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.

Preserving Fruits and Vegetables We have touched on preserving meat, but fruits and vegetables are even more important. Fish and wildlife can be found with some effort in wintertime, but you are unlikely to find any greens out of season. And with modern methods such as conventional refrigeration or dehydration unavailable, you will have to fall back on old traditions. Fortunately, we have a few available. Canning is the best option for long-term fruit preservation. Though one has to be careful when doing so. Canning when done properly is unlikely to spoil, but spoilage is hard to detect. Fruits with low acidity, or vegetables, should be canned under high pressure, while fruit with high acidity should be placed in a water bath. Jam or preservatives are an option as well. By boiling fruit with sugar, it can safely be canned and stored in a cool, dark place or even buried. Using a brine solution, such as vinegar or salt water, you are able to pickle vegetables or fruit. While unpleasant, this is one of the safer methods. For shorter preservation, one can light a low fire in an oven. Placing fruit or vegetables inside, you will be able to safely remove the moisture inside. Or, you can skip these silly options and subscribe to our Blue Ice Fairy program! With fresh ice prepared at our Ice-Fairyctory or harvested from the Misty Lake in winter, we produce a twenty pound block of ice which can be placed in a cool, dark space. Allowing you to preserve your precious foodstuffs without concern for spoilage! And with only a 30% chance of Cirno getting bored and wandering off, isn't that a deal worth making? Subscribe for 1 Bu a month, for Blue Ice Fairy. Delivered fresh, right to your home! Otherworldly Ventures and its affiliates are not responsible for ice shipment delays due to Cirno's boredom, or Incidents occurring in Gensokyo. Ice blocks may at times contain complimentary frozen frogs. Blue Ice Fairy ice blocks are intended for refrigeration, and are not meant to be used to build a shelter or thrown at Otherworldly Venture employees. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Wriggle stared at the strange little Youkai. A voice in the back of her mind acknowledged thinking of Agappa Haraume as 'Little' was rich, but the thought buried itself quickly. This creepy little turd had made her life miserable, and dragged that human in between Cirno and her. Everything was all wrong. From her thoughts to her friends. It had to be her fault. The youkai realized her lip was curled. Agappa just stared at her. An uncharacteristic intensity in her furrowed brow and accusing finger. Not that it was pointed at Wriggle. Her mind seized on it. Already, her mouth shifted. A half-formed insult on her lips, something between calling her stupid or blind. But instead a low growl came from her, before her lips moved in a low voice. "Now listen here Yama's pet. And listen good. Cirno is mine, and so are her friends. Yours? He isn't coming back. Keep out of my way, and we won't have any problems. But if you have a bone to pick with me...Well. Eiki won't miss you." Wriggle took a deep breath as she turned. Leading a confused Cirno back towards Heida. Wriggle wasn't sure why she didn't quite feel herself today. Perhaps it was too long around that 'magician'. Spending some time alone with her friends would surely change that. If only Agappa would stop staring at her while she walked away. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The yawning cellar seemed to stretch on before him. The stagnant air filling Oscar's nostrils with mildew. In that moment, he wished he could pull out his phone again. But his stunt with the projector had already drained what power it had left, and the monster's roars told him he didn't have long. With a slow breath, he stepped down the worn and rotted stairs. Comforted by the fact that he was surely safe here... It was on his eighth step, that the wood under his foot shattered. Sending him pitching forward. His mouth opened to cry for help, but he only just remembered the danger overhead. And so, he struck the hard dirt floor without a sound. The dark clung to Oscar. For the want of light, he could not know if he had been out for seconds or hours. The only thing which told him he was conscious now, was the feeling of Houdini nuzzling at his face. For a moment, Oscar could just lie there. Before a hand rose to scratch at the rabbit's head. The rabbit might have been a lazy old coot. Better suited to sleeping and being pulled from hats than adventures. But with the others gone, Oscar was glad to have him. A few moments passed. His hands patting at the rough earthen ground. He found his hat after a few tries, before slipping Houdini back inside. Returning the hat to his head. After a few moments, he found a few other