Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Neovereign on February 04, 2022, 04:45:14 AM
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> You are Alice Margatroid, a magician living within the Forest of Magic. You've already dealt with the problems you faced the days prior. Things are more relaxed now.
> Joining you in such relaxation is Meiling, who's been allowed a vacation of her own. Though, things may be a bit troubled by Shinki's arrival. You're not quite sure yet. It sure seems as though she doesn't have harmful intentions, but the other residents of Makai may not act as proper...
> You are at the Moriya Shrine, having just finished showing off a brief spar and demonstration of the Spell Card rules with Sanae to Shinki, who has gone inside with Kanako to presumably learn more.
>"Different in what way?"
(Time for new thread, I think?)
> "It's nothing it's nothing." Sanae waves more.
>_
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>Frown.
>"Well, if you're sure... But it may be a problem with considering?"
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>Frown.
>"Well, if you're sure... But it may be a problem with considering?"
> "A problem?"
>_
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>"A problem in the sense we can come up with a solution to it."
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>"A problem in the sense we can come up with a solution to it."
> "I doubt you're able to make a giant robot..."
>_
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>"A giant what?"
>Look to Meiling in askance.
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>"A giant what?"
>Look to Meiling in askance.
> "Are you just pronouncing Rowboat weir- erm... In a different way?" Meiling questions.
> "Robot. Its like a person created to perform a certain task. Like a technological puppet or golem."
> Technology... You could probably make such a thing with Nitori's help. She should be able to aid you, unless your incentive tips didn't work out.
>_
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>"So like what I make."
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>"So like what I make."
> "...Huh?" Sanae questions, lost.
>_
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>"A person made for a task, so what I do. You just described dolls."
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>"A person made for a task, so what I do. You just described dolls."
> "But it's not a... hm... Okay, maybe it is, but it has to be designed like a robot, or at least an android..."
>_
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>"Well, what's the difference between the two?"
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>"Well, what's the difference between the two?"
> "An Android usually looks practically the same as a human. While I don't need to go that far, just having a humanoid form would be enough. Some robots look like animals, or vehicles."
>_
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>"Those androids sound exactly like dolls. And dolls can look like animals, too. ...or vehicles, I guess? I could make a handcart doll. ...by hand at least."
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>"Those androids sound exactly like dolls. And dolls can look like animals, too. ...or vehicles, I guess? I could make a handcart doll. ...by hand at least."
> "...Hm. Maybe you could do it. Ah, but I won't bother you with such an idea. After all, it'd just be another doll for you, then."
>_
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>"Well, it could be an interesting challenge. But I feel like I'm missing some important difference."
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>"Well, it could be an interesting challenge. But I feel like I'm missing some important difference."
> "I guess they are really similar. The main difference is just being mechanical."
> "Mechanical?"
> "Like a fridge. A heater or cooler. Toaster, rocket, phone... Oh, maybe that's the big difference. Mechanical things arent usually magical. They're like opposites. That kind of technology makes use of science and physics, usually."
> But you can still make dolls without magic anyways...
>_
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>"Dolls that move and fight without magic... hmm, it sounds impossible. But...with a strong enough wind up spring, maybe..."
>Frown, this is getting complicated to envision fast!
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>"Dolls that move and fight without magic... hmm, it sounds impossible. But...with a strong enough wind up spring, maybe..."
>Frown, this is getting complicated to envision fast!
> "A big problem with technology is having creations do different things. They're usually just for a certain task. Like lifting something or carrying something. Fighting, even without making patterns, seems like a faraway thought. Unless someone's controlling it. But then..."
>_
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>Controlling them? Then that's just a marionette...
>"But then?"
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>Controlling them? Then that's just a marionette...
>"But then?"
> "But then thats more like a mech..."
> You wonder if technology just uses colorful terms for them...
>_
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>Chuckle.
>"This is complicated, isn't it?"
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>Chuckle.
>"This is complicated, isn't it?"
> "Well... yeah." Sanae's excitement seems to have died down for the most part.
>_
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>"We would need help, then..."
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>"We would need help, then..."
> "I told you, it's just a silly thought."
>_
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>"I don't think it's that silly, really. I think it's a good thing to be interested in dolls!"
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//whoops did not mean to leave this unposted for so long. Its easier to see if i posted last when not on mobile...
>"I don't think it's that silly, really. I think it's a good thing to be interested in dolls!"
> "Well. I guess I mean its silly to expect such a thing to actually work." Sanae corrects herself.
>_
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(I am the last person who gets to be upset about that)
>"I...don't think it's impossible, but it would take some work. Especially if you're relying wholly on kappa methods. But...hm. Don't you think it's very likely that such dolls would become youkai in short order?"
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(I am the last person who gets to be upset about that)
>"I...don't think it's impossible, but it would take some work. Especially if you're relying wholly on kappa methods. But...hm. Don't you think it's very likely that such dolls would become youkai in short order?"
> Sanae thinks for a bit.
> "That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing though, would it?" She considers.
>_
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>"I think it would be considered an incident, no?"
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>"I think it would be considered an incident, no?"
> "For just one doll to become a youkai? If they're not causing a big problem either?"
>_
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>"Well, I thought we'd need a few for your idea."
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>"Well, I thought we'd need a few for your idea."
> "Might be best to do a prototype first."
>_
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>"Hm. I suppose so, depending on how much new ground we end up breaking."
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>"Hm. I suppose so, depending on how much new ground we end up breaking."
> "Well, I just have the knowledge. I don't have the technology for it. And not really the magic for it either."
>_
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>"With the knowledge, you could design one, no?"
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>"With the knowledge, you could design one, no?"
> "Yeah. Maybe the inside too..." Sanae put a hand to her chin. "Maybe."
>_
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>"See, it's not impossible."
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>"See, it's not impossible."
> "But the actual ways for it to work. I don't know if anyone's gotten close with science yet. Unless you want to do it all with magic alone."
