Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Beyond the Border~ => Rumia's Party Games => Topic started by: Tom on May 28, 2023, 07:00:02 PM
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> Seija Quest Part 3
> You're Seija Kijin the rebellious Amanojaku.
> Tonight you were supposed to be accompanying Shinmyoumaru to the Full Moon Festival at the Hakurei Shrine, to help her feel a little more comfortable around these powerful and influential humans and Youkai. She's pretty much your only ally in Gensokyo who hasn't forgotten you after your exile so you accepted helping her, even though you're an Amanojaku.
> However while walking up the long stairway to the Hakurei Shrine you spotted one of Aya's newspapers under the shrine's gate and the headline caught your attention, it read:
A Competition among Gensokyans
To Fulfill all Ten Desires
Wealth? Knowledge? Prestige? Magic? Longevity? Any one of them can be yours~
Whoever can successfully cause an Incident without being caught will have their
greatest wish fulfilled~!
Everyone interested should gather at the Hakurei Shrine Grounds at Sunset.
Also in this Bunbunmaru issue:
>Another year of excellent crop yields thanks to Minoriko's blessings. (Page 2)
>The Kraken confirmed!? Eyewitness reports from fishermen about strange sightings
under Misty Lake's surface! (Page 3)
>Reading Tarot Cards 101! 5 cards link you to your past, present and future, according
to an expert. But which cards provide the highest accuracy of readings? We compare results
from 5 different sets of cards across 30 individuals. (Page 4)
>An exclusive interview with Village Physician Unshou about the health benefits of
smoked herring, a village delicacy. (Page 5)
> The details about this competition were revealed during the Full Moon Festival. A doll named Iris claimed that incidents have become mere nuisances and troublemakers are only dealt a simple slap on the wrist for causing them by a weak, misled by Youkai Hakurei Maiden. Iris has promised that whoever causes a successful unresolved incident will get their greatest wish fulfilled, thus sparking conflict among the major forces in Gensokyo.
> The first incident happened shortly after Iris' announcement when the Hakurei Shrine was thoroughly destroyed by Mima with the assistance of Marisa and Yuuka.
// Since this quest is "chapter-ized" into different incidents full summaries won't be included for each one, though they are linked below:
> First Incident - The Hakurei Shrine destroyed once more: Thread 1 Thread 2
> After the incident's conclusion Seija invited Reimu to spend the night at the Shining Needle Castle as Iris repaired the Hakurei Shrine.
> Following concerns from the librarian and princess, Mokou spent the next day investigating Alice for a possible connection to the doll Iris. This unfortunately was inconclusive though some potentially interesting communications were found.
> After having met the librarian Patchouli during the Full Moon Festival (and subsequent incident) she quickly took interest in you and invited you to visit her at the Scarlet Devil Mansion's library (this is where you are now!).
> After an excruciatingly long walk through endless identical looking aisles the bookshelves open up into a rectangular area. Several pieces or what looks like magical research equipment are set up along the edges of the "room" and in the center is a large round table with stacks of books taller than the Hakurei Shrine!
> The librarian approaches a dismantled Iris doll and gestures at it. "Koakuma only finished taking it apart before you arrived, not only is Iris tough to knock out but the dolls are very tricky to take apart without setting off the gunpowder. We can consider Mima very lucky to be an evil spirit..."
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> "Damn, wow."
> Have a curious look over the pieces.
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> "Damn, wow."
> Have a curious look over the pieces.
> There's a small pile of gunpowder in a glass box, various pieces of doll clothing among a few springs and screws.
> Patchouli points at the gunpowder "Unlike the puppeteer's dolls which are connected to her through magical strings, Iris dolls either have some degree of autonomy or are telepathically controlled... While autonomous dolls may sound far fetched, as research in that field was never pursued seriously it does seem more plausible than one individual being able to telepathically control tens of these with precision needed to give Koakuma and I trouble taking them down..."
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> "Hmm. Some of those pieces look pretty tiny"
> Pull the coin back out.
> "Do you think that trick I showed you yesterday would help you investigate them up close? Or do you think you've learned everything you can from them already?"
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> "Hmm. Some of those pieces look pretty tiny"
> Pull the coin back out.
> "Do you think that trick I showed you yesterday would help you investigate them up close? Or do you think you've learned everything you can from them already?"
> Her eyes sparkle "That ... is indeed an interesting ability. I assigned Koakuma last night to locate our literature on transformative magic and the Oni species" she points at the two-story tall pyramid of books on the table "We were sifting through it this morning before we got rudely interrupted by a certain foul mouthed doll..."
> The librarian retrieves a notepad from the table and scribbles something down before pointing at your hand and eagerly asking "Let's see what you can do with that coin!"
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> "You got it. Here, hold it in front of you like yesterday if you don't mind."
> Offer the coin to Patchouli.
> If she takes it and holds it in front of her, stand somewhere open, and swap properties with the coin.
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> "You got it. Here, hold it in front of you like yesterday if you don't mind."
> Offer the coin to Patchouli.
> If she takes it and holds it in front of her, stand somewhere open, and swap properties with the coin.
> You switch places with the coin and end up on Patchouli's palm. Her eyes practically glow with excitement! The librarian casts a few spells with her free hand to examine the large coin behind you as she whispers to herself "I could use a familiar with such an ability...".
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> ...Let's ignore that 'familiar' comment for the time being. If we're gong to be in that relationship with anyone, we're going to be the dominant entity.
> "Do you want me to switch with you again, or are you content how you are?"
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> ...Let's ignore that 'familiar' comment for the time being. If we're gong to be in that relationship with anyone, we're going to be the dominant entity.
> "Do you want me to switch with you again, or are you content how you are?"
> She notes a few things down and asks "Could you show me what the largest objects you can transform are?"
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> "That depends on what you've got available."
> Undo the swap with the coin.
> "What's the largest thing you have here that's one single solid object, rather than a combination of smaller objects? Like, I couldn't transform with that entire pile of books you have going there, I could only do one book in it at a time."
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> "That depends on what you've got available."
> Undo the swap with the coin.
> "What's the largest thing you have here that's one single solid object, rather than a combination of smaller objects? Like, I couldn't transform with that entire pile of books you have going there, I could only do one book in it at a time."
> The librarian asks "Oh, so individual objects only? I wonder what constitutes an object tough..." as she flips pages in her notebook and sketches various patterns the spells she cast on the coin form.
> After a few minutes she stands up and whispers something into a book "I've asked my assistant to bring in some larger 'individual' objects to test with. While we wait could you explain what happens when you focus on an object to transform? Do you see something appear, do you "reach out" towards the object?" she asks eagerly
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> What do we remember of how it works from our experimentation yesterday? (Don't say anything about this yet.)
> Grin just a little bit.
> "So you're saying we have a time limit on how long we're going to be alone..."
> Advance on Patchouli in (what is hopefully) a non-threatening manner.
> "..and you want to know about things like that? Has our cute little librarian truly not considered...other ideas for what could be done without the presence of others?"
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> What do we remember of how it works from our experimentation yesterday? (Don't say anything about this yet.)
> Grin just a little bit.
> "So you're saying we have a time limit on how long we're going to be alone..."
> Advance on Patchouli in (what is hopefully) a non-threatening manner.
> "..and you want to know about things like that? Has our cute little librarian truly not considered...other ideas for what could be done without the presence of others?"
> The librarian is unfazed by your advances (you're tiny anyways!) and continues taking notes while commenting "Anything that contributes the greater pool of knowledge and magical science..."
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> (you're tiny anyways!)
> Did our undoing of the swap with the coin (https://www.shrinemaiden.com/index.php?topic=452.msg28596#msg28596) not happen?
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// Oops missed that!
> The librarian takes a step back while continuing to take notes and comments "Anything that contributes the greater pool of knowledge and magical science..."
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> What do we remember of how it works from our experimentation yesterday? (Don't say anything about this yet.)
> "That's fair. Though there are still things that can be done while your questions are answered and you take your notes~"
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> What do we remember of how it works from our experimentation yesterday? (Don't say anything about this yet.)
> "That's fair. Though there are still things that can be done while your questions are answered and you take your notes~"
> Patchouli rolls her eyes at the change of your tone of voice and persistence.
> Returning to her notes she comments "My interests are purely academic... that ability intrigues me which is why I wish to learn more about you."
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> Look slightly disappointed, then shake it off.
> "Very well, as you wish."
> "Anyway, I'm not really a scholar, so I probably can't provide details as fine as you'd like. From my perspective, I simply decide to swap properties with the object I'm targeting, and my magic makes it happen. I'm not even entirely sure what it looks like to someone else."
> Swap with the coin again, since she'll probably want to see us in action again.
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> Look slightly disappointed, then shake it off.
> "Very well, as you wish."
> "Anyway, I'm not really a scholar, so I probably can't provide details as fine as you'd like. From my perspective, I simply decide to swap properties with the object I'm targeting, and my magic makes it happen. I'm not even entirely sure what it looks like to someone else."
> Swap with the coin again, since she'll probably want to see us in action again.
> Patchouli casts some type of magic-sense spell that makes the air shimmer as you focus on the coin and changes color the moment the inversion happens.
> "Excellent!" she praises
> After casting a bubble barrier over the coin she asks you undo the switch to see if it will bypass the spell.
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> Try undoing the swap.
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> Try undoing the inversion.
> The bubble barrier shatters like broken glass with a loud piercing sound! "I-Impressive... I could only imagine it's applications in a danmaku duel..."
> She retrieves a star shaped pendant with a glowing red crystal in it's center from the table and hands it to you. "It's an elemental crystal, it enriches red magic and provides magical energy. When Koakuma returns with the larger objects I'd like to see if it enables focusing on larger objects than you could without it. It'll let me narrow down the types of magic being used based on whether it's affected or not!"
> Obtained: "Red Crystal Pendant" - Apparently enriches red magic and provides magical energy
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> "Sweet, thanks! Actually, with what you've said in mind, let me try something..."
> Focus on the pendant, try swapping with one of the stacks of books on the table. Make sure to try to swap with the entire stack at once, rather than any of the books individually. (if we feel like the swap is going to go through, but with only one of the books, then stop it so it doesn't go through.)
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> "Sweet, thanks! Actually, with what you've said in mind, let me try something..."
> Focus on the pendant, try swapping with one of the stacks of books on the table. Make sure to try to swap with the entire stack at once, rather than any of the books individually. (if we feel like the swap is going to go through, but with only one of the books, then stop it so it doesn't go through.)
> Wearing the pendant you find it easier to magically locate the books. You try and imagine them as a group held by gravity and succeed! You're now standing atop the table, taller than you've ever been before.
> "Fascinating..." the librarian absentmindedly comments as she examines the now smaller stack of books laying where you just stood.
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> "Whoa! That's certainly new."
> How large is Patchouli compared to the new us (or some specific part of the new us)?
> "So, for your notes, that felt like I was able to treat the stack as a single group, instead of a slew of individual books."
> Look around at the other stacks.
> "That makes me wonder how that can be applied...would it be okay if I built a different shape using a stack or two?"
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> "Whoa! That's certainly new."
> How large is Patchouli compared to the new us (or some specific part of the new us)?
> "So, for your notes, that felt like I was able to treat the stack as a single group, instead of a slew of individual books."
> Look around at the other stacks.
> "That makes me wonder how that can be applied...would it be okay if I built a different shape using a stack or two?"
> She claps and complements "Fantastic!"
> The librarian tries to pick up one of the now small books "I-I can't move it, it's as if weighs more than the whole stack!" before gesturing for you to continue and try different shapes.
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> Huh, interesting. How heavy do we feel, if we can tell? Report this information to Patchouli.
> Then, using whatever stacks we need, form a 4x4 grid of books on the floor as a base, and then pile the books in vertical stacks all along the edge of of the base but not in the middle, until we have we have something like a square silo with no roof that is tall enough to fit, say, one-and-a-half vertically-stacked Patchoulis inside.
> "There, that should do. Now, for the kicker...do you have anything handy that can float on its own and isn't a book that we could put inside this tower? If you'd be willing to go in there yourself, that would work great, but you don't have to."
