Yumetou

Haa, just made it...Its more of a horror and plot episode. Mysterious happenings afoot in a haunted building. I know the readers don't care as much for horror scenes, but I hope you enjoy the entry all the same. True but...I don't know. It genuinely makes me happy to think you guys might enjoy my writing while I am stuck at work doing work things. The thought of brightening your day makes mine brighter all the same. Its also a source of stability for me. Part of me is nervous if I stop doing this, real life will swallow me whole. Never to be heard of again. Update on life. We've lost a few members of our department, so I've been taking another ten hour shift to help cover work. Its gotten better. We have all our night positions filled, so we don't have to do call now. But we're definitely being overworked on the day shift. I scarcely have time to do more than eat or sleep when its not the weekend, even then I usually spend Saturday morning sleeping.

Inugami ‘Dog Spirit’ An ancient practice dating to the earliest days of Japan, Inugami are spirits of canines sacrificed in arcane rituals. From this ritual, a protective spirit is born in service of the family, who keep its mummified remains in a secret shrine, usually buried. These beings serve as bodyguards and agents. Protecting their patron from danger or sabotaging their enemies. Among their abilities are the power to manifest as a dog, invisibility, the power to strike others with illness, and the ability to affect moods or dispositions. A spiritual attack by an Inugami is difficult to repel and often requires a master sorcerer to remove. Signs of this affliction may include mood swings, pain in the chest, hands or arms, deep jealousy or taking on dog-like mannerisms. Inugami are hereditary, passing from one generation to the next, and even after their master’s death they will work to serve or avenge their patron. Due to this, the practice of summoning Inugami was strictly forbidden, with even the accusation of consorting with one leading to the exile of any noble accused of having an Inugami as a familiar. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Elsewhere… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “I thought the Fortune Teller was supposed to be rich! You’d think if he was so well off, his kitchen would be nicer!” Cirno scoffed at the odor of rot which flowed out of the kitchen. One hand resting over her mouth and nose in a desperate bid to keep the scent at bay. A mix of putrid meats and rotted vegetables which wafted in the room. To be honest, Wriggle thought it didn’t smell half bad. “He wasn’t that rich, and he’s been dead for years now anyway,” Wriggle replied back with a smile and roll of her eyes. She hovered upwards slowly, peering down into the pots beneath for anything useful. Her only warning that someone was watching her, was the sensation of something large striking her upon her back. “H-hey!” She managed that much before she turned. Wings buzzing threateningly. Half expecting to see Cirno trying to prank her, or a large aggressive insect taking offense to her looking over its meal. She didn’t see anything though...Nothing except Cirno, hovering on the other side of the room in search of sweets. Her wings gave a curt buzz for the insects in the room, before returning to her search. “Its not like he’s been back here to clean up the place.” “Yeah, but…” Cirno said, peering inside a ceramic pot. Which disappointingly was empty of sweets. “Someone had to be here, right? Why else would the food all be bad?” The question was stupid. Really stupid. The stupidest thing she may have heard all day. She couldn’t keep it from her expression as she turned around and stared at Cirno. “What?” “Yeah. I mean,” Cirno said as she turned. Absentmindedly scratching at her head while she thought aloud. “The food at my place doesn’t rot. The only insects I’ve ever seen there are your friends. Which log-ick-ally means another Youkai must have been here and brought them, right?” A voice in the back of Wriggle’s mind had to admit her thoughts made logical sense from Cirno’s perspective. The sound of the voice slowly receded in her mind amid a swell of sudden anger. Cirno and she had been friends for years. And not once had she ever noticed the way her insect friends acted in the wild? She had never noticed a rotten tree or dead animal? “This is why everyone thinks you are an idiot,” She said. Buzzing her wings as she gave up on the pots and stomped for the door. Cirno looked on in shock, before following after her. “H-hey! You’ve never called me that before! Why did--” “Why do you never pay attention to anything?” “Huh?” The putrid smell of the kitchen receded. Giving way to the scent of rotting wood amid the faux luxury of the crumbling mansion. Not that Wriggle saw much of it. All she could think of was the fairy hovering behind her. Staring with that same bewildered look she always did when she was awakened in class by Keine. “Can’t you take anything seriously? We’re in a house that might be cursed and you’re looking for cookies like a child! Come to think of it, why are we even here? Its all that human’s idea.” “ ‘That human?’ His name is Osu, he’s our friend.” “Who decided that?” “He saved Rumia from Princess Plantface.” “And where’s Rumia now? Still lost. But you can’t stop talking about him. Remember last night? ‘Where’s Osu-san?’ ‘I hope he doesn't get scared on his own' 'Please Osu-san don't be eaten by wild Youkai' ‘Wahahaha I lost two friends in one night! Promise you’ll never leave me Dai-chan!’.” For a few moments, Cirno was left in stunned silence. Only able to stare wide-eyed as Wriggle yelled in front of her. She and Wriggle had been friends for...longer than she could count. But Cirno couldn’t ever remember her acting like this. At the mention of Rumia however, she felt her core go cold. Her hands clenched slowly. Glaring back at her friend as her small teeth ground together. “Don’t. Talk about Rumia like that! She’s out there, we just have to find her!” “So why are we here? Or are you too stupid to realize his game? A random human wandering the forest in need of help? I bet he’s working with Kimiko! I think he’s a Magician who wants the Fortune Teller’s secrets, and you led him right to them!” “It was Mystia’s idea you jerk!” “Why are we here then Cirno? Explain it to me with your baka brai--” With bitter tears freezing to her face, the ice fairy lunged her hands forward. Shoving the unsuspecting youkai against a yellowing paper door. The wood crumbled under Wriggle’s scant weight. Cirno’s expression softened, even if the tears clung to her face. Wriggle started to push herself up, so focused on the moment she didn’t notice her wave of anger had seemingly vanished. Her confusion was broken by the sound of something shuffling behind her. Her antennae bobbed as she gazed into the gloom. Cirno, sensing a shift in mood, peered around her into the dark. Before a hideous face emerged from the dark. It was a deep blue, bulbous, atop the frame of a man. At first glance, the face had far too many folds. Though this impression was proven wrong as six, spread at random across its face, opened. Piercing gazes fixed themselves on the two. One eye red, two orange, and three yellow. “Would you like to hang from your neck?” The two friends screamed in alarm. Their argument forgotten as they clung to one another. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oscar turned to Agappa with a smile. The bulk of the books under his arms were difficult, but he thought he had a good grip on them. She clung to him, not even glancing up at him. “Well Agappa, I think that’s close enough for government work. Let’s find the others and--” The scream of the two cut through the library in an instant. Oscar didn’t need to guess who had screamed. Nor how serious the situation must have been for the two to be so frightened. He rushed from the room, practically taking Agappa off her feet as he rushed out into the courtyard. Not noticing the crease in the paper set in the wall as it opened to watch him run. His shoes were not meant for his dead sprint, but they loudly rang against the crumbling wood as he scrambled down the stairs towards the sound of the screams. The two huddled together like lost children in the hallway, staring as a hulking figure approached them. He wasn't much taller than they were, and was only slightly larger in build. Were it not for his head, which was as tall as his body. A pair of orange eyes gazed piercingly at them from a dark blue face. One on the right of its forehead and the other almost sliding down its left cheek as it spoke. "Would you like to hang from your neck?" The figure was frightening, even if it had not noticed him. Indeed, so startling was it, that Oscar almost failed to notice the shape of a dog's skull circling Wriggle overhead. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What now? = The door is already on the ground, and Wriggle was lying on it. Was this monster really trapped by just a paper door? = Maybe greeting the creature will give you the chance to talk it down? = Quick, grab the grimoire you won from Marisa and read what's inside! It might intimidate the monster. = The monster's distracted. Throw a flash bomb and blind it, then grab your friends and run.

