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Why does it say it's still spring? Summer is almost over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That sucks but I understand, I'm surrounded by work too. I hope it gets better for you.

Whew...life doesn't get easier as you get older. I finished that entry just minutes before bed. Don't worry Mota. You might worry your vote made me rewrite part of the story, but I still hadn't decided which choice to go with, so I actually wrote both while I decided. I'mma be honest. I never read Forbidden Scrollery. While that's partly because I only got into Touhou recently, I'm going to blame being busy all the time instead. That said, I think the themes behind him tie nicely to our human sorcerer and his decidedly not-human friends. As well as the wild youkai, come to think of it. That said I imagine he has a number of nasty hexes he may have left behind his old place of work, perhaps even by accident. And its likely some people who know the area might not like Oscar was sniffing around there...then again its probably a good source of magic and might let Oscar divine this prophecy thing he's saddled with... As usual. I do my best not to prod you towards any choices good or ill. I just make things happen afterwards. Tomorrow I have some time off, and I am mostly done with my other work. Hopefully that gives me time to blitz through Scrollery and insure I present Fortune Teller as authentically as possible. I want to respect not just Touhou and its lore, but my readers.

First of all, sorry for the late voting, I was sure that I had voted on Tempura on the same day you posted the last chapter Yume but I guess my sleepy self actually dreamed it, dang it Doremy-chan, it's not yet time! But, moving on, today we had a rather calm update, probably to give us time to prepare for the next bomb you are going to drop on us, and man I was right. The votes right now are all tempting, but it's safe to say that the only real option here is to go search for Kosuzu, her skills are the best way to aid us with that book Marisa gave us and probably could help Oscar with this pesky language barrier. However, the SDM option is really interesting too, despite being by far the riskiest option we have right now, without magic I think we are going to be deep in trouble there making it impossible to keep our magical persona intact, Reimu is also a good start but considering one of your earlier comments and the fact that she is probably going to encourage us to give up makes her a possible dead end. Hold on though, there is still one last option... Yes, our long-gone senpai, the infamous fortune teller! I never expected this guy to have actual relevancy and yet here we are. I'll be honest with you, this is either the meme option or the very questionable one but I'll pick this one regardless, despite his infamy, senpai had actual skills by being the one puppet who could see his strings, it's a shame he committed the ultimate sin of being male a villager who became a Youkai, but Oscar is no villager is he? haha, I can't wait to see how this is going to turn out for us.

INFECTED GET YO ASS OUTTA HERE AND RETURN TO REGRETEVATOR

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R7XfzJK6wDh68bSp2ktbJw4Ge57fBiuE?usp=sharing this is a link to a zip file containing about 6GB of songs from the artist An (AcuticNotes), it's basically their entire discography in FLAC format for your hearing pleasure. (or at least mostly, I think 1 album is in mp3, unfortunately) I found this while I was looking for Saigo and Amrita, since they're both 2 of my most memorable songs from An because of how often I played them in osu, so I coincidentally found this goldmine of a zip and I wanted to share it with anyone interested. their songs are really good, I really recommend giving some a listen.

Heya Jamqx! Sadly the game's on hiatus. We had a hard time keeping people, and irl I'm just swamped right now. Though that may change in the near future. I hope so, I liked the concept behind Illusionary Nirvana. As for your ability, I don't think you'd have a good time with that. The plot of Illusionary Nirvana is magic is draining out of Gensokyo, and no one knows why. There isn't enough magic to perform Spell Card abilities, and most people fight using basic magic or with medieval weapons. I'd say the lovely Nyoko's limitations are correct, but you wouldn't have a lot of chances to use your special ability.

has anything changed while on minor hiatus (will probably be back on hiatus again (very sad))