>_
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>"I think you have to decide that, but I don't think it's a problem either way?"
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>"I think you have to decide that, but I don't think it's a problem either way?"
> "I feel like just magic wouldn't do it justice..."
> "Well, if we do it one way, it'd help understand it better in case we try it another way later, right?" Meiling chimes in.
> "Oh. I guess so. I've just been thinking as if this is the only shot." Sanae considers.
>_
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>"Ah, that is true, Meiling! Between that and speaking with the kappa, I am sure you can figure something out."
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>"Ah, that is true, Meiling! Between that and speaking with the kappa, I am sure you can figure something out."
> "Oh, right! The kappa! They'll be able to help a lot." Sanae speaks. "If they aren't busy. ...if you aren't busy, either, actually. Well, it's a lot to suddenly start. I should take it slow since it's still just an idea."
>_
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>"I'm sure if the project interests them, they can make time."
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>"I'm sure if the project interests them, they can make time."
> "I should get my head on straight for what I even want it to be like, though."
>_
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>"It might be a good idea to let them have some room to play with it themselves, too."
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>"It might be a good idea to let them have some room to play with it themselves, too."
> "Yeah but. Hm... Should I just throw the idea their way first?"
>_
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>"Maybe talk with them as you did with me, see if it catches their imaginations. ...Maybe bring some snacks too, everyone loves a guest who brings snacks!"
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>"Maybe talk with them as you did with me, see if it catches their imaginations. ...Maybe bring some snacks too, everyone loves a guest who brings snacks!"
> "That way, you could also get more ideas from them, too." Meiling adds.
> Sanae nods in acceptance. "Then I'll head down there when I can."
> You wonder if Kanako is still explaining spell cards to Shinki. Maybe they're talking about other things, too?
>_
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>They're probably talking about goddess things.
>"I wonder if Shinki and Kanako are getting along?"
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>They're probably talking about goddess things.
>"I wonder if Shinki and Kanako are getting along?"
> Sanae chuckles.
> "They're probably talking about something silly by now."
>_
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>"Perhaps so. Perhaps we should leave them to it?"
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>"Perhaps so. Perhaps we should leave them to it?"
> "I'm almost curious what they're talking about now... But we can leave them be."
>_
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>"I am very curious, but it would be rude to pry."
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>"I am very curious, but it would be rude to pry."
> "Would it still be rude to get a peek in?" Meiling questions.
>_
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"Ah, can you see them?"
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"Ah, can you see them?"
> "I mean, we might be able to get away with opening the door a bit, no? If not, just listening by it."
>_
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>"I don't think I could be nearly that stealthy, anymore~"
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>"I don't think I could be nearly that stealthy, anymore~"
> "T...They'll just think we're moving about." Meiling looks aside. "Our size means they won't be able to tell if we're right at the door, or far from it."
>_
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>"...Maybe not..."
>Try to sidle a bit toward where they went. Casually...
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>"...Maybe not..."
>Try to sidle a bit toward where they went. Casually...
> With the duel demonstration finished, you return to near the shrine.
> Hm... still too far to hear anything.
> Meiling keeps her distance, not adding to the risk yet.
>_
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>Lil bit closer, we're just appreciating the mountaintop view.
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>Lil bit closer, we're just appreciating the mountaintop view.
> You scooch a little more.
> "I'm pretty sure they have plenty of supporters as well." You hear Kanako. "More than the Hakurei Shrine."
> "Oh, so she's doing quite well?" Shinki questions
> "Despite competition so close, yes."
> "Is it you?"
>_
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>Just..linger, appreciating the view. Not even looking toward the shrine.
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>Just..linger, appreciating the view. Not even looking toward the shrine.
> The Mountain covers plenty. You're glad there's not much mist - like the lake suffers from.
> "Sort of. They also have their own to worry about nearly next-door." Kanako speaks.
> "Oh my. I wonder if I should lend a hand."
> "It's probably better if you don't. They're not struggling too much."
> "Of course." Shinki giggles.
>_
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>Siiiidle back to others.
>Quietly: "They seem to be talking about the religious layout of the land."
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>Siiiidle back to others.
>Quietly: "They seem to be talking about the religious layout of the land."
> You carefully make your way back, finished sightseeing for now.
> "Anything about me?" Sanae questions in hope.
>_
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>"Hard to say, something about having many supporters; whether it was you or Suwako, I couldn't tell."
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>"Hard to say, something about having many supporters; whether it was you or Suwako, I couldn't tell."
> "I'd guess Suwako. Lady Kanako might talk more about her when it comes to followers than me. I'm pretty much the shrine maiden, after all. They're more gods than I."
>_
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>You're not even a god, silly. Everyone knows living gods are just a scam to get more faith.
>Ahem
>"Something about the they competing with the hakurei shrine, too."
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>You're not even a god, silly. Everyone knows living gods are just a scam to get more faith.
>Ahem
>"Something about the they competing with the hakurei shrine, too."
> You keep to yourself for now. You could probably get away with it given Shinki's presence, but relying on her for backup after insulting someone... better not to consider that at least.
> "Hakurei Shrine? Hm... they don't focus as much on that as me though. Or maybe they've gotten some ideas?" Sanae considers. "Maybe I should just ask."
> Meiling seems to have no problem with such. In fact, you think she might be amused by this.
>_
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>We can't disappoint Meiling~
>"It would be the easiest way to learn, wouldn't it?"
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>We can't disappoint Meiling~
>"It would be the easiest way to learn, wouldn't it?"
> "I don't see why she'd decline to tell me either. Alright." Sanae makes her way to the entrance.
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>Glance to Meiling. "You are such a troublemaker~"
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>Glance to Meiling. "You are such a troublemaker~"
> "I haven't done anything. I'm just enjoying her reactions."
>_
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>"Perfectly innocent, of course~"
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>"Perfectly innocent, of course~"
> Meiling does her best to quietly sit by your side, though still makes more noise than you had in sneaking to the door.