Finally got a reply up, and barely in time...I need to think about some of my other hobbies to slow down on, because I ended up working six days this week because of scheduling gaps. I hope this chapter, relatively poor as it is, amuses you on another rough Monday. :)

Tsukumogami Meaning 'Haunted Tools', this name is somewhat misleading as these Yokai may not be tools as Westerners think of them. They are lesser Youkai who usually appear after an item has reached 100 years of age, or has received significant neglect. The traits of a Tsukumogami vary from item to item affected. They are generally a minor Youkai, and seldom do more than try to frighten humans. Though some more powerful spirits sometimes disguise themselves as these benign entities to seem harmless. Examples Elsewhere: Bakezori (Straw Sandals) Biwabokuboku (Biwa, or stringed instrument) Chochin Obake (Paper Lantern) Hone Karakasa (Skeleton Umbrella) Kameosa (Earthware Jars) Karakasa Obake (Umbrella) Kotofurunushi (Koto, a kind of stringed instrument) Mokumokukuren (Paper Doors and Windows) Shami Choro (Shamisen, a kind of stringed insturment) Ungaikyō (Mirrors) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Moments like this made Oscar question how he had gotten to this point. His mind went over the past two days, flitting over each individual choice. And how it lead to him scaling an abandoned—possibly cursed—house to search for clues. To a cryptic poem. Recited by the weirdo grasping at his leg. Deep breaths Oscar. Deep breaths. “Agappa,” He said, willing the full extent of his patience into place. Part of his mind pretending Agappa was younger than she was. “Use your words. What is wrong? Tell me.” Nervously, she just extended her hand, pointing again. It was a moment or two more before she managed a word. “Eyes.” “Eyes?” “Eyes.” “Where?” “Shōji.” “What the hell is Shoji?” Her hand thrust again to the door with its faded paper. The small and torn paper sagging. He took a slow breath. His hands giving up on freeing himself to instead rest on her shoulders. Her arms clung unnaturally tight to his leg. He took another slow breath. “Okay, Agappa. There are no eyes there—” “There are.” “—But if there were, we have two options. We can stand here where they can stare at us, or pass them so they can’t. We can only pick one. Which do you want?” “Go back.” “They’ll still be staring at us then, which puts us back at our choice. Which do you want to do?” Agappa was still for a moment. The only sound she made was a low whimper. Before she slowly let go. Still clinging to Oscar’s pant leg. He tried to ignore it as he led her forward. Agappa couldn’t even look up, trying to wrap herself in his cloak as best she could. Oscar set a slow pace. Letting Agappa follow along as best she could with her eyes welled shut. It was slow going, but the only way they were getting inside. As he approached, he could see inside the dingy room were all manner of books and scrolls. Lining shelves set in place. Facing the yellowed paper of the windows was a European model of the solar system. Its many round rings were well maintained, and may have served as a reasonable display at a modern school, were it not for the fact the earth sat at the center of the cosmos. Oscar’s eyes roamed over the scrolls. Then glanced down at the girl pressing her face to his side. It was then he realized just how pointless this expedition was. The chances any of the books here were written in English were almost certainly none. Any that were here would be written in Japanese and who knew what else. And while Agappa, Wriggle and Cir...Agappa and Wriggle could almost certainly read them for him, he doubted Agappa would tear her face from his side long enough to read. With little other option, he began to idly glance over the books and scrolls. Trying to pick out any which might help him. It was hard going, eventually he just resorted to picking out the most worn or valuable looking options and tucking them under his arm. It was as he opened yet another book with a dingy cover, that the page fluttered open. A piece of folded paper emerged, something written upon it. Raising it to his face, the corner slipped free. Letting him see the contents. It was a lock of dark hair. Tied with a red and white bow. Oscar managed to stifle his disgust as he discarded the item back onto the ground. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= With a collection of books under his arm, the rest of the home is yours to explore. Where to next? = The Fortune Teller seemed to be a busy guy. That means there's probably a storehouse on the bottom floor we can check. = Japanese homes are supposed to have little miniature shrines. Maybe the one here can teach us something. = There's sure to be an office or study room around here somewhere. Maybe it can tell us more. = Well, this is close enough for government work. Let's hurry to find the other two.