things. His trick flower, a few kerchiefs and...Oscar almost felt a smile as he picked up his trick rope. Quickly clicking pieces of it back into place. It couldn't let him climb down it to safety, but it could help him here. Holding a length of the now straight rope in hand, Oscar held it in front of him. Idly tapping as he explored the room. Now and then, he would feel things brushing at his face. Dried herbs, forgotten pieces of meat, vegetables caught between rotted and preserved. Now and then he would find a spider's web instead, which would cling to his face before he could remove it. The tapping rope couldn't tell him what it found when it hit something. But he could guess well enough from context clues. Solid, wooden sounding, flat. A crate. The same but round was a barrel. The same but strangely shaped, a piece of furniture. It didn't take him long to find one of the walls. Tapping idly along the dirt wall, he made his way slowly around. First along the east wall. Then the north, almost stumbling over a large *thing* in the northeast corner. Then the west and... He paused as the stairs appeared ahead. No. Nonono, this couldn't be right. Wriggle said there was an exit down here. He had circled the room, and there hadn't been an exit... What did that mean? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What now? = This seems like an ideal time to panic. = Do another lap. Maybe its on the ground, or higher up on the walls. = Hey dude, its alright. Houdini, sleepy as he is, has your back. Maybe share your thoughts with him. = Since the situation can't get worse, time to get out the grimoire. Stand by the stairs and read random passages until something useful happens. = Welp, time to run back how we came.

Meat Meats in Gensokyo are highly prized. It makes for fine foodstuffs, and can be used to barter or bribe with more primitive-minded Youkai. That said, meat is difficult to come by. Unlike Earth where most meat is shipped from across the world to a store, in Gensokyo meat has to be acquired by hunting a wild animal or slaughtering an animal large enough to give meat. Due to this, meat is hard to come by in most seasons. There are a number of ways of preserving meat. A cool cellar can be used to keep it at a reasonably cold temperature for some time. Salt can be used to dry the meat and seal it, or it can be sealed using animal fat or even cheese. Alternatively, you could pickle your meat using water and salt, or cure it using salt and spices. One can even bury it deep in the ground, where the cold earth can keep it safe. The simplest way to preserve it however is simply to smoke it, which will dry out the meat, repel insects and make it slower to rot. If you consider providing meat to a Youkai, it is best to bear in mind the Youkai's temperament and tastes. While safe with most Youkai, some find certain meats or preservation methods disagreeable. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "We have to go back for him!" Cirno looked an awful sight. The askew wig and dirtied kimono Wriggle calmly helped her with were bad enough. But already, her eyes were beginning to wet with nervous tears, and there was a manic look in her eye. Normally, the risk of Cirno crying would have melted Wriggle's heart. Especially after the night before. As it was, the look only gave Wriggle a small sense of satisfaction. She shook her head at Cirno's plea, even as she continued. "We just found Osu! We can't lose him again!" "There there," Wriggle replied, with an uncharacteristic condescension as she patted Cirno's hand. "I am sure the 'great and powerful' Osu is safe in the Fortune Teller's house. He's probably teleported himself back to Heida Temple already. We had better hurry to see him again~" The lilt in her voice was noticeable even to Cirno. Who gave her friend a penetrating look. One she wished could detect what had Wriggle acting so weird. But their friendship won in the end. With a heavy heart and fearful damp eyes, Cirno started towards the Temple. Wriggle didn't have long to savor her victory. As she pulled her wig on, she finally noticed over her shoulder the eyes of Agappa. Though her gaze wasn't quite on wriggle, but above her. "What are you staring at, creepo?" Her arm slowly raised. Before pointing, in a way that made Wriggle's body grow cold with fear that was not her own. And in that moment, she realized she hated Agappa. Even if she didn't know why. "I see you." