Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Neovereign on July 01, 2024, 01:53:04 PM
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> It's nighttime in Gensokyo.
> The promised hour has passed, and sensing her belongings, the girl made full use of it while it lasted. With the only one who would've otherwise been in the way asleep, she made dreams reality, peacefully, of course.
> It wasn't really her own dreams, though. Just having it in hand was enough to get what she needed. She fulfilled someone else's...
> But, that wasn't important. Not now, at least♪
> Girls are continuing their days, please watch warmly...
> Who was the maiden of this hour?
>_
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> Aya Shameimaru still has plenty of unfinished business to handle!
> That being said, she's not above sharing the spotlight. Any takers for being fellow maidens of the hour?
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> Aya Shameimaru still has plenty of unfinished business to handle!
> That being said, she's not above sharing the spotlight. Any takers for being fellow maidens of the hour?
> You consider those with unfinished business first, at least...
> The Glamorous Puppeteer and Magician of seven colors... Though her nightmares ended, she never got to finish her research and time with...
> The Wind God Girl. Her adventures with the Headless Terror led her to the animal realm, but the resulting chaos...
> The dual figured phantom human had just reached a discovery...
> The one who's influence remains. No, not that one, the eternal shadow of...
> The choices seemingly won't advertise themselves any further, even as more are present beyond such ones with more active desires.
>_
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> What about a certain dragon that obtained her Hakurei Horde but never got to enjoy it?
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> What about a certain dragon that obtained her Hakurei Horde but never got to enjoy it?
> You consider Adelind Aurum. An unstable choice, partially due to her forbidden knowledge.
> The Dragon Youkai with forbidden knowledge, having become a... guardian of the Hakurei Shrine and Reimu, in a way. Her business did come to settle, but these events do not line up properly with- and thus, don't play nice, with...
>_
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> Very well. Let us then see the continuation of the epic of the Wind God Girl, in all her glorious and ever-expanding bounty.
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> Very well. Let us then see the continuation of the epic of the Wind God Girl, in all her glorious and ever-expanding bounty.
> ...
> You are Shameimaru Aya, the fastest girl in Gensokyo - at least, as long as that lookalike of yours named Saki doesn't come to Gensokyo before you're ready to defend that title.
> You had recently helped resolve a few incidents in which Gensokyo had been strangely altered, resulting in the outside world melding with it a bit. People suddenly appearing in heaven and hell. Another incident with Cirno causing Gensokyo to nearly freeze over, though it was quickly dealt with before it got serious. And another that doesn't seem to have stopped yet, where magical flight was restricted, and other changes occurred in the residents of this fantasy land. The remains of the barrier shenanigans are being settled by Reimu and the others, if they aren't done already. You and Sekibanki headed back to the Animal Realm at the behest of her friends wanting to teach Yachie a lesson. But... You think this is a bit much...
> You are resting on a pillar within the Animal Realm. You probably don't have much time before your location is effectively bulldozed to make way for this insane "highway"... Doesn't help that you're still carrying around all this luggage.
>_
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> What highway is this?
> Where did Kagerou wind up?
> Are we still in possession of Wakasagihime?
> Who else is nearby?
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> What highway is this?
> Where did Kagerou wind up?
> Are we still in possession of Wakasagihime?
> Who else is nearby?
> Water.
> Water.
> Water.
> It's all WATER!
> You spend some precious moments recalling what happened to Kagerou. Thankfully, you think you think fast...
> After Sekibanki brought you all to Yachie, it seemed like things were going to end up poorly again. You'd probably need Sekibanki's recollection, but thankfully, her friends seemed to... overwhelm Yachie.
> By overwhelm, you mean overwhelm. Wakasagihime supposedly showed off what she's been learning since everyone else started to fail at flying, which was apparently causing a tsunami? It wasn't this much water at first, but maybe being submerged in the resulting water only made more possible, and more from that. Given the Animal Realm is flooded as far as you can see, you think she got exponential in this capability...
> As for Kagerou, you aren't sure. She certainly seemed to frighten Yachie a bit before you got washed away. She's... probably fine? Wakasagihime wouldn't leave her friend to drown now...
> You seem to be alone. Aside from those in your luggage compartment, which sure didn't help in flying out the water current. Well, at least you're on some land... for the next few seconds.
>_
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> Who do we have with us?
> Is the water level rising?
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> Who do we have with us?
> Is the water level rising?
> You should have Megumu, Suzaku, Ami, and Yuuma's head.
> Yes.
>_
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> Take flight and try heading upward a bit, to see what we can see.
> Did Yuuma give permission to be shoved in there, or did we do it to keep her safe or otherwise get her out of the line of fire?
> If we shoved Yuuma in there without her approval, pull her back out.
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> Take flight and try heading upward a bit, to see what we can see.
> Did Yuuma give permission to be shoved in there, or did we do it to keep her safe or otherwise get her out of the line of fire?
> If we shoved Yuuma in there without her approval, pull her back out.
> You flap your wings a bit, trying to get them dry enough, and take off a few seconds before the water overtakes the pillar.
> It's water, as far as you can see... You wonder if Keiki's place is fine. Yuuma's should, given it was really far, right?
> Animal spirits are flying about in confusion at the torrent though.
> You didn't really have the chance to check with her, less you lose her moments later. Thus, you retrieve her.
> "Ugh, I knew it. They're absolutely going to flip this place over." Yuuma's head comments.
>_
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> How much trouble is our current weight giving us in terms of keeping ourselves aloft?
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> How much trouble is our current weight giving us in terms of keeping ourselves aloft?
> Not that much, but you couldn't just fly off away from the water while being dragged away with it. Wet wings wouldn't normally be as much a problem before this added weight. Though perhaps that could be the flight thing itself? You haven't checked yet, you think.
>_
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> "I promise, I had no idea this was coming."
> Fly over to the nearest group of animal spirits.
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> "I promise, I had no idea this was coming."
> Fly over to the nearest group of animal spirits.
> "I was hoping they would take the hint to stay out. But I guess they really wanted to get revenge for their friend."
> You fly over to the animal spirits. It's not the giant wolf one, at least.
>_
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> "Even though she clearly didn't want it. ...Maybe she thought this would happen?"
> Look around at the confused animal spirits, then back to Yuuma.
> "Is it worth gathering them to get them away from this flood, do you think?"
> Pat our chest for emphasis.
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> "Even though she clearly didn't want it. ...Maybe she thought this would happen?"
> Look around at the confused animal spirits, then back to Yuuma.
> "Is it worth gathering them to get them away from this flood, do you think?"
> Pat our chest for emphasis.
> "They'll be fine. The real ones you should worry about are the leaders and that human favoring goddess. I wonder how she's taking this."
>_
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> "I see. Can any of them fly? ...Come to think of it, where's your main body?"
-
> "I see. Can any of them fly? ...Come to think of it, where's your main body?"
> "I'm fine. This isn't much for me. If it was just a flood, it wouldn't be much to any of us. But those two beasts are probably getting to feel what it's like to really be beasts down here."
> You notice a moon rising on the horizon...
>_
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> Is it a full moon or no?
-
> Is it a full moon or no?
> It is.
>_
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> "Oh. Oh, goodness, that might be bad. Okay. Where do I need to go to gather the other residents here to get them out of this?"
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> "Oh. Oh, goodness, that might be bad. Okay. Where do I need to go to gather the other residents here to get them out of this?"
> "I don't know where the others are." Yuuma laughs. "They're probably above the water, at least."
> A second moon comes into view beside the first. Actually, they-...
> A... gigantic Wakasagihime lifts her head up out the water, with the moons bouncing a bit in response.
> "Kagerou, did you find her yet?" The mermaid's voice booms.
>_
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> Blink.
> "...Uhhhh..."
-
> Blink.
> "...Uhhhh..."
> "I take it they don't do this sort of thing in Gensokyo, right?" Yuuma questions
> "Hmph. I hope she didn't get washed away. That's too easy a way out." The mermaid speaks.
> You can feel the air being displaced not too far away. In a familiar pattern, in fact.
>_
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> ...What pattern would that be?
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> ...What pattern would that be?
> Saki "flying", If you recall correctly. It should be getting faster and faster, but it doesn't seem like it is this time?
>_
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> Begin flying toward the displacement, then.
> "No, they've never done anything like this."
-
> Begin flying toward the displacement, then.
> "No, they've never done anything like this."
> You start for the occurrence, son spotting Saki in the air as well.
> Waka heads back underwater, causing a wave to go a bit higher than the rest. At least it isn't a full on dive.
>_
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> Wave at Saki while approaching.
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> Wave at Saki while approaching.
> You wave, with Saki noticing you a bit into it and heading over.
> "What's with the catastrofish?" Saki questions, pointing over at the waves origin as she rises up a bit in flight.
>_
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> "Remember the redhead that was with me before? Her friends wanted revenge on Yachie, so they came back. Beyond that? Your guess is as good as mine."
> Beckon Saki over and pat our chest where she can sit.
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> "Remember the redhead that was with me before? Her friends wanted revenge on Yachie, so they came back. Beyond that? Your guess is as good as mine."
> Beckon Saki over and pat our chest where she can sit.
> "She had friends like this? Geez."
> You gesture for Saki to have a seat.
> "Appreciate the gesture, but this isn't the time to take a break yet." Saki waves, heading for where Waka left.
>_
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> Follow!
-
> Follow!
> You follow along.
> "Oh, Aya? Oh crap, that's right. You were here with us." One of the wolf spirits... greets you? "Have you seen that turtle coward?"
> "No. Don't know about Aya, but I'm starting with settling that mermaid down first." Saki answers.
> "So you're gonna get in our way..." The spirit bares it's fangs, to Saki's surprise.
>_
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> "Kagerou? Is that you?"
-
> "Kagerou? Is that you?"
> "Yes. Is this another of the bullies that-"
> You notice the spirit ceases baring it's fangs, shuddering a bit instead.
> "Who's getting in who's way again? You recognize your boss, don't you?" Saki questions, putting a hand on the spirit, and seemingly pushing it down towards the water.
> The spirit nods multiple times. Or, is it bowing?
> Another wolf spirit approaches.
> "So she's these guys' boss?" It questions. "She's not even a wolf, though..."
> There's more wolf spirits closer to where Waka was.
>_
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> "Whoa whoa whoa, everyone, let's not be too hasty..."
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> "Whoa whoa whoa, everyone, let's not be too hasty..."
> "Ah. I see. She's a friend of yours, then. Sorry miss." The wolf spirit apologizes. "My friend is that mermaid, and we're actually trying to get back at that turtle or whatever for bullying our other friend. Red hair, can take her head off. Might have a big cart drawn by horses."
> "Ah. I see. You guys are causing a lot of trouble down here though. You should know the residents don't take kindly to challenge. No one's gonna sir back and let you hunt Yachie down." Saki explains. "Espexially when you're flooding the entirety of Hell like this. Youre probably giving her troops an advantage, even."
>_
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> "...Oh, right, they were otters, weren't they?"
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> "...Oh, right, they were otters, weren't they?"
> "Mhm. By the way, where is that redhead friend of yours?" Saki asks.
> "Safe."
>_
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> "Okay. I rather like everyone involved in this, so what can we do to come to a reasonably peaceful resolution?"
> "Also, Kagerou, where did your body go?"
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> "Okay. I rather like everyone involved in this, so what can we do to come to a reasonably peaceful resolution?"
> "Also, Kagerou, where did your body go?"
> "I'm with Seki. These are wolves, so..."
> "So what? You act like we know...?"
> "Oh. Well, I found out I could oppress the wolf guys, but not any of the others. And it eventually got to be Like this. Doesn't feel like I'm really here, but they're not that tough. At least only one or two at a time..."
> "So you're possessing the spirits yourself? How ironic." Saki chuckles.
>_
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Ami:
> Wiggle about a bit to try to get Aya's attention.
Aya:
> "Wow. Didn't realize you could do that. Any chance you could gather them here? Especially a nice big one with two heads."
-
Ami:
> Wiggle about a bit to try to get Aya's attention.
Aya:
> "Wow. Didn't realize you could do that. Any chance you could gather them here? Especially a nice big one with two heads."
> "I don't know if I can do all of that. There's a lot, and I've only tried a couple at a time. But I can try. Why, actually?"
>_
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Ami:
> Keep trying.
Aya:
> Do we notice activity within us?
> "Mostly to gather then with their boss here, to hopefully assuage their confusion and fear. "
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Ami:
> Keep trying.
Aya:
> Do we notice activity within us?
> "Mostly to gather then with their boss here, to hopefully assuage their confusion and fear. "
> Nothing really. Maybe you could enjoy a bite to eat. Otherwise, Yuuma did drip a bit of water on you before she dried off fully...
> "They're capable individuals. They know I'm fine, as long as Yachie's not partnered with these new arrivals. Which, given how she was apparently the first attacked, seems highly unlikely."
>_
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Ami:
> Try wiggling around harder.
Aya:
> Brush the water off.
> "They're very much not, no. But I guess it's fine if you don't need them gathered. Though, honestly, I'd still like to see my huge two-headed buddy again."
-
Ami:
> Try wiggling around harder.
Aya:
> Brush the water off.
> "They're very much not, no. But I guess it's fine if you don't need them gathered. Though, honestly, I'd still like to see my huge two-headed buddy again."
> You dry yourself a bit more.
> "I didn't see anyone like that around where we were." the wolf spirit, or maybe Kagerou, answers.
>_
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Aya:
> Do we feel anything unusual now?
> Look to Saki.
> "Is she still around?"
-
Aya:
> Do we feel anything unusual now?
> Look to Saki.
> "Is she still around?"
> Not really.
> "By Yachie's place? Why would they be?"
>_
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Ami:
> Struggle with even more intensity. It usually doesn't take Miss Aya this long to notice us...
Aya:
> "I mean around at all. There seemed to be a possibility that she'd get separated into her component parts."
-
Ami:
> Struggle with even more intensity. It usually doesn't take Miss Aya this long to notice us...
Aya:
> "I mean around at all. There seemed to be a possibility that she'd get separated into her component parts."
> You stir awake... You swear you were just taking on an unofficial reporting job for Aya or something... What a waste...
> "I haven't checked." Saki responds.
> You feel a bit of movement in your chest.
>_
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Aya:
> Raise an eyebrow at our chest.
> "Can you do so now, or...?"
-
Aya:
> Raise an eyebrow at our chest.
> "Can you do so now, or...?"
> "It's not like I know where all of my guys are at every moment. Sorry." Saki says.
>_
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Aya:
> "Ah well."
> Reach into our chest and pull out the head of whomever's responsible for that movement.
-
Aya:
> "Ah well."
> Reach into our chest and pull out the head of whomever's responsible for that movement.
> You pull Ami out. Thankfully it doesn't seem like she's drenched - hopefully none of them were.
>_
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Aya:
> "Oh, hey there. What's up?"
Ami:
> Look around.
-
Aya:
> "Oh, hey there. What's up?"
Ami:
> Look around.
> Everything's all flooded. You don't believe there was any place like this in Gensokyo. Or anywhere else, for that matter...
>_
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Ami:
> "...What in the world...?"
Aya:
> "Er, don't worry about it. Anything I can do for you?"
Ami:
> "...Actually, yes, but not right now. Please get me again once you're not busy taking the world's largest bath."
> Plunge back in.
Aya:
> Look back up at the others.
> "...Er, so, anyway, about that peaceful resolution..."
-
Ami:
> "...What in the world...?"
Aya:
> "Er, don't worry about it. Anything I can do for you?"
Ami:
> "...Actually, yes, but not right now. Please get me again once you're not busy taking the world's largest bath."
> Plunge back in.
Aya:
> Look back up at the others.
> "...Er, so, anyway, about that peaceful resolution..."
> You return...
> "I doubt Yachie's up for such. Yuuma hasn't done anything yet from the looks of it." Saki looks over at the head resting on one side of your chest. "And I haven't seen any troops of Keiki about either. At least, not yet. It hasn't been that long since this place got flooded."
>_
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> "Well, given Yachie seemed well and truly terrified by Kagerou before I got washed away, I was kinda hoping we could call it there and restore things to normal with no hard feelings."
-
> "Well, given Yachie seemed well and truly terrified by Kagerou before I got washed away, I was kinda hoping we could call it there and restore things to normal with no hard feelings."
> "I doubt it if that's the case." Saki says. "She's probably thinking of some way to even the playing field. She should be strong enough and sly enough to come up with something."
>_
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> "I'm less concerned about her and more concerned about you two. ...And the idol goddess. What direction is her place in from here?"
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> "I'm less concerned about her and more concerned about you two. ...And the idol goddess. What direction is her place in from here?"
> Saki looks around.
> "Um..." She scratches her head.
>_
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> "...Any ideas, Yuuma?"
-
> "...Any ideas, Yuuma?"
> "Fly around and check?" Yuuma questions.
>_
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> "Probably the best we can do. You sure you don't want a seat to rest yourself, Saki?"
-
> "Probably the best we can do. You sure you don't want a seat to rest yourself, Saki?"
> "Hasn't become any less of a time to be active rather than passive." Saki reminds. "I'll take whatever direction you aren't taking."
>_
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> Gesture toward where Waka last surfaced.
> "I'll head that way, then."
-
> Gesture toward where Waka last surfaced.
> "I'll head that way, then."
> "Hope you find-"
> "Hold up." Yuuma speaks. "Look up."
>_
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> Look up!
-
> Look up!
> You look up.
> ...There's nothing up in the sky?
> "Pft, idiots." Yuuma chuckles.
> "Seriously?" Saki questions.
> "Okay, but really, there's something coming this way in the sky. I think. From where you two had that race or whatever near where I was last, if you even remember."
> Saki looks over, squinting her eyes.
>_
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> Feel for any disruptions in the wind in the direction Saki is looking.
-
> Feel for any disruptions in the wind in the direction Saki is looking.
> You feel for disruptions in the wind.
> It's... not anyone familiar. Though there's something huge coming from there. Not directly towards you, but near this area. You should see it coming by in a few seconds.
>_
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> How does it compare in size to what was last saw of Waka?
> "...Huh. That...might be bad? Might not? Guess we're about to find out."
-
> How does it compare in size to what was last saw of Waka?
> "...Huh. That...might be bad? Might not? Guess we're about to find out."
> It's smaller, for sure.
> "Might as well meet it halfway." Saki starts heading that way.
>_
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> Follow!
-
> Follow!
> You follow along.
> Soon enough, you see something in the sky. A large ship, it looks like. But there's also massive balloons or something attached to it as it descends towards the water.
> Given the color and similarity, it looks like it could be by the troops of Keiki and Mayumi. Unless someone's imitating their designs.
>_
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> "Huh. Well, that's convenient."
> Head toward the ship.
-
> "Huh. Well, that's convenient."
> Head toward the ship.
> You approach the ship closer.
> It does look like it's actually Keiki's faction aboard it. All of the statue... things, seem to be looking for something amidst the waves. You don't immediately see Mayumi or Keiki around yet, though.
> "She seemed ready for this..." Saki comments.
>_
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> "Maybe, but only partially, it would seem. I don't see her or Mayumi on board."
> Try to feel for air disruptions that correspond to Keiki and Mayumi.
-
> "Maybe, but only partially, it would seem. I don't see her or Mayumi on board."
> Try to feel for air disruptions that correspond to Keiki and Mayumi.
> There's a lot of people on this ship... You don't think you can single them out. Most of them appear to be on a lower level of this structure.
>_
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> Wave to the statues as we continue approaching with the intent to land on the deck.
-
> Wave to the statues as we continue approaching with the intent to land on the deck.
> You wave, though they don't pay you any mind until you begin to land, to which they ready weapons your way.
> "There's probably no use in trying to get by them peacefully." Saki comments. "Looks like they're focused on something. You should probably just wait until they go for whatever they're-"
> One of the statues approaches, beginning to gesture. You're not sure what they're getting at...
> However, they do pull out a pair of little statues. One looks like Mayumi, and one looks like Keiki.
> ...
> They seem to be offering them?
>_
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> Reach for them. If this act doesn't elicit a negative response, take them and study them up close.
-
> Reach for them. If this act doesn't elicit a negative response, take them and study them up close.
> You reach, though it pulls its hands back as you do so, before presenting them again.
> "Uh?" Saki questions.
>_
-
> Nod to the statue.
> "You're looking for them? I am too. Do you know where their palace is? I wouldn't be surprised if Mayumi..."
> Gesture to Mayumi's statue.
> "...is sunk down there, at the very least. I can try to retrieve her if she is."
-
> Nod to the statue.
> "You're looking for them? I am too. Do you know where their palace is? I wouldn't be surprised if Mayumi..."
> Gesture to Mayumi's statue.
> "...is sunk down there, at the very least. I can try to retrieve her if she is."
> You gesture to the Mayumi statue.
> The statue nods and closes both hands, starting for another part of the ship.
> The other statues all lower their weapons?
>_
-
> Look to Saki.
> "I do intend to at least get to dive down there, so you should probably make up your mind if you want to stay here on the enemy deck, wander off on your own, or take a ride inside me. Or go for a swim of your own, I guess."
-
> Look to Saki.
> "I do intend to at least get to dive down there, so you should probably make up your mind if you want to stay here on the enemy deck, wander off on your own, or take a ride inside me. Or go for a swim of your own, I guess."
> Saki looks down at the water.
> "I'm not gonna question if you won't just drown, but I'll pass going down there just yet."
>_
-
> "Don't worry, I know my limits. And, for what it's worth, it's dry in here."
> Pat our chest a bit.
-
> "Don't worry, I know my limits. And, for what it's worth, it's dry in here."
> Pat our chest a bit.
> "Good luck then..." Saki says, following the statue.
>_
-
> Shrug, then look to Yuuma.
> "And what about you? Do you have a preference?"
-
> Shrug, then look to Yuuma.
> "And what about you? Do you have a preference?"
> "I'd rather not drown. But I'm just a head anyways." Yuuma answers.
>_
-
> "You won't if I store you away again. But if you'd rather be left up here, then that's fine."
-
> "You won't if I store you away again. But if you'd rather be left up here, then that's fine."
> ...
> "Ah, right. Can't shrug. Whatever." Yuuma says.
>_
-
> "Alright then."
> Follow where Saki went.
-
> "Alright then."
> Follow where Saki went.
> You follow Seki down where the statue went.
> Seems to lead to a lower part of the ship. Theres more statues down here, as well as Mayumi standing out among them. There are also some humans. No sign of Keiki, though.
>_
-
> How different does Mayumi look, given she was being modified?
-
> How different does Mayumi look, given she was being modified?
> She does stand out as a much larger figure. Twice the size of the other statues and the humans, you think, if not more.
>_
-
> Wave at her.
> "So you did make it, then!"
-
> Wave at her.
> "So you did make it, then!"
> You wave over at Mayumi. Though, you notice you're starting to cause a commotion, with others noting the severed head and quickly spiraling into a wave of panic.
> "Please calm down, everyone. There's-" Mayumi tries to control the situation as she approaches.
> The panic is quickly devolving into chaos as the humans try to move away from you and the entrance, pushing each other and some of them even falling. It's drowned out whatever Mayumi was trying to say.
> It hasn't even been 10 seconds yet...
>_
-
> "Oh, shoot, these are Outside World humans, aren't they. Don't worry, folks, she's fine."
-
> "Oh, shoot, these are Outside World humans, aren't they. Don't worry, folks, she's fine."
> Your words seem to get nowhere audibly. Even those nearby just seem to ignore them, like being told a thief isn't a thief as they bite into stolen goods.
> The statues are trying to help those knocked over back up, and prevent anyone from being trampled.
> Though, strangely enough, after a few moments of this, all the panicking humans start to slow down. A lot of them are looking about in confusion.
>_
-
> Can we see, hear, or feel anything that might be causing this?
> If not, look at Saki and Yuuma to see if they're exerting any sort of effort.
-
> Can we see, hear, or feel anything that might be causing this?
> If not, look at Saki and Yuuma to see if they're exerting any sort of effort.
> Nothing immediate.
> Saki doesn't seem to be doing anything, though looking at Yuuma seems to hint at it being her doing.
> "T-This is just a little trick. No need to be scared." Yuuma comments, eyes shut tightly. "The idols wouldn't let anything bad happen to any of you, after all..."
> "Yes, there's nothing to worry about. They can still talk, so they're not dead or anything like that." Mayumi adds, her voice causing Yuuma to flinch.
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow, but say nothing and let Yuuma do whatever she's doing.
-
> Raise an eyebrow, but say nothing and let Yuuma do whatever she's doing.
> "So, what-"
> "O-Okay, tricks over!" Yuuma's head interrupts Mayumi as she gets closer to you and Saki, before vanishing.
> "Huh?" Mayumi questions.
> There still seems to be confusion, but no more panic at least...
>_
-
> "Ah, damnit-"
> Flail our hands a bit where Yuuma was, in the hopes that she's just invisible and not actually gone.
-
> "Ah, damnit-"
> Flail our hands a bit where Yuuma was, in the hopes that she's just invisible and not actually gone.
> You flail about, but Yuuma seems to be absent.
> "...Judging by context clues, she just took all the fear of everyone here." Saki comments. "Would explain why she got jumpy at Mayumi and left entirely."
> "Uh... Sorry I didn't handle that too well." Mayumi apologizes.
>_
-
> Shake our head.
> "You have nothing to apologize for. I forgot that outside world humans aren't used to that sort of thing."
> "So is it just you and your fellow soldiers, then?"
-
> Shake our head.
> "You have nothing to apologize for. I forgot that outside world humans aren't used to that sort of thing."
> "So is it just you and your fellow soldiers, then?"
> "Lady Keiki is back at the Primate Spirit Garden, working to clear it out from the sudden ocean." Mayumi answers. "I'm leading some of our forces to hopefully rescue any humans who weren't gotten by the animal spirits already, and have survived the tsunami so far."
> "So she wasn't prepared for this. Hah." Saki muses a bit.
>_
-
> Grimace.
> "...Kagerou, are you still with us? That's...probably not going to go over well with the others."
-
> Grimace.
> "...Kagerou, are you still with us? That's...probably not going to go over well with the others."
> There's no response. You don't see any wolf spirits around here, either.
> "I don't think they followed here. For good reason. Really doubt these soldiers would've let any animal spirits anywhere near these humans."
> "Seeing as my subordinate brought you down here, you chose my idol rather than Keiki's." Mayumi speaks. "If you picked Keiki's, you would've been attacked."
> "What? Why?"
> "Who would try to look for the head for a good reason when their subordinate is available? Even if it's urgent, as the closest to Lady Keiki, I'm the most reliable to get a message to her quickly."
>_
-
> "Wow, I'm glad I just picked based on who I was more worried was still underwater."
-
> "Wow, I'm glad I just picked based on who I was more worried was still underwater."
> "That's not a very good system." Saki says.
> "There aren't that many ways to let someone who isn't part of our troops on board without speech." Mayumi responds
>_
-
> To Saki: "Hey, I didn't know!"
> To Mayumi: "So you and yours are safe, then?"
-
> To Saki: "Hey, I didn't know!"
> To Mayumi: "So you and yours are safe, then?"
> "I meant theirs." Saki corrects.
> "Yes."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "That's good, then. In that case, I'll see what I can do about getting this flood resolved."
-
> Nod.
> "That's good, then. In that case, I'll see what I can do about getting this food resolved."
> "Good luck."
>_
-
> Turn to Saki.
> "You coming with or nah? Can't promise I won't go underwater, but I'll try to avoid it."
-
> Turn to Saki.
> "You coming with or nah? Can't promise I won't go underwater, but I'll try to avoid it."
> "I've got no reason to stay here. And I can swim. Just don't expect me to look for any single individual under all this. I don't have gills." Saki explains.
>_
-
> Wave to Mayumi.
> "Best of luck!"
> Head back to the top deck.
> Assuming Saki follows us: "Well, there's one person that we shouldn't have too much trouble finding even if we do go underwater. I'm primarily going to talk to her, since I don't know where the others are."
-
> Wave to Mayumi.
> "Best of luck!"
> Head back to the top deck.
> Assuming Saki follows us: "Well, there's one person that we shouldn't have too much trouble finding even if we do go underwater. I'm primarily going to talk to her, since I don't know where the others are."