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> Huh, interesting. How heavy do we feel, if we can tell? Report this information to Patchouli.
> Then, using whatever stacks we need, form a 4x4 grid of books on the floor as a base, and then pile the books in vertical stacks all along the edge of of the base but not in the middle, until we have we have something like a square silo with no roof that is tall enough to fit, say, one-and-a-half vertically-stacked Patchoulis inside.
> "There, that should do. Now, for the kicker...do you have anything handy that can float on its own and isn't a book that we could put inside this tower? If you'd be willing to go in there yourself, that would work great, but you don't have to."
> While assembling the stack of books you occasionally gaze at their titles and notice most are on transformative magic, some are on sensing magic while a few are on Oni history. One particular book catches your eye because you've seen it before... no you actually own an identical one. It's a history book that contains several sections on Oni-Inchling historical conflicts, the origins of the Miracle Mallet and the lineage of the Inchling royal family. Last you remember it was in your bedroom closet, you hope Shinmyoumaru didn't come across it while "redecorating" the castle...
> She laughs nervously "Maybe if I knew how all this worked I'd volunteer..." and enchants a book to float in mid air, allowing you to move it to the center of the square "cylinder" you built.
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> Chuckle.
> "You could always volunteer your assistant when she arrives, I suppose."
> Return to our previous spot on the table, and undo the swap with the stack of books.
> Then, focusing on the pendant, try swapping with the "cylinder" of books, imagining them as a group held together by gravity like before. Make sure to also imagine that the floating book is not part of the "cylinder" and is not held to any of the other books by gravity, since it is floating independently of them.
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> Chuckle.
> "You could always volunteer your assistant when she arrives, I suppose."
> Return to our previous spot on the table, and undo the swap with the stack of books.
> Then, focusing on the pendant, try swapping with the "cylinder" of books, imagining them as a group held together by gravity like before. Make sure to also imagine that the floating book is not part of the "cylinder" and is not held to any of the other books by gravity, since it is floating independently of them.
> You undo the switch try to imagine the "cylinder" of books as a single object, excluding the floating book inside. Upon swapping you find yourself standing in front of Patchouli noticing her eyes widen in shock. You reflexively glance around but spot nothing amiss?
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> Look to where we were. Is the cylinder there?
> Give our body a quick look-over without moving very much.
> If we still can't find anything wrong, ask: "What's wrong?"
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> Look to where we were. Is the cylinder there?
> It's on top of the table, about the same size as it was before only slightly smaller.
> Give our body a quick look-over without moving very much.
> You glance at yourself best you can without a mirror and notice nothing different.
> If we still can't find anything wrong, ask: "What's wrong?"
> Patchouli appears to either be too shocked or too absorbed in her notes to respond to your question.
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> Bluh. Didn't want to move, but...
> Walk over to the table and have a look inside the cylinder.
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> Bluh. Didn't want to move, but...
> Walk over to the table and have a look inside the cylinder.
> There's n-nothing inside! A chill runs down your spine as something clicks in your mind.
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> ...Do we feel the missing book at all?
> Move back to where we were previously positioned, and undo the swap.
> Once the swap is undone, float up above the cylinder and check inside.
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> ...Do we feel the missing book at all?
> Move back to where we were previously positioned, and undo the swap.
> Once the swap is undone, float up above the cylinder and check inside.
> You search the book using your ability to try an target it but come up short.
> Undoing the swap you find yourself floating once more on top of the round table. Peering inside you see ... nothing! I-it's g-gone!?
> You subconsciously end up whispering "It c-can't be!"
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> "Uhhhhhh..."
> Look to Patchouli.
> "...Where did it go?"
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> "Uhhhhhh..."
> Look to Patchouli.
> "...Where did it go?"
> Ability discovered: O~Zone - Overwrites no- obliterates obstructions
> Something clicks in the librarian's mind the intrigue returns to her eyes along with a hint of something else you can't quite place your finger on...
> "Y-you couldn't have known..." she whispers a few words and enchants a paperweight with some spell causing it to float while glowing brightly. "Could you try that again? I cast a tracing spell which should point towards the paperweight's location". She retrieves a compass from her robe and demonstrates how it's needle always points toward the object in her other hand.
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> "Uh, sure."
> Wait for the paperweight to be floated inside the cylinder.
> Then swap with the cylinder again like before. Wait for results from Patchouli.
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> "Uh, sure."
> Wait for the paperweight to be floated inside the cylinder.
> Then swap with the cylinder again like before. Wait for results from Patchouli.
> She places the paperweight inside the "cylinder" and you invert your position with the books again, presumably causing the paperweight to disappear.
> Eyes wide once more she holds up the compass and instead of pointing towards the books it's needle now spins endlessly, switching directions occasionally... While the librarian records her observations you overhear her whisper "L-like the y-young mistress, only not so t-temperamental..."
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> Undo the swap, and watch the compass spin.
> "...That's...worrying."
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> Undo the swap, and watch the compass spin.
> "...That's...worrying."
> The compass continues spinning even after you undo the swap, which is promptly documented with a rough sketch of a compass encircled by two arrows pointing in opposite directions. You overhear her absentminded whispers "Remilia will certainly be pleased..."
> She nods "V-very much so... imagine wha-" before being interrupted by the arrival of what you imagine to be her assistant. A tall red haired demon pushing a cart with two large boxes, the smaller of the two being the size of your bedroom closet!
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> "I'm trying to not imagine what would have happened to you or your assistant, honestly..."
> "So what's in the boxes?"
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> "I'm trying to not imagine what would have happened to you or your assistant, honestly..."
> "So what's in the boxes?"
> Upon closer inspection they actually appear to be bookshelves no- they are just boxes with fake books painted on them!
> "Nothing! Patchy enchants them to spawn these annoying magical books that quickly fill up the place with orb damaku..." you hear an annoyed tongue click from the librarian
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> Is the demon assistant hot?
> "Hopefully that doesn't damage the real books."
> Look to Patchouli while floating over to the assistant.
> "So what do you need me to do?"
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> Is the demon assistant hot?
> Yes
> "Hopefully that doesn't damage the real books."
> Look to Patchouli while floating over to the assistant.
> "So what do you need me to do?"
> Using a spell she telekinetically picks up the smaller bookshelf and places it atop the larger one. She then quietly discusses something with her assistant you're unable to overhear before sending her off. Perhaps to fetch more objects?
> "Now that we know it works on multiple objects ... and what happens when they overlap I would like to know what the largest object you can transform is..." she points at the shelves
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> "..."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...Well, if that's your goal...
> Grin a bit.
> "...Why start so small?"
> Swap with the tallest remaining pile of books, imagining them to be a single object held together by gravity.
> Fly up so we're standing on top of the smaller box, landing while putting as little weight on it as possible.
> Undo the swap with the pile of books, so it appears on top of the smaller box.
> Stand on the floor in preparation for what is hopefully to come.
> Then, focusing on the pendant, try swapping with the entire collective stack of card, boxes, and books, imagining them all together as a group held together by gravity.
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> "..."
> Adopt a thinking expression.
> "...Well, if that's your goal...
> Grin a bit.
> "...Why start so small?"
> Swap with the tallest remaining pile of books, imagining them to be a single object held together by gravity.
> Fly up so we're standing on top of the smaller box, landing while putting as little weight on it as possible.
> Undo the swap with the pile of books, so it appears on top of the smaller box.
> Stand on the floor in preparation for what is hopefully to come.
> Then, focusing on the pendant, try swapping with the entire collective stack of card, boxes, and books, imagining them all together as a group held together by gravity.
> You assemble a towering pile of "bookshelves" and books! Patchouli claps "I applaud you for giving it your all!" before whispering "If only the young mistress put in 1/96th the effort she does..."
> Channeling the pendant fills you with energy and you notice red sparks fly from your hands as you point towards the huge construction. That feeling of power the pendant grants can be quite ... intoxicating. The next moment you find yourself high above the library, allowing you to finally appreciate it's vastness and the maze-like arrangement of the shelves.
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> Cool! Maybe we could cause an incident by growing as big as the Shining Needle Castle and- oh, wait, no that might obliterate everyone inside.
> Can we see where that assistant went?
> Have a look over ourselves with a grin.
> "Wow. Gotta say, this isn't half bad."
> Reach down and pick up Patchouli (gently! Don't squish her), bringing her all the way up to our face. How does she compare in size to our hand/fingers?
> "Whatcha think?"
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> Cool! Maybe we could cause an incident by growing as big as the Shining Needle Castle and- oh, wait, no that might obliterate everyone inside.
> "Reach for the sky! Consequences be damned!"
> Can we see where that assistant went?
> A thick fog blankets the space above the shelves, come to think of it you can't see any walls (or even a ceiling) to this place...
> Have a look over ourselves with a grin.
> "Imposing, as you ought to be..."
> "Wow. Gotta say, this isn't half bad."
> Reach down and pick up Patchouli (gently! Don't squish her), bringing her all the way up to our face. How does she compare in size to our hand/fingers?
> "Whatcha think?"
> You carefully pick up Patchouli, she's about the size of an Iris doll to you now.
> The librarian praises "I didn't expect it to work with the added books!" while recording some patterns her sensing magic shows and commenting "You could give the Moriya Shrine's so called 'giant automaton' a run for it's money."
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> "...Hey, you got something else small you don't mind possibly obliterating? I just had an idea. Oh, you can cast that compass spell on it too."
> Set Patchouli down and let her do her thing.
> If she produces something for us to experiment with, pop it in our mouth (do NOT swallow), and then undo the swap with the giant stack.
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> "...Hey, you got something else small you don't mind possibly obliterating? I just had an idea. Oh, you can cast that compass spell on it too."
> Set Patchouli down and let her do her thing.
> If she produces something for us to experiment with, pop it in our mouth (do NOT swallow), and then undo the swap with the giant stack.
> The librarian comments "Well everything might be kind of too small for you to hold right now..."
> She floats down to retrieve a cauldron from one of the odd machines lining the edges of the "room" amongs the bookshelves. You then place it (awkwardly) in your mouth, confused by it's flavor.
> "Chicken soup..."
> Upon undoing the swap you notice the cauldron is now gone! The librarian holds up her compass and comments "This confirms my expectations..."
> Patchouli retrieves another paperweight and casts a bubble around it. "I'd like to know which barriers it's affected by..."
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> "Oh, yeah, I've been wondering about the bubble. Put it in the book cylinder and we'll see what happens."
> Once the bubbled paperweight is inside the cylinder, swap with the cylinder again as usual. This time, however, also try imagining the paperweight as something within the cylinder, that should then logically be inside our body once the swap takes place.
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> "Oh, yeah, I've been wondering about the bubble. Put it in the book cylinder and we'll see what happens."
> Once the bubbled paperweight is inside the cylinder, swap with the cylinder again as usual. This time, however, also try imagining the paperweight as something within the cylinder, that should then logically be inside our body once the swap takes place.
> You hear a piercing sound as the barrier shatters and you're now standing atop the table. It feels like the paperweight just ended up being grouped with the books, but you'd have to check to see.
> The librarian comments "It's still here! What changed?"
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> Have a look inside the cylinder.
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> Have a look inside the cylinder.
> The paperweight is there but the bubble is gone!
> "You could've just used your magic to sense inside..."
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> Move back to where we were.
> "I suppose, but sometimes it's nicer to simply clap eyes on something. Can you try to move the paperweight while it's in there?"
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> Move back to where we were.
> "I suppose, but sometimes it's nicer to simply clap eyes on something. Can you try to move the paperweight while it's in there?"
> She gives you an odd look for a moment "Yes, where should I move it to?"
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> "Anywhere. I want to see if it's stuck in place like those books."
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> "Anywhere. I want to see if it's stuck in place like those books."
> "I-I can't atleast not magically" she then climbs over the "cylinder" to reach for it before sighing and shaking her head.
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> "Oh...Could you go in there and get it? I promise I won't do any swaps with you in there."
> Smile a bit.
> "I definitely don't want to bring you harm, you know. If something bad happened, how would I keep flirting with you?"