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Wriggle’s face disappeared from the corner of the window. For a moment, Oscar felt his heart grow cold. She had been difficult, even by her standards. But Agappa, Cirno and Wriggle’s presence had been comforting. Now, for the third time in two days, he was all alone… ...Except for a lazy old hare taking a nap in his hat of course. The low sound of the monster in the hall drew Oscar’s attention. The thing seemed afraid of coming back to the kitchens, where the ‘ghost’ of a headless man had terrified it so. But Oscar was sure the moment he left, it would see he was human. Even the terror it seemed to have of him as a spirit would be of no use while he was in the flesh. ...Unless… Oscar’s eyes cast themselves over the room. Dried meat hung from the ceiling awaiting an owner who would never come. Fresher meat lay rancid and rotting. A dull green mass fit only for the maggots that squirmed inside of them. Taking a knife, he did his best to ignore the scent at his nostrils as he turned to one. Idly running the blade over the surface and forcing its inhabitants out. The sight that befell him was too disgusting for words, and so Oscar would never try in the years after. He had just decided to give up on this idea, when his eye shifted over the room. In the corner, he could see a broom made of some kind of straw. A mouse had nibbled at it at one point, but it looked mostly intact. In fact the star looked sturdy enough to resist him breaking it in half… The thought made him pause. The gears turned quietly in his mind. Before a slow smile crossed his face. With a glance to make sure the monster was away, he quickly snatched up the broom, showing an energy that disturbed the old rabbit. It glared down at him as Oscar undid the bindings. Winding pieces of straw into a primitive rope. He gave the wound piece of five broom-hairs a tug. It held, if only just. “Time for another monster to walk these halls.” He murmured with a knowing smile. The Ao Bozu let out a low pitiful cry as it circled the central courtyard. So far, it had circled the courtyard a dozen times. He had examined several rooms. Some he could enter, some had far too many eyes watching for it. And of course there was the kitchen. Haunted as it was, by the headless man. The brute was glad to be free of its prison however. Even this limited freedom was a blessing. A low moan echoed from down the hall. Fearfully, the beast turned its head. The door of the kitchen stood open. Ominous with only a faint illumination from the afternoon sun. For the span of three breaths, the space was empty. Until a figure appeared. It was dressed well, its hands extended, coated in exposed meat as it approached blindly. Its face, wrapped in rotting flesh, oozed faintly. Flies clinging to it as it stumbled into the hall with a dull groan. The Ao Bozu felt another set of its eyes close in fear. The monster scrambling for cover as the dead thing lumbered into the hall. And towards the stairs to the lower cellar… As Oscar pulled the impromptu mask of straw and meat from his face, he could see the yawning maw of the cellar ahead of him. The space was pitch black, and nearly impenetrable. But if Wriggle was right, it also had his freedom… What now? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = Call out and see if anyone is down there. = Through great good luck, you manage to find a candle down here. = Feel your way into this dark place with your bamboo stick. No sense in drawing attention to yourself. = Peer into the dark. Will yourself to see.

As a rule, I try to focus on Dai and Wriggle over Rumia and Mystia when writing Team9. People like Cirno, and she's the lynchpin of the team so she appears either way. Even if I like how I've been writing her. Dai is a blank slate, even if she has a number of details which are interesting. She's the only purely benevolent fairy, and she's the only fairy with wings like hers in the lore or fanon. Wriggle is a mostly blank slate, with an implied tomboyish attitude and love of insects. But people have fairly concrete ideas about Mystia due to Mystia's Izakaya, even if her personality is a little boring. Rumia has a more concrete persona as well, due to Little Reimu. I have ideas for how to give them my unique flavor, but I don't want to swim against the popular perception of either just to be special. I made it to NY safely. We'll probably drive up to Canada later this week. Then driving back in a week. I'm feeling more energetic than I thought after a 16 hour drive, so I am hoping to have something for you all tomorrow. :)

Heya gang. No post today on account of me still dying. :( Hoping to feel well enough to get one up after work tomorrow. I apologize about the delay. Next week I likely won't post as well, since I am driving across the continent. My sister refuses to leave Canada, so of course our Thanksgiving revolves around her. Nevermind that's almost 3k miles for me... I am glad it appealed to you Gri! :) I look forward to hinting more about Wriggle's mental state. Especially since she herself keeps having sudden doubts. I try to be very subtle with a lot of my foreboding. But this one is fairly open, even if the solution may be very challenging in its own way.

