other. Try to stay out of sight while doing this
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> Very carefully go see whats going on, we don't want to get into a fight holding these flowers
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>Oh boy....
>See if we can get a view of what's going on, and who's shooting at each other. Try to stay out of sight while doing this
>Quite.
>You can see some bullets through the trees here and again, and hear Mystia shout "Knock it off, you little shits!"
> Very carefully go see whats going on, we don't want to get into a fight holding these flowers
>You creep forward, and can see a few faeries bobbing around in the air, as well as Mystia firing on them angrily.
>Wow...Mystia is good. Look at all that stuff she conjured! She must some kind of hardass...
>_
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>Wow...Mystia is good. Look at all that stuff she conjured! She must some kind of hardass...
(Ah, poor Maribel, if only you knew...)
>Well, if she's that much better than us, there mightn't be much for us to contribute...
>Still, put the flowers down somewhere sheltered and out of anyone's line of fire in case we need to defend ourself
>Continue to observe
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> How many fairies do there appear to be?
Why do I get the distinct feeling Cirno is going to be the final boss of this adventure?
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(Ah, poor Maribel, if only you knew...)
>Well, if she's that much better than us, there mightn't be much for us to contribute...
>Still, put the flowers down somewhere sheltered and out of anyone's line of fire in case we need to defend ourself
>Continue to observe
>Yeah, you think she'll have this well in hand.
>You put down the flowers in case something happens, and watch.
>You quickly note there is a faerie by the stand, you can just see her puffy hat over the edge.
> How many fairies do there appear to be?
>Mystia seems to be fighting a half dozen of them, and there's the one by the stand.
>_
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>Move a little towards the stand
>Does the faerie seem to be trying to steal something or damage it or something? Or is she just eating peacefully despite the chaos?
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> Does the fairy by the stand have any distinct features?
> How far away is the stand? Maybe we can sneak up behind this fairy and put her in a Full Nelson or something to get the others to stop assaulting Mystia.
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> If the faerie by the stand seems to be at rest or not attacking, ask her about the disturbance.
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>Move a little towards the stand
>Does the faerie seem to be trying to steal something or damage it or something? Or is she just eating peacefully despite the chaos?
>You move toward the stand.
>It's hard to see, when she's barely tall enough to be seen over the counter, but she's behind the counter, rather than in front of it.
> Does the fairy by the stand have any distinct features?
> How far away is the stand? Maybe we can sneak up behind this fairy and put her in a Full Nelson or something to get the others to stop assaulting Mystia.
>She has a puffy hat, and you think you see some Aqua-colored hair peeking out from under it.
>About five yards. It may be possible to sneak up on her, she is facing northward; if you read the hat correctly.
> If the faerie by the stand seems to be at rest or not attacking, ask her about the disturbance.
>You're pretty sure she's doing...something.
>_
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> Keep moving toward the stand, circling around the fight scene as necessary. Try to be somewhat stealthy in the process.
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> Keep moving toward the stand, circling around the fight scene as necessary. Try to be somewhat stealthy in the process.
>The fight is mostly going on beyond the stand, so circling around should be easy.
>You stay quiet, and don't make any sudden moves, as you work your way toward the stand and-
>Incoming green shots from above!
>_
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>Quickly dash in the direction we were already move, and spare a glance in the direction of the fire
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>Quickly dash in the direction we were already move, and spare a glance in the direction of the fire
>You dash ahead, and the shots pass over you.
>Looking up, you think they came from Mystia, who doesn't seem to be aware of your presence.
>You are far enough along to see the aqua-haired faerie behind the counter. She wears a blue and yellow sun dress, and is presently looking toward you, her hands presently stuck inside some container near the grill, a bit of grilled meat hanging from her lips.
>_
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>"I get the distinct impression you haven't paid for that, so be kind to yourself and move away from it."
>Be ready to dodge and retaliate quickly if she decides to be stubborn
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> "Excuse me but what are you doing?"
> Do we think we can make a barrier that could possibly trap her in the stand?
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>"I get the distinct impression you haven't paid for that, so be kind to yourself and move away from it."
>Be ready to dodge and retaliate quickly if she decides to be stubborn
>"Yeah-huh!" she says back, "She's just too good for it!"
> "Excuse me but what are you doing?"
> Do we think we can make a barrier that could possibly trap her in the stand?
>"Gettin' food for Dai," says the faerie.
>Not even remotely.
>_
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>"What do you mean 'she's too good for it?' Who is? And too good for what?"
>"And I'd still suggest backing away from that."
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> Hmmm, that's another mention of this 'Dai', wonder who this Dai is
> Be prepared to fight
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>"What do you mean 'she's too good for it?' Who is? And too good for what?"
>"And I'd still suggest backing away from that."
>"We gave her like five gold things, and she didn't want 'em!"
>"Lemme finish up first..."
> Hmmm, that's another mention of this 'Dai', wonder who this Dai is
> Be prepared to fight
>Indeed it is...
>She seems more interested in looting food objects.
>_
-
>"Well, it's her stand, and her call on whether she'll sell stuff to you or not. Doesn't matter if you THINK she should."
>Move towards the faerie. Try to seem a little intimidating without looking like we're obviously about to attack her
>If we can get close enough, try to the grab her arms, and keep them from looting things
-
> "You think the shrine maiden will be happy to hear about you lot doing this?"
-
>How busy is Mystia? Whistling to point out the fairy raiding her stand might be enough to get the blighter chased off, unless the other fairies are keeping her too occupied.
-
>"Well, it's her stand, and her call on whether she'll sell stuff to you or not. Doesn't matter if you THINK she should."
>Move towards the faerie. Try to seem a little intimidating without looking like we're obviously about to attack her
>If we can get close enough, try to the grab her arms, and keep them from looting things
>"Uh-uh! It's a fair trade!"
>You advance on her. She makes a little "Eep!" and grabs her bag.
>You're not sure if you can get close enough without scaring her off.
> "You think the shrine maiden will be happy to hear about you lot doing this?"
>She frowns. "Uh...no? But she doesn't hunt faeries!"
>How busy is Mystia? Whistling to point out the fairy raiding her stand might be enough to get the blighter chased off, unless the other fairies are keeping her too occupied.
>You glance upward. Judging from her stream of foul language and attempts to smack them out of the air, the five against one strategy is working for them decently, if they're anything like the faerie you fought.
>_
-
> "She might, if she finds out you were harassing the owner of this stand."
> "Even if she doesn't, though, I know who might. I'm actually here on an errand to my friend Mystia over there, that your friends are attacking. This errand was given to me by another friend of mine, a green-haired woman with a parasol that loves her flowers. Your friends harassing my friend delays my errand and may anger my green-haired friend. Would you like to tell her why I couldn't complete my errand on time?"
-
> "She might, if she finds out you were harassing the owner of this stand."
> "Even if she doesn't, though, I know who might. I'm actually here on an errand to my friend Mystia over there, that your friends are attacking. This errand was given to me by another friend of mine, a green-haired woman with a parasol that loves her flowers. Your friends harassing my friend delays my errand and may anger my green-haired friend. Would you like to tell her why I couldn't complete my errand on time?"
>"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
>She grabs the bag and bolts, gossamer wings a blur.
>_
-
>She was stuffing food into that bag, wasn't she?
>If so, chase after her as fast as we can push it
-
>She was stuffing food into that bag, wasn't she?
>If so, chase after her as fast as we can push it
>You think so.
>You chase after her as fast as you can! This quickly turns into a bad idea when you whack your arm into a tree, bringing you to a halt.
>"Oh you little shits aren't getting away that easily!" Mystia cries overhead, as you note a faerie or two fly past you.
>_
-
>Is she too far away to continue chasing? Keep pursing, if possible.
>Any chance we can nail her with a danmaku, considering she's not looking at us? If so, try it
-
>Is she too far away to continue chasing? Keep pursing, if possible.
>Any chance we can nail her with a danmaku, considering she's not looking at us? If so, try it
>You don't think you're gonna catch her, her tininess is definitely an advantage here.
>You gather up force as quickly as you can, despite your arm throbbing a bit, and unleash a single bullet!
>It flies fairly fast! The faerie seems to hear it coming, as she looks back, and swerves around a tree to avoid it. Then she sticks her tongue out at you.
>A moment later, Mystia descends on her. She neatly obscures what happens next with her own body, but it doesn't sound pleasant.
>_
-
>Let Mystia clean up, then, if she's already on top of her
-
>Let Mystia clean up, then, if she's already on top of her
>Mystia seems to have this well in hand. After a few moments, she returns with the bag in hand, seeming a great deal less upset than before. >"Thanks...uh...what was you name again?"
>_
-
>Look out for any fairies circling around to get revenge on the squealer. i.e. Mary.
>"Maribel. Are you alright?"
-
>Look out for any fairies circling around to get revenge on the squealer. i.e. Mary.
>"Maribel. Are you alright?"
>You look around, and see no sign of faeries. It looks like they've fled.
>"Yeah," says Mystia. "Little shits just caught me off guard and surrounded me."
-
> "Are fairy attacks always this common here? I've seen no end of them since I got here."
-
>Start heading back to the stand if Mystia isn't already. Gotta get that food back in place.
>sneak a peek at where we left the flowers, pray they didn't get totaled.
-
> "Are fairy attacks always this common here? I've seen no end of them since I got here."
>"They can be," says Mystia. "Every so often they get into a mood, it seems" She shrugs. "No point in trying to make sense of 'em."
>Start heading back to the stand if Mystia isn't already. Gotta get that food back in place.
>sneak a peek at where we left the flowers, pray they didn't get totaled.
>The two of you return to the stand, and Mystia starts to pack goods away again. "At least they didn't get it dirty."
>You glance toward the flowers. They seem to be fine.
>_
-
>"Well, I actually came here on a bit of an errand. Rinnosuke wants you to bring lunch by for him, today."
>"And while I'm at it, can you give me directions for Marisa's place? I hear she lives somewhere around here."
-
> Where we told where Alice live?
-
>"Well, I actually came here on a bit of an errand. Rinnosuke wants you to bring lunch by for him, today."
>"And while I'm at it, can you give me directions for Marisa's place? I hear she lives somewhere around here."
>"Oh, he must be busy today," she says. "It's not often he needs a delivery. I'll bring his usual."
>"Marisa? Um...I think you follow the road past Kourindou, until you get to the big rock. Then...um...Is it east or west? Sorry. But you'll be close there.
> Where we told where Alice live?
>You know she is somewhere in the Forest of Magic.
>_
-
> "Also, do you know where Aice lives? I heard she lives somewhere in the forest as well"
-
>"What sort of mischief should I be looking out for if the fairies are in that mood again? There was on the road to Reimu's that was acting up a bit, but I'm... not sure of the full implications of it."
>Estimate whether the area around Mystia's house/stand gets enough sun for Yuuka's flowers.
-
>"Ok, thanks. Another question while I'm here, actually. I, uh, had a run-in with Yuka afterwards. I... kinda flew over her field and she wasn't too happy about that. Gave me some flowers to plant around as some kind of way of making up for it. I don't suppose you know a spot a couple fire lilies might be nice for?"
-
> "Also, do you know where Aice lives? I heard she lives somewhere in the forest as well"
>"She's further north," says Mystia, "On the banks of the misty lake."
>"What sort of mischief should I be looking out for if the fairies are in that mood again? There was on the road to Reimu's that was acting up a bit, but I'm... not sure of the full implications of it."
>Estimate whether the area around Mystia's house/stand gets enough sun for Yuuka's flowers.
>"Oh, all kinds," says Mystia. "But they're not that strong, as long as you don't let them get the drop on you. And don't worry about them too much Faeries talk big, but they're too scatterbrained to do much about it."
>It's not very sunny here. You don't think flowers would do well.
>"Ok, thanks. Another question while I'm here, actually. I, uh, had a run-in with Yuka afterwards. I... kinda flew over her field and she wasn't too happy about that. Gave me some flowers to plant around as some kind of way of making up for it. I don't suppose you know a spot a couple fire lilies might be nice for?"
>"Oh. Um...there's a few clearings here and there."
>_
-
>"Ah, ok. Well, thanks, and have a hopefully faerie-free rest of the day."
>Head back to the road
-
>"Ah, ok. Well, thanks, and have a hopefully faerie-free rest of the day."
>Head back to the road
>"Hey," says Mystia, "before you go, don't you want one for the road? On the house."
>_
-
>"Sure, that would be nice, thanks."
>Go accept the free food
-
>"Sure, that would be nice, thanks."
>Go accept the free food
>She finishes putting away the previously-purloined food, pulls out a strip of meat, and puts it on the grill.
>"Have a seat," she says, gesturing to the front of the stand. "Oh, and if you fix the curtain, I'll let you have the crap the faeries were trying to pass off as money."
>_
-
>Take a seat
>Fix the curtain how? It is torn or something?
>"Yeah, the faerie that was robbing you said that it was perfectly good money and she was justified in stealing because you wouldn't take it. What was it, anyway?"
-
>Take a seat
>Fix the curtain how? It is torn or something?
>"Yeah, the faerie that was robbing you said that it was perfectly good money and she was justified in stealing because you wouldn't take it. What was it, anyway?"
>You have a seat.
>Examining the curtain, you see it's been knocked out of place.
>"It's those things." She gestures toward the counter.
>Sitting there are...parts, for lack of a better term. They look like bits of clockwork, rods and fittings and such, made out of metals that look oddly like gold and silver.
>_
-
>"They look interesting, at least..."
>Inventory. Could we carry those easily?
>Try and fix the curtain.
>Did Rinnosuke's get enough sun for the flowers we put there? Uhoh.
-
>Straighten out the curtain, if we can
>"Hmmm... sounded more like coins from the way they described it. But I'm quickly learning that faeries seem to have a different kind of sense than the rest of us."
-
> Hmm, those look useful, at the very least Rinnosuke might trade for them
> Fix that curtain while we wait
-
>"They look interesting, at least..."
>Inventory. Could we carry those easily?
>Try and fix the curtain.
>Did Rinnosuke's get enough sun for the flowers we put there? Uhoh.
>"They're kinda pretty, but they're not money."
>You should be able to shove them into a pocket.
>You work on reaffixing the curtain.
>You think they should.
>Straighten out the curtain, if we can
>"Hmmm... sounded more like coins from the way they described it. But I'm quickly learning that faeries seem to have a different kind of sense than the rest of us."
>"Yeah. Faeries are goofy. It's just how they are."
> Hmm, those look useful, at the very least Rinnosuke might trade for them
> Fix that curtain while we wait
>He might!
>_
-
>Did we ever find out what Mystia serves here? If not, ask once we're done with the curtain.
>Await our meal.
-
> Assess Mystia aesthetically
> "So what else normally happens here, beyond fairies being annoying? And who's this 'Dai' I keep hearing about?"
-
>Did we ever find out what Mystia serves here? If not, ask once we're done with the curtain.
>Await our meal.
>She mentioned lamprey. You don't know what to think about that...
> Assess Mystia aesthetically
> "So what else normally happens here, beyond fairies being annoying? And who's this 'Dai' I keep hearing about?"
>She's fairly short and slender, the tufts on her ears are oddly cute, especially with the pink hair. The hat looks a little weird at first, but you think it suits her.
>"Oh, customers come, I make money. Have the evenings to myself. Believe it or not, I even get some townspeople every so often."
>_
-
>Well, lamprey will probably be among the less unusual things we've experienced today, so far....
>"I guess it's not usual for too many humans to come out this way most of the time, then?"
-
>Consider asking about the blacksmith's bellows.
-
> "Really? Is that really that uncommon here that humans and youkai interact? That seems a bit sad."
-
>Well, lamprey will probably be among the less unusual things we've experienced today, so far....
>"I guess it's not usual for too many humans to come out this way most of the time, then?"
>In retrospect, it's downright mundane.
>"Mmmhmmm. Humans keep to the town and their farms, oni to their city, and so on."
>Consider asking about the blacksmith's bellows.
>She doesn't seem to up to date on faerie things, but maybe she's seen them?
> "Really? Is that really that uncommon here that humans and youkai interact? That seems a bit sad."
>"It's getting more common these days," she says. "There's a lot of tradition to overcome and stuff, and just good honest caution. But it's getting less stilted. I wouldn't have even gone to town ten years ago, now I get a lot of my ingredients from there."
>_
-
>"Well, that's good. Honestly, humans and youkai don't necessarily seem all that different to me. Well, aside from some obvious visual differences. But even those mostly seem pretty slight."
-
>Humor a smile.
-
>"Well, that's good. Honestly, humans and youkai don't necessarily seem all that different to me. Well, aside from some obvious visual differences. But even those mostly seem pretty slight."
>"It varies depending on the Youkai," says Mystia. "Some of us are pretty human, naturally. Others are very different. Like myself, I used to be a night sparrow, ages ago. It took me a long time, and some beatings, to really adapt."
>Humor a smile.
>You smile. "Oh, you like hearing about me being beaten that much, eh?" she says as she draws a knife, then uses it to slice the meat into sections. She then skillfully impales them on a skewer, and hands it to you. "There you go!"
>_
-
>Curse timing.
>"No, more glad that things seem to have gotten more peaceful recently. That's always good to hear."
>"... though I'm curious about what it's like as a youkai, too... what was it like AS a night sparrow? Or would you rather not talk about it?"
>try the food
-
>Curse timing.
>"No, more glad that things seem to have gotten more peaceful recently. That's always good to hear."
>"... though I'm curious about what it's like as a youkai, too... what was it like AS a night sparrow? Or would you rather not talk about it?"
>try the food
>"I know, I know. It's mostly the Hakurei Maiden's fault. She's done a lot of good like that."
>"It as a sparrow's life," she says with a shrug. "I don't remember it too well, anymore. It was basic, though. Get food, make a nest, avoid predators..."
>You sample the skewer! The meat is very tender, a bit more chewy than you like. But it's very tasty, and just a little spicy from the seasonings.
>_
-
>"This is pretty good, thanks. I've never actually tried lamprey before. Wasn't quite sure what it would be like..."
-
>"This is pretty good, thanks. I've never actually tried lamprey before. Wasn't quite sure what it would be like..."
>"It was nothing," she says. "Thanks for the help. And for fixing the curtain."
>_
-
> "Oh, you're quite welcome."
> "So, is it safe to say you like this life better than your previous one?"
-
> "Oh, you're quite welcome."
> "So, is it safe to say you like this life better than your previous one?"
>"I think so," she says. "It's nice to be able to be understood, at least. No one understands what a night sparrow is thinking."
>_
-
>"I think so," she says. "It's nice to be able to be understood, at least. No one understands what a night sparrow is thinking."
>Well, we might know one person....
>"Reimu evidently thinks I have a high likelihood of becoming a youkai. Despite not even knowing that youkai existed a few hours ago... It's kind of a strange thing to be told."
-
> "I must admit, I rather like being a human...but I suppose if there are youkai like you, then becoming one myself wouldn't be the end of the world."
-
>Well, we might know one person....
>"Reimu evidently thinks I have a high likelihood of becoming a youkai. Despite not even knowing that youkai existed a few hours ago... It's kind of a strange thing to be told."
>...That would explain all the animals there, wouldn't it?
>"Really?" she says, "Why is that?"
>_
-
>"Something about how I seem to be a really quick learner with magic, and such. Yesterday, I didn't even know for sure the stuff exists, and then Byakuren and Reimu give me a few pointers, and..."
>Sketch a little barrier
-
> "Where I come from, there's no magic or youkai or flying by yourself or anything like that. Just humans and technology. Imaging waking up in a world one day with no magic where you and all the other youkai had been turned into humans. Wouldn't it weird you out, too?"
> "Anyway, I must admit, I rather like being a human...but I suppose if there are youkai like you, then becoming one myself wouldn't be the end of the world."
-
>"Something about how I seem to be a really quick learner with magic, and such. Yesterday, I didn't even know for sure the stuff exists, and then Byakuren and Reimu give me a few pointers, and..."
>Sketch a little barrier
[
>You explain and sketch a little barrier.
>"Wow," says Mystia, "That is pretty impressive."
> "Where I come from, there's no magic or youkai or flying by yourself or anything like that. Just humans and technology. Imaging waking up in a world one day with no magic where you and all the other youkai had been turned into humans. Wouldn't it weird you out, too?"
> "Anyway, I must admit, I rather like being a human...but I suppose if there are youkai like you, then becoming one myself wouldn't be the end of the world."
>"Sounds like that dream," she says. "And yeah, it was weird."
>"Of course it's not the end of the world," she says. "You should do it!"
>_
-
> "That dream? You had that too?"
-
>"I should do it? I wonder what it's like for a human? I mean, there's obviously a lot of difference between you and a sparrow. But from a human... The only human-turned-youkai I've met, that I know of, is Byakuren. Although she tells me that getting huge isn't a common side-effect of this process."
-
> "That dream? You had that too?"
>She nods. "I think everyone did."
>"I should do it? I wonder what it's like for a human? I mean, there's obviously a lot of difference between you and a sparrow. But from a human... The only human-turned-youkai I've met, that I know of, is Byakuren. Although she tells me that getting huge isn't a common side-effect of this process."
>"Sure, go for it! Isn't it just a waste if you don't? And yeah, I've only see her from a distance, and I've never seen a youkai like that. I bet that rumor about the huge youkai must have been her! I bet you could do it, too, though."
>_
>_
-
>"I've also been warned that becoming a youkai might make going back out of Gensokyo more difficult, and I'm not sure I'd like to make any strong decisions about whether to leave or not until I've found my friend, Renko. And I don't know what else it would imply..."
>"But... even Reimu didn't seem to mind the idea too much, and youkai certainly don't seem THAT different, so I guess we'll see. It's not something I have to do or decide immediately, I think."
>"What can you remember of the dream? I can't recall too much of it, myself, but I'd like to piece together what I can."
-
> "I...I'd have to think about it. I'd definitely need to find my lost best friend first, and see what she thinks. Not that I don't value your opinion, but we've known each other forever, and she'd have a stake in anything so drastic that I'd decide to do to myself."
-
> "I...I'd have to think about it. I'd definitely need to find my lost best friend first, and see what she thinks. Not that I don't value your opinion, but we've known each other forever, and she'd have a stake in anything so drastic that I'd decide to do to myself."
>"Well, okay. But I wouldn't let her tell you not to do it, myself, unless you didn't want to. I mean, if she's your friend, isn't she going to support you?"
>"I've also been warned that becoming a youkai might make going back out of Gensokyo more difficult, and I'm not sure I'd like to make any strong decisions about whether to leave or not until I've found my friend, Renko. And I don't know what else it would imply..."
>"But... even Reimu didn't seem to mind the idea too much, and youkai certainly don't seem THAT different, so I guess we'll see. It's not something I have to do or decide immediately, I think."
>"What can you remember of the dream? I can't recall too much of it, myself, but I'd like to piece together what I can."
>"Oh! That might be a problem. But it's not like you actually want to go back, right? It's way better here."
>She nods. "See? It's not that bad."
>"Oh, the dream? Um. I remember I had a couple of restaurants, in a big city with super tall buildings. It was interesting, I guess."
>_
-
>"Well, Gensokyo is an amazing place, and there's so much more I want to see, here. But, well... you know people are always attached to where they came from. I... don't really know what I want to do about that, yet."
-
>"Being her friend means supporting her, too. And if she'd be worried about me becoming a youkai, I need to consider that. To be honest, though, from what I've seen so far in Gensokyo, I'm not sure she'd have much to worry about, if she wanted to stay as well."
>"There's some good points and bad points on each side. And there ARE things I left behind in that world... whether they're worth going back for, I haven't really thought about. But there's a few too many things on my plate today to spend much time on it."
>keep eating a bit
>"For example, I borrowed a spade from the human village's blacksmith earlier, actually. She asked me to look out for her good bellows; apparently some fairies got ahold of it. I don't suppose you have any ideas where I could look for that?"
-
>"Well, Gensokyo is an amazing place, and there's so much more I want to see, here. But, well... you know people are always attached to where they came from. I... don't really know what I want to do about that, yet."
>"Well, I guess I could understand that, but it seems like a small price to pay, don't you think?"
>"Being her friend means supporting her, too. And if she'd be worried about me becoming a youkai, I need to consider that. To be honest, though, from what I've seen so far in Gensokyo, I'm not sure she'd have much to worry about, if she wanted to stay as well."
>"There's some good points and bad points on each side. And there ARE things I left behind in that world... whether they're worth going back for, I haven't really thought about. But there's a few too many things on my plate today to spend much time on it."
>keep eating a bit
>"For example, I borrowed a spade from the human village's blacksmith earlier, actually. She asked me to look out for her good bellows; apparently some fairies got ahold of it. I don't suppose you have any ideas where I could look for that?"
>"Well, you could support her better! And I bet she would love to stay here"
>"I suppose that makes sense.
>You know, once you get used to the texture, this isn't half bad.
>"Um, I wouldn't know about that," she says, "But...maybe if you looked around the lake? Faeries tend to play there."
>_
>_
-
>"It's a start. Thanks."
>"Actually, I think a few fairies mentioned someone named 'Dai' - do you know who that is?"
-
>"Well, you're certainly pretty gung-ho on the youkai idea. Is it a solidarity thing? Of course, half the youkai I've seen don't look much like the other half."
-
>"It's a start. Thanks."
>"Actually, I think a few fairies mentioned someone named 'Dai' - do you know who that is?"
>She nods.
>"That'd be Daiyousei, probably. She's a top dog among faeries. Her and Cirno."
>"Well, you're certainly pretty gung-ho on the youkai idea. Is it a solidarity thing? Of course, half the youkai I've seen don't look much like the other half."
>"I just think if you can do it, you should. It makes the world better, don't you agree?"
>_
-
>"So the world's better with more youkai in it?"
-
>"So the world's better with more youkai in it?"
>"Of course it would," says Mystia.
>_
-
>"I'm not sure. I'd prefer to make sure humans and youkai get along, rather than just pushing for one or the other. And even if there are youkai that do that, there should be humans that help, too. I'm not sure I know enough about the situation to really decide yet."
>"Anyway, back to the fairies - Daiyosei and Cirno are 'top dog' among fairies? Howso?"
>"And who's Cirno? Another fairy, I'm guessing?"
-
>"I get the feeling not everyone would think that, but it's nice to see such directness."
>Smile
>Finish up the lamprey
-
> "I wonder what type of youkai I would be, if I went through with it.."
> Do we have the time? Or can we give a good estimate on how late/early it is based on the sun's position.
-
>"I'm not sure. I'd prefer to make sure humans and youkai get along, rather than just pushing for one or the other. And even if there are youkai that do that, there should be humans that help, too. I'm not sure I know enough about the situation to really decide yet."
>"Anyway, back to the fairies - Daiyosei and Cirno are 'top dog' among fairies? Howso?"
>"And who's Cirno? Another fairy, I'm guessing?"
>"Who said it'd stop us from getting along? I'm not saying everyone should. But if you have that potential, you ought to do it."
>"Yeah, Cirno's an ice faerie. She's pretty strong, for a faerie. And, other faeries listen to them. I dunno why. I guess it's because they're pretty tough?"
>"I get the feeling not everyone would think that, but it's nice to see such directness."
>Smile
>Finish up the lamprey
>"Maybe, but they're just holding onto old fears and ideas if you ask me.
>You smile and eat up. You're a little sad it's gone, but you definitely needed that. A small loaf of bread and some butter just wasn't enough for all this.
> "I wonder what type of youkai I would be, if I went through with it.."
> Do we have the time? Or can we give a good estimate on how late/early it is based on the sun's position.
>"I dunno. Might be one of those kind they don't have a name for."
>You don't know for sure, but it feels like mid-morning. Around ten oclock or so. You've not seen any clocks at all to be sure.
>_
-
>"Well, thanks again for the food. It was delicious. I might just have to stop back here again, later, and buy myself another one. When I find some money, anyway. But I have a bunch more exploring to do now, and errands to run, though, so I probably should be heading out. Nice talking to you!"
>Take the gears and bits
>Make sure we have the flowers and trowel
>Head back to the road
-
>Let's go check out Marisa's. Hopefully there's some space for flowers there.
-
>"Well, thanks again for the food. It was delicious. I might just have to stop back here again, later, and buy myself another one. When I find some money, anyway. But I have a bunch more exploring to do now, and errands to run, though, so I probably should be heading out. Nice talking to you!"
>Take the gears and bits
>Make sure we have the flowers and trowel
>Head back to the road
>"Sure thing," she says.
>Actually, there aren't any gears or such among it, it's all rods and odd connectors.
>You obtain: Handful of Gold and Silver Parts
>You make your way back to the road with little problem.
>_
-
>Let's go check out Marisa's. Hopefully there's some space for flowers there.
-
>Let's go check out Marisa's. Hopefully there's some space for flowers there.
>You decide to collect your reward later, and continue down the road part Kourindou.
>The road shifts toward the east for a ways, then toward the south again. Soon, you sizable boulder along the side of the road. The trees here aren't so thick as other places. You note some small footprints in the road, presumably from a time when it was muddy. This seems like a popular faerie hang out, though none are here now. Obvious exits are North, South, East, and West.
>_
-
> Wait, what reward?
-
> Wait, what reward?
>You agreed to arrange for Rinnosuke's mealtimes in exchange for a bag to carry things. He told you he'd have it ready when you got back.
>_
-
>On second thought, that might be a good idea, especially if it was on the way to where Marisa's probably is.
-
>On second thought, that might be a good idea, especially if it was on the way to where Marisa's probably is.
>You did pass it, yes. Oh well.
>_
-
>Might as well do a quick check for Marisa's in one direction before doubling back.
>Examine footprints, look east and west for any sign of what might be in those directions.
-
>Might as well do a quick check for Marisa's in one direction before doubling back.
>Examine footprints, look east and west for any sign of what might be in those directions.
>You look at the footprints. Although you're not really a tracking sort of person; this was more Renko's forte, being the more scientific of the two of you; you have picked up a few things. You can tell they are of various ages, give how worn some are. And they seem to be going in all directions.
>Looking east and west, you see a small path into the western foliage. East, you think you see another large rock in the woods.
>_
-
>Head west. Be on the lookout for any signs of habitation.
-
>Head west. Be on the lookout for any signs of habitation.
>You head west.
>The path, such as it is, is fairly overgrown. You don't think it sees a lot of use. The nearby shrubs and bushes have a tendency to reach toward it as well, making the going a little slower than you'd like.
>Up head, you hear a loud clank, the kind you associate with very solid chunks of metal hitting each other.
>_
-
>Cautiously investigate the noise
-
>Cautiously investigate the noise
>You creep forward to investigate, and come to a clearing.
>You see a white house, roughly L-shaped and with a fair amount of creepers on it. In the front yard, you see several pieces of exercise equipment. One of those pieces, a weight-lifter's bench, is currently occupied by a large young woman wearing a black dress and with blonde hair, presently wiping some sweat from her forehead. She is fairly tall, though nowhere in Byakuren's league. What she lacks in that, though, she makes up in raw muscle. It takes you a moment to tear your eyes from those abs and notice the amount of heavy-looking disks on those weights...
