Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: It's Purvis! on October 30, 2023, 01:43:22 AM
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>YOU NITORI KAWASHIRO, GENSOKYO’S FAVORITE TINKERER! You are well known as a leading voice in the field of technology in Gensokyo. Or at least you imagine that you are. You are also an entrepreneur, a necessary thing for funding your work and also keeping yourself fed. You are a respected member of Kappa society, as much as kappa respect other kappa; which isn’t very much at all. You are blessed to enjoy your work, and find your work enjoyable. When you are not actively inventing something, you’re generally restoring something, or maintaining something, or cleaning something. When things get too monotonous, you do enjoy a nice board or card game. You have a taste for music, and like most kappa you enjoy collecting the strange black music boxes that sometimes find their way in from the outside world. Sometimes you’d like to have one every one there is, but that seems to be a virtually impossible order. You’re half decent at sketching as well, if only out of necessity for some of your more intricate works.
>And, you have a project to return to. Perhaps your finest work to date, cruelly overshadowed by various events. Save for one exception that doesn’t really count, as far as you’re concerned, you were the first person to facilitate slipping the surly bonds of gravity and send a youkai into the realms of the heavens above. Not yourself, of course, you had to stay on the ground and do the launch; you sent up Patchouli. Patchouli will of course claim Scarlet Devil Mansion did this first, which is technically true but doesn’t really count when you think about it. …And apparently Yuuka got up there somehow, but that also doesn’t count!
>Regardless! You have finally gotten the baseline money, the time, and the drive to restart the project! Before you only managed to get as far as the Sun, but now, you’re going straight up there as far as anyone ever has! Not only as the inventor, but the explorer as well! …Once the Rocket’s engine is complete. And once you actually figure out a course. And maybe once you get a co-pilot of some kind in case things get nasty. There’s still some work that needs to be done, if you’re being honest. But it’s almost ready!
>You've been hard a work getting things set up for the launch. You've gotten materials you need to put the finishing touches on the rocket, you've scouted out a few prospective assistants, and you've arranged for Chimata Tenkyuu to guide and power the flight. As well, you've gotten into a contest with Scarlet Devil Mansion, who seems to have reignited their own interest in space travel. You've found your neighbors arranged for a festival, which is going on now, and no one told you. As well, you have indulged a worrying amount of money into a potion that has temporarily grown your hair out considerably longer.
>Things are coming together. You'll need to put in some more work getting the rocket ready and chart a course, but things should be ready soon. Currently you and Momiji are going through the festival, looking for something to eat.
> Follow that tengu!
>Momiji leads you deeper into the maze of stands and stalls. The crowds are fairly heavy now, youkai tend to be more active at night, but it's not so bad that people can't move around. You note a fair few tanuki in the crowd, a handful tengu, and and a few youkai running stands of their own. Soon you follow Momiji's nose to the grilled fish stand, manned by a trio of light-haired kappa serving a fairly large crowd with surprising efficiency.
>_
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> Anyone we know/recognize, either amongst the fish grillers or amongst the non-kappa we've seen going around?
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> Anyone we know/recognize, either amongst the fish grillers or amongst the non-kappa we've seen going around?
>You vaguely recognize the fish grillers. You can't put a name or description to them, really, but you've seen them around. One or two of the tengu may prick at your memory, but they were probably just visitors from before. Other youkai you note include Utsuho and Parsee at a game booth, Mystia with her mobile stand, that nun from from whole religious war, a calico cat youkai visiting a shaved ice stand, and a tube fox running what seems to be a fortune draw stand, possibly claiming affiliation with the Moriya shrine?
>_
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> Didn't we see that calico cat earlier in the Human Village? Between her and those dango rabbits from before, seems we're not the only folks getting around.
> "This'll certainly do."
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> Didn't we see that calico cat earlier in the Human Village? Between her and those dango rabbits from before, seems we're not the only folks getting around.
> "This'll certainly do."
>You think you did, come to mention it. Well, it's the nature of cats to roam around, you suppose.
>"Great," Momiji says, as she gets in line. "So, now that we got time, what's with your hair?"
>_
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> Get in line with her.
> Wink and grin.
> "Feel for yourself."
> Turn our head so one of our ponytails is 'facing' Momiji.
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> Get in line with her.
> Wink and grin.
> "Feel for yourself."
> Turn our head so one of our ponytails is 'facing' Momiji.
>Momiji considers it for a moment, then takes your ponytail in hand.
>"Yep, feels real to me."
>_
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> "I thought about changing my appearance, so I asked a trustworthy medicine seller in the Human Village about if a couple of things were possible. This one was with the right ingredients, and now here we are."
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> "I thought about changing my appearance, so I asked a trustworthy medicine seller in the Human Village about if a couple of things were possible. This one was with the right ingredients, and now here we are."
>She gives your ponytail a gentle tug, not enough to hurt but enough to test its resilience as you explain to her.
>"Huh," she says as she lets it go. "Well, I guess that's okay."
>_
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> With her in front of us as a reference, imagine Momiji with long hair.
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> With her in front of us as a reference, imagine Momiji with long hair.
>It's not hard to do. The tricky part is whether it would affect her tail or not.
>_
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> "I think it'd look good on you too, honestly. Though, between the ingredient-gathering and the actual service, it admittedly wasn't cheap."
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>She gives your ponytail a gentle tug, not enough to hurt but enough to test its resilience as you explain to her.
>"Huh," she says as she lets it go. "Well, I guess that's okay."
>_
> "I think it'd look good on you too, honestly. Though, between the ingredient-gathering and the actual service, it admittedly wasn't cheap."
>>It's not hard to do. The tricky part is whether it would affect her tail or not.
>_
> " Oh I had some assurances they would be okay, the medicine seller was from Eientei both in need of youkai*concealment and costumers,the more particular ingredients from Marisa herself and then Maribel on Renko's behalf."
> Add to Momiji about such an offer and not-cheapness by price and materials through medicine by THAT EIENTEI Pharmacy seller ...
> ...that she hinted at side-effects,like she should it with any medicine,which is to supe-hair-grow starting from the longest natural hair-growth even if already cut besides affecting all the most external hairs...so if her "her tail is within that it is a better not" but if "indipendent or close then likely a minor growth"
>You vaguely recognize the fish grillers. You can't put a name or description to them, really, but you've seen them around. One or two of the tengu may prick at your memory, but they were probably just visitors from before. Other youkai you note include Utsuho and Parsee at a game booth, Mystia with her mobile stand, that nun from from whole religious war, a calico cat youkai visiting a shaved ice stand, and a tube fox running what seems to be a fortune draw stand, possibly claiming affiliation with the Moriya shrine?
>_
> Keep throwing glances at those 1,1 par,and 1 ,and particularly at...
:star: > Didn't we see that calico cat earlier in the Human Village? Between her and those dango rabbits from before, seems we're not the only folks getting around.
> "This'll certainly do."
:star:
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> Let's not give any hints as to the medicine seller's identity, to at least respect her desire to try to act incognito. Lightly teasing her to her face is one thing, going around telling others is quite another.
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> "I think it'd look good on you too, honestly. Though, between the ingredient-gathering and the actual service, it admittedly wasn't cheap."
>"How much did it run you?" she says.
>_
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> Purse our lips in thought.
> Pull out our notepad and writing implement.
> Say: "A lot."
> Write: "120☼ for the info and mixing service. I had to get the ingredients myself, too."
> Rip out the note and hand it to Momiji.
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> Purse our lips in thought.
> Pull out our notepad and writing implement.
> Say: "A lot."
> Write: "120☼ for the info and mixing service. I had to get the ingredients myself, too."
> Rip out the note and hand it to Momiji.
>Momiji looks at the note. "I have have no idea why you didn't just say this like a normal person," she says.
>Before you can answer, something small, blonde, red, white, and blue plows directly into your side with the force of a charging sheep. "Gwak!"
>_
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> "Ack!"
> Focus primarily on holding ourselves upright and not getting knocked over!
> If we're able to maintain footing, grab ahold of whatever this projectile is.
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> "Ack!"
> Focus primarily on holding ourselves upright and not getting knocked over!
> If we're able to maintain footing, grab ahold of whatever this projectile is.
>You manage to keep upright, and grab onto the shoulders of aforementioned bundle of red white and blue, which turns out to be a blonde faerie in a short dress and tights, wearing a jester's motley and currently squirming rather fiercely. "Agh! Leggo of me, hose brain!"
>"The heck?" Momiji says.
>_
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> Looks like someone didn't get the memo that we eat faeries.
> Have we seen these unique styling before?
> Do we have her pinned, or is our grip simply too tight for her to wrench herself out of it?
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> Looks like someone didn't get the memo that we eat faeries.
> Have we seen these unique styling before?
> Do we have her pinned, or is our grip simply too tight for her to wrench herself out of it?
>It seems not.
>You...might've? Maybe. You don't pay a lot of attention to faeries.
>Your grip is good, but she is probably going to wriggle out very soon.
>_
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> Lightly fling her away to let her go.
> "Oi! Watch where you're headed!"
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> Lightly fling her away to let her go.
> "Oi! Watch where you're headed!"
>The faerie stumbles back before getting her footing.
>"Watch where you're standing, bark licker!" the faerie says, balling her hands into fists at her side and glaring at you.
>_
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> How socially embarrassing is it to get into an argument with a fairy in a crowd?
> If 'very socially embarassing', what's the most socially acceptable manner to handle a situation like this?
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> How socially embarrassing is it to get into an argument with a fairy in a crowd?
> If 'very socially embarassing', what's the most socially acceptable manner to handle a situation like this?
>Depends on how wronged you have been, but in general it's kind of embarrassing at best.
>Socially acceptable alternatives include distracting, misdirecting, or driving the faerie off.
>_
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> "Hmph. I see word of the Faerie Eater hasn't gotten around enough yet."
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> "Hmph. I see word of the Faerie Eater hasn't gotten around enough yet."
>"What're you talking about?" the faerie says. "Are you making stuff up? Because I can do that too!"
>_
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> "Of course not. Ask around the human house near the Forest of Magic about it. Look, what do you need here?"
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> "Of course not. Ask around the human house near the Forest of Magic about it. Look, what do you need here?"
>"...You're a spy!" The faerie says. "Well, you're not gonna get your grubby mitts on my top secrets!"
>Judging by how agitated she's getting, this is probably one of the more fightier than flightier kinds of faerie.
>_
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> "I don't need to."
> Point in the general direction Aya flew off in earlier.
> "The reporter I talked to earlier already got 'em."
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> "I don't need to."
> Point in the general direction Aya flew off in earlier.
> "The reporter I talked to earlier already got 'em."
>"What! Impossible!" the faerie says, "Those were top secret!"
>_
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> Shrug.
> "What can I say? She's the best in the business. We've all been got by her before."
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> Shrug.
> "What can I say? She's the best in the business. We've all been got by her before."
>"Not me," says the faerie. "Maybe you guys are just kinda lame?"
>_
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> How's the line doing?
> Chuckle.
> "Oh, I'm sure she's gotten you."
> Gesture up and down at this ridiculous getup.
> "You're too unique for her to not take notice."
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> How's the line doing?
> Chuckle.
> "Oh, I'm sure she's gotten you."
> Gesture up and down at this ridiculous getup.
> "You're too unique for her to not take notice."
>Looks like you'll be next after this customer. Good thing you checked!
>"Nah, I think you guys are just bad at it. You wouldn't last five seconds in hell!"
>_
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> How is Momiji taking all this?
> "Well, if you think we're not worthy, you can always chase after that reporter I mentioned, since she's been able to get us before. Surely someone like you can handle her?"
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> How is Momiji taking all this?
> "Well, if you think we're not worthy, you can always chase after that reporter I mentioned, since she's been able to get us before. Surely someone like you can handle her?"
>She's just watching with her arms crossed.
>"Yeah, I'll bake her baklava good!" The faerie says. Then she pauses. "No. No. Wait. Can't. The mission comes first!"
>_
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> "Then do whatever it is you're here to do."
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> "Then do whatever it is you're here to do."
>"Then move, you teeth fondler!" she says.
>_
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> Is it our turn in line?
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> Is it our turn in line?
>It is now.
>_
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> "Sure. Here you go."
> Step forward in line (assuming this doesn't crash us into Momiji) to get to the counter.
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> "Sure. Here you go."
> Step forward in line (assuming this doesn't crash us into Momiji) to get to the counter.
>You approach the counter, and the faerie dashes past you.
>"What a little pain," Momiji says. Then she looks to the kappa at the counter and says "I'll take three. How about you, Nitori?"
>_
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> How large or small was that faerie, anyway?
> Is there a price guide anywhere?
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> How large or small was that faerie, anyway?
> Is there a price guide anywhere?
>She was about chest high to you, so fairly large for a faerie.
>It looks like 3☼ per.
>_
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> And what have we got on us, 15☼?
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> And what have we got on us, 15☼?
>You have 34☼
>_
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> "I'll have two, please."
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> "I'll have two, please."
>With surprising coordination, the three kappa prepare and skewer five grilled fish filets. You note that they seem to be using whatever they can catch in the river, two of the filets are catfish, one seems to be a sweetfish, another flounder, and you think the last is anchovy? The cashier holds out all five for you to grab as you like.
>_
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> Are they being offered to us specifically, Momiji specifically, or somewhere between the two of us?
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> Are they being offered to us specifically, Momiji specifically, or somewhere between the two of us?
>Between the two of you.
>_
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> "Momiji, you can grab those."
> Pull out and offer 15☼ for the five skewers.
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> "Momiji, you can grab those."
> Pull out and offer 15☼ for the five skewers.
>"Got it!" she says, taking them all as you pay the cashier off, who then immediately waves you both away to keep the line moving.
>_
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> Scoot out the way! (Try not to run Momiji over in the process, as much as we'd probably just bounce off of her.)
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> Scoot out the way! (Try not to run Momiji over in the process, as much as we'd probably just bounce off of her.)
>The two of you clear out of the way.
>"So what's next?" Momiji says.
>_
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> "Anything in particular you wanted to do? There's plenty more festival around to enjoy. Or we could go back to my place."
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> "Anything in particular you wanted to do? There's plenty more festival around to enjoy. Or we could go back to my place."
>"Wouldn't mind walking around and playing a few games," Momiji says. "Might as well tell me about all the stuff you got up to, sounds way more exciting than my day."
>_
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> "Sure."
> Begin wandering the festival with our...wait, does this count as a date?
> "You wanna hear about the rocket or the hair first?"
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> "Sure."
> Begin wandering the festival with our...wait, does this count as a date?
> "You wanna hear about the rocket or the hair first?"
>This is absolutely not a date.
>"Whichever you want to unload about first," Momiji says.
>_
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> "Well, the hair is what it is. Cost aside, I'm very happy with it. I just wasn't sure if you wanted to feel it more, or if you thought that would be weird."
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> "Well, the hair is what it is. Cost aside, I'm very happy with it. I just wasn't sure if you wanted to feel it more, or if you thought that would be weird."
>"It'd be weird," Momiji says. "Does look good, though. Kind of festive, like you have streamers on."
>_
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> "Thanks! I'm glad you think so."
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> "Thanks! I'm glad you think so."
>The two of you wander through the trade meet of the festival as you talk. Here kappa, a few yamawaro, and a few others have set up stands and spread blankets across the ground, selling a wide variety of small inventions, loose pieces, tools, and various junk. Just looking around, you could have easily found a ready-made part to finish the rocket, but the scrap you got was priced just right.
>"So you gonna take yours?" Momiji says, holding out the fish.
>_
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> Free is the best price, after all!
> Which of the five fish is she offering us?
> If she's offering all five, ask: "Oh, right. Which three did you want?"
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> Free is the best price, after all!
> Which of the five fish is she offering us?
> If she's offering all five, ask: "Oh, right. Which three did you want?"
>"I'll take these," she says, offering you a catfish and the sweetish.
>_
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> Take 'em and eat 'em!
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> Take 'em and eat 'em!
>You take them and dig in, finding them a salty and well-grilled.
>"So that faerie's been running around the mountain all day," Momiji says as she munches on one of her fish. "No idea what she's up to. Been waiting for her to run into one of the patrols."
>_
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> "I was trying. She just wouldn't take the bait..."
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> "I was trying. She just wouldn't take the bait..."
>"Don't dump your problems on us, please," Momiji says.
>_
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> "I didn't like doing it, but I really didn't want to start a fight in the middle of the line."
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> "I didn't like doing it, but I really didn't want to start a fight in the middle of the line."
>She nods. "Yeah, that wouldn't have been any good. That's why I didn't get involved, it would have just gotten her confused."
>_
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> "No good way out of the situation, really. But at least it resolved itself."
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> "No good way out of the situation, really. But at least it resolved itself."
>She nods. "For the moment, anyways."
>_
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> "Anyway, the rocket..."
> Regale Momiji with tales of our rocket-related exploits from today, including the visits to Kourindou, the Hakurei Shrine, the yamawaro warzone, the Tenkyuu Shrine, and the Scarlet Devil Mansion, as well as Aya visiting already.
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> "Anyway, the rocket..."
> Regale Momiji with tales of our rocket-related exploits from today, including the visits to Kourindou, the Hakurei Shrine, the yamawaro warzone, the Tenkyuu Shrine, and the Scarlet Devil Mansion, as well as Aya visiting already.
>You regale her with the general details, as you walk around and enjoy dinner. The crowds wax and wane as you explore the festival. You pass the red-haired drummer, who gives you a grin as you do. You see that blonde faerie a few times poking her nose here and there; looking behind booths and tables. At one point, you are pretty sure you see a group of kobito shoplifting from one of the trading stands.
>"I'm surprised Aya got here so fast. Must've been a slow news day."
>_
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> "It worked out for me. I'm certainly not complaining. Though it's possible you're right about the slow news day thing, given she's considering going with me."
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> "It worked out for me. I'm certainly not complaining. Though it's possible you're right about the slow news day thing, given she's considering going with me."
>"Really?" she says. "Probably just looking to cause trouble for whoever you end up meeting."
>_
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> "If I meet anyone. I certainly didn't promise her any results."
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> "If I meet anyone. I certainly didn't promise her any results."
>"Fair," says Momiji. "Gotta be some Lunarians, though?"
>_
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>"Fair," says Momiji. "Gotta be some Lunarians, though?"
>_
>Answer her that since the main aim is a Challenging Rocket-Building with Actual Outer Space Exploration and Best Material Retrieval...both you and the Patchouli's Crew on the Rocket from the Scarlet Mansion and Patchouli,are very unlikely to meet Lunarians unless very particular scenarios such as they Rocket-Exploring as well or intercepting you somehow.
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> After the above: "...Unless they've mastered space exploration themselves and are wandering around away from the moon now. ...Which I guess is actually pretty possible now that I think about it, huh?"
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>Answer her that since the main aim is a Challenging Rocket-Building with Actual Outer Space Exploration and Best Material Retrieval...both you and the Patchouli's Crew on the Rocket from the Scarlet Mansion and Patchouli,are very unlikely to meet Lunarians unless very particular scenarios such as they Rocket-Exploring as well or intercepting you somehow.
> After the above: "...Unless they've mastered space exploration themselves and are wandering around away from the moon now. ...Which I guess is actually pretty possible now that I think about it, huh?"
>Momiji nods along. "Who knows what's going on in their heads, really?"
>_
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> Shake our head.
> "Impossible to say."
-
> Shake our head.
> "Impossible to say."
>"So, while you're gone," Momiji says, "Is there anything you want done? I don't have a whole lot of time, but I can see what I can do."
>_
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> Oh, that's a good consideration. Is there anything that'll need doing while we're out?
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> Oh, that's a good consideration. Is there anything that'll need doing while we're out?
>Is there? Your warehouse ought to be largely fine while you're gone; not that you could probably talk her into cleaning or anything anyways.
>_
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> Does Momiji get any sort of regularly-scheduled days off?
> " I can't think of anything, honestly. The offers appreciated, though. ...I guess just make sure no one has blown up my house by the time I get back."
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> Does Momiji get any sort of regularly-scheduled days off?
> " I can't think of anything, honestly. The offers appreciated, though. ...I guess just make sure no one has blown up my house by the time I get back."
>She does. Weekends, usually.
>"I'll see what I can do," Momiji says. "No promises, but if I see someone, I'll at least try to note down who they are if I can't stop them. But if you need anything else, let me know."
>_
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> "Will do. Thanks, buddy."
-
> "Will do. Thanks, buddy."
>"Can't let someone steal the shoji set, after all," she says.
>_
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> Chuckle.
> "That's true."
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> Chuckle.
> "That's true."
>The two of you continue to explore the festival. Momiji insists on playing a few game booths, doing fairly well at dart tossing and not so well at scooping goldfish. Eventually, you find yourselves wandering generally back toward your warehouse.
>"I think it's about time I head back," Momiji says. "Got stuff to do at home."
>_
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> "Of course. Glad you were able to get on on the fun."
-
> "Of course. Glad you were able to get on on the fun."
>"Thanks for supper!" she says, as she takes to the air and departs.
>_
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> How nighttime is it? Is it sufficiently nighttime that making a house call to, say, Yua would be considered rude? Or would that still be okay?
-
> How nighttime is it? Is it sufficiently nighttime that making a house call to, say, Yua would be considered rude? Or would that still be okay?
>It's reasonably late now. While it is not rude, it's likely she would be busy. Or possibly elsewhere, given the festival?
>_
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> She did say she was planning to attend more of the festival...
> Let's head back in the direction of the festival and see if we can't spot her by chance.
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> She did say she was planning to attend more of the festival...
> Let's head back in the direction of the festival and see if we can't spot her by chance.
>You cycle back toward the festival, and look around with ah eye toward finding her.
>As it turns out, she's not too hard to find. You spot her at a scrap dealer, haggling over a handful of gears.
>_
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> Oh, poor dear. We should take her with us next time we go on a shopping trip to Anywhere Other Than Here.
> Make our way in her direction, but stop a respectful distance away so she can finish her business first.
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> Oh, poor dear. We should take her with us next time we go on a shopping trip to Anywhere Other Than Here.
> Make our way in her direction, but stop a respectful distance away so she can finish her business first.
>It takes her a few minutes to finish up; her style of haggling is not particularly fast or aggressive. But she gets a decent price.
>Then she looks at you. "I apologize if I took up your time, they should be ready for you now."
>_
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> "Oh, that's okay, I was just here to update you about the rocket situation real quick, if you're not in a hurry."
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> "Oh, that's okay, I was just here to update you about the rocket situation real quick, if you're not in a hurry."
>She nods. "Very well."
>_
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> "Great. So, uh, it's turned into a contest between me and the Scarlet Devil Mansion to see who can bring back the most valuable thing. This means a couple things. One, there's probably going to be multiple trips now, which means that there can be multiple co-pilots that rotate in and out and that no one will be stuck in space for an extended period of time that doesn't want to be. Two, it means I'd benefit from having someone with appraisal skills on board at some point."
> "Now, I can reasonably take up to two co-pilots slash passengers in a single trip, I do have one person that's agreed to take part in the first launch, and there's another person that seemed interested but needed time to think. And then there's you as well. I wanted to let you know about these developments since they seemed possibly relevant to your deliberation."
