> "Poor girl."
> Fix Quote tags.
> Have Jeff K. Anon explain why we can't have nice things
>"So what can YOU do, Star?"
>"Find things without seeing them?"
>Molest Renko to keep things interesting
> Ponder asking for Star's help to find Koishi
>"Huh, that's pretty neat!"
>"So, should I ask about the basic plan for the invasion, or head off for a bit until you're ready, Renko?"
>Fulfill hunger.
>Wonder what embarrassing pet names we could try to come up with for Renko.
> Using Star to find Koishi sounds like a plan, if Kanako proves unsuccessful.
>But now is not the time. Probably.
>Mental note: Cirno can probably freeze things. Interesting.
>"Do you have a backup plan for if you have to meet them inside?"
>"Hm... that might help with Sakuya, wouldn't it?"
>Eat up, if we haven't already.
>How much grub do we have left?
>"Good point. There's no easy answer to messing with time..."
>Pause.
>"Actually, I'm not sure I ever got details about how the fairies get treated there. I'm curious."
Assuming no one else has anything of especial interest to ask at the moment. Remember, we'll be back here again before the attack
>"... shoot. Forgetful moment. Sorry about that, Renko."
> So Renko wants us to announce the fairy army's intentions so Flan can be removed from the battlefield, and then wants to rush Meiling while hoping Patchoili and Sakuya stay inside? How will that work, if they know we're coming? Surely it only takes one person to escort Flandre down to the basement, and the mansion on the whole is going to be in a hurry.
>"Well, I probably should go pick up that thing from Marisa's, now. I'll be back when I'm done."
>Go fetch a second helping of breakfast for Marisa. ...given how many calories someone built like her must need, let's make it a big one
>Go to Marisa's
> And try not to spill the breakfast.
>Knock on the door
> And try not to spill the breakfast.
>Smile
>"So it worked? That's great! Can I see it?"
>Enter the house
>"So, is this it, then? Is it safe to pick up and use at this point?"
>If so, pick it up. See if we can touch the power inside it
>Then try it on, and repeat the familiar conjuring experiment we tried yesterday, drawing upon the bracelet.
>"Well, I'm certainly glad, too! Thank you very much."
>"I assume a source like this can also empower plain old danmaku as well?"
> Try drawing on the bracelet to create a border.
>"How does one make a spellcard, anyway?"
>"How do you make the blank cards?"
>"And how do you go about learning how to write them? I suppose there are books for that?"
>"That trial and error bit... can you modify cards incrementally? Or, once you make it, are they essentially locked? Do they get consumed in the process?"
>"So, this is a second sealing? The first to seal the base energy in the blank card, and the second time to finalize the effect?"
>"I think this is really something I should knuckle down and put some time into shortly."
>"How would I know what qualifies as 'too big'? Preferably in advance? Would I be able to sense something going wrong and be able to pull back?"
>"But you don't think this is likely to come up in a regular danmaku battle or anything?"
>"Ah, ok. I'll keep that in mind, once I have anything more impressive to cast with it."
>Take the dishes
>"Any other provisos or tips I ought to be aware of? Or anything I might be able to lend a hand with in return?"
>"You feed your mini-Hakkero... love?"
>"Hmmm... it's different, anyway."
>"Would I be able to practice opening myself up to it without exhausting myself in the process, if I didn't actually do anything with that power? I'd like to see how it works."
>"Ah, I see. Well thanks very much, again. I should probably head out, now. You have a nice day, now and I'll see you around!"
>Head back to Renko
>Go drop off our dishes wherever seems to be the appropriate place to do so
>Listen in on what Renko's saying, without being a distraction
>Make ourselves comfortable until she finishes the lecture. Don't want to distract the genetically distractable, after all
>Does Renko still seem to be drilling them, though? If she's giving commands, don't interrupt
>Otherwise: "Just thought I'd let you know I was back."
>How do the the fairies seem to be performing?
>"Hey, just thought I'd let you know I'm back."
>"Yeah, it did. Marisa was mighty pleased with herself about it, too. Here, look."
>Show her the bracelet
>"I think she was up all night making it. I gave her accidental inspiration when I was talking to her last night. It's a power amplifier."
>"Well, actually I don't think Marisa knew you could do something quite this either until last night. Like I said, accidental inspiration. And I'm pretty sure it's made with mushrooms. Well, clay mixed with magical mushrooms. The, uh, non-hallucinogenic variety. I think."
>"I still hope we don't have to deal with her. Bracelet or no, I can't imagine I have much chance in a straight-up fight. But I'll do my best to make sure it's not worth it time. You know I'll give her everything I've got, Renko."
>"I don't really think so, to be honest. Nothing important that can't just as easily wait until later."
>"They're managing formations pretty well. I hope they keep it together once the fighting starts. It'll be quite the show, don't you think?"
> Where is Daiyousei right now?
> Look around for Cirno and Star.
>"Well, I think I may go wander off for a little bit. I shouldn't be gone too long, I expect."
>Head towards Yukari's house, following the directions we were given
>How close does the sun seem to be to being overhead, now?
>Go knock on the door
>"Hello, there. You're Ran, correct? I was wondering if I might be able to speak with Yukari."
>"I think I might have seen you at Mystia's, yes."
>Step inside
> Stay calm, it's only someone who apperently looks a lot like us and is likely very powerful... nothing to worry about! Right?
>Try to assume that was just a very bizarre joke. We were warned she was odd, after all....
>"Er, um, hello. I'm Maribel. And... I guess people weren't exaggerating when they mentioned the resemblance."
> Walk over to the woman, Yukari, slowly.
> "I heard we look alike, but, wow."
> We are in our Purple/Violet dress right?
> If so "Do, do you even have a dress like mine?"
> "Um...actually, I'm a human from the outside world who apparently bears a striking resemblance to you. So, I decided I'd seek you out and talk to you for that and other reasons. Please don't kidnap me...the oni tried that already"
> Frown a little, not threateningly but as if at an unpleasant memory.
> "Are you sure we're not long lost sisters or something? No wonder people confused me for you."
>"Then descendants, perhaps? Reimu was honestly wondering if I might have had a drop of youkai in my ancestry, considering how quickly I picked up on some types of magic despite not even knowing it existed until yesterday."
>"Not that I don't appreciate your kind disposition, but don't you think this is... a tad much for someone you've only just met?"
> Hey, maybe Yukari could help Renko out.
> "So, what do you usually do around here? You're pretty well known in Gensokyo."
>"Er... like what?"
>Feeling of dread at the answer.
>"Are you... always like this to guests? Or do you find my resemblance simply that adorable?"
>"And, uh, is that's the case... why?"
>"While this isn't as relevant now as it once was, I suppose I should ask for curiosity's sake, given that it was the original reason I was directed towards you. If a person wanted to return to the outside world, you're the one to speak with about that, correct?"
>"I mean outside as in 'Outside Gensokyo', in case I was unclear."
> Stop being ignored.
> "You said I'm "adorable." Would you find it more or less so if I could use Border or Boundary related magic? Because, I can."
> "I just wanted to know if it was possible, I think I'm pretty comfortable on staying here for now."
> Didn't Reimu say Yukari was skilled with borders and boundaries?
> If so, say "I've heard you're pretty good with border and boundary related magic, and Reimu said I had an affinity for it, I think.
>"Sorry, I kinda camped out in the forest last night and haven't had the benefit of a comb or a mirror since. My apologies."
>"And is it really that trivial for you to leave and re-enter Gensokyo?"
>"I get the impression that Reimu gets at least halfheartedly upset about a lot of things. But why that one in particular?"
>"Oh, I already have a change of clothes. You needn't worry about that."
>Show her our purple dress (Don't actually change into it of course) after saying that
> "Is Chen around? I talked to her yesterday, and she seemed concerned I hadn't visited yet."
> So Keine is holding classes today! Boy, she's not gonna be happy with Dai if she learns about all this, is she?
>On the other hand, being a fairy, it's quite possible she's flaky on a regular basis. This may be nothing out of the ordinary.
>"I really wouldn't want to trouble you with something like this, honestly."
>Assuming the inevitable protests, take the purple dress out and place it somewhere suitable
>Punch Ran in snout to establish superiority
>"Lead... what?"
>Hope not to fall through a hole in the universe.
>"I... assume this is safe?"
>Step on through. Hope not to fall through a hole in the universe.
> Even though, come to think of it, this is exactly what we're doing.
> Dear Lord what is wrong with us.
> Look around. Where are we?
>Blink in confusion.
>Look around.
>Are all our organs still in place?
>"Damnit, Yukari."
> "Uh...hi?"
>"Damnit, Yukari."
> Say this under our breath.
>"Is this... someone else's bath?"
>"What... just happened?"
>"Wait, heretic?"
> Yeah, on second though, let's not utter any profanities in Yukari's direction. Ever, if possible.
> "Well, considering you are basicly a better filled out me in terms of looks Yukari, I may end up shy."
>"Uh, I think I'll be alright. I take it the house is for changing?"
>And it's not the heretic's house? That's sort of a pity.
> "So, what exactly is a heretic? I heard something like that from Nitori, but I'm not exactly sure I understood what she was talking about. She kind of got carried away explaining it."
>Heretic appears to mean 'scientist,' distinct from engineers in trying to figure out how the world works than how to make stuff that works.
>Wonder how Yukari read our mind about the heretic's house part.
>Small smile.
>"I guess you're right about the attractiveness thing."
> Fuck it, striptease time. Nothing makes a lick of sense here anyway, might as well go with the flow.
>Slip in as well and enjoy the feeling of cleanliness.
> "Still, I think I want to introduce you to my best friend some time, to show her what she gets to look forward to."
>"A close friend of mine from the outer world. We both ended up here after that sort-of shared dream from a few days ago. And after I actually found her again here, well, we got a little closer."
>Embrace the clean some more. Sigh happily.
> Warm smile.
> "Yeah. Her name is Renko. She's been my best friend for a long time, and she actually made it into Gensokyo as well, though we arrived in separate places for some reason. Yesterday was spent learning a lot about ourselves, and after we finally ran into each other again, it was also spent learning a lot about each other. Now...well, we're not just best friends anymore."
