Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Neovereign on August 26, 2024, 07:35:45 PM
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> It's night in Gensokyo.
> The promised hour.
> Someone else's night. Someone else's dream.
> That was important now
> Girls are continuing their night in Gensokyo.
> Who was the maiden of this night?
>_
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> Aya can't be abandoned in the midst of a personal crisis! We have to rescue Ami!
> Are we familiar with a tengu (or group of tengu) named Kizumai?
> "I'm only being half-serious anyway. Not that I would say no to asking, but I have no actual expectations. Anyone come to mind for you?"
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> Aya can't be abandoned in the midst of a personal crisis! We have to rescue Ami!
> Are we familiar with a tengu (or group of tengu) named Kizumai?
> "I'm only being half-serious anyway. Not that I would say no to asking, but I have no actual expectations. Anyone come to mind for you?"
> Aya Shameimaru. Fastest girl in Gensokyo, and the Tengu of the wind. Currently in a predicament involving one of her subordinates - er, friends. Is this the correct choice? Rather, is this your choice, for better or for worse, this night?
>_
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> Yessir!
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> Yessir!
> Aya can't be abandoned in the midst of a personal crisis! We have to rescue Ami!
> Are we familiar with a tengu (or group of tengu) named Kizumai?
> "I'm only being half-serious anyway. Not that I would say no to asking, but I have no actual expectations. Anyone come to mind for you?"
> You are Aya Shameimaru, once more.
> You don't recall any by that name, or similar names...
> "No one we're close with that would probably agree." Hatate responds, somewhat in thought.
>_
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> Hmm.
> Can we feel Ami's wind trail within us?
> If so, can we feel where it goes?
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> Hmm.
> Can we feel Ami's wind trail within us?
> If so, can we feel where it goes?
> You do not. The previous trail just vanishes where you previously had her slightly further up the mountain. There's no lingering trail or sensation of her wind within you.
>_
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> Shrug with a slightly defeated expression.
> "I'm out of other ideas, then."
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> Shrug with a slightly defeated expression.
> "I'm out of other ideas, then."
> "We could try Megumu..." Hatate suggests.
>_
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> "I'd been discounting that entire group, since they have their hands full. Otherwise I'd have Suzaku do it."
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> "I'd been discounting that entire group, since they have their hands full. Otherwise I'd have Suzaku do it."
> "We could help them deal with that, then. Then they'd be unoccupied."
>_
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> "I mean, we could, but I was just in a conversation about letting other folks handle a matter and also giving Boss a bit of space."
> Adopt a thoughtful expression.
> "...On the other hand, if Boss is blasting off rockets, I guess we could use that as an excuse to pursue a story..."
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> "I mean, we could, but I was just in a conversation about letting other folks handle a matter and also giving Boss a bit of space."
> Adopt a thoughtful expression.
> "...On the other hand, if Boss is blasting off rockets, I guess we could use that as an excuse to pursue a story..."
> "We could visit Reimu, maybe?" Hatate gives another option.
>_
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> "That is a thought. I've been meaning to check in on her anyway, and this is as good a reason as any."
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> "That is a thought. I've been meaning to check in on her anyway, and this is as good a reason as any."
> "If not what just happened, then the ribbon thing could be an incident starting up. At least getting ahead of it before it becomes one would be nice."
>_
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> Nod.
> "Let's do that, then."
> Still princess-carrying Hatate with hands strategically placed, take flight and head to Reimu's pad, using our hands to 'enjoy' our passenger as we go.
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> Nod.
> "Let's do that, then."
> Still princess-carrying Hatate with hands strategically placed, take flight and head to Reimu's pad, using our hands to 'enjoy' our passenger as we go.
> You take off for Reimu's shrine, hoping Ami can hold out.
> You find no one is immediately outside...
>_
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> Use the winds to check for anyone inside.
> If we can't find Reimu, try to find her wind trail.
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> Use the winds to check for anyone inside.
> If we can't find Reimu, try to find her wind trail.
> You check, feeling two figures within.
>_
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> "Can you double-check to make sure Ami isn't losing her mind, just to be safe?"
> Land, setting Hatate down on her own two feet.
> Then head inside.
> "Hey, Reimu, you there?"
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> "Can you double-check to make sure Ami isn't losing her mind, just to be safe?"
> Land, setting Hatate down on her own two feet.
> Then head inside.
> "Hey, Reimu, you there?"
> You set Hatate down and head in.
> Reimu is here, asleep at the table. So is Rumia, though, awake at the table.
> "Huh? A tengu?" Rumia sits up a bit in alarm.
>_
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> "Hey, there are more than a few of us, and there isn't a better source of news and interesting events than here."
> Nod toward Reimu while still looking at Rumia.
> "Long day for her?"
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> "Hey, there are more than a few of us, and there isn't a better source of news and interesting events than here."
> Nod toward Reimu while still looking at Rumia.
> "Long day for her?"
> "None of your business, that's for sure." Rumia stands.
>_
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> "Hey, whoa, we're not here to cause any trouble."
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> "Hey, whoa, we're not here to cause any trouble."
> "I don't know any Tengu that'd come to the Hakurei Shrine to not start trouble. Except maybe that purple one from the Kakashi news. Even Aya would come to start trouble."
>_
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> "What do you-"
> Blink.
> "...Oh, right. You don't recognize me, do you, Rumia?"
> Send a wind message back out to Hatate: "Can you join me in here real quick?"
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> "What do you-"
> Blink.
> "...Oh, right. You don't recognize me, do you, Rumia?"
> Send a wind message back out to Hatate: "Can you join me in here real quick?"
> "Why would I? I don't think I've seen you before."
> You call Hatate in, with her joining, and at least bring recognized by Rumia.
> "Well I know her at least." Rumia says.
>_
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> What possessions do we have on our person?
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> What possessions do we have on our person?
> None, still.
>_
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> "You have, just not this version of me."
> Give Rumia a bow.
> "Tengu reporter and Reimu trouble-causer extraordinaire, Aya Shameimaru, at your service."
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> "You have, just not this version of me."
> Give Rumia a bow.
> "Tengu reporter and Reimu trouble-causer extraordinaire, Aya Shameimaru, at your service."
> "Aya? Oh brother, what are you here for? Nothings happening but Reimu trying to sleep for the night. It's what every human does."
>_
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> "Partially a social call, partially a bit of news delivery, partially seeking advice for how to handle a uniquely weird rescue mission."
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> "Partially a social call, partially a bit of news delivery, partially seeking advice for how to handle a uniquely weird rescue mission."
> "Mm..." Rumia heads to the other side, starting to wake Reimu.
> "Ugh, come on... who is it..." Reimu sits up, then looks over at Rumia in surprise.
> Followed by to you.
> She turns around and lies back down.
>_
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> "Reimu, go to bed properly. Passing out at the kotatsu isn't good for humans."
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> "Reimu, go to bed properly. Passing out at the kotatsu isn't good for humans."
> "Being visited by youkai, and two tengu at that, isn't good for humans either."
> She sighs, then sits back up.
> "What could you three possibly want?"
> "I didn't actually want anything. I'm just lingering around here." Rumia says.
> "Well, that means it's just these two, and that means it's a worse range of outcomes I have to deal with..."
>_
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> "I want you, Reimu. But unfortunately for me, now's not the time."
> "We're looking for advice on who might be willing to go on a rescue mission to retrieve my cute subordinate, who mysteriously vanished, then reappeared in Gensokyo, but not actually. We know how to get to where she is, but not how to communicate or return."
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> "I want you, Reimu. But unfortunately for me, now's not the time."
> "We're looking for advice on who might be willing to go on a rescue mission to retrieve my cute subordinate, who mysteriously vanished, then reappeared in Gensokyo, but not actually. We know how to get to where she is, but not how to communicate or return."
> "Try Alice. She has expendable dolls she can control." Reimu suggests.
> "Ah. And she'd have no reason to refuse, either." Hatate agrees.
>_
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> "That works. Also, just as a heads-up, there's some sort of ability-enhancing ribbon running around right now, that apparently has the drawback of making one's abilities much harder to control. It hasn't caused any large-scale issues yet, but you'll probably want to not forget about it all the same."
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> "That works. Also, just as a heads-up, there's some sort of ability-enhancing ribbon running around right now, that apparently has the drawback of making one's abilities much harder to control. It hasn't caused any large-scale issues yet, but you'll probably want to not forget about it all the same."
> "Uh huh..." Reimu acknowledges.
> "Sounds kinda like the opposite of mine." Rumia comments.
>_
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> Is Rumia still wearing her ribbon, actually?
> "That's about it. You can go to bed one we're gone. I do hope you'll be available soon for an ordinary social visit from your new-and-somehow-improved pure and honest Shameimaru, though~"
> Walk over to where Reimu is seated, bend/kneel/squat down, and gently hug her from behind, with both of our arms and all four of our wings. (Make sure to press our chest into her back - not too hard, but enough to be noticeable.)
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> Is Rumia still wearing her ribbon, actually?
> "That's about it. You can go to bed one we're gone. I do hope you'll be available soon for an ordinary social visit from your new-and-somehow-improved pure and honest Shameimaru, though~"
> Walk over to where Reimu is seated, bend/kneel/squat down, and gently hug her from behind, with both of our arms and all four of our wings. (Make sure to press our chest into her back - not too hard, but enough to be noticeable.)
> She is.
> "Just don't bring any trouble along with you." Reimu responds as you hug her from behind.
> "Looks like someone welcomes the new Aya?" Hatate questions, readying her camera.
> "Just get going already. You're not getting any snacks or anything this late at night." Reimu barks.
>_
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> Is Hatate aiming her camera at us?
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> Is Hatate aiming her camera at us?
> Both you and Reimu.
>_
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> Wink and smile at Hatate.
> If she doesn't immediately take a picture, give her a wind order to do so.
> Once she's taken the picture, let go of Reimu and stand back up.
> "Sorry for bothering you while you were asleep."
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> Wink and smile at Hatate.
> If she doesn't immediately take a picture, give her a wind order to do so.
> Once she's taken the picture, let go of Reimu and stand back up.
> "Sorry for bothering you while you were asleep."
> Hatate takes the picture as you give a smile, before hurrying out the shrine.
> You let Reimu go just as she brandishes her gohei.
> "Hmph. Shouldn't you be focused on your rescue mission!" Reimu huffs.
>_
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> "You're just too distracting~!"
> Hurry on out of there after Hatate.
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> "You're just too distracting~!"
> Hurry on out of there after Hatate.
> You fly out, of Reimu's shrine before she makes use of her whacking stick.
> "So, Alice and her dolls. She's probably in the forest, right?"
>_
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> "Yup. Thanks for the assist back there, by the way. You gotta show me that picture."
> Scoop 'Tater back up into her carry, hands positioned properly as usual, and 'enjoy' her as we fly to Alice's.
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> "Yup. Thanks for the assist back there, by the way. You gotta show me that picture."
> Scoop 'Tater back up into her carry, hands positioned properly as usual, and 'enjoy' her as we fly to Alice's.
> You gather the princess bird back up, and make way for Alice's home.
> Hatate shows off the picture. You really look like a new tengu. Hopefully lord Tenma isn't jealous. Or hopefully, they are.
> You arrive in the vicinity of Alice's home. There's a strange air around it. Maybe too much explosive powder or something? It doesn't smell like it.
>_
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> How does Reimu's face look in the picture?
> Land with a slight frown.
> "...Do you feel that? Something's not quite right here..."
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> How does Reimu's face look in the picture?
> Land with a slight frown.
> "...Do you feel that? Something's not quite right here..."
> A bit bothered, but she doesn't look too angry. You could pass it off as a collaboration between the two of you on something she maybe doesn't want to do.
> "Yeah. It's weirder then the forest usually is around here."
>_
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> Does the strangeness in the air feel like perhaps something we can gather together using our control of the wind?
> If so, could we possibly gather it directly into ourself? Or only just kind of swirl it around in space?
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> Does the strangeness in the air feel like perhaps something we can gather together using our control of the wind?
> If so, could we possibly gather it directly into ourself? Or only just kind of swirl it around in space?
> It does.
> You could probably try. No telling if it'll go well or poorly, though.
>_
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> "Hopefully Alice is okay. And knows what it is."
> Slip our hand on Hatate's backside underneath her clothes so we're touching her directly.
> Walk over to the door and knock with our other hand.
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> "Hopefully Alice is okay. And knows what it is."
> Slip our hand on Hatate's backside underneath her clothes so we're touching her directly.
> Walk over to the door and knock with our other hand.
> The door and most of the entryways to Alice's house seem to be covered with some strange light. The nearby feeling of strange air is heavily noticeable here. It doesn't feel good to be near...
>_
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> "Alice? You there?"
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>No answer...
>The door seems to be locked from the inside.
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> "Alice? You there?"
>No answer...
>The door seems to be locked from the inside.
> You call for Alice.
> Given she hasn't even said a peep to your conversing with Hatate near her house in the otherwise quiet of the forest, you suspect she's not home. Or at least now awake?
> You honestly can't tell if the door is locked, unlocked, or even present in the first place... The doorway practically looks like some kind of puddle with it covered in that strange light.
>_
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> "Can you locate her, Hata?"
> Step a bit away from the miasma.
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> "Can you locate her, Hata?"
> Step a bit away from the miasma.
> Hatate brings her phone up as you bring her and yourself back.
> The camera reveals... ...nothing.
> "I can't. Huh."
>_
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> Frown.
> "Well, that's distressing. And I guess puts us back at square one for our Ami problem, too."
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> Frown.
> "Well, that's distressing. And I guess puts us back at square one for our Ami problem, too."
> "What about that one doll girl who's an actual doll? ...Actually, that's probably more dangerous than going yourself."
>_
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> "I could probably handle it. But I don't know that she'd be able to communicate with us, even if she were willing. We need someone that can be in two places at once, or at least some way to communicate over distance, like those phones Nitori made. It'd be good if your phone could contact my camera...not that I have it anymore anyway."
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> "I could probably handle it. But I don't know that she'd be able to communicate with us, even if she were willing. We need someone that can be in two places at once, or at least some way to communicate over distance, like those phones Nitori made. It'd be good if your phone could contact my camera...not that I have it anymore anyway."
> "I asked such because she has that little doll always by her." Hatate says.
>_
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> "Oh, that's true. Can you locate her, then? Might as well see if she's down for it."
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> "Oh, that's true. Can you locate her, then? Might as well see if she's down for it."
> Hatate checks her phone, finding her on a hill, asleep. It seems to be her usual spot as well.
> You wonder if she's even been bothered by any of the recent incidents...
>_
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> "Ah, I know where that is. Okay!"
> Take off (still carrying Hatate) to where Medicine is.
> "By the way, I don't suppose you could locate any of my missing stuff?"
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> "Ah, I know where that is. Okay!"
> Take off (still carrying Hatate) to where Medicine is.
> "By the way, I don't suppose you could locate any of my missing stuff?"
> You head for Medicine's hill. Bit unfair to call it nameless hill when she practically made it her home as much as Yuuka has the Garden of the Sun.
> "I could try... is it important stuff, or are you just giving me a workout?"
>_
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> "It's literally everything I had on me before I changed. That's important to me, at least. Even if some of it can be replaced, I'm sure you of all people are aware good cameras don't come cheap."
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> "It's literally everything I had on me before I changed. That's important to me, at least. Even if some of it can be replaced, I'm sure you of all people are aware good cameras don't come cheap."
> "Oh. So, who do you think has it?" Hatate asks.
>_
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> "I don't know if anyone has it, really. Boss was the only one that was there...if not her, then any guess would be random. ...Unless that Zanmu lady from the void got it somehow."
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> "I don't know if anyone has it, really. Boss was the only one that was there...if not her, then any guess would be random. ...Unless that Zanmu lady from the void got it somehow."
> "Oh. I'm not sure I can just find items that are lying about then, especially if no ones around. It wouldn't be very eventful. It's like news no one would be interested in or is following." Hatate shrugs.
>_
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> "Drat. I wonder who could do that, then."
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> "Drat. I wonder who could do that, then."
> "Nazrin?"
>_
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> Blink.
> "...Wow. I'm even losing my mind now. That's a great idea."
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> Blink.
> "...Wow. I'm even losing my mind now. That's a great idea."
> "Doesn't she command Rats too? Maybe we could ask her for help. ...then again, I don't think that'd be as appealing as dolls..."
>_
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> "...Maybe. I do think I'd rather ask Medicine first regardless. Particularly since I could just do the same myself with crows."
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> "...Maybe. I do think I'd rather ask Medicine first regardless. Particularly since I could just do the same myself with crows."
> "Why don't we just do that, then? Have you remote communicate with Ami through a crow you send there."
>_
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> Can we actually maintain that degree of control once the crow winds up wherever Ami is?
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> Can we actually maintain that degree of control once the crow winds up wherever Ami is?
> You don't think so. Then again, you haven't tried since becoming mine this. Maybe you can do like Yunari can with Shikigami? Maybe you can make your own?
> You wonder if you could've turned Ami into a Shikigami while she was still here...
>_
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> Do we know the process of making someone or something our shikigami?
> "I don't have that degree of control, unfortunately. I could send one in there and tell them to find Ami, but once that's done, they're on their own again."