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> "Great. So, uh, it's turned into a contest between me and the Scarlet Devil Mansion to see who can bring back the most valuable thing. This means a couple things. One, there's probably going to be multiple trips now, which means that there can be multiple co-pilots that rotate in and out and that no one will be stuck in space for an extended period of time that doesn't want to be. Two, it means I'd benefit from having someone with appraisal skills on board at some point."
> "Now, I can reasonably take up to two co-pilots slash passengers in a single trip, I do have one person that's agreed to take part in the first launch, and there's another person that seemed interested but needed time to think. And then there's you as well. I wanted to let you know about these developments since they seemed possibly relevant to your deliberation."
>She nods, then purses her lips. "I see," she says. "I think, then, it is fine if you leave me behind."
>_
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> Ah...aww.
> Look crestfallen for a couple moments, but then nod.
> "Alright. Thank you for the consideration."
-
> Ah...aww.
> Look crestfallen for a couple moments, but then nod.
> "Alright. Thank you for the consideration."
>"Don't worry about it," she says. "I'm sure you have a more able crew."
>_
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> "It's not that. It's just..."
> Fidget a bit.
> "...I, uh, thought it'd be an opportunity to get to know you better."
-
> "It's not that. It's just..."
> Fidget a bit.
> "...I, uh, thought it'd be an opportunity to get to know you better."
>She blinks. Then she distinctly blushes.
>"Oh I have havetogonowsorry!" Yua says, quickly walking away.
>_
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> "Ah! ...Um! Sorry!"
> ...Ugh, crimony. Socialization sucks...
> Cover our face in our hands and breathe a deep breath in and out.
> Then head all the way back in the direction of the Tenkyuu Shrine, since that's our last stop of the evening.
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> "Ah! ...Um! Sorry!"
> ...Ugh, crimony. Socialization sucks...
> Cover our face in our hands and breathe a deep breath in and out.
> Then head all the way back in the direction of the Tenkyuu Shrine, since that's our last stop of the evening.
>"It'sfine!" she cries back, vanishing into the crowd.
>You take a few steadying breathes. Hopefully she's just overwhelmed. That happens sometimes, kappa are kind of reclusive a lot of the time, despite the flow of modernity.
>You then make your way back toward the Tenkyuu Shrine. Now that you know where it is, it's reasonably easy to fly to it. And perhaps for the best, you can definitely see some danmaku along the southern slopes. Must be a big night for the yamawaro.
>You land at the Tenkyuu Shrine, and things are rather quiet at the moment. Chimata is lingering in the courtyard, perhaps she is waiting for you, or maybe she's just watching the stars? "Miss Kawashiro," she says as you land, "I wasn't expecting to see you again this evening."
>_
-
> "Well, you mentioned preferring to be informed. And I needed to get away from the festival for a bit anyway."
-
> "Well, you mentioned preferring to be informed. And I needed to get away from the festival for a bit anyway."
>Chimata nods. "Then, what have you to share?" she says.
>_
-
> "The mansion was down for a competition. We're going to see who can bring back the most valuable thing. I filled the mountain gambling house in on it, and a tengu reporter has already come by for an investigation slash interview. I think that paper will be out tomorrow. I also got my hair done, as much as that had nothing to do with all this."
-
> "The mansion was down for a competition. We're going to see who can bring back the most valuable thing. I filled the mountain gambling house in on it, and a tengu reporter has already come by for an investigation slash interview. I think that paper will be out tomorrow. I also got my hair done, as much as that had nothing to do with all this."
>"Ah, so you did," Chimata says. "It is rather dramatic, but I think that is fitting. And it seems everything is proceeding apace, excellent work."
>_
-
> "Thanks. I got your card, too. Though it is now possible there might be multiple trips. I don't know if that changes anything in your end."
-
> "Thanks. I got your card, too. Though it is now possible there might be multiple trips. I don't know if that changes anything in your end."
>"I do not foresee any troubles arising for that," she says. "Nor, I suspect, do you. It seems you have everything well in hand."
>_
-
> "Okay, that's good."
> "...On that note, out of curiosity, what do you think of all this?"
-
> "Okay, that's good."
> "...On that note, out of curiosity, what do you think of all this?"
>"It's a marvelous opportunity for new frontiers of exchange, don't you agree?" Chimata says.
>_
-
> "Well, yeah, but that's not quite what I meant. I mean more, like...what do you think of space travel in general? This opportunity to extend our reach, our knowledge, well beyond the confines of this land."
-
> "Well, yeah, but that's not quite what I meant. I mean more, like...what do you think of space travel in general? This opportunity to extend our reach, our knowledge, well beyond the confines of this land."
>"In a way, I speculate it is fascinating," Chimata says. "But when thinking about from my own point of view, it's knowing there must be worthy exchanges to be done, that is what draws my eye."
>_
-
> "I see. Hmm. Let me ask this, then."
> Wiggle our head a little bit so our newly-long hair shakes.
> "Is this something that interests you, in the sense that it's something you might consider doing for yourself?"
-
>"It's a marvelous opportunity for new frontiers of exchange, don't you agree?" Chimata says.
>_
> "Well, yeah, but that's not quite what I meant. I mean more, like...what do you think of space travel in general? This opportunity to extend our reach, our knowledge, well beyond the confines of this land."
>"In a way, I speculate it is fascinating," Chimata says. "But when thinking about from my own point of view, it's knowing there must be worthy exchanges to be done, that is what draws my eye."
>_
> "I see. Hmm. Let me ask this, then."
> Wiggle our head a little bit so our newly-long hair shakes.
> "Is this something that interests you, in the sense that it's something you might consider doing for yourself?"
> Include an explanation that " exchange " is in multiple and not disjointed ""exchanging ways"by trading,experiences,knowledge,information,chartering,challenging...
-
> "I see. Hmm. Let me ask this, then."
> Wiggle our head a little bit so our newly-long hair shakes.
> "Is this something that interests you, in the sense that it's something you might consider doing for yourself?"
>"Ah, that is an interesting look for you," she says, "But I feel shorter hair suits me more, don't you think?"
>_
-
> "If that's what you think, then I'll certainly take it as true. But, well, pardon me if this is rude, I was more curious if you had a personal preference at all."
-
> "If that's what you think, then I'll certainly take it as true. But, well, pardon me if this is rude, I was more curious if you had a personal preference at all."
>"With regards to your coiffure?" Chimata says. "My dear, you must not worry about the opinions or approval of others in such matters. What is most important is that it makes you happy, that it feels best and natural to you. I can see the virtues of both of your styles, and I think it's fine either way."
>_
-
> "Oh, no, sorry, I meant in regards to yourself."
-
> "Oh, no, sorry, I meant in regards to yourself."
>"Had I not said that shorter hair suits me more?"
>_
-
> "You did, and I was responding to that part when I said I was curious if you had a personal preference at all."
-
> "You did, and I was responding to that part when I said I was curious if you had a personal preference at all."
>"I believe it suits me more as it is," she says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Then I agree."
-
> Nod.
> "Then I agree."
>She chuckles. "How strong your feelings are on hairstyling. I will have to remember to tell this to anyone dealing in hair care."
>_
-
> "I mean, it was really just one question where I was trying to not be terribly invasive..."
-
> "I mean, it was really just one question where I was trying to not be terribly invasive..."
>She chuckles. "As you say."
>_
-
> "Anyway, is there anything else about yourself you'd be willing to share outside of your domain and what it implies?"
-
> "Anyway, is there anything else about yourself you'd be willing to share outside of your domain and what it implies?"
>Chimata purses her lips. "It's unusual for a business partner to take such an interest," she says.
>_
-
> "This is a bit of a special case, I suppose. But if you'd rather not talk about yourself, that's fine."
-
> "This is a bit of a special case, I suppose. But if you'd rather not talk about yourself, that's fine."
>She nods. "It's of no consequence. What would you ask?"
>_
-
> "Hmmm...how about your hobbies, ones that aren't directly connected to your domain?"
-
> "Hmmm...how about your hobbies, ones that aren't directly connected to your domain?"
>"This shrine does not maintain itself," she says. "Necessities lead to one taking an interest."
>_
-
> "Hmmm...how about your hobbies, ones that aren't directly connected to your domain?"
>"It's a marvelous opportunity for new frontiers of exchange, don't you agree?" Chimata says.
>_
> "Well, yeah, but that's not quite what I meant. I mean more, like...what do you think of space travel in general? This opportunity to extend our reach, our knowledge, well beyond the confines of this land."
>"In a way, I speculate it is fascinating," Chimata says. "But when thinking about from my own point of view, it's knowing there must be worthy exchanges to be done, that is what draws my eye."
>_
> "I see. Hmm. Let me ask this, then."
> Wiggle our head a little bit so our newly-long hair shakes.
> "Is this something that interests you, in the sense that it's something you might consider doing for yourself?"
>"This shrine does not maintain itself," she says. "Necessities lead to one taking an interest."
>_
> Include an explanation about that" by exchange we aim to include multiple exchanges to be furthered within resources, helps, involvements" such as about knowledge,expertise, building, bonding, chartering,challenging, appraising, trading, business... anything confirmed to be reciprocally beneficial.
-
> "Anything away from work, so to speak?"
-
> Include an explanation about that" by exchange we aim to include multiple exchanges to be furthered within resources, helps, involvements" such as about knowledge,expertise, building, bonding, chartering,challenging, appraising, trading, business... anything confirmed to be reciprocally beneficial.
>"So you say," says Chimata. "But let us consider future opportunities before we worry about supplementing our connections."
> "Anything away from work, so to speak?"
>"Hm, it's barely work now," she says. "But, you will not be surprised to learn I enjoy a game of skill as much as anyone does."
>_
-
> !
> Raise an eyebrow with a bit of a grin.
> "Really now. Card and board games included?"
-
> !
> Raise an eyebrow with a bit of a grin.
> "Really now. Card and board games included?"
>"But of course," says Chimata, smirking.
>_
-
> Do we have any favorite games?
> "Well. Perhaps I'll visit in the future for more than just business reasons, then."
-
> Do we have any favorite games?
> "Well. Perhaps I'll visit in the future for more than just business reasons, then."
>You like board games the most, fewer secrets hidden from you. But anything's fun, really?
>"I suppose that wouldn't be untoward," Chimata says.
>_
-
> "Great! I think that's everything I had to report, then."
-
> "Great! I think that's everything I had to report, then."
>Chimata gives an nod. "It is good that everything proceeds apace. Go now, and rest well."
>_
-
> "You too. Uh, if night time rest is even a thing for gods."
> Head back home, to begin the preparation of skygazing.
-
> "You too. Uh, if night time rest is even a thing for gods."
> Head back home, to begin the preparation of skygazing.
>You make you way back to your warehouse, flying through the night. The mountainside danmaku has died down; the yamawaro must be done for now.
>As you land near your warehouse, you see a small woman in a black skirt and vest leaning against the bay door, her arms crossed. Bat wings poke out through her long red hair, larger ones extend from her back. "There you are!" she says. "How long were you planning to make me wait?" Then she blinks. "Oh, you're hair got long. It looks nice! ...But I'm still mad! You left me here all night!"
>_
-
> ...Is this Patchouli's familiar?
-
> ...Is this Patchouli's familiar?
>It sure is.
>_
-
> How long has it been since we left here with Momiji?
> "Huh? Why are you here? I thought you wanted nothing to do with being a contest prize."
-
> How long has it been since we left here with Momiji?
> "Huh? Why are you here? I thought you wanted nothing to do with being a contest prize."
>It's not been all that long. Hour or so? ...Maybe more?
>"And then Patchy tried to barter me off, so I'm betraying her a little bit," she says. "You wanted me on your crew, you got me."
>_
-
> Blink.
> "...Really? ...I mean, I'd be glad for the help, but...you're not going to get into trouble for this, are you?"
-
> Blink.
> "...Really? ...I mean, I'd be glad for the help, but...you're not going to get into trouble for this, are you?"
>"Probably, but what are they going to do? They weren't going to let me on their ship anyways," she says. "So we're going up to the stars, huh?"
>_
-
> "...Uh, yeah, basically. It'll be a little tight with three of us on the first trip, but nothing unlivable unless someone grates on someone else's nerves. And the more eyes the better for finding interesting stuff to bring back."
-
> "...Uh, yeah, basically. It'll be a little tight with three of us on the first trip, but nothing unlivable unless someone grates on someone else's nerves. And the more eyes the better for finding interesting stuff to bring back."
>"Three?" she says, frowning. "Who's the other one?"
>_
-
> "Another kappa. She's a good cook, so we won't be hurting for meals on our voyage."
> Purse our lips in thought.
> "That being said, there may be more than one trip, and it's quite possible the next one will have Aya Shameimaru on board instead."
-
> "Another kappa. She's a good cook, so we won't be hurting for meals on our voyage."
> Purse our lips in thought.
> "That being said, there may be more than one trip, and it's quite possible the next one will have Aya Shameimaru on board instead."
>"Well that doesn't seem too bad," she says. Then you mention Aya, and she makes a face. "Oh, that nosy tengu? Well...better to have her on our side."
>_
-
> Well, now that she's here, up close and personal, we are forced to consider: is she hot?
> "From what she and I discussed, it sounds like your employer would never have her on their side unless they physically tied her to their rocket to serve as a figurehead."
-
> Well, now that she's here, up close and personal, we are forced to consider: is she hot?
> "From what she and I discussed, it sounds like your employer would never have her on their side unless they physically tied her to their rocket to serve as a figurehead."
>Fairly!
>"Yeah. We don't...get along so much," the familiar says. "The purple one's our favorite."
>_
-
> Is it late enough that route mapping is feasible?
> "Hatate? It does seem like most everyone prefers one or the other."
> "Anyway, there isn't too much left to do at this point. I need to hammer out some final stuff and plan a route, and we should be good to go tomorrow. Though I'll need to hold off long enough for Aya to come by so we can update each other on what's going on. And for Aoi to swing by."
-
> Is it late enough that route mapping is feasible?
> "Hatate? It does seem like most everyone prefers one or the other."
> "Anyway, there isn't too much left to do at this point. I need to hammer out some final stuff and plan a route, and we should be good to go tomorrow. Though I'll need to hold off long enough for Aya to come by so we can update each other on what's going on. And for Aoi to swing by."
>It should be.
>"Okay, that's fine," she says. "What should I be be expecting once we set sail?"
>_
-
> How much taller than us is she?
> "That's hard to say. Part of the motivation of this voyage is the exploration of the unknown. We could find just about anything out there."
-
> How much taller than us is she?
> "That's hard to say. Part of the motivation of this voyage is the exploration of the unknown. We could find just about anything out there."
>A few inches.
>"How exciting," she says. "I'll be ready for anything, then!"
>_
-
> How many people could fit in our bed?
> Does she seem to have any belongings with her?
> Are we equipped with accommodations for overnight guests?
> Do we even know her name?
-
> How many people could fit in our bed?
> Does she seem to have any belongings with her?
> Are we equipped with accommodations for overnight guests?
> Do we even know her name?
>Two would be difficult.
>No.
>You have a guest futon.
>...Not really.
>_
-
> "Great! In that case...hmm."
> "One: I don't think I never got your name. What would you like me to call you?"
> "Two; Do you intend to spend the night here tonight?"
> "...Three. If I told you something potentially embarrassing about myself, how willing and able are you to not ever speak of it with your employer?"
-
> "Great! In that case...hmm."
> "One: I don't think I never got your name. What would you like me to call you?"
> "Two; Do you intend to spend the night here tonight?"
> "...Three. If I told you something potentially embarrassing about myself, how willing and able are you to not ever speak of it with your employer?"
>"Just call me Koa," she says. "And yeah, it'd be easiest. I'm supposed to be up here spying on you, and if I went back they'd want all the stuff I spied up. And, uh, I guess?"
>_
-
> Look slightly confused.
> "After that entire conversation, they sent you to spy? What...did they really not think something like this might happen? Like, not to question any contractual allegiances or assume the worst of anyone, but if my employer treated me poorly in front of a client and then sent me off on my own to that same client, I sure wouldn't be giving 100%, at the very least."
-
> Look slightly confused.
> "After that entire conversation, they sent you to spy? What...did they really not think something like this might happen? Like, not to question any contractual allegiances or assume the worst of anyone, but if my employer treated me poorly in front of a client and then sent me off on my own to that same client, I sure wouldn't be giving 100%, at the very least."
>"Oh I'm sure they expect me to half ass it," Koa says. "But they don't think they did all that bad. Well, maybe Remi has an inkling, but Patchy sure doesn't, and it's her orders. Though maybe she was just trying to get me to go away? I dunno. Whatever it is, I'm here now and that's their problem."
>_
-
> "Alright. Well, come on in, we can get you set up for the evening before getting to work on plotting a route and making those final adjustments."
> Head inside, (making sure to close doors behind the two of us so no more birds get in, and) leading Koa to the living area.
> Retrieve the guest futon and have a look around for where might be best to set it up.
-
> "Alright. Well, come on in, we can get you set up for the evening before getting to work on plotting a route and making those final adjustments."
> Head inside, (making sure to close doors behind the two of us so no more birds get in, and) leading Koa to the living area.
> Retrieve the guest futon and have a look around for where might be best to set it up.
>"Got you," Koa says, following you inside. You lead her through the workshop, where she gawks at just about everything there and leave her in the kitchen. Fetching the guest futon, you have two real options; either the sitting room or the bedroom.
>_
-
> Head back to the kitchen. (Take the futon with us if we can; leave it behind if we can't.)
> "For sleeping, do you have a preference between the sitting room or the bedroom?"
-
> Head back to the kitchen. (Take the futon with us if we can; leave it behind if we can't.)
> "For sleeping, do you have a preference between the sitting room or the bedroom?"
>"I'm good with whatever," she says, as you catch her in the process of peek into one of your spice jars. Which she doesn't seem to be the least bit ashamed about.
>_
-
> "You're probably not going to find much of interest in there, all of the fun stuff was back in the workshop. As much as fiddling with anything in there isn't advised since it could be very dangerous. Anyway, I'll set you up in the bedroom, I suppose. It's not like you can't just move yourself to the sitting room anyway if it gets too weird for you or whatever. "
> Get the guest futon set up in the bedroom.
-
> "You're probably not going to find much of interest in there, all of the fun stuff was back in the workshop. As much as fiddling with anything in there isn't advised since it could be very dangerous. Anyway, I'll set you up in the bedroom, I suppose. It's not like you can't just move yourself to the sitting room anyway if it gets too weird for you or whatever. "
> Get the guest futon set up in the bedroom.
>"Oh, you want me in there? Hehehehehehe," she says.
>_
-
> Give her a suspicious look.
> "...Maybe I should stick you in the sitting room and lock the bedroom door so Patchouli's assassin doesn't try to take me out before the competition even begins."
-
> Give her a suspicious look.
> "...Maybe I should stick you in the sitting room and lock the bedroom door so Patchouli's assassin doesn't try to take me out before the competition even begins."
>"Oh, getting cold feet now?" she says, "Well, that's fine too."
>_
-
> Sigh.
> "I'll just deal with that decision later, then. Let's go plan the rest of our evening."
> Begin taking her back in the direction of the workshop.
> "So what are your specialties, Koa?"
-
> Sigh.
> "I'll just deal with that decision later, then. Let's go plan the rest of our evening."
> Begin taking her back in the direction of the workshop.
> "So what are your specialties, Koa?"
>She snickers a bit more but lets you lead her back to the workshop.
>"Specialties?" she says. "Uh, I'm really good at finding books at the library. I can sub in as a gate guard or a maid in a pinch. but between you and me, I'm kinda bad at it."
>_
>_
-
> "With any luck, we won't be fighting anyone in space, so you won't have to worry about that. Hmm, how are you at research or language deciphering?"
-
> "With any luck, we won't be fighting anyone in space, so you won't have to worry about that. Hmm, how are you at research or language deciphering?"
>"Oh, I can research things!" she says, grinning brightly. "Um, I can't say I'm good at languages, but I can figure out codes and stuff."
>_
-
> "Alright, that's good. Any domestic proficiencies?"
-
> "Alright, that's good. Any domestic proficiencies?"
>"Uh, I guess I can sweep decently?" she says.
>_
-
> "Mmm, well, I won't make you do that. Okay. How much do you know of Patchouli's plans?"
-
> "Mmm, well, I won't make you do that. Okay. How much do you know of Patchouli's plans?"
>"Which plans?" she says. "You mean her rocket, or what they're up to in general?"
>_
-
> "What they're up to in general. I admit I'm curious about the details of the rocket, but those can wait until after I've won and have a chance to look at it myself."
-
> "What they're up to in general. I admit I'm curious about the details of the rocket, but those can wait until after I've won and have a chance to look at it myself."
>"So I don't know all the details," Koa says, "But I know that Eientei asked them to carry boxes of something up to the Lunar Capital. And then they're going to be bringing something back for Eientei. What it is, I can't say. Remi, at least, doesn't seem to think it's a trick or anything. Also that's probably how they're gonna win; they'll have whatever that cargo is."
>_
-
> What do we know about the Lunar Capital?
-
> What do we know about the Lunar Capital?
>Not a whole lot. You know it is best to be avoided.
>_
-
> "That...seems like a risky idea on their part, to put it nicely."
-
> "That...seems like a risky idea on their part, to put it nicely."
>"See, that's what I thought," says Koa. "But Remi seems confident that it's okay, and Patchouli seems to agree with her. Barely even snarked about it, if you can believe it! so I guess they got a guarantee of safe passage or something? Either way, Remi is just eating it up, you know?"
>_
-
> Opinion of Yukari Yakumo
> In our limited knowledge of and interactions with Yukari, do we have any guess what she might think of a Gensokyo native traveling freely to and from the Lunar Capital?
> "That explains a lot about the details of their half of our conversation. Part of me is sympathetic that you were expecting to not get in on that. The rest of me is thankful for your sake that you weren't being forced to get in on that."
-
> Opinion of Yukari Yakumo
> In our limited knowledge of and interactions with Yukari, do we have any guess what she might think of a Gensokyo native traveling freely to and from the Lunar Capital?
> "That explains a lot about the details of their half of our conversation. Part of me is sympathetic that you were expecting to not get in on that. The rest of me is thankful for your sake that you weren't being forced to get in on that."
>Yukari is best when far, far away from you, and paying no attention to you. Or preferably when doing nothing at all.
>You have no idea. You don't think anyone would know that other than her.
>"Yeah, they're trying to be secretive about it," Koa says. "But Remi also really wants to boast about it. So it ends up like that."
>_
-
> Frown in thought.
> "...I'm not saying this is definitely a thing I'm going to do, but...would you care if I tried to act on this information in a manner to the direct detriment of your employer?"
-
> Frown in thought.
> "...I'm not saying this is definitely a thing I'm going to do, but...would you care if I tried to act on this information in a manner to the direct detriment of your employer?"
>"Depends," Koas going say, her head wings perking up. "What've you got in mind?"
