Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Mystia's Stored Games => Topic started by: Hello Purvis on August 22, 2010, 05:41:27 PM
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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 half remember it.
>You have been wandering throughout Gensokyo! You've learned some of the basics of flight, danmaku, time-stopping and barrier magic, and you're on cloud nine! Reimu is very concerned you may easily end up a Youkai; Patchouli and Mystia seem to be all for it. Utsuho and Yuugi are in a doomed rivalry for Parsee's love, you have nudged them toward polyamory, and into a kind of peace. You visited Komachi and got her back to work on Reimu's behalf! You have assisted Murasa at the underground clinic on Byakuren's behalf, which involved cleaning up vomit buckets and dealing with a racist old oni. Byakuren has agreed to consider enhancing your natural magical abilities if you gather the necessary ingredients. You have planted flowers for Yuka! You have discovered where all the maids at Scarlet Devil Mansion have gone! You've been chased by a mob of faeries! You have befriend Tokiko, and are helping her get used to society and not eating animals raw. You have engaged in a few fact finding missions on Utsuho's behalf. You have found, bickered with, worried over, and slept with Renko.
>You are currently in the the guest bedroom at the Palace of the Earth Spirits, preparing to leave after your romantic encounter with Renko there.
> Give a genuinely happy smile. Business may be business, but we can't be that cold for our Renko.
>You give her your warmest smile. She returns with one of her own. "But really, what now?"
>_
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> "Wanna check in on Utsuho? You never did get to actually talk to her."
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> "Wanna check in on Utsuho? You never did get to actually talk to her."
>"Sure thing," says Renko.
>_
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> Let's go, then! Leave the guest room.
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> Let's go, then! Leave the guest room.
>You leave the guest room and return to the living room. Utsuho is still there And aside from turning on her side and being free of feline passengers, she's more or less how you left her. No, wait, she just scratched her side a bit.
>_
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Uh, well, my "major plan" has been executed and finished at this point. If people have ideas for actions they should be inputting them. I'm certainly going to keep going, but I don't want to feel like I've taken over the game like I felt I did with a good chunk of the latter half of Reisen Quest.
> Silently beckon to Renko to follow.
> Let's look for Satori. Go through the door she went through previously for feeding time.
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> Silently beckon to Renko to follow.
> Let's look for Satori. Go through the door she went through previously for feeding time.
>You decide to leave Utsuho to her rest and try to follow Satori's path. This takes you back out to the front hall. You can hear the sounds of activity in the kitchen, as well as a dozen cats around the entrance.
>_
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> Head for the kitchen.
> Carefully traverse any feline obstacles.
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> Head for the kitchen.
> Carefully traverse any feline obstacles.
>You head into the kitchen, working your way around the cats along the way.
>Inside, you see Satori standing at the counter, chopping some daikons on a cutting board; it is an interesting thing to view. "Ah, welcome, she says, without turning to look at it. "I was just getting started on dinner preparations. It'll be a little while yet, Orin won't be home for awhile, but I want to be ready when she is."
>She then gives you a curious glance over her shoulder. "And I know I told you that you should be more honest, Renko, but I didn't quite expect you to be that punctual about it."
>_
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> Blush.
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> Blush.
>You blush. Stupid overly frank mind readers. Renko giggles nervously.
>"Regardless, it seems you have something to do. If you're late for dinner, I'll leave some covered bowls by the stove, it should be easy enough for you to reheat them at your leisure."
>_
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> "May we assume Utsuho is still asleep?"
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> "May we assume Utsuho is still asleep?"
>"You saw better than I did," says Satori. "I don't think she'd mind being woken up if you have something you need to ask her."
>_
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> "Thank you very much, I'll try and be back in time for dinner."
> Think: It wasn't Koishi, but I'd still like to try and find her.
> Take our leave if there is no further business and head towards the surface.
EDIT: Slow phone posting
> Head back towards Utsuho then.
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> Head back towards Utsuho then.
> Think And thank you!! before we leave the room.
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> "Thank you very much, I'll try and be back in time for dinner."
> Think: It wasn't Koishi, but I'd still like to try and find her.
> Head back towards Utsuho then.
>"Alright. Don't worry too hard about it," she says. "It'll be here. And if you don't make it back by morning, there's someone here who will eat it up."
>She glances toward you, then nods.
> Think And thank you!! before we leave the room.
>You make your way out, as Satori says, "You're welcome, dear."
>You return to the sitting room, finding Utsuho where you left her, her wings twitching slightly under her cape.
>_
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>Pet.
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>Pet.
>You can't help yourseif. You pet them. They are soft and rather slick, but the quills make it feel much different than petting a cat or a dog.
>"...What the hell?" Utsuho mutters. "That better be Parsee..."
>_
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> "Parsee, Mary, what's the difference?"
> "Sorry, but it's Maribel. They just looked so soft and I just had to feel them! It also seemed like a gentle way to wake you up..."
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> "Parsee, Mary, what's the difference?"
> "Sorry, but it's Maribel. They just looked so soft and I just had to feel them! It also seemed like a gentle way to wake you up..."
>She sits up and yawns. "Right," she says,as she stands up and stretche,s which involves extending her wings out as well. "just it'll be like someone getting your attention by rubbing your arm, you know?"
>Then she notices Renko, who is staring at her. "Hey, she found you! Good. How've you been?"
>"Well, up and down," says Renko.
>_
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> "We're working on maintaining that up, though."
> Smile a genuine smile, so as to clue Utsuho in that things really are okay.
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> "We're working on maintaining that up, though."
> Smile a genuine smile, so as to clue Utsuho in that things really are okay.
>She nods, "That's good." You don't know if she caught your subtext or not, but she doesn't seem especially concerned. "Anything happen while I was out? Is it supper time yet?"
>_
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> "It's getting there. Satori wants it to be ready for when Orin comes home."
> "Other than that..."
> Exchange glances with Renko.
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> "It's getting there. Satori wants it to be ready for when Orin comes home."
> "Other than that..."
> Exchange glances with Renko.
>"Oh, so probably awhile yet," says Utsuho.
>You exchange glances with Renko. She quietly takes your hand. "Oh..." says Utsuho. "So, um...you two got that problem wrapped up, then?"
>_
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> "Yeah, I guess you could say that."
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> "Yeah. Uh...oh! Small update on the jet. Kanako is willing to assist. And...I think this would make her pretty happy, based on the things she said."
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> "Yeah, I guess you could say that."
>"Kinda, anyways," Renko says.
>Utsuho nods.
> "Yeah. Uh...oh! Small update on the jet. Kanako is willing to assist. And...I think this would make her pretty happy, based on the things she said."
>"Huh," says Utsuho. "Well, I guess I'll see what I can do. Not sure if it'll amount to much, though."
>_
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> "I hope it does, for both your sakes. You'll probably want to talk to Nitori, though, Kanako is slightly worried about the kappa commitment it would require."
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> "I hope it does, for both your sakes. You'll probably want to talk to Nitori, though, Kanako is slightly worried about the kappa commitment it would require."
>Utsuho nods. "Yeah. We'll definitely have to lean on Nitori, and hope she doesn't find something more interesting in the meantime."
>_
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> "That's all I can think of for now. Anything you want to know?"
> "Oh, wait, Koishi. Still haven't found her. All I know is that she was in the Forest of Magic this morning. I should ask Kanako about that again."
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> "That's all I can think of for now. Anything you want to know?"
> "Oh, wait, Koishi. Still haven't found her. All I know is that she was in the Forest of Magic this morning. I should ask Kanako about that again."
>"Well, I wouldn't mind just talking, but I get the feeling you guys are still pretty busy. And, Kanako and Koishi are sill in contact? That's...a little worrying."
>_
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> "We've been running late for a while, so what's a few more minutes? Of course we can spare a bit of time for you. Anything in particular on your mind?"
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> "I don't think they're still talking. Kanako just noticed her in the forest by reading the winds."
> To Renko: "You said you didn't know a Koishi. Did you happen to see anyone in the forest you didn't recognize?"
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> "We've been running late for a while, so what's a few more minutes? Of course we can spare a bit of time for you. Anything in particular on your mind?"
>Utsuho smiles. "Really, I've just been wondering how you've both been getting along here."
> "I don't think they're still talking. Kanako just noticed her in the forest by reading the winds."
> To Renko: "You said you didn't know a Koishi. Did you happen to see anyone in the forest you didn't recognize?"
>"Ah, I see," says Utsuho. "That's probably for the best."
>"Just about everyone, initially," says Renko, frowning. "But, I don't think so. I've seen my partner and a bunch of faeries. Once in awhile, the odd person flying in the distance."
>_
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> "Well, I'd like to show Renko around Gensokyo. She's only seen a little bit, and that needs some fixing."
> We're still holding Renko's hand, right? Squeeze a little.
> "As for me, I wouldn't mind learning more about fairies. Renko's been able to make friends with a couple, and I know at least one other person that knows plenty about them."
> "Hmm...if you don't mind, can we start with you catching Renko up on why we're here at all? Since, well, you went through it. If it's not a touchy subject, of course."
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> "Well, I'd like to show Renko around Gensokyo. She's only seen a little bit. As for me, I wouldn't mind learning more about fairies. Renko's been able to make friends with a few, and I know at least one other person that knows plenty about them."
> "Hmm...if you don't mind, can we start with you catching Renko up on why we're here at all? Since, well, you went through it. If it's not a touchy subject, of course."
>"That's a good idea," says Utsuho. "There's all sort of stuff on the surface. I ought to have a better look around, myself."
>"Oh, sure," says Utsuho, as she shits back down and begins to summarize the story for Renko. Renko listens attentively as the youkai tells her about Kanako's plot, taking Gensokyo into the outside world.
>"So...they moved it, they changed everyone's memories, and they changed history?"
>"Yeah, just about," says Utsuho.
>"Hell..."
>_
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> "They did as much as they could, yeah. They didn't get everyone, though. The Sanzu River's ferrywoman wasn't affected at all, and neither were a bunch of her co-workers."
> "I'm kinda glad it happened, though, since it got us here."
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> "They did as much as they could, yeah. They didn't get everyone, though. The Sanzu River's ferrywoman wasn't affected at all, and neither were a bunch of her co-workers."
> "I'm kinda glad it happened, though, since it got us here."
>"I'm not sure what that means," says Renko, "But I'll assume not getting that ferrywoman is good."
>She nods in agreement. "It's a nice consolation," Utsuho says.
>_
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> "Given what she told me about herself and her job, it was good, even if one of her bosses had a conniption over the whole situation. Apparently she ferries the souls of the dead across her river to some afterlife bureaucracy. Or so she claims, anyway. That seems pretty crazy, even for this place."
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> "Given what she told me about herself and her job, it was good, even if one of her bosses had a conniption over the whole situation. Apparently she ferries the souls of the dead across her river to some afterlife bureaucracy. Or so she claims, anyway. That seems pretty crazy, even for this place."
>"Huh," Renko says. You feel this sums it up pretty well.
>"Could we see?"
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> "I...guess. Yeah, sure. If I can remember the way back. Komachi said she didn't get too many visitors, so I'm sure she'd love the opportunity to meet someone else new."
> Do we remember where Komachi was? She was somewhere near Yuuka, right?
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> "I...guess. Yeah, sure. If I can remember the way back. Komachi said she didn't get too many visitors, so I'm sure she'd love the opportunity to meet someone else new."
> Do we remember where Komachi was? She was somewhere near Yuuka, right?
>Renko nods.
>Some distance north of the village. You followed the road until it ran out. Yuka's garden was a bit to the south of it.
>_
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> "Well, are we ready to go? I think I know where to go to find her; it's just north of the village, I believe."
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> "When we do go visit Komachi, Utsuho, you wanna come with? You're better suited to explain why her soul quota disappeared for months, after all."
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I think the river was fine, wasn't the issue that Gensokyo itself disappeared and as a result there were no souls to ferry over?
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> "Well, are we ready to go? I think I know where to go to find her; it's just north of the village, I believe."
>Renko nods. "Yeah. Seeya, Utsuho."
>The youkai nods. "Later. Have fun!"
> "When we do go visit Komachi, Utsuho, you wanna come with? You're better suited to explain why her river disappeared for months, after all."
>"To be honest," says Utsuho, shaking her head. "I'd rather not. Don't feel like making any trips after the last few days."
>_
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Command fixed.
EDIT: Well, never mind. Reasonable answer, though.
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> Where'd that newspaper get to?
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> Where'd that newspaper get to?
>Renko still has it.
>_
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> Wave to Utsuho.
> Make our way out of the house and back to the surface.
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> Wave to Utsuho.
> Make our way out of the house and back to the surface.
>You wave to Utsuho.
>Making your way from the Palace of the Earth Spirits, you return to the streets of the Ancient City, and start making your way toward the exit. The city is still fairly empty and quiet. Or at least it is until you cross by the main intersection in the middle of the city, and look to the east in time to see Yuugi kicking a fallen oni hard enough to send her flying several feet, while shouting, "Does that feel like zoggin' old news, then!?"
>_
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> Whoa.
> Examine other oni: do they look familiar?
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> Whoa.
> Examine other oni: do they look familiar?
>Indeed. Renko seems to be straying further away.
>You do not recognize the oni Yuugi is beating.
>She just lays there and groans. "What was that, again?" Yuugi says. "Didn't much much like "I got your money!", did it now?
>_
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> Quickly catch up to Renko and resume our trek above ground. Yuugi has her own business to take care of.
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> Quickly catch up to Renko and resume our trek above ground. Yuugi has her own business to take care of.
>You decide not to get involved with this at all.
>You cross the bridge, seeing no sign of Parsee this time. The trip through the tunnels is fairly short, thanks to flight. You see Kisume lurking where she was the last time, she still leaves you alone. Reaching the surface, the air feels nice upon your skin. It seems to be slowly edging into late afternoon.
>_
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> "Hmm, looks like we still have a fair amount of time left in the day. So what do you want to do first, Renko? Visit the soul ferrywoman, talk to Ichirin about her fairy experience, or head to Marisa's to get advice about your other friend?"
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> "Hmm, looks like we still have a fair amount of time left in the day. So what do you want to do first, Renko? Visit the soul ferrywoman, talk to Ichirin about her fairy experience, or head to Marisa's to get advice about your other friend?"
>Renko shrugs. "You know the layout past the forest better than I do."
>_
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> "I was asking more for what you felt was your highest priority. But if you want to hit up everything in the shortest trip, we can do that too."
> Which of the three locations we talked about is closest to where we are now?
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> Alternatively, we could be a bastard and take the longest time possible doing this.
> That isn't nice though, and Renko would probably notice it.
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> It would be nice to spend more alone time with her, but we'll probably get that throughout life anyway, and keeping her away will not a happier Alice make.
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> "I was asking more for what you felt was your highest priority. But if you want to hit up everything in the shortest trip, we can do that too."
> Which of the three locations we talked about is closest to where we are now?
>She nods. "I like surprises."
>The closest order would be Marisa, assuming she's home, Ichirin if she's at the temple, and then the Sanzu river.
> Alternatively, we could be a bastard and take the longest time possible doing this.
> That isn't nice though, and Renko would probably notice it.
>You could, it isn't, and she would.
> It would be nice to spend more alone time with her, but we'll probably get that throughout life anyway, and keeping her away will not a happier Alice make.
>There are pros and cons...
>_
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> "...Actually, this will go slightly out of order, but I think Ichirin would be our best first stop, for a few reasons. I think you could benefit from meeting Byakuren, she's a pretty smart woman in a pretty unique situation, and I think they might both still be at their temple."
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> "...Actually, this will go slightly out of order, but I think Ichirin would be our best first stop, for a few reasons. I think you could benefit from meeting Byakuren, she's a pretty smart woman in a pretty unique situation, and I think they might both still be at their temple."
>Renko nods, glancing toward the south briefly.
>_
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> If we aren't already holding her hand (still), take it now.
> Grin.
> "Okay, Renko Usami...welcome to Gensokyo."
> Let's go go go to Byakuren's Temple.
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> If we aren't already holding her hand (still), take it now.
> Grin.
> "Okay, Renko Usami...welcome to Gensokyo."
> Let's go go go to Byakuren's Temple.
>You take Renko by the hand, grin, and welcome her to the world. She grins back. "You starting a touring agency?"
>The two of you take to the air, and make your way toward the human village. Renko once again returns to looking around in every direction as you soar over, and past the forest. You travel in silence, reflecting that this kind of flight is even better than the usual kind. Soon, you're over the fields.
>"Hey!" Renko says, "What's that place?" She points toward an old house not far from the edge of the forest, north of the point at the intersection of the forest road and the youkai mountain road.
>_
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> Is that Rinnosuke's shop, or something else?
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> Is that Rinnosuke's shop, or something else?
>Kourindou is a little ways into the forest along the road. This building is rather isolated. You've seen it, but never really paid it any mind, as you tended to have other places to go. You've not been to it.
>_
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> "I actually don't know. I've never stopped by. We could find out if you like, there's a shop a little ways into the forest with a man we could ask. Or...I guess we could just stop here and take a peek through the windows. I'm a little skiddish about trespassing, though, after Yuuka taught me about personal space."
> Does this building have any windows? Can we see through them?
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> "I actually don't know. I've never stopped by. We could find out if you like, there's a shop a little ways into the forest with a man we could ask. Or...I guess we could just stop here and take a peek through the windows. I'm a little skiddish about trespassing, though, after Yuuka taught me about personal space."
> Does this building have any windows? Can we see through them?
>There are windows, and you're pretty sure you can see through them. But the building; a house you think, it kind of distant, so you can't really see much from here.
>"You have more experience with this," says Renko. "I'll leave it up to you. You do seem kind of excited about this Ichirin person."
>_
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> "Because I think she'll be helpful for you, silly. Though, the more I think about it, the more you have to see Byakuren. Let's go meet them first, and we can ask them if they know anything about this house. We can come back here after we're done talking to them, because now I'm curious too."
> Make a mental note where this house is for later revisiting, and continue on to the temple.
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> "Because I think she'll be helpful for you, silly. Though, the more I think about it, the more you have to see Byakuren. Let's go meet them first, and we can ask them if they know anything about this house. We can come back here after we're done talking to them, because now I'm curious too."
> Make a mental note where this house is for later revisiting, and continue on to the temple.
>"Oh, I have to now, huh?" says Renko. "Can't say no to that!"
>You make a note to of the house's location, and continue onward.
>The town is fairly busy right now. People moving about, gathered around the various shops, entering and leaving the pub, heading to and from the nearby farms. Seen from above, it's interesting to track all the motion through the otherwise sleepy little place. You arrive at the temple with little trouble, and find that aside from people drawing water from the well, no one seems to pay you or Renko any mind. Renko, however, is all too happy to stare at the people near the well, then gawk at the ship-turned-temple. It seems fairly quiet inside.
>_
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> Oh man, she's so precious. (This player actually started grinning while imagining this scene.)
> "Y'like that, huh? And just think - you ain't seen nothin' yet."
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> Oh man, she's so precious. (This player actually started grinning while imagining this scene.)
> "Y'like that, huh? And just think - you ain't seen nothin' yet."
>It really is adorable. You wonder if you were that "adorable" when you first came here?
>"Oh really?" says Renko. "Then by all means, wow me."
>_
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> Approach the temple and look for signs of Byakuren inside.
> If we don't see her, call into the temple for her.
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>Did we ever hear anything about anyone that might be good with Star magic, since Renko said she'd be good at that?
Rough battle plan for the main situation:
- Get Renko a different plan for the fairies ASAP. This is of prime importance to sway Renko out of it before anything nasty happens.
- Once she has a good one, get the OK to call off the attack or at least divert away her involvement in it. Victoly!
- Issue: Alice may attack the mansion anyway, even without fairy support (or try to rile them up herself). That means that the fairies need to be diverted and she needs to be dealt with, through combat or otherwise. Getting support for that will be tough. We might want to tell Renko about the potion Marisa gave us, since we might want to use it if we have to face Alice.
- * Only clever suggestion: Once Renko's agreed to call off the attack (one can hope), split up; her to divert the fairies, and Mary to warn the SDM about Alice's inclination to attack to 'make it a fair fight.' This lets us cover for telling Sakuya about it earlier.
The real problem will be with addressing the fairy maid exodus... if they'll come back/be allowed back once Renko finishes with her project, then we can at least say that, but Sakuya still won't be happy. Do NOT push for it, but it might be reasonable to ask Renko about what to do there - whether to insist on labor negotiations first or allow back just a few relatively willing fairies to calm Sakuya and make any discussion of that go better; we could ask the fairies at the mansion for names of friends that were there or something.
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> Approach the temple and look for signs of Byakuren inside.
> If we don't see her, call into the temple for her.
>You approach and look inside. Down the hall made of sheets, you can see a hulkong form moving around, and hear the sound of a broom. You're reasonably certain this is Byakuren.
>Did we ever hear anything about anyone that might be good with Star magic, since Renko said she'd be good at that?
>You believe this is Marisa's area of expertise.
>_
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> "Byakuren? It's Maribel! I found my friend Renko, do you have a minute?"
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> "Byakuren? It's Maribel! I found my friend Renko, do you have a minute?"
>"That's wonderful!" Byakuren calls back, "Please come inside."
>_
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> Head inside and towards Byakuren.
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>Try not to grin too much at Renko's first reaction.
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> Head inside and towards Byakuren.
>You make your way inside, walking down the sheet-lined hallway. It soon opens op to a sheet-lined room with a number of pillows on the floor in orderly rows, and a small altar at the back, with an tiny clay icon of the smiling buddha set on it. A censer in the corner gives off a faint aroma of incense. Byakuren is here, using a broom rather like a feather duster to clean up. She smiles to you as you enter. "Hello Maribel, and it is a pleasure Renko."
>Try not to grin too much at Renko's first reaction.
>You try not to. But you fail. Her eyebrows raise, and her mouth presses into a thin line. "Wow," she mutters, "should've drank my milk when I was a kid."
>You're not sure if Byakuren heard that, or if she just politely ignores it. "Please, have a seat," she says.
>_
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> Sit down.
(Also I'm imagining the next meeting with Kanako. "I have located Renko! She is ... RIGHT NEXT TO YOU")
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> Sit down.
>You have a seat. Hey, are these pillows filled with actual feathers? Weird.
>"I hope you're both doing well?" Byakuren asks.
>_
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> "Indeed, and much better after we finally ran into each other."
> What did we want to talk with Byakuren about anyway?
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I think the main point is to catch up and ask about what to do with the fairies. How to segue into that appropriately I'm not sure.
Granted, we could also have more small-talk-ish stuff about what Mary and Byakuren have talked about/done before.
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> We wanted to talk to Ichirin about fairies. We wanted to talk to Byakreun because (a) Ha ha, old chap! Renko's reaction, and (b) getting Renko a new perspective on Gensokyo life.
Remember, Renko's entire Gensokyo experience up to the TLC session was fairies and Alice with a shady agenda.
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> "Indeed, and much better after we finally ran into each other."
> What did we want to talk with Byakuren about anyway?
>She nods. "That's refreshing to hear. Have you been practicing?"
>What did you want to talk with her about?
> We wanted to talk to Ichirin about fairies. We wanted to talk to Byakreun because (a) Ha ha, old chap! Renko's reaction, and (b) getting Renko a new perspective on Gensokyo life.
>Oh yeah, that.
>_
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> "Yep!"
> Show Byakuren Hina's spellcard.
> "Had a run-in with Shizuha right before that, too."
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>"It's been a busy day, all in all."
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> "Yep!"
> Show Byakuren Hina's spellcard.
> "Had a run-in with Shizuha right before that, too."
>You show her Wound Sign: Pain Flow Endlessly. (Captured). "Oh, very impressive," says Byakuren. "You've already managed to capture a card. Well done!"
>"You did?" Renko asks, "Good work!" She gives you a congratulatory pat one the shoulder. "You have to be good to do that!"
>You mention your run-in with Shizuha. Byakuren nods. "That's not surprising, given the time of year, from what I understand."
>_
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>Did we ever get an explanation for how the spellcard system works, particularly the capturing part? Or why Shizuha was worked up?
Granted, we know all of this out of character, but!
-
>Did we ever get an explanation for how the spellcard system works, particularly the capturing part? Or why Shizuha was worked up?
>Not really, your lessons never got far enough to cover spellcards and the like.
>You think Minoriko mentioned it was due to the time of year as well.
>_
-
>"Embarrassingly enough, I'm not sure I ever got a proper explanation for how spellcards work. Hina seemed a little surprised I didn't fire back when she was testing me."
>"Do you know why Shizuha might be so antsy? I'm a little curious."
-
>"Embarrassingly enough, I'm not sure I ever got a proper explanation for how spellcards work. Hina seemed a little surprised I didn't fire back when she was testing me."
>"Do you know why Shizuha might be so antsy? I'm a little curious."
>"It's not too difficult to summarize," says Byakuren. She shows you the card. "A spellcard is essentially a pre-made Danmaku pattern. Typically, they are a good deal stronger than one's normal patterns, allowing the user to draw upon something they normally could not in the heat of combat. Some people add other benefits to their cards, such as enhanced protection and the like. The drawback is that they often demand a good deal of focus to use, regardless. As for this card, it would have done you no good to shoot at her. It's designed that the user is protected fully until the card has run its course."
>She gestures toward some symbols on the card. "It is spelled out here, but I don't think you can decode it, yet. Don't feel bad about it. Think of it as akin to musical notation and it will make some sense."
>"As for capturing, it is a courtesy between duelist. If one can fully overcome a card without getting hit or pulling any clever tricks, the user is obligated to give it over as a trophy. I've heard Reimu and Marisa literally have hundreds of captured cards between them."
>You ask her about Shizuha. "Ah, it's nearly autumn, so she'll be going to work soon."
>_
-
> Look at the card and see if we can make sense of it.
> "So then, can everyone in Gensokyo use spell cards? Can I just pick up any card and use it or are they unique?"
-
> Look at the card and see if we can make sense of it.
> "So then, can everyone in Gensokyo use spell cards? Can I just pick up any card and use it or are they unique?"
>You look over the card. The front bears a stylized set of lines, which make you think of motion. The reminds you of some of the shots you had to dodge as well. The back has a strange grid of symbols in a curious pattern that makes no logical sense to you at a glance. You see a couple kanji, bearing the spellcard's name, and spelling things such as "Column" and "Scatter."
>"Anyone who can use danmaku may use them for such," says Byakuren. "Some people, we magicians in particular, often tie full spells into them, as well, to be used outside of duels. And, in theory, you can use others spellcards if you understand how they made it and can replicate it. In reality, they tend to be too personalized for another to use. However, if one is fairly close to you our skills and abilities, you can copy it."
>_
-
> "I see, so pretty much anyone that uses danmaku. So then I could make some, but so could oni or kappa or fairies huh? How hard are they to make anyway?"
-
> "I see, so pretty much anyone that uses danmaku. So then I could make some, but so could oni or kappa or fairies huh? How hard are they to make anyway?"
>"You could," says Byakuren. "And yes. Though it is uncommon that faeries have the attention span to do it, or the power to make good use of one. As for making them, first you have to understand the notation behind them. After that, it depends on what you are seeking to make. It will take some time, and difficulty is relative to what you're trying to make against what you are capable of doing."
>_
-
> "They can't? How unfortunate. Renko was actually found by fairies when she came here, but it doesn't really seem like she can get assistance from them with spellcards then."
> Turn to Renko and give her a playful nudge.
-
> "They can't? How unfortunate. Renko was actually found by fairies when she came here, but it doesn't really seem like she can get assistance from them with spellcards then."
> Turn to Renko and give her a playful nudge.
>"Actually," says Renko, frowning, "I know a couple faeries who have some. I don't think any of them would be good for teaching, though I think once I get the basics, they can give me tips and things."
-
> "Really? Huh, one of them is Dai then I assume? Still, I can't really talk, since my place is surrounded by oni, and they're, well, less than personable. Still, not dead yet!"
> Chuckle like we've told a bad joke.
> "Actually, have the fairies mentioned anyone named Ichirin? She was telling me today that she spent some time with them over the winter."
Tired of dancing around issues, anyone else thinks they can say it better can feel free.
-
> "Actually, have the fairies mentioned anyone named Ichirin? She was telling me today that she spent some time with them over the winter."
> We don't need to say this, we've already dropped Ichirin's name a couple of times in Renko's presence. She probably would have said something if she knew the name.
> "Speaking of working with fairies, Byakuren, is Ichirin still around? We were hoping to talk to her about her experiences."
-
> "Really? Huh, one of them is Dai then I assume? Still, I can't really talk, since my place is surrounded by oni, and they're, well, less than personable. Still, not dead yet!"
> Chuckle like we've told a bad joke.
> "Actually, have the fairies mentioned anyone named Ichirin? She was telling me today that she spent some time with them over the winter."
> We don't need to say this, we've already dropped Ichirin's name a couple of times in Renko's presence. She probably would have said something if she knew the name.
> "Speaking of working with fairies, Byakuren, is Ichirin still around? We were hoping to talk to her about her experiences."
>"No," says Renko, "Although she knows a little about making them. Enough to help the others."
>"In your case, I think it's more than the oni are too personable," Byakuren says.
>You ask about Ichirin. "I'm afraid she isn't in right now," says Byakuren. "She went to town to treat herself to an early dinner."
>_
-
> "Less personable and more oniable!"
> Bad joke laughter
-
> "Darn. I guess we'll have to talk to Ichirin later."
> "Hmm...Byakuren, would you mind telling us a little bit about your experience here in Gensokyo? You know, what the populace is generally like? Neither of us has seen a whole lot, since we only just got here."
-
> "Darn. I guess we'll have to talk to Ichirin later."
> "Hmm...Byakuren, would you mind telling us a little bit about your experience here in Gensokyo? You know, what the populace is generally like? Neither of us has seen a whole lot, since we only just got here."
>"She'll be back in a little while," says Byakuren.
>"Well, my only experience it a little short," she says. "I've only been unsealed for a year or so. I've found people to be remarkably open-minded as long as one is respectful and does not cause much of a fuss. I've not had much time for exploring myself, between my spiritual obligations and helping with the temple arrangements."
>_
-
> "Anything you happen to know about fairies?"
-
> "Anything you happen to know about fairies?"
>"Well, I understand some of the basics," says Byakuren. "But from the way your friend speaks, I think she may be more familiar with them than I am."
>_
-
> "Anyways, I guess we'll come back later to catch Ichirin. Mind if we head over to Marisa's now, Renko?"
-
> "Anyways, I guess we'll come back later to catch Ichirin. Mind if we head over to Marisa's now, Renko?"
>"If that is all you have to ask," says Byakuren, "Then it is fine with me."
>Renko shrugs.
>_
-
> "Ah! Actually, I do have a couple of parting questions. If Ichirin returns here before we do, could you ask her to brainstorm ideas for things fairies could do to gain respect here in Gensokyo? This is kinda important to us."
> "Also, we spotted what looked like a house at the edge of the forest, near the intersection of the forest road and the mountain road. Do you have any idea who lives there?"
-
> "Ah! Actually, I do have a couple of parting questions. If Ichirin returns here before we do, could you ask her to brainstorm ideas for things fairies could do to gain respect here in Gensokyo? This is kinda important to us."
> "Also, we spotted what looked like a house at the edge of the forest, near the intersection of the forest road and the mountain road. Do you have any idea who lives there?"
>"Alright," says Byakuren. "It's an uunsual request, but I shall pass it on."
>"Ah, that place? I believe it's abandoned," Byakuren says . "I'm not sure who owned it."
>_
-
You are a kind soul, parser. That was the best possible answer to that question.
> "Abandoned, huh? Very interesting."
> Exchange glances with Renko. Squeeze her hand if we're holding it, grab it if we're not.
> "Okay, thank you very much for your help. We'll be back at some point!"
> Take our leave and head back toward the forest.
-
> "Abandoned, huh? Very interesting."
> Exchange glances with Renko. Squeeze her hand if we're holding it, grab it if we're not.
> "Okay, thank you very much for your help. We'll be back at some point!"
> Take our leave and head back toward the forest.
>"Don't do anything too silly," says Byakuren, noting your response, then glance toward Renko; who gives you a half grin after a moment.
>Byakuren nods. "Very well. I shall expect you back."
>You depart, and return toward the forest. Along the way, you notice a single person walking down the road toward it, with some very distinctive and fluffy tails that you can see from the air.
>_
-
> Are we in this person's line of vision, or are they walking away from us?
> That's gotta be Ran. Though, we're not wearing our usual outfit...maybe it would be okay for her to see us now?
-
> Are we in this person's line of vision, or are they walking away from us?
> That's gotta be Ran. Though, we're not wearing our usual outfit...maybe it would be okay for her to see us now?
>You're coming up behind her, both of you are going in the same direction. Given she is walking while you are flying, you'll soon overtake her.
>You are pretty sure it's Ran, no one else you know of has tails you can see from the air like that. You don't know if she'd see you, or if she'd recognize you in your current garb.
>_
-
> Slow down a little bit.
> Point Renko to Ran. Raise eyebrows, but don't say anything.
> How close are we to the abandoned house from Byakuren's? Halfway there?
-
> Slow down a little bit.
> Point Renko to Ran. Raise eyebrows, but don't say anything.
> How close are we to the abandoned house from Byakuren's? Halfway there?
>You slow down. Renko follows suit.
>You point out Ran to Renko. "Wow, are those tails?" she says, "They must be huge!"
>You are not terribly far from the abandoned house at the moment. It is to the Southwest.
>_
-
> Ran is heading towards the "abandoned" house, right?
> And we know that Ran is Yukari's shikigami, right?
> Considering that neither we nor Renko have had any interaction with her, perhaps it would be best to observe her a little more and see if she actually heads into the house.
-
>Didn't Reimu tell us where Yukari lives, though?
>We should also explain her to Renko. And Yukari, if she missed that part.
-
> Renko kinda knows who Reimu is, though. Yukari may be worth explaining, though I was holding off because of her desire for fame potentially agitating her when we told her we apparently look like this super-powerful youkai.