> You head back to the surface, Saki following along.
> Wakasagihime seems to have resurfaced while you were down there. The idols don't appear to have her as their target, though.
>_
-
> Is she close enough to be within earshot?
-
> Is she close enough to be within earshot?
> No. The ship is, or has been, avoiding her to an extent.
>_
-
> Sent her a wind message: "Hey, Wakasagihime!"
> Pull out our camera and take a picture of her that also has something else in view to show proper scale.
> Then take flight and head toward her.
-
> Sent her a wind message: "Hey, Wakasagihime!"
> Pull out our camera and take a picture of her that also has something else in view to show proper scale.
> Then take flight and head toward her.
> You send a wind message, hoping the waves don't take it down. It should be fine unless she makes a big movement as soon as you do so or something.
> There isn't much to compare aside from the water and the animal spirits. The picture at least got her right as she was looking over to address your message.
> You take off in approach, Saki following along.
>_
-
> Give her a wave as we approach, aiming for her face.
-
> Give her a wave as we approach, aiming for her face.
> You wave as you get close.
> "Did you find that turtle girl?" Wakasagihime questions.
> "Her name is Yachie, and you probably won't have a lot of luck finding her anytime soon." Saki says. "My bet is that she'll play a long game in regards to you guys."
>_
-
> "She got washed away, and I've largely been trying to not drown since then."
> "So how long have you been able to do this?"
-
> "She got washed away, and I've largely been trying to not drown since then."
> "So how long have you been able to do this?"
> "I said I was practicing something, didn't I? It turned out better than I expected. I can do more than this, but it'll probably start causing problems for Kagerou by that point." The mermaid booms.
>_
-
> "You did, but this is not remotely what I read expecting. I didn't exactly see you do this before."
> "Anyway, I figured I should let you know that there are Outside World humans in this land, and, uh, they're not handling the flood too well..."
-
> "You did, but this is not remotely what I read expecting. I didn't exactly see you do this before."
> "Anyway, I figured I should let you know that there are Outside World humans in this land, and, uh, they're not handling the flood too well..."
> "Well you don't see me often either." The mermaid argues.
> "Oh. I-I thought this was an animal realm or something, though. Why are there humans here?"
>_
-
> "There have been Outside World humans popping up in all sorts of realms after what happened. Higan, Bhavagra, even here. I don't think anyone has figured out why, but it's definitely happening."
-
> "There have been Outside World humans popping up in all sorts of realms after what happened. Higan, Bhavagra, even here. I don't think anyone has figured out why, but it's definitely happening."
> "Uh, I guess I should let up a bit then."
>_
-
> "Probably. For what it's worth, I imagine you've probably gotten her back pretty good, given how much you've disrupted, well, everything."
> "Anywhere I can land on you, by the way? It would be nice to not have to fly for a bit."
-
> "Probably. For what it's worth, I imagine you've probably gotten her back pretty good, given how much you've disrupted, well, everything."
> "Anywhere I can land on you, by the way? It would be nice to not have to fly for a bit."
> "Sure. I'll try not to move too much." Waka says.
>_
-
> Is her chest still above water? If so, land on that. Otherwise, fly into one of her ears and settle down in there.
-
> Is her chest still above water? If so, land on that. Otherwise, fly into one of her ears and settle down in there.
> Yes. Only a bit of it is submerged.
> You land.
> Wakasagihime is seriously enormous. This isn't as large as the actual moon, but it's already big enough that it could probably hold a village atop it...
>_
-
> Did Saki land, or is she still flying?
> Give our seat a few pats.
> "Damn, girl, talk about a glow-up. Way up."
-
> Did Saki land, or is she still flying?
> Give our seat a few pats.
> "Damn, girl, talk about a glow-up. Way up."
> She seems to be looking for something in the air.
> "T-Thanks. I am glad this worked. But it was a lot easier than when I practiced back in Gensokyo."
> "Maybe you just found it easier to act like a beast in this Animal Realm." Saki answers. "Where's the wolf friend of yours?"
> "Why do you want to know?"
> "Aya was looking for one of my subordinates, and she could probably find her easier."
>_
-
> "Oh yeah. Last I was aware, there was a two-headed wolf spirit here. I would say she's huge, but, uh, it's probably all the same to you right now. I mostly wanted to see if she's doing okay."
-
> "Oh yeah. Last I was aware, there was a two-headed wolf spirit here. I would say she's huge, but, uh, it's probably all the same to you right now. I mostly wanted to see if she's doing okay."
> "Kagerou's in here." Waka gestures between the islands.
> "You too, really?"
> "I can keep water from it. But I'd like some land instead so I can move more freely. I guess it doesn't matter now since we... did enough damage."
>_
-
> Look at Saki with a grin.
> "Don't knock it 'til you've tried it."
-
> Look at Saki with a grin.
> "Don't knock it 'til you've tried it."
> "Next you'll tell me Miko's doing it, too." Saki comments.
>_
-
> "Not that I'm aware, but I'll ask her for you."
> Look back to Waka. (Is she wearing anything?)
> "So how much larger can you go?"
-
> "Not that I'm aware, but I'll ask her for you."
> Look back to Waka. (Is she wearing anything?)
> "So how much larger can you go?"
> You... Can't tell. The water isn't still enough for you to see through far, but it doesn't look like the dress she had before survived for her top half at least. And given the rest of her body, there's only so much dress that would be left anyways.
> "I don't know. I don't feel tired yet. The more water there is, the stronger I feel. I can hear and see you guys clearly, even though you're so small. The stronger I get, the more water I can make. I think I could probably go on forever, unless theres a limit or things start slowing down at some point."
> "That's a bit scary." Saki lands.
>_
-
> "Huh. I wonder how the Outside World would take you. There might be more space out there to keep going. Though drowning the humans would still be a problem, I guess."
-
> "Huh. I wonder how the Outside World would take you. There might be more space out there to keep going. Though drowning the humans would still be a problem, I guess."
> "I think i heard there's oceans out there from that boat, which are super huge bodies of water." Waka says. "And that there's a lot more water than land in the outside world."
>_
-
> "Oh, that's advantageous for you. Maybe we should try to get you out there."
> Send a wind message down between the islands: "Hey Banki, hey Kagerou. Having fun?"
-
> "Oh, that's advantageous for you. Maybe we should try to get you out there."
> Send a wind message down between the islands: "Hey Banki, hey Kagerou. Having fun?"
> You send a message...
> "We're just trying to see what else Seki can do right now." Kagerou, well, a wolf spirit answers in approach.
>_
-
> "Cool. She's taking it better than I expected. She must've wanted revenge more than she let on. You figure out anything good yet?"
-
> "Cool. She's taking it better than I expected. She must've wanted revenge more than she let on. You figure out anything good yet?"
> "It's more that we don't want to leave her behind." Kagerou speaks. "And nothing incredible yet..."
>_
-
> "Mmm. Well, I dunno if you overheard or not, but you might need to call it early, on account of the Outside World humans getting flooded out."
-
> "Mmm. Well, I dunno if you overheard or not, but you might need to call it early, on account of the Outside World humans getting flooded out."
> "I mean, what can we even do to help with that? They aren't wolves or such, so I can't do much. And Banki needs to call their name to get to each one. She wouldn't even know their names though."
>_
-
> "Stop the flood, probably."
-
> "Stop the flood, probably."
> "Hime?" The spirit looks up.
> "Yeah, I stopped a while ago, but it's still gotta go away some way or another." The mermaid says.
>_
-
> Adopt a thoughtful look.
> "...Lady Yakumo? Are you still there?"
-
> Adopt a thoughtful look.
> "...Lady Yakumo? Are you still there?"
> ...
> No response...
>_
-
> "Damn. Well, I think I can get rid of it, but it would be a really slow process."
> Try using one hand to pull our mouth open wider like before.
-
> "Damn. Well, I think I can get rid of it, but it would be a really slow process."
> Try using one hand to pull our mouth open wider like before.
> You try, but find it doesn't do much, as if it doesn't work at all anymore...
> Maybe Yuuma will do something about this." Saki considers.
>_
-
> "Rats, that doesn't work anymore. Well, we could always see if someone from Gensokyo can help."
-
> "Rats, that doesn't work anymore. Well, we could always see if someone from Gensokyo can help."
> "Right, they're used to this sort of thing, huh."
>_
-
> "Yeah, and they have a really varied skill set, assuming this place doesn't have multiple dozens of others with powerful supernatural abilities that you all have been hiding from me."
-
> "Yeah, and they have a really varied skill set, assuming this place doesn't have multiple dozens of others with powerful supernatural abilities that you all have been hiding from me."
> "Only a few. Even of the people that hang around here, Yuuma would be the best bet."
>_
-
> Look back to the wolf spirit.
> "Don't suppose Banki can give us a quick lift back home?"
-
> Look back to the wolf spirit.
> "Don't suppose Banki can give us a quick lift back home?"
> "One sec."
> Sekibanki soon emerges from between the islands, followed by Kagerou - in the flesh.
>_
-
> Give them a wave and a smile.
> Then look to Saki.
> "Wanna come with? You'd even get to ride like a normal person, instead of riding in me. If cost, if you want to try that, you can, but."
-
> Give them a wave and a smile.
> Then look to Saki.
> "Wanna come with? You'd even get to ride like a normal person, instead of riding in me. If cost, if you want to try that, you can, but."
> Seki looks around a bit.
> "Where'd the head go?"
>_
-
> No answer from Saki?
> "She absorbed a bunch of fear, got spooked, and unmade herself."
-
> No answer from Saki?
> "She absorbed a bunch of fear, got spooked, and unmade herself."
> Seems like she might've gotten interrupted by Seki, or otherwise didn't have anything to say?
> "You aren't getting another of her heads?"
>_
-
> "No idea where she is. I asked, but all she said was that she was safe. I guess you could just go directly to her, but that can wait until after."
-
> "No idea where she is. I asked, but all she said was that she was safe. I guess you could just go directly to her, but that can wait until after."
> "I guess we can do both. I can head for where she interrupted us, and you can get your help." Saki says.
> "I'll probably stay here for now and see if I can't get rid of some of this water." Wakasagihime says
>_
-
> "Seems reasonable to me. Though now I wonder if you could fit inside that carriage as you are now, Waka. It's surprisingly roomy."
-
> "Seems reasonable to me. Though now I wonder if you could fit inside that carriage as you are now, Waka. It's surprisingly roomy."
> The mermaid looks herself over.
> "Certainly not..."
>_
-
> Wink at Waka with a grin.
> "Never know until you try."
> Look back to Banki.
> "Anyway, I'm ready whenever you are."
-
> Wink at Waka with a grin.
> "Never know until you try."
> Look back to Banki.
> "Anyway, I'm ready whenever you are."
> "Who should we go to?" Banki questions, calling forth her cart.
>_
-
> "Toyosatomimi no Miko."
> Hop in, giving Kagerou an expectant look to see if she joins.
-
> "Toyosatomimi no Miko."
> Hop in, giving Kagerou an expectant look to see if she joins.
> You hop on.
> "I'll keep Hime company. Guess I can also keep an eye out for that wolf you're looking for."
> "Then I'll go try and fetch Yuuma." Saki takes off.
>_
-
> "Best of luck, everyone."
-
> "Best of luck, everyone."
> "You too." The mermaid speaks.
> Seki calls Miko's name, taking the two of you back to Gensokyo.
> You arrive in, you believe, Miko's home. It's a pretty empty place outside...
> Though, Miko is here, at least.
>_
-
> Jump out of the cart.
> "Hey, Lady Toyosatomimi. You busy? There's kind of a problem going on in a different realm, and it sounds like you might have a personal stake in a small part of it."
-
> Jump out of the cart.
> "Hey, Lady Toyosatomimi. You busy? There's kind of a problem going on in a different realm, and it sounds like you might have a personal stake in a small part of it."
> "Hm? Another realm? Why would I?" Miko questions.
>_
-
> "There's someone that lives there that claims to know you. Looks a lot like me, but has a tail and different wings. Goes by Saki Kurokoma?"
-
> "There's someone that lives there that claims to know you. Looks a lot like me, but has a tail and different wings. Goes by Saki Kurokoma?"
> "Kurokoma? Yes, I do remember that name. But what's the problem? Are they looking for me?"
>_
-
> "No, the problem is that this other realm has been flooded tremendously. We're trying to figure out how to get rid of the water. She's currently involved in a search effort for someone we know is safe, but don't actually know where they are."
-
> "No, the problem is that this other realm has been flooded tremendously. We're trying to figure out how to get rid of the water. She's currently involved in a search effort for someone we know is safe, but don't actually know where they are."
> "Ah. There isn't much of an issue then. Kurokoma can fly. What do you need me for with such?"
>_
-
> "I thought you might have an idea for how the flood can be handled. And that you might like to see her again."
-
> "I thought you might have an idea for how the flood can be handled. And that you might like to see her again."
> "Hm. That seems like something that would be better left in Futo's hands. Shall I get her for you?"
>_
-
> "You could both come."
-
> "You could both come."
> Miko sighs. "I suppose I'll save that prepared visit for the morning then... Alright."
> The Taoist starts for the interior building of this... space.
>_
-
> Follow!
-
> Follow!
> You follow along, though Seki waits behind.
> Miko leads you to a door, and knocks on it.
> "Futo? Are you awake?"
> ...
> There's no response.
>_
-
> Try checking the winds behind the door.
-
> Try checking the winds behind the door.
> You try...
> There doesn't seem to be anyone in the room as far as you can tell.
> "I'm coming in." Miko announces, opening the door and heading in.
> It's dark, but there is actually someone sleeping in here.
> Strangely, even as they turn slightly in possibly avoiding looking towards the light, you can't feel a distinction between them and the rest of the room.
>_
-
> Curious!
> Follow Miko inside.
-
> Curious!
> Follow Miko inside.
> You follow, finding it a bit hard to actually follow Miko inside. Possible, but it feels like you're going to stumble at every step, and just moving through is tough, like there's a bit of jelly in the air impeding you.
> "Futo? Could I ask you for a favor?"
> The girl stirs in her sleep, rubbing her eyes a bit as she starts to sit up. She doesn't look too familiar.
> "Hearken. Abscond from mine quarters and permit nay but a moments respite." A soft voice speaks. "Thou shalt yearn not..." She seems to trail off into sleep, lying back down?
> "Mm..." Miko nods. "Only a bit, then."
>_
-
> Step back out, then.
> If Miko also leaves, whisper: "I can carry her without waking her up."
-
> Step back out, then.
> If Miko also leaves, whisper: "I can carry her without waking her up."
> You leave. As does Miko.
> "She'll be ready in a bit. Just wait." Miko says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "As you wish. And thank you for doing this."
-
> Nod.
> "As you wish. And thank you for doing this."
> Miko stands in wait outside the room...
>_
-
> "So, um...how've you been?"
-
> "So, um...how've you been?"
> "I was planning on visiting miss Konpaku about something tonight."
>_
-
> "Ah...sorry about that. Hopefully this won't take too long. Or we could bring her with us..."
-
> "Ah...sorry about that. Hopefully this won't take too long. Or we could bring her with us..."
> "I suppose if she has no arguments against it." Miko nods.
> The door opens, and Futo emerges.
> "Prithee, declare thine request of mine council." Futo speaks.
> "There's a flood happening in another realm, apparently. Do you think you can do anything about that?"
> "Hm." Futo crosses her arms, nodding.
>_
-
> "Thanks for the assist."
-
> "Thanks for the assist."
> "I suppose we're taking the same way you got here?" Miko questions.
>_
-
> "That makes the most sense, yeah. This way, please."
> Head back to the cart.
-
> "That makes the most sense, yeah. This way, please."
> Head back to the cart.
> You return to Seki with Miko and Futo in tow.
> "Two?" Seki questions.
>_
-
> "Yep. Lady Toyosatomimi believes a subordinate of hers is well-equipped to handle the situation."
-
> "Yep. Lady Toyosatomimi believes a subordinate of hers is well-equipped to handle the situation."
> "I'm just here to oversee her, I suppose." Miko says. "May we board?"
> Sekibanki nods, to which Miko and Futo hop into the back.
>_
-
> Hop on board as well.
-
> Hop on board as well.
> You embark, and Seki takes you back to Wakasagihime.
> The mermaid is still massive, though it doesn't look like the water level raised at least.
> "Whoa. This does look like a bit of a flood happened..." Miko observes.
>_
-
> "Yeah. It's not going well for the residents."
> Hop back out of the cart onto the mermaid's chest.
-
> "Yeah. It's not going well for the residents."
> Hop back out of the cart onto the mermaid's chest.
> You disembark with the rest.
> "So, is it something you can handle, Futo?" Miko asks.
> "Mm. I shall be begin post haste." Futo declares, beginning to... throw plates around?
> You do notice that there appears to be some wind holding the plates up, remaining undisturbed even as she produces more.
>_
-
> Interesting! We probably shouldn't distract her, though. We can ask about it later.
> Send a wind message to Waka: "You probably noticed, but we're back."
> Look around for Kagerou.
-
> Interesting! We probably shouldn't distract her, though. We can ask about it later.
> Send a wind message to Waka: "You probably noticed, but we're back."
> Look around for Kagerou.
> Waka gives a small wave, thankfully not making much waves with it.
> You don't see her or Saki around nearby...
>_
-
> Wave back to Waka.
> "Just you right now, Dekasugihime?"
-
> Wave back to Waka.
> "Just you right now, Dekasugihime?"
> "Well, those other two went to look for people." The mermaid says.
> There's quite a lot of plates around. You're surprised she's maintaining all the wind for each one.
>_
-
> "Right. Guess we were pretty fast, and they probably haven't had much of a chance to search."
> Look down at where we're standing, then back up at Waka.
> Wind whisper: "Okay, I'm just gonna ask. What's up with the whole being topless thing?"
-
> "Right. Guess we were pretty fast, and they probably haven't had much of a chance to search."
> Look down at where we're standing, then back up at Waka.
> Wind whisper: "Okay, I'm just gonna ask. What's up with the whole being topless thing?"
> "This didn't go exactly as expected. I haven't... felt as bothered about it as I would back in the lake. Not sure if that's because I'm way bigger, stronger, or something else... It's still a bit embarrassing, don't get me wrong!"
> "Ready Crown Prince." Futo speaks.
>_
-
> Wind whisper to Waka: "Hey, I at least greatly appreciate your grandeur. It'd be nice to get more intimately familiar with it~"
> Watch whatever Futo is about to do.
-
> Wind whisper to Waka: "Hey, I at least greatly appreciate your grandeur. It'd be nice to get more intimately familiar with it~"
> Watch whatever Futo is about to do.
> "Are we ready?" Miko questions.
>_
-
> How did Waka react to that?
> "Probably, unless you have something to warn us about first."
-
> How did Waka react to that?
> "Probably, unless you have something to warn us about first."
> You can't see her expression well from down here. Better to fly up.
> "Well, we are dealing with the flood, so... This mermaid should probably be aware of this."
>_
-
> Give them a thumbs-up.
> Flyv up to get closer to Waka's face to see her expression.
-
> Give them a thumbs-up.
> Flyv up to get closer to Waka's face to see her expression.
> "Alright Futo. Go for it." Miko says.
> You fly up towards the mermaid's face. She seems a bit worried.
>_
-
> "They're about to do whatever they're gonna do, so be ready."
> Look curious.
> "You okay?"
-
> "They're about to do whatever they're gonna do, so be ready."
> Look curious.
> "You okay?"
> "Yeah. I'm just hoping there's not a lot of uh, corpses leftover when the water gets dealt with..."
>_
-
> "...Sorry."
-
> "...Sorry."
> "We're youkai, so it's expected that we might end up taking lives... And from what we saw of this world already, it's been worse than this anyways... Right?"
> You notice the water seems to be quickly draining.
>_
-
> "Oop, watch the draining, Dekasugihime. We can talk about that afterward."
-
> "Oop, watch the draining, Dekasugihime. We can talk about that afterward."
> "I am." Waka acknolwedges.
> The water seems to be guided to each plate. But in the end it looks like it's just heading back into the area around Waka. Despite such, the water level is still dropping...
>_
-
> "...Hey, since you're large enough that this could happen, what would happen if someone was inside your body when you returned to normal size?"
-
> "...Hey, since you're large enough that this could happen, what would happen if someone was inside your body when you returned to normal size?"
> "They'd probably be crushed." Waka shrugs.
>_
-
> "Damn. Hopefully no one got in unnoticed, then."
-
> "Damn. Hopefully no one got in unnoticed, then."
> "I think I'd be able to tell if someone did." The mermaid says.
> You're already starting to see land again, but the surrounding area still has a lot of water that isn't lowering...
>_
-
> "Wow, they're doing a hell of a job draining the stuff. Hey, while there's still time, anything you want to do, or want done to you, while you're still this size and I'm here to possibly do it?'
-
> "Wow, they're doing a hell of a job draining the stuff. Hey, while there's still time, anything you want to do, or want done to you, while you're still this size and I'm here to possibly do it?'
> Wakasagihime looks around.
> "I think there's actually leaving some for me?"
>_
-
> "Possibly. You could ask them?"
-
> "Possibly. You could ask them?"
> "I'll just let them do what they're planning."
>_
-
> "Sure. Then I'll re-pose that previous question."
-
> "Sure. Then I'll re-pose that previous question."
> "Hm... Not really. I already got Kagerou to on the bit I was interested in."
>_
-
> Chuckle.
> "Good, good. Sad I couldn't get in on any fun, but it is what it is."
-
> Chuckle.
> "Good, good. Sad I couldn't get in on any fun, but it is what it is."
> "Maybe we'll think of something after all of this is over."
>_
-
> "I'd enjoy that. Kagerou can join in too."
-
> "I'd enjoy that. Kagerou can join in too."
> "Okay, Futo's all done here. Should we head back?" Miko calls.
>_
-
>Wink at Waka with a grin, then swoop back down to Miko, making sure to land.
> "If you want. A shame you weren't able to meet your friend, though."
-
>Wink at Waka with a grin, then swoop back down to Miko, making sure to land.
> "If you want. A shame you weren't able to meet your friend, though."
> "It's alright. It's better that this went shorter than taking a long time." Miko says. "There should still be time for me to make that visit. Maybe."
> The two Taoists hop back on the cart. Though, you do notice Saki seems to be on her way here.
>_
-
> "Oh, there she is now, actually."
> Wave at her.
-
> "Oh, there she is now, actually."
> Wave at her.
> You wave a bit early, as you're both still a few seconds from actually being able to see each other. Unless her eyesight rivals that of Momizi's.
>_
-
> "Well, here she comes, I mean. Ayayaya, as though Youmu needed more reason to dislike me..."
-
> "Well, here she comes, I mean. Ayayaya, as though Youmu needed more reason to dislike me..."
> There's no response. Saki does wave as she approaches and lands, though.
> "Where'd all the water go? You got someone to solve it that quick?" Saki questions. "I mean, guess there's still a bunch around here, but a good chunk of the Animal Realm was flooded, and suddenly it's contained."
>_
-
> Gesture inside the cart.
-
> Gesture inside the cart.
> You gesture.
> "I guess there's no reason for me to fetch Yuuma then. How about that wolf subordinate of mine you messed with? Did your wolf friend find them?"
> "I don't think Kagerou has yet." Wakasagihime speaks.
>_
-
> Check to make sure the cart is still there with its occupants inside.
-
> Check to make sure the cart is still there with its occupants inside.
> You head over and check the cart.
> Futo is missing, but Miko is still here, at least. Doing something with her cape. Or maybe she was just dusting it off.
>_
-
> "I also haven't heard from her yet."
> Give Saki a wind order to come over and peek inside the cart.
-
> "I also haven't heard from her yet."
> Give Saki a wind order to come over and peek inside the cart.
> "Well it doesn't look like you went to look for them anyways." Saki comments.
> "Sorry for that." Miko speaks, stepping back out of the cart. "Futo was still tired and wanted to get back already.
> "Oh. Prince. You don't seem too well." Saki comments with a bit of surprise.
> "Yes, I've been getting dragged around all day and night." Miko responds.
> "Sorry you had to come here. I was moments away from solving it, but I guess you beat me to it." Saki chuckles.
> "So you were..." Miko lets out an annoyed sigh.
>_
-
> "Oh, I didn't realize. I thought you were just doing a rescue trip."
-
> "Oh, I didn't realize. I thought you were just doing a rescue trip."
> "You... had Yuuma on your chest, right? You know she's capable of absorbing anything. That flood would practically be a feast for her, more or less. Though I guess she has her reasons for not dealing with it immediately..." Saki explains. "By the way, did you have anything you wanted to do today, or did you just want to get some sleep?"
> "Don't worry about it." Miko waves.
> "Hey come on now. You don't gotta be like that. Enoko can handle things while the other clans are scrambling to pick themselves up from this. I can lend some of my time your way. You don't have to be of service to everyone all the time."
>_
-
> "I hear she has business with another swordswoman. Perhaps she'd appreciate some company."
-
> "I hear she has business with another swordswoman. Perhaps she'd appreciate some company."
> "You only came out here to help, right?"
> "Yes, but Futo was-"
> "Then you're free now. Come on, I'll get you where you need in a flash." Saki picks up Miko.
> "Need? Hang-"
> Before she can protest much, Saki takes off...
>_
-
> Did our wind order seen to have an effect on Saki at all?
> "Well, isn't that cute."
-
> Did our wind order seen to have an effect on Saki at all?
> "Well, isn't that cute."
> You couldn't tell.
>_
-
Aya:
> "Anyway, as long as we're waiting for Kagerou..."
> Retrieve Ami and set her down standing on Waka's chest.
Ami:
> Look around. Where are we?
> Is there anyone other than Miss Aya nearby?
-
Aya:
> "Anyway, as long as we're waiting for Kagerou..."
> Retrieve Ami and set her down standing on Waka's chest.
Ami:
> Look around. Where are we?
> Is there anyone other than Miss Aya nearby?
> You take Ami out.
> There's Aya. Someone in the distance heading away. A huge person above you... And the girl with the cart and horses.
>_
-
Ami:
> Oh. Well, uh, probably not much we can do about the huge person, but...
> Walk up to Aya and whisper: "Can we possibly do this in private? It's probably going to be embarrassing..."
Aya:
> Nod and scoop Ami up in a bridal carry.
> "We're just gonna be a little bit away for a bit, Banki. Elsewhere on the moons we're on now."
> Take flight and head to the other side of Waka's chest.
Ami:
> "Who's the huge person, anyway?"
Aya:
> "A mermaid friend. She's nice enough to let us walk around on her chest while the water's around."
-
Ami:
> Oh. Well, uh, probably not much we can do about the huge person, but...
> Walk up to Aya and whisper: "Can we possibly do this in private? It's probably going to be embarrassing..."
Aya:
> Nod and scoop Ami up in a bridal carry.
> "We're just gonna be a little bit away for a bit, Banki. Elsewhere on the moons we're on now."
> Take flight and head to the other side of Waka's chest.
Ami:
> "Who's the huge person, anyway?"
Aya:
> "A mermaid friend. She's nice enough to let us walk around on her chest while the water's around."
> You maneuver away from Sekibanki. Airborne now, you do notice Wakasagihime is starting to get smaller...
>_
-
> How rapidly is this happened?
> Do we see anywhere nearby where we can land that isn't her body?
-
> How rapidly is this happened?
> Do we see anywhere nearby where we can land that isn't her body?
> Seems slow. It should probably take minutes before Banki notices, unless she's paying close attention.
> There is land a bit far from here. Not far when considering your speed, though.
>_
-
Aya:
> Land on her chest anyway, turn. Ami will say something if she has a problem.
> Set Ami down.
Ami:
> "Okay...I'd like to try what we were doing earlier again, where you were able to, uh... get your leg down my throat. But I'd like to try it with Suzaku, because I think she might be able to fit. With your help, of course. Uh, please."
Aya:
> Smile.
> "Of course, my dear."
> Retrieve Suzaku and set her down standing on Waka's chest.
-
Aya:
> Land on her chest anyway, turn. Ami will say something if she has a problem.
> Set Ami down.