>"Oh, how does one describe a person they've just admitted to themselves that they're in love with? Wonderful? She's smart, methodical, driven. She'll push herself to do things other people might say were impossible. We were partners for a few years, back in the outside world. Spent a lot of time looking for the supernatural, together. Set up our own detective agency, even. And then the other day we woke up here. It took me a while to find her again. In a lot of ways, Gensokyo embodies so many of the things we'd always searched for. It's more than we could have ever expected to find. And now we're here together, and together with each other. ...sounds kind of romantic, doesn't it?"
>"Um, sure, I guess."
>Let her do so, if she really wants to. Atypically forward displays of affection seem to be her shtick, after all.
>"I'm curious. Surely the uncanny resemblance isn't the only reason you seem to be have taken such an interest in me, is it?"
Okay, since clearly no one is sure how to approach this, does one of the better romantics want to write up a glowing appraisal, or should we consider the risks of offering to introduce her this afternoon?
> Mental note: it is probably the best for our sanity if we stop questioning why/when/how Yukari does things.
Hell, I want to weigh the risks and rewards of offering to introduce her this morning. <_<
>"Well, it's certainly a reason to be interested in someone. I mean, I was interested in you for a similar reason. But, I have a funny feeling that washing people's hair and getting them new clothes is not a typical reaction you have to people who interest you."
>"Well, this interest is... interesting, at the very least. But I suppose it's hardly the first unusual thing I've encountered since I arrived here."
>Note the purple-haired woman's trajectory, in case we consider seeking her out in the future
>"Well, I've already told you a little about myself. How about you tell me a little something about you?"
> "Your name certainly does get around. Rather reminds me of Yuka, really."
>"I suppose that depends on what they're saying."
>"I met Yuka yesterday, actually. She sent me on a flower-planting expedition."
> "Renko actively shoots for notoriety more than I do. It's more her thing than mine. Not that I don't appreciate some of my own, of course."
>"Oh, my apologies. I could have sworn I'd mentioned it already. I'm Maribel."
>Rinse our hair
>Glance around for any shampoo bottle in the meantime. If none is visible, wonder if she used a strangely similar magical solution or pulled some out of one of those transporto-thingies.
>Have we done other peoples' hair before? Either way, it's only fair.
>"Sure thing."
>Get started.
>"What's Ran like? Those tails of hers really impressed me when I first saw them."
>"That sounds nice. I take it you've been together a long time, then?"
>Allow ourselves a smile at Ran's expense~
>"And you've remained happy in each other's company for so long?"
>Relatively happy, at least, if Ran's grumbling earlier was any indication. This must be what Mokou meant about service.
>"Her age? I... do kitsune grow an extra tail every hundred years? I think that was the legend in the outer world."
>Are we familiar with the term "shikigami?"
>"I apologize if this is an offensive question to ask; I'm not sure of etiquette about such, but are you a natural-born youkai? A great many of the youkai I've met today without non-human features have once been human."
>"Wow. I guess I should be careful about that, then. I think I've already gotten the message about science being heretical here - and a lot of I knew is DEFINITELY wrong, I realize - but is there anything else from the outer world that I should be careful about?"
>Glance at the shampoo bottle.
>"Like asking whether shampoo is common in Gensokyo?"
>"I guess I was just wondering because I've been talking to a few people lately about what it's like for a human to become a youkai."
>"And why would they hate it in the outside, anyway?"
>"Reimu seemed to think becoming a youkai was pretty inevitable when she saw how quickly I picked up on the border magic she showed me. Although Marisa thinks she's a cynic about that."
>"Have any of the heretics attempted to find the outside world? I suppose you're one of the only ways out here, though, aren't you?"
>"Are they mutually exclusive? I mean, magic and being a shrine maiden? Not that I was really thinking of trying to become one, but by the way you put it..."
>"And whether I eventually become a youkai or not is probably out of my hands and up to fate, yes. But I had been offered a rather more direct option, had I chosen to take it."
>"There's more than one way to fly here? I'd assumed magical flight was all essentially the same."
>"And yes, Byakuren was the one who taught me when I arrived yesterday."
>"She was also the one who offered me this 'direct option' I mentioned. A way to boost my natural magical affinity, with becoming youkai a likely consequence."
>"Is it that amusing?"
>"I take it there's something I'm not aware of about this."
>"Well, I think it was somewhat less powerful than what she did to herself. But essentially yes."
>"Actually, she said that she'd support whatever I chose, and that it wouldn't really make a difference, because I'd still be me."
>Smile
>"Told you she was wonderful, didn't I?"
>"Although, to be frank, I'd really rather not grow so tall in the process..."
>"I certainly don't feel like being a giant. But the associated power boost is apparently quite considerable. And that didn't sound so bad. ...not that I'm the power-hungry sort, or anything. I realize how that must sound, out of context of knowing me. But Gensokyo feels like a place where that kind of power can be used for a lot of useful and helpful things."
>"As for the element of becoming a youkai, I suppose I was curious what it would be like. And a little wary, understandably."
>"Byakuren gave me a similar warning. But I don't think she would have offered this if she hadn't felt that there could be a net benefit."
>"And... I think that's probably an impossible question for me to answer. I don't know what it's like to be anything else. In fact, I can't even conceptualize the idea of 'being' outside a human framework. But from what I've seen of youkai, many of them seem, at least from the outside, not much different than humans in terms of their consciousness."
>"Could you tell me what some of those things are?"
>"Yes, I think I understand what you're saying."
>"I wonder how much becoming a youkai does to change one's mentality, though. Or whether there really is much change other than moving further down the road you were already upon."
>"Perhaps that last point has a lot to do with it. What's changed in that regard, recently?"
>"Which way? Of Youkai and Human, you mean?"
>"I don't think there's really an answer to that question. I mean, eating humans is obviously wrong, and I'm not saying that just because I am one. I wouldn't think humans eating youkai is any better. We're both sentient beings. But in terms of depth versus width, or heart versus law, there are arguments for each. I don't think you can answer the question of 'best' among those except on an individual basis."
>"I, well... this sense of exploration you speak of is definitely a part of myself. Mine and Renko's search for unusual phenomenon even led us to leave our country to better pursue them. And since I've come here, I've tried to explore nearly every corner of Gensokyo I could find. The same with magic. It's about the discovery. But, at the same time, you could say that this was all about following my heart. The outside world isn't very accepting of people who search for these things and are convinced they exist. It doesn't fit the dominant norms of society, and is only something we chose to pursue because we really believed in it, and desired it to exist in our heart of hearts. ...does that put me somewhere between the two?"
>"In what way?"
>"Actually, when I brought the idea up with her, she said she'd join me along the path I chose, if it were possible."
>"That is what she said, I believe."
>"Disturbing? Well, I suppose I can see how it could be. She did seem almost surprisingly nonchalant about it."
>"I'm... not sure, I admit. I think she wanted to support me, if she felt that was what I wanted."
>"It's... possible. She seemed ready to accept anything I thought was right at face value. ...so quickly that it was rather surprising, in fact. But... to be perfectly honest, she's been a bit different since she got here. She was always the scientifically-minded one of the two of us, and seeing so many of the rules she'd believe in turn out not to work the way she thought they were always supposed to, well... I think she eventually came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth worrying about things like that too much anymore."
>"I have actually tried, a little. Not just about this, but about other issues. She's seemed pretty intent on not letting much of anything be an issue worth worrying about, though. If she's fronting, she's been doing a good job of being convincing about it."
>Except that mumbling when she was falling asleep...
>"I've done my fair share of worrying about her, I'll say that much. But I'm hoping that when we get settled down here, and some more time passes, maybe she'll have reconciled her perspectives more. She's nearly as new to the place as I am, after all."
>"Well... admittedly, that's part of why I was looking into Byakuren's enchantments. A bit ironic, isn't it?"
>"I'll do my best to do so. Although... you don't just mean physically, do you?"
Very well then. Let's cut to the core of the matter.
>"To... be honest... Renko seemed a bit... different when I first met her again, here. More impulsive, less thoughtful, more ambitious, more... passionate. It worried me a little, at first. But she's still the Renko I love, and... I don't want to hurt her. Even if she might be in shock over having physics broken over her head, especially with the fairies giving the first impression... I'm not sure how best to help her with that."
>"Yes, I'm trying. ...how much of this do you know, and how much it are you just guessing?"
>"Yes. I am trying to guide her, as best I can right now. It's the how that's difficult... and listening to me just because it's me isn't much better, as sweet as it can be."
>Consider whether she already knows about the invasion... there could be a lot of ways to use that warping ability of hers.
>"Then do you have any suggestions for snapping her out of it?"
>Guess this is what we get for not focusing on therapy training.
>"Well, I'll continue to do my best to help her, and to guide her away from things she might regret later. And more importantly, I'll be there for her if she's been running from herself and it catches up to her."
>"She's already committed to staying here, and I was having my doubts about leaving again, anyway, so I guess we'll be in here for the long haul, now. It's a lot to get used to, but time can make almost anything seem normal."
>"Well, I'll just have to play it by ear. No real other way to go about it, really."
>"Oh, I like the strange. Yesterday might well have been the best day of my life. On the other hand, a little rest and normalcy is also nice..."
>"I can believe that last part."
>"And yes, I know the risks of her impulsiveness. She's had some alarming ideas, but I managed to talk her out of the worst of them. It's just... I don't think that fully solved the problem. But I can't find strong enough objections to some of her other impulses, as dangerous as they might be. Especially if I want her to reconsider from her own perspective, rather than mine."
>"Do you think it would be wise to let her make those mistakes, and be there for her if she gets hurt by them?"
Jesus, this is still going?
>"To be herself...?"
>What WAS Renko usually like, back in the outer world?
>"... that's a good question. But it's clear which is better to focus on, isn't it? Making sure she understands that... might be the best I can hope for."
>But would success or defeat make a better lesson? Damnit.
> How much more 'thinking through' is Renko likely to do with ideas if she is defeated, though? She had thought this invasion idea out fairly well, for one, at least on the tactical end. Hmm.
> Well, presumably, this is a one-and-done deal anyway, so there won't be a 'first' defeat to worry about. The fairies are in this for the respect and the revenge, and they'll get both of those by the end of it. Any battles beyond that would mean Renko's just using them as tools to further her own gains, which would be pretty hypocritical on her part.