>_
-
> "Nothing substantial yet, I didn't want to spend the brain power on it if I thought you would tell them. The most obvious option is to simply steal their return cargo and present it as my own, because then everyone else involved gets what they want and we don't risk starting an interstellar war. But figuring out the details of doing that at all, let alone getting away with it for long enough for the contest to be declared decided, would take a long time, if it's possible at all."
-
> "Nothing substantial yet, I didn't want to spend the brain power on it if I thought you would tell them. The most obvious option is to simply steal their return cargo and present it as my own, because then everyone else involved gets what they want and we don't risk starting an interstellar war. But figuring out the details of doing that at all, let alone getting away with it for long enough for the contest to be declared decided, would take a long time, if it's possible at all."
>"I think that'd be super hard," says Koa. "But it'd be rally funny!"
>_
-
> "Yeah. Like, I could see it being possible if we were able to get, say, Yukari Yakumo to owe us a favor, but..."
> Pale a bit at the thought.
> "...yeah."
-
> "Yeah. Like, I could see it being possible if we were able to get, say, Yukari Yakumo to owe us a favor, but..."
> Pale a bit at the thought.
> "...yeah."
>"Hah, you're pretty brave," she says.
>_
-
> Do we have a telescope or something similar for route planning?
-
> Do we have a telescope or something similar for route planning?
>You obtained one last week! It is in the cabinet by the door.
>_
-
> "Far from it. The less she thinks about the fact that I exist, the better."
> Retrieve the telescope.
-
> "Far from it. The less she thinks about the fact that I exist, the better."
> Retrieve the telescope.
>"Yeah, really," Koa says, as she starts to poke around a tool box.
>You obtain: Telescope
>_
-
> "I don't suppose you have any experience with stargazing?"
> Have a look at the sky through the telescope.
-
> "I don't suppose you have any experience with stargazing?"
> Have a look at the sky through the telescope.
>She giggles. "Not like that, anyways."
>You glance up at the sky through your telescope. Yep, that's a night sky. Currently you are looking around the Tenome constellation.
>_
-
> "Heh, no worries. Anyway, I don't mind you getting curious about things, but do be careful you don't hurt yourself."
> Get to looking around and figuring out possible routes.
-
> "Heh, no worries. Anyway, I don't mind you getting curious about things, but do be careful you don't hurt yourself."
> Get to looking around and figuring out possible routes.
>You start to look around, considering your course. There's the Sake River, of course. You might want to visit one of the tengu stars, but they may be hard to catch as a move about the sky on their own patterns, unlike the all the other stars on their fixed course. Or...
>...Hang on.
>You have to pause while looking at the tsuribe otoshi constellation. Somehow, it seems to be missing a star from the handle of its bucket...?
>_
-
> ?!?!?!?
> Uh
> Do we know anyone with sky talents or star talents?
> Do we know any tsuribe otoshi?
-
> ?!?!?!?
> Uh
> Do we know anyone with sky talents or star talents?
> Do we know any tsuribe otoshi?
>Not really. Maybe Marisa, kinda sorta?
>There's that one that mugs people around the front way to Former Hell, but you know her more by reputation.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "...Why is a star missing?"
> Look around at other constellations to see if anything else is out of place
-
> Frown.
> "...Why is a star missing?"
> Look around at other constellations to see if anything else is out of place
>There's a lot of sky to look through. But you soon notice another is missing from Daitengu Constellation.
>_
-
> Would the tengu especially care about this, given it's "their" constellation?
-
> Would the tengu especially care about this, given it's "their" constellation?
>The Daitengu would probably be a little miffed. Certainly, symbolically, it's no good for them.
>_
-
> Is this telescope a hand-held one that we can take with us on travels, or is it huge and stuck to the floor barring an oni coming by to lift it?
> Are there Kappa and Yamawaro constellations? If so, check them for missing stars.
> Whatever the result of the above investigation, frown deeper.
> "Koa, we're heading back out. We've got an itinerary problem on our hands."
-
> Is this telescope a hand-held one that we can take with us on travels, or is it huge and stuck to the floor barring an oni coming by to lift it?
> Are there Kappa and Yamawaro constellations? If so, check them for missing stars.
> Whatever the result of the above investigation, frown deeper.
> "Koa, we're heading back out. We've got an itinerary problem on our hands."
>It is portable.
>Yes.
>You check them, and they both seem to have all their stars.
>"Huh?" she says, looking up from digging around that tool box.
>_
-
> "Let's go. I'll explain along the way."
> Head outside with Koa in tow, locking up again behind us.
> Assuming she actually goes with us, begin heading back toward tengu territory.
> "So there are some stars that are just...gone. Missing."
-
> "Let's go. I'll explain along the way."
> Head outside with Koa in tow, locking up again behind us.
> Assuming she actually goes with us, begin heading back toward tengu territory.
> "So there are some stars that are just...gone. Missing."
>It takes Koa a moment to leave, and she frowns when you lock up the door.
>"Uh. What? Okay, so where are we going?" says Koa.
>_
-
> "We're going to alert the tengu and see what they know. One of the missing stars is in one of their constellations, and they won't like that."
> Head toward tengu territory by air. If we see a patrol, flag it down.
-
> "We're going to alert the tengu and see what they know. One of the missing stars is in one of their constellations, and they won't like that."
> Head toward tengu territory by air. If we see a patrol, flag it down.
>"Wait, what are the tengu supposed to do about it?" Koa says.
>_
-
> "Beats me. I can't exactly stroll around their village, so I don't know what they got in their arsenal. But I figure it's better to try than not. If they tell me to kick rocks, we'll see who else might be able to help."
-
> "Beats me. I can't exactly stroll around their village, so I don't know what they got in their arsenal. But I figure it's better to try than not. If they tell me to kick rocks, we'll see who else might be able to help."
>"LIke who?" she says. "Is there really anyone who can?"
>_
-
> "...I don't know. But surely someone has some idea?"
-
> "...I don't know. But surely someone has some idea?"
>"Is it even our problem, though?" Koa says.
>_
-
> "We're going up there as early as tomorrow. If we run into whatever's responsible, it could easily become our immediate problem."
-
> "We're going up there as early as tomorrow. If we run into whatever's responsible, it could easily become our immediate problem."
>"I guess so," Koa says. She frowns. "But, we could just run away, right?"
>_
-
> Is that possible with the rocket's handling?
-
> Is that possible with the rocket's handling?
>That entire depends on what you're running from. It shouldn't be impossible in every case, at least?
>_
-
> "Maybe? Depends on what it is."
-
> "Maybe? Depends on what it is."
>"Well, what else would we do about it?" she says.
>_
-
> If we've been traveling, slow to a stop.
> "...If you really don't want to tell anyone else, I guess we can try to investigate it ourselves..."
-
> If we've been traveling, slow to a stop.
> "...If you really don't want to tell anyone else, I guess we can try to investigate it ourselves..."
>You come to a stop.
>"What I mean is, it's not going to help to go running all over Gensokyo telling people about a thing they can't do anything about, right?" she says. "It'll just get us all worn out and irritated from all that rigmarole."
>_
-
> "Oh, I wasn't planning on going anywhere else, if you were worried about that."
-
> "Oh, I wasn't planning on going anywhere else, if you were worried about that."
>She nods. "Well...okay. But in that case, what are the tengu supposed to do about it?"
>_
-
> "Like I said, I don't know. But I figure it's better to try than not."
-
> "Like I said, I don't know. But I figure it's better to try than not."
>"I guess," says Koa. "Though it'd probably cause a lot of problems if they don't already know about it."
>_
-
> "What problems do you think they might cause? Not saying you're wrong, just curious."
-
>"I guess," says Koa. "Though it'd probably cause a lot of problems if they don't already know about it."
>_
> "What problems do you think they might cause? Not saying you're wrong, just curious."
> After Koakuma's reply to her us alerting and showing the issue to the Tengu is also a measure for anticipating and preparing for eventual troubles since at later point, but later, they and others would notice and be worried about " more and more Single Stars missing from their Constellations"....it would also "be of help to reduce the number of future people trying to help with this issue while running around unwittingly causing a rigmarole ".
> Jot down on our "mind" or even material journal for further proper investigation+sharing those 2 detais about the. he "Missing Constellation Stars Mystery": 1.that we did notice through Telescopic Observation there is some kind of pattern connected with just 1 Not-Central Star Missing from a Greater Constellation. 2.This sort-of Action or Phenomenon is still active and proceeding at an unknown pace by more of the aforementioned Missing Stars with that sort-of Pattern.
-
> After Koakuma's reply to her us alerting and showing the issue to the Tengu is also a measure for anticipating and preparing for eventual troubles since at later point, but later, they and others would notice and be worried about " more and more Single Stars missing from their Constellations"....it would also "be of help to reduce the number of future people trying to help with this issue while running around unwittingly causing a rigmarole ".
> Jot down on our "mind" or even material journal for further proper investigation+sharing those 2 detais about the. he "Missing Constellation Stars Mystery": 1.that we did notice through Telescopic Observation there is some kind of pattern connected with just 1 Not-Central Star Missing from a Greater Constellation. 2.This sort-of Action or Phenomenon is still active and proceeding at an unknown pace by more of the aforementioned Missing Stars with that sort-of Pattern.
>As of this point, you haven't noticed a pattern.
> "What problems do you think they might cause? Not saying you're wrong, just curious."
>"I'unno, I'm not a tengu," Koa says. "But if they haven't noticed, it's just going to worry them all if you just blurt it out to everybody when they can't even do anything, right?"
>_
-
> "I'd be surprised if they find they can't do anything at all. The tengu are the types to have response plans for every possible slight against them."
-
> "I'd be surprised if they find they can't do anything at all. The tengu are the types to have response plans for every possible slight against them."
>"But getting up into the stars to do something about it?" she says.
>_
-
> "...If they can't, I wouldn't be against doing something about it for them for the right compensation."
-
> "...If they can't, I wouldn't be against doing something about it for them for the right compensation."
>"...Oh!" You can practically feel the gears shift in her head. "Let's go tell 'em!"
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Let's."
> Continue heading toward tengu territory by air. If we see a patrol, flag it down.
-
> Nod.
> "Let's."
> Continue heading toward tengu territory by air. If we see a patrol, flag it down.
>The two of you keep going. It doesn't take long for a patrol to approach you, particularly when you wave at them. A crow tengu with short, straight hair and gray eyes approaches you. "Please come back tomorrow afternoon," she says, as she approaches. "Unless you would like escort to the Moriya Shrine."
>_
-
> "There's a star missing from the Daitengu constellation."
> Hold our telescope out toward this tengu, pointed so she can reasonably take it.
-
> "There's a star missing from the Daitengu constellation."
> Hold our telescope out toward this tengu, pointed so she can reasonably take it.
>She looks upward. "...Wait," she says. "What in the..?"
>_
-
> What's the significance of the constellations relative to the species they're named after?
> "It's not the only one. There's one missing in the Tsuribe Otoshi constellation too. Might be more? I haven't checked the whole sky. But I thought this one would be of interest to you specifically."
-
> What's the significance of the constellations relative to the species they're named after?
> "It's not the only one. There's one missing in the Tsuribe Otoshi constellation too. Might be more? I haven't checked the whole sky. But I thought this one would be of interest to you specifically."
>To your knowledge, it's just the shapes that youkai saw in the sky. Though some are thought to have some celestial influence over things or the world itself; such as eye of the Yamanba constellation.
>"...Yes, but why?" the tengu says.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "I was hoping one of you might know, since it was one of your constellations that lost a star. We're traveling to space tomorrow, and it would be nice to know if we need to look out for a star devourer or something."
-
> Shrug.
> "I was hoping one of you might know, since it was one of your constellations that lost a star. We're traveling to space tomorrow, and it would be nice to know if we need to look out for a star devourer or something."
>The tengu is just staring at the sky, frowning deeply. "I...I don't have any idea what happened. I didn't even notice until you said something."
>_
-
> "Is there anyone here who might know?"
-
> "Is there anyone here who might know?"
>"I don't know..." she says. 'I really just don't know. Maybe the Daitengu, if anyone?"
>_
-
> "Am I allowed to talk to them?"
-
> "Am I allowed to talk to them?"
>This seems to draw the tengu's attention away from the stars. "Hm. Well. That's not exactly my call to make, you understand."
>_
-
> "Right, I get that. But, again, we're traveling to space tomorrow. Which means that, not only would we like as much information about this as possible, but we could also perhaps work out a deal with whoever does have the necessary authorization to try to fix this for you."
-
> "Right, I get that. But, again, we're traveling to space tomorrow. Which means that, not only would we like as much information about this as possible, but we could also perhaps work out a deal with whoever does have the necessary authorization to try to fix this for you."
>"Right, come with me," says the tengu. "You'll have to wait a bit, though."
>_
-
>"I don't know..." she says. 'I really just don't know. Maybe the Daitengu, if anyone?"
>_
> Do we know or remember any particular info or appearing about the Daitengu(s) ,on some leveles better than hearsay all considered possible thheir mostly-secrecy and privacy...still...
>...Maybe with and through Tengu's OR close-to-Tengu's Intermediaries,by somesome indirect or incidental deal business to the Daitengu ,OR pretty close,that is completed+satisfied or around so?
-
> "You got it."
> Follow this tengu wherever she takes us.
-
> Do we know or remember any particular info or appearing about the Daitengu(s) ,on some leveles better than hearsay all considered possible thheir mostly-secrecy and privacy...still...
>...Maybe with and through Tengu's OR close-to-Tengu's Intermediaries,by somesome indirect or incidental deal business to the Daitengu ,OR pretty close,that is completed+satisfied or around so?
>You've never met one. And never really wanted to. Most of what you know comes from Momiji, which makes them seem like both annoying busybodies and also the laziest things on earth.
> "You got it."
> Follow this tengu wherever she takes us.
>The tengu flies ahead, rejoining her unit. By the time you catch up, she breaks off again and says, "Okay, come with me."
>She takes you to the outskirts of tengu town. At a glance, it seems rather peaceful this evening; a fair amount of foot traffic between the tall, narrow houses that boast numerous balconies. Crows flitter about, their caws mixing with the quiet roar of activity. You are lead to a fortified building at the very edge of town, a surprisingly squat thing made of stone that clashes with most of the architecture, likely a relic from the time when oni controlled the mountain. From your recollection, this is where the patrols base themselves.
>You are lead inside, passing through a sizeable and empty front area; you imagine patrol groups muster here. You're lead into a hall, then stop at an unassuming door and are lead inside. Inside the door is a small room, featuring a lower table, a nice-looking stool that is clearly for whoever's important, and several tatami mats around it. There's not much else.
>"Please wait here," the gray-eyed says, "Someone'll get to you as soon as they're able."
>_
-
> Did Koa come with us?
> "Um, okay."
> Have a seat on one of the mats.
-
> Did Koa come with us?
> "Um, okay."
> Have a seat on one of the mats.
>You enter, and the door is closed. You don't hear any kind of lock or bar being put into place, at least.
>Koa has followed you in, and she helps herself to a seat on the stool.
>_
-
> "You ever been in this village before?"
-
> "You ever been in this village before?"
>"Nope!" Koa says.
>_
-
> "Well, welcome to it, it's a rarity for any of us. Just so you know, whomever is coming to meet us is most likely going to want that stool."
-
> "Well, welcome to it, it's a rarity for any of us. Just so you know, whomever is coming to meet us is most likely going to want that stool."
>"Huh? Oh, I guess," she says, as she hops the chair.
>The two of you linger for some minutes. Koa poking around the room and the table, looking for something to get into. Then the door opens, and an exceptionally tall tengu in blue strides into the room. A golden pauldron covers her right shoulder, set with a light blue gem of shoulder. Her short hair nearly matches her outfit. She walks over to the stool, has a seat, then says, "Tell me everything."
>_
-
> Blink.
> "...Wow. Uh, I was checking the sky to map out a flight path through space for when my rocket launches, and I noticed there was a star missing from the Tsuribe Otoshi Constellation. Looked around a bit more and saw there was a star missing from the Daitengu Constellation. Not every was athingffected, the Kappa and Yamawaro Constellations looked fine, but any number of stars vanishing is super weird, so I flagged down a patrol to ask if anyone might know why one of your lot's was gone."
> Look the tengu up and down.
> "And now I'm sitting here, feeling shorter than I ever have before."
-
> Blink.
> "...Wow. Uh, I was checking the sky to map out a flight path through space for when my rocket launches, and I noticed there was a star missing from the Tsuribe Otoshi Constellation. Looked around a bit more and saw there was a star missing from the Daitengu Constellation. Not every was athingffected, the Kappa and Yamawaro Constellations looked fine, but any number of stars vanishing is super weird, so I flagged down a patrol to ask if anyone might know why one of your lot's was gone."
> Look the tengu up and down.
> "And now I'm sitting here, feeling shorter than I ever have before."
>"So," she says, her face impassive, "You don't have any additional details?"
>_
-
> "Not about this specifically, no. I came running pretty quickly. I guess I should mentioned that I asked a tengu if she'd be interested in joining my rocket flight, and she's currently mulling it over, but that conversation happened before I saw any stars were missing."
-
> "Not about this specifically, no. I came running pretty quickly. I guess I should mentioned that I asked a tengu if she'd be interested in joining my rocket flight, and she's currently mulling it over, but that conversation happened before I saw any stars were missing."
>"I see," says the daitengu. "So, you only have that you've noticed it to share?"
>_
-
> "Well, I haven't exactly gone up there to investigate it yet. The rocket isn't ready."
-
> "Well, I haven't exactly gone up there to investigate it yet. The rocket isn't ready."
>"So, you are planning to investigate?" the tengu says,
>_
-
> "Well, now that depends on what one would consider a proper investigation. See, my rocket launch is currently part of a contest I'm in with another group of folks planning to launch their own rocket into space, and the stakes of winning or losing are preeeeeetty high. I'll certainly do enough investigation to make sure that whatever made those stars vanish won't also make my face vanish along with them while I'm doing my thing. But determining more details on the who, or what, or why, or how, or how to get things back to normal? If figuring those things out isn't directly related to making sure we stay safe, that's going to be valuable contest time lost."
-
> "Well, now that depends on what one would consider a proper investigation. See, my rocket launch is currently part of a contest I'm in with another group of folks planning to launch their own rocket into space, and the stakes of winning or losing are preeeeeetty high. I'll certainly do enough investigation to make sure that whatever made those stars vanish won't also make my face vanish along with them while I'm doing my thing. But determining more details on the who, or what, or why, or how, or how to get things back to normal? If figuring those things out isn't directly related to making sure we stay safe, that's going to be valuable contest time lost."
>"So you're saying we should inquire with this competitor, then?" the Daitengu replies.
>_
-
> "You can if you want, though they're probably even more averse to losing than I am. Look, I'm not saying I won't do it; I prefer to keep relations with you all on the positive side of things. I'm just saying it may need to be made worth my while. I'm putting a year's worth of subjecting myself to on-call labor on the line with this contest, so I don't really have much room for error."
-
> "You can if you want, though they're probably even more averse to losing than I am. Look, I'm not saying I won't do it; I prefer to keep relations with you all on the positive side of things. I'm just saying it may need to be made worth my while. I'm putting a year's worth of subjecting myself to on-call labor on the line with this contest, so I don't really have much room for error."
>"And what are you promising, exactly?" says the Daitengu.
>_
-
> Would it make sense for a travel route to pass through the area of space where the missing Daitengu Constellation star should be?
-
> Would it make sense for a travel route to pass through the area of space where the missing Daitengu Constellation star should be?
>Really, nothing is stopping you from just going there, if you wanted. You don't have a route planned as of yet.
>_
-
> If we were both standing upright, where serious we come up to on this tengu?
> Is she hot?
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...Assuming satisfactory recompense? I can plan my flight path to head straight toward your specific missing star. I could spend...let's say three days, possibly more if I get lucky in my mission, investigating where it went and how to get it back, as well as actually doing what I can to get it back, assuming such does not endanger the lives of my crew. If you would prefer it, I can make room for the potential crewmate tengu I mentioned earlier so that you have slightly more direct influence on the situation."
-
> If we were both standing upright, where serious we come up to on this tengu?
> Is she hot?
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...Assuming satisfactory recompense? I can plan my flight path to head straight toward your specific missing star. I could spend...let's say three days, possibly more if I get lucky in my mission, investigating where it went and how to get it back, as well as actually doing what I can to get it back, assuming such does not endanger the lives of my crew. If you would prefer it, I can make room for the potential crewmate tengu I mentioned earlier so that you have slightly more direct influence on the situation."
>You're rather on the shorter end of things. And she absolutely is not. You suspect you're not even chest height to her.
>Arguably.
>"What, precisely, are you offering to bring back for your price?" the daitengu says.
>_
-
> Furrow our brow deeper in thought.
> "...The return of your star. Or, if I prove incapable of such, enough information that you or one of yours can finish the job."
-
> Furrow our brow deeper in thought.
> "...The return of your star. Or, if I prove incapable of such, enough information that you or one of yours can finish the job."
>"And you are asking for?" the daitengu prompts.
>_
-
> "A social opportunity. With you."
-
> "A social opportunity. With you."
>"Excuse me?" the daitengu says.
>"What?!" says Koa.
>_
-
> Ignore the devil.
> "Simply some sort of honest attempt at an extended social interaction. Momiji Inubashiri visits me sometimes to play board games, and we just spent a while together at the festival in the kappa village earlier this evening. I'm looking for something like that."
-
> Ignore the devil.
> "Simply some sort of honest attempt at an extended social interaction. Momiji Inubashiri visits me sometimes to play board games, and we just spent a while together at the festival in the kappa village earlier this evening. I'm looking for something like that."
>The daitengu is quiet for a few moments. Finally she says, "You are aware how presumptuous you're being."
>_
-
> Do her facial expression or movements suggest anything about what she might be thinking?
> "Oh, I get that your time is extremely valuable. I wouldn't have offered to take multiple days' worth of focus off of this contest or to commit to addressing the problem if I didn't understand what I was asking."
-
> Do her facial expression or movements suggest anything about what she might be thinking?
> "Oh, I get that your time is extremely valuable. I wouldn't have offered to take multiple days' worth of focus off of this contest or to commit to addressing the problem if I didn't understand what I was asking."
>A slight narrowing of her eyes.
>She is quiet for a moment. "One board game," she says at length. "If you succeed to our satisfaction."
>_
-
> "As long as there's an honest effort to be social, that's fine by me. Not that I expect you to not take it seriously, it's just that I feel like you simply going through the motions just to be rid of me as quickly as possible would hurt a lot more than if you had just declined to begin with."
-
> "As long as there's an honest effort to be social, that's fine by me. Not that I expect you to not take it seriously, it's just that I feel like you simply going through the motions just to be rid of me as quickly as possible would hurt a lot more than if you had just declined to begin with."
>"That is the risk you will have to accept," she says.
>_
-
> "Mmm. Do you care if it's one-on-one, or can other people also play? Momiji might like to join in, and I just learned today that the rainbow god of markets is a board game enthusiast."
-
> "Mmm. Do you care if it's one-on-one, or can other people also play? Momiji might like to join in, and I just learned today that the rainbow god of markets is a board game enthusiast."