>_
-
>So this is what Reimu meant by 'beefy.'
>Try to stop blushing.
>Has she seen us? Is she in the middle of lifting anything?
>If she's in a safe position, greet.
-
>"Uh, excuse me. Are you Marisa, by any chance?"
-
>So this is what Reimu meant by 'beefy.'
>Try to stop blushing.
>Has she seen us? Is she in the middle of lifting anything?
>If she's in a safe position, greet.
>It is indeed. Good lord.
>That's not so easy.
>She doesn't seem to have, and she seems to be done for the moment.
>You greet her. "Huh?" she says, looking over in your direction as she picks up a pointed, wide-brimmed hat of considerable size from the ground and puts it on.
>"Uh, excuse me. Are you Marisa, by any chance?"
>"That's right. And you are?"
>_
-
>"I'm Maribel. Nice to meet you. I'm, uh, new around here, you could say."
-
>"I'm Maribel. Nice to meet you. I'm, uh, new around here, you could say."
>She nods. "So you're from somewhere way off? Anyway, you know who I am, need something?"
>She gestures for you to have a seat on a nearby rowing machine.
>_
-
>Have a seat
>"Well, I suppose there are a couple things, but I can start with this one. I'm interested in learning magic, and I hear you might be one of the people to talk to about that."
>"And I'm probably from further away than you think, actually. Like, outside of Gensokyo entirely."
-
>Have a seat
>"Well, I suppose there are a couple things, but I can start with this one. I'm interested in learning magic, and I hear you might be one of the people to talk to about that."
>"And I'm probably from further away than you think, actually. Like, outside of Gensokyo entirely."
>You have a seat on the rowing machine. The groove in the bench mat suggests it is well used.
>You mention learning magic from her. "Oh, you are? Well, um, I'm sorta not interested in students right now."
>You tell her where you come from. "Well don't that beat all?" she says.
>_
-
>"Yeah, I actually didn't even really know that magic existed until this morning. As hard as that probably is to believe for someone who's lived here all their life. So, I've been picking up bits and pieces as I can, while I explore the place. Reimu said I was a really quick study, actually."
>Sketch another little barrier
-
>"Yeah, I actually didn't even really know that magic existed until this morning. As hard as that probably is to believe for someone who's lived here all their life. So, I've been picking up bits and pieces as I can, while I explore the place. Reimu said I was a really quick study, actually."
>Sketch another little barrier
>You're starting to get alright at this magic thing; you're pretty sure you're gathering the energy in half the time that you were before.
>You sketch a Barrier. Marisa nods. "Huh, looks like you don't need me, anyways."
>_
-
>"Well, every magician has their own tricks and style of magic, though, right? I'd like to learn a little of yours. Surely you can show me something quick, anyway? I'm a really eager learner."
-
>"Well, every magician has their own tricks and style of magic, though, right? I'd like to learn a little of yours. Surely you can show me something quick, anyway? I'm a really eager learner."
>"Maybe," she says. "You know, though, if you bounce all over the place like that, you'll never get any good."
>_
-
>"Hey, I've only been at this stuff a couple hours, you know. Cut me a little slack if I haven't picked a specialization, yet. Heck, I don't even know enough to know what there is to specialize IN."
-
>"But, I should see what style suits me best before I settle into one way of learning, right? May I see what you can do, for now?"
>"At the moment, I just want to pick up a variety of tricks to defend myself until I can find my friend and really decide whether to stay in Gensokyo."
-
>"Hey, I've only been at this stuff a couple hours, you know. Cut me a little slack if I haven't picked a specialization, yet. Heck, I don't even know enough to know what there is to specialize IN."
>She laughs. "Just a couple hours, and you can do that? You oughta look into working, then. Reimu would be able to retire in no time!"
>_
-
>"'Working?'"
>"Well, Reimu DID ask me to wake up Komachi after I visited her..."
-
>"'Working?'"
>"Well, Reimu DID ask me to wake up Komachi after I visited her..."
>"At the shrine, I mean," she says. "Sounds like you have the makings of a real shrine maiden, maybe even better than that lazy bum we have now."
>She winks. You're not sure which part it applies to...
>"Well, that's not too hard. Unless Komachi's gone a few nights without sleep, I guess."
-
>"It wasn't. I think I got lucky about just getting asked to plant flowers after wandering above... that green-haired youkai's flower field, though."
-
>"It wasn't. I think I got lucky about just getting asked to plant flowers after wandering above... that green-haired youkai's flower field, though."
>"Oh, that explains the box," she replies, then chuckles. "Yuka must have taken a shine to you."
>_
-
> Assess surrounding area for potential fire lily planting sites.
> "I really hope so, I definitely don't want to cross her. Based on what I've heard of her, it kinda seemed like she wanted to rip my head off, especially when I asked her if she had that weird dream everyone else seems to have had around here."
-
> Assess surrounding area for potential fire lily planting sites.
> "I really hope so, I definitely don't want to cross her. Based on what I've heard of her, it kinda seemed like she wanted to rip my head off, especially when I asked her if she had that weird dream everyone else seems to have had around here."
>The yard isn't that well maintained, but it could do with a splash of warm color amidst the greens of the plantlife and the dark grays of the exercise equipment.
>"Oh she has," says Marisa, "This is just her way. But she is irritable, so you can't be careless."
>_
-
>"She told me to go plant these around Gensokyo. I don't suppose you have any place here you wouldn't mind a couple? I'd... kinda rather get this off my hands sooner than later. Veiled threats and all, you know...."
-
>"She told me to go plant these around Gensokyo. I don't suppose you have any place here you wouldn't mind a couple? I'd... kinda rather get this off my hands sooner than later. Veiled threats and all, you know...."
>"Sure!" says Marisa. "Just put a couple in the window box."
>_
-
>Go plant a couple in the window box, assuming the lighting conditions there seem to be ok with what Yuka said
>"So any chance about that magic business? Or anything I could maybe do to convince you to show me a trick or two?"
-
>Go plant a couple in the window box, assuming the lighting conditions there seem to be ok with what Yuka said
>"So any chance about that magic business? Or anything I could maybe do to convince you to show me a trick or two?"
>You do so, fairly certain the conditions match what Yuka told you.
>"Maybe, I dunno," she says, "What's in it for me?"
>_
-
>"Well, you get a chance to show off, and an enthusiastic audience. But, uh, more tangibly.... I don't know. If there's an errand or something that I could help out with, I'm game. That seems to be becoming a habit, today, anyway."
-
>"Well, you get a chance to show off, and an enthusiastic audience. But, uh, more tangibly.... I don't know. If there's an errand or something that I could help out with, I'm game. That seems to be becoming a habit, today, anyway."
>"Well when you say it like that," she says, "I have been meaning to make a mushroom run... You up for it?"
>_
-
>"Sounds good to me. I'm actually looking for a star mushroom, myself. I guess this might be able to kill two birds with one stone."
-
>"Sounds good to me. I'm actually looking for a star mushroom, myself. I guess this might be able to kill two birds with one stone."
>"You want one of those?" she asks. "They're not really common, but I think there's a few out there."
>_
-
>"Yeah, it's on a list of stuff Byakuren gave me to collect. Anyway, where are we headed, and what do you want me to do?"
>Tag along, if she leads off, somewhere
-
> "I notice you didn't react much to the dream comments. Did you not have the same fuzzy dream everyone else has?"
-
>"Yeah, it's on a list of stuff Byakuren gave me to collect. Anyway, where are we headed, and what do you want me to do?"
>Tag along, if she leads off, somewhere
>"I don't remember saying we," says Marisa. "Give me a minute, and I'll show you what you're looking for."
>She stands up, and heads toward the house.
> "I notice you didn't react much to the dream comments. Did you not have the same fuzzy dream everyone else has?"
>"Didn't have much to do with what we were talking about," says Marisa, as she heads inside. "But I did."
>You follow her inside, and find yourself in a small hallway. There is a coatrack by the door, with an umbrella hanging off of it, but little else here. To the north, you can see a messy bedroom, and to the south, a kitchen. Obvious exists are north, south, and east.
>"Just wait here a moment, she says, heading into the kitchen, then disappearing though another door.
>A couple minutes pass, before she returns with a scape of paper, a bag, and a mushroom in hand.
>"Okay," she says, "This is what you're looking for." She shows you the mushroom., a broad-capped one with orangish stripes on it. "I use 'em in a lot of my magic, so get as many as you can. And for you..." she hands you the paper. You notice it has charcoal sketches of two kinds of mushroom on it. One is the mushroom she just showed you, the other a thin one with a pointy cap. "That's your Star Mushroom. The ones I need, they grow in the southern parts of the forest, near the lake. Star Mushrooms, they can happen anywhere above ground, but they're not very common. Don't eat either of them!"
>_
-
>"Don't worry. Even where I come from, rule number one about strange mushrooms is still 'don't eat them'"
>"There aren't any mushrooms that look a lot like the ones you want me to get get for you, but aren't them, are there?"
>Take the bag and the sketch
-
> Where is the box of flowers again?
-
>"Don't worry. Even where I come from, rule number one about strange mushrooms is still 'don't eat them'"
>"There aren't any mushrooms that look a lot like the ones you want me to get get for you, but aren't them, are there?"
>Take the bag and the sketch
> Where is the box of flowers again?
>"I'd hope so. But sometimes people get ideas, yanno?"
>"Uh, sorta of. There's a spotted brown kind. If they're really spotty, they can sometimes look striped. Just check all the rest around them.
>You try to take the bag and sketch, but you only have so many hands.
>"Oh, you can leave that here, if you want," says Marisa.
-
>"Yeah, that would probably be good, actually. I trust you'll make sure it doesn't get hurt, or something. I don't think I've ever been quite so worried about accidentally damaging someone else's property before."
>Put the flower box down somewhere appropriate
>How many flowers are left in there, anyway?
-
>"Yeah, that would probably be good, actually. I trust you'll make sure it doesn't get hurt, or something. I don't think I've ever been quite so worried about accidentally damaging someone else's property before."
>Put the flower box down somewhere appropriate
>How many flowers are left in there, anyway?
>"They'll be fine."
>You put the box down in the corner, noting there are four left.
>_
-
>"Well, I'll be back in a bit. See ya."
>Take the bag and sketch
>Exit the house
>Fly upwards, and see if we can see where this lake to the south is
-
>"Well, I'll be back in a bit. See ya."
>Take the bag and sketch
>Exit the house
>Fly upwards, and see if we can see where this lake to the south is
>You take the mushroom hunting goods, and leave the house.
>Taking to the air, not even needing use the floating stone to help you focus this time, you see there is an awful lot of forest around here. To the south, though, it gives way to a sizable lake. To the west, you see the forest give way to what seems to be bamboo. To the east, you can glimpse the foothills of the mountains that the entrance to the Underground lies.
>_
-
>Fly towards the lake, and land on the shore
>Scan nearby area for mushrooms matching either description
-
>Fly towards the lake, and land on the shore
>Scan nearby area for mushrooms matching either description
>You fly toward the lake, and land near the shore.
>You find, as you look around, you've also landed near a group of five faeries, playing a game with some dice. They all look at you with varying degrees of surprise.
>_
-
> "Hoi, choombas. How's it hangin'?"
-
> "Hoi, choombas. How's it hangin'?"
>You decide if they can be nonsensical, so can you.
>"Pretty good!" answers one of the faeries, a red-haired one in a sky-blue dress. "Here for a swim? The water's all safe now."
>_
-
>"Safe now? Was it unsafe before?"
>"And nah, I'm just looking for mushrooms."
-
>"Safe now? Was it unsafe before?"
>"And nah, I'm just looking for mushrooms."
>"There was stuff down there," says the red-haired faerie.
>"Really bad stuff!" chimes in a brown-haired faerie.
>"Strictly off limits," says a dark-haired one, nodding sagely, before going back to contemplating the dice.
>"But it got fixed last winter," the red-haired faerie continues, after giving a glare to her companions.
>"The mushrooms here aren't any good," says the brown-haired faerie. "Too sporey."
>_
-
> "That's good! Bad stuff needs fixing."
> "There might be mushrooms here I can use, though. Marisa told me to come here, and she's an expert!"
-
> "That's good! Bad stuff needs fixing."
> "There might be mushrooms here I can use, though. Marisa told me to come here, and she's an expert!"
>"Oh, okay," says the brown-haired faerie. "Just don't be mean to them."
>_
-
>"Don't worry, I won't!"
>Can we see any mushrooms around here?
>Otherwise, go a little back towards the woods, and keep looking
-
>"Don't worry, I won't!"
>Can we see any mushrooms around here?
>Otherwise, go a little back towards the woods, and keep looking
>The faeries go back to their game. It seems to involve rolling a few dice, then arguing about the results.
>You can see a few whitish ones not too far within.
>Heading inward, you find a few bare spots laden with mushrooms, and...there's a ring of them that looks like the ones Marisa showed you.
>_
-
>Have a closer look, and make sure they appear to be the same
>If so, then carefully pick each of them and put them in the bag
-
>Have a closer look, and make sure they appear to be the same
>If so, then carefully pick each of them and put them in the bag
>You have a look, and they seem pretty similiar, they even match the sketch.
>You obtain: 9 Striped Mushroom
>You think you hear something rustling in the nearby foliage, to the eat a bit.
>_
-
>About how full does that make the bag? Judging by the size of those, roughly how many more do we think it can carry?
>Examine the rustling
-
>About how full does that make the bag? Judging by the size of those, roughly how many more do we think it can carry?
>Examine the rustling
>You've only filled it a little bit. You could probably stick in a few dozen of them, maybe a hundred if you squished them a bit.
>You look toward the rustling, and see what looks like someone's back poking out from it; someone wearing a black dress with a blue corset over it. Smallish wings are visible as well.
>_
-
>Does it look like it might be another faerie?
>Observe for a moment. No need to startle them if they're just doing something beneign
-
>Does it look like it might be another faerie?
>Observe for a moment. No need to startle them if they're just doing something beneign
>She seems much too large to be a faerie, closer to your size.
>You observe. You aren't sure what's she's doing, but she seems to be using her arms for it. You think you hear her muttering something herself.
>_
-
>"Um, excuse me?"
-
>"Um, excuse me?"
>The person looks up from her work and glances at you. She has short white hair, save for a blue tuft in front, and red eyes. She stares at you with wide eyes. "Uh..."
>_
-
>"Sorry, don't mind me. I was just wondering what you were doing, that's all."
-
>"Sorry, don't mind me. I was just wondering what you were doing, that's all."
>"There's a rabbit," she says. "Gonna get it... Gonna get to eat today!"
>_
-
>"Do.... you not get to eat most days, or something?"
-
>"Not all of them." she says, shaking her head.
>The is a rustling in the brush, before a rabbit bursts out at high speed.
>"Awww..."
-
>Assuming it's too far gone now, and she doesn't move to chase after it: "Oh, I'm so sorry... How were you trying to catch it, though? With your hands?"
-
>Assuming it's too far gone now, and she doesn't move to chase after it: "Oh, I'm so sorry... How were you trying to catch it, though? With your hands?"
>She doesn't seem to be chasing it. "I had her in her hole, so I was digging her out. But she slipped out when I wasn't looking..."
>_
-
> "There's a lamprey stand not too far from here. Why not eat there from time to time?"
-
> "There's a lamprey stand not too far from here. Why not eat there from time to time?"
>"I tried, one time," she says. "But the lady who runs it wouldn't give me anything. Then we got in a fight and she shot me... The man in the place with all the stuff out front sometimes gives me food, though, if I give him things I find."
>_
-
> "Well, I'm pretty sure you have to buy the food with money. She probably got angry and thought you were stealing it."
> Inventory.
-
> "Well, I'm pretty sure you have to buy the food with money. She probably got angry and thought you were stealing it."
> Inventory.
>"That's a whole lot of strange words," says the woman.
>Your Inventory Contains
>Mop Hat (Worn as Hat)
>Purple Dress (Worn as Clothing)
>Branch
>Floating Stone
>Ingredient List
>Garden Trowel (borrowed)
>Handful of Gold and Silver Parts
>Bag w/ 9 Striped Mushroom
>_
-
> "Maybe you could do something for the lamprey lady? I just did something for her, and she was nice to me."
-
> "Maybe you could do something for the lamprey lady? I just did something for her, and she was nice to me."
>"She doesn't like me much, I don't think," the woman says. "She tried to shoot me..."
-
> "I know, but I'm sure she'd be willing to work something out if you were. She also may be at the antique shop right now, and the man there would be able to vouch for you."
-
> "I know! When I met her just now, she was being assaulted by fairies that were trying to take all her food. How good are you in combat? Maybe you could do some work as a stand bodyguard."
-
> "What's your name, anyways? Do you have a home or do you just live out here?"
-
> "I know, but I'm sure she'd be willing to work something out if you were. She also may be at the antique shop right now, and the man there would be able to vouch for you."
>"Maybe..." she says, frowning.
> "I know! When I met her just now, she was being assaulted by fairies that were trying to take all her food. How good are you in combat? Maybe you could do some work as a stand bodyguard."
>"I don't like faeries very much," she says."They say weird things, and sometimes shoot at me. And when I wake up they've ran off with any things I've found for the guy at the place."
> "What's your name, anyways? Do you have a home or do you just live out here?"
>"The man at the place calls me Tokiko. I don't know if that counts as a name or not... I usually live in the bamboo."
-
> "No combat training, huh? Hmm...do you think you could cook?"
-
> "No combat training, huh? Hmm...do you think you could cook?"
>"I've heard of it..." she says, warily.
>_
-
> "Mmm. I need to go back to the shop man and the lamprey lady and I are on good terms. How about this: you come with me while I finish up an errand for the strong witch lady in the forest, and then we'll go talk to them and try to find something you can do so you can eat?"
-
> "Mmm. I need to go back to the shop man and the lamprey lady and I are on good terms. How about this: you come with me while I finish up an errand for the strong witch lady in the forest, and then we'll go talk to them and try to find something you can do so you can eat?"
>"Oh, you know where there are more rabbits?" she asks. "Or a groundhog? Okay!"
>_
-
> "I don't know about rabbits or groundhogs, but the shop man and the lamprey woman definitely have food, and we'll want to talk to them."
-
> "I don't know about rabbits or groundhogs, but the shop man and the lamprey woman definitely have food, and we'll want to talk to them."
>She nods and stands up, brushing herself off. You notice she's quite a bit bustier than you'd expect of someone who doesn't eat everyday. Huh. You also notice she picks a couple things as she stands...books? Yes, a couple of rather thick books. Weird.
>"Okay. I suppose. But if this is a faerie trick, I'll hit you real hard!"
>_
-
> Compare Tokiko's chest to Utsuho's.
> "Don't worry, this is no fairy trick. Believe me, I've had enough fairy antics for one day. I just can't seem to get away from them!"
-
> "By the way, my name's Maribel. I hope this isn't rude to ask, but what's in the books?"
-
> Compare Tokiko's chest to Utsuho's.
> "Don't worry, this is no fairy trick. Believe me, I've had enough fairy antics for one day. I just can't seem to get away from them!"
>You're pretty sure Tokiko comes out ahead.
>"Oh, good," says Tokiko. "Um, now what?"
> "By the way, my name's Maribel. I hope this isn't rude to ask, but what's in the books?"
>"Hi, Maribel," she says. "Um. I don't really get them myself. One of them is about turning words into other, different words. And the other one is called the Standard Revised Code, and it's about houses, I think?"
>_
>_
-
> Wow, malnourished and she still beats Utsuho?
> "Maybe the shop man knows what the books are about. I remember he had one himself. We can ask him."
> "As for now? We're going to go back to Marisa's, and then go to the man's shop and see if he and the lamprey lady are there."
> Recall direction Marisa's house is in.
-
> Wow, malnourished and she still beats Utsuho?
> "Maybe the shop man knows what the books are about. I remember he had one himself. We can ask him."
> "As for now? We're going to go back to Marisa's, and then go to the man's shop and see if he and the lamprey lady are there."
> Recall direction Marisa's house is in.
>Actually, it doesn't look like she's all that malnourished, either. Thin, but not really starved. Maybe she's not a bad hunter after all?
>"He's seen them," she says, "And he can't have them. They're my treasures." She hugs them close to herself.
>"Umm, okay. What's a Marisa?"
>It should be to the northwest a little. But you did fly here, so you don't know if there is a direct path.
>_
-
> "Don't worry, he's not going to take them."
> "Marisa is the big strong lady in the forest. Maybe you've seen her before? I actually just flew here from her house. Will you be able to fly back there with me?"
-
> "Don't worry, he's not going to take them."
> "Marisa is the big strong lady in the forest. Maybe you've seen her before? I actually just flew here from her house. Will you be able to fly back there with me?"
>"Good," she answers, "He's tried before."
>"Oh, her. I guess I can, but...don't you think she's too scary? Maybe we shouldn't?"
>_
-
> "I have something for her that she asked me to get. She'd be more scary if we didn't go back to her, I think. Come on, let's go."
> Take to the air, but only a few feet high. Gauge Tokiko's reaction to flight.
-
> "I have something for her that she asked me to get. She'd be more scary if we didn't go back to her, I think. Come on, let's go."
> Take to the air, but only a few feet high. Gauge Tokiko's reaction to flight.
> Wait. Shouldn't we find more of the mushrooms first? If the bag can hold around one hundred and we only have nine I don't think she'd be too happy.
-
> Perhaps. How many did she say she needed?
-
> Perhaps. How many did she say she needed?
> I don't think there was an actual number, but we should probably get a couple dozen more.
-
> Show Tokiko the diagram with the mushrooms on it.
> "Do you know where I can any of these? Some people asked me to find these types of mushrooms for them."
-
> "I have something for her that she asked me to get. She'd be more scary if we didn't go back to her, I think. Come on, let's go."
> Take to the air, but only a few feet high. Gauge Tokiko's reaction to flight.
> Wait. Shouldn't we find more of the mushrooms first? If the bag can hold around one hundred and we only have nine I don't think she'd be too happy.
> Perhaps. How many did she say she needed?
> I don't think there was an actual number, but we should probably get a couple dozen more.
> Show Tokiko the diagram with the mushrooms on it.
> "Do you know where I can any of these? Some people asked me to find these types of mushrooms for them."
>You start to take off, explaining your thoughts to Tokiko, then stop and show her the disgram.
>"Oh, I know where to find those. But you shouldn't eat them. You'll get really sick. Unless you're a faerie, they eat them no problem."
>_
-
> "Marisa said not to eat them, too, so definitely not gonna eat them. I think she wants them for magic. Where are they? She'll be pretty happy if we can get a bunch."
-
> "Marisa said not to eat them, too, so definitely not gonna eat them. I think she wants them for magic. Where are they? She'll be pretty happy if we can get a bunch."
>She nods, and waves for you to follow her east, before heading that way herself.
>_
-
> Follow Tokiko.
> Is she walking or flying?
-
> Follow Tokiko.
> Is she walking or flying?
>She is walking.
>You follow her, maneuvering through the underbrush. She leads you through an unremarkable clearing, and out of easy sight of the lake, then pushes through what seems to be a solid wall of brush. Working your way through it, you detect a sickly sweet odor in the air, until you come to a place where the undergrowth is thin. There's a few rotten logs on the the ground here; and the trees in general look sickly, judging from their dull and spotted leaves. However, where the trees are failing, fungus thrives. There are mushrooms all over the place here. You can see a log dotted with Striped Mushrooms already.
>_
-
> "Wow, look at them all! You're amazing!"
> Check around for any that might match the drawing we have of the Star Mushroom.
-
> "Wow, look at them all! You're amazing!"
> Check around for any that might match the drawing we have of the Star Mushroom.
>"It's just where they live," she says.
>There's a lot of mushrooms here, and it takes you a few minutes to go through them all; plucking the Striped Mushrooms you see along the way. But after a bit, you find three Star Mushrooms, growing together in the shadow of a dead tree.
>You obtain 18 Striped Mushroom.
>_
-
> How many Star Mushrooms did we need?
> Pick one. If nothing out of the ordinary happens, pick the other two.
-
> How many Star Mushrooms did we need?
> Pick one. If nothing out of the ordinary happens, pick the other two.
>You only needed one, you think. At least, Byakuren did not specify more than one.
>You pick a Star Mushroom. Nothing unusual happens, so you collect the other two.
>_
-
>Wonder how difficult it would be to grow Star Mushrooms.
>"Still, you helped me find where they were. Thanks a ton, Tokiko."
>"Hmm... I don't suppose you know one other place for the striped mushrooms? I think I could bring a few more..."
-
>Wonder how difficult it would be to grow Star Mushrooms.
>"Still, you helped me find where they were. Thanks a ton, Tokiko."
>"Hmm... I don't suppose you know one other place for the striped mushrooms? I think I could bring a few more..."
>You don't know. You're not sure how people grow normal mushrooms.
>"Well," she pauses for a moment. "You're welcome!"
>"I think there's still a few more here," she says, gesturing toward a corner you haven't checked yet, "But I don't know of any more mushroom places."
>_
-
>check the place she suggested and grab a few more of 'em if they match the description.
>"That's okay. There's other places to look, if the strong lady wants more of them."
>"Would you like to come along? Maybe we can talk with her a little... helping me with the mushrooms might be enough to ask her for a snack."
>How many mushrooms do we have? How full is the pouch for them?
>Are dead patches in the woods like this natural...?
-
>check the place she suggested and grab a few more of 'em if they match the description.
>"That's okay. There's other places to look, if the strong lady wants more of them."
>"Would you like to come along? Maybe we can talk with her a little... helping me with the mushrooms might be enough to ask her for a snack."
>How many mushrooms do we have? How full is the pouch for them?
>Are dead patches in the woods like this natural...?
>Looking around, you find a couple more rings of them.
>You obtain: 23 Striped Mushroom
>"Okay," says Tokiko. "I don't know where they are."
>She grimaces as you suggest visiting Marisa. "If I have to."
>You presently have 50 striped mushrooms
>You have no idea; you didn't major in forestry!
>_
-
> 50 should be more than enough.
> Recall direction of Marisa's house from our present location.
> "Don't worry about it. This lady's a good person, from what I've seen."
-
>"Have you met her before?"
>"If you want to, I can try and talk to her for you."
-
> 50 should be more than enough.
> Recall direction of Marisa's house from our present location.
> "Don't worry about it. This lady's a good person, from what I've seen."
>You imagine fifty ought to be enough to satisfy any witch.
>It should be north, maybe a little northeast. The clearing should make it easy to spot.
>"She's too scary to be a good person."
>"Have you met her before?"
>"If you want to, I can try and talk to her for you."
>"I've seen her..."
>"...Okay."
>_
-
> "Trust me on this. Come on!"
> Head NNE, in the direction of Marisa's house.
-
> "Trust me on this. Come on!"
> Head NNE, in the direction of Marisa's house.
>You insist things will be okay. She grimaces. "Okay...but if it gets bad I'm leaving you behind."
>You take to the air, and start toward North by Northeast. You spot Marisa's house after a minute or so, Tokiko lags behind you.
>_
-
> Give Tokiko a chance to catch up. Poor girl's weighted down so much, after all.
> Is Marisa visibly around?
-
>"Scary-looking people aren't always bad... but you can't really know unless you try and see what they're like. Let's find out, okay?"
>"Would it be easier if you hid in the forest for now, and I can call you over after I've explained the situation to her?"
-
> Give Tokiko a chance to catch up. Poor girl's weighted down so much, after all.
> Is Marisa visibly around?
>You don't think it's weight so much as trepidation. Though arguably she might have maneuverability issues and...why are you thinking about this?
>You can see her in the yard, sitting on a bench and, you think, lifting a dumbbell.
>"Scary-looking people aren't always bad... but you can't really know unless you try and see what they're like. Let's find out, okay?"
>"Would it be easier if you hid in the forest for now, and I can call you over after I've explained the situation to her?"
>"I think it's a good indication. Like how snakes have bright colors because they're poisonous."
>"That sounds better, yes."
>_
-
>"Okay. I'll call your name if it's alright. Or do you think she'd recognize it?"
>If all's well, let Tokiko hide and head over to greet Marisa again.
-
>"Okay. I'll call your name if it's alright. Or do you think she'd recognize it?"
>If all's well, let Tokiko hide and head over to greet Marisa again.
>"I never told her," she says. "So I guess it's okay."
>Tokiko descends down into the forest, while you land near Marisa. She looks over at you, keeping her dumbbell lifting rhythm, and grins. "How'd it go? Looks like you filled that bag pretty well."
>_
-
> "Got 50 of them. Hope that's enough. Managed to find 3 Star Mushrooms, too."
-
> Why did we want Marisa's help, again? <_<
-
> "Got 50 of them. Hope that's enough. Managed to find 3 Star Mushrooms, too."
>"Oh nice," says Marisa. "that'll keep me going for awhile. And three? Nice haul. Don't do anything bad with 'em."
> Why did we want Marisa's help, again? <_<
>Presumably, she has things she could teach you.
>_
-
>"What are Star Mushrooms usually used for?"
>"And I got a little help from a girl I met in the woods... would it be safe to assume she was a youkai? She didn't have fairy wings or anything, but..."
-
> "Actually, I must admit I had help. A new friend of mine helped me find a large patch of mushrooms. She's kinda hungry and...doesn't always get a meal every day, so I was wondering if you had anything she could eat?"
-
> "I'm getting kinda curious, but why the workout routine? Isn't combat here all magic and danmaku?"
> Ponder if it was a keep healthy habit that ended up going further then that.
-
>"What are Star Mushrooms usually used for?"
>"And I got a little help from a girl I met in the woods... would it be safe to assume she was a youkai? She didn't have fairy wings or anything, but..."
> "Actually, I must admit I had help. A new friend of mine helped me find a large patch of mushrooms. She's kinda hungry and...doesn't always get a meal every day, so I was wondering if you had anything she could eat?"
>"They're used mostly for reinforcing spells, if I recall rightly," she says.
>"Probably so," says Marisa. "Unless she's a goddess? But I guess not if she's worried about food. But sure, she could have a sandwich or something."
> "I'm getting kinda curious, but why the workout routine? Isn't combat here all magic and danmaku?"
> Ponder if it was a keep healthy habit that ended up going further then that.
>"A magician must be strong in mind and body," she says. "And I'm the best there is."
>_
-
> "She's a youkai, though a bit timid. She's...actually kind of scared of you. I don't think she'll turn down food, though. Unless youkai don't like sandwiches?"
-
> "Mind and body... That makes sense, I did not expect that, but it definitely makes sense."
-
> "She's a youkai, though a bit timid. She's...actually kind of scared of you. I don't think she'll turn down food, though. Unless youkai don't like sandwiches?"
>"I've never met a youkai that didn't like a sand-" she says, then stops and purses her lips. "I've seldom met a youkai who didn't like a sandwich."
