Yumetou

Finally had time to make an entry. Though I really should be in bed now, so no long thoughts from me. Just two girls going into a spooky house because of an oddly lucky rabbit.

Karakasa Kozo ‘Umbrella Ghost’ As discussed elsewhere in the Gensokyo Survival GUide, a number of Youkai are said to manifest over time, typically 100 years. Among the most prestigious of these is the Karakasa Obake, or ‘Karakasa Kozo’ meaning Paper Umbrella Priest Boy’. This surprising looking creature resembles a standing Japanese umbrella. These traditional umbrellas are made of paper with a layer of oil over them to make them resistant to the rain. A Karakasa Obake resembles this with a single large eye, a long tongue and one or two legs emerging from the hem of the umbrella. Karakasa Kozo are benign creatures, often surprising humans by following them stealthily, before licking their victim with an oily tongue. Though not dangerous, this may still be traumatic in the right circumstances. Karakasa Kozo usually have a lasting affection for humans, and are difficult to spur to violence. Oddly, while most Youkai arise from eyewitness reports and have essays documenting them, Karakasa Kozo have no reported sightings in Japan. This may be due to the Karakasa Obake's talent at being unobserved, or simply because they are so harmless no one considers them notable. That said, umbrella themed Youkai are not uncommon, and one should take care not to confuse the playful Karakasa Kozo with their more dangerous cousins. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The tumbling head rolled along the cobblestone path. The old rabbit somehow maintaining his perch on top of it over his wheezing. The two girls hurled after the two. Though Sekibanki could not help but think resentfully that Kogasa might have an easier time keeping up if she closed her umbrella… She felt her head begin to come loose, one hand rising to push it back into place. It was surreal. A couple hours later, she and Kogasa would have dozens of witnesses to their inhuman nature. Farmers coming home, housewives working on food at the windows, children playing in the street. Now, the roads were mostly empty. Mostly. A housewife could be seen with a friend. Chatting with one another through a window. Normally, Sekibanki would have just walked right by, completely below note. But with Ichibanki bouncing ahead of her, there was not exactly an opportunity for subtlety… “Koggers, I am about to do something stupid.” “I told you not to call me—” Kogasa’s irritated reply was cut off. Replaced with an expression of shock as Sekibanki threw aside her picnic basket. She held up her hand, holding aloft one of her spell cards. Danmaku surged from around her hand, flaring into the air overhead. The tired rabbit watched them rising impassively. They rained down onto the stone. Rupturing into the ground and throwing up shards of rock. Each creating a pothole large enough to catch her beloved extra head. Yet as she and her friends approached and the dust cleared, all she could see were empty potholes… ...And Ichibanki, laying brushed on her side. The tired old rabbit sitting passively on top of her. A tongue lapping at his paw. “What the hell man? I thought we were cool.” Sekibanki hissed as she started forward again. No sooner had she started for him, than the rabbit’s mad dash resumed. Faster than she had ever guessed he could have moved, he bolted again, rolling Ichibanki beneath him. Each rotation of her head followed by an ‘Ow. Ow. Ow.’ The two Youkai followed, ignoring the two women staring at them from behind as they pursued the hare. Kogasa’s eyes rose, taking in her surroundings. “Seki, I think…” She stopped as the other Youkai ran around the corner. Her slender fingers clung to her umbrella, her extension of herself. An odd feeling of foreboding filling her. Before she reluctantly followed. “You damn creep! Give me back my head!” As she rounded the corner, she could see Sekibanki racing up the path of the Fortune Teller’s house. Its shape looming ahead as though to blight an otherwise lovely spring day. The disembodied head lay on its side on the doorstep, a flash of white passing as the rabbit bolted through a hole in the wall, beneath an Ofuda. His legs briefly kicking to either side before he passed through. Sekibanki bent down, picking up Ichibanki and tenderly brushing at the head’s face, bruised as it was. Kogasa walked beside her. Her demeanor suddenly subdued. “So...we have Sekibanki. We can go on that picnic now and try to enjoy our day together.” Sekibanki gazed down at the mirror of her own head. Its cheeks and face dirtied and made puffy from bruising. Still, Ichibanki tried to smile up at her. “Nah. I’m going after that rabbit.” “...Sekibanki, you can’t. That house is forbidden! And…” The word ‘cursed’ somehow stuck to the roof of Kogasa’s mouth as she watched her friend. Still, Sekibanki only gave a shrug as she eased the other head into her shirt to keep it safe. “Don’t care. I thought he was a chill guy. Now I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.” “But—” “You can wait here Koggers. I don’t want you to see me shouting at an old fogey anyway.” Kogasa watched her friend for a moment, hoping she might back down. But Sekibanki started for the house. Before with a small sigh, Kogasa followed. Who knows. Maybe she could find someone to scare here… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The house is encircled with Ofuda, protective charms against Youkai and other spirits. How will the two get inside? = Ease Ichibanki through a broken window and have her open the door. = Maybe a passing human could open the door for us? After all, the Hakurei Shrine is supposed to check on it...sometimes... = Kogasa counters the Hakurei Shrine Ofuda with Ofuda from the Moriya Shrine. = Dude, you can fly. Just go up through the balcony.