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> Do we know the process of making someone or something our shikigami?
> "I don't have that degree of control, unfortunately. I could send one in there and tell them to find Ami, but once that's done, they're on their own again."
> You've got no clue, really...
> "Ah. I'm not sure Nazrin has that level either. But maybe Medicine does."
> You arrive at the hill, seeing your target, still asleep as she appeared to be.
>_
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> What's our acquaintanceship with Medicine, anyway?
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> What's our acquaintanceship with Medicine, anyway?
> You don't believe you're around her enough to be a bother to her, as most residents would know you as. Mostly due to her poisonous nature. This puts you at more of neutral terms with her. Which isn't that great either, given she's quite the loner.
>_
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> Could we keep her poison away from us via the wind?
> Quietly: "...Well. It's good she's not actively toxic...but we can't really ask her anything while she's asleep."
> Frown.
> "Of all the times to not have my storage space..."
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> Could we keep her poison away from us via the wind?
> Quietly: "...Well. It's good she's not actively toxic...but we can't really ask her anything while she's asleep."
> Frown.
> "Of all the times to not have my storage space..."
> You've been able to before...
> "Who's fault is that, again?" Hatate raises an eyebrow, a slight smirk coming across her face.
>_
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> Sigh.
> "I know, I know..."
> Send a wind whisper into Medicine's ear: "Little lady? We need your help?"
-
> Sigh.
> "I know, I know..."
> Send a wind whisper into Medicine's ear: "Little lady? We need your help?"
> Medicine doesn't budge at your attempt...
>_
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> "...I, uh, feel kinda bad about waking her up to ask her what we're going to ask her."
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> "...I, uh, feel kinda bad about waking her up to ask her what we're going to ask her."
> "Well, Ami's probably waiting on us..."
>_
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> Set Hatate down on her own feet.
> Then walk up to Medicine and gently nudge her a bit.
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> Set Hatate down on her own feet.
> Then walk up to Medicine and gently nudge her a bit.
> You set Hatate down and bother the doll.
> Such rouses her from her sleep, as if few have dared to try and may a finger on her before.
> She stares up at you, still lying on the ground.
> The little doll appears from the other side of her head, climbing on top of it as if it were also woken up.
>_
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> How's her figure?
> Smile and give her a little wave.
> "Hey, little lady. Miss Shameimaru has a favor to ask of you."
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> How's her figure?
> Smile and give her a little wave.
> "Hey, little lady. Miss Shameimaru has a favor to ask of you."
> She seems the same as usual. You suppose a doll's body wouldn't suddenly change, huh...
> She closes her eyes again.
> The little doll also turns the other way, lying atop her head...
>_
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> Nothing to write home about, then?
> "Aww, really? I am sorry for waking you, but that's the urgency of the situation."
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> Nothing to write home about, then?
> "Aww, really? I am sorry for waking you, but that's the urgency of the situation."
> Not a smidge..
> "What's so urgent you would want my help? Need to kill someone?" Medicine questions, eyes still closed.
>_
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> "I need someone that can be in two places at once. Across dimensions."
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> "I need someone that can be in two places at once. Across dimensions."
> Medicine gives you a confused look as she opens her eyes again.
>_
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> "Your big self and your little self can do that, right?"
-
> "Your big self and your little self can do that, right?"
> "Why?"
> "Like, what for, or why should you?" Hatate asks.
> "Yes."
>_
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> "We need to rescue a friend, or at least get in contact with her to let her know we're trying to bring her back here. And I am certainly willing to owe you a favor, within reason."
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> "We need to rescue a friend, or at least get in contact with her to let her know we're trying to bring her back here. And I am certainly willing to owe you a favor, within reason."
> "Doesn't sound worthwhile to me." Medicine says.
> "Let's start with your terms then." Hatate offers. "What would you want in exchange for helping us?"
> "Hm... can you get your hands on one of that puppeteer's more important dolls? One of the two always by her side, or the giant one."
>_
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> "Do you want me to have her bring them to you? Or do you want me to steal them?"
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> "Do you want me to have her bring them to you? Or do you want me to steal them?"
> "The latter works."
>_
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> Frown a bit.
> "Does that mean the former is just out entirely?"
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Does that mean the former is just out entirely?"
> "Unless you can make her give them up. I'm not asking you to keep them away from her for long. Just to get them to me. That'll be enough."
>_
-
> "...Alright, I'll do what I can in that regard. Though I should say that there's something weird going on around her home, and we can't locate her, so I might not be able to do it immediately."
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> "...Alright, I'll do what I can in that regard. Though I should say that there's something weird going on around her home, and we can't locate her, so I might not be able to do it immediately."
> "I know the big one's in the tall part. Is that inaccessible?"
>_
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> "The entire building is inaccessible. The miasma in the air is too unpleasant to get close to it."
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> "The entire building is inaccessible. The miasma in the air is too unpleasant to get close to it."
> "Oh. If it's just Miasma, I can deal with that." Medicine sits up.
>_
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> "If you want to, sure."
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> "If you want to, sure."
> Medicine starts to walk towards Alice's house.
>_
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> "I can fly and carry you there, if you like. I'm not the fastest in Gensokyo for nothing."
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> "I can fly and carry you there, if you like. I'm not the fastest in Gensokyo for nothing."
> "It's not that far, and I'm not in a hurry."
> "We kinda are though, what with the whole rescue we just talked about..." Hatate reminds.
> "Alright, fine."
>_
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> "You'll want to hold onto yourself pretty tight, I can go pretty fast."
> Look to Hatate.
> "...Hey, Hata, would, uh, you be okay going most of the way in where Ami went? Not all the way, of course, but enough so both my arms are free for our guest?"
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> "You'll want to hold onto yourself pretty tight, I can go pretty fast."
> Look to Hatate.
> "...Hey, Hata, would, uh, you be okay going most of the way in where Ami went? Not all the way, of course, but enough so both my arms are free for our guest?"
> "I can fly along."
>_
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> "Well, alright, if you think you can keep up."
> Scoop Medicine up into a more conventional, non-intrusive carry.
> "Ready?"
-
> "Well, alright, if you think you can keep up."
> Scoop Medicine up into a more conventional, non-intrusive carry.
> "Ready?"
> You heft Medicine up.
> "Yes." She says.
> Hatate starts ahead of time.
>_
-
> Take flight and zoom back to Alice's place.
-
> Take flight and zoom back to Alice's place.
> You fly back to Alice's home.
> "Hm. That's an interesting air." Medicine comments.
>_
-
> "Yeah. Not sure what it means, but I'm pretty sure it's not livable."
> Land and set Medicine down.
-
> "Yeah. Not sure what it means, but I'm pretty sure it's not livable."
> Land and set Medicine down.
> You set Medicine down, and she approaches the doorway.
> The doll goes to stick a hand inside, but decides against it, heading for the taller structure.
>_
-
> Did we leave Hatate in the dust?
> Follow along behind the doll.
-
> Did we leave Hatate in the dust?
> Follow along behind the doll.
> You can see her in the distance. It wasn't that long a trip at least.
> You follow.
> "Hmph." Medicine stops at one of the windows. The same phenomenon happens here as with her door...
>_
-
> "You okay?"
-
> "You okay?"
> "I guess it is covering it too." Medicine comments.
>_
-
> "Do you want me to try to get rid of it for you?"
-
> "Do you want me to try to get rid of it for you?"
> "It doesn't seem like something you can..." Medicine observes.
>_
-
> "Mmm. If you're saying that, it's probably true...but I'll give it a try, just in case."
> Try using wind control to gently blow/pull the miasma toward/into us.
-
> "Mmm. If you're saying that, it's probably true...but I'll give it a try, just in case."
> Try using wind control to gently blow/pull the miasma toward/into us.
> You try to blow the miasma out from the doorway and windows towars you.
> It looks like some of it comes, but there's far more still in, to the point that it looks like your attempt just made some more out of thin air rather than taking some from there.
>_
-
> "Hm."
> Try blowing all of the miasma upward, with a little more force than before.
-
> "Hm."
> Try blowing all of the miasma upward, with a little more force than before.
> You try upwards this time, but it's still the same...
>_
-
> Stop and frown.
> "What the hell is this stuff?"
-
> Stop and frown.
> "What the hell is this stuff?"
> "A lot stronger than the Forest's usuals." Medicine explains.
>_
-
> Has Hatate caught up yet?
> "Well. What do you think we should do?"
-
> Has Hatate caught up yet?
> "Well. What do you think we should do?"
> She's here, observing the upper windows.
> "Well, I could try going in anyways." Medicine says.
>_
-
> "If you think you can get in safely, sure."
-
> "If you think you can get in safely, sure."
> Medicine heads to the front doorway, reaching a hand inside...
> She then heads in...
>_
-
> Glance back up at Hatate.
> Try giving Hatate (rather than her body) a wind order to grow her chest a bit.
-
> Glance back up at Hatate.
> Try giving Hatate (rather than her body) a wind order to grow her chest a bit.
> You try to get Hatate to change... But nothing seems to happen?
> "Do we just wait for her, now?" Hatate questions.
>_
-
> "Might as well. Wanna check on Ami again while we wait, to see how she's doing?"
> Maybe we weren't specific enough? Give Hatate a wind order to grow her chest to twice its current size.
-
> "Might as well. Wanna check on Ami again while we wait, to see how she's doing?"
> Maybe we weren't specific enough? Give Hatate a wind order to grow her chest to twice its current size.
> "I'll try." Hatate agrees.
> You try again while Hatate does her thing. Again, nothing seems to get in the way, but nothing happens, either...
> "looks like she's headed for the village? And uh, I think one of us is there? Maybe?" Hatate sounds really confused.
>_
-
> "Huh? Which one?"
-
> "Huh? Which one?"
> "Look." Hatate shows her phone.
> You do see yourself. Though she looks like you used to... she's waving a hand in front of Ami...
> The other you crosses her arms, and flies off, out of view from Hatate's camera's observation.
>_
-
> "...That was me. How did...?"
> What facial expression did the other us have?
> What facial expression does Ami have?
-
> "...That was me. How did...?"
> What facial expression did the other us have?
> What facial expression does Ami have?
> You seemed slightly annoyed.
> You couldn't tell with the angle.
> You return into view, dragging Hatate along.
> "Oh, there I am." Hatate comments about herself arriving.
> They pause a bit in what seems like viewing the other Hatate's camera, then the other Aya darts off again.
> "Alright... this is getting confusing..." Hatate stops her camera.
>_
-
> Do we know anyone capable of teleportation?
-
> Do we know anyone capable of teleportation?
> You know there's Yukari... through gaps at least. Similarly, Okina.
> Daiyousei and Lily White more directly.
> Sakuya, maybe?
> Sumireko can teleport...
>_
-
> Hmm. Yukari's not home, last we checked, so should could be anywhere. Okina should be simple to find, though, assuming her statement that she's trapped in her own backdoor dimension is (still) true. Sakuya has one easy check, but if she's not there, she could be anywhere.
> Do we know the usual hangouts for Dai and Lily?
> Do we know Sumireko's usual hangouts?
-
> Hmm. Yukari's not home, last we checked, so should could be anywhere. Okina should be simple to find, though, assuming her statement that she's trapped in her own backdoor dimension is (still) true. Sakuya has one easy check, but if she's not there, she could be anywhere.
> Do we know the usual hangouts for Dai and Lily?
> Do we know Sumireko's usual hangouts?
> You know Dai is usual around Misty Lake. As for Lily, she's a bit too much of a wildcard. Sometimes it's areas full of spring, but that's just the best guess. She could be asleep somewhere with a bit of spring, or captured by some human hoping to covert spring and not realizing the trouble she comes with.
> You'd guess Sanae's shrine. Maybe the Shining Needle Castle. The human village is also an idea.
>_
-
> "I wonder if they were looking at us. Anyway, we should track down someone that can get us wherever that is and figure out what's going on. Dai's probably our best bet in that regard."
-
> "I wonder if they were looking at us. Anyway, we should track down someone that can get us wherever that is and figure out what's going on. Dai's probably our best bet in that regard."
> "What about Medicine?" Hatate asks.
>_
-
> Can we feel Medicine still inside the house?
> "Oh, yes, we won't just leave here here. At least not without confirming it's okay."
-
> Can we feel Medicine still inside the house?
> "Oh, yes, we won't just leave here here. At least not without confirming it's okay."
> You can't tell. Your wind detection doesn't get far past that doorway.
> However, you do hear claims amongst the wind... rumors of cards and kings, or something nonsensical.
> "Then...?"
>_
-
> Call out to the house.
> "Hey, Medi! You doing okay in there?"
-
> Call out to the house.
> "Hey, Medi! You doing okay in there?"
> There's no response... Rather, you don't think your voice got through the doorway or windows.
>_
-
> "Urgh..."
> Wait a bit.
-
> "Urgh..."
> Wait a bit.
> You wait...
>...
> Medicine finally returns, falling out from the doorway with a backwards roll.
>_
-
> Reposition and catch her.
> "Whoa there! You okay?"
-
> Reposition and catch her.
> "Whoa there! You okay?"
> You slide over and catch the doll, regretting it a bit as your hands burn.
> "Well, I got myself kicked out, at least. Forget trying to get to her or her dolls... that's gonna take hours." Medicine gets up.
>_
-
> "Damn. I guess it's just not in the cards today."
-
> "Damn. I guess it's just not in the cards today."
> "Some other time... I take it this is where your person in need of rescue is, too?" Medicine asks.
>_
-
> "Oh, right. Uh, actually, no. She's in some other dimension's Gensokyo. And she got sent there by going, um...in here."
> Hold our mouth open and point into it.
-
> "Oh, right. Uh, actually, no. She's in some other dimension's Gensokyo. And she got sent there by going, um...in here."
> Hold our mouth open and point into it.
> Medicine stares.
> "That doesn't look like it goes to another gensokyo..."
> Hatate shows her phone, doing a pose alongside it.
> "Oh. It's another tengu like you... wait, and you?"
> "It's confusing. I sorta left making heads or tails of it for later, when we can get back in contact with her..." hatate explains.
>_
-
> "Yeah. I didn't think it'd go to another Gensokyo either. Kinda not very pleased to learn the hard way."
-
> "Yeah. I didn't think it'd go to another Gensokyo either. Kinda not very pleased to learn the hard way."
> "So you want me to... send Su-san there?"
>The little doll looks reluctant
>_
-
> "Either her or you, that was gonna be the ask, yeah. But after seeing ourselves there, plans may have changed."
-
> "Either her or you, that was gonna be the ask, yeah. But after seeing ourselves there, plans may have changed."
> "Hm?"
>_
-
> "Now that we know it's an entirely different Gensokyo, we're going to try to find someone that can teleport between here and there."
-
> "Now that we know it's an entirely different Gensokyo, we're going to try to find someone that can teleport between here and there."
> "Why didn't you do that first?"
> "They're harder to get a hold of, you know." Hatate argues.
> "Fair enough..."
>_
-
> "That, and we didn't realize the place our friend went had anyone else present, let alone other versions of us."
> "Anyway, do you want to continue tagging along, or do you want to go home?"
-
> "That, and we didn't realize the place our friend went had anyone else present, let alone other versions of us."
> "Anyway, do you want to continue tagging along, or do you want to go home?"
> "I'd rather go back to rest. It sounds like a lot of other places are troublesome, and I don't wanna deal with any of that." Medicine starts back in the direction of her hill.
>_
-
> "Good luck to you!"
> Scoop Hata back up in the usual manner, and take off for the Misty Lake.
-
> "Good luck to you!"
> Scoop Hata back up in the usual manner, and take off for the Misty Lake.
> You scoop Hatate up, darting by a much slower figure flying through the forest as you head for Misty Lake.
>_
-
> Who was it? Slow down to check if we need to.
-
> Who was it? Slow down to check if we need to.
> You double back a bit.
> It's Reimu. You thought she was going back to sleep...
>_
-
> Huh.
> Swoop down and follow along next to her.
> "Hey there, sleepyhead."
-
> Huh.
> Swoop down and follow along next to her.
> "Hey there, sleepyhead."
> You trail beside the shrine maiden, almost making her jump.
> "Was Alice home?" She questions, stopping.
>_
-
> Stop as well.
> "Hard to say. We couldn't even get inside. There's a really unpleasant miasma surrounding her house."
-
> Stop as well.
> "Hard to say. We couldn't even get inside. There's a really unpleasant miasma surrounding her house."
> "Hm. Something seems up." Reimu says. "Be careful out there tonight. It kinda feels like being alone is dangerous..."
> "Then why are you?" Hatate asks.
> "Well, it'd be easier to deal with danger if it comes to me. Then I don't have to go around looking for it."
> "Looking for danger huh... what if you were thrown right into it?" Hatate asks, glancing up at you.
> "Hm?"
>_
-
> Look at Hata.
> "You thinking of asking her to go after Ami?"
-
> Look at Hata.
> "You thinking of asking her to go after Ami?"
> "Yep." Hatate answers.
>_
-
> "That's, um..."
> Shift a bit awkwardly.
> "It's a good idea, but I was hoping to not have to ask a human, given what it entails."