-
> Ran is heading towards the "abandoned" house, right?
> And we know that Ran is Yukari's shikigami, right?
> Considering that neither we nor Renko have had any interaction with her, perhaps it would be best to observe her a little more and see if she actually heads into the house.
>She is walking down the road toward the Forest, southward. The house is more to the southwest.
>You do know she has a connection to Yukari of some kind, and is apparently very loyal.
>You could do this. So far, she seems to be walking down the road.
>Didn't Reimu tell us where Yukari lives, though?
>We should also explain her to Renko. And Yukari, if she missed that part.
>Reimu told you she lives somewhere along the road to Youkai Mountain.
>This may not be a bad idea.
> Renko kinda knows who Reimu is, though. Yukari may be worth explaining, though I was holding off because of her desire for fame potentially agitating her when we told her we apparently look like this super-powerful youkai.
>She's shown some vague knowledge of the Shrine Maiden, at least.
>_
-
> "Renko, have you heard anything about a youkai named Yukari? Apparently when I'm wearing my normal dress and hat I bear a more-than-striking resemblance to her. Ran down there is apparently quite loyal to her. Yukari is also rumored to be quite powerful, one of the most powerful in Gensokyo if I'm not mistaken. Several people today have already mistaken me for her. I've also heard from Reimu that she's the best person to talk to with about matters concerning returning home, but I'm not looking for answers to those questions right now. I also don't really know how she's going to react to someone who looks like her."
> "Oh, I should mention Reimu as well. She seems to watch over the Hakurei Border, which keeps our world separate from Gensokyo, and she's also the one that taught me how to make a barrier."
-
> "Renko, have you heard anything about a youkai named Yukari? Apparently when I'm wearing my normal dress and hat I bear a more-than-striking resemblance to her. Ran down there is apparently quite loyal to her. Yukari is also rumored to be quite powerful, one of the most powerful in Gensokyo if I'm not mistaken. Several people today have already mistaken me for her. I've also heard from Reimu that she's the best person to talk to with about matters concerning returning home, but I'm not looking for answers to those questions right now. I also don't really know how she's going to react to someone who looks like her."
> "Oh, I should mention Reimu as well. She seems to watch over the Hakurei Border, which keeps our world separate from Gensokyo, and she's also the one that taught me how to make a barrier."
>"So," says Renko, "You look like a horribly powerful youkai, and that's her follower down there? Huh. So we'll keep out of her way, I guess."
>She nods as you describe Reimu.
>_
-
> "Yeah, keeping out of her way for now is my goal, but I'm interested to see where she's going, if only to remember to avoid wherever she ends up."
> Examine Quests.
-
> "Yeah, keeping out of her way for now is my goal, but I'm interested to see where she's going, if only to remember to avoid wherever she ends up."
> Examine Quests.
>"Looks like she's going to the forest," says Renko. "Either she's going to that store, to visit someone who lives there, or hunting after something."
>Your Quests are:
>Renko Quest
>You've found Renko and seduced Renko! But, does this really quell burning ambition?
>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. You've managed to help them approach another solution.
>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. You've done the former, but you're not so certain about the latter.
>Clinic Catastophe
>Byakuren asked you to help Murasa run the clinic, and to make sure Murasa is doing her job. Kisume's bucket appeared there, but how?
>Bellow away!
>The town blacksmith's bellows are missing! She thinks they were stolen by faeries.
>Coy, is she?
>Utsuho has asked you to find Koishi, and try to help make amends.
>_
-
> What happened to "Maid a Getaway"?
> View Completed Quests
-
> What happened to "Maid a Getaway"?
> View Completed Quests
>It was completed.
>Your Completed Quests are:
>Kick a Komachi
>You've gotten Komachi back to work!
>Pawned
>Yuugi asked you to figure out what is up with a certain pawn shop not making their payments.The problem was rats, and the solution was you.
>Hardflorale
>Yuka has recruited you to plant eight fire lilies around Gensokyo in places you feel are best, and paid you rather well for it.
>What watch?
>You have returned Sakuya her pocketwatch on Utsuho's behalf.
>Need a Nitori
>You've checked up on Nitori for Utsuho. She's doing fine.
>Maid a Getaway
>You've solved the mystery of the missing maids at Scarlet Devil Mansion, and have informed the proper authorities.
>Delivery Delving
>You've given Utsuho Nitori's letter.
>_
-
> "Best avoid where she's going for the time being, unless we have to."
> Going to Marisa's would necessitate going down the same path Ran's going, wouldn't it?
> "Wanna go back to that abandoned house? If it's really abandoned...maybe we could make use of it."
-
> "Best avoid where she's going for the time being, unless we have to."
> Going to Marisa's would necessitate going down the same path Ran's going, wouldn't it?
> "Wanna go back to that abandoned house? If it's really abandoned...maybe we could make use of it."
>"Right," she says.
>You try to approach it from the air from a different direction.
>"What've you got in mind?" asks Renko. "But sure, let's go."
>_
-
> We're dressed differently than before, aren't we? We should be fine to pass by Ran unnoticed.
-
> "Well, we're completely new here, right? We came here with nothing at all other than a couple of acquaintances, and we've only been able to get where we are through the graces of others. If we're going to stay here, we really need, well, some place to stay, right?"
> Start heading toward the abandoned house.
We are dressed differently, but we've reason to suspect Ran might have seen us before in a passing glance (at Mystia's), and there's no need to jar her memory. It wouldn't be too hard to mentally put the hat back on top of our unchanged hair, anyway.
-
> We're dressed differently than before, aren't we? We should be fine to pass by Ran unnoticed.
>It does seem this way. But at the same time, she is a youkai...
> "Well, we're completely new here, right? We came here with nothing at all other than a couple of acquaintances, and we've only been able to get where we are through the graces of others. If we're going to stay here, we really need, well, some place to stay, right?"
> Start heading toward the abandoned house.
>She nods. "That is a good point, I suppose."
>You head toward the fallen house, leaving the fox youkai to go on her way, seemingly none the wiser that you were behind her. It is a moderately short flight over the grassy field to get there.
>The house itself is a two-story building with a tiled roof. Compared to some of the homes you've seen today, it is downright luxurious. It seems reasonably intact, though the front door hangs open and it is direly in need of a coat of paint. The windows seem intact at least. The grass around it is quite tall. The Forest of Magic is to the south a little ways, reaching outward to come fairly close to the house. In the distance, you can also see the edge of the Bamboo Forest. Obvious exists are North, South, East, West 1 and West 2.
>_
-
> Peer into any visible windows for interesting things. People would have high priority.
> Ask Renko to do the same so we cover the house more quickly.
-
> Peer into any visible windows for interesting things. People would have high priority.
> Ask Renko to do the same so we cover the house more quickly.
>You look through the windows, and ask Renko to do the same.
>You see what looks like an old living room. It is terribly dusty. There are a couple wooden chairs that seem to be rather rickety, and a bookcase that has fallen over. The walls seem to be in in decent repair.
>"There's a kitchen over here," says Renko.
>_
-
> Follow to where she is and examine kitchen ourselves
-
> Follow to where she is and examine kitchen ourselves
>You walk over and look into the kitchen. It is quite dusty as well. You can see a long counter, beside a wood-burning stove and range. Numerous cabinets, hanging open, are empty save for cobwebs. You think you see a door hanging open that leads to a pantry as well.
>_
-
> Any windows on the second story? Or did we check those out already?
> "Well, it would need some cleaning, but it's a hell of a lot better than starting from scratch."
-
> Any windows on the second story? Or did we check those out already?
> "Well, it would need some cleaning, but it's a hell of a lot better than starting from scratch."
>There are some second story windows. You have yet to check them.
>"Yeah, but, isn't it kind of weird?"
>_
-
> "A bit, yeah. Who would abandon a place like this? If it were fixed up, it'd be really nice. And how has it preserved so well? Did everyone else just ignore it?"
-
> "A bit, yeah. Who would abandon a place like this? If it were fixed up, it'd be really nice. And how has it preserved so well? Did everyone else just ignore it?"
>"I don't know," says Renko. "It looks like there's been some looting, at least."
>_
-
> "Hmm, there does, yeah. Wonder who did it?"
> "Let's check out the second story windows, see what else is in this place. Maybe we'll find a clue about what happened here."
> Check out the second story windows, see what else is in this place. Maybe we'll find a clue about what happened here.
-
> "Hmm, there does, yeah. Wonder who did it?"
> "Let's check out the second story windows, see what else is in this place. Maybe we'll find a clue about what happened here."
> Check out the second story windows, see what else is in this place. Maybe we'll find a clue about what happened here.
>"No idea," says Renko. "Relatives? Former friends? Creditors?"
>You hover up to the second story windows. One of them has some old, ratty curtains closed over it. The other reveals a dusty, empty old room. You think it's meant to be a bedroom.
>_
-
> "This place looks like a question for Marisa. She lives near enough by that she might know a few things."
> "Heh, our first investigation in our new homeland."
> "Anyway, is there anything else you'd like to look at here? If not, let's go see Marisa. We'll definitely be coming back here later."
> If Renko does not want to stick around, head toward Marisa's house.
-
> "This place looks like a question for Marisa. She lives near enough by that she might know a few things."
> "Heh, our first investigation in our new homeland."
> "Anyway, is there anything else you'd like to look at here? If not, let's go see Marisa. We'll definitely be coming back here later."
> If Renko does not want to stick around, head toward Marisa's house.
>"Maybe," Renko says. "Or maybe we could answer the question ourselves?"
>_
-
> Head inside the house via front door.
> Look around.
-
>Is breaking and entering our usual modus operandi?
>Then again, it looks pretty thoroughly uninhabited, so...
>"Yeah, might as well look. Hopefully we won't be pissing anybody off."
-
>Is breaking and entering our usual modus operandi?
>Then again, it looks pretty thoroughly uninhabited, so...
>"Yeah, might as well look. Hopefully we won't be pissing anybody off."
>You've not had to do it before. But you know that if you and Renko encountered a fenced off area in the course of an investigation, you didn't feel much doubt about climbing over it.
>That it does.
>She grins.
> Head inside the house via front door.
> Look around.
>You open the front door, and walk into what looks like the living room. You can see the chairs from before, as well as the fallen-over bookshelf. There's a lot of dust here, and a distinctive lack of anything other than those chairs and that shelf. There is a large doorway to the side that leads toward the kitchen, and another that leaves further in toward a room you've not seen seen yet. Obvious exits are East, West, and North.
>_
-
> "Hey, there's somewhere new."
> Enter room we didn't see through windows.
-
> "Hey, there's somewhere new."
> Enter room we didn't see through windows.
>You head west.
>You enter into a small a hallway. To the north, you can see a staircase leading up to the second floor. On your left, to the south, is an empty closet. Up ahead, you can see a new room. You've kicked up a fair amount of dust, causing you to sneeze. Renko covers her mouth and nose with a hand. Obvious Exits are North, East, and West.
-
>Blame Jeff for this whole mess, and the eternally unreleased Turkish version.
>Double-check the closet.
>"Now that I think about it, would it be a little odd that that curtain upstairs was still closed?"
>north/up unless Renko objects
-
> Cover mouth and nose with hand in a similar fashion. If this does not help, regretfully use hat as facemask.
-
> Cover mouth and nose with hand in a similar fashion. If this does not help, regretfully use hat as facemask.
>You follow Renko's lead. It helps ward the dust from your face a bit.
>Blame Jeff for this whole mess, and the eternally unreleased Turkish version.
>Double-check the closet.
>"Now that I think about it, would it be a little odd that that curtain upstairs was still closed?"
>north/up unless Renko objects
>You blame various unknown entities in random states of existence and nonexistence.
>Looking into the closet, you see it has been picked clean. Aside from dust and the bar that things hung from, you don't see much of anything."
>She nods in agreement, and you proceed up the stairs. They turn on on a small landing, then proceed southward.
>At the top of the stairs, you find it ends at a small landing with two doorways. The one to the west is open, revealing the empty room you saw before. The one to the west is closed. Obvious exists are North, East, and West.
>_
-
>listen at the west door for a moment.
>Is there a keyhole? Not that there's likely anything that could be seen...
-
The one to the west is open, revealing the empty room you saw before. The one to the west is closed.
>Ponder whether we should go west or west.
-
>Ponder whether we should go west or west.
>How about I go up your mom?
>listen at the west door for a moment.
>Is there a keyhole? Not that there's likely anything that could be seen...
>You listen at the closed door, and hear nothing.
>The door does not seem to have locks.
>_
-
> Carefully open the door and examine the room.
-
> Carefully open the door and examine the room.
>You carefully slide the door open.
>The first thing you see is the red. It stands on the walls, stains the floors, soils the broken furniture, and even dots the ceiling. It is an old red color, muted and dark. Dust mutes it further, as well as the shredded open futon and the dresser laying on its side with drawers scattered about. There are also wisps of paper here and there, perhaps the remains of a lantern. The sun shines through the old curtain drawn over the windows.
>_
-
>Open the door and peek in.
Shit didn't read
-
> "Uh... That red isn't what I think it is... is it?"
-
>Investigate further! Is the red stuff a, say, dried liquid?
>Check out the dresser, too. And what sort of paper that is.
-
> "Uh... That red isn't what I think it is... is it?"
>"I think it is..." Renko says, frowning deeply. "I've never seen an old blood stain, but if I had to imagine what one looks like..."
>Investigate further! Is the red stuff a, say, dried liquid?
>Check out the dresser, too. And what sort of paper that is.
>You steel your will in walk inside.
>Examining an stained spot on the wooden floor, away from the mats, it does seem to be a dried liquid.
>The dresser is on its side, the drawers scattered. You can see some old clothes among the mess now.
>The paper is old, brittle, and seemingly shredded. You could see it having belonged to an lantern.
>_
-
>Take some of the paper, someone else might be able to confirm.
>Any mythological creatures that might BE that sort of lantern? That'd be weird...
>Check out the clothes.
-
> "Yeah, I'm leaning towards not making this own house now."
-
> Hold back memories of that poor snake.
> Is there a closet in here or anything?
> Check any closed drawers.
-
>"Now I have to wonder if this place is haunted... for REAL this time."
-
>Take some of the paper, someone else might be able to confirm.
>Any mythological creatures that might BE that sort of lantern? That'd be weird...
>Check out the clothes.
>You obtain: Scrap of brittle old paper.
>It's possible, you suppose.
>The clothes are faded, dirty, and bloodstained, some of them shredded up into pieces. They seem to be about the right size for a small woman or young adult of either gender.
> "Yeah, I'm leaning towards not making this own house now."
>"Not without purging it with fire..."
> Hold back memories of that poor snake.
> Is there a closet in here or anything?
> Check any closed drawers.
>...Oh hell, you managed to forget about it, too! You can hear the crunch again...
>There is a closet. The paper door has been shredded and the frame ripped asunder. There is a lot of red splashed in there, as well.
>None of the drawers are closed, they've all fallen out, and some have been broken into bits.
>...Did that torn up robe shift?
>"Now I have to wonder if this place is haunted... for REAL this time."
>You do indeed...
>_
-
> Point at the robe.
> "Hey - did that just...move?"
-
>What style are the clothes? Well, I guess that's less important than a poltergeist anyway...
>Watch that moving robe carefully.
-
> Point at the robe.
> "Hey - did that just...move?"
>"Maybe..." says Renko, looking at the robe now.
>What style are the clothes? Well, I guess that's less important than a poltergeist anyway...
>Watch that moving robe carefully.
>They seem to be similar to the clothes you saw a lot of the people at the village wearing. They may have been finer at one point, but it's really hard to tell now.
>You watch it, and see a wisp of white fly from it and toward you!
>_
-
> Shoot at it
> Shoot at it
-
> Shoot at it
> Shoot at it
>You shoot at it! Renko cries out! You think you do, too.
>You summon a shot with little trouble and send it flying, directly over the speeding wisp. It passes through your stomach, leaving a bitterly cold sensation in its wake all throughout your torso. Your teeth start chattering, nearly biting your tongue.
>_
-
> Hug self for warmth
> Shut mouth and keep it clamped shut as best we can
-
> Hug self for warmth
> Shut mouth and keep it clamped shut as best we can
>You hug your arms to yourself and trying to clamp your teeth shut. Oh god, it's so cold...
>"M-Mary!?"
>_
-
> "Th-the hell was THAT? S-so...c-c-c-old..."
-
> "Th-the hell was THAT? S-so...c-c-c-old..."
>"I don't know!" Renko cries. "It's moving again! That blanket!"
-
> fuck fuck FUCK
> Pull ourselves together. Turn toward the blanket.
-
>Try to create a barrier with the Border of the Living and Dead between us and the blanket.
-
> fuck fuck FUCK
> Pull ourselves together. Turn toward the blanket.
>You allow yourself quite a bit of profanity, and turn toward a blanket among the mess to see it wriggling a bit, before another white wisp flies out at you!
>Try to create a barrier with the Border of the Living and Dead between us and the blanket.
>You don't think you have time for this.
>_
-
> Is Renko to our left or our right? Roll in whichever direction she isn't.
-
> Is Renko to our left or our right? Roll in whichever direction she isn't.
>Renko is more to your left, so you try to roll rightwards!
>You are not really athletic enough to do this, even when your torso doesn't feel like a freezer. Instead, you just crash to the ground, landing painfully on your shoulder. On the bright side, the wisp passes over you. You hear the distinctive sounds of shots firing behind you. "The first one just came back through the wall!" Renko says. "I think it's the first one!"
>_
-
>Scrabble back to our feet and try to move out of the way of the incoming wisp
>Try to move towards the door as we do so
>"Renko! Let's get out of here! Either they won't follow us out of the house, or at least there'll be no walls in the way of us if they do."
-
>You scrabble back to your feet, in time to see a wisp from from what was previously behind you and sink through the floor boards.
>You get back to your feet and moved toward the door.
>"Just running away?" says Renko? You look back toward her in time to see a wisp speeding toward her from behind.
>_
-
>"Behind you! Move!"
>Are we close enough to drag her out of the way? If so, grab her
>Otherwise, see if we can snag the wisp with a shot, unless it's too close and risks hitting Renko
-
>"Behind you! Move!"
>Are we close enough to drag her out of the way? If so, grab her
>Otherwise, see if we can snag the wisp with a shot, unless it's too close and risks hitting Renko
>You cry out to Renko. "Huh?" she starts to say, then your words in and she throws herself against the wall.
>You aren't close enough to throw her away. Instead you take any at the wisp and release a single speedy shot. The wisp smacks into it, the impact sending it spinning. Its form loosens and shifts into a kind of indistinct misty ball that wobbles in the air.
>_
-
>Fire at it again while it's stunned
>Keep an eye out for other wisps
-
>Fire at it again while it's stunned
> Move to the right as we do this, since we've lost track of that second wisp.
-
>Fire at it again while it's stunned
>Keep an eye out for other wisps
> Move to the right as we do this, since we've lost track of that second wisp.
>You move to the right and fire again. It's an easy shot to make, and the sphere dissipates into nothing.
>"Floor, behind you!" Renko shouts, as she throws out her hand and unleashes a stream of bullets.
>_
-
>Dash forward, and to the side. Clear a way for Renko's shots
-
>Dash forward, and to the side. Clear a way for Renko's shots
>You move, trying to force out some of the stiffness from your torso. The shots thump against the wood behind you, and you hear Renko curse as the wisp flies past you. Then she fires again, but you don't see the shots fly past you.
>_
-
>Where's the wisp now?
>If we can see it, try to fire at it (assuming Renko's not in the way)
>"That's why I think we should get out in the open. Less stuff for them to hide behind."
-
>Where's the wisp now?
>If we can see it, try to fire at it (assuming Renko's not in the way)
>"That's why I think we should get out in the open. Less stuff for them to hide behind."
>The wisp is flying on ahead of you, into the other room and making a turn.
>You try to fire at it, but it is moving faster than your shots.
>Renko jumps away from the wall. "Okay, lead the way. I'll hold them off!"
>_
-
>Head out of the room on the quickest path out of the house
>Keep an eye peeled towards all walls
>If we see a wisp that we have a chance of hitting, blast it!
-
>Head out of the room on the quickest path out of the house
>Keep an eye peeled towards all walls
>If we see a wisp that we have a chance of hitting, blast it!
>You head out of the room and down the stairs!
>As you round the landing, a wisp flies from the walls at you at knee height!
>_
-
>Quickly take to the air and get our legs out of the way
>Shoot it
-
>Quickly take to the air and get our legs out of the way
>Shoot it
>You take to the air! It passes just below your feet.
>You turn in midair and try to fire upon it. Shots hit the floor in its wake, but it passes into the wall before you can do much. You feel you might get better results if you put more thought into how you shoot.
>_
-
>Continue focusing on getting out of the house
-
>You fly down the stairs, hearing more fire, and Renko behind you. "Got one!" she shouts.
>As you get to the base of the stairs and start to turn toward the dusty living room, you see motion out of the corner of your eye.
>_
-
>Turn towards the motion
>If it's a wisp, quickly get out of the way
>Look to the wall that the wisp will first reach if it continues its current trajectory
>Launch a small cloud of danmaku at this wall. Try to time it so that it will reach it at around the same time the wisp will
-
>Turn towards the motion
>If it's a wisp, quickly get out of the way
>Look to the wall that the wisp will first reach if it continues its current trajectory
>Launch a small cloud of danmaku at this wall. Try to time it so that it will reach it at around the same time the wisp will
>You turn toward the motion and see a wisp heading for you!
>You spray a small cloud of danmake in front of you, making a dozen or so shots. It connects with one of them, and comes to a halt, spreading out into a misty sphere like the prior one did.
>_
-
>Launch a quicker concentrated stream and take it out
-
>Launch a quicker concentrated stream and take it out
>With the ball right in your face, it's practically like reaching out and slapping it. The sphere dissipates quietly.
>You hear Renko coming down the stairs, firing shots in some direction.
>_
-
>Turn and see if we can assist with any wisps coming in her direction. Take shots at them where possible, aiming for walls and other escape routes unless a direct shot seems likely to hit.
>Once she's down the stairs, continue towards the exit
-
> Ponder what these things might be. What's up with that stunned form? Wonder if it's touchable.
-
>Turn and see if we can assist with any wisps coming in her direction. Take shots at them where possible, aiming for walls and other escape routes unless a direct shot seems likely to hit.
>Once she's down the stairs, continue towards the exit
>Turn in time to see Renko make it down the stairs. "I think there's five of them!" she says.
>As she does, you see a wisp emerge from the ceiling above Renko.
>_
-
>"Duck!"
>Fire a cloud over her head as the wisp descends towards it
-
> Ponder what these things might be. What's up with that stunned form? Wonder if it's touchable.
> Never mind this. Keep in mind trying to touch a stunned one, though.
-
>"Duck!"
>Fire a cloud over her head as the wisp descends towards it
>Renko doesn't question you this time, she just ducks.
>You send a cloud of shots over Renko's head as the wisp descends. Much like the last one it smacks into the cloud, a prisoner of its own speed, and quietly dissolves into a misty sphere.
> Never mind this. Keep in mind trying to touch a stunned one, though.
>You try to touch the stunned one, as Renko moves out from under it. Oh wow, that is like sticking your hand into a snowbank! It is not pleasant in the least!
>_
-
>Finish off the stunned one
>Continue out of the house
-
> Hey, some players enjoy the feel of snowbanks.
-
> Make haste exit-ward!
> If necessary/possible, shoot the door open.
-
>Finish off the stunned one
>Continue out of the house
>You finish off the stunned wisp, and make your way into the living room.
>"So that's three," Renko says, looking around.
> Hey, some players enjoy the feel of snowbanks.
>While snow banks can be enjoyable, having withdrawn your hand, it is chilled to the bone and stiff. You find yourself flexing your fingers to get them warm again.
> Make haste exit-ward!
> If necessary/possible, shoot the door open.
>You head for the door!
>As it opens inward, you cannot really shoot it open.
>_
>_
-
> How much open space do we have in the living room? It may actually be suitable for our open-area-battle purposes.
-
>This may be a good place to get a ghost for Nitori, if we had the means to capture one. Might be best not to wipe them all out at the moment
>Continue for the exit
-
> Do we even know how to capture one?
> That aside, what's the utility of open-area battle as opposed to flight?
-
> Do we even know how to capture one?
>Nitori mentioned a bottle with charms on it to prevent it from escaping. Reimu may know how.
-
> How much open space do we have in the living room? It may actually be suitable for our open-area-battle purposes.
>It's fairly open in here. If you moved the chairs out of the way, all you should have to worry about is tripping over the bookcase.
>This may be a good place to get a ghost for Nitori, if we had the means to capture one. Might be best not to wipe them all out at the moment
>Continue for the exit
>Given how cold these things are, they may well be the ghosts Nitori was talking about!
>You reach the door without incident. "I don't see 'em anywhere," says Renko.
> Do we even know how to capture one?
> That aside, what's the utility of open-area battle as opposed to flight?
>Nitori mentioned a bottle with charms on it to prevent it from escaping. Reimu may know how.
>You answer your own question.
>_
-
>Exit the house and put a decent distance between us and it, assuming no more attacks
-
>Exit the house and put a decent distance between us and it, assuming no more attacks
>You reach down to open the door, and oh god it's so cold! It's running up your arm!
-
>Jerk hand away
>Take a step back
>The door is cold? Or is there a wisp about to come out the door? Get ready to dodge/shoot if that's the case
>Are there windows nearby?
-
>Jerk hand away
>Take a step back
>The door is cold? Or is there a wisp about to come out the door? Get ready to dodge/shoot if that's the case
>Are there windows nearby?
>You jerk your hand away and step back; your arm still freezing. As you do, you see a wisp of white emerge from it as you jerk away, and then try to slip back into your arm.
>You are far too disturbed by this to really contemplate anything else except getting it out of there.
>_
-
>Back away as quickly as we can
>Try to shoot at it with our other hand
-
> "Zoiks!"
-
>Back away as quickly as we can
>Try to shoot at it with our other hand
>You back away as quickly as you can. As you jerk your arm back, you reveal the wisp entirely. It starts to chase you!
>You nearly collide with Renko as back away. Then she fires a stream of bullets in front of it. catching it and causing it to collapse like the others. She quickly finishes it off.
>Your right arm is terribly cold and sore right now. So is your torso, but it is not so bad as before.
>"That's four," says Renko. "Two for each of us. You okay, Mary?"
> "Zoiks!"
>You try to say this, but a renewed burst of teeth chattering ruins it.
>_
-
>"Not really....."
>Go try to open the door again.
>"If you think there's only one more, you might want to save it for the moment. I'll explain later."
-
>"Not really....."
>Go try to open the door again.
>"If you think there's only one more, you might want to save it for the moment. I'll explain later."
>You manage to gasp the first part out and open the door, this time without incident.
>You try to say the second part, but your chattering teeth just ruin it.
>_
-
>Get the hell out of there
-
>You quickly get out of there, and oh god that sun feels so good right now, you wish it were a hundred and ten degrees right now.
>Renko follows you out, slamming the door behind her. "What'd it do to you, Mary? You need help?"
>_
-
>"F- frozen...."
>Get a safe distance away from the house
>If we're really still freezing, try to borrow a little body warmth from Renko for our arm or other affected areas.
-
>If we're really still freezing, try to borrow a little body warmth from Renko for our arm or other affected areas.
> Sounds like an excuse for a hug if I ever heard one!
-
>"F- frozen...."
>Get a safe distance away from the house
>If we're really still freezing, try to borrow a little body warmth from Renko for our arm or other affected areas.
> Sounds like an excuse for a hug if I ever heard one!
>You move some distance from the house. Your arm and torso are still very chilly.
>To combat this, you decide it is time for hugs. Renko seems a little confused, but happy to accept at first. Until she actually touches you and jerks away. "Ah! You feel like a side of meat out of deep freezer!" She herself is almost uncomfortably hot against your afflicted areas.
>You think your teeth are done chattering, though you're still breathing quickly.
>_
-
>"Sorry... but you try being something that could have come out of a deep freezer."
>Keep warming up, just the same
>"I wonder what the heck happened there? I mean, all the blood and stuff. And would those wisps mean multiple dead people at some point? You'd think in a place like Gensokyo, someone would have exorcised the ghosts already by now."
-
> Hug arm close to body in an attempt to warm things back up.
> "Let's leave the last one alive, Nitori will want it."
> Inventory
-
>"Sorry... but you try being something that could have come out of a deep freezer."
>Keep warming up, just the same
>"I wonder what the heck happened there? I mean, all the blood and stuff. And would those wisps mean multiple dead people at some point? You'd think in a place like Gensokyo, someone would have exorcised the ghosts already by now."
>"Oh, come here." she says, taking your arm and hugging it close to herself. Her own heat quickly makes this painful for you!
>"I dunno," says Renko. "I thought it was kind of weird there weren't any mouse tracks in there, and that the faeries left it alone. And...the way that the stuff was broken and shredded? I don't think it was human..."
> Hug arm close to body in an attempt to warm things back up.
> "Let's leave the last one alive, Nitori will want it."
> Inventory
>Renko has you covered, there. Still, you wish you had a warm bath right now, even if it would hurt...
>"Okay. Did you get any others I didn't see? I got two of them, and I saw you get two."
>Your Inventory Contains
>Mop Hat
>Red Robe
>White Hakama
>Branch
>Floating Stone
>Ingredient List
>Ring of Rhythm
>Striped Mushroom Potion of Enhancement
>Starlight Incantation Slip.
>Purple Messenger Bag
>Blue Silk Flower
>92☼
>Bottle of Irritated Bull Sake
>Emerald Necklace
>Star Armlet
>Purple Dress
>Wound Sign: Pain Flow Endlessly. (Captured)
>Kakashi Spirit News
>Frilly Dark Dress (Worn as Clothing)
>_
-
>"Well, maybe Marisa will know. She does live kinda nearby, after all. We'll have to ask when we get there."
>Once we feel warm enough to walk, continue towards Marisa's
-
>"Well, maybe Marisa will know. She does live kinda nearby, after all. We'll have to ask when we get there."
>Once we feel warm enough to walk, continue towards Marisa's
>After a little bit, you begin to feel...mostly alright. There's still a lingering chill, you think you're going to need a good hot bath, or a nice sit down by a fire, and something good and hot to drink before that goes away.
>You carry on toward Marisa's. After a bit of a walk, you reach the road to the forest again.
>_
-
>Continue on to Marisa's house
>"You know, I've been meaning to ask you. Why'd you seem so uncomfortable about how Alice would react to you missing the appointment? I mean, I understand someone being a bit put out by being late, but... I don't know; you seemed more worried than that."
-
>Continue on to Marisa's house
>"You know, I've been meaning to ask you. Why'd you seem so uncomfortable about how Alice would react to you missing the appointment? I mean, I understand someone being a bit put out by being late, but... I don't know; you seemed more worried than that."
>You continue down the road, soon entering the forest proper. You can see Kourindou up ahead.
>"Well, um...It's just, I kind of don't want to let her down. She's not really the sort who takes it well, I don't think."
>_
-
>"I can understand that. But, this whole thing was your idea in the first place, wasn't it?"
-
>"I can understand that. But, this whole thing was your idea in the first place, wasn't it?"
>"Yeah, but she's given me a lot of support. And she's pretty into the idea herself."
>_
-
>"Yeah, but she's given me a lot of support. And she's pretty into the idea herself."
>"What're you worried she'll say, anyway? I know you said you could use moral support, and all."
-
>"What're you worried she'll say, anyway? I know you said you could use moral support, and all."
>"It's not so much say as...well...possibly do. She might take it, you know. Badly."
>_
-
>"....does she have a reputation for this, or something? Or... did something like that happen to you before?"
-
>"....does she have a reputation for this, or something? Or... did something like that happen to you before?"
>"It's just...you'd have to meet her. She's nice a lot of the time? But other times...colder than your arm was. And it's not that she has a reputation, but that she can do thing. She is a magician, I mean."
>_
-
>"Well, I don't think magicians are inherently any more prone to taking things out on people than anyone else is. Byakuren is a very powerful magician from what I understand, and she seems like the sort who wouldn't knowingly harm anyone."
>"What were some of the things you saw her be cold about, though? Does she have some touchy subjects or something? How'd it come up?"
-
>"Well, I don't think magicians are inherently any more prone to taking things out on people than anyone else is. Byakuren is a very powerful magician from what I understand, and she seems like the sort who wouldn't knowingly harm anyone."
>"What were some of the things you saw her be cold about, though? Does she have some touchy subjects or something? How'd it come up?"
>"It's kind of hard to explain," says Renko. "It's, she just has the aura about her, you know? That sort of person you know it's dangerous to piss off. Like some kind of mobster kingpin or something. And when things start to not go the way she's expects them..."
>You pass by Kourindou, taking the bend in the road.
>_
-
>"And you think merely missing a meeting would be enough to do that? I mean, didn't she take you under her wing and all? She must be at least a little kindly disposed towards you."
-
>"And you think merely missing a meeting would be enough to do that? I mean, didn't she take you under her wing and all? She must be at least a little kindly disposed towards you."
>"It's not just a meeting, you know..." she says. "It's a planning session for this whole thing. And now...I guess I'm kinda backing out on her...sorta."
>She pauses.
>"Mary," she says after a moment, not looking at you. "I'm still doing it. Not for the riches anymore, or to take over the mansion. I'll forget about those. But because it can be done. I'm not gonna help Alice to it, either. But I'm going to do it, and I'm going to succeed."
>_
-
>"It really means a lot for you to make a mark like this, doesn't it?"
>"And what do you intend to do about Alice, then? If you think she won't take being late well, I can't imagine she'll take not getting her cut of the spoils very well at all."
-
>"It really means a lot for you to make a mark like this, doesn't it?"
>"And what do you intend to do about Alice, then? If you think she won't take being late well, I can't imagine she'll take not getting her cut of the spoils very well at all."
>She nods to your first statement. "Not just that, it's...I don't want to let them down, either."
>"Well, whether I do or don't, she's not getting them either way, so it's pretty much the same thing in the end."