My body is weak and tired. Overworked from my job, and ill with...some kind of flu, idk. But that sounds like a skill issue for some other guy, so new entry into the GSG. Hope you all enjoy when you take your forty-five minute bathroom break like a true American.

The origins of Gensokyo Within Gensokyo, there are several groups of beings who can be roughly categorized into eight ‘species’ or ‘races’. Each with their own distinct subgroups. In order of commonality, these are Ghosts, Youkai, Fairies, Humans, Hermits, Demons, Kami and Dolls. Once, all these races lived on Earth. However these groups found themselves in conflict regularly. Over the course of thousands of years, humans grew in number and many of the more aggressive Fairies, Demons and Youkai were defeated. The apex of this conflict began at various times in the world, with Humanity overpowering the Youkai of Japan soon after their borders opened to the West in 1853. Though as dangerous as any rifle or bomb was the rise of secularism. Faith in these beings diminished, weakening what Youkai remained. To preserve what of them remained, the strongest remaining Youkai isolated the realm of Gensokyo from the Outside World in 1885. The realm has existed in almost complete isolation since then, with the barrier sustained by faith in the Hakurei God, as well as the strongest of the Youkai Sages. These sages are known to include Yakumo Yukari, Ibaraki Kasen and Matara Okina, though there are assumed to be others. The dragons of Gensokyo are known to have vanished at the same time, suggesting the realm was isolated in part due to their aid. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “Hey ya’ll, its yer girl Joon here to rob you dumb Kami again. Since you’re all out of money, I’ll take...hmm, your kimono. Yes, you in the red. It looks expensive. Heads, erm, lining they go out the kitchen window. Back, they follow the ‘hidden path’. HAI-YAAH! … … Well this didn’t work out how I planned. But close enough to tails. See you idiots, I’m going to sell this to save up for my gambling fund this weekend.” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The roars of the monster billowed down the halls. The beast they had just eluded racing through the halls. Oscar for his part turned to the kitchen windows. Quickly lunging and throwing one open. The old wood felt rotted under his finger tip, and the first wooden bar fell away. Leaving a space much too small for he, but enough for his three friends. Somehow, he managed to hide his panic with a daring smile back at the three. “We have no time to lose. We have to get out of here—through the window, quickly.” “But Osu, you can’t fit through there!” “I couldn’t scare a Youkai away either.” An impatient wave of his hand followed. The billowing from the hall soon showing there was little time to lose. Agappa was first, delicately climbing over the detritus left by the home’s owner. Before Wriggle rolled her eyes and flew over to the Mikari-Baba. Hefting her up and through the window. A dull but harmless thud coming from outside. Wriggle followed a moment later. Then, with a last glance back at him, Cirno flew out the window too. From where she hovered, watching Agappa rubbing her head and Cirno watching the window, Wriggle felt...weird. She knew she would want to see him come spilling out that window. Hopeless as Oscar was, Cirno was right. He had been a good friend to them in the little time they knew him. But...at the same time… He wanted to take Cirno from her friends. The thought had an instinctive revulsion to it. The way a human felt when he saw a cockroach, she supposed. It was disgusting, wrong even. But then...it made sense. Hadn’t Rumia been talking to him before she vanished? Hadn’t he somehow found them after Cirno spent all night crying over him and Rumia? Hadn’t he decided to go alone with her, Cirno, and the creepy friend they HAPPENED to meet on the road together? Something didn’t smell right… She could head something in her brain like padded feet through the long grass behind her. The sound was so pronounced she almost failed to hear the soft words of gnats and centipedes. Their words made her smile faintly to herself. Before she peered over the window. “Osu, you can’t get through, can you?” The man was already halfway to the door, though her words stopped him. A soft smile crossed Wriggle’s lips as she continued. “I heard from some of the insects here. There’s a hidden tunnel here. The Fortune Teller built it as a way to escape if his home was attacked. You can find it in the cellar. He kept his preserved foods, sake and reagents there.” Her news done, Wriggle turned to her friend. Half coaxing, half shoving Cirno from the scene. All as Agappa stared after her mutely. Back inside, Oscar took stock of his situation. The house was inhabited by a monster, one which seemed to want him dead. But it could be fooled, and fairly easily. He just had to evade it, and find his way to the cellar. He was even pretty sure he knew where it was. He just had to get to it before the monster outside did… The question was, how? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = If he's scared by ghosts, then we just have to make things extra creepy. All I need is a few of these pieces of rooting meat, some cloth and a bowl... = Maybe by getting the girls outside to make noise on the other side of the house, it'll distract him long enough for Oscar to get to safety? = The monster had six eyes, and two of them went out when I fooled him. I wonder if there's some kind of significance to it? If I confront it directly and fool it twice more, maybe it will stop? = Nah man. Straight up Naruto run your way to the cellar. Dude will have no time to catch you.