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> "Oh...Could you go in there and get it? I promise I won't do any swaps with you in there."
> Smile a bit.
> "I definitely don't want to bring you harm, you know. If something bad happened, how would I keep flirting with you?"
> "I can't move it" she complains before climbing back out of the book "cylinder". Something about your comment has her taken aback.
> She asks "Let us see what the furthest you can reach..." before leading you to one side of the "room" and pointing at a cauldron on the opposite side. Patchouli then opens the large tome she's been carrying the entire time and recites a spell in some foreign, ancient sounding language. Suddenly the room becomes massive, but at the same time you feel like nothing is out of the ordinary... as if the scenery in a dream just changed!
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> Did we undo the most recent cylinder swap (the one where the paperweight also made the transfer) before traveling here?
> Is Patchouli within easy reach?
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> Did we undo the most recent cylinder swap (the one where the paperweight also made the transfer) before traveling here?
> "You most certainly did"
> Is Patchouli within easy reach?
> You're too disoriented to tell, everything feels distant right now
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> Take a moment to get our bearings. Close our eyes for a bit if need be.
> Once we feel better, look around to see if Patchouli is within easy reach.
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> Take a moment to get our bearings. Close our eyes for a bit if need be.
> Once we feel better, look around to see if Patchouli is within easy reach.
> You close your eyes to focus but are interrupted by Patchouli telling you to hurry up. "I can't maintain this spell all day!"
> Opening your eyes you see the librarian standing several steps away though you swear she was standing next to you only a moment ago.
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> Something about your comment has her taken aback.
> Did she seem flustered at all? Or more annoyed?
> "Sorry, sorry! This is really disorienting!"
> Locate the cauldron magically. Then try swapping with it.
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> Did she seem flustered at all? Or more annoyed?
> "Annoyed."
> "Sorry, sorry! This is really disorienting!"
> Locate the cauldron magically. Then try swapping with it.
> She gives a quick nod, visibly strained from maintaining the spell.
> "Through your mind's eye imagine it being right next to you!"
> Searching for it is a struggle, it's like the cauldron is there but also not there. Each time you reach is a swing and miss!
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> Try closing our eyes again and mentally picturing the cauldron being right next to us, then.
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> Try closing our eyes again and mentally picturing the cauldron being right next to us, then.
> "It's a trick! There's three of them in a row behind each other..."
> That's it! You picture the front cauldron next to you and feel a surge of magical energy, the next moment you're so far across the 'room' you can just barely make out the pink magician!
-
> Blink, then shake our head to clear the cobwebs and confusion.
> "Damn, that was something."
> Undo the swap. Then walk up next to Patchouli if she's not still strained by whatever spell she was holding.
-
> Blink, then shake our head to clear the cobwebs and confusion.
> "Damn, that was something."
> "Tsk tsk. Depth perception..."
> Undo the swap. Then walk up next to Patchouli if she's not still strained by whatever spell she was holding.
> Upon undoing the switch the librarian interrupts the space-bending spell by closing the tome in her hand with a loud thud. You walk up to as she returns to taking notes. Noticing your approach she glances up "For the last test I would like a duel...".
-
> "'Last' test? What if there are still some things I want to try that we haven't done yet?"
-
> "'Last' test? What if there are still some things I want to try that we haven't done yet?"
> "Unfortunately I have a busy schedule today with Iris and everything. Perhaps I can allow it if you do well?" she explains
-
> Sigh.
> "Very well. Anything in particular you want me to do over the course of this duel?"
-
> Sigh.
> "Very well. Anything in particular you want me to do over the course of this duel?"
> "Demonstrate the extents of your abilities. Oh and ... survive" just as she finishes a door materializes in the room and out walks the red headed assistant from earlier, holding hands with a short blonde girl. Patchouli gestures towards her "Flandre" and then towards you "Seija". She then hurries towards the door alongside her assistant and explains to the girl "You have permission to play, but keep it above the shelves..." before stepping through and shutting it. It dematerializes shortly after.
-
>
> Oh.
>
> Well, that's not very nice.
> Smile.
> "Hello, Miss Flandre. If I may call you that?"
-
>
> Oh.
>
> Well, that's not very nice.
> Smile.
> "Hello, Miss Flandre. If I may call you that?"
> She nods hesitantly at your question
> "Sei-ja can we play danmaku?" she asks, somewhat mispronouncing your name.
-
> What sense are we getting from her speech and body language? Does she seem nervous, excited, something else?
-
> What sense are we getting from her speech and body language? Does she seem nervous, excited, something else?
> "Nervous you might deny her request..."
-
> "Absolutely, my little friend. I hope I'll be a fun partner for you."
-
> "Absolutely, my little friend. I hope I'll be a fun partner for you."
> "Great!" she practically beams with your acceptance
> Flandre explains "I can be 'it' since you're new!"
> "Keep a watchful eye now... don't turn your back!"
-
> Grin a bit.
> "Well, if we're warning each other...make sure you keep your focus~"
> "So am I trying to keep away from you, then?"
-
> Grin a bit.
> "Well, if we're warning each other...make sure you keep your focus~"
> "So am I trying to keep away from you, then?"
> She stares oddly at your first comment
> "Yep! But you can use danmaku too! It's more fun that way!"
> Pausing for a moment to think she walks over to the round table and retrieves a sword before handing it to you. "I have my own but since you're new you can have this one of Remy's!"
> Obtained: Excalibur - The sword of legends!
-
> Have we ever done a danmaku duel with a sword before?
> "Thanks!"
> Get a feel for the sword in our hand.
-
> Have we ever done a danmaku duel with a sword before?
> "What's the saying? There's a first time for everything?"
> "Thanks!"
> Get a feel for the sword in our hand.
> It's well balanced to use in two hands ... for a human. You on the other hand can effortlessly twirl it around your fingers!
> Flandre pulls out an odd dull-looking sword and tries (with difficulty) to copy your twirls.
-
> Okay, quick mental recap.
> This girl's name is 'Flandre'. That's the same name Patchouli referenced earlier, when we first started, uh, obliterating objects by accident. Patchouli was comparing us doing that to her. So, she's probably very powerful, if not absurdly so.
> She also appears to be an impressionable, somewhat naive child, what with looking young, the nervousness upon meeting someone new, the name mispronunciation, the desire to play, and now trying to copy our cool-looking moves.
> Conclusion: We need to sink our metaphorical talons into this girl as deep as we can and hold on tight. Having an ally of her theoretical power embedded in a major household like this would be exceedingly useful. Especially if we can get and maintain a grip on Patchouli.
> Nod.
> "Feels good. Okay, little lady, I'm ready!"
-
> Okay, quick mental recap.
> This girl's name is 'Flandre'. That's the same name Patchouli referenced earlier, when we first started, uh, obliterating objects by accident. Patchouli was comparing us doing that to her. So, she's probably very powerful, if not absurdly so.
> She also appears to be an impressionable, somewhat naive child, what with looking young, the nervousness upon meeting someone new, the name mispronunciation, the desire to play, and now trying to copy our cool-looking moves.
> Conclusion: We need to sink our metaphorical talons into this girl as deep as we can and hold on tight. Having an ally of her theoretical power embedded in a major household like this would be exceedingly useful. Especially if we can get and maintain a grip on Patchouli.
> "That's the spirit!"
> Nod.
> "Feels good. Okay, little lady, I'm ready!"
> She turns around "I'll start counting to ten when I hear you fly off"
-
> "Got it!"
> Glance at the ground immediately below the two of us. Is there anything down there that's roughly our size?
-
> "Got it!"
> Glance at the ground immediately below the two of us. Is there anything down there that's roughly our size?
> "Already on the ground, dummy!" a voice whispers
-
> Oh, right. What about in our immediate vicinity but not in Flandre's current line of sight, then?
-
> Oh, right. What about in our immediate vicinity but not in Flandre's current line of sight, then?
> You recall there being a cauldron you practiced with earlier behind you.
-
> Fly over next to the cauldron, and then swap with it.
> Then take to the air properly, head above shelf level and away from Flandre to get a little bit of distance between us.
-
> Fly over next to the cauldron, and then swap with it.
> Then take to the air properly, head above shelf level and away from Flandre to get a little bit of distance between us.
> You switch with the cauldron and fly off above the shelves into the fog and hear her start counting.
-
> How thick is the fog up here?
-
> How thick is the fog up here?
> You can only see 5-10 rows of shelves over?
-
> From a perspective of facing where the counting is coming from, begin flying to the right.
-
> From a perspective of facing where the counting is coming from, begin flying to the right.
> You swiftly fly right, narrowly avoiding a red blur which races past you!
-
> Yikes! Was that her, or just bullets?
-
> Yikes! Was that her, or just bullets?
> "Too big to be a bullet, but you could say you just dodged a bullet!"
-
> Undo the swap with the cauldron.
> Then fly back upward so we're above the shelves, and try locating Flandre using the locator part of our swapping ability. (Do not swap with her.)
-
> Undo the swap with the cauldron.
> Then fly back upward so we're above the shelves, and try locating Flandre using the locator part of our swapping ability. (Do not swap with her.)
> You double back using your inversion ability!
> Time appears to slow as you try and locate Flandre through the fog. Considering theres literally nothingness above and around you she sticks out like a sore thumb! You could swap any moment now that you've got your minds eye in her direction.
> A voice hisses "Somethings reaching at us!"
-
> Is that our internal monologue, or something we heard said out loud?
-
> Is that our internal monologue, or something we heard said out loud?
> Neither, it sounds like your 'voice' but you don't remember saying it out loud or thinking it.
-
> Do that swap, then! Hopefully we'll lose it!
-
> Do that swap, then! Hopefully we'll lose it!
> You perform the switch and end up high above the shelves? So far up you can't see anything in any direction just darkness in the fog...
> You hear a distant banging sound, like someone (or something) just slammed into some shelves.
-
> Wow, she's damn good...all the more reason to get her on our side!
> Undo the swap.
> Then try swapping the fog from opaque to transparent.
-
> Wow, she's damn good...all the more reason to get her on our side!
> "Or maybe they're trying to get you on their side?"
> Undo the swap.
> Then try swapping the fog from opaque to transparent.
> You switch back and try to manipulate the fog which clears slightly. You still can't see the edges of the library though...
-
> Can we see Flandre anywhere?
-
> Can we see Flandre anywhere?
> Yes! Just beyond a 'crossroads' in the bookshelves.
-
> Experimentally fling a few horizontal lines of bullets at her.
-
> Experimentally fling a few horizontal lines of bullets at her.
> You proceed so, though they will take some time to reach her. Something shiny like a sword being swung sparkles in her direction.
-
> Head upward about six feet.
> Then fire a few more horizontal lines.
-
> Head upward about six feet.
> Then fire a few more horizontal lines.
> You throw a few more horizontal lines from above and notice a few crescent "slashes" coming your way, homing up towards your new location.
-
> Left, to see if they follow
-
> Left, to see if they follow
> They're still closing in!
-
> Are we capable of firing homing bullets?
-
> Are we capable of firing homing bullets?
> Lightly homing bullets but it takes more magical energy, equivalent to 3 or 4 regular ones.
-
> Up!
-
> Up!
> That manages to get away from it. Your two lines of bullets finally reach Flandre, who is too preoccupied watching you dodge the crescent slashes and nearly gets hit! She stumbles back for a moment to regain her bearings.
-
> Oh, right, victory condition. Is there a traditional "X Strikes And You're Out" point in danmaku battles?
-
> Oh, right, victory condition. Is there a traditional "X Strikes And You're Out" point in danmaku battles?
> Yes! It's first to three.
-
> Hmm.
> Fire a circle of danmaku at Flandre now, one that has a diameter equal to her height.
> Do Flandre's wings appear to be a proper part of her? Or can we sense them, or parts of them, separately from the rest of her?
-
> Hmm.
> Fire a circle of danmaku at Flandre now, one that has a diameter equal to her height.
> Do Flandre's wings appear to be a proper part of her? Or can we sense them, or parts of them, separately from the rest of her?