> "Mind and body... That makes sense, I did not expect that, but it definitely makes sense."
>She nods. "Anyways, call your friend over."
>_
-
> "Tokiko! It's okay! You can join us!"
-
> "Tokiko! It's okay! You can join us!"
>You call for Tokiko. After a moment, she emerges from the trees and loiters near the edge of the yard, wringing her hands.
>Marisa waves. Tokiko frowns at this gesture.
>_
-
> "The nice lady here wants to know if you'd like a sandwich. Does that sound good?"
-
> "The nice lady here wants to know if you'd like a sandwich. Does that sound good?"
>"Do they hurt?" she asks in a small voice, hugging her books close.
>_
-
> "No it does not hurt, it's a type of food."
-
>"What kinds would you be able to make, Marisa?"
-
> "No it does not hurt, it's a type of food."
>"Oh," says Tokiko, drawing a bit closer. "Okay."
>"What kinds would you be able to make, Marisa?"
>"Whatever's left over in the kitchen," she says. "Just give me a minute."
>She takes the Bag of Mushrooms from you, and heads inside, tossing the dumbbell aside. It hits the ground with a heavy thud that makes Tokiko draw back. "She just too scary, don't you think?" says Tokiko quietly.
>After a minute, Marisa emerges, carrying a plate in one hand, and your your box of flowers in the other. She leaves the plate on the rowing machine bench and says, "All yours, kiddo," the approaches you with the Box in Hand. You notice she's placed a bottle of some brown stuff in one of the empty pots.
>"Here's a little bonus for the mushrooms," she says, handing you the bottle and setting the Box of Flowers aside. "It's a philtre made from those mushrooms. Drink it all up, and it'll give you a nice charge for a few minutes. Be careful afterward, though, because although it's not poisonous or anything, you'll still get kinda sick for awhile. So don't use it if you got plans."
>Tokiko creeps up on the sandwich.
>_
-
>"You don't need to run off with the food, Tokiko. Stay and eat here for a bit, could you?"
>"By 'charge,' I guess you mean for magic - flying and danmaku and stuff like that?"
>"How 'sick' do you mean by the side effects? Like... vomiting?"
>Try and comfort Tokiko if she gets nervous again.
-
>"You don't need to run off with the food, Tokiko. Stay and eat here for a bit, could you?"
>"By 'charge,' I guess you mean for magic - flying and danmaku and stuff like that?"
>"How 'sick' do you mean by the side effects? Like... vomiting?"
>Try and comfort Tokiko if she gets nervous again.
>She doesn't say anything, but at least she doesn't run off off with the sandwich. However, you get the feeling she doesn't quite understand how they work, as she opens it up and starts eating things from it.
>Marisa nods, paying Tokiko no mind. "Not so much flying, that's just a thing you got to get good at. But danmaku and stuff, it'll pump you up there. And, you might. It'll give you some nasty cramps for an hour, at least. Oh! And don't use it while your drunk. It'll charge up your hangover like you wouldn't believe.
>You're pretty sure there's not been a point in this encounter when Tokiko wasn't nervous, but she seems to be happy enough with her meal.
>_
-
> "You can eat the bread on the outside, too. Try biting into all of it at once!"
-
>"Hmm, alright. Thanks, Marisa. Hopefully I won't have to use it, but if I DO get in over my head, it'll be a big comfort."
>"You can eat the bread, too, Tokiko. It's so you can hold it all at once and take bites without things falling out. Would you like me to show you?"
-
> "You can eat the bread on the outside, too. Try biting into all of it at once!"
>"Hmm, alright. Thanks, Marisa. Hopefully I won't have to use it, but if I DO get in over my head, it'll be a big comfort."
>"You can eat the bread, too, Tokiko. It's so you can hold it all at once and take bites without things falling out. Would you like me to show you?"
>Tokiko gives you a curious look, then nibbles tentatively at the bread.
>Marisa puts a hand on your shoulder. "Let her have her way. She's not hurting anyone. It seems like a big step she's even here."
>"And, you're welcome, it's a good payment for a good mushroom delivery. Anyways, let's get to work."
>She pulls out a slip of paper from her apron pocket and hands it to you. "Memorize this."
>_
-
>"Thanks."
>Take the note and read it
-
>"Thanks."
>Take the note and read it
>You take the slip of paper in hand, and...wow that is a jumble of syllables. Is this German? Maybe French? Both?
>_
-
>Do we have any idea how to correctly pronounce them?
>"Is this an incantation of some sort? I hope it's not one of those that does something horrible if you mispronounce something, because well...."
-
>Do we have any idea how to correctly pronounce them?
>"Is this an incantation of some sort? I hope it's not one of those that does something horrible if you mispronounce something, because well...."
>You could think of several ways to pronounce some of it. Maybe this is Latin?
>"Yep. And, you'd have to mess it up in a really specific way to have it do anything more than not work. The odds are pretty low on a simple spell like this one. Now, let me show it to you."
>She makes a curious gesture, sweeping her hand out and turning her palm upward, while reciting the words. A small sphere of whitish light gathers around her hand, then floats upward to hover around her.
>"Give it a shot," she says. "Just recite them, and make the motion I did. Practice each a few times first."
>_
-
>Read the words a few times, until we feel that we can do it without stumbling over them
>Then practice said hand motion
>Assuming Marisa seems to think we're doing them correctly, then combine the two
-
>Read the words a few times, until we feel that we can do it without stumbling over them
>Then practice said hand motion
>Assuming Marisa seems to think we're doing them correctly, then combine the two
>You follow Marisa's instructions. She helps you along, guiding your hand to get the motion correctly and help you pronounce a few of the more odd syllables.
>Then you put them together, and feel a familiar rush of warmth run through yourself, as though you have begin to invoke energy for danmaku or a barrier. But it shapes itself without any effort on your part, building up more and more strongly than anything you've felt before in the course of a second; you have just enough time to wonder if you're going to burst before as small orb of whitish light rises up from your hand and starts to circle around your head. It is practically identical to Marisa's.
>"Good job," she says.
>_
-
>Marvel!
>"What... is it?"
-
>Marvel!
>"What... is it?"
>You marvel! Not only did you do it, you matched the one your teacher made!
>"That's a little tiny bit of starlight," she says. "Doesn't look like much now, but when it's dark, it'll keep you from tripping over things. It's part of a general class of thingamajiggers call familiars. You know about those?"
>_
-
>"That's the first I've heard of it, but I'm interested... what can they do?"
>Huh, how did Renko's ability work again? Did it have something to do with the stars?
-
>"That's the first I've heard of it, but I'm interested... what can they do?"
>Huh, how did Renko's ability work again? Did it have something to do with the stars?
>"Not surprising. They're kinda danmaku helpers. You can use 'em to fire off more bullets from a distance, and they can soak up a few shots for you. But, you gotta set them up to do that first. These ones, they're just gonna make light, you gotta prime 'em while making danmaku. But that gets outside real spells and more into the personally kind of magic like Reimu uses. See, real spells, like that one, it doesn't matter who you are, it works right. If you have the power to cast it and do it right, it'll work the same way every time. Practicing means you get better at casting it right, not that it gets more powerful. But stuff like Reimu's barriers and danmaku? You can do it right every time, but practice means you get better at it, until you hit your limit. See? And when you prime these little guys," she pokes at your light ball, "you're sorta doing both. See?"
>You notice Tokiko has finished with her meal, and is kneeling down and sitting on her heels, listening, a few yards way.
>_
-
>"How do you prime them? Could you show me?"
-
>"How do you prime them? Could you show me?"
>"Sure," she says. "First, get rid of that one, just think "Go away" at it and it'll stop. Then, summon up another one, but while your casting the spell, work up some danmaku, too. But don't shoot it, just put it in the familiar when you finish the spell, add it to that little rush you felt. And there you go."
>_
-
>"Ok, I'll give it a try."
>Think 'Go away' at the familiar
>Repeat the incantation and hand gesture from before. When we feel the power building, also try to conjure and hold some danmaku and then mentally place them inside the familiar
-
>Dismiss the familiar.
>Look over at Tokiko.
>"We're messing with some danmaku stuff. I'm still new at this, so if I accidentally fire near you, I'm not trying to hurt you, okay? Just a mistake."
>Give it a shot. Try to 'aim' it at an unoccupied area.
-
>Dismiss the familiar.
>Look over at Tokiko.
>"We're messing with some danmaku stuff. I'm still new at this, so if I accidentally fire near you, I'm not trying to hurt you, okay? Just a mistake."
>Give it a shot. Try to 'aim' it at an unoccupied area.
>"Ok, I'll give it a try."
>Think 'Go away' at the familiar
>Repeat the incantation and hand gesture from before. When we feel the power building, also try to conjure and hold some danmaku and then mentally place them inside the familiar
>You follow Marisa's instructions, and the familiar goes away.
>Tokiko nods. "Okay."
>You then follow Marisa's directions. It takes a couple tries; first you mess up the pronunciation, and then you try to invoke your danmaku too late and miss the chance, ruining the whole spell.
>Then you time it correctly, and you feel the rush of the spell flow through you, mingling with the sensation of latent danmaku and drawing it out. The wisp of light doesn't look any different, but you can feel an intrinsic difference to it.
>"There you go," says Marisa. "Kind of a pain to put both together, isn't it? Have it shoot somewhere. You can move it around just like you aim danmaku, too."
>_
-
>Try moving the familiar around
>Then try shooting from it. Aim at a direction as far away from Tokiko as possible
-
>Try moving the familiar around
>Then try shooting from it. Aim at a direction as far away from Tokiko as possible
>And away from Marisa/her house/her training equipment.
-
>Try moving the familiar around
>Then try shooting from it. Aim at a direction as far away from Tokiko as possible
>And away from Marisa/her house/her training equipment.
>The familiar doesn't really want to move much for you, but you manage to send it moving slowly forward.
>Shooting from it is odd, to say the least. You build up it up within yourself, then suddenly it is gone, and the familiar unleashes a few bullets. They fly toward the woods, away from anything notable.
>"There you go," Marisa says. "Now. Familiars seem great and all, right? And for a while they got really popular. But there's some downsides to them, too. You got to pour a bit of yourself into them. The more you pour in, the less you have to work with personally. It's tricky to get the right combination that'll make having familiars worth having around. And if you pour too much of yourself into them, and they get destroyed, you won't be able to make 'em again until you rest up a bit. There's been a few folks who get all their familiars broke, and then they're defenseless. No only that, when they pop, they wipe out all the shots near them. But, if you can use 'em right, you can really beef up your offense and defense with them. But you're gonna have to kind of feel that out on your own."
>_
-
>Did it seem to take any less effort to fire those bullets using the familiar?
>Try seeing if we can fire some from it and from ourselves at the same time
>If that works, does it seem like more total firepower than we could have gotten out of just ourself, with no familiar active?
-
>Did it seem to take any less effort to fire those bullets using the familiar?
>Try seeing if we can fire some from it and from ourselves at the same time
>If that works, does it seem like more total firepower than we could have gotten out of just ourself, with no familiar active?
>It was about the same.
>You try to do this, and manage to get two tiny streams of shots going at once! Progress!
>No, you think it's slightly less. Maybe you just need more practice?
-
>We need more practice with everything. That's the rule of the day, it seems.
>"Well, thanks a lot for that, Marisa. Even if I can't get a lot of benefit out of a familiar in combat yet, I'm sure the light will come in handy. And hey, it's all a learning experience, anyway."
>How long was the incantation? Plausible enough to have memorized, soon enough?
-
>We need more practice with everything. That's the rule of the day, it seems.
>"Well, thanks a lot for that, Marisa. Even if I can't get a lot of benefit out of a familiar in combat yet, I'm sure the light will come in handy. And hey, it's all a learning experience, anyway."
>How long was the incantation? Plausible enough to have memorized, soon enough?
>That it does. Learning how to break what you considered scientific axioms is hard.
>"Yeah, you'll do alright, if you're pulling off these things on your first day."
>Twelve syllables. It'd probably help to keep that slip of paper around.
>_
-
>Twelve syllables is plenty memorizable given a little time, though
>"Yeah, it's been.... quite an experience so far, let me tell you. I'm sure it's hard for someone who's always lived in Gensokyo to really understand just how... well, amazing all this is. Everything around here."
>"So, any other pointers? Not that this isn't enough for now, or anything, and I'm really grateful. Just saying."
-
>Twelve syllables is plenty memorizable given a little time, though
>"Yeah, it's been.... quite an experience so far, let me tell you. I'm sure it's hard for someone who's always lived in Gensokyo to really understand just how... well, amazing all this is. Everything around here."
>"So, any other pointers? Not that this isn't enough for now, or anything, and I'm really grateful. Just saying."
>You think you can handle it.
>Marisa nods. "Well, you've not gotten eaten yet, and managed to keep off Yuka's worst side, so you're doing pretty well so far. As long as you don't go around trying to make enemies, you ought to be fine. You have a place to stay, right?"
>_
-
>"Yeah. In the Palace of the Earth Spirits. That's where I woke up to Gensokyo this morning, actually."
-
>"Yeah. In the Palace of the Earth Spirits. That's where I woke up to Gensokyo this morning, actually."
>"Kinda dangerous down there, but it sounds like you have friends down there," she says with a nod. "You'll do okay."
>_
-
>"Here's hoping, anyway. Utsuho is actually one of the few people I remember from before I woke up here. I still haven't gotten to see her since she... well, she was human, last I saw her, anyway."
>"Oh, another question, before I go. Do you have any idea where I could find a geode?"
-
>"Here's hoping, anyway. Utsuho is actually one of the few people I remember from before I woke up here. I still haven't gotten to see her since she... well, she was human, last I saw her, anyway."
>"Oh, another question, before I go. Do you have any idea where I could find a geode?"
>"Utsuho? Human? I'm pretty sure youkai can't become humans."
>"Patchouli might have one."
>_
-
>"Yes, well... you know, the whole dream thing. I guess you could say I met her there."
>"I think Keine might have mentioned Patchouli. She lives in some mansion south of here, right?"
-
>"Yes, well... you know, the whole dream thing. I guess you could say I met her there."
>"I think Keine might have mentioned Patchouli. She lives in some mansion south of here, right?"
>"Oh, right," she says. "I don't remember who I met an-wait, actually that's really weird." She looks at you. "How come someone from outside is involved with the dream?"
>She nods, seeming a bit lost in thought now.
>_
-
>"Well, as near as I can figure from what a couple people told me, Gensokyo was somehow transported to the outside world. And I traveled to there while it was outside. Uh, to the place that everyone here dreamed about. And then when it was returned, I was dragged along with it. As for why almost no one really remembers it, I don't really understand.... Keine said something about how none of it really happened. Except for the parts that did..."
-
>"Well, as near as I can figure from what a couple people told me, Gensokyo was somehow transported to the outside world. And I traveled to there while it was outside. Uh, to the place that everyone here dreamed about. And then when it was returned, I was dragged along with it. As for why almost no one really remembers it, I don't really understand.... Keine said something about how none of it really happened. Except for the parts that did..."
>"If Keine's involved," says Marisa slowly, "That means she's been toying with history."
>She stands up. You see Tokiko visibly startle from the corner of your eye.
>"Keine and I need to have a talk. If you want to get into the mansion, tell the guard to tell Patchy you're with me. That'll get you to her, at least, if she's not busy."
>Before you can reply, Marisa starts toward the path to the road.
>_
-
>"Uh, thanks again for everything!"
>Go over to Tokiko
>"Are you alright? She wasn't really that scary, was she?"
-
>"Uh, thanks again for everything!"
>Go over to Tokiko
>"Are you alright? She wasn't really that scary, was she?"
>"Thanks for the mushrooms," she says back.
>You walk over to Tokiko, as she stands up.
>"She is that scary!" Tokiko says. "But I guess she's nice, too. Maybe she's more like a snake than a wolf after all..."
>_
-
>"She seems like she means well, even if she's kind of imposing looking. Reimu spoke pretty highly of her on the whole, too."
>"Was the sandwich any good?"
-
>"She seems like she means well, even if she's kind of imposing looking. Reimu spoke pretty highly of her on the whole, too."
>"Was the sandwich any good?"
>"I suppose. But I don't think I want to be around her much, the way she was toward the end."
>She nods. "I didn't know all those things were food!"
>_
-
>"Yeah, that spooked me a little too. But she didn't get angry with us, since we were still nice to her, even if what I said got her worried."
>What else do we know about that mansion?
-
>"I'm curious about something. You said you didn't really have a name until the guy at the shop started calling you Tokiko. Did you not interact with other people or youkai much before that?"
-
>"Yeah, that spooked me a little too. But she didn't get angry with us, since we were still nice to her, even if what I said got her worried."
>What else do we know about that mansion?
>You recall that another possible person with things to teach you lived there, a Sakuya if you recall properly.
>"I'm curious about something. You said you didn't really have a name until the guy at the shop started calling you Tokiko. Did you not interact with other people or youkai much before that?"
>"No. I didn't want to get hurt."
>_
-
>"Why do you seem to think that everyone wants to hurt you? A lot of the people I've met here so far have been reasonably friendly on the whole."
>"What kind of youkai are you, anyway?"
-
>"Why do you seem to think that everyone wants to hurt you? A lot of the people I've met here so far have been reasonably friendly on the whole."
>"What kind of youkai are you, anyway?"
>"They're really scary, don't you think? And I got robbed by someone when I wasn't even doing anything bad..."
>"Kind?"
>_
-
>"Well, Mystia said she used to be a night sparrow. And some youkai used to be human. Satori's, well, a satori. Just curious, that's all."
-
>"Well, Mystia said she used to be a night sparrow. And some youkai used to be human. Satori's, well, a satori. Just curious, that's all."
>"Oh, I see," says Tokiko. "I was a bird."
>_
-
>"Do you have any idea how long ago you stopped being a normal bird?"
>"What's it like, anyway? I mean, turning from an animal into a youkai? Does it happen all at once?"
-
>"Do you have any idea how long ago you stopped being a normal bird?"
>"What's it like, anyway? I mean, turning from an animal into a youkai? Does it happen all at once?"
>She shakes her head. "I don't think it was very long, though.
>"I had some really amazing dreams," she says. "Really amazing! Walking and having hands and talking...Then I woke up and I was me."
>_
-
>"That sounds like it would be pretty incredibly to go through."
>"Where do you live, anyway? I'm kinda thinking you don't have a house, or anything, do you?"
-
>"That sounds like it would be pretty incredibly to go through."
>"Where do you live, anyway? I'm kinda thinking you don't have a house, or anything, do you?"
>"It was! It was like having all your suspicions suddenly proven right."
>"I have a spot in the bamboo forest," she says. "It's nice and dry and safe there."
>_
-
>"Do you have any friends or at least other people you talk to? You seem like a nice person, and I hate to think of you spending so much time scared or hungry, you know?"
-
>"Do you have any friends or at least other people you talk to? You seem like a nice person, and I hate to think of you spending so much time scared or hungry, you know?"
>"Sometimes I talk with the man who gave me my name," she says. "When I find something to trade. But not like I do with you. It's more..."
>She waves her hands, clearly trying to find the right word, and failing.
>_
-
>"Businesslike? Just focused on the trade?"
-
>"Businesslike? Just focused on the trade?"
>She frowns at first, then nods as you elaborate. "That's it. Sometimes he asks about the weather and stuff. Little weird things. He has windows, but I guess he doesn't use them?"
>_
-
>"Sometimes when people talk about the weather, it's just an excuse to talk with someone, you know. Have you ever tried talking to him about other stuff, outside of food or trade or whatever?"
-
>"Sometimes when people talk about the weather, it's just an excuse to talk with someone, you know. Have you ever tried talking to him about other stuff, outside of food or trade or whatever?"
>Tokiko frowns. "Huh, that's weird. And, he's too much like a snake for that." she glances toward the path Marisa took while departing, "Or he seems like it anyways."
-
>"I think that's usually called 'small talk'... discussing things that don't have much meaning to have some sort of conversation and maybe lead into something more interesting. It's... common when you don't know somebody, or don't have very much interest in them."
>"Did you ever start talking about other little things with him?"
>inventory, do we have Yuuka's box around?
-
>"Well, there was a little something odd about him, I admit... But at least you don't seem scared of me, anyway. Right?"
-
>"I think that's usually called 'small talk'... discussing things that don't have much meaning to have some sort of conversation and maybe lead into something more interesting. It's... common when you don't know somebody, or don't have very much interest in them."
>"Did you ever start talking about other little things with him?"
>inventory, do we have Yuuka's box around?
>"Oh," she says. "I think I get it. And no, I haven't."
>The Box of Flowers if off to the side where Marisa left it.
Your Inventory Contains
>Mop Hat (Worn as Hat)
>Red Robe (Worn as Clothing)
>White Hakama (Worn as Clothing)
>Branch
>Floating Stone
>Ingredient List
>Box of Four Fire Lilies
>Garden Trowel (borrowed)
>Handful of Gold and Silver Parts
>3 Star Mushroom
>Striped Mushroom Potion of Enhancement
>"Well, there was a little something odd about him, I admit... But at least you don't seem scared of me, anyway. Right?"
>"Not a whole lot, no..."
>_
-
>wonder where the other four fire lilies came from, and why we got our dress back
>"Tokiko, do you... have any friends?"
-
>Also, what become of the note with the incantation on it?
>"Are you still hungry?"
>"And what do you do, anyway? When you're not looking for food or stuff. I mean, you have any interests?"
-
> Go grab the box. Don't want to run off without it.
-
>wonder where the other four fire lilies came from, and why we got our dress back
>"Tokiko, do you... have any friends?"
> Go grab the box. Don't want to run off without it.
>Also, what become of the note with the incantation on it?
>"Are you still hungry?"
>"And what do you do, anyway? When you're not looking for food or stuff. I mean, you have any interests?"
>Historical Uncertainty
>You make sure to grab the box.
>You ask her about friends. "Um. Not really." She frowns. "Is that bad?"
>"Yeah!" she says. "Well...um...not hurting hungry. But if there's more I'll take it!
>"I look through my books, or try to find things to trade. Or make my home better. Things like that."
>_
-
>"Well, people are usually lonely without friends, that's all. It's sad when someone doesn't really have any friends. Especially when they seem to be a nice person, like you."
>"And you like books, do you? What kind of books do you read?"
-
>"Well, people are usually lonely without friends, that's all. It's sad when someone doesn't really have any friends. Especially when they seem to be a nice person, like you."
>"And you like books, do you? What kind of books do you read?"
>"Oh. I don't notice it, I guess."
>She holds out her books. "These ones. I know there's more of them out there, but I never find them anywhere."
>_
-
>"It's not entirely bad to have no friends, but it's generally better to have at least a one or two to talk to and be able to trust. Maybe help each other out if there's trouble... do you think I might be good for that?"
>"What are your books about? I think you mentioned something about them before, but I'm not sure of the details."
>"And what's your home like? You said it was somewhere safe in the bamboo, but... how do you make it better?"
>consider. "... you said that Marisa was a little like a wolf, or a snake. What animal would I be like?"
-
>"Would you like me to see if I can find some new books for you to read, maybe?"
-
>"It's not entirely bad to have no friends, but it's generally better to have at least a one or two to talk to and be able to trust. Maybe help each other out if there's trouble... do you think I might be good for that?"
>"What are your books about? I think you mentioned something about them before, but I'm not sure of the details."
>"And what's your home like? You said it was somewhere safe in the bamboo, but... how do you make it better?"
>consider. "... you said that Marisa was a little like a wolf, or a snake. What animal would I be like?"
>"Oh. Well, I suppose you can." She shrugs.
>"It's just like I said. One is about turning words into other different words, and one is about making houses, but it's difficult to understand.
>Glancing at the books, one is entitled: "English/Japanese Dictionary", and the other is: "International Building Code 2006 Edition
>"It's made of bamboo I cut and put together. It's...not really like anything the book, but I don't think they had bamboo."
>She frowns and considers a moment after you ask what animal you are. "A duck" she says at length.
>_
-
>Wonder whether that's a complement or an insult. Well, at least it isn't a predator...
>"I think I should to go to some other places today, but I'd like to see your home sometime. Where can I find it, if I go into the bamboo?
>If she has trouble explaining, "If you don't think you can explain, then that's okay - we can just work out a way to meet later, once I'm done with a few other things. Where will you be this afternoon, and how would I be able to find you?"
-
>"Would you like me to see if I can find some other books for you to read, maybe?"
-
>Wonder whether that's a complement or an insult. Well, at least it isn't a predator...
>"I think I should to go to some other places today, but I'd like to see your home sometime. Where can I find it, if I go into the bamboo?
>If she has trouble explaining, "If you don't think you can explain, then that's okay - we can just work out a way to meet later, once I'm done with a few other things. Where will you be this afternoon, and how would I be able to find you?"
>You...honestly don't know.
>"It's near the edge. Look for the big rock, then that way." she points west. "Until you see the flat rock, then look around a bit and you'll see it."
>"Oh. Um. I could be anywhere? Maybe where we met?"
>"Would you like me to see if I can find some other books for you to read, maybe?"
>Hey eyes go wide. "Yes!"
>_
-
>Smile
>"Well, I'll definitely make sure to find some, then."
>"Anyway, I have a bunch of other things I need to do, today. You're welcome to tag along for a bit, if you like. But if you'd rather go do something else, I can try to find you again later."
-
>Smile
>"Well, I'll definitely make sure to find some, then."
>"Anyway, I have a bunch of other things I need to do, today. You're welcome to tag along for a bit, if you like. But if you'd rather go do something else, I can try to find you again later."
>She nods. "I guess I can follow for a little bit."
>_
-
>"Ok, sure."
>Make sure we have all our stuff
>Head back to Rinnosuke's
-
>"Ok, sure."
>Make sure we have all our stuff
>Head back to Rinnosuke's
>You check your stuff, and find it is all in order. Then you make your way back to Kourindou.
>Walking inside, you find things haven't really changed since you left. Rinnosuke is still there, reading his book. He glances up toward you and nods. "Maribel. and Tokiko, I see. How unusual. You've carried out the task, then?"
>_
-
>"Yes. I gave Mystia your message, and she said she'd bring along your usual. Whatever that is."
-
>"Yes. I gave Mystia your message, and she said she'd bring along your usual. Whatever that is."
>"Very good," he says. "Accept this with my compliments."
>He produces a Purple Carrier Bag and places it on the counter.
>_
-
>"Thank you very much."
>Take the bag
>Is this something that can be slung over our back? What kind of capacity does it have?
-
>"Thank you very much."
>Take the bag
>Is this something that can be slung over our back? What kind of capacity does it have?
>You obtain: Messenger Bag
>It seems to be made to be slung over your shoulder. It's fairly large, you could probably fit a lot of stuff in it. There's a couple side pockets, too.
>_
-
>Yay, storage.
>"Thanks again. Have a nice day."
>Exit the shop, then take to the air, and head to the south of the forest. See if we can see this mansion place.
-
> Wait, don't go yet, we forgot Tokiko!
-
>Yay, storage.
>"Thanks again. Have a nice day."
>Exit the shop, then take to the air, and head to the south of the forest. See if we can see this mansion place.
>You now have room for your stuff! You put the Branch in the bag, and find it much easier to carry the Box of Four Fire Lilies.
>"Likewise, Maribel" says Rinnosuke, as you depart.
>"You exit the shop, and head south, retracing your steps to and past Marisa's home. Up ahead, you see a small road splitting off to the west. It doesn't seem to be nearly so well traveled as the other. Obvious exits are North, South and East.
>More interestingly, you see someone approaching from the south; a green-haired woman in a red dress. You hear Tokiko, behind you, slip away into the woods.
>_
-
>Is it Yuka....?
-
>Is it Yuka....?
>No, it does not seem to be Yuka. As she draws closer, her hair is longer and has a ribbon on top, as well as one joining her hair under her chin. Her dress is less casual, and more lacy as well.
>_
-
>If she's headed in our direction, greet her at a socially appropriate distance
-
>If she's headed in our direction, greet her at a socially appropriate distance
>You greet the woman as she draws near. "Hello!" she says back.
>Most definitely not Yuka.
>_
-
>"I'm looking for the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Am I heading in the right direction?"
-
>"I'm looking for the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Am I heading in the right direction?"
>She nods. "Just keep going south, and around the lake. But I do hope you have business there."
>_
-
>"That almost sounds a little like a warning of sorts..."
-
>"That almost sounds a little like a warning of sorts..."
>She slows down. "Well, a little, yes. Just that you'll be turned away if you don't. Unless you try to cause a problem, then you might be in some danger."
>_
-
>"Oh, I'm not the problem causing type. I just have some questions for Patchouli, that's all."
-
>"Oh, I'm not the problem causing type. I just have some questions for Patchouli, that's all."
>"I hope she is in the mood to answer them," says the woman, without any trace of sarcasm.
>_
-
> "The person sending me has told me she will be."
-
> Mental note: if the gate is outside, ask the gatekeeper Marisa mentioned about some good flower locations.
-
> "The person sending me has told me she will be."
>"Ah, that's good," says the woman. "I'll leave you to it. Have a good day!"
>She walks past you and continues on her way.
> Mental note: if the gate is outside, ask the gatekeeper Marisa mentioned about some good flower locations.
>That wouldn't be a bad idea.
>_
-
>Wait until the woman is a little ways away
>If Tokiko doesn't come out on her own: "Tokiko? You can come out now."
-
>Wait until the woman is a little ways away
>If Tokiko doesn't come out on her own: "Tokiko? You can come out now."
>You let the green-haired woman continue on a bit, then call to Tokiko.
>She looks up from behind a bush. "Good. She didn't do anything to you, did she?"
>_
-
>"No, not at all. Why would she? She seemed friendly enough to me."
-
>"No, not at all. Why would she? She seemed friendly enough to me."
>"I'll remember that," she says, as she extracts herself from the brush and returns to the path.
>_
-
>Continue along the path.
>"So, was the only reason you were worried about her because she was someone you didn't know?"
-
>Continue along the path.
>"So, was the only reason you were worried about her because she was someone you didn't know?"
>She nods.
>_
-
>"You know, most people aren't out to harm you, or anyone else. Even here, I don't think."
>"And how come you never reacted that way to me when we first met?"
-
>"You know, most people aren't out to harm you, or anyone else. Even here, I don't think."
>"And how come you never reacted that way to me when we first met?"
>She frowns. "Maybe..."
>"I would've lost the rabbit," she says, "And I could get away if you got too close."
>_
-
>"Oh, ok. Well, fair warning, there's going to be a couple new people where I'm headed now, too. I've never met them, either, but Marisa said I should be ok. Just letting you know in advance."
>Continue southward
-
>"Oh, ok. Well, fair warning, there's going to be a couple new people where I'm headed now, too. I've never met them, either, but Marisa said I should be ok. Just letting you know in advance."