Heya gang. No update this week. :( Life has been demanding, and I have had no time to come up with the next post. Much less make it a decent read. Hoping to finally get to it on Wednesday, but I don't know for sure yet.

Wages in Gensokyo We have in brief gone over the monetary system used in Gensokyo. One consistent question from Outsiders however is, what should be considered a 'living wage' in Gensokyo. Alas, such things are not so simple in this world. Most forms of work in Gensokyo are manual labor. Farming, fishing, wood cutting. These occupations seldom make enough money to compensate workers in cash. Typically they are instead payed in food or wares, which can then be bartered or traded for coin or other goods. Often, your employer will also furnish food and living arrangements for their employee. Though this may be as simple as a blanket in a warm corner of the house or a loft, to a spare bedroom. Provisions and bedding vary from employer to employer, and the onus is often on the worker to decide if their situation is acceptable. The Otherworldly Ventures Division of Labor exists as a source of relief however for any possible wronged individuals. In return for a small service fee (equal to your last week's pay), we will happily determine if your present living situations are acceptable, and negotiate with your employer. We also are able to find you positions elsewhere in our network (for a fee equal to half a week's wages for the first month). Otherworldly Ventures employs and has connections to everything from farmers to merchants and temples. There is sure to be a job that fits YOU in Gensokyo! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “Ohohoho, it looks like you useless kami can’t decide what this loser should do! Never fear, Jo’on is here to guide you. Heads, he is headless! Tails he has the blue fairy do his dirty work. The Ryu, please.” *ting* “Heads! Hope his comes off.” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The rumbling from behind him was growing louder. Wood splintering as the lanky beast tore after him. Its oversided fist smashing through the floor. Oscar tried to ignore it. His gaze remaining on the door to the kitchen. “Cirno, Wriggle, I’m going to throw you up to Agappa. You two stay up there until I deal with this guy.” “W-what?” The question spilled from Cirno’s lips with surprising earnestness. Her eyes, still ringed with frozen tears, gazed up at him. Her small hands grasping at his jacket. “You can’t do that Osu! I’ve already lost a friend. I don’t...I can’t…” “Hey, its okay.” He replied. The welling tears in her eyes made him glad he was such a good showman. Oscar doubted he could lie to a friend’s crying face. He smiled broadly, even managing a wink. “I’m Oscar Diggs, the great and powerful. Nothing can go wrong when I’m around.” Wriggle let out a huff. Cirno looked almost ready to start sobbing again. “Do you promise?” “I promise I will be back.” The reassurance in his voice fooled even him as he heaved his arms up. Throwing either of the two smaller girls towards the rafters, where overhead Agappa gazed with bleary eyes. Wriggle drifted upwards effortlessly. Cirno floated in place, gazing down with nervous eyes as Oscar dove into the kitchen. The beast in hot pursuit… The door thudded loudly as it shifted behind him. The door of rotted wood doing little to reassure him of his safety. In an instant, he threw himself into securing the doorway. A piece of firewood rammed into the sliding frame. Heavy earthen pots filled with scents he dared not think about slid into place. Scarcely a moment too soon. The lumbering thing rammed against the door, scarcely holding. With a few moments to himself, his eyes cast around the space, scrambling as he pulled his phone from his pocket. 