>_
-
>"I'm... glad that you've changed your mind about taking their stuff, Renko. I really am. Thank you."
-
> "Given that, I should probably let you know that...I can't help you in that battle, if it really is what you ultimately decide to do. The people in the mansion have been too willing to help me with many things. I even...I can't betray them like that."
> "...I don't suppose getting them to simply apologize would be better? If they're really as focused on notoriety as you say, an apology will mean all the more coming from them."
-
>"I'm... glad that you've changed your mind about taking their stuff, Renko. I really am. Thank you."
>She nods again. "Honestly...I still want to. But I won't. That said, the faeries are definitely going to want a crack at that pantry."
> "Given that, I should probably let you know that...I can't help you in that battle, if it really is what you ultimately decide to do. The people in the mansion have been too willing to help me with many things. I even...I can't betray them like that."
> "...I don't suppose getting them to simply apologize would be better? If they're really as focused on notoriety as you say, an apology will mean all the more coming from them."
>"Ah man..." says Renko. "I was really hoping that'd do it. Nothing I can say to change your mind?"
>She shakes her head. "It's not just about that. I mean, it'd help. But even then, I still want to do this."
>_
-
>"Well, I understand that probably no one will be harmed by this now, and I really appreciate that, but... I mean, I can't do that to people who've helped me several times, now. It just seems mean-spirited, you know?
-
>"Well, I understand that probably no one will be harmed by this now, and I really appreciate that, but... I mean, I can't do that to people who've helped me several times, now. It just seems mean-spirited, you know?
>"What'd they do for you, anyways?"
>You can see the rock that marks where Marisa's house is up ahead.
>_
-
> Summarize.
> Continue leading on!
-
>"Well, Patchouli helped me get a spell component I was searching for, for one thing."
>"Renko, before we talk to Marisa, I want to know how much of all this you're comfortable sharing with her. I mean, we're going to get advice on dealing with Alice, right? I'm sure she'll ask what the situation is. What do you intend to tell her?"
> Summarize.
>But avoid even hinting at any assistance at all from Sakuya. Patchouli can safely cover our explanation.
-
> Summarize.
> Continue leading on!
>"Well, Patchouli helped me get a spell component I was searching for, for one thing."
>"Renko, before we talk to Marisa, I want to know how much of all this you're comfortable sharing with her. I mean, we're going to get advice on dealing with Alice, right? I'm sure she'll ask what the situation is. What do you intend to tell her?"
>But avoid even hinting at any assistance at all from Sakuya. Patchouli can safely cover our explanation.
>You turn west at the rock, and start down the narrow trail toward Marisa's house.
>"That's it?" Renko asks. "You just got a component? That's not really as much as you made it out to be..."
>You ask about Alice. "Well, let's not try to spill the beans about the plan." Renko says, "Just say we've been working together on something big."
>_
-
>"Well, I got the impression it was a fairly valuable one, and we spent time discussing my possible future as a magician and all that. I'm sure you'd feel similarly if you spent any length of time with someone."
>"Ok, so you've been working on something big together, and you're worried you've peeved her off, and are looking for advice? That it, then, basically?"
-
>"Well, I got the impression it was a fairly valuable one, and we spent time discussing my possible future as a magician and all that. I'm sure you'd feel similarly if you spent any length of time with someone."
>"Ok, so you've been working on something big together, and you're worried you've peeved her off, and are looking for advice? That it, then, basically?"
>"I guess..." she says. "I was just under the impression they...you know...did something."
>"Yeah. Maybe mention I'm gonna break it off."
>_
-
>"Ok, sounds good enough to me, I guess. Maybe Alice really isn't so scary once you get to know her better? Here's hoping."
>Continue to Marisa's
-
> Didn't Sakuya say we could pass off stopping time as teleportation?
-
> Didn't Sakuya say we could pass off stopping time as teleportation?
>If we had to use it when someone saw it. No need to bring it up on its own. And best not to mention her connection with the training of it, or other people will figure out what the teleportation actually is.
-
>"Ok, sounds good enough to me, I guess. Maybe Alice really isn't so scary once you get to know her better? Here's hoping."
>Continue to Marisa's
>"Maybe..." says Renko.
>You soon reach Marisa's front yard. She doesn't seem to be outside at the moment. Renko frowns at the exercise equipment.
> Didn't Sakuya say we could pass off stopping time as teleportation?
>She did say this.
>If we had to use it when someone saw it. No need to bring it up on its own. And best not to mention her connection with the training of it, or other people will figure out what the teleportation actually is.
>She also rather implied this.
>_
-
>"Yeah, she's, um, something of a bodybuilder.... to wildly understate it. You'd never think she was a magician by the way she's built. Evidently takes the whole 'both mind and body must be strong' thing seriously. But she's pretty friendly, from what I've seen, just the same."
>Go knock on the door
-
>"Yeah, she's, um, something of a bodybuilder.... to wildly understate it. You'd never think she was a magician by the way she's built. Evidently takes the whole 'both mind and body must be strong' thing seriously. But she's pretty friendly, from what I've seen, just the same."
>Go knock on the door
>"I see," she says, staring at a rack of weights.
>You knock on the door. "Just a moment!" Marisa calls, before opening the door. She grins down at you, her prior garb now augmented by another apron, this one bearing a large M on it. "Oh hey, Maribel," she says. "Come on in. What can I do for ya?"
>_
-
>"Hey, there!"
>Step inside
>"We're here looking for a bit of advice, actually. And hoping you could maybe answer a question or two."
-
>"Hey, there!"
>Step inside
>"We're here looking for a bit of advice, actually. And hoping you could maybe answer a question or two."
>You step inside a entry hall with a coat-rack off to the side. There is a door to the south, opening to a decently-sized kitchen. To the north, you see a half-closed door with what looks like a messy bedroom on the other side of it. Obvious exits are North, South, and East.
>"Oh, sure," says Marisa. "There's room at the kitchen table for you. How're your spells coming along?"
>_
-
>Go sit at the kitchen table.
>"Well, I haven't had as much time to sit and practice as I'd like; I've been running all over today. But I've had more than a few unexpected opportunities for danmaku. It's coming easier now. I even managed to capture a spell card."
>Show it to her
>"Speaking of unexpected... I don't suppose you have something hot I could drink? I just had a ghost try to freeze me from the inside out and I'm still chilled."
-
>Go sit at the kitchen table.
>"Well, I haven't had as much time to sit and practice as I'd like; I've been running all over today. But I've had more than a few unexpected opportunities for danmaku. It's coming easier now. I even managed to capture a spell card."
>Show it to her
>"Speaking of unexpected... I don't suppose you have something hot I could drink? I just had a ghost try to freeze me from the inside out and I'm still chilled."
>You walk into the kitchen. Renko follows after a moment, trying her best not to stare at Marisa and obviously failing. The kitchen itself is fairly well appointed, with two stoves, a couple of countertops, and numerous cabinets. A rather impressive-looking spice rack sits near one of the counters. A large soup tureen is quietly bubbling away on one of the stoves. There is an odd sort of spicy smell in the air. To the west, you see a door leading to another room, with chairs and shelves.
>"Hey, that's great!" she says as she looks at your spellcard. "Oh, I remember this one. She's worked on it a bit. Interesting. Not a bad catch at all."
>"Ghosts?" She says, giving you a curious look. "What're you messing with ghosts for? But yeah, let me get some tea ready for you. Who's your friend?"
>_
-
>"This is Renko. She's that friend of mine from the outside world that I was looking for. I can't remember if I mentioned her to you or not already today. I finally found her a short while ago."
>"And I wasn't really trying to mess with ghosts. We had a look into that abandoned house up the way out there, and a bunch of them ambushed us. I... don't suppose you know anything about that house or what happened there?"
-
> "This is Renko. She is the person I was trying to find earlier."
> "About the ghosts though, there was this abandoned house near the forest's edge and they appeared after we found a room that seemed to have dried blood all over the place. Do you know that place?"
-
>"This is Renko. She's that friend of mine from the outside world that I was looking for. I can't remember if I mentioned her to you or not already today. I finally found her a short while ago."
>"And I wasn't really trying to mess with ghosts. We had a look into that abandoned house up the way out there, and a bunch of them ambushed us. I... don't suppose you know anything about that house or what happened there?"
> "This is Renko. She is the person I was trying to find earlier."
> "About the ghosts though, there was this abandoned house near the forest's edge and they appeared after we found a room that seemed to have dried blood all over the place. Do you know that place?"
>"Um, hi," says Renko, as Marisa busies herself pouring water from a kettle.
>"Nope, never mentioned her to me," says Marisa, as she puts a cup full of tea leaves in front of you. "Good to meet you, Renko."
>"Charmed," Renko answers with a nod as Marisa makes herself comfortable at the table, her chair giving an alarming creek.
>"Abandoned..." says the magician, frowning a bit, "Oh! That place! So there really are ghosts there? Huh. Well, I guess it follows. It's one of those old stories from the old days, you know? And blood? Geez, maybe I oughta have looked into it sooner."
>_
-
>"Old stories? What have you heard about it then?"
-
> "Do you know what happened there? We wanted to figure it out for ourselves, but after getting frozen stiff, I'm not as enthusiastic as I was."
> Give Renko a 'Sorry' look.
-
>"Old stories? What have you heard about it then?"
>"It's one of those tales they tell village kids to keep them out of the forest," says Marisa.
> "Do you know what happened there? We wanted to figure it out for ourselves, but after getting frozen stiff, I'm not as enthusiastic as I was."
> Give Renko a 'Sorry' look.
>"Go sit by the stove," Marisa says, gesturing toward the one with the soup tureen on it. "It'll help you warm up. Angry ghosts can be really bad for you."
>You give Renko a sorry look. She nods, seeming not to be upset.
>"And I don't know the whole story myself, but some decades ago, a woodcutter or carver or something made his house there. Wanted to be near his work. The way I hear it, he was actually kind of friends with some of the forest youkai, and though it'd be okay. Then one night, a youkai broke in and ate 'em up. No one knows who did it. Rumor has it the place was haunted, which is enough to keep most people out of there. Guess it was true."
>_
-
>"That.... sounds pretty scary, actually."
>"There were 5 of them, that Renko counted. Little wispy things. Would that imply that multiple people died there? Or is that not how it works?"
>"Anyway, we took out 2 each, so there's probably one left. I was actually thinking I might like to look into capturing it. Nitori was looking for one to power an air conditioner she's trying to build. And goodness knows they're cold enough for it.... She said something about a bottle with charms on to keep it trapped inside. Would Reimu be one to talk to about that? You know, with the whole exorcism angle and all?"
-
>"That.... sounds pretty scary, actually."
>"There were 5 of them, that Renko counted. Little wispy things. Would that imply that multiple people died there? Or is that not how it works?"
>"Anyway, we took out 2 each, so there's probably one left. I was actually thinking I might like to look into capturing it. Nitori was looking for one to power an air conditioner she's trying to build. And goodness knows they're cold enough for it.... She said something about a bottle with charms on to keep it trapped inside. Would Reimu be one to talk to about that? You know, with the whole exorcism angle and all?"
>She nods. "Yeah, the actual story has more build up. But it's a pretty good sign of what the old times could be like. Wonder who did it?"
>"Usually," says Marisa. "Ghosts that just wander in tend to be friendly."
>You took out three.
>"Yeah, she's done that before," says Marisa. "A ghost in a jar is the best thing during summer. But don't tell anyone at Hakugyokurou; they get mad and start talking about how you shouldn't make toys out of them. She could probably clean 'em out, too, if you wanted her to."
>_
-
>Go sit by the stove, if we haven't done so already
>"Hakugyokurou?"
>"But yeah, I'll probably go talk to Reimu later, when I get the chance. That was just something that happened on the way here, though. We were headed this way in the first place to ask for your advice about something regarding Alice. You're friends with her, right?"
-
>Go sit by the stove, if we haven't done so already
>"Hakugyokurou?"
>"But yeah, I'll probably go talk to Reimu later, when I get the chance. That was just something that happened on the way here, though. We were headed this way in the first place to ask for your advice about something regarding Alice. You're friends with her, right?"
>You pull a chair over to the stove. It is giving up quite a bit of heat. It feels delicious.
>"That's one of the places where the dead go," says Marisa. "It's a nice enough place. The princess there is a little daffy sometimes, but plenty smart under it all. Her gardener doesn't have much a sense of humor, though."
>"Oh, Alice? Sure, I can tell you all about her."
>_
-
>"Well, what's she been like in your experience, anyway? Renko says she seems like she'd be... a bit dangerous to upset."
-
>"Well, what's she been like in your experience, anyway? Renko says she seems like she'd be... a bit dangerous to upset."
>"Oh, she's a sweetheart," says Marisa. "She acts all cold, but it's just a show. She doesn't like people getting too close to her most of the time. Well, as long as you're not getting in her way, anyways."
>_
-
>"And, uh, what if you kinda are? Even if a bit unintentionally? Let's just say you were collaborating on something, and then had a change of heart and decided to back out on part of it?"
-
>"And, uh, what if you kinda are? Even if a bit unintentionally? Let's just say you were collaborating on something, and then had a change of heart and decided to back out on part of it?"
>"Oh yeah, she's not going to be happy about that sort of thing at all," says Marisa. "There's not many Youkai, hell, not many people, who take that well."
>That stove heat feels so nice...
-
>"Well, let's just say there's a very good reason for the change of plans... Any tips on breaking it to her?"
-
>"Well, let's just say there's a very good reason for the change of plans... Any tips on breaking it to her?"
>Marisa frowns. "Don't let her invite you in. Just what're you two up to?"
-
> Look to the side at Renko. Raise an eyebrow at her. Pray she understand that we think she should be talking, because we don't want to blab anything we shouldn't.
-
> Look to the side at Renko. Raise an eyebrow at her. Pray she understand that we think she should be talking, because we don't want to blab anything we shouldn't.
>You give Renko a prompt. "Oh, um..." she says. "It's just...we've kinda hit on a scheme to make some good money. Like, a lot of it. Only...it's kinda more shady than I want o get into, I guess..."
>Marisa frowns. "Yeah, there's no good way out of that."
>_
-
> "Is Alice really that enthusiastic about that sort of thing? I mean, you're her friend and you're well-meaning. That's not the kind of thing she normally does, right?"
-
> "Is Alice really that enthusiastic about that sort of thing? I mean, you're her friend and you're well-meaning. That's not the kind of thing she normally does, right?"
>"Actually, as far as money goes?" says Marisa, "She usually isn't. She does well enough for herself, and lives in a kind of way where it usually isn't a problem."
>_
-
>"Then... you think she might have some other motivation for it?"
-
>"Then... you think she might have some other motivation for it?"
>"Maybe," says Marisa. "Or she went broke."
>_
-
>"Well, I suppose that's possible. But... well, we're getting out of it, one way or the other. I just... Well, I admit to being a little nervous after what Renko told me about her."
-
>"Well, I suppose that's possible. But... well, we're getting out of it, one way or the other. I just... Well, I admit to being a little nervous after what Renko told me about her."
>"She probably won't, you know, break anything," says Marisa. "But she'll definitely hold a grudge."
>_
-
>"And, uh... does she tend to do anything about these grudges? Other than simply dislike people over them?"
-
>"And, uh... does she tend to do anything about these grudges? Other than simply dislike people over them?"
>Marisa shrugs.
>_
-
>"So, I guess we just go talk to her and hope for the best, then?"
>Try to look at least a little uncomfortable about this prospect
-
>"So, I guess we just go talk to her and hope for the best, then?"
>Try to look at least a little uncomfortable about this prospect
>It is not difficult to look uncomfortable at this prospect.
>"Yeah, that's what I would recommend," say Marisa.
>_
-
>To Renko: "Is there... anything else you wanted to add?"
-
>To Renko: "Is there... anything else you wanted to add?"
>"Um, not really," says Renko, looking noticeably less comfortable than she was beforehand.
>_
-
>"Now that I think about it, didn't Alice say that you had a natural affinity for star magic or something, Renko? Isn't that one of your specialties, Marisa?"
-
>"Now that I think about it, didn't Alice say that you had a natural affinity for star magic or something, Renko? Isn't that one of your specialties, Marisa?"
>Renko nods, clearly pleased to have moved the subject on a little bit. "Yeah, she did. Said I might be able to do pretty well with it."
>Marisa nods. "It sure is. Too bad I don't have any use for a student at the moment."
>_
-
>"Don't suppose you might be able to show her a trick or two, just the same?"
>Smile
>"Have any more errands that need running?"
-
>"Don't suppose you might be able to show her a trick or two, just the same?"
>Smile
>"Have any more errands that need running?"
>"Well, maybe I can show her something," Marisa says. "Don't really need any more errands, though. Still have that slip with the spell on it?"
>_
-
>"I do."
>Produce it
-
>"I do."
>Produce it
>You produce it.
>"Oh good," says Marisa. "Saves me the trouble of writing it down again." She takes it from you and hands it to Renko. "Memorize that."
>Marisa spends the next few minutes walking Renko through the spell. She seems to have some trouble pronouncing it correctly at first. Some trick of the syllables seems to be just a bit much for her at first. But eventually she gets it right, and Marisa moves on to teaching her the motions to accompany it. In the meantime, you warm up by the stove. trying not to grimace as your arm goes through a pins and needles kind of sensation. Your tea is, frankly, too hot for drinking at the moment, but you do so anyways. It hurts your mouth, but it feels so good going down that you don't mind so much.
>Eventually, Renko manages to conjure the little ball of light successfully. "See, not that hard, is it?" Marisa says.
>"Look, Mary!" Renko says, grinning as she cups her hands around it.
>_
-
>Look at her handiwork
>"Nice job!"
-
>Look at her handiwork
>"Nice job!"
>It looks quite a bit like the one you to conjure. Renko marvels at it, more or less mimicking your reaction.
>"Now, that's what we call a familiar," says Marisa, as she carries on the lesson much as she did with you. She then walks Renko through the process of making one usable for the purposes of danmaku. It takes her a couple of tries to get it right, but when she does, three of them come into existance around her.
>"You're gonna be dangerous, kid," says Marisa, while Renko beams, looking between the three wisps of light floating around her.
>_
-
>"Wow, three of them. Nice going! I only managed one when I got that lesson."
-
>"Wow, three of them. Nice going! I only managed one when I got that lesson."
>"Really?" Renko says. "Well, don't worry, you'll give five next time, I bet."
>_
-
>To Marisa: "Is this familiar conjuring something that's associated with star based magic affinity?"
>Give another try at conjuring combat familiars again. Maybe our battle practice since then has helped a little?
-
>To Marisa: "Is this familiar conjuring something that's associated with star based magic affinity?"
>Give another try at conjuring combat familiars again. Maybe our battle practice since then has helped a little?
>"Nope," says Marisa. "Just about any kind of magic can do it. But for this, making one is coincidental with the really basic stuff. Once you get good, you can summon familiar just the same way you do danmaku. Not that it's necessarily the best way, but you can."
>You try to do the familiar summoning again. Calling the energy for danamku is definitely coming to you more easily now. The spell takes hold, and...you create two of them! They hover at either side of you.
>"It's still better," Renko offers. "Given I've been around longer and all..."
>"Not bad," says Marisa. "Remember, though, just because you can make them doesn't mean they're a good idea. Familiars are kind of a gambit, like I said."
>_
-
>"Yeah, I understand. I haven't actually used them in any of the fights I've been in, yet. Seemed better to have more power available to use directly."
>"What exactly does star-based magic do, anyway?"
-
>"Yeah, I understand. I haven't actually used them in any of the fights I've been in, yet. Seemed better to have more power available to use directly."
>"What exactly does star-based magic do, anyway?"
>"It does lots of things," says Marisa. "Makes light, helps you find things, predicts astrological events, generates tons of power once you get good with it."
>_
-
>"Sounds pretty versatile, actually."
-
>"Sounds pretty versatile, actually."
>"That's what I said," Marisa says. "Anything else you want to ask?"
>_
-
>"Um, I don't think so at the moment. Unless you have anything, Renko?"
-
>"Um, I don't think so at the moment. Unless you have anything, Renko?"
[/quote
>"Well, if you could teach me a few more things..." Renko says, looking to Marisa with wide eyes.
>"Maybe later, kid," says Marisa. "From what it seems like, you have enough on your plate as it is. And so do I."
>Renko nods, frowning a bit. "Okay, maybe later."
>_
-
>"Yeah, hopefully we can get this resolved with as little fuss and hurt feelings as possible. Thanks for lending me the stove, Marisa. It really hit the spot. See ya around!"
>Leave the house
-
>"Yeah, hopefully we can get this resolved with as little fuss and hurt feelings as possible. Thanks for lending me the stove, Marisa. It really hit the spot. See ya around!"
>Leave the house
>"Yeah, good luck with that!" says Marisa, as you make your way out.
>"You feeling better now?" Renko asks.
>_
-
>"Yeah, that helped a lot, actually."
>"And what about yourself?"
-
>"Yeah, that helped a lot, actually."
>"And what about yourself?"
>"Good," she says. "And, I'm still worried, really. Oh well. What now?"
>_
-
>"I... think we should go talk to Alice. This is the kind of thing that can probably only get worse by putting it off. And at least Marisa seems to think she's kinder than she evidently looked to you, so that's a little bit of hope, right?"
-
>"I... think we should go talk to Alice. This is the kind of thing that can probably only get worse by putting it off. And at least Marisa seems to think she's kinder than she evidently looked to you, so that's a little bit of hope, right?"
>Renko nods. "Alright, I suppose we best get it out of the way. Though really, the way I was hearing Marisa talk, she was pretty much confirming everything I was afraid of."
>_
-
>"Well, yes and no. She didn't seem to think you'd be in harm's way, at least. I... still think it might have helped if you'd told her the situation a little more. I don't know that she'd approve of what Alice was planning, either. She might have been willing to support your position."
-
>"Well, yes and no. She didn't seem to think you'd be in harm's way, at least. I... still think it might have helped if you'd told her the situation a little more. I don't know that she'd approve of what Alice was planning, either. She might have been willing to support your position."
>"Maybe," says Renko. "But I don't want the plan getting out until I've already done."
>You are back on the road now.
>_
-
>"Do you think Alice is going to want to help at all if she'd not getting anything out of it? And do you think you can do it without her?"
-
>"Do you think Alice is going to want to help at all if she'd not getting anything out of it? And do you think you can do it without her?"
>"I think I can," Renko says. "It'll be harder without her back-up, but that's okay."
>she glances toward you. "If you'd help, though...I know we could do it!"
>_
-
>"Renko... you know that I already said I can't. I appreciate so much that you've changed your mind on looting the place afterward, but... that still doesn't change the fact that I don't feel I can fight them in good conscious."
-
> Ponder whether or not Sakuya would forgive the use of a 'teleportation' demonstration if her name specifically wasn't dropped and it was done in the interest of preventing her household from getting overrun in a most painful and embarrassing fashion.
-
>"Renko... you know that I already said I can't. I appreciate so much that you've changed your mind on looting the place afterward, but... that still doesn't change the fact that I don't feel I can fight them in good conscious."
>She sighs. "Alright. I guess if some chunk of whatsit really means that much to you..."
> Ponder whether or not Sakuya would forgive the use of a 'teleportation' demonstration if her name specifically wasn't dropped and it was done in the interest of preventing her household from getting overrun in a most painful and embarrassing fashion.
>You expect she wouldn't have issues with this.
>_
-
>"It's more than that, you know. I talked to them. They helped me, I helped them; I'd like to stay on good terms with them too, you know. I'm sure you'd feel a bit differently about doing this kind of thing to someone you knew, even a little."
>Continue on to Alice's house
-
>"It's more than that, you know. I talked to them. They helped me, I helped them; I'd like to stay on good terms with them too, you know. I'm sure you'd feel a bit differently about doing this kind of thing to someone you knew, even a little."
>Continue on to Alice's house
>"They gave you some spell thing," says Renko. "I did more than that for you in the course of a day back at the agency."
>You walk down the road, toward the late, Renko taking the lead.
>_
-
>"Renko... it's not about whether I care more about you or them. It really isn't. You know if it really came down to that, who I'd pick. But just because I care about you deeply doesn't mean that I feel right in going along with this. That's all. I want to do whatever I can to support you, Renko. Just... not something like this."
-
>"Renko... it's not about whether I care more about you or them. It really isn't. You know if it really came down to that, who I'd pick. But just because I care about you deeply doesn't mean that I feel right in going along with this. That's all. I want to do whatever I can to support you, Renko. Just... not something like this."
>"Alright, alright," she says. "It's just kind of annoying to hear you talk about all they've done for you, when it pretty much isn't anything compared to us."
>_
-
>"All I'm saying is that I don't want to hurt them, because they're decent people who've done me no harm. No more, no less."
>Take her arm
>"Renko... surely you know I don't mean it that way..."
-
>"All I'm saying is that I don't want to hurt them, because they're decent people who've done me no harm. No more, no less."
>Take her arm
>"Renko... surely you know I don't mean it that way..."
>She nods. "Yeah, but that's not what you were saying. And you can only hear it said like you did so many times, you know?"
>You take her arm. "Yeah, I was wrong," she says. "Sorry."
>_
-
>"No, I understand. I'm sorry, too."
>Give her a little kiss on the cheek
>Continue onwards
-
> "And thank you for even going through with this. It means a lot to me that you're going to do this...especially after the things I just said."
> "Once our conversation with Alice is over, perhaps we should have another talk ourselves? I kinda feel like I'm not doing as much for you as you are for me, and...well, I'm sure we can think of some things to discuss, you know?"
-
[00:38:53] * PurvisHasLeftThisTimestream (CitizenorE@{hostmask}.net) Quit
> Damnit, you, get back here. Don't leave us hangin' at a time like this.
-
>"No, I understand. I'm sorry, too."
>Give her a little kiss on the cheek
>Continue onwards
>You return her apology and give her a quick kiss. She smiles a bit, "Thanks," she says.
>You can see the shore of the lake up ahead. There are a number of faeries playing over the water.
> "And thank you for even going through with this. It means a lot to me that you're going to do this...especially after the things I just said."
> "Once our conversation with Alice is over, perhaps we should have another talk ourselves? I kinda feel like I'm not doing as much for you as you are for me, and...well, I'm sure we can think of some things to discuss, you know?"
>"I know, I know," she says. "And...you're helping me actually do this, aren't you? That's good enough."
>_
-
>"Don't worry, we'll get this sorted out. She cared enough to teach you; I'm sure she'll be willing to let this pass, too, in time."
>We hope
-
> "Besides, I have to help you talk to Alice, don't I? I'm the reason you're late, after all."
-
>"Don't worry, we'll get this sorted out. She cared enough to teach you; I'm sure she'll be willing to let this pass, too, in time."
>We hope
>She nods, while watching the faeries. "Yeah, I hope so."
>You both do.
> "Besides, I have to help you talk to Alice, don't I? I'm the reason you're late, after all."
>"Well, yeah, but that was me, too..." She chuckles a bit. though you get the feeling it is akin to whistling through a graveyard for her.
>You can see the cabin where you saw the woman with the enormous doll earlier today.
>_
-
> "...Wait, THIS is Alice's place?"
> "...I think I might know what that secret weapon is..."
-
> "...Wait, THIS is Alice's place?"
> "...I think I might know what that secret weapon is..."
>"Yep," says Renko. "Not too far from the target, either."
>Renko nods. "I've heard some stories from the faeries around here, myself."
>_
-
>"Well, that sort of weapon is certainly... large and distinctive, at any rate. If it's something she's known for, I can't imagine she could hide her involvement from the people at the mansion after this was done with. I guess she just figured they wouldn't be able to do anything to her afterward?"
-
>"Well, that sort of weapon is certainly... large and distinctive, at any rate. If it's something she's known for, I can't imagine she could hide her involvement from the people at the mansion after this was done with. I guess she just figured they wouldn't be able to do anything to her afterward?"
>"I assume she has ways to take care of herself," says Renko, frowning.
>_
-
>"Anyway, let's just get this over and done with. Nothing to be gained by waiting here, hoping it will go away."
>Head towards the house
>"You want to knock first?"
-
>"Anyway, let's just get this over and done with. Nothing to be gained by waiting here, hoping it will go away."
>Head towards the house
>"You want to knock first?"
>Renko nods.
>You approach the house. It is a rather simple looking, boxy sort of cabin. It seems to be in very good condition, better maintained than practically any other home you've seen in Gensokyo.
>"I think I should..." Renko says, as she walks up the small porch. She knocks on the door, and waits. She takes a few deep breaths.
>After a minute or so, the door opens, revealing the blonde woman in the blue dress whom you saw earlier today. She looks at Renko coolly, then says, "Better late than never, I suppose." Then she turns her blue-green eyes toward you and frowns. "Who is this?"
>_
-
>"Hi, I'm Maribel. I'm a very close friend of Renko's. We just managed to find each other again a short while ago."
-
>"Hi, I'm Maribel. I'm a very close friend of Renko's. We just managed to find each other again a short while ago."
>"Ah, you're the infamous Maribel," says Alice. "Good, now we could focus. Except...why are you here? Have you decided to get involved?"
>_
-
>"Infamous? Did Renko already mention me, then?"
>"And, well...."
>Look encouragingly at Renko. She should be the one to say it.
-
>"Infamous? Did Renko already mention me, then?"
>"And, well...."
>Look encouragingly at Renko. She should be the one to say it.
>Alice nods.
>Renko takes your cue, and says. "I'm out, Alice."
>"What." There is no trace of a question in Alice's reply.
>"I'm not going to raid the Scarlet Devil Mansion with you."
>There is a painful silence, as Alice gives Renko a frosty look.
>_
-
>"It's her decision to make, Alice. She proposed the idea in the first place. No one else has to know what did or didn't happen here."
-
(^ This was discussed and agreed upon between the two of us, for the unaware. We're in the process of hashing out ideas on where to take the conversation based on Alice's reaction.)
-
>"It's her decision to make, Alice. She proposed the idea in the first place. No one else has to know what did or didn't happen here."
>"So if I understand you correctly," she says, looking toward you, frowning just a little bit. "You're threatening to inform on me? To my face? Is this correct?"
-
>"I was saying the exact opposite, actually, if you note what I actually said. No one else knows, so you don't stand to lose anything that you didn't already have two days ago."
-
> "To be honest? I'd rather not 'inform on you'. Marisa is a good-natured person, and I'd rather not do that to one of her friends."
-
>"I was saying the exact opposite, actually, if you note what I actually said. No one else knows, so you don't stand to lose anything that you didn't already have two days ago."
> "To be honest? I'd rather not 'inform on you'. Marisa is a good-natured person, and I'd rather not do that to one of her friends."
>"No, I think you're trying to tell me you believe I'm a fool," she says calmly. "That your friend can just waltz in, take my time and knowledge, offer me false promises, and waltz away under the threat of trying to incriminate me. This really just leads me to wonder if you're bluffing, or you think you have something to back it. Perhaps I shouldn't take that chance?"
>_
-
>"I'm sorry that you feel I'm trying to incriminate you. I assure you that I came here with no intention of doing so. If you won't take my word for it, is there any way I can demonstrate my good faith?"
>"Renko changed her mind. That is all. A person should always be entitled to do this. Was your knowledge given only in exchange for this?"
-
>"I'm sorry that you feel I'm trying to incriminate you. I assure you that I came here with no intention of doing so. If you won't take my word for it, is there any way I can demonstrate my good faith?"
>"Renko changed her mind. That is all. A person should always be entitled to do this. Was your knowledge given only in exchange for this?"
>She continues to give you a frosty look, leaving you with a crawling feeling in your stomach. Is she about to do something? After a few moments, she says. "We'll set this aside for now, and come back to it later."
>You try to explain things for Renko. "Should a person be entitled to freely go back upon their good word on a benefactor?" Alice asks, looking at you, then at Renko. "Would you agree, Renko, that I've taught you some useful things that you would not have deciphered on your own? Did you not indicate that I would "not be sorry I did this?", to borrow your own words, after we had spent time beforehand planning our little escapade."
>"Well...I guess..." says Renko, glancing to you askance.
>"Then, can we agree you are going back upon your word, after I helped you?"
>_
-
>Take Renko's hand
>"I agree that it's a bad thing to go back on one's word, but it's an even worse thing to plan to take another's home and possessions, no matter how appealing it might be to have them for yourself. And assistance given only in exchange for thievery is tainted. Alice, you have friends who care about you; do you think they would support this plan, either?"
-
>Take Renko's hand
> And squeeze to show support
-
>Take Renko's hand
>"I agree that it's a bad thing to go back on one's word, but it's an even worse thing to plan to take another's home and possessions, no matter how appealing it might be to have them for yourself. And assistance given only in exchange for thievery is tainted. Alice, you have friends who care about you; do you think they would support this plan, either?"
> And squeeze to show support
>You take Renko's hand, and give it a gentle squeeze. She squeezes back, not quite so gently.
>Alice's turns her gaze back to you. "I have weighed such things. They are neither here nor there in regards breaking an oath freely given, thank you."
>"Now, Renko," says Alice. "What are we going to do about this?"
>_
-
Going to bed. If anyone decides they would like to try something, I HIGHLY recommend you run it by at least one other person that's following the game. This is an incredibly sticky situation with little margin for error. Draco and I haven't done anything over the last hour or so that we didn't hash out with each other. Please talk things out with a fellow player before doing anything rash.
-
>"Don't try to intimidate her into doing what you want her to, Alice; I hardly think that's befitting of anyone who would call themselves a benefactor."
>"Renko, tell her what you truly feel about all this."
>Squeeze her hand again. Let her know we're there for her.
-
>"Don't try to intimidate her into doing what you want her to, Alice; I hardly think that's befitting of anyone who would call themselves a benefactor."
>"Renko, tell her what you truly feel about all this."
>Squeeze her hand again. Let her know we're there for her.
>"Says the blackmailer," Alice replies. "Somehow, I don't think you have much credibility or place in this discussion right now. Do you?"
>You Squeeze Renko's hand again. "Alice," she says. "I don't want to rob them, alright? I've thought about it, and it's just not what I want to do anymore. So I'm calling the deal off. You can go raid them on your own if you want."