-
> "That's, um..."
> Shift a bit awkwardly.
> "It's a good idea, but I was hoping to not have to ask a human, given what it entails."
> "Well, Ami made it through in one piece. Reimu should too, right? And maybe she'll figure more out there."
> "I'm right here..." Reimu says.
>_
-
> Sigh, then look to Reimu.
> "So here's the deal. One of my cute subordinates appears to have been sent to an alternate Gensokyo. We're trying to figure out how to get to where she is and bring her back. The thing is that she got sent there by going in here."
> Keep our mouth open and point within it.
-
> Sigh, then look to Reimu.
> "So here's the deal. One of my cute subordinates appears to have been sent to an alternate Gensokyo. We're trying to figure out how to get to where she is and bring her back. The thing is that she got sent there by going in here."
> Keep our mouth open and point within it.
> Reimu blinks.
> "How did that... Okay, I think I have an idea..." Reimu considers. "Maybe something's happening when you're in darkness. That feeling of danger got greater in the deeper shade of the forest."
>_
-
> "Darkness..."
> "...Hata, you were looking at someone on your phone earlier, when Ami was still with us, and a bubble of darkness was gradually surrounding you. Whoever you were looking at talked from your phone, and implied you were rude for staring. Who was it?"
-
> "Darkness..."
> "...Hata, you were looking at someone on your phone earlier, when Ami was still with us, and a bubble of darkness was gradually surrounding you. Whoever you were looking at talked from your phone, and implied you were rude for staring. Who was it?"
> Hatate shrugs.
> "I was mostly checking for big news or incidents. That's what came up, but it wasn't that clear an image."
>_
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Well, that's suspicious."
> Set Hatate down.
> "Can you show us? I'd bet my tail feathers this is connected to what Reimu is feeling."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Well, that's suspicious."
> Set Hatate down.
> "Can you show us? I'd bet my tail feathers this is connected to what Reimu is feeling."
> Hatate repeats what she has been doing.
> Immediately, that sphere of darkness begins to appear around her.
> You can't properly see the figure in her phone. Despite her abilities, it's shrouded in darkness.
> There is a familiar thing glowing faintly in the dark on its body though. A ribbon, more like Rumia's and affixed the same way, than the weirdly colored other ribbon. But it glows a bit more like the other ribbon that's been going around than Rumia's own. You don't think hers glows.
>_
-
> "Keep your focus, Hata."'
> Grab onto Hatate's arm and gently pull her away from the sphere of darkness. (Pull Reimu away as well if she's getting caught in it.)
-
> "Keep your focus, Hata."'
> Grab onto Hatate's arm and gently pull her away from the sphere of darkness. (Pull Reimu away as well if she's getting caught in it.)
> You pull Hatate away.
> The sphere continues to form, but another additionally starts at Hatate's new position.
> "Hm..." Reimu tosses a Yin Yang orb into the forming sphere's center.
>_
-
> Pull Hatate a little further away while keeping an eye on what happens to the orb Reimu tossed.
-
> Pull Hatate a little further away while keeping an eye on what happens to the orb Reimu tossed.
> You glide further away with Hatate~
> Reimu's orb is engulfed...
> Though it drops out from before the completed sphere a second later.
> Another begins at Hatate's new position...
> "Still not getting any clearer." Hatate says.
> Reimu picks up the orb and floats to the center of the previous forming sphere
>_
-
> "That's fine. Keep doing what you're doing."
> Shift direction 90 degrees and float away from the new sphere, still keeping an eye on Reimu.
-
> "That's fine. Keep doing what you're doing."
> Shift direction 90 degrees and float away from the new sphere, still keeping an eye on Reimu.
> You float away, but a new one still begins in Hatate's new spot. It's like you're being watched.
> Reimu is engulfed...
> ...
> "That's ominious... looks like this is the right way, then." You hear Reimu, as the orb flies out from the sphere.
>_
-
> That's fine. If we're being watched, we're distracting whoever's doing this.
> Keep gently floating back in our current direction.
> "Did you find a passage to somewhere, Reimu?"
-
> That's fine. If we're being watched, we're distracting whoever's doing this.
> Keep gently floating back in our current direction.
> "Did you find a passage to somewhere, Reimu?"
> Reimu doesn't answer after your continued glide.
> The old spheres begin to dissipate, with Reimu absent.
> No new ones are forming?
>_
-
> Take a quick glance around us to make sure we're not being set up for a surprise.
> If they are not, take another look at Hatate's phone.
-
> Take a quick glance around us to make sure we're not being set up for a surprise.
> If they are not, take another look at Hatate's phone.
> You look around...
> The distance you can see is more limited than normally... is it a massive sphere?
>_
-
> Grunt in sudden irritation.
> Scoop up Hatate and jet straight upward.
-
> Grunt in sudden irritation.
> Scoop up Hatate and jet straight upward.
> You head upwards.
> The sphere does seem to be starting from all sides except above, contrary to the others starting from one side. Thankfully, this brings you out from its range.
> The spheres all stop and begin to dissipate.
> "Oh, I can see them now." Hatate says.
>_
-
> Look at the phone. Hopefully Reimu is putting a stop to this!
-
> Look at the phone. Hopefully Reimu is putting a stop to this!
> The figure... does appear to be Rumia. But maybe mixed with someone else, like Yukari. The blonde hair is long, but she does have a ribbon and no hat...
> You're able to observe this thanks to the surrounding area not being pitch black anymore. Her outfit even resembles Rumia's dress.
> She's pointing towards your view of her, as if she's pointing the two of you out... there's something black forming on her finger.
>_
-
> "Okay, Hata, break it off!"
> Zip to the Hakurei Shrine. Hopefully our Rumia is still there!
-
> Zip to the Hakurei Shrine. Hopefully our Rumia is still there!
> You dart for the Hakurei shrine, being cut off, a bit literally, by a sudden laser narrowly missing you.
> "...Ow." Hatate comments, having closed her phone. Though there's still a graze across her arm.
>_
-
> "Gods. Where does that kind of power come from?"
-
> "Gods. Where does that kind of power come from?"
> "P-Portals, maybe? Teleportation? We were looking into people that could do that..." Hatate comments, rubbing her arm.
>_
-
> If we stopped our flight to Reimu's place, resume it.
> "No one should be able to hijack you like that. I might have to actually get directly involved in this story if they're going to treat you that way."
-
> If we stopped our flight to Reimu's place, resume it.
> "No one should be able to hijack you like that. I might have to actually get directly involved in this story if they're going to treat you that way."
> You continue towards Reimu's shrine.
> "Maybe they can travel through phones or something..." Hatate considers. "Or it's a phenomenon like Cirno's not too long ago, where saying her name made her appear."
> Rumia is still present in the shrine. She's sitting outside, eating some snacks.
>_
-
> How does our Rumia look again? Regular shorty with short hair, or grown out?
> "Hey. We need your help with something. Some weirdo super version of you is shooting darkness laser beams at us out of Hata's phone."
-
> How does our Rumia look again? Regular shorty with short hair, or grown out?
> "Hey. We need your help with something. Some weirdo super version of you is shooting darkness laser beams at us out of Hata's phone."
> She's short and clean cut.
> "A super version of me?" Rumia questions.
>_
-
> Walk over to Rumia.
> "Show her, Hata. Maybe she'll be able to do something about it."
-
> Walk over to Rumia.
> "Show her, Hata. Maybe she'll be able to do something about it."
> "Mm... hope my camera's not busted."
> Hatate approaches Rumia closely, opening her camera and trying again.
> "Geez, is it really that hard to ask for privacy..." you hear that voice again, mumbling from the camera. The Rumia lookalike is covered mostly in darkness again.
> "She does look a bit like me. But different." Rumia comments.
> Another darkness sphere is forming around you, though.
>_
-
> Move away from the forming sphere.
> To the phone: "Why are you abducting innocents covered in darkness?"
-
> Move away from the forming sphere.
> To the phone: "Why are you abducting innocents covered in darkness?"
> The other Rumia(?) doesn't respond
> Hatate moves away, but Rumia stays put.
> "I don't abduct people. I always ask first." Rumia insists.
> Another begins to form, centered on Hatate.
>_
-
> "What about our tengu friend very recently?"
-
> "What about our tengu friend very recently?"
> "Who?" Rumia questions.
> "Maybe you should step away from there." Hatate points out.
>_
-
> "Oh, right, I meant the other you with that question."
-
> "Oh, right, I meant the other you with that question."
> "Can she even hear you?" Rumia questions.
> "Hey, the darkness." Hatate says, moving away from the one surrounding her and closing her camera.
> "If it's darkness, then I'm fine." Rumia raises her arms in emphasis. Though still ends up shrouded in the sphere.
> "You can remove it right?" Hatate questions. "Since it's darkness?"
>_
-
> "Yeah, we need Dai for this, I think."
-
> "Yeah, we need Dai for this, I think."
> The darkness spheres dissapate...
> Rumia is still present, however.
> "Huh? You're still here? Did you stop it?" Hatate asks.
> "It was too dark to see so I made it less dark. Then it went away." Rumia claims.
>_
-
> "Huh. Interesting... Wanna go see Dai about talking to that other you and finding out what's up?"
-
> "Huh. Interesting... Wanna go see Dai about talking to that other you and finding out what's up?"
> "Sure." Rumia agrees.
>_
-
> Nod, then blink in realization.
> How does (this) Rumia compare in size to Ami?
-
> Nod, then blink in realization.
> How does (this) Rumia compare in size to Ami?
> She's smaller than Ami, of course. Maybe around half her size?
>_
-
> "...Hey, actually, if you're going to come with us, can I ask a big favor? Our friend disappeared when she went into the darkness, uh, in here."
> Point into our open mouth.
> "Would you be willing to go in there and check out if there's anything unusual? Now that we know you can keep yourself safe by making things less dark, you should be able to avoid disappearing as well."
-
> "...Hey, actually, if you're going to come with us, can I ask a big favor? Our friend disappeared when she went into the darkness, uh, in here."
> Point into our open mouth.
> "Would you be willing to go in there and check out if there's anything unusual? Now that we know you can keep yourself safe by making things less dark, you should be able to avoid disappearing as well."
> "If she disappeared, doesn't that mean she's gone then? Like somewhere else? Or is she just invisible? I don't think darkness makes someone invisible. People still know it's me sometimes." Rumia questions.
>_
-
> "She got sent somewhere else. Another Gensokyo, actually. We can see her on Hata's phone, but we can't talk to her. I think it's the same place as that other you."
-
> "She got sent somewhere else. Another Gensokyo, actually. We can see her on Hata's phone, but we can't talk to her. I think it's the same place as that other you."
> "Okay." Rumia acknowledges and agrees?
>_
-
> "You're fine going in there, then?"
-
> "You're fine going in there, then?"
> Rumia nods.
> "I'll finally see if I'm good medicine or not as well."
>_
-
> "Alright."
> Gently lift Rumia up above us, tilt our head back, open our mouth, and send her all the way down like we did with Ami.
-
> "Alright."
> Gently lift Rumia up above us, tilt our head back, open our mouth, and send her all the way down like we did with Ami.
> You take the darkness youkai up in your arms, then give her the Ami shortcut.
> Just like with your unofficial subordinate, she seems to vanish not too long after...
>_
-
> So, uh, no longer inside us?
-
> So, uh, no longer inside us?
> Indeed.
>_
-
> Grunt in aggravation.
> "That wasn't supposed to happen. Gettin' real tired of this body, frankly."
> Scoop Hatate back up.
> "Let's go see Dai."
-
> Grunt in aggravation.
> "That wasn't supposed to happen. Gettin' real tired of this body, frankly."
> Scoop Hatate back up.
> "Let's go see Dai."
> "You didn't want her to go after Ami?" Hatate questions.
>_
-
> "Rumia? It doesn't matter what I want her to do, she's gone."
-
> "Rumia? It doesn't matter what I want her to do, she's gone."
> "Maybe she'll return? Though I guess we should get your pick on board before trying anything else..."
>_
-
> "Yeah, if she returns somehow, she can do it while we're on the move."
-
> "Yeah, if she returns somehow, she can do it while we're on the move."
> Hatate nods.
>_
-
> Zip off to Misty Lake in search of Dai.
-
> Zip off to Misty Lake in search of Dai.
> You take off for Misty Lake.
> As you arrive, you see a few fairies around, but no Dai. Then again, the mist doesn't help.
>_
-
> Approach the nearest fairy that doesn't look busy.
-
> Approach the nearest fairy that doesn't look busy.
> You fly down to a fairy quietly enjoying the lake scenery.
> She hardly seems to notice you by her side.
> "Excuse me, have you seen a fairy called Dai?" Hatate asks.
> "She's usually in there." The fairy points at a nearby tree...house.
>_
-
> "Thanks."
> Head over to the tree house and knock on the door.
-
> "Thanks."
> Head over to the tree house and knock on the door.
> You fly over and knock...
> You hear a bit of movement, before Dai opens the door.
> "Ah, Aya? You look like you've been through a lot..." She rubs an eye.
>_
-
> How large is Dai at the moment?
> "That's putting it lightly. Did we wake you? Sorry."
-
> How large is Dai at the moment?
> "That's putting it lightly. Did we wake you? Sorry."
> Pretty big... you're taller and such, but you're sure you'd find getting her to Rumia and Ami near impossible...
> "It's alright. Did you just come for a chat?" The huge fairy steps back, leaving the door open.
>_
-
> "I wish. You're always a delight. But we need a favor from someone capable of teleportation."
-
> "I wish. You're always a delight. But we need a favor from someone capable of teleportation."
> "Oh. What do you need?" She questions.
>_
-
> "We need to rescue a couple of friends that got sent to an alternate Gensokyo. Hata, show her Ami."
-
> "We need to rescue a couple of friends that got sent to an alternate Gensokyo. Hata, show her Ami."
> Hatate nods, doing the usual.
> Ami seems to be with the other Aya again.
> "Huh... another Gensokyo?" Daiyousei considers. "That sounds like it could be an incident. I wonder if it's related to the previous things with the barrier."
>_
-
> "It might be. Whatever it is, it seems to be bad news that we can get there from here. Rumia's there too, and we're pretty positive we watched Reimu go there. She had a bad feeling about tonight, and you know how it tends to go when she feels like that."
-
> "It might be. Whatever it is, it seems to be bad news that we can get there from here. Rumia's there too, and we're pretty positive we watched Reimu go there. She had a bad feeling about tonight, and you know how it tends to go when she feels like that."
> "How did they get there?"
> "Through Aya's gut." Hatate says.
> "... You sure you're not the cause of the incident, then?"
>_
-
> "Hey, hey, that's not how Reimu vanished."
-
> "Hey, hey, that's not how Reimu vanished."
> "Oh. How did she vanish, then?"
> "She didn't get out of a dark orb thingy that probably another Rumia made."
> "Probably?"
>_
-
> "Probably. She looks like Rumia if Rumia ate Yukari, and can make darkness bubbles. She's also aware of any time Hata looks at her, though we can't speak to her. Or, if she can hear us, she pretends not to. We'd show you, but every time we look at her, she gets more and more irritated about her privacy being invaded. She even somehow shot a darkness laser at us out of Hata's phone."
-
> "Probably. She looks like Rumia if Rumia ate Yukari, and can make darkness bubbles. She's also aware of any time Hata looks at her, though we can't speak to her. Or, if she can hear us, she pretends not to. We'd show you, but every time we look at her, she gets more and more irritated about her privacy being invaded. She even somehow shot a darkness laser at us out of Hata's phone."
> "It shows her when I try to look for major things or incident related things."
> "Where is she?"
> "I don't know. It's always too dark to see anything when I check."
>_
-
> The one time the hypothetical Other Rumia was actually properly visible (right before she shot at us), could we see her surroundings?
> "I've been figuring that we should work out a way to rescue Ami and our Rumia before diving after this other Rumia."
-
> The one time the hypothetical Other Rumia was actually properly visible (right before she shot at us), could we see her surroundings?
> "I've been figuring that we should work out a way to rescue Ami and our Rumia before diving after this other Rumia."
> You couldn't.
> "So you want me to go next since I can teleport?" Dai questions.
>_
-
> "If you can. And are able to get back."
-
> "If you can. And are able to get back."
> "Don't know if I can get there, but I should be able to get back here afterwards..." Daiyousei says.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Could you bring Ami with you?"
-
> Nod.
> "Could you bring Ami with you?"
> Dai nods in turn.
>_
-
> "Excellent. Thanks for this. Feel free to explain the situation to that other me, I'd want to know if I were her. And, well, I am her. Oh, and if you run into their Hatate, see if she can view us on her phone."
-
> "Excellent. Thanks for this. Feel free to explain the situation to that other me, I'd want to know if I were her. And, well, I am her. Oh, and if you run into their Hatate, see if she can view us on her phone."
> "I'll try." The fairy nods. "So, will miss Hatate do her thing to get me there?"
> "Uh, right. Hopefully it's just the spheres this time..."
>_
-
> "Can you teleport there by seeing the place on her phone?"
-
> "Can you teleport there by seeing the place on her phone?"
> "I don't think so... I haven't been able to warp to somewhere that's just shown on a map or picture before..."