> You trace a circle with your hand, spawning a ring of danmaku that you estimate will grow to about her height when it reaches her.
> They are one and the same, though sensing Flandre with your ability it feels like she's both there and not there at the same time.
-
> Both there and not there? What might that mean?
> Follow the circle with a couple of vertical lines.
-
> Both there and not there? What might that mean?
> Follow the circle with a couple of vertical lines.
> It reminds you of the faraway cauldrons from earlier.
> You throw a few vertical lines as Flandre recovers her bearings and glances around for you.
-
> Begin circling her current position by traveling forward and to the left in a curve.
-
> Begin circling her current position by traveling forward and to the left in a curve.
> Flandre spots the danmaku ring and leaps through it, before slashing through the lines with her sword, splitting them in half! She clearly appears to enjoy the challenge.
> You start circling around and notice (if your eyes are not deceiving you) there's two Flandres!
-
> Where are the two Flandres positioned relative to us?
> Do we feel the presence of both of them, or just one?
> How much effort is it taking to keep the fog transparent?
-
> Where are the two Flandres positioned relative to us?
> Do we feel the presence of both of them, or just one?
> They were in a line, to fit through the danmaku ring.
> Now that you know there's two of them you can search for them separately. Previously when you were searching for one it felt as if she was both there and not there.
> How much effort is it taking to keep the fog transparent?
> Equivalent to throwing a bullet every second?
-
> Are they the only two Flandres we can sense?
-
> Are they the only two Flandres we can sense?
> "The left one's the real one" a voice whispers
-
> Hmm...well, this is as good a chance as any to test something else we were trying the other day.
> Using the pendant as a focus, sense both Flandres at once, try imagining them as a single group the entity 'Flandre', and try swapping with both at once.
-
> Hmm...well, this is as good a chance as any to test something else we were trying the other day.
> Using the pendant as a focus, sense both Flandres at once, try imagining them as a single group the entity 'Flandre', and try swapping with both at once.
> You focus your mind on the pendant which shines brightly, filling you with magical energy. That pleasant intoxicating feeling returns as you as red sparks once again arc around you. Picturing the two Flandres as once you snap your finger (for dramatic effect!) and perform the swap. The next moment you're flying low over the bookshelves, looking towards a disoriented Flandre in the distance.
> "Attack already! Now that she's disoriented! Go!" a whisper urges
-
> How many perspectives do we currently have?
> Zoom toward Flandre, firing off another circle of bullets just like the previous one right at her.
> Then try following it up with a single homing bullet focused on hitting her.
-
> How many perspectives do we currently have?
> One, you believe it to be the 'left' one your subconscious(?) claimed to be the 'real' Flandre.
> Zoom toward Flandre, firing off another circle of bullets just like the previous one right at her.
> Then try following it up with a single homing bullet focused on hitting her.
> Flandre reacts just in time to swing her sword, slashing through the circle with a sweeping motion but misses the lone homing bullet which scores a hit.
> Flustered she shouts "I-I can't believe it! Unfair! My illusion self! I'll get you back for this!" as she brandishes her sword.
> "Parry, now!"
-
> Well, we did warn her to keep her focus. We can't be blamed if she didn't listen!
> Bring our sword up perpendicular to hers to block her swing and prevent ourselves from getting cut in half. Bring our non-sword hand over to help our sword hand brace, in the event she's able to physically overpower us otherwise.
-
> Well, we did warn her to keep her focus. We can't be blamed if she didn't listen!
> "What else would be expected from a child?"
> Bring our sword up perpendicular to hers to block her swing and prevent ourselves from getting cut in half. Bring our non-sword hand over to help our sword hand brace, in the event she's able to physically overpower us otherwise.
> You bring your sword up just in time to block a diagonal slice, barely managing to stop it using both hands as a shower of rainbow colored sparks erupts from where the two blades met. She's strong!
> Flandre shouts "You're quick!", seemingly shocked.
> "She'll split again, now that your blades are locked and we'll be done for!"
-
> Sound equally shocked: "You're strong!"
> Keep our eyes peeled and our swapping senses searching for a second Flandre to suddenly appear. If we see the second one appear, as soon as she starts attacking, undo the swap we just did with Flandre so that she hopefully hits herself. If we sense her appearance but don't see it, undo the swap we just did with Flandre IMMEDIATELY and try to back off away from her.
-
> Sound equally shocked: "You're strong!"
> Keep our eyes peeled and our swapping senses searching for a second Flandre to suddenly appear. If we see the second one appear, as soon as she starts attacking, undo the swap we just did with Flandre so that she hopefully hits herself. If we sense her appearance but don't see it, undo the swap we just did with Flandre IMMEDIATELY and try to back off away from her.
> She's grins, pleased with your complement.
> That familiar sensation of her being both there and not there appears momentarily, hinting that she might've split into two again. Dreading she might attack from behind. you immediately dispel the swap which confirms you suspicions! Upon trading places you spot another Flandre swing from behind, knocking both of you into a bookshelf which almost topples over! You guess that counts as a hit? Flandre might disagree though...
-
> Which of us did the swing make contact with?
> Did we get knocked into each other, or did we hit separate sections of the bookshelf?
>> If we got knocked into each other, are we currently smushed up against each other?
-
> Which of us did the swing make contact with?
> With Flandre who was switched into your previous spot
> Did we get knocked into each other, or did we hit separate sections of the bookshelf?
>> If we got knocked into each other, are we currently smushed up against each other?
> She got knocked into you which sent you flying towards the shelves. Flandre likely landed nearby (perhaps on another shelf?)
-
> Sense about for the real Flandre.
> Once we locate her, shoot another homing bullet at her, and then back away from her along the edge of the bookshelf. (If the space between her and us is perpendicular to the length of the bookshelf, move away from any duplicate Flandres we see; if we don't see any, move to our right.) Continue pumping out homing bullets as quickly as we are able while retreating.
-
> Sense about for the real Flandre.
> Once we locate her, shoot another homing bullet at her, and then back away from her along the edge of the bookshelf. (If the space between her and us is perpendicular to the length of the bookshelf, move away from any duplicate Flandres we see; if we don't see any, move to our right.) Continue pumping out homing bullets as quickly as we are able while retreating.
> Make sure to also spray some strings homing bullets in the direction we are moving next in order to eventually try and intercept the Duplicate Flandre( in case she is aiming for a delayed attack or even if she is she is accidentally coming across while searching for us).
-
> Make sure to also spray some strings homing bullets in the direction we are moving next in order to eventually try and intercept the Duplicate Flandre( in case she is aiming for a delayed attack or even if she is she is accidentally coming across while searching for us).
> Sense about for the real Flandre.
> Once we locate her, shoot another homing bullet at her, and then back away from her along the edge of the bookshelf. (If the space between her and us is perpendicular to the length of the bookshelf, move away from any duplicate Flandres we see; if we don't see any, move to our right.) Continue pumping out homing bullets as quickly as we are able while retreating.
> You locate her using your ability; she is two aisles to the left of where you landed.
// No further actions performed since she's not in the same area.
> You hear her shout excitedly "I won! I tagged you!"
-
> Stop.
> Pause for a moment in silence, then chuckle.
> "So you did, little lady. So you did."
-
> Stop.
> Pause for a moment in silence, then chuckle.
> "So you did, little lady. So you did."
> You wait as she floats over from a neighboring aisle.
> Flandre happily responds "That was fun, let's play again sometime!"
> Making a sad face she tells you "I think Patchy is wondering where we are..." she perks up "though I'll ask her to let us play again next time you visit!"
-
> Can we see the tower of fake-bookshelf-boxes-with-stacks-of-books-on-top anywhere nearby?
> "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was hoping to last a bit longer than that so you'd get to have more fun, but if you're happy, I'm happy."
> Put on a thinking expression.
> "Hmm...would you like me to show you a little something before I have to leave, as a reward for winning?"
-
> Can we see the tower of fake-bookshelf-boxes-with-stacks-of-books-on-top anywhere nearby?
> You bet you can from the top of the shelves aslong as you keep the fog reduced.
> "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was hoping to last a bit longer than that so you'd get to have more fun, but if you're happy, I'm happy."
> Put on a thinking expression.
> "Hmm...would you like me to show you a little something before I have to leave, as a reward for winning?"
> "Yes yes! Please!!" she jumps up and down from excitement
-
> Nod.
> "Okay. Now, I can't do this for very long, alright? But I can at least let you experience it for a little bit. Follow me."
> Fly back to to the tower, landing at its base. Once we arrive, undo the making of the fog transparent so it goes back to its natural opaqueness.
> Assuming Flandre lands with us and no one else comes around and tries to stop us:
> "Okay, Miss Flandre, you see this big tower here? Watch this!"
> Focusing on the pendant, swap with the entire tower just like before.
-
> Nod.
> "Okay. Now, I can't do this for very long, alright? But I can at least let you experience it for a little bit. Follow me."
> Fly back to to the tower, landing at its base. Once we arrive, undo the making of the fog transparent so it goes back to its natural opaqueness.
> She happily follows you as you undo flipping the fog's opqueness.
> Assuming Flandre lands with us and no one else comes around and tries to stop us:
> "Okay, Miss Flandre, you see this big tower here? Watch this!"
> Focusing on the pendant, swap with the entire tower just like before.
> She watches the bookshelf tower eagerly as you perform the swap and end up huge looking down towards a small Flandre next to a small stack of shelves.
-
> Does she look reasonably interested/enthused?
> "Pretty neat so far, huh? But we're not done yet~"
> "Now, make sure you're extra careful for this next part, okay? We don't want to make trouble for Miss Patchouli."
> Swap with Flandre, so we're her size and she becomes huge.
-
> Does she look reasonably interested/enthused?
> "Pretty neat so far, huh? But we're not done yet~"
> "Oh my!! Can you make me big!?"
> Flandre is practically bouncing from excitement
> "Now, make sure you're extra careful for this next part, okay? We don't want to make trouble for Miss Patchouli."
> Swap with Flandre, so we're her size and she becomes huge.
> She nods repeatedly at your instructions
> You perform the switch and end up shorter than your normal height while Flandre became gigantic and shouts "You're tiny! Everything's tiny! Did everything else become smaller or did I become big?"
-
> Fly up to her shoulder.
> "You became big. You're now as big as that tower was."
> Gesture to her shoulder.
> "May I have a seat?"
> If she allows us, sit down.
-
> Fly up to her shoulder.
> "You became big. You're now as big as that tower was."
> Gesture to her shoulder.
> "May I have a seat?"
> If she allows us, sit down.
> You fly up to her shoulder and she let's you sit down before glancing around.
> With a sparkle in her eyes she says "I wish Marisa could see this!"
-
> Gently pat her shoulder.
> "Maybe someday she could. I could do it again with the right materials."
> "I'm glad you're enjoying this! Hopefully I can visit you more often in the future. Or you could visit me!"
-
> Gently pat her shoulder.
> "Maybe someday she could. I could do it again with the right materials."
> "I'm glad you're enjoying this! Hopefully I can visit you more often in the future. Or you could visit me!"
> "I'll ask Patchouli if we can visit sometime!"
> Flandre picks up a chair in her palm and inspects it closely "It's like a dollhouse!"
> The image of a door begins forming near the big table with all the books.
-
> "Oh, look, I think they're returning. If you put that chair down, I can bring us back to normal."
-
> "Oh, look, I think they're returning. If you put that chair down, I can bring us back to normal."
> A little sad "Oh, alright..." she returns the chair to the table.
> "Hurry!" a voice urges.
-
> "I'm sorry, friend. Maybe next time."
> Undo the swap with Flandre, so that we're huge and she's sitting on our shoulder.
> Set her down on the ground.
> Then undo the swap with the tower.
-
> "I'm sorry, friend. Maybe next time."
> Undo the swap with Flandre, so that we're huge and she's sitting on our shoulder.
> Set her down on the ground.
> Then undo the swap with the tower.
> You undo the two swaps, ending up small again and next to Flandre. As you finish the door opens and through it walks Patchouli.
> The librarian spots the two of you then looks around at the shelves before asking "I trust that not a single page has been misplaced?" sternly but without anger or distrust.