>"While I am mildly curious about this dramatic turnaround in your thoughts on this," says Alice. "In the end, it's not important to me whether you refuse due to a sudden moral reluctance or because you read it in the stars. What I am curious about is what you're going to do about attempting to leave me in the lurch."
>Renko squeezes your hand again. You're pretty sure she needs your support.
>_
-
>"I have a place here because she's my friend and I'm going to support her! I'm sorry if you can't understand that."
>"And what is it you expect her to do? She's already made it clear she's not supporting this. You're no more in the lurch than you were a few days ago before you met her. Nothing in the external situation has changed."
-
>"I have a place here because she's my friend and I'm going to support her! I'm sorry if you can't understand that."
>"And what is it you expect her to do? She's already made it clear she's not supporting this. You're no more in the lurch than you were a few days ago before you met her. Nothing in the external situation has changed."
>"Interesting that your support involves casting doubt upon the wronged party," Alice says. "As for what I expect her to do? I would prefer to know what she expects to do to make up for turning her back on our agreement."
>"I...um....don't know..." Renko says.
>"Tisk," says Alice.
>_
-
>"Alice, a person shouldn't have to compensate someone for not violating their own conscience. Asking someone to do that is asking far too much. Please respect her right to choose her own actions."
>"But if you are insistent on being compensated for your time and anticipation somehow, perhaps I could make up for that in Renko's stead. Assuming that what you ask is reasonable."
-
>"Alice, a person shouldn't have to compensate someone for not violating their own conscience. Asking someone to do that is asking far too much. Please respect her right to choose her own actions."
>"But if you are insistent on being compensated for your time and anticipation somehow, perhaps I could make up for that in Renko's stead. Assuming that what you ask is reasonable."
>"I did not ask, she offered," says Alice. "Freely. And, what would you have in mind? Somehow, I doubt you're offering to take her place."
>_
-
>"Isn't a person allowed to regret a decision they made? Just because someone has an idea doesn't mean it should be eternally binding if they have good reason to make a different decision later on. I'm sure you've also made plans that you later decided not to enact."
>"And no, I'm not offering to take her place. I don't think it's right, and I don't wish to assist with robbing someone. Not that I could manage the fairies in the first place, truth by told... And I don't know what I have in mind, since nearly the sum-total of my knowledge of you concerns this endeavor. Hence why I asked for a suggestion."
-
>"Isn't a person allowed to regret a decision they made? Just because someone has an idea doesn't mean it should be eternally binding if they have good reason to make a different decision later on. I'm sure you've also made plans that you later decided not to enact."
>"And no, I'm not offering to take her place. I don't think it's right, and I don't wish to assist with robbing someone. Not that I could manage the fairies in the first place, truth by told... And I don't know what I have in mind, since nearly the sum-total of my knowledge of you concerns this endeavor. Hence why I asked for a suggestion."
>"The difference," Alice says, "is that I do not obligate myself into such things ahead of time. And, you mean to tell me, you've come here to break such an obligation, and have exactly no idea how you intend to make up for this? Is this right, Renko?"
>Renko squeezes your hand again. Is she shaking?
>_
-
I think we really may need to take the blame on this one.
EDIT: Have an idea on how to approach this. Will kick it off when I get back from work.
-
> "Stop. Please."
> "Please do not blame Renko for this. She has been loyal to you throughout. She very much wanted to continue the plan when we met. I talked her out of it. Me. And she fought the whole way. Don't get mad at her. She doesn't deserve it. If you must, get mad at me."
-
> "Stop. Please."
> "Please do not blame Renko for this. She has been loyal to you throughout. She very much wanted to continue the plan when we met. I talked her out of it. Me. And she fought the whole way. Don't get mad at her. She doesn't deserve it. If you must, get mad at me."
>"It was apparent," says Alice. She looks back to you. "And I presume you've had no ideas since?"
>_
-
> "I actually may have some. They depend on why you want to knock over the mansion, though."
-
> "I actually may have some. They depend on why you want to knock over the mansion, though."
>"Go on," she says.
>_
-
>"What part of this plan was so important to you that you feel this invested in it, anyway? I've heard that you're not hard up for money yourself, and Renko says you never had any interest in claiming the mansion itself. So what was it? Perhaps we can work out a concession?"
-
> "Also, surely you know Patchouli? You and her are both good friends of Marisa, from what I understand. What happened that you wish to assault and evict her?"
-
>"What part of this plan was so important to you that you feel this invested in it, anyway? I've heard that you're not hard up for money yourself, and Renko says you never had any interest in claiming the mansion itself. So what was it? Perhaps we can work out a concession?"
> "Also, surely you know Patchouli? You and her are both good friends of Marisa, from what I understand. What happened that you wish to assault and evict her?"
>"My motivations are not something you need to know," says Alice. "Now, you said you had some ideas?"
-
>"Well, I'd say motivations are pretty important when it comes to compensation. Am I correct in assuming that you are more concerned with a particular end than the method through which it is achieved? It's hard to suggest an alternate path to achieve an end if I have no idea what it is."
-
She's Nebuchudnezzering you. I'd suggest putting out solutions before she thinks that you were lying about having ideas. If they don't fit her motivations, THEN you can lead into "Then what would you like to do"
-
>"Well, I'd say motivations are pretty important when it comes to compensation. Am I correct in assuming that you are more concerned with a particular end than the method through which it is achieved? It's hard to suggest an alternate path to achieve an end if I have no idea what it is."
>"Perhaps Renko didn't tell you as much as it seemed," Alice says. "I am to receive half of the take from Scarlet Devil Mansion, both in money and in items. That is all you need to know. And, I presume you did know, as you claimed to have some ideas? I admit, you have me a little curious now."
>_
-
She's Nebuchudnezzering you. I'd suggest putting out solutions before she thinks that you were lying about having ideas. If they don't fit her motivations, THEN you can lead into "Then what would you like to do"
I'm not sure what Nebuchudnezzering is even supposed to mean in this context. And I'd be offering more ideas if I really had them to offer, sadly...
-
A reference to Nebuchudnezzer asking people to interpret his dream, but refusing to tell anyone what the dream was, since if they could interpret it, they'd already know what it was.
I at least thought the context was similar.
-
> "It was mentioned, but at the time, I believed it to be a 'logical' extension of an attack, not the primary goal. If I was mistaken, then that complicates things on my end, as I figured you had suffered a wrong and were looking for retribution."
> "There is some backstory to where I am coming from, but I'm sure you don't care to hear it, so I will cut to the chase. As things stand, despite the hospitality they have provided me, as long as I am not forced to actively participate I actually do not have any issues with an attack on the mansion, as I understand that sort of thing is commonplace here. It is important to Renko that this be done for reasons that I support. If your main desire is to simply defeat the residents of the mansion in battle, then by all means, vaya con Dios."
> "The problem I have is with the looting afterward. Unlike simple battling, that does not seem at all commonplace here, especially as your battle system seems at least somewhat founded in honor, which looting notably lacks. I thought that perhaps a public apology from their house to all parties they have wronged in the past would be better. People of their ilk apologizing is bound to make the rest of Gensokyo sit up and take notice, which in turn gives the victor the satisfaction of knowing they dealt a particularly demoralizing blow that the rest of the land knew about, and all the while there is no honor to be lost anywhere."
-
> "It was mentioned, but at the time, I believed it to be a 'logical' extension of an attack, not the primary goal. If I was mistaken, then that complicates things on my end, as I figured you had suffered a wrong and were looking for retribution."
> "There is some backstory to where I am coming from, but I'm sure you don't care to hear it, so I will cut to the chase. As things stand, despite the hospitality they have provided me, as long as I am not forced to actively participate I actually do not have any issues with an attack on the mansion, as I understand that sort of thing is commonplace here. It is important to Renko that this be done for reasons that I support. If your main desire is to simply defeat the residents of the mansion in battle, then by all means, vaya con Dios."
> "The problem I have is with the looting afterward. Unlike simple battling, that does not seem at all commonplace here, especially as your battle system seems at least somewhat founded in honor, which looting notably lacks. I thought that perhaps a public apology from their house to all parties they have wronged in the past would be better. People of their ilk apologizing is bound to make the rest of Gensokyo sit up and take notice, which in turn gives the victor the satisfaction of knowing they dealt a particularly demoralizing blow that the rest of the land knew about, and all the while there is no honor to be lost anywhere."
>"So, as I understand, you'll be doing it anyways?" Alice asks.
>Renko squeezes your hand again.
>_
-
> Look at Renko. Get a read of her facial expression.
-
> Look at Renko. Get a read of her facial expression.
>She's definitely nervous, her lips pressed into a thin line. She gives you a slight nod.
>_
-
> Give Renko a slight nod of our own, then turn back to Alice.
> "Yes, I believe so, and I imagine Renko would still be most grateful for your participation, if simply beating the mansion in battle and receiving an apology for past wrongs would satisfy you."
-
> Give Renko a slight nod of our own, then turn back to Alice.
> "Yes, I believe so, and I imagine Renko would still be most grateful for your participation, if simply beating the mansion in battle and receiving an apology for past wrongs would satisfy you."
>She considers you both for a moment. Then she begins to laugh.
>"Oh my!" she says. "By yourself? That promises to be most entertaining! No no, I'm sorry Miss Maribel, but I have no interest if there's nothing profitable in the endeavor. By all means, though, have at it!"
>Alice chuckles again. "It shall more than cover things, I assure you."
>_
-
> Uh
> "Uh..."
> Look at Renko. Make sure we look confused.
> Because we are.
-
> Uh
> "Uh..."
> Look at Renko. Make sure we look confused.
> Because we are.
>You voice your confusion, then glance to Renko.
>Renko does not look confused. Her brow is slightly furrowed, and her eyes suddenly hard, as is the frown in her lips.
>_
-
>"I don't understand. What more than covers things?"
-
>"I don't understand. What more than covers things?"
>"If you really are a big enough fool to try to take Scarlet Devil Mansion alone," Alice says, giving you a mild look of admonishment, "then you've resolved to do more to yourselves than I would bother doing on my own. I shall leave you to it."
>_
-
>"If Renko's forces are so paltry, and you believe your presence alone more than sufficient to turn certain defeat into certain victory, why, may I ask, have you never tried something like this before?"
-
>"If Renko's forces are so paltry, and you believe your presence alone more than sufficient to turn certain defeat into certain victory, why, may I ask, have you never tried something like this before?"
>"Does one build a stool with only two legs?" Alice asks. "If you need to ask me this, then it's really just indicative of your own chances."
>_
-
>"And do you care nothing for this, or her, outside your own monetary gain?"
-
>"And do you care nothing for this, or her, outside your own monetary gain?"
>"I find it particularly hard to care about someone who repays my efforts to help them by going back on their word," says Alice. "And now that we have that issue resolved, let us return to the one where you were trying to disprove that you were going to attempt to blackmail me?"
>_
-
>Sigh
>"I was trying to reassure you that no one else knew, as strange as that might sound to you. If I had honestly wanted you to come to harm over this, don't you think it would have been much more sensible to simply tell the appropriate parties and then not come to speak with you alone? What could I possibly have to gain by doing so? If my ultimate goal was to simply avert your successful invasion, I would think telling them of your involvement would do that well enough; there would be no need to tell you about it. I came here to support Renko; nothing more, nothing less."
-
>Sigh
>"I was trying to reassure you that no one else knew, as strange as that might sound to you. If I had honestly wanted you to come to harm over this, don't you think it would have been much more sensible to simply tell the appropriate parties and then not come to speak with you alone? What could I possibly have to gain by doing so? If my ultimate goal was to simply avert your successful invasion, I would think telling them of your involvement would do that well enough; there would be no need to tell you about it. I came here to support Renko; nothing more, nothing less."
>"These things aside, then, you wouldn't be adverse to placing some weight of evidence on your lack of ill intentions?"
>_
-
>"If you can think of something reasonable I could offer as proof, please do. I'd rather dispel this as convincingly as possible."
-
>"If you can think of something reasonable I could offer as proof, please do. I'd rather dispel this as convincingly as possible."
>"I believe I can," she says. "Please come inside."
>_
-
>"Frankly, I think I'd feel more comfortable at the moment if you could bring whatever you intend to show me outside."
-
>"Frankly, I think I'd feel more comfortable at the moment if you could bring whatever you intend to show me outside."
>"I just want you to sign an agreement," says Alice, "and there is no table out here."
>_
-
> How long can we hold a border shield?
-
>Inventory
-
> How long can we hold a border shield?
>You've never been able to hold one more than a second or two.
>Inventory
>Your Inventory Contains
>Mop Hat
>Red Robe
>White Hakama
>Branch
>Floating Stone
>Ingredient List
>Ring of Rhythm
>Striped Mushroom Potion of Enhancement
>Starlight Incantation Slip.
>Purple Messenger Bag
>Blue Silk Flower
>92☼
>Bottle of Irritated Bull Sake
>Emerald Necklace
>Star Armlet
>Purple Dress
>Wound Sign: Pain Flow Endlessly. (Captured)
>Kakashi Spirit News
>Frilly Dark Dress (Worn as Clothing)
>_
-
>Glance at Renko for her thoughts.
-
>"I don't need a table to just write a signature. Can I at least see what you want me to sign?"
-
>Glance at Renko for her thoughts.
>She still seems rather upset. She doesn't notice your glance.
>"I don't need a table to just write a signature. Can I at least see what you want me to sign?"
>"I certainly need one to write on, and I would prefer I not take my eye from someone threatening me with blackmail," says Alice. "And of course you may."
>_
-
>"I swear absolutely that I have not knowingly informed anyone else of your involvement in this, and I swear equally that I will not try to run away just because your back is turned. But I simply don't feel comfortable to step inside your house right now, for more than one important reason. I apologize for how rude this must sound, but try to understand my own position here; we both have reason not to trust each other, and the balance of power here is decisively in your favor. Draft the document as you choose, and I will wait here for your return. I can even stand someplace where you can see me from the house, if it makes you feel better. Or you can have... whatever that construct you were working with watch me."
-
>"I swear absolutely that I have not knowingly informed anyone else of your involvement in this, and I swear equally that I will not try to run away just because your back is turned. But I simply don't feel comfortable to step inside your house right now, for more than one important reason. I apologize for how rude this must sound, but try to understand my own position here; we both have reason not to trust each other, and the balance of power here is decisively in your favor. Draft the document as you choose, and I will wait here for your return. I can even stand someplace where you can see me from the house, if it makes you feel better. Or you can have... whatever that construct you were working with watch me."
>There is a moment of silence as Alice gives you a cool, appraising look. You feel a little knot form in your stomach, wondering if she's just going to decide not to take her chances. Then she says. "Fine. A moment."
>She opens the door to her house and calls in, "Bring me my cutting board, some paper, a pen and ink, and my seal." Then she looks back to you. "This will only be a moment.
>After a moment, a small girl in a frilly dress flies from the house, carrying a piece of paper. Standing a little over a foot tall, you are tempted to mistake it for a faerie until you notice her lack of wings. Then you recall her clothing as you note the odd shape her hands; this is a doll. It's the same doll that you saw earlier today, only quite a bit smaller than before. Other dolls, similar in appearance but dressed differently, float out after her, bearing the others items Alice has asked for. They're...honestly quite adorable, as they flock around the magician. Well, save for that one holding the inkwell, her smile is just too creepy.
>Alice bids a few of them to hold up the cutting board; one made for cloth rather than food as you wondered. She begins to write. One of the dolls, the former giant, hovers around you. You'd swear she was curious about you.
>"And what would you stake on this claim you are not trying to blackmail me?" asks Alice in a conversational tone, almost devoid of her prior coldness.
>_
-
>"This isn't one of those magical self-enforcing contracts that you can violate on a technicality, is it?"
-
>"This isn't one of those magical self-enforcing contracts that you can violate on a technicality, is it?"
>"No, this one will be pretty clear cut, I think," says Alice. "Hmm. Eyesight should do, don't you think?"
>_
-
>"....don't you think that's rather extreme? Can't I simply swear on my own honor that I had no intention of doing that?"
-
> Peruse the contract. Keep an eye out for loopholes in either direction.
-
>"....don't you think that's rather extreme? Can't I simply swear on my own honor that I had no intention of doing that?"
>Belay this, sounds slippery.
-
> Peruse the contract. Keep an eye out for loopholes in either direction.
>You have a look at it, "I, the undersigned, do hereby pledge to not reveal to any person any involvement of Alice Margatroid in any plot to attack, rob, or otherwise harm Scarlet Devil Mansion. Should this be done, I hereby forfeit my-."
>"Nice and simple," she says."Now... shall we go with eyesight? It is a traditional thing. "
>_
-
>"This seems like it would also apply to any future attempt you might make to harm anyone there, doesn't it?"
-
>"This seems like it would also apply to any future attempt you might make to harm anyone there, doesn't it?"
>"The magic is smarter than that," Alice says.
>_
-
> "Hmmmmm...what precisely is 'the magic' involved?"
-
>"For which I have only your word, unfortunately."
>"I'd like another proviso attached to this; that my pledge not to reveal your involvement in plotting this is binding only so long as you do not actually 'attack, rob, or otherwise harm Scarlet Devil Mansion' "
-
> "Hmmmmm...what precisely is 'the magic' involved?"
>"As I doubt you understand the finer points of binding, I wouldn't be able to explain it to you very well. But in essence, the seal is a bit of Makai work. Should you violate the intention of the contract, it will enact the penalty written."
>"For which I have only your word, unfortunately."
>"I'd like another proviso attached to this; that my pledge not to reveal your involvement in plotting this is binding only so long as you do not actually 'attack, rob, or otherwise harm Scarlet Devil Mansion' "
>She sighs. "Fine. Will that satisfy you?"
>_
-
>"I would go a nice way to reassuring me, at any rate. My intentions are genuine, as I have already said, but I admit that... this method of enforcement is quite unsettling, nevertheless."
>Let her finish the rest of the contract and then read it again
-
>"I would go a nice way to reassuring me, at any rate. My intentions are genuine, as I have already said, but I admit that... this method of enforcement is quite unsettling, nevertheless."
>Let her finish the rest of the contract and then read it again
>"Why should you be unsettled?" she asks, "I thought you had no intention of breaking it."
>She presents it to you again after a moment. "I, the undersigned, do hereby pledge to not reveal to any person any involvement of Alice Margatroid in any plot to attack, rob, or otherwise harm Scarlet Devil Mansion. Should this be done, I hereby forfeit my eyesight. The contact is considered null and void should Alice Margatroid attack or rob Scarlet Devil Mansion."
>There is a place to sign underneath.
>_
-
> "I assume the contract is smart enough to know if I'm talking about it to someone that already knows, like everyone here."
-
> "I assume the contract is smart enough to know if I'm talking about it to someone that already knows, like everyone here."
>She nods, and hands you her brush.
>_
-
> "The unsettling part would be the whole 'magic contract that uses magic I'm unfamiliar with, crafted by someone I have little reason to trust' thing. I...don't THINK there will be any issues though"
-
>"I have no intention of breaking it. My unsettlement is... well, you have to understand that the idea of such magical contracts even existing, let along binding myself to one.... Perhaps it's more common, here.
>"And... is it intentional that the strictures on each of us are asymmetric? I cannot inform of a plot to 'attack, rob, or otherwise harm', yet you are only obligated not to use this plot to 'attack or rob', implying that you can still 'otherwise harm' them through means of this plot, while I must take care not to accidentally mention this fact to anyone, even during or after events have transpired."
>"If I seem excessively picky, it is only because all that I've read about such contracts has left me very wary of the wording of them. No offense is intended."
-
>"It's so you aren't released if I happen to do something unrelated," says Alice.
>_
-
> Renko's been awfully quiet during this whole procedure...
-
> "Then another question. Would you yourself sign this contract were our positions reversed?"
-
> Renko's been awfully quiet during this whole procedure...
>She certainly has.
>Looking over, you see she doesn't seem to really be paying attention to things, or at least is doing her best not to look at Alice.
> "Then another question. Would you yourself sign this contract were our positions reversed?"
>"If you had wings, would you be a faerie?" Alice asks. "I don't care about hypotheticals. I'm not the one threatening blackmail."
>_
-
>"My apologies, but if you could entertain one more hypothetical... let's just say that it were possible for the punishment clause to trigger under a circumstance that was outside of the expected agreed bounds of the contract. It is possible for you to reverse the effect?"
-
(seems like a pretty bad contract from a glance. considering if Satori ever reads our mind, we're screwed and lose our vision.)
-
Satori already knows anyway.
-
>"My apologies, but if you could entertain one more hypothetical... let's just say that it were possible for the punishment clause to trigger under a circumstance that was outside of the expected agreed bounds of the contract. It is possible for you to reverse the effect?"
>"On the very off chance it would happen, I can arrange for something," she says, giving you a look and clearly wearing thin on patience.
>_
-
> "Sorry, I know I'm being exasperating, but this is all still a bit Greek to me and I wouldn't have believed any of it even possible 12 hours ago. You must understand my fright at risking losing my vision to mysterious forces due to an accident or misunderstanding."
> Let's just sign the bloody thing.
-
> "Sorry, I know I'm being exasperating, but this is all still a bit Greek to me and I wouldn't have believed any of it even possible 12 hours ago. You must understand my fright at risking losing my vision to mysterious forces due to an accident or misunderstanding."
> Let's just sign the bloody thing.
>She nods, saying nothing.
>You sign the contract.
>"Renko?" Alice says.
>Renko looks over. "Huh? Oh yeah." She comes over and has a look at the contract, then takes the brush from you and signs it. As neither of you are very used to using ink and a brush, your signatures are a little sloppy, but still recognizable. Alice takes the stamp from one of the faeries, and without bothering to ink in, places it on the lower corner of the contract. It leaves a seal in the shape of a seven-pointed star in the middle of concentric circles, in black ink that has a slight tinge of red to it.
>"Put it on my desk, Shanghai," says Alice. One of the dolls moves forward and collects up the contract, careful not to smudge the ink. Alice then looks to you. "Will there be anything else?"
>_
-
>"Well, I assume that you're at least satisfied now that we didn't come here to blackmail you."
>"In any event, if you're out, and we're on our own, I suppose there's nothing more to be said, is there?"
-
>"Well, I assume that you're at least satisfied now that we didn't come here to blackmail you."
>"In any event, if you're out, and we're on our own, I suppose there's nothing more to be said, is there?"
>She nods. "I'm satisfied you won't try it now, at least."
>"So it seems. Good day, then."
>_
-
Watch, Alice was bluffing us. Remind me in postgame to ask if Alice was bluffing us.
-
>"I'm sad if you think that a contract is the only thing keeping me honest, but so be it."
>Nod politely
>Walk a reassuring distance away from there
-
>"I'm sad if you think that a contract is the only thing keeping me honest, but so be it."
>Nod politely
>Walk a reassuring distance away from there
>You say your last words and nod politely. Alice doesn't seem to be inclined to return the gesture. Instead, she rounds up her dolls and heads inside.
>You walk some distance away from Alice's house, Renko angling toward the northern bank of the lake.
>"I...I thought she was my friend..." she mutters. "She was a little cold, but she seemed so nice under it..."
>_
-
>"Renko...."
>Give her a hug.
>"I'm so sorry if I've made things worse. I was only trying to do what I thought was right...."
-
>"Renko...."
>Give her a hug.
>"I'm so sorry if I've made things worse. I was only trying to do what I thought was right...."
>You giver her a hug. She returns it, clinging to you tightly and leaning on you heavily.
>"You didn't...I don't think...It's just...I can't believe she said all those things, Mary. Oh god...I really thought she was my friend..."
>_
-
>"I'm so, so sorry, Renko... I don't know what to say. Just remember that no matter who else comes and goes, I'm there for you."
-
>"I'm so, so sorry, Renko... I don't know what to say. Just remember that no matter who else comes and goes, I'm there for you."
>She doesn't say anything, and just starts to sob.
>_
-
>Hold her tenderly and reassuringly
-
> Stroke her hair
-
>Hold her tenderly and reassuringly
> Stroke her hair
>You hold her and stroke her hair. It feels nice, if a bit frizzy. Thankfully, it doesn't last for too long.
>"I'm going to show her, Mary," she says, her voice weak. "I'll show everyone..."
>_
-
> "You damn right you are."
-
> "You damn right you are."
>"I...I think I better get back to them, now." she says.
>_
-
>"Ok, let's get back to them."
>Smile
>"I'm sure the troops are eager to see their commander again."
>Head back to the faeries
-
>"Ok, let's get back to them."
>Smile
>"I'm sure the troops are eager to see their commander again."
>Head back to the faeries
>You smile and agree with her.
>"It's nice that you want to come," Renko says, frowning a bit. "But, I know you've been doing some other things, and since you're not going to join me, you don't have to come if you don't want."
>_
-
>"Renko.... You think I'm going to just walk off from you after that? I'm not about to leave you here feeling miserable while I go run errands. C'mon, let's get back to them."
-
>"Renko.... You think I'm going to just walk off from you after that? I'm not about to leave you here feeling miserable while I go run errands. C'mon, let's get back to them."
>"No, I feel better now," she says. "But...thanks. Let's go."
>She starts toward the western part of the lake.
>_
-
>Continue to follow along
-
> Check ingredient list for power-unlocking potion Byakuren was willing to make for us.
> Recall where we got each of the ingredients, and how easy they would be to procure a second time. We do remember a second geode in the Underground - it was in the Pawn Shop, right?
-
> "So...it was really messed up, but I still have some hopes for that house. I'd really like a place we can call our own, and I don't think we're likely to find a place nearly as far along as that one. If we capture that one remaining wisp and...clean up the mess...what do you think?"
-
> Check ingredient list for power-unlocking potion Byakuren was willing to make for us.
> Recall where we got each of the ingredients, and how easy they would be to procure a second time. We do remember a second geode in the Underground - it was in the Pawn Shop, right?
>You know you got the extra Star Mushrooms. Ground Ragewort should be easy. That pawnshop had another geode. You're not sure if you could wheedle more Bloodmoss out of Nue, though.
> "So...it was really messed up, but I still have some hopes for that house. I'd really like a place we can call our own, and I don't think we're likely to find a place nearly as far along as that one. If we capture that one remaining wisp and...clean up the mess...what do you think?"
>"It's be really weird to sleep in a house someone got killed in," Renko says, "But I guess it could work. Maybe it we got it exorcised or something. Actually, it's kind of exciting, thinking about it. Well...about what it'll be like."
>_
-
>"Well, I'm going to be getting it exorcised, one way or another. Get that ghost for Nitori, and make the place safe for any other curious passersby, at the very least."
>"Renko... I'm curious. Did Alice ever talk to you about the possibility of becoming a youkai?"
-
>Time of day.
-
>"Well, I'm going to be getting it exorcised, one way or another. Get that ghost for Nitori, and make the place safe for any other curious passersby, at the very least."
>"Renko... I'm curious. Did Alice ever talk to you about the possibility of becoming a youkai?"
>She nods. "Yeah. That'll be good."
>"Not really, no. Why?"
>Time of day.
>It is getting on in the afternoon. You imagine the sun will set in a couple hours at most.
>_
-
>"Well, I've had at least three separate people today, and possibly more, point out that if I continue to try to develop my magic, there's a good chance of me becoming one."
-
>"Well, I've had at least three separate people today, and possibly more, point out that if I continue to try to develop my magic, there's a good chance of me becoming one."
>"Really?" asks Renko. "Huh...Alice...mentioned it, but she said she didn't think I'd have to worry about it if I didn't go hog wild. I guess she could have been lying?"
>She give you an appraising look. "Would you be any different?"
>_
-
>"I don't know if she was lying. Different magicians I've talked to have had different ideas of how inevitable it is. Alice was once human though, you know. I don't know if she mentioned it. So was Byakuren."
>"As for being different... I don't really know that there's a lot of fundamental difference between a human and a youkai in many ways. I've met enough youkai now that seem as human to me as any human, aside from the obvious physical differences. In think there are a few biological ones; Patchouli mentioned that certain charms and such are effective against youkai, but not humans, but... I don't think it changes the essence of who you are."
-
>"I don't know if she was lying. Different magicians I've talked to have had different ideas of how inevitable it is. Alice was once human though, you know. I don't know if she mentioned it. So was Byakuren."
>"As for being different... I don't really know that there's a lot of fundamental difference between a human and a youkai in many ways. I've met enough youkai now that seem as human to me as any human, aside from the obvious physical differences. In think there are a few biological ones; Patchouli mentioned that certain charms and such are effective against youkai, but not humans, but... I don't think it changes the essence of who you are."
>"Wait," says Renko, raising an eyebrow. "Are you saying to me that Byakuren was human? Her?"
>She shakes her head. "Alice never told me she was once human, but I kind of suspected she was when she was able to teach me things, and the faeries weren't. I thought she probably had to go through it herself."
>"So...you're going to turn into one?"
>_
-
>"Yeah, Byakuren was. She said her size was a side-effect of some magical enhancements she used on herself."
>"I don't know what learning flight and danmaku is like for non-human born youkai. I suspect they have to learn a lot of things from scratch, too, if Tokiko's any indication..."
>"And I... might. Some people thought it was inevitable, others thought I might have a little choice in the matter. But they all agreed that the more effort I invested at improving my magic, the more likely it would be."
>"Would it... be so bad, though? I'd still be me."
-
>"Yeah, Byakuren was. She said her size was a side-effect of some magical enhancements she used on herself."
>"I don't know what learning flight and danmaku is like for non-human born youkai. I suspect they have to learn a lot of things from scratch, too, if Tokiko's any indication..."
>"And I... might. Some people thought it was inevitable, others thought I might have a little choice in the matter. But they all agreed that the more effort I invested at improving my magic, the more likely it would be."
>"Would it... be so bad, though? I'd still be me."
>She nods. "Huh, interesting."
>"Mary, it sounds to me like you saying "Renko, I'm a Youkai" is kind of close to saying "Renko, I'm a Brazilian". I don't think it'll matter either way, do you?"
>_
-
>"I... just wanted to know how you felt about it, Renko. I wouldn't want you to feel alienated from me or something, you know?"
-
> "And I don't want to feel alienated from you, either. Whatever we end up being...I want us to be it together."
-
>"I... just wanted to know how you felt about it, Renko. I wouldn't want you to feel alienated from me or something, you know?"
>"Don't worry about me," says Renko, taking you hand and giving it a squeeze. "I've been around you too long to worry about stuff like that."
> "And I don't want to feel alienated from you, either. Whatever we end up being...I want us to be it together."
>"Well, I'm not going anywhere," she says, "So you might as well get used to it. I am kinda wondering what you're gonna do, though."
>_
-
> "I'm not really sure. They both have appeal. The youkai I've talked to all seem very happy to be youkai, and they seem to be more in tune with magic...but being human seems to be a very rare thing around here. It might be nice to stay this way, from a notoriety standpoint."
> "Actually, while we're on that subject, and since Byakuren was mentioned...I should tell you about an opportunity she presented to me, that you may be able to take as well. It...might conflict with your current plans, but the least I can do is give you the idea and let you make an informed decision."
-
>"Well, Patchouli said that only sure-fire way to avoid it is to abandon magic entirely. And... I don't think I really want to do that. There's so many amazing things that I might be able to learn to do. And... I admit, I'm curious what it would be like."
-
>"Well, Patchouli said that only sure-fire way to avoid it is to abandon magic entirely. And... I don't think I really want to do that. There's so many amazing things that I might be able to learn to do. And... I admit, I'm curious what it would be like."
> Say this first. Now is not the time for dyslexia.
-
>"Well, Patchouli said that only sure-fire way to avoid it is to abandon magic entirely. And... I don't think I really want to do that. There's so many amazing things that I might be able to learn to do. And... I admit, I'm curious what it would be like."
>"Huh," says Renko. "Aren't there magic users who aren't youkai, though? Either way, I don't think you should give it up."
> "I'm not really sure. They both have appeal. The youkai I've talked to all seem very happy to be youkai, and they seem to be more in tune with magic...but being human seems to be a very rare thing around here. It might be nice to stay this way, from a notoriety standpoint."
> "Actually, while we're on that subject, and since Byakuren was mentioned...I should tell you about an opportunity she presented to me, that you may be able to take as well. It...might conflict with your current plans, but the least I can do is give you the idea and let you make an informed decision."
>She nods. "They don't seem all that bad...well, except for the obvious. I think we'll be fine either way."
>Renko pauses as she reaches the tree line. "What's that?"
>_
-
> "She told me about a potion she could brew, one that would enhance the magical abilities of the drinker. It doesn't create magic from nowhere, though; I think it amplifies existing talent. In my travels today, I found the necessary components to make this potion. The thing I mentioned getting from the mansion was one such ingredient. Given what I have seen today, however...I think we could gather the materials to make a second one. One for each of us."
> "The catch is that Byakuren was determined to give me a test, to make sure I would not 'misuse' the new power. I imagine, if you wanted to do this, she would subject you to something similar. Given her wariness on the subject and her generally well-meaning nature, it...is possible you may not be able to get such a potion from her, were she to find out what you plan on doing to the mansion. I can't say for sure, but it's possible."
-
> "She told me about a potion she could brew, one that would enhance the magical abilities of the drinker. It doesn't create magic from nowhere, though; I think it amplifies existing talent. In my travels today, I found the necessary components to make this potion. The thing I mentioned getting from the mansion was one such ingredient. Given what I have seen today, however...I think we could gather the materials to make a second one. One for each of us."
> "The catch is that Byakuren was determined to give me a test, to make sure I would not 'misuse' the new power. I imagine, if you wanted to do this, she would subject you to something similar. Given her wariness on the subject and her generally well-meaning nature, it...is possible you may not be able to get such a potion from her, were she to find out what you plan on doing to the mansion. I can't say for sure, but it's possible."
>"Huh, I didn't know you could do that..." says Renko. "Um. I'm kind of interested, but, yeah, I don't think she'd do it for me."
>_
-
> "I understand. I've also been thinking, however...it may be possible to solve all the problems you have in one fell swoop, including getting yourself a potion."