Ami:
> "Okay...I'd like to try what we were doing earlier again, where you were able to, uh... get your leg down my throat. But I'd like to try it with Suzaku, because I think she might be able to fit. With your help, of course. Uh, please."
Aya:
> Smile.
> "Of course, my dear."
> Retrieve Suzaku and set her down standing on Waka's chest.
> You land away from Seki's view, for the most part.
> You bring Suzaku out as well.
>_
-
Aya:
> "Welcome back to the land of the living, Suzaku."
Ami:
> "Hey there, Suzaku. Remember the weird stuff I asked you to help me with before? I had an idea, and if you're willing, I think I'd like to try it again."
-
Aya:
> "Welcome back to the land of the living, Suzaku."
Ami:
> "Hey there, Suzaku. Remember the weird stuff I asked you to help me with before? I had an idea, and if you're willing, I think I'd like to try it again."
> "I was-... Oh. Um, did you practice?" Suzaku questions.
>_
-
Ami:
> Nod.
> "Yeah, actually. Miss Aya, can you show her what we did?"
> Open our mouth and tilt our head upward.
Aya:
> Remove our footwear.
> Then hover above Ami and slide a leg down her throat as far as it will go.
> Make a note if it feels like we could fit more of us in than before, in the event Ami is affected by this realm.
-
Ami:
> Nod.
> "Yeah, actually. Miss Aya, can you show her what we did?"
> Open our mouth and tilt our head upward.
Aya:
> Remove our footwear.
> Then hover above Ami and slide a leg down her throat as far as it will go.
> Make a note if it feels like we could fit more of us in than before, in the event Ami is affected by this realm.
> You prepare and try to lower into Ami.
> It actually seems to be going more successfully than last time so far.
>_
-
Aya:
> Could we fit both legs? If so, try it. Either way, continue going.
-
Aya:
> Could we fit both legs? If so, try it. Either way, continue going.
> Not quite. Doesn't seem like you need to stop yet, but you are getting closer to your butt, and thus, a larger obstacle..
>_
-
Aya:
> Interesting! Keep going until we're forced to stop.
-
Aya:
> Interesting! Keep going until we're forced to stop.
> You continue, but stop as you get to your butt. Like two legs, it seems to be too much to get in.
>_
-
Aya:
> Thinking back on our progress so far, do we think we could have started with two feet, rather than starting with just one and trying to get the second in afterward?
> Does it feel like we could go further down if we were able to squeeze through?
Ami:
> How is this feeling? Miss Aya didn't get this far last time...
> What kind of view do we have at the moment? Anything good?
-
Aya:
> Thinking back on our progress so far, do we think we could have started with two feet, rather than starting with just one and trying to get the second in afterward?
> Does it feel like we could go further down if we were able to squeeze through?
Ami:
> How is this feeling? Miss Aya didn't get this far last time...
> What kind of view do we have at the moment? Anything good?
> Maybe.
> You aren't sure.
> It certainly isn't knocking you out like the last attempt with Suzaku. Though, you can't really see anything like this. Just a bit of some clothes.
>_
-
Aya:
> "Wow, you have been practicing! Here, stay like that for a moment."
> Pull our leg almost all the way out, leaving just our foot in.
> Then try putting our other foot in. If this is successful, resume lowering ourselves back in, with the goal of reaching where we were before.
-
Aya:
> "Wow, you have been practicing! Here, stay like that for a moment."
> Pull our leg almost all the way out, leaving just our foot in.
> Then try putting our other foot in. If this is successful, resume lowering ourselves back in, with the goal of reaching where we were before.
> You take your leg almost fully out, and manage to get your other in.
>_
-
Aya:
> Lower both legs in as far as we can get them.
-
Aya:
> Lower both legs in as far as we can get them.
> You try to get your legs in as far as you can, almost getting past your thighs, but it seems like it's too much for the opening...
>_
-
Aya:
> Give Ami a wind order to open her mouth wider.
Ami:
> If we are prompted to open our mouth wider, do so, prying it open with our hands if need be.
-
Aya:
> Give Ami a wind order to open her mouth wider.
Ami:
> If we are prompted to open our mouth wider, do so, prying it open with our hands if need be.
> You can't get your mouth open any further... It already hurts a bit to maintain this much.
>_
-
Aya:
> How does Suzaku compare in size to us?
> "Looks like that's it for me. Still, that's way more than before."
> Float back up and out.
Ami:
> Take a moment to breathe and relax our face some.
> Then look to Suzaku.
> "I remember earlier, during our skirmish, that you seemed to be able to disappear at times. I'm wondering if you can use that ability to do what Miss Aya just did, but with being able to go even further than her."
-
Aya:
> How does Suzaku compare in size to us?
> "Looks like that's it for me. Still, that's way more than before."
> Float back up and out.
Ami:
> Take a moment to breathe and relax our face some.
> Then look to Suzaku.
> "I remember earlier, during our skirmish, that you seemed to be able to disappear at times. I'm wondering if you can use that ability to do what Miss Aya just did, but with being able to go even further than her."
> Suza-
> Ah... She's gone...
>_
-
Aya:
> Look mildly confused.
> Feel nearby winds for where Suzaku might have gone.
-
Aya:
> Look mildly confused.
> Feel nearby winds for where might have gone.
> You try to check the winds, but it seems like there's a few possible paths. You recall a few of those being from where Futo's plates sat - likely still dispersing, but otherwise, there's none remaining that stand out.
>_
-
Aya:
> Does our chest look like Suzaku went back in?
> Does Ami look like Suzaku might have already gone in there somehow?
-
Aya:
> Does our chest look like Suzaku went back in?
> Does Ami look like Suzaku might have already gone in there somehow?
> No.
> Not such either...
>_
-
Aya:
> Frown.
> Shout "Suzaku, get back here!"
-
Aya:
> Frown.
> Shout "Suzaku, get back here!"
> You call for Suzaku...
> But nobody came.
> "Um, is that the name of that tengu that flew off?" Wakasagihime questions.
>_
-
Aya:
> "Yeah. Where'd she go?"
-
Aya:
> "Yeah. Where'd she go?"
> "Wouldn't you like to know, reporter girl." The mermaid flashes a smug grin.
>_
-
Aya:
> Blink.
> "...I would, yes. That's why I asked."
-
Aya:
> Blink.
> "...I would, yes. That's why I asked."
> "Um... R-Right. It looked like she was going the same way miss Saki went a while ago."
>_
-
Aya:
> Do we feel unusually coerced toward thinking or doing anything we wouldn't normally do?
> Do we remember roughly which way that was?
> If so, do any of those wind trails lead that way?
-
Aya:
> Do we feel unusually coerced toward thinking or doing anything we wouldn't normally do?
> Do we remember roughly which way that was?
> If so, do any of those wind trails lead that way?
> You don't think so?
> Yes.
> Yes. Though, it seems to end up similar to Saki's flight style after a bit. You can't tell if it stayed that way, not this far.
>_
-
Aya:
> Give Waka a short wave of gratitude.
> "Thanks! And, um, sorry for stonewalling what you were going for just now."
> Turn to Ami.
> "I'll be right back. Please stay here, I don't want to lose track of both of my subordinate cuties."
> Give Ami a wind order to stay on Waka's chest unless it becomes too small to reasonably remain or she needs to move for her own safety.
> Then take flight and zoom off in pursuit of that Suzaku wind trail.
-
Aya:
> Give Waka a short wave of gratitude.
> "Thanks! And, um, sorry for stonewalling what you were going for just now."
> Turn to Ami.
> "I'll be right back. Please stay here, I don't want to lose track of both of my subordinate cuties."
> Give Ami a wind order to stay on Waka's chest unless it becomes too small to reasonably remain or she needs to move for her own safety.
> Then take flight and zoom off in pursuit of that Suzaku wind trail.
> "It's fine. I was just playing around anyways. I guess it's something serious?" The mermaid questions.
> You tell Ami to stay put and follow Suzaku's trail.
> Unfortunately, it looks like Saki started doing her faster flight this time. Though, that shouldn't mean Suzaku was that fast. You should see Suzaku by now, judging from the last you recall of her speed. Otherwise, she got faster, and also managed to leave the Animal Realm, given you're nearing the entrance Hecatia brought you to.
>_
-
Aya:
> Well, Ami did get more, uh, limber. Who knows how Suzaku might have changed? At least now we know how to get in and out of here.
> Keep up our pursuit.
Ami:
> Look up at the giant mermaid's face.
> "...So, um...hello?"
-
Aya:
> Well, Ami did get more, uh, limber. Who knows how Suzaku might have changed? At least now we know how to get in and out of here.
> Keep up our pursuit.
Ami:
> Look up at the giant mermaid's face.
> "...So, um...hello?"
> You continue your pursuit, making it to Hell and continuing to follow the lead.
> "Hello there..." The mermaid speaks.
>_
-
Ami:
> "You're, um...really, really big. Are you a friend of Miss Aya?"
-
Ami:
> "You're, um...really, really big. Are you a friend of Miss Aya?"
> "I don't think so... not really. We know each other, a bit, I guess." The mermaid half-answers.
> It seems like something started slowing them down, and that they even seemed to go underground, according to the wind pathing to the ground further ahead. Though, if that's Miko's doing, that doesn't explain where Suzaku went.
>_
-
Ami:
> "Huh...Does that mean you're similar to her, in casual skinship is no big deal? Because it's kind of hard to not be aware of where I'm standing."
Aya:
> Does Suzaku's wind path also go underground, then?
-
Ami:
> "Huh...Does that mean you're similar to her, in casual skinship is no big deal? Because it's kind of hard to not be aware of where I'm standing."
Aya:
> Does Suzaku's wind path also go underground, then?
> "N-No. It's... Circumstances ended up like this and I have no way to make anything new." The mermaid holds the front of... these islands.
> It does seem to. You're quickly about to pass by it though at you're speed.
>_
-
Ami:
> "Oh. Um, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to call attention to it that way..."
Aya:
> Stop once we reach the point where Suzaku's trail goes underground, and investigate it up close.
-
Ami:
> "Oh. Um, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to call attention to it that way..."
Aya:
> Stop once we reach the point where Suzaku's trail goes underground, and investigate it up close.
> The giant looks uncomfortable...
> You stop and invest-
> Something slams into you from behind, knocking you over.
>_
-
Ami:
> "Er...oh, hey, we haven't been properly introduced, have we? My name is Ami Fujimaru. I'm a tengu journalist that somehow got roped into being Miss Aya's subordinate. It's been, uh, interesting, to say the least. What's your name?"
Aya:
> Roll along the ground a couple of times to work with the momentum, then pop back up and look for who or what hit us.
-
Ami:
> "Er...oh, hey, we haven't been properly introduced, have we? My name is Ami Fujimaru. I'm a tengu journalist that somehow got roped into being Miss Aya's subordinate. It's been, uh, interesting, to say the least. What's your name?"
Aya:
> Roll along the ground a couple of times to work with the momentum, then pop back up and look for who or what hit us.
> "Wakasagihime..." The mermaid speaks, averting her gaze.
> You roll and recover, feeling like you've got something still weighing you down.
> "G-Guh. I can't even slow her down?" A voice speaks, belonging to someone clinging onto your legs.
>_
-
Ami:
> "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Wakasagihime. Can you tell me about yourself? How you got here? I don't remember you being here the last time I was, which wasn't that long ago."
Aya:
> Quickly look at whoever is grabbing onto our perfect, perfect legs!
-
Ami:
> "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Wakasagihime. Can you tell me about yourself? How you got here? I don't remember you being here the last time I was, which wasn't that long ago."
Aya:
> Quickly look at whoever is grabbing onto our perfect, perfect legs!
> "Uhhh..." The mermaid hesitates.
> You examine the figure. It seems to be a woman in purple.
> "Sorry. Didn't mean to actually take you down... There were three others that went by and I couldn't stop a single one of them! I thought something was wrong with me."
>_
-
Ami:
> "Oh, you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to, of course."
Aya:
> "Who are you, and why are you stopping people?"
-
Ami:
> "Oh, you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to, of course."
Aya:
> "Who are you, and why are you stopping people?"
> "I'm a mermaid... I'm normally in Gensokyo, though."
> "If there's something fast flying by, wouldn't you at least want to catch it and see what it is?"
>_
-
Aya:
> Is this woman larger or smaller than us?
> How strong a grip does she have on our legs? Could we pull her off of us easily, would it take some effort, or is her grip too strong?
> Does she seem to have any weapons on-hand?
-
Aya:
> Is this woman larger or smaller than us?
> How strong a grip does she have on our legs? Could we pull her off of us easily, would it take some effort, or is her grip too strong?
> Does she seem to have any weapons on-hand?
> She seems taller. You can't tell if she's bigger in other areas.
> It doesn't feel like she's squeezing hard. You could probably pull away. Definitely if you kicked her while doing so.
> No.
-
Ami:
> "Oh. I am too, as it happens. What brings you here?"
Aya:
> "Well, I agree with you on the catching fast things part, at least. Did you see where those three before went?"
-
Ami:
> "Oh. I am too, as it happens. What brings you here?"
Aya:
> "Well, I agree with you on the catching fast things part, at least. Did you see where those three before went?"
> "Just helping out a friend... She's down there." The mermaid points to the cart.
> "Two of them just slipped into the ground. Then another one also went into the ground, but I didn't get my hands on her. I didn't want to get dragged off somewhere else."
>_
-
Ami:
> "Oh, that cart. That's Miss...Sekibanki, I think her name was? I know of her...well, I wouldn't call us particularly common acquaintances, but it's more than just seeing each other in passing, at least. It's good to meet a friend of hers. I kinda get the feeling she doesn't think very highly of herself, so it's good she has support like that."
Aya:
> "So you're saying you don't want to come with me as I try to pursue them? That's a shame, I take particular pride in my legs and don't normally let other people touch them for free."
-
Ami:
> "Oh, that cart. That's Miss...Sekibanki, I think her name was? I know of her...well, I wouldn't call us particularly common acquaintances, but it's more than just seeing each other in passing, at least. It's good to meet a friend of hers. I kinda get the feeling she doesn't think very highly of herself, so it's good she has support like that."
Aya:
> "So you're saying you don't want to come with me as I try to pursue them? That's a shame, I take particular pride in my legs and don't normally let other people touch them for free."
> "Yeah. She's a nice person. And she's cute too."
> "I'll catch them the next time they come by, since I know I've still got it now." The girl lets go of you. "I'll be reporting to lady Zanmu on the escapists now."
> The purple clad girl stands herself up.
>_
-
Ami:
> Nod.
> "I will say, for as begrudging as she sometimes is about it, she does seem to go out of her way to be helpful in ways that aren't necessary beneficial to herself."
Aya:
> Stand back up as well, with ears perked up.
> "Oho. Before you go, where might I find your Lady Zanmu? I don't think I'm very familiar with that name."
-
Ami:
> Nod.
> "I will say, for as begrudging as she sometimes is about it, she does seem to go out of her way to be helpful in ways that aren't necessary beneficial to herself."
Aya:
> Stand back up as well, with ears perked up.
> "Oho. Before you go, where might I find your Lady Zanmu? I don't think I'm very familiar with that name."
> "She's a nice person." Wakasagihime repeats.
> "Hell, usually. I can't get her to stay in one place, though..." The woman states, before starting to leave.
>_
-
Ami:
> "That's good. Should she join us here?"
Aya:
> "Thanks! Good luck with your thingy."
> Get back to investigating Suzaku's wind trail, if we still can.
-
Ami:
> "That's good. Should she join us here?"
Aya:
> "Thanks! Good luck with your thingy."
> Get back to investigating Suzaku's wind trail, if we still can.
> "It's fine..."
> You bid farewell and see what you can do about the trail.
> It really does just seem to head into the ground. It's not a sudden merge into the earth at least, but you're not sure you can really follow it. Unless you break the ground, maybe.
>_
-
Ami:
> "Alright. Um, may I sit?"
Aya:
> Okay, Shameimaru. You're the literal Wind God Girl. No one is better at controlling it then you. You can even control others using it. But if you truly want to be a sage of Gensokyo, someone on par with the Yakumos and the Mataras and the Ibarakis of the world, you can't just accept that and be comfortable with it. You need to keep pushing, to overcome, to surpass.
> Stepping up above simple, mundane direct control of wind, stepping up above manipulation of people with an affinity or relation to wind...consider the possibility of becoming wind itself.
-
Ami:
> "Alright. Um, may I sit?"
Aya:
> Okay, Shameimaru. You're the literal Wind God Girl. No one is better at controlling it then you. You can even control others using it. But if you truly want to be a sage of Gensokyo, someone on par with the Yakumos and the Mataras and the Ibarakis of the world, you can't just accept that and be comfortable with it. You need to keep pushing, to overcome, to surpass.
> Stepping up above simple, mundane direct control of wind, stepping up above manipulation of people with an affinity or relation to wind...consider the possibility of becoming wind itself.
> "Down there? Uh, sure."
> You hype yourself up and think about if it's possible to become wind. That... would probably mean giving up your beautiful body, however...
>_
-
Ami:
> "Thank you."
> Have a seat.
Aya:
> That it would...surely there is some way we can change back and forth between wind and a solid body?
-
Ami:
> "Thank you."
> Have a seat.
Aya:
> That it would...surely there is some way we can change back and forth between wind and a solid body?
> You fly back down and sit on one of the islands again.
> You haven't met much people with multiple bodies. Only Shingyoku, Hecatia, and Youmu come to mind - and even then, only the former two seemed to be able to switch back and forth between their bodies. One of them was already two people in one, and the other is a freaking goddess...
> Mokou is able to revive herself from just ashes or a flame, so that could be a sort of transformation... There's also Yuuka, who you think you recall could become a ball of light. Nue could as well. There's surely a trick to such transformations, and with your affinity to wind, surely you can master it easily. You just need to figure out how to start it in the first place... Maybe like becoming a ball of wind? But how would you even change your body into that?
>_
-
Ami:
> "...Um, I'm sorry I'm not a great conversationalist..."
Aya:
> We can move so quickly we vibrate...maybe we can vibrate ourselves into shifting our form? If not vibration on its own, perhaps with a mix of properly-directed winds, small or large as needed?
-
Ami:
> "...Um, I'm sorry I'm not a great conversationalist..."
Aya:
> We can move so quickly we vibrate...maybe we can vibrate ourselves into shifting our form? If not vibration on its own, perhaps with a mix of properly-directed winds, small or large as needed?
> "Me neither..."
> You shouldn't have to pull off any speed tricks to do this though. If others can change form so easily...
> Actually, you've never seen Yukari turn into light or anything. Though... You're not sure what the difference between Yuuka and Nue versus Yukari would be... Nue's abilities could lend itself to such easily, and so could Yukari's, yet Yuuka's doesn't seem to hint at it at all?! Where's the rhyme and reason?
> Maybe there isn't any at all? You've heard Sanae claim that common sense need not apply in Gensokyo. Maybe you could just go for it and hope for the best?
>_
-
Ami:
> "Is there anything I can do for you while we wait?"
> Blink.
> "Er, anything that doesn't require me to leave here...Miss Aya was pretty adamant about me not going very far."
Aya:
> ...It's worth a shot! Oh gods, this'll be so cool if it works.
> Close our eyes and focus on our body and our sense of self.
> Then, using our expertise in wind, our knowledge of our own body, and our supernatural speed talents if need be, attempt to will ourselves into becoming sentient wind.
-
Ami:
> "Is there anything I can do for you while we wait?"
> Blink.
> "Er, anything that doesn't require me to leave here...Miss Aya was pretty adamant about me not going very far."
Aya:
> ...It's worth a shot! Oh gods, this'll be so cool if it works.
> Close our eyes and focus on our body and our sense of self.
> Then, using our expertise in wind, our knowledge of our own body, and our supernatural speed talents if need be, attempt to will ourselves into becoming sentient wind.
> "I'm alright. The water's nice."
> You close your eyes and try to use what you know to become wind...
> You can feel boss inside you, but nothing's happening otherwise...
>_
-
Ami:
> "That's good. I should hope so for your sake, it would be pretty unfortunate if it weren't."
Aya:
> Interesting. Have we always been able to feel individual people/objects within us like that?
> Keep trying and willing.
-
Ami:
> "That's good. I should hope so for your sake, it would be pretty unfortunate if it weren't."
Aya:
> Interesting. Have we always been able to feel individual people/objects within us like that?
> Keep trying and willing.
> "Yea..."
> You could for wind, but otherwise, no.
> You keep trying, adding this to your thoughts and hoping it's a step in the right direction...
> But nothing's coming out of it.
>_
-
Ami:
> "Mmm...anyone else you'd like to talk about?"
Aya:
> Open our eyes to see if we look any different.
-
Ami:
> "Mmm...anyone else you'd like to talk about?"
Aya:
> Open our eyes to see if we look any different.
> "...No?"
> You peek open.
> Everything still seems the same.
>_
-
Ami:
> Nod.
> "Very well."
> Lie down on our back while we wait, arms and legs spread out.
Aya:
> Hmm...maybe this isn't working because Boss is inside our body? That would make sense, since we can't control her body like we can control our own.
> Retrieve her and sete her down standing up.
> "Hey Boss, need you out for a moment while I concentrate on something. Please don't go anywhere."
-
Ami:
> Nod.
> "Very well."
> Lie down on our back while we wait, arms and legs spread out.
Aya:
> Hmm...maybe this isn't working because Boss is inside our body? That would make sense, since we can't control her body like we can control our own.
> Retrieve her and sete her down standing up.
> "Hey Boss, need you out for a moment while I concentrate on something. Please don't go anywhere."
> You lie down and relax a bit. It is nice and soft...
> You retrieve Megumu.
> "What's up?" Megumu questions. "Did some big news happen?"
>_
-
Ami:
> "...If you'll pardon me saying so, Miss Wakasagihime, you're very comfortable."
Aya:
> "Possibly. I'll need a moment to concentrate."
> Close our eyes again and resume previous focusing and willing ourselves to turn into sentient wind.
-
Ami:
> "...If you'll pardon me saying so, Miss Wakasagihime, you're very comfortable."
Aya:
> "Possibly. I'll need a moment to concentrate."
> Close our eyes again and resume previous focusing and willing ourselves to turn into sentient wind.
> "T-Thanks. I think I stopped shrinking now, so you don't have to worry about me moving as much as before."
> You hardly noticed her moving earlier though...
> You try to resume your thoughts and...
> Still no success yet...
>_
-
Ami:
> "You were shrinking? I didn't even notice any movement."
Aya:
> What might we be missing here?
-
Ami:
> "You were shrinking? I didn't even notice any movement."
Aya:
> What might we be missing here?
> "I guess I just had good balance and control, then."
> Maybe actual action? More than trying to will yourself. For example, you doubt someone that doesn't have wings could suddenly grow and control wings out of nowhere... They'd get a better grasp on it if they felt wings on their back and connected to them first.
>_
-
Ami:
> "I'd believe it, given you apparently have very good hearing and eyesight to be chatting with me like this."
Aya:
> Try surrounding ourselves with flowing winds, confirming to the shape of our body rather than something like a sphere, blowing gently at first but gradually picking up in intensity.
> Add an attempt to harness these winds with our body to become one with them to our efforts.
-
Ami:
> "I'd believe it, given you apparently have very good hearing and eyesight to be chatting with me like this."
Aya:
> Try surrounding ourselves with flowing winds, confirming to the shape of our body rather than something like a sphere, blowing gently at first but gradually picking up in intensity.
> Add an attempt to harness these winds with our body to become one with them to our efforts.
> "Eheh."
> You start to kick up some wind around yourself.
> "Hey? What's wrong?" Megumu questions.
> As they pick up, you try to make yourself into them as well, thinking of picking up in intensity in the same way...
> Nothing? Still nothing yet?
>_
-
Ami:
> "If you've been shrinking, I guess that probably means you're not always this big? If nothing else, I feel like I would have seen you in Gensokyo before if you were."
Aya:
> "I'm not enough yet. But I will be."
> Begin vibrating in place. Then attempt to mix with winds surrounding us with our own vibrating body to better merge the two.
-
Ami:
> "If you've been shrinking, I guess that probably means you're not always this big? If nothing else, I feel like I would have seen you in Gensokyo before if you were."
Aya:
> "I'm not enough yet. But I will be."
> Begin vibrating in place. Then attempt to mix with winds surrounding us with our own vibrating body to better merge the two.
> "I'm normally in a lake. I'm not normally this big, no."
> "You uh, need some help?" Megumu steps back.
> You start to move rapidly in place, also trying to mix the winds with your body.
> It feels like something might be happening? It doesn't feel like when you're normally just vibrating quickly.
>_
-
Ami:
> "Whereabouts?"
Aya:
> Progress! Keep going!
-
Ami:
> "Whereabouts?"
Aya:
> Progress! Keep going!
> "Misty Lake. There's a couple of mansions nearby. Usually covered in mist. Bunch of fairies like to hang around it..."
> You keep it up.
> "Uh, Aya? Hey..." Megumu calls.
>_
-
Aya:
> Is it getting harder to hear her?
-
Aya:
> Is it getting harder to hear her?
> You can still hear her. It's only a bit impeded by the wind.
>_
-
Ami:
> "I'll have to see if I can visit some time. I still have a lot to learn from Miss Aya, but field work is a great way to do that."
Aya:
> "I'm fine, Boss!"
> Keep going!
-
Ami:
> "I'll have to see if I can visit some time. I still have a lot to learn from Miss Aya, but field work is a great way to do that."
Aya:
> "I'm fine, Boss!"
> Keep going!
> "You don't need to. The fairies will make it hard to."
> You persist. It feels li-
> "Shameimaru!" Megumu calls.
> It feels like each piece of you is doing something more than just vibrating. This might be the cusp of it.
>_
-
Ami:
> "Well, I wouldn't be able to visit you otherwise."
Aya:
> "It's happening!"
> Finish it off!
-
Ami:
> "Well, I wouldn't be able to visit you otherwise."
Aya:
> "It's happening!"
> Finish it off!
> "I can go elsewhere sometimes now, I think."
> You keep it up, feeling yourself scatter... with the wind? The wind's all gone, though...
> There's no wind around at all, actually...
>_
-
Ami:
> "Oh, that's good. The mountain has a river you could swim up to at least get to the kappa, if not us. But I thought it would be rude to expect you to visit me."
Aya:
> Open our eyes, if we still have them, and look around.
-
Ami:
> "Oh, that's good. The mountain has a river you could swim up to at least get to the kappa, if not us. But I thought it would be rude to expect you to visit me."
Aya:
> Open our eyes, if we still have them, and look around.
> You try to see, finding... nothing. There's nothing around, not just a lack of wind...
>_
-
> Oh shoot.
> Can we hear anything?
> "Hello?"
-
> Oh shoot.
> Can we hear anything?
> "Hello?"
> You don't hear anyone around.
> You call out...
> Did you? You don't hear yourself yet.
>_
-
> Try flying around in this void space.
-
> Try flying around in this void space.
> You can't tell if you're moving. Nor if anything else is moving.
> The silence is deafening. You can't hear yourself think. It feels like your mind is trying to make up noise, but you can't even hear what you think it'd sound like either...
> ...
> "The hell are you doing here?" You finally hear something. It's like finally coming up for water from underair. ...no, air from underwater.
>_
-
> Open our eyes and look for the source of the voice.
-
> Open our eyes and look for the source of the voice.
> You notice it's... Seija? The details seem a bit fuzzy, but it looks enough like her...
> "Wait, actually, how did you get here?"
>_
-
> "...Sei...ja...? Where...?"
> Look at ourselves.
-
> "...Sei...ja...? Where...?"
> Look at ourselves.
> You can't find where yourself is. The only thing here is Seija. Maybe this is what it's like in a chest?
> "Oh good, you're still here. Let me ask you again, what the hell are you doing?"
>_
-
> "...Transcending?"
-
> "...Transcending?"
> "Tran... ..." Seija thinks for a moment. "Maybe. Who are you? Do you still remember?"
>_
-
> We do still know those things, right?
-
> We do still know those things, right?
> You do. It does feel like you can hear yourself think again.
