In Defiance Of Transience (Tenshi Quest)

[degradingwindow]

> Having a spy within the enemy forces could be essential to atleast know ahead of time when we will be attacked.
> Check the expressions of the Shinigami and try to deduce which is acting more amiable towards us.

> What do we know of the Shinigami's ability to wither things like what they did to the peaches. Before we let them go, we could try to enact revenge on a certain oni who hasn't been inviting us to her parties.

> Have some Inchlings Meterlings patrol the outside to prevent any wayward spirits from leaving or entering.
> Make sure to seal the Shinigami's spirits every once in  a while as well.

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

> Stare daggers at the Shinigami "Your team's been annihilated!  As per Gensokyo's conventions we get to tell you to never bother us again!"

> Let's try and turn them against their bosses, or at least sow the seeds of distrust!
> Smirk "I can only think of two reasons two out of shape Shinigami would dare challenge me of all Celestials:  Either you're slacking off and your boss made you find out the hard way, or you're new and your boss likes hazing new recruits!"
> Fold our arms in thought "Whatever the case, I'd question if they really have your best interests at heart..."

>Amaryllis makes a disgruntled noise and turns her head away from you. "I know for a fact we weren't slacking off or that this was a hazing ritual."
>Lavana is more forthcoming. "We were told to specifically go after you because you have the Sword of Hisou..."
>Lavana then perks up her head in consternation. "You do bring up a good point however, but not whether our higher-ups have our best interests at heart, rather, if they remember what our job is. We normally wouldn't be going after you today, our meeting would be around a decade from now. Just because you have a dangerous artifact doesn't mean you should be top priority, that would arguably be one of the Buddhist or Taoist Hermits."
>Ichiko glares at Lavana as if what she said was gauche or offensive. "Lavana, are you questioning our boss' orders?"
>She smirks and leans back against a wall. "Yeah, I wonder why you guys don't. The entire situation seems suspicious."

> Having a spy within the enemy forces could be essential to atleast know ahead of time when we will be attacked.
> Check the expressions of the Shinigami and try to deduce which is acting more amiable towards us.

>Amaryllis is looking down at the floor, purposely avoiding meeting you eye to eye.
>Ichiko is seemingly trying to distract herself using anything possible.
>Lavana is just leaning against the wall, she doesn't even seem pertubed by the fact that she's surrounded on all sides by armed threats.
>Lavana seems the most receptive at the moment.

> What do we know of the Shinigami's ability to wither things like what they did to the peaches. Before we let them go, we could try to enact revenge on a certain oni who hasn't been inviting us to her parties.

>Shinigami wither all plant life of Heavenly Origin upon their approach without discrimination. You didn't notice it before but even the Bouquet that Shion brought didn't die because it's from Earth.
>They also make Celestials sweat, literally. You just try to ignore that feeling, it's gross.

> Have some Inchlings Meterlings patrol the outside to prevent any wayward spirits from leaving or entering.
> Make sure to seal the Shinigami's spirits every once in a while as well.

>You ask Shinmyoumaru, who is taller than you now, for a patrol request. She thinks about it before going through with your demands. You hardly want any more interruptions after this one.
>You also periodically keep the Shinigami Sealed throughout your time here. Lavana puts her arm out willingly, unlike the rest.

>A while later with nothing out of the ordinary (unless you count Shion wolfing down several peaches a second as unusual) you hear the door open and a wet Inchling Meterling approaches you and bows. "There is a woman with purple hair and a hagoromo outside asking to come in, or at least for you to meet her out there."
>_?

[Branneg Xy]

>Amaryllis makes a disgruntled noise and turns her head away from you. "I know for a fact we weren't slacking off or that this was a hazing ritual."
>Lavana is more forthcoming. "We were told to specifically go after you because you have the Sword of Hisou..."
>Lavana then perks up her head in consternation. "You do bring up a good point however, but not whether our higher-ups have our best interests at heart, rather, if they remember what our job is. We normally wouldn't be going after you today, our meeting would be around a decade from now. Just because you have a dangerous artifact doesn't mean you should be top priority, that would arguably be one of the Buddhist or Taoist Hermits."
>Ichiko glares at Lavana as if what she said was gauche or offensive. "Lavana, are you questioning our boss' orders?"
>She smirks and leans back against a wall. "Yeah, I wonder why you guys don't. The entire situation seems suspicious."

>Amaryllis is looking down at the floor, purposely avoiding meeting you eye to eye.
>Ichiko is seemingly trying to distract herself using anything possible.
>Lavana is just leaning against the wall, she doesn't even seem pertubed by the fact that she's surrounded on all sides by armed threats.
>Lavana seems the most receptive at the moment.