Back again. Sorry for the delay one and all. I can't make any explanations you haven't already heard sadly. So if you were hoping for something new and exciting in my life, you'd be wrong. Onward to the entry. A little longer one. I wish I had time to put in the effort I wanted. But I think the quantity of the writing shows my dedication to you all at least. Love Soshmal and Gri's theorizing! I put a lot of tiny details into interactions at times. Both to hint at future possible plotlines and encourage speculation. Soshmal especially's picked up on a few of these. @Motaromc Yes indeed! From the first post, the voters are all playing nameless Kami who are watching our hero and influencing his choices and that of others in the narrative! And having your things taken by Jo'on. As for if you can run out, probably not. There are at least four of you she can pick things from after all. Though you might just get tired of her making trouble and kick her out. That'll be a fun mini-narrative, watching you all throw her out of your cozy temple in who-knows-where. If I ever make this into a real fanfiction, I'll probably come up with characterizations and appearances for my voters as Kami, but that's for future Yummy Toe to worry about. Don't worry about Osu. I have a special idea for him if things go very wrong...or possibly two. Its maybe too soon for one of these reveals. Weird to think I have been writing this for a year now...if only I had more time to do so. One of these days I'll tidy up the story and post it to an actual fanfiction site to see what people think. Or maybe learn 3D animation to post these on Youtube. One of these days...