>_
-
> "Aya Shameimaru, the fastest in Gensokyo. ...Unless something has changed since I was last self-aware. Which seems eminently possible."
-
> "Aya Shameimaru, the fastest in Gensokyo. ...Unless something has changed since I was last self-aware. Which seems eminently possible."
> "And you're... "transcending" into...?"
>_
-
> "Aya Shameimaru, the very wind herelf."
-
> "Aya Shameimaru, the very wind herelf."
> "Is that really much of an upgrade?" Seija questions, tilting her head slightly. "Then again, maybe you're trying for a simple life?"
>_
-
> "We all have our ambitions we need to pursue. I imagine you, of all people, understand this. ...It just doesn't work out sometimes."
-
> "Aya Shameimaru, the very wind herelf."
> Seija pauses for a bit, but then shakes her head.
> "Whatever. Just keep thinking that and remembering who you are. Maybe mediate or something. I dont know. Never really did this before..."
> That doesn't sound reassuring...
>_
-
> "I've been meaning to ask that, actually. How did you end up in this position dealing with...whatever I did to myself? I still don't really understand where I am, or how I'm communicating, or why there's literally nothing except you."
-
> "I've been meaning to ask that, actually. How did you end up in this position dealing with...whatever I did to myself? I still don't really understand where I am, or how I'm communicating, or why there's literally nothing except you."
> "You can call me Zanmu. I'm used to this.... well, this being nothing." She waves her arms around in emphasis. "It's not that good a place, according to trying to bring anything here... what i dont get is how you ended up here. Given you said youre the fastest or something, did you end up going so fast you shot out of reality?"
> If this is nothing, then that would make a bit of sense...you don't think you became wind in a good way...
>_
-
> "Oh, so you're the Lady Zanmu I heard about! That purple lady with bangs for days is looking for you. Damn, wish I had my camera and notepad and stuff if I have you as an audience."
> "...Anyway...so, sounds I unmade myself, huh. Assuming you're not familiar with me, I am indeed the fastest in Gensokyo, Non-Time-Manipulation Division. I'm also its best journalist, its hottest body, its best bird...the list goes on. And there's no one better at controlling the wind than me; some call me the Wind God Girl despite my general lack of divinity. It's a nice title, not gonna lie."
> "But sometimes, your ambitions are larger than you, and you want to be something even more than you already are. Controlling the wind is one thing. Becoming the wind is another. So I tried to speed myself up so fast and mix myself with the winds to become them. ...And now, apparently, I'm nowhere, which would suggest I failed catastrophically."
-
> "Oh, so you're the Lady Zanmu I heard about! That purple lady with bangs for days is looking for you. Damn, wish I had my camera and notepad and stuff if I have you as an audience."
> "...Anyway...so, sounds I unmade myself, huh. Assuming you're not familiar with me, I am indeed the fastest in Gensokyo, Non-Time-Manipulation Division. I'm also its best journalist, its hottest body, its best bird...the list goes on. And there's no one better at controlling the wind than me; some call me the Wind God Girl despite my general lack of divinity. It's a nice title, not gonna lie."
> "But sometimes, your ambitions are larger than you, and you want to be something even more than you already are. Controlling the wind is one thing. Becoming the wind is another. So I tried to speed myself up so fast and mix myself with the winds to become them. ...And now, apparently, I'm nowhere, which would suggest I failed catastrophically."
> "Hm... it looks like you're in the middle of succeeding spectacularly, given you're still... here, and not a part of the nothingness here." Zanmu says. "Maybe it's like being born again. Or reincarnated. Those were my thoughts, at least. Youkai are supposedly more made up by meaning than physical things like genetics and incubation. What im saying is, i think this might be the jackpot. Assuming it actually works, youve got yourself a canvas to make do with."
>_
-
> "Huh, I see. Well, it'd certainly be nice to know I didn't disintegrate myself in vain. Assuming I'm at least able to go back and forth between a wind form and a physical form, I rather like having the best bod in the land. ...And assuming I can leave here. Uh, no offense to present company, of course."
-
> "Huh, I see. Well, it'd certainly be nice to know I didn't disintegrate myself in vain. Assuming I'm at least able to go back and forth between a wind form and a physical form, I rather like having the best bod in the land. ...And assuming I can leave here. Uh, no offense to present company, of course."
> "I hear God's can have physical forms and spiritual ones. Though they need faith to exist..."
>_
-
> "...Well...if I did just divinify myself, at least faith wouldn't be an issue. Everyone in Gensokyo knows who I am, and a fair number of them know me pretty intimately, if you catch my drift. ...No pun intended. But, uh, I got a hot government-mandated karasu girlfriend, a hot not-government-mandated white wolf hopefully-girlfriend, two cutie subordinates, a hot boss that can honestly be a stick in the mud sometimes but she's been getting be-"
> Go silent for a few moments.
> "...Ohhhhhhh. Oh no. Oh nooooo. Boss. Boss was right there when I did that just now. Oh gods, that must have been horribly traumatic for her. I gotta get back to her, at the very least."
-
> "...Well...if I did just divinify myself, at least faith wouldn't be an issue. Everyone in Gensokyo knows who I am, and a fair number of them know me pretty intimately, if you catch my drift. ...No pun intended. But, uh, I got a hot government-mandated karasu girlfriend, a hot not-government-mandated white wolf hopefully-girlfriend, two cutie subordinates, a hot boss that can honestly be a stick in the mud sometimes but she's been getting be-"
> Go silent for a few moments.
> "...Ohhhhhhh. Oh no. Oh nooooo. Boss. Boss was right there when I did that just now. Oh gods, that must have been horribly traumatic for her. I gotta get back to her, at the very least."
> "Ah. That'll probably be a scare, yeah."
>_
-
> "strawberries. strawberries strawberries strawberries. Uh, okay. You said I should keep remembering who I am? What else would be good to think about to keep myself existing?"
> Try to look at ourselves again.
-
> "strawberries. strawberries strawberries strawberries. Uh, okay. You said I should keep remembering who I am? What else would be good to think about to keep myself existing?"
> Try to look at ourselves again.
> You examine yourself. This time, your actually seem to be here.
> "Hm... maybe why you got here, and how you can get back? Actually, maybe I can help with getting you back out of here."
>_
-
> Do we look like we're supposed to?
> ...Are we dressed?
> "Why I got here? Uh, in a metaphorical sense, it's because I refused to accept my alleged limits. In a literal sense, I went too fast and disintegrated. As for getting back, I don't know that I can reintegrate myself, and I definitely don't want to give up on pushing myself further beyond, so I'd appreciate any help you can offer. Maybe I can do that divine manifesting thing?"
-
> Do we look like we're supposed to?
> ...Are we dressed?
> "Why I got here? Uh, in a metaphorical sense, it's because I refused to accept my alleged limits. In a literal sense, I went too fast and disintegrated. As for getting back, I don't know that I can reintegrate myself, and I definitely don't want to give up on pushing myself further beyond, so I'd appreciate any help you can offer. Maybe I can do that divine manifesting thing?"
> Yes. Though you look like you used to before the moon stuff. Even with your usual clothes.
> You're a youkai, aren't you? Just make a body for yourself or something. However Youkai get born again..." Zanmu says. "But I guess you already were something before. Maybe just make some adjustments and see if it sticks?" She gestures towards you.
>_
-
> "...Some adjustments, huh...it feels uncouth to think of improving upon perfection, but..."
> ...
> ...It probably wouldn't do to go way overboard, if we actually are divine, or some other sort of ascended being. But...hmm.
>...
> Let's imagine ourselves...
> ...
> ...with waist-length hair...
> ...ears each 3 cm longer...
> ...a bust measurement 10 cm larger...
> ...wings each 10 cm longer...
> ...an extra pair of wings of equal length...
> ...a notably-but-not-dramatically larger butt...
> ...notably-but-not-dramatically thicker thighs...
> ...and legs each 10 cm longer.
> ...
> ...Yeah, that'll do. That's sufficiently modest.
-
> "...Some adjustments, huh...it feels uncouth to think of improving upon perfection, but..."
> ...
> ...It probably wouldn't do to go way overboard, if we actually are divine, or some other sort of ascended being. But...hmm.
>...
> Let's imagine ourselves...
> ...
> ...with waist-length hair...
> ...ears each 3 cm longer...
> ...a bust measurement 10 cm larger...
> ...wings each 10 cm longer...
> ...an extra pair of wings of equal length...
> ...a notably-but-not-dramatically larger butt...
> ...notably-but-not-dramatically thicker thighs...
> ...and legs each 10 cm longer.
> ...
> ...Yeah, that'll do. That's sufficiently modest.
> You try to imagine such changes...
> ... But nothing changes on your current figure.
>_
-
> Try willing those changes into our current figure, then.
-
> Try willing those changes into our current figure, then.
> ...
> Still nothing. Is it too late to now that you already have your body uh... "here"?
>_
-
> "...Uh, those adjustments don't seem to be adjusting. Am I even able to do something like that at this point?"
-
> "...Uh, those adjustments don't seem to be adjusting. Am I even able to do something like that at this point?"
> "Hm... try again?"
>_
-
> Close our eyes, concentrate on our form, and really force those aforementioned changes on ourselves through sheer willpower. Visualize the various growths in our mind's eye, and make them so.
-
> Close our eyes, concentrate on our form, and really force those aforementioned changes on ourselves through sheer willpower. Visualize the various growths in our mind's eye, and make them so.
> You try again, with more effort and concentration this time! This will be your body. This is your body! THIS-
> Somethink painfully CRACKS itself against your back, interrupting your focus.
>_
-
> "Agh!"
> Open our eyes and find whatever lunkhead just hit us!
-
> "Agh!"
> Open our eyes and find whatever lunkhead just hit us!
> You quit trying for a moment to-
> Ah! You're back! And-
> CRACK
> Again, another smack. Someone's seriously trying to kill you!
> Though, you think you can tell... it's Megumu. Is she using her tripod?
>_
-
> Cry out in pain again.
> Assuming we're on the ground, roll over so we're looking at her and she can see that we're doing so.
-
> Cry out in pain again.
> Assuming we're on the ground, roll over so we're looking at her and she can see that we're doing so.
> You're still standing. This won't kill you, and it doesn't feel like it'll bru-
> SMACK
> Okay, maybe it'll bruise!
> "Damn Shamaru! Hah! You..." Megumu finally relents. Though, it does still look like she might swing again.
>_
-
> Put our hands up in front of ourselves in defensive protest.
> "Stop, stop, stop! Please!"
> If she does swing again, try to grab the tripod as it comes at us.
-
> Put our hands up in front of ourselves in defensive protest.
> "Stop, stop, stop! Please!"
> If she does swing again, try to grab the tripod as it comes at us.
> You raise your hands in defense, but she does seem to be giving up.
> Now that you aren't being attacked anymore, you do notice that your body is different. Did it work?
>_
-
> Lower our hands.
> "Whoa..."
> Look ourselves all over.
-
> Lower our hands.
> "Whoa..."
> Look ourselves all over.
> You examine yourself. Its..all there. Even checking your wings, they're there too. Was it seriously just that easy?
> ...Maybe you should've gone for more? Well, this is already huge - discovery wise. You wonder if you can do it again, at least if that Zanmu lady is around.
> You don't see her nearby, though.
>_
-
> Do we feel particularly divine?
> Can we feel any new or enhanced existing power or ability?
> Look back at Iizunamaru. Which of us is taller now?
> "...Uh...Well then."
-
> Do we feel particularly divine?
> Can we feel any new or enhanced existing power or ability?
> Look back at Iizunamaru. Which of us is taller now?
> "...Uh...Well then."
> You feel different, but not divine... you don't give off the air that Sanae does, and not Kanako either.
> The two of you aren't both standing upright. You can't tell like this. Despite your increased stature, she looks like she might be a bit taller than last time. That's not how perspectives should work... maybe you're seeing things.
> Megumu looks pretty upset, from what you can see of her face. Though she wipes that expression away, replacing it with mostly anger.
>_
-
> In a sheepish tone: "...Erm...sorry about that."
> Stand properly upright if we aren't already.
-
> In a sheepish tone: "...Erm...sorry about that."
> Stand properly upright if we aren't already.
> You apologize and stand up straight.
> "You don't even tell me what you're doing, then you practically atomize without a trace." Megumu chastises. "Unforgivable. How do you expect me to explain how I let one of my most capable subordinates shred themselvesto the last cell? Lord Tenma would've had me by the neck. I wouldn't be able to live with myself after such a thing." S-She keeps on.
>_
-
> Step forward and give her a gentle hug.
-
> Step forward and give her a gentle hug.
> You gently pull Megumu into a hug, but she pushes you off.
> "Did you think it'd just be fine? Whatever you were trying looked like it'd be too much, even for you." She continues.
> Though, Tsukasa pops up, coiling around your boss and pushing her back to you
> "Hey now, she's alright, isn't she? I'm sure she has a good explanation, given how she looks like one of those sages." The fox pats Megumu. "She's right here and you get to chew her ear off, but do you really wanna get as far from her as you can?"
>_
-
> Resume the hug.
> "My apologies, Lady Iizunamaru. I won't do that again without proper planning and warning."
-
> Resume the hug.
> "My apologies, Lady Iizunamaru. I won't do that again without proper planning and warning."
> "So what were you trying to do that was so important you couldn't tell your superior, even after she called upon you?" Tsukasa questions, saving Megumu from spouting off at you again like she seems to have been preparing to.
>_
-
> "Become the wind."
-
> "Become the wind."
> "...I'm at a bit of a loss for words. That really is stupid." Tsukasa claims. "I've never heard of any tengu who'd try to get so fast they rip themselves apart on purpose. What'd be the use of that? Are you trying to leave everything behind? Has work been that stressful on you?"
> Megumu seems to calm down a bit. Maybe Tsukasa's saying everything she wanted to.
> "Maybe you shouldn't answer that. Given we're in dome Hell and it looks like you're missing those other two tengu... you have a lot to make up, especially when others hear you did such a thing without telling anyone. Right Lady Iizunamaru?"
> "Yeah. An apology won't cut it." Megumu says, pulling away and turning away from you. "...Where are they, anyways. I'd like to take my mind off of this..."
> She still sounds angry...
>_
-
> Is Boss standing upright at this point? If so, compare our heights.
> Do we still feel Suzaku's wind trail?
> Frown just a tad.
> "Ami's back in the Animal Realm with Wakasagihime. She's doing just fine. Suzaku...I don't actually know. She quietly bolted off on her own, and somehow followed Lady Toyosatomimi and her subordinate into the ground despite presumably not knowing the Taoist arts necessary. You might ask be able to feel her trail."
-
> Is Boss standing upright at this point? If so, compare our heights.
> Do we still feel Suzaku's wind trail?
> Frown just a tad.
> "Ami's back in the Animal Realm with Wakasagihime. She's doing just fine. Suzaku...I don't actually know. She quietly bolted off on her own, and somehow followed Lady Toyosatomimi and her subordinate into the ground despite presumably not knowing the Taoist arts necessary. You might ask be able to feel her trail."
> Yes.
> You're taller than her now... but... you swear she was taller than that a bit ago, before Tsukasa came. You're sure of it.
> You do.
> "Maybe she did something of the same..." Tsukasa considers.
> Suzaku's trail does seem a bit weird. You can almost see her movements, like she's demonstrating it back to you.
> Yet, even so, it seems like it goes elsewhere than just into the ground, but you can't follow that trail further - like it gets cut off. It doesn't look like Suzaku had any trouble at all in replicating the technique. She didn't even pause here...
>_
-
> Can we feel anything new from Tsukasa and Iizunamaru simply by being in their proximity?
> Frown further, squint our eyes a bit, and shake our head a bit, bringing a hand to our face.
> "Ugh...things are weird now...this is going to take getting used to."
> Describe what we're sensing of Suzaku's trail to Tsukasa and Iizunamaru.
-
> Can we feel anything new from Tsukasa and Iizunamaru simply by being in their proximity?
> Frown further, squint our eyes a bit, and shake our head a bit, bringing a hand to our face.
> "Ugh...things are weird now...this is going to take getting used to."
> Describe what we're sensing of Suzaku's trail to Tsukasa and Iizunamaru.
> You don't believe so.
> You describe your current findings.
> "Sounds useful, but not for following them, huh?" Tsukasa questions.
>_
-
> "It would seem not. Maybe I can now, but I wouldn't know how. Any alternate ideas?"
-
> "It would seem not. Maybe I can now, but I wouldn't know how. Any alternate ideas?"
> "Maybe we're thinking about this wrong." Tsukasa suggests. "Is Suzaku that much stronger or skilled than you? If not, then maybe you should try something simple."
>_
-
> How far can we track Suzaku's wind trail?
-
> How far can we track Suzaku's wind trail?
> It doesn't seem to go further than what you've already noticed.
>_
-
> "...Perhaps."
> Send a wind order following along Suzaku's wind trail for her to return to us ASAP.
-
> "...Perhaps."
> Send a wind order following along Suzaku's wind trail for her to return to us ASAP.
> You give an attempt...
> ...
> It doesn't seem like she's back...
>_
-
> Hmm...
> Get up close to the remnants of her wind trail.
> Visualize the actions she's taking, life we involuntarily did before.
> Then send an order through Suzaku's wind itself, rather than creating our own: "Suzaku, get your ass back here now."
-
> Hmm...
> Get up close to the remnants of her wind trail.
> Visualize the actions she's taking, life we involuntarily did before.
> Then send an order through Suzaku's wind itself, rather than creating our own: "Suzaku, get your ass back here now."
> You try a bit of a different method. Though this time, you notice it follows Suzaku's path better. At least you think it does.
> ...
> Still doesn't tell you if she's coming or not, though...
>_
-
> Now that we've had a little bit of time to exist in this new way, can we tell any more details about how we're different from before?
> "I've tried to instruct her to return. But only time will tell if it worked."
-
> Now that we've had a little bit of time to exist in this new way, can we tell any more details about how we're different from before?
> "I've tried to instruct her to return. But only time will tell if it worked."
> None that you notice standing out. It doesn't feel like you're in an unfamiliar body or change like when adding to your chest or such.
> "Hm." Tsukasa comments, heading over near you.
> She swiftly slips into the ground... leaving you with Megumu.
>_
-
> Keep track of Tsukasa's wind aura as she goes while staring at the spot where she slipped into the ground.
> "Huh. Didn't occur to me that she could do that. but I guess it make sense."
> "...Anyway...say whatever you need to say, Boss. It's warranted."
-
> Keep track of Tsukasa's wind aura as she goes while staring at the spot where she slipped into the ground.
> "Huh. Didn't occur to me that she could do that. but I guess it make sense."
> "...Anyway...say whatever you need to say, Boss. It's warranted."
> Megumu doesn't say anything...
> It seems to go similarly to Suzaku's. Not the same, though. You don't see her actions replayed either.
>_
-
> "..."
> "...I genuinely thought I could, you know. I didn't realize it would risk such disastrous consequences."
-
> "..."
> "...I genuinely thought I could, you know. I didn't realize it would risk such disastrous consequences."
> Silence...
> Tsukasa returns
> "They didn't seem to be there. I think they went elsewhere afterwards."
> "Can you take us through?" Megumu questions.
> "Wouldn't it be better if you learned how to yourself?"
>_
-
> "It would be nice, yeah."
-
> "It would be nice, yeah."
> "It's not as complicated as it looks." Tsukasa advises.
>_
-
> "To avoid the risk of repeating recent mistakes, instruction would be appreciated."
-
> "To avoid the risk of repeating recent mistakes, instruction would be appreciated."
> "Try it." Tsukasa gestures, slipping through again.
> Megumu watches... and follows suit!
>_
-
> Frown.
> "I swear, if this is..."
> Whatever. Dive into the ground in pursuit of Suzaku's wind trail.
-
> Frown.
> "I swear, if this is..."
> Whatever. Dive into the ground in pursuit of Suzaku's wind trail.
> You wing it and try to dive in on pursuit of Suzaku's trail.
> Surprisingly, there's a bit of a sensation, like Suzaku's trail is guiding you for a moment. Like the currents of a river, or more appropriately, letting your wings glide on the wind - you're lead into Miko's place again.
> Megumu is here, of course. Tsukasa is already gone, though.
>_
-
> "Huh. Well then. ...I wonder why more people don't do this?"
> Can we feel more of Suzaku's trail?
-
> "Huh. Well then. ...I wonder why more people don't do this?"
> Can we feel more of Suzaku's trail?
> You can. It seems to lead back out of here in an easier way to follow.
>_
-
> Keep following Suzaku's trail, then!
-
> Keep following Suzaku's trail, then!
> You continue following, with Megumu following behind.
> It seems to bring you back out near the Myouren Temple after a bit. Though the trail leads out into the sky.
>_
-
> Keep following the trail until we come across Suzaku or someone else of interest.
-
> Keep following the trail until we come across Suzaku or someone else of interest.
> You continue in following.
> All the way to the Netherworld... there's some fairies along the way doing something, but you're busy
> To Hakugyokurou as well - though finally you do meet up with Miko. Saki and Suzaku aren't present.
>_
-
> "Ah, Lady Toyosatomimi. Did my subordinate come this way?"
-
> "Ah, Lady Toyosatomimi. Did my subordinate come this way?"
> "Yes. She rushed in after Saki." Miko answers. "I had suggested we wait outside for Miss Saigyouji since it'd be rude to just barge in, but apparently Saki had it in mind that both the ghost and her subordinate could be asleep. I hope she isn't starting trouble."
>_
-
> "What brings you all here, anyway?"
-
> "What brings you all here, anyway?"
> "I wanted to visit Youmu for something, before bringing Futo to help you. Saki insisted we do what I wanted before someone else got a hold of me again." Miko explains. "
>_
-
> "Ah. Huh, I wonder why Suzaku followed you, then."
-
> "Ah. Huh, I wonder why Suzaku followed you, then."
> "It shouldn't have been anything related to myself or Saki..." Miko considers.
>_
-
> Has Miko seemed to react to our new self in any way yet?
> Gesture in the direction Suzaku's trail leads.
> "May I?"
-
> Has Miko seemed to react to our new self in any way yet?
> Gesture in the direction Suzaku's trail leads.
> "May I?"
> She has not...
> "Since they've already gone in, I suppose you may." Miko shrugs.
>_
-
> Nod.
> Continue onward, following Suzaku's trail.
-
> Nod.
> Continue onward, following Suzaku's trail.
> You head inside the building, following further.
> You stop at the entrance to a room, it's door open.
> Inside is Saki and Suzaku, as well as someone else. Given the phantom beside them, you think it's Youmu, though she looks pretty different.
> It looks like she's meditating.
> "I can give it a shot. Who knows?" Suzaku says, backing up to the wall.
> "That's the spirit." Saki responds. "Just go for it."
>_
-
> Does Youmu look ascended like us?
> Silently watch Suzaku to see what she's about to do.
-
> Does Youmu look ascended like us?
> Silently watch Suzaku to see what she's about to do.
> You guess you'd describe it like such...
> You watch as Suzaku darts forward, leaping into the air and sending her legs forward.
> Youmu's Phantom half slides over in an instant, taking the dropkick, yet not moving an inch.
> "Ah!" Suzaku falls, surprised. "S-She's awake?"
> "Mm, maybe that was subconscious." Saki considers.
> The half phantom takes Youmu's form, readying a sword.
> "Uh oh." Suzaku gets up, backing away.
> "Think she didn't like that." Saki agrees.
>_
-
> What the...?
> What did Suzaku seem to be aiming for, thar the phantom moved to block it?
> Is the phantom half holding an actual sword, or has it formed part of itself into a phantom sword as an extension of its own body?
-
> What the...?
> What did Suzaku seem to be aiming for, thar the phantom moved to block it?
> Is the phantom half holding an actual sword, or has it formed part of itself into a phantom sword as an extension of its own body?
> Youmu's upper body. Not the face, at least.
> It looks like it might just be part of its body. Well, as much of a body as it has.
>_
-
> Keep watching. This is Suzaku's mess she's gotten herself into, let's see how she gets out of it.
> If, however, it appears that Suzaku is in way over her head, then, when the phantom half looks to be about to swing her sword at Suzaku, swoop in (with our top-notch speed) and catch it with a hand to prevent it from slicing up our cute little subordinate.
-
> Keep watching. This is Suzaku's mess she's gotten herself into, let's see how she gets out of it.
> If, however, it appears that Suzaku is in way over her head, then, when the phantom half looks to be about to swing her sword at Suzaku, swoop in (with our top-notch speed) and catch it with a hand to prevent it from slicing up our cute little subordinate.
> You keep wary and watch.
> The phantom half doesn't advance yet...
> "...So... can you wake your human up? We kinda want something from them. Wait, what did we want?" Suzaku asks.
> "Miko did." Saki nods.
> "Ah. Miko wanted something with Youmu. I think that's her, right?" Suzaku questions.
> The phantom half nods.
> "So can you wake her?"
> The phantom looks over at Youmu...
> Then shrugs a bit.
> "Huh? What's that mean?" Suzaku inquires.
>_
-
> Hm. Given our familiarity with her, is it possible Youmu's phantom half is capable of acting independently from her human half, possibly to the point where they may behave like two separate entities?
-
> Hm. Given our familiarity with her, is it possible Youmu's phantom half is capable of acting independently from her human half, possibly to the point where they may behave like two separate entities?
> You think so. That or she's very convincing with her control over it. She is ambidextrous, and skilled in using two different swords at once. It could be either or...
>_
-
> "Perhaps it means you should make it worth her while."
> Step into the room while speaking.
-
> "Perhaps it means you should make it worth her while."
> Step into the room while speaking.
> "Oh? You came to help Miko back in return for her helping you?" Saki questions.
> The phantom shakes it's head.
>_
-
> "I came to find why my subordinate ran off mid-request."
> Glance down at Youmu, then back up at Suzaku.
> "It seems impolite to try to dropkick someone while they're sleeping."
-
> "I came to find why my subordinate ran off mid-request."
> Glance down at Youmu, then back up at Suzaku.
> "It seems impolite to try to dropkick someone while they're sleeping."
> "It's the first thing that came to mind." Suzaku replies. "Saki's good at using her legs, and it's not too hard to follow either."
> "You're just a skilled learner. Hey, if we both go from different directions, it won't be able to block both of us." Saku advises.
> "Ah, good idea. I'll take the back." Suzaku circles around the meditating half human.
> The half phantom... gives a thumbs up? What?
>_
-
> ...Oh, this is probably one of those training exercises people like Youmu enjoy doing, isn't it? Well, this could be fun in its own way.
> Has Megumu continued following us?
> Are we aware of the phantom half having its own name?
-
> ...Oh, this is probably one of those training exercises people like Youmu enjoy doing, isn't it? Well, this could be fun in its own way.
> Has Megumu continued following us?
> Are we aware of the phantom half having its own name?
> She is present in the room, yes.
> You besiege Youmu calls it Myon.
> Saki and Suzaku both run in for a dropkick on either side - the phantom half moving to try and stop Saki first.
>_
-
> Send a wind message back to Miko: "You might want to get in here, a show has started."
> Let's see how Myon handles this!
-
> Send a wind message back to Miko: "You might want to get in here, a show has started."
> Let's see how Myon handles this!
> You make an attempt at calling Miko over while watching the scene unfold.
> The phantom half manages to stop Saki before she can jump, but isn't able to stop Suzaku at the same time, resulting in the tengu crashing into Youmu and sending her to the floor.
> ...
> Is she okay?
>_
-
> "Oh my..."
> Hurry over to the downed participants and check on them both.
-
> "Oh my..."
> Hurry over to the downed participants and check on them both.
> You check in on the two.
> "Did I do it?" Suzaku questions, getting up.
>" Ugh, my back..." Youmu gets up as well. "What just-"
> The half human quickly covers herself, even though she's pretty much fully dressed.
> "W-Where did you all come from so suddenly?!"
>_
-
> "My apologies, Miss Konpaku. It would seem my subordinate went a little overboard in her attempts to wake you up."
> Look to Myon.
> "So, did you plan for that, or...?"
-
> "My apologies, Miss Konpaku. It would seem my subordinate went a little overboard in her attempts to wake you up."
> Look to Myon.
> "So, did you plan for that, or...?"