>Shinigami wither all plant life of Heavenly Origin upon their approach without discrimination. You didn't notice it before but even the Bouquet that Shion brought didn't die because it's from Earth.
>They also make Celestials sweat, literally. You just try to ignore that feeling, it's gross.

>You ask Shinmyoumaru, who is taller than you now, for a patrol request. She thinks about it before going through with your demands. You hardly want any more interruptions after this one.
>You also periodically keep the Shinigami Sealed throughout your time here. Lavana puts her arm out willingly, unlike the rest.

>A while later with nothing out of the ordinary (unless you count Shion wolfing down several peaches a second as unusual) you hear the door open and a wet Inchling Meterling approaches you and bows. "There is a woman with purple hair and a hagoromo outside asking to come in, or at least for you to meet her out there."
>_?

>

> Thank the messenger for the report.

> Politely ask Shinmyoumaru,since it is her Shining Needle Castle and we are her guests, for permission to meet her,Iku Nagae Messenger of the Dragon palace,here and inside since this explaining this meeting ""should"""be important for her to seek-out not once but twice,so fast in 1 day,and just after her Important Warning which we have already disclosed...

> Examine/Observe and Politely Greet Iku when she arrives.

[Tom]

> They bring up an interesting point about their superiors ... priorities.  Let's play that to our advantage!

> Feign pondering something for a moment before a bright idea comes to mind: "Just imagine the kind of buzz 'Claiming the Sword of Hisou' would create for your boss!  Getting credited with making the bold decision to go after it would certainly put them on track for a promotion or two!  All while you two, their footsoldiers, who actually risked your lives to obtain it are just relegated to a footnote in the story." (Draw out the italicized words to emphasize our point.)

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

> They bring up an interesting point about their superiors ... priorities.  Let's play that to our advantage!

> Feign pondering something for a moment before a bright idea comes to mind: "Just imagine the kind of buzz 'Claiming the Sword of Hisou' would create for your boss!  Getting credited with making the bold decision to go after it would certainly put them on track for a promotion or two!  All while you two, their footsoldiers, who actually risked your lives to obtain it are just relegated to a footnote in the story." (Draw out the italicized words to emphasize our point.)

>The Shinigami go silent and ponder for a moment from your assessment of the situation.
>"...Your Sword is dangerous because it can destroy spirits easily. But it doesn't seem like you're actively using it for that purpose."
>"I'm really hoping our superiors aren't trying to be gloryhounds, I had to sacrifice my holiday for this."
>Lavana looks directly at your eyes. "Hey, you seem to care a whole lot about why we're here, And sure you tied us up but you haven't tried to hurt us outside of the initial scuffle despite us, you know, trying to kill you."
>"Do you care about us or something? I mean that in the way that you care for your fellow man. Not in the way that you care for that Poverty God."
>Shion coughs and almost chokes on multiple peaches from that remark.

> Thank the messenger for the report.

> Politely ask Shinmyoumaru,since it is her Shining Needle Castle and we are her guests, for permission to meet her,Iku Nagae Messenger of the Dragon palace,here and inside since this explaining this meeting ""should"""be important for her to seek-out not once but twice,so fast in 1 day,and just after her Important Warning which we have already disclosed...

> Examine/Observe and Politely Greet Iku when she arrives.

>You ask Shinmyoumaru if Iku, who you assume it is, can meet you inside the Castle.
>"Yes, she's probably going to be soaked from waiting out there. Not to mention that her warning and these Shinigami must be linked."
>Now it's time to wait for her. Well, with some guests.
>"Huh, I actually get to meet a Dragon Palace messenger. Never thought this would happen, especially after losing."
>_?

[Tom]

> In response to their first comment "Also destroying people's spirits would be kind of against the spell card rules here..."
> To Lavana "Maybe I do...  No one's bothered to come after me in a long time.  The fact two just happened to appear out of the blue on an otherwise regular day is most unusual."

[degradingwindow]

> In response to their first comment "Also destroying people's spirits would be kind of against the spell card rules here..."
> To Lavana "Maybe I do...  No one's bothered to come after me in a long time.  The fact two just happened to appear out of the blue on an otherwise regular day is most unusual."

> After we get their answer (if any). Look at them all and say: "Sorry, but you won't be meeting a Dragon Palace Messenger today, if she found you guys where here, who knows what atrocities she might commit to you. Don't worry, I'll keep you three safe"
> Escort them with the Meterling guards into a separate room as quick as possible

>  Wherever it's true that Iku (If its even her) would do that or not. We can't have her notice that were keeping Shinigami as prisoners and trying to sow distrust within the hierarchy of hell. She'll probably give us some long lecture or even reduce the time that she allows us to be outside of Heaven. Plus we can further hammer in their trust towards us if they think we're helping them out.