>Continue southward
>"Oh...well, maybe I'll just stay behind..." she says, still following along.
>You continue southward. Soon you reach the shores of the lake. You can see a few faeries swooping and diving over it in the distance. The banks of the lake are very gentle, you could walk into the waters no problem. In the distance, you see what looks like a large mansion. On the eastern bank, you think you see a small cabin nestled in the forest. Obvious exits are east and west.
>_
-
>Head west around the lake. Probably better to take the long way, and avoid being accosted by the faeries along the more direct route.
-
>You head to the west.
>There is a kind of worn path here, but it is not much used by the look of it. Following it along, you start to circumnavigate the lake. You come to an mostly empty plain; the only thing of note here is a small lean-to near the banks.
>"Um," says Tokiko, "faeries like it here. So I'm going to be leaving. I don't want them getting into my places."
>She turns back.
>_
-
>"What places do you mean?"
>"And well, if you don't feel comfortable, I'm not going to force you. I don't mean to be pushy or anything, sorry."
-
>"Well... Tokiko, I'm going to say a lot of stuff here that's probably confusing, but try and hear me out, okay?"
>"I think... the way that you act is important in how other people react to you and treat you. Most of the time, people will return the tone that you show them. If you're nice, people will usually be nice - or at least, nicer than if you do something that could make them mad, or avoid them entirely. Of course, if you're mean to people or try to hurt them or the stuff they own, then they'll be mean back."
>"But this goes for avoiding people, too - if you run away from someone, then they may have a reason to be suspicious about WHY you ran. Whether it's called cowardice, shyness, acting like a thief, or whatever, it makes it a little more difficult to trust and respect you in the future. Running may keep you safe right now, but it doesn't help you make friends - and friends you don't HAVE to run away from."
>"This doesn't mean you have to go around talking to everyone that seems scary to make sure that they ARE scary... but if you meet someone new somewhere fairly safe, it might be worth being nice to them for a minute and see what they're like. I get the feeling you're still learning how to do this, but I think it would be worthwhile for you in the end. So... just try and remember that."
>"I'll do what I can to help you out with this, at least when I'm around. But I won't force you into it if you don't want to do it. I think there's going to be lots of new people at this mansion, and I don't know how nice they'll be, or what they'd expect from us. If you don't think you'll be able to stay calm through all that, then it's okay to stay behind. It's a lot to ask of you right now. Would you like to stay with me while I talk with new people, or wait in the forest for now?"
Someone use that when the time is right.
-
Man, I wish we could get into Tokiko's places :winky:
-
>"What places do you mean?"
>"And well, if you don't feel comfortable, I'm not going to force you. I don't mean to be pushy or anything, sorry."
>"Where I live," she says, still walking away, though she turns back to face you. "I don't want them coming there, so I try to leave them alone in their places."
>_
-
> "Can you show me where that is? I don't want to lose you as a friend. I promise I won't tell any fairies about it."
-
>"Have they done that before?"
>"Though, I think I understand. The fairies I've met can be... confusing."
> "Can you show me where that is? I don't want to lose you as a friend. I promise I won't tell any fairies about it."
She already gave some directions and offered to meet up in the forest later, if I recall correctly.
-
> "Can you show me where that is? I don't want to lose you as a friend. I promise I won't tell any fairies about it."
> Belay saying this for the moment.
> Do we think we could find her house based on what she's told us before?
-
>"Have they done that before?"
>"Though, I think I understand. The fairies I've met can be... confusing."
>"No," she says. "But I don't want to give them a reason to."
>She nods.
> Do we think we could find her house based on what she's told us before?
>You have no idea. You've never been in the Bamboo Forest before.
>_
-
>"Well... I'm not sure the fairies would actually do that, or if they know where your home is... but I think I'm just being stubborn, at this point. Have a safe trip back, Tokiko. I'll see you again later, alright?"
>wave goodbye when appropriate
>Now, what do we do about these fairies?
-
>"Well... I'm not sure the fairies would actually do that, or if they know where your home is... but I think I'm just being stubborn, at this point. Have a safe trip back, Tokiko. I'll see you again later, alright?"
>wave goodbye when appropriate
>Now, what do we do about these fairies?
>She nods. "Don't worry, though, I'll be where I said I was later on."
>You wave as she walks off. After a moment, she copies the gesture.
>As it stands, the only faeries you see are over the lake.
>_
-
>Continue along this path, towards the mansion
-
>Continue along this path, towards the mansion
>You continue southwards.
>Up ahead, the tree line recedes to the west, leaving a lovely grassy plain. You can see a dozen or so faeries wheeling in the air up ahead, laugh and shooting danmaku at each other. Obvious exits are south and east.
>_
-
>Is there any way we can avoid them while still continuing towards the mansion?
-
>Is there any way we can avoid them while still continuing towards the mansion?
>You might be able to fly over the edge of the lake, but that might attract the attention of the faeries over it.
>_
-
>Are there trees on the opposite side of the path from the lake? Could we slip into them a bit, and move forward there, even if it was rather slow going?
>If possible, do so
-
>Are there trees on the opposite side of the path from the lake? Could we slip into them a bit, and move forward there, even if it was rather slow going?
>If possible, do so
>You might be able to do so, but you run the risk of sounds giving you away, or more faeries coming from another direction and catching you there. You don't feel confident enough to try and fly through it, given your cargo and what happened last time you tried that.
>_
-
>Are the faeries high enough in the air that we could safely walk under them, anyway? And hope they don't care about our presence?
>If so, calmly walk forward.
>Be ready to beat a hasty retreat if needed
-
>Are the faeries high enough in the air that we could safely walk under them, anyway? And hope they don't care about our presence?
>If so, calmly walk forward.
>Be ready to beat a hasty retreat if needed
>While they're mostly in the air, they swoop pretty low from time to time, too. You think they would notice you. As for safely walking, you should be find if you don't mind dodging the stray bullet here or there.
>_
-
>Just keep moving forward, and keep an eye out for stray danmaku
-
> FUCKING FAIRIES
-
>Just keep moving forward, and keep an eye out for stray danmaku
>You move onward. There seem to be no cries of alarm, nor any faeries swarming you. They seem content to let you pass by.
>This, unfortunately, doesn't apply to stray fire. You see a spread of there columns of arrow-like bullets coming your way, as you get two thirds the way across the field.
> FUCKING FAIRIES
>You can't believe you used to think they were adorable!
>...Okay, they're still kind of adorable, but not enough that you wouldn't consider punching a few of them.
>_
-
>Scrabble out of the way
-
>Scrabble out of the way
>You scrabble out of the way!
>The shots hit the ground, sending a few clods of dirt flying upwards, but causing no harm.
>_
-
>Continue onward, if we can. Still keep an eye out for stray fire
-
>Continue onward, if we can. Still keep an eye out for stray fire
>You continue onward.
>There are a few more stray shots, but none of them come close enough to really worry you. Honestly, you find yourself more concerned for your cargo than your self.
>Soon you reach the Eastern end can continue onwards.
>You quickly find yourself walking along a brick wall with wrought iron fencing; tipped with spikes; on top. After a minute or so, you reach the wrought iron gates. There is a guard station here, and a tall woman with long red standing guard in front of it, wearing green Chinese-style clothes and a hat with a golden star on it. She regards you calmly, and says "Hey, kiddo."
>_
-
> "Hello. I'm new around these parts. May I presume this is the Scarlet Devil Mansion of which I have heard?"
-
>"Good morning. I'd like to see Patchouli. Marisa said I should mention that she sent me here."
-
> "Hello. I'm new around these parts. May I presume this is the Scarlet Devil Mansion of which I have heard?"
>"The one and only!" she says, grinning. "Beauty, ain't she?"
>"Good morning. I'd like to see Patchouli. Marisa said I should mention that she sent me here."
>"Oh, did she?" says the woman, "Well, I guess that'd interest Patchy. Just a minute."
>She takes a moment to fiddle with a switch by the guard station a few times. "This'll take a bit, we're kinda understaffed right now. What do you want with Patchy, anyways?"
>_
-
>"Well, I'm looking for a spell component. Marisa said she's probably the right one to ask about it."
-
>"Well, I'm looking for a spell component. Marisa said she's probably the right one to ask about it."
>The woman nods. "Bet she does. Patchy has all kinds of stuff like that. Hey, you said you're new here? New what, exactly?"
>_
-
>"New period, really. New to Gensokyo."
-
>"New period, really. New to Gensokyo."
>"That's the kind of thing I'd expect a newborn youkai to say," the woman says, raising an eyebrow. "But you're not youkai at all. So, you're from outside Gensokyo? What was that like?"
>_
-
> "A lot different from here. All humans, all technology, all the time. No youkai, no magic, no flying, no a lot of things I've seen today."
-
> "Also, this is a bit of a non-sequitur, but I would like to know if there's anywhere around this mansion I could perhaps plant some fire lilies? I'm running an errand for Yuka, who I quickly learned I shouldn't cross."
-
> "A lot different from here. All humans, all technology, all the time. No youkai, no magic, no flying, no a lot of things I've seen today."
>"Wow. Sounds just like that funny dream," says the guard. "Neat to know it's actually like that."
> "Also, this is a bit of a non-sequitur, but I would like to know if there's anywhere around this mansion I could perhaps plant some fire lilies? I'm running an errand for Yuka, who I quickly learned I shouldn't cross."
>"Oh, well, there's a flower garden, but you'd want to run that past Sakuya first. She's the head maid. Been kinda in a bad mood lately."
>_
-
>"Oh? Not that it's really my place to ask, but is something amiss?"
-
> "You had that dream too? Seems everyone I ran into had that dream. I actually talked to Marisa about it, and she mentioned needing to talk to Keine, saying something about messing with history or some such...I'm beginning to wonder if that was really just a dream."
> "Sakuya's in a bad mood? That's no good, I was kinda hoping to talk to her as well. Do you know why she's not happy?"
-
>"Oh? Not that it's really my place to ask, but is something amiss?"
>"Well, I've probably said too much."
> "You had that dream too? Seems everyone I ran into had that dream. I actually talked to Marisa about it, and she mentioned needing to talk to Keine, saying something about messing with history or some such...I'm beginning to wonder if that was really just a dream."
> "Sakuya's in a bad mood? That's no good, I was kinda hoping to talk to her as well. Do you know why she's not happy?"
>"I'm pretty sure it was just some magic thing, myself," says the guard, "It's always something like that."
>"Yeah, she's been pretty irate all day." She shrugs. "I've not really had time to talk to her about it."
>_
-
>"Ah, well, I hope whatever it is blows over. I'm Maribel, by the way."
-
>"Ah, well, I hope whatever it is blows over. I'm Maribel, by the way."
>"I'm Meiling," says the guard. "And it'll be fine. Trust me, I've had my dreams invaded by much worse, and it turned out fine.
>Before she can say much more, a faerie in a French maid uniform approaches the gate, wiping some sweat from her brow. Meiling quickly relays your message to her, and she zooms off.
>"Shouldn't be more than a minute, now," she says.
>_
-
> "So what do you folks do here, anyway?"
-
> "So what do you folks do here, anyway?"
>"Me?" she says, straightening a bit a lifting her head proudly, "I guard the gates and make sure no riffraff get in. Sakuya takes care of the house, which is a pretty big job, and makes sure the Mistress and Young Mistress are kept happy. Patchouli, well, she does research and writes books from time to time. She's kind of a permanent house guest. Once in awhile she'll hit on something and bring in some good money."
>_
-
>"Oh, like what? Give me an example."
-
>"Oh, like what? Give me an example."
>"Usually it's complicated magic stuff," says Meiling. "But...I heard she invented a way to hide two different messages in one set of text, and sold it to someone in Makai for a lot of money. Mistress was certainly pleased, to say the least."
>_
-
>"Makai?"
-
>"Makai?"
>"Yep," says Meiling. "That's the demon world. Don't know much about it, 'cept that Patchy's familiar comes from there. Oh, watch out for her. She's a little trickster."
>Before you can ask for details, the maid returns, and nods to Meiling. "Looks like Patchy will see you," says Meiling. "Just follow the maid. Don't wander off, either."
>She opens the gate for you.
>_
-
> "Thanks for your help, Miss Meiling! Good luck in your duties!"
> Go through the gate and follow the fairy maid.
-
> "Thanks for your help, Miss Meiling! Good luck in your duties!"
> Go through the gate and follow the fairy maid.
>"You too, kiddo!" says Meiling.
>You follow the maid down the stone path to the mansion itself. Along the way, you notice a statue garden to the east, and an old fountain to the west. In particular, near the statue garden, you see a little girl in a red dress and mop hat, standing in the shadow of the mansion and playing fetch with a basset hound. Most odd about the little girl are a set of artificial-looking wings on her back, with large crystals dangling from them.
>The house itself is a sizable western-style house, split into two broad wings with a clock tower extending from the central part of the house. It seems to be three stories tall, overall. The decor is hard to place, but it gives you a feeling of great age.
>Heading into through the front doors, you enter a foyer filled with wooden statues of baku and shiisha, stands of laced armor, and numerous framed ink paintings and prints. You barely have time to ponder of this clash of inner and outer decor before the maid leads you through a set of double doors.
>Through the door, you find yourself in a sizable library. Shelves line the floor, forming a kind of literary maze. The walls are lined to the ceiling with more bookshelves, with a landing running along the wall to create a sort of second floor midway up. The air in this chamber is very dry. As you look around, you see one book fly from a shelf and land in another bookcase, neatly reshelving itself.
>The maid takes to you a table in the center, where a small purple-haired woman in what seem to be a silken bed gown and nightcap sits in an overstuffed chair, poring through some tome. She looks up as the two of you approach. The maid curtsies and quickly flies away. "So why did Marisa think I want to give you a geode?" asks the woman.
>_
-
> "I don't know if she thought you'd want to give me one. She might have just sent me here because she knew I wanted one and she had one."
-
>"Wait, how'd you already know that's what I was looking for? I hadn't said anything, yet."
-
> "I don't know if she thought you'd want to give me one. She might have just sent me here because she knew I wanted one and she had one."
>She nods. "Very well. Why do you think I want to give you a geode."
>"Wait, how'd you already know that's what I was looking for? I hadn't said anything, yet."
>"I have my sources," she says.
>_
-
> "I think you don't, given the nature of this conversation so far. I'd be willing to work for one, though."
-
>"All Marisa said was that you were the person to talk to about it. I didn't know if that meant you had one, or would just know where I could get one."
-
> "I think you don't, given the nature of this conversation so far. I'd be willing to work for one, though."
>"Very well," she says. "What will you do?"
>"All Marisa said was that you were the person to talk to about it. I didn't know if that meant you had one, or would just know where I could get one."
>"I do," she says. "But I am waiting for you to make it worth my while to part with one."
>_
-
> Strip.
> "Given the lack of things I know about you, if you don't have any ideas yourself, the best I can offer starts with a guess: You had quite a strange dream very recently, didn't you?"
-
> Strip.
> "Given the lack of things I know about you, if you don't have any ideas yourself, the best I can offer starts with a guess: You had quite a strange dream very recently, didn't you?"
>"Insufficient abs"
>"Hardly a surprise, given everyone did," she says.
>_
-
> "Well shoot, you really do have your sources. I guess you also know that it probably wasn't actually a dream, then?"
-
> "Well shoot, you really do have your sources. I guess you also know that it probably wasn't actually a dream, then?"
>"I've heard theories to that effect," she says. "You are claiming to have proof one way or the other?"
>_
-
>"Well, to some degree I AM proof, actually. I come from outside Gensokyo. I lived in the outside world, then moved to the island; this alternate world that we all dreamed about. And I was pulled back here when it ended."
>"I don't know the whole story myself, but I do know a couple people who know a lot more about it than me."
-
>"Well, to some degree I AM proof, actually. I come from outside Gensokyo. I lived in the outside world, then moved to the island; this alternate world that we all dreamed about. And I was pulled back here when it ended."
>"I don't know the whole story myself, but I do know a couple people who know a lot more about it than me."
>"For the time being," says the woman, whom you've presumed is Patchouli, "Let is pretend you are indeed from outside Gensokyo, and from that place in particular. That you are here doesn't necessarily prove anything. Admittedly, it does suggest the case you argue, but it is not necessarily the only explanation. But please, elaborate. Who would know more?"
>_
-
>"Keine, for one. She evidently had a hand in fixing it. Also, Komachi evidently didn't have this shared dream, and actually saw Gensokyo replaced with ocean for several months, until it suddenly came back, just recently."
-
>"Keine, for one. She evidently had a hand in fixing it. Also, Komachi evidently didn't have this shared dream, and actually saw Gensokyo replaced with ocean for several months, until it suddenly came back, just recently."
>"I see," says Patchouli. "One moment."
>She turns her seat, and says, "Petite, I need you."
>A red-haired woman pokes her head around a shelf, looking at Patchouli expectantly.
>"Petite, prepare to depart for the Sanzu river at once. I want you to talk with the shinigami about her experiences with shared dream and Gensokyo disappearing. You are not to dally before or afterward on this task. Once you are done, report here at once."
>"May I bring a lunch?" she asks in a silky voice.
>"...Very well."
>With that, the red-haired woman disappears back behind the shelf.
>"I have decided to trust you on both the words of Marisa and Byakuren," she says, "Please do not let them down."
>_
-
> "Byakuren too? Man, word really gets around here. I appreciate your sentiments, though, and assure you I am telling the truth."
-
> "Byakuren too? Man, word really gets around here. I appreciate your sentiments, though, and assure you I am telling the truth."
>"She sent me a letter earlier this morning," says Patchouli. "Apparently she was worried I would do something unpleasant to you. She seems to think I must be very bored."
>_
-
>"Well, I'll have to thank her for the sentiment. She's been very kind and helpful to me today."
-
>"Well, I'll have to thank her for the sentiment. She's been very kind and helpful to me today."
>"Quite," says Patchouli. "She also begged me not to try and entice you down the path of the youkai, which is foolish of her. If you have any interest in magic, no doubt you're already anticipating it if not awaiting it."
>_
-
>"Well, when I was speaking with Reimu earlier today, she seemed to think that me becoming a youkai was inevitable if I continued to learn magic. Something to do with how quickly I picked it up."
>"Although, being a youkai doesn't seem like it would necessarily be so different from being human, in many ways."
-
> "I'm still weighing that in my head. Mystia already gave me her youkai sales pitch, as it were. All I know for sure right now is that I don't want to make a decision before finding my missing best friend."
-
>"Well, when I was speaking with Reimu earlier today, she seemed to think that me becoming a youkai was inevitable if I continued to learn magic. Something to do with how quickly I picked it up."
>"Although, being a youkai doesn't seem like it would necessarily be so different from being human, in many ways."
>"For the vast majority of magicians, it is inevitable. Reimu's role and bloodline may keep her from such if she applies herself. But for the likes of us, there is little point in trying to resist."
>"It largely is not, save for the fears of the small-minded. Ignore them and live as always."
> "I'm still weighing that in my head. Mystia already gave me her youkai sales pitch, as it were. All I know for sure right now is that I don't want to make a decision before finding my missing best friend."
>"If you are undecided, then cease all pursuit of sorcery immediately. It will make the decision for you."
>_
-
> "Getting better at Danmaku is fine though, right? Or could getting to good at that turn me into a youkai?"
-
> Well, that's a downer. Where's Tokiko when we need something to squeeze? For stress relief purposes, of course.
> Actually, while we're thinking about it, compare Tokiko's chest to Meiling's.
-
> "Wait. If Byakuren didn't want me to turn into a youkai, why did she set me down this path in the first place?"
-
> Well, that's a downer. Where's Tokiko when we need something to squeeze? For stress relief purposes, of course.
> Actually, while we're thinking about it, compare Tokiko's chest to Meiling's.
>Sometimes people worry about strange things when panicked. You are pretty sure she's about equal with Utsuho.
> "Getting better at Danmaku is fine though, right? Or could getting to good at that turn me into a youkai?"
>"Hard to say."
> "Wait. If Byakuren didn't want me to turn into a youkai, why did she set me down this path in the first place?"
>"Because she is an optimist who believes in the ideal of indomitable will," says Patchouli. "I, on the other hand, prefer to consider how things are."
>_
-
>"Well, I don't think I'm ready to stop this just yet, in any event. It's just... a strange idea to get used to. You have to keep in mind that until this morning, I didn't even know that youkai really existed, or what they were like. I've spent a lot of my life searching for strange things that you can't normally find t in the outside world, like magic. Now that I finally know it exists... I'm not sure I can just leave it be so easily."
-
>"Well, I don't think I'm ready to stop this just yet, in any event. It's just... a strange idea to get used to. You have to keep in mind that until this morning, I didn't even know that youkai really existed, or what they were like. I've spent a lot of my life searching for strange things that you can't normally find t in the outside world, like magic. Now that I finally know it exists... I'm not sure I can just leave it be so easily."
>"Nor do I blame you in the least," says Patchouli. "This is why I would exhort you not to be ensnared by such worries and grasp your potential fully. You speak of your friend, but what friend would begrudge you this? Would she begrudge you if you came upon great wealth, or obtained a position of power?"
>_
-
>"No, perhaps not... And she was as much in search of these kinds of things as myself. I admit that even though the prospect is kind of scary, it's also fascinating. I really wonder what it's like..."
-
>"No, perhaps not... And she was as much in search of these kinds of things as myself. I admit that even though the prospect is kind of scary, it's also fascinating. I really wonder what it's like..."
>"Precisely," says Patchouli. "And, it is much leading learning to read. A new world opens to you, and what is lost is insignificant."
>_
-
>"What IS lost, though, out of curiosity? I mean, 'human' feels almost like just a label in some ways, here. The youkai I've met seem to possess just as much of what one might call 'humanity'. Even if what is lost is insignificant, what is it?"
-
> "At the same time, I wish to see her again, not only to hear her opinion, but also to see how capable of these feats she is herself. I would not want to change on her if she could not change with me."
-
>"What IS lost, though, out of curiosity? I mean, 'human' feels almost like just a label in some ways, here. The youkai I've met seem to possess just as much of what one might call 'humanity'. Even if what is lost is insignificant, what is it?"
>"It is a nebulous thing," she says. "Byakuren would say that one takes a lower place in the path to enlightenment. But I would ask what magician would care about such things if they took up magic to begin with? Whether or not she is right, this is hard to say. The existence of certain youkai make me think otherwise. What is lost is your place in the outside world. Your home would be here, without a doubt. Some will tell you that you can never go back, but this is fantasy. For an accomplished magician, it is very possible. Perhaps, though, like me, you will cease to care enough to try. You may have a harder time wrestling with some of your instincts. Perhaps you will not. In the older days, society would have rejected you harshly for it. In these days, it is not such an issue. Hm, there is a kind of physical weakness you may wish to be aware of. Items of faith, charms, exorcisms, and the like, will work against you. But again, if you had such fears you would not have started to learn magic, would you?"
> "At the same time, I wish to see her again, not only to hear her opinion, but also to see how capable of these feats she is herself. I would not want to change on her if she could not change with me."
>"Would you delay in obtaining wealth of influence on her behalf in such a way?"
>_
-
>"And I take it there's not too many people here that go around trying to exorcise youkai, anyway, is there? Even Reimu didn't seem too bothered by the prospect of me becoming a youkai, as long as I didn't try to cause trouble. But I'm not the trouble causing type, and I doubt that would change."
>"What instincts did you mean, anyway?"
-
>"Would you delay in obtaining wealth of influence on her behalf in such a way?"
> "I would. As I hope she would take my feelings into consideration when forming her opinion, I must take her situation into consideration when I form mine. It would be selfish of me to disregard her situation in the name of empowering myself."
-
> "I would. As I hope she would take my feelings into consideration when forming her opinion, I must take her situation into consideration when I form mine. It would be selfish of me to disregard her situation in the name of empowering myself."
>"I would say there is no way that allowing yourself to cross over could harm her situation. But, I think I understand. I know not whether to scoff or envy you. Though again, I would ask, is there any possible way it could harm her, should you trust her that much? I can't imagine she would reject you."
>"And I take it there's not too many people here that go around trying to exorcise youkai, anyway, is there? Even Reimu didn't seem too bothered by the prospect of me becoming a youkai, as long as I didn't try to cause trouble. But I'm not the trouble causing type, and I doubt that would change."
>"What instincts did you mean, anyway?"
>"As long as you don't make a fool of yourself, it shouldn't be a problem. Though I would warn you that when problems occur, the Shrine Maiden and her ilk have a tendency to shoot first and ask questions over tea."
>"It varies from youkai to youkai. For instance, those who were beasts sometimes do beast-like things; the traditional problem is eating humans, which as you can understand lead to many of the issues that are only clearing up today. For magicians, our temptations tends to be our obsessions. Sometimes it is difficult not to, say, sidestep paying for necessary components when money is lacking and inspiration is high. Or, when the desire for a student runs strongly, to sidestep the necessity of assuring a potential pupil's family accepts the idea. None of this should surprise you, I have no doubt you've considered some unsavory things to further yourself already."
>_
-
>"Well, I don't know about unsavory, exactly... But I can certainly appreciate the drive to learn more and do more, and I've only just started. But on that topic, about the geode...?"
-
> "I do not think she would reject me, but I think it may cause a schism between us if it is something I could do and she could not. You are a scholar of magic, correct? Let's say one day that Meiling or Sakuya stumbled upon some ultimate magic inherent to them, which gave them great power and great joy, power higher than anyone else in this house. You study up on this discovery, and all conclusions point to you never being able to achieve the same thing, no matter how much research you do or effort you put in. Would you not wish you were capable of it as well, and possibly eventually wish it had been you instead of them? Or would you be able to accept that they would be more powerful than you for the rest of your days, and there isn't anything you can do about it?"
> "It is possibly my friend would indeed be able to cope with being inherently inferior, but it is not something I want to subject her to."
-
> "I do not think she would reject me, but I think it may cause a schism between us if it is something I could do and she could not. You are a scholar of magic, correct? Let's say one day that Meiling or Sakuya stumbled upon some ultimate magic inherent to them, which gave them great power and great joy, power higher than anyone else in this house. You study up on this discovery, and all conclusions point to you never being able to achieve the same thing, no matter how much research you do or effort you put in. Would you not wish you were capable of it as well, and possibly eventually wish it had been you instead of them? Or would you be able to accept that they would be more powerful than you for the rest of your days, and there isn't anything you can do about it?"
> "It is possibly my friend would indeed be able to cope with being inherently inferior, but it is not something I want to subject her to."
>"You think like a magician already," she says, grinning slightly. "To this I say, I am not as close to them as you appear to be with your friend, so perhaps my answer will be different. I would likely begrudge them, but I would probably learn to accept it provided that they weren't exceedingly obnoxious about it. You lead me to think you wouldn't be very obnoxious toward your friend."
>"That said, it is wrong to think there is any one almighty magic that any being of our stature, human or youkai, could hope to use. There's a weakness in all things. But this is beside the point you wished to make."
>"Well, I don't know about unsavory, exactly... But I can certainly appreciate the drive to learn more and do more, and I've only just started. But on that topic, about the geode...?"
>She nods. "Yes. I would like to give you a task, then, I shall happily supply this item. In particular, I want you to find out why our maids are running away. Is this acceptable?"
>_
-
>"Your maids are running away? Like, just up and vanishing entirely? And you have no idea why?"
>"Sakuya's in charge of them, right? Wouldn't she have some idea?"
-
>"Your maids are running away? Like, just up and vanishing entirely? And you have no idea why?"
>"Sakuya's in charge of them, right? Wouldn't she have some idea?"
>"That Sakuya is in charge of them is why we know they are running away, as opposed to simply slipping away into the aether," says Patchouli. "This is about all we can confirm from those who've remained."
-
>"So, she has no idea, either? Do the other maids? I probably should like to talk to her about it, in any case. If that's possible."
-
>"So, she has no idea, either? Do the other maids? I probably should like to talk to her about it, in any case. If that's possible."
>"The maids have simply told us they left. They don't elaborate on why, which, given faeries, suggests they don't really know why. And you may talk to Sakuya, at your own risk. She is rather unhappy with the whole state of affairs."
>_
-
> "Oh yes, Meiling told me about that. Do you think it's possible for me to talk to her without getting attacked?"
-
>"....at my own risk? I understand that she's upset, but..."
>"Is there any way to track them, maybe? Find out where they've gone?"
-
> "Oh yes, Meiling told me about that. Do you think it's possible for me to talk to her without getting attacked?"
>"I wouldn't be able to tell you reliably. I suppose the best advice I can give is to treat her as though she were a very dangerous youkai."
>"....at my own risk? I understand that she's upset, but..."
>"Is there any way to track them, maybe? Find out where they've gone?"
>"Sakuya sometimes has difficulties with people who are not residents of this mansion."
>"In theory. I've been trying to research a way to do so reliably. I've never had to track a faerie before, you understand, and they are sometimes very slippery."
>_
-
> "What state of affairs is she unhappy with?"
-
>"Yes, I can understand the slippery part, after meeting a few of them. Is there anything I could do that might help your research? Well, probably in terms of 'fetch me this' since I obviously can't help with anything complicated, yet."
>"I also had another question, unrelated to any of this. I understand that most, if not all the books here, at probably quite valuable, but would you know where I might be able to find an old one or two that no one wants or is willing to part with? It doesn't even matter what the book is about. I know that probably sounds like a strange request, but you see, I've met a youkai who I think is pretty new to the whole 'not being an animal thing'. She's really shy and reserved, but seems nice, and she really loves books, but has only ever been able to find two of them. So I kinda wanted to see if I could find another couple for her. If you have any ideas, I'd appreciate it."
-
> "What state of affairs is she unhappy with?"
>Patchouli frowns. "Did I not just explain it?"
>"Yes, I can understand the slippery part, after meeting a few of them. Is there anything I could do that might help your research? Well, probably in terms of 'fetch me this' since I obviously can't help with anything complicated, yet."
>"I also had another question, unrelated to any of this. I understand that most, if not all the books here, at probably quite valuable, but would you know where I might be able to find an old one or two that no one wants or is willing to part with? It doesn't even matter what the book is about. I know that probably sounds like a strange request, but you see, I've met a youkai who I think is pretty new to the whole 'not being an animal thing'. She's really shy and reserved, but seems nice, and she really loves books, but has only ever been able to find two of them. So I kinda wanted to see if I could find another couple for her. If you have any ideas, I'd appreciate it."
>"It is a matter of time and effort at this point, rather than supplies."
>She considers for a moment. "Hm. I do have have a couple duplicates I could part with. I have your word you will do what you can to get to the bottom of this problem?"
>_
-
> "Wait, so she's only unhappy because the maids are leaving? I thought it might be that the maids are leaving because she is unhappy, given how both yourself and Meiling have informed me people are to tread very lightly around her. I know I wouldn't want to work for someone that sounds as dangerous as you have described if she's in a temper, and I wonder why maids leaving would elicit the reaction you've described as opposed to a few other ones."