> The phantom is just phantom shaped again. Nitori is also here, beside it. It looks like she changed too. Though, no growths like you and Youmu. She just looks like she's made of water, now.
> "Why would I... There was no one else here but Gwen." Youmu explains.
> "Since you're awake now, Miko wanted to talk to you about something. She's been patiently waiting outside, so be a dear and don't keep her waiting, yeah?" Saki suggests.
>_
-
> Huh. Does Youmu look 'normal' again, or is she still enhanced?
-
> Huh. Does Youmu look 'normal' again, or is she still enhanced?
> The latter.
>_
-
> "Ah, yes, we should probably give Miss Konpaku some privacy. Suzaku, come with me."
> Exit the room and return to where Miko was.
-
> "Ah, yes, we should probably give Miss Konpaku some privacy. Suzaku, come with me."
> Exit the room and return to where Miko was.
> You leave the room, followed by Saki and Suzaku, back to Miko.
> "Was she still asleep?" Miko questions.
> "Not anymore. We woke her up. You can go ahead and speak to her."
> "Mm." Miko nods, heading in.
>_
-
> Look to Boss, assuming she's still present.
> "Shall we go reunite with Ami, then?"
-
> Look to Boss, assuming she's still present.
> "Shall we go reunite with Ami, then?"
> It seems she stayed back in Youmu's room for something?
>_
-
> Where did Tsukasa get off to, then?
-
> Where did Tsukasa get off to, then?
> She's been missing for a bit since getting to Miko's Residence.
>_
-
> Send a wind whisper back into the room, aiming for Boss. Feel for her wind trail to track down her specific location as needed.
> "Shall we go together to reunite with Ami, Boss? Or do you wish to dismiss us and remain here?'
-
> Send a wind whisper back into the room, aiming for Boss. Feel for her wind trail to track down her specific location as needed.
> "Shall we go together to reunite with Ami, Boss? Or do you wish to dismiss us and remain here?'
> You send a bit of a message...
> Megumu returns after a few seconds.
> "I was just asking how she got to that point." Megumu speaks.
> "So how did she?" Suzaku asks.
> "Seija and her tools gave her an epiphany. Though she says she had a strangely colored ribbon too. I didn't see any." Megumu answers.
>_
-
> "Hmm. Sounds like someone has been busy on the sidelines. A shame we couldn't get to that first, but it is what it is."
-
> "Hmm. Sounds like someone has been busy on the sidelines. A shame we couldn't get to that first, but it is what it is."
> "You've been busy too. So, who's this Seija person? A blacksmith?" Saki questions.
>_
-
> "Frankly, she can probably be just about anything if she wants to. She's an amanojaku with a wider array of knowledge and talents than the rest of Gensokyo should probably be willing to let slide, though she's mellowed substantially in recent days, and can be downright agreeable if she's of a mind to be. I guess becoming a mother got her to settle down a bit."
-
> "Frankly, she can probably be just about anything if she wants to. She's an amanojaku with a wider array of knowledge and talents than the rest of Gensokyo should probably be willing to let slide, though she's mellowed substantially in recent days, and can be downright agreeable if she's of a mind to be. I guess becoming a mother got her to settle down a bit."
> "Sounds interesting. Wonder if we can meet her. After we get back to your friend, that is."
>_
-
> "There's only one upside-down castle flying in Gensokyo's skies, so if you spot it, you're golden. The question is then whether she's interested in visitors, especially visitors that are me, or even just look like me."
-
> "There's only one upside-down castle flying in Gensokyo's skies, so if you spot it, you're golden. The question is then whether she's interested in visitors, especially visitors that are me, or even just look like me."
> "Sounds like you don't get along well with her?" Saki asks.
>_
-
> "I would certainly like to. I have no problem with her. But I get the distinct feeling I rub her the wrong way. Well, I rub most people the wrong way, but there's wrong ways that are easily ignorable and there's wrong ways that are better respected, and hers is the latter. That being said, you're probably novel enough that she'd at least entertain you for a bit. ...I mean that as a positive, to be clear."
-
> "I would certainly like to. I have no problem with her. But I get the distinct feeling I rub her the wrong way. Well, I rub most people the wrong way, but there's wrong ways that are easily ignorable and there's wrong ways that are better respected, and hers is the latter. That being said, you're probably novel enough that she'd at least entertain you for a bit. ...I mean that as a positive, to be clear."
> "You don't seem like that bad a person."
>_
-
> Wink with a grin.
> "That just means I haven't done my job right around you yet. Though I'll grant I've probably gone easy on you because of how I don't want to put off someone that looks so much like myself."
-
> Wink with a grin.
> "That just means I haven't done my job right around you yet. Though I'll grant I've probably gone easy on you because of how I don't want to put off someone that looks so much like myself."
> "Or that I'm just used to ya."
>_
-
> "That's also possible. If you Animal Realm lot ever find yourselves in Gensokyo for an extended period of time, though, we'll see if that changes."
-
> "That's also possible. If you Animal Realm lot ever find yourselves in Gensokyo for an extended period of time, though, we'll see if that changes."
> "We'll see. Yuuma even didn't seem to mind you much."
>_
-
> "Oh, I definitely went easy on her, since she was initially the only one of all of you willing to travel with me. Ask Yachie what she thinks of me, you'll probably get a different answer."
> "Speaking of, though, will you be staying here with your master? Or are you going to return to the Animal Realm with us?"
> Is Suzaku still here?
-
> "Oh, I definitely went easy on her, since she was initially the only one of all of you willing to travel with me. Ask Yachie what she thinks of me, you'll probably get a different answer."
> "Speaking of, though, will you be staying here with your master? Or are you going to return to the Animal Realm with us?"
> Is Suzaku still here?
> "I've got a home already." Saki answers.
> Yes.
>_
-
> "Do you want to say your goodbyes before we head out, then?"
-
> "Do you want to say your goodbyes before we head out, then?"
> "Sure." Saki says, heading back. Though, she's interrupted by Miko returning - with Youmu and Nitori.
> Youmu, however, continues on to another part of the building, calling for Yuyuko. Nitori follows her.
> "Did I miss much?" Miko questions
>_
-
> "Just chatting. We were actually about to leave. If you're done, though, what did we do all that for?"
-
> "Just chatting. We were actually about to leave. If you're done, though, what did we do all that for?"
> "I just wanted to chat with her about something. She should've still had that ribbon, but I guess she lost it. You remember that cat making peoples' souls come out or whatever it was, right?" Miko questions. "It was on the topic of that."
> You don't recall anything like that. Seki's been with you for a while recently, and she certainly isn't a cat.
>_
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "That doesn't sound familiar at all, actually. Did someone mistake Banki for a cat?"
-
> Raise an eyebrow.
> "That doesn't sound familiar at all, actually. Did someone mistake Banki for a cat?"
> "No, the cat from hell, I believe it was."
> "Animal realm?" Saki questions.
> "No, underworld."
>_
-
> "Rin Kaenbyou? I think I've only seen her very briefly at most recently. And the tengu that took refuge in her home all seemed to be fine."
-
> "Rin Kaenbyou? I think I've only seen her very briefly at most recently. And the tengu that took refuge in her home all seemed to be fine."
> "She was stuck as a cat for a while due to something more recent."
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "Yeah, I can't honestly say I was aware of any of this. It must have all happened while I was away."
-
> Shrug.
> "Yeah, I can't honestly say I was aware of any of this. It must have all happened while I was away."
> "It happened to you, too. In fact, I recall you may have been the one stuck as just a soul for the longest - though at the Hakurei Shrine with your body for safety." Miko argues.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Now that I definitely don't remember. You sure it was me, and not yet another person that looks like me?"
-
> Frown.
> "Now that I definitely don't remember. You sure it was me, and not yet another person that looks like me?"
> "Well, we could ask Youmu when she gets back. I believe she went to make sure her mistress ate."
> "Yes." Youmu answers, returning. "Turns out Yukari visited while I was out. I didn't think I was asleep for that long..."
> "Well, I can assure that Aya"s been in the Animal Realm for the past hour or so, at least." Saki says.
> "Did Aya look like this before, when you supposedly had her soul and body at the Hakurei Shrine?" Megumu questions.
> "No? Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't notice, Aya! T-The new look is nice. Did Seija also give you something that clicked well, like this?" Youmu presents a sheathe, different from the two she normally has.
>_
-
> Look suddenly sheepish.
> "Oh. U-um, I kinda..."
> Go quiet for a moment, glancing over to Boss briefly before looking back to Youmu.
> "...I did something really stupid and self-destructive. It worked out in the end, but...yeah."
-
> Look suddenly sheepish.
> "Oh. U-um, I kinda..."
> Go quiet for a moment, glancing over to Boss briefly before looking back to Youmu.
> "...I did something really stupid and self-destructive. It worked out in the end, but...yeah."
> "I'm sure you had a good reason for it, right? Like something bad was happening?"
> "Let's just confirm who's story is the right one." Megumu says.
> "I'm afraid I won't be able to provide timeframes, since I don't even know how long I was out when I managed all of this for myself." Youmu gestures.
> "Is there anyone we can ask?"
> "There's Gwen. But she doesn't talk." Youmu says, pointing towards the water Nitori.
> Nitori shrugs.
> "Anyone else?" Saki asks.
> "Hm... There was also that fairy on my way home. Mikuru, I think her name was. I said I might be able to train with her. Was she still on the stairs?"
> "I saw a few fairies on the steps the way here." Miko answers.
> "Sounds like she might still be there, then. We can ask her how long it's been since she talked to me. Then I can better tell-"
> "You say that like a fairy's gonna remember." Miko reminds.
>_
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...I might have a completely wild idea. Who here remembers a blinding light from the moon, followed by restrictions on flight and a sudden terrible cold?"
-
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...I might have a completely wild idea. Who here remembers a blinding light from the moon, followed by restrictions on flight and a sudden terrible cold?"
> Everyone but Saki and Nitori, or, "Gwen", raise their hands.
> "Those were quite a while ago. Cirno was the cause, but it was resolved fairly quickly." Youmu says.
>_
-
> How long has it been from our perspective since this things happened?
-
> How long has it been from our perspective since this things happened?
> You would say quite a while. Compared to the events in the Animal Realm for sure. Nothing more than a week though, at most.
>_
-
> "So you remember your interactions with the Lunarians, Youmu?"
-
> "So you remember your interactions with the Lunarians, Youmu?"
> Youmu nods. "I had a group of Mokou and some others. Though we eventually just all met up and discussed how to deal with the incident of things changing."
> "I recall that as well. Aya and Sekibanki left to ask the Animal realm if they wanted representatives, I believe."
> "Then she was back in Gensokyo earlier today, right? Was it still today since I was out?"
> "Orin's thing happened today, yes." Miko says. "That means Aya came back from the animal realm at some point today or yesterday to go near the Human Village - lost her spirit and got it back, then returned back to the Animal realm? That or there's a doppelganger Aya about."
> "A doppelganger... hey, Aya. Do you know of a tengu who claims she's following you? By the name of... Suzaku, was it?" Youmu asks. "We met on the mountain earlier and-"
> "Oh? That's me." Suzaku speaks. "I had a dream about someone similar to you. They had a ghost thingy, and i was taking pictures to try and make a report about that." Suzaku points at Gwen.
>_
-
> Nod at Youmu while gesturing at Suzaku.
> "I've been carting her around for quite some time. If she saw it as a dream, it would not surprise me if she fell asleep in there."
-
> Nod at Youmu while gesturing at Suzaku.
> "I've been carting her around for quite some time. If she saw it as a dream, it would not surprise me if she fell asleep in there."
> "What about you heading near the Human Village?"
> You don't believe you were there recently... not today.
>_
-
> Shake our head.
> "Not recently. I've been meaning to check on our less combat-oriented humans again for a bit, but haven't had the time. I think we passed each other last time I was there, when you wanted nothing to do with me and Yorihime wanted even less."
-
> Shake our head.
> "Not recently. I've been meaning to check on our less combat-oriented humans again for a bit, but haven't had the time. I think we passed each other last time I was there, when you wanted nothing to do with me and Yorihime wanted even less."
> "Ah. Sorry about that. I did mellow out a bit afterwards. Reimu was good at resolving incidents and I wondered if it was her demeanor during them. A group helped, but I don't think I needed that attitude. Though it did help keep focus on the incident than other things, at least."
> "I don't know of there's anyone else we can ask about what Aya was up to when she got her spirit back... guess that's a dead end." Miko says. "Well, it hasn't caused a problem yet, just some weird inconsistencies between what we recall."
> "It could just be something with what Aya did to become like this." Megumu says.
> ...You wonder if you made a second of yourself in Gensokyo from doing that... but you just did that a few minutes ago. The timing wouldn't line up...
> "Aside from that, what have you been up to in the Animal Realm?" Youmu asks. "Are they causing trouble again?"
>_
-
> Look over at Saki.
> "Have you?"
-
> Look over at Saki.
> "Have you?"
> "We haven't been causing much trouble, unless they mean about the influx of humans."
>_
-
> Look back at Youmu and shrug.
> "Looks like no. Honestly, Gensokyo is causing problems there, if anything."
-
> Look back at Youmu and shrug.
> "Looks like no. Honestly, Gensokyo is causing problems there, if anything."
> "Well I haven't seen as much coming in. Maybe it's stopped." Saki says.
> "It should have. I think the more barrier proficient people did what they could to stop such." Miko says.
>_
-
> "Oh, not that. I meant the planet-sized mermaid."
-
> "Oh, not that. I meant the planet-sized mermaid."
> "Planet sized Mermaid? I don't recall Wakasagihime causing trouble last I left her." Youmu says.
>_
-
> "You really should see her now. She's quite the sight to behold."
> Send a wind whisper into Youmu's ear: "And we could get better acquainted with the details of each other's new forms along the way~"
-
> "You really should see her now. She's quite the sight to behold."
> Send a wind whisper into Youmu's ear: "And we could get better acquainted with the details of each other's new forms along the way~"
> You send some wind, but notice it gets shredded apart before it can reach Youmu's ears.
> "I don't know, you've gotten quite the change as well. Have you shown Reimu, yet?"
> "Why Reimu?" Saki questions.
> "I mean... she's interesting, right? And there's no telling how she'll react one day or another."
> "I get that she's interesting, I guess..." Saki agrees. "I think few would say she isn't."
> "I also needed to get back to her on if she wanted to try travelling in my phantom half. Seija warned that it'd be bad to for long periods, but that's not sure proof. And even if it is, maybe Reimu can figure out what makes it bad and make a counter to it to make it safe." Youmu explains.
>_
-
> Huh, that's weird. Can we tell if Boss did it, or if something (or someone) else was responsible?
> "She's on my list, don't worry. She'll never not be on my list of people to bothe-uh, visit. There's just been more immediately important things to address first."
-
> Huh, that's weird. Can we tell if Boss did it, or if something (or someone) else was responsible?
> "She's on my list, don't worry. She'll never not be on my list of people to bothe-uh, visit. There's just been more immediately important things to address first."
> You don't believe it was Megumu, nor Saki. You're not sure if it could've been Suzaku.
> "Well, I'll probably visit her next, if you plan on coming."
>_
-
> "I'd like to, but I do need to get back to the Animal Realm first. We left another subordinate of mine there. And if you've been with Waka recently, I do think it'd worth your time visiting to see the current her."
-
> "I'd like to, but I do need to get back to the Animal Realm first. We left another subordinate of mine there. And if you've been with Waka recently, I do think it'd worth your time visiting to see the current her."
> "You really like leading people to others on your suggestions, huh?" Saki questions.
>_
-
> "It's harder to get the answers you're looking for when you're not persistent in your questioning."
-
> "It's harder to get the answers you're looking for when you're not persistent in your questioning."
> "Maybe another time I'll ask her how she's been." Youmu responds. "The animal realm wasn't that friendly a place."
>_
-
> Shrug.
> "Very well. Try not to wander too far off from Reimu's before I have the chance to meet back up, okay?"
-
> Shrug.
> "Very well. Try not to wander too far off from Reimu's before I have the chance to meet back up, okay?"
> "I'll try."
>_
-
> Give Youmu a thumbs-up, then look to Boss.
> "Shall we retrieve Ami, then?"
-
> Give Youmu a thumbs-up, then look to Boss.
> "Shall we retrieve Ami, then?"
> "Sure." Megumu says unenthusiastically.
>_
-
> Nod, then look to Miko and Saki.
> "Who's coming with?"
-
> Nod, then look to Miko and Saki.
> "Who's coming with?"
> "Already planned on going back to the Animal Realm. Probably visit that Seija person some other time."
> "I guess I can see you off, at least, given it doesn't seem like you have an easy way there." Miko says
> "Ah, maybe I can too, then. If it's just a couple minutes." Youmu agrees. "I gotta have a quick chat with Mikuru though."
> You wonder if you'd be capable of any teleportation or easier ways to get to places without a direct physical path now...
>_
-
> ...Eh, worth a shot! Try imagining where we were on Waka's chest previous, try imagining us being there, and then will ourselves to be there.
-
> ...Eh, worth a shot! Try imagining where we were on Waka's chest previous, try imagining us being there, and then will ourselves to be there.
> You imagine yourself where you want to be...
> ...
> Nothing seems to happen, though.
>_
-
> We'll figure that out later, then.
> Offer hands to Suzaku and Boss.
> "Then let's head out."
-
> We'll figure that out later, then.
> Offer hands to Suzaku and Boss.
> "Then let's head out."
> You ready to leave.
> "Should I take you back to there?" Miko questions, offering a hand.
>_
-
> "Sure. Suzaku, take Lady Toyosatomimi's hand, please."
-
> "Sure. Suzaku, take Lady Toyosatomimi's hand, please."
> Suzaku nods, though takes Saki's hand.
> "Wrong person." Saki speaks.
> "I don't want to be left behind again. This'll work anyways, right?"
> You notice something weird on Suzaku's back.
>_
-
> "Wait. Suzaku, don't move."
> Lean obey and check out the weird thing.
-
> "Wait. Suzaku, don't move."
> Lean obey and check out the weird thing.
> You examine.
> It's a bow with weird coloring to it.
> "Oh, that's the ribbon Seija made." Youmu points out. "Maybe it fell off and got attached to her when I fused with myon."
> "When you what?" Megumu questions.
> "But shouldn't it have gone to Gwen, then?"
> Gwen crosses her arms in an x, pointing at Youmu's sword sheathe.
>_
-
> Frown a bit.
> "What does it do?"
-
> Frown a bit.
> "What does it do?"
> "It makes your abilities much harder to control, but let's let's grow more if you can get past that, or something. I don't recall her full explanation. Ah, it also gets stuck on whoever tries to take it off."
> "I don't feel out of control or anything." Suzaku speaks.
>_
-
> "Is that something you want, Suzaku?"
-
> "Is that something you want, Suzaku?"
> "I don't need it." Suzaku shrugs.
>_
-
> "Alright."
> Remove the ribbon from Suzaku.
> Then offer it to Iizunamaru.
-
> "Alright."
> Remove the ribbon from Suzaku.
> Then offer it to Iizunamaru.
> You remove the ribbon, it suddenly wrapping around your finger.
> You offer it to Megumu, who just slowly glares up at you, as if to ask you "Are you serious?"
>_
-
> Look a bit awkward like we weren't expecting that response.
> "...I mean...this is the responsible thing to do, right?"
-
> Look a bit awkward like we weren't expecting that response.
> "...I mean...this is the responsible thing to do, right?"
> She looks like she's about to say something.
> ...
> She's... taking a really long time to actually speak.
> Now that you take a look, she's really slow...
> Everyone seems to be, actually. Youmu looks like she's about to explain something more, maybe, but you don't hear anything from her yet.
>_
-
> ...Oh. Powers going out of control. We're not just fast anymore...our perspective for normal existing speed is skewed. If there were such a thing as too fast, that's what we'd be.
> Well, this is a pickle of a problem. Faster is better, but not being able to reasonably interact with anyone is a problem. Hmm.
> Try pulling out our pen and notebook, and slowly writing "I think I'm too fast to perceive you normally."
> If we're able to write this, show it to Iizunamaru, and wait a bit for a reply.
-
> ...Oh. Powers going out of control. We're not just fast anymore...our perspective for normal existing speed is skewed. If there were such a thing as too fast, that's what we'd be.
> Well, this is a pickle of a problem. Faster is better, but not being able to reasonably interact with anyone is a problem. Hmm.
> Try pulling out our pen and notebook, and slowly writing "I think I'm too fast to perceive you normally."
> If we're able to write this, show it to Iizunamaru, and wait a bit for a reply.
> You...
> ...
> You don't have any on you. These aren't your old clothes, and there's nothing in your chest compartment either...
>_
-
> Pat ourselves down everywhere in a panic.
> If we can't find any of our normal equipment, sigh and wait for Youmu and Iizunamaru to sayv what they're going to say. Hopefully we can understand them.
-
> Pat ourselves down everywhere in a panic.
> If we can't find any of our normal equipment, sigh and wait for Youmu and Iizunamaru to sayv what they're going to say. Hopefully we can understand them.
> Nothing's on you. Not even your camera. This is madness.
> You wait...
> ...
> It sounds like there might be some droning noise? That or your mind's filling in for it...
> Are they getting slower?
>_
-
> Ah, strawberries.
> Hmm. Close our eyes, and take deep breathe to calm and center ourselves.
-
> Ah, strawberries.
> Hmm. Close our eyes, and take deep breathe to calm and center ourselves.
> You breathe in... and breathe out.
> You're fine.
> This is a bit new, but not the end of the world yet.
>_
-
> Take a few more breaths. Inhale, exhale.
> Then open our eyes to see if any progress has been made.
-
> Take a few more breaths. Inhale, exhale.
> Then open our eyes to see if any progress has been made.
> You peek open.
> It doesn't look like they've moved. You don't think they're even moving anymore. You don't see any of their mouths change even a tad.
>_
-
> Oh, of course! Take the ribbon off.
-
> Oh, of course! Take the ribbon off.
> You try to remove the ribbon, but it stays affixed, not coming undone nor sliding off.
>_
-
> Huh.
> ...
> Try lifting Suzaku up.
-
> Huh.
> ...
> Try lifting Suzaku up.
> You lift Suzaku.
> She still seems frozen. Or, nearly. It looks like she's about to raise her arms. In maybe a few minutes...
>_
>
-
> Set Suzaku down next to Iizunamaru.
> Gently take one of each of their hands and put them together, curling fingers together so they're holding hands.
> Try leaving a wind message in the air in the area: "Be right back, everyone."
> Whether that works or not, take flight and go top speed all the way to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Make sure to keep watch for people that might be stationary in the air in our way, we don't want to crash into anyone at this speed.
-
> Set Suzaku down next to Iizunamaru.
> Gently take one of each of their hands and put them together, curling fingers together so they're holding hands.
> Try leaving a wind message in the air in the area: "Be right back, everyone."
> Whether that works or not, take flight and go top speed all the way to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Make sure to keep watch for people that might be stationary in the air in our way, we don't want to crash into anyone at this speed.
> You set her down by Megumu's side and lock their hands. In a gentle way, of course. It doesn't seem to break or burn anything, as far as you can notice.
> You depart after trying to leave a message, heading out of Hakugyokurou.
> You pass by the commotion of still fairies in the netherwlrld, and conti-
> One of the fairies is... still moving naturally.
> Well, as naturally as rolling down stairs is...
>_
-
> !
> "Hey! Hey, you there!"
> Approach the rolling fairy.
-
> !
> "Hey! Hey, you there!"
> Approach the rolling fairy.
> You approach, the fairy jumping in surprise and rolling out into flight.
> "Huh? Me?" She questions.
>_
-
> "Yeah, you! How are you moving so fast?"
-
> "Yeah, you! How are you moving so fast?"
> "Huh? Well, when you're rolling, you pick up speed..." The fairy explains, pointing at the steps. "You should be careful of rolling too fast and being unable to stop yourself though."
>_
-
> Is there anyone else around?
> If so, at what speed are they moving?
-
> Is there anyone else around?
> If so, at what speed are they moving?
> there are other fairies higher up on the steps. They're practically still...
>_
-
> "Er, well, yes. But look at them, and how slow they're moving."
> Point up at the motionless fairies.
-
> "Er, well, yes. But look at them, and how slow they're moving."
> Point up at the motionless fairies.
> "Oh. I don't know what's wrong with them. Maybe they got scared of rolling? They were doing fine just earlier..."
>_
-
> "I think it's because of me. I'm normally very fast, but my speed is going out of control, and everyone else is slowing down to a stop."
> "Wait, you're a fairy in the steps...you wouldn't happen to be Mikuru, would you? The one Youmu was talking about?"
-
> "I think it's because of me. I'm normally very fast, but my speed is going out of control, and everyone else is slowing down to a stop."
> "Wait, you're a fairy in the steps...you wouldn't happen to be Mikuru, would you? The one Youmu was talking about?"
> "Oh, yeah! My name's Mikuru. Did miss Youmu get permission from her mistress to train with me yet?"
>_
-
> "I don't know, but she has something to say to you. She's slowed way down right now, though. Want me to take you to her?"
-
> "I don't know, but she has something to say to you. She's slowed way down right now, though. Want me to take you to her?"
> "I can wait for her. I already have been a while... thanks for not slowing me down, I guess. That sounds like it wouldn't be fun, being that slow." Mikuru looks over at the other fairies.
>_
-
> "Uh, you're welcome, I suppose. Okay, wait here a moment."
> Fly back to where the others were. If they're still slowed down, pick up Youmu, and return to Mikuru with her.
-
> "Uh, you're welcome, I suppose. Okay, wait here a moment."
> Fly back to where the others were. If they're still slowed down, pick up Youmu, and return to Mikuru with her.
> You fly back and gather Youmu, bringing her to Mikuru.
> "Whoa. You're like, really fast. And Youmu looks different." Mikuru comments
>_
-
> "She says she fused with her phantom half. Which I didn't think was possible, but hey, the results speak for themselves."
> Set Youmu down on the stairs.
> "Anyway, you can see her condition for yourself..."
-
> "She says she fused with her phantom half. Which I didn't think was possible, but hey, the results speak for themselves."
> Set Youmu down on the stairs.
> "Anyway, you can see her condition for yourself..."
> You set Youmu down. She starts a stumble...really slowly. You think she won't fall though.
>_
-
> Keep her balanced and steady with a hand.
> "Any ideas, Mikuru?"
-
> Keep her balanced and steady with a hand.
> "Any ideas, Mikuru?"
> You keep Youmu from falling over.
> Mikuru shrugs.
>_
-
> "Hmm. Would you be willing to come with me in looking for someone that can help, then?"
-
> "Hmm. Would you be willing to come with me in looking for someone that can help, then?"
> "Sure, I guess."
>_
-
> "Thanks. Let me put Youmu back where she was, so she doesn't get any more disoriented than she already is."
> Fly back to where we left the others and put Youmu down where she was standing previously (steadying her so she doesn't fall over).
> Then check to make sure Boss and Suzaku are still holding hands.
> Either way, zip back to Mikuru.
-
> "Thanks. Let me put Youmu back where she was, so she doesn't get any more disoriented than she already is."
> Fly back to where we left the others and put Youmu down where she was standing previously (steadying her so she doesn't fall over).
> Then check to make sure Boss and Suzaku are still holding hands.
> Either way, zip back to Mikuru.
> You grab Youmu and place her back.
> No one else has really moved as far as you can notice.
> You return to Mikuru.
>_
-
> "Alright, you've seen how fast I can go, so let me give you a comfortable lift. I've done this for other fairies and they speak highly of it."
> Pick up Mikuru and deposit most of her in our chest, leaving her head and shoulders still out so she can still use her arms as needed.
-
> "Alright, you've seen how fast I can go, so let me give you a comfortable lift. I've done this for other fairies and they speak highly of it."
> Pick up Mikuru and deposit most of her in our chest, leaving her head and shoulders still out so she can still use her arms as needed.
> You lift Mikuru and place her-.
> ...Ah. It's not working anymore...
>_
-
> Do we remember how to get to the Yakumo residence?
> "...Oh. I guess I...can't do that anymore. Sorry."