-
> "Pretty sure everything's okay. I got smacked into a shelf at one point, but it stayed upright."
> Look at Flandre.
> "Anything bad happen on your end? I didn't hear anything bad, but I couldn't always see where you were, so..."
-
> "Pretty sure everything's okay. I got smacked into a shelf at one point, but it stayed upright."
> Look at Flandre.
> "Anything bad happen on your end? I didn't hear anything bad, but I couldn't always see where you were, so..."
> She floats up to a look around and then beckons Flandre over. They discuss something for a moment but you can't discern what before Flandre leaves through the door Patchouli appeared from.
> The librarian clears her throat and speaks "I have to say I'm impressed... not only have you survived but you've made a little friend! The young mistress was in a bit of a mood earlier and it's all but gone now. You would be a great help around here..."
-
> "Thanks. That's good to hear, she's a cute kid."
> "And the sentiment is appreciated, but I already have a home I'm content with. Sorry. I could certainly visit from time to time, though."
-
> "Thanks. That's good to hear, she's a cute kid."
> The magician chuckles "She can be a lot to handle at times though..."
> "And the sentiment is appreciated, but I already have a home I'm content with. Sorry. I could certainly visit from time to time, though."
> With a look of disappointment "I see..." she then whispers "How disappointing..."
> She then comments "Imagine what you could do as my familiar though... You'd be far more powerful."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "I'll admit, I'm flattered. But no woman can serve two mistresses, as some human scholar said once upon a time."
> "I'll...think about it, okay? I would definitely at least some time to work things out. Particularly since it feels rather like you threw me into that situation expecting me to die."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "I'll admit, I'm flattered. But no woman can serve two mistresses, as some human scholar said once upon a time."
> She laughs "Something along those lines! Yet you've taken quite a liking to my little red gift... Where Koakuma comes from such offerings are equivalent to the outside world's courting gifts but for inviting one to become a familiar.
> "I'll...think about it, okay? I would definitely at least some time to work things out. Particularly since it feels rather like you threw me into that situation expecting me to die."
> She waves her hand and laughs "Perhaps die from the young mistress's insistent nagging and boundless energy! Oh the joys of youth... Marisa visits regularly who's still a human magician last I checked and they get along just fine. You should have no trouble whatsoever, aren't you an Oni?"
-
> "Well, of course I knew I wasn't going to die as a result of that encounter. Just the way you presented it at the beginning, and how you sounded surprised now, that comes across as thinking differently, y'know? But if you weren't seriously expecting it either, then I suppose I can't complain."
> Look down at the pendant.
> "...I had thought the pendant was some of a thanks for running the experiment gauntlet, honestly."
> Look back up at Patchouli.
> "If those were your intentions, then I can give it back until I've made a decision, if that's what you'd prefer."
> "Also, since you described it that way, I should probably say that none of what I've done has been with the intention of convincing you to become my familiar. Just to be clear."
-
> "Well, of course I knew I wasn't going to die as a result of that encounter. Just the way you presented it at the beginning, and how you sounded surprised now, that comes across as thinking differently, y'know? But if you weren't seriously expecting it either, then I suppose I can't complain."
> She chuckles behind her hand.
> Look down at the pendant.
> "...I had thought the pendant was some of a thanks for running the experiment gauntlet, honestly."
> Look back up at Patchouli.
> "If those were your intentions, then I can give it back until I've made a decision, if that's what you'd prefer."
> Patchouli explains "Luckily there's no expectation to return such gifts if you don't accept the proposal either in Makai or in the outside world! Keep it as a memento, perhaps it's pretty red gem or the powers it grants will change your mind one day...".
> She continues "As for the experiments the pendant did indeed assist in identifying the underlying type of magic your ability uses by amplifying it. My preliminary findings indicate that it's no type of magic used naturally by Oni, so it is indeed very special!".
> "Also, since you described it that way, I should probably say that none of what I've done has been with the intention of convincing you to become my familiar. Just to be clear."
> She responds "I see..." before reopening her notepad and writing down a few notes.
-
> "Sorry if I gave you that impression. I guess that explains why the flirting was annoying you that much, though."
-
> "Sorry if I gave you that impression. I guess that explains why the flirting was annoying you that much, though."
> She slowly nods...
> Then continues "I have to return to my investigations on Iris, it's a busy day after all! While I'm convinced you're uninvolved your red-white friend might not be so certain, but then again everyone's a suspect in her eyes. At least Remilia has provided her a new lead to chase..."
-
> "She did? What might that be?"
-
> "She did? What might that be?"
> A little anxious she explains "T-that's between the mistress and the shrine maiden..."
-
> "Ah. Well, if I just so happen to hear it from Reimu later, then you could hardly be blamed for that."
> "Hey, so, if you're going to be focusing on studying Iris, may I try one last experiment? I can leave as soon as it's done so you don't waste any more time."
-
> "Ah. Well, if I just so happen to hear it from Reimu later, then you could hardly be blamed for that."
> The librarian responds "If the red white is willing to share it with you, that is her decision to make."
> "Hey, so, if you're going to be focusing on studying Iris, may I try one last experiment? I can leave as soon as it's done so you don't waste any more time."
> She checks a lavender colored pocket watch "I believe there is time for one more, but please be brief."
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. You've already experienced me swapping with you in our entireties before. Let's see if a partial swap is possible..."
> Drawing on the pendant, try imagining our chest and Patchouli's chest as specific properties of our whole concepts, and then try swapping our chest with Patchouli's chest.
-
> Nod.
> "Alright. You've already experienced me swapping with you in our entireties before. Let's see if a partial swap is possible..."
> Drawing on the pendant, try imagining our chest and Patchouli's chest as specific properties of our whole concepts, and then try swapping our chest with Patchouli's chest.
> "I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel about trying that but I'm too curious about the results myself... Remilia insists that one of these days it'll be my downfall!"
> You're unable to separate out different targets when searching 'physically' as if you were swapping locations. However when you try imagining it as an abstract concept a target begins to form and the pendant once again starts glowing.
-
> Fortune favors the bold! Aim for that target and do that swap!
-
> Fortune favors the bold! Aim for that target and do that swap!
> You manage to locate the abstract concept and through the power of the amulet manage to swap it! Miss Patchouli appears to realize at the last moment what is about to happen and instinctively surrounds herself in a bubble barrier but it's no use. A loud shattering sound echoes through the library and when you open your eyes you realize your numbers are looking up!
-
> Take a quick look at ourselves. How much larger are we?
> Are we otherwise unchanged?
> Take a quick look at Patchouli. Does she seem okay?
> Do we still have the pendant?
-
> Take a quick look at ourselves. How much larger are we?
> Are we otherwise unchanged?
> It's enough of a difference to be somewhat noticeable, especially if you point it out or hint at it. Otherwise you're the exact same.
> Take a quick look at Patchouli. Does she seem okay?
> She physically appears alright, albeit slightly less endowed. Her expression though... is either one of embarassment or slight anger.
> Do we still have the pendant?
> Indeed you do. // This is a quest key item, similar to your 'cheat items', it cannot be lost or taken outside of major story events.
-
> "So that works now. Neat!"
-
> "So that works now. Neat!"
> The librarian stares at you expectantly.
-
> "Hm?"
-
> "Hm?"
> Her eye twitches as she continues staring expectantly.
-
> "Aww."
> Undo the swap.
-
> "Aww."
> Undo the swap.
> The librarian sighs and whispers to herself "Remember to develop a barrier capable of repelling whatever magic this Oni's ability uses..." before opening her notebook to write a few things down.
> She glances up "I think you more than proved it's possible to perform 'partial' swaps with the help of my little gift..."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Hey, sometimes those of us that aren't as fortunate want to know what it's like. And since you were just going to spend the rest of the day studying Iris anyway...it seemed as good a test as any."
-
> Frown a bit.
> "Hey, sometimes those of us that aren't as fortunate want to know what it's like. And since you were just going to spend the rest of the day studying Iris anyway...it seemed as good a test as any."
> The librarian comments "I see, I would've preferred something like hair color though..."
-
> "...I could try both."
-
> "...I could try both."
> "I'd rather not." she responds quickly
-
> "As you wish. In that case, I'll get out of your hair."
-
> "As you wish. In that case, I'll get out of your hair."
> "Literally or figuratively?" she chuckles.
-
> Chuckle ourselves.
> "Well, I would have liked to get into it literally, but you made pretty clear you weren't interested, so..."
-
> Chuckle ourselves.
> "Well, I would have liked to get into it literally, but you made pretty clear you weren't interested, so..."
> She clears her throat "I better get back to looking into Iris..."
-
> "Of course. See you again soon, hopefully. And feel free to come seek me out, too. You and the little lady."
-
> "Of course. See you again soon, hopefully. And feel free to come seek me out, too. You and the little lady."
> She nods and traces a rectangle with her finger, causing a door to slowly materialize.
-
> "That for you or me?"
-
> "That for you or me?"
> Pointing at it "It leads outside, past the gate so the gatekeeper doesn't give you any trouble on the way out."
-
> "Got it, thanks. Will the red-white be out there too, or is she still busy?"
-
> "Got it, thanks. Will the red-white be out there too, or is she still busy?"
> Patchouli explains "I believe she's off chasing the lead Remilia provided. Our red-white shrine maiden is however quite an open book, I have no doubt she'll be back home in time for afternoon tea."
-
> Frown.
> "Hrmph, so she ditched me, huh. Well, whatever. Have a good 'un."
> Step through the door.
-
> Frown.
> "Hrmph, so she ditched me, huh. Well, whatever. Have a good 'un."
> Before you leave she explains "Not necessarily, Lady Remilia can be... quite forceful"
> Step through the door.
> You step through the door onto a sandy beach, looking out towards Misty Lake. Small waves cascade along the shoreline.
-
> Quests
> Where do we stand with regards to meeting up with the Princess's spy?
> Do we know where Wakasagihime lives these days?
-
> Quests
> Reverse Hierarchy - Topple Gensokyo's power structure and liberate the weak from the tyranny of the strong.
> Greatest Wish - Iris has promised to fulfill the wishes of whoever wins her incident showdown. But then again who is this 'Iris' and is there merit to her promises?
> Where do we stand with regards to meeting up with the Princess's spy?
> Oh no! You forgot to agree on a location to meet! Perhaps there's some other way of reaching her?
> Do we know where Wakasagihime lives these days?
> You haven't been on the best of terms following the implosion of your revolutionary movement... You fled and disappeared off the face of Gensokyo while everyone else was left to face the consequences!
> Choose a scenario:
>> Searching for Mokou - Continue from here on the search to reconvene with Special Agent Mokou!
>> Shinmyoumaru's Shining Needle Palace - Why continue calling it a castle when you've worked so hard to make it well ... palatial!
>> Rinnosuke's Magical Artifact Shop - Browse the world-renowned store for tools and trinkets.
>> Timeskip to next Incident - Does what it says on the tin.
-
> Searching for Mokou: If we get somewhere public and can write a note, we can undo our swap with her and tell her where to go.
-
> Searching for Mokou: If we get somewhere public and can write a note, we can undo our swap with her and tell her where to go.
> Searching for Mokou it is!
-
> What's the closest notable location we're familiar enough with that we can just drop in on unannounced?
> If it's not the Hakurei Shrine, how far away is that?
-
> What's the closest notable location we're familiar enough with that we can just drop in on unannounced?
> If it's not the Hakurei Shrine, how far away is that?
> There's always the village? You guess both it and the Hakurei Shrine are about equal distance (in different directions) from where you are now.
-
> Eh, let's head to the Hakurei Shrine, then. That's what Reimu gets for ditching us!
-
> Eh, let's head to the Hakurei Shrine, then. That's what Reimu gets for ditching us!
> You float back towards the Hakurei Shrine, pondering what the Princess could be up to...
> On the route through the Youkai Forest you once again come across a short blonde haired girl in a black dress heading towards Misty Lake.
-
> Is is the same one as before?
-
> Is is the same one as before?
> "The very same..."
-
> Oh, hey, do we still have that sword?