> ..Bet she's thought of that, too. No wonder she wants to win so badly.
> "Yeah, I do plan on that...and I you've given me some things to think about that will take what we have now and make it even better. Thank you for your kindness."
>"Thanks."
>Lay back and an enjoy the water a little bit more
>"I'm sure everything will work out. Or, rather, I'm going to make sure everything works out."
>"Thanks. You... seem to have a lot of faith in me for having only just met me."
>"Well, that's nice to know. I seem to have made a pretty good impression on a few people since I've been here. Much nicer than the alternative, given how much I've been cut off from all I'm familiar with."
>"Actually, on that topic, I was curious about something. I don't really know if it's your domain to know such things, but you seem quite well-informed. I spoke with Reisen a little while ago, and staring into her eyes didn't really bother me at all. Do you have any idea how uncommon that is? Or why it might be? Apparently they really do unpleasant things to most people."
>"Well, something seemed a little off about them, but I wouldn't say they were disturbing by any measure. Until Reisen asked about it, and I took a closer look, I don't believe I'd even noticed there was anything unusual about them."
>"A high tolerance for madness... that almost sounds a little unsettling in and of itself."
>"Yeah, it was that latter implication that I found unsettling, I think..."
>Allow our eyes to widen a little at that one
>Look at her
>"Um, er...."
> "...I...what about Renko? I can't just leave her."
>"Um, well that's- I mean, you've been very kind to me, but... well..."
> "...I...what...what about Renko? I can't just leave her."
>Hold back on this until we're certain this isn't just Yukari's odd idea of platonic. She DID start off by hugging us, after all
>"But... you already know I'm involved with someone, Yukari...."
>"I... I don't know that she'd see it that way. Especially now, of all times."
>"That's, uh... well she's also not here, either."
>Wonder if that was a very bad thing to say to someone who's already shown the ability to make things not-here here
>Ponder whether Renko's reaction to that suggestion would fall under her new mantra of not worrying about things that don't make sense...
> Oh God.
> "I... guess that isn't so bad. But we'd have to get Renko here and ask her..."
> "But... Why? What do you see in me that's so special?"
>"Um, well, yes I know where she is. She's, uh, kinda busy at the moment, though...."
>"She's, well... she's busy giving groups of fairies marching drills at the moment."
>Judging by the sun, how much time do we think there is before Renko said she'd be leaving?
>"She's, uh, somehow ended up becoming something of a leadership figure for them. I have no idea how she managed it. Half the fairies have already taken to calling her 'other Dai' "
>"I... could ask. I mean, I, uh, guess it's... supposed to be her decision after all."
>Wonder if we're seriously contemplating this. What hast Gensokyo wrought?
Unless there's any objections.I hope its both. :3this is going to be hilarious, terrifying, or hilarious and terrifying
> We are seriously contemplating this. Damnit, other us.
> Tell her where Renko is.
> Brace for the inevitable confusion.
> "Well, uh... this is what you have to look forward to in several years."
> Nervous smile.
> "Well, uh... this is what you have to look forward to in several years."
> Gesture in Yukari's direction.
> "Renko, this is Yukari. Yukari, Renko."
>Wait, wasn't she also taller than us, despite us being fully grown?
> That's what tongue-in-cheek humor is all about.
>Wonder how much of Yukari's motivation is molestation and how much might be trying to force a resolution of the issue with Renko.
> To Renko: "Yes, please do. I know you're working on something, but this is important."
> To Yukari: "The fairies will probably want to know where Renko has gone when she comes back. Are you as well-known among them as Yuka is? There are a few leaders over there, Cirno, Dai, Star Sapphire...any of those names familiar?"
>"Yeah, um, I'm sure this is totally strange looking. If it's any consolation, she dragged me here almost the same way. ...the water's really very pleasant."
>Use 'brought' instead of 'dragged.'
> To Renko: "Let me put it this way...as I was wandering Gensokyo yesterday, a lot of people warned me not to make Yuka mad. The fairies I talked to ran away screaming just at the mention of her name. From what Yukari tells me, she could take Yuka and win. And, well, you just saw her tear a hole in reality and bring you here, so."
> To Yukari: "I don't mean to offend, of course, it's just...as nice as you and Yuka have been to me, you're both...intimidating."
>To Yukari: "No, not at all. To be honest, you've been very kind and thoughtful."
>To Renko: "You don't need to feel uncomfortable around her. At least not about that."
>To Yukari, "Well... maybe a little. But you've been very kind to me, so I don't really have much reason to be afraid, do I?"
>... although maybe TOO kind.
> To Renko: "Anyway, to make a long story short, I am here because Yukari found me interesting, we talked, you came up, and now you're here because Yukari finds you interesting too. There are also some things we should talk about, so it's good that you're here, really."
>"Yukari wants a threesome. You in?"
> "I've been thinking about some of the things we've talked about recently, and I think we need to talk about us, about how we can take what we have and make it even better."
> "Before we really get into that, though, I have an important question. When I brought up the size-changing effect of Byakuren's enchantment, what did you really think of that possibly happening? To one or both of us?"
> "But is it something you want? I don't want something like that happening to you unless you are truly willing to have it happen for your own reasons. I'm happy you would do that for me, but at the same time, I don't want you to do something you wouldn't really want, just because you wanted to make me happy."
> "Mmm. Yeah, that's what I was, admittedly, a little afraid of."
> "Renko, I'm a little bit worried about you. All that magical enhancement stuff we talked about last night, those enhancements would be real big life-changing things. They would have a huge impact on us as people, if one or both of us goes through with it. I worry that you were just going with the flow because you thought it would make me happy. And don't get me wrong, I appreciate that sentiment. I appreciate it very much. But just as much as you want me to be happy, I want you to be happy, and to that end, I'd like to hear what you genuinely feel about things like that."
> "For example, when were talking when we talked about the possible size change, you talked about how we could find a way to reverse it maybe, or if we had to, we would make do and live with it. It didn't sound like you were enthused about the idea at all. It sounded like the idea didn't appeal to you, and that you would only go along with it because it was something I wanted to do. You shouldn't have to think that way. I don't want you to think that way. I want you to voice what you think on issues. If you think something sucks, I want you to tell me, really. If we each know what the other wants, we can work toward compromises that make both of us happy. Like the other big thing we've been discussing so much, the one with the fairies, the one that we compromised on and found a solution that satisfied both of us."
> "What we have, it's not about me, it's not about you, it's about us. We should be pursuing the things that make both of us happy, not one of us happy, and especially not at the expense of the other."
>"No, Renko. Expressing your honest opinion is not 'bad'. Compromises are reached by knowing each other's honest opinion and then finding a middle ground between them. I don't want you to go around doing everything just because I seem to think it's right. I'm not infallible, either. And... I want to know what you think. I care about you opinion, Renko."
> "The thing about that is that we've already compromised and removed the part I really didn't like. There are still parts I'm not a huge fan of, but I don't dislike them enough to overcome my desire to see you obtain something you can attach to your name for the rest of your life, something no one will ever be able to take away from you. Maybe I haven't talked about it enough, but I really want you to have something like that, Renko. Besides, it would be selfish of me to try to make you abandon the idea entirely. What we have right now is a fair compromise, as it will make both of us happy. At least, I assume it makes you happy..."
> "And, in that vein, I...I'm so sorry for how I treated you yesterday, when we talked about this. I was being incredibly short-sighted and selfish. You deserve much better than that."
>"Renko, I appreciate that you want to avoid making things harder on me, but I'd feel even worse if I knew that I was doing something that bothered you and you never said. Especially something as big as this."
>Give her a kiss back
>"Renko, we're in this together, and that means both of us being honest with each other about what bothers us."
> "Remember, Renko, what we agreed upon yesterday, it's not just a 'maybe', it's exactly the kind of thing we should be striving for, to make what we have better. If you think an idea of mine is bad, I want you to tell me. We've already seen I'm willing to carry that out the other way around. It's all about communication. All relationships are. If we talk things out with each other and reach an agreement both of us can be happy with, that's so much better than one of us being happy at the expense of the other."
> "Talking things out also helps us see sides of an issue we might not have before. I don't think I told you about this in detail yet, but the conversations I've had with some of Gensokyo's other citizens made me realize I hadn't thought my enhancement plans out as far as I should have. There were some...undesirable stories being told me, especially about the second enhancement. Of course, I can't say for sure who, if anyone, has the right opinions on the subject, but if even some of them were true, and I or we had went through with it anyway...it could have been bad. Disagreeing with me isn't complaining needlessly; it's entirely possible I was very wrong about what I thought was right yesterday."
>"I know you did it for a lot of the right reasons, and there's a lot to be said for the motto of not worrying about things. Especially in a place like this. Just... make sure you're being honest with yourself, ok?"
>"Now, now, don't go feeling too bad about it, either. Just... keep it in mind."
>Kiss her
> Snuggle time. Heavy conversation warrants cuddling afterward.
>Laugh
>"I may be smaller than you, but I'm not that much smaller than you."
>"With or without Koishi?"
>"I think I do a little, yes."
>"Yes, um, perhaps."
>"Uh, Renko... you feel you've become a lot more open-minded since coming to Gensokyo, right?"
>"Yeah, I know what you mean. And, uh, maybe about other things? ...less sciencey things?"
>"Well, you probably never thought fairies quite like these existed, either."
>"But that's... uh, not exactly what I was getting at, either..."
>"Yeah, I might be afraid of that... or that I'd hurt you...">"It's... more that it's sort of embarrassing. I... Yukari has... taken a bit of a shine to me, and..."
>"Look, Renko, you know how much I love you. Please never feel the slightest bit insecure about that.">Wonder what Ran would think of this.
>Give her a deep hug
>Let go. Deep breath
>"In fact, that's the very reason I'm asking about this. And remember what I said about being honest with what you really feel. I meant it. If I'm about to make you feel very uncomfortable, I apologize in advance. Maybe Gensokyo's getting to my head, too. But... have you ever considered being... physically intimate... with more than one person? At once."
>"Yeah, I might be afraid of that... or that I'd hurt you..."
>"Look, Renko, you know how much I love you. Please never feel the slightest bit insecure about that."