> Shift our 'hold' on Mikuru to a bridal carry.
> ...Huh, it's been a while since we've done this. ...How's her figure? A bunch of the other fairies got glow-ups...
-
> Do we remember how to get to the Yakumo residence?
> "...Oh. I guess I...can't do that anymore. Sorry."
> Shift our 'hold' on Mikuru to a bridal carry.
> ...Huh, it's been a while since we've done this. ...How's her figure? A bunch of the other fairies got glow-ups...
> Yes.
> You carry Mikuru a bit more properly.
> Nothing much stands out in her figure. It doesn't seem like she's one of those lucky fairies...
>_
-
> "Alright, hold on good!"
> Zip at top speed back to the Yakumo residence, to see if they're affected.
-
> "Alright, hold on good!"
> Zip at top speed back to the Yakumo residence, to see if they're affected.
> You head out of the Netherworld and to the best place to find Yukari.
> No sight of anyone but Chen here, it looks like.
>_
-
> Presumably she's pretty unmoving?
> "Drat, nothing here."
> Blast off for the Scarlet Devil Mansion next.
-
> Presumably she's pretty unmoving?
> "Drat, nothing here."
> Blast off for the Scarlet Devil Mansion next.
> Indeed. The cat is stuck in place...
> You dart off for the Misty Lake, making it to the Scarlet Devil Mansion in no time.
> Still looks to be the same effect all around.
>_
-
> Check around the interior for Sakuya specifically.
-
> Check around the interior for Sakuya specifically.
> You head into the SDM, looking around for the maid.
> Rather than finding her, you appear to have been found by her instead.
> "What are you flying around so erratically for?" Sakuya questions.
> Given it's only you, Sakuya, and Mikuru here, you can't tell well if things have returned to normal speed, or if she's sped up to match you.
>_
-
> "Trying to find anyone unaffected by me being so fast."
-
> "Trying to find anyone unaffected by me being so fast."
> "What do you mean by that?" Sakuya questions.
>_
-
> Set Mikuru down, then hold up our hand with the ribbon.
> "This ribbon apparently enhances one's abilities at the cost of making them harder to control. I took it off my subordinate, and it attached itself to me, at which point the entire world slowed down to a near-stop from my perspective. I think it's speeding me up to the point where my perspective of normal time flow is greatly skewed. We can check on the other residents here if you want to see for yourself."
-
> Set Mikuru down, then hold up our hand with the ribbon.
> "This ribbon apparently enhances one's abilities at the cost of making them harder to control. I took it off my subordinate, and it attached itself to me, at which point the entire world slowed down to a near-stop from my perspective. I think it's speeding me up to the point where my perspective of normal time flow is greatly skewed. We can check on the other residents here if you want to see for yourself."
> You set the fairy down.
> "Hm... May I?" Sakuya takes hold of part of the ribbon.
>_
-
> "If you think you can control it. I can't say I'm not worried about the consequences if you can't, though. Oh, and I'll want it back when you're done."
-
> "If you think you can control it. I can't say I'm not worried about the consequences if you can't, though. Oh, and I'll want it back when you're done."
> "Mm. Well, that solution is out, then." Sakuya steps back, then vanishes.
> "Maybe this fairy has the solution?" Sakuya speaks, returning into view, with Mikuru in hand. "I can't simply keep you slowed down forever, Aya."
> "Why does everyone keep picking me up today?"
> "You don't get slowed down when I slow time down. Why is that?" Sakuya sets her down.
> "I don't know. I don't get hurt when I roll down the stairs though, and I know that's because I've done it enough times to where it won't hurt anymore." Mikuru answers.
>_
-
> "...So, you just practiced a whole bunch?"
-
> "...So, you just practiced a whole bunch?"
> The fairy nods.
> "That's interesting, but it doesn't really help Aya here." Sakuya comments. "Maybe we can take it on and off until you get control over this perception of yours?"
>_
-
> "Possibly. I suppose Youmu might have ideas, apparently she's had it for some time. Maybe Mikuru should take it off? I can't immediately think of how rolling down stairs could go haywire."
-
> "Possibly. I suppose Youmu might have ideas, apparently she's had it for some time. Maybe Mikuru should take it off? I can't immediately think of how rolling down stairs could go haywire."
> "You want me to take it?" Mikuru questions.
>_
-
> "Can you think of a reason why you shouldn't?"
-
> "Can you think of a reason why you shouldn't?"
> The fairy shrugs.
>_
-
> Look to Sakuya.
> "What do you think? If you believe you can control its effects, then you can take it off, but if you're not sure, then I think it might be safer for her to do it."
-
> Look to Sakuya.
> "What do you think? If you believe you can control its effects, then you can take it off, but if you're not sure, then I think it might be safer for her to do it."
> Sakuya removes the ribbon...
> It gets attached to her, but she doesn't seem too surprised.
> "So why do you want to keep this, again? It doesn't seem worth the trouble in your case." She asks.
>_
-
> "Well, it'd be nice to be able to control it. There's also a degree of, if it's going to cause problems, I'd rather it be on someone whose ability can be trusted to not turn those problems into catastrophes. Like, I'm not wary of you having it because of what I think you'd willfully do with it, but because of what your ability could do if you lost control of it, even for just a moment. I hope you understand?"
-
> "Well, it'd be nice to be able to control it. There's also a degree of, if it's going to cause problems, I'd rather it be on someone whose ability can be trusted to not turn those problems into catastrophes. Like, I'm not wary of you having it because of what I think you'd willfully do with it, but because of what your ability could do if you lost control of it, even for just a moment. I hope you understand?"
> "I believe I've already surpassed all the trials it could've given me. This is Seija's, right?"
>_
-
> "Oh, you've had it before?"
-
> "Oh, you've had it before?"
> "No. I've just been through a lot already." Sakuya answers. "Especially with that recent happening."
>_
-
> "Ah...My sympathies."
> "Mmm, well, it indeed doesn't seem like you're having any problems with it. Hmm. Clearly I need further self-improvement."
-
> "Ah...My sympathies."
> "Mmm, well, it indeed doesn't seem like you're having any problems with it. Hmm. Clearly I need further self-improvement."
> "Hm? Have you not encountered anything unusual today?"
>_
-
> "Oh, I've run into nothing but unusual stuff for several days now. Like, did you know your lake's mermaid is currently in the Animal Realm, grown to the size of Gensokyo itself, if not larger? And that's just within the past few hours. But none of it seems to have been related to you specifically. ...Unless you're somehow involved in what might be a second me running around?"
-
> "Oh, I've run into nothing but unusual stuff for several days now. Like, did you know your lake's mermaid is currently in the Animal Realm, grown to the size of Gensokyo itself, if not larger? And that's just within the past few hours. But none of it seems to have been related to you specifically. ...Unless you're somehow involved in what might be a second me running around?"
> "That would mean either you're moving fast enough to have independent after images somehow, or something you've done earlier doesn't line up with other things." Sakuya says. "I'm under the impression that it's the latter, as while I can't just see your history or such a thing, I have messed with duplication and alternate worlds to an extent."
> "Wha?" Mikuru questions, confused.
>_
-
> Look to Mikuru.
> "Sakuya here can control time. It's why we came here looking for someone to help us."
> Look back to Sakuya.
> "Hmm. Guess that's a question for Keine, then."
-
> Look to Mikuru.
> "Sakuya here can control time. It's why we came here looking for someone to help us."
> Look back to Sakuya.
> "Hmm. Guess that's a question for Keine, then."
> "Actually, I have wondered who else might've noticed such a thing. Keine could be one. Yukari as well. Sumireko might, too. I suppose Keine would be the easiest to reach."
>_
-
> When was the last time we saw Keine, and where were we?
> "Yukari doesn't seem to be home at the moment, though I suppose she might be in the back door dimension space. And if I'm hunting that down, the easiest passage I know of is in the village, so..."
-
> When was the last time we saw Keine, and where were we?
> "Yukari doesn't seem to be home at the moment, though I suppose she might be in the back door dimension space. And if I'm hunting that down, the easiest passage I know of is in the village, so..."
> You don't recall... it's been quite since time, has it?
> "I'll be asking her now."
>_
-
> "Oh. Well then. Can I go with you?"
-
> "Oh. Well then. Can I go with you?"
> "Oh? I meant now. She says she has a faint feeling that her knowledge isn't correct in certain details. Something about the village being caught up in spirits being severed, and the village mostly being fine at the same time. I'm asking her if she-"
> "Where? I don't see anyone else here?" Mikuru questions.
>_
-
> Feel the surrounding winds for anyone else.
-
> Feel the surrounding winds for anyone else.
> You check...
> There's others in the rooms nearby. No one thats near enough to be listening, though.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Anything we can do to help?"
-
> Nod.
> "Anything we can do to help?"
> "Hm... if even Keine doesn't realize it outright... do you know of anyone with a talent for recognizing things? Aside from Reimu. I believe Alice might be one such person."
>_
-
> "Rinnosuke? Kosuzu, if it can be read? Or the little princess with her mallet, if it's charged enough. I also have no idea what those Outside World kids are capable of, so they might be possibilities."
> Light up our eyes.
> "Wait. Yuuma's also an option, if it can be absorbed."
-
> "Rinnosuke? Kosuzu, if it can be read? Or the little princess with her mallet, if it's charged enough. I also have no idea what those Outside World kids are capable of, so they might be possibilities."
> Light up our eyes.
> "Wait. Yuuma's also an option, if it can be absorbed."
> "I moreso mean phenomena that have occurred under our noses. To me, it immediately felt like something was up."
> "What does this have to do with the bird girl here going too fast?" Mikuru asks.
> "You're right, it doesn't really have anything to do with that..." Sakuya responds. "I guess you should just try to be as slow as you can." Sakuya offers the ribbon to be taken back.
>_
-
> "Oh, yeah, I did feel that too. So did the rokurokubi that's in your employ. Or was, I dunno."
> Inhale, exhale, and take the ribbon back.
-
> "Oh, yeah, I did feel that too. So did the rokurokubi that's in your employ. Or was, I dunno."
> Inhale, exhale, and take the ribbon back.
> You take the ribbon back. Given the two here seem to have some way to get past it, you don't notice it's effects return.
> Not noticing the effects does make getting used to it a bit harder...
>_
-
> "Anyway, thanks. Sorry for interrupting your work with my personal problems."
-
> "Anyway, thanks. Sorry for interrupting your work with my personal problems."
> "Well, it's something interesting to follow up on."
>_
-
> Look to Mikuru.
> "Let's check back in on the others first, to make sure they have gotten into a panic."
-
> Look to Mikuru.
> "Let's check back in on the others first, to make sure they have gotten into a panic."
> "Well, I'm getting used to being picked up I guess." Mikuru comments.
>_
-
> "Perhaps you'll even come to enjoy it!"
> Gently pick Mikuru back up in the bridal carry.
> To Sakuya: "Don't let your gatekeeper know I was here. She never had a chance to stop me."
-
> "Perhaps you'll even come to enjoy it!"
> Gently pick Mikuru back up in the bridal carry.
> To Sakuya: "Don't let your gatekeeper know I was here. She never had a chance to stop me."
> You hoist Mikuru back into the carry.
> "If you can, maybe taking it off and putting it back on can help you get used to it." Sakuya shrugs.
>_
-
> "Here's hoping. Thanks again!"
> Take off and zoom back to where we left our previous group.
> Asking the way, to Mikuru: "In case we're stuck like this for a bit, is there anyone you might like to see?"
-
> "Here's hoping. Thanks again!"
> Take off and zoom back to where we left our previous group.
> Asking the way, to Mikuru: "In case we're stuck like this for a bit, is there anyone you might like to see?"
> You take off for the Netherworld.
> "Not really. I don't know a lot of people closely." The fairy answers.
>_
-
> "Any other famous fairies you know of, maybe?"
-
> "Any other famous fairies you know of, maybe?"
> "I don't know many."
> You notice something strange on your way back to the netherworld. It's almost like there's a ghost heading up the stairs... Though the ghosts and phantoms you see around here are still frozen in place, save for that one.
> You don't see it anymore, though... Maybe you're seeing things.
>_
-
> What did the ghost look like?
-
> What did the ghost look like?
> A humanoid figure, at least. No wings, though.
>_
-
> "Hey, did you see that ghost just now?"
-
> "Hey, did you see that ghost just now?"
> "There's a bunch of ghosts. There's always a bunch of ghosts around here."
>_
-
> "There was one more, a humanoid shape, but it disappeared."
-
> "There was one more, a humanoid shape, but it disappeared."
> "I didn't see it then. I'm not looking all around everywhere."
>_
-
> "Drat. Hmm..."
> Fly down to where the ghost disappeared.
-
> "Drat. Hmm..."
> Fly down to where the ghost disappeared.
> You fly down to the steps and observe...
> A light shines from below you, as if you stepped on some trigger, though it's just for a moment.
> "Oh, I did notice that. But I don't know what it is, before you ask." Mikuru comments. "Actually, I think it might be danmaku. Like a laser, or a sword."
>_
-
> Try feeling the surrounding winds for any presences.
-
> Try feeling the surrounding winds for any presences.
> You try...
> It's still. Well, not quite, but slow. You don't notice any-
> The figure returns into view for a moment, heading further up the stairs. At least you think it's the same figure. It's much further away, and looks like it could be anything else in the distance, but unless Sakuya or Mikuru is already over there, it's the only thing moving more than the rest.
> Still no reaction in the wind relative to it, however...
>_
-
> After it! Hopefully we'll be closer next time it appears!
-
> After it! Hopefully we'll be closer next time it appears!
> You follow after it, getting back to Hakugyokurou without seeing it again...
> "Still nothing?" Mikuru asks.
>_
-
> Are the others still here?
> "I saw it again, but didn't recognize it..."
> Going forward, if we spot the ghost again, immediately cry out "Hey, you, wait!" at it.
-
> Are the others still here?
> "I saw it again, but didn't recognize it..."
> Going forward, if we spot the ghost again, immediately cry out "Hey, you, wait!" at it.
> You're not inside proper, but it does look like they started to head outside. Perhaps while you had the ribbon removed.
> The ghost reappears, long enough for you to see this time and call them out.
> You're not entirely sure how it's possible or being done... but that's definitely Hatate... There's a look of surprise on her face just before she vanishes again.
>_
-
> !!!
> "That's Hatate!"
> Immediately bolt to where she was and look around for her to reappear. Set Mikuru down once we do.
> If we see Hatate again, immediately bolt over to get and try to grab onto her.
-
> !!!
> "That's Hatate!"
> Immediately bolt to where she was and look around for her to reappear. Set Mikuru down once we do.
> If we see Hatate again, immediately bolt over to get and try to grab onto her.
> You dart over, keeping your eyes peeled as you set Mikuru down.
> "Who?" Mikuru questions.
> ...Seconds pass. She hasn't reappeared yet...
>_
-
> "My government-mandated girlfriend. Not that that's a problem."
> Keep looking around for Hatate.
-
> "My government-mandated girlfriend. Not that that's a problem."
> Keep looking around for Hatate.
> You keep looking...
> After a bit, the ghostly Hatate reappears, seemingly framing you with her camera.
>_
-
> Flash a smile and a peace sign.
> Once it seems the picture has been taken: "Are you okay, Hatate?"
-
> Flash a smile and a peace sign.
> Once it seems the picture has been taken: "Are you okay, Hatate?"
> ...It's taking a bit for the picture to be taken.
> Actually, she looks over past the camera, and gestures to the group-
> Ah, She's gone again...
>_
-
> Head back over to the group, since that's where she gestured.
-
> Head back over to the group, since that's where she gestured.
> You return to the group.
> Still slowed down...
> "You know, if you were going super fast, how come I'm going super fast too? It looks more like you're making other super slow." Mikuru speaks. "I mean, I don't know why I'm not super slow, but if you were the only super fast person, then I'd be able to talk to them and others like normal, right?"
>_
-
> "I've been wondering that myself. My abilities shouldn't have that affect on other people...maybe it's because I'm perceiving you, and you'll return to normal speed once I'm no longer doing so?"
-
> "I've been wondering that myself. My abilities shouldn't have that affect on other people...maybe it's because I'm perceiving you, and you'll return to normal speed once I'm no longer doing so?"
> "Shouldn't that be the same for others, then?"
> The ghost Hatate reappears.
>_
-
> Try to grab her! (But not too hard!)
-
> Try to grab her! (But not too hard!)
> You grab onto-
> Ah... she's intangible...
>_
-
> "Tell them I'm okay!"
-
> "Tell them I'm okay!"
> The ghost points to her camera.
> And gone again.
>_
-
> Okay, this is probably her using her thoughtography to find us. And she gestured to the group earlier...
> Consider what she might be trying to tell her.
-
> Okay, this is probably her using her thoughtography to find us. And she gestured to the group earlier...
> Consider what she might be trying to tell her.
> You wonder... there's a chance she could believe nothing is wrong and is trying to tell you that she wants to take photos of the group. But then why would she focus on them?
> Maybe she wants you to do something about Megumu? Then again, she could've meant anyone in this group...
> She was on her way here earlier, but why? Was she looking for someone? Youmu? Megumu?
>_
-
> Hmm, she might be trying to report to Boss?
> Her physical body isn't anywhere nearby, right?
-
> Hmm, she might be trying to report to Boss?
> Her physical body isn't anywhere nearby, right?
> You didn't see it on the way here, nor here itself.
>_
-
> "Mikuru, would you be okay if I went out to look for the person behind this ghost?"
-
> "Mikuru, would you be okay if I went out to look for the person behind this ghost?"
> "Uh, sure." Mikuru says.
>_
-
> "Alright. I'm going to try to let her know before I leave, though."
-
> "Alright. I'm going to try to let her know before I leave, though."
> Hatate has yet to reappear...
>_
-
> Wait a little longer, then.
-
> Wait a little longer, then.
.
> You wait...
> It's taking longer than the previous times have... much longer.
>_
-
> "Okay, maybe she stopped. Be back soon."
> Jet off back to the tengu village, checking Hatate's house first.
-
> "Okay, maybe she stopped. Be back soon."
> Jet off back to the tengu village, checking Hatate's house first.
> You leave Mikuru behind to check the Tengu Village for Hatate.
> You land at her house. The door is closed, naturally.
>_
-
> Enter and look around for Hatate.
-
> Enter and look around for Hatate.
> You enter, seeking and finding the tengu, lying in her bed.
> Slowly, she begins to jump a bit in surprise, camera in hand.
> The ghostly Hatate swings around from behind you, waving erratically in obstructing your view.
> Strangely, though she's slowed down, the ghost is in normal speed compared to such.
>_
-
> How decent (or indecent) is she?
-
> How decent (or indecent) is she?
> She's mostly under a blanket. There's something pink-purplish at her top. It seems more like clothes than undergarments though, but not her regular ones. You suspect she's just alarmed that you're barging in so suddenly.
>_
-
> Maneuver around the cost to dive into the bed, giving the real 'Tater a hug.
-
> Maneuver around the cost to dive into the bed, giving the real 'Tater a hug.
> You disregard the ghost and hug Hatate from behind.
> The ghost vanishes again, while Hatate... well, you're not sure what she's planning to do at this speed.
>_
-
> Keep hugging her for a bit to give her the time (from our perspective) to do something.
-
> Keep hugging her for a bit to give her the time (from our perspective) to do something.
> You keep the hug going...
> Eventually, you notice something on her camera screen. She's typed up something.
> Ah. She's just asking what happened.
>_
-
> Show her the ribbon.
> Try speaking a bit slower than normal.
> "This made me exist faster."
-
> Show her the ribbon.
> Try speaking a bit slower than normal.
> "This made me exist faster."
> You try to speak slower in explanation.
> Hatate attempts to reach for the ribbon.
>_
-
> Slow speech: "Wait. I don't mind, but can we meet up to Boss's group?"
-
> Slow speech: "Wait. I don't mind, but can we meet up to Boss's group?"
> You try to get it out in time, while also still trying to be slow enough.
> It doesn't look like she's stopping.
>_
-
> ...Mmm...let her do it, then.
-
> ...Mmm...let her do it, then.
> You wait...
> Eventually, she pulls the ribbon off, with it tying onto her instead.
> "This ribbon off first." She speaks, now that you're back in normal speed to hear, at least. "Besides, I'm not exactly ready to- huh?" Hatate questions, now that the ribbon is stuck to her.
>_
-
> "Yeah, it does that."
> Grin wide.
> "Hi honey, I'm home~!"
> Go back to squeezing her in that hug.
-
> "Yeah, it does that."
> Grin wide.
> "Hi honey, I'm home~!"
> Go back to squeezing her in that hug.
> You return to focusing on making up for the time spent not around Hatate.
> "Ow... bit of an information overload... but not super terrible..." Hatate holds her head. "Is this why you were so fast? That must've been unpleasant... I swear I could see you moving in the pictures I was taking."
>_
-
> "You probably could. Kudos to you for being able to keep up with me long enough take those, honestly."
-
> "You probably could. Kudos to you for being able to keep up with me long enough take those, honestly."
> "Mm..." Hatate pauses for a bit.
> "H-Hey, are you an idiot or something?" She suddenly questions. "You wouldn't appreciate it if I were to try that sort of thing, would you?"
> Judging by that tone and question, you suspect she's talking about how you "ascended". Though who told her?
> Actually, it might be her news gathering method...
>_
-
> Speak with a casual tone, so as to not come across as combative or trying to shame Hatate.
> "I'm probably an idiot, yes. Are you unhappy for the same reason Boss is unhappy, or for one of my many other crimes?"
-
> Speak with a casual tone, so as to not come across as combative or trying to shame Hatate.
> "I'm probably an idiot, yes. Are you unhappy for the same reason Boss is unhappy, or for one of my many other crimes?"
> "Well, you're alright now. You just shouldn't take that sort of risk." Hatate chastises. Though she's taking it a lot better than Megumu. "The... results aside, you were fine before. Mm..." She holds her head again. "I'm trying to ignore it, but it's still a pain... why are you keeping this ribbon on you? There's bigger things to worry about."
>_
-
> "I promise, I wasn't trying for a catastrophic result. I really thought I could do what I wanted to do. As for the ribbon, Sakuya asked about that too. My thinking is that, if it's going to cause problems, I'd rather it be on someone whose ability can be trusted to not turn those problems into catastrophes."
> Frown a bit.
> "If you need a break, I can take it back. Or we can give it to Boss, which was my first plan before my existence sped all the way up."
-
> "I promise, I wasn't trying for a catastrophic result. I really thought I could do what I wanted to do. As for the ribbon, Sakuya asked about that too. My thinking is that, if it's going to cause problems, I'd rather it be on someone whose ability can be trusted to not turn those problems into catastrophes."
> Frown a bit.
> "If you need a break, I can take it back. Or we can give it to Boss, which was my first plan before my existence sped all the way up."
> "I think Megumu's would be more troublesome than ours... this is giving me a heck of a headache, but it's useful... my thoughtography is going crazy, telling me of a bunch of things that have happened around Gensokyo. What's worse is that it's not just one." Hatate explains. "There's stuff like how we were meeting to discuss the barrier. And there's you going to the animal realm, but you also crashing near the Human village. Youmu going to Misty Lake, and Alice doing so as well, but she's large. And the gatekeeper was too, but not in Youmu's case. Then there's Rumia, but thankfully, all of her situations seem similar and not weird or contradicting. Except for the one with the dragon. And that dragon being close to Reimu. But Reimu not-... ugh, just get this on someone else. My head's going to split if this keeps up. Nevermind it being useful."
>_
-
> Get up and off of Hatate.
> "Get yourself ready to head out once I take it off you."
> Remove the ribbon from Hatate.
-
> Get up and off of Hatate.
> "Get yourself ready to head out once I take it off you."
> Remove the ribbon from Hatate.
> "Okay, give me a bit. I'll take a photo of you when I'm ready." Hatate says.
> You remove the ribbon, getting it stuck back onto you.
>_
-
> Take a step or two back to give her some space.
> Go back to attempted meditation to restore our perspective to its proper speed.
-
> Take a step or two back to give her some space.
> Go back to attempted meditation to restore our perspective to its proper speed.
> You have Hatate some space and try to focus on going slower... thinking slower. Acting slower...
> ...
> You hope it's working... it looks like Hatate might be going faster. Or, less slower.
> Oh... that's what she meant in not being ready. It's just a Pajama top.
> Her ghostly form appears, and gestures towards the door.
> Well, you could just interpret that as her being ready, given she is out of bed...
>_
-
> Open the door, if it isn't already.
> Scoop her up in the standard bridal carry (with hands strategically positioned as is usual for Hatate), and bring her outside before setting her down on her feet.
> Close the door behind us, then scoop Hatate up in the same carry and zoom off back to Boss and the group.
-
> Open the door, if it isn't already.
> Scoop her up in the standard bridal carry (with hands strategically positioned as is usual for Hatate), and bring her outside before setting her down on her feet.
> Close the door behind us, then scoop Hatate up in the same carry and zoom off back to Boss and the group.
> You lift Hatate up as you have before, and take her outside.
> "Wait." She slowly speaks. Though you've already closer the door and picked her back up.
> You take off for the netherworld, to her complaint. Though you get to Hakugyokurou before she can mutter much except "I need to" something.
> "Oh, welcome back." Mikuru waves.
> "Just" Youmu starts to speak.
>_
-
> Is the whole group here?
-
> Is the whole group here?
> Saki, Miko, Youmu, Megumu, Suzaku, Gwen, Hatate, Mikuru. Seems to be everyone.
>_
-
> Lean down to Hatate, speaking softly and slowly. "Sorry. I'll bring you back soon."
> Get back upright and let Youmu continue.
-
> Lean down to Hatate, speaking softly and slowly. "Sorry. I'll bring you back soon."
> Get back upright and let Youmu continue.
> You sure Hatate you'll return her.
> And wait for Youmu to speak.
> "Re.....move.... the....... ri......bbon."
> Well, that seems to be everyone's solution, but it doesn't work if you want to keep it on. Besides, this is better than before when you couldn't even hear anyone
>_
-
> Slowly: "Who should get it?"
-
> Slowly: "Who should get it?"
> "I...... can..." Youmu starts to raise her hand. "Hand....le......"
> Doesn't seem like others are getting any fast- less slow, yet...
>_
-
> Give Youmu a raised-eyebrow look while letting her finish.
-
> Give Youmu a raised-eyebrow look while letting her finish.
> "The... ...Ri... ...bbon." She offers.
>_
-
> Slowly: "'Handle' sounds like you're unsure."
-
> Slowly: "'Handle' sounds like you're unsure."
> "I Th... ...ink..."
> You're getting a bit annoyed at how much you have to wait...
> "the... ri... ...bbon... ... on... ...ly"
> They're still not getting less slow, either.
> "Makes... ...Myon..."
> "Can you guys speak faster? Like "thatsnotwhatshesaid or onetwothreefourfivesixseveneightnine?" Mikuru questions.
>_
-
> ...Try manipulating the wind to speed Youmu up.
-
> ...Try manipulating the wind to speed Youmu up.
> You feel like you could maybe manage such... But your attempts don't seem to speed her up.
> "Ab... ...sorb... ... o... ...thers... ...a bit" Youmu continues. "I ... ...thi... ...nk."
>_
-
> Are we flowing the wind through her body?
-
> Are we flowing the wind through her body?
> No. You don't think that'd be that safe anyways...
>_
-
> Howv might we be able to speed Youmu up, then?
-
> Howv might we be able to speed Youmu up, then?
> You aren't quite sure.
>_
-
> What approaches have we tried to restoring our perspective to normal?
> Disregarding those approaches, what other possibilities can we think of?
-
> What approaches have we tried to restoring our perspective to normal?
> Disregarding those approaches, what other possibilities can we think of?
> You've tried doing everything slower. Thinking. Acting. Speaking. They only helped a bit, but that's better than nothing
> Thinking about it, you don't really notice anything happening to you when you affix and remove the ribbon. Especially with Sakuya and Mikuru being the only ones around. It's almost like it's not affecting you at all, but others.
> Thiugh that would imply you're capable of inflicting others with some slowness, which you've never done before. You're the pure and honest Aya Shameimaru, you don't slow others down to be fast.