>_
-
> "Well, that makes sense, those are static pictures. But what's on her phone is a real place, being seen in real time. If you still don't think you can, that's fine, but I, at least, wouldn't dare underestimate you."
-
> "Well, that makes sense, those are static pictures. But what's on her phone is a real place, being seen in real time. If you still don't think you can, that's fine, but I, at least, wouldn't dare underestimate you."
> "Maybe... But there's a chance I'd also just warp straight on top of Hatate's camera, and I wouldn't want to destroy it like that..."
>_
-
> "That's fair. Hopefully you won't have too much trouble finding Ami and our other selves. And our Reimu and our Rumia, too, we don't actually know where they went."
> "...Actually, should we try sending you the same way Ami and Rumia went? It might be a struggle, you're bigger than they are, but it might also be good to not continue agitating that other Rumia."
-
> "That's fair. Hopefully you won't have too much trouble finding Ami and our other selves. And our Reimu and our Rumia, too, we don't actually know where they went."
> "...Actually, should we try sending you the same way Ami and Rumia went? It might be a struggle, you're bigger than they are, but it might also be good to not continue agitating that other Rumia."
> "She's comparable to you. I don't think that'll work." Hatate points out.
> "I do want to see that other Rumia too, if possible." Dai says.
> "If I do it, I'm stopping if she tries another attack like before. Otherwise, the orbs she makes seems to send you away."
>_
-
> Can we feel/sense anyone else inside the house?
-
> Can we feel/sense anyone else inside the house?
> Yes. Two others.
>_
-
> Look disappointed, but shrug.
> "As you wish. I just had to ask, you understand."
> Gesture up and down at Dai.
> "Anyway, sure, load 'er up, Hata."
-
> Look disappointed, but shrug.
> "As you wish. I just had to ask, you understand."
> Gesture up and down at Dai.
> "Anyway, sure, load 'er up, Hata."
> Hatate checks on the other Rumia.
> It's darker than usual. But again, the sphere appears.
> "Okay, the we go." Hatate moves aside, closing her camera.
>_
-
> Look thoughtful for a moment.
> "...Hata, stay here and keep watch over us. I'm going to go with her."
> Step into the bubble.
-
> Look thoughtful for a moment.
> "...Hata, stay here and keep watch over us. I'm going to go with her."
> Step into the bubble.
> "If the others ask, tell them I'm helping with an incident." Daiyousei speaks, as you join her in the encapsulating sphere.
> "Be safe." Hatate advises.
> The darkness covers you, and you can't see a thing...
> "You still here?" Daiyousei questions, tapping your arm. "Okay, good."
> It's like your eyes are closed and covered. There's not a bit of light in this sphere...
>_
-
> "Just to be safe..."
> Feel for Dai's hand. If we find it, take it.
-
> "Just to be safe..."
> Feel for Dai's hand. If we find it, take it.
> You reach around, and soon find Daiyousei's hand.
> "Okay, that doesn't work..." Daiyousei says. "How about..."
>_
-
> "Oh. Uh, I'm admittedly not sure what we're supposed to do from here."
-
> "Oh. Uh, I'm admittedly not sure what we're supposed to do from here."
> "I don't really want to just wander around in the dark. I'm trying to get some light."
> And get some she does, though it's not a lot. In the form of a fireball.
> "Geez... It's still hard to see anything."
> It's hardly enough light to see yourself and Daiyousei... You're not going to be able to travel around like this. Though at least you can see where you are is different from where you were earlier. This isn't Daiyousei's treehouse.
>_
-
> Hmm...
> Feel out the shape of the surrounding environs via the wind.
-
> Hmm...
> Feel out the shape of the surrounding environs via the wind.
> You try to discern the environment through the wind, but... it feels like the entire area is filled with darkness. Not any regular old darkness, but advanced darkness. It's like you're trying to blow air through a straw filled with a bunch of junk.
> Still, if you've got the time, you should be able to find out the surroundings a bit through this method... eventually.
>_
-
> Spend a little bit of time trying, then, while Dai does whatever it is she's going to do.
-
> Spend a little bit of time trying, then, while Dai does whatever it is she's going to do.
> Dai brightens the light up a bit as you try to feel for the surroundings...
> After a bit, you can feel a tree, at least. It's leaves... the wind of this place seems unimpeded by the darkness, but you find it hard to follow in a different direction than where it's blowing.
> "Should we start looking for her? Maybe she'll find us first, given we seem to be the only light out here..."
>_
-
> "Sure. It's weird, though...when we were looking at Ami, the environs were normally lit, not pitch dark like this. ...At the very least, wherever this is, our Reimu is also here somewhere."
> Lead Dai toward the tree, to see how long it takes before we can actually see it.
-
> "Sure. It's weird, though...when we were looking at Ami, the environs were normally lit, not pitch dark like this. ...At the very least, wherever this is, our Reimu is also here somewhere."
> Lead Dai toward the tree, to see how long it takes before we can actually see it.
> You lead to the tree, only taking a few steps before her light illuminates part of it.
> "Things are growing fine here, even though sunlight's not reaching it? Or are we just blinded?" Daiyousei questions.
>_
-
> "We could try heading upward, to see if there's some sort of cover."
-
> "We could try heading upward, to see if there's some sort of cover."
> "Alright." Dai agrees.
>_
-
> Fly straight upward, still holding onto Dai.
-
> Fly straight upward, still holding onto Dai.
> You fly up into the air with Dai, careful not to bump into the tree on your way up.
> You feel an unmistakable sensation in the distance. Even in this muddled place, and without being able to see... Someone pure, innocent, and beautiful is headed straight for you.
>_
-
> "Oh."
> Slowly break into a smile.
> "We've got the best kind of company."
-
> "Oh."
> Slowly break into a smile.
> "We've got the best kind of company."
> "Hm?" Daiyousei questions.
> "How fortunate to come across such a striking figure." You hear your own voice, as the Aya you saw in Hatate's camera comes into the light. "What's the reason for blessing my eyes and soon, Gensokyo's, tonight? In search of a lost little birdie?"
> "Aya?" Dai questions, looking between the two of you.
>_
-
> "Why, a lost little birdie and a found big birdie, of course. It would seem fortune has smiled on us both this night."
> Let go of Dai's hand and zip over to our other self.
-
> "Why, a lost little birdie and a found big birdie, of course. It would seem fortune has smiled on us both this night."
> Let go of Dai's hand and zip over to our other self.
> You dart over to your other self, realizing the difference in your sizes.
> "Don't tell me you let another person slip into here? We still haven't figured out just what to do with little Ami."
>_
-
> "I was talking about you, silly."
> Lightly boop her nose.
> "What else was I to do when I learned such perfection existed here than come see it up-close for myself?"
-
> "I was talking about you, silly."
> Lightly boop her nose.
> "What else was I to do when I learned such perfection existed here than come see it up-close for myself?"
> "You come from another Gensokyo, right? Will they be alright without the beautiful Shameimaru Aya?"
> "We shouldn't be gone for long anyways." Daiyousei interjects. "We're on a rescue mission."
>_
-
> Did our other self react at all to getting booped?
> Pout at Dai.
> "C'mon, let us have this."
> Look back to our other self.
> "She is right, though. Our Reimu and our Rumia are also somewhere around here. Speaking of, it seems your Rumia is quite the trickster for someone so private."
-
> Did our other self react at all to getting booped?
> Pout at Dai.
> "C'mon, let us have this."
> Look back to our other self.
> "She is right, though. Our Reimu and our Rumia are also somewhere around here. Speaking of, it seems your Rumia is quite the trickster for someone so private."
> Only a bit.
> "Three people? And Reimu too. Oh my. I can understand the urgency of coming out here, then. And what's this about Rumia?"
>_
-
> "I assume it's Rumia, though she looks like Rumia ate Yukari."
> While talking, wrap an arm around Aya's side and gently pull her toward us to lightly squish her into us.
> "We kept seeing her on Hata's phone, and she'd complain about not having privacy before sending darkness bubbles at us. One of those bubbles is how Dai and I got here, in fact."
-
> "I assume it's Rumia, though she looks like Rumia ate Yukari."
> While talking, wrap an arm around Aya's side and gently pull her toward us to lightly squish her into us.
> "We kept seeing her on Hata's phone, and she'd complain about not having privacy before sending darkness bubbles at us. One of those bubbles is how Dai and I got here, in fact."
> "Haven't seen her in a while, so I'm not sure if she's bigger than usual. I can hunt her down for you, though."
> Your other self squishes against you more before snapping a picture of the two of you.
>_
-
> Make sure to smile for said picture!
> "That'd be much appreciated. I'm impressed you can see that well in this darkness, though."
> Slide the arm wrapped around Aya down until or hand is resting on her backside.
-
> Make sure to smile for said picture!
> "That'd be much appreciated. I'm impressed you can see that well in this darkness, though."
> Slide the arm wrapped around Aya down until or hand is resting on her backside.
> You can't have yourself looking bad in your own paper.
> "What do you mean? You can't?" Aya questions. "Don't tell me you've gone blind suddenly." She presses against you more, this time, face to face, holding on to your waist. "I'm coming in clear, right?"
> "Thanks to my light..." Daiyousei says. "But otherwise, it's pitch black out here. Like Rumia's darkness."
>_
-
> "Yeah, I can see you thanks to Dai, and I could definitely feel you coming in the first place. As well as now."
> Place our other hand on her chest.
> "But our general range of vision is pretty limited, and the other winds are kind of difficult to feel."
-
> "Yeah, I can see you thanks to Dai, and I could definitely feel you coming in the first place. As well as now."
> Place our other hand on her chest.
> "But our general range of vision is pretty limited, and the other winds are kind of difficult to feel."
> "Well isn't that weird. Sounds like I've got you beat in some ways, then." Aya smiles, running her free hand through your hair. "You're missing out on a lot of important details like that."
> Daiyousei's light dies out, leaving you in darkness with your other self.
>_
-
> "Dai?"
-
> "Dai?"
> "I'm just saving my energy for when it actually matters..." The fairy speaks in the darkness.
> "What do you mean? You've got the top informant and information gatherer in Gensokyo here." Aya says.
> "I certainly couldn't tell. I'm sure Reimu or Yukari would've told us twice as much that we needed to know by now. But maybe I'm just a little sleepy and annoyed..."
>_
-
> "Ah, sorry, Dai, you're right. Let's continue this later, Lady Shameimaru."
> Give her a squeeze with both hands, then let go.
> "So where can we find your Rumia, or at least our Reimu and our Rumia? I hope you don't mind being a guide, given the circumstances."
-
> "Ah, sorry, Dai, you're right. Let's continue this later, Lady Shameimaru."
> Give her a squeeze with both hands, then let go.
> "So where can we find your Rumia, or at least our Reimu and our Rumia? I hope you don't mind being a guide, given the circumstances."
> You squeeze the wind bags other you before letting her go.
> "I'll find her in a snap. You can come along if you want." Aya says. "Or I could bring her here."
>_
-
> "We can go with you."
> Take Aya's hand in one hand and Dai's hand in the other.
-
> "We can go with you."
> Take Aya's hand in one hand and Dai's hand in the other.
> You take your hand, and... well Dai didnt approach Aya as much as you. You reach around a bit, but do get her hand.
> "Alright, I'll try not to go too fast for Dai now."
> "Don't patronize me." Daiyousei says. "I can handle it."
> "Hm, Cirno says that too" Your other self starts to lead you and Dai. Hardly the regular tengu speed...
>_
-
> Send Aya a wind whisper: "Oh, trust her when she says she can handle it. You can crank this up."
> If we can't seem to harness the wind enough to do this, speak it out loud normally.
-
> Send Aya a wind whisper: "Oh, trust her when she says she can handle it. You can crank this up."
> If we can't seem to harness the wind enough to do this, speak it out loud normally.
> You try it out, and given she picks up her speed, you think that still works.
> You quickly reach... well, you suppose your destination.
> "Well, found her." Aya gestures.
> Dai starts another light, showing Rumia eating something. Though she covers her eyes a bit at the light.
> "Ah, bright." You hear her, as... another Rumia covers her eyes too.
> Both look like the usual, small Rumia, though."
> "Oh, two for one? Is one yours?" Aya asks.
>_
-
> "...Huh. I assume so, but...the Rumia that Hata found didn't look like either of these."
> Look to the two Rumias. Do either of them feel like our Rumia?
-
> "...Huh. I assume so, but...the Rumia that Hata found didn't look like either of these."
> Look to the two Rumias. Do either of them feel like our Rumia?
> You... aren't sure. They both seem to feel the same...
> Daiyousei decreases her light, and the two stop covering their eyes.
> "Oh, Aya. And Dai?" Both question. "What is it?"
> "Um... have either of you seen another Rumia?"
> Beat... both point at each other.
> "Another another Rumia." Daiyousei corrects. "Taller and such?"
> "I don't think so."
> "It's always dark here by the way. This place is nice."
>_
-
> "Which one of you saw the larger Rumia on a tengu's phone camera very recently?"
-
> "Which one of you saw the larger Rumia on a tengu's phone camera very recently?"
> One of the Rumias raises her hands. You can't tell a difference between them... then again, it's pretty dark anyways.
>_
-
> Point to the Rumia raising her hand while looking at Aya.
> "That's ours. Dunno why yours is identical, though. Makes me want to ask your Hata to try to spy on the larger one."
-
> Point to the Rumia raising her hand while looking at Aya.
> "That's ours. Dunno why yours is identical, though. Makes me want to ask your Hata to try to spy on the larger one."
> "I figure she just hasn't been doing much on either end? Worth calling her over at least, since it sounds like this secret Rumia is starting an incident." Aya says.
> "I'm afraid of the possibility of some light Rumia being on the other end, and there being two secret Rumias..." Daiyousei admits.
> "Would that be four in total? That's quite a few of me..." The other Rumia says.
> "Mhm." Yours agrees.
>_
-
> "If there is, maybe the other other one would send us to our Gensokyo with her darkness."
-
> "If there is, maybe the other other one would send us to our Gensokyo with her darkness."
> "I'll be right back." Aya says, darting off and leaving you with the two Rumia's and Dai.
>_
-
> Look to our Rumia.
> "You wanna go back home?"
-
> Look to our Rumia.
> "You wanna go back home?"
> "It's kinda nice here. I'm fine."
>_
-
> Nod.
> "As you wish. Hope the journey you took to get here wasn't too bad."
-
> Nod.
> "As you wish. Hope the journey you took to get here wasn't too bad."
> "Good luck in your Thingies." Rumia says.
> "I wonder, why would she bring us here if she wasn't going to do anything to us? Nothings happened yet." Daiyousei says.
> Aya returns with Hatate in tow.
> "Oh. That's... quite a different you." Hatate comments.
>_
-
> Grin and wink at Hata.
> "Don't worry, there's plenty of me to go around."
> Look back to Dai.
> "Yeah, I'm wondering about that too. As well as how she was able to bring us here."
-
> Grin and wink at Hata.
> "Don't worry, there's plenty of me to go around."
> Look back to Dai.
> "Yeah, I'm wondering about that too. As well as how she was able to bring us here."
> "So what am I looking for?"
> "I guess Rumia?" Aya questions.
> "Found her." Hatate gestures to the pair.
> "A different one." Daiyousei says.
>_
-
> "A Rumia that looks like she mixed with Yukari. Bigger, older, longer hair, and so on. My Hata found her by accident while looking for 'big news or incidents'. She also did this, which helped her focus."
> Strike the same pose our Hata was making to work her ability better.
-
> "A Rumia that looks like she mixed with Yukari. Bigger, older, longer hair, and so on. My Hata found her by accident while looking for 'big news or incidents'. She also did this, which helped her focus."
> Strike the same pose our Hata was making to work her ability better.
> "A bigger Rumia... I can try." The other Hatate says, fiddling with her camera a bit...
> "There's nothing about such a person." Hatate says.
> "Try the other thing, then. Big news or incidents." Aya says.
> Hatate resumes.
> "Hm... I guess I have something?" Hatate shows you her camera.
> It's difficult to see, but it seems to be the same image your Hatate got. Just an image, though.
>_
-
> "That's her. Can you get a constant image of her, where we can see her move around in real time?"
-
> "That's her. Can you get a constant image of her, where we can see her move around in real time?"
> "A constant image? Like a video? I can try."
> Hatate attempts again, this time, trying out your pose on top of it...
> Its... an image of you and Hatate. And the bigger Rumia behind the two of you.
> She crosses her arms in the image. Or video, you suppose.
>_
-
> Is the Aya in the, uh, video our current self or our previous self?
> Did the bigger Rumia cross her arms, or the other Aya?
-
> Is the Aya in the, uh, video our current self or our previous self?
> Did the bigger Rumia cross her arms, or the other Aya?
> Your current self.
> The bigger Rumia.
>_
-
> Look behind the Aya and Hatate we're currently in the company of.
-
> Look behind the Aya and Hatate we're currently in the company of.
> It's darkness. Daiyousei's light doesn't expand that far.
> ... It should, actually. She's closer to you than the two Rumias, but they're still lit decently.
>_
-
> Glance back at the video to gauge how far behind Aya and Hatate the bigger Rumia is.