> Look around to make sure no one else is present. Drop voice regardless, but if someone is within earshot, cut the next part out entirely.
> "I am wondering if you would consider it both an accomplishment of your own and a victory for fairy kind, if instead of knocking over the mansion...you knocked over Alice and her giant doll instead."
-
> "I understand. I've also been thinking, however...it may be possible to solve all the problems you have in one fell swoop, including getting yourself a potion."
> Look around to make sure no one else is present. Drop voice regardless, but if someone is within earshot, cut the next part out entirely.
> "I am wondering if you would consider it both an accomplishment of your own and a victory for fairy kind, if instead of knocking over the mansion...you knocked over Alice and her giant doll instead."
>You don't see anyone around.
>"I...I don't that's quite as good, really," says Renko. "But maybe I'll do it anyways..."
>_
-
> Give Renko a disapproving look. Not too hard, but enough to let her know that we're being serious.
> "Come on, now, let's not go crazy. One battle is fine and dandy. Using the fairies more than once? You don't want word circulating that you're running around terrorizing people with a fairy army, do you?"
-
multi-post drifting wheee
> "Look, I know I can only imagine what you just went through back there, but there's no need to go around attacking everyone. I suggested Alice and her doll as an alternative to the mansion, not a supplement. If you're dead-set on the mansion, you can wait a while to get your revenge, and you can do it one-on-one. It'll probably feel a lot better that way anyway."
-
> Give Renko a disapproving look. Not too hard, but enough to let her know that we're being serious.
> "Come on, now, let's not go crazy. One battle is fine and dandy. Using the fairies more than once? You don't want word circulating that you're running around terrorizing people with a fairy army, do you?"
>"Hey, it was your idea," says Renko.
> "Look, I know I can only imagine what you just went through back there, but there's no need to go around attacking everyone. I suggested Alice and her doll as an alternative to the mansion, not a supplement. If you're dead-set on the mansion, you can wait a while to get your revenge, and you can do it one-on-one. It'll probably feel a lot better that way anyway."
>"Okay, okay, don't worry, I won't." says Renko. "Anyways, if you could find some way to convince Byakuren, I wouldn't mind."
>She considers for a moment.
>"Would you end up like her?"
>_
-
>"I'm pretty sure it doesn't work that way. Or at least that what she did to herself that made her that large wasn't this. I was going to ask her a few questions about that, actually, but hadn't gotten the chance."
-
>"I'm pretty sure it doesn't work that way. Or at least that what she did to herself that made her that large wasn't this. I was going to ask her a few questions about that, actually, but hadn't gotten the chance."
>She nods. "Well, either way is fine. Are you going to go do this now?"
>_
-
>"She said the procedure will probably knock me out for a few hours. If it's late, I might just sleep straight through to morning. Do you... think you're still going to do your thing today? Or is it too close to sundown, now?"
-
>"She said the procedure will probably knock me out for a few hours. If it's late, I might just sleep straight through to morning. Do you... think you're still going to do your thing today? Or is it too close to sundown, now?"
>Renko looks at the horizon and frowns.
>"Probably tomorrow, at this rate."
>_
-
>"It's been a long day, with a lot of pleasant and unpleasant surprises. But let's get you back to your troops. I wouldn't mind seeing it all again before I head off."
>Continue back
-
>"It's been a long day, with a lot of pleasant and unpleasant surprises. But let's get you back to your troops. I wouldn't mind seeing it all again before I head off."
>Continue back
>She smiles. "Alright, then."
>You head into the forest with Renko. She gets about ten steps in before three faeries descend on her with happy squeals and demanding hugs. She tries to accommodate them as well as she can, shaking her head and grinning despite herself.
>_
-
>"Wow, they really do like you. I have to admit I'm a little envious."
-
>"Wow, they really do like you. I have to admit I'm a little envious."
>"They're usually not this friendly!" Renko says, as one of the larger ones clings to her and throws her off balance.
>"Keep hugging, dammit!" one of the faeries cries.
>"Aye!" the other two shout.
>_
-
>Laugh
>"Aww... they just miss you. You've been gone a lot longer than they expected, after all."
-
>Laugh
>"Aww... they just miss you. You've been gone a lot longer than they expected, after all."
>You have a good laugh.
>"Apple Bark and Cloudy Night saw you fighting with Alice," one of the faeries, a doll-sized one presently clinging to Renko's arm.
>"And we told Dai!" Says the one clinging to Renko's leg.
>"And Dai say you needed one hundred CCs of hugs!" the doll-sized one says. "I dunno what a CC is, so I got Cedar Seedling, which is like a CC!"
>"We're not through here!" says the third faerie, a hip-high one who presently has her face pressed into Renko's back.
>"You're gonna break me!" Renko cries.
>_
-
>Laugh some more
>"I'd join in, but I prefer my Renkos non-broken."
>"You've really got something special here though. Seriously, Renko."
-
>Laugh some more
>"I'd join in, but I prefer my Renkos non-broken."
>"You've really got something special here though. Seriously, Renko."
>You have a good laugh, while Renko gives up trying to disengage herself and focuses on moving forward, dragging the three with her. This seems to be enough of a hint. They disengage themselves and scatter into the forest, with cries of "I got fifty points!" and "Cheater!" between themselves.
>"Yeah, they're good people," Renko, "Once you get used to the mood changes and stuff."
>She continues onward, the two of you soon reach the clearing where the guards were. Presently, there are four faeries here, playing a card game which seems to involve slamming one's hands down on a certain card. "Hi other Dai!" one of the players says, before crying "Hey fair!" to a mop-hatted faerie trying to reach into the deck.
>_
-
>"Ha. 'Other Dai'. Must be quite a term of respect. I really have to wonder how you managed it, Renko. That alone is pretty damn impressive."
>"And... what do you think you'll do now, then? Give Dai an update, start planning what your options are now, and then wait for tomorrow?"
-
>"Ha. 'Other Dai'. Must be quite a term of respect. I really have to wonder how you managed it, Renko. That alone is pretty damn impressive."
>"And... what do you think you'll do now, then? Give Dai an update, start planning what your options are now, and then wait for tomorrow?"
>"That's just because one of them got sick of using my name," says Renko. She rubs her chin, looking downwards. "I think it was Cirno. Or maybe Sullen Plummet? Eh, I can't keep straight in my head any more,"
>Renko nods. "Yeah, that's about the plan. Maybe get something to eat in the meantime, go over some tricks with the faeries. What about you?"
-
>"Well, I probably should talk to Reimu about getting that house exorcised. And then there's Byakuren. A couple other scattered things I might check into."
>"You sure you're feeling ok, now, though? I want to be there for you if I can help."
-
>"Well, I probably should talk to Reimu about getting that house exorcised. And then there's Byakuren. A couple other scattered things I might check into."
>"You sure you're feeling ok, now, though? I want to be there for you if I can help."
>She nods. "Alright. Oh! If Plum Flower gives you problems, try offering to introduce her to Reimu. It'll deflect the situation immediately."
>"To be honest? I'm still kinda bummed." She gives you a smile. "But, I'm back where I'm welcome, and I had you to get me there. I'll be alright."
>_
-
>Give her a big hug
>"Remember, no matter what else may happen, I'm there for you."
>Kiss her
>"Be well, Renko. I'll see again a little later."
>Head to Kourindou. May as well tick that item off the list, since it's closest
-
>Give her a big hug
>"Remember, no matter what else may happen, I'm there for you."
>Kiss her
>"Be well, Renko. I'll see again a little later."
>Head to Kourindou. May as well tick that item off the list, since it's closest
>You add to the latest to Renko's list of hug-based assaults.
>"I know, and I'll do my best for you, too," says Renko.
>You kiss her, and find her well prepared to anticipate and respond to the action in kind. It leaves a nice sort of tingle on your cheek.
>"Until then," says Renko. "Just come in whenever."
>With that parting, you trek back to Kourindou, making your way around the lake, and down the forest road. Its a nice, uneventful-"URAMESHIYA!" Oh god the world's gone dark and there's something gross and slimy and lukewarm on your face!
>_
-
>"Gyahhhh!!"
>Quickly get backwards
>Try to bat off whatever's on our face
-
>"Gyahhhh!!"
>Quickly get backwards
>Try to bat off whatever's on our face
>You cry out, back away, and try to bat away whatever's on your face. As you do, you hear cackling laughter retreating into the forest and the sound of rustling leaves.
>You clean the slimy stuff from your face. Is this warm konnyaku? Gross...
>Looking around, you see no trace of your assailant.
>_
-
>Congratulate Kogasa on a job well done
>Feel shame at being Kogasa's first real on-camera victim
>Continue to Kourindou
-
>Congratulate Kogasa on a job well done
>Feel shame at being Kogasa's first real on-camera victim
>Continue to Kourindou
>There's no sun in the shadow of the wizard.
>You continue down the road, and soon reach Kourindou again. The collection of stuff outside seems to be unchanged. Walking inside, you see Rinnosuke is sitting at his counter, reading a newspaper. He glances over the edge of the paper. "Ah, hello again, Maribel," he says. "You missed Ran by only a little while."
>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
>The Histories by Herodotus
>Stick of Insect Incense
>Bag of Birdseed
>Green Glass Rod
>Large Pillow
>Clear Crystal
>Deck of Cards
>French Horn
>Bolt of Silk
>Loaf of Wheat Bread
>Bottle of Soft Light
>Bonsai Tree
>3 Caramels
>Violent Potion
>Turtle Statue
>Vial of Sand Grains
>Large Ball of Yarn
>Black Cube
>Stethoscope
>Pocket Clay Sculpting Set
>Bottle of Ethanol
>Silver Necklace
>Stuffed Platypus
>Can of Alphabet Soup
>Bag of Glittering Powder
>Jar of Corn Kernels
>_
-
>"Afternoon."
>Examine Bottle of Soft Light, Violent Potion, Black Cube, Bag of Glittering Powder
>"I had a question for you, actually. Do you recall a bucket that Murasa purchased from you a short while ago? Do you recall how you acquired it? It turns out it might be somewhat more particular than she'd thought, and I'm trying to look into its origin."
-
>"Afternoon."
>Examine Bottle of Soft Light, Violent Potion, Black Cube, Bag of Glittering Powder
>"I had a question for you, actually. Do you recall a bucket that Murasa purchased from you a short while ago? Do you recall how you acquired it? It turns out it might be somewhat more particular than she'd thought, and I'm trying to look into its origin."
>You start to examine some of the more interesting items.
>Bottle of Soft Light.
>This bottle glows like a lantern. The light is not very strong, but you can see no obvious source for it.
>Violent Potion
>The contents of this small bottle seem to be in constant state of boiling turmoil, with several muted colors flowing around randomly.
>Black Cube
>This is a black cube made of metal, about three inches to a side. It feels hollow.
>Bag of Glittering Powder
>A silken back full of coarse greenish powder that sparkles in the like.
>_
-
>Ponder if we became so distracted by the merchandise that we forgot to speak?
>"Good afternoon. I had a question for you, actually. Do you recall a bucket that Murasa purchased from you a short while ago? Do you recall how you acquired it? It turns out it might be somewhat more particular than she'd thought, and I'm trying to look into its origin."
-
>"Good afternoon. I had a question for you, actually. Do you recall a bucket that Murasa purchased from you a short while ago? Do you recall how you acquired it? It turns out it might be somewhat more particular than she'd thought, and I'm trying to look into its origin."
>You repeat yourself.
>"Ah, my apologizes," says Rinnosuke. "I was reading about the new sightings of the Brocken Spectre. Yes, I recall that bucket. What would you need to know about it?"
>_
-
>"I was just curious if you recall who brought it in here? Assuming that you hadn't found it somewhere yourself."
-
> "I would just like to know how you came in possession of it as it may have been stolen property."
> "Also, whats this about a broken spectre?"
-
> "I would just like to know how you came in possession of it as it may have been stolen property."
>Don't mention the stolen property bit just yet. He has a reputation for not being picky about that. And it's also a little confrontational.
-
>"I was just curious if you recall who brought it in here? Assuming that you hadn't found it somewhere yourself."
>"It was an item sold to me," says Rinnosuke, still reading the paper. "I recall the seller well."
> "I would just like to know how you came in possession of it as it may have been stolen property."
> "Also, whats this about a broken spectre?"
>Don't mention the stolen property bit just yet. He has a reputation for not being picky about that. And it's also a little confrontational.
>You consider bringing up the stolen aspect, and set it aside for now.
>"Brocken Spectre," Rinnosuke says. "It's one of the names given to a supposed giant that's been sighted in various places around Gensokyo over the past few months. Well, I should say sighted a few months ago, really. It had disappeared."
>_
-
>"Would you be willing to share their identity with me? I'm curious to trace its path here, that's all."
-
>"Would you be willing to share their identity with me? I'm curious to trace its path here, that's all."
>"That would be against my policy," says Rinnosuke.
>_
-
>"And there's no way I could convince you to make an exception? It would help resolve an unfortunate incident that arouse in Byakuren's clinic."
-
>"And there's no way I could convince you to make an exception? It would help resolve an unfortunate incident that arouse in Byakuren's clinic."
>"If I violate policy for you," he replies, "I'll have to do it the next time too. Then I might as well not have a policy."
-
>"Sorry, I mean no disrespect. I'm just not sure how to proceed, otherwise."
-
>"Sorry, I mean no disrespect. I'm just not sure how to proceed, otherwise."
>He looks toward the ceiling for a moment, quirking his lips. "Mmm. My thoughts would be to consider who goes Underground; which could be anyone; who is of criminal proclivities, and who would be willing to take a bucket of little individual value. Put those together, and I think it would narrow down the list quite a bit, don't you?"
-
> Goddamnit Nazrin
> "Hmm...that would indeed help narrow it down. Thank you for for your advice."
> "Also, I was just recently...attacked, or something, by someone. She screamed something very loud and then ran off before I could see her. She got my face wet somehow, too. Should I be worried about this?"
-
>"Hmmm.... well, I'll try to consider it from that angle, anyway. On a different note..."
>"Do you know what this potion here does?"
>Indicate the violent potion
>"Also, do you know what kind of powder is in this bag here?"
>Indicate the bag of glittering powder
-
> Goddamnit Nazrin
> "Hmm...that would indeed help narrow it down. Thank you for for your advice."
> "Also, I was just recently...attacked, or something, by someone. She screamed something very loud and then ran off before I could see her. She got my face wet somehow, too. Should I be worried about this?"
>You can never trust a rodent
>"It may not hurt to ask someone who knows many people, as well."
>"Hm. Sounds like Kogasa woke up. She's probably not harmful"
>"Hmmm.... well, I'll try to consider it from that angle, anyway. On a different note..."
>"Do you know what this potion here does?"
>Indicate the violent potion
>"Also, do you know what kind of powder is in this bag here?"
>Indicate the bag of glittering powder
>"That is Oil of Vibration," says Rinnosuke. "Apply it to something, and it will shake uncontrollably for a short time. I am not certain of the mass limit on it, but I can confidently say there is enough to affect at least 120 kilograms."
>"This powder is Somnolessence. Place a pinch of it under your tongue when you got to sleep, and you shall have a deep sleep lasting four hours, marked with vivid, sometimes lucid dreams and feel remarkably refreshed by the end of it. "
>"Ah, do not forget you do have some credit as well."
>_
-
> "Kogasa? Who's that?"
-
>Pick up the cube. If it felt hollow, does there seem to be a way to open it?
-
> "Kogasa? Who's that?"
>"She's a karakasa who lives to surprise and frighten people," Rinnosuke says. "She's renowned for being rather inept at it. But given that you've told a different story, maybe I have judged who it is too quickly."
>Pick up the cube. If it felt hollow, does there seem to be a way to open it?
>You feel along the edges of the cube. You think you feel a slight catch around one of the edges, too small to see.
>"If you open that, you have bought it." Rinnosuke says.
>_
-
>"Are the contents a secret or something?"
>Shake it gently. Can we hear anything inside?
-
> "I'd guess she got lucky with her choice of target. I imagine I'm probably a lot easier to surprise than most everyone else here."
> "Do you know where she lives?"
-
>"Are the contents a secret or something?"
>Shake it gently. Can we hear anything inside?
>"Not at all," says Rinnosuke. "It contains the silence of the void. Open it, and the silence shall overwhelm everything around it for a time. Once released, it cannot be put back inside, I should note."
> "I'd guess she got lucky with her choice of target. I imagine I'm probably a lot easier to surprise than most everyone else here."
> "Do you know where she lives?"
>"Perhaps so," says Rinnosuke. "Regardless, she's more of a nuisance than a threat, I think."
>He shrugs. "Somewhere in the forest, I imagine."
>_
-
>"Oh, I see. That's... rather more exotic than I expected. Do you have any idea on the duration or range of the effect?"
-
> "Aww. I almost feel bad for her."
> "...Almost. I'm still not happy she soaked my face."
-
>"Oh, I see. That's... rather more exotic than I expected. Do you have any idea on the duration or range of the effect?"
>"For a minute or two, it would be absolute silence over an area...mmm... let's say fifty meters initially. Then it will spread and dilute as nature fills the void. Very loud sounds will start to permeate, while the effect spreads further out, then less and less loud ones. Soon, it'll spread all throughout Gensokyo, and have hardly any effect at all, before vanishing entirely."
> "Aww. I almost feel bad for her."
> "...Almost. I'm still not happy she soaked my face."
>He chuckles.
>_
-
>"What would my store credit cover, among the three items I inquired about?"
-
>"What would my store credit cover, among the three items I inquired about?"
>"Mmmm, we'll say any two of them," says Rinnosuke. "I feel generous today."
>_
-
>"Does the powder of somnolence only work if you're already falling asleep in the conventional way, or does it actually induce sleep? And you say that the four hours it provides is as restful, or moreso, than a full night's conventional sleep?"
>Looking at the bag, about how many pinches do we think are in there, roughly?
-
>"Does the powder of somnolence only work if you're already falling asleep in the conventional way, or does it actually induce sleep? And you say that the four hours it provides is as restful, or moreso, than a full night's conventional sleep?"
>Looking at the bag, about how many pinches do we think are in there, roughly?
>"It doesn't cause sleep unless you desire it," says Rinnosuke. "And it will mimic a very good night's sleep."
>It's a small bag, but large enough you can't really estimate the number of doses. A few, at least.
>_
-
>"Well, I think I'll take the potion and the cube, in that case, on the remainder of my credit."
>Obtain said items
-
>"Well, I think I'll take the potion and the cube, in that case, on the remainder of my credit."
>Obtain said items
>You obtain: Oil of Vibration
>You obtain: Black Cube
>"Anything interest you?" he asks.
>_
-
>"Not as much as these, at the moment. But I may be back later if I find something else of value to trade. Thank you very much."
>Exit
>Head to Reimu's
-
>Wait.
> "Um, actually what about the Green Yo-Yo and the Jar of Corn?"
> Examine those
Sorry, I really, really, REALLY like having my nonconventional toys for fighting. If they cost too much then I'll drop them.
-
>"Not as much as these, at the moment. But I may be back later if I find something else of value to trade. Thank you very much."
>Exit
>Head to Reimu's
>Wait.
> "Um, actually what about the Green Yo-Yo and the Jar of Corn?"
> Examine those
>You start to leave, then consider a few other items.
>"The Yo-Yo is exactly what it looks like," says Rinnosuke. "The Jar of Corn Kernels, however, has a curious enchantment. If thrown over a tilled field, they'll plant themselves."
>_
-
>"Hmm, interesting. Well, the Yoyo certainly interests me. What about the Bag of Birdseed, the Jeweled Box, the vial of sand grains, and the Bolt of Silk?"
-
>"Hmm, interesting. Well, the Yoyo certainly interests me. What about the Bag of Birdseed, the Jeweled Box, the vial of sand grains, and the Bolt of Silk?"
>"The Bag of Birdseed is just that. The Jeweled Box is a container, well made but nothing else interesting about it. As it the Bolt of Silk. The Vial of Sand Grains is an interesting artifact. It has a grain of sand from all the known continents of the outside world."
>_
-
> "Hmm. I think I'm interested in the Bolt of Silk and the Green Yo-yo."
> Check Inventory
> "What would you like for them?"
-
> Yuka mentioned that we could use that flower she gave us for trading, so give him that.
-
I think the flower might be worth more than the items I asked for. Hence why I'm having a look at what we have. I should be able to trade something more trivial.
-
I'm not sure how a silk flower would have ANY practical worth.
Granted, a lot of the others would only be good for us as presents, but...
-
> "Hmm. I think I'm interested in the Bolt of Silk and the Green Yo-yo."
> Check Inventory
> "What would you like for them?"
>"Very well," he says.
>Your Inventory Contains
>Mop Hat
>Red Robe
>White Hakama
>Branch
>Floating Stone
>Ingredient List
>Ring of Rhythm
>Striped Mushroom Potion of Enhancement
>Starlight Incantation Slip.
>Purple Messenger Bag
>Blue Silk Flower
>92☼
>Bottle of Irritated Bull Sake
>Emerald Necklace
>Star Armlet
>Purple Dress
>Wound Sign: Pain Flow Endlessly. (Captured)
>Kakashi Spirit News
>Frilly Dark Dress (Worn as Clothing)
>"Hmmm, I would give you the Bolt of Silk for Spell Card. And...I will take the Floating Stone for the Green Yo-yo.
>_
-
> Does Byakuren want the floating stone back? I think she wanted it back, didn't she?
> Inquire about the worth of the silk flower to Rinnosuke.
-
>Byakuren wanted her magic branch back for sentimental reasons, but said that the enchantment on the stone will fade with time. If we can take off on our own with ease (its original intent in helping) then it's probably worthless to us. Unless it helps with that.
>It'd be easy to test by just leaving it on the ground once and seeing if flying is any more difficult, but that'd look rather suspicious to Rinnosuke, wouldn't it?
-
> Does Byakuren want the floating stone back? I think she wanted it back, didn't she?
> Inquire about the worth of the silk flower to Rinnosuke.
>She does not want the Floating Stone back.
>"Hmm, I might give you a couple of cheap items, or one moderately valuable one."
>Byakuren wanted her magic branch back for sentimental reasons, but said that the enchantment on the stone will fade with time. If we can take off on our own with ease (its original intent in helping) then it's probably worthless to us. Unless it helps with that.
>It'd be easy to test by just leaving it on the ground once and seeing if flying is any more difficult, but that'd look rather suspicious to Rinnosuke, wouldn't it?
>She does wish to have the Branch back. You have not used it or the Floating Stone in some time.
>That would likely be a good test.
>_
-
> "What does the bolt of silk qualify as? And the Yoyo?"
> I don't think we need to test the stone since we haven't been using it as a focus at all.
-
> "What does the bolt of silk qualify as? And the Yoyo?"
> I don't think we need to test the stone since we haven't been using it as a focus at all.
>"The bolt is a little more than moderately valuable. But...perhaps. It would cover the Yo-yo, and one other small item."
>You have not been using it as a focus since this morning.
-
Hmm. Well, how do you all feel about the spellcard?
-
I have a hard time giving the spellcard away from a storytelling standpoint, since it's Baby's First Capture and all, but I guess I have no 'logical' objection, which I imagine is what you guys are more concerned with.
-
Nah, I can understand not giving up the card. How do we feel about the wine?
-
I have no particular attachment to the sake.
-
> "Hmm...how much is this sake worth to you? I imagine it's at least somewhat decent stuff since Yuugi gave it to me."
-
> "Hmm...how much is this sake worth to you? I imagine it's at least somewhat decent stuff since Yuugi gave it to me."
>He considers it for a moment. "That is worth more than a bolt of silk. I would give you the Bottle of Soft Light or the Powder is Somnolessence for it."
>_
-
> "Hmm...can you tell me more about the bottle of soft light?"
-
> "Hmm...can you tell me more about the bottle of soft light?"
>"It is approximately a day's worth of condensed sunlight," says Rinnosuke, "Quite pure and ready to be used as an enchanting component. Unfortunately, its shelf is only a couple years."
>_
-
> "And how close is that shelf life to expiring?"
I think I prefer to light. Does anyone want the sleep powder instead?
-
> "And how close is that shelf life to expiring?"
>Rinnosuke glances toward it. "It's fresh. You should have a while yet."
>_
-
> Go for the light.
-
> "Ok. So, the floating stone for the yoyo, and the sake for the silk and bottle?"
-
> "Ok. So, the floating stone for the yoyo, and the sake for the silk and bottle?"
>"Ah, I didn't say that I would give you the Bolt of Silk and the Bottle of Soft Light, just that it was worth the Bottle of Soft Light."
>_
-
> "Ah, right, sorry, I misunderstood. Is there a chance I could get the Yoyo and the Bolt for the wine?"
-
> "Ah, right, sorry, I misunderstood. Is there a chance I could get the Yoyo and the Bolt for the wine?"
>"Very well," says Rinnosuke.
>You obtain: Green Yo-yo
>You obtain: Bolt of Silk.
>_
-
>Pay up
>"Thank you very much."
>Head to Reimu's
-
> Examine Quests
-
>Pay up
>"Thank you very much."
>Head to Reimu's
>You pay up and head toward Reimu's. The road soon takes you from the forest, and through the plains. Up ahead, you can see someone in a green cap and red dress fishing at the pond at the intersection.
> Examine Quests
>Your Quests are:
>Renko Quest
>You've found Renko and seduced Renko! But now her burning ambitions may be problematic...
>Escape from Eastern Wonderland?
>At some point, you should probably try to go home. Right? Maybe not.
>Love is a Battlefield
>Your friend Utsuho in a bitter rivalry with Yuugi for the heart of Parsee Mizuhashi. You've managed to help them approach another solution.
>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. You've done the former, but you're not so certain about the latter.
>Clinic Catastophe
>Byakuren asked you to help Murasa run the clinic, and to make sure Murasa is doing her job. Kisume's bucket appeared there, but how?
>Bellow away!
>The town blacksmith's bellows are missing! She thinks they were stolen by faeries.
>Coy, is she?
>Utsuho has asked you to find Koishi, and try to help make amends.
>_
-
>Upon considering Koishi, wonder if HER reading your mind would be a breach of Alice's contract.
>Is there anything else distinctive about this girl?
-
(It's probably Chen, but no harm in checking anyway.)
-
>Upon considering Koishi, wonder if HER reading your mind would be a breach of Alice's contract.
>Is there anything else distinctive about this girl?
>You...have no idea. Oh man.
>Not that you can see from this distance-oh wait, she has two tails.
>_
-
> Remember to give star armlet to Renko sometime in the future.
-
> Remember to give star armlet to Renko sometime in the future.
>She would probably like it, even though it'll clash with her current choice of clothes.
>_
-
>Hope the 'intent' clause of the contract covers involuntary mind-reading
>Continue on casually forward. Don't draw any attention to ourselves
-
>Hope the 'intent' clause of the contract covers involuntary mind-reading
>Continue on casually forward. Don't draw any attention to ourselves
>You continue forward casually. As you do, you notice the girl at the pond also has cat ears along with the tail. She glances in your direction, and frowns. "Um, Miss Yukari?" she says, "Why are you wearing that?"
>_
-
> "I'm sorry, you must have me confused for another person. My name's Maribel, not Yukari."
-
> "I'm sorry, you must have me confused for another person. My name's Maribel, not Yukari."
>She frowns, shifting her grip on her fishing pole. "Oh. You look a whole lot like Miss Yukari. Only, um, a little younger, maybe?"
>_
-
>"So I've been told. Catching anything?"
-
> "Hmm...you must be Chen, then, correct?"
-
>"So I've been told. Catching anything?"
>"Oh. And not yet! But I'll get one. You just watch!"
> "Hmm...you must be Chen, then, correct?"
>"Yeah-huh," says the little cat youkai. She really doesn't look much older than 13 or so. "How'd you know?"
>_
-
> "I heard about you from Keine, your school teacher."
-
> "I heard about you from Keine, your school teacher."
>"Oh!" Chen says, satisfied with that. "Um, does Yukari know you look like her? Because you should tell her right away."
>_
-
> "I don't think she knows. I haven't told her. To be honest, I haven't had the time, and from what I've heard about her, she sounds like someone very important, so I imagine her time is better spent on things more important than little ol' me."
-
> "I don't think she knows. I haven't told her. To be honest, I haven't had the time, and from what I've heard about her, she sounds like someone very important, so I imagine her time is better spent on things more important than little ol' me."
>"Oh no, Miss Yukari's really lazy," says Chen. "Except when she isn't, but that's not very often."
>_
-
>"Well, I might drop by and say hello at some point. I'm afraid I'm still in the middle of a bunch of important things, though, so I really should be going. Good luck with the fishing!"
>Continue on to Reimu's
-
>"Well, I might drop by and say hello at some point. I'm afraid I'm still in the middle of a bunch of important things, though, so I really should be going. Good luck with the fishing!"
>Continue on to Reimu's
>"Okay, thanks!" says Chen, waving as you pass by.
>You into town. There's a fair amount of activity now, as people move to and from the various shops. You suspect a lot of these people were in the fields earlier. You see Ari the blacksmith walking into the tavern. She nods to you. You also see a couple of obvious Youkai, Mystia and Nazrin in particular. Neither of them seem to notice you.
>Though busy, you make it through town without incident. Soon you're on the forest part toward the Hakurei Shrine. As you head make your way down the road, you hear a familiar voice cry: "I can't believe you'd come back!" Accompanying it is the sound of danmaku to your right.
>_
-
>Move out of the way
>"Plum Flower?"
-
> Sigh.
> Look to your right, be prepared to dodge incoming shots
-
>Move out of the way
>"Plum Flower?"
>You move, as a narrow steam of bullets passes by you.
>"Yeah, that's right!" she cries, as you hear more bullets fire.
> Sigh.
> Look to your right, be prepared to dodge incoming shots
>You sigh and look to your right. There seems to be a narrow spread of large shots coming toward you.
>_
-
>Move out of the way of the next spread
>"I'm a friend of Renko's, you know. She mentioned you, actually. I'm sorry we got off to the wrong foot earlier. I really am. C'mon, stop shooting and me, and let me introduce you to Reimu."
-
>Move out of the way of the next spread
>"I'm a friend of Renko's, you know. She mentioned you, actually. I'm sorry we got off to the wrong foot earlier. I really am. C'mon, stop shooting and me, and let me introduce you to Reimu."
>You move out of the way of this, too. You're really starting to get an eye for simple attacks like these!
>"What!" Plum Blossom replies. "You're crazy!"
>_
-
Don't forget, Draco, they may know her better as "Other Dai".
-
>"Maybe it is a little crazy, but crazy plans sometimes work. Don't you want to talk to her? You'll never know unless you try."
Don't forget, Draco, they may know her better as "Other Dai".
That's true, although I thought Renko implied that the one particular fairy started calling her that after a while
-
>"Maybe it is a little crazy, but crazy plans sometimes work. Don't you want to talk to her? You'll never know unless you try."
>"But...um..."
>She floats from the bush, blushing furiously now. "I...I couldn't! I'm not worthy! She wouldn't want anything to do with me!"
>_
-
>"Well, how do you know until you talk to her? Maybe she'll surprise you."
-
>"Well, how do you know until you talk to her? Maybe she'll surprise you."
>Her face is practically glowing red now. "No, I can't! I can't! Ah, this is so embarrassing!"
>_
-
>"Oh, you don't need to feel embarrassed. There's nothing to be ashamed of about feeling that way for someone else."
-
>"Oh, you don't need to feel embarrassed. There's nothing to be ashamed of about feeling that way for someone else."
>"I couldn't, I couldn't!" she cries, swaying in midair. "I'd die! Oh..."
>_
-
>"I'll put in a good word with her for you. C'mon, you can do it!"
-
>"I'll put in a good word with her for you. C'mon, you can do it!"
>She sways in the air more, to the point you suspect she might well topple herself out of flight all together, and squeals. "Okay!" she cries at length, "I'll do it!" Let's go!"
>_
-
>Smile
>"That's the spirit!"
>Hope desperately that Reimu will at least show a little kindness and consideration to poor Plum Flower
>Onward to the shrine
-
>Smile
>"That's the spirit!"
>Hope desperately that Reimu will at least show a little kindness and consideration to poor Plum Flower
>Onward to the shrine
>You give her some encouraging words, and privately hope that Reimu doesn't blast her on sight.
>You continue down the path, Plum Flower floating beside you, chanting "Gonna do it, gonna do it, gonna do it!"
>Soon, the red torii comes into sight. You approach them, but soon Plum Flower falls behind. "Ah! I can't do it!" she cries.
>_
-
>"If it would make you feel better, I can go talk to her, and then ask her to come out here."
-
>"If it would make you feel better, I can go talk to her, and then ask her to come out here."
>"No no no no!" she says, swaying in the air again and clutching at her hair, "Asking the shrine maiden to trouble herself over me, unthinkable!"
>_
-
>"Well, I'm not going to force you, if you really don't feel up to it. Just remember, no time like the present, if you really want to talk with her."
-
>"Well, I'm not going to force you, if you really don't feel up to it. Just remember, no time like the present, if you really want to talk with her."
>She shudders and squeals, then softly says, "Carry me...?"
>_
-
>"Sure, I can do that."
>She is small enough that we can do that, right?
>Carry the love-stricken fairy
>Head towards the shrine
-
>"Sure, I can do that."
>She is small enough that we can do that, right?
>Carry the love-stricken fairy
>Head towards the shrine
>She's barely a foot tall, and when you gather her into your arms, weighs about as much as a cat. You're really more concerned you might hurt her than anything.
>You walk through the gate, carrying the little green-haired faerie with you as she clings to your dress and whimpers. You can see Reimu sitting on the porch, a discarded newspaper by her side, watching the clouds until she looks down and notices you. "Oh, hey there, Marible," she says, mispronouncing your name. "What's with the faerie?"
>_
-
>"Reimu, this is Plum Flower. She wanted to meet you."
>To Plum Flower: "Go on, say hello."
-
>"Reimu, this is Plum Flower. She wanted to meet you."
>To Plum Flower: "Go on, say hello."