> Though that does remind you. You are able to control crows to an extent, and realized you could do the same to sort of avian creatures, too. Youmu is certainly not a bird, but she's being slowed. And Mikuru has wings but is completely unaffected. Both imply that this theory doesn't lead anywhere, but it's the only other known part of your ability you can go off of. Unless wind in general has a closer tie to speed than you think.
>_
-
> Slowly: "You 'think'? My lovely lady here just split her own head in half with this ribbon, I want more assurances than 'I think' before I afflict someone else with it."
-
> Slowly: "You 'think'? My lovely lady here just split her own head in half with this ribbon, I want more assurances than 'I think' before I afflict someone else with it."
> "I... ...Me... ...an"
> You wait for Youmu to finish... She claims whatever it does just gives her a feeling with her swords if she has it on.
> ...
> And only seems to involve things inside her phantom half that she can suppress when Myon has it on.
>_
-
> Is Myon actually visible and present at the moment?
-
> Is Myon actually visible and present at the moment?
> Yes.
>_
-
> Is Youmu in her original form or her enhanced form?
> What does Myon currently look like?
> If Myon is in a humanoid form, what do her physical behavior and facial expression suggest she is thinking?
> Has anyone else moved at all during this conversation?
-
> Is Youmu in her original form or her enhanced form?
> What does Myon currently look like?
> If Myon is in a humanoid form, what do her physical behavior and facial expression suggest she is thinking?
> Has anyone else moved at all during this conversation?
> Her enhanced form.
> Myon looks like a larger than normal phantom. It's not taking on any humanoid form
> Mikuru does appear to be sneaking off... Otherwise, no one's moved as much as the slow gesturing, like Hatate moving her pajama top more.
>_
-
> Try giving Myon a wind order to move away from Youmu and next to us, just to see what happens.
> Slowly: "And you've observed no downsides from either of these options?"
-
> Try giving Myon a wind order to move away from Youmu and next to us, just to see what happens.
> Slowly: "And you've observed no downsides from either of these options?"
> You try a wind order while you speak, and wait to see it play out and Youmu's response.
> Youmu claims it's true.
> Myon doesn't move towards you, though...
>_
-
> Purse our lips in thoughtful irritation.
> Hold the ribboned hand out toward Myon.
-
> Purse our lips in thoughtful irritation.
> Hold the ribboned hand out toward Myon.
> You hold your hand out for Myon.
> The phantom moves it's tail to untie it, as Youmu sounds like she's beginning to thank you.
>_
-
> Might as well just wait this out.
-
> Might as well just wait this out.
> You wait for Myon to untie the ribbon.
> It manages, and you seem to be brought back to normal speed with the others...
> You don't see the ribbon on the half phantom's tail, however.
> "What I was explaining before, if you want to hear, that is." Youmu offers, as her phantom half regroups with Gwen.
>_
-
> "Sure. Just give us one moment - I accidentally left before my lady here was ready."
> Tilt our head toward Hatate to indicate her.
-
> "Sure. Just give us one moment - I accidentally left before my lady here was ready."
> Tilt our head toward Hatate to indicate her.
> "R-Right... I was wondering why you brought her- and like that to a place like the netherworld..."
> "Back to normal now? You and these antics..." Megumu laments.
> "I was checking out what you guys were doing anyways. But yeah, I need to get proper off I'm going out..." Hatate states.
> Myon seems to be engulfing Gwen. You suppose Youmu is demonstrating anyways.
>_
-
> Frown sadly at Boss.
> "Hey, that one I couldn't possibly have foreseen..."
> Scoop Hatate up and bolt back to her house.
-
> Frown sadly at Boss.
> "Hey, that one I couldn't possibly have foreseen..."
> Scoop Hatate up and bolt back to her house.
> You head back to Hatate's residence.
> "Guess Megumu really didn't take kindly to your stunt huh?" Hatate speaks as you return to her door. "I understand where she's coming from. Survivors guilt would probably come in there, given you didn't tell her a thing."
>_
-
> Set Hatate down.
> "She very much did not. I'm pretty sure you can still see the tripod imprints in my back if you take my blouse off."
-
> Set Hatate down.
> "She very much did not. I'm pretty sure you can still see the tripod imprints in my back if you take my blouse off."
> "I wanna say she'll get over it." Hatate heads inside, still speaking. "But I know I'd get reminded every time I saw your new appearance. Hmm... maybe you should check on with Lord Tenma with her? They could probably diffuse the tension a lot."
>_
-
> Follow!
> "I've had Lord Tenma in mind as worth a visit, yes. For reasons other than cooling Boss off, but there's no reason I can't also do that."
-
> Follow!
> "I've had Lord Tenma in mind as worth a visit, yes. For reasons other than cooling Boss off, but there's no reason I can't also do that."
> You follow, finding she's starting a whole bath. Ah, just a shower, actually.
> "What other reasons?" Hatate questions. "We've mostly come back from the situations that happened on the mountain. I've gotta dig more into this other world or timeline stuff, too. Then spread the news of that..."
>_
-
> "Tenma and I traveled around a bit together a little while ago. It'd simply be following up on that."
> Concentrate on and get a feel for Hatate's form, not just by looking at her, but feeling the energy of her presence, and what connection she has to the winds.
-
> "Tenma and I traveled around a bit together a little while ago. It'd simply be following up on that."
> Concentrate on and get a feel for Hatate's form, not just by looking at her, but feeling the energy of her presence, and what connection she has to the winds.
> You sure they're not gonna be busy?" Hatate questions, proceeding without minding your presence.
>You think you've got a better handle on wind than her. Well, you're sure you do. She's not impressive compared to you. Not that she really was before, either.
>_
-
> "No. But when has that ever stopped me?"
> Resume focusing on her form in particular. Given we've discovered how to change our own form, and we have wind control, possibly enhanced by recent events, might we be able to change her form as well?
-
> "No. But when has that ever stopped me?"
> Resume focusing on her form in particular. Given we've discovered how to change our own form, and we have wind control, possibly enhanced by recent events, might we be able to change her form as well?
> "We'll see what happens with that stunt you pulled. You might not get off free for it."
> It doesn't seem like she's as much a follower of it as say, Suzaku is. You don't think you can change anything about her by doing anything with the wind. You're not sure you could for even Suzaku, but who knows.
>_
-
> What about simply willing changes in her to happen, like how we did for ourselves?
-
> What about simply willing changes in her to happen, like how we did for ourselves?
> Maybe with a bunch of vibration and vaporizing?
>_
-
> Ew, we certainly don't want that.
> "I'm aware. And should that come to pass, we'll just have to see what the future holds for all of us, won't we?"
-
> Ew, we certainly don't want that.
> "I'm aware. And should that come to pass, we'll just have to see what the future holds for all of us, won't we?"
> "Yep."
> Hatate finishes up, starting to dry off. At least she kept it quick.
>_
-
> "Speaking of people possibly being busy somewhere else, you seen Momi lately?"
-
> "Speaking of people possibly being busy somewhere else, you seen Momi lately?"
> "I was just about to ask you if you've gotten in touch with her recently." Hatate says. "I haven't checked, but I probably could."
>_
-
> "It'd be appreciated. When you're able, of course."
-
> "It'd be appreciated. When you're able, of course."
> Hatate wraps her towel around herself and picks up her camera.
> "She's-oh. She's uh, fighting with Youmu above the mountain? But we were just with Youmu? Well, in not sure if Youmu's fighting, but the tengu-like girl with the hat was."
>_
-
> Who's 'the tengu-like girl with the hat'?
-
> Who's 'the tengu-like girl with the hat'?
> If it's not a Tengu, then it's probably Saki.
>_
-
> "The tengu-like girl...oh, black wings, brown hat, looks suspiciously like me?"
-
> "The tengu-like girl...oh, black wings, brown hat, looks suspiciously like me?"
> "Yeah."
>_
-
> "Huh. I thought Saki was with my group, which Momi wasn't."
-
> "Huh. I thought Saki was with my group, which Momi wasn't."
> "Megumu's there, so I'm sure it'll get resolved soon." Hatate continues to her room.
>_
-
> Follow!
> As we go, try giving a wind order to Hatate's body specifically to grow her chest a bit.
-
> Follow!
> As we go, try giving a wind order to Hatate's body specifically to grow her chest a bit.
> You try to make Hatate's body change through a wind order...
> Nothing seems to stop the order, but nothing changes nor reacts either...
>_
-
> Try it again. Maybe persistence will be key here!
-
> Try it again. Maybe persistence will be key here!
> You try again as she gets dressed better...
> Still nothing.
>_
-
> Keep issuing that order rapid-fire until something reacts.
-
> Keep issuing that order rapid-fire until something reacts.
> You keep on without relent, practically chanting for her to grow in your mind...
> Your hope, insistence, and desires are finally awarded with nothing as Hatate heads outside, still the same.
>_
-
> Hmm. Guess that's not possible.
> Head outside with her and let her lock up or do whatever.
-
> Hmm. Guess that's not possible.
> Head outside with her and let her lock up or do whatever.
> You head out while Hatate finishes up.
> "Alright, where are we heading first?" She asks, messing with her camera.
>_
-
> "Back to Boss, since I'm actively trying to be obedient for a while."
> Scoop 'Tater up in the usual hold and zip on back to Boss's group.
-
> "Back to Boss, since I'm actively trying to be obedient for a while."
> Scoop 'Tater up in the usual hold and zip on back to Boss's group.
> You lift the Tengu up and head back towards the Netherworld, soon finding that Hatate was right, and that they're involved in something just a bit before it.
> Megumu and Suzaku are flying off to the side, while Momizi is fighting against Saki, ground to air.
> Youmu is also here in the sky, but Myon is absent.
> "W-Won't be that easy." Momizi argues against something.
> "Actually, it might, disappointingly enough." Saki responds. "Maybe we should just stop."
>_
-
> Is Miko gone?
> Maneuver our way close to Boss and Suzaku without disrupting whatever fight is happening here.
> Quietly: "Sparring sesh?"
-
> Is Miko gone?
> Maneuver our way close to Boss and Suzaku without disrupting whatever fight is happening here.
> Quietly: "Sparring sesh?"
> She doesn't appear to be with the group.
> You fly over to Megumu the long way.
> "I told her Saki was with us, but Saki wanted to see her strength anyways." Megumu responds.
> "You haven't even faced one of my attacks." Momizi states, lunging upwards for your lookalike.
> Saki just responds by moving out of the way slightly and kicking Momizi's sword out of her hands.
> Ah, actually, she kept hold onto it. Though it's put her in a worse position than just falling would.
> "Good Grip. Okay, I'll stay on the ground and let you get a hit in. Let's see what you can do." Saki races down, landing well before Momizi has finished recovering and falling for the ground herself.
>_
-
> "Makes sense for those involved. Would you like me to retrieve Ami while this goes on?"
-
> "Makes sense for those involved. Would you like me to retrieve Ami while this goes on?"
> "Right, we were on that. Sure. It seems like we've got our hands busy chasing after the swordswoman's phantom half." Megumu comments.
>_
-
> "Oh, did it float off on its own? Not that I have much room to talk about leaving, but this is exactly why I didn't want to just give that ribbon away willy-nilly."
> Set Hatate upright next to Boss, with the expectation that she'll take over hovering on her own.
-
> "Oh, did it float off on its own? Not that I have much room to talk about leaving, but this is exactly why I didn't want to just give that ribbon away willy-nilly."
> Set Hatate upright next to Boss, with the expectation that she'll take over hovering on her own.
> You prep Hatate upright, and she brings her wings out to float alongside the three of you.
> "It wasn't supposed to." Youmu flies over, somehow. "Well, actually, that wasn't Myon anyways..."
> "You just let a random phantom take the ribbon?" Suzaku questions.
> "It wasn't a random phantom. It was Seija's second soul scabbard. It was like another Myon for me, and was something she made from me. Took Gwen, too."
> "Couldn't you have just stopped it?"
> "I couldn't control it anymore when it had the ribbon on. That never happened with Myon or myself wearing it." Youmu argues.
>_
-
> Frown a bit.
> "If I get ahold of that thing again I might just keep it for good."
> Jab a thumb in the direction of the Animal Realm.
> "I'm going to go get my other subordinate off of Planet Mermaid. Let us know if you need help tracking that other spirit down."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "If I get ahold of that thing again I might just keep it for good."
> Jab a thumb in the direction of the Animal Realm.
> "I'm going to go get my other subordinate off of Planet Mermaid. Let us know if you need help tracking that other spirit down."
> "That was my mindset. If it hadn't fallen off in my sle- meditation, I would've. And I found it first." Youmu argues.
> "You worry about your thing. We'll worry about this. It's probably not that big a deal anyways." Megumu says.
> "So, can we continue to look for it through this village now?" Saki questions, flying up.
>_
-
> Glance down at Momizi.
-
> Glance down at Momizi.
> She's starting back for the village. You can't tell her expression from here, but she is confronted by another wolf tengu.
>_
-
> Listen in on the wolf tengu conversation via the wind.
> To Saki: "If that's what you all ate looking to do, I'll leave you to it."
-
> Listen in on the wolf tengu conversation via the wind.
> To Saki: "If that's what you all ate looking to do, I'll leave you to it."
> "Did you see it on your way here?" Youmu asks.
> You listen in.
> "Our job isn't to pull out all the stops to stop people anyways. You did fine." The other tengu speaks.
> "You ever read the bunbunmaru? The people mentioned in it?" Momizi questions. "They're incredibly capable, and I've seen that most of them have the sort of capability where they'd actually be able to take down an intruder like this. I can't even stall them much."
>_
-
> Sigh internally. Poor Momizi...we need to find a way to help her realize her goals.
> "I don't recall seeing it, no."
> Feel the nearby winds for anything that seems like a rogue spirit.
-
> Sigh internally. Poor Momizi...we need to find a way to help her realize her goals.
> "I don't recall seeing it, no."
> Feel the nearby winds for anything that seems like a rogue spirit.
> You try to notice any spirits. Having been in the netherworld, it should be easier to tell them from non spirits. But it doesn't feel like there's any that were near the mountain here. No trails either, but given Megumu had one where Tsukasa didn't, you suppose it's only for Tengu.
>_
-
> "I don't feel it in the immediate vicinity either, but that may just be because my usual detection methods don't work on it."
-
> "I don't feel it in the immediate vicinity either, but that may just be because my usual detection methods don't work on it."
> "I'm pretty fast in short bursts at least. Did anything fast come by?" Youmu questions.
> "Nothing we saw." Hatate answers.
>_
-
> Shake our head.
> "Could it have gone back to Seija's place?"
-
> Shake our head.
> "Could it have gone back to Seija's place?"
> "That's possible... It is about three of her items now. Gwen, the scabbard, and the ribbon."
>_
-
> "Hmm. Maybe they'll combine into a single super-item. Either way, probably worth someone investigating."
> Wind whisper in Hatate's ear: "Once folks break off for the search, check on Momi, please? Make sure she's doing okay."
-
> "Hmm. Maybe they'll combine into a single super-item. Either way, probably worth someone investigating."
> Wind whisper in Hatate's ear: "Once folks break off for the search, check on Momi, please? Make sure she's doing okay."
> Hatate nods. "Right. I'd suggest going there first. It's also a decent vantage point if you can keep your eyes peeled for such a creature." Hatate agrees.
> "Lets go then. I don't want to end up losing that scabbard already." Youmu says, flying for the castle's location.
> Megumu, Saki, and Suzaku follow along.
>_
-
> "Good luck, everyone!"
> Zip back off all the way to where we left Ami in the Animal Realm. (Be sure to keep our eyes peeled to avoid any more purple latchers-on. She was ultimately fine, but we don't need that again.)
-
> "Good luck, everyone!"
> Zip back off all the way to where we left Ami in the Animal Realm. (Be sure to keep our eyes peeled to avoid any more purple latchers-on. She was ultimately fine, but we don't need that again.)
> You start back for the Animal Realm, though you quickly realize an issue with that...
> You got there in the first place thanks to Hecatia. And left thanks to Miko. You suppose if it's hell, then Higan and the Sanzu River should be the place to go. Though last you went there didn't go well.
>_
-
> Ah, right, we went into the ground.
> Do we remember where we popped back up after doing that? Let's head there to start, at least.
-
> Ah, right, we went into the ground.
> Do we remember where we popped back up after doing that? Let's head there to start, at least.
> You remember it was that place near the Myouren temple and the cemetary by it, so you dart off for there.
> This seems to be around the right place, but you're not quite at where you popped back up. Miko's place.
> One of her friends seem to be here, though.
>_
-
> Do we recognize her, and possibly remember her name?
> Approach her, waving if she notices us.
-
> Do we recognize her, and possibly remember her name?
> Approach her, waving if she notices us.
> Yes. You believe it's Seiga Kaku.
> You wave, and she waves back.
> "To come all the way here. Is someone suspecting us of something? Seiga questions.
>_
-
> "Not that I'm aware of, which is usually a good sign the answer is no. I'm looking to get back to the Animal Realm, but I got here from there by going through the ground."
-
> "Not that I'm aware of, which is usually a good sign the answer is no. I'm looking to get back to the Animal Realm, but I got here from there by going through the ground."
> "Sounds like you've been to Senkai, but don't know how to get there." Seiga explains. "It's a place one can get to through the idea that even the smallest of spaces can hold infinite space. Though I'm sure you know that already. Where is this Animal Realm located? Is it something like the dream world, or someplace like Higan?"
>_
-
> "I got there from Hell."
-
> "I got there from Hell."
> "Hell huh. Not somewhere I'd like to go, but I can drop you off there if that's where you're headed."
>_
-
> "It'd be appreciated. Anything I can do for you in return?"
-
> "It'd be appreciated. Anything I can do for you in return?"
> "Don't worry about it." Seiga says, offering her hand.
>_
-
> How's her figure?
> Gently take her hand.
-
> How's her figure?
> Gently take her hand.
> Shapely, from what you can see. On both ends.
> You take her hand, and she drags you into the ground.
> You seem to emerge from a wall this time. The... place looks different from where you followed Miko and Saki from.
> "If there's nothing else, then take care." Seiga waves.
>_
-
> Does this place look familiar at all?
> "You too. Where are you headed? This can be 'see you later' rather than 'goodbye'."
-
> Does this place look familiar at all?
> "You too. Where are you headed? This can be 'see you later' rather than 'goodbye'."
> Only a bit. That should be good enough.
> "Back home of course." Seiga answers.
>_
-
> "Good to know. See you later, then~"
-
> "Good to know. See you later, then~"
> Seiga dives back into the wall.
>_
-
> Did she seem to react to our subtext at all?
> Continue onward back to Ami.
-
> Did she seem to react to our subtext at all?
> Continue onward back to Ami.
> Not much. She kept a smile, at least.
> You... start in the direction that seems most familiar, hoping you can eventually notice Ami in the wind... sooner or later...
> Your heart jumps a bit as you notice someone arrive. Though it's just Sekibanki.
> "Where'd you run off?" She questions. "I'm guessing Yukari for more of... that?"
>_
-
> Is Waka visible?
> "Bwah! Oh. Uh, no, I went after Suzaku after she disappeared. Yukari had nothing to do with this, I sort of did this to myself by accident."
-
> Is Waka visible?
> "Bwah! Oh. Uh, no, I went after Suzaku after she disappeared. Yukari had nothing to do with this, I sort of did this to myself by accident."
> No. It seems she came alone.
> "Well whatever. What are you doing all the way out here? Did you lose your way back? I thought you'd be in Gensokyo by now. Or back already."
>_
-
> "I came back for Ami. ...I assume she's still here, at least."
-
> "I came back for Ami. ...I assume she's still here, at least."
> "In the Animal realm with Hime and Kagerou, yeah. Not here. Need me to take you there?"
>_
-
> "Sure. Thanks!"
> Hop into the cart, assuming it's present.
> "How're you doing, anyway?"
-
> "Sure. Thanks!"
> Hop into the cart, assuming it's present.
> "How're you doing, anyway?"
> You board the regular way.
> "Alright. My friends kept bugging me with trying new things. I wanted a breath away from them and this was opportune. I think your subordinate or whatever occupied Hime more. No, not in the way you're hoping. Though they were talking about something like that."
> Seki calls Wakasagihime's name and takes you back to her.
> She's still massive. Ami is sitting on one of the two islands.
> "I do feel like I could try, though. There's not really anyone we can try it with, so you should probably give up on it..." The mermaid says.
> "As everything seems to beg by this point." Ami agrees.
>_
-
> Hop out onto the island.
> "Hey there, you two. Glad to see you getting along."
-
> Hop out onto the island.
> "Hey there, you two. Glad to see you getting along."
> You disembark.
> "Whoa, what happened to you?" Wakasagihime questions.
>_
-
> "I tried to better myself, and it worked. Not in the way I intended, but still, it worked."
-
> "I tried to better myself, and it worked. Not in the way I intended, but still, it worked."
> "I guess a lot of people are getting better." The mermaid comments.
>_
-
> "Seems so. Everything okay here?"
-
> "Seems so. Everything okay here?"
> "Yep. Haven't seen that bully yet, but that's fine."
>_
-
> "Yachie? At this point, she could be anywhere, I imagine."
> Move over to Ami. (How is she positioned?)
-
> "Yachie? At this point, she could be anywhere, I imagine."
> Move over to Ami. (How is she positioned?)
> Ami is sitting down, facing you and the giant mermaid as well.
> You head over.
>_
-
> Have a seat next to her.
> "And how about you?"
-
> Have a seat next to her.
> "And how about you?"
> "Getting along I suppose, as you said." Ami responds.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "That's good. But we should see about making it better."
> Drape an arm around Ami's shoulders and gently pull her into us.
-
> Nod.
> "That's good. But we should see about making it better."
> Drape an arm around Ami's shoulders and gently pull her into us.
> You pull Ami up into a gentle pseudo.
> "Well, all things point to giving up on trying to make use of that trick you could do. If even the 10 mile tall mermaid doesn't think she can pull it off safely, that seems like enough reason for me to finally quit chasing it."
> "There's other things you can enjoy..." Wakasagihime says.
>_
-
> "Ah, yeah, I'm probably not in as good condition to help with that than I was before, huh? Sorry about that."
> Look up at the mermaid.
> "Though, Waka, maybe you could help if you return to your original size? My problem before was that my leg bones don't bend, but you have an advantage over me in that regard."
-
> "Ah, yeah, I'm probably not in as good condition to help with that than I was before, huh? Sorry about that."
> Look up at the mermaid.
> "Though, Waka, maybe you could help if you return to your original size? My problem before was that my leg bones don't bend, but you have an advantage over me in that regard."
> "I didn't think it was a good idea in the first place. I mean, you'll definitely get in trouble if Reimu catches you eating people. If you wanna go down that way, I'm not helping." The mermaid announces. "I didn't know that was your end goal."
>_
-
> "I never got the impression Ami here was trying to do it lethally, y'know? Especially if she was trying to copy what I was doing before."
-
> "I never got the impression Ami here was trying to do it lethally, y'know? Especially if she was trying to copy what I was doing before."
> "Still..." Waka insists.
>_
-
> "Well, if you don't want to, obviously that's fine."
-
> "Well, if you don't want to, obviously that's fine."
> The mermaid stares, a bit disapprovingly...
>_
-
> Tilt our head slightly to the side.
> "...What?"
-
> Tilt our head slightly to the side.
> "...What?"
> "Ahem. So, what are you planning on doing, next?" Waka asks.
>_
-
> "Return to Boss, ideally. Ah, just so you know, I can't bring you back the way I brought you here to begin with, sorry. But I'm sure you and your friends can get you home when you're ready."
-
> "Return to Boss, ideally. Ah, just so you know, I can't bring you back the way I brought you here to begin with, sorry. But I'm sure you and your friends can get you home when you're ready."
> "Yeah. Banki's our ticket anywhere. I can get us settled down anywhere with no trouble like this afterwards, too. I guess we should probably get back to Gensokyo."
>_
-
> "Figured. Though I'll be sad to not be your personal chauffeur. You did quite a lovely number on me."
-
> "Figured. Though I'll be sad to not be your personal chauffeur. You did quite a lovely number on me."
> "Take care."
>_
-
> "You too! And please don't you or your friends be strangers."
> Grin while patting the ground some.
> Then turn to Ami.
> "Shall we?"
-
> "You too! And please don't you or your friends be strangers."
> Grin while patting the ground some.
> Then turn to Ami.
> "Shall we?"
> "Shall we what?" Ami questions.
>_
-
> "Head back to Boss and the others."
-
> "Head back to Boss and the others."
> "In the mermaid? When did they get there?" Ami questions, confused.
>_
-
> "Oh, no, they're back in Gensokyo, and just you and I would be returning. Dekasagihime wouldn't be joining us, unless she really wants to."
-
> "Oh, no, they're back in Gensokyo, and just you and I would be returning. Dekasugihime wouldn't be joining us, unless she really wants to."
> "Uh... Let's just go then. I think I'll confuse myself more trying to figure out how."
>_
-
> "Sure."
> Stand up, and then scoop Ami up in our arms in the usual carry.
-
> "Sure."
> Stand up, and then scoop Ami up in our arms in the usual carry.
> You lift Ami up into your arms.
>_
-
> Call out to Waka: "Best of luck to you and yours!"
> Take flight and head back in the direction we first followed Suzaku's trail, going at a brisk pace, but trying not to overwhelm our ward.
-
> Call out to Waka: "Best of luck to you and yours!"
> Take flight and head back in the direction we first followed Suzaku's trail, going at a brisk pace, but trying not to overwhelm our ward.
> "We'll let you know next time we're back in Gensokyo." Waka says.
> You start off for where Suzaku ran off the first time. You wonder if the happenings out here are newsworthy for Gensokyo. Then again, you already would have a main topic with the recent incident...
>_
-
> Try picking back up on Suzaku's trail, if we can.
> Once Waka is out of earshot: "So...do you still want to try it?"
-
> Try picking back up on Suzaku's trail, if we can.
> Once Waka is out of earshot: "So...do you still want to try it?"
> You can still notice and follow it.
> "Not unless I can change in some way like you did." Ami says. "It'll just spell disaster otherwise, like it has every time so far."
>_
-
> "You have changed, though. We went way further back there than we had previously. And we could have gone even further if I wasn't already so blessed. That's substantial improvement for you over when I could only get most of one leg in."
> "Now, I do realize that it probably won't work as well with me now. But I did have an idea in that regard, a friend of mine that's smaller than I was before and has experience doing that with me."
-
> "You have changed, though. We went way further back there than we had previously. And we could have gone even further if I wasn't already so blessed. That's substantial improvement for you over when I could only get most of one leg in."
> "Now, I do realize that it probably won't work as well with me now. But I did have an idea in that regard, a friend of mine that's smaller than I was before and has experience doing that with me."
> Ami sighs in expectance of failure as you arrive at where Suzaku vanished off through - and where you followed suit.
>_
-
> "Hold onto me for this part, it's going to get a little weird."
> If Ami does indeed latch on, then dive into the ground like we did last time to continue following the trail.
-
> "Hold onto me for this part, it's going to get a little weird."
> If Ami does indeed latch on, then dive into the ground like we did last time to continue following the trail.
> Ami shifts to hold you as you carry her into Senkai, following the same method you did last time.
> No one's immediately around out here.
>_
-
> Keep following the trail until we emerge somewhere we know we can go directly to Gensokyo.
-
> Keep following the trail until we emerge somewhere we know we can go directly to Gensokyo.
> You keep on until you emerge back at the cemetery.
> "How did you do that?" Ami questions.
>_
-
> "I don't know that I could explain it. I just...tried it, and found I could. You can too, I'm sure."
-
> "I don't know that I could explain it. I just...tried it, and found I could. You can too, I'm sure."
> "Hm. I see." Ami says, unsarcasticly.
>_
-
> "Yeah, it's weird. But Boss's fox just did it, and told us to just do it, and then Boss herself just did it, so Iv tried it, and it worked."
> Begin heading toward where we left our previous group. If our flight path takes us close to the kappa village, though, make a note of what's going on over there.
-
> "Yeah, it's weird. But Boss's fox just did it, and told us to just do it, and then Boss herself just did it, so Iv tried it, and it worked."