> Then zoom over in reality to where that bigger Rumia theoretically is, attempting to grab her.
-
> Glance back at the video to gauge how far behind Aya and Hatate the bigger Rumia is.
> Then zoom over in reality to where that bigger Rumia theoretically is, attempting to grab her.
> You quickly estimate, then dart over to the Rumia.
> You grasp, but there's nothing there. Just the darkness...
> "Geez, why are you after me so much? For a date?" You hear a voice a bit like Rumia's question.
>_
-
> "Why wouldn't Gensokyo's greatest journalist pursue the most curious thing going?"
> Zip over to where we heard the voice come from.
-
> "Why wouldn't Gensokyo's greatest journalist pursue the most curious thing going?"
> Zip over to where we heard the voice come from.
> You dart back over towards the voice. Its darkness...
> "Maybe for some privacy, I guess?" The voice says. "I'm still trying to figure things out myself and I'd rather not be exposed by you two tengu during that..."
> "Would you mind an interview - so that we've got incentive to bother you less?" The other Aya asks.
> "You sure you won't just use that as grounds to bother me more."
> "Not immediately, no..." Aya looks aside.
>_
-
> "Well, to be honest, I probably wouldn't have thought to pursue you immediately if my precious little Ami hadn't been abducted. Did you do that on purpose, or did that just kind of happen by accident?"
-
> "Well, to be honest, I probably wouldn't have thought to pursue you immediately if my precious little Ami hadn't been abducted. Did you do that on purpose, or did that just kind of happen by accident?"
> "Abducted? I thought it was just blinding for a while... Okay..."
> The bigger Rumia appears once more, this time in front of you, pondering in thought.
>_
-
> Glance over at Aya with an uncertain, pondering look, then look back to the bigger alleged Rumia.
> "...This is just a hunch, but...are you Rumia, but not only Rumia? You don't have to answer if you really don't want to, but...maybe we can help you on your self-discovery journey. At least, it's the least I can do for who I think is mixed in with you."
-
> Glance over at Aya with an uncertain, pondering look, then look back to the bigger alleged Rumia.
> "...This is just a hunch, but...are you Rumia, but not only Rumia? You don't have to answer if you really don't want to, but...maybe we can help you on your self-discovery journey. At least, it's the least I can do for who I think is mixed in with you."
> You look over at the other you. She glances over at the other Rumias.
> "Yes, I'm just Rumia. It's just that some things happened. No funny business like me being three mes or anything."
>_
-
> "Huh. Could've sworn you got some Yakumo mixed into you, what with darkness functioning like gaps. Well, the offer to help out is still on the table. And maybe that date you asked about can be arranged."
-
> "Huh. Could've sworn you got some Yakumo mixed into you, what with darkness functioning like gaps. Well, the offer to help out is still on the table. And maybe that date you asked about can be arranged."
> "It's fine, I doubt you could help anyways. I'd need someone like myself, or maybe..." Rumia thinks for a bit. "Sunny Milk? Or Alice? They might figure something out."
> "Got something for blondes?" Aya questions.
> "It's not like that."
>_
-
> "So what can the rest of us do in the meantime to not get spirited away by being in total darkness?"
-
> "So what can the rest of us do in the meantime to not get spirited away by being in total darkness?"
> "That was just my doing. The dark here shouldn't do anything bad. Everyone here can see fine after all."
> "We cant." Daiyousei says. "Hence the light."
> "Hm. Just sit tight then." Rumia shrugs as her visage fades into the dark.
> "So is that what I look like when I eat enough people or something?" One of the small Rumias questions.
>_
-
> "Maybe. She didn't seem sure how she got that way, though."
-
> "Maybe. She didn't seem sure how she got that way, though."
> "So... How come she didn't talk to you two some more?" Aya questions.
> "Huh?" The Rumias ask.
> "This has been a bit of an underwhelming reaction to a larger you. No questions to ask? No wonder why she looks different compared to the two of you. No wonder of where she came from if there's already two of you here and only two of me here?"
> "Oh, we could've asked those..." Rumia says.
> "You're implying they know each other?" Daiyousei asks.
>_
-
> "It certainly is curious, now that I think about it. I guess I just got used to no one really caring about my change."
-
> "It certainly is curious, now that I think about it. I guess I just got used to no one really caring about my change."
> "You sure they're not too stunned to speak about it? Surely you've got people stumbling over their words if they had I comment on it." Aya says.
> "That might've been the case another time, but everyone's changed from a bit to a lot recently." Daiyousei explains. "At least that's why I think they wouldn't comment."
> "Think I've got it." The bigger Rumia appears. "This might be my doing. Just not my doing." She explains.
> "...Uh..." Dai questions.
> "I think, at least. A Rumia, maybe one of us, found a way to get out desires or wishes fulfilled. Our as in all kinds of Rumias." She explains, further.
>_
-
> "...Huh. Wonder what that implies about the wishes that have been made so far, that some of us have wound up here?"
> Try willing our thighs to be even wider and thicker, like what we did earlier to re-form ourselves.
-
> "...Huh. Wonder what that implies about the wishes that have been made so far, that some of us have wound up here?"
> Try willing our thighs to be even wider and thicker, like what we did earlier to re-form ourselves.
> "I don't think it's been many aside from myself. Otherwise, why would I make such a selfless wish, but also selfish about myself instead of everyone? You two feel it too, right? That something is sorta calling to you?"
> "A bit / Yea..." The two normal Rumias agree.
> "And the direction."
> "Somewhere over there." Both point in the same direction. "Maybe."
> "Any of you feel like such?"
> "Not really." Daiyousei shakes her head.
> "Let me check." Aya takes off in the direction they pointed.
> You try to will your body to change more...
> Either it was a much smaller increase, or nothing happened...
>_
-
> Close our eyes, empty our mind of other concerns for the moment, and truly focus on willing our form to change like we did in the emptiness before, with the goal of making our thighs thicker to the point that they're wider than our own torso.
-
> Close our eyes, empty our mind of other concerns for the moment, and truly focus on willing our form to change like we did in the emptiness before, with the goal of making our thighs thicker to the point that they're wider than our own torso.
> You try to forget the current situations and focus...
> "Only notable thing near here is the Hakurei Shrine. But I didn't see or feel anything along the way." Aya interrupts your focus. "You three planning on becoming shrine maidens?"
> "No." Rumia says.
>_
-
> Oh, never mind all that then. Open our eyes.
> "Well, the Hakurei Shrine is never a bad place to go to investigate weirdness."
-
> Oh, never mind all that then. Open our eyes.
> "Well, the Hakurei Shrine is never a bad place to go to investigate weirdness."
> "What, planning on checking it out, too?"
>_
-
> "Well, I don't think I'd mentioned this yet, but my Reimu is also in this Gensokyo. I just don't know where...but her shrine in this Gensokyo seems a decent bet. Though I haven't forgotten my precious Ami, of course."
-
> "Well, I don't think I'd mentioned this yet, but my Reimu is also in this Gensokyo. I just don't know where...but her shrine in this Gensokyo seems a decent bet. Though I haven't forgotten my precious Ami, of course."
> "I could look around and gather them up in one place, maybe."
> "Why are so many of your people here?" Hatate asks.
>_
-
> "Uh, well, Ami was an accident. Reimu felt a disturbance in the force and traveled here in pursuit. Rumia was a half-accident. Dai and myself came here to bring them all back."
> Grin a bit at Hatate.
> "Though I'll admit the idea of bringing home a tengu souvenir or four is mighty appealing~"
-
> "Uh, well, Ami was an accident. Reimu felt a disturbance in the force and traveled here in pursuit. Rumia was a half-accident. Dai and myself came here to bring them all back."
> Grin a bit at Hatate.
> "Though I'll admit the idea of bringing home a tengu souvenir or four is mighty appealing~"
> "Not too sure about visiting a different world right now..." Hatate looks aside.
> "I'll get going, then... Reimu and Ami, huh..." Aya takes off, again.
>_
-
> "Wait! Should I go with you?"
-
> "Wait! Should I go with you?"
> "Not with your sight problem." Aya calls in the distance.
> "She's right. We would be flying blind..." Daiyousei adds.
>_
-
> "Damn, I suppose that's true. ...Wonder why it's just us that are affected?"
-
> "Damn, I suppose that's true. ...Wonder why it's just us that are affected?"
> "Maybe because you're not from here?" Hatate questions. "Your Ami wasn't seeing things well, either.
>_
-
> Sad face.
> "Ahh...I've really not treated her right, have I."
-
> Sad face.
> "Ahh...I've really not treated her right, have I."
> "She sounded a tad annoyed that things weren't going her way. Though, it sounded like it was made up a bit with how they didn't seem to be going well for you, either. At least that she wasnt the only one. I don't know what you two are playing at, though, that you're so unlucky in."
>_
-
> "Neither do I. Frankly, it's starting to get annoying."
-
> "Neither do I. Frankly, it's starting to get annoying."
> "Maybe it's just something the world won't agree with." Hatate says.
> "There are times you fight back against that, though." Daiyousei says. "Sometimes it turns out well. You just need to find the right methods. Maybe you guys could even be the key."
>_
-
> To Hatate: "In the vein of what Dai says, if I really want to do something and the world won't agree, then I simply have to prove the world wrong and do it anyway. I imagine if you asked your me, she'd give you the same answer."
-
> To Hatate: "In the vein of what Dai says, if I really want to do something and the world won't agree, then I simply have to prove the world wrong and do it anyway. I imagine if you asked your me, she'd give you the same answer."
> "What is it you're even trying to do?" Hatate asks.
>_
-
> "A number of things. Depends on the context you're looking for."
-
> "A number of things. Depends on the context you're looking for."
> "Like?"
> "Think she wanted to eat someone at some point? Nonlethally, of course." Daiyousei says. "Maybe."
> "And... why can't you? That sounds easy."
> "Eh?"
> "Yeah, we can eat others here. It's one of the victory terms for danmaku duels. Makes some people more motivated to not lose, and it's like a prank." Rumia says.
> "Ooh, so you can actually eat people here?" The other Rumia asks.
> "Mhm. Only for a bit though."
>_
-
> Mental update: The Rumia that just asked for confirmation must be our Rumia.
> "...Huh. I suppose that tracks with some Rumia entity getting her wishes granted. But, to be clear, that's not at all the norm in our Gensokyo, and the overwhelming majority of people there couldn't do it even if they wanted to."
-
> Mental update: The Rumia that just asked for confirmation must be our Rumia.
> "...Huh. I suppose that tracks with some Rumia entity getting her wishes granted. But, to be clear, that's not at all the norm in our Gensokyo, and the overwhelming majority of people there couldn't do it even if they wanted to."
> "Sounds disappointing."
> "That's both Ami and Reimu at the shrine now. Yours, of course." Aya returns. "Just leave you three, and figuring a way to get back."
>_
-
> Shrug at whoever said it was disappointing. "It's as natural to us as your way is to you. As much as we might have to consider the possibility that this Gensokyo's reality is only that way because a Rumia wished for it."
> To Aya: "Can we go meet them as a group?"
-
> Shrug at whoever said it was disappointing. "It's as natural to us as your way is to you. As much as we might have to consider the possibility that this Gensokyo's reality is only that way because a Rumia wished for it."
> To Aya: "Can we go meet them as a group?"
> "I don't see why not." Aya says.
>_
-
> "Let's do it, then. Oh, but can we pick up my Ami along the way? Or is that too inconvenient?"
-
> "Let's do it, then. Oh, but can we pick up my Ami along the way? Or is that too inconvenient?"
> "I meant all of them are at the shrine. Ami and Reimu. And our Reimu, I suppose. Unless you're asking me to bring others too?" Aya asks.
>_
-
> "Oh, I thought Ami was somewhere else, sorry. Yeah, let's go."
> Hoist Dai and our Gensokyo's Rumia up so that we're carrying Rumia at our side like a sack of grain with one arm, and supporting Dai by hugging her into us with the other. (Position her so her chest presses into ours.)
-
> "Oh, I thought Ami was somewhere else, sorry. Yeah, let's go."
> Hoist Dai and our Gensokyo's Rumia up so that we're carrying Rumia at our side like a sack of grain with one arm, and supporting Dai by hugging her into us with the other. (Position her so her chest presses into ours.)
> You lift Dai and your Rumia.
> Well, I guess this is the optimal way to travel in here..." Dai holds the light further away and ahead, a bit awkwardly as she has to move it around your hold.
> The other Aya leads the way, flying off again, taking Hatate with her.
>_
-
> Follow them, keeping pace with ourself.
> Grin at Dai.
> "Of course. That is definitely my only reason for doing this~"
-
> Follow them, keeping pace with ourself.
> Grin at Dai.
> "Of course. That is definitely my only reason for doing this~"
> "This flirting doesn't really work that well, at least for me." Dai says.
> "You should take her to Misty's stand sometime. That'd work, maybe." Your pack of Rumia provisions says.
> "Don't give her ideas."
> Dai is spared from any further attempt of Rumia's by your arrival at the Hakurei Shrine.
>_
-
> Have a look around for who is here.
-
> Have a look around for who is here.
> You look around.
> Darkness... big surprise. Anyone here must be out of view, or in the shrine.
>_
-
> Do we have any money? (Presumably it would be at home.)
> "If you're outright uninterested, you can say so."
> Continue on toward the entrance. If we still don't run into anyone, head inside.
-
> Do we have any money? (Presumably it would be at home.)
> "If you're outright uninterested, you can say so."
> Continue on toward the entrance. If we still don't run into anyone, head inside.
> Yes. Thankfully, you believe you've left any funds you had at home. It's a dangerous job you have, and you can rush home to get funds anyways. Your transformation would've lost it if you did carry your cash anyways.
> "Disinterest doesn't mean I'm not open to changing my mind." Daiyousei makes the light bigger and brighter. "I'd say nows not the time, but I suppose it's not really an incident or peril."
> The greater light does allow you to see... no one is outside.
> You head into the shrine, the darkness within still feeling a bit weird to just sit in the shrine like this, aside from Dai's light.
> The Rumias are here, alongside yours of course. Ami and two Reimus are present. Hatate too.
> "Ah, good. Pickups here." Ami says.
> "Sorry again. Didn't expect you'd get sent here just from being in complete darkness." Rumia apologizes.
> "I hope no one else has." Reimu speaks
> "Not yet, as far as I know."
> Judging by their reactions to their appearance, you take it your Reimu is the one that spoke, as the other wrests her gaze away from you upon your scanning of those in the room.
>_
-
> Is the Rumia that apologized the abnormally large/mature one?
> "This should be it, unless someone else stumbled into it by accident."
> Gently set Dai and our Rumia down, then rush over to Ami and hug her.
> "You okay?"
-
> Is the Rumia that apologized the abnormally large/mature one?
> "This should be it, unless someone else stumbled into it by accident."
> Gently set Dai and our Rumia down, then rush over to Ami and hug her.
> "You okay?"
> Yes.
> You lift Ami up into a hug.
> "A bit tired of this darkness..." Ami says, sounding less than thrilled.
> "Are we ready to go back?" Dai asks.
>_
-
> Give Ami a gentle loving-and-apologetic squeeze to punctuate the hug, then set her back down on her own two feet.
> Try giving the other Aya a wind order to gently feel our wings.
> To Dai: "How do you need us gathered to send us back?"
> To the maturer-looking Rumia: "And do you think you can do something about the unintentional darkness abductions?"
-
> Give Ami a gentle loving-and-apologetic squeeze to punctuate the hug, then set her back down on her own two feet.
> Try giving the other Aya a wind order to gently feel our wings.
> To Dai: "How do you need us gathered to send us back?"
> To the maturer-looking Rumia: "And do you think you can do something about the unintentional darkness abductions?"
> You try to give a wind order, though it's still a bit difficult to mess with the wind in this place...
> "Just get close together." Daiyousei says.
> "Guess it's time to go, huh." Your Rumia does as instructed, holding onto Dai's arm.
> "It was an accident. I should be able to stop it." The bigger Rumia says.
>_
-
> Did the other Aya not act, then?
> Nod at the larger Rumia, then look over at Aya and Hatate with a wink and a grin., holding a hand out to them.
> "Last chance for an experience that may never be possible again, ladies."
> Try one last time to give this Gensokyo's Aya and Hatate a wind order to come with us.
-
> Did the other Aya not act, then?
> Nod at the larger Rumia, then look over at Aya and Hatate with a wink and a grin., holding a hand out to them.
> "Last chance for an experience that may never be possible again, ladies."
> Try one last time to give this Gensokyo's Aya and Hatate a wind order to come with us.
> She did not.
> You gi-
> "Well, if Rumia can bring people from there back here, what's say we do a bit of reporting on the differences in Gensokyos?" The other Aya looks at her Hatate.
> ""Huh? Both of us? You can go alone if you want to." Hatate says.
> "But then I'll be oh so lonely."
> "Y-Youll have yourself."
>_
-
> Nod to the other Aya.
> "Forgive my impertinence, please."
> Zip over to Hatate, scoop her up in a bridal carry (with hands in less forward locations), and then zip over to Dai.
> "Ami, take hold of me, if you wouldn't mind."
-
> Nod to the other Aya.
> "Forgive my impertinence, please."