Ahh...life was supposed to get easier as you got older... Finally got an entry up! Sorry about the delay. I could list all the reasons why I have been slow to reply, but the long and short is I have been working more to help gaps in the schedule, and have had a lot of demands on my scant freetime. I ended up working until almost 4 AM for an event outside of work last Friday, and until 1 AM yesterday for instance. This one is shorter. But its nothing too important...or is it? After all, hiding a key moment in something entirely banal is something I would do to surprise and amuse you all. But what if this is all just a fake out and I am trying to get you to think in circles? Why would Agappa have a reaction like that to an old door? Is there something concerning about it, do her eyes see something Oscar doesn't? Or is she being a creepy weirdo? Whooo knowwwsss. @kymoh @Gri Yeah, this is a much simpler version of the rope trick. I described it in brief in the post. But supposedly, it had several components described by English visitors to India in the 1800s: The performer (usually a yogi) would call up into a low-hanging cloud and speak with a voice with no source He would make a rope go rigid He would send a servant to climb up the rope, who would vanish from view He would call up to the servant He would then cut the rope with a sword The rope would fall to the ground with no sign of the servant The stage performance version is much simpler. You made a rope go straight and climbed it. How this was realistically performed...was variable. No two stage magicians seemed to share the same technique. Some just used a smoke machine to make a cloud to hide a fishing line holding up the rope. Oscar's version uses bamboo segments which slide together when he pulls the right cord. Which seems the most realistic and sensible option to me. Though when you and all your friends can fly, it probably doesn't seem that impressive. Glad you like Agappa! Its always nerve-wracking introducing a character to a story. Especially one with fan favorites like Cirno and Marisa running around. I hope her strangeness can make your days just a little brighter.

Fortune Telling While there is a place for Western divination practices such as Tarot Cards, Crystal Balls and Palm Reading, most fortune telling is rooted in Japanese and to a lesser degree Chinese practices. Many of these are extremely old, some possibly dating to before the end of the last Ice Age. In broad strokes, these include: Itako, a process where blind women are raised to become spiritual mediums with a patron Kami. By having cold water poured over them daily. By completing the process, they can speak with gods, spirits and the dead. Kokkuri, a tilting table used to summon Kokkuri-san. An animal spirit which acts as a medium to the spiritual plane. Kokkuri-san will tilt the plate beneath the table in answer to the questions asked, though his honesty or intentions are not always pure. Omikuji, random fortunes contained in boxes at temples. You pay a fee, and in exchange are provided the randomized fortune. If the fortune is poor, it can be evaded by tying it to a pine tree, thus leading the bad luck to the tree instead of the holder. Onmyōdō, utilizing calendars and astronomy to determine the fortune tied to specific places, directions and actions. A highly sophisticated system, those who knew its use were often found in noble courts in feudal Japan. Sanpaku, a form of face reading where studying the eyes can give the reader insight into a person's health and prospects. Tengenjutsu, a complex system of sixty rotating words involving Yin and Yang, the five Elements, your birthday and your physical appearance. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "TRIAL OF FORTUNE! Never fear, fellow Kami! I, Yorigami Joon, shall break this tie with a flip of a coin! Heads, Cirno wins. Tails, Agappa wins! *Ting* BWAHAHA! The Maiden of Misfortune triumphs! That'll be 1 Ryu." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The question was a difficult one. After all, each had their own advantages. Despite her occasional grumpy disposition, Wriggle had been a fair companion to him and her ability to communicate with insects may have been handy. Cirno was brave, if headstrong. Oscar had no idea if she could actually freeze a ghost. But he was sure at least she was absolutely confident she could. Then there was Agappa. Of all the group, she was the least expressive. Which did at least mean she hadn't picked at him. Her blank stares may have been disturbing. But in a building owned by a Fortune Teller, wouldn't her powers come in handy? Also he didn't think Wriggle would be comfortable being alone with her. "Alright. Cirno and Wriggle, you check that way. Agappa and I will go the other way." The Ice Fairy gave a thumbs up, along with a confident smile. Over her shoulder, Wriggle's face seemed to soften. For a moment, he even thought he saw her mouth 'thank you' before she turned. Sweeping her cape with her as she and Cirno started along the broken wooden walkway. The planks underfoot creaking far less than they would have under Oscar's feet. He turned to Agappa. Who regarded him beneath the hood of her raincoat with a passive stare. Her mouth slightly ajar as usual. Oscar took in a low, slow breath. Before forcing a smile. "Alright, let's go." She only nodded. Letting him lead the way. The walls here were pain, flecked with dust and little else. The boards under his feet were in a poor condition, and likely had been even when this place was inhabited. They let out creaks and groans of protest with his every footfall. Which he did his best to ignore as he crept towards the nearest door. The paper set in the door had yellowed some time ago, and holes had begun to tear in them... He took another step forward. And realized there was a weight on him. Agappa was clinging to the back of his suit jacket. Her face pressed against the small of his back as though terrified. The gesture may have been endearing were it not so odd... "What's the matter?" The question hung in the air. Patiently waiting an answer that didn't come. Eventually, a fearful arm rose and pointed at the door. Her eyes failing to open for a second. The baffling display left the overwhelming question...what now? = Cast a 'spell' or 'charm' which will fool Agappa into thinking the room is gone. = Give Agappa a pep talk and see if you can get her to tell you what's wrong. = Let's...avoid this door for now. Walk past it. = Let her cling on to you and press forward. You're strong enough to drag her behind you.