> Begin heading toward where we left our previous group. If our flight path takes us close to the kappa village, though, make a note of what's going on over there.
>>> You start back for the mountain.
> It's too far to investigate the Kappa down in around the Genbu Ravine, but it doesn't look like anything big is being done.
> You return to the skies above the tengu village, Hatate being present in the skies for your return.
> "Welcome back." She states. "As expected, the castle was a good spot. Though I think they ended up getting in a fight up there."
>_
-
> "Thanks. Any luck with Momi? Or no opportunity?"
-
> "Thanks. Any luck with Momi? Or no opportunity?"
> "It seems like she has some friends helping her out."
>_
-
> "That's good. ...Is Nitori one of them?"
-
> "That's good. ...Is Nitori one of them?"
> "Not sure. It didn't seem like it."
>_
-
> ...Come to think of it, how does Hatate's current figure compare to our previous one, in terms of Ami's quandary?
-
> ...Come to think of it, how does Hatate's current figure compare to our previous one, in terms of Ami's quandary?
> You believe Princess birb is a bit more plump than your figure used to be. Though you still had the superior legs.
>_
-
> "Mmm. Well, if Boss is going to distract herself, I'm not about to stop her. Though I should probably get Suzaku back...what do you two wanna do?"
-
> "Mmm. Well, if Boss is going to distract herself, I'm not about to stop her. Though I should probably get Suzaku back...what do you two wanna do?"
> "Maybe we should give her a break?" Hatate says. "She's been with you since... I think for quite a while. You should take a moment away from these incidents, too. I mean, enjoying some rest and relaxation was nice for me just earlier today."
> Ami shrugs.
>_
-
> "Hmm. In that case, let's find Nitori, and make Ami's dream come true."
-
> "Hmm. In that case, let's find Nitori, and make Ami's dream come true."
> "Huh?" Hatate questions.
>_
-
> "Come with us."
> Head back toward the kappa village.
> "So you remember how I was carrying you and Momi and Nitori around earlier? Ami keeps trying it, and she's got a legitimate knack for it, but she keeps getting interrupted by unexpected disasters. I won't fit at this point, but I think Nitori probably will."
-
> "Come with us."
> Head back toward the kappa village.
> "So you remember how I was carrying you and Momi and Nitori around earlier? Ami keeps trying it, and she's got a legitimate knack for it, but she keeps getting interrupted by unexpected disasters. I won't fit at this point, but I think Nitori probably will."
> You start for the Kappa's area.
> "What says Nitori would agree to it?" Hatate asks, seemingly unknowing or forgetful of your previous arrangement with said kappa.
> if she's of similar size to that Gwen lookalike, she should fit...
>_
-
> So, obviously, we can see a difference between Hatate's and Aoi's bodies. We could presumably also feel a difference in wind flows around the two. Can we feel a difference between their two bodies on any sort of metaphysical level? If so, do we think we could manipulate their bodies somehow?
> "We ask politely. If she says yes, then there you go. And if she says no, we either think of someone else, or shelve the idea."
-
> So, obviously, we can see a difference between Hatate's and Aoi's bodies. We could presumably also feel a difference in wind flows around the two. Can we feel a difference between their two bodies on any sort of metaphysical level? If so, do we think we could manipulate their bodies somehow?
> "We ask politely. If she says yes, then there you go. And if she says no, we either think of someone else, or shelve the idea."
> You do notice some difference between the two, but it's hard to make out much of what it means. Perhaps you can just try the fox's method again and just go for it? That seems to have worked well in the precious two instances, both changing your body and getting to Miko's place.
> "Alright." Hatate responds.
> You're above the village, though you don't spot Nitori yet...
>_
-
> Would we recognize Nitori's wind if we felt for it (assuming she even has any)? If so, try to locate her that way.
-
> Would we recognize Nitori's wind if we felt for it (assuming she even has any)? If so, try to locate her that way.
> You doubt it. You haven't been around her that much either...
>_
-
> Are there any kappa that look sufficiently un-busy that we could bother them with asking about Nitori?
-
> Are there any kappa that look sufficiently un-busy that we could bother them with asking about Nitori?
> Each one you see seems invested in a project... there's not a single pair of hands that isn't busy down there.
> You think some of the projects look similar to the top above the Nitori lookalike's head.
>_
>_
-
> Go to where recently came across Nitori and Momi playing their war game, then.
-
> Go to where recently came across Nitori and Momi playing their war game, then.
> You return to where you last saw the two together, quite a while ago.
> Though, no one seems to be here.
>_
-
> "Drat. I don't suppose you know where she lives, Hatate?"
-
> "Drat. I don't suppose you know where she lives, Hatate?"
> "Not really. That seems a bit too personal for the Kappa. They're usually around the base of the mountain though, so if not Genbu Ravine, maybe we'll find her elsewhere down here?"
>_
-
> "Hmm. Worth a search, yeah."
> Begin flying around the area in search of Nitori.
-
> "Hmm. Worth a search, yeah."
> Begin flying around the area in search of Nitori.
> You start to scan the nearby area for nitori...
> No sign of her yet... the other Kappa don't look like they're too interested in you either, given their slight avoidance...
> "Hm... maybe she's somewhere else. I doubt she'd be going after that water clone of hers, unless she already knew where it was." Hatate considers.
>_
-
> "That would seem to likely be the case. It's just a question of where."
-
> "That would seem to likely be the case. It's just a question of where."
> "Maybe we should try calling out for her?" Hatate suggests.
>_
-
> "...Maybe. Part of me is worried that I shouldn't be leaving alone whatever is going on with that ribbon and that phantom..."
> Send out a message of "Lady Kawashiro, are you there~" along the winds in the area.
-
> "...Maybe. Part of me is worried that I shouldn't be leaving alone whatever is going on with that ribbon and that phantom..."
> Send out a message of "Lady Kawashiro, are you there~" along the winds in the area.
> "Youmu and the others are after it, so it should be alright."
>_
-
> Look around for any activity that seems to have resulted from our message.
-
> Look around for any activity that seems to have resulted from our message.
> You scan your surroundings, hoping the kappa shows up...
> But no Nitori yet.
>_
-
> "I suppose so. It's just weird Youmu lost control of herself, you know?"
> "Anyway, I called out for Nitori, so let's see if she shows up."
-
> "I suppose so. It's just weird Youmu lost control of herself, you know?"
> "Anyway, I called out for Nitori, so let's see if she shows up."
> "Did she? It seemed a bit different from how her phantom normally is. I don't think it often looks like others."
>_
-
> "...Oh, she did say it was something else, didn't she?"
-
> "...Oh, she did say it was something else, didn't she?"
> "Though I wonder where her actual one is then..." Ami considers.
>_
-
> "She looked different. Maybe that's related?"
-
> "She looked different. Maybe that's related?"
> "Should we just ask some of the Kappa where Nitori is?" Hatate suggests.
>_
-
> Given our new form, do we think we could get Ami down like she's tried to do with us before? What about getting Hatate down,
> "I've been waiting for one to look sufficiently available to do so."
-
> Given our new form, do we think we could get Ami down like she's tried to do with us before? What about getting Hatate down,
> "I've been waiting for one to look sufficiently available to do so."
> You aren't sure. No telling if the inside is as big as before...
> "I guess if they're all busy, Nitori is, too. Maybe a fairy?"
>_
-
> If we tried, would Ami or Hatate be more difficult to get down?
> Any fairies nearby and not occupied?
-
> If we tried, would Ami or Hatate be more difficult to get down?
> Any fairies nearby and not occupied?
> Hatate might be more difficult.
> There are a couple, flying by in the distance, rather than playing in the nearby water or with each other. Maybe they're headed somewhere.
> There aren't any just sitting around, enjoying nature, though. Maybe you'll find one closer to the waterfall
>_
-
> "Maybe. Though I did just have a thought. Come on."
> Fly over to the waterfall.
> While in transit, look over Ami to check on how she seems to be doing, getting carried everywhere in a more conventional fashion.
-
> "Maybe. Though I did just have a thought. Come on."
> Fly over to the waterfall.
> While in transit, look over Ami to check on how she seems to be doing, getting carried everywhere in a more convention fashion.
> You start for the waterfall.
> She's taking in the scenery more. You wonder if you really had her locked up that long... maybe it's just the difference from Cirno and that other incidents shenanigans.
> To your surprise, you do actually catch sight of Nitori here. Just a glimpse, but she was in the water.
>_
-
> "There!"
> Dive down to where we spotted Nitori.
-
> "There!"
> Dive down to where we spotted Nitori.
> "Hm?" Hatate questions, as you dive down.
> It is her underwater. She surfaces to meet you.
> "Ah... I was kinda hoping I could avoid this. You really look too deeply..." She comments. "This isn't a good time to carry around each other or such."
> "Uh. Why that specifically?" Hatate asks.
> "Because I'm trying to come up with a countermeasure for my water doppelganger when it comes for the water here."
>_
-
> Oh. Drat. Poor Ami.
> "Oh. You've seen her too? Gwen, I think Youmu called her? What's up with her, anyway?"
-
> Oh. Drat. Poor Ami.
> "Oh. You've seen her too? Gwen, I think Youmu called her? What's up with her, anyway?"
> "Why not look for yourself?" Nitori points up.
> "At the castle?" Hatate questions, to which Nitori nods.
>_
-
> "Youmu and the others are taking of it right now. I guess your other self got abducted by a phantom after it took that weird ribbon? But we're sure they have it in hand. And Boss could probably use some time away from me, honestly."
-
> "Youmu and the others are taking of it right now. I guess your other self got abducted by a phantom after it took that weird ribbon? But we're sure they have it in hand. And Boss could probably use some time away from me, honestly."
> You hear a distant crash further up the mountain as you speak.
> "Huh?" Nitori questions. "What, did you end up failing some big task? And what's this with a phantom?"
>_
-
> Whereabouts on the mountain did that crash sound like it came from? Our village, the Moriya pad, the yamawaro territory, somewhere else?
> Look up at where we heard the crash while responding.
> "The quick and dirty version is that I look like this due to doing something I shouldn't have, and it traumatized Boss something good. As for the phantom, Youmu said it was something of Seija's."
-
> Whereabouts on the mountain did that crash sound like it came from? Our village, the Moriya pad, the yamawaro territory, somewhere else?
> Look up at where we heard the crash while responding.
> "The quick and dirty version is that I look like this due to doing something I shouldn't have, and it traumatized Boss something good. As for the phantom, Youmu said it was something of Seija's."
> You think it could be the village. Wasn't High enough to be the Moriya group.
> There's a trail from the sky to the ground. Like something was launched down there.
> "Seija huh. I guess that makes sense. But what part of that is...oh, the top thing." Nitori starts to think. "Is it magnetic? Or hydrophobic in some strange way? Hmm..."
>_
-
> "...Well, I know what you just said a moment ago, but do you want a lift up there to investigate it yourself?"
-
> "...Well, I know what you just said a moment ago, but do you want a lift up there to investigate it yourself?"
> "I did say I was waiting for when it inevitably comes here to gather more water. Knowing it has to be an item of some sort means I can better plan for it than just sponges and towels..."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "As you wish. Sorry, Ami."
> Tilt our head toward the launch trail.
> "You have any idea what that was, by the way? That sort of thing seems more your area of expertise than ours, even if it came from our village."
-
> Nod.
> "As you wish. Sorry, Ami."
> Tilt our head toward the launch trail.
> "You have any idea what that was, by the way? That sort of thing seems more your area of expertise than ours, even if it came from our village."
> "What? Oh, I guess I do see a bit of wind displaced..."
> "Could be fairies?" Nitori questions. "Then again, maybe they took out my doppelganger already."
> "Or someone else got taken out. I'll check." Hatate starts off.
>_
-
> "It sounded like maybe a launch of something to me, given the crashing sound."
-
> "It sounded like maybe a launch of something to me, given the crashing sound."
> "If it was something launching out, I think I'd feel at least a bit of disturbance through the water. None of you are standing on ground, so you wouldn't feel any shaking.." Nitori answers. "Whatever it was shouldn't have been that big or impactful."
>_
-
> "I guess we'll find out once Hata checks it out. Anyway, you can get back to what you were doing. Sorry for the interruption."
-
> "I guess we'll find out once Hata checks it out. Anyway, you can get back to what you were doing. Sorry for the interruption."
> "By the way, it's probably none of my business..." Nitori speaks. "But you might wanna consider some way to get Momizi a training partner or a mentor. Shes been looking really frustrated and determined, and as you've probably got good connections, willing or not, you can provably convince someone to help out in that. Try not to make it obvious, though."
>_
-
> Nod with a smile.
> "Thanks. I appreciate you looking out for her."
-
> Nod with a smile.
> "Thanks. I appreciate you looking out for her."
> Nitori dives underwater again...
>_
-
> Look to Ami.
> "You holding up okay? Sorry I can't give you your usual seat anymore."
-
> Look to Ami.
> "You holding up okay? Sorry I can't give you your usual seat anymore."
> "I'm fine. I suppose I have been missing the free air out here. Even in the outside world some time ago, it felt better. Er, not to say that you're not comfortable. It's just different."
>_
-
> "I understand. Anything you'd like to do while we wait for Hata to return?"
-
> "I understand. Anything you'd like to do while we wait for Hata to return?"
> "Do you think lord Tenma's gonna be mad with you over whatever you did to get Lady Iizunamaru mad at you?" Ami questions in curiosity.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Probably!"
-
> Smile.
> "Probably!"
> "You look like you're hoping for that encounter."
>_
-
> "Not at all, honestly. It'll get in the way of what I'm trying to build with them. But what else can you do besides smile and take it?"
> "Besides, I've always been a free spirit. If Lord Tenma sees this and their first thought is how I need to be reigned in..."
> Shrug with a grin.
> "...Then maybe our glorious overlords simply don't get to enjoy the benefits I bring to the table."
-
> "Not at all, honestly. It'll get in the way of what I'm trying to build with them. But what else can you do besides smile and take it?"
> "Besides, I've always been a free spirit. If Lord Tenma sees this and their first thought is how I need to be reigned in..."
> Shrug with a grin.
> "...Then maybe our glorious overlords simply don't get to enjoy the benefits I bring to the table."
> "I wonder if you keep that behavior when it comes to it." Ami comments.
> Hatate starts back on her way towards you.
> "It uh, it was surprisingly Megumu." Hatate says, as if it was nothing. "Though she's fine. Taking down the phantom thingy wasn't going well, however."
>_
-
> Are we still carrying Ami, or is she supporting herself at this point?
> Wink at Ami while still maintaining the grin, then turn to Hatate with a more neutral expression.
> "Huh. I guess when you're the boss you can do stuff like that. Did all of them up there eventually get things settled down, at least?"
-
> Are we still carrying Ami, or is she supporting herself at this point?
> Wink at Ami while still maintaining the grin, then turn to Hatate with a more neutral expression.
> "Huh. I guess when you're the boss you can do stuff like that. Did all of them up there eventually get things settled down, at least?"
> You're carrying her still.
> "Not yet, it seemed like. She's headed back up, after all." Hatate responds.
>_
-
> "Sounds rough. Whaddaya wanna do in the meantime? Maybe help Ami here worth through some stuff, since Nitori is too busy? Maybe you know of something interesting going on elsewhere?"
-
> "Sounds rough. Whaddaya wanna do in the meantime? Maybe help Ami here worth through some stuff, since Nitori is too busy? Maybe you know of something interesting going on elsewhere?"
> "Let's see..." Hatate pulls up her phone. "Mm... Nothing incredible just in general. What about the big news?"
> The princess bird strikes a strange pose, watching her camera's image. You hardly see much from this far.
> "What are you doing?" Ami asks.
> "Don't ask. It helps." Hatate responds.
> Her phone's glowing a bit, and it looks like something dark is growing around Hatate herself.
>_
-
> "Uh, you okay there? I don't like the look of that aura of yours..."
-
> "Uh, you okay there? I don't like the look of that aura of yours..."
> "That happens, it's part of the pose." Hatate explains. "Can't tell who this is, though."
> "I don't know, when did you start this?" Ami asks, as the aura expands over more of Hatate, starting to cover her like a bubble.
>_
-
> Shift our hold on Any so it only needs one hand.
> Then reach out to Hatate and put our now-free hand on her shoulder, just to make sure part of us is in that bubble.
-
> Shift our hold on Any so it only needs one hand.
> Then reach out to Hatate and put our now-free hand on her shoulder, just to make sure part of us is in that bubble.
> You shift Ami a bit and reach out to Hatate, just in case.
> "Isn't it rude to watch?" You hear a voice from the camera.
> The orb is growing larger, now around you and Ami.
> "I gotta say this doesn't bode well, Hatate."
> "Fine." Hatate stops, closing her phone.
> ...But the orb isn't shrinking away.
>_
-
> Before we do anything: Did we recognize that voice? Rumia, perhaps?
> Does Hatate's expression suggest she's not surprised by this?
-
> Before we do anything: Did we recognize that voice? Rumia, perhaps?
> Does Hatate's expression suggest she's not surprised by this?
> That was most definitely not Rumia's voice. The orb forming around you though, you recall enough of being in Rumia's darkness to consider it as hers.
> Hatate seems to be confused by her suddenly darker surroundings. But otherwise, she wasn't before.
>_
-
> Take our hand off Hatate's shoulder and wrap it around her back to grab her from her other side, pulling her in and holding her close to us. (If we can get our hand on her chest, do it, but don't contort too much to do it.)
> Out loud to seemingly no one: "Rumia, what are you doing?"
-
> Take our hand off Hatate's shoulder and wrap it around her back to grab her from her other side, pulling her in and holding her close to us. (If we can get our hand on her chest, do it, but don't contort too much to do it.)
> Out loud to seemingly no one: "Rumia, what are you doing?"
> You take hold of Hatate and pull her in, then call out for Rumia.
> "Rumia?" Hatate questions, looking around.
> The darkness continues forming, halfway surrounding the three of you. At least it's going slowly.
>_
-
> "I think this is her darkness."
> Fly a bit upward (bringing Ami and Hatate with us) to see if that gets us away from the bubble.
> "Ami, if we need to, would you mind if I tried to send you down into me the way I was sending myself down into you before?"
-
> "I think this is her darkness."
> Fly a bit upward (bringing Ami and Hatate with us) to see if that gets us away from the bubble.
> "Ami, if we need to, would you mind if I tried to send you down into me the way I was sending myself down into you before?"
> You fly up and out of the bubble, and it doesn't try to follow you. Just continues to close slowly.
> "Don't know if I can manage, but okay." Ami agrees.
> Hatate takes a picture of the darkness with her camera.
>_
-
> "Hmm. Might as well find out now, then. Hata, can you support yourself for a bit?"
> Let go of Hatate.
> Lift Ami up so she largely, if not entirely, above us.
> "Okay, Ami, any help you can provide will be appreciated."
> Straighten ourselves out, tilt our head back so the passage down is as vertical as we can get it, open our mouth, and pull Ami's legs in.
-
> "Hmm. Might as well find out now, then. Hata, can you support yourself for a bit?"
> Let go of Hatate.
> Lift Ami up so she largely, if not entirely, above us.
> "Okay, Ami, any help you can provide will be appreciated."
> Straighten ourselves out, tilt our head back so the passage down is as vertical as we can get it, open our mouth, and pull Ami's legs in.
> You release Hatate, letting her float beside you.
> Then, attempt to get Ami down.
> Her legs... make it. So to does her waist. This looks promising.
>_
-
> Pull her the rest of the way down, switching to pushing the top of her when it makes sense to do so.
-
> Pull her the rest of the way down, switching to pushing the top of her when it makes sense to do so.
> You continue, with Ami trying to wiggle her way the rest of the way.
> It... actually works, fully. You shouldn't be tall enough to, but you guess you're now big enough to after the fact. You haven't finished up though, in case Ami wanted to back out and pull herself out. But it doesn't seem like she is.
>_
-
> How is that bubble of darkness looking?
> Finish up completely, so that we can resume being able to speak normally.
-
> How is that bubble of darkness looking?
> Finish up completely, so that we can resume being able to speak normally.
> It's closed now.
> You get Ami fully down, clearing your throat a bit.
> "W...Well." Hatate comments.
>_
-
> Huh. Well then.
> Do we look any different?
> How does this feel?
> Do we think we could send more down with Ami, or does this feel like our limit?
> Look to Hatate. Does she seem to be reacting to us, her phone, or the bubble?
> "I didn't know your phone could talk, Hata."
-
> Huh. Well then.
> Do we look any different?
> How does this feel?
> Do we think we could send more down with Ami, or does this feel like our limit?
> Look to Hatate. Does she seem to be reacting to us, her phone, or the bubble?
> "I didn't know your phone could talk, Hata."
> Bigger. Well, more rotund, rather. By a lot. You're surprised it doesn't hurt.
> You feel filled, but you still feel like you could have something to eat. It's a bit of a different sensation...
> You aren't sure. Perhaps you could try?
> The former, you.
> "That was whoever was being observed... My thoughtography is getting better. And I didn't know you could do that. Is that safe?" Hatate asks.
> Your stomach feels like it drops a bit, and all the size suddenly goes away. What?
> You don't feel any hunger satisfied from it either. You hope whatever just happened was Ami's own doing.
>_
-
> Can we still feel Ami in there?
-
> Can we still feel Ami in there?
> You do not.
>_
-
> Look surprised, with a touch of concern.
> "...Uh, Hata? Can you check on Ami with your ability?"
-
> Look surprised, with a touch of concern.
> "...Uh, Hata? Can you check on Ami with your ability?"
> Hatate checks her phone.
> "Mm... It's all darkness." Hatate says.
> Does that mean you have something like what Yukari did going on? Or something else?
>_
-
> Do we feel any different than before we took Ami into us? Like maybe we accidentally absorbed her somehow?
> "What does that mean?"
> Look down at ourselves.
> "Ami? Can you still hear me?"
-
> Do we feel any different than before we took Ami into us? Like maybe we accidentally absorbed her somehow?
> "What does that mean?"
> Look down at ourselves.
> "Ami? Can you still hear me?"
> You don't.
> You call for Ami...
> There's no response.
> "It means wherever she is, is too dark to see." Hatate shows her black screen of a camera. "Look-" She changes, now showing an image of Rumia.
> Though the background features her darkness orb, you can clearly see Rumia in the image. It's like Hatate took a photo of her from inside the sphere. The orb isn't completely black though, it's permeable by a bit. You can see something red behind her.
> "Rumia's orb isn't too dark. So maybe she's in there." Hatate pokes at your gut. "I could try harder though, if you think I won't make that suddenly happen again." She gestures to the bubble.
>_
-
> "Maybe. Or, uh...would you be willing to dive in there and check it out directly, maybe? I can hold onto your ankle to make sure the same doesn't happen to you."
-
> "Maybe. Or, uh...would you be willing to dive in there and check it out directly, maybe? I can hold onto your ankle to make sure the same doesn't happen to you."
> "My skills are better than an eyewitness attempt, you know." Hatate crosses her arms. "If I suddenly vanish too, I won't be able to check."
>_
-
> "I know, I know. Sorry. I'm just worried that...yeah, give your harder attempt a try. Please."
-
> "I know, I know. Sorry. I'm just worried that...yeah, give your harder attempt a try. Please."
> "We can try if this results in nothing. Just be careful when we do." Hatate gives it her better go, like before.
> The thing from before doesn't happen at least, but she does seem to glow a bit with her camera. So she was telling the truth.
> You can see Ami in the photo, though! She's nearby, according to the surroundings. Near that lake Nitori was in.
> Though she should've heard you call for her in that case.
>_
-
> What's her facial expression like?
> "There! ... How did she get there? Whatever, let's go to her."
> Scoop Hatate up and beeline for the location in the picture.
-
> What's her facial expression like?
> "There! ... How did she get there? Whatever, let's go to her."
> Scoop Hatate up and beeline for the location in the picture.
> You can't see from the angle taken.
> You head towards the location quickly before she would have a chance to move...
> But don't see Ami anywhere when you get there.
> "Weird..." Hatate comments, repeating as you come to a stop. "She's still somewhere here."
>_
-
> Feel for Ami's wind.
> "Can you do the thing that gets the person you're looking at to speak to you through your phone, like earlier?"
-
> Feel for Ami's wind.
> "Can you do the thing that gets the person you're looking at to speak to you through your phone, like earlier?"
> You try to feel for Ami's wind, but you don't feel it anywhere nearby. Just the trail that ends where you swallowed her.
> Hatate repeats, now maintaining a constant feedback rather than an image.
> Ami scratches her head within the camera, looking around.
> "I'd be frustrated if it was the other way around... but at least it wasn't." She comments. "Still, another bad thing resulting from trying... ugh."
>_
-
> Do we remember where the Yakumo house is?
> "Okay, she's at least safe somewhere. Can she hear us? Or at least hear you?"
-
> Do we remember where the Yakumo house is?
> "Okay, she's at least safe somewhere. Can she hear us? Or at least hear you?"
> You do remember where Yukari and her shikigami frequent, but wherever she actually stays seems elusive.
> "Not sure. Hey, Ami?" Hatate questions.
> "Could be the outside world... the wind feels different." Ami comments.
> "I guess not..."
>_
-
> "Damn. Well, I guess we could try asking Yukari, if you don't want to risk diving in after her."
> Glance around.
> "I don't suppose you're already listening in, Lady Yakumo?"
-
> "Damn. Well, I guess we could try asking Yukari, if you don't want to risk diving in after her."
> Glance around.
> "I don't suppose you're already listening in, Lady Yakumo?"
> You look around... Yukari doesn't answer. Guess she's too busy, or asleep...
> "Wouldn't she be too busy herself?" Hatate questions. "I don't think she'd be that available to help you with favors or errands... She even has her shikigami do most of her work."
>_
-
> "We have something of a relationship. I'm not sure how I'd describe it, but I'd like to believe she'd help us out with this as long as I returned the favor as she needed. And maybe even without that part, though I certainly wouldn't expect it."
> "The only other option I can immediately think of is sending someone else down after Ami, but that would require safety precautions. Maybe if we can get a rope and tie one end to a tree or something..."
-
> "We have something of a relationship. I'm not sure how I'd describe it, but I'd like to believe she'd help us out with this as long as I returned the favor as she needed. And maybe even without that part, though I certainly wouldn't expect it."
> "The only other option I can immediately think of is sending someone else down after Ami, but that would require safety precautions. Maybe if we can get a rope and tie one end to a tree or something..."
> "Hm... if I could be out here too... ah right, you could notice me during my attempts at capturing you from a distance, right? Or was that only when you wearing the ribbon?" Hatate questions.
>_
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> "I did notice, yeah, but I don't know if the ribbon was responsible or not. Could be worth a shot, though. If nothing else, at least you're aware something is up and could tell Ami about it."
-
> "I did notice, yeah, but I don't know if the ribbon was responsible or not. Could be worth a shot, though. If nothing else, at least you're aware something is up and could tell Ami about it."
> "I was thinking I could go in and keep contact with you that way. Let me try, at least."
> Hatate readies her camera... You don't notice anything weird happen around, nor her appear in that ghost form, even after your image appears on camera.
> "Anything?" She questions.
>_
-
> Swiftly look around for a Ghost Hatate.
-
> Swiftly look around for a Ghost Hatate.
> You look around more, but still see no other Tengu, of spectral or physical variety.
>_
-
> Frown.
> "Nothing. Guess it was the ribbon after all."
-
> Frown.
> "Nothing. Guess it was the ribbon after all."
> "I guess at least that means you still have more to improve on, at least. Should we find someone to be your guinea pig?"
>_
-
> "Sure. And probably some rope, for reassurances if nothing else. Hmm, I wonder if Lord Tenma would be down for a rescue mission to save a subordinate. They'd at least probably have some sort of means to secure themselves."
-
> "Sure. And probably some rope, for reassurances if nothing else. Hmm, I wonder if Lord Tenma would be down for a rescue mission to save a subordinate. They'd at least probably have some sort of means to secure themselves."
> "You're pretty hopeful that big shots aren't busy at this sort of time, right after a few incidents..." Hatate comments.