-
> Oh, hey, do we still have that sword?
> It's hanging from your waist, opposite the replica Miracle Mallet.
-
> Cool!
> Give a smile and a wave to the young girl as we pass by.
-
> Cool!
> Give a smile and a wave to the young girl as we pass by.
> She takes notice and floats over to you.
> "Hi! Who are you?" the girl asks
-
> "Seija. Who're you?"
-
> "Seija. Who're you?"
> "I'm Rumia! Nice to meet you~" she introduces herself while eyeing you carefully, especially the sword on your waist.
-
> "You as well! Don't worry about that, I'm not intending to use it. I didn't even know I was getting it until an hour or two ago!"
-
> "You as well! Don't worry about that, I'm not intending to use it. I didn't even know I was getting it until an hour or two ago!"
> "Oh really!? How did you get it? I've always dreamed of having a real knight's sword! But you never see them in Gensokyo..." she asks.
-
> "It was a gift from that mansion back the way I came."
-
> "It was a gift from that mansion back the way I came."
> She asks "Could I have it please? Pretty please?" with a puppy eyes and a sugary smile.
-
> Sad frown.
> "I'm sorry, Rumia, but this was a gift from a precious new friend of mine. She'd be sad if I just gave it away to someone else."
-
> Sad frown.
> "I'm sorry, Rumia, but this was a gift from a precious new friend of mine. She'd be sad if I just gave it away to someone else."
> You fumble around with words but find yourself unable to voice the denial. Those puppy eyes and smile just break your heart to deny...
> Rumia spots your hesitation and gets all teary eyed.
-
> "...erm...sorry..."
-
> "...erm...sorry..."
> The little Youkai tugs at your skirt, all teary eyed. "I've had dreams in which I lift a sword just like that from a boulder in the village and defeat evil demons!"
-
> Take a moment, blink, and look slightly confused.
> "...That's...an oddly specific dream."
> "Look, how about this. If you go to the mansion and play a danmaku game with the little blonde missy, she might give you a sword, okay?"
-
> Take a moment, blink, and look slightly confused.
> "...That's...an oddly specific dream."
> The little Youkai nods "It's not always the same, but I've been seen it on occasions for as far back I can remember... Sometimes there's even an evil witch of incredible power conjuring up those demons!"
> "Look, how about this. If you go to the mansion and play a danmaku game with the little blonde missy, she might give you a sword, okay?"
> Still sad she asks "At the mansion? The lavender hair lady never lets me, she sends me away saying it's too dangerous..."
-
> "Oh, her? Well, she's not wrong, the little blonde missy packs quite a punch. But if you tell her you're on a quest for a sword of legend, and you need to overcome danger to prove yourself worthy, she might give you a chance."
-
> "Oh, her? Well, she's not wrong, the little blonde missy packs quite a punch. But if you tell her you're on a quest for a sword of legend, and you need to overcome danger to prove yourself worthy, she might give you a chance."
> That lifts her spirits "Oh really? Could you come with me please? Sometimes those meanie fairy maids won't even let me inside... something about I need to be this tall to enter? I once asked Mystia for bigger shoes so I'd be tall enough but they just raised the line that much higher and still sent me away!"
-
> How far along are we from the mansion to the Hakurei Shrine?
-
> How far along are we from the mansion to the Hakurei Shrine?
> A little less than halfway there
-
> "...Sure, I can go back with you. I can't promise you'll get in, but I can try."
-
> "...Sure, I can go back with you. I can't promise you'll get in, but I can try."
> "Oh my! Yes! Yes! Thanks!" she bounces and grabs your hand to lead you towards the Scarlet Mansion. She has a surprisingly strong grip for what you assume to be a young Youkai.
> Flying over misty lake curious Rumia asks "So what kind of Youkai are you Seija? I've never seen you before!"
-
> Do we usually just tell people we're an oni? Or do we let them think that on their own?
-
> Do we usually just tell people we're an oni? Or do we let them think that on their own?
> That's what you introduced yourself as back in the revolution... Oni radiate strength and honesty, values which inspire confidence in your movement! Also you just look the part, so everyone knows you as such.
-
> "Me? I'm an oni that's not from around this area of Gensokyo. How about you?"
-
> "Me? I'm an oni that's not from around this area of Gensokyo. How about you?"
> Happily "I'm a darkness Youkai and I live here in this forest!"
-
> "That would explain why I saw you earlier."
-
> "That would explain why I saw you earlier."
> She answers "I was going to Mystia's for lunch!"
-
> "Ah, I see."
> How tall are the trees here?
-
> "Ah, I see."
> How tall are the trees here?
> Remembering something she asks "Oni... aren't you one of those Youkai who drink that bitter water then get all silly afterward?"
> You're flying over Misty Lake, there are no trees! Infact you're almost to the Scarlet Mansion, you can just barely make it out through the fog.
-
> How do we hold our alcohol?
-
> How do we hold our alcohol?
> As well as an average human. You're not sure if real Oni have some kind of magical edge over you or are simply more muscular and built-up.
-
> "Yep."
> Try feeling for a swappable point with the lake. (Do NOT actually perform the swap.)
-
> "Yep."
> "We're almost there!" she shouts from excitement
> Try feeling for a swappable point with the lake. (Do NOT actually perform the swap.)
> You feel nothing, as if you were searching at the ground below your feet...
-
> What sort of abstract imagining did we do to swap chests with Patchouli?
-
> What sort of abstract imagining did we do to swap chests with Patchouli?
> You can't exactly describe it, you just kind of pondered what the two of you would look like with that aspect swapped and let the warm red magic of the pendant and your subconscious(?) figure the rest out.
-
> Hmm...
> ...Try imagining what Rumia and we would look like if the entirety of her body above her hips were swapped with our non-dominant hand above our wrist.
> Then try focusing on the pendant and preparing such a swap, to see if such preparations are actually possible.
-
> Hmm...
> ...Try imagining what Rumia and we would look like if the entirety of her body above her hips were swapped with our non-dominant hand above our wrist.
> Then try focusing on the pendant and preparing such a swap, to see if such preparations are actually possible.
> You can't quite sense Rumia, it's like she's both there and not there at the same time...
-
> Huh? That's weird...
> Try preparing a regular swap with ourselves and Rumia. (Do not actually perform it.)
-
> Huh? That's weird...
> Indeed!
> Try preparing a regular swap with ourselves and Rumia. (Do not actually perform it.)
> Again it's like she's both there and not there at the same time...
> The shape of the Scarlet Mansion is now easily visible through the clearing fog.
-
> Strange. Well, it doesn't matter. Hopefully we can pawn her off on the mansion and be done with her.
> "Ah, yeah, I see it."
-
> Strange. Well, it doesn't matter. Hopefully we can pawn her off on the mansion and be done with her.
> "Ah, yeah, I see it."
> Most peculiar...
> "Let's go!" she hurries forward.
-
> Follow!
-
> Follow!
> Once again you both make it past the gatekeeper withour her stirring from her sleep. Even one of them lake fairies would be more useful as a lookout!
> Both of you land at the front door, the short Youkai attempting to knock but hesitating at the last moment and glancing toward you instead with an expectant look.
-
> Nod at her and gesture to the door.
-
> Nod at her and gesture to the door.
> Anxious she asks "Could you?"
-
> "I could, but I won't always be with you, so you'll need to do it yourself eventually."
-
> "I could, but I won't always be with you, so you'll need to do it yourself eventually."
> "A-alright" she knocks on the door and shortly after a few fairy maids open it. It appears like they're about to say something but pause upon seeing you and gesture for the two of you to head inside.
-
> Smile at Rumia and gesture to her to enter.
> Then follow her in.
-
> Smile at Rumia and gesture to her to enter.
> Then follow her in.
> You follow her in and down the stairs to the library. A few of the fairy maids fly off into the depths of the library to let Patchouli know you're there.
> Rumia looks at you and asks "I-Is she really that tough?"
-
> Nod.
> "She's very strong, and very energetic. But she's also plenty nice. At least, she was nice to me, and I was nice to her."
-
> Nod.
> "She's very strong, and very energetic. But she's also plenty nice. At least, she was nice to me, and I was nice to her."
> "Is that so~?" she asks.
> Shortly after the librarian appears once more, eyeing both of you with a look that says "What brings you back here?"
-
> Give a slightly apologetic look.
> "Sorry about this, but Rumia here was wondering about a playdate with Miss Flandre, if she's available."
-
> Give a slightly apologetic look.
> "Sorry about this, but Rumia here was wondering about a playdate with Miss Flandre, if she's available."
> Shocked the librarian stumbles around with her words "W-what!? It's t- ... Well I guess she's already kind of worn out from playing with you earlier. I supposed I could allow it..."
> Upon hearing Patchouli Rumia jumps from excitement "Oh thank you so much! I'll prove I'm worthy I swear!" and runs over to the librarian to tug at her dress. Patchouli raises an eyebrow and ponders what the little girl could mean.
-
> Lean over to Patchouli's ear and whisper: "She's had dreams about wielding a sword and slaying enemies or something. You know how kids can be."
-
> Lean over to Patchouli's ear and whisper: "She's had dreams about wielding a sword and slaying enemies or something. You know how kids can be."
> "O-Oh I-I see..." she laughs
> Eyeing Rumia she asks "You ARE sure she is a Youkai right? As I'm sure you've seen Flandre can be quite rough, especially while playing tag..."
-
> "She claims to be. And I warned her that the little lady is very strong. But sometimes you need to overcome obstacles like that to prove yourself worthy, I suppose."
-
> "She claims to be. And I warned her that the little lady is very strong. But sometimes you need to overcome obstacles like that to prove yourself worthy, I suppose."
> She ponders something for a moment before nodding "I will allow it only with supervision..."
-
> Grimace slightly.
> "I don't suppose you have anyone available for that that isn't me, do you? I did kinda have an investigation into Iris going on the side that I had just left here to catch up on..."
-
> Grimace slightly.
> "I don't suppose you have anyone available for that that isn't me, do you? I did kinda have an investigation into Iris going on the side that I had just left here to catch up on..."
> She pulls out some kind of calendar from her robe and reads through it "Well I suppose the chief maid is free right now, so you don't have to stay if you're busy."
-
> That's probably the maid from yesterday. She didn't seem to have a problem with us, did she?
-
> That's probably the maid from yesterday. She didn't seem to have a problem with us, did she?
> She was polite and professional, you couldn't read into her emotions however.
-
> Well, she didn't try to murderlize us on-sight, so she probably either forgot she ran through us once or she simply doesn't care, which is good enough either way.
> "If she's willing and able, it would be appreciated. I'll make it up to her somehow if she wants. And, of course, I'll fill you in if I learn anything noteworthy."
-
> Well, she didn't try to murderlize us on-sight, so she probably either forgot she ran through us once or she simply doesn't care, which is good enough either way.
> "If she's willing and able, it would be appreciated. I'll make it up to her somehow if she wants. And, of course, I'll fill you in if I learn anything noteworthy."
> Patchouli smiles "Then it's settled!" she traces another rectangle with her finger, causing another door to appear and gestures towards it.
> Then she explains "It leads back to the shore, so the gatekeeper doesn't give you any trouble."
-
> "Thanks. And sorry again to bother you, uh, again."
> Head on through the door!
-
> "Thanks. And sorry again to bother you, uh, again."
> Head on through the door!
> You head on through the door and end up back at the beach. The pleasant sound of cascading waves fills your ears.
-
> Okay, off to the Hakurei Shrine! Again!
> Along the way, glance down at Excalibur.
> "Seems like you're a pretty popular sword. Thanks for the help during that fight."
-
> Okay, off to the Hakurei Shrine! Again!
> Along the way, glance down at Excalibur.
> "Seems like you're a pretty popular sword. Thanks for the help during that fight."
> You set off for the Hakurei Shrine once more.
> Is it just your imagination or does the sword momentarily glow with your praise?
-
> Chuckle a bit.
> "I feel like we definitely lucked into each other. I already have a bit of experience in working with tsukumogami. Though, I admit, the experience may not have been the best for them...but I hope to learn from my mistakes and do better in the future."