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

> In response to their first comment "Also destroying people's spirits would be kind of against the spell card rules here..."
> To Lavana "Maybe I do...  No one's bothered to come after me in a long time.  The fact two just happened to appear out of the blue on an otherwise regular day is most unusual."

>"Three. There are three of us."
>The three Shinigami then look between each other as if trying to guess which one of them was the most forgettable.
>"What are the Spell Card Rules?" Amaryllis cuts the silence with an absolutely baffling question.
>"Long story short: People try to resolve conflicts non-lethally with beautiful displays of strength and creativity along with dodging instincts and expertise. The better question is: didn't the higher ups tell you guys this before sending you to Gensokyo with me? I thought you guys already knew and that's why I never said anything."
>To that, Amaryllis and Ichiko have no answer.
>"About the number of us, we were just supposed to be scouts that would see if you were here, and vulnerable, then call in a Kishin Chief to subdue you when your location and status were confirmed. Obviously this didn't go according to plan from the beginning."

> After we get their answer (if any). Look at them all and say: "Sorry, but you won't be meeting a Dragon Palace Messenger today, if she found you guys where here, who knows what atrocities she might commit to you. Don't worry, I'll keep you three safe"
> Escort them with the Meterling guards into a separate room as quick as possible

>  Wherever it's true that Iku (If its even her) would do that or not. We can't have her notice that were keeping Shinigami as prisoners and trying to sow distrust within the hierarchy of hell. She'll probably give us some long lecture or even reduce the time that she allows us to be outside of Heaven. Plus we can further hammer in their trust towards us if they think we're helping them out.

>"Aww, I wanted to ask her some questions about the population of Heaven. Oh well, can't ignore a gracious Celestial's hospitality can we?" Lavana winks at the last part.
>The other Shinigami, realising they're way out of their depth, decide to follow Lavana's lead for now.
>You lead them into a separate room with some Meterlings, a very sparse room that doesn't even have a window. They even have their scythes confiscated just in case.

>You make it back into the main room just in time to see a drenched Iku fly through the door, her face a picture of worry
>"Eldest Daughter! Are you okay?! I saw a sudden rain and I know you aren't completely frivolous with weather phenomenon nowadays so I came here after sorting out my work. There's also an announcement I need to tell you but confirming your safety comes first."
>"We're fine, in case you were wondering..." Shinmyoumaru snarks.
>_?

[degradingwindow]

> "Calm down Ms. Nagae, I'm fine, I just saw a suspicious looking stray spirit flying around, snipped it with my trusty sword of Hisou and accidentally started this weather. How about you first sit down and then tell me what this announcement is all about."
> Motion her to sit down

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

> "Calm down Ms. Nagae, I'm fine, I just saw a suspicious looking stray spirit flying around, snipped it with my trusty sword of Hisou and accidentally started this weather. How about you first sit down and then tell me what this announcement is all about."
> Motion her to sit down

>"Good to know you're safe now, because this news I have to give you will directly affect your safety."
>"I'm just going to say it now: you are dying.
>...What?
>Shion stops eating and Shinmyoumaru gasps before Iku raises her hand and continues to add more detail.
>"To be exact, you're showing some of the Five Signs of The Dying Deva. The sweating and uneasiness in Heaven. The others haven't shown up yet, thankfully, which means we still have time."
>"Time for what?"
>"Training. The Shinigami are going to be more aggressive now. That leads me to my second bit of unfortunate news."
>"For some reason we don't know of, the Shinigami are not going by their usual schedule. At least not with you. This is causing the other Celestials to be a bit concerned about when they're going to have to fend them off, or as concerned as they can be given their usual nature."
>"I thought that a messenger from Heaven would have some good news. Or is my Misfortune finally affecting Tenshi?"
>"But I do have some good news! First, you don't have to go back to Heaven anymore so I won't pester you about that. Between that incident with the Elixir and attracting Shinigami, it would be greatly in your and the other Celestial's benefit if you do not go back. This means you can spend all the time you want down on Earth. Second, we do have a list of trusted people for you to train with, I took into account your... Behaviour. So they should be somewhat able to give you a good fight at least. I made sure this list would fit you."
>_?

[degradingwindow]

> "Wow. That's a lot to take in......"

> What do we personally know about the Five Signs of the Dying Deva?
> Take a quick smell at our clothes and armpits. Has our smell been getting worse recently?
> How old are we exactly?

> "Who exactly are these people I'm going to train with and when do I start? Where will I be lodging now if I can't go back to Heaven?"

>"Also, what do you exactly mean by we do have a list? Who else is working to help me?

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

> "Wow. That's a lot to take in......"