>There is a pause, either you said something she wasn't expecting, or she is trying to make you sweat a little.
>"If you can succeed to our satisfaction," she says.
>_
-
> "Alright, these terms work for me."
-
> "Alright, these terms work for me."
>She nods and stands. "Please send word when you have results."
>_
-
> "Of course. Thank you for your time, Miss...?"
-
> "Of course. Thank you for your time, Miss...?"
>"Iizunamaru," the daitengu says. "You have given us great expectations, we look forward to see them fulfilled"
>_
-
> Stand ourselves (so that we can get a better sense of how much shorter than her we are).
> "I'd be disappointed in myself if I gave you any less, Miss Iizunamaru."
-
> Stand ourselves (so that we can get a better sense of how much shorter than her we are).
> "I'd be disappointed in myself if I gave you any less, Miss Iizunamaru."
> When the situation relaxes and there is no risk of impoliteness or disrepect,look at Koakuma Peacefully...
> ...how is her expression and body language ?
> Does she still seem to take "social interaction's opportunity, to Iizunamaru the Daitengu" in the "misunderstood and exaggerated sense"?
-
> Stand ourselves (so that we can get a better sense of how much shorter than her we are).
> "I'd be disappointed in myself if I gave you any less, Miss Iizunamaru."
>You almost but not quite come up to her chest.
>The daitengu nods, unreadable as ever. You want to think she is amused by your confidence, but perhaps that is wishful thinking.
>"As would we," she says. "I'm sure you can show yourselves out?"
> When the situation relaxes and there is no risk of impoliteness or disrepect,look at Koakuma Peacefully...
> ...how is her expression and body language ?
> Does she still seem to take "social interaction's opportunity, to Iizunamaru the Daitengu" in the "misunderstood and exaggerated sense"?
>Koa seems to be confused about what happened, if anything. JUdging from her expression, she seems to feel something went over her head.
>_
-
> "We're gone."
> Look at Koa and nod our head toward the exit.
> "Let's go, Koa. There's still work to do."
> Head back out of the building.
-
> "We're gone."
> Look at Koa and nod our head toward the exit.
> "Let's go, Koa. There's still work to do."
> Head back out of the building.
>You hurry out of the building, Koa in tow.
>"What was that?" she says. "You went through all that for a board game night?"
>_
-
> Begin heading home by air.
> "A board game night with a daitengu."
-
> Begin heading home by air.
> "A board game night with a daitengu."
>"You've got to be kidding me!"
>_
-
> "Think of it this way. If you had the opportunity to do something difficult, and the reward was, I dunno, Reimu inviting you to her bed for a night, wouldn't you take it?"
-
> "Think of it this way. If you had the opportunity to do something difficult, and the reward was, I dunno, Reimu inviting you to her bed for a night, wouldn't you take it?"
>"...Okay, that's a fair point," she says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Exactly. That being said, I admit this new development isn't exactly what you signed up for, and I am sorry for that."
-
> Nod.
> "Exactly. That being said, I admit this new development isn't exactly what you signed up for, and I am sorry for that."
>"I guess it's fine, as long as you don't ask me to do anything stupid or dangerous. Or really hard, I guess."
>_
-
> "I'll try not to."
-
> "I'll try not to."
>"Okay, good, then I don't mind!" Koa says.
>_
-
> "Great. Oh, though I should probably also tell Aoi about this...I hope she's fine with it too."
-
> "Great. Oh, though I should probably also tell Aoi about this...I hope she's fine with it too."
>"Oh right, you did say something about bringing a tengu with us," Koa says.
>_
-
> "I offered to do it, and that offer wasn't taken. Unless Aoi changes her mind, Aya will have to wait for a hypothetical second trip."
-
> "I offered to do it, and that offer wasn't taken. Unless Aoi changes her mind, Aya will have to wait for a hypothetical second trip."
>"Oh, right, I got you now," says Koa.
>_
-
> "Think of it this way. If you had the opportunity to do something difficult, and the reward was, I dunno, Reimu inviting you to her bed for a night, wouldn't you take it?"
>"I guess it's fine, as long as you don't ask me to do anything stupid or dangerous. Or really hard, I guess."
>_
> Hold to that meaningful thought, no going forward mixing (mostly-categoric situations and relationd)untowardness, overboard or off-shooting r too-long-shoting, for ourselves, our contacts, patronage, competitors, friends and potential crew... not minimizing others types, peoples along and about.
> "Great. Oh, though I should probably also tell Aoi about this...I hope she's fine with it too."
>"Oh right, you did say something about bringing a tengu with us," Koa says.
>_
> "I offered to do it, and that offer wasn't taken. Unless Aoi changes her mind, Aya will have to wait for a hypothetical second trip."
> Somehow Pensive and Focused... but not distracted or sidetracked.
> Among the earlier 1st list-check: Crew on-board for the Rockett-to-Space-Explotation+Knowkedge, then also the 2 "mostly coverage contacs" on the good ol' Gensokyo's Terrain...
> so far the crew is us 3 for a surely safe and , Aoi and Koakuma; then on earth-soil as a sort-of 1st press&relay correspondentwith Hatate, not wiling to embark as much as a chosen Teng but rather an Honest Covera; ax Aya as the the 2nd one accepting and more eager for it and especially but fairly eager fo"2nd eventual Space Trip and Exploration including her...or the 1st substitute in the current1 in the What-If of a is it not correct o?
> The 3-spot/sear Ship Rocket is to be tested and trial but thorically it is a 3-seats-spots Fully Safe and Maneuvrable plus Efficentlx Self-Sufficint..
an eventual next and improved and stabilized partly-experimental pexpanded with a few more seats&spots, Space-Rocket-Ship named(perphaps) "NK-Mk2(Nitori Kappan-Mark 2)"... is it all decently. correct on the Current End?xThen are"those future margins of the Current Project not that far-out?
> Where are Aoi(1st), Aya(2nd), (3rd) Hatate, Aoi should be located or passing since our "prevoius contacted-to-eventual-crew-and-intel" meeting, if need-be the estimate totrackabable place, route, acquaintances and not to check?
-
> Adopt a dawning look of realization, then frown.
> "...Though, in thinking about it, Aya is going to come by to tell me her decision, and once she learns you're going with me, I'd bet she'll print that, given she knows my competition is your employer."
-
> Adopt a dawning look of realization, then frown.
> "...Though, in thinking about it, Aya is going to come by to tell me her decision, and once she learns you're going with me, I'd bet she'll print that, given she knows my competition is your employer."
>"...Ah hell, we're going to have to stuff her in a closet or something."
>_
-
> "I would really rather not do that. At least, not over this."
-
> "I would really rather not do that. At least, not over this."
>"...I guess once we're off the ground, it doesn't matter who she tells. Still, just to be safe, we oughta.
>_
-
> "It'll matter once we return and you have to face your employer. Unless you're intending to live in space? ...Which would be pretty admirable, really."
-
> "It'll matter once we return and you have to face your employer. Unless you're intending to live in space? ...Which would be pretty admirable, really."
>"Well, after the fact, it won't be so bad," she says.
>_
-
> "Mmm. I'm only concerned about it for your sake, so if you're not worried, I won't worry about it either."
-
> "Mmm. I'm only concerned about it for your sake, so if you're not worried, I won't worry about it either."
>She chuckles. "Don't worry, as long as I don't blowup part of the mansion or something, they'll just be a little grumpy for awhile."
>_
-
> "...Okay, I gotta ask. Given the dynamic your workplace appears to have, why did you object so fiercely to becoming my temporary assistant? Was it strictly because you didn't want to be treated like a prize, or is there more to it than that?"
-
> "...Okay, I gotta ask. Given the dynamic your workplace appears to have, why did you object so fiercely to becoming my temporary assistant? Was it strictly because you didn't want to be treated like a prize, or is there more to it than that?"
>"Well, pretty much that," she says with a shrug. "I'm a valued member the household, after all! They can't just barter me away like that!"
>_
-
> "Why did Patchouli tell me to keep you, then?"
-
> "Why did Patchouli tell me to keep you, then?"
>"Because she's a big floating butt!"
>_
-
> "And why do you want to go back to that?"
-
> "And why do you want to go back to that?"
>"...Well, it's not so bad when she isn't being a big floating butt..." Koa says. "And there's the contract and all..."
>_
-
> "She seemed perfectly willing to transfer contract ownership to me. Like, I know she's smart, and I'm pretty sure I've got a reputation for business deals. Even if she was being grouchy, or joking, or whatever, that's a risky thing to offer me if she doesn't actually fully mean it."
-
> "She seemed perfectly willing to transfer contract ownership to me. Like, I know she's smart, and I'm pretty sure I've got a reputation for business deals. Even if she was being grouchy, or joking, or whatever, that's a risky thing to offer me if she doesn't actually fully mean it."
>"I don't think it transfers," says Koa.
>_
-
> "Oh."
> "...I guess that makes things make more sense."
-
> "Oh."
> "...I guess that makes things make more sense."
>"You're worrying too much about it!" Koa says. "There's more important things to think about!"
>_
-
> "Well, yeah, there's still the final adjustments to do, but I need to physicality be in the workshop for those."
-
> "Well, yeah, there's still the final adjustments to do, but I need to physicality be in the workshop for those."
>"Well, the point stands!"
>_
-
> "...Okay, to be honest, it's not just worrying. It's also partially trying to suss out how poachable you might be."
-
> "...Okay, to be honest, it's not just worrying. It's also partially trying to suss out how poachable you might be."
>"Poachable?" she says.
>_
-
> "How likely it is that I could get you to switch jobs and be my assistant."
-
> "How likely it is that I could get you to switch jobs and be my assistant."
>"You need a librarian?" she says.
>_
-
> "Not specifically."
-
> "Not specifically."
>"I guess I can sub in as a gate guard, maybe? Not any good with the whole making machines thing, really."
>_
-
> Ask Koakuma then if, all considered, a "job alternation and on-projects", is more preferrable, doable, useful for all parties involved...
>...together with asking her about,if she has any ideas or advices ,what would Patchouli would request,ask in exchange or in collaboration for such.
-
> Once the above is complete: "All that being said, I do have to admit I'm a bit strapped for cash at the moment, due to the hair thing, so I may not be able to compete with your current employer in that regard, at least for the moment."
-
> Ask Koakuma then if, all considered, a "job alternation and on-projects", is more preferrable, doable, useful for all parties involved...
>...together with asking her about,if she has any ideas or advices ,what would Patchouli would request,ask in exchange or in collaboration for such.
>"Well, if you watch Patchy on board," says Koa, "you're gonna have to bribe her with something shiny. Like money or rare books or some kind of magic doodad. And I guess I could be a gofer or something, maybe? What's in it for me, though?"
> Once the above is complete: "All that being said, I do have to admit I'm a bit strapped for cash at the moment, due to the hair thing, so I may not be able to compete with your current employer in that regard, at least for the moment."
>"I mean, money well spent if you ask me," she says.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Thanks. I think so too, even if it is temporary. I may try to find if it's possible to make it not temporary."
-
> Smile.
> "Thanks. I think so too, even if it is temporary. I may try to find if it's possible to make it not temporary."
>"What you do is you try to set up a daily or weekly dose," Koa says. "As long as you can get it renewed, it's the same as not temporary."
>_
-
> "That's not a bad idea, if it becomes more affordable."
-
> "That's not a bad idea, if it becomes more affordable."
>"I can't say for sure, but usually it is," Koa says.
>_
-
> "What's your method, then?"
-
> "What's your method, then?"
>"I don't use anything like that," she says. "It's just stuff I've absorbed off the purple monster's work."
>_
-
> "Oh. I thought you were referring to product becoming more affordable. My mistake."
-
> "Oh. I thought you were referring to product becoming more affordable. My mistake."
>"Well, I'm just assuming that a sustaining dose would be easier and cheaper," says Koa. "That's how it tends to be."
>_
-
> "I guess it would depend on how much she used of the ingredients I got for her."
-
> "I guess it would depend on how much she used of the ingredients I got for her."
>"Might not even be the same ingredient," Koa says.
>_
-
> "I can only hope."
-
> "I can only hope."
>"You'll just have to ask," says Koa.
>_
-
> "Anyway, I guess all we have left to do are the few remaining at-home tasks."
-
> "Anyway, I guess all we have left to do are the few remaining at-home tasks."
>"Right!" Koa says.
>_
-
> Continue on home.
-
> Continue on home.
>It doesn't take long to return home, having covered most of the trip while in conversation, and you're relieved to find there are no new surprises awaiting you this time.
>_
-
> "Alright, let's get back to what we were doing."
> Resume course-plotting, with a path through the area with the missing Daitengu Constellation star in mind.
-
> "Alright, let's get back to what we were doing."
> Resume course-plotting, with a path through the area with the missing Daitengu Constellation star in mind.
>It would be easy enough to go straight through to the Daitengu Constellation, it is something of a middling trip. Your other options include:
>The Sake Way: Middling Trip; The runs through the night sky, and is known to be the abode of some celestial gods.
>The Sun: Close, but you doubt there's anything of note up there now.
>The Moon: Distant, very probably a terrible idea
>A Tengu star: These roam over the night sky rather than following a fixed path. Difficult to chart a course to, poorly understood.
>A Different constellation: There's a lot of these. Specify distance wanted, a particular youkai, or a particular feature desired.
>A Detested Star: These come and go at regular intervals; humans know them as comets. Extremely challenging to intercept, and probably not a great idea. Detested stars tend to interfere with the celestial tapestry that youkai are connected to, and no one likes that.
>_
-
> Would any of these routes take us to the missing star, or just the one heading straight through the constellation?
> Are any of the non-permanent options currently visible anywhere?
> Do we know the names of any of the gods in The Sake Way?
-
> Would any of these routes take us to the missing star, or just the one heading straight through the constellation?
> Are any of the non-permanent options currently visible anywhere?
> Do we know the names of any of the gods in The Sake Way?
>None of them really go directly there.
>You catch site of a detested star. The tengu stars are generally visible, just they move through the night in regular patterns.
>Not really.
>_
-
> Hmm. How feasible would it be to try The Sake Way for a while, maybe chatting up some gods while we're there, and then heading over to the Daitengu Constellation after?
-
> Is Koakuma still with us? If so, what is she doing? Could she contribute to our course plotting considering that she has knowledge from the SDM Library?
-
> Hmm. How feasible would it be to try The Sake Way for a while, maybe chatting up some gods while we're there, and then heading over to the Daitengu Constellation after?
>That should be extremely feasible. The next question is when you want to launch.
> Is Koakuma still with us? If so, what is she doing? Could she contribute to our course plotting considering that she has knowledge from the SDM Library?
>Koa seems to have invited herself in to linger around the workshop, currently sprawled out in one of your chairs. You have no idea if she'd be good at this, it involves a fair amount of arithmetic, getting the angles right and everything.
>_
-
> Is a daytime launch workable? We do still have Aoi and Aya to account for.
-
> Is a daytime launch workable? We do still have Aoi and Aya to account for.
>You can launch whenever, you just have to to account for it.
>_
-
> Let's say a mid-morning launch tomorrow, then.
-
> Let's say a mid-morning launch tomorrow, then.
>This is fairly easy to do, especially since the Sake Way is a comparatively large target.
>_
-
> Let's go with that plan, then, and work on the calculations accordingly.
-
> Let's go with that plan, then, and work on the calculations accordingly.
>Being a fairly simple thing to do, you get the calculations done quickly and get preliminary things set up.
>_
-
> Okay, what's left? Just the final mechanical stuff?
> What time is it, roughly?
-
> Okay, what's left? Just the final mechanical stuff?
> What time is it, roughly?
>You just need to make and install the last parts.
>It is getting reasonably late in the evening; most humans would be in bed by now, or at least thinking about it.
>_
-
> How long would it take to make and install the last parts?
-
> How long would it take to make and install the last parts?
>A couple of hours.
>_
-
> Does it sound like the festival is still ongoing?
-
> Does it sound like the festival is still ongoing?
>Definitely. It'll go all night.
>_
-
> Probably a good idea to let Aoi know about all this before she packs up for the night...
> Glance over at Koa to double-check what she's up to.
-
> Probably a good idea to let Aoi know about all this before she packs up for the night...
> Glance over at Koa to double-check what she's up to.
>Koa is sprawled out on the chair, staring off into space.
>_
-
> "Hey. I'm gonna let Aoi know about the whole star thing. You want to come with?"
-
> "Hey. I'm gonna let Aoi know about the whole star thing. You want to come with?"
>"Yeah, sure," she says, slowly rising up from the chair.
>_
-
> "Alright, this way. And hey, you'll get to see the festival day this way."
> Trundle back out and toward where Aoi's booth was standing.
-
> "Alright, this way. And hey, you'll get to see the festival day this way."
> Trundle back out and toward where Aoi's booth was standing.
>"I dunno if I got a whole festival in me now," she says, as she follows you out. "We've run around a whole lot today."
>You make your way back down to the festival. The Prismrivers are onstage again, playing a surprisingly calm and ambient song for themselves. The crepes stand is still active, with a long line. Aoi, however, is in the process of taking her stand apart as you approach.
>_
-
> 'We' sure have!
> "Hey there! Need any help?"
-
> 'We' sure have!
> "Hey there! Need any help?"
>"Oh hey!" Aoi says, as Koa wanders over to the crepes stand line. "No need for that, I just about got it. Something happen?"
>_
-
> "Yeah. Some stars are just flat-out missing, so plans have been sort-of-changed to account for that."
-
> "Yeah. Some stars are just flat-out missing, so plans have been sort-of-changed to account for that."
>"...What?"
>_
-
> "Yeah."
> Show off our telescope.
> "There are stars missing from the Tsurube-Otoshi and Daitengu Constellations, at the very least."
-
> "Yeah."
> Show off our telescope.
> "There are stars missing from the Tsurube-Otoshi and Daitengu Constellations, at the very least."
>"I...uh...don't know stars all that well," she says.
>_
-
> "Mmm. Well, I've reached an agreement with one of the Daitengu to investigate and do my best to return their constellation's missing star while I'm up in space. My original space missions are still active, but that one's been added, and I wanted to let you know about it now rather than surprising you with it tomorrow morning, in case it changed your thoughts on the trip."
-
> "Mmm. Well, I've reached an agreement with one of the Daitengu to investigate and do my best to return their constellation's missing star while I'm up in space. My original space missions are still active, but that one's been added, and I wanted to let you know about it now rather than surprising you with it tomorrow morning, in case it changed your thoughts on the trip."
>"I guess it doesn't change much," she says. "Unless you want me to fight whoever took it? I'm not much good at that."
>_
-
> "I genuinely don't know right now what returning the stars is going to entail."
-
> "I genuinely don't know right now what returning the stars is going to entail."
>"Okay. I'm not much of a fighter, but I'm sure I can pitch in other ways!"
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Alright, as long as you're fine with it, it shouldn't be a problem."
-
> Nod.
> "Alright, as long as you're fine with it, it shouldn't be a problem."
>"It's an important mystery, right?" says Aoi.
>_
-
> "Very."
-
> "Very."
>She nods. "I'll do my best."
>_
-
> "Alright. I'll try to keep you posted if anything else zany happens between now and tomorrow morning."
-
> "Yeah."
> Show off our telescope.
> "There are stars missing from the Tsurube-Otoshi and Daitengu Constellations, at the very least."
> "Alright. I'll try to keep you posted if anything else zany happens between now and tomorrow morning."
> After we parted from Aoi, decide to set aside some time to "astronomically check out again the Missing Stars Constellations and the Intact Others".
>When would be the best and earliest time for that?
-
> "Alright. I'll try to keep you posted if anything else zany happens between now and tomorrow morning."
>"Tell me tomorrow when I show up. I need my evening to get ready."
> After we parted from Aoi, decide to set aside some time to "astronomically check out again the Missing Stars Constellations and the Intact Others".
>When would be the best and earliest time for that?
>In theory, the best times are not long after sunset and not long before sunrise, to see as much of the sky as you can. You suspect you may miss the latter due to staying up to finish the rocket.
>_
-
> "Sure thing."
> Take a glance over at the crepe line.
-
> "Sure thing."
> Take a glance over at the crepe line.
>Koa is about halfway through it now.
>_
-
> "Anyway, I'll leave you to that while I wait for Koa to get through her line. Oh, right, she'll be coming with us tomorrow."
> Gesture at Koa so Aoi knows who we're talking about.
-
> "Anyway, I'll leave you to that while I wait for Koa to get through her line. Oh, right, she'll be coming with us tomorrow."
> Gesture at Koa so Aoi knows who we're talking about.
>"Oh, is she some kind of star specialist?" Aoi says, looking at Koa.
>_
-
> "Nah, but she's got intel on the other team, and is intimately familiar with how they act."
-
> "Nah, but she's got intel on the other team, and is intimately familiar with how they act."
>"Oooooh," says Aoi. "...Wait, did they steal the stars?"
>_
-
> "...I don't think so, but I guess it's not impossible? We could ask her what she thinks."
-
> "...I don't think so, but I guess it's not impossible? We could ask her what she thinks."
>"So we're still doing the race thing, too?" she says. "Okay."
>_
-
> "Yeah, I got too much at stake to back out."
-
> "Yeah, I got too much at stake to back out."
>"That's a tough order," she says. "But I'm not about to give up."
>_
-
> Grin.
> "Damn right. Me neither."
-
> Grin.
> "Damn right. Me neither."
>"I'll see you tomorrow, then," Aoi says, as she finishes folding up her stand.
>_
-
> "Catch you then."
> Awkwardly loiter near the crepe line in wait for Koa.
-
> "Catch you then."
> Awkwardly loiter near the crepe line in wait for Koa.
>You loiter until Koa gets through the line. Thankfully she doesn't cause any kind of scene, and leaves with a crepe in hand. "All done?"
>_
-
> "All done. We can head back now, unless there's something else you want to do here."
-
> "All done. We can head back now, unless there's something else you want to do here."
>"It'd be fun to go around the festival, actually," she says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. I'll work on the final prep while you're out and about here, then."
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. I'll work on the final prep while you're out and about here, then."
>"Kay!" Koa says, as she sidles off into the festival.
>_
-
> Head back home.
> Then get to work finalizing the rocket, keeping an ear out for when Koa returns.
-
> Head back home.
> Then get to work finalizing the rocket, keeping an ear out for when Koa returns.
>You return home, gathering up the useful scrap you found, and getting your tools out and setting to work. It takes awhile to beat and shape the scrap into what you need, then measuring and remeasuring to get it just right before you make coarse and then fine adjustments that can't be unmade. Still, after running around all day, it's nice to just sit down and work on something, particularly something that's so close to being done.
>As you are in the process of installing the completed part, you hear someone wander in through the open bay door. "You awake?" Koa calls, probably loud enough that if you weren't that would have been remedied.
>_
-
> "Not for much longer."
> Keep working while responding (unless this part requires abnormally high focus).
-
> "Not for much longer."
> Keep working while responding (unless this part requires abnormally high focus).
>You are able to work and respond.
>"Oh, still at it," she says. "Is it working now?"
>_
-
> The engine isn't in yet, right?
-
> The engine isn't in yet, right?