-
> Chuckle a bit.
> "I feel like we definitely lucked into each other. I already have a bit of experience in working with tsukumogami. Though, I admit, the experience may not have been the best for them...but I hope to learn from my mistakes and do better in the future."
> The sword remains quiet but somehow fills you with confidence...
> You fly over Misty Lake and enter the Youkai Forest once more.
-
> Onward to the shrine, keeping half an eye (and half an ear) out for anyone else we travel close to.
-
> Onward to the shrine, keeping half an eye (and half an ear) out for anyone else we travel close to.
> You don't run into anyone else on the way back
> Arrived at the Hakurei Shrine. There's no sign of the shrine maiden or the oni around the courtyard.
-
> Head to the front to see if there's anyone there.
-
> Head to the front to see if there's anyone there.
> It's empty!
-
> Call out: "Hey, anyone home?"
> If no one replies, head inside, searching for blank paper and a writing implement.
-
> Call out: "Hey, anyone home?"
> If no one replies, head inside, searching for blank paper and a writing implement.
> No one answers...
> You find no such paper but there is a chalkboard near the kitchen with chalk.
-
> Write:
> "To [REDACTED],
> I'm restoring us to normal. You're about to appear somewhere else; please return to this shrine from there ASAP so we can discuss.
> - A Partner From Yesterday"
> Stand facing the chalkboard.
> Then undo our swap with Mokou, so that she appears in the shrine facing the chalkboard and we appear...wherever she is. (Do NOT undo any swaps involving the Princess yet.)
-
> Write:
> "To [REDACTED],
> I'm restoring us to normal. You're about to appear somewhere else; please return to this shrine from there ASAP so we can discuss.
> - A Partner From Yesterday"
> You write the message using the chalk, remembering to use a towel to hold it and avoid getting nasty chalk dust all over your hands!
> Stand facing the chalkboard.
> Then undo our swap with Mokou, so that she appears in the shrine facing the chalkboard and we appear...wherever she is. (Do NOT undo any swaps involving the Princess yet.)
> You take a deep breath, close your eyes and undo the swap. The next thing you feel is cold ... a numbing cold slowly creep up your feet. Yet there's warmth radiating from somewhere in front of you.
-
> That's...weird...
> Open our eyes and examine our surroundings.
-
> That's...weird...
> Open our eyes and examine our surroundings.
> You see... yourself, no two of yourself, no actually hundreds of yourself staring back at you. A campfire dimly illuminates the area ... that must've been the source of warmth you felt.
-
> Look ourselves over, to make sure we're still us.
> Then look back at the other us-es.
> "Uh...hi?"
-
> Look ourselves over, to make sure we're still us.
> Then look back at the other us-es.
> "Uh...hi?"
> You look down and find you're still yourself ... you think at least?
> The other Seijas stare back at you, their lips moving in sync as you say "Uh...hi?"
-
> Look around at things that are not us, to get a sense of our own size and scale.
> Try getting up (if we're not already).
> Then try reaching out to the closest other Seija, with the intent of making physical contact.
-
> Look around at things that are not us, to get a sense of our own size and scale.
> Try getting up (if we're not already).
> Then try reaching out to the closest other Seija, with the intent of making physical contact.
> There's only the campfire, which is rather large for your size and scale.
> You reach out to shake hands with the nearest Seija but bonk you hand on something solid. Ouch!
-
> ???
> Pull our hand back and shake it off.
> Can we see what we hit?
-
> ???
> Pull our hand back and shake it off.
> Can we see what we hit?
> You shake it off, it's nothing more than expecting to reach for something and meeting an obstacle halfway. No different from walking up a dark flight of stairs and misjudging where the last step is!
> You observe carefully and see something shimmer. Reaching out for it carefully you find a cold smooth surface...
-
> Is it ice, perhaps?
> ...Are we trapped inside ice, or some sort of glass prison?
-
> Is it ice, perhaps?
> ...Are we trapped inside ice, or some sort of glass prison?
> You check your hand for water... It doesn't appear to melt, so ice is out of the question. Possibly glass? You trace your hand across and find small parts of it jetting out at certain angles, usually in a hexagonal or triangular shape. None of the edges are particularly sharp though, so it can't be glass?
-
> ...Whatever the material is, try flipping it from reflective to non-reflective, in the hopes that we can see more of where we are.
-
> ...Whatever the material is, try flipping it from reflective to non-reflective, in the hopes that we can see more of where we are.
> The material becomes somewhat cloudy, with a blue tint. Looking around you find that you're in a cave made out or triangular and hexagonal ... crystals? Glancing around you now spot a tunnel behind you leading off to somewhere.
-
> How very bizarre...
> Hurry down the tunnel. We don't want to leave the Princess here!
-
> How very bizarre...
> Hurry down the tunnel. We don't want to leave the Princess here!
> You can't afford to leave her here, wherever this is! Especially without being big! The thought alone fills you with fear.
> As you head through the tunnel you begin hearig howling winds and when you finally reach the opening you find it's dark and stormy outside... Strong gusts of wind batter you and you hesitate to step out into the freezing rain. Taking a careful look of your surroundings you notice an incline in the terrain, along some sharp cliffs, possibly indicating you're high up on a mountain cave...
-
> ??? It wasn't this stormy in Gensokyo a moment ago, was it?
> Have a look down onto the landscape without setting foot outside into the storm. Do we see any landmarks we recognize?
-
> ??? It wasn't this stormy in Gensokyo a moment ago, was it?
> Have a look down onto the landscape without setting foot outside into the storm. Do we see any landmarks we recognize?
> Most certainly not! What could this mean!?
> The landscape appears grassy, with sharp cliffs and jagged rocks protruding up occasionally. You try and look out into the distance but see nothing due to the storm. Looking around from the mouth of the cave you believe you can just barely spot a river to your right in the distance, overflowing with water from all the rain.
-
> Hrm.
> Head back to the campfire and the barrier.
> Search what we can access of the barrier to see if there are any passageways through it.
-
> Hrm.
> Head back to the campfire and the barrier.
> Search what we can access of the barrier to see if there are any passageways through it.
> You head back to the campfire to warm up.
> What barriers? You don't see any around you? The walls are made of presumably crystal rock.
-
> Oh, so the crystal was simply the end of the cave? Drat.
> Is the cave floor stone, crystal, dirt, or something else?
-
> Oh, so the crystal was simply the end of the cave? Drat.
> Is the cave floor stone, crystal, dirt, or something else?
> Unfortunately so...
> Everything appears to be made of crystal, that explains why there were one hundred Seija's staring back at you earlier!
-
> Head back toward the mouth of the cave, then, making note if the floor ever changes to dirt.
> Along the way, undo the property swap we did to the crystals' reflectiveness.
-
> Head back toward the mouth of the cave, then, making note if the floor ever changes to dirt.
> Along the way, undo the property swap we did to the crystals' reflectiveness.
> It changes into dirt and grass near the mouth of the cave.
> One hundred Seijas once again stare at you as the inverted property is restored.
-
> If we swapped the Princess here, is the Mallet capable of teleporting her back to the castle?
> Try to find a patch of dirt we can 'write' in with a finger.
-
> If we swapped the Princess here, is the Mallet capable of teleporting her back to the castle?
> Try to find a patch of dirt we can 'write' in with a finger.
> Perhaps? The mallet can be fickle at time with granting wishes, there might be some unexpected price it will 'extract'.
> With difficulty you find a place you could write something in, but it's quite dark and writing in soil with a finger isn't exactly legible even in the best of conditions...
-
> Inventory
-
> Inventory:
>> Nimble Fabric: A rare cloak you can charge with magical energy to make yourself invulnerable to magic attacks. It's not transparrent though so visibility and thus movement is quite restricted.
>> Tengu's Training Camera: A camera used by Tengu journalists in training, it can automatically focus, adjust exposure and also has a timer. These use a novel type of rewriteable magnetic film which can recall the last 4 pictures taken, making such cameras excellent for practicing photography. Nevertheless it can still clear bullets in frame like any other Tengu camera.
>> Miracle Mallet (Replica): Only you and Shinmyoumaru can tell the difference between the real Miracle Mallet and this perfect replica. While it looks small and lacks miracle granting abilities, it can *certainly* deal magically enhanced blunt force trauma.
>> Mysterious Spell Card: A spell card given to you by Shinmyoumaru. According to what you overheard earlier they contain questionably obtained information on everyone, among a snarky comment or two on one's personality.
>> Scarlet Pendant: A pendant containing a glowing red crystal. The feeling of drawing magical energy from it is intoxicating... Apparently a form of 'courting gift' for inviting familiars in some cultures.
>> Excalibur: King Arthur's legendary sword! You're not sure what's more impressive, the fact you managed to walk away with this or the fact the little Youkai Rumia immediately recognized it as a western knight's sword?
-
> ...
> Hold out an arm into the rain for a few seconds, and then pull it back in.
> Then try flipping our arm from wet to dry.
-
> ...
> Hold out an arm into the rain for a few seconds, and then pull it back in.
> Then try flipping our arm from wet to dry.
> You hold out your arm in the freezing rain then try to dry it using magic. It dries somewhat but remains cold.
-
> "Hey, Excalibur, I don't suppose you have any ideas?"
-
> "Hey, Excalibur, I don't suppose you have any ideas?"
> Nothing happens ... wait the sword has a very slight blueish glow!
-
> "Looks like you do. Whatcha thinkin'?"
-
> "Looks like you do. Whatcha thinkin'?"
> Nothing changes, it just faintly glows... Perhaps slowly getting brighter? You can barely tell.
-
> Pull the sword out of the scabbard and hold it like we're getting ready to fight using it. Check to see if anything about it changes.
> If nothing changes, point it towards the interior of the tunnel, and see if anything about it changes then.
-
> Pull the sword out of the scabbard and hold it like we're getting ready to fight using it. Check to see if anything about it changes.
> If nothing changes, point it towards the interior of the tunnel, and see if anything about it changes then.
> It appears to be slightly brighter when pointing outside!
-
> Grimace.
> "...Really...?"
-
> Grimace.
> "...Really...?"
> You watch the sword as it continues to get brighter... Until something catches your attention in the distance! You believe you can just barely make out through the storm something flying low near the ground over towards the river.
-
> How quickly do we think we could fly to its current location?
-
> How quickly do we think we could fly to its current location?
> You're certain you could catch up with it, it's flying quite slowly. However you'd certainly get soaked on the way...
-
> ...
> Ugh...
> ...Well, we can't go anywhere else, and the sword wants us to go this way...
> ...Brace ourselves, this is gonna suck horribly.
> Sheathe the sword, and...fly through the storm as quickly as possible, heading for the other flying thing.
-
> ...
> Ugh...
> ...Well, we can't go anywhere else, and the sword wants us to go this way...
> "I wouldn't be too sure of that" a voice warns
> ...Brace ourselves, this is gonna suck horribly.
> Sheathe the sword, and...fly through the storm as quickly as possible, heading for the other flying thing.
> It sure is!
> You give chase, flying through the storm as fast as you can. Lightning strikes a nearby tree, illuminating your surroundings and the object for a split second! The object no- figure appears to be heading upstream and appears slightly larger than a Youkai or Human...
-
> Did it at least look humanoid?
-
> Did it at least look humanoid?
> You can't tell from this angle! It appears like a white star, perhaps with a slight blue tint to it, the same shade your sword is glowing with.
-
> Huh.
> Maybe it's ball lightning?
> ...Maybe we can use Excalibur to domesticate ball lightning?
> Keep approaching.
-
> Huh.
> Maybe it's ball lightning?
> ...Maybe we can use Excalibur to domesticate ball lightning?
> Keep approaching.
> As you approach the figure becomes clearer as a six pointed star! Wait no- are those ... w-wings!?
> The sword is glowing bright enough to function as a light source now!
-
> Oh hell, what now?!?
> Pull the sword back out and get a better look at whatever this is.
-
> Oh hell, what now?!?
> Pull the sword back out and get a better look at whatever this is.
> You hear "No! Don't reveal our presence!" in a foreboding tone.