> Zip over to Hatate, scoop her up in a bridal carry (with hands in less forward locations), and then zip over to Dai.
> "Ami, take hold of me, if you wouldn't mind."
> You pick up this world's Hatate.
> "It's only right you treat her that way, me~ it'd be rude not to."
> "A-Ahem. I'd rather not cause trouble for our Gensokyo by... bringing in others or some-"
> "We haven't experienced any troubles since you guys came, though." Aya argues, shutting Dai down.
> "Well, we've been having recent issues. Seeing as how you seem more laid back, I take it you haven't. It could cause another incid-
> "Then Aya will deal with it. She is quite capable, if I do say so myself. Don't you think so too, Reimu?"
> "Huh? / I don't want to have to deal with an incident happening in the first place though..." The other Reimu and yours speak, respectively.
>_
-
> Smile at the Reimus.
> "I would never cause an incident and trouble you like that Reimu. And I'm sure the same is true for me."
-
> Smile at the Reimus.
> "I would never cause an incident and trouble you like that Reimu. And I'm sure the same is true for me."
> "I brought them here. I can likely bring ours back anytime, too." The big Rumia says.
> "I guess so..." Reimu agrees.
> "So, Majority rules, Daiyousei?" Aya raises an eyebrow as Ami takes hold of you.
> "What about what Hatate thinks?" Dai asks.
> "It'd be a little troublesome if I'm gone, yes... the village wouldn't exactly be happy with it, even if it's explained as a trip or such..." Hatate explains.
>_
-
> "Oh, Boss'll get over it. Besides, if you come with us, you can exchange personal information with yourself, and both you and you can improve your craft that way."
-
> "Oh, Boss'll get over it. Besides, if you come with us, you can exchange personal information with yourself, and both you and you can improve your craft that way."
> "It won't help much if I can't see or something there..."
> "What if I go with you? Then I can take us both back instead of having to blindly do it." Rumia offers.
> "So you can think of it as a vacation from work." Aya adds.
>_
-
> "Oh, traveling with someone that can take you back at the right time is probably a good idea, huh."
> Look to Super Rumia.
> "I don't suppose my Hatate is watching us right now, is she? I can't tell like this, but I assume you can."
-
> "Oh, traveling with someone that can take you back at the right time is probably a good idea, huh."
> Look to Super Rumia.
> "I don't suppose my Hatate is watching us right now, is she? I can't tell like this, but I assume you can."
> "It doesn't seem like it, no..." Rumia answers.
>_
-
> "Drat. Well, still, we'd be glad to have you along with us. Anyway, let's not waste much more time, Dai has places to be."
> We've had a little practice with this now, with Ami and Rumia, and it's apparently very normal here...so we should be able to do this, no problem.
> Shift our grip on Hatate so we can hold her feet slightly above our head, open our mouth as wide as we can, and sent her all the way down into us quickly before she has time to react.
-
> "Drat. Well, still, we'd be glad to have you along with us. Anyway, let's not waste much more time, Dai has places to be."
> We've had a little practice with this now, with Ami and Rumia, and it's apparently very normal here...so we should be able to do this, no problem.
> Shift our grip on Hatate so we can hold her feet slightly above our head, open our mouth as wide as we can, and sent her all the way down into us quickly before she has time to react.
> "I don't exactly have to go somew-"
> You interrupt Dai with lifting Hatate up above your head, and sendi-
> "H-Hey!" Aya whisks Hatate out of your grasp. "This one's mine!"
> "Eh?" Hatate questions.
> "Well, you certainly weren't doing it, so..." One of the Rumias comments.
>_
-
> Look to Aya with a slight grin.
> "I was actually going to ask if you wanted to follow her in. And then whatever happens in there, stays in there, you know?"
-
> Look to Aya with a slight grin.
> "I was actually going to ask if you wanted to follow her in. And then whatever happens in there, stays in there, you know?"
> "I'm... gonna pretend I didn't hear whatever that was." Reimu says. "Can we get going already?"
> "Maybe you can visit some other time when your Hatate isn't worrying." Hatate says.
> "Seems like she isn't. She isn't checking on me at least." Rumia says.
> "She could be on others though, right?" Daiyousei suggests. "Like me, or you yourself, Aya."
>_
-
> Point at Hatate with a grin.
> "All four of us at once. I like that idea. But yeah, we should get this show on the road."
> Take one of Ami's hands in one hand and one of our Reimu's hands in the other hand.
> "Other Reimu, Other Little Rumia, it's been a blast. Catch you on the other side some day, maybe."
-
> Point at Hatate with a grin.
> "All four of us at once. I like that idea. But yeah, we should get this show on the road."
> Take one of Ami's hands in one hand and one of our Reimu's hands in the other hand.
> "Other Reimu, Other Little Rumia, it's been a blast. Catch you on the other side some day, maybe."
> You link back up.
> "See you another day." Rumia responds.
> "Here's hoping no one's in that spot or anything." Daiyousei says.
> "Why, what would-"
> Reimu is interrupted by the big fairy warping your group. You're back at Misty Lake, though behind the tree house Dai was at.
> "Happen if someone were?" Reimu continues.
> "Best not to think about it." Daiyousei insists. "We made it fine anyways."
>_
-
> Did both the other Aya and the other Hatate come with us? If so, is the other Aya still holding the other Hatate?
> Look around for our own Hata, since we told her to stay here.
-
> Did both the other Aya and the other Hatate come with us? If so, is the other Aya still holding the other Hatate?
> Look around for our own Hata, since we told her to stay here.
> It doesn't seem like it...
> You look around...
> "Ah, you're back?" You hear Hatate, seemingly on the other side of the tree.
> "The dark shouldn't be an issue anymore." Reimu says.
> "Yeah, now that we know it was another Rumia. Though, I wonder if there's another another Rumia in our world." Daiyousei considers.
> Rumia shrugs.
>_
-
> "Ah, did we leave the other tengu there?"
-
> "Ah, did we leave the other tengu there?"
> "Honestly, I have half an idea that they're visiting their me about getting to here." Daiyousei considers. "That or Rumia."
> "We didn't get there through you though." Rumia says.
>_
-
> "That makes sense, given Hata and I thought to ask you."
> Call over to Hata: "We're home, yes! Come on 'round to this side!"
-
> "That makes sense, given Hata and I thought to ask you."
> Call over to Hata: "We're home, yes! Come on 'round to this side!"
> Hatate rounds the tree.
> "Looks like you're all in one piece still." Hatate comments to you and the others.
>_
-
> Smile.
> "Yup. The rescue mission was a success, with help from the other us-es."
> Wrap an arm around Ami and gently pull her to lightly squish her into our side.
> Still to Hatate: "And we shouldn't need to worry about the whole vanishing-into-darkness thing anymore."
> Look to Reimu.
> "Unless you're still getting that uneasy feeling?"
-
> Smile.
> "Yup. The rescue mission was a success, with help from the other us-es."
> Wrap an arm around Ami and gently pull her to lightly squish her into our side.
> Still to Hatate: "And we shouldn't need to worry about the whole vanishing-into-darkness thing anymore."
> Look to Reimu.
> "Unless you're still getting that uneasy feeling?"
> "Doesn't seem like it..." Reimu says. "I guess that wasn't too bad, aside from not being able to see a thing."
> "Of course it wasn't. Aside from that, yeah. Aya doesn't rope people into bad things. ...For the most part. We get asked to help with them sometimes." Ami looks aside.
> "Not according to my record." Reimu argues.
> "Like...?" Hatate questions.
> "..." Reimu thinks.
>_
-
> "I've never done anything bad in my entire life. They don't call me the Pure and Honest Shameimaru for nothing."
> Look down at Ami.
> "How was your experience with what we did right before you got whisked away to that other Gensokyo, anyway? You weren't in there for very long..."
> If Ami says she liked and/or enjoyed it, or at least found it interesting, give her a wind order to ask us if we can do it again. If Ami says she didn't mind it or seems ambivalent, give her a wind order to offer to do it again if we want. If Ami says (or implies) that she actively didn't like or enjoy it, do not give her any wind orders.
-
> "I've never done anything bad in my entire life. They don't call me the Pure and Honest Shameimaru for nothing."
> Look down at Ami.
> "How was your experience with what we did right before you got whisked away to that other Gensokyo, anyway? You weren't in there for very long..."
> If Ami says she liked and/or enjoyed it, or at least found it interesting, give her a wind order to ask us if we can do it again. If Ami says she didn't mind it or seems ambivalent, give her a wind order to offer to do it again if we want. If Ami says (or implies) that she actively didn't like or enjoy it, do not give her any wind orders.
> "They don't call you that at all." Reimu says.
> "It wasn't bad, but I didn't get the chance to try it myself, even when there. Apparently it works there or something, if my ears aren't messed up... It looked like you would with Hatate." Ami explains.
> "Huh?" Hatate questions. "Me?"
> "Another one."
>_
-
> "Yeah, they did say that, didn't they? Well, clearly it works here as well, at least with me. And probably with you eventually, given how far you and I got."
> Look to Hatate.
> "You watched me take Ami in, Hata. Would you like to try me doing the same to you, now that she's returned and said it wasn't bad?"
-
> "Yeah, they did say that, didn't they? Well, clearly it works here as well, at least with me. And probably with you eventually, given how far you and I got."
> Look to Hatate.
> "You watched me take Ami in, Hata. Would you like to try me doing the same to you, now that she's returned and said it wasn't bad?"
> "I'll pass. After all, there's a bit of a story that needs to get composed, and if you won't capitalize on it, I will." Hatate says. "Then I'll think about it."
>_
-
> "Why not do both at once? Isn't your entire thing that you can compose stories on your phone? You can just do that in there."
-
> "Why not do both at once? Isn't your entire thing that you can compose stories on your phone? You can just do that in there."
> "Well, doing "just that" doesn't get my content up to the number one spot. So I've gotta take a different angle on things."
>_
-
> Sigh and rub our face a bit.
> "...I suppose you're not wrong to be thinking that way..."
> Give Ami a wind order to quietly ask Rumia if she (Ami) can send her (Rumia) down the same way Aya did.
> Then turn to Dai.
> "Ah, sorry, we shouldn't be having this discussion on your lawn this late at night. We can bugger off so you can get back to bed."
-
> Sigh and rub our face a bit.
> "...I suppose you're not wrong to be thinking that way..."
> Give Ami a wind order to quietly ask Rumia if she (Ami) can send her (Rumia) down the same way Aya did.
> Then turn to Dai.
> "Ah, sorry, we shouldn't be having this discussion on your lawn this late at night. We can bugger off so you can get back to bed."
> You give a wind order, and it looks like Ami's heading over to ask. Thus, you bring your attention back to the fairy.
> "Well, it's not like I own this lake, but yeah, you probably shouldn't."
>_
-
> Is Reimu still here?
> Keep half an eye and half a (wind) ear on Ami, in order to keep track of where that conversation goes.
> "We'll be off momentarily, then. Thanks again for your help, and have a good what's-left-of-the-night. I'll keep you updated if there are any developments I think you'll be interested in hearing."
> Give Dai a goodbye hug.
-
> Is Reimu still here?
> Keep half an eye and half a (wind) ear on Ami, in order to keep track of where that conversation goes.
> "We'll be off momentarily, then. Thanks again for your help, and have a good what's-left-of-the-night. I'll keep you updated if there are any developments I think you'll be interested in hearing."
> Give Dai a goodbye hug.
> She seems to have left. She's still in view though.
> You hug the filling Fairy.
> "Well, if you feel like going back there, feel free to let me know. I could use a bit more practice in certain aspects involving there..." Daiyousei returns the hug. "Don't get in over your head without someone to back you up, either."
> Rumia seems to be discussing with Ami about eating and being eaten, and something about a secret.
>_
-
> Is Reimu going in the direction of her home?
> A secret, huh? Tempting to listen in on...but perhaps it would be better if we let our little Ami and Rumia have their privacy. ...We can always squeeze whatever it is out of Ami later anyway~
> Do still keep half an eye on them, though.
> "Of course. I'll keep in touch."
-
> Is Reimu going in the direction of her home?
> A secret, huh? Tempting to listen in on...but perhaps it would be better if we let our little Ami and Rumia have their privacy. ...We can always squeeze whatever it is out of Ami later anyway~
> Do still keep half an eye on them, though.
> "Of course. I'll keep in touch."
> Yes, you believe so.
> Ami's asking how big a secret it is. Which seems to convince Rumia against such. Though Ami insists on still trying. Seems they're at an impasse from that hesitation.
>_
-
> Give Ami a wind order to tell Rumia what she wants to hear in order to agree.
> Give Dai a firm pat on the back while breaking the hug off so she can depart. (Make sure to not slap her wings by accident.)
-
> Give Ami a wind order to tell Rumia what she wants to hear in order to agree.
> Give Dai a firm pat on the back while breaking the hug off so she can depart. (Make sure to not slap her wings by accident.)
> You try to give a wind order, finding it doesn't quite reach Ami?
> "You should try Mystia." Rumia suggests. "She's been eaten before. By that ghost princess lady."
> You part ways from Dai, who looks over to Rumia in worry.
> "I think that'd cause too much trauma to be an option." Daiyousei says.
> "Isn't a good way to fight that, facing it?" Rumia asks. "If not her, then the ghost girl instead?"
>_
-
> "It's something to consider. Ami, let's go, we have a shrine maiden to make sure goes to bed properly~"
-
> "It's something to consider. Ami, let's go, we have a shrine maiden to make sure goes to bed properly~"
> "Doesn't Reimu know how to get to her bed?" Rumia asks.
>_
-
> Chuckle.
> "She does, but you needn't worry about it. You have a good night as well, Rumia. Hata, Ami, we're off."
> Take flight and head toward the Hakurei Shrine at a more causal pace, so our entourage can keep pace without difficulty.
> Along the way: "So. Either of you interested in being sent down into me in order to get a funny reaction from Reimu?"
-
> Chuckle.
> "She does, but you needn't worry about it. You have a good night as well, Rumia. Hata, Ami, we're off."
> Take flight and head toward the Hakurei Shrine at a more causal pace, so our entourage can keep pace without difficulty.
> Along the way: "So. Either of you interested in being sent down into me in order to get a funny reaction from Reimu?"
> You start off, with Hatate and Ami following along.
> "I already said my piece about what I'd like to focus on." Hatate says. "I shouldn't even be coming along for this. Besides, wouldn't that make this flight troublesome?"
>_
-
> "Not at all. I've spent plenty of recent time carrying far more than the both of you."
> Adopt a serious expression and take a few moments after saying this to think. If Hatate doesn't respond to it, say: "But if you really want to break off, you can."
-
> "Not at all. I've spent plenty of recent time carrying far more than the both of you."
> Adopt a serious expression and take a few moments after saying this to think. If Hatate doesn't respond to it, say: "But if you really want to break off, you can."
> "I've got a feeling we'd run into trouble midway through an attempt anyways." Ami says, already defeated somewhat. Maybe from that, maybe from Rumia.
> "I wonder who'd get in our way to Reimu? Seija is preoccupied, I'd guess. Maybe there's Marisa, given I haven't seen her in a while..." Hatate considers.
> "Maybe they're eating each other. At least such would be amusing for a change of the world will keep using us as butt monkeys." Ami muses a bit.
> "Uhm, we'd end up exterminated if we stumbled on such a sight..." Hatate argues
>_
-
> "What, you two don't think I could just avoid anyone that was actively hostile and got in our way? Sakuya wouldn't care, and no one else has a chance of catching me if I don't want to be caught."
-
> "What, you two don't think I could just avoid anyone that was actively hostile and got in our way? Sakuya wouldn't care, and no one else has a chance of catching me if I don't want to be caught."
> "What about that uh... Saki person?" Ami questions.
>_
-
> "We already raced. I won. Also, for what it's worth, I very much doubt humans would be doing that to each other. Even ignoring that Gensokyo has rules about that sort of thing, their bodies aren't really made for it. Youkai like us are built different."
-
> "We already raced. I won. Also, for what it's worth, I very much doubt humans would be doing that to each other. Even ignoring that Gensokyo has rules about that sort of thing, their bodies aren't really made for it. Youkai like us are built different."
> "Guess you have a point there." Ami agrees.
>_
-
> Look back to Hatate.
> "All that being said, if you want to break off to do your own thing, you can."
-
> Look back to Hatate.
> "All that being said, if you want to break off to do your own thing, you can."
> "Suggesting even after I said it was fine. Sounds like you plan on something with Ami. Alright, I'll leave you to it, then." Hatate nods, starting to fly ahead and higher.
>_
-
> Watch her leave for a moment, then look to Ami.
> "I'm glad Hata thinks that well of me, but I don't actually have anything planned. Was there anything you wanted or needed to do on your own?"
-
> Watch her leave for a moment, then look to Ami.
> "I'm glad Hata thinks that well of me, but I don't actually have anything planned. Was there anything you wanted or needed to do on your own?"
> You watch Hatate get out of sight...
> "Not really. I could use some rest from all these failures, though. If that idea works even a little like it used to, I'd probably be up for taking the nap there." Ami answers.
>_
-
> "Sure, I can do that for you."
> Slow to a stop.