> What do we personally know about the Five Signs of the Dying Deva?
> Take a quick smell at our clothes and armpits. Has our smell been getting worse recently?
> How old are we exactly?

>The Five Signs of the Dying Deva are "Weakeners" that pop up in certain situations and make Celestials (Also known as "Devas") more vulnerable to traditional threats to one's life. They usually only show up when Shinigami are near or when they're close to their natural lifespan. They are constant uneasiness & dissatisfaction with one's life (in Heaven), withering of the flower crown (your peach in this case), perspiration of the armpits, blemishing of the clothes, and an odorous body.
>As far as you can see, you're just incredibly bored with your usual life (which some Celestials would argue counts as dissatisfaction, but who cares what they say) and you're maybe a bit sweaty, but that's due to the Shinigami, surely?
>Wait, the Shinigami only cause withering of the flower crown. You may have made a grave miscalculation!

>You smell your clothes and instantly get hit with a briny odour. This is bad. You were sweating before, but you thought that was because of the Shinigami so you completely ignored it. You wonder how Shion and Shinmyoumaru didn't notice this, or maybe they don't know about the Signs and just thought you were naturally sweaty. Embarrassing.
>You stopped counting at 400 Years. Though you physically have the body of a short teenager due to when you ascended to Bhaavagra, you've been living for a long time. You would argue far too long given how boring your life was when you ascended compared to when you were Chiko and after you started going to Earth's Surface more often. All for the sake of entertainment and novel experiences, of course.

> "Who exactly are these people I'm going to train with and when do I start? Where will I be lodging now if I can't go back to Heaven?"

>"Also, what do you exactly mean by we do have a list? Who else is working to help me?

>Iku pulls out a scroll from her veil, does she use such a sacred artifact as extra storage? "Well, here's the list. It was mostly written by me. These are only suggestions, and if you want to go with others or think my choices aren't fitting then go with your ideas. I've watched over you long enough to know that trying to control your decisions is an exercise in futility, unfortunately."

"Tutors for The Eldest Daughter of the Hinanawi Clan":

>Youmu Konpaku: The gardner and servant of the Lady of Hakugyokurou. This suggestion is almost purely for martial reaons. Youmu is an amazing swordswoman despite being a relatively young youkai, and you're, uh, not to offend you, Eldest Daugher, but you have no real technique. It helps that she has a similarly special weapon, though no Celestial artifact. Youmu and her Lady can be found in Hakugyokurou, located in The Netherworld.

>Kaguya Houraisan and Fujiwara no Mokou: The Hourai Immortals. This recommendation is for reasons more taliored to your problems and personality. Although you are not truly immortal since you do have a lifespan, just a long one, I do believe having a discussion with them about how to spend eternity without being bored would be a good experience for you. They also have literal centuries worth of experience in battle due to their feud. Kaguya and Mokou can be found in the Bamboo Forest of The Lost, but you may have more luck just going directly to Eientei rather than wandering around there.

>Byakuren Hijiri and Toyosatomimi no Miko: The leaders of their respective religious factions. This was one that was suggested by your parents. Your conduct as a Celestial is flawed by the standards of others, so they believe that learning the tenets of the most common ways of ascending to a higher plane will do you some good. It took some convincing to make them pick someone specifically in Gensokyo and I did so because I believe you will have a better time there than in The "Outside World", as denizens of Gensokyo call it, or Bhaavagra with another Celestial. Byakuren can be found at Myouren Temple, near the Human Village. Miko can be found in the Divine Spirit Mausoleum, right underneath the Myouren Temple.

>Kasen Ibaraki: Another Hermit, though one that seems to have taken the lifestyle for the sake of redemption rather than ascension. This was suggested by your parents, once again, for similar reasons to why Byakuren and Miko were suggested. You also seem to know a secret of her's so maybe you can get closer to her. Regardless, she seems nice and willing to help people who approach her. She can be found in her Senkai somewhere in the Youkai Mountain. You apparently got in once but I have no idea how you accomplished that feat.

>Iku Nagae: Your watchful messenger. This one is here because I want you to know that I will always be around for you when needed and I want to see you improve. It's also the last one in the list because I know you don't want to see me very often, besides, I have no authority over the Hinanawi Clan and that includes you. I can be found anywhere in Heaven, or you can just cause an Aurora and I'll be right there.

>"You can start after you've finished any important business, either personal or in Heaven. I recommend you do start soon because the Shinigami certainly will not hesistate."
>As for your lodging... I tried my best to pull some strings in the Human Village. It was a bit tough, given your reputation, but they agreed, and even gave you a room in the Child of Miare's house, so long as you don't cause catastrophic issues. I tried asking the Myouren Temple as well, but the leader seems to be aware of your past Incident.
>"'We' in this case refers to your family and I. Despite being a delinquent, they still care about you as family. Hence when I came to them about the report regarding your lifespan, they started to make this list and I greatly intervened since I know an embarrassingly large amount about you and how you work. I, uh, also asked Suika, that Oni that has a part of your Heaven. She's a rambunctious one, I still cannot believe you lost to her once."