-
>"I'd very much appreciate it. And I absolutely will, as best I am able to."
-
> "Wait, so she's only unhappy because the maids are leaving? I thought it might be that the maids are leaving because she is unhappy, given how both yourself and Meiling have informed me people are to tread very lightly around her. I know I wouldn't want to work for someone that sounds as dangerous as you have described if she's in a temper, and I wonder why maids leaving would elicit the reaction you've described as opposed to a few other ones."
>"She devotes herself to this household utterly," says Patchouli. "And with a mass desertion, she cannot run it as smoothly as she would like. I suspect it would be fine to say she is overreacting, but regardless..."
>"I'd very much appreciate it. And I absolutely will, as best I am able to."
>"Very well. Petit-!" she stops herself. "...Wait here, please."
>Patchouli stands up and hovers away quickly, seeming irritated despite her impassive expression.
>A minute or so passes before she returns, bearing a couple books and half of a rock a on top of them. "Here."
>_
-
>"Thank you very much. Is this the geode then, too?"
>What are the titles of the books?
-
>"Thank you very much. Is this the geode then, too?"
>What are the titles of the books?
>"Yes."
>The books are: Everyday Life in Ancient Egypt and A Wind in the Willows.
>_
-
> Thank Patchouli for everything.
> "I shall work on the task as soon as I possibly can."
-
>"So, am I free to take them now, or will that wait for me to hopefully figure out the faerie issue? I mean, obviously I will be looking into it, either way."
>"I'm also looking for some ground ragewort, which I hear will require finding an alchemist. Do you know of one I could ask?"
-
> Thank Patchouli for everything.
> "I shall work on the task as soon as I possibly can."
>"You are welcome," she says. "And I shall await results eagerly. In the meantime, consider yourself free to roam the mansion if you wish to find Sakuya. I suspect she would be in the kitchen at the end of the west wing at this hour."
>"So, am I free to take them now, or will that wait for me to hopefully figure out the faerie issue? I mean, obviously I will be looking into it, either way."
>"I'm also looking for some ground ragewort, which I hear will require finding an alchemist. Do you know of one I could ask?"
>"Yes. I will trust you wouldn't incur my displeasure and all that it entails over something as simple as this."
>"You may wish to try Eientei, which is in the bamboo forest, but they may not receive you. If you are lucky, the kappa on the mountain may be using some for their own purposes. Alternately, perhaps you should check one of the herbalists in town or in the Ancient City?"
>_
-
>"No, of course not. And I'm an honest person in any event. Thanks again."
>Take the geode and books
>"Byakuren said the one in town didn't have any. I'll make a note to check the other places later, though."
>"Well, I'm going to try talking to Sakuya, now. Wish me luck, I guess."
>Head towards the west wing, assuming we can figure out where this is
-
>"No, of course not. And I'm an honest person in any event. Thanks again."
>Take the geode and books
>"Byakuren said the one in town didn't have any. I'll make a note to check the other places later, though."
>"Well, I'm going to try talking to Sakuya, now. Wish me luck, I guess."
>Head towards the west wing, assuming we can figure out where this is
>"You are welcome," she says.
>You obtain: Geode
>You obtain: Everyday Life in Ancient Egypt by Jon Manchip White
>You obtain: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
>She nods. "Good luck."
>You leave the library, and return to the foyer. Looking around, you can see two sets of double doors on the western and eastern walls. As well, two curving staircases lead to a grand balcony overlooking the hallway, where another such door can be seen. Off to the side, you see a smaller door bearing many magical-looking insignias on it. Obvious exits are North, South 1, South 2, East, West 1, and West 2.
>There is a faerie in a maid uniform here, dusting a wooden statue of a shiisha.
>_
-
>"Um, excuse me, do you have a second?"
-
>"Um, excuse me, do you have a second?"
>"Not really," says the maid, "Whacha need?"
>_
-
>"I'd just heard that some faeries were running away from the mansion, and I was wondering if you had any idea why? Or where they went?"
-
>"I'd just heard that some faeries were running away from the mansion, and I was wondering if you had any idea why? Or where they went?"
>"Probably because they're a bunch of jerks!" says the faerie. "They left us all the work! And I don't know where they went, they just ran off in the middle of the night. Jerks."
>_
-
>"Oh, did they all go at the same time, then? Do you actually see any of them leave? For that matter, were you friends with any of the ones that left?"
-
>"Oh, did they all go at the same time, then? Do you actually see any of them leave? For that matter, were you friends with any of the ones that left?"
>"Well...most of 'em. Some left a little later. And, I didn't see 'em, but others did! And a few of them used to be my friends. Now I hope they get up the broadside from the Red White!"
>_
-
>"Well, I'm sorry that you've ended up being overworked, now. Thanks for your time, though."
>Go west
-
> These are fairy maids, right? You know, we've been hearing a lot of outside fairies talk about this Dai person. Wonder if she's responsible somehow.
-
>"Well, I'm sorry that you've ended up being overworked, now. Thanks for your time, though."
>Go west
>"Not as sorry as I'm going to make 'em if I ever see 'em again!" the faerie replies as you depart.
>There are two potential wests you may take.
> These are fairy maids, right? You know, we've been hearing a lot of outside fairies talk about this Dai person. Wonder if she's responsible somehow.
>Might well be.
>_
-
> Go the west that will take us to the kitchen faster.
-
> Go the west that will take us to the kitchen faster.
>You decide to head through the double doors.
>You come to a long hallway, with the walls dotted with western style paintings. Three sets of double doors line the southern wall, while you can see the grounds and the old fountain outside from the windows on the northern wall. At the far end of the hall is a set of double doors, smaller than the ones you just stepped through. Obvious exits are South 1, South 2, South 3, East and West.
>_
-
> Admire art.
> Go west, young sailor.
-
>See if we can smell or hear the sounds of cooking from any of these doors
>If so, go through those
>Otherwise, head west
-
> Admire art.
> Go west, young sailor.
>See if we can smell or hear the sounds of cooking from any of these doors
>If so, go through those
>Otherwise, head west
>You admire the art a bit. Most of it is a shadowy baroque style, but you see a few brighter renaissance styles, as well. You're not too knowledgeable on what makes art great, but you think these are rather good in your opinion.
>You listen at the doors, and hear dishes clinking behind the western one.
>Opening the doors, you come into a large kitchen. It is clear, in a bit drab and gray, with several wood-burning ovens and ranges against the walls. There is a large fireplace, currently extinguished, with a large black-iron kettle hanging over it. Opposite of the door is a huge sink. To the south, you can see a single door, and another small door to the east, not far from the one you just used.
>Standing at the sink is a silver-haired woman in a purple maid outfit, scrubbing dishes furiously. She stops after a moment, and turns to look at you with hard eyes. "Who are you?" she asks.
>_
-
>"I'm Maribel. I'm a guest of Patchouli's. Shall I assume you're Sakuya?"
>"I understand that you're especially busy at the moment, but I just wanted to ask you a couple questions about the disappearing maids."
-
>"I'm Maribel. I'm a guest of Patchouli's. Shall I assume you're Sakuya?"
>"I understand that you're especially busy at the moment, but I just wanted to ask you a couple questions about the disappearing maids."
>She nods.
>"And why are you involved? Regardless, ask. I'll answer if I care to. In the meantime, dry."
>_
-
>"Um, ok."
>Look for the appropriate dish towel and such and start drying
>"Well, I'm wondering how much you know about what happened? I hear a lot of them left all at once? And no one has any idea where they went?"
>"Do you have even any speculation as to why or where they might have gone?"
-
>"Um, ok."
>Look for the appropriate dish towel and such and start drying
>"Well, I'm wondering how much you know about what happened? I hear a lot of them left all at once? And no one has any idea where they went?"
>"Do you have even any speculation as to why or where they might have gone?"
>You find a dish towel near the sink and approach to find several dishes of various kinds in the sink. You roll up your sleeves and get to work.
>"You have a proper grasp of the situation," she says. "As to where they went, I imagine they've run back off to the forest. I would go hunting for them, but then the household would be even more crippled than it is. As well, Mistress has said she preferred that I remain here."
>_
-
> "But no idea why they've left? I don't know how common they are, but I've run into fairies a whole bunch today, and the name 'Dai' kept coming up, usually as someone to report back to. Is it possible this 'Dai' has something to do with your problem?"
-
> "But no idea why they've left? I don't know how common they are, but I've run into fairies a whole bunch today, and the name 'Dai' kept coming up, usually as someone to report back to. Is it possible this 'Dai' has something to do with your problem?"
>"None at all," says Sakuya, "Usually the maids are happy here. There's a fair amount of turnover; a couple leave every week, but it's easy enough to get replacements. But when this many leave all at once? As for running into them, this is not unusual. I've not been out to see if they are especially active. And...that would likely be Daoyousei. She is rather important to the faeries for reasons I cannot fathom. I wouldn't know where to find her, though."
>_
-
> "She might be worth looking into, then. I think I may have a few bones to pick with her myself, so I'd be happy to go out hunting."
> "I also heard her name in conjunction with a 'Cirno'. Would you know where to find her?"
-
> "She might be worth looking into, then. I think I may have a few bones to pick with her myself, so I'd be happy to go out hunting."
> "I also heard her name in conjunction with a 'Cirno'. Would you know where to find her?"
>"By all means."
>"Cirno is an ice faerie, probably one of the strongest of their number. No real consequence in the grand scheme of things, though, but she can be an irritation."
>_
-
> "An ice fairy, huh...wonder where she might hang out. Possibly not in the forest with the rest of them, if she's that unique."
-
> "A nice fairy? But if she's nice how come you seem to think she's an irritant?"
-
> "An ice fairy, huh...wonder where she might hang out. Possibly not in the forest with the rest of them, if she's that unique."
>"The lake is a good place to start, but really, faeries will roam wherever they please."
> "A nice fairy? But if she's nice how come you seem to think she's an irritant?"
>"I am not in the mood for puns right now, thank you."
>_
-
> "Sorry...I was hoping it would cheer you up a little but these things sometimes don't go well. I'll...refrain from such humor in the future."
-
> "I will give a look around the lake, then. I saw some fairies out there before I got here, actually."
> "Also, on a completely unrelated note, I was wondering if there was anywhere around here I could plant some fire lilies. I, uh, ran into Yuka, who I assume you know given her reputation, and she gave me this errand to do. Meiling told me to ask you, so..."
> How close are we to finishing drying the dishes?
> Quests
-
> "Sorry...I was hoping it would cheer you up a little but these things sometimes don't go well. I'll...refrain from such humor in the future."
>"I see. My apologies. It has been a stressful time.
> "I will give a look around the lake, then. I saw some fairies out there before I got here, actually."
> "Also, on a completely unrelated note, I was wondering if there was anywhere around here I could plant some fire lilies. I, uh, ran into Yuka, who I assume you know given her reputation, and she gave me this errand to do. Meiling told me to ask you, so..."
> How close are we to finishing drying the dishes?
> Quests
>"Very well. Thank you."
>"Ah," she says, glancing toward the box. "Put them near the guardhouse. I think Meiling would appreciate the color."
>You've not made much of a dent in them., really. This will take awhile.
>Your Quests are:
>Renko Quest
>Given Renko has been your long-term partner in crime, if you're stuck here, chances are she is too.
>Escape from Eastern Wonderland?
>At some point, you should probably try to go home. Right?
>Love is a Battlefield
>Your friend Utsuho in a bitter rivalry with Yuugi for the heart of Parsee Mizuhashi. What can be done?
>Maximum Charge Maribel Hearn
>Byakuren has offered to cast a spell to enhance your innate magic potential, if you gather the ingredients and prove yourself worthy.
>Clinic Catastophe
>Byakuren asked you to help Murasa run the clinic, and to make sure Murasa is doing her job.
>Hardflorale
>Yuka has recruited you to plant eight fire lilies around Gensokyo in places you feel are best, presumably in exchange for not breaking your face on a whim.
>Maid a Getaway
>The maids from Scarlet Devil Mansion are running away! Why is this?
>_
-
Probably not a good idea to take on too many more quests at this point, we have plenty to do right now. Let's leave Sakuya alone for the time being in regards to training. We can always come back later after solving the maid mystery, at which point she'll probably be in a much better mood.
> Progress report on Maximum Charge Maribel Hearn
> "All right, let me dry off a few more dishes, and then I'll be off to look into the fairy problem, unless you need me to stick around. Would you like me to let any maids I run into know that you could use help here?"
-
> Progress report on Maximum Charge Maribel Hearn
> "All right, let me dry off a few more dishes, and then I'll be off to look into the fairy problem, unless you need me to stick around. Would you like me to let any maids I run into know that you could use help here?"
>You have two of the four required items. You still require Bloodmoss and Ground Ragewort.
>"I don't need you to stick around; as bad as things are I can manage. But, if you'd like to help, I don't think anyone would object. As for the others, they have their tasks. Typically I would be directing them, but there's simply too much to do, and I must leave them to their own devices."
>_
-
> "If you think you can manage for now, I'd rather try to solve the overarching problem so you don't have to just 'manage' anymore."
-
> "If you think you can manage for now, I'd rather try to solve the overarching problem so you don't have to just 'manage' anymore."
>"Very well. The assistance is appreciated."
>_
-
> "All right, I hope to be back soon. Also, this is probably an extreme long-shot question given the incredibly formal and efficient nature of your house, but could I possibly borrow your gate guard for this fairy cleanup? She's definitely stronger than me, and things would go a lot faster with two of us."
-
> "All right, I hope to be back soon. Also, this is probably an extreme long-shot question given the incredibly formal and efficient nature of your house, but could I possibly borrow your gate guard for this fairy cleanup? She's definitely stronger than me, and things would go a lot faster with two of us."
>"It's not possible," says Sakuya, shaking her head. "Normally we could put a few maids in her place, but right now, it just can't be done. I would suggest, if they are too much for you, not to face them directly."
>_
-
> "Understood. I'll be on my way, then."
> Head out of the kitchen, back toward the entrance of the mansion.
-
> "Understood. I'll be on my way, then."
> Head out of the kitchen, back toward the entrance of the mansion.
>"Good luck," she says, as she moves over to your position, while you reclaim your Box of Four Fire Lilies
>You make your way back to the Foyer. The maid here is still hard at work dusting.
>_
-
> "Hey, I'm off to see what I can do about all your ex-friends leaving."
-
> "Hey, I'm off to see what I can do about all your ex-friends leaving."
>"Punch 'em for me!" She replies.
>_
-
> Wave and head out of the mansion, back to the front gate where Meiling is.
-
> Are the conditions at the guard post acceptable for the Lilies?
> If so: "Sakuya said I could plant some of these near the guard post. Is that okay?"
-
> Wave and head out of the mansion, back to the front gate where Meiling is.
>You wave; the faerie shakes her feather duster back at you.
>Leave the house, you pass by the little girl with crystal wings ago, who notices you and waves, before returning to playing with her dog. You return to the gates, which Meiling opens for you. "Get what you needed?"
> Are the conditions at the guard post acceptable for the Lilies?
> If so: "Sakuya said I could plant some of these near the guard post. Is that okay?"
>You think so. The grass is thriving, and there's no trees nearby, and you could most certainly find a place with the right amount of life.
>"Really, out here?" she says. She chuckles. "Alright, put them where you think they'll look nice. Just not where people walk.
>_
>_
-
> Perhaps two each on either side of the gate?
-
> Perhaps two each on either side of the gate?
>You have a look, and it seems the soil is good enough for them. They should get a bit of shade when the gatepost's shadow pass over them.
>With a little work, you soon have planted the rest of your flowers.
>You obtain: Box with Eight Empty Flower Pots.
>_
-
> "There, how's that look? Those won't get trampled on, will they?"
-
> "There, how's that look? Those won't get trampled on, will they?"
>"That's really pretty," says Meiling. "I'll be sure to water them. And naw, they should be fine. People don't get off the path much here. Thanks a lot!"
>_
-
> "No prob. And hey, I have to thank you guys for giving me the chance to not get my face pushed in by Yuuka."
> "Also, who's the little girl in the garden there? Those are some funky wings she has going. Pretty crystals, but still, nothing I've ever seen before."
-
> "No prob. And hey, I have to thank you guys for giving me the chance to not get my face pushed in by Yuuka."
> "Also, who's the little girl in the garden there? Those are some funky wings she has going. Pretty crystals, but still, nothing I've ever seen before."
>She nods, until you mention the little girl. "Oh for the love of-," she says, shaking her head. "That's Flandre. She's supposed to be in bed right now! She's the Young Mistress, sister to the Mistress of this mansion. Um...be a little careful around her. She's a very sweet little girl, but she doesn't have a good grasp on her power. She breaks things, you see."
>_
-
> "Oh dear. I hope she doesn't break that dog that was with her. Or me, for that matter. If she needs to go back inside and gets upset, please don't tell her I mentioned her to you."
-
> "Oh dear. I hope she doesn't break that dog that was with her. Or me, for that matter. If she needs to go back inside and gets upset, please don't tell her I mentioned her to you."
>"Things she knows, it's not a problem anymore," says Meiling. "But new things and new people...well...accidents happen. And, really, we're got too many problems to be worrying about sending her off to bed when she doesn't want to. At least, that's how I feel about it. Don't tell Sakuya I said that."
>_
-
>"Right now, Sakuya seems busy enough, herself. As long as she's behaving, I wouldn't worry about it, either."
>Consider.
>"Unless she's unfamiliar with the fairy maids that are still here."
-
>"Right now, Sakuya seems busy enough, herself. As long as she's behaving, I wouldn't worry about it, either."
>Consider.
>"Unless she's unfamiliar with the fairy maids that are still here."
>"Not enough to be a problem, I don't think," says Meiling. "She can break them all she wants. Well, not all she wants, but if she does it's not a big issue."
>_
-
>blink
>"... what? How does that work? Do fairies... heal quickly, or something?"
-
>blink
>"... what? How does that work? Do fairies... heal quickly, or something?"
>"Yep," she says, then frown a bit and scratches the back of her head. "Oh, I forgot, you're new. Okay, Faeries don't die, you see? Or rather, they die and get better. It's because they're like manifestations of nature. So when you pop one, they just go back to the world, and get remade. See?"
>_
-
>"That's... wow. I don't suppose it's common to revive people from death, too, like in some of those video games?"
>This has some interesting implications. If it's okay to kill fairies, then...
>Feel slightly disturbed at the above thought. Wonder whether Patchouli is to blame.
>"Are fairies the same each time they 'die' and come back? Do they remember the same things? Do they look or act the same?"
-
>"That's... wow. I don't suppose it's common to revive people from death, too, like in some of those video games?"
>This has some interesting implications. If it's okay to kill fairies, then...
>Feel slightly disturbed at the above thought. Wonder whether Patchouli is to blame.
>"Are fairies the same each time they 'die' and come back? Do they remember the same things? Do they look or act the same?"
>"Usually, when you die, that's it," says Meiling. "Off to the Yama you go. But faeries, they're not part of that cycle...well, don't think they are. That's a question for Patchy, Reimu, or that big buddhist woman or someone."
>You feel a little guilty at the thought of it being okay to kill. Is that one of those instincts Patchouli spoke of, or just practicality overriding morality?
>"Yeah. I mean, they don't like it, but they come back just the same. They remember things pretty well, though if you get 'em bad enough they don't remember being killed. And yeah, they look the same."
>_
-
>"Alright, thanks. That's... different. Good to know, though. Is there anything else unusual about fairies I should be aware of? I know they have some magic and think rather oddly, and there's those Cirno and Daiyosei characters, but that was still new to me."
-
>"Alright, thanks. That's... different. Good to know, though. Is there anything else unusual about fairies I should be aware of? I know they have some magic and think rather oddly, and there's those Cirno and Daiyosei characters, but that was still new to me."
>"Sounds like you got the gist of it," says Meiling. "They're pretty weak on their own, but they can be a pain in groups. Some of 'em like to play pranks, so be careful of that, too."
>_
-
>Did Yuka tell us what to do with the flower box, afterwards?
>Now that there's no flowers left in it to be damaged, we can stow it in our pack to give us free hands, correct? If so, do so.
>Bid farewell to Meiling, and head back the way we came, towards the group of faeries
-
>Probably too big to store in there, and she wanted her box back. We should probably drop it off so we're not so burdened. Maybe visit Reimu along the way or something.
>What would be on the way to Yuuka's? Seeing what Marisa wanted to, uh, do with Keine might not be a bad idea.
-
>Did Yuka tell us what to do with the flower box, afterwards?
>Now that there's no flowers left in it to be damaged, we can stow it in our pack to give us free hands, correct? If so, do so.
>Bid farewell to Meiling, and head back the way we came, towards the group of faeries
>Yuka said she wanted it back.
>You can stow it away, and do so. You take especial care to keep the books from getting dirty.
>"Have a good one!" Meiling says.
>There are two visible groups of faeries; the ones over the lake, and the ones in the field to the west.
>_
-
>We might want to drop it off so we're not so burdened - running around with it too much might end up spilling what dirt's left in the pots. Possibly onto the books. Maybe we visit Reimu along the way or something.
>What would be on the way to Yuuka's? Seeing what Marisa wanted to, uh, do with Keine might not be a bad idea, if the village is en route. And we need to return the spade.
>How many fairies are at those two locations, and what are they doing?
-
>We might want to drop it off so we're not so burdened - running around with it too much might end up spilling what dirt's left in the pots. Possibly onto the books. Maybe we visit Reimu along the way or something.
>What would be on the way to Yuuka's? Seeing what Marisa wanted to, uh, do with Keine might not be a bad idea, if the village is en route. And we need to return the spade.
>How many fairies are at those two locations, and what are they doing?
>Yuka would probably appreciate it. Reimu's is not exactly on the way, but it's close enough.
>You ought to return that spade. And you could visit Byakuren again, or maybe that pub. Or one of the other stores in the village.
>There's about six of them left in the field, they are flinging danmaku at each other. From what you remember, it wasn't an actual fight so much as a competition. There's more than a dozen over the lake, swooping and whirling through the air.
>_
-
>Try cautiously approaching the ones in the lake. At least they're not ALREADY tossing firepower around
>Be wary of any signs that they don't like our presence.
-
>We might as well make some attempt at figuring out the bit with the bellows before going back to the village. Asking a few fairies about it wouldn't hurt, and the other ones were civil enough if you're equally inscrutable.
>Make a mental note to ask more people about Renko in the future. Patchouli in particular might know something.
>And as far as 'doing as the Romans do' goes, it's easier to figure out joining in a playful danmaku match than the acrobatics over the lake, and they're not supposed to REALLY hurt... right? Mary did okay with those two near Reimu's.
>Can we do something that active safely, without spilling anything in the backpack?
Now, which voices can actually deal with fairies? Kilga, get your ass in here.
-
Don't worry, I'm watching.
-
>We might as well make some attempt at figuring out the bit with the bellows before going back to the village. Asking a few fairies about it wouldn't hurt, and the other ones were civil enough if you're equally inscrutable.
>Make a mental note to ask more people about Renko in the future. Patchouli in particular might know something.
>And as far as 'doing as the Romans do' goes, it's easier to figure out joining in a playful danmaku match than the acrobatics over the lake, and they're not supposed to REALLY hurt... right? Mary did okay with those two near Reimu's.
>Can we do something that active safely, without spilling anything in the backpack?
>It would seem that they'd have the best chance of knowing where those bellows are.
>You've had to success asking about Renko so far, but maybe you're just looking in the wrong places?
>You are a little conflicted between being shot at and aerial acrobatics.
>You can zip the messenger bag up.
>Try cautiously approaching the ones in the lake. At least they're not ALREADY tossing firepower around
>Be wary of any signs that they don't like our presence.
>You decide to try your luck with the faeries over the lake, and approach them.
>"She's on my team!" cries one of the faeries, pointing at you.
>"No fair!" says another.
>_
-
>"Team? What're you guys playing?"
-
>"Team? What're you guys playing?"
>Go with the flow.
>"Awesome. What's the game today?"
-
>Go with the flow.
>"Awesome. What's the game today?"
>"Team tag!" says the faerie who claimed you. "And you got all kinds of reach, so you're gonna be awesome!"
>_
-
>"Sweet! I dunno how long I can play though, I got some stuff to deliver later. Actually, I better make sure that doesn't spill."
>Zip up the bag.
>"And now..."
>Go after the fairy that said you weren't fair! See if she is correct.
-
>"Sweet! I dunno how long I can play though, I got some stuff to deliver later. Actually, I better make sure that doesn't spill."
>Zip up the bag.
>"And now..."
>Go after the fairy that said you weren't fair! See if she is correct.
>"Then we'll have to win quick!" says the faerie who claimed you.
>You zip up the bag, then go for the one who said you weren't fair! She sees you coming, and quickly zips out of the way. The rest of the faeries burst into motion and it quickly becomes bedlam around you!
>You will need a strategy for this, if you don't intend to drag down your team.
>_
-
>Judging by who's moving which way, do we even have any idea who's on our team?
-
>Judging by who's moving which way, do we even have any idea who's on our team?
>You quickly realize you have no idea who is on your team.
>This quickly proves not to be as crippling of a disadvantage as it sounds like, as the faeries apparently don't know, either. At least from the arguments that quickly break out suggest it.
>_
-
> Quickly scan for any fairies that are in really heated arguments, and beeline for one that doesn't have you in their line of vision. Make sure we don't go after the one that picked us, since we know we're on her team.
-
> Quickly scan for any fairies that are in really heated arguments, and beeline for one that doesn't have you in their line of vision. Make sure we don't go after the one that picked us, since we know we're on her team.
>This doesn't take long to find, and you quickly begin to take advantage of arguments to tag whoever isn't looking, getting several points to your name.
>Unfortunately, you also find the faeries are perfectly happy to use your size to their advantage, hiding in your blind spots and poking you in the back and the like.
>_
-
>Oh well, it's good clean fun, at least
>Keep it up, and see if we can be a little more evasive of any incoming faeries, since it's probably safer to assume that none of them are on our team
-
>Oh well, it's good clean fun, at least
>Keep it up, and see if we can be a little more evasive of any incoming faeries, since it's probably safer to assume that none of them are on our team
>Indeed!
>You keep it up, trying to be more evasive. You also decide to presume no one is on your team.
>Time passes. You find you have one advantage; the faeries tend to know what team your own, so about a third of them don't bother you (the remainder seem confused as to what team they're on.) You also quickly learn how to roll and cover your blind spots better, which lets you deal with a few opportunistic faeries. You lose count of how many times you were tagged and how many you tag, but you also cease to care. It's just fun to loop and fly around and twist in midair. There is a moment when you pull a twist to cover your back, and accidentally whack a faerie with your messenger bag (this doesn't count as a tag, you learn), and another when a faerie accidentally slams into your behind headfirst (which did count as a tag. But overall, things go well.
> After twenty minutes or so, the faeries seem content to argue over who won, and descend to the northern shore.
>You feel significantly more confident in your aerial maneuverability!
>_
-
> Wait, we whacked one with the bag?
> Check bag's contents for damage after we land
-
>Follow them down
>"Well, that was a lot of fun, guys! I'm glad you let me play with you."
-
> Wait, we whacked one with the bag?
> Check bag's contents for damage after we land
>You sure did!
>You check the contents, and don't see any obvious damage.
>Follow them down
>"Well, that was a lot of fun, guys! I'm glad you let me play with you."
>You follow them to the north bank.
>"You're only saying that because you won!" says one tiny faerie, not quite a foot tall.
>"No she didn't!" says another. And then most of the group falls into bickering again. A few on the sidelines seem to be content to talk among themselves.
>_
-
>Go talk to some of the calm ones
>"Hey, I don't suppose you heard about all the maids that ran away from the mansion?"
-
>Go talk to some of the calm ones
>"Hey, I don't suppose you heard about all the maids that ran away from the mansion?"
>Careful.
>"Hey, what's up?"
-
>Go talk to some of the calm ones
>"Hey, I don't suppose you heard about all the maids that ran away from the mansion?"
>You approach a calm faerie, a three foot tall one in a frilly seafoam dress wearing a bonnet.
>She frowns as you ask her about the maids. "The maids ran away?!" she says. "This is very serious!" She then crosses her arms and scowls. "Proceed. I am ready."
>_
-
>"I was just wondering if anyone here knew where they went, or why? Or maybe you know someone I could ask? The other maids are all overworked, now that so many left all at once. It's kinda mean of them, isn't it?"
-
>"I was just wondering if anyone here knew where they went, or why? Or maybe you know someone I could ask? The other maids are all overworked, now that so many left all at once. It's kinda mean of them, isn't it?"
>She nods, continuing to scowl at nothing. "This is a serious problem. Maybe you could ask Lemon Drop? She knows everything."
>_
-
>"Where is Lemon Drop? Is she here?"
-
>"Where is Lemon Drop? Is she here?"
>Her brow furrows and her scowl deepens. "I do not know where to find Lemon Drop. She lives in a bush somewhere."
>_
-
>"D'ya know if her bush is near anything else big?"
-
>"Do you think anyone else here might know where she is?"
-
> "Oh dear, that is a problem. Well, what about Daiyousei? I heard about her from the mansion people. I hear she's important - would she know?"
-
>"D'ya know if her bush is near anything else big?"
>"There's trees..." She says, furrowing her brow deeply enough you wonder if she'll give herself a headache.
>"Do you think anyone else here might know where she is?"
>"Hey," she cries suddenly, "Any of you guys know where Lemon Drop is?"
>"No!"
>"Who?"
>"You weren't on my team!"
>"Anyone have any apples?"
>She gives you a shrug.
> "Oh dear, that is a problem. Well, what about Daiyousei? I heard about her from the mansion people. I hear she's important - would she know?"
>"I'm not supposed to talk about Daiyousei," she says.
>_
-
> Rule #1 of Fairy Club: Don't talk about Fairy Club.
> "Really? Why not?"
-
> Rule #1 of Fairy Club: Don't talk about Fairy Club.
> "Really? Why not?"
>You feel kind of ashamed of yourself to thinking this. Is this what Patchouli meant when she mentioned difficulty with instincts?
>"She said so," the faerie scowls again.
>"Wait!" says one of the faeries. "Lemon Drop? She was the big boss, right?"
>_
-
> To first fairy: "Do you know why she said so?"
> To second fairy: "She sounds like it, yes."
-
> To first fairy: "Do you know why she said so?"
> To second fairy: "She sounds like it, yes."
>The first faerie gives a deep, "Hmmmmm," then says, "Probably because Dai doesn't want people to know."
>"Oh, I remember her!" says the second faerie, a slender ginger-haired one. "She lives in the tea bush near the old stone bridge."
>_
-
>"Where's the bridge?"
-
>"Where's the bridge?"
>That's probably Parsee's bridge. Let's change the topic, quickly.
>"Oh. That's a good reason."
>"Hey, you know what a bellows is?"
-
>That's probably Parsee's bridge. Let's change the topic, quickly.