>Give her a deep hug
>Let go. Deep breath
>"In fact, that's the very reason I'm asking about this. And remember what I said about being honest with what you really feel. I meant it. If I'm about to make you feel very uncomfortable, I apologize in advance. Maybe Gensokyo's getting to my head, too. But... have you ever considered being... physically intimate... with more than one person? At once."
>"It's... more that it's sort of embarrassing. I... Yukari has... taken a bit of a shine to me, and..."
>Hesitate.
>Wonder what Ran would think of this.
>"Well, like I said, she... took an interest in me, and I said that I was loyal to you. Then, well, she suggested you come along, too...."
>"Please don't feel any pressure if this isn't something you can feel comfortable with. Your honesty means more to me than anything."
>Try not to give Yukari a nervous look.
>"Well, it was more Yukari's idea, I admit. I... think I could go either way on this. After what I tried to set up in the Underground, it would be hypocritical of me not to consider it at all. But I definitely won't do it if you're at all uncomfortable with it."
> Jesus, our cheeks must be on fire.
> "Well, uh...I think that...uh..."
> Nervously glance back and forth between the two while stuttering.
> "Well, because Yukari...and you...and I...and...uhh...I"
> FUCK IT
> Face Yukari, fold our hands together and bow our head (without dunking it into the water).
> "I-I'm sorry, Yukari! I can't do this! You've been great to me and you're more attractive than me and everything but I just can't do this!"
Huh. How unexpectedly anticlimactic.
> Sink further into the water. Maybe our cheeks will turn it red.
> Might as well come back up far enough so we can speak. (Unless our mouth is already still above water.)
> "I'm really sorry. It's nothing against you. It's just...the idea isn't as appealing with anyone else."
>Give Renko a sympathetic look
>"Well, uh, I already told you some of my story. But since I've been here I've generally just been exploring as many corners of Gensokyo as I can. I've been to Youkai Mountain, the underground, up to the Sanzu River, the far edges of the Netherworld. Now THAT is definitely the strangest place I've been to since I came here."
>"And, you know, lending a hand with little things where I can. Learning a few magical tricks when I can find someone to teach me them."
>"You'd probably have a good laugh at today's headline in the paper, actually. I have a copy with me that I can show you when I'm dried off."
>"And we may even have a home lined up, despite it not having the greatest history. Was an abandoned place, haunted by ghosts and everything. But we drove them off and got it exorcised. Just need to get it cleaned up, now."
>Give Renko another sympathetic look for that last comment
>"I'm curious. You said earlier about how sorcery and spiritual abilities were incompatible in the same person. Does making borders essentially count as a spiritual ability, then? Would developing other magic impede by ability to improve at that?"
>The border that we made using the surface of a pond was a lot stronger than the rest we made. Try making one on the surface of the bath, here. See if we've improved any.
>"As for efficiency, I haven't found much use for the ones I can make on open air, yet. Too brief and small to be of much use. But I hope to improve."
>We're not currently wearing our bracelet, are we?
>"It seems oddly literary that two people who look so much alike should have powers that lie opposite each other."
>"And I guess you don't know quite what the consequences of this difference in manifestation means for what uses I could eventually put this to?"
>"It is, actually. Especially considering how similar we look. I'm... honestly wondering whether that's a coincidence."
>"Fate? Universal forces?... I guess I should take those as plausible now, but would there be any way to tell if there was some active intent behind our similarities?"
>Could we feel ourselves drawing power from the bracelet when we made the barrier?
>If not, and we need to be more intentional about using its power, try drawing on it more directly and making a second one
>"I suppose one of the next things I ought to learn, magic-wise, is how to make myself some spellcards. I got the overview from Marisa, but it's obviously going to take a little more than that before I can know how to start writing my own."
>"Actually, there's a whole lot about magic I'd like to learn, although a great many of the people who seem to know the most are also pretty busy."
>"I wonder how I could find some place to really dig in and learn at some point? I wonder if Patchouli would let me be a guest in her library, once I'm advanced enough that some of the books in there might actually be useful. I assume they can't ALL be high level esoterica."
>"For that matter, I wonder what the easiest thing to do next would be, from a magical standpoint?"
>"Well, it's kind of hard to know what I'm seeking to do without knowing what is even possible for someone of my skill level. Outside of the tricks I can already do, I have very little idea of what can even be done with magic. I'm sure there's a lot of interesting and useful constructive ends to which it can be applied."
>"Jack of all trades, master of none?"
>"Well, that very fact was why Byakuren suggested enhancing my abilities directly in the first place. Although this sort of thing,"
>Gesture to the bracelet
>"has the benefit of no long-term consequences."
>"But knowing that you can do practically anything doesn't help you much when you don't even know the comparative possibility of different kinds of magic. It may be impossible for you to step outside the world that you've known here for so long, but for me, I have only the earliest idea of the rules. Flight is easy. But without knowing that, it may as well have been difficult. I don't know what else might be easy versus difficult. And thus it's hard to tell what might be well within my power, and what might be flat-out impossible."
>"Well, uh, yeah, actually... She did. Rather unexpectedly. That's, uh... kinda what started all this."
>"On the cheek. Yukari can be... rather affectionate."
>"Actually, Renko, if I could wash your hair..."
>"You can thank Yukari for that. Or at least, having it bottled."
>Get to work! Enjoy the feel.
>"Well, even if we're going to be living here now, Renko, I'm sure there's the occasional thing from outside that would be nice to have, wouldn't you think?"
>"Cheating? Why?"
>"Hey, lots of people live places, and still go elsewhere when they can. Yukari's lived here for way longer than we're ever likely to, and she does it on occasion. I have the impression more people would, too, if they had the means to do so."
>"Halfway? I'm pretty sure you're about the last person who needs to worry about doing things halfway, Renko."
>Smile at Yukari
>"And I think that might be nice, sometime. Thank you."
>"Hey, does it count as sweet talking when it's also true? I think we've both dived pretty headfirst into Gensokyo life already."
>"Oh? Is bickering a good thing, now?"
>"I think I feel sufficiently soaked if you do, Renko. Not that I'd mind staying, either, if you still wanted to for a bit."
>"Haha, yeah, that's probably a good idea. Best save the dance numbers for later."
>Go get dried off and change
>Collect the towels and things
>Walk through the gap
>"Um, I- well..."
>Brace for the inevitable chuckle at our expense
>"I... I don't. Honestly. She seems like a kind person, actually. Even though she is... unusual, to say the least."
>"Should I expect her to get... more unusual, then?"
>"I've gotten the impression she does a great many things based on what whim happens to be taking her at the moment. No offense intended."
>"How on Earth do you put up with her?"
>"I can certainly believe that. But I guess it takes some getting used to."
>Examine dresses, train tracks
>Consider offering to help Ran a bit with the housework, if she's that busy.
>"Where should I put these?"
>... what are we wearing?
>"Right."
>Put them away.
>"If you'll pardon my curiosity, what's with the model trains setup? It looks very well-maintained, but somewhat... unusual for Gensokyo."
> How far overhead was the sun before we left the bath?
>"Oh, they're yours? Does Yukari help you get models from the outside?"
>Pause.
>"Or do you make them yourself?"
>"I can see how that would be a problem, yes."
>"Why not ask for a model-making how-to book to help with making them? I know there must be some of those in the outer world. Though, I guess they might presume a few things that aren't as easy to get here..."
So, anyone particularly care about outfits, or should we just try out the white dress Ran made/modified?
> "Ah. That makes sense."
> Go for the white dress.
>"Ah, thank you."
>Do so. Marvel slightly at Ran still understanding the notion of modesty with Yukari around.
>Go back out to the main room
>"It fits quite nicely, thank you."
>"If this counts as a rush job, you must be a very good seamstress. And yes, tea would be nice, if it's not an imposition."
>"Well, other than some rather romanticized notion of fate, I don't believe so. Especially so, considering I seem to have a natural affinity for border magic, which she said is essentially the inverse of her own abilities."
>"Well, if you ever have any speculation, I'd be more than happy to hear it."
>"I'm curious, what exactly does it mean to be a shikigami?"
> "How did you end up in her servitude? Was it from birth, or something?"
>"Well, I suppose that might account for some of the border affinity, from what I've heard of her bloodline. But is such a talent that unusual that you think there's a good chance I'd be related to it on that basis? I guess the resemblance is just a very strange co-incidence."
>"Why's that?"
>"And... proposal? Is a shikigami contract a more... romantic thing among youkai?"
>"Yes, I think I can sort of see that about her, already."
>"What about Chen? Is she a shikigami as well?"
>"Oh? She's yours? I guess the shikigami relationship can take quite a few different forms."
>"I saw her fishing, yesterday. She seemed pretty cheerful. Did she end up catching anything, afterwards?
>"What sort of things do you do, anyway? Other than indulging Yukari's latest whim, of course."
>"I take it you enjoyed the fish?"
>"Did she mention our meeting?"
>... about how many tails does Ran have? Discretely, of course.
>Guess we weren't that big a deal to Yukari after all, eh... that's some comfort.
>Guess we weren't that big a deal to Yukari after all, eh... that's some comfort.
>"Bits of esoterica? Like what?"
>It's a good chance Ran was referring to Chen mentioning us then, not Yukari
>"Yeah, it seem a little unfortunate that books are so much more uncommon here than where I come from."
>"You ever find any of those interesting treasures?"
>"Your... front door?"
>"I think Renko also wants to start looking around for things like that, once we get settled here. It's nice to think that in a small place like Gensokyo, there might still be undiscovered things left to find."
>"Would it be too much to ask for your help in finding leads on those things in the future, especially if Yukari's, uh, interest in me persists?"
>"Oh, I met Reisen last night. What was this treasure she found?"
> "Huh. That would explain why I don't remember seeing any such thing, I guess."
>"Understandable, I'd guess, especially if they're powerful. Besides, I'm sure you'd get tired of answering the same questions everywhere you go after a while, anyway."
>"Got any leads you're working on at the moment, if I might ask?"
>"What have you been looking for that for? Just historical interest?"
> "A graveyard? What for?"
> The graveyards in this place are hidden? That could make it harder to nab a ghost.
> Did we give that Jar for catching ghosties back to Reimu?
>"What do you mean, 'pick up where the current one leaves off'?"
>"Oh, ok, I see. How far back does the current one go, anyway? Do you have any idea how old the village itself is?"
>"Ah. But you're satisfied that it's older than that, though?"