On Exploration Urban exploration may be a popular pass time in the Outside World. But exploring structures in Gensokyo is an entirely different matter. There are all manner of buildings in Gensokyo. From Japanese manors, to forgotten temples, to unknown ruins from Earth or Makai. For the enterprising explorer, this may seem like a wonderful opportunity for riches and adventure. However I must impress on you one piece of advice: Don't. In addition to natural hazards of exploration in the Outside World like mold, wild animals or instability, very few buildings in Gensokyo are truly abandoned. Spirits may dwell in structures they lived in when alive. Fairies may be drawn to it as a source of natural rejuvenation. And Youkai are often born from unlikely sources. Anything from an old shoe to the building itself may manifest as a Youkai. Such danger is not worth a handful of forgotten Mon or a tome of magic which will likely curse you anyway. Adventures like this are best left to the Otherworldly Ventures Acquisitions Department. This group of well equipped humans, youkai and fairies act as a way to explore and gather lost knowledge. Alerting Otherworldly Ventures to the existence of a prosperous ruin or source of magic however may be enough to make you rich. As a finder's fee, OV offers 10% 5% 1% of all profits from a successful expedition to a ruin, as well as part of the profit if the structure can be renovated and sold. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Their entrance into the home was simple enough. Even with the doors and windows closed and locked, there was a way in. If people who could fly were as rare as he hoped in the village, it was doubtful the townsfolk thought to block off the rickety veranda that surrounded the small house and overlooked the town. The only question was, how to get up there…A smile crossed his face as he turned back to the others. Wriggle looked warily up at the structure as if it would come alive at any moment. Cirno silently scanned the windows. Agappa just stared up at him. “I’ve got a plan to get inside.” Cirno glanced over at him, her brow furrowing as if he said something stupid. The implication was one he strangely found himself resenting. “Whaddu mean Osu? We’re just gonna fly right up there. Like thi--” No sooner had her feet started to leave the ground than Oscar felt his blood go cold. Wriggle seemed to have the exact same thought as he. Her arm rose, grabbing Cirno by the back of her kimono and pulling her back down to earth with a start. The ice fairy letting out a startled cry as she did. Wriggle gave her a look much like Cirno just gave him. Letting Oscar recover some of his pride. “Cirno! We’re supposed to be disguised! What’re the humans going to think if we just fly up there?” Cirno didn’t respond. Too preoccupied was she with rubbing her head, despite landing on her rear. Oscar shook his head. Reaching into his coat. “Here girls. Let me show you what an ‘Indian Rope Trick’ is.” The trick was a staple of early 20th century showmanship, though the technique could often vary wildly. The original trick was said to come from India and involved a magician making a rope go rigid. An assistant would then climb up, disappearing from view. Before the magician cut the rope, only to have it fall to the ground. In reality, how the trick worked varied from showman to showman. He had seen everything from a fishing wire on a stage to a special robotic rope used to achieve the effect in stage performances. But personally, he preferred the older method. The rope he pulled from his side looked fairly unassuming. Perhaps a little stiff, but otherwise mundane. Carefully though, his fingers worked at the base. Pulling a hidden ribbon at its end. Instantly, the sets of cords inside went taunt. Pulling on the network of bamboo pieces inside. In a moment, the rope went rigid. Allowing him to lean it against the veranda. Before gesturing to it with a smile. Agappa stared with wide eyes. Wriggle’s brow raised. Cirno clapped her hands. “Great! And this will let us get up to there together?” “That’s right, I--” “How does it work?” “Well a magician never reveals his--” “I think she means how does it help us get up there, Osu.” “We’ll take turns climbing the rope and use that to get into the Fortune Teller’s place.” Cirno stared for a moment. Before glancing back at Wriggle. “Climbing’s what frogs and squirrels do, right?” “Yep.” “...That’s not much of a magic trick Osu.” At that, Oscar could only roll his eyes before grasping at the rope. Propped up like this, his climbing position was precarious, and he had never been the most confident in its strength. But the old bamboo held. His way was sped up as he kicked against the wall as well. Until he reached the old balcony. An unstable thing, rotted from years of neglect. Easing himself carefully over the edge, he placed his foot down. Trying not to think too much about the very loud creak beneath his shoe. Beneath him, Agappa hurried to the rope, and began to pull herself up. Wriggle turned to Cirno and shrugged, before following after. Her lean figure pulling herself up dexterously despite her kimono. Cirno looked up at the rope, peeved. Glanced around. Then, grasping it with one hand, hovered her way up. By the time she reached the veranda, Oscar had already found the window unlocked and opened it. The group of four friends seemed to be in what was formerly a bedroom. Tatami mats rotted on the floor. Furniture sat thick with dust. Mildew clung to the unmade bed and the moth-eaten clothes. The floor was rotten, and creaked unnaturally underfoot. As Cirno slipped inside, she could see Agappa rummaging through a set of drawers nearby. Stuffing abandoned knick-knacks and faded rags into the handbag around her neck. Wriggle was crouched over, and seemed to be having an intense argument with a roach. And over it all, Oscar looked around. He was nervous, but the arrival of the fearless Cirno steadied him a little. Outside past torn and yellowed paper doors, he could see two floors, an indoor veranda circling a depression in the floor, the ground there charred. Rooms long forgotten stretched out to either side of them as he neared the door from the bedroom. “What now?” Wriggle asked, giving up on her altercation. “Its probably best if we split up. We’ll cover more ground that way.” “Great idea!” Cirno said with a smile. “We’ll all go different ways and--” “No.” Agappa said flatly. Wriggle nodded, crossing her arms. “For once, I agree with the...ah, bad luck friend. I’m not going through the house of a Jinyou by myself.” “...But you’ve got your bug friends to protect you!” The exasperated look Wriggle gave seemed to leave no impression on Cirno. Even if it was nice not to have it directed at him in that moment. His hand patted her wig, temporarily forgetting it wasn't her real hair. The girl just pouted in reply. “Its alright Wriggle. We’ll split into two groups. If one of us runs into trouble, we can find each other. Its a small house.” The concession seemed to be enough. With a resigned sigh Wriggle closed her eyes and dropped the argument. Agappa nodded in agreement. All that was left was to decide who to go with… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = Wriggle's ability to communicate with insects may come in handy here. She's also strong for her size and energetic which helps. = Cirno may not be able to freeze curses like she hopes, but her courage counts for a lot. She'd never leave her friends behind. = Agappa can inflict misfortune on others. That probably means she can deal with any misfortune we find...probably... = If you want to build your legacy as a great wizard, you have to learn to do a few things on your own. Its just a spooky old house.