>"She what?" says Reimu, frowning a bit.
>"I...I..." Plum flower says, then springs from your arms and lands in front of Reimu, falling to her knees."You're the best and most awesome person ever and I can't stop thinking about you and you're so great and beautiful and strong and I love forever and I can't beleve I'm actually even getting to talk to you oh oh you're just the very best and I wanna be with you for ever and ever and have a dozen beautiful children and live happily ever after and I feel so light-headed you're just so great miss Hakurei!"
>Reimu just looks at the faerie, mouth slightly agape. As Plum Flower runs out of breath, she lunges for and grabs Reimu's leg, hugging her fiercely around the ankle, crying "I can't believe it! I can't believe it! I can't believe it!"
>"G-get off!" Reimu exclaims, but the faerie seems to be deaf to her words.
>_
-
>"It looks like you've got an admirer...."
>Try to give Reimu an expression that's somewhere between 'play along' and 'oh dear, I feel your pain'... and hope she gets the message
>Try to move close enough to intervene if Reimu attempts to do anything harsh, like hit or blast the poor fairy
-
Suggestion: "I know how you feel, Plum, but I'm not sure it's best to act quite so... enthusiastic."
-
>"It looks like you've got an admirer...."
>Try to give Reimu an expression that's somewhere between 'play along' and 'oh dear, I feel your pain'... and hope she gets the message
>Try to move close enough to intervene if Reimu attempts to do anything harsh, like hit or blast the poor fairy
>"Son of a bitch! Let go!" Reimu says, not really responding to your words.
>You try to give her a complex expression that conveys many messages. You really don't know if you succeed.
>Reimu doesn't seem interested in hurting Plum Flower, though she shakes her leg in an attempt to dislodge the faerie, drawing an oscilalting "AaaaAAAAAaaaAAAAH!" from shaking her.
>The attempt doesn't seem to achieve much, and after a moment Reimu gives up, looking back at you with a frown and a slightly furrowed brow. "What'd you want again?" she asks.
>_
-
Probably want to cover:
- We found Renko! She's been hanging out with the fairies. Maybe ask about grand feats for them.
- Yukari probably knows about us, if Ran got a glance and Chen mentioned that Yukari should be told about us. That last part is particularly suspicious...
- Making sure Yuuka's flower-spreading was benign, maybe ask if it'd be wise to ask Yuuka about getting something for the shrine?
-
>"I actually came here to ask you about capturing a ghost. There's at least one or two left in an abandoned home near the Forest of Magic. I'd like to catch one for a project Nitori's working on, as well as making sure the place is safe if anyone else wanders into it. I had an unpleasantly frigid experience myself..."
-
> "Also, how much do you know about a Kogasa?"
-
>"I actually came here to ask you about capturing a ghost. There's at least one or two left in an abandoned home near the Forest of Magic. I'd like to catch one for a project Nitori's working on, as well as making sure the place is safe if anyone else wanders into it. I had an unpleasantly frigid experience myself..."
>"Ugh, what a pain..." says Reimu, letting her head roll back. "What's wrong with them being in the house, anyways? Ghosts need a place to stay, don't they?"
> "Also, how much do you know about a Kogasa?"
>"Kogasa? She's a Karakasa. No real threat most of the time. Kinda cute in her hopelessness, but she can be annoying really fast."
>She punctuates annoying by shaking her foot again, prompting another oscillating cry from Plum Flower until Reimu stops.
>_
-
> How much money do we currently have?
> "Plum Flower? Can you let go of Reimu's leg?"
-
>"Well, they attacked me as soon as I went in and tried to turn me into a human ice cube. I'd say that counts as a hazard to the uninformed. I can do the footwork, if you can provide something to capture it with. I assume that's your domain."
-
> How much money do we currently have?
> "Plum Flower? Can you let go of Reimu's leg?"
>You currently have 92☼
>The faerie makes a kind of happy squeal while rubbing up against Reimu's ankle. You don't think your words really registered with her.
>"Well, they attacked me as soon as I went in and tried to turn me into a human ice cube. I'd say that counts as a hazard to the uninformed. I can do the footwork, if you can provide something to capture it with. I assume that's your domain."
>"Well yeah, but that's only because you went into their house like a sap," says Reimu.
>_
-
> Walk up to Reimu and tap Plum Flower on the shoulder.
-
>"So? How was I supposed to know? And I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't, either. I even asked about the place, and no one said it was haunted."
>"Anyway, whether you think it's a problem or not, can you provide the charms for a container to keep one in?"
-
>"So? How was I supposed to know? And I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't, either. I even asked about the place, and no one said it was haunted."
>"Anyway, whether you think it's a problem or not, can you provide the charms for a container to keep one in?"
>"Don't walk into houses uninvited, I guess?" Reimu says. "And...I guess. What'd you want to capture a ghost for, again?"
> Walk up to Reimu and tap Plum Flower on the shoulder.
>You approach Reimu kneel down, and tap Plum Flower on the shoulder. "What!" she says, giving you a foul look over her shoulder.
>_
-
> To Plum Flower: "I know you like Reimu, but I think she wants her leg back."
-
>"Well, where I come from, abandoned doesn't mean 'haunted'. I was curious. I've never seen a ghost before in my life."
>"Nitori wanted one for an air conditioner she's trying to build. It was going to provide the cooling. I'd kind of thought it was a little unfair to the ghost, but Nitori evidently says they're indifferent to it."
-
> To Plum Flower: "I know you like Reimu, but I think she wants her leg back."
>"...Oh," she says, sighing and letting go. She then climbs up onto the porch beside the shrine maiden. After a moment, she quietly reaches out toward one of Reimu's hands and grabs onto her ring finger. Reimu sighs and pulls her hand away, dragging the faerie a short distance, and folding her hands into her lap.
>"Well, where I come from, abandoned doesn't mean 'haunted'. I was curious. I've never seen a ghost before in my life."
>"Nitori wanted one for an air conditioner she's trying to build. It was going to provide the cooling. I'd kind of thought it was a little unfair to the ghost, but Nitori evidently says they're indifferent to it."
>"Well, there you go," says Reimu. "Usually, though, ghosts aren't very dangerous unless you do something to rile them up. You didn't threaten them or anything, right?"
>"Nobody knows what ghosts think, really," says Reimu, "Except for weird people who cast spells to talk to them. Thankfully, I don't think we have any of those these days. Oh, Youmu would probably get really mad about it. I don't know what Yuyuko would think." She pauses. "They come from the netherworld sometimes. Youmu is kind of mouthy when it comes to ghosts."
>_
>_
-
> Freak out over the sudden asexual reproduction of the parser's prompt.
> To Plum Flower: "Now, you should behave. Reimu doesn't like it when people don't behave. I bet if you're good, though, she'll be good too!"
> To Reimu: "I don't think we did. We wandered around the house a little bit and saw that it was dusty and looted. Eventually we came to a second-story room that had what looked like blood splattered all over it. We were standing around trying to figure out what might have happened there when they start popping out of some clothes that were on the floor."
-
Going to bed. Will be out a good chunk of tomorrow. Please get some more Kogasa info from Reimu once the more important stuff is taken care of. Ideally I'd like to try to find her again. Draco knows what to do from there.
-
> Freak out over the sudden asexual reproduction of the parser's prompt.
> To Plum Flower: "Now, you should behave. Reimu doesn't like it when people don't behave. I bet if you're good, though, she'll be good too!"
> To Reimu: "I don't think we did. We wandered around the house a little bit and saw that it was dusty and looted. Eventually we came to a second-story room that had what looked like blood splattered all over it. We were standing around trying to figure out what might have happened there when they start popping out of some clothes that were on the floor."
>These things happen sometimes okay.
>Plum Flower looks toward the ground, nodding and seeming like she's going to break into tears.
>Reimu frowns. "That's a but weird. Guess they didn't like you being in there at all. Well, I guess that's a little dangerous, but you really shouldn't just be going into houses like that. It's common sense."
>_
-
>But I thought you couldn't let yourself be trapped by common sense in Gensokyo?
>"Well, I can't say it's common sense to me. You have to remember that I'm from a place that's about as different as possible from here."
-
Maribel didn't have the most law-abiding tendency towards abandoned property even out there, though. Methinks this is best dropped before Reimu thinks we're just being stubborn and confrontational about it. We didn't know; we messed up; we dealt with it. We know better now and don't need to annoy Reimu over something minor, so let's not make a suit out of it.
Poor Plum.
>"Speaking of things I don't know about magic, uh, I managed to do something else airheaded this morning - did Marisa tell you about the flowers Yuuka asked me to plant?"
-
>But I thought you couldn't let yourself be trapped by common sense in Gensokyo?
>"Well, I can't say it's common sense to me. You have to remember that I'm from a place that's about as different as possible from here."
>You mom's a trap.
>"Really?" Reimu asks. "You guys just walk into houses whenever over there?"
>_
-
>"Well, it was obviously abandoned... I wouldn't just walk into a house that looked like anyone lived in it. But that's neither here nor there. About that ghost trap...."
-
>"Not really, but usually a house that looked that abandoned really WAS abandoned. I wasn't expecting to run into ghosts that easily. At least, not until that room covered in blood, but it was a bit late at that point... I'll have to keep it that in mind for the future."
>"And speaking of things I didn't know about magic, uh, I managed to do something else airheaded this morning - did Marisa tell you about the flowers Yuuka asked me to plant?"
-
>"Well, it was obviously abandoned... I wouldn't just walk into a house that looked like anyone lived in it. But that's neither here nor there. About that ghost trap...."
>"Not really, but usually a house that looked that abandoned really WAS abandoned. I wasn't expecting to run into ghosts that easily. At least, not until that room covered in blood, but it was a bit late at that point... I'll have to keep it that in mind for the future."
>"And speaking of things I didn't know about magic, uh, I managed to do something else airheaded this morning - did Marisa tell you about the flowers Yuuka asked me to plant?"
>"Huh. Your world is kind of dumb. No offense. Just...who'd do that? That's just asking for trouble."
>"She said something about you running into Yuka, yeah. You're still walking and conscious, so it couldn't have been that bad. She made you plant flowers, then?"
>_
-
>"Look, that aside... are you willing to help with the ghost trap or not?"
-
>"Yeah, a bit. I was... rather surprised how softly she handled it. A fortunately mild punishment for my first mistake in learning that airspace isn't public property when everyone can fly."
>"Though... she said that she'd 'know' where I planted them, I think... I'm not sure how she'd do that. Does she have some power over flowers or something like that? Did that have any significance beyond planting a few pretty flowers around Gensokyo?"
Note: We may also want to return her miko outfit, since it's not entirely safe to use in public anymore thanks to Hatate.
Also, bedtime. My intents here are to double-check that there's no malicious/suspicious intent behind Yuuka's actions, and if there aren't, ask whether it would be completely insane to ask for some flowers for the Shrine tomorrow.
-
>"Yeah, a bit. I was... rather surprised how softly she handled it. A fortunately mild punishment for my first mistake in learning that airspace isn't public property when everyone can fly."
>"Though... she said that she'd 'know' where I planted them, I think... I'm not sure how she'd do that. Does she have some power over flowers or something like that? Did that have any significance beyond planting a few pretty flowers around Gensokyo?"
>Reimu nods. "Sounds like a pain. But it could have been worse, I guess."
>"Oh, she's the flower youkai. I dunno if she was up to something or not, though. Probably not, she's been kind of laying low since last winter.
>"Look, that aside... are you willing to help with the ghost trap or not?"
>"Yeah, fine, its my job and everything," says Reimu. "How many do you need exorcised again?"
>_
-
>"Well, I'd like one caught so that I can bring it to Nitori. There may be one other in the house beyond that; I didn't have time to get a complete count. We, uh... kinda just shot the rest of them."
-
>"Well, I'd like one caught so that I can bring it to Nitori. There may be one other in the house beyond that; I didn't have time to get a complete count. We, uh... kinda just shot the rest of them."
>"Yeah, that's about what you do to 'em," says Reimu. "Tell you what. If you shot 'em, that's the hard part done. They won't be reforming for a bit yet. So I'll just head over there, do some cleansing rites, and leave you to capture that last one on your own time, alright?"
>_
-
>"Oh, so they're not actually gone entirely? They'll eventually pull themselves together?"
>"And yes, that sounds perfectly fine to me, provided you can furnish something that can hold one."
-
>"Oh, so they're not actually gone entirely? They'll eventually pull themselves together?"
>"And yes, that sounds perfectly fine to me, provided you can furnish something that can hold one."
>"Oh, no," says Reimu. "If you could just blast ghosts, I'd be out of a job. And it'd probably really screw things up in Higan if people started getting free Nirvana like that. Naw, you just sort of knocked them out. But that means they're ready to be exorcised without too much trouble, which is always a good thing."
>"Yeah, I'll get you a bottle. But if anyone asks, you got it from Sanae, alright?"
>_
-
> "You got it. If you don't mind my asking, what happened to that house, anyway? It looks like it was a very nice place before it got beat over the head with the misfortune stick."
-
(Don't forget to encourage Plum Flower, folks!)
-
> "You got it. If you don't mind my asking, what happened to that house, anyway? It looks like it was a very nice place before it got beat over the head with the misfortune stick."
>"Not sure myself," says Reimu. "I never really paid that much attention to it. Most of the time when I'm out that way, it's due to business. I guess it's just one of those places people shouldn't have lived at."
>_
-
>"Thanks for the bottle. And why Sanae? So that other people don't come asking you for one?"
>How does Plum Flower seem to be doing?
-
>"Thanks for the bottle. And why Sanae? So that other people don't come asking you for one?"
>How does Plum Flower seem to be doing?
>"So if Youmu gets upset about it, she won't bother me."
>You don't think you could have imagined a faerie with a thousand yard stare before. You have the feeling that if you touched her, she'd fall apart.
>_
-
>"Ok, got it."
>If Reimu gets up to retrieve the bottle:
>To Plum Flower: "There there, now... Are you ok?"
-
>"Ok, got it."
>If Reimu gets up to retrieve the bottle:
>To Plum Flower: "There there, now... Are you ok?"
>Reimu stands up, and heads into the shrine.
>"I wanna die..." she mutters, almost too soft for you to hear.
>_
-
>Walk over and kneel down next to her
>"Oh, I'm so sorry..."
>Try giving her a gentle hug
-
> "I bet things can still be okay. I wonder if Reimu could maybe use some help around the shrine..."
-
>Walk over and kneel down next to her
>"Oh, I'm so sorry..."
>Try giving her a gentle hug
>You walk back over to her and give her a gentle hug and words of consolation. She doesn't even seem to react to it.
> "I bet things can still be okay. I wonder if Reimu could maybe use some help around the shrine..."
>"R-really?"
>_
-
> "We could ask. Worst she'll do is say no. If she hated you she probably would have shot at you by now."
> "You'll need something you can do, though. What are you good at?"
-
> "We could ask. Worst she'll do is say no. If she hated you she probably would have shot at you by now."
> "You'll need something you can do, though. What are you good at?"
>"Maybe..." she says.
>"Um...I can sew."
>_
-
>"You wanna die? Wouldn't that be meaningless for a fairy? If you want, it can be arranged..."
>"That... could be pretty useful, actually. I definitely think it's worth asking about."
>Ruffle her hair a little.
>"Chin up, now. These things take time. Don't give up too easily."
-
>"You wanna die? Wouldn't that be meaningless for a fairy? If you want, it can be arranged..."
>"That... could be pretty useful, actually. I definitely think it's worth asking about."
>Ruffle her hair a little.
>"Chin up, now. These things take time. Don't give up too easily."
>Oh shit she stole your kidney while you were hugging her.
>You ruffle her hair and offer her words of encouragement "You...really think so?" says Plum Flower.
>_
-
> How much did we donate to Reimu the first time around?
-
> How much did we donate to Reimu the first time around?
>Precisely nothing. You had no money at the time.
>_
-
> What about any other time we have visited Reimu, not counting this one?
-
> What about any other time we have visited Reimu, not counting this one?
>This is the only other time you've visited.
>_
-
>"I think it's certainly worth asking if you can help out somehow. You just overwhelmed her with all that affection all at once. It takes a little while for someone to get used to that, you know?"
>Leave a 30☼ donation
-
> Weird. I could have sworn we gave her something at some point. Well, whatever.
> Do NOT donate any money ourselves.
> If Reimu is still inside, fish out 27 currency for Plum Flower and bring our voice down.
> "When Reimu comes back, put this in that box."
> Point at the donation box.
> "Don't talk about it or make a big deal out of it. Just do it and then come back here. She'll like that."
-
>"I think it's certainly worth asking if you can help out somehow. You just overwhelmed her with all that affection all at once. It takes a little while for someone to get used to that, you know?"
>Leave a 30☼ donation
> Weird. I could have sworn we gave her something at some point. Well, whatever.
> Do NOT donate any money ourselves.
> If Reimu is still inside, fish out 27 currency for Plum Flower and bring our voice down.
> "When Reimu comes back, put this in that box."
> Point at the donation box.
> "Don't talk about it or make a big deal out of it. Just do it and then come back here. She'll like that."
>"O-okay," she says. "I just couldn't help myself...she's just so great..."
>You consider donating for a moment, then decide to let Plum Flower do it, handing her 27☼. It is something of an armload for her.
>"Okay, I can do that!"
>_
-
> "Good. But remember, if she gives you something or invites you in, you'll need to be calm. Reimu likes it when people behave."
-
> "Good. But remember, if she gives you something or invites you in, you'll need to be calm. Reimu likes it when people behave."
>"But, I was behaving..." she says, frowning.
>Before you can answer, Reimu steps out of the shrine, carrying a satchel. Plum Flower immediately sets off for the donation box, flying a little erratically to keep from spilling the coins, and dumps them all into the box.
>Reimu chuckles and hands you a glass jar with talismans affixed to it in several spots. "There, that'll hold any ghost you can stuff into it. Anyways, you can come along if you want, but there probably won't be much to do."
>_
-
>Take the jar
>"Thank you. And I think I'd like to come along. At the very least, I'd like to see how this works."
-
> Probably a good idea to hold off admonishing Plum Flower until she acts out again.
> "Plum Flower, would you like to come with us?"
-
>Take the jar
>"Thank you. And I think I'd like to come along. At the very least, I'd like to see how this works."
>"Alright," says Reimu, as she takes a picks up a gohei leaning against the door frame.
>As she does, Plum Flower approaches her. You can see Reimu brace herself. "Um...ah..." the faerie says. "I...um...want to help out. Um...if it's okay... I can...um...sew..."
>"Eh, maybe," says Reimu. "I'll think about it."
>The look that lights up Plum Flower's face is at once quite uplifting and somewhat depressing.
>"Right, lead the way," Reimu says to you.
> Probably a good idea to hold off admonishing Plum Flower until she acts out again.
> "Plum Flower, would you like to come with us?"
>"Yes yes yes yes yes!" cries the faerie.
>_
-
>"Well, welcome aboard."
>Head back to the haunted house
-
>"Well, welcome aboard."
>Head back to the haunted house
>You think Reimu groans a little, but if she did it is drowned out by Plum Flower's gleeful squeal as she flies out ahead of you.
>You head back toward the abandoned house, Reimu flying beside you while Plum Flower zips ahead, invariably trails off the wrong way, then doubles back and returns.
>"That was cute, with the donation," Reimu says, her tone conversational. "But you really shouldn't have given her more money than she could normally carry if you were gonna try to put one over on me."
>_
-
>Curse our lack of a sense of visual scale for these things
>"Well, it's the thought that counts, right? I'm sure she would have on her own if she knew what it meant."
-
>Curse our lack of a sense of visual scale for these things
>"Well, it's the thought that counts, right? I'm sure she would have on her own if she knew what it meant."
>Well, an armload is a pretty good visual.
>"...Yeah, you're probably right about the second part." she says after a moment. "Where'd you even meet her, anyways?"
>_
-
> "She attacked me on the path to the shrine on my first visit because she thought I'd cause you trouble. I think she's been guarding it for awhile actually."
-
> "I met her around your shrine. I think she's been around you for a while, given how crazy she is for you."
> "My outside-world friend has actually spent some time with the faeries, and they really like her. She says that they're actually really good with sewing. If you have any need for sewing or fabric repairs, Plum Flower is bound to be good for it."
-
> "She attacked me on the path to the shrine on my first visit because she thought I'd cause you trouble. I think she's been guarding it for awhile actually."
> "I met her around your shrine. I think she's been around you for a while, given how crazy she is for you."
> "My outside-world friend has actually spent some time with the faeries, and they really like her. She says that they're actually really good with sewing. If you have any need for sewing or fabric repairs, Plum Flower is bound to be good for it."
>"Huh," Reimu says, "I wonder if anyone actually came that she might have chased off?"
>She a little frowns. "Really? Well...I might have a few things that could do with a little darning... Much as I hate to encourage her"
>You can see the abandoned house not too far up ahead.
>_
-
> "I know it seems kinda odd, but she's completely devoted to you. Train her a little and give her some food every day and you could have youeself a pretty darn loyal assistant. It seems to work for those folks in that mansion."
-
> "I know it seems kinda odd, but she's completely devoted to you. Train her a little and give her some food every day and you could have youeself a pretty darn loyal assistant. It seems to work for those folks in that mansion."
>"Maybe," says Reimu. "To be honest, I don't have a clue how Sakuya does it. You wouldn't think she'd have the patience for it. But there she is, getting probably a hundred or more of them in line..."
>_
-
I'm rather doubtful most of the fairy maids started off as fangirls.
Better tact might be to try humoring her as a useful friend until she loses interest - that's how fairies usually operate, isn't it?
>"I'm... rather curious as well. I've gotten the impression her methods may not be the kindest, but I haven't heard any real details."
---
And how convenient, a way to tie into the loose end we have with the SDM! We still need to figure out how to resolve that issue - it might be as simple as satisfying Renko's need for a grand feat, or it might require making sure that the SDM is being reasonable in fairy treatment. It might just be that the structured environment doesn't suit them for the most part. That Sakuya allows actual turnover shows that she isn't a COMPLETE tyrant. We should probably investigate what the situation really is, rather than rely on the biased sample of the fairies that were inspired to leave.
-
Hmm. This is an interesting opportunity. If we can endear Reimu to Plum Flower enough, she might be useful in solving the fairy respect issue without any fighting. It's worth considering telling her about the mass desertion, since she's brought Sakuya up.
-
Double post because lolphoneposting.
Renko said that some fairies can get crazy loyal, like the one we talked to. It's a good bet Plum Flower isn't going to up and lose interest.
-
While having Reimu being relatively friendly to fairies would be nice for them, I rather doubt she'd make a point of encouraging others to do the same. It's not a bad start, and it's cute, but it's not going to be enough.
... good point about the occasional hardcore loyalty, though. Maybe we can look for patterns among those that stayed?
-
I>"I'm... rather curious as well. I've gotten the impression her methods may not be the kindest, but I haven't heard any real details."
>"Wouldn't surprise me if she wasn't nice," says Reimu. "But I dunno."
>_
-
As long as she doesn't actively discourage the idea, I think Reimu simply having a fairy buddy at all will be a big victory for fairykind, because she's bloody Reimu. I don't think it would be too hard to work from there toward avoiding a battle with the SDM. Maybe it would be enough that Renko would be satisfied with knocking Alice down.
-
>"The whole place seems to have that sort of reputation, actually... why is that?"
>... wait, what happened to Plum's fairy cohort from earlier?
-
> "Hey, Plum Flower! Where did your friend from earlier go?"
-
>"The whole place seems to have that sort of reputation, actually... why is that?"
>... wait, what happened to Plum's fairy cohort from earlier?
>"It's run by a bratty vampire," says Reimu, "And has a knife-throwing head maid. And they have a guarded gate. Not to mention the whole mist thing. It's just the kind of place you stay away from most of the time, you know?"
>You haven't seen her lately. Where did she go?
> "Hey, Plum Flower! Where did your friend from earlier go?"
>"She went looking for rabbits!" Plum Flower shouts back.
>_
-
>Brief Tokiko flashback.
>Fight it down.
>To plum, "To... do what with the rabbits?"
>Have we heard about Sakuya throwing knives around before...?
I can't figure out how to word what to say to Reimu, might press it later, dinnertime. Uh, wanting to know what it's really like there, maybe bring up the desertion? Has anyone asked us to keep that secret? What's the cost/benefit analysis on that?
-
>Brief Tokiko flashback.
>Fight it down.
>To plum, "To... do what with the rabbits?"
>Have we heard about Sakuya throwing knives around before...?
>Not again... Thankfully, the memory isn't quite so strong this time.
>"Pet them!" she calls back.
>You don't...think so? Maybe Patchouli made an offhand comment you don't quite remember?
>_
-
I don't recall being asked to keep the desertion a secret, and I don't think they'd have a huge issue with Reimu knowing. I don't think I'd tell until after we've captured our ghost, though, just in case Plum Flower gets a chance to prove her worth.
-
> Back to Reimu.
> "I do wonder about their maid situation a bit. They have some that are pretty devoted to their jobs as maids, but...my friend has told me about some pretty unhappy fairies that have left there."
> "I guess I'll have to go back there and ask some time."
-
> Back to Reimu.
> "I do wonder about their maid situation a bit. They have some that are pretty devoted to their jobs as maids, but...my friend has told me about some pretty unhappy fairies that have left there."
> "I guess I'll have to go back there and ask some time."
>Reimu shrugs. "If the maids there aren't miserable all the time, I'd be pretty surprised. Who would want to work for Remilia?"
>_
-
> Chuckle.
> "I could ask Sakuya. On your behalf, of course."
> How close are we to the haunted house?
-
> Chuckle.
> "I could ask Sakuya. On your behalf, of course."
> How close are we to the haunted house?
>"That'll just end in tears, probably," says Reimu. "Best you don't."
>You are pretty much on top of it now.
>_
-
> "Well, shall we do this then?"
> Where did Plum Flower get to?
-
> "Well, shall we do this then?"
> Where did Plum Flower get to?
>She's been circling over the house.
>"Yep." says Reimu, as she lands in front of the door. She frowns at the door hanging open, then walks inside.
>You follow her in, as does Plum Flower. The interior is as you remember it., save for more footprints in the dust. "It's haunted, alright," says Reimu, glancing around idly. "Otherwise the bugs and rats and faeries would have taken the place apart already. Shouldn't be too difficult to- would you let go of me please?"
>"...Scared." Plum Flower mumbles, clinging to Reimu's arm and burying her face in it. The shrine maiden sighs.
>_
-
> "It's okay, Plum Flower. Reimu has the situation under control. Nothing's going to happen to you."
-
> "It's okay, Plum Flower. Reimu has the situation under control. Nothing's going to happen to you."
>"It doesn't seem like it'll be too bad, alright Plum Flower." Reimu says. "You said there was one left, right? It'll probably be back up in that room. Lead the way?"
>_
-
>Take the bottle out and ready it
>Head back up to the room we originally encountered the ghosts
-
>Take the bottle out and ready it
>Head back up to the room we originally encountered the ghosts
>You take out the Ghost Sealing Bottle and head upstairs.
>Reaching the top of the stairs, Reimu nudges you aside and takes the lead, Plum Flower still clinging to her arm and whimpering. She walks into the room and looks around, grimacing. "Let's...get this over with quickly." she says, waving her gohei about. After a few moments of this, she frowns.
>"I don't think there's any other ones in here."
>_
-
>"Really?"
>Didn't Renko say there were more than we shot?
-
> "...Weird. They were here originally. Maybe they moved to a different part of the house?"
-
>"Really?"
>Didn't Renko say there were more than we shot?
>"Yep."
>She did. But she also thought you only shot two.
> "...Weird. They were here originally. Maybe they moved to a different part of the house?"
>"Maybe, but I don't think so," says Reimu. "This seems like where they would prefer to hide."
>_
-
>And did we shoot more than two....?
>"Is it possible that they mightn't be showing themselves because you're here?"
-
>And did we shoot more than two....?
>"Is it possible that they mightn't be showing themselves because you're here?"
>You did. One up here, one down in the stairs, and one that was about to get Renko.
>"They wouldn't hide from me especially," says Reimu. "Not without taking certain actions."
>_
-
>"I... I think we may have lost count. Are the rest of them all exorcised already, then?"
-
>"I... I think we may have lost count. Are the rest of them all exorcised already, then?"
>"Oh, you haven't exorcised any of them," says Reimu. "Like I said before, you just sort of knocked out. Give them a couple weeks and they'll reform. But, that'll make this easier."
>She sets down her satchel and begins to take things from it: A bag of something, some candles and some talismans."It also means, though, there's not a whole lot for you to do. It won't be a problem if you head off and do whatever."
>_
-
> "Well, shoot. At least we get a house out of this, though. I guess."
-
> "Well, shoot. At least we get a house out of this, though. I guess."
>"Ah, so that's why you came in here." says Reimu.
>_
-
> "It was abandoned, and neither of us actually have anything here, beyond what we've earned since arriving. I might be able to stay with Utsuho and her family for a while but I'd hate to freeload and I want a place that Renko and I can call our own anyway."
-
> "It was abandoned, and neither of us actually have anything here, beyond what we've earned since arriving. I might be able to stay with Utsuho and her family for a while but I'd hate to freeload and I want a place that Renko and I can call our own anyway."
>Reimu nods. "Well, I guess you donated, so I can't complain," she says and she pulls out an incense censer from her bag, then makes a half-hearted attempt to shake Plum Flower off. "Though I don't envy you cleaning this place up."
>_
-
> To Reimu: "I'm not really looking forward to it myself, but it's a better job than building a two-story house from scratch."
> To Plum: "C'mon, it's time to get off Reimu's arm. She's about to do her thing and make the place not scary anymore. You want that, don't you?"
> Parser, why are your names for Plum Flower inconsistent?
-
> To Reimu: "I'm not really looking forward to it myself, but it's a better job than building a two-story house from scratch."
> To Plum: "C'mon, it's time to get off Reimu's arm. She's about to do her thing and make the place not scary anymore. You want that, don't you?"
> Parser, why are your names for Plum Flower inconsistent?
>Reimu nods as she produces some incense.
>"Okay..." says Plum Flower, as she disengages from Reimu and zips to your side.
>There's another named faerie, Ficus Blossom, and I'm dyslexic .dll error.
-
> "Hmm...I think at this point I may have a few other things I want to take care of, as the day winds down. If you don't mind my asking a seemingly-trivial question, do you know anything about where Kogasa lives?"
-
> "Hmm...I think at this point I may have a few other things I want to take care of, as the day winds down. If you don't mind my asking a seemingly-trivial question, do you know anything about where Kogasa lives?"
>"No idea. Why?" asks Reimu, as she starts to light the incense.
>_
-
> "I wish to have a discussion with her about why she slobbered all over my face."
> "...Not a fight, of course, unless she turns it into one."
-
> "I wish to have a discussion with her about why she slobbered all over my face."
> "...Not a fight, of course, unless she turns it into one."
>"Oh, that's easy," says Reimu. "It's because she's Kogasa and you're there to be a victim."
>_
-
>"That sounds a little... Well, I suppose it wasn't really harmful, as such...."
-
>"That sounds a little... Well, I suppose it wasn't really harmful, as such...."
>"Yeah, Kogasa is too silly to be a real problem," says Reimu, pausing to gently blow on the spark she made in the censer. "And usually pretty ineffective at surprising people."
>_
-
>"Rinnosuke said the same thing. Makes me feel a little silly, actually. I didn't even manage to see her get away; only heard her laughing."
-
>"Rinnosuke said the same thing. Makes me feel a little silly, actually. I didn't even manage to see her get away; only heard her laughing."
>"Wow," says Reimu. "That actually is a little unusual. She usually hangs around to gawk."
>_
-
>"Maybe she's getting better at it?"
-
>"Maybe she's getting better at it?"
>"Maybe." Reimu shrugs and adds more incense to the censer. "Still be a huge improvement for her, though. Kind of suspicious. Anyways, I still have no idea where she lives, sorry."
>_
-
> "Hmm. Can you at least tell me what she looks like? Maybe I can ask around elsewhere if people have seen her recently."
-
> "Hmm. Can you at least tell me what she looks like? Maybe I can ask around elsewhere if people have seen her recently."
>"Oh, real distinctive," says Reimu. "Teal hair, teal vest, light teal skirt, always has a big purple unbrella..."
>"Funny eyes with different colors," Plum Flower adds.
>"Those too."
>_
-
> "Is there more than one?"
-
> "Oh, Plum Flower, you've seen her? Do you know where she might be?"
-
> "Is there more than one?"
>"No, there's only one Kogasa," says Reimu, "Thank heaven."
> "Oh, Plum Flower, you've seen her? Do you know where she might be?"
>"No," she says, "But I heard she sleeps like a bat on a tree!"
>_
-
> Didn't we hear some unidentified rustling in treetops earlier? Maybe that was Kogasa too.
> "Okay, thank you for your help...and thank you for exorcising what I hope will be my new home."
> "I actually do have a few more things I would like to take care of today, so if you don't mind, I think I will actually take my leave."
> "Plum Flower, you've done a good job so far. Reimu will need to concentrate on what she's doing, so just sit tight until she's done. Remember, she's going to make the scary things go away, and if trouble happens she can take care of it, okay?"
-
> Didn't we hear some unidentified rustling in treetops earlier? Maybe that was Kogasa too.
> "Okay, thank you for your help...and thank you for exorcising what I hope will be my new home."
> "I actually do have a few more things I would like to take care of today, so if you don't mind, I think I will actually take my leave."
> "Plum Flower, you've done a good job so far. Reimu will need to concentrate on what she's doing, so just sit tight until she's done. Remember, she's going to make the scary things go away, and if trouble happens she can take care of it, okay?"
>You did hear some trees rustling about the time you were attacked.
>"You're welcome," says Reimu. "I have to admit, it's kind of a nice place. Blood aside."
>"I'll sit tight!" Plum Flower says, immediately descending to the floor and gathering her knees to her chest.
>Reimu gives the faerie a glance, then gives you one. Then sighs.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Don't worry, Reimu, she knows to behave."