>_?

[Tom]

// Not sure if the choice is final once we pick but they're all good choices.  Slightly favor Youmu because the Sword of Hisou is what Tenshi is known for, might as well 'get good' at it as Iku elegantly put it.  Any other suggestions?

> Stare at the list while pondering our circumstances "The Dying Deva...  Shinigami...".  Surely that can't be happening now of all times?  Just when we're starting to enjoy our time in Gensokyo?

> Raise an eye at the first name on the list "Youmu? Hakugyokuru? Won't the Netherworld be buzzing with Shinigami activity?"

> Do we know the "Child of Miare"?
> On a scale of one to ten how out of place do we look in the village?

[degradingwindow]

// Im seconding with Youmu being our choice but if Hakugyokuru is too risky then I think our second best bet would be going with Kaguya and Mokou. Our problem might possibly be caused by an "impurity" in our soul so consulting a Lunarian on the matter might work out well for us. Plus we could also get some combat experience from Mokou and I'm interested to see what type of weather we could conjure with her temperament. One option that isn't on the list that could benefit us is Suwako since her earth manipulating ability is similar to ours.

> How are Shion and Shinmyoumaru reacting to the news?

> What is our personal history with the people on the list besides Iku and Kasen?

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

// Not sure if the choice is final once we pick but they're all good choices..

#Choices are not final, you can go to everyone of them over time. The real issue is that the more time passes, the more the Shinigami prowl for you. So getting to the last choice can be very difficult.

//... One option that isn't on the list that could benefit us is Suwako since her earth manipulating ability is similar to ours.

#Choices that are not on the list are completely fine. I wouldn't be a good QM if I couldn't take into account players doing things that weren't planned for.

> Stare at the list while pondering our circumstances "The Dying Deva...  Shinigami...".  Surely that can't be happening now of all times?  Just when we're starting to enjoy our time in Gensokyo?

>You look at the list, wondering how a Celestial could be this unlucky. The Shinigami chose now to suddenly make you top priority? There has to be more to this.

> Raise an eye at the first name on the list "Youmu? Hakugyokuru? Won't the Netherworld be buzzing with Shinigami activity?"

>"You would think. But from what I've seen, they are looking nearly everywhere but there. I guess they just don't believe a Celestial, let alone one like you, would go to the Netherworld willingly even if you were hiding, which you are not. Though that does remind me that the Shining Needle Castle is a fairly obvious place to find you, I sure hope no Shinigami suddenly come in to ruin this meeting."
>If only she knew...
>"Though you might see some Ferrymen there. Not a huge threat but you don't want to show your face to any of the Ministry of Right and Wrong, exposing your location is bad."

> Do we know the "Child of Miare"?
> On a scale of one to ten how out of place do we look in the village?

>You know the Child of Miare by title and fame, though not personally. You have seen a couple of her previous incarnations while watching over Gensokyo in Heaven, and when you were Chiko you think you saw the 6th Child, Amu. She must've visited your family's shrine at one point.

>On a Scale of 1^{(Fits in Perfectly)} to 10 ^{(Practically an alien)} you are on a 9, but in a mixed way. You are a Celestial, and as a Celestial there are at least some humans who still hold a deep respect for you. But you are also Tenshi Hinanawi, a brat who caused multiple localised weather phenomena and an earthquake that destroyed the Hakurei Shrine, there are some who know and remember that. How they react to you may depend on their attitudes and opinions on the concepts of redemption and change.

> How are Shion and Shinmyoumaru reacting to the news?

> What is our personal history with the people on the list besides Iku and Kasen?

>Shion seems to be packing a lot of peaches into a bag, though some slip out sometimes, and she seems to be wearing the Peach Rose that Shinmyoumaru made on her head.
>Shinmyoumaru is talking with some of the Meterlings (how has Iku not noticed their size?) while carving another peach into a... Lotus?

>Personal History...

"A Recollection of Meetings Made In Heaven":

>Youmu Konpaku was one of the people who defeated you during the Weather Incident, she even climbed up to Heaven to resolve the situation. She gave you a really good fight back then. She then reutrned during the "Groundbreaking Ceremony"^{(Aka the "Celestial Torture-fest")} where you challenged each other and you defeated her. You haven't met her much after that.