18% power. Just enough for this stunt. Plugging in the appropriate add-on, he glanced around the room. Finding what he wanted more by the acrid scent of rotting meat than any logic. The piece of dried meat was beginning to age, but even the rot on it was not as strong as the air around it. This would do nicely… All he had to do was record. The door splintered. Shuddering on its frame before it fell away. The formidable shape elbowing its way through the door. Before him, the cocksure wizard stood. A willful smile on his face. “The monster at last arrives, to face the champion of legend.” “Silence! I will hang you by your neck!” The smile on his face, if anything, seemed to grow wider. Even as the lumbering thing drew nearer, he spread his arms to either side. “But Mister Youkai...I have no neck.” A low, soft but growing laugh escaped his lips at those words. His head in its top hat began to sway, shifting unnaturally from side to side. Until it seemed to fully detach. His curly brown hair swaying with the motion, revealing a mass of putrid dried meat where his neck should have been. The beast stared with its yellow eyes, the red and orange ones closed for now. Gazing at the face drifting overhead. That laugh of his ringing in his ears. The monster raised a hand, shaking just a little as he did, before grasping at the figure. Only to see his fingers move straight through it. Oscar’s laughter redoubled as the monster turned. Sprinting from the room in alarm. The room was still for a moment, before Oscar stepped from a darkened corner of the room, where his cloak had been wrapped around him. He sighed with relief as he gathered up his phone, the mobile projector beside it still glowing as his laughing face faded. The youkai and fairy watched form their perch overhead as the monster lumbered into the room. A moment later, it came sprinting from the kitchen. Its orange eyes closed, the yellow and red looking around in sudden fright as it fled towards the darkened halls. A moment later, Oscar emerged. One hand brushing at his cape. Cirno descended, happiness etched into her finer features. Wriggle, at least, did not look completely displeased. Agappa had her same expression as usual. “O-Osu! Are you okay? That youkai didn’t eat you did he?” “Hmph, why didn’t you destroy him?” “Nice to see you’re alive too Wriggle.” Despite Wriggle’s renewed hostility, Oscar found he couldn’t stop smiling. His hand rose. Brushing affectionately at Cirno’s hair even as Agappa slid down to join them. “Now little ladies, I think its time we get out of here.” “Bright thinking, Mister Great and Powerful. How are we going to do that?” That...was a good question. And that Youkai was still in here somewhere... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What next? =Welp, best way out is how we came in. = There's a window here in the kitchen. Maybe we can slip out that way. = Wriggle's insect friends bring news of a hidden tunnel under the house. = I still don't see why we can't just break through a wall.