Restaurants in the Human Village Azuma no Pizza-Ya: Gensokyo and New York style Pizzas $/$$$$ Bel Air Diner: Classic American Cuisine $$$ El Lugar: Mexican and Latin Street Food specializing in Tacos $ Geidontei: Japanese Pub Food $$ Ice Fairy-ctory: Shaved Ice and Ice Cream $$$ Mystia's Izakaya: Japanese Cuisine $ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Yet again, Oscar found himself plodding along with the cheery set of companions, his stomach desperately calling out for food. With the adrenaline of the previous day worn off, he had no presence of mind to pay any attention to the others. To overhear their in-jokes, or watch the way Daiyousei and the others kept reminding Cirno not to fly. His hunger pressed in on him. Filling his senses as he followed along with them. And so he entirely missed the small building of bamboo wood that sat on the side of the road. It didn't have a door or any true obstacle keeping intruders out, and so Mystia simply walked inside with a smile and set to work. "It will just take a few moments. What would you like to eat Os..." She paused, noticing in her excitement at last that Oscar was missing. It took four calls before his attention returned to the present, and he wandered his way back. Trying not to think overmuch of his stomach as he took a seat on one of the stools at the outdoor bar. Wriggle took a seat at his right with a self-assured huff. Cirno sat down on his left with a broad grin. At least until Agappa strolled beside her. In an instant, Cirno leaped across the bar for safety. Slamming into Wriggle with enough force to make them both fall from the stool. Agappa simply took the now free seat with a dull expression. Mystia tried to manage a gentle smile. "So, umm...what would you like to eat Osu-san?" The question that had been on his mind for miles. Part of him wanted to simply start naming foods until he ran out of breath. Well, it would be better to choose food she actually knew. His eyes went up to what was presumably the menu. Before blinking in surprise. In his adventures so far, he had not questioned overmuch how everyone spoke the same language he did. It was a mystery, but one of the more banal of the many he was juggling. So, he accepted everyone he met spoke English. But the shapes and curves of the letters that greeted him, were definitely not English... Another mystery to add to the pile. Well, he could remember a Japanese restaurant's menu by memory...right? "Ahaha, ahh how about erm, tempura?" Normally, sushi was a mood food. The idea of simply sucking down cold rice and fish was the kind of thing he needed the right atmosphere for. Tempura, on the other hand, sounded like paradise. Even if Team 9 could present him with a plate of wasps and a block of ice and he'd consider eating it. Mystia nodded, before diving into the cooking. In spite of the long shadows under her eyes, she moved with a singular grace around the kitchen. It was not long before the rice pot was happily bubbling, and her hands were rapidly chopping up vegetables. Oils and ingredients splashed in pans with a merry hiss as she busied herself with her work. After a few moments, Mystia returned with a set of small bowls, each filled with a murky, watery soup. Placing it before each of them. Cirno's eyes delighted at them. "Ahh, Ice Soup! My favorite!" Wriggle did her best to ignore the friend sharing her stool as Cirno began to freeze the dish. Blowing on her own. Agappa held her hands together in a little prayer. Daiyousei only watched the others with a smile. Oblivious as Oscar raised the bowl to his lips. Draining the bowl in an instant. There was little to it. Some tofu and herbs. But even that little was a relief after his ordeals. "What do you think Agappa's poem was about?" Daiyousei's question brought his mind back to the present. His green eyes went to her. The space was silent save for the low sound of soup sips, the gentle bubble of the rice pot, and Cirno triumphantly licking the frozen soup at the end of her spoon. Wriggle's eyes were also on Daiyousei, and even Agappa watched pensively. The memory of his promise played in his head, though it wasn't one he cared to dwell on. A hand rose to rub the back of his neck. "No idea...sounded like a prophecy or fortune though. Do you know anyone who could decipher it?" "Besides you?" The question was answer enough. Aided as it was by the quiet confidence of his new friends. "Fortune telling's a little...outside, my normal field." "Can't say people are big on fortunes in Gensokyo," Wriggle said, blowing on a spoonful of soup. "What's a prophecy?" "Ahh...its like a fortune which is going to happen in the future. Usually something very important." "Huh." The general sentiment was echoed by the others. All except Cirno, who was slowly starting to chomp on the ice. Wriggle leaned her head on an arm. Ignoring the creeping sensation running down her spine saying Agappa was staring at her. "I can't say any of us know Marisa well. Cirno's probably the closest with her friends, but she is close friends with the Shrine Maiden. Maybe the Hakurei Shrine would be a good place to start." "N-no," Daiyousei replied, shaking her head. "I don't think Reimu would just tell a stranger, or even Cirno, about her friend's mother..." "Maybe Alice then? They're as close as Reimu and Marisa." "She almost never leaves her house now..." "I GOT IT!" Cirno exclaimed triumphantly. Slamming her now empty spoon on the counter as she munched on the remains of her miso popsicle. "You said prophecies are like magic, right Osu-san? I know a place where they know all about magic! The librarian's friends with Marisa too, so its a win-win!" "Wasn't Meiling-sama told to keep you out after you joined the Maid Corps and dr--" The glare Cirno responded with could have frozen the blood. Fortunately, Mystia returned. A place of tempura piled high as she set them in front of the group. Fish, chicken and vegetables, all prepared to crispy perfection. "Here you are...I don't know much about magic or fortunes, Osu-san. But if Agappa said it, it must be related to the Yamas...there used to be a fortune teller in town here. Until he--" "Mystia, don't--" "They boarded up his old shop, but never tore it down. Maybe there's something there that can help you? Or maybe at the rental library here in town? That'll be much safer than wandering outside the village where you could be attacked..." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = The rental library is nearby and we have a little money. Let's start there. =The Hakurei Shrine Maiden sounds pleasant, and she knows Cirno! = Let's hope your fortunes are brighter than the Fortune Teller... =This 'magical library' sounds like a good resource. If we can finagle our way inside. = Back into the Forest? It will be an easier trip in the daylight, right?