> "Where do you plan on going next?" Your giant companion sits down. "Or are you guiding Miss Shinki more when she finishes in there?"
>_
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>"I haven't fully decided. Perhaps we'll see what these mushrooms do to the Yakumos after all~?"
>Quests
>Things that aren't real quests but are possible irons in the fire.
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>"I haven't fully decided. Perhaps we'll see what these mushrooms do to the Yakumos after all~?"
>Quests
>Things that aren't real quests but are possible irons in the fire.
> "I wonder if they've been seeing the results of this. Or at least, have heard of them from others."
> Quests:
- > Goliath and Co: One of your unique dolls, Goliath, needs improvement. It's currently
unfinished, and cannot function well in battle for long periods of time. You've considered trying to get
other dolls to that level and see how they'll work, in order to see what it'll take for Goliath to work
optimally. - > Kappas Need Our Wisdom!: You've found a production line the Kappas seem to be trying to
work. However, they are terribly uncooperative at it, and have almost no success. You've spoken with
Nitori about having a larger reward/better incentive. They already seem to get cucumbers and possibly
money. You've suggested sake. It's been a while since you last checked in on them.
> You hadn't really considered too many other things you could pursue, aside from using the mushrooms on more people.
> You've dealt with the dream issue already, too...
>_
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>"Oh yes! Did I mention I was assisting the kappa previously? It might be time to check in on that."
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>"Oh yes! Did I mention I was assisting the kappa previously? It might be time to check in on that."
> "Did you give them a taste of those mushrooms as well?" Meiling chuckles in question.
>_
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>Did we? It was before we had the mushroom supply we do, wasn't it?
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>Did we? It was before we had the mushroom supply we do, wasn't it?
> No, you don't recall having them when you came across their problem.
>_
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>"Not yet, but...it would be fun to see if we could make one mansion sized, no?"
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>"Not yet, but...it would be fun to see if we could make one mansion sized, no?"
> "Mountain sized? You think the Kappa will react that much to the mushrooms?"
>_
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>"Who can say? But it would be fun if it happened, no?"
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>"Who can say? But it would be fun if it happened, no?"
> "It'd be nice to see an outlier and someone with a unique reaction to it."
>_
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>"Kanako was fairly anomalous. But more is fun."
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>"Kanako was fairly anomalous. But more is fun."
> "Hm... I wonder who to try after... actually, I wonder where they came from in the first place?" Meiling considers.
> Seems like Sanae at least got roped into more conversation. She'll probably be in there for a while...
>_
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>"Let's walk and talk, hon,"
>Let's make our way down the mountain toward Kappa town.
>"The mushrooms? The soil, as far as I can tell."
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>"Let's walk and talk, hon,"
>Let's make our way down the mountain toward Kappa town.
>"The mushrooms? The soil, as far as I can tell."
> You start down the mountain, followed closely by Meiling.
> "So no lead, darn... Not even a general area, or where they'd grow most commonly?"
>_
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>Has there been any place where they've been particularly dense?
>Has Marisa found anything, when last we checked?
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>Has there been any place where they've been particularly dense?
>Has Marisa found anything, when last we checked?
> No.
> You haven't checked in with her in a while. Otherwise, she hasn't last you recall.
>_
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>"Just in the forest. If we find them anywhere else, that would be a discovery."
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>"Just in the forest. If we find them anywhere else, that would be a discovery."
> "I guess that makes sense."
> A thought comes to mind if the fairies that were hoarding some of them have dwindled the count yet or not... They did give them up to you in the end, but who's to say there won't be other fairies that try one out?
> You're nearing Kappa territory. You should be found out soon enough.
>_
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>Let's try to set a course for where we met Nitori last time.
>"I imagine I might have another faerie problem in good time, though. Who knows how long it'll be until they get curious?"
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>Let's try to set a course for where we met Nitori last time.
>"I imagine I might have another faerie problem in good time, though. Who knows how long it'll be until they get curious?"
> "They're not that troublesome when you reason with them. In fact, if you can manage it, they're helpful allies."
> You try to shift towards where you met Nitori earlier.
> It already feels like you're being watched, so you should be near.
>_
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>"If you can reason with them, in any event."
>Glance around for kappa.
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>"If you can reason with them, in any event."
>Glance around for kappa.
> "Sometimes that means letting things go their way."
> There's a couple hiding from your view via trees. Though not well enough.
>_
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>"You're not wrong, but sometimes that can't be allowed."
>Waggle our fingers in a wave at the kappas. Let's continue toward where we found Nitori.
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>"You're not wrong, but sometimes that can't be allowed."
>Waggle our fingers in a wave at the kappas. Let's continue toward where we found Nitori.
> "Not allowed? I guess you have frequent bad run ins with them huh?"
> You're not impeded further and manage to reach the society you encountered before with Marisa.
> There's more Kappa than before at the entrance to the production building...
>_
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>"Bad enough."
>Look around for Nitori. Give little finger waggle waves to any kappa whom we meet eyes with.
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>"Bad enough."
>Look around for Nitori. Give little finger waggle waves to any kappa whom we meet eyes with.
> You fail to find Nitori in your search around the immediate area. Though at least some of the Kappa do wave back.
>_
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>"Hey, would anyone know where Nitori got off to?"
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>"Hey, would anyone know where Nitori got off to?"
> "She's inside." One of those blocking the aforementioned entrance points. "She's a bit busy."
> despite saying such, the Kappa does move aside.
> the others seem on the fence on whether they should let you through yet. Then again, you didn't didn't ask to get in just yet.
>_
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>Does it seem like we could fit, still?
>"Be so kind as to let her know I'm paying a social?"
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>Does it seem like we could fit, still?
>"Be so kind as to let her know I'm paying a social?"
> Maybe. Entrance looks a bit bigger. You could probably squeeze in again at this size. Was it changed for you?