>"Myself and Renko are planning to move into that old abandoned house down the way, once we can get it fixed up a little. We've already dealt with the ghosts and gotten it exorcised. Yukari seemed... rather pleased that we'd be living close by. Although... distance really wouldn't matter to her in the first place, would it?
>"Oh, sorry. Renko is the friend I mentioned earlier. And, well, lover. She ended up here from the outside world by the same process as myself."
>"Yukari's already met her, actually. Picked her up from elsewhere while we at the bath and sent her back that way before we returned."
>"About Yukari? I... hope not. I think she just found Yukari's... interest a little hard to take in. I'll probably talk to her about it again when we're together next."
>"I also take it that you've long since gotten used to her habits?"
>"No, I think I understand that. And she was respectful of my own loyalties and thoughts on the matter. She was actually a helpful sounding board for a few things that had been on my mind, as well."
>"I take it from what you said earlier that many people are... not as understanding of her?"
>How is the tea, anyway?
>"Yes, I could understand why, certainly."
>"You two really do seem quite a lot different from each other. I guess you kind of balance each other out?"
>Smile
>"Then it sounds like a pretty good match, from what I've seen so far."
>Finish up our tea
>"Well, it was nice meeting you, Ran, and thanks very much for the tea. There's a few other things I should probably attend to before too much more time passes now. I'm sure we'll see each other again. Have a pleasant day!"
>Exit
>Do we have enough time to get to the underground and back without getting uncomfortably close to noon?
>Head to the underground
>More specifically, head to the Ancient City
>"I asked Rinnosuke about it. He wouldn't tell me who sold the bucket to him. I haven't really found out a lot more than that yet, sorry. At the very least, that means Murasa's story checks out. Not sure who took the bucket in the first place, though."
>"I'm afraid not. Rinnosuke isn't especially... talkative about where his stock comes from."
>"Although, there's another place for clues that I didn't think of last time - was there anything out of the ordinary about the hiding place for your bucket when you found it missing? Whoever's responsible may have left some hint."
>What were Rinnosuke's exact words on advising about who might do this?
>"Would it be alright if I took a quick look?"
>"Do you know who might have passed through the entrance to the Underground around that time? The only advice Rinnosuke gave me was to consider people that had passed through here and that would be willing to take an item of little value."
>"... practical value, that is. I know it's important to you."
>"Hmm... well, if I can find anything else out, I'll definitely let you know."
>Head on towards town
>Frown
>"Oh boy, I'm really, really sorry about that. I ended up running around the surface talking to people until so late in the evening that I never got a chance to get back here before I was falling asleep. I feel really bad about worrying her..."
>"You know where she is now, anyway? I came down here to ask her about something. Although, now that I think about it, she said you were there when they found me, too. How long ago was it now since you changed the world back? And how long after that did you guys find me?"
>"I can't blame her for worrying, but spending the night with Renko was important to me."
>"That's nice. About her and Yuugi, I mean. And I hope it's not too begrudgingly?"
>"And about Renko, well, she didn't really want to leave where she'd been staying at the time, or we would have come back here."
>"But yeah, I don't suppose you tell me for sure how long about it's been since you guys fixed the world?"
>"... you make a good point, actually. I didn't really consider that. But I'm not sure Renko would have wanted to leave where she was staying overnight."
>"And, it seems that Renko woke up a day before I did after arriving here. I'm wondering whether there's a significant reason behind that."
>"Was I asleep all that time, then? You said you were there when they found me?"
>"It's not that she has a problem with being down here. It's just she had an attachment to where she was already staying, that's all."
>"Would it be too much to ask what Yuugi and Utsuho are planning to do today?"
>"And, it seems that Renko woke up a day before I did after arriving here. I'm wondering whether there's a significant reason behind that."
>Didn't Renko say TWO days before us? Assuming this is true, amend the about dialog to convey that.
>"I'm not sure a doctor would be the best one to ask considering all the magic invol-- wait. No, it would include that in Gensokyo, wouldn't it? Who should I talk to?"
>"I suppose then, the more odd thing is why I'd be unconscious that long. Not why she wasn't."
>"Anyway, I probably should go say hi to Okuu. Let her know that I'm still in one piece and all. I'll see you around."
>Head into the city, and have a look around for Okuu
>Wander the streets for a while. If Yuugi really is muscling people anything like she was the last time we walked through here, it might be rather noisy. Let's see if we can hear anything like that and go towards it.
>Loop around past that pawn shop we were at the other day, and then towards the Felt, keeping an eye and ear out.
>Poke our head in and look around, in case they finished up earlier than Parsee expected
>Assuming there's no sign of them inside, go head towards the market area, if there seems to be a centralized one at all
>Given that we don't have a lot of time to idle around if we want to get back in time, and may still have more wandering in our future, saying hi to Kogasa can probably wait
>Head out and go towards the market area
>Go follow it
>Catch up a bit
>"Hey, Okuu!"
> Don't do this just yet. Remember the last time we tried to nose in on them?
>Catch up a bit
>"Hey, Okuu!"
> Don't do this just yet. Remember the last time we tried to nose in on them?
> Check to see if they're talking or obviously doing something, first. Check their general demeanor, as well.
>Walk up to them
>"Hey, Okuu!"
>"Yeah, I'm good. I just came down here to check on something and Parsee said you were worried about me, so I thought I'd come let you know I'm ok. I'm... sorry for disappearing on you last night. I ended up spending the night with Renko, on the surface. I hope I didn't worry you too much."
>Blush.
>What sort of snort?
> "Oh, sorry about that! I guess I'll have to repay that by cleaning up after you one of these days."
>"Yeah, well..."
>"Oh, did I tell you that I spoke with Kanako about that jet project, and she said she'd be on board with it?"
>"I talked to Nitori about it, too. She said she'd be willing to lend a hand with it if we could round up some more people for the heavy-lifting."
>"...wait, Sanae did!? Did she leave a message or anything? You have any idea what time she showed up?"
>To Yuugi: "Well, the general idea is to build a real working jet plane, like in the outside world. In case you don't remember enough about the dream for it to ring a bell, think of it as a large metal vehicle that flies people through the air much, much faster than anyone here ever could on their own."
>To Utsuho: "Oh dear... I was actually expecting her. Kanako said she'd send her to find me, but I'd assumed she hadn't left yet since we never met. ...I wonder if that was while I was in the Netherworld..."
>To Yuugi: "Well, it's pretty important to someone. And fighter jets from the outside are actually pretty excellent at their version of danmaku. They can hit targets from miles away and level entire buildings if someone wanted them to."
>No need to point out to her that we weren't necessarily planning to attach missiles to this one.
> "Not really, but... well, I guess they could, if you wanted one to. It's less of danmaku, and more like an actual weapon, though.
> "I guess the most important part is that they're also really fast at flight, they can cross entire continents and oceans in hours."
>Briefly shudder at the thought of the jet getting loaded with Okuu-nukes.
>"The outer world is a LOT bigger than Gensokyo, but there's still ways for people to talk with each other over such long distances - and they might want to visit each other quickly. Or if they get into a disagreement, well....."
>"Well, we're not making this to blow things up, if that's what you're worried about. It's just that someone's rather in love with the idea of riding in one. They're not ALL intended as weapons, you know."
>"It's easy enough to omit those parts anyway, actually. And I don't think I'd want to encourage that part of it, either - it's mostly being made for the speed, and... ah."
>"... could I ask you not to speak of this idea too much? It's also supposed to be a surprise for someone that really wants to fly a jet, for more personal reasons."
>"Well, I doubt too many people around here are going to end up spreading the word in the wrong place. But point taken."
>"I don't suppose either of you know anyone that might be willing to lend a little manual labor to the project? I said to Nitori that I'd like around for some. The more the merrier."
>"Well, I probably should head out again, now. I've got a bit of a deadline to meet, and I don't want to cut it too close."
>Did we ever tell Yuugi about what was up with that pawnshop she sent us to look into?
>If not, give her a status report on why the shop was closed, and how we fixed it
>"Oh well, it was worth asking. I take it most oni wouldn't care in general, huh?"
>We did not tell her.
>"Oh yeah, and I DID visit that pawn shop you mentioned yesterday. She was having a bit of a rat problem - I helped clean it up. I don't know if they've been completely chased off, but she'll be able to open and, uh, get some money for you soon enough."
>Estimate how long we've been underground so far.
>"Well, I'll see you around, then. Have a nice day!"
>Head back for the surface
>Exit the cave
>Check the sun's position
>Do we have enough time for a trip to the Moriya Shrine without cutting it too close?
>Head to the Moriya Shrine.
>Let the tengu approach and see what she wants
>"... geyser spring?"
>How close is Renko's camp to the lake?
>Consider possibilities why Koishi might be at the spring when you were.
>"Do you know what time last night?"
> Koishi may be following us.
> This means right now, possibly.
>Were we by the lake at around that time of night?
>"Well, thanks for the message. I think I might go and talk to Sanae about it."
>Head to the shrine.
>Pause when Momiji is a little distance away from us
>"Oh, she is? Do you have any idea where she went?"
>"Well, I suppose I have been running around all corners of Gensokyo without hardly a break since I got here."
>"Maybe Kanako would know where she is? That whole god-priestess bond thing?"
>Frown
>"Oh, was I only cleared on a temporary basis yesterday?"
> "Well, how does one go about getting a...more permanent pass? I may have a lot of business here with Kanako and the kappa in the future..."
>"I believe I should, then. But you're satisfied to let me through again for now?"
>Assuming so: "Thanks very much. Have a nice day!"
>Head off to the shrine
>"Um, I guess. What did you want to know?"
> "Awesome ^-^"
> Say this cheerfully and unperturbedly
> "Of course. In fact, I shall do it in haiku!
One day, travelling
I met a certain youkai
Shit was so cash, man"
>Say the above while beaming, possibly as if we're a little dim, but earnest
> Chuckle mentally
> "Well, like, y'know, I was just wanderin' around, and suddenly I thought I saw me! And I was all like 'oh - MYgod.' Because how can I be looking at me if, like, I'm me, an' stuff? But no, it, like, WASN'T me, it was some other chick! Can you believe it?"
> Overexaggerate facial expressions to fit story progression.