On Magic While the Outside World considers magic the domain of fantasy novels and children's stories, magic is a very real force within Gensokyo. While the simple answer is magic is a product of Human faith much like Youkai, this may be contradicted by magic existing in realms outside of Gensokyo, such as Makai. Magic in Gensokyo comes in many forms, ranging from European alchemy and goetias to Japanese animism and rituals. These spells, despite their numerous differences, are universally produced by a common set of characteristics by the caster. These traits being the Ability of the sorcerer, the Temperament of the sorcerer's soul, the Quality of the reagents used, the Space in which the ritual takes place, the Time at which it is performed, and Luck which may conspire for or against you. Your success at Magic is dependent on your ability to utilize all six aspects of its creation. Finding a tutor in the field of magic is a difficult task. Not for want of possible teachers, but because it will be difficult to persuade a capable magic-user. Witches, Hermits and Monks are seldom cajoled by gifts, or desire money. Someone capable of using magic effectively will usually have all they desire, so convincing one to take you as a student will prove difficult. Learning by grimoires or scrolls is harder still; most magical texts in Gensokyo are written in older forms of Japanese, Chinese, Greek or Latin. These are extremely rare, but can be a way to coerce a magic-user into teaching you their arts. Schools of magic can vary wildly, not just in origin but in practice and components. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The right voice was tantamount in showmanship. You had to know well the voice you needed to hold a silent audience’s attention, or to be heard above a crowd of excited youths. It would not take much for one’s voice to be completely drowned out, or to lack the command needed to calm them. Not that one could tell there was an art to it, as he swept a disappointed young woman’s coins into a bag. “Alas young lady, you have failed in your quest. Return once you have mastered the Arcane, or after your parents give you your allowance.” Her soft green eyes began to tear up, even as the crowd of children pressed in around him. Each pleading to be the next to challenge him. So far, he had a fairly respectable mound of coins, which Agappa was carefully counting. Raising each to her eye as she studied it quizzically. Whatever their value, he just hoped he had enough for a meal soon… “OSU!” The shout was surprising. Not least because the only person in the village he had told his name was Keine. When his eyes went up, he could see a figure waving from a window at the school. But she was entirely unfamiliar. Her hair was black and straight, and she was dressed in a simple kimono. Before he had a chance to look more closely, the figure vanished. Oscar didn’t have to wait long however. A few moments later a side door in the Heida Temple School opened, and the figure from the window raced towards him. Quickly joined by three others he barely had a glance at. The first figure ran across the grounds with breakneck speed, pushing others aside without concern, until she reached the front of the table, slamming her palms upon it. Blue eyes staring at him with a mix of relief and anger under her dark hair. “There you are! We’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Oscar already had a good idea of who this was. But his suspicions were confirmed as her hair rolled forward as though alive. In a moment her face was overcome with concern, hands pulling the long hair back