> "Paying... what?"
> The Kappa question each other for a couple moments. Something about a commission, or job...
> "We'll... just let her know you're here." A duo heads inside.
> "You might've confused them a bit with that." Meiling comments. "But they got it right in the end. ... right?" She doubts her knowledge.
>_
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>"Well, if not, I'm sure we can sort things out. As long as they get her attention."
>Let's try to crouch through that bay door.
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>"Well, if not, I'm sure we can sort things out. As long as they get her attention."
>Let's try to crouch through that bay door.
> You try to squeeze through, and it looks like it's still small for you. But enough to get through.
> The Kappa seem surprised that you're heading in, but none try to stop you.
> The duo don't get far before looking back to you.
> The interior looks a bit different. Maybe they've given up on the assembly line thing? Though you do see areas within that seem to be for something similar.
> Twintails is present in this room this time, speaking to someone you haven't seen before. Another... twintailed girl.
> "We don't need any of that." Nitori speaks in annoyance. "Seriously. I'll be happy to help when we do, but can we focus on the rest of it?"
> "At least let us add it for now. We can take it out later, it-"
> "..."
> "I know you're interested in it too!"
> "Fine. But just for the prototype."
> "Hmhm~"
>_
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>We'll let Nitori finish.
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>We'll let Nitori finish.
> "Though, you should know we don't really have any areas to test that sort of thing." Nitori speaks.
> "...Uh. You can't just do it out in the open? There's plenty of this mountain to go around."
> "Not if we don't want to cause trouble. Youkai mountain is home to more than just us."
> "You don't even have a testing ground?"
> "Not a large-"
> "That's no good! We have to fix that immediately. Where's your house? We'll start from there."
> "Are we pushing this back?"
> "It's fine. We only just started recently." The new twintails starts pulling the other.
> "Hang on. We still have a bunch of Kappa waiting on seeing how this starts out. We shouldn't delay our first collab like this. If we had no audience, maybe."
> "I think they might've been beaten anyways." She points over at you, bringing Nitori's attention over as well.
> "Oh. Not quite. She's a friend."
>_
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>"Hey now, I can be a friend and an audience! What've you been cooking up?"
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>"Hey now, I can be a friend and an audience! What've you been cooking up?"
> "A tank!" The other twintails says enthusiastically.
> "You can call it that... it's just a collaboration test." Nitori explains.
> "Even though I'm sure we could make a bunch of great ones..."
> "And what would the use of them be?"
> "For fights, of course. We need a lot for when one breaks."
> "Just make one that doesn't break. Better yet, why don't you just make a support tool?"
>_
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>"Who're you expecting to fight?"
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>"Who're you expecting to fight?"
> "No one in particular. I'm sure there's bound to be conflict sometime though."
> "Really, it's just supposed to be a test of what we can do..." Nitori sighs.
> "We can still make it useful for something, though."
>_
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>"So...this thing is some kind of spellcard engine, then?"
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>"So...this thing is some kind of spellcard engine, then?"
> "A what engine?"
> "Not too wrong." Nitori replies. "We're building a method of advanced transportation and weaponry. It was just supposed to be something that can traverse most terrain while still being a land vehicle, but she whined about wanting a cannon..."
> "You can't have a tank without a cannon of some sort!" The other twintails speaks.
> "Again, just as a test. Though Rika here seems to be an expert at creating things like this."
> "If you need something made, I'm your gal."
> "Don't get cocky when we haven't even made anything yet." Nitori warns.
> "I've made plenty of things all by myself."
>_
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>"Can you shoot good danmaku out of a cannon? A doll, certainly with the right magic, but a cannon seems like it would be a little constricting."
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>"Can you shoot good danmaku out of a cannon? A doll, certainly with the right magic, but a cannon seems like it would be a little constricting."
> "Don't worry, I've used canons before. Vareity might take a bit to happen past the normal type it'd have, but I'm sure Rika and I can come up with something later."
> "It's easy enough to make something that can load different types. To me, it could be like... making a cup that can hold different liquids, and a straw that can still suck out multiple kinds at a good rate. Or different straws best for each one, yet still easily swappable." This Rika explains.
>_
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>"Well, you are the experts. So, i take it things are going more smoothly, Nitori?"
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>"Well, you are the experts. So, i take it things are going more smoothly, Nitori?"
> "Yep. I changed a few things up. But we're focusing on this right now."
>_
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(HEck I thought I replied to this!)
>"Got any plans for these tanks?"
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(HEck I thought I replied to this!)
>"Got any plans for these tanks?"
//it happens.
> "Just experimenting." Nitori says. "Or do you have acbetter idea in mind? We're still fighting over the design, so it wouldn't be a loss to start over or anything."
>_
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>"Weeeeeell, what are you feelings on a machine that walks?"
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>"Weeeeeell, what are you feelings on a machine that walks?"
> "Eh? Why walking? What's so great about that?" Twintails 2 questions.
> "Hm. Walking would be more complex than wheels or flight, funny enough. Something so simple yet needs more control. Have you ever made something that walks, Rika?" Nitori asks.
> "Well... Not really..."
>_
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>"I do it all the time with my dolls, so it can't be that hard."
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>"I do it all the time with my dolls, so it can't be that hard."
> "You don't control them directly?" Nitori questions.
>_
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>"I can. But it's easier and more elegant to set them to tasks and let them tend to it."
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>"I can. But it's easier and more elegant to set them to tasks and let them tend to it."
> "Hm... So a walking machine that conducts various tasks ordered of it?" Rika considers. "Also, without being controlled."
> "So a robot." Nitori speaks. "That sounds easy. Just need a power source and to give it the capability to discern and commit tasks as necessary. And walking on top of that."
> "You make it sound like walking's the hard part."
> "Well, it does need awareness of its surroundings, or at least a view relative to where it's going, in order to walk properly. Otherwise, a change in height where it's moving could send it tumbling."