> "Well she, like, totally invited me over. I kind of didn't get it myself, but like, I did it anyways. and suddenly, I, like, fell into this weird hole, that totally came out of nowhere, ya'know? We like, spent the entire week talking about stuff, it was totally crazy. We talked so much, like, I totally forgot what we were talking about in the first place, and so did she! So like, that's kinda what happened, ya'know?"
> We are so evil for doing this.
> Don't actually do this just yet.
> What do we remember of her article about us and Yuuka earlier, outside of her assuming we were Yukari?
> "To be honest, the details aren't terribly interesting. Near as I can tell, she thought it was pretty awesome that someone that looked like her was running around. We're not sure why we look so much alike, but we do."
> "Well, I don't know about retracting them entirely. Yukari was a pretty awesome person to be with. Perhaps a bit misunderstood by the community at large, assuming the things she told me were true. Her shikigami was certainly willing to stick with her, and she never threatened me or anything like that."
> "I can apologize for my attitude, though. When I first saw your headline about Yukari and Yuka, and saw that it was a picture of me, I kinda freaked out. I didn't really know what to think of you as a result...but you don't seem like such a bad person, especially if you're offering retraction."
> "Anyway, yes, it is true that I am from the outside world, and the human that was seen with me is as well. I don't know exactly how we got here, though."
> "Anyway, yes, it is true that I am from the outside world, and the human that was seen with me is as well. I don't know exactly how we got here, though."
> How many people are around us?
> "Sure, I can do that, but..."
> Look around us, then back at Hatate.
> Lower voice and generally look more secretive.
> "...I actually have a potential bigger story for you, beyond just me. It needs to be kept on the down-low, though. Are you interested?"
> "I will tell you what I feel comfortable telling. Since my friend is not around, however, and she has wanted this kept a secret, I can't tell you everything. I would rather you see her for yourself. She may actually want to have a journalist on-hand for what she wants to do, as we both expect this to be something major that Gensokyo's never seen before. If you are willing to travel, I'll be glad to tell you about myself along the way, and perhaps some general details about my friend. The finer details about her, you'd want to ask her yourself."
> "However, this is time-sensitive, so I have two conditions."
> "One is that you let me make my way to the Moriya Shrine to have a brief talk with Kanako concerning private matters between two two of us. You're welcome to come with me to the shrine, but I will have to ask you to stay outside while we talk."
> "Two is just a reinforcement of journalistic integrity, but I want to make sure I reinforce it. You cannot tell anyone about this before it actually happens. Not that something newsworthy will be happening, not that I told you something newsworthy will be happening. In addition, when we arrive at our destination, you are there as a neutral-party reporter. You cannot get in our way, and you certainly cannot actively interfere with our progress. I also tentatively request that you not interfere on our behalf, but...that may change, depending on the circumstances."
> "Can you agree to these? If you are worried I'm just making something up, do keep in mind that I have next-to-nothing to gain from trying to lead a journalist on a wild goose chase."
>"Oh, it should be a great deal sooner than that, I assure you."
>"And you have my word that I'll return here once I'm finished with Kanako. I don't expect to be long."
>"Don't worry. I'm on a tight clock, anyway."
>Head to the shrine and look for Kanako.
>We never received a physical description of Suwako, did we?
>Assuming no:
>Look up at her
>"Um, hello?"
>"Quite new, actually. And... may I ask what you're doing on the roof?"
>"Also, I'm looking for Kanako. Apparently Sanae's out searching for me, and I don't know where she went. Do you know if she's around?"
>"Um, walking? Is that a trick question?"
> "Huh. I guess I'm still not used to Gensokyo..."
>"Well, at the very least, you have to admit that it's less common for people to be on roofs than the ground."
>"In any case, do you know if Kanako's around?"
>"Well, I don't know that it's less common for you. But it's less common for most people."
>"Well, I don't know that it's less common for you. But it's less common for most people."
>"And Kanako did send Sanae out to give me a message. But we've missed each other. I'd just like to be able to speak with her about this."
> Change this to "Well, I don't know that it's less common for you. But it's less common where I come from. Is it a common thing around here?"
>"May I ask who you are?"
>"How so? I only asked you your name. I'm Maribel."
>Bow a little
>Pause
>Feel distinctly uncomfortable
>Bow again
>"Oh, I'm... I'm really sorry. I had no idea."
>"I mean, I had no idea you were... well, who you are. No disrespect intended."
>"And Kanako had offered to search for someone for me. She sent Sanae out to give me a message last night on what she'd found, but I missed her. Momiji told me that I just missed her again. I've been... kinda running all over Gensokyo, so I guess I've been hard to track down. I came her to see if Kanako was in, since she was the one who gave Sanae the message in the first place."
>"That's... not what I meant. I didn't realize it was rude, in general, to inquire about someone's identity when they'd just asked you a question that involved potentially sensitive information."
>"Well, let's just say that, while I'd feel bad about offending anyone, I might be a little more... nervous about offending a goddess. I'm... not really used to the protocol for such matters. I'd never seen one in physical or any other form at all until yesterday."
>"So, um... would you be able to answer my question? Please?"
>"Well, I spoke with her originally because I was told she could 'read the wind', and might be able to help me search. I was told very little about you, I'm afraid. And I returned to speak with her because she was the one I'd originally spoken with, and the one who was trying to contact me about this information to me. That's all."
>"Nitori did."
>"Thank you."
>Bow
>"And forgotten? Forgive me, but I was sort of under the impression that you and Kanako were worshiped equally. Simply that the domain of your powers was different. Is that not the case?"
>"Do you... have something of a lower profile around here than her, then?"
>"Well, I'm sorry if I accidentally offended by seeking Kanako first. My apologies."
>"I do, yes. Thanks again."
>Head into the shrine and find Kanako
>Bow
>"Hello, Kanako."
>"I heard that you sent Sanae to contact me. Twice, in fact. But I missed her both times, so I came to see if you might be able to tell me in person, since I have no idea where she is right now."
>Frown
>"I hope I didn't make her spend too much time chasing after me. I've just been so busy running around.... I'll have to apologize to her. In any event, I'll go let her know on my way out, but would it be alright if you tell me what you found, first? After all, it's first-hand information coming from you. In case I have a question about something."
>"And I guess she turned back after that? I don't suppose you know if she was already at the hot springs when I got there, or if she arrived a little later?"
>"And I suppose you don't know where she is right now, either?"
>"A little later? You see... after I was at the hot springs for a while, Yukari opened a gap and pulled Renko through it. I guess I was... kinda wondering if Koishi might have tagged along with her when she showed up."
>"Oh, perhaps it was co-incidence. Although, if you say Koishi is attracted to interesting and unusual things, I suppose I can see why she might find the forest interesting at the moment."
>"How is it you say she hides herself? And why can you see through it? Well, other than the simple fact of your divinity. I mean from a mechanical perspective."
>"I suppose there isn't much way for a person to detect that they're being manipulated this way, is there?"
>"Do you know if she has to project this actively? I mean, would she still be invisible while sleeping, or unconscious? I'm just curious."
>"Well, I wasn't really thinking of trying to knock her out... Besides, that wouldn't really work if you couldn't see her in the first place."
>"In any event, thank you very much for this. And please relay my apologies to Sanae if I don't see her before she returns."
>"Oh, speaking of which, I spoke with Nitori, and while she didn't find the jet idea particularly exciting, she did say she'd lend her expertise to the project if we could round up a few more hands to help out with the labor. I've been having a look around for some."
>"I'm just happy to be able to help."
>"Oh, actually, before I forget. Momiji stopped my on my way here again today. She let me through the first time to see you, but seemed reluctant to do so a second time, today. And if I end up doing some more liaising on the jet project, I suspect I'll have reason to return here again. Do you know what would satisfy her in terms of me being allowed to return? She did say you'd be the one to talk to. Assuming this isn't a problem."
>"So, what should I tell her if she tries to stop me again, and I have reason to be back here?"
>"Well, yes of course. I wouldn't presume to say so unless it were true."
>"Thanks again very much."
>Bow
>Return to Hatate
>"Well, like I said, something pretty unusual is going to be happening soon. My friend can tell you more, if you'll follow me?"
>How's the sun?
>Head back towards Renko's camp
> "So what did you want to know about us?"
>"It has? There really isn't a great deal to tell, I'm afraid. I've mostly been exploring. Being new to Gensokyo and all, I wanted to see as much of it as I could. I met a number of people, was taught how to use basic magic such as flight, and tried to help out here and there where I could. I've seen a lot of things that are pretty incredible to someone who's from the outside world, although I'm sure they're quite ordinary to anyone who's lived here for a while."
> "Well, I've been wandering all around Gensokyo, and I mean all around, learning about it and it's inhabitants,. So many things amazed me, or caught my attention, that I wanted to see more and learn more, as well as find my friend, whom I was split up from. Doing that has led me to where I am now. I feel that anyone living here in Gensokyo is truly lucky."
>"Oh, she's been working on her own projects since she's been here. You'll see that soon enough, I think."
>"Nothing at all. That was purely out of my own interest. I'm surprised you'd already head about that, though, considering I don't believe I asked anyone near the mountain about them."
> It's probably that spirit photography ability that was mentioned.
>"Well, like I said, magic is new to me and I've just been interested in learning what I can about it, that's all."
>"Yeah, I haven't used them for anything, yet. I don't know that I even will, or what range of things they can be used for. But they came up in discussion with other magicians, and I figure it can't hurt to have reagents around if I'm going to be diving into this stuff. Besides, it gave me a good excuse to see a few corners of Gensokyo in the process of looking for them."
>"As I said, they came up in the context of enchanting materials, when I was speaking with some other magicians."
>"Actually, I've been told that I have an affinity for borders. But, as a consequence, I probably have the capacity to dabble in a lot of areas. I don't really know enough about magic yet to say exactly what I intend to focus more of my time on, in the future."
>"And what exact components are you referring to?"
>"That's a seasoning. Nue was making ale with it."
>Assuming she doesn't seem satisfied with this: "In any event, Byakuren requested it, and I just delivered some."
>Hope that's not stretching the truth too far. It's technically correct.
>"Well, Byakuren didn't realize Nue had just bought up the entire city's supply of it, and Nue had no idea anyone else was looking for it. I believe it was used as an alchemical component, although I don't know the exact mechanics of what role it served. Remember, I'm a very early beginner at this stuff."