Remember gang, When you feel overwhelmed, when life gets you down, when things are bad, remember. Cirno believes in you.

Post is up! A longer one, but after reading Kymoh enjoying the cozy vibes of the last, I thought it fit. I also tried to make this one a little longer as an apology while I wait on a copy of Forbidden Scrollery...or money to buy it. I promise, there is a very specific reason why Oscar isn't having trouble understanding the others. I can't recall if I thought of this at the start of writing this or as he ran into Team 9, but its a not something pulled from nowhere...not completely at least. So! Creepy abandoned house up ahead. Real spoop hours have descended. Will our heroes find anything helpful? Will they leave cursed? Will they die horrifically? Was Fortune Teller Old Man Willard the whole time?! Find out next time!

On Youkai in the Human Villages In spite of its name, there are a number of Youkai who live inside the Human Village, or visit for its services. As the Village is well protected by the Myouren Temple, Otherworldly Ventures Extermination Division and the Incident Resolvers, most of these Youkai are benign and relatively friendly. However, their presence is feared and hated among many Natives who see them as intrusive or possibly dangerous. As such, most Youkai attempt to disguise themselves, or obfuscate their lack of humanity. Youkai can normally be found around the Myouren Temple, with Buddhism being a draw for them. Likewise, a smaller number may be found around the All Souls Chapel and the Outsider Quarter in general. Drawn either by the promise of religious acceptance or a sense of kinship with those not ‘pure’ enough for some villagers’ liking. In general, it is discouraged from naming these Youkai or drawing attention to them in public. While some Natives are accepting of them, others will find their presence a source of alarm. In the event of suspicion falling on one, they are advised to seek shelter at the Myouren Temple, All Souls Chapel or the Hakurei Shrine. If however you suspect a Youkai of being malicious, it is best you alert the Incident Resolvers listed in the back glossary, or contact the Extermination Division. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Chopsticks weren’t exactly a tool Oscar was used to. In fact, he ate the majority of his meal by hand rather than just with the chopsticks. Still, the clatter they made as they struck against the plate was pleasant. As pleasant as the warmth in his now full belly. For a few moments, the world around him didn’t matter. It didn’t matter he was poor, in a strange place, or had to sleep on a smelly old mattress. He was fed and surrounded by the closest thing he had to friends. Most of all, he was happy. “Ahh…” The stage magician sighed to himself. “Ahh…” The figures around him echoed, as though in agreement. Cirno lay with her back on the stool, limbs splayed to all sides. Wriggle leaned one elbow on the counter. Trying to pick at her teeth when she thought no one was looking. Mystia looked very satisfied as she idly crunched on a deep fried green bean across the counter. Daiyousei rubbed at her petite belly with both hands, eyes closed. And Agappa… ...Was picking up crumbs to eat with her chopsticks. As the day’s heat roiled all around them, the six of them sat in the shade. Savoring the weight in their bellies. Each of them had other things to do, he was sure. By the sounds of it, the four of them were normally in bed at this hour. They’d all made a lot of dishes for Mystia to deal with. And he had his own growing list of tasks to work on. But for a few moments more, they could all revel in their common happiness. It was Mystia who broke the silence, taking their dishes one by one as she brought them over to the sink to be washed. The warmth in the atmosphere was still there, but reality now seeped in around it. For a moment, Oscar pondered to himself. “Hey Mystia...do you need some help with the dishes?” “No, its fine.” She hummed back. Glancing back towards him with a smile. “After I’m done with them, I put them in a basin full of soap. That way they’re easier to wash when I get back to them in the evening.” ...It seemed across time and space, no one ever wanted to do dishes. Not even the mistress of the Night Sparrow Dining Hall. “Well...I guess I should go to check out the Fortune Teller’s home.” A familiar weighty silence dawned once more over the group. As sinister and pressing as any mention of Kimiko or Agappa-chan. As usual, it was Cirno who replied first. “Great! Maybe he left some nasty hexes around! I’ll freeze them with a wave of the hand.” The energetic fairy waved one hand overhead from where she lay with an adventurous grin. A moment before she slipped from her chair with a cry. Wriggle, resigned to not getting the tempura out of her teeth for now, let out a sigh. “I’ll come too. I don’t want you to get lost again like last night.” “Then let’s go!” Cirno said, standing up, one arm thrust into the air. “Dai-chan, you coming?” “I...think a cursed youkai den is too much for me.” Daiyousei replied, looking unsettled as she did. “I think I’ll go back to Heida and get some sleep.” “You and Osu-san are so brave, Cirno.” Mystia rejoined with a smile. One that made Wriggle’s brow furrow in displeasure. “I’m tired too. I’ll go with Daiyousei back to the temple.” Oscar’s eyes next went to Agappa. The figure in her bright yellow raincoat said nothing. Only nodding in reply. “Then we’re off! Adventure awaits!” The irrepressible ice fairy cheered. Before boldly leading Oscar, Wriggle and Agappa back into the village. Indeed, so determined was she that it took him half an hour to realize she had no idea where they were going… Cirno was saved the act of admitting her failure when the sight of a homestead, not far from the main road, came into view. It was similar to its neighbors. Not a replica like so many homes in urban or suburban America were, but its distinctions would have been subtle. Were it not in such a state of disrepair. The paper doors were shedding, the roof tiles falling. Weeds sprouted around a fallen stand in front of the building, and ugly stains were flecked onto the sign overhead. Purity seals were placed over the entrances and windows. Faded from many long months in the sun. The building simply sat there, like the corpse of an animal on the side of the road. Its bleak windows staring like empty sockets down at the four… =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= How do we get in? = "Here girls, let me show you what a 'rope trick' is." = "C'mon, let's try the front door." = "The windows are too obvious, and high up. Maybe there's a cellar entrance of some kind." = "Life has many entrances, if you know how to make them."