> "Ah. I guess that's right..."
> "Still, I'm more used to things I can control..." Nitori frowns a tad.
> "Good thing you're with me, then." Rika smiles a bit smugly. "Robot... hmm... Well, I've made things that act on their own before either way."
>_
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>"But, trying to do it all at once would be hard, If you can just get it to move, that's the first step."
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>"But, trying to do it all at once would be hard, If you can just get it to move, that's the first step."
> "Just something that walks. We could probably have that done in a couple of hours. Maybe. "
> "If it's just that, it won't event take us 10 minutes Rika boats, starting to head around the area, gathering up pieces and bits from the work stations.
>_
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>"Actually, if you were looking for ideas on that, the wind priestess from the Moriya Shrine would likely have some."
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>"Actually, if you were looking for ideas on that, the wind priestess from the Moriya Shrine would likely have some."
> "Oh. Like for design and such? I could... but I don't really feel like going up there." Nitori responds.
>_
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>"What if she came down here?"
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>"What if she came down here?"
> "Thatd be better."
>_
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>"I think that can be arranged. Now, perhaps you wouldn't mind to help me with another little matter? Shall we step outside?"
-
>"I think that can be arranged. Now, perhaps you wouldn't mind to help me with another little matter? Shall we step outside?"
> "What is it?" Nitori starts for the doorway.
>_
-
>"A bit of an experiment Meiling and I have been running."
-
>"A bit of an experiment Meiling and I have been running."
> "Magic or...?" Nitori questions, waiting at the doorway.
>_
-
>"Magic, essentially. It's bit more nature oriented."
>Follow her out.
-
>"Magic, essentially. It's bit more nature oriented."
>Follow her out.
> You follow the Kappa back outside.
> "Nature... is it about that mushroom you showed me last time?"
>_
-
>"Ah, you remember! Yes, I would like you to try a couple."
-
>"Ah, you remember! Yes, I would like you to try a couple."
> "Sure. I don't mind. Did something change about them, or do you have a new idea in mind?" Nitori asks.
>_
-
>"We're testing them in pairs. the effects are pretty interesting in some cases."
-
>"We're testing them in pairs. the effects are pretty interesting in some cases."
> "Two people trying them at once? Or something different?"
>_
-
>"As in, a pair of mushrooms."
-
>"As in, a pair of mushrooms."
> "You had me try them before, remember?"
>_
-
>What were the results again? It's been awhile.
>"This is a follow-up."
-
>What were the results again? It's been awhile.
>"This is a follow-up."
> She was starting to understand Shanghai and Hourai after just a few times of listening to them. She also seemed interested in the mushrooms herself, but given now, it doesn't seem like she pursued them in the end.
> Nitori nods, then pauses.
> "I wonder... Rika, do you think you could recreate these?" Nitori looks back.
> "Recreate what?" The other twintails asks.
>_
-
>"Recreate the mushrooms?"
-
>"Recreate the mushrooms?"
> "Yeah. Mind showing her an example?" Nitori asks, as Rika makes it out here.
> The other twintailed girl makes very quick motions with her hand, and a small winged... eye? Such a creature forms in place of where she was motioning.
> "Eh?" Meiling reacts, confused.
> "Something like this is easy." Rika boasts.
>_
-
>Frown and produce a couple mushrooms.
>"You can make more of these?"
-
>Frown and produce a couple mushrooms.
>"You can make more of these?"
> You bring out a pair.
> "Mushrooms? That should be easy-"
> "They're special. I think you should try them before you try to make them." Nitori interrupts.
>_
-
>I offer them to the Rika. "Just so, they are not just mushrooms."
-
>I offer them to the Rika. "Just so, they are not just mushrooms."
> Rika accepts, examining them... Smelling. Squeezing. Tapping...
> Then finally eats them, while starting to do hand motions again. And shortly after, beginning to change.
> She finishes seemingly creating a duplicate after growing into the mushroom affected form.
> There aren't too many changes. She's grown a bit larger, as expected. You don't think her hair changed, nor much of her outfit...
> "It was getting difficult, but I think I've got it now." She comments.
> "She... Made another?" Meiling questions. "Will this be an infinite source?"
>_
-
>"The weakest reaction yet..."
-
>"The weakest reaction yet..."
> "Huh? Oh yeah. She doesn't even look like she changed."
> "What? Am I supposed to grow 3 stories tall or something?" Rika questions.
> "Well, at least there should be some changes. Like.your outfit, or even just your hair..." Meiling comments.
> "Maybe in perfect the way I am, then?" Rika questions, not quite a boastful tone like it's worded.
>_
-
>"I don't think that's it. given some of the other reacts I've seen. How do you feel?"
-
>"I don't think that's it. given some of the other reacts I've seen. How do you feel?"
> "Great. That little thing is surprisingly refreshing. I wonder if I can make it better." Rika considers.
>_
-
>"Better? In what sense?"
-
>"Better? In what sense?"
> "Make improvements to it."
> "Erm. We don't fully understand these in the first place. Maybe it's better to focus on that before trying to change it..." Meiling speaks up.
>_
-
>"Just as I was thinking. I am curious about your ideas, but implementing them is perhaps unwise..."
-
>"Just as I was thinking. I am curious about your ideas, but implementing them is perhaps unwise..."
> "Hmph. It's not that hard to understand." Rika crosses her arms. "It's just a mushroom that grows, or amplifies you when eaten. What's annoying is that is seems to favor people that are more graceful, as it works better when someone has those qualities."
> "To be fair, almost everyone in Gensokyo has gotten used to Danmaku duels." Nitori chimes. "You know, battles that test one's grace and beauty against another instead of just strength?"
> "Yeah, you told me."
>_
-
>"That's strange. It didn't react all that strongly to Marisa or Reimu, and everyone knows they're some of the best out there. And, I think you're quite graceful and beautiful, Miss Rika. Don't be hard on yourself."