>Seems unlikely, given that it's underground
-
>Seems unlikely, given that it's underground
>Are there fairies underground? I guess we didn't see any, but it's possible. And it's unlikely for there to be TOO many bridges in Gensokyo.
>Either way - fairy saying that we shouldn't be talking about this without realizing that it's already been given away = reason to talk about other things.
-
> "What does Dai not want people to know?"
-
>"Where's the bridge?"
>She points to the Southeast.
>That's probably Parsee's bridge. Let's change the topic, quickly.
>"Oh. That's a good reason."
>"Hey, you know what a bellows is?"
>That bridge was wooden, as you recall.
>The first faerie nods, scowling away.
>"That's what you do when someone steps on your toe." says the scowling faerie, with a satisfied nod.
>Are there fairies underground? I guess we didn't see any, but it's possible. And it's unlikely for there to be TOO many bridges in Gensokyo.
>Either way - fairy saying that we shouldn't be talking about this without realizing that it's already been given away = reason to talk about other things.
>You didn't see any, come to think of it.
> "What does Dai not want people to know?"
>"...I dunno. Maybe someone's looking for her?"
>_
-
>"A bellows is also this big object you can squeeze smaller and larger, and when you do, air blows out one end of it. Seen anything like that lately?"
-
>"Man. I hope it's not a mean person looking for her. Lemon Drop doesn't deserve to get in trouble for that."
-
>"A bellows is also this big object you can squeeze smaller and larger, and when you do, air blows out one end of it. Seen anything like that lately?"
>"Oh. Um..." she scowls hard enough that you wonder if it's possible to sprain one's face. "That's a weird thing. I don't know about weird things."
>"Man. I hope it's not a mean person looking for her. Lemon Drop doesn't deserve to get in trouble for that."
>The scowling faerie looks at you with wide eyes. "There's someone after Lemon Drop!?"
>_
-
>"I dunno! Maybe Dai does. Should I tell her to look out for it?"
>"As for the weird thing - it's probably a shaped woody thing like they have in the human village and stuff. Someone lost one, so I'm looking around for it."
-
>"I dunno! Maybe Dai does. Should I tell her to look out for it?"
>"As for the weird thing - it's probably a shaped woody thing like they have in the human village and stuff. Someone lost one, so I'm looking around for it."
>"Maybe..." says the Scowling faerie, trying to cross her arms harder.
>"Oh, I don't go to the village. It's got dogs. Maybe you could ask the people down by the mean night sparrow's stand? They go there sometimes."
>_
-
>"Ok, I'll keep that in mind. And thanks for all the help. I hope Lemon Drop will know something about what happened to the maids."
>Wave goodbye
>Head southeast. Keep an eye out for a bridge
-
>"Ok, I'll keep that in mind. And thanks for all the help. I hope Lemon Drop will know something about what happened to the maids."
>Wave goodbye
>Head southeast. Keep an eye out for a bridge
>She drops the scowl and crossed arms completely. "Watch out for angry deer!" she warns.
>You wave; several of the faeries return the gesture.
>Heading southeast, you draw closer to the lone cottage you noticed before, then pause. In front of it in an immense blonde woman, huge enough to easily dwarf Byakuren, carrying a pair of gigantic swords, moving around stiffly. After a moment, you notice some odd things about her face and hands, and quickly conclude she has artificial joints...she's not a person at all. Almost as an afterthought, you notice a normal-sized blonde woman in a blue dress standing near the artificial giant, making strange gestures. She doesn't seem to have noticed you yet, as you are some distance away.
>_
-
>Continue in the direction we're going
>Continue to observe. No need to interrupt her concentration
-
>Is there a convenient way around this giant and her friend?
>If not, greet from afar to limit misunderstandings/chance of getting ambushed.
-
>Continue in the direction we're going
>Continue to observe. No need to interrupt her concentration
>You continue southeast, drawing a little closer to the cabin and the curious person in front of it, but not enough to make out much new detail or attract any attention.
>As you reach the tree line, the artificial giant vanishes, with a light "foom" noise that you can hear from the distance.
>Checking the edge of the forest, you can see a few places where you can push through further without much trouble.
>_
-
>Still no sign of a bridge?
>If not, keep pressing southeast
-
>Still no sign of a bridge?
>If not, keep pressing southeast
>Not yet, but you're really not begun to enter the forest and look around.
>You press into the forest, and find yourself in a spot where the brush is rather thick. You take to hovering over it, happy for the high tree canopy, and proceed onwards. After a time, you come to a fallen tree, which seems to be blocking off an old animal path. To the south you can see the walls of the Mansion's fence. Obvious exits are South, East, West, and North.
>_
-
>Go east
-
>Go east
>You continue eastward.
>The brush isn't so thick here, and you're able to settle to the ground. There's a fair amount of fallen and rotten trees here, and attendant fungi. You think you may be in an older part of the forest. At one point, a rabbit scurries away from you as you pass by. Soon, you come to a stream, about eight feet across. Looking to the north, it seems to curve toward the mountains. Looking south, you think you see a bridge in the distance. Obvious exits are North, South, and West.
>_
-
>Any more striped/star mushrooms?... wait, Marisa's busy.
>Does the bridge match a path or something? Is there any indication why it's here?
-
>And in any event, head towards the bridge.
>Keep a lookout for any appropriate nearby bushes
-
>Any more striped/star mushrooms?... wait, Marisa's busy.
>Does the bridge match a path or something? Is there any indication why it's here?
>At a glance, you do not recognize any of the mushrooms here.
>You're too far away to tell, but you don't feel like it would be. You assume it's here to get over the stream. Maybe there used to be more activity out this way?
>And in any event, head towards the bridge.
>Keep a lookout for any appropriate nearby bushes
>You trek toward the bridge, walking along the stream banks and keeping an eye out for bushes. Along the way, you notice the stream seems to have a number of small fish in it, mostly from when they swim away as you approach.
>With a few yards left until you reach the bridge, high-arced structure made from stone blocks, you spot a tea bush on the opposite side of the stream, boarding a small clearing.
>_
-
>Move towards the bush
>"Lemon Drop? Are you home?"
-
>Wonder if she's acting as the local bridge troll.
>Anything else in/around the clearing?
-
>Wonder if she's acting as the local bridge troll.
>Anything else in/around the clearing?
>You look under the bridge, and see no faeries.
>You don't see anyone around, but having a closer look, you think you notice something in a tree on the far end of the clear strip where the bush is, some dozen or so yards away.
>Move towards the bush
>"Lemon Drop? Are you home?"
>You approach the bush and call out.
>"No," answers a feminine voice from within the bush. "Wait, yes!"
>_
-
>"If you're there, then how are you doing?"
>Move a little closer and try to figure out what that thing in the tree is.
-
>"I just wanted to talk to you for a bit, if that's ok. One of the other faeries said you were the person to ask about this."
-
>"If you're there, then how are you doing?"
>Move a little closer and try to figure out what that thing in the tree is.
>"Just dandy!"
>You move a bit closer and look at the somewhat less distant tree.
>....Is that a small house up there in its branches?
>"I just wanted to talk to you for a bit, if that's ok. One of the other faeries said you were the person to ask about this."
>"Did you bring me a present?" comes the voice in the bush.
>_
-
>"Uh, maybe? Do you have a present?"
>inventory
-
>Well, the other faeries seemed to think the random mechanical bits were valuable. Maybe she might, too...
>"I might. But I need to you help me solve a little puzzle, first. Ok?"
-
>"Uh, maybe? Do you have a present?"
>inventory
>"That's not how this works! Are you a solicitor?"
>Your Inventory Contains
>Mop Hat (Worn as Hat)
>Red Robe (Worn as Clothing)
>White Hakama (Worn as Clothing)
>Branch
>Floating Stone
>Ingredient List
>Box of Eight Empty Flowerpots
>Garden Trowel (borrowed)
>Handful of Gold and Silver Parts
>3 Star Mushroom
>Striped Mushroom Potion of Enhancement
>Starlight Incantation Slip.
>Purple Messenger Bag
>Geode
>Everyday Life in Ancient Egypt by Jon Manchip White
>The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
>Well, the other faeries seemed to think the random mechanical bits were valuable. Maybe she might, too...
>"I might. But I need to you help me solve a little puzzle, first. Ok?"
>They did think that, from what you understand.
>"That's now how this works!"
>_
-
>See if the flying stone still works.
-
>What became of our ring?
>"Well, I have something you might like. Some little gold and silver shiny things."
-
>What became of our ring?
>"Well, I have something you might like. Some little gold and silver shiny things."
>... if she doesn't care about the stone.
-
>Is the stone still assisting our flight just by carrying it, though?
-
>Is the stone still assisting our flight just by carrying it, though?
>See if the flying stone still works.
>You pull out the floating stone, and find it is still working as expected. You haven't really needed to use it lately, though you haven't gotten good enough to take to the air instantly like Tokiko could.
>What became of our ring?
>"Well, I have something you might like. Some little gold and silver shiny things."
>You lost it due to asking too many questions Database Error
>The bush shifts a little bit, and you see a dark-haired faerie, about as high as your hips, emerge from a hole that the bush concealed. She looks at you expectantly.
>Is the stone still assisting our flight just by carrying it, though?
>You don't really need it as a focus to get yourself off the ground anymore.
>_
-
>Show her the handful of parts. Make sure she doesn't just swipe them or something
-
>Show her the handful of parts. Make sure she doesn't just swipe them or something
>"Oh, those are nice," she says, standing on her tiptoes to get a better look.
>_
-
>"I'm glad you like them. Do you think you could answer a couple questions for me, though? There's an important issue going on, and some other faeries told me to come talk to you."
-
>"I'm glad you like them. Do you think you could answer a couple questions for me, though? There's an important issue going on, and some other faeries told me to come talk to you."
>She nods. "I'm good at questions. And swings. Have you ever used a swing? I have. I'm really good at those."
>She eyes the Handful of Gold and Silver Parts.
>_
-
>Give her the parts
>"Have you heard about how the maids from the Scarlet Devil Manson just disappeared?"
-
>Give her the parts
>"Have you heard about how the maids from the Scarlet Devil Manson just disappeared?"
>She takes them and runs them over in her hands. "Revolutionary..." she mutters.
>"Oh, they flew out, I think," she says.
>_
-
>"Flew out? Why'd they do that?"
-
>"Flew out? Why'd they do that?"
>She runs one of the rods between her fingers for a moment, then says, "I think it's because Dai said something like, 'Hey, you maids should could out and join up with me!' And they thought it was a good idea."
>_
-
> "Ah, Dai! Yeah, they'd listen to her. Do you know where she is?"
-
> "Ah, Dai! Yeah, they'd listen to her. Do you know where she is?"
>"Kind of," she says. "But you wouldn't be very happy there."
>_
-
> "I've been in some pretty unhappy places today. I'm not sure this place could be much worse."
-
> "I've been in some pretty unhappy places today. I'm not sure this place could be much worse."
>"Oh yes it can," she replies.
-
> "Worse than the green-haired flower lady?"
-
> "Worse than the green-haired flower lady?"
>"Mmmmaybe..." she says.
>Lemon Drop shakes her head. "No no, that was a lie. But it's still no good for you."
>_
-
> "It must be pretty bad if you'd compare it to the flower lady."
> "But I still have to go. I made a promise to some friends that I would look for Dai. I can't break that promise, no matter how scary the place is."
-
> "It must be pretty bad if you'd compare it to the flower lady."
> "But I still have to go. I made a promise to some friends that I would look for Dai. I can't break that promise, no matter how scary the place is."
>"Your promise going to get your beat up," says Lemon Drop, frowning. "I don't think I should tell you."
>_
-
> "I survived the flower lady and the mad maid lady at the big house near the lake. I bet I can handle myself."
-
> "I survived the flower lady and the mad maid lady at the big house near the lake. I bet I can handle myself."
>"Yeah, but that's just one person," says Lemon Drop. "It's easy to run away from just one person. Dai doesn't want anyone going up there, so everyone's going to come after you."
>_
-
> "That's not a problem. I can get some help. I know a couple of other people that also want to go up there and talk to Dai."
-
> "That's not a problem. I can get some help. I know a couple of other people that also want to go up there and talk to Dai."
>"...But I don't want you to go after Dai with a brute squad. She's my friend!"
>_
-
>"I don't want to hurt her. But I don't want her to beat me up, either, and you said she would..."
-
>"I don't want to hurt her. But I don't want her to beat me up, either, and you said she would..."
>"Which is why you should just leave her alone." The faerie nods sagely. You can almost hear her adding a smug QED to end of it, like a professor you used to know.
>_
-
>"But the other maids in the mansion are suffering because of all the ones that left. All the meanies that ran off left all their own work for the other faeries to do. It's too much for them and I want to help them out. Don't you want to help them, too?"
-
>"But the other maids in the mansion are suffering because of all the ones that left. All the meanies that ran off left all their own work for the other faeries to do. It's too much for them and I want to help them out. Don't you want to help them, too?"
>"Not really. The mansion is dumb."
>_
-
>"Yeah, the mansion is kinda dumb, but that doesn't stop the other faeries from being meanies. Their friends asked me to look for them. I made a promise to them, you know? It's important!"
-
>"Yeah, the mansion is kinda dumb, but that doesn't stop the other faeries from being meanies. Their friends asked me to look for them. I made a promise to them, you know? It's important!"
>She bites her lip for a moment. "Okay. But no brute squads. Super double zeta promise."
>_
-
>"I promise! Mega triple zeta promise!"
-
> "Okay, I promise I will not round up all of my friends to come with me to go see Dai."
-
>"I promise! Mega triple zeta promise!"
> "Okay, I promise I will not round up all of my friends to come with me to go see Dai."
>"That's not what I said! No deal!"
>_
-
> "Sorry! Super double zeta promise, no brute squads."
-
> "Sorry! Super double zeta promise, no brute squads."
>"Okay. Good. And don't try to calling it something different, either."
>"Dai's place is that way." she points westward. "Way past the lake. Um. I'd give you some advice, but you're gonna get beat up if you go there. So don't go there."
>_
-
>"Why would they want to beat me up for saying hi, anyway?"
-
>"Why would they want to beat me up for saying hi, anyway?"
>"Because you're not supposed to be there," she says. "It's just like with the big red green lady at the mansion."
>_
-
>"What? Did the big red green lady try to go there earlier, or something?"
>"And who IS supposed to be there? Other than Dai?"
-
>"What? Did the big red green lady try to go there earlier, or something?"
>"And who IS supposed to be there? Other than Dai?"
>"No, but if you try to go into the mansion the big red green lady will kick you really hard then you fall into the lake."
>"Um, Dai's probably there, unless she's not, and her crew. She has a crew." The faerie nods. "There's a lot of them, but they probably come in go. But I'd bed there'd be a real party there."
>_
-
>"A party? Awww.... that sounds fun. I wish I was invited..."
-
>"A party? Awww.... that sounds fun. I wish I was invited..."
>She looks away. "Well no one ever lets us come to your festivals, so it's only fair."
>_
-
>"Aww.... never? That's kinda mean, too."
>But eminently sensible
>"A bunch of faeries by the lake let me play tag with them earlier. That was fun."
-
>"Aww.... never? That's kinda mean, too."
>But eminently sensible
>"A bunch of faeries by the lake let me play tag with them earlier. That was fun."
>"I know!"
>You really cannot blame anyone for barring faeries as a whole from events from what you've seen.
>"How many home runs did you get?"
>_
-
>If we have any clue at all how many times we tagged someone, say so. Otherwise: "21!"
-
>If we have any clue at all how many times we tagged someone, say so. Otherwise: "21!"
>You quickly lost count and stopped caring, so you say 21. "That's insane!" she says. "You'll win the world's cup with those skills!"
>_
-
>Smile
>"Thanks. Have to train hard, though!"
>"And is there no way at all I could go visit Dai without being beaten up? I just want to say hi..."
-
>Smile
>"Thanks. Have to train hard, though!"
>"And is there no way at all I could go visit Dai without being beaten up? I just want to say hi..."
>You grin and reply to her compliments. "You'll make your mother proud!" she says back.
>You ask her about just seeing Dai. "You could try to join her. But I don't think she's interested in anyone who isn't a faerie right now. Maybe you can catch her when she goes somewhere? But I dunno how you'd do that..."
>_
-
>"Well, the lake faeries recruited me for tag, and I helped my team a whole bunch! Maybe there's something I could help Dai with, too? Something that a human might be good at?"
>"What kind of places does she go, anyway?"
-
>"Well, the lake faeries recruited me for tag, and I helped my team a whole bunch! Maybe there's something I could help Dai with, too? Something that a human might be good at?"
>"What kind of places does she go, anyway?"
>"I dunno," says Lemon Drop. "I mean, she's not very interested in human things."
>"Wherever she wants, really. She doesn't leave the forest often, though."
>_
-
>"Oh well. I'll just be cautious. And thanks for all your help."
>Head west
-
>"Oh well. I'll just be cautious. And thanks for all your help."
>Head west
>"You'll be sorry!"
>You head westward and cross the bridge again. There are many things to the west of here. Which one will you be venturing to?
>_
-
> Lemon Drop said Daiyousei was 'way past the lake', right? What's out in the west beyond a lake?
-
> Lemon Drop said Daiyousei was 'way past the lake', right? What's out in the west beyond a lake?
>You rememeber seeing a lean-to on the western edge of the lake, and you're pretty sure that is as far west as you have been. Tokiko, though, seemed to have no desire to continue on in that direction.
>_
-
>Head back to the lean-to
-
>Head back to the lean-to
>You pick your way back toward the lake, hovering over underbrush when you can, and soon emerge not too far north of that cabin with the blonde woman and her giant. Afterward, it is an easy trip to the western portion of the lake where the lean-to was. You see that you tag partners have since moved on while heading there.
>_
-
>Try heading cautiously west of here
>Keep an eye out for any signs of faeries. If they really don't want us here, we're in no shape to fend off a whole crowd of them....
-
> How close is Mystia's stand to where we are now, and in what direction is it?
-
>Try heading cautiously west of here
>Keep an eye out for any signs of faeries. If they really don't want us here, we're in no shape to fend off a whole crowd of them....
>You poke around the western edge of the forest by the lake, and soon find a spot where the brush isn't prohibitively thick.
>You notice a small faerie lounging then boughs of a tree a little ways into the western forest, watching you with silent interest.
> How close is Mystia's stand to where we are now, and in what direction is it?
>You're a pretty good distance from it. It's to the Northeast, if your directions are right, near the northern edge of the forest.
>_
-
Okay. Do we want to try to enlist Mystia's help? We promised no goon squads, but it should be little effort to argue that one person isn't a squad.
-
>Walk a little towards the faerie
>Wave
>"Good morning! How's it going?"
My personal thought was just to see if there's going to be much resistance to our presence. If there is, we can come back later. But we may not have a fight on our hands, just because Lemon Drop thought we would
-
That works. It may not be a bad idea to tie up a couple of loose ends, and potentially gain some new allies while we're at it (thinking Yuka primarily for this). I can think of a couple of other ways to hold that promise while still enlisting help.
-
>Walk a little towards the faerie
>Wave
>"Good morning! How's it going?"
>You walk into the forest a little bit, and wave to the faerie. She doesn't wave back.
>"Shhh," she says softly, "I'm a ninjer."
>_
-
>Get a little closer and speak quietly back: "What are you watching for?"
-
>Get a little closer and speak quietly back: "What are you watching for?"
>You get a bit closer. "You're not supposed to see me," she says back in a stage whisper.
>_
-
> Point our right index and middle fingers straight up, in front of our face.
> "Ninjas can see other ninjas."
-
> Point our right index and middle fingers straight up, in front of our face.
> "Ninjas can see other ninjas."
>"I'm a ninjer!" She says, frowning at you.
>_
-
> "Sorry, must be the accent. I'm a ninjer as well. This is why I can see you, and why you can see me."
-
> "Sorry, must be the accent. I'm a ninjer as well. This is why I can see you, and why you can see me."
>"Oh crap!" she says, and darts off toward the west.
>_
-
>Shrug
>Hope she didn't just go raise an alarm
>Continue cautiously westward
-
>Shrug
>Hope she didn't just go raise an alarm
>Continue cautiously westward
>You shrug and continue westward.
>The forest clears up a little bit ahead, and you can see a fairly large group of faeries gathered ahead. They remind you of the first group you saw, back when you first emerged from the underground.
>_
-
>What do they seem to be doing?
>Do any seem to be looking in our direction?
-
>What do they seem to be doing?
>Do any seem to be looking in our direction?
>To a large degree, gathered and talking, and you think a few are playing games. However, you also note the self-proclaimed ninjer talking with a comparatively tall blonde faerie in a red and white dress, gesturing in you general direction.
>The blonde faerie looks in your direction. Followed by a couple others.
>_
-
>Smile and look non-threatening
>If a bunch of them suddenly seem to turn aggressively towards us, be ready to turn tail and run
-
>Smile and look non-threatening
>If a bunch of them suddenly seem to turn aggressively towards us, be ready to turn tail and run
>You smile and try to look nonthreatening.
>The blonde faerie points in your direction and shouts, "She's breakin' in!"
>A number of them leap to their feet and start in your direction, which is all the prompting you need to turn tail and run. You hear danmaku fire behind you.
>_
-
>Run back towards the lake
>Try to dash around the trees to use them for cover
-
>Run back towards the lake
>Try to dash around the trees to use them for cover
>You run back toward the lake.
>You dash around a few trees, but you're not sure how effective they are, but you see a few shots whiz uncomfortably close past you and smack into the ground.
>You emerge into the open region of the lake! You are pretty sure you're still being chased, given the oval-shaped shot that just zipped past your shoulder.
>_
-
>How far is the mansion from here?
>Are there any closer buildings?
-
>How far is the mansion from here?
>Are there any closer buildings?
>The Mansion isn't too far from here.
>That cabin to the east may be a bit closer, if you fly directly over the lake.
>_
-
>Try flying as quickly as we can towards the mansion
>Keep an eye out behind us, and try to take evasive maneuvers against danmaku as necessary. Don't fly in a perfectly straight line for any length of time
-
>Try flying as quickly as we can towards the mansion
>Keep an eye out behind us, and try to take evasive maneuvers against danmaku as necessary. Don't fly in a perfectly straight line for any length of time
>You fly toward the mansion as fast as possible, cutting over the lake.
>Looking back, you see a fair amount of danmaku coming in your general direction. Most of it, you think, you'll have nothing to worry about. But a few come perilously close. You bob and weave a bit, happy for the practice you had earlier, and manage to evade without too much sweat.
>As you draw close to the gates, the pursuit ends, and the faeries that haven't bled off already return toward the western forest.
>_
-
>Land
>Catch our breath
>Curse ninjers
-
>Land
>Catch our breath
>Curse ninjers
>You land, and catch your breath. Stupid ninjers.
>"Hey," Meiling calls, "You okay, kiddo?"
>_
-
>If we're still kinda far away, walk into reasonable talking distance
>"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Evidently they don't like visitors much. I was trying to talk to Dai about the disappearing maids, but I couldn't even get close before a whole pile of them started firing on me."
-
>If we're still kinda far away, walk into reasonable talking distance
>"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Evidently they don't like visitors much. I was trying to talk to Dai about the disappearing maids, but I couldn't even get close before a whole pile of them started firing on me."
>You walk over to a comfortable talking distance.
>"Yeah, they'll do that sometimes," says Meiling. "Don't worry, it's probably not personal. Look like you kept on your toes well enough to get out, though."
>_
-
>"Well, I know it's not really personal, but that doesn't change the fact that I still think she's the best one to talk to about this problem, from what some other faeries told me. So I'm probably going to have to figure out some other way in...."
-
>"Well, I know it's not really personal, but that doesn't change the fact that I still think she's the best one to talk to about this problem, from what some other faeries told me. So I'm probably going to have to figure out some other way in...."
>"Well, if you gotta do it right now," says Meiling, "Try to get in good with them. Mind you, that can be a huge headache. Or, try waiting awhile? Faeries get bored and change their minds pretty easily. Give it some time and maybe they won't mind so much."
>_
-
>"Kinda hard to get in good with them if they start shooting at you before you're close enough to talk to them. But yeah, I'll probably just try coming back later, and do a few other errands in the meantime. See you around!"
>Head back towards the village
-
>"Kinda hard to get in good with them if they start shooting at you before you're close enough to talk to them. But yeah, I'll probably just try coming back later, and do a few other errands in the meantime. See you around!"
>Head back towards the village
>"Okay," says Meiling. "Have a good one!"
>You take to the air, passing over the forest, and return to the village. The nice, long flight does a lot of sooth your frazzled nerves from having a gang of faeries chasing you, and you are able to largely put your worries away for a little while. Soon, the rustic town is in sight.
>_
-
>Head back to the blacksmith that we borrowed the trowel from
-
>Head back to the blacksmith that we borrowed the trowel from
>You land near the blacksmith's shop and find Ari standing by the anvil, with a pot straddled over the horn, tapping at it with a small hammer. She gives you a curious look as you land, then nods.
>_
-
>"Thanks for letting me borrow the trowel. I'm finished with it, now, so I came to drop it back to you. I asked a few faeries about the bellows, but haven't found anything yet, sorry. I'll still keep an eye out, though."
-
>"Thanks for letting me borrow the trowel. I'm finished with it, now, so I came to drop it back to you. I asked a few faeries about the bellows, but haven't found anything yet, sorry. I'll still keep an eye out, though."
>"Just wipe it off on that towel by the rack, and put it back where you got it," says Ari, still focused on her work.
>_
-
>Do as she said
>"I'll be back if I find out anything. Thanks again."
>Head towards the school
-
>Do as she said
>"I'll be back if I find out anything. Thanks again."
>Head towards the school
>"You're welcome," she says, still not looking up. "Thanks for bringing it back so so quick!"
>You walk down toward the school. Judging from the students you can see through the windows, it seems school is still in session.
>_
-
>Is there any sign of Marisa still around?
>If not, head back towards Yuka's field.
-
Next time we head back to Meiling, remember that Lemon Drop pretty much outright admitted Daiyousei talked to the missing maids and convinced them to leave.
EDIT: Reference. (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,6790.msg404445.html#msg404445) It's not really a "I think Dai's behind this" situation for us; Lemon Drop would have zero reason to conjecture this if Daipai had nothing to do with it.
-
>Is there any sign of Marisa still around?
>If not, head back towards Yuka's field.
>You look around, and see no sign of Marisa loitering about.
>You leave town, and fly toward Yuka's field. You can see her, not far from the Southeastern corner, kneeling over and working on something.
>_
-
> Approach her carefully.
> Take the pots out of the backpack.
> For the love of Gods don't touch the flowers.
-
> Approach her carefully.
> Take the pots out of the backpack.
> For the love of Gods don't touch the flowers.
>Approach carefully, removing Yuka's goods from your messenger bag.
>"Welcome back," says Yuka, looking up as you draw close to the flowers. "A speedy job, not bad at all."
>You stay airborne to avoid touching the flowers.
>She approaches you, holding out her hands for the Box.
>_
-
> "Thank you very much. I think they will all blossom beautifully."
> Make sure all the pots are still in the box.
> Hand over the box, making sure not to let any of the pots break.
> "If I may ask, what's your stance on fairies?"
-
> "Thank you very much. I think they will all blossom beautifully."
> Make sure all the pots are still in the box.
> Hand over the box, making sure not to let any of the pots break.
> "If I may ask, what's your stance on fairies?"
>"Oh, quite," she says.
>The pots are all in good condition, and still in the box.
>You hand it over. "So, where did you put them?" she says, before you can ask.
>_
-
> "The flowers? Two by Kourindou, two by Marisa Kirisame's house and four by the Scarlet Devil Mansions Front Gate. They should get the amount of sunlight you said in those places."
-
> "The flowers? Two by Kourindou, two by Marisa Kirisame's house and four by the Scarlet Devil Mansions Front Gate. They should get the amount of sunlight you said in those places."
>"Ah, staying around the forest," she says. "Hmmm, not too terrible. I do like that you reached the mansion, very nice. I give it a seven out of ten."
>She reaches into her pocket with a free hand, and pulls out a small pouch that makes a distinctive metallic clink noise. She offers it to you with a smile.
>_
-
> "Ah, thank you very much!"
> Take the pouch, assuming she makes no move to pull it back or anything.
-
>"You might be happy to know that several of the people where we planted them have already commented on what a nice effect the splash of color provides."
-
> "Ah, thank you very much!"
> Take the pouch, assuming she makes no move to pull it back or anything.
>"You might be happy to know that several of the people where we planted them have already commented on what a nice effect the splash of color provides."
>You take the pouch. It is somewhat heavy!
>She smiles at your comment. "Would you like some tea?"
>_
-
>"Tea would be nice, as long as it's not an imposition on you."
-
> "If it's not much trouble, I would love some."
-
>"Tea would be nice, as long as it's not an imposition on you."
> "If it's not much trouble, I would love some."
>"No trouble at all," she says
>She produces a thermos and a tin cup from within her vest, and walks toward a couple of boulders in the field, motioning for you to follow.
>_
-
>Follow her
>Assuming she gestures for us to sit on the boulders, or something, do so as well
-
>Follow her
>Assuming she gestures for us to sit on the boulders, or something, do so as well
>You follow her, and she has a seat on the boulder, gesturing for you to take the other one.
>As you sit down she pulls the lid off the thermos, leading you to wonder where she got that from, and pours some pale green tea into it. Then she pours some into the tin cup and offers it to you.
>_
-
>Take the cup.
>"Thank you."
>Take a sip of it
-
>Take the cup.
>"Thank you."
>Take a sip of it
>You accept the cup, and take a drink. It tastes strongly of jasmine and orange blossoms.
>"You're very welcome," she says. "I believe you said you were new? How are you finding things?"
>_
-
>"It's been quite an adventure so far. I've already seen so many things that I didn't even know could exist. I've done things I didn't think it would ever be possible for me to do. It's been scary at times, too, but also really exciting. And there's still so much for me to see."
-
>"It's been quite an adventure so far. I've already seen so many things that I didn't even know could exist. I've done things I didn't think it would ever be possible for me to do. It's been scary at times, too, but also really exciting. And there's still so much for me to see."
>She nods, her smile seeming to renew itself. "This is the proper attitude to have. I hope you haven't gotten into any trouble?"
>_
-
>"Well, a did have a whole gang of faeries chasing after me a few minutes ago. I wanted to ask one of them a question, but as soon as I came near them, they all started shooting at me."
-
>"Well, a did have a whole gang of faeries chasing after me a few minutes ago. I wanted to ask one of them a question, but as soon as I came near them, they all started shooting at me."
>"Mmm, that can happen," she says, sipping her tea. "Faeries can be difficult to approach sometimes."
>_
-
>"Yeah, I've already had enough experience with faeries to know how random they are, sometimes. Still these seemed more defensive than most. And I still need to find a way to talk to Dai."