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

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

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

Heya Jaz! Yeah, fanfiction can vary wildly. From something childish and inconsistent to high effort of novel quality. I'm not sure if that fits what I am doing, but I'm trying. OoC stands for Out of Context. Its used in forums to describe a post where people can talk about an RPG or story without actually writing it in the story thread.

*sigh* I hate making posts like this. Big long ones with twists and implications. But I have to cut the monster post off with the most banal choice imaginable. :D Partly as compensation, and partly because I think I need to make the effects of choices more apparent, I decided to make the next choice a powerup. Letting you all potentially misbehave at least once every two posts until nightfall. If you chose not to use the powerup, don't worry. I'll turn it into a one-time use for the next day. Sorry one and all for not reading your thoughts or replying as much as I should. Work has just gotten much more grueling. A couple coworkers moved on to other jobs, and one won't be able to work for a few weeks due to Corona. Leaving five of us to man a 24 hour medical facility. I've precious little free time, and I am afraid it may bleed into the story, but keep sending your thoughts. I'll read your criticism. Whether constructive, destructive or supportive. Your smiles mean a lot to me, and I want to keep them bright.

List of Commonly Accepted ‘Misconceptions’ about Outsiders The oceans on Earth are fresh water. Outsiders believe the Moon is made of Cheese, and the Apollo 18 mission was to determine which kind. Star Wars is a historic epic set sometime after the Bible but before Lord of the Rings. Corporations frequently fight using organized militaries, with the most recent conflicts being the Cola Wars and the Console Wars. Outsiders watch static on their TVs in order to communicate with the afterlife. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The rush of thoughts that came at the question was a sensation Oscar still wasn’t used to. He may have been accustomed to lying in the Outside World, but that was for performance’s sake in front of small children. Now, he had to invent a convenient half-truth in mere seconds. His thoughts boiled like so many bubbles in a pot before one rose to the surface and burst. “We play a truly complex card game as an intricate clash of our minds. Our wills summoning monstrous beings and sinister traps to fight in our stead.” That was one way to describe Yu-Gi-Oh. “Huh. Neato.” Marisa responded after a moment of thought. “You’ll have to teach it sometime. See you, Osu-san!” With a backwards wave, the shimmering witch took a seat upon her broom. Before it surged into the blue sky overhead. The black and white dot slowly vanishing overhead. As the people in the street turned into ants, and then were swallowed by the receding town, she turned ahead with a sigh. The girl in the raincoat had unearthed memories she thought she had made peace with. Marisa had long ago assumed her surrogate mother had simply died after her disappearance. But if what the raincoat girl said was true… A cold chill ran over her at the thought, unsure what she could expect. If she should be excited or afraid… Oh well. It was Osu-san’s problem now. The name flashing in her mind drew her attention back to the present. Her eyes opened, tongue drifting to the side of her mouth as she reached for her pocket. Pulling out the worn black wallet inside. Eyes shimmered with excitement. Marisa may not have recognized it, but it was almost certainly a money bag of some sort. Her suspicions were confirmed as she opened it, finding a handful of green bills she readily stuffed into her pocket. Outsider currency may not be exchanged like Mon, but it still had its use as promissory notes. There were other things inside the wallet as well however. Perhaps there was even an artifact she could use. There was a card with his picture, looking markedly different, with strange letters that shimmered in the sun. Another had the image of a book on it...a key to his library perhaps? It was as she was emptying the wallet, that she noticed the last thing inside. And nearly fell from her broom “Huh?” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oscar let out a slow breath. The tension around the near-battlefield simmering as Marisa vanished. The students watched for a moment, before they let out a cheer. Rushing towards him in a chorus of voices. “Wow mister!” “Are you and Marisa friends?” “Can you really summon monsters with cards?” “I wanna see it!” The excitement had palpably returned. Bright and shining faces looked up at him with fresh wonder. The rush was familiar. One he might have enjoyed if he had any idea how he was going to calm the situation. It was with no little relief that the school bell chimed. Calling the students back to class. The youngsters turned, racing back towards the school building. The Outsider watching them go with a smile, before he bent down to collect his things. His mind was turned from cleanup again as a small hand took his cape, giving it a gentle pull. The red-haired child looked up at him. His sharp, long nose framing brown eyes filled with wonder. “You’ll be back tomorrow mister, right?” The correct answer was one he doubted the child would like. So Oscar only smiled down at him. “If the winds of fate bring us together, then I shall.” The answer seemed to satisfy the child. Leaving Oscar with his sleepy, disguised friends and the unflappable Agappa. It was only then Oscar allowed himself a sigh. Reaching a hand into his pocket to pull out the string of coins he had collected. “No idea if this is enough to eat on, but I guess we’ll find out.” “Huh?” The heads of the four girls all seemed to crook in concern, each to varying degrees. Daiyousei’s was the most normal, while Cirno’s face was almost sideways, threatening to let her wig fall again. “Have you had nothing to eat?” Mystia asked softly. Oscar’s first instinct was to put on a brave face. The four of them might be new acquaintances, but they had always treated him like a friend, and he didn’t want to worry them. The building complaints of his empty stomach however forced the truth from his lips. “Not since before we met.” “Oh, why didn’t you say so?” Cirno asked. Lips blossoming in fresh optimism. As though completing her thought, the Night Sparrow nodded beneath her long brown hair. “My shop is nearby. I can make you something. I’m not sure what you will like but...most people like it. What would you like?” The promise of food brought with it a fresh smile on Oscar’s face. After a few more formalities, the four led on towards the ‘izakaya’. So excited was he, Oscar did not notice the missing weight in his jacket. Nor the figure of Agappa gazing at the distant speck that was Marisa. One of her hands raised, following the drifting witch. “Threatening an agent of the Yamas. Punishment, misfortune.” Her low and dolorous voice passed like an ominous wind. Before she turned to follow the others. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= New Quests Added: Find Rumia, Decipher Prophecy =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The nice bird woman wants to cook you lunch. What are you in the mood for? (Rolls using this choice have an additional two points until nightfall) = Fish sharpens the mind and rice fills the belly. Sushi please. = Food is only as good as the people you share it with. Tempura please! = I dunno how this ties to occultism but Onigiri please. = Hey Mystia, you know about Barbeque, right? Do you know any other Outside World dishes?