-
>"That's strange. It didn't react all that strongly to Marisa or Reimu, and everyone knows they're some of the best out there. And, I think you're quite graceful and beautiful, Miss Rika. Don't be hard on yourself."
> "I guess there's some other factors I don't know about yet. And Reimu's not that graceful." Rika argues. "She doesn't listen and just goes and does what she feels."
>_
-
>"She certainly dodges well enough to make an acrobat jealous."
-
>"She certainly dodges well enough to make an acrobat jealous."
> "Maybe that's just experience." Rika reasons.
>_
-
>"Well, it's both. You don't get as far as she does being a clod."
-
>"Well, it's both. You don't get as far as she does being a clod."
> "You sure sing her some praise..."
>_
-
>"I've seen the things she's done. She beat up at least one goddess when she was a kid."
-
>"I've seen the things she's done. She beat up at least one goddess when she was a kid."
> "In what situation would beating up a God be a good thing? Or rather, a graceful one?"
> "We probably shouldn't be using this time to argue about Reimu, right?" Nitori questions.
>_
-
>"That's a good point, Nitori. I think, if we want, we can bend the definition of graceful to be whatever we please. May I see those mushrooms?"
-
>"That's a good point, Nitori. I think, if we want, we can bend the definition of graceful to be whatever we please. May I see those mushrooms?"
> Rika holds the pair out in her hand up towards you.
>_
-
>Look them over, and examine them as best we can. Do they seem right?
-
>Look them over, and examine them as best we can. Do they seem right?
> They do. You'd think this is one you pulled out.
>_
-
>Nothing for it, let's try 'em.
-
>Nothing for it, let's try 'em.
> You down the pair like usual.
> And it feels like usual as well. You're not sure you can find any differences...
> You wonder if it would allow a regular one on top of this to push things further, or if it is just a close enough recreation in the end not to.
>_
-
>How strongly are we affected by these? It's been awhile.
-
>How strongly are we affected by these? It's been awhile.
> You didn't test too much. Mostly the size and how you felt. You haven't gone into things like how well you can control your dolls, or how your magic is now. Most disputes were resolved easily anyways. Its not like you'd have needed to use the mushrooms for support.
> Last you recall, it felt refreshing and reawakening. Like everything was restored to top shape. As for appearances, your dress grows and, alongside your headband, gets frillier. You wonder what decided that Marisa's normal hat wasn't enough, and makes it change into something different...
>_
-
>How large did we get, compared to before?
>Let's do a test run, and try to see how many dolls we can conjure. Don't actually do it, just try to get a feel for the capacity.
-
>How large did we get, compared to before?
>Let's do a test run, and try to see how many dolls we can conjure. Don't actually do it, just try to get a feel for the capacity.
> You think you've grown the same amount, though there's your increased size from before eating it already...
> You don't feel like you're limited. Can you just make countless ones? Maybe until the time runs out?
>_
-
>How much is that in feet or meters?
>Let's try a few other spells, to gauge what they would be like. Don't cast them, just test them.
-
>How much is that in feet or meters?
>Let's try a few other spells, to gauge what they would be like. Don't cast them, just test them.
> You don't have anything you can measure yourself with. You don't fit in the doorway anymore, at least.
>_
-
>We can compare against Nitori, surely?
>Let's try a few other spells, to gauge what they would be like. Don't cast them, just test them.
-
>We can compare against Nitori, surely?
>Let's try a few other spells, to gauge what they would be like. Don't cast them, just test them.
> Right, the people here... Nitori. Meiling's increased size...
> You'd like to guess you're twenty meters, but that seems like a bit of an exaggeration.
> Ah right, Meiling reached six last you recall. Doesn't look like you beat out three of her stacked on one another yet. You must be around sixteen meters now.
> You consider the spells you could use, and the magic you have access to... Making a doll create a huge explosion seem like it should be as easy as small explosions for them. One that could decimate an entire house in one go, as well as make a large crater... well, you manage that much power in a single small doll. Something human sized seems doable. A group of Goliath sized dolls could level a forest like that.
> In more controlled ways, you think you can use your grimoire freely while still doing all the things you normally would with your dolls at the same time. You could incoporate some of the pattenrs you'd use with your grimoire in the midst of spell cards that already have patterns, though that might be overwhelming for most enemies.
> In terms of your Grimoire, could you reach Shinki's feats?
> ...No. Creating life, like Yumeko, seems too far a goal, even now.
>_
-
>Oh, we've gotten enormous~ How do we feel?
>Give Meiling a loving head pat. "I forgot what this was like~"
>"Mmm, you did good work, Miss Rika~"
-
>Oh, we've gotten enormous~ How do we feel?
>Give Meiling a loving head pat. "I forgot what this was like~"
>"Mmm, you did good work, Miss Rika~"
> Quite pleasant. How big were you before? Ten? Eleven meters? Either way, you feel like you could carry Golaith doll easily like this. Or Meiling, since she's here, with more ease than before.
> "So nothing's wrong? It feels like it regularly does?" Meiling questions, looking up to you as you lightly tap her head affectionately.
> "That's the only work I do. But sometimes there's people who are more than good, and it's not enough." Rika responds.
> "You didn't expect the mushroom to not be right?" Nitori questions.
> "Of course not. I'm good at making things, and it seems like I just got better from eating one of those."
>_
-
>Mmmm, it's hard to resist Meiling right now! I pull her a little closer to me, enough to snuggle her against me. That should be publically acceptable.
>"Is it difficult, to create things like that?"
-
>Mmmm, it's hard to resist Meiling right now! I pull her a little closer to me, enough to snuggle her against me. That should be publically acceptable.
>"Is it difficult, to create things like that?"
> You lift the bigger, yet still smaller once again, Meiling towards you. Not fully up and against you, but enough to dote on her more than a few headpats would.
> "I'll take that as a yes." Meiling giggles, hugging you back. Well, at least on her side it's a hug.