> Take our leave of the house and head back into the forest.
EDIT: For everyone else's reference, a quick checklist of what we have planned for the rest of the day:
[_] Get back to the SDM and tell them about Renko's change in motivation; make mention of issue of fairy respect to Sakuya to see how she reacts, as that may potentially stave off a fight altogether if we can convince Renko attacking the SDM doesn't prove anything more than blowing up Goliath Doll would
[_] Find Kogasa
[_] Wait for Sanae to show up with news about Koishi
[_] Pray the Yukari Whims RNG does not hate us
[_] Get back to the Byamazon, get our Potion of Gain Strength and spend the night at the ESP (will be last by default)
-
> Smile.
> "Don't worry, Reimu, she knows to behave."
> Take our leave of the house and head back into the forest.
>You smile back at Reimu, and her glare hardens for a moment. Then she slumps a bit and goes back to feeding incense into the censer.
>You leave the house, and return to the Forest of Magic.
>_
-
> Description of current location, including obvious exits (don't think those aren't appreciated!). Telling us which exit is the one we entered from would be preferred.
> Check for any people or unusual movements or sounds that we can see from where we currently stand.
-
> Description of current location, including obvious exits (don't think those aren't appreciated!). Telling us which exit is the one we entered from would be preferred.
> Check for any people or unusual movements or sounds that we can see from where we currently stand.
>You are in a rather light part of the forest, in what will be your neighboring "yard" if everything goes according to plan. The there is a fair amount of light coming in thought the sparse tree cover overhead. The grasses here are pretty thick. Obvious exits are North, East, and South. You came from the North.
>You don't see or hear anything unusual here, just a few birds in the trees.
>_
-
> South
> Continue to keep an eye out for people and unusual activity
-
> South
> Continue to keep an eye out for people and unusual activity
>You head south.
>The tree cover thickens, and the forest becomes more shadowy and more like the Forest of Magic you're used to. Up head, you can see a broad, shallow stream, its banks covered with thick grasses. A couple of faeries are splashing around in it, and do not seem to have noticed you yet. Obvious exits are North, West, and South.
>_
-
> Move toward the river.
> If the fairies notice us, wave.
-
> Move toward the river.
> If the fairies notice us, wave.
>You move toward it, though calling it a river is definitely too much. It's a little too broad for you to jump, but not by much.
>The faeries quickly notice your approach and your wave. "We've been spotted!" cries one of them, a hatless blue-haired faerie about the size of a small child in a frilly and thoroughly soaked sundress.
>_
-
> "Wait, no, please stop! I come as a friend of Other Dai!"
-
> "Wait, no, please stop! I come as a friend of Other Dai!"
>"What!" cries the other faerie, a somewhat shorter one in an equally soaked gown and with her dark hair tied in yellow ribbons. "How can there be another Dai!"
>"This is treachery! Chicanery!" says the first.
>_
-
> "She was named Other Dai by Cirno. I don't really know why, but I don't question it."
> "Maybe you two know her as Renko? She's a good friend of Dai's."
-
> "She was named Other Dai by Cirno. I don't really know why, but I don't question it."
> "Maybe you two know her as Renko? She's a good friend of Dai's."
>"Is she the one with the hat?" asks the ribboned faerie.
>_
-
> "Yes, she has a brown fedora hat."
-
> "Yes, she has a brown fedora hat."
>"She's a jerk, we hate her!" cries the ribboned faerie.
>"No we don't," says the blue-haired faerie.
>"Oh...right," the ribboned faerie says. "That's the other one..."
>_
-
>"What other one?"
-
> "Wait, what? There's more than one? The one I know looks like this:"
> Describe Renko's new outfit.
Bed. Draco, you're up. You know what to do. <3
-
>"What other one?"
>The ribboned faerie frowns. "She's...uh...the one with no hat. And the tie. And those bat wings. That one."
> "Wait, what? There's more than one? The one I know looks like this:"
> Describe Renko's new outfit.
>"Oh, she's okay," says the ribboned faerie.
>"Told you," says the blue-haired faerie.
>_
-
>"Bat wings? Who's she? Do you know her name?"
-
>"Bat wings? Who's she? Do you know her name?"
>The ribboned faerie shakes her head fast enough to send water flying everywhere.
>"But she comes on really strong," the blue-haired faerie says.
>_
-
>"Wait, does she have red hair? Little bat wings on her head, too?"
-
>"Wait, does she have red hair? Little bat wings on her head, too?"
>"Yeah! That one!" says the Blue-haired faerie.
>_
-
>"Yeah, I think I saw her once. How's she a jerk, anyway? I never really saw her say or do anything."
-
>"Yeah, I think I saw her once. How's she a jerk, anyway? I never really saw her say or do anything."
>"She's creepy!" says the ribboned faerie!
>"And she corners you and says weird things." adds the other, frowning.
>"It's a good thing we don't see her often..."
>_
-
>"Oh, speaking of people, do either of you know Kogasa? Teal hair, giant purple umbrella? And if you do, do you have any idea where she lives?"
-
>"Oh, speaking of people, do either of you know Kogasa? Teal hair, giant purple umbrella? And if you do, do you have any idea where she lives?"
>"She lives that way," says the Ribboned faerie, pointing southwest. "She's a big silly. And the best!"
>_
-
>"So I heard."
>Smile
>"Thanks! You guys have a good day, now."
>Head off in the indicated direction
-
>"So I heard."
>Smile
>"Thanks! You guys have a good day, now."
>Head off in the indicated direction
>"You too!" says the ribboned faerie. Then after a moment, cries. "Wait! We were caught! Run!"
>You head southward, as the two faeries flee downstream, floating over it yourself.
>Mushrooms begin to proliferate as you move onward into a darker part of the forest. To the east, you see it lighten again, and you think in the distance you see what looks like a bed frame, while to the west it continues to be dark and rather gloomy. Obvious exits are East, West, and North.
>_
-
>Head east
-
>Head east
>You head east, leaving the thicker part of the forest behind.
>Soon, you see a house come into view, surrounded by dressers, tables, cabinets, and other large items. To the north, the trees clear up a bit. You...are reasonably certain this is Kourindou.
>_
-
>Head west, and then west again, past our previous location
-
>Head west, and then west again, past our previous location
>You backtrack back to where you were, then continue westward from there.
>The forest is still thick and mushroom-laden; not nearly to the point of the grove that Tokiko showed you earlier, but enough that you could probably find a few more of those mushrooms Marisa sent you after if you looked hard enough. The underbrush remains fairly light. Up ahead, you see a tall, thin house that reminds you of Mystia's home in design. Tree boughs protrude from it at odd angles; it takes you a moment to realize that it is actually built around a tree trunk. The narrowness of it makes you think of the homes you saw in Tengu town. Obvious exits are East, West, and South.
>_
-
>Get closer to the house and take a look around. Does anyone seem to be in at the moment?
-
>Get closer to the house and take a look around. Does anyone seem to be in at the moment?
>You get closer to the house and try to peek through the windows at a discreet distance.
>Everything suddenly goes black, as some thing fairly large and light falls over you.
>"Urameshiya!"
>_
-
>Try not to jump
>"Hello, Kogasa."
>Does this thing over us seem like it could be an umbrella?
>And does it seem like it might have been the same thing that made it go dark last time?
-
>Try not to jump
>"Hello, Kogasa."
>Does this thing over us seem like it could be an umbrella?
>And does it seem like it might have been the same thing that made it go dark last time?
>You try not to jump. It's really hard, but you were somewhat expecting this.
>"...What? No! You have to be surprised! I did it perfectly right!"
>It feels more like a blanket, you think. You're pretty sure she dropped a blanket on you.
>_
-
>"You actually did a great job. Honestly. If I hadn't known that was your house over there, this would have caught me completely off-guard."
>"Besides, you already scared the living daylights out of me once today."
>Take the blanket off
-
>"You actually did a great job. Honestly. If I hadn't known that was your house over there, this would have caught me completely off-guard."
>"Besides, you already scared the living daylights out of me once today."
>Take the blanket off
>You offer her some condolences. "Oh...I should have anticipated your strengths better."
>"I scared you? For real? Great!"
>You take the blanket off. You can see a teal-haired woman in a light teal dress sitting on a tree branch above you, holding a purple umbrella. The umbrella, you note, has an eye, staring at nothing, and a mouth with a huge tongue lolling from it.
>_
-
>"Don't you remember? On the way to Kourindou. ....did that umbrella lick me, then? There was wet stuff all over my face."
-
>"Don't you remember? On the way to Kourindou. ....did that umbrella lick me, then? There was wet stuff all over my face."
>"Oh, no!" says Kogasa, "That was some konnyaku I warmed up in the sun! And yay! That was one of my best, I think. I followed all the rules."
>_
-
>"Well, it was certainly effective. ...and there are rules for this? What are they?"
-
>"Well, it was certainly effective. ...and there are rules for this? What are they?"
>"Yep!" says Kogasa. "'Speed is the essence of war,', 'All warfare is based on deception', and so on!"
>_
-
>"You're... using Sun Tzu as a guide for scaring people?"
>"Where'd you even learn those from?"
-
>"You're... using Sun Tzu as a guide for scaring people?"
>"Where'd you even learn those from?"
>"Sure a-" she starts, then her eyes widen for a moment before she gives you a glare. "Wait, how'd you know!?"
>"I asked you first!"
>_
-
>"Well... I wouldn't say that I'd actually read the original, but I recognize the gist of it. Bits and pieces of it come up now and again, where I come from."
-
>"Well... I wouldn't say that I'd actually read the original, but I recognize the gist of it. Bits and pieces of it come up now and again, where I come from."
>"Oh. Really?" She frowns, glancing downward. "I thought I was the only know who knew about that."
>_
-
>"Well, I'd venture a guess that it's a lot less well-known around Gensoyko. Where'd you find out about it, anyway?"
-
>"Well, I'd venture a guess that it's a lot less well-known around Gensoyko. Where'd you find out about it, anyway?"
>"Found it," she says. "It's been really helpful!"
>_
-
>"Oh, you found a copy of the actual book, did you? Where'd you find it?"
>"And why is it you want to scare people, anyway?"
-
>"Oh, you found a copy of the actual book, did you? Where'd you find it?"
>"And why is it you want to scare people, anyway?"
>"You can find all kind of things out in the forest," says Kogasa. "Especially that one way north of here."
>"Because it's great!"
>_
-
> "I see."
> "If you don't mind my asking, Kogasa, when you're not scaring people, what is it you do with yourself?"
-
> "I see."
> "If you don't mind my asking, Kogasa, when you're not scaring people, what is it you do with yourself?"
"Oh, all kinds of things," says Kogasa. "Sometimes I do chores, or I go play at The Felt, or look around for neat things. What about you?"
>_
-
Oh yeah, Kogasa won that fancy suit from The Felt, didn't she? I forgot all about that.
> "Me? Well, I just got here today, so I've mostly been exploring and meeting new people. After you scared me the first time, I asked around about you, and I decided I wanted to see you again."
-
> "Me? Well, I just got here today, so I've mostly been exploring and meeting new people. After you scared me the first time, I asked around about you, and I decided I wanted to see you again."
>"Just arrived?" She frowns. "Are you from Bhava-Agra?"
>_
-
> "Not that I'm aware of. I'm from...well, did you have a dream recently about the outside world?"
-
> "Not that I'm aware of. I'm from...well, did you have a dream recently about the outside world?"
>She nods. "I heard that everyone did. I bet Patchouli was doing some silly spell!" She practically sings the last word.
>_
-
> "Yeah, everyone did. That's because it wasn't actually a dream. It really happened. Apparently Gensokyo was brought to the outside world somehow. My friend and I lived in the outside world at the time, and somehow we got caught up in everything. Once it was all over, we were put here instead of back outside."
-
> "Yeah, everyone did. That's because it wasn't actually a dream. It really happened. Apparently Gensokyo was brought to the outside world somehow. My friend and I lived in the outside world at the time, and somehow we got caught up in everything. Once it was all over, we were put here instead of back outside."
>"Wow," says Kogasa. "That's pretty wacky. Well, I hope your having fun!"
>_
-
> "Yeah, there's certainly been a lot of interesting stuff. And interesting people. Like you, for instance."
-
> "Yeah, there's certainly been a lot of interesting stuff. And interesting people. Like you, for instance."
>"Awww, I'm not that interesting," she says. Is she blushing a little?
>_
-
> "Sure you are! Someone like you would never be seen in the outside world. Your teal hair alone makes you interesting to someone like me, and you go even further by matching your outfit to it. Quite nicely, I might add. And then, on top of that, you go out and read Sun Tzu to apply his tactics to scaring people. That's quite some dedication you have there."
-
> "Sure you are! Someone like you would never be seen in the outside world. Your teal hair alone makes you interesting to someone like me, and you go even further by matching your outfit to it. Quite nicely, I might add. And then, on top of that, you go out and read Sun Tzu to apply his tactics to scaring people. That's quite some dedication you have there."
>"Now you're trying to sweet talk me," she says.
>_
-
> "Well, okay, maybe a little. I don't say things I don't mean, though. And it's true, you don't see teal hair in the outside world."
> "Look, I'll be honest. When I was asking around about you, back when I was upset that you drenched my face, the people I asked...didn't have the most flattering things to say about you. So I forgot about being upset and decided to come find you for myself, to see the real you instead of just hearing about you from others. And after some of the things that were said, to come and find you as cheerful and upbeat as anyone could be...it made me glad I decided to do this."
-
> "Well, okay, maybe a little. I don't say things I don't mean, though. And it's true, you don't see teal hair in the outside world."
> "Look, I'll be honest. When I was asking around about you, back when I was upset that you drenched my face, the people I asked...didn't have the most flattering things to say about you. So I forgot about being upset and decided to come find you for myself, to see the real you instead of just hearing about you from others. And after some of the things that were said, to come and find you as cheerful and upbeat as anyone could be...it made me glad I decided to do this."
>"Ah, that's so nice-" she starts, then, "Wait a minute! What are others saying about me?"
>_
-
> "They said you weren't that successful at really scaring people. Given how good you got me, I had a hard time believing them. At least one was willing to rethink their opinion after I told them about that, though."
-
> "They said you weren't that successful at really scaring people. Given how good you got me, I had a hard time believing them. At least one was willing to rethink their opinion after I told them about that, though."
>"Oh." she says, her tone softening. "Well...I did have a hard time of it before. Everyone was too good at seeing it coming!"
>_
-
> "I'll take your word for it, then, since I wasn't around before. But, again, I come here after hearing how you're not very successful at scaring, and I find you as happy as a clam despite having a reputation for not being that great at your favorite hobby. It was quite heart-warming to see. Your attitude toward life is very commendable, Kogasa."
-
> "I'll take your word for it, then, since I wasn't around before. But, again, I come here after hearing how you're not very successful at scaring, and I find you as happy as a clam despite having a reputation for not being that great at your favorite hobby. It was quite heart-warming to see. Your attitude toward life is very commendable, Kogasa."
>"Oh I am good at it!" Kogasa says. "Just, mostly everyone is good at not being surprised anyways..."
>She gives you a curious look. "Why're you trying to butter me up, anyways?"
>_
-
> "Because I'm still new here, and still exploring and meeting new people and things. It seems like I'm going to live here now, so I'd like to be on good terms with as many people here as possible, people like Reimu and Marisa and Sanae and so many others I've met. But someone like you, you're different, with your approach to and outlook on life. You're the kind of person...I would like to be friends with."
-
> "Because I'm still new here, and still exploring and meeting new people and things. It seems like I'm going to live here now, so I'd like to be on good terms with as many people here as possible, people like Reimu and Marisa and Sanae and so many others I've met. But someone like you, you're different, with your approach to and outlook on life. You're the kind of person...I would like to be friends with."
>"You're a pretty weird human," she says. Then she smiles at you. "But I guess that's alright. Okay! We'll be friends!"
>_
-
> "Oh, thank you!"
> How far apart are we?
-
> "Oh, thank you!"
> How far apart are we?
>She is still up in the tree. So, a few yards, as the person flies.
>_
-
> Fly up to Kogasa. Not too slow, but not too fast.
> Attempt a hug.
-
> Fly up to Kogasa. Not too slow, but not too fast.
> Attempt a hug.
>You fly up to Kogasa and give her a hug. She seems a little wary as you approach, but the gesture reciprocates after a moment. It's rather nice, save for the umbrella shaft poking you in the ribs a bit.
>_
-
> Getting poked is a small sacrifice in the name of Kogasahugs.
> Break the hug after a suitable period of time and check in on Kogasa's posthug status.
-
> Getting poked is a small sacrifice in the name of Kogasahugs.
> Break the hug after a suitable period of time and check in on Kogasa's posthug status.
>It's not that bad of a poke, you doubt it will bruise much.
>Breaking off the hug, she seems rather bemused. "Do you normally do that with people you don't know very well?" she asks. "You really are a weird person."
>_
-
>"Let's just say it's my way of surprising you. I'm sure you can appreciate that, right?"
>Smile
-
> "Not normally, no, but I thought you had a good personality for it."
Wow fuck this answer that one's a lot better.
-
>"Let's just say it's my way of surprising you. I'm sure you can appreciate that, right?"
>Smile
>"Oooooh!"
>She seems to consider for a moment. "It's not much of a surprise if the person doesn't even know they were surprised... Oh well, it was a good effort!"
>_
-
>"Speaking of which, you ever consider doing other things to surprise people besides sneaking up and yelling at them? Maybe people are just getting used to what you do? I'd think random unexpected hugs could actually surprise a lot of people."
-
>"Speaking of which, you ever consider doing other things to surprise people besides sneaking up and yelling at them? Maybe people are just getting used to what you do? I'd think random unexpected hugs could actually surprise a lot of people."
>"Mmmm, maybe," says Kogasa, "But I think traditions become traditional for a good reason. So I'll stick with those."
>-
-
>"Oh, it's traditional, is it? How long've you been at it, anyway?"
-
>"Oh, it's traditional, is it? How long've you been at it, anyway?"
>"Ages, probably," says Kogasa. "Who keeps count?"
>_
-
>"Oh, I don't know. I was just curious. I know how long I've been at a bunch of stuff, anyway."
>Point to the house. "Did you build that yourself?"
-
>"Oh, I don't know. I was just curious. I know how long I've been at a bunch of stuff, anyway."
>Point to the house. "Did you build that yourself?"
>"Oh, well, I never bothered to keep count." She shrugs.
>You gesture to her house. "Oh, kind of," she says. "I had some help. It took a long time!"
>_
-
>"Yeah, I imagine it must have. Who pitched in, anyway? Some of the fairies?"
-
>"Yeah, I imagine it must have. Who pitched in, anyway? Some of the fairies?"
>"Mmmhmm!" says Kogasa. "And Mystia looked at it, to make sure I did it right."
>_
-
>"It's nice to have people willing to help out like that, isn't it?"
>"I don't suppose you have anything going on at the moment that I might be able to lend a hand, with? I feel like being helpful."
-
>"It's nice to have people willing to help out like that, isn't it?"
>"I don't suppose you have anything going on at the moment that I might be able to lend a hand, with? I feel like being helpful."
>She nods. "And, not really. I'm kind of a lone wolf most of the time."
>_
-
>"Aw... you ever feel lonely, that way?"
-
>"Aw... you ever feel lonely, that way?"
>"Not really," says Kogasa. "I go to The Felt when I'm feeling lonely."
>_
-
>"Ah, I was there once. Pretty swanky place."
-
>"Ah, I was there once. Pretty swanky place."
>"Mmhm!" she agrees. "The card games are great! Especially the prizes. I won a suit once!"
>_
-
>"Not bad! I never actually played anything in there. I was just looking for a friend of mine, at the time."
-
>"Not bad! I never actually played anything in there. I was just looking for a friend of mine, at the time."
>"It's a good place to meet people, too! So, um, what have you been doing? Isn't it weird for humans to be Underground?"
-
>"Yeah, it's pretty unusual for them to be down there, from what I gather. But that's actually I ended up first when I woke up in Gensokyo: in the palace of the Earth Spirits. Since I got here this morning, I've mostly been getting to know the place, exploring, meeting people, you know. Running errands."
-
>"Yeah, it's pretty unusual for them to be down there, from what I gather. But that's actually I ended up first when I woke up in Gensokyo: in the palace of the Earth Spirits. Since I got here this morning, I've mostly been getting to know the place, exploring, meeting people, you know. Running errands."
>She nods. "Oh, do you need help with something?"
>_
-
> "Hmm...I can think of a few things that need doing, but none of them are things I want to impose on you..."
> "Would you happen to know of any place with ghosts? Little wispy things, I mean."
-
> "Hmm...I can think of a few things that need doing, but none of them are things I want to impose on you..."
> "Would you happen to know of any place with ghosts? Little wispy things, I mean."
>"Oh, okay."
>She frowns. "I'd look around a graveyard, if I wanted a ghost."
>_
-
> "Are there any around here?"
> "And, well, I suppose if you wanted to help me out with something I need doing...you know that abandoned house at the edge of the forest, right outside of it?"
-
> "Are there any around here?"
> "And, well, I suppose if you wanted to help me out with something I need doing...you know that abandoned house at the edge of the forest, right outside of it?"
>"There's one not too far from the Hakurei Shrine," says Kogasa.
>"Yeah, it's a bad place," says Kogasa.
>_
-
> "Yeah, so I discovered. Reimu's actually there right now, though, exorcising the place. It should be good again after she's done with it. I think I'd like to live there, with my best friend from the outside world. It's a very nice place, and it saves us having to build a house. We could use some help cleaning it, though, once Reimu is finished doing her thing and we're ready to settle down in there."
-
> "Yeah, so I discovered. Reimu's actually there right now, though, exorcising the place. It should be good again after she's done with it. I think I'd like to live there, with my best friend from the outside world. It's a very nice place, and it saves us having to build a house. We could use some help cleaning it, though, once Reimu is finished doing her thing and we're ready to settle down in there."
>"Oh," says Kogasa. She frowns, tapping her index fingers together. "It's just, um... I don't like cleaning very much..."
>_
-
> "Ah, that's fine. It was just a thought. We should be able to take care of it ourselves. It'll be some work, but nothing we can't handle."
> "At least now you know where we'll be. Feel free to drop by anytime, if you need something, or just want to talk about things. Just try not to scare my friend, if possible."
> Smirk.
> "...At least, not more than once."
-
> "Ah, that's fine. It was just a thought. We should be able to take care of it ourselves. It'll be some work, but nothing we can't handle."
> "At least now you know where we'll be. Feel free to drop by anytime, if you need something, or just want to talk about things. Just try not to scare my friend, if possible."
> Smirk.
> "...At least, not more than once."
>"No deal," says Kogasa. "I'll get her every time I get the opportunity! But, maybe I'll visit. And help with the little easy things..."
>_
-
> Laugh
> "Well, okay, works for me. She can't say I didn't ask you not to."
-
> Laugh
> "Well, okay, works for me. She can't say I didn't ask you not to."
>You laugh. But are you laughing because it is funny, or because she's not targeted you?
>Kogasa nods. "I'll tell her if she asks."
>_
-
> The former. It's amusing honesty, if nothing else.
-
> The former. It's amusing honesty, if nothing else.
>You have an laugh at the expense of you lover, then. And those can be the best laughs.
>"I need to go water my trees," says Kogasa. "See you later...Wait a minute! Who are you, anyways?"
>_
-
>"I'm Maribel. And it was nice to meet you!"
-
>"I'm Maribel. And it was nice to meet you!"
>"I'm Kogasa Tatara!" says the teal-haired youkai. She grins. "I'll see you again."
>_
-
> Grin back.
> "I look forward to it! As long as you don't give me a heart attack."
-
> Grin back.
> "I look forward to it! As long as you don't give me a heart attack."
>"I'll do my best," she says, as she pushes off the branch and falls to the ground, starting for her house.
>_
-
> Check off Hidden Side Quest: Get a Hug from Kogasa as complete
> Head back toward our future home.
-
> Check off Hidden Side Quest: Get a Hug from Kogasa as complete
> Head back toward our future home.
>You got a Karakasa Hug, and no one can take that away from you. Except Keine.
>You make your way back toward the house. You see Reimu leaving; Plum Flower sitting on her shoulder and snuggling against her hair.
>_
-
>"How'd it go?"
-
>"How'd it go?"
>"It's exorcised," says Reimu, trying and failing to tug her hair out Plum Flower's grasp with head motions. "Shouldn't have too many problems if you clean it out soon. If you don't, there's a good chance other ghosts will move in."
>_
-
>Wonder if there was a lightshow from the exorcism.
>"Alright, that sounds fair. I guess I should take it that means those ghosts weren't necessarily whoever got killed there in the first place?"
>... did we ask her to leave one for the Nitori capture, or did we goof that up due to miscommunication/poor memory?
-
>Wonder if there was a lightshow from the exorcism.
>"Alright, that sounds fair. I guess I should take it that means those ghosts weren't necessarily whoever got killed there in the first place?"
>... did we ask her to leave one for the Nitori capture, or did we goof that up due to miscommunication/poor memory?
>You don't know. It's certainly possible.
>"I couldn't tell you," says Reimu. "But if they attacked you, they were probably really mad. Which suggests they were those people."
>You blasted them all beforehand.
>_
-
>Eh... we'll figure out something.
>"It's... probably good that they're at rest now, then."
>Wonder how this whole afterlife thing works now that there's actual evidence for the process.
>"Out of curiosity, about how long do you think it would take for ghosts to wander back there? And would they be as, uh, hostile?"
>inventory
Mental checklist - Yuuka flowers, tabloid and clothing check, uh... what else was there?
-
>Eh... we'll figure out something.
>"It's... probably good that they're at rest now, then."
>Wonder how this whole afterlife thing works now that there's actual evidence for the process.
>"Out of curiosity, about how long do you think it would take for ghosts to wander back there? And would they be as, uh, hostile?"
>inventory
>You think you have a lead, maybe.
>She nods, nearly dislodging Plum Flower from her shoulder.
>You aren't sure, but you are pretty certain Komachi is part of the process.
>"Hm, maybe a few days?" says Reimu. "A few weeks if you're lucky."
>Your Inventory Contains
>Mop Hat
>Red Robe
>White Hakama
>Branch
>Floating Stone
>Ingredient List
>Ring of Rhythm
>Striped Mushroom Potion of Enhancement
>Starlight Incantation Slip.
>Purple Messenger Bag
>Blue Silk Flower
>92☼
>Bottle of Irritated Bull Sake
>Emerald Necklace
>Star Armlet
>Purple Dress
>Wound Sign: Pain Flow Endlessly. (Captured)
>Kakashi Spirit News
>Frilly Dark Dress (Worn as Clothing)
>Oil of Vibration
>Black Cube
>Green Yo-yo
>Bolt of Silk
>Ghost-Catching Jar
>_
-
>Didn't we trade the bottle of sake?
>Also, where's the figurine we got from Mari?
And what did you mean by 'Yuuka flowers, tabloid and clothing check'?
Otherwise, I believe we were on our way to the SDM at the moment
-
>Didn't we trade the bottle of sake?
>Also, where's the figurine we got from Mari?
>Database errors. They are there.
-
> Indicate Plum Flower.
> "How did she do?"
-
> Indicate Plum Flower.
> "How did she do?"
>Plum Flower is too preoccupied to notice you motioning toward her.
>"Well, she stayed still until I was done, which was nice. Then she came for me like an arrow, squealing about how great I was. Then she latched onto my hair."
>_
-
>celebrate free 27☼ quantum-retained from the donation box
>"Well, you can't deny her enthusiasm, if nothing else."
Basically I want to ask about whether it'd be sane to visit Yuuka again to get some flowers for the Hakurei Shrine. (She DID invite us to come back sometime, if I recall correctly.) This can also be used as a segue into asking why Yukari's apparently looking for us, or at least wants to be informed about people looking like her.
Also, open door + more footprints = someone else was in this house while we were out. Probably.
Someone else cover Plum I dunno how to deal with her herself even if I have an idea for how to sell the idea to Reimu.
-
>"Well, you can't deny her enthusiasm, if nothing else."
>"Unfortunately."
>_
-
Plum Flower probably isn't going to pay attention to anything you say unless you insult her, so you might as well just skip that step and go to selling her to Reimu.
-
Thinking about it some more, there IS a part of it that should go to Plum. Here's the gist of it -
To Reimu: "Yeah, she's annoying, but fairies either lose interest soon enough or end up startlingly loyal - if you humor her for a bit, you'll at least have a seamstress for a little while, and maybe a pet fairy to help out around the shrine if she picks up some proper restraint. Not sure how you'd teach her that, though..."
To Plum: "I know you love her, but it can be a little alarming when someone starts declaring things like that when you first meet them - these things take time if you want to do it right. Becoming Reimu's friend first might help you more, and I think it'd make her more comfortable with you. Can you try that?"
Too lazy/braindead to try and push that through but
-
Actually, I'd thought the additional footprints and open door were from us when we ran out of the place. Certainly, I didn't think we took time to close the door after ourselves. As for Yukari, I doubt you're going to find out anything useful about her motivations by asking someone else, and I don't think it even takes anything unusual to be curious to meet someone who looks just like you.
Personally, I also feel that we've probably nudged both Reimu and Plum Flower as much as we can reasonably expect. Reimu seemed open to thinking about the sewing idea, and Plum Flower's a least a little calmer than she was. At this point, it's probably just going to come down to giving them some time and seeing how it goes. But if you want to say something, be my guest.
-
It's kind of amusing how Maribel has clearly learned absolutely nothing from the Yuugi/Parsee/Utsuho situation.
-
..... yeah, I might be being too pushy/controlling/whatever.
>Wry smile.
>"Well, hopefully that won't get in the way of her sewing, right, Plum?"
-
>You offer a wry smile. Reimu sighs.
>"Huh?" says Plum Flower. "Oh, I can sew! I'll sew anything in the world for Reimu! Everything in the world!"
>_
-
>"How about a muzzle?"
>"Just focus on the stuff she asks for, alright?"
>"... actually, speaking of clothing, I should probably return these."
>take out the miko suit
>"After that close call with Ran and seeing the contents of the tengu paper, I don't think these are going to help me avoid Yukari's notice anymore."
>Show her the paper if she asks.
-
>"How about a muzzle?"
>"Just focus on the stuff she asks for, alright?"
>"... actually, speaking of clothing, I should probably return these."
>take out the miko suit
>"After that close call with Ran and seeing the contents of the tengu paper, I don't think these are going to help me avoid Yukari's notice anymore."
>Show her the paper if she asks.
>"How about a chastity belt?"
>Plum Flower nods enthusiastically, mussing up Reimu's hair a bit.
>You start to return the clothes, but Reimu shakes her head. "Keep 'em. At least until you have a few changes of clothes to your name. And yeah...you did kind of get noticed. Oh well, nothing to be done about that, I guess."
>_
-
> "All right. And thank you for everything, especially...well. At the very least, if my friend is to be believed, it'll be worth it, and I believe her."
-
> "All right. And thank you for everything, especially...well. At the very least, if my friend is to be believed, it'll be worth it, and I believe her."
>"Well, that's more than I usually get," says Reimu, smiling a bit. "You're welcome."
>With that, she takes to the air, Plum Flower being dislodged by the motion, but quickly recovering and following Reimu, orbiting around her.
>_
-
>Head towards the Scarlet Devil Mansion
-
>Head towards the Scarlet Devil Mansion
>You head toward Scarlet Devil Mansion.
>It is a rather easy trip, but along the way, you notice there are a couple small groups of faeries flying over the lake.
>_
-
> Are they milling about and generally being fairies, or are they headed for the mansion?
-
> Are they milling about and generally being fairies, or are they headed for the mansion?
>Milling about and generally being faeries.
>_
-
For god's sake don't be hostile with Sakuya.
>Proceed.
-
>Proceed.
> Be careful about this. Give the lake a decent berth, so you don't attract any fairy attention.
-
>Proceed.
> Be careful about this. Give the lake a decent berth, so you don't attract any fairy attention.
>You quickly realize these are mutually exclusive. The gate is not far from the lakeshore.
>_
-
> Well shoot.
Change of plans!
> Let's head back to the kappa village instead, then.
> How much time do we have left in the day?
-
>Would it be possible to take the long way around so the time spent near the lake(shore) is minimized?
-
> Well shoot.
> Let's head back to the kappa village instead, then.
> How much time do we have left in the day?
>Would it be possible to take the long way around so the time spent near the lake(shore) is minimized?
>What a pain. You wonder if Renko is doing this intentionally to monitor traffic?
>You are pretty sure it's about an hour til sunset.
>You could take a long way around, but you still have a chance of being seen at the gate.
>_
-
>Head for the kappa village
-
>Head for the kappa village
>You head for the kappa village!
>This time, you aren't given any trouble as you fly over the forest at the base of Youkai Mountain, and soon each the outskirts of the Kappa Village. From above, you can see many people milling about the build site on the northern side of the river; while the river itself seems to have a lot of activity.
>_
-
>Does the activity around the river seem at all interesting or unusual? Or is it just people going about their business?
>Assuming nothing notable, head for Nitori's warehouse.
-
>Does the activity around the river seem at all interesting or unusual? Or is it just people going about their business?
>Assuming nothing notable, head for Nitori's warehouse.
>It is interested in so much as there seem to be a lot of kappa around the river. From what you can tell, there's a fair amount of activity going on around the banks, and more of it in the river itself. You don't know what is going on, but you think you see a couple of stands.
>_
-
>Go have a closer look
-
> Kappa festival! Oh boy oh boy oh boy
-
>Go have a closer look
> Kappa festival! Oh boy oh boy oh boy
>You swoop down for a closer look, finding yourself hoping for a festival!
>It seems a little too sedate for a festival. From above, it seems the stands are all dealing in fish. Glancing into the river, you see a kappa pop out of the water with a fish in hand, and swim over to one of the stands. You can see a fair number of other youkai among the crowd of people buying.