-
> "You seem to have them well in hand, though. A couple of other fairies were bothering me earlier and getting in the way of me planting those flowers, but as soon as I told them what I was doing they ran off like scalded dogs."
-
>"Yeah, I've already had enough experience with faeries to know how random they are, sometimes. Still these seemed more defensive than most. And I still need to find a way to talk to Dai."
>"Sometimes they feel the need to be a little defensive. Don't be too upset by it."
> "You seem to have them well in hand, though. A couple of other fairies were bothering me earlier and getting in the way of me planting those flowers, but as soon as I told them what I was doing they ran off like scalded dogs."
>"Oh, they and I have an understanding. We stay out of each other's way, save for social things."
>_
-
> "You sure do. They don't seem to think they can stay out of your way fast enough."
> Sip
-
>"I'm not upset about it, per se. It's just that I promised Patchouli that I would investigate something for her, and sadly the faeries are probably the only ones with any information on it. I'd ask someone else if I could."
-
> "You sure do. They don't seem to think they can stay out of your way fast enough."
> Sip
>"It's merely deference, I suppose."
>This tea is not bad at all, kind of a shame to be drinking it out of a tin cup.
>"I'm not upset about it, per se. It's just that I promised Patchouli that I would investigate something for her, and sadly the faeries are probably the only ones with any information on it. I'd ask someone else if I could."
>"Ah. Well, Patchouli can be a little patient, I am sure."
>_
-
>"Yes, I suppose. I'll find some way to deal with the problem eventually, I expect."
>"The tea is quite nice, by the way."
-
>"Yes, I suppose. I'll find some way to deal with the problem eventually, I expect."
>"The tea is quite nice, by the way."
>"Though I wonder, what is someone like you doing consulting with someone such as Patchouli?"
>"Thank you, I'm fond of it myself."
>_
-
>"I was looking for a spell component, and was told she'd be a good person to ask about it. This turned out to be correct, although she asked me to investigate this issue with the faeries in exchange for it."
-
>"I was looking for a spell component, and was told she'd be a good person to ask about it. This turned out to be correct, although she asked me to investigate this issue with the faeries in exchange for it."
>"Spell component?" she sips her tea. "Ah, you've been dabbling into those kinds of things."
>_
-
>"Yes, a little. It's just so interesting to actually see real magic, and amazing to be able to actually do a little. Most people wouldn't even believe such a thing existed where I came from. I mean, I know flying is just a normal thing to many people here, but actually being able to do it.... well, it's been quite a day, at any rate."
-
>"Yes, a little. It's just so interesting to actually see real magic, and amazing to be able to actually do a little. Most people wouldn't even believe such a thing existed where I came from. I mean, I know flying is just a normal thing to many people here, but actually being able to do it.... well, it's been quite a day, at any rate."
>She nods. "I hope I need not tell you to be careful with that."
>_
-
>"Which part of that? I've already had at least three people speak to me about the possibility of becoming a youkai due to this, if that's what you mean."
-
>"Which part of that? I've already had at least three people speak to me about the possibility of becoming a youkai due to this, if that's what you mean."
>"Ah, that as well. I can only imagine Patchouli gave you an earful," she says. "But I was thinking more the part where you may accidentally blow yourself up if you rush into the wrong things."
>_
-
>"Actually, Patchouli more or less said that it was no big deal, and that I shouldn't be concerned about it."
>"As for the blowing myself up bit, I'm still only working on small stuff, and I have very knowledgeable people guiding me. I don't plan to be reckless."
-
>"Actually, Patchouli more or less said that it was no big deal, and that I shouldn't be concerned about it."
>"As for the blowing myself up bit, I'm still only working on small stuff, and I have very knowledgeable people guiding me. I don't plan to be reckless."
>"Unusual," comments Yuka. "She tends to have strong views on the nature of power and seeking it out."
>She nods. "Good, good. It would be unwise to try that on your own."
>_
-
>"Really? She actually seemed mildly irritated at Byakuren's attempts to caution me against it. Maybe it could be because I don't seem like the power-hungry type? I certainly have no desire to use any power I gain to cause harm to others."
-
>"Really? She actually seemed mildly irritated at Byakuren's attempts to caution me against it. Maybe it could be because I don't seem like the power-hungry type? I certainly have no desire to use any power I gain to cause harm to others."
>"Well, power hungry and using it to harm others are this and that," says Yuka, finishing off her tea. "But Patchouli most definitely would advise you to get the most of it, regardless of desire. Really, if that is the path you intend to take, you should listen closely to her."
>_
-
>"I will, don't worry. I'm still the earliest of beginners, and intend to take every word of caution I hear to heart."
>Finish up our tea as well
-
>"I will, don't worry. I'm still the earliest of beginners, and intend to take every word of caution I hear to heart."
>Finish up our tea as well
>She nods, as you finish up your tea.
>"Well, I shouldn't keep you any longer," says Yuka, "But if there is anything you would like to ask, feel free."
>_
-
>"Well, I know you value your privacy and space out here, and all, but... would it be ok if I dropped by to say hello again, sometime?"
-
>"Well, I know you value your privacy and space out here, and all, but... would it be ok if I dropped by to say hello again, sometime?"
>"I wouldn't mind," she says.
>_
-
>"Well, thanks again for the tea and the conversation. And I'm happy to have helped spread a little bit of floral color around."
>Return the cup
>Wave farewell and fly off to the south
-
>"Well, thanks again for the tea and the conversation. And I'm happy to have helped spread a little bit of floral color around."
>Return the cup
>Wave farewell and fly off to the south
>"Well, if you say it like that," says Yuka, as she accepts the cup, "Then I suppose I should do this."
>She pulls out a blue flower from within her vest and hands it to you. "Trade that to Rinnosuke for something nice."
>_
-
>"Thank you very much. What kind of flower is this?"
>Accept the flower
-
>"Thank you very much. What kind of flower is this?"
>Accept the flower
>"Silken," she says. "It should trade well."
>_
-
>"Thanks again. Have a pleasant day."
>Take the flower
>Fly off to the south
-
>"Thanks again. Have a pleasant day."
>Take the flower
>Fly off to the south
>She nods
>You obtain: Blue Silk Flower
>You then depart toward the south. Up ahead, you can see the farm fields.
>_
-
>Once we're out of Yuka's sight, have a look inside the pouch she gave us, and see how much is in it.
>Recall what directions we were given to the bamboo forest, and Tokiko's home in particular
-
>What significant locations are there near here?
-
>Once we're out of Yuka's sight, have a look inside the pouch she gave us, and see how much is in it.
>Recall what directions we were given to the bamboo forest, and Tokiko's home in particular
>You check the pouch, and find 300☼ worth of various coins.
>She said something about a big rock, then a flat rock...and you can't recall the rest very well.
>What significant locations are there near here?
>To the south are the fields, then town and Byakuren's ship cum temple. To the North is the forest where the dead leave things behind, and the Sanzu River past that. To the east is a hill that Komachi said was full of lilies of the valley. Westward are tall grasslands.
>_
-
>Reimu's was east of the village, wasn't it?
>Let's head there and see what we can do about that lovestruck(?) fairy lurking on the steps.
-
>Well, Tokiko said she might still be in the area we met her first, so head back there.
-
>Well, Tokiko said she might still be in the area we met her first, so head back there.
>This is a better idea. Let's find our friend and show her the books Patchouli let us... I'm going to presume borrow to be safe.
-
>If it's on the way to Reimu's or Tokiko's, we should probably stop by Byakuren's to deliver what we have and give her a general status update.
-
>If it's on the way to Reimu's or Tokiko's, we should probably stop by Byakuren's to deliver what we have and give her a general status update.
>Is there any advantage in dropping off the components while we gather the rest of them?
-
>Is there any advantage in dropping off the components while we gather the rest of them?
> Being slightly less burdened. Not having to worry about them getting lost or stolen somehow.
>Maybe we can leave it up to whether Byakuren is busy or not.
-
> Depends on how much time it takes. Normally I'd say no, but we are dealing with fairies here. Who knows what they may try to nick out of our bag.
-
> Who knows what they may try to nick out of our bag.
>Precisely this. If they can steal a blacksmith's bellows, they can steal our little rock and mushrooms.
-
>Reimu's was east of the village, wasn't it?
>Let's head there and see what we can do about that lovestruck(?) fairy lurking on the steps.
>It is.
>Well, Tokiko said she might still be in the area we met her first, so head back there.
>This is a better idea. Let's find our friend and show her the books Patchouli let us... I'm going to presume borrow to be safe.
>If it's on the way to Reimu's or Tokiko's, we should probably stop by Byakuren's to deliver what we have and give her a general status update.
>Conflict!
>The temple should be on the way to either.
>Is there any advantage in dropping off the components while we gather the rest of them?
> Being slightly less burdened. Not having to worry about them getting lost or stolen somehow.
>Maybe we can leave it up to whether Byakuren is busy or not.
>You neatly answer your own question.
> Depends on how much time it takes. Normally I'd say no, but we are dealing with fairies here. Who knows what they may try to nick out of our bag.
>Precisely this. If they can steal a blacksmith's bellows, they can steal our little rock and mushrooms.
>You think it is very plausible someone would rob you.
>_
-
>Head to Biggun's Laughing Buddha Boat Tour
-
>Head to Biggun's Laughing Buddha Boat Tour
>You make the very short trip to the Temple to be.
>From the sounds of hammering inside, you presume someone is there.Actually, two someones.
>_
-
>Step inside
-
>Step inside
>You step inside, and find yourself in the ersatz hallway made from sheets hung from the ceiling. You can hear the hammering to your left. It comes to a stop after a moment.
>_
-
>Head towards wherever there sound to be people at the moment
-
>Head towards wherever there sound to be people at the moment
>You push aside the sheet, and head left.
>You are in what was almost certainly the hold of the ship. You see the hooded woman from before standing on a stepladder, helping to hammer a length of wood into place; while Bykauren stands on the other side, needing no ladder. She glances over as you come in, and says, "Hello Maribel. I see you've been to the Hakurei Shrine?"
>_
-
>"Yes, I have. Reimu seemed rather surprised at my story, and taught me a little trick."
>show her a border
>"I also managed to get a few of the components you wanted - should I leave them here with you?"
-
>"Oh, yeah, this? My old outfit had a, uh, nasty encounter with some bats, so Reimu lent me these. Also taught me a couple tricks, too."
>Draw a little barrier
>"I've made some progress on the items you asked me to gather. I've found a geode, and three star mushrooms now."
Edit: I can't help but laugh at how identical these commands end up coming out as
-
>"Yes, I have. Reimu seemed rather surprised at my story, and taught me a little trick."
>show her a border
>"I also managed to get a few of the components you wanted - should I leave them here with you?"
>"Oh, yeah, this? My old outfit had a, uh, nasty encounter with some bats, so Reimu lent me these. Also taught me a couple tricks, too."
>Draw a little barrier
>"I've made some progress on the items you asked me to gather. I've found a geode, and three star mushrooms now."
>You get Moving in Stereo by The Cars stuck in your head.
>She nods. "I noticed."
>You then demonstrate a barrier, creating a purple one the size of a plate that lasts about a second. "Impressive," she says.
>"Wow, you just learned that?" says the hooded woman. "You're gonna be something!"
>"Three star mushrooms? Well, I suppose there may be a use for more. I would be happy to hold your things for you. Have you be able to see Murasa yet?"
>_
-
>"No, I haven't gone back to the underground yet. I've been busy running errands for lots of people, today. Including Yuka, if you can believe that. But I expect to be back that way fairly shortly."
-
>Insight: If there's anyone that would want to see the fairies be permitted at human festivals, it'd be Byakuren.
>... whether that's actually what the fairies care about is a different question.
-
>"No, I haven't gone back to the underground yet. I've been busy running errands for lots of people, today. Including Yuka, if you can believe that. But I expect to be back that way fairly shortly."
>"Ah, I understand. Is there anything you need me to clear up, in the meantime?"
>Insight: If there's anyone that would want to see the fairies be permitted at human festivals, it'd be Byakuren.
>... whether that's actually what the fairies care about is a different question.
>She might, she certainly seems open-minded.
>You suspect some would care.
>_
-
>"Not really, I don't think. Unless you have a tip for convincing defensive faeries not to shoot you on sight?"
-
>"Not really, I don't think. Unless you have a tip for convincing defensive faeries not to shoot you on sight?"
>"Well," says the hooded woman. "What are they being defensive about? I've spend the winter with the faeries. Maybe I can tell you something?"
>_
-
> "Long story short: a fairy named Daiyousei convinced a whole bunch of fairy maids to leave the Scarlet Devil Mansion, which is now severely understaffed. Daiyousei apparently doesn't want any non-fairies getting close to her, but the Scarlet Devil Mansion isn't too happy about losing a large chunk of their work force."
-
> "Long story short: a fairy named Daiyousei convinced a whole bunch of fairy maids to leave the Scarlet Devil Mansion, which is now severely understaffed. Daiyousei apparently doesn't want any non-fairies getting close to her, but the Scarlet Devil Mansion isn't too happy about losing a large chunk of their work force."
>"Hmmm," says the hooded woman. "It sounds like they're plotting something. If they're being that secretive, that means about the only way you're going to get in good with them is to really impress some faeries, enough they're willing to declare you a friend of all faeriekind. I know Miss Inaba achieved this last winter, but I'm not sure how she did it. I spent the whole season practically living among them, and was never really able to do it myself. Although I would like to think they're well inclined toward me. Before you ask, if they're being that defensive, there is likely little I can do for you personally. It might be best to wait for them to lose interest. Surely it's not a calamity of the mansion gets a little dusty, is it?"
>_
-
>"Well, Sakuya and the other maids are struggling under the workload. I talked to a faerie there, and I think they're pretty upset that a lot of their friends bailed on them. Also, I promised Patchouli that I would look into the problem for them."
-
>"Considering that I was warned to treat Sakuya as a 'particularly dangerous youkai' in her current mood, I think it might be reasonable to worry about the potential for collateral damage if this goes unaddressed for long."
>"Um, if I'm not interrupting you two too much, could I have some stories about the fairies so I can understand them better? They seem... confusing and somewhat childish from what I've seen, but that isn't very much."
-
>"Well, Sakuya and the other maids are struggling under the workload. I talked to a faerie there, and I think they're pretty upset that a lot of their friends bailed on them. Also, I promised Patchouli that I would look into the problem for them."
>"I understand," says the hooded woman. "I would consider suggesting they take some time off, myself. Surely the mansion can go without dusting for a little bit?"
>"Ah, I hope Patchouli behaved herself?" Byakuren says.
>"Considering that I was warned to treat Sakuya as a 'particularly dangerous youkai' in her current mood, I think it might be reasonable to worry about the potential for collateral damage if this goes unaddressed for long."
>"Um, if I'm not interrupting you two too much, could I have some stories about the fairies so I can understand them better? They seem... confusing and somewhat childish from what I've seen, but that isn't very much."
>"Hmmm," says Byakuren. "Patchouli has come to me about Sakuya before."
>The hooded woman nods. "I have all kinds of stories, but maybe it's better if I summarize. They are confusing and childish, really. They're not very good at thinking about the welfare of others, since they tend not to care a lot about things outside of themselves. Emotional maturity is rare and fleeting in them. Curiously, they're extraordinarily kind to each other much of the time, except when they're playing or bickering, which tend to be connected.
>"One thing I have noted is that they're prone to what I call idea infection. When they get an idea stuck into their heads, they'll usually do whatever they feel like to achieve it. Along the way, they may well tell other faeries about the idea, and sort of infect them with it. When you see a group of faeries, usually they're gathered due to having the same idea. Usually, it'll die out after awhile. But, sometimes an idea spreads wide enough that hundreds of them will end up in the same group. Usually, there will be a leader, or core of ringleaders. It often happens when incidents are about to occur; we had quite a few faeries following us when we were trying to unseal Hijiri."
>"It's a long story," Byakuren cuts in.
>"But they all bled off after the job was done," the hooded woman continues. "This always seems to happen; unless there's steady progress, the groups collapse as interest wanes. Does that help?"
>_
-
>"Patchouli was somewhat curt at first, but certainly polite."
>"Well, the 'idea infection' angle is interesting. Whether or not Sakuya is content to wait for them to return, I have no idea. Well, I'm sure she isn't content, but she may be able to accept it. I don't know."
>"I'd really like to be able to talk to Dai, just the same. But I'm not sure there's any way to be able to get to her if they keep up the level of defensiveness they had when I was there, earlier."
-
>My God. They're full of memes.
>"What sort of big ideas have gotten into their heads before? This one seems fairly significant. What other things have they been focused on during these, uh, incidents, or is there no clear pattern to it?"
>"Patchouli was... her behavior was quite civil, and she treated me well. She gave me the geode almost as an advance payment, as well as a pair of books for a youkai friend I made in the forest. But her personality seemed a little... harsh for my tastes. I'd like to think I'm not just doing this for power... maybe that's just a first impression, though."
>"Do you think that Miss Inaba would be able to help me figure out how to befriend the fairies? Or maybe ask for her help directly?"
>pause to consider
>"... and is she a rabbit?"
-
>pause to consider
>"... and is she a rabbit?"
Random IC-knowledge nitpicking, but why would Maribel think to ask this question?
-
Probably because of this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hare_of_Inaba).
-
Random IC-knowledge nitpicking, but why would Maribel think to ask this question?
Does Maribel know Japanese?
What's the Japanese word for 'rabbit?' I'm an IDIOT, what Kilga said.
:owata:
-
Probably because of this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hare_of_Inaba).
Inaba is just the name of a place, though, and a real one for that matter (it's an old Japanese province). Just because a mythical rabbit was involved with this place doesn't mean someone would assume that anyone with that name was also a rabbit.
What's the Japanese word for 'rabbit?'
Usagi
-
>"Patchouli was somewhat curt at first, but certainly polite."
>"Well, the 'idea infection' angle is interesting. Whether or not Sakuya is content to wait for them to return, I have no idea. Well, I'm sure she isn't content, but she may be able to accept it. I don't know."
>"I'd really like to be able to talk to Dai, just the same. But I'm not sure there's any way to be able to get to her if they keep up the level of defensiveness they had when I was there, earlier."
>"That's good. Patchouli has a good heart, but she and I disagree strongly on some things."
>"Sakuya might not like it," says Byakuren, "But she wouldn't be surprised by it. She does keep a number of faeries working diligently, herself."
>"Just give them time to get bored," says the hooded woman. "I'd check back in the evening, at latest."
>My God. They're full of memes.
>"What sort of big ideas have gotten into their heads before? This one seems fairly significant. What other things have they been focused on during these, uh, incidents, or is there no clear pattern to it?"
>"Patchouli was... her behavior was quite civil, and she treated me well. She gave me the geode almost as an advance payment, as well as a pair of books for a youkai friend I made in the forest. But her personality seemed a little... harsh for my tastes. I'd like to think I'm not just doing this for power... maybe that's just a first impression, though."
>"Do you think that Miss Inaba would be able to help me figure out how to befriend the fairies? Or maybe ask for her help directly?"
>pause to consider
>"... and is she a rabbit?"
>You are a psychology student. They definitely seem to be full of memes, if the hooded woman is right.
>"Well, I know at least a few times, when things have gotten troublesome," says the hooded woman, "They've tried to stage a revolution. Thankfully, they're not really organized or powerful, so they do little more than annoy and loot a bit."
>Byakuren nods. "Patchouli is...at once a utilitarian and a pessimist. She looks to people like Marisa and Reimu, and say it is only a matter of time before they give in. And she believes that it is better to bargain with circumstances than try to resist them. This aside, she really is a good person at heart. You know my thoughts on the matter of becoming a youkai, and the ultimate decision is yours. I'll support you as long as you have no intending of being a menace."
>"If you could find her," says Byakuren. "She lives in Eientei in the Bamboo Forest, which is notoriously hard to get through. I'm not even sure if she's here, I'm told she's been making diplomatic trips. And yes, she's a rabbit youkai, lunar rabbit to be precise."
>_
-
>"Eientei? Patchouli mentioned that might be a place to look for ground ragewort, as well. But you say the place is hard to get to?"
-
>"Eientei? Patchouli mentioned that might be a place to look for ground ragewort, as well. But you say the place is hard to get to?"
>"Very hard to get to," says Byakuren. "Even with a guide, it's very easy to get lost. The Bamboo Forest is an ever shifting maze. Many places, it's difficult to even fly out. Aside from a resident of Eientei, there's only one other real guide, and she lives in the forest itself. As well, Eientei isn't always welcoming to strangers. I would try to find one of the rabbits from there and ask if Miss Inaba, Reisen, is available before trying it."
>_
-
>"Alright. Where would I be able to find one of those rabbits? Or would they all be in the forest as well?"
>Oh dear, finding Tokiko's place might be more difficult than anticipated...
-
>Oh dear, finding Tokiko's place might be more difficult than anticipated...
>On the plus side, if she lives there, she might be able to help us navigate a little. Hopefully she's still OUT of the forest at the moment.
-
>"Alright. Where would I be able to find one of those rabbits? Or would they all be in the forest as well?"
>Oh dear, finding Tokiko's place might be more difficult than anticipated...
>"Sometimes, one of them will come to town to get supplies," says Byakuren. "I'd suggest asking around."
>You recall she said she couldn't give very good directions.
>On the plus side, if she lives there, she might be able to help us navigate a little. Hopefully she's still OUT of the forest at the moment.
>You hope for the best in those regards.
>_
-
>"Well, I think I'll leave these things with you, and go see what I can do in terms of finding a way in there, then."
>Give Byakuren the mushrooms and geode
-
>"Well, I think I'll leave these things with you, and go see what I can do in terms of finding a way in there, then."
>Give Byakuren the mushrooms and geode
>"Alright," says Byakuren, "But please do not forget Murasa, as well."
>She accepts the spell components from you. "I'll put these somewhere safe right now."
>_
-
>"Thanks. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten. I just thought I'd finish up the last couple items on my short term list up here before heading back underground."
>Exit and head for the tavern
-
>"Thanks. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten. I just thought I'd finish up the last couple items on my short term list up here before heading back underground."
>Exit and head for the tavern
>You leave the temple and head straight for the bar.
>The tavern is a great deal busier than it was this morning. Several of the tables and many of the booths are full of people having lunch, while the blue-haired girl moves between them with food and drink. You also notice Marisa sitting at a corner booth, and tall purple-haired woman in a pink shawl and a wide-brimmed black hat at one of the smaller tables. The latter has stands out simply for her clothes, but something tells you she's not human.
>_
-
>What is the time of day?
-
>Go over to the blue-haired girl, when she seems to have a free moment.
>"Hey, I don't suppose you know if there's been any rabbits around town lately?"
-
>What is the time of day?
>It's about lunch time, it seems!
>Go over to the blue-haired girl, when she seems to have a free moment.
>"Hey, I don't suppose you know if there's been any rabbits around town lately?"
>"There was one yesterday," she says, as she has a seat on a barstool. "And did you know you look exactly like Yukari? Had me going so good, earlier..."
>_
-
The latter has stands out simply for her clothes, but something tells you she's not human.
>... should we be able to know this so easily? Maybe it's time to go light on the flying a little...
>"Yeah, I've gotten that a lot. I don't know very much about her, though."
-
>"You think there's any chance she's still around? I'm looking for a guide to show me to Eientei."
-
>... should we be able to know this so easily? Maybe it's time to go light on the flying a little...
>"Yeah, I've gotten that a lot. I don't know very much about her, though."
>You start to worry a little bit about your flight proclivities. You really can't tell if you're sensing something a human shouldn't, or if she's just that off. You can't put your finger on what it is.
>"She's kind of a jerk," says the blue-haired woman, scowling in a way that reminds you of that faerie you played tag with. "Except for when she's being a big jerk. But she can be nice too, I guess. I guess we're friends, though. Kind of. I never see her unless she's up to something."
>"You think there's any chance she's still around? I'm looking for a guide to show me to Eientei."
>'"I don't think they're allowed to stay out after dark. But maybe Tewi snuck out. I don't know where she'd be."
>_
-
>"You think there might be anyone else around who'd know the way there?"
-
>Wonder if this girl is a fairy in disguise.
>"And what's Tewi like, if I may ask?"
-
>"You think there might be anyone else around who'd know the way there?"
>"Marisa might," she says. "But, um, not really after that. Except maybe Yukari..."
>Wonder if this girl is a fairy in disguise.
>"And what's Tewi like, if I may ask?"
>She's really big to be a faerie. Then again...Byakuren's really big, too... That'd be scary.
>"She's a liar," says the blue-haired girl with surprisingly little malice. "She's always a lot of fun to be around! But, she kinds tricks me a lot..."
>_
-
>Yeah, definitely a fairy. In mind, at least.
>"What kind of tricks?"
-
>Yeah, definitely a fairy. In mind, at least.
>"What kind of tricks?"
>"All kinds. Fast talk, bait and switch, anything you can think of. She's a grifter extraordinaire. I wish I was as good as her."
>_
-
>"Doesn't sound like she's probably the best person to get directions from then, though.... Thanks, anyway."
>Walk over to Marisa
>"Mind if I join you for a moment?"
-
>"Doesn't sound like she's probably the best person to get directions from then, though.... Thanks, anyway."
>Walk over to Marisa
>"Mind if I join you for a moment?"
>"She can be honest if you pay her good enough," the blue-haired woman says as you depart.
>Marisa looks up. "Get comfy. I'm just waiting for school to get out."
>_
-
>Have a seat
>"Ah, so I take it you hadn't talked to Keine yet, then? I was actually going to ask how that went."
-
>Have a seat
>"Ah, so I take it you hadn't talked to Keine yet, then? I was actually going to ask how that went."
>"Naw, not gonna kick the door down in the middle of class," she says. "I just needed to get up here. Do something, you know?"
>_
-
>"Yeah, I understand. I talked to Patchouli, and managed to get a geode from her. Somehow she'd already heard from you by the time I got there, so thanks for putting in a good word for me."
>"I'm also looking to get to Eientei. I hear you probably know the way, although I understand you're not free right now. But do you know anyone else who might be able to show me how to get there?"
-
>Briefly wonder whether she was actually considering kicking down the door to the class.
>"May I ask what you want to talk with Keine about? Something about her doing something with history?"
-
>"Yeah, I understand. I talked to Patchouli, and managed to get a geode from her. Somehow she'd already heard from you by the time I got there, so thanks for putting in a good word for me."
>"I'm also looking to get to Eientei. I hear you probably know the way, although I understand you're not free right now. But do you know anyone else who might be able to show me how to get there?"
>"She did?" says Marisa. "Huh. I didn't talk to her or anything. Did you mention my name at the gate? Glad you got what you wanted, though."
>"Oy, you're just full of adventure, ain't you? Well, problem is, I just kinda lucked into it. If you're willing to drop enough hours roaming around, you'll find it. Just, expect to be there all night. As for people who know? Well, there's the ghost princess, I think. But she'd never lead you there. And there's Yukari. Who...well, she's no tour guide, that's for sure. You could try to find Mokou, but that involves getting lost in there and waiting for her to find you."
>_
-
>Briefly wonder whether she was actually considering kicking down the door to the class.
>"May I ask what you want to talk with Keine about? Something about her doing something with history?"
-
>"Patchouli seemed to know a lot about what was going on, actually, but I didn't try and press her about how. I kinda regret not asking her if she's heard anything about Renko, but..."
>"Who's the ghost princess?"
>Is that one new to us? And did we get any detail on this "Mokou" character?
-
>Briefly wonder whether she was actually considering kicking down the door to the class.
>"May I ask what you want to talk with Keine about? Something about her doing something with history?"
>She certainly looks like she would.
>"Yep."
>"Patchouli seemed to know a lot about what was going on, actually, but I didn't try and press her about how. I kinda regret not asking her if she's heard anything about Renko, but..."
>"Who's the ghost princess?"
>Is that one new to us? And did we get any detail on this "Mokou" character?
>"Probably deductions. She's great at that."
>"Exactly what she sounds like. She rules Hakugyokurou. She was involved when Eientei acted up a few years ago."
>You've not heard of any Mokou before. Byakuren did mention a person who lived in the forest, though.
>_
-
>"Hakugyokurou?"
>"And I guess I might just need to do some more searching for a way into that place. I asked if there were any rabbits around here. Evidently one was by yesterday, but none at the moment."
-
>"Hakugyokurou? Eintei acting up...? I hope my newness isn't making me too much of a pest for asking, but I'm curious about just about everything here at this point."
>"And who's Mokou? Byakuren mentioned someone living in the forest that might be able to help - do you think that's who she meant?"
>Save the Keine talk for once one of these topics dries up.
-
>"Hakugyokurou?"
>"And I guess I might just need to do some more searching for a way into that place. I asked if there were any rabbits around here. Evidently one was by yesterday, but none at the moment."
>"One of places where the dead go," she says.
>"I've not seen any rabbits, lately, but I've not been looking."
>"Hakugyokurou? Eintei acting up...? I hope my newness isn't making me too much of a pest for asking, but I'm curious about just about everything here at this point."
>"And who's Mokou? Byakuren mentioned someone living in the forest that might be able to help - do you think that's who she meant?"
>Save the Keine talk for once one of these topics dries up.
>"Eientei is where the rabbits and the Lunarians who came to earth live. It's somewhere in the Bamboo Forest."
>"Probably, but she's a pain to find when she doesn't want to be found. Thinking on it, though, Keine should know how to find her; they're close. Might even know how to get to Eientei."
>_
-
>"Oh, that would be nice, if that's possible. Any idea when school gets out, around here?"
-
>"Oh, that would be nice, if that's possible. Any idea when school gets out, around here?"
>"Two or three hours yet," says Marisa. "I'm going to go kill time at the shrine, myself."
>_
-
>"Yeah, I've got a few other errands I can go do during that time. I'll make sure to come back here afterwards, though."
-
>"It may be rude, but may I ask what you want to ask Keine? You seemed concerned about something. I might have asked one or two of the right questions already when I spoke with her in the morning."
-
>"Yeah, I've got a few other errands I can go do during that time. I'll make sure to come back here afterwards, though."
>She nods. "Good idea."
>"It may be rude, but may I ask what you want to ask Keine? You seemed concerned about something. I might have asked one or two of the right questions already when I spoke with her in the morning."
>"You talked about how that dream wasn't a dream right? And she had something to do with it? I'm just going to make her explain it."
>_
-
>"I'm afraid I'd still like to understand more about that, myself. I think I did ASK her for an explanation about why she had to... do something with history that made Gensokyo Isle never exist, but apparently there wasn't time for the full story before class. She DID invite me to come back afterwards to get the full story, now that I think of it.."
>"Are you going to Reimu's shrine? Um, could you tell her I woke up Komachi? She asked me to earlier, but I haven't stopped by to tell her I'd taken care of it. ... though, I'm not quite certain where I could go next, so I might end up tagging along anyway."