> "It doesn't feel like it now. Some of my works are improvements on past works. I... guess you can call them failures, but I won't." Rika says. "Our current idea, for example, should still be easy. Even without this mushroom."
>_
-
>"I'd be hardpressed to consider any of it a failure, your talent is incredible!"
-
>"I'd be hardpressed to consider any of it a failure, your talent is incredible!"
> "I've had times where some creations... weren't enough to beat someone."
> "Sure that's not your own skill in using them?" Nitori asks
> "Yes I'm sure! Some of them work on their own anyways."
>_
-
>"What do you mean, work on their own?"
-
>"What do you mean, work on their own?"
> "Well, they're weak and won't do much in terms of attacking, but they do get in the way." Rika explains.
> "I don't think just running into people counts as working on their own." Nitori says.
> "If it's their purpose, it's them working on their own, no?"
>_
-
>"Are you making dolls?"
>...A rival!?
-
>"Are you making dolls?"
>...A rival!?
> "Dolls? They'd be cute... But that's not exactly what I'm going for."
>_
-
>"What are you going for? I don't quite understand what you've been alluding to."
-
>"What are you going for? I don't quite understand what you've been alluding to."
> "What am I going for? I guess whatever I need when need something. If it's strength to go up against someone, usually I make a tank for me to pilot. If it's a distraction or deterrent, I'll make a bunch of small fries." Rika says. No longer term goal?
>_
-
>"To what end?"
-
>"To what end?"
> "Huh?"
> "Something big? Like being the best mechanic?" Nitori questions.
> "I don't really care about that sort of thing. If I'm the best, nice. If not, that's fine. I'm not gonna go out of my way so others can call me better than someone else."
> She has some idea of it then?
>_
-
>"Surely you have some grand design in mind?"
-
>"Surely you have some grand design in mind?"
> "Like a gigantic tank? Hm. I don't really see a reason to start working on that sort of thing. Even if it's for an emergency, I think I can get by in other ways. I probably wouldn't ever use it..."
>_
-
>"The Buddhists and the Taoists would be thrilled by your lack of ambition."
-
>"The Buddhists and the Taoists would be thrilled by your lack of ambition."
> "Hey, it's not a bad thing to have no big goals, is it?"
> "I mean, you should have something you want to strive for to help put in more effort..." Nitori adds
> "I do when I need to."
> "And what do you do when you don't have anything you want to do?"
> "I just enjoy what I have. Or go see what people are doing."
> "You don't have any hobbies?" Meiling questions.
> "Oh, hobbies! That's a good way to end up with a goal without realizing it." Nitori snaps.
>_
-
>"Indeed, what does the woman who can make anything enjoy doing?"
-
>"Indeed, what does the woman who can make anything enjoy doing?"
> "...Making things? Cannons I guess?"
> "How about a giant cannon? Bigger than you've made before. No, smaller than you've made before." Nitori says.
> "Smaller? Hm... going smaller might be interesting. Could it have the same power?"
> "You'd have to find out, right?" Nitori asks further.
>_
-
>"Or perhaps cannons that fire nonstandard things?"
-
>"Or perhaps cannons that fire nonstandard things?"
> Rika thinks for a bit...
> "Like what?" She questions, unable to come up with an example?
>_
-
>Feeling on the spot, grasp about for examples. "Um, confetti? Baked goods? Clothing? I don't know..."
-
>Feeling on the spot, grasp about for examples. "Um, confetti? Baked goods? Clothing? I don't know..."
> People. Dolls. Toys. Ribbons. Ropes. Books.
> "Hm... baked things I guess I can understand a bit... but why clothes?"
> "Well, it'd be hard not to damage the clothes when coming out of a cannon, right? Think you can find a way to make that not happen?" Nitori considers, and thusly asks.
> "A cannon that safely launches out clothes or food... wait, what's the use in those even?"
> "Getting such things from further out the way than normally? Most technology makes things easier. Others make new things possible. This sort of thing would be both, right?"
> "I guess..."
>_
-
>"Not to mention, the "use" might just be that it's fun."
-
>"Not to mention, the "use" might just be that it's fun."
> "So a hobby would be seeing what kind of cannon fire I can make?" Rika questions.
>_
-
>"You can be a little more broad than that. Just do what seems fun."
>Advice a youkai should never give, but here we are~
-
>"You can be a little more broad than that. Just do what seems fun."
>Advice a youkai should never give, but here we are~
> Well, you do act a lot more refined than most. Someone this size probably would've left me destruction in their wake.
> "Oh, is it just about having fun?" Rika asks.
> "Sorta, yeah. Something to spend time on that you also can enjoy." Meiling adds.
> The non-kappa twintails starts to flash.
> "Hm?"
>_
-
>"It's wearing off, that's all."
-
>"It's wearing off, that's all."
> "It's time limited?" Rika questions, as she returns to normal.
> "As you can see, yes."
> "Even with not too much change." Meiling points out.
>_
-
>"Having two extends it a bit. But past that, it's hard to tell."
-
>"Having two extends it a bit. But past that, it's hard to tell."
> "Is it for safety?"
>_
-
>"No, I think it's just there's only so much one can process at a time. Though, prolonged exposure has had some effects in a couple cases~"
-
>"No, I think it's just there's only so much one can process at a time. Though, prolonged exposure has had some effects in a couple cases~"
> "Hm..." Rika starts making another. Though noticeably much slower than when she did it while enhanced.
> "You think you can make a gun that causes that mushrooms effects on whatever it shoots?" Nitori queries.
> Rika pauses in thought at such.
> You should still have a minute or two more of time in your own.
>_
-
>"That is an interesting idea, but it feels a little uncouth to take the mushrooms out of the process, don't you think?"
-
>"That is an interesting idea, but it feels a little uncouth to take the mushrooms out of the process, don't you think?"
> "Well they could be powered by them."
>_
-
>"True, hmm."