Rokurokubi 'Pulley Neck' One of the more common Youkai to emerge from humans, Rokurokubi are universally drawn from human women, usually those from red light districts. They are said to be transformed due to some cosmic misdeed, though the nature of this misdeed can range from blasphemy against the Kami to simple infidelity. This misdeed need not be performed by the victim of it either. Often Rokurokubis inherit this punishment from their husbands or fathers, who go unpunished for their actions. Possessing unnaturally long and extendable necks, Rokurokubi conceal their abilities by day. By night, their use their elongated necks move their heads around as their bodies sleep. Their snake-like neck they usually use to drink oil from hanging lanterns. Though they may also hunt small animals, frighten unfortunate victims, or restrain people. Though frightening, Rokurokubi are seldom harmful to humans. Often preferring to live among humans, and usually unaware of their condition. There are a series of similar beings widely fitting in the same class. While the youkai Nukekubi and devil Dullahan are similar in some respects, it is best not to confuse them. Dullahans and Nukekubi are both significantly more dangerous than a Rokurokubi, and seldom take kindly to being compared to the more benign Rokurokubi. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= It burned her hand. Searing against her fingers even as they ran against the texture. Scars, black as midnight, forming over her fingertips. A little hiss escaped between clenched teeth as the fabric ran against her small digits. Until all sensation in her hand ceased. And she had no choice but to let go. She raised her hands. Ignoring the sound of the stream passing beneath her as she held up her dull hands. Scars, black as pitch, greeted her gaze, covering each of her hands. But despite the memory of the pain, Rumia only felt sad she could not feel it against her fingers again. Close her eyes, and think of how things used to be… The hands lowered. The odd sound of birdsong surrounding her as she sat in the shadow of a boulder. A familiar shield against the sun...It may have burned her much as the ribbon did. But the sun’s light only brought pain. The ribbon’s touch, the fabric, it brought back...happier, memories. If only they had stayed forgotten…Humans had been easy enough to ignore. Even with her abiding hunger, there were plenty of other tasty things to eat, when the gnawing got too bad. Sometimes, she could almost convince herself there were no humans in Gensokyo. That she had no idea what they tasted like. That she had never been friends with one. Until... Her eyes turned down to the creek that ran over her bare feet, forming a pool. A miserable face gazed back at her, its cheeks stained with dried tears. But she could see something in its eyes. The same feeling that gnawed at her gut. Hunger…and something else. Kimiko was right. Her fingers could scarcely move properly. She had no idea it was a stone in her grip until she had thrown it into the water with all her might. The furious splash startled fish and bird alike as she huddled against her knees. Purposefully avoiding the water’s surface now. “Miko...would my friends hate me, if they knew what I did?” The murmur of the creek was her only reply. “I’m sorry…” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The basket jostled. Rousing the sleeping rabbit from his dream with bleary winks. Light stole around the woven basketting, illuminating the head opposite to him, sleeping as well. He could hear voices outside, and with his strength returning, he nuzzled at the edge of the basket. His rescuer was standing in the shadow of an imposing looking building. A Buddhist temple, he was sure. The redheaded girl peering around tombstones, until she closed her eyes and let out a breath. “You can come out Kogasa. You know you won’t get any Faith from scaring me anyway.” The rabbit’s worn eyes stared up, unable to perceive more than colors as a woman holding an umbrella stepped towards them, her face looking downcast as she approached. “Oh, its just you Sekibanki...I was hoping to scare someone today…” “Yeah, well. That’s life. C’mon. I bet Kagerou and Wakasagihime are waiting for us at the usual place.” The blur of blue and soft white slowly resolved itself as the figure approached, It was a young woman, dressed in a modest but distinctive blue dress. Holding a large umbrella, a comedically long tongue swirling behind it as she approached as though hiding itself from view. Hetero-chromatic eyes of blue and red giving Sekibanki a disappointed look, which she either ignored or failed to notice. The expression on her face vanished as she turned her eyes down to the basket. Only now noticing the fluffy white face which sat on the brim of the basket. “Who’s that?” “Huh? Oh, this is a new friend I made. I found him passed out in the square in front of the Heida Temple. If I hadn’t passed by, a dog or hawk probably would have gotten him. Doesn’t talk much, but he’s pleasant to be around.” “Hmm…” The blue-haired youkai considered him for a moment. Before with a sudden burst of energy, she rushed towards him. Mouth opening wide as her tongue rolled out, hands grasping towards him. “BLEEEGH! You look delicious!” Houdini’s only response was a wiggle of his nose. For a moment, Kogasa held the face, as though hoping the rabbit might change his mind and back away in terror. When he did not, she slumped forward. “Not even a little fear...I can’t even scare a rabbit.” “Yeah...that’s life.” Sekibanki didn’t feel her response was helpful. Especially after repeating it twice. But there wasn’t anything else she could think to say in that moment. The words hung in the air for a moment. Before she turned and stepped from the cemetery. The footfalls of the other hurrying to catch up. “I’ll tell you what Kogasa. When we get to the Lake, I’ll let you have first pick of the food.” “You know human food can’t sustain me though Seki-chan…” “Yep.” “...What did you pack this time?” “You’ll have to wait until we get there.” “Is anyone else going to be there?” “Just Ichi. She’s in the basket.” The talk of the two made the blood of the old hare stir, bringing him from a preemptive drowsiness. The lake? So far from the village! Oscar could be dead by the time he got back! Looking over the basket though, he could only see the food, packed in its fresh bamboo leaves, and the sleeping second head of the woman holding the basket… There was no time to lose. He had to save his best friend. Outside the basket, the two continued their conversation, rising along a path towards the northern gate. “So what have you been doing lately, Koggers?” “Why do you call me that?” “Its funny.” “Well, if you must know, I tried babysitting some of the children who go to the Myouren Temple.” “How did that go?” “Awful...They wouldn’t listen to me, they pulled at my umbrella, and then when I tried to scare them, they started calling me ‘umbrella ghoul’ and throwing water on me! So rude…” “I mean...you live in a graveyard. Kids are going to find that weird.” “Yeah but you would think I—” Their conversation was cut short, as the basket rocked in Sekibanki’s arm, before the head of Ichika rocketed out of the wicker basket like a cannonball. The sleepy rabbit following after. His body made youthful in his adrenaline, his paws landed on the head as it bounced down the slope. Half running, half-rolling underneath it as it went down the stone street. “I-Ichibanki!” Seki shouted after the head. Kogasa could only stare in stunned silence. Some voice in the back of her head wishing she could roll her head through the Village...maybe then the townsfolk would fear her. "S-someone should help her!" Kogasa managed. “Stop staring then, umbrella ghoul—let’s go!” The reply Kogasa had half-formed broke into a shout as Sekibanki pulled after her, the two youkai chasing after the rabbit and the head as they rolled into town… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How will the two Youkai try to catch Ichika and Houdini? = Sekibanki will extend her neck to try and grab Ichibanki. = Kogasa will shout for the townsfolk to help. = Use Kogasa's control over the weather to slow him with a strong wind. = Sekibanki fires a concentrated danmaku into the ground ahead to make a hole for Ichibanki to land in.