>Kaguya Houraisan... You don't know much about her. You know she's a Hourai Immortal, and a Lunarian, therefore she's from a Pure Land like you. You did meet one of her underlings, Reisen, during the Weather Incident and you know that they both absconded from The Moon. At first you thought it was a waste to do that, but if The Moon is anything like Bhaavagra then you don't blame them.

>Fujiwara no Mokou is a Hourai Immortal and a Human, unlike Kaguya or you. You met her briefly during the Perfect Possession Incident, and you can admit that she's a great, daring fighter. While you use your near-immortal and hardy body for full-body blows or wild swings, she uses her own body as fuel for her offense. It would be a suicidal fighting style if it wasn't for the fact that she knows what she's doing from centuries of experience.

>Byakuren Hijiri and Toyosatomimi no Miko are both people you met during the Perfect Possession Incident and they- they don't have a high opinion of you. To be fair, you didn't put your best foot forward, you were too eager to fight and you even lost with Shinmyoumaru backing you up. You still remember what Miko said after you lost:

"Celestials were supposed to be far more powerful than that.
You're pathetic. I don't even want to look at you."

>It burns you when you think about it, so you try to forget that ever happened.

>_?

[degradingwindow]

// I think that it'll be more efficient for us to go to first improve our practical combat skills and then focus on our personality issues. This a rough draft for the order I think we should go through:
1. Youmu 2. Kaguya & Mokou 3. Kasen 4. Iku 5. Byakuren & Miko 6. Suwako (if we have time to spare)
We must enact our revenge on Byakuren and Miko for disgracing our celestial pride so we should tackle them last once we have improved our fighting skills with all the others.

> "It looks like I have a lot of work cut out for me. Are you going to bring me some luggage? Considering the situation that I'm in, you can't expect me to wear the same clothes all day."

> What time of day is it right now?
> Do we know any perfume shops or at least anyone who can get us perfume?
 

[Tom]

// Order looks good! Also I'm sure Iku will hang around as our 'watchful messenger' and be available any time, unless 'plot clouds' happen to get in the way.

> Do we perhaps know anyone else long lived enough (like a Youkai) to attract the Shinigami's ire? Even if they couldn't help us with our predicament directly we surely know the saying 'the enemy of my enemy is a friend'?

> Are we aware of any way the Shinigami may locate us? Can they sense 'outlaws' the same way Celestials can feel the presence of nearby Shinigami?

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

// We must enact our revenge on Byakuren and Miko for disgracing our celestial pride so we should tackle them last once we have improved our fighting skills with all the others.

#Now you're thinking like Tenshi!

> "It looks like I have a lot of work cut out for me. Are you going to bring me some luggage? Considering the situation that I'm in, you can't expect me to wear the same clothes all day."

>You mention to Iku your supply issues, bringing to attention your sweat.
>"I was in a hurry to tell you about the situation, but I did bring one extra set of clothes. You may need to source your own in the future somehow. It's unfortunate but you could call me for more, only if your really need it and can't get some yourself."
>She then pulls a box out of her Hagoromo (does that thing have another dimension of space in it or something?). It has extra clothes inside. She even got the boots you like!

> What time of day is it right now?
> Do we know any perfume shops or at least anyone who can get us perfume?

>It's currently the evening, and twilight covers the sky.
>You don't know any people or dedicated shops who would know about perfume. Shion is very unlikely, Shinmyoumaru somehow always smells decent but with no real tools required, and Iku... maybe, but you don't like asking her for help unless you really need it.
>Other options include Shion's Little Sister, Jo'on. She apparently spends a lot of (usually ill-gotten) money on cosmetics, she might even help with the clothes problem that's likely to happen. There was also a flower shop in The Human Village the last time you checked, that should at least help with covering up the smell if nothing else.

> Do we perhaps know anyone else long lived enough (like a Youkai) to attract the Shinigami's ire? Even if they couldn't help us with our predicament directly we surely know the saying 'the enemy of my enemy is a friend'?

> Are we aware of any way the Shinigami may locate us? Can they sense 'outlaws' the same way Celestials can feel the presence of nearby Shinigami?

"Amicus meus, inimicus inimici mei.":

>The only person you know that could explicitly dislike the Ministry of Right and Wrong is Yukari Yakumo... But you don't want to even see her, and the feeling is mutual. Maybe she could help if you manage to convince her of the severity of the situation, but she's likely to just see this as a natural situation for a Celestial along with you getting your comeuppance for being the brat that is Tenshi Hinanawi. Not to mention she only truly interferes with situations when they involve The Lunar Capital, one of her sworn enemies, or the safety of Gensokyo as a whole. She could dislike The Ministry of Right and Wrong because she is a youkai with an inclination towards chaos, and doesn't like people or things that put clear cut labels of "Good" or "Bad" and "Black" or "White" on people or actions.