in place, revealing a flash of white-blue bangs underneath her wig. Three other figures stood behind her. Each dressed in simple kimonos they had hurriedly donned. Their more extraordinary features were tucked out of sight. Wriggle wore a mane of curly black hair, while Mystia wore a long light brown one. The only other difference either had was the dark rings under their eyes. Mystia nodded as though echoing her friend’s words. Wriggle crossed her arms irritably. “Don’t you know how worried we were? We were out all night looking for you and Rumi!” “...Ah, well I—wait, you were worried about me?” The cliché was she was supposed to blush and turn away. Perhaps denying it as she did. Instead, both Cirno and Wriggle slammed their hands on the ‘table’ in frustration. The cups slowly sliding off the table as they yelled in unison. “Yes!” “Stupid human!” “It was dangerous!” “You might have gotten lost!” “Or eaten!” “Or lost and eaten!” Behind the two, Mystia and Dai-chan looked on silently. Though both had a small smile of relief. Dai-chan even managed a giggle at the two’s antics. “Careful, ‘Chi’. Remember what Keine-sama said. But we’re glad you’re okay, Osu-san.” When did you last hear that phrase? Life had not been easy. His degree hadn’t panned out how he wanted, and yet life moved on. Life had been a series of deadlines, each with a bill meant to lock him in place. Where in his rush, did he ever stop and hear those words? Not since…Ah. He was in his thoughts again. “...I’m sorry...Chi? And uh...you know.” “Our real names are secret.” Cirno said as she leaned in. Raising a hand to her lips even as she whispered. “We’re in-cog-neato. So the humans don’t suspect us.” “Keine-sama teaches class after dark for people like us who work at night.” Mystia managed, around a large yawn. Oscar’s eyes went over the four again. Each with their own unique expression of relief gazing at him. Then something clenched his gut. “Did you find Rumia?” The mood shifted over the four. None seemed to want to speak. One of Dai's hands ran along her shoulder. “No...We spent all night looking for you two. Keine was mad we missed our classes but understood. She said you were okay, but didn’t say you were at the school.” “We looked everywhere in the forest.” Cirno continued, her brow wrinkling in thought. “She must have really wanted to be alone.” “I’m just surprised Mystia’s barbecue didn’t draw her out.” Wriggle said with a slow shake of the head. “Its not like her to miss a free meal...or any meal.” The four grew quiet again. Oblivious to the jostles and stares of the crowd of kids. It wasn’t hard to tell they were confused at first. The silence Oscar was a little slower to notice. In part due to his new friends’ mood. He only noticed the shadow over his ‘desk’ when the pointed hat drifted in front of the sun. Cirno only noticed when the end of the broom swung down, pointing towards Oscar’s face like a sword. Framed by the sun, only the figure’s golden hair and confident smile could be seen. “Heya. I heard you’re a Magician. Let’s see what you can do.” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Congratulations, you are now a few cents richer, and a stranger's confronted you. What now? = Whoever this is, she seems confident. Maybe playing to that will result in a bigger payday. = Introduce yourself to the stranger! We should be friends, especially if I am going to take your money. = She wants to see a magician in action? Show her what a real magician is capable of. = She's heard of you already? Surely she has something more to bet than a few coins. It might even be useful. = The jig is up! Flee!