>It is in, but it is not completely connected yet. Soon, though.
>_
-
> "Not yet, but soon."
-
> "Not yet, but soon."
>"Kay. I'm going to bed," she says, making her way toward the back.
>_
-
> How close are we to a point where we could stop and nothing would break overnight if we left it?
-
> How close are we to a point where we could stop and nothing would break overnight if we left it?
>You could if you wanted. Maybe five or ten more minutes until you're done.
>_
-
> "Ah, I can put the finishing touches off until tomorrow, then."
> Let's pause here and follow Koa to make sure she's able to settle in (and doesn't get into mischief).
-
> "Ah, I can put the finishing touches off until tomorrow, then."
> Let's pause here and follow Koa to make sure she's able to settle in (and doesn't get into mischief).
>"Oh, you're looking to follow me, huh?" Koa says, giving an earthy chuckle as she leads the way back into the living area.
>_
-
> "Well, this is my home, after all. It would be improper for me to make a guest send themselves to bed while I hammered away in the workshop."
-
> "Well, this is my home, after all. It would be improper for me to make a guest send themselves to bed while I hammered away in the workshop."
>She just chuckles again, as she stands aside in the kitchen and lets you take the lead.
>_
-
> Do our best to ignore the laughter and begin the getting-ready-for-bed routine.
> "So something I probably should have asked before: what are your normal living and sleeping arrangements?"
-
> Do our best to ignore the laughter and begin the getting-ready-for-bed routine.
> "So something I probably should have asked before: what are your normal living and sleeping arrangements?"
>"I have a room at the mansion," she says.
>_
-
> "Ah, okay. ...Sorry that I can't really replicate that for you."
-
> "Ah, okay. ...Sorry that I can't really replicate that for you."
>"Don't worry about that," she says. "Just provide the amenities you have~"
>_
-
> "Mmm. Well, do you have any needs, or requests?"
-
> "Mmm. Well, do you have any needs, or requests?"
>"I think I'll be good with whatever you have in mind," she says.
>_
-
> "Alright. Let's get you set up in a moment, then."
> Once we've reached a point in the nightly routine where it makes reasonable sense to do so, set the guest futon up in the bedroom.
-
> "Alright. Let's get you set up in a moment, then."
> Once we've reached a point in the nightly routine where it makes reasonable sense to do so, set the guest futon up in the bedroom.
> How wide and spacious is the free space in the beedroom?
> Taking that in consideration, choose a "guest spot" comfortable and spacious(and within wiewing and hearing range)enough for Koakuma.
-
> How wide and spacious is the free space in the beedroom?
> Taking that in consideration, choose a "guest spot" comfortable and spacious(and within wiewing and hearing range)enough for Koakuma.
>Honestly, it's not very spacious, but there's room for the both of you that should give you space to move around without clomping on each other's beds.
> "Alright. Let's get you set up in a moment, then."
> Once we've reached a point in the nightly routine where it makes reasonable sense to do so, set the guest futon up in the bedroom.
>You set up the guest futon on the opposite corner from yours.
>"Thanks," Koa says, before flopping herself onto it. barely taking time to properly kneel down first.
>_
-
> Resume our nightly routine.
> "Guessing you're pretty tired, huh?"
-
> Resume our nightly routine.
> "Guessing you're pretty tired, huh?"
>"Just wanna lay down, been walking too much," she says.
>_
-
> "Ah, makes sense."
-
> "Ah, makes sense."
>"How about you?" she says, as she starts to flop and burrow under the covers.
>_
-
> Whenever we're ready to do so, get in (our own) bed ourselves.
> "I could keep going if I had to. But you're not kidding about running around a whole lot today."
-
> Whenever we're ready to do so, get in (our own) bed ourselves.
> "I could keep going if I had to. But you're not kidding about running around a whole lot today."
>You climb into bed in a much more civilized fashion than Koa, who is still process of trying to limply work herself under the covers without actually getting up.
>"No stamina left over, huh?" she says.
>_
-
> How are we feeling?
> Presumably Koa is asking this for a very specific reason. What experience do we have in this field, if any?
-
> How are we feeling?
> Presumably Koa is asking this for a very specific reason. What experience do we have in this field, if any?
>It's been a long day, but you have some stamina left.
>Presuming she is, you have some experience.
>_
-
> "Some. Not a ton. But some.
-
> "Some. Not a ton. But some.
>"Oh, a tired little thing?" Koa says.
>_
-
> Frown a bit.
> "You don't have to call attention to my height, you know..."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "You don't have to call attention to my height, you know..."
>Koa just giggles in response.
>_
-
> "In all seriousness, though, if you're getting around to asking for what I think you're getting around to asking for, then as long as it doesn't cause us to sleep in and mess up my flight path calculations, sure, I'm game. It's not like I didn't have other people's perceptions of me in mind when I decided to try this new hairstyle."
-
> "In all seriousness, though, if you're getting around to asking for what I think you're getting around to asking for, then as long as it doesn't cause us to sleep in and mess up my flight path calculations, sure, I'm game. It's not like I didn't have other people's perceptions of me in mind when I decided to try this new hairstyle."
>Koa giggles again. "Wow, you're forthright! Well, I don't mind. I can't promise anything about the sleep."
>_
-
> Frown a bit.
> "I'm serious about leaving on time. We'll also need to consider that there are going to be multiple visitors in the morning, at least one of which is a tengu reporter. I can't leave them waiting just because I'm zonked out from an extremely late night, however enjoyable that night might be."
-
//We were so close........
-
It'll probably still happen, don't worry. If nothing else, we need to get this out of Koa's system now before she takes it into space for a week or two and makes Aoi super uncomfortable.
EDIT: That being said, I don't know what the expectations are for any given reader of this game, so I will point out that the last two times this happened in a Purvis game, it was done off-camera with basically no explicit exposition (or even much in the way of innuendo), and in the case of the time it happened mid-game, control was only restored after it was over. What all this means is that I advise against anyone getting their hopes up that we're going to see something interactive and/or NSFW enough to necessitate spoiler censors.
-
Don't worry, I'm happy as long as we get wholesome Touhou relationships.
-
I wish Yua was too. Alas :(
-
> Frown a bit.
> "I'm serious about leaving on time. We'll also need to consider that there are going to be multiple visitors in the morning, at least one of which is a tengu reporter. I can't leave them waiting just because I'm zonked out from an extremely late night, however enjoyable that night might be."
>"Fiiiiine, you're so grumpy, you know."
>_
-
> Chuckle.
> "A little taste of home, eh?"
-
> Chuckle.
> "A little taste of home, eh?"
>Koa snorts in response.
>_
-
> Chuckle again.
> "Sorry. I don't mean to be a mood killer, it's just that tomorrow is pretty important. You've been present for both everything I have to gain and everything I have to lose, so you know what's on the line here. So, really, time's a-wastin' the longer we talk."
-
> Chuckle again.
> "Sorry. I don't mean to be a mood killer, it's just that tomorrow is pretty important. You've been present for both everything I have to gain and everything I have to lose, so you know what's on the line here. So, really, time's a-wastin' the longer we talk."
>"Well, if you insist~" Koa says, as she starts to crawl toward you, smirking with full confidence.
>_
-
> Smirk in return, and get ready to relieve some stress!
-
> Smirk in return, and get ready to relieve some stress!
>The bat-winged woman slinks over, wearing a smile, and settles into your futon, wrapping her arms around you and giggling, her hands sliding under the back of your shirt.
>...
>...
>...Koa is a very confident woman, you've found in your short time with her. She's confident in herself and in her abilities. She is also confidently not very good at this. She's passionate, and this causes her to take the lead and then rush things. She's not very good at focusing on anything that feels good, nor is she particularly inventive. For all her boasting she doesn't last very long herself. She is quite attractive, you'll give her that, but a small part of you kind of wished you just went to bed. For her part, she wastes no time in falling asleep afterward. At least she doesn't hog the futon afterward, or snore.
>You also black out pretty quickly, having had a full day.
>Eventually you waken from a dreamless sleep to see that morning has come. Koa is still out like a light, curled up under the covers.
>_
-
> Well. She, uh, tried, I guess. And meant well. Maybe.
> Gently get out of bed in an effort to free ourselves without disturbing her. Get dressed proper once we've done so.
-
> Well. She, uh, tried, I guess. And meant well. Maybe.
> Gently get out of bed in an effort to free ourselves without disturbing her. Get dressed proper once we've done so.
>She probably meant well.
>You manage to slip out of the futon without disturbing her and get dressed.
>_
-
> Leave the bedroom and get our morning routine going.
> Estimate the time as we do.
-
> Leave the bedroom and get our morning routine going.
> Estimate the time as we do.
>You clean up real quick, you grab a quick breakfast of cucumber onigiri.
>It is, you think, about 8 in the morning, give or take. You are not behind schedule.
>_
-
> Is the bedroom far enough away from the warehouse that we could resume work without disturbing Sleeping Beauty?
-
> Is the bedroom far enough away from the warehouse that we could resume work without disturbing Sleeping Beauty?
>It should be fine.
>_
-
> Do we have any manner of keeping Koa on our person while she sleeps? Like stuffing her into a pocket or backpack or something. Consider both our own body's natural properties and any appropriate inventions.
> Check for visitors. We don't want to leave them waiting while we work!
-
> Do we have any manner of keeping Koa on our person while she sleeps? Like stuffing her into a pocket or backpack or something. Consider both our own body's natural properties and any appropriate inventions.
> Check for visitors. We don't want to leave them waiting while we work!
>You do not, unless you want to try to fireman carry her. Which maybe she'd think is funny, but it would be a huge pain at best.
>You look outside, and find a certain tengu reporter lingering at the front door. "So I've been informed that a situation has been brewing over the past few nights," she says, notepad out. "Have there been new findings?"
>_
-
> "There have, but you understand that I would rather them not be printed until after our rockets have launched, lest my strategies be given away."
-
> "There have, but you understand that I would rather them not be printed until after our rockets have launched, lest my strategies be given away."
>Her pen moves quickly.
>"What sorts of strategies, if I may ask?"
>_
-
> "Specific flight paths and goals. I noticed some preeeeeetty interesting stuff in the sky last night, after all. Interesting enough to get an audience with a daitengu about how to handle it while I'm up there."
-
> "Specific flight paths and goals. I noticed some preeeeeetty interesting stuff in the sky last night, after all. Interesting enough to get an audience with a daitengu about how to handle it while I'm up there."
>"That would be the situation brewing that I mentioned, yes," says Aya.
>_
-
> "What, the circumstances in the sky that led to that meeting, or the fact that the meeting happened at all?"
-
> "What, the circumstances in the sky that led to that meeting, or the fact that the meeting happened at all?"
>"The former, please," Aya says, scribbling down some more things.
>_
-
> Do we know about Aya's special gallery?
> "..."
> Look deep in thought.
> "...Well...that's complicated. I'm not personally too opposed to answering, but...if you haven't already been told what's going on by your higher-ups, I don't know that I'm at liberty to talk about what we discussed."
-
> Do we know about Aya's special gallery?
> "..."
> Look deep in thought.
> "...Well...that's complicated. I'm not personally too opposed to answering, but...if you haven't already been told what's going on by your higher-ups, I don't know that I'm at liberty to talk about what we discussed."
>It's kind of an open secret. Not exactly widespread knowledge, but it's known.
>"If they know anything," Aya says, waggling her pen between her fingers, "then it's fine that I know too, since we're all part of the same organization."
>_
-
> "So you wouldn't print anything that would allow readers to deduce why I might have had a meeting with one of them without their approval?"
-
> "So you wouldn't print anything that would allow readers to deduce why I might have had a meeting with one of them without their approval?"
>"Well," she says, continuing to waggle the pen. "It's not necessarily relevant to the question at hand... I'm more interested in hearing about the problem itself and advances made there."
>_
-
> "...Alright, but if I get an earful about this, I'm holding you responsible. I was checking the sky last night when I noticed that a couple of stars were missing."
-
> "...Alright, but if I get an earful about this, I'm holding you responsible. I was checking the sky last night when I noticed that a couple of stars were missing."
>Aya nods, scribbling some notes down. "And then?"
>_
-
> "Uh, that's it. I haven't been to space yet to find out why they're gone."
-
> "Uh, that's it. I haven't been to space yet to find out why they're gone."
>"Oh. So there weren't actually new developments," she says, putting the pen and notepad away with speed and precision. "I suppose we'll have to see what we can find."
>_
-
> "..."
> Blink.
> "...Ah. ...Does that mean you intend on going?"
-
> "..."
> Blink.
> "...Ah. ...Does that mean you intend on going?"
>"You did invite me, yes," says Aya.
>_
-
> "Right. I did say I'd let you know this morning if there's room. As it turns out, I do actually have two other agreements in place, and there isn't really room for four on a single flight. I'd be glad to take you on the second flight if you're amenable to that. Alternatively, if you can convince one of the other two to wait until the second flight, you could take their place."
-
> "Right. I did say I'd let you know this morning if there's room. As it turns out, I do actually have two other agreements in place, and there isn't really room for four on a single flight. I'd be glad to take you on the second flight if you're amenable to that. Alternatively, if you can convince one of the other two to wait until the second flight, you could take their place."
>The notepad comes back out. "Who are you traveling with?"
>_
-
> "That depends on when this is getting published, specifically whether or not my opponents will be able to see it before their launch."
-
> "That depends on when this is getting published, specifically whether or not my opponents will be able to see it before their launch."
>"If I'm not going to be going myself," Aya says, "I'm not going to let my competition scoop me, that's for sure," Aya says. "I am sure we can work to keep what needs to be under wraps under wraps."
>_
-
> "...Alright, I'll trust you to use discretion."
> "One is a fellow kappa, one that grills a mean braised cucumber. The other is the Scarlet Devil Mansion demon familiar."
-
> "...Alright, I'll trust you to use discretion."
> "One is a fellow kappa, one that grills a mean braised cucumber. The other is the Scarlet Devil Mansion demon familiar."
>Aya starts to write as you speak, then looks up midsentence. "Her?" she says. "Really?"
>_
-
> "Really."
-
> "Really."
>"May I ask what lead to that decision?"
>_
-
> "She came by and asked to join. For my part, based on our conversation, I trust she won't betray me. You'd have to ask her for her part, I don't want to speak on her behalf."
-
> "She came by and asked to join. For my part, based on our conversation, I trust she won't betray me. You'd have to ask her for her part, I don't want to speak on her behalf."
>She nods. "I see, I see. Hmm, well, next time I may accompany, if the time is open."
>_
-
> "I'll be glad to have you. It's entirely possible I won't be able to solve this in one pass, too."
-
> "I'll be glad to have you. It's entirely possible I won't be able to solve this in one pass, too."
>Aya nods. "Well, I'll keep that in mind-"
>"Hey," comes Koa's voice from behind, "What're we doing for break-ah!"
>You glance back just in time to see Koa jump back into the kitchen and around the door frame; seeing just enough to tell she did not bother to get dressed.
>Looking back, Aya has her camera in hand, and an annoyed expression on her face. You think if she weren't holding that notepad previously, she may have been fast enough to use that camera before Koa dove back into the other room.
>_
-
> Give Aya a blank look of restrained displeasure.
> "Really?"
-
>Aya nods. "Well, I'll keep that in mind-"
>"Hey," comes Koa's voice from behind, "What're we doing for break-ah!"
>You glance back just in time to see Koa jump back into the kitchen and around the door frame; seeing just enough to tell she did not bother to get dressed.
>Looking back, Aya has her camera in hand, and an annoyed expression on her face. You think if she weren't holding that notepad previously, she may have been fast enough to use that camera before Koa dove back into the other room.
>_
> Give Aya a blank look of restrained displeasure.
> "Really?"
// We should be double-careful not to be suspected or misunderstood in being involved in something... untoward and tasteless//
> Say it to Aya as a genuine question without displeasure, however restrained it may be, because appearances, and potential misunderstandings, are mostky against us at the moment...
> Turn for a moment in the direction of the, now-hidden Koakuma, then turn back to Aya and say to her : " Truly,no need to invite misunderstandings or annoyances about curiosity over a particular sleeping habit... "
"
>"If I'm not going to be going myself," Aya says, "I'm not going to let my competition scoop me, that's for sure," Aya says. "I am sure we can work to keep what needs to be under wraps under wraps."
>_
>She nods. "I see, I see. Hmm, well, next time I may accompany, if the time is open."
>_
> Follow-up, as soon as possible, with: "... returning back on the topics to be agreed upon... the 1st id to be as discreet as not giving any info edge to my comoetitors while still allowing an early-bird coverage, the 2nd is that my experimental space-voyage will be left open for you and another eventual passenger as soon as I am free of any eventuall greater obligation, after the eventual maintenance and new adjustments".
-
> Give Aya a blank look of restrained displeasure.
> "Really?"
// We should be double-careful not to be suspected or misunderstood in being involved in something... untoward and tasteless//
> Say it to Aya as a genuine question without displeasure, however restrained it may be, because appearances, and potential misunderstandings, are mostky against us at the moment...
> Turn for a moment in the direction of the, now-hidden Koakuma, then turn back to Aya and say to her : " Truly,no need to invite misunderstandings or annoyances about curiosity over a particular sleeping habit... "
"
> Follow-up, as soon as possible, with: "... returning back on the topics to be agreed upon... the 1st id to be as discreet as not giving any info edge to my comoetitors while still allowing an early-bird coverage, the 2nd is that my experimental space-voyage will be left open for you and another eventual passenger as soon as I am free of any eventuall greater obligation, after the eventual maintenance and new adjustments".
>"In the world of photography, you snap first and ask questions later," Aya says. "Otherwise you'll miss the shot you wanted to take."
>_
-
> Sigh and pinch the bridge of our nose.
> "I guess. And I guess nothing actually happened in this instance."
-
> Sigh and pinch the bridge of our nose.
> "I guess. And I guess nothing actually happened in this instance."
>"Plenty happened!" Koa shouts from her hiding place.
>"Anyways, this won't be mentioned anytime soon," Aya says.
>_
-
> "Thank you."
-
> "Thank you."
>"Any final comments?" Aya says, as she puts her camera away and retrieves her notebook.
>_
-
> "I can't think of any at the moment."
-
> "I can't think of any at the moment."
>"Well then, I'll leave you be," says Aya. "Hopefully you'll have much more for me next time. But not too much more, we don't need you working too hard."
>_
-
> Grin a bit.
> "Glad someone appreciates what I do for this place."
-
> Grin a bit.
> "Glad someone appreciates what I do for this place."
>Aya gives a little chuckle that is difficult to read. "Can't have the star solver drop on us until the stars are solved," she says, as she makes her way out.
>_
-
> "Good luck to both of us, then!"
-
> "Good luck to both of us, then!"
>"Luck indeed," she says, as she sauters off, then takes to the sky.
>As she does, you notice Aio lurking nearby, looking around the corner of a house. "Is it clear?" she says.
>_
-
> Give a slight sheepish grin.
> "Is it ever?"
-
> Give a slight sheepish grin.
> "Is it ever?"
>"I guess not," Aoi says. "Is it a normal amount of clear?"
>_
-
> Look back at where Koa was.
> "Is it clear for our other travel companion, Koa?"
-
> Look back at where Koa was.
> "Is it clear for our other travel companion, Koa?"
>"Give me a minute!" comes Koa's voice from the other side of the building.
>_
-
> Look back to Aoi.
> "It'll be a normal amount of clear in a minute."
-
> Look back to Aoi.
> "It'll be a normal amount of clear in a minute."
>She nods and approaches the door, but is careful not to get too close. As she rounds the corner, you see she has her own backpack, which is well stuffed with all kinds of things; you think you hear some cookware clattering inside?
>"Any new disasters?" she says.
>_
-
> "Not that I'm aware of. Plan's still on to go exploring, treasure hunting, and star hunting all at once. I do need to finalize a few things with the rocket itself, but that's a matter of minutes instead of hours."
-
> "Not that I'm aware of. Plan's still on to go exploring, treasure hunting, and star hunting all at once. I do need to finalize a few things with the rocket itself, but that's a matter of minutes instead of hours."
>"When do we leave?" she says.
>_
-
> Based on last night's calculations, when do we leave?
-
> Based on last night's calculations, when do we leave?
>You've got about an hour, give or take.
>_
-
> "Roughly an hour."
-
> "Roughly an hour."
>"Okay, that shouldn't be difficult," Aoi says, "Plenty of time to get settled in."
>"What's for breakfast?" Koa says as she wanders back in; presumably clothed this time.
>_
-
> What do we have available?
-
> What do we have available?
>Mostly rice and cucumbers. You weren't of the mind to do a lot of shopping before leaving home for a few days.
>_
-
> "Cucumbers and rice."
-
> "Cucumbers and rice."
>"Not even pancakes? C'mon," Koa says.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "I like what I like."
-
> Shrug.
> "I like what I like."
>"Fiiiine, it'll do," Koa says.
>_
-
> "...In thinking about it, it would probably make more sense to do food first before getting back to work."
-
> "...In thinking about it, it would probably make more sense to do food first before getting back to work."
>"I can handle it!" Aoi says. "You just focus on getting things ready."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "If you're willing, sure."
> Head back into the workshop.
-
> Nod.
> "If you're willing, sure."
> Head back into the workshop.
>"Don't worry about it!" Aoi says, as she heads inside, and makes a beeline for the kitchen.
>"Anything I need to do?" Koa says.
>_
-
> "I think you're probably okay for the time being. You could make sure you're all packed and ready to go."
-
> "I think you're probably okay for the time being. You could make sure you're all packed and ready to go."
>"I think I got everything?" she says, as she makes her way over your armchair and flops down. "Uh, lemme know if you get any ideas."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Will do. Sorry that I don't really have much for you, I wasn't planning around the possibility of your joining up, and your contributions to the team that I can think of are more strategic than laborious."
-
> Nod.
> "Will do. Sorry that I don't really have much for you, I wasn't planning around the possibility of your joining up, and your contributions to the team that I can think of are more strategic than laborious."
>"I'm not gonna complain about that!" Koa says, stretching out into the chair.
>_
-
> Get back to work finishing the rocket!
-
> Get back to work finishing the rocket!
>The next hour progresses quickly. Aoi cooks up something Koa is willing to have for breakfast without complaining. You do the last bits of installation and run some tests, the results coming back satisfactorily. You put Koa to work helping you push the rocket outside into launch position. You then load it with basics; provisions, some spare clothes, spare parts, some medical supplies; managing to cajole Koa into helping you carry things.
>With that, the time of launch is nigh, all you need do is place the card Chimata gave you into the engine to power it. If there are any last minute details, now is the time to handle them. As well, it is probably better to recalculate a launch than try to rush things into this one. Aoi and Koa both seem ready to go.
>_
-
> Have we gathered the stuff we're bringing along for ourselves?
> Did we make any pre-launch commitments to anyone local that we haven't addressed yet?
-
> Have we gathered the stuff we're bringing along for ourselves?
> Did we make any pre-launch commitments to anyone local that we haven't addressed yet?
>You have the basic supplies listed. If you want more, you'll have to get it. Weight may be a concern.
>You don't think so.