>_
-
>Browse around for a moment to get a sense of the prices. Always good to have some idea what our currency's value is around here
>Head to Nitori's warehouse
-
>Browse around for a moment to get a sense of the prices. Always good to have some idea what our currency's value is around here
>Head to Nitori's warehouse
>You look around a bit.
>Admittedly, you don't know much about fish that isn't prepackaged and labeled. You seem some prices as low as 2-3☼, while others are as high as 30☼. The average seems to run from 8-15☼.
>After a brief look-around, and marveling at all the varieties of blue hair you see among the kappa, you head to Nitori's warehouse. You find the bay door is open, and Nitori heating a rice-cooking pot with what looks oddly like a welding torch.
>_
-
> "Hello again."
Goinna bed. Draco, if you're not sure what we want from this conversation, you can let me take it when I get up.
-
>"You always cook your rice with a blowtorch?"
-
> "Hello again."
>"Oh, hey there!" says Nitori as she glances over.
>"You always cook your rice with a blowtorch?"
>"Not always," she says. "Just...most of the time."
>_
-
>"Couldn't temperatures like that actually damage the pot?"
>"In any case, I wanted to let you know I delivered your letter. I also had a couple other things I wanted to ask you about."
>"This is going to sound kind of odd to start with, but bear with me for a moment: what do you feel about science, and what place do you think it has in a world like Gensokyo?"
-
>"Couldn't temperatures like that actually damage the pot?"
>"In any case, I wanted to let you know I delivered your letter. I also had a couple other things I wanted to ask you about."
>"This is going to sound kind of odd to start with, but bear with me for a moment: what do you feel about science, and what place do you think it has in a world like Gensokyo?"
>"Naw, I turn it low."
>"You did?" She grins. "Thanks! And sure, ask away."
>"Science?" asks Nitori, pursing her lips. "I leave that stuff to the heretics. I prefer good solid engineering, myself."
>_
-
>"Heretics? What do you mean? Isn't engineering BUILT on science?"
-
>"Heretics? What do you mean? Isn't engineering BUILT on science?"
>"Oh hell no," says Nitori. "Engineering's build on how the world works. The heretics just whine about how it shouldn't work."
>_
-
>"Maybe you could explain that in a little more detail...."
-
>"Maybe you could explain that in a little more detail...."
>"Okay," says Nitori, as she sets the blowtorch aside. "You've met Patchouli or Alice or the like, right? Imagine them, but worse. That's your basic heretic. They're religious fanatics. but instead of following a good honest god, or a nice creed like Buddhism, they try to make up laws about how things work and then won't stop proselytizing if you give them half a chance. And if you start poking holes in those laws of their's, they get really annoying."
>_
-
>"But science is, by definition, a reflection of empirical data. Things that can be tested and reproduced, and from which you can determine rules about how things work. If a scientific law can be shown to be false by an actual phenomenon, then the law must be adjusted to compensate for this. Science is not about belief, but about reality. Science that does not match up with reality is simply just plain wrong."
>"Or... does the term mean something different in Gensokyo?"
-
>"But science is, by definition, a reflection of empirical data. Things that can be tested and reproduced, and from which you can determine rules about how things work. If a scientific law can be shown to be false by an actual phenomenon, then the law must be adjusted to compensate for this. Science is not about belief, but about reality. Science that does not match up with reality is simply just plain wrong."
>"Or... does the term mean something different in Gensokyo?"
>"Yeah, that's what they say," says Nitori. "Then you point out where they got it wrong and they get petulant and rave about how you just don't understand. Or you show 'em and they just get upset and leave."
>"...Wait. You're not one of them, are you?"
>_
-
>"I told you I come from the outside world, right? Well, science is pretty much the underpinning of all engineering there, for one thing. But it wonder if it might be a bit of a different science than the one you're talking about..."
>"Can you give me an example of what you mean, anyway? About holes in the theories of these heretics that they refuse to admit exist? Maybe something that actually happened to you, or a story you heard about?"
-
>"I told you I come from the outside world, right? Well, science is pretty much the underpinning of all engineering there, for one thing. But it wonder if it might be a bit of a different science than the one you're talking about..."
>"Can you give me an example of what you mean, anyway? About holes in the theories of these heretics that they refuse to admit exist? Maybe something that actually happened to you, or a story you heard about?"
>"Wow, that sounds horrible," Nitori says, frowning. "The dream made things seem so much better..."
>"I can do better. I can show you." Says Nitori. "Get that telescope out of the corner and set up, please?"
>She gestures toward the corner of the warehouse, where you can see an old-looking telescope and stand leaning against the corner, amidst bits of scrap metal.
>_
-
>"The things you saw in the dream are a very good reflection of how things work out there. All can think of is that 'science' there and here mean different things. Engineering is still firmly based on how the world works. I mean, the things engineers built wouldn't work correctly if it wasn't, would they?"
>Go fetch the telescope and set it up. Ask for instructions on the setup, if necessary
-
>"The things you saw in the dream are a very good reflection of how things work out there. All can think of is that 'science' there and here mean different things. Engineering is still firmly based on how the world works. I mean, the things engineers built wouldn't work correctly if it wasn't, would they?"
>Go fetch the telescope and set it up. Ask for instructions on the setup, if necessary
>""Yeah, but we don't try and tell it how it should work," says Nitori.
>You fetch the Telescope, and set it up outside the warehouse. It's not difficult at all, the stand is more or less like any normal tripod. Curiously enough, the lens are black, maybe it's some kind of dust protector. Nitori gives the rice pot a couple more blasts with her blowtorch while you work, then sets it aside and walks over to the telescope and fiddles with it., looking into it every now and again. "There we go," she says after a minute. "Have a look."
>_
-
>"Where I come from, science, too, is descriptive, not prescriptive."
>Take a look in the telescope
-
>"Where I come from, science, too, is descriptive, not prescriptive."
>Take a look in the telescope
>She shrugs.
>You look through the telescope, and see...what in the world is that? It is a floating island, with a bright beacon on light on it. Wait...is that the sun? Nitori never took the darkening off the lens, did she? Yes, that is most certainly the sun, resting on a floating island. You cannot estimate how large it is, but it's certainly not the star you know.
>"That's what I showed this one who came to get fish, and wouldn't leave me alone. She talked about how everything that goes up must come down. I pointed out flying, and she tried to act like it didn't count because you get tired. So I showed her that. Shut her right up, and she stomped off. See, that's the thing about heretics. They made some random numbers to go with things, then fiddle with them to get other random numbers and think they found something. Then get all upset when things don't follow. Must have a great reward at the end of it all, though, to put Nirvana to shame, for all the trouble they go through."
>_
-
>"Well, things fall to the ground because of gravity. Flight obviously creates some sort of force that counteracts this. I see nothing unreasonable with suggesting that the island exerts a similar force somehow. I certainly don't know how, but one doesn't deal with the unknown by pretending it doesn't exist, but by trying to understand it.
>Why can't we see this island when we look up at the sky? If it's larger than the sun itself, surely it should be visible to the naked eye?
-
>"Well, things fall to the ground because of gravity. Flight obviously creates some sort of force that counteracts this. I see nothing unreasonable with suggesting that the island exerts a similar force somehow. I certainly don't know how, but one doesn't deal with the unknown by pretending it doesn't exist, but by trying to understand it.
>Why can't we see this island when we look up at the sky? If it's larger than the sun itself, surely it should be visible to the naked eye?
>"Yeah, but islands don't get tired, and can't fly on their own to begin with, so it's pretty much wrong. Acting otherwise is just ignoring how things are."
>"The sun's too bright to look at," says Nitori when you ask about the island. "Washes the whole thing out. Not that you should normally be looking at it to begin with."
>_
-
>"Well, something's keeping it up. I didn't mean it was the same mechanism as flight. Who knows how it works. Maybe some sort of long-term enchantment?"
>Take out the floating stone, and let it hover for a moment
>"Kinda like this, but on a much larger scale."
-
>"Well, something's keeping it up. I didn't mean it was the same mechanism as flight. Who knows how it works. Maybe some sort of long-term enchantment?"
>Take out the floating stone, and let it hover for a moment
>"Kinda like this, but on a much larger scale."
>"Why?" asks Nitori.
>_
-
>"Why, what?"
-
>"Why, what?"
>"Why does something have to be holding it up?" asks Nitori. "Maybe it just doesn't fall."
>_
-
>"True, maybe it doesn't. But there must be some reason for that. The island looks like it's made of plain old rock, like most islands. And most rocks fall, correct? I can't say why that one doesn't fall. But there has to be something different about it than regular rocks, or it should behave like them, correct?"
-
>"True, maybe it doesn't. But there must be some reason for that. The island looks like it's made of plain old rock, like most islands. And most rocks fall, correct? I can't say why that one doesn't fall. But there has to be something different about it than regular rocks, or it should behave like them, correct?"
>"I imagine it just doesn't fall because it would be bad if it fell," says Nitori. "There's not much of a point past that. Aside from saying that whole everything falls thing doesn't actually work."
>_
-
>Resist urge to tear hair out. ...at least until we're out of sight.
>"There's plenty of other things that would be bad if they fell, but still fall sometimes, anyway. Like, say, bridges, or cliff ledges people are standing on."
-
>Resist urge to tear hair out. ...at least until we're out of sight.
>"There's plenty of other things that would be bad if they fell, but still fall sometimes, anyway. Like, say, bridges, or cliff ledges people are standing on."
>Is this even a fraction of how Renko felt? Maybe attacking Scarlet Devil Mansion wouldn't be that bad...
>"Yep," says Nitori. "But I didn't say that for them. That would be pretty silly."
>_
-
>"Yes, but what about that rock makes it different than anything else? There must be something."
-
>"Yes, but what about that rock makes it different than anything else? There must be something."
>"No there doesn't," says Nitori. "Maybe it just doesn't fall and it means that not everything falls."
>_
-
>"...may I ask how it's possible to construct working machines if you seem to believe that there are no consistent rules governing anything, and objects just randomly do or don't do things for no particular reason?"
-
>"...may I ask how it's possible to construct working machines if you seem to believe that there are no consistent rules governing anything, and objects just randomly do or don't do things for no particular reason?"
>"You go with that you think will work, and if it doesn't you try what else you think works." says Nitori, giving you a kind of look somewhere between incredulous and pitying. "Just like life, really."
>_
-
>"Well, I suppose that makes a certain kind of sense... I'll just say that where I come from, the universe seems to be more consistent. For what it's worth, over six billion people have yet to find a single thing that 'doesn't fall' "
>We never mentioned the jet idea to Nitori, did we? Assuming not:
>"But that aside, there was something else I came to ask you about. We've got a few people interested in this project now, and I was wondering if you might be, too. We're thinking about trying to construct a jet plane."
-
>"Well, I suppose that makes a certain kind of sense... I'll just say that where I come from, the universe seems to be more consistent. For what it's worth, over six billion people have yet to find a single thing that 'doesn't fall' "
>We never mentioned the jet idea to Nitori, did we? Assuming not:
>"But that aside, there was something else I came to ask you about. We've got a few people interested in this project now, and I was wondering if you might be, too. We're thinking about trying to construct a jet plane."
>Nitori nods. "Maybe so, I'll assume some of them much have looked pretty hard."
>You haven't, really. You propose the idea to Nitori. "A jet place?" she says, frowning and looking toward the sky. "A...Oh! You mean those flying things from the dream? Sounds kind of dull."
>_
-
>"Well, I was hoping you'd think it would be an interesting engineering challenge. Both Kanako and Utsuho said they're interested in working on it."
-
>"Well, I was hoping you'd think it would be an interesting engineering challenge. Both Kanako and Utsuho said they're interested in working on it."
>"Well," Nitori purses her lips. "Kind of. But there's a whole lot more challenges that are a whole lot more interesting too, you see? I mean, who cares about a flying machine? But everyone cares about a machine that makes your house cool."
>_
-
> Look around to make sure there's no one else in the facility, or at least no one within reasonable earshot. Specifically, watch out for any Sanaes.
> Assuming no one is around to hear us, turn back to Nitori, and drop our voice volume anyway.
> "I can tell you who cares a lot about jets, but this whole project is supposed to be a secret, so you'll have to keep it on the down-low."
-
> Look around to make sure there's no one else in the facility, or at least no one within reasonable earshot. Specifically, watch out for any Sanaes.
> Assuming no one is around to hear us, turn back to Nitori, and drop our voice volume anyway.
> "I can tell you who cares a lot about jets, but this whole project is supposed to be a secret, so you'll have to keep it on the down-low."
>You make sure there is no one around, then give Nitori a few more details. "A secret? Well, okay, I won't tell anyone."
>_
-
> "Okay. The jet is for Sanae. She's long since fantasized about the prospect of flying one. She says it's 'romantic', the idea of flying around at high speeds with no magical involvement. It's probably a result of her outside-world upbringing. And honestly, after learning a few things here, I can sympathize with the sentiment."
> "Anyway, the whole bring-Gensokyo-to-the-outer-world thing was supposed to be Kanako's gift to her, to give her the chance to be a jet pilot, among other reasons. It seems Utsuho put a stop to things before Sanae had the chance, though. Kanako would dearly love to see Sanae's dream still fulfilled, and I think Utsuho just wants some closure. The whole ordeal did a number on her, and she doesn't seem to be on great terms with Kanako right now."
> "Now, Sanae cannot know a thing about this plan. Since it's a gift for her, it's supposed to be a surprise."
-
> "Okay. The jet is for Sanae. She's long since fantasized about the prospect of flying one. She says it's 'romantic', the idea of flying around at high speeds with no magical involvement. It's probably a result of her outside-world upbringing. And honestly, after learning a few things here, I can sympathize with the sentiment."
> "Anyway, the whole bring-Gensokyo-to-the-outer-world thing was supposed to be Kanako's gift to her, to give her the chance to be a jet pilot, among other reasons. It seems Utsuho put a stop to things before Sanae had the chance, though. Kanako would dearly love to see Sanae's dream still fulfilled, and I think Utsuho just wants some closure. The whole ordeal did a number on her, and she doesn't seem to be on great terms with Kanako right now."
> "Now, Sanae cannot know a thing about this plan. Since it's a gift for her, it's supposed to be a surprise."
>Nitori nods. "Okay. So, you pretty much need me for this then. But what do I get out of it? Aside from letting other, better ideas slip away in the meantime?"
>_
-
>"What do you mean, letting better ideas slip away? Other projects aren't going to go anywhere, just because you take some time out for this one."
>"And well, I thought you'd appreciate the idea of building something difficult and impressive. Something people can look up at and go 'wow'. Sure, you can already fly, but a jet can fly way, way faster than a person possibly could.
-
>"What do you mean, letting better ideas slip away? Other projects aren't going to go anywhere, just because you take some time out for this one."
>"And well, I thought you'd appreciate the idea of building something difficult and impressive. Something people can look up at and go 'wow'. Sure, you can already fly, but a jet can fly way, way faster than a person possibly could.
>"Sure they slip away," says Nitori. "It's all about inspiration, you see."
>"Hmmm. Well...the speed aspect might be a little something. Kanako's paying for it, right?"
>_
-
>"We never discussed that aspect of it, but from the context I would assume she'd have no problem with this."
-
>"We never discussed that aspect of it, but from the context I would assume she'd have no problem with this."
>Nitori nods. "...It still sounds like a huge waste of time, to be honest. I mean, there's just so many better, more useful things out there I could be working on."
>_
-
>"Are other vehicles a waste of time just because people can already walk? I saw someone driving around on a motor scooter earlier today."
>"And... it'll mean a hell of a lot to someone. Surely that counts for something?"
-
>"Are other vehicles a waste of time just because people can already walk? I saw someone driving around on a motor scooter earlier today."
>"And... it'll mean a hell of a lot to someone. Surely that counts for something?"
>"Yeah, I don't know where he got that, actually." Nitori shrugs. "Not going to do much good where there isn't a road, though. So, yeah, they kind of are, unless it's a wagon."
>"It would, I guess," says Nitori, "Which is really the only reason I haven't said no."
>_
-
>"Is there anything I could do that would help? I'm willing."
-
>"Is there anything I could do that would help? I'm willing."
>Nitori ponders for a moment. "Well, the less actual work I have to do building the thing, the better."
>_
-
>"Well, I'm certainly capable of chipping in with manual labor, but... I'm afraid I don't know anything about engineering. Utsuho said she'd help, too. Although I think something on this scale could probably benefit from more hands than just that... Do you think any of the other kappa might be interested?"
-
>"Well, I'm certainly capable of chipping in with manual labor, but... I'm afraid I don't know anything about engineering. Utsuho said she'd help, too. Although I think something on this scale could probably benefit from more hands than just that... Do you think any of the other kappa might be interested?"
>She gives you an appraising look. "Ugh, we'd have to make booms and stuff then, which is just even more of a bother. And it's unlikely I'd be able to get more than a couple."
-
>"Well, I'd like to do whatever I can to help. This means a lot to them, and I'd like to help make it possible. I'm afraid the only source of mass manual labor that comes to mind that I might be able to tap into are fairies, though. ...and I'm sure you can imagine what might happen if we tried that...."
>"Oh, I tried to get you a ghost for the air-conditioner, by the way, but they were all gone when I got back with the ghost sealing bottle... Unless you know someplace else I might be able to find one?"
-
>"Well, I'd like to do whatever I can to help. This means a lot to them, and I'd like to help make it possible. I'm afraid the only source of mass manual labor that comes to mind that I might be able to tap into are fairies, though. ...and I'm sure you can imagine what might happen if we tried that...."
>"Oh, I tried to get you a ghost for the air-conditioner, by the way, but they were all gone when I got back with the ghost sealing bottle... Unless you know someplace else I might be able to find one?"
>"Well, we'll see," says Nitori. "Maybe I'll sketch up something to ponder over before bed. If you can get anyone else, it'd make things easier."
>"Oh, you did? The bottle alone would be nice, to be honest. But if you really want to go find one, check a graveyard at night."
>_
-
>"Ok, I'll keep an eye out for people who might be able and willing to help."
>"And how about this? Since I'm still doing a lot of running around at the moment, I'll keep the bottle with me for now in case I bump into something. If I don't, I'll drop it off to you afterwards."
-
>"Ok, I'll keep an eye out for people who might be able and willing to help."
>"And how about this? Since I'm still doing a lot of running around at the moment, I'll keep the bottle with me for now in case I bump into something. If I don't, I'll drop it off to you afterwards."
>"Okay, that'll be good," says Nitori. "If you can round up some good help, I suppose I'll be obligated, won't I?"
>She nods. "Okay, you do that. I won't need it for another couple days at this rate, anyway."
>_
-
>"One other thing I was curious about, while I'm here. What kind of stuff are they planning to teach at that university, once it's built?"
-
>"One other thing I was curious about, while I'm here. What kind of stuff are they planning to teach at that university, once it's built?"
>"Probably? Anything they can find," says Nitori. "As long as it's not, you know, going to cause problems."
>_
-
>"What do you mean 'cause problems'? What kind of stuff would cause problems?"
-
>"What do you mean 'cause problems'? What kind of stuff would cause problems?"
>"Well it'd be a real problem if someone tried to teach how to mess with the dead, for instance," says Nitori. "Or how to cook humans."
>_
-
>"Oh, that's... uh... not exactly what I expected. ....do some people around here actually cook humans...?"
-
> "Ugh, I can't imagine that could taste good. It sounds disgusting."
> Captain Obvious, reporting for duty.
-
>"Oh, that's... uh... not exactly what I expected. ....do some people around here actually cook humans...?"
>"Well, back in the day," says Nitori. "No one does it anymore. But you never know when someone's going to get the itch."
> "Ugh, I can't imagine that could taste good. It sounds disgusting."
> Captain Obvious, reporting for duty.
>Nitori shakes her head. "Couldn't tell you. Humans and Kappa have always been allies. But I guess some youkai like it if it was popular."
>_
-
> "So it's a lot of non-traditional classes, then, instead of the outside world basics, like math, language, history, stuff like that. Or maybe in addition to?"
> "Hmm...would there be any interest in a class focused on the culture of the outside world?"
-
> "So it's a lot of non-traditional classes, then, instead of the outside world basics, like math, language, history, stuff like that. Or maybe in addition to?"
> "Hmm...would there be any interest in a class focused on the culture of the outside world?"
>"Whatever they can get, at least at first," says Nitori.
>"Might be," she says. "But if half of that dream is true, it'll be a lot of hard to swallow things."
>_
-
> "...You think the outside world is really that bad?"
-
> "...You think the outside world is really that bad?"
>"No no no, not bad," says Nitori, wavng her hands. "Just, different and weird."
>_
-
> "Oh. Well, I think that could just add some interest to the whole ordeal. 'Come learn about a world with no magic, where people can't fly or shoot bullets from their hands! Where the rules of science actually apply!' Stuff like that."
-
> "Oh. Well, I think that could just add some interest to the whole ordeal. 'Come learn about a world with no magic, where people can't fly or shoot bullets from their hands! Where the rules of science actually apply!' Stuff like that."
>"That's the last thing we need, giving the heretics all the more reason to be annoying," says Nitori.
>_
-
> "Well, okay, that doesn't have to be brought up. There's plenty of other stuff that can be discussed. World geography, government structures, differing forms of entertainment, both casual and competitive...I imagine that it would be harder, by a wide margin, to jam everything into a single semester than trying to fill that semester out."
-
> "Well, okay, that doesn't have to be brought up. There's plenty of other stuff that can be discussed. World geography, government structures, differing forms of entertainment, both casual and competitive...I imagine that it would be harder, by a wide margin, to jam everything into a single semester than trying to fill that semester out."
>She nods. "Anyways, I guess they'd be interested. Probably too soon to be making and solid plans like that, though."
>_
-
>"You have any idea what kind of timeframe they're anticipating for construction?"
-
>"You have any idea what kind of timeframe they're anticipating for construction?"
>"Not really," says Nitori. "I've been too busy doing my own thing to really get involved. I'd be surprised if they even had a solid plan, though."
-
>"How can you build a building of that size without some sort of plan?"
-
>"How can you build a building of that size without some sort of plan?"
>"Exactly," says Nitori. "Looks like it's going to start out as a big barn, maybe a few of them put together in interesting ways, and they'll work from there."
>_
-
>"That... sounds like it would almost be a happy accident if they got a working building by the end of it."
>"If they were so interested in building this, why didn't they get together and figure out something more concrete before beginning?"
-
>"That... sounds like it would almost be a happy accident if they got a working building by the end of it."
>"If they were so interested in building this, why didn't they get together and figure out something more concrete before beginning?"
>"Inspiration doesn't like it when you take time," says Nitori, as she walks back inside to check on the rice pot. "By the time they had something that's anything like what was int he dream designed up, a lot of people would have stopped caring and moved on. So they're probably just starting now, and trying to work in a plan as they move along."
>_
-
>"I'm getting the feeling that a lot of the stuff built around here is kind of done spur-of-the-moment."
-
>"I'm getting the feeling that a lot of the stuff built around here is kind of done spur-of-the-moment."
>"Sometimes," says Nitori. "It's not so bad when you're working alone, then you plan and plot at your own pace. But when you get a whole bunch of eager people together? It turns into what you're seeing across the river."
>_
-
Sounds like the heretic might be a useful resource if Kanako's willing to risk her reputation on this. Though it'd probably piss off some other people, too... wonder if she's even practicing good science.
-
It's possible, but I think we risk offending or dissuading Nitori further by asking her about it. If we're curious, it's probably best to ask someone else.
-
I'm pretty sure Nitori is talking about a certain scientist from the PC98 days. Maybe not, though.
-
>"Well, thanks for your time, and I'll keep an eye out for both ghosts, and other people who could lend a hand with the jet. See you later!"
>Head back towards the SDM
-
>"Well, thanks for your time, and I'll keep an eye out for both ghosts, and other people who could lend a hand with the jet. See you later!"
>Head back towards the SDM
>"You too!" says Nitori.
>You make your way back toward the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
>Drawing close to the lake, you can see it's even more crowded than before. There's probably a few dozen faeries there now, some playing on the banks, others flying above it.
>_
-
>Oh well.
>Head to Byakuren's
-
>Oh well.
>Head to Byakuren's
>You decide to cut your losses, and fly to the ship-cum-temple instead. It is more or less as you recall it, with a fair amount of people around the well. You see Nazrin lounging outside near the door, arms crossed behind her head and idly chewing a bit of straw. "Lo Maribel," she says as you land nearby.
>_
-
Wait, did we already tell Kanakers about finding Renko?
-
Wait, did we already tell Kanakers about finding Renko?
Yes, we told her about the whole mess already.
>"Hey there! Byakuren still around?"
-
>"She's in the main room," says Nazrin, jerking a thumb toward the door. "Just head straight on in and you'll see her."
>_
-
>"Thanks."
>Head on in and find Byakuren
-
Don't we have to visit her tonight to find Coy is she?
-
Don't we have to visit her tonight to find Coy is she?
She said she'd send Sanae to tell us if she found anything
-
>"Thanks."
>Head on in and find Byakuren
>"No problem," says Nazrin, shifting her bit of straw to the other side of her mouth.
>You head inside, walking down the cloth-lined hallway, and soon come to the altar room. Byakuren doesn't seem to have moved from where she was last time you were here. She has shifted her legs a bit, but little else has changed. Her eyes are closed in obvious concentration as you enter, but she opens them and smiles at you after a moment. "Welcome back, Maribel. I think you'll be pleased to know Ichirin has returned."
>_
-
>"Oh, is she? Although, I suppose the situation I came to speak with her about originally has changed a little since then. Still, I might talk with her before I leave."
>"I came here about the power augmentation you offered. Actually, I have a couple more questions about that which came up when I last spoke with Patchouli. She said something about how, if I were to eventually become a youkai in any case, I would be better off following your path; that this enchantment you offer would preclude any other, potentially stronger ones in the future. She... seems a little biased on the topic, so I was wondering if you might be able to explain to me a little of what she meant."
-
>"Oh, is she? Although, I suppose the situation I came to speak with her about originally has changed a little since then. Still, I might talk with her before I leave."
>"I came here about the power augmentation you offered. Actually, I have a couple more questions about that which came up when I last spoke with Patchouli. She said something about how, if I were to eventually become a youkai in any case, I would be better off following your path; that this enchantment you offer would preclude any other, potentially stronger ones in the future. She... seems a little biased on the topic, so I was wondering if you might be able to explain to me a little of what she meant."
>She nods. "I'm sure Ichirin will be delighted to help you."
>Byakuren's face shifts slightly, becoming less serene and more solemn. "Ah, she said that, did she? Well, I suppose if you choose to look at it that way, she is correct. She is right in that it is generally not possible to apply more than one such enhancement to a person permanently. Exceptions can exist, but they are rare and generally something we can't reproduce at all, let alone at will. And, she is right that if you look at it from the perspective of gain, what I have done to myself would grant you far more than what I have planned to do for you. Do you wish to do this, instead?"
>_
-
>"I... hadn't really given that the thought it deserves. I was just wondering if that was how it worked. Is your... um, size also an inevitable result of this same process?"
>"And do these enchantments set the upper bound of what is possible for a person to achieve? Or do they just boost you down the path that you were already traveling, through study and effort?"
>"Is it at all possible to safely remove an enchantment to apply another, at some point?"
-
>"I... hadn't really given that the thought it deserves. I was just wondering if that was how it worked. Is your... um, size also an inevitable result of this same process?"
>"And do these enchantments set the upper bound of what is possible for a person to achieve? Or do they just boost you down the path that you were already traveling, through study and effort?"
>"Is it at all possible to safely remove an enchantment to apply another, at some point?"
>She nods. "Very well. I suppose won't worry about what you choose to do. What you've told me, and the things I hear, suggest regardless of your choice there will be nothing to worry about. And....yes, you probably would be end up significantly larger. Perhaps not quite so pronounced as I, but you would be. I suppose all I can say is that aspect really isn't as bad as it may seem."
>"They exist to raise one's upper boundaries of natural talent, as well as move one along."
>"Not normally, and not in any way that could be reproduced that I know if. It may be possible through means I do not know, but I don't think they could be done at will, such as this is."
>_
-
>"I guess one gets used to it, in time. Our of curiosity, what's involved in this other enchantment?"
-
In case anyone's interested in pursuing the Kisume bucket mystery, asking her to see where it was stolen from to see if there's any evidence of who might have been there might be a lead to work with. Whether she'll agree to let Mary look is another story.
Also, Patchouli may be a better person to talk to about doubts about how much to help the SDM and/or fairy treatment there - Sakuya is not at her best right now. We may also want to ask someone about how... deadly... her knifework is, or if it's just stylized danmaku.
... hmm, I wonder what Flandre would think about the whole fairy affair? Or Meiling, for that matter? Not that China has much say in how things are done, but if dear little sister wants to be nice to the fairies...
-
>"I guess one gets used to it, in time. Our of curiosity, what's involved in this other enchantment?"
>"The process is essentially the same, as far as you would be concerned," says Byakuren. "I would need another ingredient or two. You've actually already brought me one of them; extra star mushrooms. The others would be water from the depth of the Sanzu River, a vial of blood from an immortal, and the essence of the netherworld. I would be willing to provide the blood myself."
>_
-
>"How deep does the water need to be? And... is the water of that river actually harmful to the living, or is that only actually crossing it?"
>"How does one go about getting the essence of a place, anyway?"
-
>"How deep does the water need to be? And... is the water of that river actually harmful to the living, or is that only actually crossing it?"
>"How does one go about getting the essence of a place, anyway?"
>"It must come from a depth of about four fathoms, and no, the water is not harmful any more than normal water. As for the essence, you would have to travel to Hakugyokurou, and find the place where that gives way to mist. Only a little is needed, but more will make it easier. I am not sure how willing the ghost princess would be toward allowing such a journey, but I think she would be accommodating. There may be other ways to get it as well, but that is how I got it."
>_
-
>"And are you supposed to gather this mist into some sort of container, then?"
>"Where can I find Hakugyokurou?"
-
>"And are you supposed to gather this mist into some sort of container, then?"
>"Where can I find Hakugyokurou?"
>She nods. "A tightly sealed bottle should do."
>"In the mountains to the northeast," says Byakuren. "I would tell you more, but it's honestly been centuries since I was there."
>_
-
>"Ah, well someone else may know, anyway. I've heard the place mentioned by a few people already today."
>"Are there... any other possible downsides or provisos to this?"
-
>"Ah, well someone else may know, anyway. I've heard the place mentioned by a few people already today."
>"Are there... any other possible downsides or provisos to this?"
>Byakuren nods. "I do not think it is entirely uncommon for people to visit the ghost princess these days."
>"It will enhance your magical power, and your physical power quite a lot," says Byakuren. "Since it being cast second hand, the results will not be quite so dramatic as they were with me, but it might not feel that way to you. I am not certain if it will affect your life span as strongly as it has mine, but you will almost certainly see an immense benefit there as well. As you likely already know, you will become a youkai. There is simply no question about it. And, because you have done so willingly, the harm it will do to your karma will be immense. You will easily spend a long time laboring under it before you could restore it to where it is now."
>_
-
>"May I ask why becoming a youkai incurs a karmic debt? Youkai don't seem to be any darker than humans; at least not the ones that I've met. Why should becoming one count as a transgression?"
-
>"May I ask why becoming a youkai incurs a karmic debt? Youkai don't seem to be any darker than humans; at least not the ones that I've met. Why should becoming one count as a transgression?"
>"It is rejecting your prior karma," says Byakuren. "You and I were born humans, and meant to live as such. To reject that is to wound one's karma deeply. Many would say that this cannot be recovered from. I do not believe it is so."
>_
-
>"What about animals that have become youkai? Is it the same for them?"
-
>"What about animals that have become youkai? Is it the same for them?"
>"Not quite," says Byakuren. "Animals do not accrue karma quite as we do. Rather they live their lives and progress, step by step, until any sins of their old lives are gone. For them, becoming a Youkai muddles things a bit. Many would argue it is a step back for them, taking a lower place in the chain of being. I would say these people are exactly wrong. Whether it harms that youkai's karma, only the Enma could say for sure. But I do not believe it does. Sadly, they are the ones most likely to harm it themselves."
>_
-
>"And if I were to become a youkai eventually, even without this ritual, do you think the effect on my karma would be the same?"
-
>"And if I were to become a youkai eventually, even without this ritual, do you think the effect on my karma would be the same?"
>She nods. "Would it be the same? That depends. If you do not seek it specifically, the burden upon you would be great, but lighter. If you sought it out, whatever the method, it the burden would be the same."
>_
-
> Tackle Byakuren out of the way and take a shanking for the team.
> "Hmm...that's definitely a lot to think about...how precisely does the weight of karma manifest itself?"
-
> Shank all of Parsee, Shou, Aya, Yuuka and Nazrin before they shank us.
-
>"I... do not think I seek being a youkai for it's own sake, although I admit that I'm curious what it would be like to experience that. But there's so much about magic that I want to learn, and understand and be able to do. And if such a change would be inevitable if I were to continue to practice, anyway... Gensokyo feels like a place where having that sort of power can help do actual good."
-
> Shank Draco for posting something serious after the 1000th post.
-
>Kneecap Kilga, Draco, and Purvis with a Flaming Piece of Rusty Rebar
-
> MATRIX BACKFLIP DODGE
-
> Quantum Divide thread by overflowing it with explosive positive energy.
-
> Post after lock
> Annoy Purvis by locking thread before he's finished updating
-
> Tackle Byakuren out of the way and take a shanking for the team.
>"Oh, that reminds me," Byakuren says. "I'll also need one of your lungs. This will only take a moment..."
>You just got shanked by a broadsword. God damnit.
> Shank all of Parsee, Shou, Aya, Yuuka and Nazrin before they shank us.
>Too late!
> Shank Draco for posting something serious after the 1000th post.
>You have nothing sharp! Haw haw!
>Also he's doing a valuable service of giving the parser something serious to reply to in the next thread =[
>And the rest of yalls are too busy missing a lung to think of those kinds of things.
>_
-
>Post between locks
>Annoy Purvis further.
>Oh god Parsee is awesome!
-
> Regret nothing.
> Except lack of lung.