>Seija Kijin is another person likely to hate The Ministry of Right and Wrong. As an Amanojaku, she's ontologically predisposed towards being a contrarian, disliking the status quo and wanting to overthrow authority figures, and The Ministry of Right and Wrong are The Authority of afterlife processing and judgment. The issue is that she lost all of her allies for a reason, you can slightly sympathise with not agreeing with others around you and not being well-understood, but cheating is hardly fair. But you don't need to be sad. Amanojaku can never really make friends anyway.

>A more unclear option are all of the Hermits and Celestials that come into conflict with Shinigami. Hermits are, well, hermits. Kasen might help but also not bother, and you have no idea if Seiga will be willing after what happened with Miko. And other Celestials... You don't have any Celestial friends but surely they could see that teaming up on the Shinigami is a pragmatic option.

>As far you know, The Shingami don't explicitly have a way of keeping track on someone. They keep track of their lifespan and hunt them down when they exceed it, but they do so physically and need to confirm the location of the target through scouts like Lavana and the others.
>_?

[degradingwindow]

> Suggest Iku this order and ask her what she thinks about it:
1. Youmu
2. Kaguya & Mokou
3. Kasen
4. Oki
5. Byakuren & Miko
6. Suwako

> Do we have any money on us? Is it possible we could ask Iku to give us a small allowance so we can buy things in the human village.
> Do we hear any suspicious sounds from the room that the Shinigami are in?

[Tom]

> Hmm, the Lunar Capital... talk about stirring up the hornets nest!
> Since the Shinigami cannot inherently track us formulate a plan about (discretely) planting an idea in the heads of the Shinigami we've just captured...

> Specifically that Tenshi Hinanawi is fleeing to the moon to avoid capture!  Those moon people are pretty self sufficient (and long lived) right?  They have their own ways of doing things and therefore shouldn't be overly enthusiastic about a bunch of Shinigami and Ministry of Right and Wrong running around their turf.  Any assassins sent for us will inevitably get annihilated, perhaps even sparking a greater conflict between the Ministry and the Lunar Capital.
> Such a clever plan should certainly earn the respect of that Yakumo Youkai, Celestials are flawless Tacticians after all.  The question is how could we get her on board with such a plan, without her over-analyzing it and prematurely dismissing it as doomed to fail due to a lack of respect for Celestials.

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

> Suggest Iku this order and ask her what she thinks about it:
1. Youmu
2. Kaguya & Mokou
3. Kasen
4. Oki
5. Byakuren & Miko
6. Suwako

>"Suwako?" Iku thinks for a moment before nodding. "Seems okay. Although I'm surprised that you would come to me before Byakuren and Miko, and that they're so late in the list."

> Do we have any money on us? Is it possible we could ask Iku to give us a small allowance so we can buy things in the human village.

>...You do actually have some money, but not a lot. Back when you did your Personality Assessments/Weather Forecasts in the Human Village some people did donate some money afterwards. This was before the complaints of adverse weather and rumours of weather manipulation popped up. As for if Iku has any money for an allowance... You're unsure. Heaven is filled with luxuries (though not in your opinion) that are given for free, and almost denizens have no need for money and have transcended the want for material goods. Iku could be similar, but for how much of a sour opinion you have of her, you have to admit that she's much better than the stuffy Celestials.

> Do we hear any suspicious sounds from the room that the Shinigami are in?

>No, they have been very quiet. You have no idea if they are scared of being found or are just really quiet.

> Hmm, the Lunar Capital... talk about stirring up the hornets nest!
> Since the Shinigami cannot inherently track us formulate a plan about (discretely) planting an idea in the heads of the Shinigami we've just captured...

> Specifically that Tenshi Hinanawi is fleeing to the moon to avoid capture!  Those moon people are pretty self sufficient (and long lived) right?  They have their own ways of doing things and therefore shouldn't be overly enthusiastic about a bunch of Shinigami and Ministry of Right and Wrong running around their turf.  Any assassins sent for us will inevitably get annihilated, perhaps even sparking a greater conflict between the Ministry and the Lunar Capital.
> Such a clever plan should certainly earn the respect of that Yakumo Youkai, Celestials are flawless Tacticians after all.  The question is how could we get her on board with such a plan, without her over-analyzing it and prematurely dismissing it as doomed to fail due to a lack of respect for Celestials.

>Hmm. It could work.