Lying Lying is seldom considered a good thing on Earth, even if it is a constant fact of daily life. That said, lying in Gensokyo--while more lucrative--can potentially be a source of great danger for you, dear reader. The consequences of lying on Earth may be hurt feelings and broken friendships. However Gensokyo is not inhabited just by humans, but by ancient beings of great knowledge and magic. The better to preserve your life and happiness, it is advised you not make false statements rashly, and keep a list of lies and who you said them to written at all times. These can be written in a number of Earth languages, or in ciphers if you are a Japanese or Chinese speaker. The consequences of the wrong lie to the wrong person could put your life and those you love in immediate peril, and the wrong words may come back to haunt you. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The air was heavy with apprehension. No one moved. No one said anything. The only sounds to be heard were the faint whimpers of Team 9 and the sound of the device in Marisa’s hand. All as she glared with unrestrained fury, at a face which looked like it couldn’t care less. Things were about to get out of hand. At best, that would mean a Danmaku in the middle of a bunch of children… He had to do something… “Now Miss Kirisame, there is no need for that,” The Outsider said, trying to hide his nervousness under a calming smile as he stepped between the two. The smile that forced itself onto his face was his best showman’s expression. Between the three faces, he was sure his was the only one which hid his inner feelings. Marisa’s expression didn’t change. Her eyes didn’t move from her target. Only going to his face as he swept his cape to either side in a bod. Obscuring her target. “I am sure a woman of your experience in the occult is familiar with the ramblings of maddened mystics. Agappa is one blessed with such gifts,” ...’Maddened mystics’? Was he narrating a D&D session or negotiating a hostage situation? Whatever, there was no time to work out his approach. He had to keep going. “She...does not know what she is saying. I am certain I can decipher her meaning however, if you’ll only give me a month or so. There’s no need to scare the children here. There may be a nominal fee—but we are friends and I can tell how much these means to you. It will only be enough to cover my costs. All I need is time.” Marisa’s face burned with a fire she had never felt before. Her teeth clenched and her eyes glared at the silent maiden. One who gazed at the talisman which had meant the end of so many as though it were made of straw. Blood pulsed in her temple and ears. Each making the world tremor with a dull thud. “A month…” Her voice sounded dull and distant. Almost as if she were hearing her echo from a distance. Then she let out a breath she didn’t know she had been holding in. “Whew. That’s a relief. Sorry I scaredja Osu-tan. Guess you caught me in a bad mood, da ze. Yer right tho, this is no time for a Danmaku. If you you figure out yer friend’s ramblings, ya can find my house in the Forest of Magic. I’m sure someone can show ya the way.” The witch’s head turned. It may have been Oscar’s imagination, but he thought she was glancing at Team 9. Of the four, only Cirno had the strength to meet her gaze. Even if Daiyousei’s eyes followed after her curiously. Was there some history between the two? She definitely seemed to recognize them… Marisa stood with her back turned to him, before suddenly she turned. The lunge was surprisingly quick, too quick for Oscar to evade her. The hug she gave him only made the move more unnerving. Her supple arms squeezed around his dress coat under his jacket, her eyes glimmering with an innocent look. “Yer a nice guy, Osu-tan. Don’t let anyone change that about you.” The witch hoisted her broomstick as she turned from him. Hopping on it, slinging one leg lazily over the side. The other folding over it. The crowd watching in awe. She seemed to reconsider then, and glanced back at Oscar. “So, one more thing. If they don’t use Danmaku in the Outside World, how do Outsider wizards settle their beef?" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = We enslave magical creatures and make them fight to the death for our amusement. = We break the world into blocks to build competing monuments to our greatness. = We have friendly conversations on our couches while shooting spells at one another. = We play a truly complex card game as an intricate clash of our minds.