> Wielding the sword in your left hand you try to get a better look and notice the rain appears to be curving around the figure! You could say it's literally dodging rain...
-
> Sheathe the sword again!
> But as long as we're internally focused that way, if any tsukumogami swords that happen to be traveling with us have any other advice for things we should or shouldn't do, now would be the time to voice them!
-
> Sheathe the sword again!
> But as long as we're internally focused that way, if any tsukumogami swords that happen to be traveling with us have any other advice for things we should or shouldn't do, now would be the time to voice them!
> You sheathe the sword which makes a metal sliding sound ... which thankfully can't be heard over the pouring rain and overflowing river below!
> Perhaps it hasn't had enough time sitting to mature into a tsukumogami?
> The river branches in two and the figure takes the left path.
-
> Follow behind it, to see if we can see any more identifying features.
-
> Follow behind it, to see if we can see any more identifying features.
> You approach and notice it's ... humanoid? It has long silvery blue hair that reaches it's knees and is wielding a large staff with some kind of violet energy radiating out of it's top. What kind of Youkai could it be? You've never seen a six-winged Youkai before....
-
> Huh...
> Well, at least it's humanoid...so maybe it'll be able to help us, if we call out to it...?
-
> Huh...
> Well, at least it's humanoid...so maybe it'll be able to help us, if we call out to it...?
> "Perhaps, but what gave you the idea it's friendly?" the voice questions
-
> Well, that's admittedly wishful thinking...but it's not like there are better options available to us right now...
-
> Well, that's admittedly wishful thinking...but it's not like there are better options available to us right now...
> Until the storm clears at least there's not much else to do.
-
> Continue following, and...
> "Oi!"
-
> Continue following, and...
> "Oi!"
> Startled, the figure turns around! It appears to be a tall lady with six wings! Her light blue eyes immediately focus on you with an otherwise unreadable expression...
> Before you can get a good look she takes off flying! Just above the river's surface she races upstream. Give pursuit?
-
> Pursue!
> "Hey, wait! I need some help here!"
-
> Pursue!
> "Hey, wait! I need some help here!"
> You give chase! You're flying as fast as possible but can barely keep up! The river is leading up the mountain and soon you'll be inside the very clouds dropping this rain.
> She either cannot hear you (due to the storm) or doesn't want to hear you.
-
> Keep pursuing until she disappears into the clouds.
-
> Keep pursuing until she disappears into the clouds.
> You up the river until both she and it disappear into the clouds. Continue?
-
> Wait, the river ALSO disappears into the clouds?
> How does the sword look? (Do not pull it out.)
-
> Wait, the river ALSO disappears into the clouds?
> How does the sword look? (Do not pull it out.)
> It appears this mountain stretches into (and possibly above) the clouds!
> Glowing slightly dimmer than before.
-
> Urgh...
> Is there anywhere close by that looks like somewhere we can hide away from the storm?
-
> Urgh...
> Is there anywhere close by that looks like somewhere we can hide away from the storm?
> "Above it!" the voice suggests
-
> ...Well, who are we to doubt our new partner in slicing?
> Pursue, ascending into and above the clouds!
-
> ...Well, who are we to doubt our new partner in slicing?
> "New? We've always been one and the same..." it hisses
> Pursue, ascending into and above the clouds!
> You follow the river into the clouds, where visibility drops to less than an arm's length!
> "Better stay above the river and avoid getting surprised by a stray tree..." it suggests
-
> Oh, sorry, my mistake. ...Does that make you Kijin-douji, then?
> Is the winged woman visible anywhere?
> Follow our own advice and travel up the river, staying above it but not dipping into it.
-
> Oh, sorry, my mistake. ...Does that make you Kijin-douji, then?
> Silence...
> Is the winged woman visible anywhere?
> Follow our own advice and travel up the river, staying above it but not dipping into it.
> No but you assume she's further upstream?
> You follow the river closely through the thick fog and notice the fog is getting slightly brighter. Perhaps you've almost reached the skies beyond the clouds?
-
> Here's hoping! Keep going.
-
> Here's hoping! Keep going.
> The fog starts to clear and the heavy rain turns to mist before fading completely! Pausing to take in your surroundings you notice it's dusk, or just past sunset. With the peak of the mountain revealed you ponder if this could be Youkai Mountain? Yet it looks unfamiliar...
-
> Look around for the winged woman.
-
> Look around for the winged woman.
> Taking a moment to look around you manage to spot the lady from earlier just before flying over a small peak and disappearing behind it.
-
> Give chase!
> Keep half an eye out for notable landmarks along the way.
-
> Give chase!
> Keep half an eye out for notable landmarks along the way.
> You follow the winged figure over into a small valley. In the valley's center is a small pond and next to it is a building reminiscent of the Hakurei Shrine, albeit in worse condition. The roof has a few holes in it and it's wooden construction looks fairly weathered.
-
> Is the woman headed to that building or passing it by?
-
> Is the woman headed to that building or passing it by?
> You believe she went inside since you can't see her anymore.
-
> Head toward the building, then.
-
> Head toward the building, then.
> You head towards the building and land on the steps infront of it. The floorboards creak from old age and you can see quite a few cobwebs in various corners.
-
> Try sensing inside for that woman.
> Try sensing for anyone else that might be in the building.
-
> Try sensing inside for that woman.
> Try sensing for anyone else that might be in the building.
> You search for things to swap with and notice a few distinct targets inside. Only one appears to be moving around through, and it's to the left of the sliding entrance door.
-
> Enter and head in the direction of the moving target.
-
> Enter and head in the direction of the moving target.
> You slide the door open and notice the place is quite run down. Even your hideout is nicer than this!
> As you enter and look in the direction of the figure you spot a shadow moving like a blur to the far side of the room. From it emerges the lady from before, pointing her staff menacingly towards you...
-
> "Wait, please! I need help!"
-
> "Wait, please! I need help!"
> The lady eyes you carefully before lowering her staff slightly.
> She states "You... are not my target." in a commanding voice.
-
> Phew...
> "I should hope not...I don't even know who you are, or where I am."
-
> Phew...
> "I should hope not...I don't even know who you are, or where I am."
> "Why have you followed me of all people?" she continues in a commanding voice.
-
> "Because you were the first person I saw."
-
> "Because you were the first person I saw."
> "What brought you here? No one inhabits this mountain..." she questions.
-
> "...That's...complicated. Basically, I traded places with someone else without knowing where they were."
> "Though that person was from Gensokyo, just like me...but if this is part of Gensokyo, I sure don't recognize it."
-
> "...That's...complicated. Basically, I traded places with someone else without knowing where they were."
> "Though that person was from Gensokyo, utsu life me...but if this is part of Gensokyo, I sure don't recognize it."
> "Trade... places? Gensokyo?" the blue lady ponders. She appears to tense up at the mention of Gensokyo and raises her staff defensively for a second.
> She inquires "What is it you seek from the angel of death? My intuition tells me you still have much to do, a pivotal role to play in events yet to unfold..."
> You can't help but get a sense of foreboding by the way she worded her comment...
-
> ...Hopefully she's predicting we'll win the Iris contest?
> "I'm...just looking for a way to get back home. I don't want any trouble. Given who you've said you are, I don't even want to be bothering you with this, I just don't really have any other options."
-
> ...Hopefully she's predicting we'll win the Iris contest?
> "I'm...just looking for a way to get back home. I don't want any trouble. Given who you've said you are, I don't even want to be bothering you with this, I just don't really have any other options."
> "If your home is Gensokyo... There is a cave that connects the two worlds, I could lead you to it." she answers.
-
> "That would be appreciated. Or even just telling me where to go, if you're busy."
-
> "That would be appreciated. Or even just telling me where to go, if you're busy."
> She thinks for a moment "I was busy earlier, tracking down someone who wished to evade me. My intuition however suddenly disappeared... it's as if I was chasing a ghost and they vanished."
-
> "Huh, weird."
> "..."
> "...Uh..."
> "..."
> "...is it...possible that was the person I traded places with...?"
-
> "Huh, weird."
> "..."
> "...Uh..."
> "..."
> "...is it...possible that was the person I traded places with...?"
> Her eyes widen at the revelation...
> In a commanding voice she demands "Then I shall accompany you, as long as you lead me to the one who seeks to cheat death..."
-
> "Uh...I can try? We should have traded places, but that happened a number of minutes ago. I can bring you to where I was, but if she's smart, she'll have already moved on from there, and I can't exactly track her."
-
> "Uh...I can try? We should have traded places, but that happened a number of minutes ago. I can bring you to where I was, but if she's smart, she'll have already moved on from there, and I can't exactly track her."
> "You shall try ...if you are to receive my assistance." she commands
-
> "Like I said, I can try."
-
> "Like I said, I can try."
> The lady lowers her staff and approaches. She stands an imposing two heads taller than you, without even mentioning the six wings.
> "If I sense you're trying to conceal those who wish to evade me... you shall regret it." she warns.
-
> Ah, dammit. Why'd that spy have to be here?
> Nod.
> "Right, of course."
-
> Ah, dammit. Why'd that spy have to be here?
> What could have led her to come here of all places?
> Nod.
> "Right, of course."
> The lady leads you out of the ruined shrine in a hurry, accidentally bumping into the rather small (for her) doorframe on the way. You can't help but chuckle at the thought of how inconvenient six wings can be at times...
> "We will stay above the clouds and avoid the rain while looking for a smaller mountain whose peak just barely reaches above said clouds."
-
> How well-endowed is this woman?
-
> How well-endowed is this woman?
> That aspect doesn't stand out, compared to her height and wings.
-
> Nod.
> "Got it."
> "Out of curiosity, would you like me to give you a ride there, and presumably beyond into Gensokyo?"
-
> Nod.
> "Got it."
> "Out of curiosity, would you like me to give you a ride there, and presumably beyond into Gensokyo?"
> "If you knew the way... you wouldn't require my aid." she comments.
-
> "Well, you'd still need to guide me. You'd just ride along as I traveled."
-
> "Well, you'd still need to guide me. You'd just ride along as I traveled."
> "Tell me more on the way" she comments before taking off in a new direction.
-
> We're currently Princess-sized, correct?
> How do we compare in size to this woman, again?
> Given our relative sizes, how would we estimate this woman compares to our normal size?
-
> We're currently Princess-sized, correct?
> How do we compare in size to this woman, again?
> Given our relative sizes, how would we estimate this woman compares to our normal size?
> Yes you're small currently.
> You estimate she's a whole two heads taller than a average sized person! (Like your normal height)
-
> Follow!
> "Sure. So, the thing is, I'm not normally this size. That other person was, but since we traded places, now I am. If we traded places, you and I, then you'd be this size, and I'd be your size."
-
> Follow!
> "Sure. So, the thing is, I'm not normally this size. That other person was, but since we traded places, now I am. If we traded places, you and I, then you'd be this size, and I'd be your size."
> "I am weary of magic I do not understand..." she comments.
-
> "It's as simple as swapping the two of us. That's just kinda what I do. If you don't want to, that's fine, but that's all it is, so I figured I'd offer. Particularly since it wound mean you don't need to worry about bonking into doorways."
-
> She thinks for a moment "I was busy earlier, tracking down someone who wished to evade me. My intuition however suddenly disappeared... it's as if I was chasing a ghost and they vanished."
> Mention with "interest, but without pushing, descriptions or even hints lr inklins or what she would provide from her, 'the Lady Angel of Death...' "
> "It's as simple as swapping the two of us. That's just kinda what I do. If you don't want to, that's fine, but that's all it is, so I figured I'd offer. Particularly since it wound mean you don't need to worry about bonking into doorways."
> Continue and add to such explanation that" ours are not any through-means magic or mystic or such arts or techniques who are not our own... but indeed our own abilities we can and have to rely upon and settle back to our original natural self, like those number of occasions early on ". ..
>... as we were explaining before, comparing our difference in heighg by this power. we " do need anything or anyone reasonally in agreement, "unless a priority bind or else is happening", to "swap-exchange back from our swapped-excahanged smallness from our Inchiling best friend & ally & host "