>The Lunar Capital is a Pure Land like Bhaavagra, but unlike Bhaavagra it is not like that naturally. It is Pure because it has a lack of exposure to Impurity and it could lose that status from overexposure, this is why the Lunarians are heavily against any "Impure" beings getting anywhere close to The Moon. So Shinigami, the arbiters of death, and The Ministry of Right and Wrong, the bureaucracy of the afterlife, would definitely be unwelcome. However, you are a Celestial and have been living in Bhaavagra for many years, you should be pure enough to blend in! At least, that's what you want the Shinigami and The Ministry to think.
>Yukari might be up for this. You don't know how she feels about proxy wars, but considering how much of a manipulative vixen she is (heavily ironic given the literal Kitsune Shikigami she has), she would probably go behind a plan that doesn't involve any actual parties from Gensokyo proper.
>_?

[degradingwindow]

> "I'm honoured that you find my order satisfactory. I left those two last for personal reasons and right now my top priority should be getting combat experience and I think that you are a much better mentor than those monks."
> "Is there anything else that we need to discuss?"

[Tom]

> Do we know of any relationship between the Lady of Hakugyokuru and Yukari Yakumo?  If so, then yet another reason to visit Youmu first and set our little plan into motion!

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

> "I'm honoured that you find my order satisfactory. I left those two last for personal reasons and right now my top priority should be getting combat experience and I think that you are a much better mentor than those monks."
> "Is there anything else that we need to discuss?"

>You see Iku's face light up in surprise, then she looks away from you for a moment. Was she blushing?
>"No, nothing more on the docket."

> Do we know of any relationship between the Lady of Hakugyokuru and Yukari Yakumo?  If so, then yet another reason to visit Youmu first and set our little plan into motion!

>You don't know of any ties between them. With how little you see Yuyuko Saigyouji and how you almost purposefully avoid Yukari, you can't really know. Though you do know that Yuyuko is very old and important, she can't be so notable that Yukari meets with her, right? What would The Lady of Hakugyokurou and The Gap Hag even do together anyway?
>_?

[degradingwindow]

> "Then shall we bid farewell? I have a lot of work cut out for me and I better get started quickly."

[Tom]

> Think of ways we could lead the three Shinigami into thinking we're fleeing Gensokyo.

[WitheringFlowerCrown]

> "Then shall we bid farewell? I have a lot of work cut out for me and I better get started quickly."

>"Yes, I think we shall."
>Iku gets up, looks around and does a double-take, she finally noticed the size of the Meterlings, then goes towards the window/door. "I'll be out of sight but always with reach, Eldest Daughter. Good luck on your survival." She then leaves with no more words.

> Think of ways we could lead the three Shinigami into thinking we're fleeing Gensokyo.

>Hmm. You could talk about how boring Gensokyo is, it would be a lie but not out of character. You could talk about how The Lunar Capital is more easier to live in than Bhaavagra and how you could fit in due to your Pure nature as a Celestial. Or you can just be straightforward and tell them that you're leaving Gensokyo and going to The Lunar Capital, for as many things people can say about you, you never lie, which would make this believable.

>While pondering on the most efficient method of deceit, you hear rustling nearby followed by Shinmyoumaru saying "We're done!"
>You look at Shion and Shinmyoumaru to see them wearing a Peach Rose and Lotus-Shaped Peach on their heads respectively. Shion also has a comically large bag, probably filled with food.
>"We're going with you!"
>_?

[degradingwindow]

> "Are you sure about this? We'll be constantly prowled by Shinigami and we'll have to move a lot. Also don't you all have your own responsibilities to fulfill?

[Tom]

> Perhaps a better strategy would be to set the stage so they 'overhear' this bit of dialogue.  Is there somewhere out of sight of the Shinigami but close enough that they can overheard us pretending to discuss this with Shion and Shinmyoumaru?  After all, covertly obtained information from the enemy is more trustworthy than their own words.

[Branneg Xy]

> "Are you sure about this? We'll be constantly prowled by Shinigami and we'll have to move a lot. Also don't you all have your own responsibilities to fulfill?

> Do not forget to thank them sincerely for their friendship such as theirs to follow you through  future hardships.

> Of course if either or both cannot follow together without abandoning their own responsibilities,or mostly so,point out the facts in a tone and way both truthful to the aforementionted ones and respecftul to their earnest motivation and friendship.

> Perhaps a better strategy would be to set the stage so they 'overhear' this bit of dialogue.  Is there somewhere out of sight of the Shinigami but close enough that they can overheard us pretending to discuss this with Shion and Shinmyoumaru?  After all, covertly obtained information from the enemy is more trustworthy than their own words.

>...but the fact the 3 Shinigami would so conveniently overhear our discussion while it is supposed to be secret to them ,and to such a precise location such as the Lunar Capital,would defeat the fundamental purpose...

>...and,most importantly, both Person-wise Celestial-Wise, making bases & plans about & around lies & deceits is going to backfire sooner or later causing more troubles and harm rather than solutions and mend.