>"....ok, I can be reasonably certain that only Renko and myself were there at the time, besides Komachi. And I very much doubt she wandered over your way dropping hints. How're you getting this?"
>"Am I really interesting enough to follow that closely?"
>"That's more about Renko being interesting. I'm actually pretty uninvolved in this, but I think she'd like it if a reporter got to see it first-hand."
>"Moreover, that would have happened before I'd done anything to sound interesting, wouldn't it?"
>"Why? Because I look like Yukari?"
>"I suppose, yes. Although, Renko's an outsider, too. I will say though that it's extremely freaky to meet someone who looks so much like you. Even if she doesn't act much like you at all. ...I get the impression that having too many more people around who acted like Yukari would be a major headache."
>"Well, it was... interesting. And not just for the novelty of meeting someone who looks that much like you. She's quite unusual, but she also seemed to be pretty nice and helpful, once you get past her... oddness. If you ever get entirely past it. I think she found our resemblance even more interesting than most people do."
> "Like I touched on earlier, a tad eccentric, but seemingly misunderstood by the public at large. She didn't seem to mean me any actual harm."
>"Oh, just getting to know each other a little bit. I talked about some of the places I'd seen since I arrived here, and asked her a little bit about what she does, here."
>"There really isn't a whole lot more than that to say, really. She wasn't very specific about what she did. We talked a little about the nature of humans and youkai and what's honestly different between them. Remember, youkai essentially aren't even found in the outside world. I'd never seen one before yesterday. We talked a little about magic, and what I might eventually be able to do with my abilities. And then Yukari went off through one of those gaps of hers to go do whatever it is she does."
>"Sorry if you were hoping to get a story out of that."
>Smile
>"I'd be surprised if they're here to shoot at us. Or at me, anyway. Don't try to attack them, please."
>Wait for the fairies to approach, and don't let Hatate do anything aggressive.
> "Normally I'd agree, but Renko has been working with them lately, and the ones around here SHOULD respect my status as her lover, and therefore not mess with you either"
>"I've been at close range with a lot more fairies at once than this today, trust me."
>We are near Renko's camp, right?
>In particular, we may want to get in front of her to make sure the fairies address us first. Or call out to them so they get the idea BEFORE attacking.
>"She's a reporter. Renko did say that she wanted this to be the papers, after all. I was just going to take her to talk to Renko."
>"Or would she be able to meet us here?"
>Wonder what expression Hatate's going to be wearing when she asks about the "lover" comment.
> "Let's not be rude to each other, okay? This tengu's name is Hatate, and she is a guest. One I'm reasonably confident Other Dai will very much enjoy having around. And once everything is said and done, I'll bet you'll have appreciated her being here, too."
>To Hatate: "See?"
>To Star: "How're things going, anyway? Almost ready, now?"
>To Star, "There can be exceptions with good reason, but yeah, bringing Renko here is probably a better idea."
>To Hatate, "Renko's gotten a lot of respect among the fairies. But some of them apparently prefer to refer to her in terms of another leadership figure."
>She take her eyes from the faeries, though.
>"Thanks, little messenger."
>"You'll see what I mean, Hatate. I told you this would be big."
>"And Hatate can come, too?"
>Assuming we get an affirmative, head towards Renko
> Can we assume 'doesn't' meant to go in here? Dyslexia, I know, just want to be sure.
>Fly down to Renko
>"Hey! I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long."
>"She's a reporter. Renko, this is Hatate. Hatate, Renko. I figured you mightn't mind someone having a front row seat for today? She's sworn neutrality."
>"Sorry, I don't think I have anything new to add."
>Give her a hug
>"Good luck out there, Renko. You know I'm cheering you on, all the way."
> "Oh, and be nice to Hatate, since she'll be publicizing your grand victory."
>"I didn't tell her much. What should we explain for now?"
>"I'm, uh... not quite sure I can say that you hadn't already gathered. Yukari's a very well-known figure around Gensokyo, and... I'm pretty sure her interest in me is genuine. Although... this is probably not the best time to discuss that."
>We never showed Yukari the paper, did we? Whoops.
>"No, I think it's past time to get this show on the road. I wouldn't want to miss it, after all."
>"Splinter groups? I hope they didn't desert while you were waiting on me...."
>"And you wanted me to go contact them before the army is on the march?"
>"Ok, I'll go deliver the message immediately."
>Give her a quick kiss
>"I'll be back as quickly as I can."
>Fly off to the SDM
>"Yeah, I'm here to talk to you about that, actually. I don't suppose you can tell me what you know, and I can fill in corrections?"
>"Ok, then I guess I'll just guess what you already know, and tell you what's necessary."
>"The fairy army is about to march. I've managed to dissuade their leader from her original objective. I am satisfied that she no longer has any plans to occupy the mansion, or loot its valuables. She simply wishes the battle as a contest between her forces and the mansion's. Her and her former youkai ally are no longer acting in tandem. If the youkai shows up, you can consider her a third party. I wouldn't be able to tell you what her plans might be if this happens."
>"I understand why you might be reluctant to take my word on that, but I suspect Sakuya would believe me if you relayed it to her."
>"In any event, Renko also wanted to make sure that Flandre was safely out of the way for everyone concerned before any of this happened."
>"I will say again that the intent is not malicious. Please try to keep that in mind, if you can."
>What does she seem to be fiddling with?
>Wait for her to finish
>"What was that? Signaling to someone?"
>Did we tell Meiling our name, earlier?
>"Should I wait for the message to be relayed?"
>"Hello, Sakuya. I'll repeat what I already told Meiling just then."
>"The fairy army is about to march. I've managed to dissuade their leader from her original objective. I am satisfied that she no longer has any plans to occupy the mansion, or loot its valuables. She simply wishes the battle as a contest between her forces and the mansion's. Her and her former youkai ally are no longer acting in tandem. If the youkai shows up, you can consider her a third party. I wouldn't be able to tell you what the youkai's plans might be if this happens."
>"The situation is different than what I relayed earlier because the situation itself has changed a great deal since then. I spent a great deal of time talking with Renko about this. That, coupled with a disagreement with her former ally, has led to her changing her mind on a number of key points, as I just mentioned."
>"I know this is going to sound in bad faith, but I can't say. I've been sworn in a rather unpleasant way not to mention it. But if she takes no action, as she claimed she wouldn't, it shouldn't end up mattering."
>"Trust me, I'd be more forward about this if I at all could. I'm really not at liberty to say, no matter how much I might wish to."
>"I'm not sure how I can offer proof of Renko's intentions. I could ask her to say as much when she arrives, but I doubt her word makes any difference at this point, either. If you can offer a suggestion, I'd be willing to entertain it."
>Inventory. Do we still have Sakuya's watch?
>"I'm planning to observe the battle, neutrally. More than partially to make sure this youkai doesn't attempt to double-cross Renko and cause something extremely unpleasant. I'm not intending to interfere, unless something goes wrong."
>"I promise you this isn't some sort of trick, although I can see why you might have that suspicion. And I understand the risks of crossfire, as long as you don't actually consider me an enemy combatant. I'll do my best to keep a safe distance."
>"As for what counts as wrong, I'd say that includes malicious 3rd party intervention, or if Renko appears to be in serious danger. I assume, given the nature of the confrontation, you will not be attempting to seriously harm her in reprisal?"
>"I... I understand, if it comes to that. It's probably a bit much to be charging into a battle expecting otherwise. I hope you can understand my position, though. I love her, and don't want to see her hurt, even if I cannot in good conscience participate. I only hope that it can be an equitable battle in the spirit it is intended."
>"I guess that's probably everything, then. I... hope things don't get too unpleasant for anyone involved, to be frank."
>"... thank you."
>Smile
>"Well, let's just hope it ends up as friendly as we can hope for. I'll see you later."
>Fly back towards Renko
>Smile and allow ourselves to moment to be impressed.
>Wonder if the SDM really knows quite how much is coming their way.
>Keep at a safely neutral position to watch them come in
>How close are they?
I'm not sure whether it would be wise to dive into the swarm to give Renko one last hug before the fight - emotionally plausible, but if the SDM is going to mistrust us..... no, Sakuya was understanding.
>Then move out of their path.
>Can we spot Renko among them?
>Move towards a position close enough to safely observe the SDM and environs, without being in the line of fire
>If we feel our position is safe enough for the moment, sit there and watch
>Otherwise move to a better position
>Watch the show!
>Make sure to keep an eye out for stray fire coming our way
>Also keep an eye out for 3rd parties coming from any direction. Make sure we can at least see behind ourselves a little bit, from time to time.
>Mentally cheer for Renko! Try not to make this visually obvious.
>Can we estimate about what percentage of the fairies were taken out? Very roughly.
>Can we see the area past the gate clearly from this vantage? If not, move to a position where we can.
>Continue to keep an eye out for 3rd parties.
>How quickly did our time stop ability recharge when we experimenting with it earlier?
>Renko's fine. Otherwise she'd be down here with Meiling.
>Where's Hatate?
>Check for anyone else sneaking up on the fight.
>How out of the way would it be to check on Meiling and any fallen fairies?
>You could probably do this, but it might get you too close to the line of fire.
>Fly up high enough that we can get an aerial perspective on the area behind the wall
>What do the fairies seem to be doing now?
>Try not to shout.
>See if any are headed for us! Or from behind.
>... oh fuck, are these going to hurt more than danmaku? They are, aren't they?
>Oh shit.
>Which way is Alice's house relative to the mansion?
>Is there anything distinctive about this woman?
>Head roughly into her path, if she's approaching the SDM closely.
>Move a bit closer to her, but not so close that we're likely to be in her firing range
>"Alice! What're you doing here?"
>Don't let her out of our sight, for now.
>"I'm here to observe. Is that all you're planning to do?"
>"As long as that's all you do."
>Position ourself so that we can watch the battle AND keep Alice in our line-of-sight at the same time
>Try to focus on that sensation if we feel it again. See if we can pick up on it better. Sakuya slipped into our time stop when we did it. Maybe we can see a little bit of hers if we try hard enough?
Rather than accusing her,
>"Let's stick to observing, then, shall we?"
>... Renko was expecting her to have more cooldown time than that, wasn't she? That's not good...