>It's odd to be bothered by the fact it removes the victim's choice from the equation as a youkai, and a magician at that. But still.
>"I do wonder. Is it a challenge?"
-
>"True, hmm."
>It's odd to be bothered by the fact it removes the victim's choice from the equation as a youkai, and a magician at that. But still.
>"I do wonder. Is it a challenge?"
> "The cannon that'd be made from such?" Rika finishes the mushroom.
> "Maybe she means the mushroom. That took you much longer to make." Nitori points out.
> "It's not like it took me minutes..." Rika defends.
>_
-
>"I meant the weapon itself."
-
>"I meant the weapon itself."
> "It shouldn't be an issue. I've made weapons before."
>_
-
>"Do you think there will be any loss of efficiency?"
-
>"Do you think there will be any loss of efficiency?"
> "Hmm... I guess that depends on how the mushroom works. If it can only work when eaten in that state, then I guess it'd be impossible."
>_
-
>"Hmmm. We haven't experimented much with things other than eating it. I suppose it might be possible to make a salve out of it...
>...Now that would be fun to use with Meiling...No, focus!
-
>"Hmmm. We haven't experimented much with things other than eating it. I suppose it might be possible to make a salve out of it...
>...Now that would be fun to use with Meiling...No, focus!
> "Like something that only affects an area?"
> "Wou-"
> "Would that even work?" Nitori interrupts Meiling. "Oh, sorry."
> "If it's a full mushroom, but only on a part of someone..." Meiling wonders. "I wish we could just find out who made these or where they came from. That'd answer these, right?"
> "We can just figure them out through trial and error. There's no rush, is there?" Nitori questions.
> Seems like your mushroom is wearing off.
>_
-
>Ah, a shame, but also probably for the better. It was getting difficult not to let our hands roam a little on Meiling...
>"I don't think anyone really makes mushrooms. But...hmm, the question of their origin is an important one, isn't it?"
-
>Ah, a shame, but also probably for the better. It was getting difficult not to let our hands roam a little on Meiling...
>"I don't think anyone really makes mushrooms. But...hmm, the question of their origin is an important one, isn't it?"
> "If anyone can find out, it'll be someone like the harvest goddesses." Nitori considers. "Though there might be others who could, like the other gods atop the mountain."
> The mushrooms effects fade away.
> "Maybe a fairy?" Meiling considers
> "As if. Knowing about nature is different than coming from it."
>_
-
>As the mushrooms wear off, shift our hold on Meiling so she can rebalance herself and not have any falls. Then, afterward, lean into her side now that she is the larger one again.
>"Hmmm, we are due to meet with Kanako at some later point. It'll be a good question for her. And let's not underestimate faeries, they may not know why, but they may have a clue we can interpret if needs be."
-
>As the mushrooms wear off, shift our hold on Meiling so she can rebalance herself and not have any falls. Then, afterward, lean into her side now that she is the larger one again.
>"Hmmm, we are due to meet with Kanako at some later point. It'll be a good question for her. And let's not underestimate faeries, they may not know why, but they may have a clue we can interpret if needs be."
> You return Meiling and get back to her support, rather than the other way around.
> "Clues like...?" Nitori questions.
>_
-
>"I wouldn't presume to guess what a faerie might have to share. Just that there's a potential it could be valuable."
-
>"I wouldn't presume to guess what a faerie might have to share. Just that there's a potential it could be valuable."
> "Guess we better grab some and start then, huh?" Nitori questions.
>_
-
>"Well, there's a difference between not underestimating faeries, and consulting them first thing. I would think it's more of a backup plan, wouldn't you?"
-
>"Well, there's a difference between not underestimating faeries, and consulting them first thing. I would think it's more of a backup plan, wouldn't you?"
> "Mm... I guess I haven't tried. But they don't seem like they'd be willing to listen half the time." Nitori speaks. "If they do, then that's that, huh? But we'll come to it if we have to, yeah."
>_
-
>"Things to consider. Miss Rika, might have a few more mushrooms to top off our supply?"
>Did we discuss much about the mushrooms with the Aki sisters?
-
>"Things to consider. Miss Rika, might have a few more mushrooms to top off our supply?"
>Did we discuss much about the mushrooms with the Aki sisters?
> "Does what you make ever-"
> "When they're made, they're made." Rika interrupts Meiling as she makes another pair. "You won't have to worry about them suddenly disappearing or anything."
> You believe you only discussed cultivation. If there was talk of their effects, there wasn't any new ground broken back then.
>_
-
>"Ah, good to know."
-
>"Ah, good to know."
> "Have you ever wondered about someone trying to use you to mass produce something against your will?" Nitori questions.
> "No?" Rika responds, continuing her set of mushrooms.
>_
-
>"Well, I hope we won't give you reason to doubt."
-
>"Well, I hope we won't give you reason to doubt."
> "I'm sure I'll be fine."
> "You can handle yourself well?" Meiling questions.
> "Uh... That sort of thing won't happen anyways!" Rika finishes, holding them out to you.
>_
-
>Accept the mushrooms.
>"Thank you, Miss Rika."
-
>Accept the mushrooms.
>"Thank you, Miss Rika."
> "Now that I think about it, I don't know a lot of people, and I'm probably not well known either. No one's going to try and make use of my skills."
> "I mean, I kinda am." Nitori says. "But I know you mean in the previously mentioned way. Still, one of the other Kappa could get an idea. Or someone else around the mountain..."
>_
-
>"I can think of someone at the Moriya Shrine who'd be interested in your talents. Both of your talents, really."
-
>"I can think of someone at the Moriya Shrine who'd be interested in your talents. Both of your talents, really."
> "Sanae? I dunno, she and her goddesses might pull her into something they're more interested than she is..." Nitori responds.
> "It's still nice hearing of other ideas, too." Rika adds.
>_
-
>"Well, cut the goddesses out, just meet her somewhere other than the shine."