> Then, if Ami is willing, send her all the way down as before, in the hopes she doesn't immediately get zapped into yet another dimension.
-
> "Sure, I can do that for you."
> Slow to a stop.
> Then, if Ami is willing, send her all the way down as before, in the hopes she doesn't immediately get zapped into yet another dimension.
> You slow down and make an attempt on the quiet evening, hoping fate doesn't take the chance to screw you again. Maybe you ought to make sure Remilia isn't messing with you...
> It seems to be going well, even smoother than the time she vanished, to the point you're worried something worse will happen to offset it...
> ...
> But nothing ever does? You've got Ami fully down. No issues with carrying given you've heft larger loads, but to say your fellow birds are heavy...
> "You're not suddenly replaced or anything, right? Still Aya?" Ami questions, pressing outward as if to investigate and confirm your identity. "Doesn't feel like open air and weird blindness."
>_
-
> "Still me, yeah. Oh, the last two setups were done with Lady Yakumo's assistance."
> Resume heading toward Reimu's pad.
> "The first was some sort of gap space, where my body didn't change at all. The second one, I'm not entirely sure; Suika helped out with it, and my body changed in a pretty obvious manner. This one, though? All natural. That's why it's a different environment."
-
> "Still me, yeah. Oh, the last two setups were done with Lady Yakumo's assistance."
> Resume heading toward Reimu's pad.
> "The first was some sort of gap space, where my body didn't change at all. The second one, I'm not entirely sure; Suika helped out with it, and my body changed in a pretty obvious manner. This one, though? All natural. That's why it's a different environment."
> "Not much of a blanket or anything... but I guess I'm not dying yet so this should be fine." Ami speaks as you get a move on again.
>_
-
> How easy or difficult is it to hear her?
> Chuckle.
> "I appreciate that the bar for the quality of this is whether or not you're actively dying."
> If we are able to, put a little bit of wind-command emphasis into what we say next.
> "By the way, feel free to do whatever you like while you're in there. It's not like anyone can see you, my cute little apprentice~"
-
> How easy or difficult is it to hear her?
> Chuckle.
> "I appreciate that the bar for the quality of this is whether or not you're actively dying."
> If we are able to, put a little bit of wind-command emphasis into what we say next.
> "By the way, feel free to do whatever you like while you're in there. It's not like anyone can see you, my cute little apprentice~"
> It's not that difficult. You're used to catching much quieter things on your ears.
> "Well then, I'll be taking my rest..." Ami responds. "You get some too, sometime."
> You can see Reimu's place up ahead. Not far to go
>_
-
> Give...some part of Ami a gentle pat. Whatever we can feel of her that makes the most sense to pat.
> "Have a good sleep, Ami."
> Finish up getting to Reimu's place.
-
> Give...some part of Ami a gentle pat. Whatever we can feel of her that makes the most sense to pat.
> "Have a good sleep, Ami."
> Finish up getting to Reimu's place.
> You let Ami rest and continue onwards towards the Hakurei Shrine.
> It seems no one's immediately outside.
>_
-
> Land and walk inside.
-
> Land and walk inside.
> You casual trespass into Reimu's shrine, as everyone does naturally. Though no one's telling you off. No annoyed questions of what you want this time. She did come here, didn't she?
> You don't see anyone around, though.
>_
-
> Huh.
> Feel about the winds to see if there's anyone nearby.
-
> Huh.
> Feel about the winds to see if there's anyone nearby.
> Such a check doesn't show anyone around. No sign of lingering winds that would imply a tengu or bird of some sort was by, as far as you've come to understand.
>_
-
> Hmm. Think back to where Reimu was going when she left us. If she wasn't coming here, what else would have been in that direction?
-
> Hmm. Think back to where Reimu was going when she left us. If she wasn't coming here, what else would have been in that direction?
> You consider... she could be lingering further out around the area. Otherwise, you doubt she's headed to the human village for something. Maybe a check up on the humans, actually? Though you suspect she'd be focused on just getting done with this day instead.
> There's the entrance to the underground nearby. You suppose she could've gone to visit there, if anything.
>_
-
> Double-check her bedroom to see if she's simply asleep.
> If she's not...head for that underground entrance.
-
> Double-check her bedroom to see if she's simply asleep.
> If she's not...head for that underground entrance.
> You peek into Reimu's room...
> Her outfits up, but no Shrine maiden in view.
> You decide to check the underground entrance. Still a bit of ice here, but nothing in the way.
>_
-
> Does it feel like Ami's asleep yet?
> Head down the tunnel in search of...well, anyone, really, but Reimu in particular.
-
> Does it feel like Ami's asleep yet?
> Head down the tunnel in search of...well, anyone, really, but Reimu in particular.
> You believe so.
> You start down the tunnel... aside from the fairies, it's quiet and empty.
>_
-
> Continue onward until we find someone or hit the city.
-
> Continue onward until we find someone or hit the city.
> You keep searching...
> You nearly bump into something blocking the way. If not for noticing it with your wind, and maybe from adjusting to the dark with earlier. Seems to be a big boulder lodged into the tunnel.
> There's a signpost here near the boulder as well. Pretty useless given it's too dark to see any writing.
>_
-
> Shoot a stream of bullets upward to try to generate enough light to read the sign.
-
> Shoot a stream of bullets upward to try to generate enough light to read the sign.
> You illuminate the area a little with danmaku.
> The sign appears to read "Dead End."
> There's colored scribbles near it that read "BLOCKEaDeDaYDaiS". It's messily written over a bit. A small circle surrounds the letters almost invading the Dead End, as if to bring attention to it.
> There's another sign on the floor. Though it's clear it's mainly made by whoever scribbled on this one, as it's not even a proper sign, just tree branches, wood, and vines strapped together. It's face down.
>_
-
> Frown.
> Head all the way back up the tunnel and back to Reimu's pad, checking around outdoors and indoors if she's back. Make sure to make note of when our search takes us to her bedroom again.
-
> Frown.
> Head all the way back up the tunnel and back to Reimu's pad, checking around outdoors and indoors if she's back. Make sure to make note of when our search takes us to her bedroom again.
> You fly back to the Shrine, starting to search for whereabouts within and outside.
> No one... it doesn't even seem like Clownpiece is home. Maybe she's at Larva's place, wherever that is...
> You settle at Reimu's bedroom. Maybe she got abducted by that Rumia again? You didn't take long enough to get here that she could've bailed without you noticing, unless she's a lot faster than you recall.
>_
-
> Can we do that thing like we did with Suzaku that one time to track the wind trail left behind by Reimu traveling?
> If not...have a closer look at the outfit we spotted in here earlier, and give it an inspection.
-
> Can we do that thing like we did with Suzaku that one time to track the wind trail left behind by Reimu traveling?
> If not...have a closer look at the outfit we spotted in here earlier, and give it an inspection.
> You've tried a little, but it doesn't seem like you could track her. There wasn't any trail going into the shrine, which would be weird given her outfit sitting by her bed. Maybe it's Tengu only. Or maybe you just need to try harder?
> Reimu's shrine maiden outfit sits neatly beside her bed. Unless this is an extra that's been here before she left for joining your antics, she must've had some time to set it up before you got here.
>_
-
> Does the outfit feel warm at all? If it's the outfit she was just wearing, and she only just recently took it off, it should retain at least a little body heat.
-
> Does the outfit feel warm at all? If it's the outfit she was just wearing, and she only just recently took it off, it should retain at least a little body heat.
> A bit. It's not like you've picked it up yet.
>_
-
> Pick it up and examine it further, then.
-
> Pick it up and examine it further, then.
> You disturb the clothes. They are still warm. A bit worn, though not very messy nor damaged a lot.
>_
-
> So this probably was what she was just wearing. But if she's not here, that would imply she went out somewhere, and where would she have gone after undressing...?
> Double-check Reimu's bed, to see if it looks recently disturbed, like she got into it and then had to get back out. (Or maybe she's buried herself into it.)
> ...
> Then look around to confirm that no one else is, in fact, present.
> Assuming we are indeed alone, change from our outfit into Reimu's, to see how well it fits (if it does at all).
-
> So this probably was what she was just wearing. But if she's not here, that would imply she went out somewhere, and where would she have gone after undressing...?
> Double-check Reimu's bed, to see if it looks recently disturbed, like she got into it and then had to get back out. (Or maybe she's buried herself into it.)
> ...
> Then look around to confirm that no one else is, in fact, present.
> Assuming we are indeed alone, change from our outfit into Reimu's, to see how well it fits (if it does at all).
> Reimu's bed is mostly neatly made. It looks like someone might've interrupted her? She doesn't seem to have gotten the chance to get in bed. Though it also feels a bit warm. Did she start making it before leaving, perhaps?
> You scan innocently for any witnesses, and try on Reimu's outfit, despite the drastic differences.
> ... You don't even need to find a mirror to understand that this is a poor fit for your current state. The skirt could get a bit higher if you tried hard enough to work it past your hips, but that might risk tearing. Your previous work in preparation for surprising Reimu also prevents the top from meeting the skirt. You barely even have the top on compared to the skirt, as your sizes are still too much for it. Unlike your waist, you don't think you can squeeze it down around your chest.
>_
-
> Rats. Get changed back into our regular outfit, then.
> Given our present state, could we reach Piece's under-shrine home?
> Do we feel like we have sufficient capacity that we could have also sent Hatate down with Ami, if she had been willing?
-
> Rats. Get changed back into our regular outfit, then.
> Given our present state, could we reach Piece's under-shrine home?
> Do we feel like we have sufficient capacity that we could have also sent Hatate down with Ami, if she had been willing?
> You redress in your own attire...
> You definitely can't fit into that passage like this. You think even without Ami, you'd find it a struggle.
> You don't think so? It's not like you feel in danger right now from this, though. Nor pained, really... You suppose it might be possible and fine. Though, worst case scenario is pretty bad, and you don't think it'd end with getting chewed out by Megumu for such risks. You'd be lucky to face her at all.
>_
-
> Check around the shrine for anything that isn't Reimu but is of interest, whether it's something that doesn't belong, something that might be a clue about where she went, or something we've found interesting in the past and want to ta-uh, borrow for a little bit while Reimu's out and not using it.
-
> Check around the shrine for anything that isn't Reimu but is of interest, whether it's something that doesn't belong, something that might be a clue about where she went, or something we've found interesting in the past and want to ta-uh, borrow for a little bit while Reimu's out and not using it.
> You mosey about the shrine. Surely someone would've come by stop you from intruding by now, but there's still no one around. No Yukari, no Kasen, no Eiki...
> There's a little doll house, but no one's home, and no treasures seem to be left behind.
> Not much to snack- no wait. There actually is a decent amount of food and snacks here for once. You're not sure taking some would go unnoticed...
>_
-
> ...No, let's not take food from Reimu. That seems unrevealed unnecessarily mean-spirited.
> Fold up Reimu's outfit and stuff it into our chest. We might not have the spatial pocket anymore, but our chest should be large enough post-transformation to be able to do this naturally, surely.
> Then take flight and head to the human village.
-
> ...No, let's not take food from Reimu. That seems unrevealed unnecessarily mean-spirited.
> Fold up Reimu's outfit and stuff it into our chest. We might not have the spatial pocket anymore, but our chest should be large enough post-transformation to be able to do this naturally, surely.
> Then take flight and head to the human village.
> You store Reimu's outfit. At least Marisa's house would have some interesting things to consider. Reimu's place is pretty empty.
> You start off for the Human Village instead.
> It seems quiet from a distance. The stuff that happened before hasn't made lasting chaos.
>_
-
> Land just outside the village and walk to Suzunaan.
-
> Land just outside the village and walk to Suzunaan.
> You land a less scare-the-humans distance away and enter the village, still bearing a scare-the-humans appearance.
> Thankfully, a majority of them are asleep and not wandering the streets, you suppose.
> Unfortunately, that seems like it might include Kosuzu, as Suzunaan is closed...
>_
-
> Feel the winds throughout the village for any humanoid movement.
-
> Feel the winds throughout the village for any humanoid movement.
> Even without doing so, you can tell there's still a bunch of humanoid movement. Most of it is in the usually most populated area. The market, so to speak.
>_
-
> Can we tell if any of it is Reimu?
-
> Can we tell if any of it is Reimu?
> You can't. But visibly from here, nor with your wind.
>_
-
> Darn. Well, at least we know there are actually people around, it was starting to get a bit unsettling not seeing anyone else for a long stretch of time.
> Make our way back out of the village, still on foot.
> Then take flight and head back to Reimu's pad. If nothing has changed and still no one is here, return the outfit of hers that we borrowed to where we found it.
-
> Darn. Well, at least we know there are actually people around, it was starting to get a bit unsettling not seeing anyone else for a long stretch of time.
> Make our way back out of the village, still on foot.
> Then take flight and head back to Reimu's pad. If nothing has changed and still no one is here, return the outfit of hers that we borrowed to where we found it.
> You head back to the Hakurei shrine. It seems like a quiet night. There were a few incidents lately. Perhaps no one has the energy to be out and about this late today. You haven't crossed paths with Rumia again, even. Though it's not like you know where she normally lives, just a baseless expectation that she mightve been around.
> You return the shrine maiden outfit. Nothing seems changed from when you left earlier.
>_
-
> Exit the shrine and fly on home.
-
> Exit the shrine and fly on home.
> You depart and start for the tengu village.
> A brief scan of the land below doesn't reveal Momizi nor Nitori. Everyone's really tapped out, huh?
> You return to your home. Your bed will probably need some improving to be comfortable like this, but it should be bearable.
>_
-
> Is Suzaku here, by any chance?
> If not, stand outside our door and feel for her wind (amongst the others that are probably present).
-
> Is Suzaku here, by any chance?
> If not, stand outside our door and feel for her wind (amongst the others that are probably present).
> Nowhere in your house.
> You Check near your home and the general area.
> Seems most of the Tengu nearby are in their homes. You don't feel anyone familiar, even Hatate. Did she bail somewhere else? At least you'll be able to track her, unlike Reimu. If she came by, that is...
>_
-
> Hmm.
> Lock up our house, if we're able.
> Then take flight and speed toward the Shining Needle Castle, which is the last thing we remember Suzaku going toward.
-
> Hmm.
> Lock up our house, if we're able.
> Then take flight and speed toward the Shining Needle Castle, which is the last thing we remember Suzaku going toward.
> You ascend towards the inverted castle.
> There's a bit of a group outside the castle. No tengu, however... Seems to be Sanae, Kogasa, and Seija. A slightly strange group to see together.
>_
-
> Can we sense Boss's trail or Suzaku's trail?
> Which Sanae is present?
> Approach them. Given a wave if they look our way.
-
> Can we sense Boss's trail or Suzaku's trail?
> Which Sanae is present?
> Approach them. Given a wave if they look our way.
> You do not.
> You believe it to be the more divine one.
> You approach the trio.
> "Ahh, it's working now." Kogasa tiredly speaks. "I can see people suuper high above, pointing at us and-"
> Kogasa jumps a bit as Seija snaps near her.
> "That doesn't sound genuine." Seija crosses her arms.
> "Yeah, a bit too dry a reaction if it were the case." Sanae nods.
> "Come on, I'm tired..." Kogasa complains.
>_
-
> Look up to see what Kogasa is talking about.
-
> Look up to see what Kogasa is talking about.
> You look up.
> Nothing but the sky above... And the rest of the castle of course.
> "Alright, let's rest since someone's here..." Sanae speaks.
> "Good." Kogasa sighs.
> "So, what are you doing here?" Seija asks. "If you're hoping I'll make something for you, I'm not making anything until we get some progress with Kogasa here."
> "D-Don't make it sound like I'm the reason for-"
> "I'm not. I'm just saying it's more important business." Seija interrupts the Karakasa.
>_
-
> Give Seija a grin and a wink.
> "You've made it clear that I shouldn't expect anything from you, Mom. I intend to respect that. I'm just here to ask if any of you know where my Boss or subordinate got off to."
-
> Give Seija a grin and a wink.
> "You've made it clear that I shouldn't expect anything from you, Mom. I intend to respect that. I'm just here to ask if any of you know where my Boss or subordinate got off to."
> "Nope." Sanae answers.
> "They're probably in the underground." Seija says.
> "Can we not go telling everyone about the underground? It's not even supposed to be somewhere accessible to those on the surface." Sanae says.
> "And yet, you and your posse frequent there, right? And that'll probably change eventually, anyways. Maybe it'll be open to everyone."
> "Don't you feel like you're doing too much sometimes? You'll burn out if you don't have some simple rest..." Kogasa says.
>_
-
> To Kogasa: "That's my next stop, don't worry."
-
> To Kogasa: "That's my next stop, don't worry."
> "Then... Why'd you ask? It sounds like you're gonna go after them."
> "Maybe she was expecting them to be asleep in the castle." Sanae considers.
>_
-
> "I was going to pursue Suzaku if someone knew for sure where she was. But if no one knows for sure, then that's that. And even with the proposed idea, Former Hell's not really an option for me right now for reasons not worth going into. Anyway, I'll leave you three to your work."