>Move a little closer, while keeping a polite (and potentially safe) distance from Alice
>Estimate percentage of remaining fairies
>Did this lightheaded sensation seem to coincide with more waves of knives suddenly appearing?
>Can we tell WHERE this spot is? Try hard to locate it.
>Wonder if Koishi's involved with this somehow...
>Continue observing closely, sparing just enough attention to Alice to notice any unusual actions or movements on her part.
>Be ready to focus on that odd sensation if it occurs again.
>Focus closely on the prodding. Do our best to pin it down somehow.
Do explain what's upset you, Kilga?
>Begin to facepalm. Think better of it.
> "They're using... candy to beat the fairies."
> Mentally curse Sakuya's genius.
>Look at the battle scene with interest. And keep an eye on Alice.
>Wonder how (EDIT: No, not why) they got all of that candy.
> Get closer to Alice. Close enough to conduct a proper conversation.
> "Hey."
> Keep observing the battle in the meantime.
> Go up to Alice and tap her on the shoulder.
> Keep watching the battle until Alice is focused on us.
>Stop moving and make a gesture to communicate non-aggressive intent as best we can
>Ponder if we've found a new niche for sign language in Gensokyo
> Wave both of our hands side-to-side, palms forward, in front of our chest a few times.
> Hold up wrist with bracelet on it and point to the bracelet with our other hand for a second.
> Flex for a second.
> Point to ourselves.
> Put both hands back in front of us, point them at each other, and move them like we were controlling sock puppets, as if the hands were talking to each other. Look back and forth at the "speaking" hand as necessary.
> Once this is done, point at Alice for a second.
> Flex again, point at ourselves again, point at Alice again and then point at ourselves again while putting a finger to our temple to indicate thinking. Do all these things in fairly rapid succession.
> Put on a slightly sad face.
> Clasp our hands together in front of our chest and bow toward Alice for a few seconds.
> When we come back up from the bow, mouth "I'm sorry" and pray she can read lips to a degree.
> Hold up wrist with bracelet on it and point to the bracelet with our other hand for a second.
> Flex for a second.
> Point to ourselves.
> Put both hands back in front of us, point them at each other, and move them like we were controlling sock puppets, as if the hands were talking to each other. Look back and forth at the "speaking" hand as necessary.
> Once this is done, point at Alice for a second.
> Put up a hand toward Alice, palm facing out, as if we were a traffic cop signaling for cars to stop.
> Flex again, point at the Forest of Magic in the general direction of Marisa's house, draw a line through the air and bring our hand to rest so our still-extended finger is pointing at the ground, and then shake our head while waving our hands in front of us like in our very first gesture. Do all this in rapid succession. Give this a couple of seconds.
> Put a hand up in front of us and point at the sky, as we might normally do to indicated that we're not finished talking.
> Flex again, point at ourselves again, make the 'talking hands' motion again, point at Alice again and then point at ourselves again while putting a finger to our temple to indicate thinking. Tap our chest a few times with the pointing finger for emphasis. Do all these things in fairly rapid succession.
> Put on a remorseful face.
> Clasp our hands together in front of our chest and bow toward Alice for a few seconds.
> When we come back up from the bow, mouth "I'm sorry" and pray she can read lips to a degree.
>How does the battle seem to be progressing?
> Nod back in Alice's direction with a small smile.
> Check back in on the battle.
>Estimate on total remaining force
>What condition does Sakuya appear to be in?
>How does Renko seem to be doing, for that matter
>Hope that half her forces will be enough, if Patchouli's out of the fight and Sakuya's taken a beating already
>Hope that a sun-afflicted vampire will be less dangerous than Sakuya's proved to be
>Keep watching
> Marvel at Sakuya's apparently ability to take down a sizeable swarm of fairies by herself despite being injured.
> Will Renko on to victory as hard was we can. Aim good feeling vibes in her direction.
> "WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE! YELLING INEFFICIENT!"
> Adjust voice level as appropriate.
> "I talked to Marisa about you. Not about this, of course. She doesn't know. I haven't forgotten."
> Point to eyes.
> "She had a lot of good things to say about you. I've thought about it since. For whatever it's worth, I wanted to say I'm sorry."
> "Uh, well, okay then."
> Check back in on the fight.
> "It came from Kourindou."
> "Yeah. Interesting effect, to say the least."
> Check in on the fight.
>"Where are you going?"
>"Where are you going?"
>Don't let her get too far ahead of us
> Ask this in an inquisitive tone, not an accusatory one.
> Wait, we were on the outer wall? I thought we were still near the forest for some reason.
> Well, whatever.
> Follow Alice.
>"I guess there's still one challenge left, then."
>Follow Alice's gaze
>How is she holding a parasol and clapping at the same time?
>Can we see her expression at all from this distance?
>Is there enough noise that we don't think Renko could hear us from here if we called out to her?
>Continue to observe for the moment
>Be ready to consider shouting a warning if Remilia takes a sudden hostile action before Renko realizes she's there
>Does she seem to be about to take any other sort of action?
>Is Renko (or any of the other fairies) still oblivious to her presence? Surely some among dozens must have looked up?
>Will as much good luck Renko's way as we can
>Pray that the bottle of light has a dramatic effect when employed
> Are Dai and Star still visibly active? Cirno theoretically went down against Sakuya...
> Of the Essence of Void and Bottle of Soft Light, which were directly suggested by us and which were Renko ideas?
> Turn to Alice.
> "'We'?"
> Holyshitfallback
>Fly the fuck away, following Alice if possible.
>Is there any place where the bullet's density is less?
>If so, try to read the bullets trajectories and navigate towards a safer spot
>"I wonder if I should consider that a good or a bad thing."
> Wow, is Remilia really that desperate? That's a good sign. Maybe the Bottle of Soft Light will end this quickly.
> "What's with all the 'we's, anyway?"
>Once we feel we're at a (relatively) safe distance, turn back and see how the battle is going
>"She seems pretty powerful for a vampire at high noon. Surely that parasol can't count as sufficient protection, can it?"
>Can we spot the doll anywhere? Back in the melee, or elsewhere?
>Assuming not: "What happened to your other doll?"
>"I guess you feel it's a foregone conclusion at this point?"
>Pray that it isn't. Or at least that it isn't for the wrong side.
> "You can control them over long distances like that? That's pretty handy."
> "I know you're not terribly happy with what she did yesterday, but...you have to admit, she's done pretty well for herself."
> "So, if you're a magician puppeteer...I don't suppose those are at least some of your micromanagement tactics she's employing out there?"
>"Yes, it might very well have been over then without that. But Renko's edge isn't in her raw magical strength or fighting ability, but her ability to organize and direct all this. Would most people have considered using void essence like she did there? Patchouli and Sakuya were using the advantages and abilities they had. And so was she."
>"Most wouldn't have access to a fairy army, either. None of this would be possible if she hadn't been able to keep them together like she did."
> "Win or lose, I think you have something to be proud of here, too."
>Shriek? Turn around and see what's happening.
> "Oh wow, she planned that well."
>Keep watching
> Check mansion grounds to see if anyone is stirring.
>Dozens of screams? Were the fairies screaming, too?
>How's Renko looking?
> Holy shit she actually did it!
>"So? Impressed yet?"
> Inventory
>Is Renko moving into the mansion with the mob of fairies, or still outside?
> "Alice?"
> "I should, yes. But first...thank you. I don't know if she could have pulled this off without you. This meant a lot to both of us, and...thank you."
>Fly down to Renko
>Nod
>Fly down to Renko
> "Oh my God! That was amazing!"
> Hug for joy!
>Sure, why not. Audience or no, it's good advice
>Kiss her!
> Also lighten the hug just a liiiiiiiiiittle bit.
> "C'mere, you."
> Shift Renko's weight around so that she leans on us a little more.
>Turn to Patchouli: "Why would you have to..."
>Take a look at Remilia. Is she in direct sunlight at the moment?
>Let's do the sportsmanlike thing and carry her into the shade
>Let's do the sportsmanlike thing and carry her into the shade
>To Patchouli: "Here, let's get her out of the sun. Renko won, but there's no point in leaving Remilia to suffer afterwards."
> "Oh no!"
> How many fairies are in the immediate vicinity?
> Hard to do this with Renko draped all over us. Better to call for some assistance, unless we want to just toss Renko to the floor.
>If there's no one around to help, and Renko looks like she'd have a hard time standing on her own, gently set her down somewhere comfortable, and then help carry Remilia into the shade. Best to mend bridges with the SDM for our future good relations.
> Let's get back to Renko.
> "You want to get back up, or are you doing okay there?"
> Light hugs.
> Is Hatate still around? If so...
> "So when will you be running this?"
>Smooth her hair
>"Well, I think you've earned yourself one hell of a vacation at this point. I wonder what they're going to think when they read about this in the paper?"
>"And what do we do now, anyway? Like, once the fairies are done raiding the pantry. Are they just going to fly off to their own business, now, or...?"
>That someone being Alice?
>What does she seem to be doing?
> Look in the direction of the new person.
> "Hold on, Renko..."
>"Alice? What's going on?"
>Be ready for any aggressive action on her part
>"You said you wouldn't rob the place."
> "Are you really going to loot from Patchouli? What will Marisa think?"
>"And you're just fine with casting Renko aside like you did, and then swooping back in to profit from her hard work?"
>Assuming the likely yes: "What is it you're after, here, anyway?"
> Shank Alice
> Shank Patchouli
> Shank Parsee
> Shank Yuuka
> Shank Shou
> Shank Remilia
> Shank Sakuya
> Shank Meiling
> Shank Petite
> Shank Flandre
> Shank Cirno
> Shank Dai
> Shank Star
> Shank Sunny
> Shank Hatate
> Shank Koishi
> Shank Mystia
> Shank Tokiko
> Shank Yukari
> Shank Ran
> Shank Marisa
> Shank Yuugi
> Shank Plum Flower (because you would do that)
> Shank those ghosts that got exorcised (because you would do that too)
> Shank Renko for good measure
> ...Fuck it, shank ourselves. HIGHSHANKER THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE
> Laugh at UK for not being around to get in on the topic-ending action. 8)
>Time stop to prevent surprise Sakuya oil tanker/steam roller drop
> Shank Anthony