>_
-
> Okay, good enough!
> Lightly clap once.
> "Okay, ladies, we ready?"
-
> Okay, good enough!
> Lightly clap once.
> "Okay, ladies, we ready?"
>"Yep!" Aoi says.
>"I think so?" Koa says, "I can't think of anything else to do?"
>_
-
> "Neither can I. Alright, let's do this."
> Place Chimata's card into the engine.
-
> "Neither can I. Alright, let's do this."
> Place Chimata's card into the engine.
>You place the card in the engine. Nothing happens, but that is to be expected. When you activate it, that's when the magic happens.
>The three of you then board the rocket. Inside is a small room, a bit larger than your bedroom or kitchen, but not by much. Part of it is taken up by the controls. Another by a very small bathroom (without running water, more of an airlock with a seat) with a curtain around it. There's room enough for futons, a spot that Aoi can set up as a kitchen, and a kotatsu bolted to the floor. A few seats are set near window and the controls, with seatbelts build into them. There's also a overhead compartments, and a space under the floor where all the supplies are stored.
>You take your place at the controls, Aoi and Koa at the seats (after Koa tries to sit at the kotatsu and is suggested otherwise). Once everyone is in place, you throw the lever and the engines come to life. After a final check, it's time. You ignite the engines, and the rocket starts to lift; moving so fast and so powerfully that it pushes you back into your seat! Within a few heartbeats, Kappa village is just a diorama through the window below you. Koa is shrieking like a maniac; you try to ignore her, A wake of shimmering rainbow shines palely behind you. Then the rocket shakes, and the lower second falls away; by your calculations it should fall somewhere on the lower reaches of the mountain, on the northern side where there's little of anything...probably. It'll be nice to retrieve that when you come back, or you'll have to make a new one. The feeling of thrust lessens as you leave Gensokyo behind; Koakuma calms down a bit.
>Free of the lower stage, the rocket moves even faster. The sails deploy, catching the powerful winds that blow in the heavens, adding more power to rocket. Gensokyo is like a map below you; you pass by the sun, some distance away, continuing upward. You barely notice the speed anymore. All that's left if to proceed; you can set the rocket to follow the course now; assuming nothing gets in the way.
>_
-
> How did Aoi seem to handle the launch?
> Set the rocket to follow our calculated course.
> Then turn to our companions.
> "First step's a doozy, eh? How are you both doing?"
-
> How did Aoi seem to handle the launch?
> Set the rocket to follow our calculated course.
> Then turn to our companions.
> "First step's a doozy, eh? How are you both doing?"
>She was quiet; you imagine she saw the rocket and put the pieces together how much power it was going to kick out.
>You set it on course, after a couple small adjustments.
>"A little shaken," Aoi says, "But I'm good. Is it safe to get up?"
>"Remi didn't say anything about that!" Koa says. "Not even a little bit! I thought Shinki got mad at us!"
>_
-
> Do we know who 'Shinki' is?
> Is it indeed safe to get up?
-
> Do we know who 'Shinki' is?
> Is it indeed safe to get up?
>She was quiet; you imagine she saw the rocket and put the pieces together how much power it was going to kick out.
>You set it on course, after a couple small adjustments.
>"A little shaken," Aoi says, "But I'm good. Is it safe to get up?"
>"Remi didn't say anything about that!" Koa says. "Not even a little bit! I thought Shinki got mad at us!"
>_
> Check if the calculated route remains consistent and if there are no signs of alerts and compromission...
>... if all is right and clear, reassure both. Aoi and, especially, Koakuma, that it is safe to get up... while actually getting up and about ourseleves.
-
> Check if the calculated route remains consistent and if there are no signs of alerts and compromission...
>... if all is right and clear, reassure both. Aoi and, especially, Koakuma, that it is safe to get up... while actually getting up and about ourseleves.
> Do we know who 'Shinki' is?
> Is it indeed safe to get up?
<Doublechecking your instruments, things are going well.
>Not really? The name is not totally alien, but you have no idea who or what she might be.
>It's as safe as it's going to be.
>_
-
> "Should be just fine to be up and about, yeah. And sorry for not warning you both."
> Get up ourselves, to demonstrate.
-
> "Should be just fine to be up and about, yeah. And sorry for not warning you both."
> Get up ourselves, to demonstrate.
>You stand up, and it's easy enough to walk around. Kind of like being in a boat, but with less balance needed.
>"Oh, good," Koa says as she fumbles with her seatbelt. "So, we're up here. What now?"
>_
-
> "Now we explore, search for treasure, and look into why those stars are missing."
> How do things outside the rocket look?
-
> "Now we explore, search for treasure, and look into why those stars are missing."
> How do things outside the rocket look?
>"I mean, what do we do, here?" Koa says.
>Empty skies all around you. You can see stars faintly now, even with the sunlight.
>_
-
> Did we bring anything personal for passing the time?
-
> Did we bring anything personal for passing the time?
>Not really. You were largely expecting the trip to take your time.
>_
-
> "Manage the trip."
-
> "Manage the trip."
>"Yeah, you can help out," Aoi says. "There will surely be plenty to keep us busy!"
>Koa is very carefully not making a face, you think. Instead she pats her pockets down, then says, "Oh! I got a deck of cards still!"
>_
-
> Oh heavens. Well, at least she's doing her best to not cause problems.
> What options for mission-advancing things to do are there currently?
> "As long as you're okay possibly getting interrupted for the mission."
-
> Oh heavens. Well, at least she's doing her best to not cause problems.
> What options for mission-advancing things to do are there currently?
> "As long as you're okay possibly getting interrupted for the mission."
>Right now, it's just a question of reaching your destination. You might be able to speed that up by paying attention to the winds and riding them, but there's no guarantee of that. It wouldn't hurt to have someone keeping an eye on the sails or the engine, too.
>"Yeah, sure," says Koa.
>_
-
> Would it make sense to have two different people watching the sails and the engine?
-
> Would it make sense to have two different people watching the sails and the engine?
>One person can do both, but if things are going poorly maybe it is better to divide that labor up.
>_
-
> "In fact, why don't you two keep eyes on the sails and the engine?"
> Provide information on what to look for and how to react to different situations.
-
> "In fact, why don't you two keep eyes on the sails and the engine?"
> Provide information on what to look for and how to react to different situations.
>"I guess?" says Koa. She glances out the window. "They're still sailing, looks like."
>You patiently explain what to look for to both your crew members. As expected, Aoi doesn't need too much coaching to look after the engine. While she doesn't understand exactly how it all works, she has the background knowledge to pick it up pretty quickly. Koa, however, needs quite a bit more, the closest experience she has with sails is closing a curtain. But you manage to impart what she needs to look for and you think she's retained it.
>_
-
> "Great. While that's going on, I'll see about possibly speeding us up by riding the winds. No promises, of course, but I'll do what I can."
-
> "Great. While that's going on, I'll see about possibly speeding us up by riding the winds. No promises, of course, but I'll do what I can."
>"Okay!" Aoi says, sitting by the engine hatch, watching it work.
>"Um, just don't break the sails, I guess?" Koa says.
>_
-
> "I'm certainly going to try not breaking anything. This wasn't cheap or easy to make!"
> Spend some time focusing on riding the wind to speed up (though not to the exclusion of small talk if someone wants to do that).
-
> "I'm certainly going to try not breaking anything. This wasn't cheap or easy to make!"
> Spend some time focusing on riding the wind to speed up (though not to the exclusion of small talk if someone wants to do that).
>You return your effort to piloting.
>The winds are difficult to get a feel for, they don't seem to be connected to anything you can discern at the moment. But there do seem to be something like patterns to them. After awhile, you get reasonably good at finding that pattern and you manage to make some extra headway. Koa complains, of course, as you have to tack the ship this way and that to do it, but you manage to convince her it's working. You're sure it's working...
>The day goes by slowly but smoothly. Aoi keeps you updated on how the engines are doing, while Koa keeps an eye on the wings at least some of the time; pacing around and playing with her cards at other times, and just having a midday nap at one point. Aoi has a break to make lunch at one point, a delightful cucumber-heavy stir fry that even Koa ultimately enjoys. Which is good, as there are leftovers for supper.
>The sky grows darker as you leave Gensokyo further and further behind. Never getting quite nightlike, but more and more dusky. The stars shine more brightly, and you can see the Sake River up ahead. With luck, you might be able to hit it by "evening"; as much as that measurement means anything here; if you keep at it. Maybe later than that.
>_
-
> Point the Sake River out.
> "There's our first destination, ladies. We might meet some celestial gods while we're there, which could be interesting."
-
> Point the Sake River out.
> "There's our first destination, ladies. We might meet some celestial gods while we're there, which could be interesting."
>"Do you think they'll be friendly?" Koa says, looking over from staring out the window.
>_
-
> "Hard to say. At the very least, though, I'd be surprised if they were hostile."
-
> "Hard to say. At the very least, though, I'd be surprised if they were hostile."
>Koa nods. You don't know if she's reassured, but she doesn't argue at least.
>_
-
> "Really, with any luck, they might help us out if we tell them we're looking into the missing stars. Fingers crossed."
> Onward to the Sake River!
-
> "Really, with any luck, they might help us out if we tell them we're looking into the missing stars. Fingers crossed."
> Onward to the Sake River!
>You press onward. the vague light gives away completely; you aren't sure if it is because you've gotten that far from Gensokyo, or if it's just night time; it's certainly been long enough for it to get dark back home.
>Ahead you can see the river flowing across the sky, a broad and shallow-looking flow of lightly cloudy liquid; miles upon miles across at a glance. There should be a place to settle down on its banks or the flood plain.
>_
-
> Can we actually land safely, get out and wander around, and be able to get back in and relaunch?
-
> Can we actually land safely, get out and wander around, and be able to get back in and relaunch?
>You should be, if there aren't any nasty surprises.
>_
-
> Might we meet any gods if we stop here and get out?
> What else might we find here?
-
> Might we meet any gods if we stop here and get out?
> What else might we find here?
>It's certainly possible.
>If you knew that, you wouldn't be an explorer.
>_
-
> "Alright, ladies, anyone interested in a chance to disembark and stretch their legs?"
-
> "Alright, ladies, anyone interested in a chance to disembark and stretch their legs?"
>"You don't even know," says Koa.
>"Sounds good!" Aoi says. "Maybe we can find a good place to rest for the evening?"
>_
-
> "Well, if nothing else, we can sleep in here. But if we find something we like out there, there's nothing stopping us from taking advantage."
-
> "Well, if nothing else, we can sleep in here. But if we find something we like out there, there's nothing stopping us from taking advantage."
>"It's at least out of the weather, in here," Koa says.
>"For what weather is there is," Aoi says. "Anyways, you got my vote."
>_
-
> "Alright, let's do it!"
> If we have an idea which of the banks and the flood plain is more interesting, aim for that one and look for some place to land. If we don't have an idea, aim for the flood plain.
-
> "Alright, let's do it!"
> If we have an idea which of the banks and the flood plain is more interesting, aim for that one and look for some place to land. If we don't have an idea, aim for the flood plain.
>The area you can see seems to be fairly devoid of anything.
>"Should we find something interesting to dock by, first?" Koa says, as she looks out the window. "Seems like there's a whole lot of nothing here."
>_
-
> "Sure."
> Cruise along for a bit, looking for anything interesting.
-
> "Sure."
> Cruise along for a bit, looking for anything interesting.
>You make your way along the edge of the Sake River for a few minutes, and soon catch sight of what looks like a small collection of buildings not far from the banks; an ancient style manor, you think.
>_
-
> Point it out.
> "There's something. And quite possibly someone, or someones."
-
> Point it out.
> "There's something. And quite possibly someone, or someones."
>Both your crew members come to see, Koa practically smashing her nose against the window. "Oh look at that cute little mansion!" she says.
>"It doesn't look abandoned, I don't think?" says Aoi. "I guess it's safe to have a look."
>_
-
> "Might as well, yeah."
> Aim for a landing spot relatively near to the manor (such that we won't be too loud for any potential residents) and then land.
-
> "Might as well, yeah."
> Aim for a landing spot relatively near to the manor (such that we won't be too loud for any potential residents) and then land.
>You settle in for a landing. This, honestly, is fairly new technology and while you know in theory how the technique is supposed to work, you've never really been able to practice it. As such, you err on the side of caution and it nice and slow. If nothing else, a mostly empty river bank is about as nice of a spot as you can ask for. You come in as slowly as you can and... success! You touch down onto the grassy bank without any real difficulties. Then manor is some hundreds of yards away, an easy enough walk.
>_
-
> "Phew! Okay, let's check this place out."
> Disembark and walk over to the manor.
-
> "Phew! Okay, let's check this place out."
> Disembark and walk over to the manor.
>You open the hatch, and three of you practically tumble out.
>The river banks look more or less as they did from above and a distance; covered in deep green grass dotted with various leafy plants and flowers. The stars shine brightly overhead in the velvety sky. The river flows slowly but powerfully, it would be secretly hard to swim in. As you approach the manor, you see a dark-haired woman in voluminous robes standing on the outskirts; obviously waiting on you.
>_
-
> Give the woman a wave.
-
> Give the woman a wave.
>You give her a wave from the distance. Slowly she raises and arm and gives a dignified wave back. Then she folds her hands in front of her, losing them in her sleeves, and waits for you to approach.
>_
-
> Approach closer.
> Once we're within reasonable speaking distance: "Hi! To whom do we owe the pleasure?"
-
> Approach closer.
> Once we're within reasonable speaking distance: "Hi! To whom do we owe the pleasure?"
>You approach closer. The woman is a quite tall, and wearing so many layers of kimonos that you cannot quite get a feeling for what her build might be. The kimonos are splattered with a variety of random-looking colors without rhyme or reason, you cannot tell if it intentional or the result of some kind of paint-related accident. Her hair is long and dark, some of it reachign down to her hips and some coiled into intricate braids around her temples and the top of her head. Her eyes are blue, so light that it almost seems like white. You want to say they are ice colored, but seem to have none of the coldness of it.
>"I am Orihime," she says. "Might you be raiders, perhaps?"
>_
-
> "That certainly wasn't our intention! We're explorers and investigators from Gensokyo, seeing other lands and looking into why some stars seem to have disappeared. I myself am Nitori, a kappa tinkerer."
-
> "That certainly wasn't our intention! We're explorers and investigators from Gensokyo, seeing other lands and looking into why some stars seem to have disappeared. I myself am Nitori, a kappa tinkerer."
>"Hi," Koa says.
>Aoi fidgets. "Oh, I'm Aoi, also a kappa tinkerer!"
>Orihime gives a small nod. "How unusual. But I am relieved to hear that you are not here to pillage. What may I do for you, then, visitors from below?"
>_
-
> "We'd be curious to learn what life is like here, and who else might be in the general area. Also, any information on the missing stars would be appreciated."
-
> "We'd be curious to learn what life is like here, and who else might be in the general area. Also, any information on the missing stars would be appreciated."
>"As you can see," Orihime says, as she makes a small gesture toward her manor before folding her hands into her sleeves once more. Having a moment to get a closer look, her hands are definitely stained with dye. "It is just me here, save for the odd guest. As for the stars, I had been wondering this myself."
>_
-
> Can we tell if this person is a human, youkai, god, or something else?
> "Any ideas for anyone nearby, or even less than nearby, that might know something?"
-
> Can we tell if this person is a human, youkai, god, or something else?
> "Any ideas for anyone nearby, or even less than nearby, that might know something?"
>You are pretty sure she's the third one. At the very least, she's neither human nor youkai, that you're certain about. She is certainly different than any of the gods you've encountered, but she's akin to them in some way.
>Orihime gives a rueful chuckle. "I am not sure. I am too busy to really travel and meet others."
>_
-
> "Oh, what is it you do?"
-
> "Oh, what is it you do?"
>"I weave and sew and dye," says Orihime. "It is a bit late for dinner, but I would be happy to provide something, if you like?"
>_
-
> Look to our travel companions.
> "That okay by you two?"
-
> Look to our travel companions.
> "That okay by you two?"
>"I won't say no to another supper," says Koa with a shrug.
>"I don't know if I really have room for it," Aoi says, "But a little dessert would be nice."
>_
-
> Look back to Otohime.
> "In that case, we'll gladly take you up on that offer, Lady Otohime."
-
> Look back to Otohime.
> "In that case, we'll gladly take you up on that offer, Lady Otohime."
>She inclines heard head downward for a moment, then says, "Come with me, please."
>The goddess leads you onto the manor grounds. It is less of a single building and more of a number of smaller builders arranged in something of a C-shape, connected with wooden walkways. Wooden tubs, easily large enough for you to stand in and not see over the rim, line the eastern side of the complex; you can't see in them but you assume she must be using them for dyeing cloth. She takes to the westmost building and slides the door open, inviting you into a modestly large dining hall. "Please come in and make yourself comfortable."
>_
>_
-
> "Thanks!"
> Take the comfiest-looking seat that isn't the head or the foot of a table.
> "So, and pardon me for being presumptuous, is fabric work your domain, or simply a hobby?"
-
> "Thanks!"
> Take the comfiest-looking seat that isn't the head or the foot of a table.
> "So, and pardon me for being presumptuous, is fabric work your domain, or simply a hobby?"
>"It's what I do," Orihime says. "Excuse me, I'll fetch something from the kitchen."
>You have a seat at the table, picking the nicest looking mat to sit on. The table is simple at a glance, but you note the carving on it is quite intricate in its understated nature. The walls are also bare with only a little color, but a closer look at their panels reveals are made quite well. Koa plops down beside you, while Aoi takes a place across from you.
>Orihime returns with a tray bearing a selection of simple snacks; rice crackers and dried roasted soy beans in particular, and a few pickled vegetables, and a selection of sweets. "Please help yourself," she says.
>_
-
> "Thanks for the hospitality!"
> Take what we're most interested in that isn't the sweets; we'll hold off on those for a bit while Aoi selects what she wants.
-
> "Thanks for the hospitality!"
> Take what we're most interested in that isn't the sweets; we'll hold off on those for a bit while Aoi selects what she wants.
>"It is only proper," Orihime says.
>Aoi helps herself to some yokan, while Koa grabs some rice cracks and starts nibbling on them. You have some of the soybeans, which are quite good; a little saltier than you're used to, but in a good way.
>_
-
> "These are great."
-
> "These are great."
>"I am pleased that you think so," she says. "if I may ask, what brings humble explorers such as yourselves to the heavens? You mentioned a few things, I seem to recall."
>_
-
> "Ah. Right, so. I mentioned that I'm a kappa tinkerer. I've spent a while working on one of my finest projects to date - a rocket for exploring the heavens. It had previously gone as far as the Sun, but this time I'm seeing just how far I can go, both for the accomplishment as an inventor and the experience of exploration."
> "That being said, rockets need power. So, in order to make it worth a god's while to invest in me, I agreed to a friendly competition with another batch of prospective explorers, who were coincidentally also setting up their own rocket at the same time. The long and short of that competition is that whoever brings back the most valuable object wins. Which, again, I promise we're not raiders, I don't want to steal or pillage anything."
> "Then, when I was planning a flight path, I noticed a couple of stars were missing. So, since I was going to be up here anyway, I reached an agreement with a local authority to investigate their disappearance and do what I could to return them, in exchange for fair compensation."
> Gesture to our crew while still talking to Otohime.
> "Koa and Aoi are my co-pilots for this mission, because extra hands and extra eyes are always useful. And, well, also because traveling the unknown for days on end by myself would get pretty lonely."
-
> "Ah. Right, so. I mentioned that I'm a kappa tinkerer. I've spent a while working on one of my finest projects to date - a rocket for exploring the heavens. It had previously gone as far as the Sun, but this time I'm seeing just how far I can go, both for the accomplishment as an inventor and the experience of exploration."
> "That being said, rockets need power. So, in order to make it worth a god's while to invest in me, I agreed to a friendly competition with another batch of prospective explorers, who were coincidentally also setting up their own rocket at the same time. The long and short of that competition is that whoever brings back the most valuable object wins. Which, again, I promise we're not raiders, I don't want to steal or pillage anything."
> "Then, when I was planning a flight path, I noticed a couple of stars were missing. So, since I was going to be up here anyway, I reached an agreement with a local authority to investigate their disappearance and do what I could to return them, in exchange for fair compensation."
> Gesture to our crew while still talking to Otohime.
> "Koa and Aoi are my co-pilots for this mission, because extra hands and extra eyes are always useful. And, well, also because traveling the unknown for days on end by myself would get pretty lonely."
>The goddess listens, nodding at appropriate times. "I, too, had only noticed recently that a few stars seem to have gone missing. I think it was two days ago, as I was stirring one of the vats. I have no idea why. I wondered if perhaps they had burnt out?"
>_
-
> "We can certainly let you know what's up on our way back home, assuming our path takes us back in this direction."
-
>The goddess listens, nodding at appropriate times. "I, too, had only noticed recently that a few stars seem to have gone missing. I think it was two days ago, as I was stirring one of the vats. I have no idea why. I wondered if perhaps they had burnt out?"
>_
>When did we notice the"Missing Stars"?When did the Tengu notice? What is their numbers and constellation's position?
-
>When did we notice the"Missing Stars"?When did the Tengu notice? What is their numbers and constellatiln's position?
>You noticed them last night. You don't know when the tengu knew.
>You haven't extensively catalogued them, but you've noticed a couple dozen are missing.
> "We can certainly let you know what's up on our way back home, assuming our path takes us back in this direction."
>She nods. "That would be most kind of you. You mentioned that you were seeking treasures. What did you have in mind for that, I wonder?"
>_
-
> "That's the fun yet terrifying part: I have no idea."
-
> "That's the fun yet terrifying part: I have no idea."
>Orihime covers her mouth with her sleeves and chuckles. "Surely you must have some idea of what' you consider valuable?"
>_
-
> "Oh, well, yeah. But I have no idea what's out here, beyond the general knowledge that a fair number of gods reside in this general area."
-
> "Oh, well, yeah. But I have no idea what's out here, beyond the general knowledge that a fair number of gods reside in this general area."
>"Ah, and you have no idea what you desire?"
>_
-
> "More or less. I figured I'd wing it once I got up here."
-
> "More or less. I figured I'd wing it once I got up here."
>She nods. "Then I do not know if there is much help I can offer you with that task."
>_
-
> "Right, I understand. Hmm, is there anyone or anywhere you would recommend we go in a general sense?"
-
> "Right, I understand. Hmm, is there anyone or anywhere you would recommend we go in a general sense?"
>"You may be tempted to visit the moon," she says. "And it does hold countless treasures. But, this would lead to a poor outcome, I am sure. Hm. If you follow the river to its headwaters, you would find the Firecracker Palace, but I believe that would be most dangerous."
>_
-
> "I see. Not that the name doesn't already suggest a few things, but who or what may we find there?"
-
> "I see. Not that the name doesn't already suggest a few things, but who or what may we find there?"
>"It is the home of Narukami Raijin," she explains. "The entire place is awash in thunderstorms day and night. But as I understand, she keeps many treasures there, offerings from the world below."
>_
-
> What do we know about this deity Otohime has mentioned?