-
> "I was going to pursue Suzaku if someone knew for sure where she was. But if no one knows for sure, then that's that. And even with the proposed idea, Former Hell's not really an option for me right now for reasons not worth going into. Anyway, I'll leave you three to your work."
> "Good."
> "So, should we try making her the cheat item this time?" Seija questions.
> "W-What happened to the break?" Kogasa says.
> "She is a Tsukumogami, but that sounds risky..." Sanae considers.
> "You won't have to do any work with this one." Seija adds.
> "It'll still be something happening to me."
>_
-
> To Seija: "Do be careful with what you do to her. Get her upset enough and she might just surprise you with how she reacts."
> Give the trio a small two-fingered salute-wave.
> Begin heading back to the Hakurei Shrine. Wile traveling, dwell on the implications of what we observed there earlier, both the fact that there was more food present than usual and the fact that absolutely no one was present for an extended period of time, not even any of the multiple people that would want to chase out a youkai that was freely poking around the interior.
-
> To Seija: "Do be careful with what you do to her. Get her upset enough and she might just surprise you with how she reacts."
> Give the trio a small two-fingered salute-wave.
> Begin heading back to the Hakurei Shrine. Wile traveling, dwell on the implications of what we observed there earlier, both the fact that there was more food present than usual and the fact that absolutely no one was present for an extended period of time, not even any of the multiple people that would want to chase out a youkai that was freely poking around the interior.
> "Making use of a surprise is the idea here." Seija answers.
> You depart, returning to the Hakurei Shrine premises.
> You start to brainstorm scenarios. Food being stocked up could mean a number of things... Yukari giving Reimu some supplies... Kasen stopping by... Reimu herself going out for it... unlikely, but it could be donations or from villagers. Either way, the possibilities are too numerous to get much insight from it. Just that someone mightve visited.
> Though that does spark a thought. Most of Reimu's visitors are the kind to partake in some of her snacks, whether unprompted or from her own offer. Suika's certainly hasn't been by given the number. It's not like she'd take all of it, just that you doubt she'll leave so much unused. Maybe same for Marisa and Remilia. If someone or multiple people did visit and bring food and snacks, they didn't take any themselves, and no one else had yet, which narrows it down a bit in your opinion.
> Yukari and Kasen immediately come back to mind. Again, you'd suspect them to bring stuff to Reimu, but why not enjoy some too? With Reimu's disappearance, you suppose they took her for something urgent, which leans you towards Yukari as the culprit. Though Kasen could snatch her just as well, you don't think she would in the short time Reimu was ahead of you.
> If you're considering sudden disappearance, Miko is also a suspect for taking Reimu. Though you don't have any evidence to use, as you don't recall Miko coming by often with gifts.
> Marisa is fast, but again, she'd likely take some of that for herself, and you'd notice her flying off, even if it wasn't your direction.
> Daiyousei is also capable of teleporting, but you can rule her out unless she suddenly decided not to go 9 bed.
> You consider that Sumireko could've done something. And on that point, Doremy. But the food once again suggests otherwise.
>_
-
> How does Ami feel like she's holding up?
> "Lady Yakumo? You wouldn't happen to be listening, would you?"
> If there's no response: "How about you, Lady Matara?"
-
> How does Ami feel like she's holding up?
> "Lady Yakumo? You wouldn't happen to be listening, would you?"
> If there's no response: "How about you, Lady Matara?"
> You suspect she's still asleep. She hasn't spoken yet.
> Neither of the two speak either, if they are listening in...
>_
-
> Rats.
> Continue on back to the Shrine, then. If there's no one inside when we get there, head inside.
-
> Rats.
> Continue on back to the Shrine, then. If there's no one inside when we get there, head inside.
> You land at the shrine, investigating the outside. No one appears to be around still.
> You head inside, still finding no one around. You weren't gone that long anyways, but still...
>_
-
> Is there a large comfortable chair or couch anywhere?
> Could we fit under the kotatsu?
-
> Is there a large comfortable chair or couch anywhere?
> Could we fit under the kotatsu?
> Nope.
> Definitely not.
>_
-
> Ugh. Does Reimu has something to write with and on?
-
> Ugh. Does Reimu has something to write with and on?
> You haven't found any utensils around. You don't suppose her amulets are usable...
>_
-
> Actively search around for some paper, ink, and a brush. Surely she's got something like that somewhere...
-
> Actively search around for some paper, ink, and a brush. Surely she's got something like that somewhere...
> You start searching the shrine for something to write with and on...
> ...
> ...
> The closest thing you've found is some non-money paper in the donation box, though it's clearly written on from a glance. And there hasn't been any writing utensils or ingreedients yet.
> "Alright, I'll leave it for another day." You hear... Kasen? Back in Reimu's room?
> "Not, tomorrow." You hear a very unhappy Reimu as well.
> "R-Right..."
>_
-
> ...
> Stop what we're doing.
> Float a message along the winds into Kasen's ear: "So you're who took her away from me, then?"
> If anything is still out of place due to us moving it, put it back where it belongs.
-
> ...
> Stop what we're doing.
> Float a message along the winds into Kasen's ear: "So you're who took her away from me, then?"
> If anything is still out of place due to us moving it, put it back where it belongs.
> You set the cover of the box back down.
> At least that means your deductions were on the right track. Though you don't have the "why", yet.
> "Well, I'll drop by tomorrow. Not for business, of course... Have a good rest, Reimu." Kasen says.
> The shrine maiden doesn't respond.
>_
-
> Head toward Reimu's bedroom, getting close enough that our presence is obvious but not into a position where we can actually see inside.
-
> Head toward Reimu's bedroom, getting close enough that our presence is obvious but not into a position where we can actually see inside.
> You return into the shrine as Kasen leaves Reimu's room.
> "Oh, hey Aya." Kasen greets. "Proooobably not a good time to visit. Definitely not my fault, just uh, other things around to deal with."
>_
-
> Frown.
> Quietly: "Whose fault was it, then? Asking for a friend very annoyed that her opportunity for a fun night with Reimu was ruined."
-
> Frown.
> Quietly: "Whose fault was it, then? Asking for a friend very annoyed that her opportunity for a fun night with Reimu was ruined."
> "Well, apparently Reimu had to do some annoying business right after that big barrier stuff we were all present for and lending a hand with. So, the news that there was still some more things for her to handle didn't exactly sit well when she was already ready to rest. I'm sure your friend won't be the only one upset that Reimu isn't in the mood to be bothered. I can think of a handful more."
>_
-
> "How about this, then? If Gensokyo's sages are handing out crisis resolution assignments, start sending some my way instead."
-
> "How about this, then? If Gensokyo's sages are handing out crisis resolution assignments, start sending some my way instead."
> "You know barrier techniques? And how to handle yin yang orbs? Or how to handle gods, summoning and dispersing them?" Kasen questions. "And experience with possessed tools? Just to list a few requirements for these issues..."
>_
-
> "Surely not all of Gensokyo's problems require knowledge beyond punching a vampire or a ghost or a Lunarian in the face. Also, my friend would appreciate if you could go back in there and ask Reimu if she wants some company for the night, company that isn't expecting her to solve problems or serve as a proper host for them."
-
> "Surely not all of Gensokyo's problems require knowledge beyond punching a vampire or a ghost or a Lunarian in the face. Also, my friend would appreciate if you could go back in there and ask Reimu if she wants some company for the night, company that isn't expecting her to solve problems or serve as a proper host for them."
> "Those are the ones Reimu's being asked for help with, as decking someone isn't really the solution for most of these. And I'll check." Kasen heads back into Reimu's room.
> "Rei-"
> An orb nearly crashes into Kasen, causing her to step back out of the doorway.
> "H-Hey, you're still going to have to help eventually. Quit the tantrum." Kasen snaps.
> "Go ask Sanae." Reimu responds.
> "Are you setting up a barrier? Really?" Kasen questions, almost sounding offended.
> Reimu doesn't respond.
>_
-
> Sigh and pinch the bridge of our nose in irritation.
> "Alright, that's how things are, then."
> Head back outside.
-
> Sigh and pinch the bridge of our nose in irritation.
> "Alright, that's how things are, then."
> Head back outside.
> You return outside.
> "I'd say wait till tomorrow for her to calm down..." Kasen follows. "But I feel like she plans on hiding out the whole day. Yukari might drag her out at some point at least. I think Marisa's handled possessed weapons before, and Sanae should know a bit about God's. So maybe I'll see if they're up to help, tomorrow."
>_
-
> "Sure. And, uh, sorry I nearly got your ribs caved in. I'll see what I can do tomorrow myself. Don't go bothering Sanae right now, by the way, you'll only annoy yourself further. Not that I think you were seriously entertaining the idea, but still."
> "One last thing, as long as it's just you and me. What's actually up with Miyoi? I know you know, you're you."
-
> "Sure. And, uh, sorry I nearly got your ribs caved in. I'll see what I can do tomorrow myself. Don't go bothering Sanae right now, by the way, you'll only annoy yourself further. Not that I think you were seriously entertaining the idea, but still."
> "One last thing, as long as it's just you and me. What's actually up with Miyoi? I know you know, you're you."
> "That's one of the things she was asked for help about. Rather, she wants Reimu around to see if they can come up with a solution to her appearance and situation. In Reimu's words, "She just wants me to sit around a bar all night and expect it to fix her?". Doesn't sound too unappealing, but I guess she was already a bit fed up before that."
>_
-
> "Jeez, you lot must have really done a number on her mood if she's that dismissive of Miyoi. Everyone loves Miyoi. But, okay, that confirms what I was thinking."
> "Anyway, you should probably get home and get some rest. That's certainly what I'm going to do. It's been way too long a day, and I have some serious things to think about now."
-
> "Jeez, you lot must have really done a number on her mood if she's that dismissive of Miyoi. Everyone loves Miyoi. But, okay, that confirms what I was thinking."
> "Anyway, you should probably get home and get some rest. That's certainly what I'm going to do. It's been way too long a day, and I have some serious things to think about now."
> "Even you're thinking it's been too long a day? I guess Reimu does have some reason to be "done" with everything right now." Kasen notes. "She wasn't even too happy to hear I brought snacks. And that was before we dropped any requests. Though I suppose she was snatched right out of her bed... but that wasn't my doing."
>_
-
> "I personally think I could probably keep going, but everywhere I go people keep telling me to stop doing so much, and at some point you start to internalize that. Who grabbed her if it wasn't you?"
-
> "I personally think I could probably keep going, but everywhere I go people keep telling me to stop doing so much, and at some point you start to internalize that. Who grabbed her if it wasn't you?"
> "Yukari. And maybe that's for good reason. Too bad she didn't think he same."
>_
-
> "I see. Next time you have her attention, could you let her know I miss her too? It's been lonely every time I've called out to her and Lady Matara and got no response."
-
> "I see. Next time you have her attention, could you let her know I miss her too? It's been lonely every time I've called out to her and Lady Matara and got no response."
> "I'll try to remember."
>_
-
> "Great, thanks. Have a good night. Please give Miyoi my regards and sympathy. I'd go myself, but, uh, I probably shouldn't be wandering the Human Village right now."
-
> "Great, thanks. Have a good night. Please give Miyoi my regards and sympathy. I'd go myself, but, uh, I probably shouldn't be wandering the Human Village right now."
> "Mm... I won't ask." Kasen says, starting to take her leave.
>_
-
> Give her some moments to leave.
> Then take flight and head home ourselves.
-
> Give her some moments to leave.
> Then take flight and head home ourselves.
> You start home, half wondering if Yukari will pop up on the way. Though you're never given any audience in the end...
>_
-
> Head inside, making sure to lock up behind us.
> Then get our bed ready for our current state.
-
> Head inside, making sure to lock up behind us.
> Then get our bed ready for our current state.
> You head in and make the most of your bed area.
> ...Anytime now, Yukari. You at least expect her to come in and muse about how you managed this on your own. Or at least mention your new changes in general...
>_
-
> Oh well, it'll happen if it happens.
> Double-check Ami one last time to make sure she's okay. If she is, hit the hay and go to sleep ourselves.
-
> Oh well, it'll happen if it happens.
> Double-check Ami one last time to make sure she's okay. If she is, hit the hay and go to sleep ourselves.
> She seems fine as far as you can tell. Still breathing.
> You settle down and save existing for tomorrow. A lot has happened, after all...
> ...
> ...
>_
-
> ...Are we still awake?
-
> ...Are we still awake?
> You... appear to be?
> You're in the human village, taking to someone? Were you sleepwalking? A dream?
>_
-
> ...Are we dreaming, perhaps? The dream world's attention was recently called to Gensokyo matters...
> Who are we talking to, and what are we talking about?
> Do we appear as we should?
-
> ...Are we dreaming, perhaps? The dream world's attention was recently called to Gensokyo matters...
> Who are we talking to, and what are we talking about?
> Do we appear as we should?
> You'd assume so. Especially given your lack of changes. You're not even how you recall yourself looking just after that moon thing recently. It almost feels like too little to lug around... you're in your "human disguise".
> You seem to be speaking to Kosuzu. Though that's just based on visuals. The conversation completely eludes you, whatever it was, if you even started chatting yet.
>_
-
> Blink, then briefly shake our head a little, as though trying to shake out a sudden mental fog.
> "So how are you doing lately, little lady?"
-
> Blink, then briefly shake our head a little, as though trying to shake out a sudden mental fog.
> "So how are you doing lately, little lady?"
> "Hey, don't switch the subject." Kosuzu says, pouting. "I'll be upset if you seriously forgot."
> Given the lack of other's nearby your context clues suggest it isn't her birthday or anything... though you aren't in Suzunaan, and others could be waiting there to surprise her if it is...
>_
-
> Sigh and place a hand on the side of our head in frustration.
> "Sorry. Something just...happened to my mind. I don't know what. But I can't recall anything between going to bed and five-ish seconds ago."
-
> Sigh and place a hand on the side of our head in frustration.
> "Sorry. Something just...happened to my mind. I don't know what. But I can't recall anything between going to bed and five-ish seconds ago."
> Kosuzu stares at you.
> "Seems awfully convenient... but whatever, I'm not gonna make a big deal out of it. You don't lie, after all." She sighs. "It's the day Reimu allowed me to hang out with some of our friends. I couldn't find miss Mamizou, so- ah, that's not to say you're not as interesting. Just that she was around more recently."
>_
-
> Does Kosuzu have some sort of Reimu-sponsored 'this is when you can interact with youkai' schedule? Or does it seem more likely that Kosuzu is saying today is the anniversary of when Reimu first permitted youkai interaction?
-
> Does Kosuzu have some sort of Reimu-sponsored 'this is when you can interact with youkai' schedule? Or does it seem more likely that Kosuzu is saying today is the anniversary of when Reimu first permitted youkai interaction?
> She doesn't.
> That also seems unlikely. If Reimu heard word of her using that day as an excuse to go out with Youkai annually, she'd likely flip... this could be Kosuzu's dream, or another world like the dark one.
> It seems unlikely to be the former, unless she's not lucid, as you doubt she'd settle for a one youkai hangout...
>_
-
> "No worries, I get that I can be hard to get ahold of sometimes, especially around here. What would you like to do together, then?"
-
> "No worries, I get that I can be hard to get ahold of sometimes, especially around here. What would you like to do together, then?"
> "How am I supposed to know what you guys usually do?"
>_
-
> "I mean, it's your freedom time, so I wanted to make sure we'd be doing something you wanted to do. But if you would prefer to leave it to me, I can certainly do that. Maybe we should visit some folks you don't normally get to see? Like the cute librarian at the vampire manor by the lake, or the cute bunnies at the Lunarian manor in the Bamboo Forest. Or the cute tengu back in my village."
> Grin.
> "Or maybe some quality romantic alone time speeding through the skies with the cutest tengu of all of them~"
-
> "I mean, it's your freedom time, so I wanted to make sure we'd be doing something you wanted to do. But if you would prefer to leave it to me, I can certainly do that. Maybe we should visit some folks you don't normally get to see? Like the cute librarian at the vampire manor by the lake, or the cute bunnies at the Lunarian manor in the Bamboo Forest. Or the cute tengu back in my village."
> Grin.
> "Or maybe some quality romantic alone time speeding through the skies with the cutest tengu of all of them~"
> "Well, the chance to fly in general seems great. Let's start with that?" Kosuzu requests.
>_
-
> Nod.
> "Sure. This way, then, please, I would rather not look like I am abducting a human in the middle of the village and running away."
> Head to the edge of the village on-foot.
-
> Nod.
> "Sure. This way, then, please, I would rather not look like I am abducting a human in the middle of the village and running away."
> Head to the edge of the village on-foot.
> "Guess that makes sense..." Kosuzu follows.
> You make it out the village, feeling a bit strange.
>_
-
> In what way do we feel strange? Physically, mentally, emotionally, all of the above?
-
> In what way do we feel strange? Physically, mentally, emotionally, all of the above?
> Mentally. A little bit physically, too.
>_
-
> What's going on mentally, do we think?
-
> What's going on mentally, do we think?
> You feel... not all there. Like your attention is trailing somewhere else you've yet to start thinking about. Maybe hypnosis? Someone playing with your mind?
>_
-
> Do we remember what Hata's up to?
> What about Momi?
> What about Boss?
> What about Suzaku and Ami?