-
> We have Underground to go to ahead of going back to the Shrine. Probably should sneak a peak down there soon, to make sure Utsuho and Yuugi don't blow a hole in the side of reality.
> Come to think of it, what's our current connection to Utsuho? Do we know anything about her in regards to that odd dream-that-really-wasn't?
-
>"I'm afraid I'd still like to understand more about that, myself. I think I did ASK her for an explanation about why she had to... do something with history that made Gensokyo Isle never exist, but apparently there wasn't time for the full story before class. She DID invite me to come back afterwards to get the full story, now that I think of it.."
>"Are you going to Reimu's shrine? Um, could you tell her I woke up Komachi? She asked me to earlier, but I haven't stopped by to tell her I'd taken care of it. ... though, I'm not quite certain where I could go next, so I might end up tagging along anyway."
>Marisa nods. "Yeah, sounds like it'd be a long story."
>"Sure thing," says Marisa. "I'll tell her if you don't come along."
> We have Underground to go to ahead of going back to the Shrine. Probably should sneak a peak down there soon, to make sure Utsuho and Yuugi don't blow a hole in the side of reality.
> Come to think of it, what's our current connection to Utsuho? Do we know anything about her in regards to that odd dream-that-really-wasn't?
>There is that...
>You haven't actually met her yet. But apparently she recognized you when you were found in the Palace of the Earth Spirits. You were friends in the outside world, though.
>_
-
>"Well, I think I'll take off, now. Hopefully I'll see you around later."
>Head back out to the part of the forest we met Tokiko, in the hopes she's still around there
-
>"Well, I think I'll take off, now. Hopefully I'll see you around later."
>Head back out to the part of the forest we met Tokiko, in the hopes she's still around there
>"Til next time," says Marisa, giving you a wave.
>You decide to go find Tokiko. This leads you on another long soar across Gensokyo, but frankly you enjoy those. It is a little difficult to find where you met Tokiko first, you have to trace it back from the lake. But you find it soon enough.
>Landing in the clearing, you find Tokiko sitting back against a tree. This wouldn't be unusual, save for the fact she is holding half a snake in her hands, and her lower face is a very particular shade of red.
>Thank god you didn't eat anything at that tavern...
>"Hi Maribel!" she says, smiling and clearly oblivious that anything is awry.
>_
-
>"Um, hi Tokiko! I guess you found something else to eat, afterwards, then?"
>They really don't teach you the proper etiquette for these sort of situations, do they....
-
>"Um, hi Tokiko! I guess you found something else to eat, afterwards, then?"
>They really don't teach you the proper etiquette for these sort of situations, do they....
>"Yep!" she says, and has another bite of the snake. Oh god, that sound... You think you may never want to eat sushi again.
>Yeah, this is kind of a void in they never address in those 500 plus pages books of etiquette, isnt it?
>"Oh! You want some?" she asks.
>_
-
> "Um...no thanks, I'm fine. I had something with the flower lady earlier."
-
> "Um...no thanks, I'm fine. I had something with the flower lady earlier."
>"Oh, you're not carrying that box anymore," she notes. "And okay."
>She has another bite. Thank god you didn't get a meal. Or maybe that would have delayed you enough to miss this...
>_
-
>"You know, Tokiko... I don't mean to be rude or anything, but... do you realize that people aren't really supposed to eat things that way? Now that you're no longer a bird and all."
-
>"You know, Tokiko... I don't mean to be rude or anything, but... do you realize that people aren't really supposed to eat things that way? Now that you're no longer a bird and all."
>"Why not?" she asks. "It works, right? Or...is this kind of like how hair doesn't preen?"
>_
-
>"I suppose it might be a little like that. And, yeah, I mean it's physically possible to eat that way, but people would consider it rude to eat like that. I mean... you kinda have blood all over your face... Look, I'm sorry, it's nothing personal, and I'm sure you probably just don't know the difference yet."
-
>"I suppose it might be a little like that. And, yeah, I mean it's physically possible to eat that way, but people would consider it rude to eat like that. I mean... you kinda have blood all over your face... Look, I'm sorry, it's nothing personal, and I'm sure you probably just don't know the difference yet."
>"Oh. I'll wipe it off when I'm done!"
>Yeah, you're pretty sure she didn't get that.
>"...Should I stop, then?"
>_
-
>"Well, you see, people usually cook their food before they eat it. That way it's cleaner and safer, and there's no blood to worry about, either. Plus, most people would think it tastes better, too."
>"To be honest.... a lot of people would probably find it... kinda distressing to see someone tear into a raw animal like that. I feel bad putting it that way, but it's true. But, I don't want to get in the way of your meal...."
-
>"Well, you see, people usually cook their food before they eat it. That way it's cleaner and safer, and there's no blood to worry about, either. Plus, most people would think it tastes better, too."
>"To be honest.... a lot of people would probably find it... kinda distressing to see someone tear into a raw animal like that. I feel bad putting it that way, but it's true. But, I don't want to get in the way of your meal...."
>"But, the blood is tasty... why wouldn't you want it? I don't think I get this cooking thing."
>"Oh. Well...I think I should finish this one since I started it." She carries on, tearing off a large piece of it like meat from a chicken wing....oh god, those are ruined too.
>_
-
>"Have you ever eaten anything that was cooked before?"
>We can always have this conversation while looking away....
-
>"Have you ever eaten anything that was cooked before?"
>We can always have this conversation while looking away....
>You wisely decide to turn away before you're forced into vegetarianism
>"...I dunno. Was that think the big woman gave me cooked?"
>_
-
>Was there meat of some kind in the sandwich, from what we saw?
>"Do you even know how cooking works, by the way?"
-
>Was there meat of some kind in the sandwich, from what we saw?
>"Do you even know how cooking works, by the way?"
>There was! You are pretty sure it was something Marisa had left over.
>"I know there's pots involved. And big metal things. I've seen faeries do that. Oh! And one time I saw them put ground up leaves on something. I tried that with a groundhog and I got sick..."
>_
-
>"Well, not all leaves are good for eating. People have learned a lot over the years about what plants can enhance cooking, though, and which don't. When stuff is cooked by someone who really knows what they're doing, it can be very delicious."
-
>"Well, not all leaves are good for eating. People have learned a lot over the years about what plants can enhance cooking, though, and which don't. When stuff is cooked by someone who really knows what they're doing, it can be very delicious."
>"Oh. I thought that was it," she says. "But I didn't want to try any more to figure out what the good ones were. And, I wouldn't be surprised if it is. It seems like a lot of work. so it'd have to be worth it."
>_
-
>"Well, people don't usually figure out what plants are good or bad for cooking on their own. They learn this from other people who already know, or from books. There are many, many books about how to cook, too. A lot of people take cooking pretty seriously."
-
> "Do you remember the grill lady we talked about before? She's very good with her cooking. I bet she can do it in a way that's less work than you might think, and her results are very delicious."
-
>"Well, people don't usually figure out what plants are good or bad for cooking on their own. They learn this from other people who already know, or from books. There are many, many books about how to cook, too. A lot of people take cooking pretty seriously."
>"...Many books?" she says, frowning a little. "More than ten?"
> "Do you remember the grill lady we talked about before? She's very good with her cooking. I bet she can do it in a way that's less work than you might think, and her results are very delicious."
>"Oh."
>She doesn't seem too pleased by this revelation, either.
>_
-
>"Well, you don't need to read them all to know how to cook, or anything. Even part of a single one helps a lot. A lot of books contain similar information to other books. And are you scared of the grill lady? She's actually pretty nice, from what I've seen. Maybe it was just a misunderstanding between you two. I promise if you come there with me, she won't shoot at you."
-
>"Well, you don't need to read them all to know how to cook, or anything. Even part of a single one helps a lot. A lot of books contain similar information to other books. And are you scared of the grill lady? She's actually pretty nice, from what I've seen. Maybe it was just a misunderstanding between you two. I promise if you come there with me, she won't shoot at you."
>"...More than two tens?" she says.
>_
-
> "Some people might use up to forty. That's as many as four tens. But it's not that terrible, really, because they have spaces to put the books when they're not using them, and they only need one or two at a time."
-
> "Some people might use up to forty. That's as many as four tens. But it's not that terrible, really, because they have spaces to put the books when they're not using them, and they only need one or two at a time."
>"...That's way more books than I thought there were," says slowly.
>_
-
>"I don't know how many there are in Gensokyo, but where I come from, there are hundreds of thousands of different books. A single building designed to store collections of books might have many thousands in it, alone."
-
> "Oh yeah, there's plenty of books for cooking."
> Do we still have both books in our backpack?
> "The grill lady might have some, I don't really know. When you cook for long enough, eventually you know what to do, and just keep the books on shelves for decoration."
-
>"I don't know how many there are in Gensokyo, but where I come from, there are hundreds of thousands of different books. A single building designed to store collections of books might have many thousands in it, alone."
>"I don't know what a hundred or a thousand is, but they sound large enough to be sad."
> "Oh yeah, there's plenty of books for cooking."
> Do we still have both books in our backpack?
> "The grill lady might have some, I don't really know. When you cook for long enough, eventually you know what to do, and just keep the books on shelves for decoration."
>You do still have they two books!
>"I see...I thought they were more special than that."
>_
-
> "Of course they're special! You never want to forget your roots, and your cookbooks will always be your roots. You wouldn't want to forgot you were ever a bird, would you?"
-
>"But they are special! It doesn't matter if there are others like them out there, too. Books are full of knowledge, and knowledge is very important. Not everyone even bothers to read, and that's sad. Books are precious because of what they can teach people, if they pay attention to them."
-
> "Of course they're special! You never want to forget your roots, and your cookbooks will always be your roots. You wouldn't want to forgot you were ever a bird, would you?"
>"But they are special! It doesn't matter if there are others like them out there, too. Books are full of knowledge, and knowledge is very important. Not everyone even bothers to read, and that's sad. Books are precious because of what they can teach people, if they pay attention to them."
>"I guess," she says. "But if there's that many, I guess these two don't mean that much, after all. I thought they were really like treasures..."
-
>"They do, though. I get the impression there aren't nearly as many books around here as where I came from. And they're still a really important thing, no matter what."
>"I, uh, managed to find another couple books for you while I was away. Once you're, uh, done eating and cleaned up and such."
-
>"They do, though. I get the impression there aren't nearly as many books around here as where I came from. And they're still a really important thing, no matter what."
>"I, uh, managed to find another couple books for you while I was away. Once you're, uh, done eating and cleaned up and such."
>"I guess. But if there's so many, I guess pretty much anyone who wants them can have one. I thought they were treasures..."
>"Really?"
-
>"Yup! They're about very different stuff than the two you already have, but I thought you might enjoy them."
-
>"Yup! They're about very different stuff than the two you already have, but I thought you might enjoy them."
>"Well, that sounds interesting, even if they aren't real treasures, I suppose."
>_
-
>The treasure is in the reading of them, and learning what knowledge is inside them. And remember, the fact that there's more books out there means that there's even MORE different things to read and learn. So it's way better than there only being a couple books."
-
>The treasure is in the reading of them, and learning what knowledge is inside them. And remember, the fact that there's more books out there means that there's even MORE different things to read and learn. So it's way better than there only being a couple books."
>"I suppose that's true. Oh, I'm done now."
>_
-
>Oh, we're still looking away, aren't we?
>Turn around.
>Does she look somewhat less bloody, now...?
-
>Oh, we're still looking away, aren't we?
>Turn around.
>Does she look somewhat less bloody, now...?
>You were!
>You turn around, and find her wiping her face with some leaves. She seems to be getting the most of it.
>_
-
>Cringe at the thought of handing books over to someone with literal blood on their hands...
>"You sure you don't want to wash your hands off in some water or something first? You know, proper care and treatment of books, and all."
-
> "All right, I have an idea. I think this will really benefit you in the long run - it should get you more food than you've had before, for one thing."
> "Now, you really hate fairies, right?"
-
>Cringe at the thought of handing books over to someone with literal blood on their hands...
>"You sure you don't want to wash your hands off in some water or something first? You know, proper care and treatment of books, and all."
>There's just something unwholesome about that.
>"Yeah, I'll get to that in a minute," she says.
> "All right, I have an idea. I think this will really benefit you in the long run - it should get you more food than you've had before, for one thing."
> "Now, you really hate fairies, right?"
>"You do?" she says, as she puts the leaves aside and starts toward the lake. "That sounds great!"
>"...Uh. I don't know. I just try to stay away from them, since they're weird and scary."
>_
-
> "But they've bothered you before, right? Without you bothering them?"
-
> "But they've bothered you before, right? Without you bothering them?"
>"Yeah," she says, as she pauses at the edge of the treeline, and looks around before heading toward the lake.
>_
-
> Follow her.
> "Well, I - wait, where are you going?"
-
> Follow her.
> "Well, I - wait, where are you going?"
>"You said I should use some water, right? And I need to wash the snake out of my mouth, anyways."
>She approaches the lakeshore, kneels down, and sets to doing these things.
>_
-
>"Anyway, you know the lady with the grill? She used to be a bird, too. You probably have something in common, having both gone through the same transformation. She's been a youkai for a lot longer than you have, though. It might be good for you to try talking to her a little. Might help you learn some of the things you don't understand yet about the new life you're leading."
-
>"Anyway, you know the lady with the grill? She used to be a bird, too. You probably have something in common, having both gone through the same transformation. She's been a youkai for a lot longer than you have, though. It might be good for you to try talking to her a little. Might help you learn some of the things you don't understand yet about the new life you're leading."
> Add "Oh, okay" in front of this.
> Add "She doesn't like fairies either. They go out and bother her even when she doesn't do anything to them, just like they do with you." at the end of it.
-
>"Anyway, you know the lady with the grill? She used to be a bird, too. You probably have something in common, having both gone through the same transformation. She's been a youkai for a lot longer than you have, though. It might be good for you to try talking to her a little. Might help you learn some of the things you don't understand yet about the new life you're leading."
> Add "Oh, okay" in front of this.
> Add "She doesn't like fairies either. They go out and bother her even when she doesn't do anything to them, just like they do with you." at the end of it.
>You explain things about Mystia to her.
>"That does sound kind of nice, but she doesn't like me. Are you sure this would work out?"
>_
-
>"I don't think that she doesn't like you. I think there was probably a misunderstanding. Did you try to take food from her stand without paying her, maybe?"
-
>"I don't think that she doesn't like you. I think there was probably a misunderstanding. Did you try to take food from her stand without paying her, maybe?"
>"...Maybe?" she says. "I saw her give food to some person, so I asked her to give me some too. Then she said weird things, and then started shouting at me..."
>She sounds unsure of herself as she elaborates on this.
>_
-
>"Yeah, I think it was just a misunderstanding. You see, she sells food. You have to give me money in exchange for it. Stuff like this."
>Show her a couple coins.
>"She probably didn't realize that you didn't know this. She probably thought you were just trying to get it without paying."
>"C'mon, let's go talk to her. I'm sure it'll be ok, this time. She was friendly to me."
-
>"Yeah, I think it was just a misunderstanding. You see, she sells food. You have to give me money in exchange for it. Stuff like this."
>Show her a couple coins.
>"She probably didn't realize that you didn't know this. She probably thought you were just trying to get it without paying."
>"C'mon, let's go talk to her. I'm sure it'll be ok, this time. She was friendly to me."
>"Well, I guess," she says, after cupping her hands into the lake and having a drink. "You've been right about these things before."
>_
-
>"I'm sure it'll be fine."
>Smile
>Head back to Mystia's with Tokiko in tow
-
>"I'm sure it'll be fine."
>Smile
>Head back to Mystia's with Tokiko in tow
>"Okay, but if she does something angry, you have to hold her off."
>You offer her a smile. She returns it, if a bit fragilely.
>You head back toward Mystia's Stand, and find her busy preparing something. "Hey there, Maribel!" says Mystia, then she notices Tokiko. "Wait, weren't you here a year ago?"
>Tokiko shrinks behind you.
>_
-
>"Yeah, she was here a while ago. I think there was a little misunderstanding at the time."
>To Tokiko, gently: "Don't worry, you don't need to hide."
>To Mystia: "It might help if you tell her that you have no intention of attacking her."
-
>"Yeah, she was here a while ago. I think there was a little misunderstanding at the time."
>To Tokiko, gently: "Don't worry, you don't need to hide."
>To Mystia: "It might help if you tell her that you have no intention of attacking her."
>"I'll bet," says Mystia a little dryly.
>Tokiko nods, and half steps from behind you.
>A look of bewilderment passes over Mystia's face. Then she shrugs and says, "I'm not going to attack you as long as you behave, geez."
>Tokiko nods. "Okay, good..."
>_
-
>I think we need to first explain to Mystia that Tokiko doesn't know a lot about what we consider to be everyday things, like money. As soon as we clear up the old misunderstanding, we can move on up from there.
-
>Regret not giving Tokiko an economics 001 lesson before coming.
-
>"You see, Mystia, I think she's pretty new to being a youkai, and doesn't really understand how a lot of things work. Like money and paying for things, for example. You said you were a bird yourself once, so I was thinking maybe you'd be able to relate to how it was when you first turned youkai?"
-
>I think we need to first explain to Mystia that Tokiko doesn't know a lot about what we consider to be everyday things, like money. As soon as we clear up the old misunderstanding, we can move on up from there.
>This seems to be the plan!
>Regret not giving Tokiko an economics 001 lesson before coming.
>That might have helped. But she seems to have trade well in hand, at least.
>"You see, Mystia, I think she's pretty new to being a youkai, and doesn't really understand how a lot of things work. Like money and paying for things, for example. You said you were a bird yourself once, so I was thinking maybe you'd be able to relate to how it was when you first turned youkai?"
>Mystia nods. "Yeah, kinda. So, what do you want me to do about it?"
>_
-
>"Well, I just thought it might be nice if she had someone to talk to who's been through some of the same things. I've been trying to explain a few things to her, but I'd imagine you have a better perspective on it."
>"How much is a grilled lamprey, anyway? I actually have some money, now."
-
>"Well, I just thought it might be nice if she had someone to talk to who's been through some of the same things. I've been trying to explain a few things to her, but I'd imagine you have a better perspective on it."
>"How much is a grilled lamprey, anyway? I actually have some money, now."
>"I suppose I could," says Mystia. "As long as she's willing to be good."
>"5☼ for a small, 10☼ for a large," she says.
>_
-
>Buy Tokiko a large. We can afford the expense. Why not explain a bit more while we do so?
-
>If we're still hungry, buy one for ourself, too.
>"She's not a troublemaker at all. She's actually really shy."
>"Come on, Tokiko, have a seat here."
>"I guess it must have taken you a while to figure out things after you stopped being a bird, too, Mystia? Or is the process a little different for every youkai?"
-
>Buy Tokiko a large. We can afford the expense. Why not explain a bit more while we do so?
>If we're still hungry, buy one for ourself, too.
>"She's not a troublemaker at all. She's actually really shy."
>"Come on, Tokiko, have a seat here."
>"I guess it must have taken you a while to figure out things after you stopped being a bird, too, Mystia? Or is the process a little different for every youkai?"
>You get yourself a small, and Tokiko a large, as she has a seat next to you. Mystia takes your money and puts the meat on the grill.
>"I was pretty social, so it wasn't hard," says Mystia. "Most of us aren't that shy, I guess."
>"I'm sorry..." Tokiko says.
>_
-
>"You don't need to apologize for being shy, Tokiko. But most people don't want to hurt you. And I think you'd find that spending time with people can be enjoyable, if you give them a chance."
-
>"You don't need to apologize for being shy, Tokiko. But most people don't want to hurt you. And I think you'd find that spending time with people can be enjoyable, if you give them a chance."
>She nods. You get the feeling she's out of her depth.
>"Yeah, don't worry too much about things, Tokiko, was it?"
>Tokiko nods. "Well," the cook continues, "I'm Mystia. And things'll be okay, alright?"
>_
-
>"You see?"
>About how long does it take those things to cook, anyway?
>If it's more than a couple minutes, and we're sufficiently far away from a spitting grill or whatever, take out the books and show Tokiko
-
>"You see?"
>About how long does it take those things to cook, anyway?
>If it's more than a couple minutes, and we're sufficiently far away from a spitting grill or whatever, take out the books and show Tokiko
>She nods. "Well, okay."
>You have a few moments, so you present her with the books. "Oh, these look nice," she says, as she takes them and looks them over. She seems a little confused by The Wind in the Willows. She starts to read it. "...This is different," she says.
>_
-
>"Yeah, it's a story. There are books on all kinds of different topics that you probably don't even realize exist."
-
>"Yeah, it's a story. There are books on all kinds of different topics that you probably don't even realize exist."
>She nods. "Huh. I had wondered why it didn't seem like anyone did that, but I though it wasn't done since books are supposed to be treasures."
>_
-
> "Generally books are common but individual can them selves be treasures since there's a lot different types, like example ehh...the mushrooms you helped me find, there's a lot of mushrooms but there is only so few of the star capped ones"
-
>"Books... might be more precious in Gensokyo than the world I'm from. I don't know how easy it is to make a lot of copies of a book here; in the outer world, there were ways to make tons of copies of the same book to sell for cheap. But a long time ago, when people still had to write them by hand... if Gensokyo's still like that, then books might still be treasures."
-
> "Generally books are common but individual can them selves be treasures since there's a lot different types, like example ehh...the mushrooms you helped me find, there's a lot of mushrooms but there is only so few of the star capped ones"
>She nods.
>"Books... might be more precious in Gensokyo than the world I'm from. I don't know how easy it is to make a lot of copies of a book here; in the outer world, there were ways to make tons of copies of the same book to sell for cheap. But a long time ago, when people still had to write them by hand... if Gensokyo's still like that, then books might still be treasures."
>"They are," Mystia says. "Though Rinnosuke seems to have his own source."
>"Yeah, but you said there were...um...thousands of hundreds of them? That doesn't sound like a treasure, if there is that many."
>_
-
>"Well, there's also countless millions of people there, too. It's kind of relative to the population. It's not like everyone goes around with a huge pile of books, even outside Gensokyo."
-
>"To be honest, I might have been using a lot of presumptions from the outer world when we talked earlier... Mystia, DO you have any cookbooks?"
-
>"There are also a lot of people who consider their books, no matter how many, to be their treasures."
-
>"Well, there's also countless millions of people there, too. It's kind of relative to the population. It's not like everyone goes around with a huge pile of books, even outside Gensokyo."
>She nods, but you have the feeling she lost you.
>"To be honest, I might have been using a lot of presumptions from the outer world when we talked earlier... Mystia, DO you have any cookbooks?"
>"A few," she says, "They were gifts. I don't use 'em much, though."
>"There are also a lot of people who consider their books, no matter how many, to be their treasures."
>"Weird. How could you consider something not rare to be a treasure?"
>_
-
>"Because it's important. Something doesn't have to be rare or shiny to be a treasure. If you feel it's important to you, that's treasure enough."
-
>"Some people like to collect things. And while books themselves may be common, most of them have different stories or information - so you can learn a lot from new and different books, even if you've read a lot of other ones already. And if there are few or no other copies of a book on a topic that other books don't talk about, then the book IS rare since that information is so unique to it."
-
>"Because it's important. Something doesn't have to be rare or shiny to be a treasure. If you feel it's important to you, that's treasure enough."
>"Really?"
>"Some people like to collect things. And while books themselves may be common, most of them have different stories or information - so you can learn a lot from new and different books, even if you've read a lot of other ones already. And if there are few or no other copies of a book on a topic that other books don't talk about, then the book IS rare since that information is so unique to it."
>She nods. "So...certain kinds are treasures, not just all of them. That's still disappointing, now I don't have any...Oh well."
>Mystia deftly skewers the meat, and hands you and Tokiko your respective meals.
>_
-
>"Thanks"
>Take the lamprey and dig in
-
>Try and help Tokiko learn how to not eat like a savage, if she starts on that.
-
>"Thanks"
>Take the lamprey and dig in
>Try and help Tokiko learn how to not eat like a savage, if she starts on that.
>You dig in! It is very tasty
>...Then you flash back to Tokiko eating that snake... Oh god.
>Then you see her tearing into it like a savage. You quickly give her some advice for small bites and the like. She adapts, but you can tell she doesn't get it.
>"Hey, this is good," she says, "What is this?"
>"Lamprey meat," Mystia answers, "grilled with a few seasonings."
>"This is meat?"
>_
-
>"Yeah, like I said earlier, cooking things changes the taste of it significantly. People don't generally eat most meat raw. ...and certainly not like that."
-
>"Yeah, like I said earlier, cooking things changes the taste of it significantly. People don't generally eat most meat raw. ...and certainly not like that."
>"I guess this is better," says Tokiko, "But I kinda like both ways."
>"I dunno," says Mystia, "Sushi is pretty popular."
>Why did she have to mention that...The memories...
>_
-
>"Trust me, sushi is far, far more tame than what I'm referring to...."
>Make sure not to let ourself spoil our own meal
-
>"Trust me, sushi is far, far more tame than what I'm referring to...."
>Make sure not to let ourself spoil our own meal
>Mystia nods.
>You finish your own meal, but really, it's just not as fun anymore. Tokiko keeps your advice in mind, at least, and manages to eat roughly like a normal person.
>_
-
>"See, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
>"By the way, Tokiko, do you have any idea how to reach that big mansion in the bamboo forest?"
-
>"See, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
>"By the way, Tokiko, do you have any idea how to reach that big mansion in the bamboo forest?"
>"It was nice," she says, nodding.
>"There's a mansion? I never go in too deep, it's easy to get lost, and the flame lady is there..."
>_
-
>"Flame lady?"
-
>"Flame lady?"
>"Yeah," says Tokiko. "She lives in there somewhere, and she makes lots of fire and stuff."
>"She's thinking of Mokou," Mystia says.
>_
-
>"Oh, Mokou? Do you know how to get to her place, at least?"
-
>"Oh, Mokou? Do you know how to get to her place, at least?"
>"I know kinda where it is," says Tokiko. "But not really well. I don't go there, I don't want to get set on fire..."
>_
-
>"I don't think she sets random people on fire..."
>To Mystia: "She doesn't, right?"
-
>"I don't think she sets random people on fire..."
>To Mystia: "She doesn't, right?"
>"Well...not usually," says Mystia. "But she's pretty prickly from everything I hear. Tokiko probably did the right thing keeping away from her."
>_
-
>"Oh, I see. I was actually hoping to meet her later today. Need someone to show me to Eientei. But I guess I'll wait until Keine's out of class, and hope she has the time to show me."
-
>"Oh, I see. I was actually hoping to meet her later today. Need someone to show me to Eientei. But I guess I'll wait until Keine's out of class, and hope she has the time to show me."
>"That's the best idea," says Mystia. "It's pretty well known she and Keine are close."
>_
-
>"Well, I should probably get back to the underground, now. And hope that Utsuho and Yuugi haven't beaten the hell out of each other, yet. Or that Utsuho won, anyway..."
>"Take good care of the books, now, Tokiko. Although you probably would, anyway. And here, take this in case you want to get yourself some more of these later."
>Give Tokiko 30☼
-
>"Would you like me to try and explain how money like those work, before I go?"
-
>"Well, I should probably get back to the underground, now. And hope that Utsuho and Yuugi haven't beaten the hell out of each other, yet. Or that Utsuho won, anyway..."
>"Take good care of the books, now, Tokiko. Although you probably would, anyway. And here, take this in case you want to get yourself some more of these later."
>Give Tokiko 30☼
>"Don't worry, " says Mystia. "I'll keep an eye on her."
>You give her some money. She looks at it curiously. "Oh, this is what you gave her for the food, right?"
>"Like that, for instance," says Mystia.
>_
-
Wait, what happened to teaching a youkai to fish instead of just giving her a fish?
-
> "Actually Mystia, I...was wondering about something with you and Tokiko."
-
> "Actually Mystia, I...was wondering about something with you and Tokiko."
>"Yeah?" Mystia says, as she cleans off the grill.
>_
-
> "I'll say up front that you'll be more sympathetic and more receptive to this idea due to your run-in with the fairies earlier, as she's not a huge fan of fairies herself."
> "Tokiko still seems fairly new at the whole youkai thing, and she's told me she doesn't always get to eat every day. I was wondering if you'd be willing to take her on as a grilling apprentice of sorts."
-
> "I'll say up front that you'll be more sympathetic and more receptive to this idea due to your run-in with the fairies earlier, as she's not a huge fan of fairies herself."
> "Tokiko still seems fairly new at the whole youkai thing, and she's told me she doesn't always get to eat every day. I was wondering if you'd be willing to take her on as a grilling apprentice of sorts."
>"I don't mind faeries when they aren't being belligerent," says Mystia. "Well...maybe a little."
>"Well, I don't really need the help, but...I suppose it wouldn't hurt to keep her out of trouble, would it? I guess I can at least teach her how to warm up meat properly."
>"What're you talking about?" Tokiko asks.
>_
-
>"Tokiko, would you like to learn a little bit about how to cook with Mystia, sometime? I think it would be good for you."
-
> To Mystia: "Oh, thank you very much! She also knows her way to Kourindou, which could be useful. And, of course, I imagine it's nice to have a second pair of eyes watching the stand, in case this morning repeats itself."
> To Tokiko: "You know that meat you just had that you liked? If you learn how to help Mystia here out, you'll be able to have it more often!"
-
>"Tokiko, would you like to learn a little bit about how to cook with Mystia, sometime? I think it would be good for you."
> To Mystia: "Oh, thank you very much! She also knows her way to Kourindou, which could be useful. And, of course, I imagine it's nice to have a second pair of eyes watching the stand, in case this morning repeats itself."
> To Tokiko: "You know that meat you just had that you liked? If you learn how to help Mystia here out, you'll be able to have it more often!"
>"...I'd be allowed to do that?" says Tokiko. "It looks hard. But, okay."
>"She does? Good. She can run that order up for me. I should finish that... Come here, Tokiko, I'll show you the basics."
>Tokiko walks around to the rear of the stand.
>_
-
> Stay seated, but listen in to the conversation as best we can.
> Did the food we ate produce any waste? Look around for some sort of waste receptacle.
-
>"A lot of things seem harder before you actually start trying to do them. And it should be a lot easier to learn from someone that knows how to do it well - especially if you can help her out as well, in your own ways."
>smile and watch for a little, see how they're getting along.
-
> Can we see through the stand? This voice's imagination is having a hard time picturing the exact structure. >_>
-
> Can we see through the stand? This voice's imagination is having a hard time picturing the exact structure. >_>
For your perusal. (http://danbooru.donmai.us/pool/show/490) (Danbooru) The grilling's generally done within sight, I believe.
-
I didn't know what Purvis had been using in his head.
> Brace for shankpact.
-
> Brace for shankpact.
>commence rape
-
> Did the food we ate produce any waste? Look around for some sort of waste receptacle.
>You try to throw it away! It rebounds and shanks you!
>Parsee tosses her knife at the ground in disgust.