Finally got to write out a post. And after a rough day of work too. Before I go to bed, I've mentioned some choices the group makes have a random outcome. This is a good example, with myself setting up a pool of options and rolling a 1d100 to determine which outcome happens. In this case, I rolled a 71. Higher than the 1-39 I planed for Reisen and 40-69 for Tewi. Who found Houdini then? Well normally I would post the table of options, but I didn't get around to it. All I can say is you can probably guess. Instead of a direct action, Houdini is visited by a dream, from a mysterious force, the same Oscar has access to. As his familiar, Houdini can draw on knowledge through dreams as well. After a quick aside, he is sure to wake up, a little stronger and with more options for attracting help for Oscar.

The Grassroots Youkai Network An informer affiliation of lesser Youkai, the Grassroots Youkai Network is often used to pass on information between weaker Youkai. Usually as a means of protecting themselves, whether against Humans, stronger civilized Youkai, Wild Youkai, Spirits or other threats. Many of these Youkai act as informal advisors to Otherworldly Ventures, confirming details in this book and assisting in tracking down rumors. Its members are usually anonymous, leading the Otherworldly Ventures team to assume the Network is widespread throughout Gensokyo. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Guessss Whhhooooo? Back again for more of your money! If you had any. I’ll take your jewelry. Don’t give me that look, you’re a Kami. You’ll make it back in donations in a few months...or decades, depending. Now to flip this ring. Heads, Houdini goes to the Stalls. Tails, the Buddhist Temple my loser sister stays at. ...Wellwell, I guess he goes to the stalls. But if you thought meeting the local bunny girls would be that easy, you’re going to be very disappointed. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The rabbit made its way down the cobblestone road with long hops of his back legs. Though as he bounced frantically towards the line of stalls, he could feel his strength leaving his legs. His bones, old for rabbits, ached painfully. Each hop brought him closer to his friend’s rescue, but also towards his own exhaustion. He could see them ahead. The figures were dressed in peasant clothing, one taller, the other shorter. But even his old nose could smell they were rabbits. The two sat around a table, eating. The taller gagging, even as her companion pointed and laughed… ...Why were they so hard to see… The periphery of his vision grew dark. His throat struggling to take in a breath. The two stood, grasping their great bamboo packs before turning to leave… No! The sight brought new strength to his limbs and he bounded forward. But his body failed him. Even as he struggled to catch his breath, he fell forward onto the road. Darkness consumed his vision, and he slipped into a despairing sleep… A pair of red shoes crossed the cobblestone pathway. Their owner gazing off towards the horizon. Dour thoughts clouding an otherwise youthful mind. Even if the basket hanging from the crook of her arm promised some cheer. Her eyes slowly passed the homes that lined the space. Idly wondering if life would be better if she moved out from the Village. It was not easy living in hiding all the time after all. But experience had taught her that life was just as dull anywhere else. Perhaps moreso, as the Human Village was a magnet for Incidents. And it would be lonely without her friends around. Her eyes turned towards the Heida Temple as she passed the road, a voice in the back of her head wondering if Keine would try to rope her into going back to night school. Before she stopped in mind stride. In the center of the road lay an elderly rabbit. Breathing heavily with his eyes closed. The day was still early, so no humans had seen him, but he was sure to be a lucky hawk or dog’s lunch… With a soft sigh, she turned. Changing her path to walk towards the wheezing creature. Stopping in front of it to set her basket down. The cloth over the top rustling as a pair of red eyes peered out at him. Crouching down, she studied it for a moment. As though rethinking what she was even doing. “Hey.” There was no reply. Only more ragged breathing. “Hey. Wake up.” Her words didn’t seem to be helping much. But at least he opened his eyes to that. A hand reached into her basket. Ignoring the feeling of hair and the odd nip of teeth against her arm. “Ugh, you’re in a rough state...I’m not much of a pet person. So sorry if you don’t like it or whatever.” Her slender hand emerged. Offering an Onigiri to the exhausted rabbit. For a moment, it could only sniff at it, before slowly nibbling at the offering. “Wonder what you are doing here...this is the worst place a rabbit could be. Did you come here with the rabbits from Eientei?” Only the sound of munching met her ears. “Not much of a talker, are you? I think we’ll get along.” Gripping the exhausted rabbit by the scruff of the neck, the young lady awkwardly lifted the fluffy creature. Dropping it into the basket. Its food soon following. “You just get some sleep. We can sort out introductions later.” The basket began to sway again, drifting from side to side as Houdini caught his breath. The basket itself was half stuffed with Onigiri. Cooked rice, plums, fish and other fine foods mixing in the space. But he could pay no mind to that. Nor to the one he had already been chewing on. For across from him, was a human head watching him. “Hey.” Oscar would probably have startled at that. Houdini however, was too relaxed at his age for that. He was just grateful he had dinner and a ride. A pleasant enough thought, as he returned to sleep. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Well. You found someone at least. What distant dreams does your Patron share with you? = Wait, and Dream of your Best Friend. = Wait, and Dream of a Witch's Strings. = Wait, and Dream of an Afflicted Soul. = Wait, and Dream of Stranger's Self-Loathing.