> Come to think of it, do we know anything about Otohime as a deity beyond what we've learned since arriving?
-
> What do we know about this deity Otohime has mentioned?
> Come to think of it, do we know anything about Otohime as a deity beyond what we've learned since arriving?
>You are certain that Raijin would be the deity of thunder, lightning, and storms. Known for having a wild personality, you imagine she is probably a lot like an oni in that regard.
>As for Orihime, you are pretty sure the Tanebata festival in held in her honor; well her and her spouse. You aren't sure, but you believe she probably produces most of the cloth used by the heavenly gods.
>_
-
> Oh cripes, an oni.
> Who is Orihime's spouse?
> When was the last Tanebata festival, and what did we do for it?
-
> Oh cripes, an oni.
> Who is Orihime's spouse?
> When was the last Tanebata festival, and what did we do for it?
>Not exactly an oni, but...perhaps a lot like one?
>If you recall properly, it would Hikoboshi, a cow herder of the heavens.
>It was last year, second week of August? You've got about a season to go before the next one. You experimented with an ice cream maker for the festivities. It...worked. But ultimately wasn't good enough to draw crowds. Something about the piping and storage ended up lending a fishy flavor to the ice cream. Which did have some fans, but not enough to be considered a successful day.
>_
-
> "Ah, that's good to know as at least one option. Hopefully I can make a deal of some kind."
-
> "Ah, that's good to know as at least one option. Hopefully I can make a deal of some kind."
>"I am unable to help you there," says Orihime. "I barely know her. But I can say that the way to her palace is Extremely dangerous. It may be best not to try at all, the lightning is fierce indeed."
>_
-
> "Oh, that's a problem, yeah. Huh. Is there a way to contact her from long distance, maybe?"
-
> "Oh, that's a problem, yeah. Huh. Is there a way to contact her from long distance, maybe?"
>"I am sure there is," she says. "But I am also certain I have no idea what it would be."
>_
-
> "Drat. Well, we'll see what tomorrow and beyond brings, I suppose."
> "Anyone else you're willing to suggest that makes sense for our situation?"
-
> "Drat. Well, we'll see what tomorrow and beyond brings, I suppose."
> "Anyone else you're willing to suggest that makes sense for our situation?"
>"Nothing comes to mind immediately," says Orihime. "But you are welcome to stay for the evening, if you wish."
>_
-
> "That'd be appreciated, thanks."
> "Come to think of it, as long as I'm here, do you have any requests for the next Tanebata festival?"
-
> "That'd be appreciated, thanks."
> "Come to think of it, as long as I'm here, do you have any requests for the next Tanebata festival?"
>"Pray for fair weather," she says.
>_
-
> "Consider it done."
-
> "Consider it done."
>Koa chuckles a little at the exchange. Or maybe just at some passing fancy that happens to coincide with what's beign said? it's hard to know what's going on in her head.
>"Perhaps there's something else you'd like to ask?" Orihime says.
>_
-
> Look to Koa and Aoi.
> "Anything come to your minds?"
-
> Look to Koa and Aoi.
> "Anything come to your minds?"
>"Can we poke around a bit?" Koa says.
>"I suppose that will be fine," Orihime replies.
>_
-
> Look over to Koa.
> "Try to not get me in too much trouble. Tanebata's a moneymaker."
-
> Look over to Koa.
> "Try to not get me in too much trouble. Tanebata's a moneymaker."
>"Hey..." Koa says. "I wasn't gonna do anything!"
>The goddess simply seems amused.
>_
-
> Grin a bit.
> "Didn't say you were. I'm jus' sayin'."
-
> Grin a bit.
> "Didn't say you were. I'm jus' sayin'."
>"Well I don't see why you singled me out," Koa says, surely perfectly aware of why you singled her out. "Maybe Aoi going to start a fire or something, you don't know!"
>"Huh?" Aoi says, looking up from a bun she was nibbling on.
>_
-
> "You asked, she didn't."
-
>"Can we poke around a bit?" Koa says.
>"I suppose that will be fine," Orihime replies.
>_
>"Well I don't see why you singled me out," Koa says, surely perfectly aware of why you singled her out. "Maybe Aoi going to start a fire or something, you don't know!"
>"Huh?" Aoi says, looking up from a bun she was nibbling on.
>_
> "You asked, she didn't."
> Do not say the last bit to Koakuma,hers is an honest request and reaction to our sudden warning ,but rather Apologize to her because we let slip that unneeded warning plus do thank her for having politely gained permission by Orihime on behalf of all 3 of us.
> Tell Aoi if ,when she is done,she wants to ask for anything else before we initiate an allowed and search-around.
-
> "You asked, she didn't."
> Do not say the last bit to Koakuma,hers is an honest request and reaction to our sudden warning ,but rather Apologize to her because we let slip that unneeded warning plus do thank her for having politely gained permission by Orihime on behalf of all 3 of us.
> Tell Aoi if ,when she is done,she wants to ask for anything else before we initiate an allowed and search-around.
>Koa seems mostly mollified by this.
>"Uh, I just wanna know where the bed is," she says.
>"Go to the outermost building," says Orhime. "There will be places for you all."
>_
-
> Oh, right. We left our stuff in the rocket, yes?
-
> Oh, right. We left our stuff in the rocket, yes?
>You certainly did!
>_
-
> "Ah, thanks. Will it be okay if we go back and get our stuff?"
-
> "Ah, thanks. Will it be okay if we go back and get our stuff?"
>"I can't imagine a reason to object," says Orihime.
>_
-
> "Great, thanks. Any house rules we need to abide beyond the common courtesies?"
-
> "Great, thanks. Any house rules we need to abide beyond the common courtesies?"
>"I would not advise going into the river," she says. "It seems calm, but its undercurrent is most powerful. If one is swept away, no one can say if they would ever be seen again."
>_
-
> "Oh, yeah, I definitely got the sense that it wasn't to be messed with on the approach."
-
> "Oh, yeah, I definitely got the sense that it wasn't to be messed with on the approach."
>"I think that would be the only obvious thing not covered by common courtesy," Orhime says.
>_
-
> In regards to common courtesies, should we offer to help clean up?
-
> In regards to common courtesies, should we offer to help clean up?
>You aren't sure. Normally it would be, but at the same time, there's no way she put all this together by hand.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Got it. In that case, do you need help cleaning up?"
-
> Nod.
> "Got it. In that case, do you need help cleaning up?"
>"Please do not trouble yourself with such things," Orihime says.
>Koa gets up and starts to wander off as the goddess answers.
>_
-
> "Alright."
> Look to Aoi.
> "Shall we go find our lodgings?"
-
> "Alright."
> Look to Aoi.
> "Shall we go find our lodgings?"
>"Yeah," Aoi says, as she finishes off her bun.
>_
-
> "Great."
> Give our departing pleasantries to Otohime, and then trundle off to find where we'll be staying tonight.
-
> "Great."
> Give our departing pleasantries to Otohime, and then trundle off to find where we'll be staying tonight.
>You depart, and make your way to the outermost building, which is not too far from the river banks. Inside, you find a number of small guest rooms, minimally but tastefully appointed, everything feeling quite ancient in design.
>"I guess we can pick our favorite?" Aoi says.
>_
-
> Did any of the rooms stand out in particular?
-
> Did any of the rooms stand out in particular?
>There's small variation in their decor, but they are largely the same.
>_
-
> "I suppose, yeah."
-
> "I suppose, yeah."
>"Anything you want to get from the ship?" Aoi says.
-
> "Yeah. If you're thinking of going, I'll go with you."
-
> "Yeah. If you're thinking of going, I'll go with you."
>"With the two of us, we ought to be able to grab everything we need," Aoi says, as she starts toward the ship.
>_
-
> Follow!
-
> Follow!
>You make your way back to the ship. There, Aoi grabs her spare bag, then says, "Anything you need me to carry?"
>_
-
> What do we have here that we might want to bring in?
-
> What do we have here that we might want to bring in?
>Spare clothes, mostly? Maybe tools or the like if you're paranoid.
>_
-
> Do we have any small handheld side projects going that we could grab and use to keep our hands busy?
-
> Do we have any small handheld side projects going that we could grab and use to keep our hands busy?
>Not at the moment, but there's always the chance of starting one.
>_
-
> Let's grab a change of clothes and enough tools and bits and bobs that we could start on something small if we need to keep our hands busy.
-
> Let's grab a change of clothes and enough tools and bits and bobs that we could start on something small if we need to keep our hands busy.
>You grab a few things, while Aoi watches. It should be enough for you to carry on your own
>_
-
> Nod to ourselves, then look to Aoi.
> "Looks like I'll be okay. Offer's appreciated, though."
> Begin heading back.
> On the way: "So, you got any projects going these days?"
-
> Nod to ourselves, then look to Aoi.
> "Looks like I'll be okay. Offer's appreciated, though."
> Begin heading back.
> On the way: "So, you got any projects going these days?"
>"I think it has to be possible to take those all tires that show up every so often and make something out of them," Aoi says. "I don't mean repurposing them, but breaking them down and remaking them, you see?"
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Got anything in particular in mind? Or just breaking them down and seeing what happens?"
-
> Nod.
> "Got anything in particular in mind? Or just breaking them down and seeing what happens?"
>"Nothing yet," she says. "If I could make it into a good sheet, though..."
>_
-
> "Mmm, that's not a bad idea. You could make something protective, like PPE or wall padding, or make something novel, like a trampoline. Er, not to backseat tinker, of course."
-
> "Mmm, that's not a bad idea. You could make something protective, like PPE or wall padding, or make something novel, like a trampoline. Er, not to backseat tinker, of course."
>"Yeah, that's what I was thinking," Aoi says. "But I don't want to put the cart ahead of the ox."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Well, thanks for taking the time away from that for this."
-
> Nod.
> "Well, thanks for taking the time away from that for this."
>"Oh, this is just brainstorming time," she says.
>_
-
> "Ah, that's fair."
-
> "Ah, that's fair."
>"Not that I'm planning to slack on this, don't worry!" she says. "But if I start sketching things out, don't be surprised."
>_
-
> "No, that's totally fine. I mean, look at what I'm bringing to bed with me."
-
> "No, that's totally fine. I mean, look at what I'm bringing to bed with me."
>"Well, okay," she says. You sense she perhaps doesn't want to dwell on that.
>_
-
> Nod and continue onward.
-
> Nod and continue onward.
>You make your way back to the guest house. Aoi splits off to the room she claimed, leaving you to pick yours.
>You enter one and find the futon has already been set out. As well it is in use, as Koa is reclining across it, her usual clothing replaced with several layers of kimonos that she has left unclosed and preserving at best 40% of her modesty. "Hey girl," she says, giving you a very unmistakable look.
>_
-
> Blink in shock.
> "Oh! Uh. Hi. I, um, I didn't realize that was part of the plan tonight."
-
> Blink in shock.
> "Oh! Uh. Hi. I, um, I didn't realize that was part of the plan tonight."
>"Surprise!" Koa says.
>_
-
> "Indeed. ...Look, I'll level with you, I'm not really in the mood. It's not anything to do with you, it's just that I have other things I want to mentally focus on during my down times while we're on this mission."
-
> "Indeed. ...Look, I'll level with you, I'm not really in the mood. It's not anything to do with you, it's just that I have other things I want to mentally focus on during my down times while we're on this mission."
>"Aww, come on!" Koa says, "I look hot as hell in all these kimono!"
>_
-
> "I mean, yes. But that doesn't change what I want to do. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression about myself."
-
> "I mean, yes. But that doesn't change what I want to do. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression about myself."
>"You're no fun," she pouts, as she rolls off the futon and starts to get to her feet.
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "Sorry. You happen to know where Otohime is puttering around?"
-
> Shrug.
> "Sorry. You happen to know where Otohime is puttering around?"
>"Oh yeah, she's at the loom over by the other side of the mansion, by the river," Koa says.
>_
-
> "Great, thanks."
> Find a different room (anything is fine as long as it doesn't risk being next door to intimate activities in the event Koa pursues Aoi instead and Aoi reciprocates) and drop off our stuff that we retrieved from the ship.
> Then go track down Otohime, avoiding jumping in the river as needed.
-
> "Great, thanks."
> Find a different room (anything is fine as long as it doesn't risk being next door to intimate activities in the event Koa pursues Aoi instead and Aoi reciprocates) and drop off our stuff that we retrieved from the ship.
> Then go track down Otohime, avoiding jumping in the river as needed.
>You leave the room and pick a different, further one and leave your stuff.
>Heading out, you make your way around the outside of the manor. You find a pavilion along the main building, where an expansive loom rests. Orihime sits there, working it idly, slowly working on a bolt of cloth.
>_
-
> "Hey, can I lightly bother you for a moment?"
-
> "Hey, can I lightly bother you for a moment?"
>"Of course you may," the goddess says, not looking up from her work.
>_
-
> "Great. ...So, uh."
> Nervously fidget a little bit.
> "I've been idly thinking of the possibility of changing how I look. Physically, I mean, not just getting a new wardrobe. Like, my hair isn't usually closes to being this long; typically the ponytails go to about here."
> Gesture with a hand to indicate how long our hair usually is.
> "A medicine maker produced a concoction that grew it out really fast, and I appreciate it greatly and like how it looks, but...it's apparently temporary. So I'll enjoy it while it lasts, but it would be nice to at least have the option of making it permanent. This may be barking up the wrong tree, and it may come across as shallow, but...are there any gods up here capable of making permanent alterations to another being's physical appearance?"
-
> "Great. ...So, uh."
> Nervously fidget a little bit.
> "I've been idly thinking of the possibility of changing how I look. Physically, I mean, not just getting a new wardrobe. Like, my hair isn't usually closes to being this long; typically the ponytails go to about here."
> Gesture with a hand to indicate how long our hair usually is.
> "A medicine maker produced a concoction that grew it out really fast, and I appreciate it greatly and like how it looks, but...it's apparently temporary. So I'll enjoy it while it lasts, but it would be nice to at least have the option of making it permanent. This may be barking up the wrong tree, and it may come across as shallow, but...are there any gods up here capable of making permanent alterations to another being's physical appearance?"
>"There was the great sage of the moon," says Orihime. "But I have no idea where she might be found these days."
>_
-
> ...That's probably Yagokoro, huh.
> ...Well, it's not our business. No need to insert ourselves into it.
> "Rats. Is there anyone else?"
-
> ...That's probably Yagokoro, huh.
> ...Well, it's not our business. No need to insert ourselves into it.
> "Rats. Is there anyone else?"
>It's very likely.
>"I'm sure there is," says Orihime, "But I wouldn't know who. It is a little bit out of my range, you see."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Right, I understand. Still, I wanted to check to be sure. Thanks for humoring me."
-
> Nod.
> "Right, I understand. Still, I wanted to check to be sure. Thanks for humoring me."
>"Perhaps you may humor me?" she says. "Tell me about the lands below."
>_
-
> "Sure. Anything in particular you'd like to know about?"
-
> "Sure. Anything in particular you'd like to know about?"
>"What do you feel is most important to know?" she asks.
>_
-
> Who tends to frequent the tanabata festivals? Consider both the general crowd and any notable regular figures.
-
> Who tends to frequent the tanabata festivals? Consider both the general crowd and any notable regular figures.
>Just about all the regular festival-goers. You generally try to work around one of the two major shrines or kappa town if that falls through. Both tend to have their regulars and people who drift between the two on a whim. Just about anyone who isn't particularly reclusive or considered a menace can show up.
>_
-
> "Hmm...How about this?"
> Starting from the Kappa Village, provide a general geographical overview of Gensokyo that we know of, including notable landmarks and notable residents thereof. The mountain, the mainland, Underground, it's all fair game.
-
> "Hmm...How about this?"
> Starting from the Kappa Village, provide a general geographical overview of Gensokyo that we know of, including notable landmarks and notable residents thereof. The mountain, the mainland, Underground, it's all fair game.
>You could spend quite awhile doing this, and it is reasonably late into the evening. How detailed and complete do you want to be, or how much time to you wish to spend on it?
>_
-
> "Well...not to answer your question with another conditional, but that probably depends on your pre-existing knowledge of and interactability with the local deities. I admit I'm not well-versed in divine stuffs."
-
> "Well...not to answer your question with another conditional, but that probably depends on your pre-existing knowledge of and interactability with the local deities. I admit I'm not well-versed in divine stuffs."
>"I am not very knowledgeable about the gods of the land," she says. "I have rarely had the opportunity to meet with them."
>_
-
> "Hmm. In that case..."
> Let's go over Youkai Mountain, then. Cover the kappa village, the tengu village, the Moriya Shrine, some of the other gods that tend to be on the mountain (with thanks given to Chimata in particular for her role in getting us here), and then also the yamawaro war zone if we have the time.
-
> "Hmm. In that case..."
> Let's go over Youkai Mountain, then. Cover the kappa village, the tengu village, the Moriya Shrine, some of the other gods that tend to be on the mountain (with thanks given to Chimata in particular for her role in getting us here), and then also the yamawaro war zone if we have the time.
>Orihime listens as she weaves. While you are not particularly well versed in textile production, you know enough to know that she is good. She is very good. Not just in terms of the silk she is producing, which is exquisite, but in terms of speed and efficiency. Not a single motion is wasted.
>"It sounds like a very busy place," she says. "Lady Yasaka has picked a lively home for herself, it appears. I would expect nothing less."
>_
-
> "Oh, you know her?"
-
> "Oh, you know her?"
>"I think quite well of her," says Kanako. "She hosted a sudden party not too long ago, and managed to find time off for me to attend as well."
>_
-
> "Ah, that's pretty neat."
> "...Oh, talking about the mountain made me think of something. It's entirely possible I'll be going home and then coming back with a tengu reporter. She might want to interview you. Would that be okay, or should I steer her elsewhere?"
-
> "Ah, that's pretty neat."
> "...Oh, talking about the mountain made me think of something. It's entirely possible I'll be going home and then coming back with a tengu reporter. She might want to interview you. Would that be okay, or should I steer her elsewhere?"
>"Will she be planning to do something nefarious?" Orihime says.
>_
-
> Maintain a serious blank look for several moments.
> Audibly inhale and exhale.
> "...Depends on what you consider nefarious."
-
> Maintain a serious blank look for several moments.
> Audibly inhale and exhale.
> "...Depends on what you consider nefarious."
>"Perhaps it is best she be kept on a leash," Orihime says.
>_
-
> "Well...okay, I'm just going to tell you, because I'm pretty sure she not only doesn't care that people know, but that she's proud of it."
> "So, like, 99% of the time, she's a perfectly normal reasonable person. Or, at least as normal and reasonable as a very dedicated journalist can be, given their job requires them to always be at least some degree of annoying. But she...likes taking pictures of undergarments. Like, while they're being worn."
-
> "Well...okay, I'm just going to tell you, because I'm pretty sure she not only doesn't care that people know, but that she's proud of it."
> "So, like, 99% of the time, she's a perfectly normal reasonable person. Or, at least as normal and reasonable as a very dedicated journalist can be, given their job requires them to always be at least some degree of annoying. But she...likes taking pictures of undergarments. Like, while they're being worn."
>"I see," Orihime says. "Should you decide to bring her, please make sure she understands this will not be allowed."
>_
-
> "Should that come to pass, I'll certainly tell her. I don't know how much more I can do beyond shackling her to something, though."
-
> "Should that come to pass, I'll certainly tell her. I don't know how much more I can do beyond shackling her to something, though."
>"If that is what it takes," she says, her tone calm and conversational.
>_
-
> "...I'll do my best to have backup arrangements available."
-
> "...I'll do my best to have backup arrangements available."
>"Let us consider more pleasant things, shall me?" the goddess says.
>_
-
> "Of course. Anyway, yeah, the mountain is pretty active, and Kanako's definitely had a hand in that lately."
-
> "Of course. Anyway, yeah, the mountain is pretty active, and Kanako's definitely had a hand in that lately."
>"It sounds very busy," Orihime says, "I can't imagine finding a moment's peace there."
>_
-
> "Well, thankfully for me, kappa can be pretty introverted when they want to be."
-
> "Well, thankfully for me, kappa can be pretty introverted when they want to be."
>She gives an appreciative chuckle. "Then you have the best of both worlds, no?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, I can't complain."
> Blink.
> "...Well, okay, I can complain about a number of things. But I could have it way worse, for sure."
-
> "Yeah, I can't complain."
> Blink.
> "...Well, okay, I can complain about a number of things. But I could have it way worse, for sure."
>The goddess chuckles again. "I'm sure it is fine, in the end."
>_
-
> "Anyway, there's a ton more that can be said about Gensokyo, but time and sleep are unfortunate factors."
-
> "Anyway, there's a ton more that can be said about Gensokyo, but time and sleep are unfortunate factors."
>"Then by all means, you must rest," she says.
>_
-
> "Yeah. Thanks again."
> Pay our proper departing respects, and then head back to our borrowed bedroom.
-
> "Yeah. Thanks again."
> Pay our proper departing respects, and then head back to our borrowed bedroom.
>You part ways and head back to the guest house. It is quiet and dark there, and thankfully there don't seem to be any other ambushes waiting for you this time. Though you do notice a stocking hanging off one of the door handles, as subtle as a brick.
>_
-
> Is that the same door Koa was behind last time? Or has she moved on, possibly to Aoi's room?
-
> Is that the same door Koa was behind last time? Or has she moved on, possibly to Aoi's room?
>It is the same room as before. Likely she's taken over rather than moving to another.
>_
-
> Head to the room we claimed and take stock of we we have on us.
-
> Head to the room we claimed and take stock of we we have on us.
>Aside from the things you're carrying in your pack, you have your tools, a change of clothes, and a collection of useful scraps you could make do something with.
>_
-
> Do we have our hand-held telescope with us still?
-
> Do we have our hand-held telescope with us still?
>Yes.
>_
-
> Take another quick step outside.
> Check around briefly for other missing stars. If our current perspective makes it so we don't know what's part of what constellation, at least check for the missing Daitengu star.
-
> Take another quick step outside.
> Check around briefly for other missing stars. If our current perspective makes it so we don't know what's part of what constellation, at least check for the missing Daitengu star.
>You look around. The stars ae clearer and easier to see here than down in Gensokyo, and you quickly take stock of as much of the night sky as you can see. It doesn't seem like there's any additional missing stars, but all the ones that are missing are still missing.
>_
-
> Since we're a little closer now, can we see anything left where the missing stars should be?
-
> Since we're a little closer now, can we see anything left where the missing stars should be?
>Not that you can tell.
>_
-
> Oh well.
> Head back inside, put our telescope away, and begin tinkering something relatively mindless for a bit, to keep our hands busy.
-
> Oh well.
> Head back inside, put our telescope away, and begin tinkering something relatively mindless for a bit, to keep our hands busy.
>You head back inside, things more or less as you left them, and go to your room. Settling in, you begin to mess with your collection of bits and bobs. Do you have something in mind to work toward?
>_
-
> What might be something small but useful for around the house?
-
> What might be something small but useful for around the house?
>What might be small and useful around the house?
>_
-
> What are our limitations?
-
> What are our limitations?