Ao Bozu ‘Blue Monk’ An enigmatic Youkai with a multitude of descriptions. To some it is a towering blue-skinned giant. To others, it is a small child. They can be virtually any size, with any number of eyes, in any number of locations. This enigmatic and contradictory being was first recorded by Toriyama Sekien, with only its name as a description. Its color denotes inexperience or immaturity, making its full name a commentary on the unskilled novices of the Buddhist priesthood. Ao Bozu may appear in barley, millet or wheat fields during sunset. Here they wait for children to snatch and kidnap. Other times they are human-sized figures who appear late at night down dark streets. Terrorizing women and children with the question ‘Would you like to hang by your neck?’ If one refuses, it vanishes. If ignored, it will attack with surprising speed. Other times they are giants who appear in abandoned homes, or child-sized travelers who challenge wanderers to sumo-wrestling contests. Due to its unknown nature and varied attributes, it is wise to treat this Youkai with extreme caution. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= As the figure lumbered forward into the hall, Oscar could feel Agappa letting go of his leg. Scurrying as quickly as she could, she dove for one of the pillars, scrambling her way up towards the supportive struts overhead. The sorcerer didn’t have time to get her down. The shambling beast was approaching his two friends fast. The frightened pair was shaken from their terror as Cirno’s face hardened. Interposing herself between the awkward giant and Wriggle, she held out a hand. Cold mustering in her palm as she focused all the energy that she could into it. She didn’t have time for Perfect Freeze, and she doubted anything else would really stop it. But she had to try. Ice formed in the palm of her hand, magic pulling water from the air and the rot in the walls. The familiar warmth built in her chest as she pulled all she could. Teeth gritting as those eyes glowered down at her. “Would you like to hang by your--” In an instant, the flare of a red satin cape engulfed the two of them as Oscar stood over the two. His hands thrust out, the gloved hands making a set of motions before his palms extended towards the lumbering blue face which crept ever closer. “SHAZAM!” A sound like thunder burst from the man’s hand. A flare of light more like lightning than a lantern or fire. The beast roared. Hands rising to its eyes. Before the arms of Oscar surrounded the two, and he ran. His fancy shoes rang out on the wooden floor as he sprinted. Cape billowing after him doing little favors. Cirno hung from under one arm, her half-formed ice magic in one hand. Wriggle held under the other. Cirno was still stunned from everything that had happened, from her fight with Wriggle to their escape. The youkai on the other hand was faster to regain her senses. She glared up at Oscar, a low growl escaping her. “Are you going to stop running and fight that youkai?!” “Working on it.” The answer wasn’t his best. But it was the best he could manage. Even as he spoke, he heard a roar rising as though from three throats. The thing lumbered after him blindly. Using a long, powerful forearm to propel itself with surprising grace to compensate for its less impressive limbs. Oscar dared not look back as wooden beams snapped behind him, and stone jars shattered. Rooms whipping by to either side. The thing roaring after him. “I will hang you by your neck!” He raced on, passing rooms long ago left to barren neglect. There was a warehouse full of rotten wooden boxes, a room with a low table and faded screens. And a low room that descended down a set of stairs into a dark foreboding atmosphere. Of course, there were other routes. The yellowed paper walls tinting the light a sickly yellow, could always simply be broken through. Or he could just return the way he came up the stairs. Or he could try something a little more tricky… Whatever it was, he knew he should do it fast. The monster was getting closer… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = "Don't worry girls! We will lose him in the mason jars! He'll never find the right one." = "But Mister Youkai...I have no neck!" = "Cirno! We're running by the cellar stairs again. I need you to freeze the ground in front of it!" = "Hold on tight girls! We're breaking through the wall out into the street!"

Am glad. :) Tbh, I've been a little leery of horror scenes since Kimiko. I don't just use the reactions as a gimmick for the CYOA, but to gauge everyone's interest. That entry has the lowest number. Granted, it was the start of this experiment, and I think the lack of votes was partly because it was so long. Good guess! I'm not sure I recognize it. Details can apply to a few different Youkai I can think of, though nothing is a match. But I'll leak one detail on my youkai I have chosen: So far in the house, the group has not encountered one Youkai. They have encountered *three* now. One I have referenced but not by name, the Inugami of the Fortune Teller, and the most recent one, but we'll have an entry on them in the next post. Side note. Youkai being afraid of eyes is a common motif, especially those with Buddhist undertones like Agappa. As always, all options are viable, even if some are moreso than others. I won't tip you all off one way or another, I'll just go with whatever you pick. ;)

Since my explanation wasn't the sharpest for Wits (lol) and I have a couple of minutes before work, let me try again. :) So Youkai in GSG take inspiration from not just Touhou but traditional Japanese lore. Meaning they have strange habits and limitations. Looking into the room, it looks like this thing was trapped in a room with only a paper door as an obstacle. One Wriggle going through removed. That said I'd be lying if I didn't say the flash bombs was my second favorite option. Outside opening a grimoire, flipping to a random page and reading. ...Klaatu barada nikto...