You should be paying attention in class, I'll take your Nintendo away young man.

Nah, you were dead on. 100%. :) I'm just trying to be a little unpredictable. ...Though I did have a scene in mind where Shou meets Houdini. Before turning to Nazrin and saying "I don't like him. He mocks me with his smug aura."

I appreciate the concern Mota buddy. :) I wish I could say it was as simple as picking up and going to another place. Hospitals are just all like this now. I love my work and feel passionate about it. Even with my complaint about my workload, I'm still doing as much work in a day as I did at my old job. The sole difference is its a larger hospital, with a too small crew. So, if someone flakes or is just sick, me or my buddy have to take the slack. So I've less free time than I did four months ago. Things should change soon though, and if they don't I'll probably move along. I will admit the characters I have selected for each location are slightly randomized, so you may not end up with the character or characters you were hoping for. But all the ones named so far as big names are liable to appear in their area. There are a few others padding out options with less of a cast. For instance, the readers decide Houdini is hippity hopping his way to the medicine stall. But who says he makes it there? There are other figures known to visit the village less frequently. As big a task as finding someone who can help Houdini, is convincing them to follow him. Some characters can talk to animals, sure, but who knows if he'll meet them. To be honest, refreshing my mental list of people in the village, I was slightly disappointed. All the lesser knowns I haven't introduced already seem concentrated around the Myouren Temple. But have some fun ideas in mind for each option. I also want to clarify: Team9 will reappear later in the story, especially with Rumia missing, Wriggle going through some stuff and REDACTED. If Houdini goes there he won't be going to Team9 though. Our lore nerds (honored be their names) have already picked out Akyuu as an option, though there are others of varying degrees of importance to the fandom who might be found there. Then again, I put an allusion to a kitsune boy who appeared in like. One chapter of Forbidden Scrollery as an option for the table game. That's how obscure I am willing to get to feel like a cool kid. Who knows, he might be the top tier choice for the bnuuy to turn to.

Finally got an entry up after almost a month. Hoping things will be calmer in the near future. We've a new hiree, and should have a couple more temps trickling in over the next few weeks. Meaning I won't have to work 50 or 60 hour weeks anymore. On the other hand, we were supposed to have more temps last month, and they ended up ghosting us. So, not going to make any promises until I'm asked not to come in on my days off. Anyhow! Hope it makes for good reading.