>The stuff you have in the box, things that machines can plausibly do. You probably shouldn't be too ambitious, though something that might build toward or prove the concept of a larger thing is certainly plausible.
>_
-
> Is it safe to assume machines cannot plausibly alter biology like with the medicine seller's hair growth stuff?
-
> Is it safe to assume machines cannot plausibly alter biology like with the medicine seller's hair growth stuff?
>That is a very safe assumption.
>_
-
> What might be something small but useful for around the house?
>The stuff you have in the box, things that machines can plausibly do. You probably shouldn't be too ambitious, though something that might build toward or prove the concept of a larger thing is certainly plausible.
>_
> Our host mentioned sewing ...is attempting to build a "Yarn Winder" feasible with what we have at our disposal ?
-
> Our host mentioned sewing ...is attempting to build a "Yarn Winder" feasible with what we have at our disposal ?
>...Hmm.
>You'd do best if you had a proper spindle onhand to work from, but...you might be able to whip up a little something easily enough.
>_
-
> Did Orihime have any extra spindles on-hand?
-
> Did Orihime have any extra spindles on-hand?
>You seem to recall a few laying around. Thinking on it, you could make something that she could slip them into.
>_
-
> Would it be particularly helpful to have one on-hand for the process.
-
>You seem to recall a few laying around. Thinking on it, you could make something that she could slip them into.
>_
> Would it be particularly helpful to have one on-hand for the process.
// For reference and insight https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=yarn+winder&form=HDRSC3&first=1 //
> Discreetly seek out Orihime in order to politely tell her that we would like to both repay her hospitality and exercise our Kappa's artisan skills with a small gift for her,but for that...
> ... we would need to borrow one of her spindles as a base.
-
// For reference and inisight https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=yarn+winder&form=HDRSC3&first=1 //
> Discreetly seek out Orihime in order to politely tell her that we would like to both repay her hospitality and exercise our Kappa's artisan skills with a small gift for her,but for that...
> ... we would need to borrow one of her spindles as a base.
> Would it be particularly helpful to have one on-hand for the process.
>It wouldn't hurt, but you don't think you need it, if you don't feel like taking another trip across the manor to bother her.
>_
-
>It wouldn't hurt, but you don't think you need it, if you don't feel like taking another trip across the manor to bother her.
>_
> If it is just an optional additional help,then let's get to work on the " Nitori-Kappa-Crafted Yarn Winder "for Orihime about her weaving & sewing.
-
> If it is just an optional additional help,then let's get to work on the " Nitori-Kappa-Crafted Yarn Winder "for Orihime about her weaving & sewing.
>You set to work, laying in bed while you do. Really, this isn't a hard problem. Ultimately it's just a gearbox to attach to a pedal, and who doesn't love making a gearbox? You set to work on it with a clear plan in mind, applying gears to take a single pedal and turn it into spin to maximize her speed without flooding her with too much. You got a good look at her pace (worryingly fast) and find the differential you need to match it easily enough.
>You open your eyes. It is morning. There is a mostly done gearbox by your bedside, having fallen away. ...Oh.
>_
-
> ...Whoops.
> How salvageable is it?
> How much longer would we need to complete it?
-
> ...Whoops.
> How salvageable is it?
> How much longer would we need to complete it?
>It's always embarrassing when this happens...
>At a glance, it seems fine. It doesn't look like it fell apart.
>Probably a few minutes, if you got the gears like you want them.
>_
-
> Let's just finish it off once we've shaken the sleep from our brain, then.
-
> Let's just finish it off once we've shaken the sleep from our brain, then.
>You give yourself a minute to wake up, and finishing putting together the gear box. Testing the gears, they give what you think is the correct amount of spin. Finding the housing is simple, and you have a connector more or less ready to go.
>You obtain: Spindle Spinner
>_
-
> Phew, okay.
> Set it aside and get prepared for the day. If there's a mirror on this room, make sure to take the opportunity to get a good look at ourselves in some state of undress, to see how our new hair goes with our body.
-
> Phew, okay.
> Set it aside and get prepared for the day. If there's a mirror on this room, make sure to take the opportunity to get a good look at ourselves in some state of undress, to see how our new hair goes with our body.
>Your hair is certainly aesthetically pleasing, it frames you nicely. And also kind of tangled. You're going to need longer to brush it.
>_
-
> Oh, right. Let's get on that, then!
-
> Oh, right. Let's get on that, then!
>It takes you a bit to brush it, but it helps you can just sit down, rest your hair on your lap, and work it that way.
>_
-
> Great! Finish that off, and then get fully dressed and ready before heading out of the room.
-
> Great! Finish that off, and then get fully dressed and ready before heading out of the room.
>You finish up for the day and head out. You note the stocking is still dangling from Koakuma's door. Presumably this means she is still asleep. (Or she possibly forgot it, that is certainly plausible). It is hard to tell whether Aoi is here or not. the house is quiet.
>_
-
> Retrieve the Spindle Spinner if we forgot it (oops).
> Then head off to the looming area where Otohime was last night.
-
> Retrieve the Spindle Spinner if we forgot it (oops).
> Then head off to the looming area where Otohime was last night.
>You make your way outside, and see the sky has brightened considerably since last night; you can't really tell what time it is. Though the sky is blue, it is a kind of darkish blue through which some of the brighter stars shine through.
>You head toward the outdoor loom, and are not surprised to find that Orihime is there. You almost suspect she's been there all night, but she has changed into brighter clothes since then. "Ah," she says as you approach, not looking up from her work. "It is nearly time for breakfast, I imagine."
>_
-
> "I'm guessing I'm the first one, huh. ...Did you sleep at all?"
-
> "I'm guessing I'm the first one, huh. ...Did you sleep at all?"
>"Of course," the goddess says. "I went to sleep not long after you did."
>_
-
> "Huh. That's some dedication, then. Then again, I'm not exactly innocent of this sort of thing myself."
> Offer the Spindle Spinner.
> "Thank you for opening your home to us."
-
> "Huh. That's some dedication, then. Then again, I'm not exactly innocent of this sort of thing myself."
> Offer the Spindle Spinner.
> "Thank you for opening your home to us."
>She looks over, and frowns thoughtfully at your gift.
>"What is it?" she says.
>_
-
> "A spindle spinner, for winding yarn."
-
> "A spindle spinner, for winding yarn."
>She takes it into her hands, and experiments with turning to gearbox input, then raises her eyebrows slightly as she watches the spindle housing turn.
>"Oh, this seems quite handy," she says. "I shall gratefully accept this."
>_
-
> "You're quite welcome."
-
> "You're quite welcome."
>She sets it aside, and stands, and says, "Let us seek out breakfast."
>_
-
> "Sure."
-
> "Sure."
>She finishes a few more weaves, leaving her current project at a good place, then rises to her feet and makes her way toward the dining hall again, gesturing for you to follow. "I quite appreciate your gift," she says. "I think it may help me quite a bit."
>_
-
> Follow!
> "That's what I'm hoping for."
-
> Follow!
> "That's what I'm hoping for."
>"I am curious how you were inspired to do such a thing," says the goddess, as she leads the way toward the dining hall. The doors have been slid open, you notice.
>_
-
> "I just like makin' things, and I had a random bolt of inspiration last night. I'm not even sure myself what brought it on. Much like growing my hair out, or, uh, the other thing I mentioned. Maybe my muse is getting weird. ...Weirder."
-
> "I just like makin' things, and I had a random bolt of inspiration last night. I'm not even sure myself what brought it on. Much like growing my hair out, or, uh, the other thing I mentioned. Maybe my muse is getting weird. ...Weirder."
>She gives a polite and appreciative chuckle as she glides into the hall. Places have been set for everyone.
>_
-
> "For what it's worth, I don't know if either of the others are up yet."
-
> "For what it's worth, I don't know if either of the others are up yet."
>"One is on her way," says Orihime, as she makes her way to the head of the table.
>_
-
> "Should I go wake up the other?"
-
> "Should I go wake up the other?"
>"If you think she would like this," Orihime says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I imagine she won't appreciate being left out of food, and I don't want to spend hours in extremely close proximity to someone upset with me. Be right back."
> Head back toward the sleeping quarters in pursuit of Koa's room.
-
> Nod.
> "I imagine she won't appreciate being left out of food, and I don't want to spend hours in extremely close proximity to someone upset with me. Be right back."
> Head back toward the sleeping quarters in pursuit of Koa's room.
>"That is fine," says the goddess, as you excuse yourself.
>Making your way back to the guest rooms, you pass by Aoi. "Hey, Nitori?" she says, "Uh, I don't wanna start anything, but you should probably know that, uh, your girlfriend sorta made a pass at me last night?"
>_
-
> "Oh. That's...ah, jeez, I thought about saying something, too. Don't worry, everything's fine. You're fine. ...Are you fine?"
-
> "Oh. That's...ah, jeez, I thought about saying something, too. Don't worry, everything's fine. You're fine. ...Are you fine?"
>"Oh yeah, I told her I didn't want to get between the two of you," says Aoi. "And she made the kind of "awww" you make when you see a really cute catfish and left it at that."
>_
-
> "Okay, good."
> Exhale.
> "So, we're not dating. Or, at least, if we are, nobody asked me about it."
-
> "Okay, good."
> Exhale.
> "So, we're not dating. Or, at least, if we are, nobody asked me about it."
>"Oh! I thought that's why you brought her," says Aoi. "She didn't come off as, uh, talented at this kind of thing?"
>_
-
> "She has her own skill set. I do feel bad that I haven't really been able to tailor what we're doing to her strengths, though, yeah."
-
>"One is on her way," says Orihime, as she makes her way to the head of the table.
>_
> "Okay, good."
> Exhale.
> "So, we're not dating. Or, at least, if we are, nobody asked me about it."
>"Oh! I thought that's why you brought her," says Aoi. "She didn't come off as, uh, talented at this kind of thing?"
>_
> "She has her own skill set. I do feel bad that I haven't really been able to tailor what we're doing to her strengths, though, yeah."
> Answer her Koakuma also expresses a good part of her "particularized" honest-to-forward nature, but not all at all by what estimate may we have guessed; she expresses sides a forwardly honest sides her and skill sets, and even curiousity-seeker, info-seeker and, oh. relation-seeker
> Think+consider initially about Koakuma, but webknow she is fairlyb near-by, then Aoi, also think about asking to Orihime, like whereabouts about Aoi apart the going-to-be one which is "Orihime's already set" "Meal-Room (temporary-tmaccomodatinv) (3)Communal Guest Communal"?
> Have we, more or less, estimated or guessed or were partly- told by Aoi where she is en-routing to and/orfrom on.. last we greeted and exchanged, but mostly received, recommending talks, it had been the yesterday late evening, but now it is later-ish morning
-
> "She has her own skill set. I do feel bad that I haven't really been able to tailor what we're doing to her strengths, though, yeah."
> Answer her Koakuma also expresses a good part of her "particularized" honest-to-forward nature, but not all at all by what estimate may we have guessed; she expresses sides a forwardly honest sides her and skill sets, and even curiousity-seeker, info-seeker and, oh. relation-seeker
> Think+consider initially about Koakuma, but webknow she is fairlyb near-by, then Aoi, also think about asking to Orihime, like whereabouts about Aoi apart the going-to-be one which is "Orihime's already set" "Meal-Room (temporary-tmaccomodatinv) (3)Communal Guest Communal"?
> Have we, more or less, estimated or guessed or were partly- told by Aoi where she is en-routing to and/orfrom on.. last we greeted and exchanged, but mostly received, recommending talks, it had been the yesterday late evening, but now it is later-ish morning
>Aoi nods. "Well, that's alright too. Is it about time for breakfast?"
>Unless she has moved, Koa still in her (your old) guest room.
>_
-
> "It is. I was coming to get the two of you, in fact."
-
> "It is. I was coming to get the two of you, in fact."
>"Okay, I am pretty sure she's still asleep."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I don't mind waking her up."
-
> Nod.
> "I don't mind waking her up."
>"Alright, I'm getting breakfast," she says, as she continues on toward the dining hall.
>_
-
> Continue onward to Koa's room.
-
> Continue onward to Koa's room.
>You reach her room; the stocking is still draped over the handle.
>_
-
> Knock firmly on the door (or on a solid piece of wall next to the door is the door itself is paper)
-
> Knock firmly on the door (or on a solid piece of wall next to the door is the door itself is paper)
>You knock on the doorframe, and get a muffled "Wuzza?" in response.
>_
-
> "Breakfast is getting prepared, Koa."
-
> "Breakfast is getting prepared, Koa."
>"Huh? Okay," she mumbles back, you can hear blankets rustling.
>_
-
> "Need help with anything?"
-
> "Need help with anything?"
>"Naw, I got every-oh wait..." There is a distinct shift in tone. "Oh, I need your help so bad, honey~"
>_
-
> "Good to hear you're all set. I'll see you at breakfast."
-
> "Good to hear you're all set. I'll see you at breakfast."
>"Okay, fine..." she says.
>_
-
> Head back to where the food will be.
-
> Head back to where the food will be.
>You make your way back the dining hall, where Aoi and Orihime have settled in. A sizable portion of steamed rice, miso soup, and a few pieces of grilled herring.
>"Ah, welcome back,"Orihime says, "Please make yourself comfortable."
>_
-
> "Thanks. Koa will be joining momentarily."
> Have a seat.
-
> "Thanks. Koa will be joining momentarily."
> Have a seat.
>"There shall be a place for her," Orihime says. "If I may, what are your plans for the day?"
>_
-
> "Continuing on our investigation exploration. As nice as it would be to vacation up here for a bit, I am on a time limit before I risk becoming an indentured servant for a year."
-
> "Continuing on our investigation exploration. As nice as it would be to vacation up here for a bit, I am on a time limit before I risk becoming an indentured servant for a year."
>"Ah, and where would that be?" the goddess asks.
>_
-
> "A place called the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Koa's actually from there, she can tell you more about it when she gets here."
-
> "A place called the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Koa's actually from there, she can tell you more about it when she gets here."
>She frowns for a moment, then says, "Ah, I meant to ask about the destination. Though I would hear of this mansion as well, if you would?"
>_
-
> "Oh, sorry. I'm currently thinking of traveling to where the star in the Daitengu Constellation should be, to see if anything was left behind that might be a clue as to where it went, or who or what is responsible. As for the mansion, it's run by a vampire and her staff, which includes a librarian that's...honestly, just imagine me if I were a little more serious and had purple hair, and that's close enough. My understanding is that Koa works under her directly."
-
> "Oh, sorry. I'm currently thinking of traveling to where the star in the Daitengu Constellation should be, to see if anything was left behind that might be a clue as to where it went, or who or what is responsible. As for the mansion, it's run by a vampire and her staff, which includes a librarian that's...honestly, just imagine me if I were a little more serious and had purple hair, and that's close enough. My understanding is that Koa works under her directly."
>Orihime nods. "I am not familiar with some of those things, but it sounds fascinating."
>"Who'm I working?" Koa says, drifting in as you conclude the story. She is still wearing the layers of kimonos from last night, now a bit more properly. The effect is...not quite as far as taste of elegant, but kind of approaching the concepts.
>_
-
> "Our host is asking about the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
-
> "Our host is asking about the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
>"Oh, yeah, that place," says Koa as she plops down next to you.
>"Miss Kawashiro mentioned a librarian?" Orihime says.
>"That'd be the purple monster," says Koa, "She's cute, but don't let that fool you! Weirdo and slave driver."
>Orihime seems amused by this. "I'm sure she has her good points as well?"
>"Yeah, somewhere," says Koa. "The library's real neat."
>_
-
> "Well, now I feel a bit silly comparing her to myself."
-
> "Well, now I feel a bit silly comparing her to myself."
>"Hah, you're way different," Koa says.
>"I do wonder," Orihime says, "How have those vestments served you?"
>"Oh, they're great!" she says. 'Thanks for the loan!"
>"Think nothing of it," says Orihime, "I'm sure they served you splendidly."
>_
-
> "Oh, did you make those?"
-
> "Oh, did you make those?"
>"That is so," says the goddess. "I am quite pleased with them."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "I certainly would be if I made them."
-
> Nod.
> "I certainly would be if I made them."
>"Yeah, I asked if I could borrow something comfortable, and she had just the thing," says Koa "Jealous~?"
>_
-
> "Not at all. I'm actually glad you got your own treasure out of this trip. Hopefully the trend continues."
-
> "Not at all. I'm actually glad you got your own treasure out of this trip. Hopefully the trend continues."
>"C'mon, you're supposed to be jealous!" Koa says.
>Orihime chuckles a little, covering her mouth with dye-stained fingers.
>_
-
> "I mean, I certainly wouldn't say no if I were offered some."
-
> "I mean, I certainly wouldn't say no if I were offered some."
>"Ah, how subtle," Orihime says.
>Now it is Koa's turn to snicker; she is much less demure about it than the goddess is.
>_
-
> Look slightly unsure of ourselves.
> "I feel like I've been set up somehow."
-
> Look slightly unsure of ourselves.
> "I feel like I've been set up somehow."
>"I shouldn't think so," says Orihime, and Koa smirks and starts on her breakfast.
>_
-
> Might as well get started on eating as well.
-
> Might as well get started on eating as well.
>You start on breakfast, it as nice as you'd expect. The fish have kind of a curious, though not unpleasant, taste to them that suggest perhaps they were taken from the nearby river.
>"I do not think I know about about the daitengu constellation," says Orihime as she dines. "I certainly can't recall anyone of note living there."
>_
-
> "Hmm. What about the tsuribe otoshi constellation?"
-
> "Hmm. What about the tsuribe otoshi constellation?"
>"If I recall properly, Lady Ojin Hachi keeps a mansion and tends to her fields there."
>_
-
> Who is Ojin Hachi?
-
> Who is Ojin Hachi?
>You...think that is a goddess of war and agriculture, who might've been one of the emperor beforehand?
>_
-
> Nod.
> "That sounds like a worthwhile visit to me."
-
> Nod.
> "That sounds like a worthwhile visit to me."
>"I should tell you, then, that she is not a particularly sociably person."
>_
-
> "Oh."
> "Would she at least be cordial enough to talk about the star missing from the tsuribe otoshi constellation, maybe?"
-
> "Oh."
> "Would she at least be cordial enough to talk about the star missing from the tsuribe otoshi constellation, maybe?"
>Orihime pauses, letting her chopsticks rest on her lip as she considers.
>"I...don't know how she would react to that," she says.
>_
-
> "Mmm. I'll dwell on whether or not I want to take the chance, then."
-
> "Mmm. I'll dwell on whether or not I want to take the chance, then."
>"Are we confident would could take someone like that?" Aoi says. "Because I'm not."
>_
-
> "...Yeah, maybe not..."
-
> "...Yeah, maybe not..."
>"I think we'd be okay," Koa says, her mouth half full.
>_
-
> We don't know anything about this god's personality, do we?
-
> We don't know anything about this god's personality, do we?
>Not really. You aren't too knowledgeable about gods that don't live on the mountain or around it.
>_
-
> "Well, I admit I don't really know a whole lot about them."
-
> "Well, I admit I don't really know a whole lot about them."
>"I'd play it safe", says Aoi.
>"It'll be okay, we can handle her I bet," says Koa. "Who'd even want to fight us?"
>_
-
> "Huh. Are you good in a fight?"
-
> "Huh. Are you good in a fight?"
>"I've defended the library on occasion!" Koa says.
>Given the things Marisa has told you, that's a no.
>_
-
> If we said something here like 'Ah, I think I've heard about that from Marisa before', would Marisa be angry with us for breach of privacy possibly leading to insulting the subordinate of her friend?
-
> If we said something here like 'Ah, I think I've heard about that from Marisa before', would Marisa be angry with us for breach of privacy possibly leading to insulting the subordinate of her friend?
>Depends on how mean you are about it, you think. Marisa tends to be pretty easygoing.
>_
-
> "Oh."
> "Would she at least be cordial enough to talk about the star missing from the tsuribe otoshi constellation, maybe?"
> Ask Orihime if she has any idea or advice about what, in the Tsurube Otoshi constellation or even multiple ones, which tokens or crafted items would be accepted as Peace Offerings.
-
> "'On occasion'?"
-
> Ask Orihime if she has any idea or advice about what, in the Tsurube Otoshi constellation or even multiple ones, would tokens or crafted items would be accepted as Peace Offerings.
>"It might not hurt," Orihime says. "But, well, if someone is already on guard..."
> "'On occasion'?"
>"Not like we got attacked every day," Koa says.
>_
-
> "...I'll keep that in mind."
-
> "...I'll keep that in mind."
>Koa frowns a little, and goes back to her breakfast.
>_
-
> Resume eating as well.
-
> Resume eating as well.
>Breakfast carries on as Orihime uses the silence to talk about minor day to day things; some of the minutia of the clothe she is currently dyeing, about how the river of sake imparts a distinct flavor to the fish (she assures you it won't leave you intoxicated), about how the silk cocoons on the nearby mulberry orchid came in wonderfully last year.
>But soon enough, all of you ae finished, and it is time to determine what to do for the day.
>_
-
> Are there weather conditions to account for? If so, what are they?
> Do we need to re-chart our course, given we stopped here for the night?
-
> Are there weather conditions to account for? If so, what are they?
> Do we need to re-chart our course, given we stopped here for the night?
>You honestly don't know; you've not seen any weather during your observations, but that doesn't rule it out. Wind conditions need to be considered, but you don't have any good way to measure them other than getting out there.
>That's a good question. Probably yes, but it shouldn't take long.
>_
-
> "...Hey, so, possibly stupid question here, but: Is there weather here that we'll need to plan for?"
-
> "...Hey, so, possibly stupid question here, but: Is there weather here that we'll need to plan for?"
>"I imagine it is the same as down below," Orihime says. "Sometimes there are storms, sometimes it is hot and sometimes it is cold. It is spring here, too."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Thanks. I expect I'll nee to rechart our course, as much as it shouldn't take long to do so, so it's good to know to consider that."
-
> Nod.
> "Thanks. I expect I'll nee to rechart our course, as much as it shouldn't take long to do so, so it's good to know to consider that."
>"I imagine it will be simple for you, if you have gotten this far already," says Orihime.
>_
-
>"I imagine it will be simple for you, if you have gotten this far already," says Orihime.
>_
> Thank Orihime by also specifying this was and is going to be due mainly to coordination of us 3 as a team each with their specialties.
> Regarding particular weather conditions at our current knowledge...
>...make a note Narukami's territory is surely to present,and need the proper defensive equipment and coating against, a majority of thunderclouds with the correspondent hazards of not only lightings but an eventual build-up to thunderstorms.
-
> Thank Orihime by also specifying this was and is going to be due mainly to coordination of us 3 as a team each with their specialties.
> Regarding particular weather conditions at our current knowledge...
>...make a note Narukami's territory is surely to present,and need the proper defensive equipment and coating against, a majority of thunderclouds with the correspondent hazards of not only lightings but an eventual build-up to thunderstorms.
>As far as lightning goes, you aren't sure what you could do. It's hard to put a lightning rod on the ship, you aren't sure if there is a way to ground it...
>_
-
> "Sounds good. I'll take care of that next, then."