Earth Rabbits Known as ‘Earth Rabbits’ in English to differentiate them from Moon Rabbits, Earth Rabbits are normal rabbits who have ascended to a form of Youkai. Like other animal Youkai, they are said to be normal animals who have lived for an unusually long period of time. Through this, they gain immortality, sentience and magical powers. Earth Rabbits are disobedient things, seldom taking the orders of others seriously, and are prone to pranks. They are however benevolent towards people who show them kindness, often helping in unexpected ways. They have strong bonds to other Earth Rabbits, often singing and dancing together, or preparing the traditional rabbit dish of Mochi. They are most often found in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost, to the west of the Human Village, at the terminus of the Youkai Trail. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= His breaths were ragged and frightened. The pole’s end thumped against the ground as he desperately felt for the promised entrance. This couldn’t be right...Wriggle wouldn’t do this. She could be testy at times, but why would she lie? And in front of an upset Cirno of all people? With frantic energy, the bamboo pole continued its search. Tapping at the ground rapidly. Each reaffirming a silent secret which gripped at Oscar’s heart… There was nothing there. The taps grew slower. Going from whacks against the sod and dirt to gentle prods. Until it fell from his hand. Slowly, Oscar leaned back. Taking a seat at the base of the stairs. Overhead, the Youkai thudded about. The sound of its footsteps echoing even down here. For a moment, Oscar wondered if anyone would miss him if he never returned. He was already certain he wouldn’t be missed back on Earth. Would Cirno come looking for him? Or would Wriggle change her mind? Would Agappa come for him? Or in a few weeks’ time, would a witch ask if anyone had seen that guy she met a month ago in front of Heida Temple? The thought was sobering. With little else to do, he pulled the top hat from his head. Easing it upside-down. Its inhabitant did not stir, lost in a deep sleep. Nose wriggling as he had some secret dream. Even here, the sight made Oscar smile. “Well Houdini. It looks like this is the end. We had a good run, made a lot of children happy. Its just a shame our story ends without that perfect performance I wanted as a kid.” His hand gently rubbed at the old rabbit’s head. Houdini’s eyes opened in a sleepy glare, which quickly shifted into a look of somnolent joy as Oscar rubbed at his head. Chin easing back for a better rub. “Come to think of it, you’re as old as I was when we met. You’re the only one who ever stuck around when times got bad. I know its because I fed you and all. But you were always there during a performance or whenever I was alone. That still makes you my truest friend. My only friend now.” The creature’s eyes seemed to open wider. His nose wiggled curiously, almost as if staring. Oscar couldn’t stop a chuckle. “Guess this place is my tomb now. I just wish it didn’t have to be both of ours.” The rabbit gazed up at him for a moment, before with more energy he thought possible in the lazy critter, it scrambled from his hat. Long back legs kicking as it lunged from its bed. It hit the ground, even as Oscar stood to try and grab him. But Houdini was already off, running faster than Oscar recalled him in years. The moment the furry creature reached a wall, he began to frantically dig into the wold. A fine mist of dirt spraying after him. By the time Oscar reached the hole, it had already vanished into an old rat tunnel which wound along the wall. Again he was alone. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Out in the grass of the Fortune Teller’s property, a white paw cut through the dirt. A face white as snow, coated by brown, emerged. Tired as he was, the rabbit hopped free. Scurrying along the quiet road. It was well into the afternoon now. The fields wouldn’t empty for hours yet, and the townsfolk were at rest and preparing evening meals. There was no one to observe him as he hopped along the cobblestone road. Before he headed deeper into the town… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = ...Seeking the quiet medicine stall on the edge of the market... = ...Towards the temple to the north... = ...Moving towards the rental library... = ...Creeping into the tavern... = ...Starting the long climb up the Heida Temple...

Well, yes and no. I decided to give her some characteristics which could be tsun. Making her abrasive and guarded but warm-hearted underneath. A friend who takes to you slowly, but is firmly in your corner once you win her over. She was warming up to Oscar, before the kami (the readers) decided to send them to the Fortune Teller's house, and its silent guardian chose her as the weakest target. Leading to her being cursed. I was worried, however that she might be seen as something more basic, and the readers might miss that something was wrong. 'Oh Wriggle was always a jerk, what else is new' versus 'Huh. What's wrong with Wriggle? It must be pretty bad.' Thanks Kymoh. The past few months have been rough, and this past one has been no exception. Especially with Christmas. I didn't even get around to shopping for the season until the 21st. Hoping to get a quick entry up tonight or tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

I mean, the Youkai entry I made before the change wasn't the most subtle. :D Though outside that context, it seemed to come on a bit suddenly. I think a couple people just assumed she was being mean out of nowhere, or even trying to be a tsundere to get his attention, rather than something being wrong. Even so, if you think the problem is now solved...do you really think Agappa can explain to Oscar, the bug girl is afflicted by a dog spirit? Not to mention Inugami are incredibly hard to exorcize, requiring a master magician. Reimu or Marisa could probably take care of that no problem, but...doubt either are going to listen to Agappa. But maybe they have another friend with secrets to hide and tricks to show off. Probably should be in bed. But after resting all weekend after a bad week, it didn't feel right not to have something up. Hope you all enjoy... ...Oscar being trapped in a cellar.