Starting (and keeping) A Business The Human Village is home to a number of shops, stalls and storefronts. When thinking of these however, do not be fooled into thinking of larger stores in the Outside World. Places like Wal-Mart or 7/11 would have little potential in the Human Village, and most trades you are likely to know will have no interest in the Humans here. Fortunately, Otherworldly Ventures Inc. is willing to help you open your own business in Gensokyo. The first step is to enroll in the Heida Temple School. While English is preferred as a trade languages between merchants, Japanese is the predominant language of your likely customers. Additionally, you will want to take vocational training in the occupation you want to pursue. Our partnership with Heida Temple School insures interested Outsiders can pursue apprenticeships with farmers and craftsmen. Think hard over who your target demographic is, how often you will sell your product to them, and how you can make your product more appealing to them. And how you can make them buy it more frequently. Once you near the end of your apprenticeship, you want to produce some examples of the items you'll be making and try to sell them. This will give you an idea of their demand in the Village. Don't be discouraged if few people buy them, your skills will improve over time. After finishing your Apprenticeship, you can take these examples of your produce and sales, before applying for a loan from Otherworldly Ventures Inc (annual interest rate of 7.50% for any businesses which apply). While your instinct may be to pursue a large storefront, it may be best to start with a small, mobile stall as you scope out the best location for sales and earn money to improve your business. Advertising can be pursued in a number of ways, from hiring a town crier to advertise your store to a leaflet campaign. Lastly, being part of the Otherworldly Ventures Inc. umbrella means you will have access to partnerships with other shops beneath us. You may receive coupons from Dr. Bintara's clinic to hand out to elderly shoppers, or be able to collaborate with the Normal Human Blacksmithy to make a special item to sell at your store. Your shop will grow as far and as fast as you are willing to push it! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "This is my assistant and companion, Agappa Harume. Though her friends call her Agappa-chan" Oscar said, still trying to keep his composed demeanor. And trying not to ask himself again who would willingly consider themselves her friend. One hand gestured to his side kindly. A smile playing at his face. "Say hello to Marisa, Agappa-chan." The Mikari-Baba's body remained still, as if she could not hear him. Still hunched, with the Mon coin between her fingers. A light seemed to form in Agappa’s visible eye, before she sat up. The simple Mon slipping from her. The crowd of children stared mesmerized, even as the members of Team 9 huddled together, covering faces and ears with their hands or kimonos. It was only as she began to speak, that Marisa’s expression shifted. “Behind smiling eyes In wandering hokora, Lonely mother weeps As Sun rises and Moon sets, In regret, spirits linger Shining witch tries to forget.” There was no sadness in Agappa’s voice. Nor was there any cruel joy or even her familiar apathy. Only a calm, solemn voice as if she were pronouncing she had witnessed her own doom. The crowd said nothing. They didn’t even seem to breathe. Marisa just stared, all trace of her previous excitement gone. Her face was bare of emotion now. No wait, there was a twitch in her cheek. Her thin arms rose, slamming down on the makeshift table in front of her. The pottery piece shattering underneath the weight, though neither took any notice of it. Marisa's eyes were locked with Agappa's, level across the 'desk' they were seated on either side of. "How do you know who I am? How do you know about my teacher? What do you mean 'wandering hokora'? TALK, CREEP!" Agappa's eyes shifted again. Returning to their natural shape. Her eyelids fluttered, then blinked as she returned to the present. "Yes, Ningen? May I help you?" "You can help me by telling me about what you just said, ze! How do you know about me? How do you know about her? Why did you say it like it was a poem?" Agappa stared for a moment. Her mouth ajar, as it was usually when confronted by a strange. Before her yellow-coated shoulders simply gave a faint shrug. Whatever Marisa was hoping for, it was the wrong move. Reaching for her side, she pulled out a small cylindrical device. Which clicked and twisted as she held it in front of her. "You're a Youkai, aren't you? You know I could beat the answers I want out of you and no one would stop me, ze!" "You are right." "Then tell me how you know about my mo--my teacher! Where is she?" "..." The mute stare returned, Agappa's shoulders rolling with the same familiar shrug. Though her eyes remained closed as she took a slow breath. "Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha." The look in Marisa's eyes didn't recede. Her teeth grit down on one another. Her eyes shimmering with anger she scarcely restrained. "You've got a lot of nerve. Are ya tryin' to start trouble with me?" "No." "Then...why would you say that?" "Healing." Oscar's first hint that things were about to get worse was his friends. Cirno, Daiyousei, Mystia and Wriggle remained in place. A mass of kimono sleeves and cheap wigs as they each tried to shield one another. Cirno was at the front of the group, the other three clutched in her arms, though even she didn't have the courage to watch what was happening. Was this how they reacted to all Danmakus? The crowds of children were less fearful. But there was an air of clear apprehension in the air. One only Oscar could stop. The question was...how? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = Team 9 was so scared of Agappa they refused to talk to her. Maybe exaggerating what she is capable of will convince Marisa to back off? = Promise to investigate Agappa's strange poem. A wizard as great as you could figure out the answer in a month. = Suggest the two have a Danmaku duel...as you mess with Marisa's reagents while she's distracted. = GET DOWN MISS WITCH! There are more Youkai here!

Danmaku Literally meaning ‘bullet curtain’ and more correctly ‘barrage’ in Japanese, Danmaku is the primary means of conflict resolution in Gensokyo. A ceremonial battle between two figures using their magical talents. The purpose of the battle is to not only triumph in combat, but demonstrate magical prowess as well as beauty of aesthetic. Danmaku is channeled though Spell Cards. Enchanted rule cards demonstrating your abilities and powered through magic. Though most resemble spells as imagined by Outsiders, they may just as easily be performed with a weapon or instrument, with the oddest example being a warmed sweet potato. A Spell Card is an extension of a user’s personality as much as their magical prowess. Though some members of Otherworldly Ventures are accomplished at Danmaku, the level of study required to perform Danmaku at even a basic level is considerable. Given the danger of its practice and the study necessary, it is best to leave such things in the hands of Otherworldly Venture’s Extermination Department, or with the numerous protective figures around the Village. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The wizard of sorts remained seated at his impromptu table. Hands folded serenely. His green eyes on the smaller woman’s own as she grinned back with an irrepressible excitement. Oscar’s own expression may have looked calm. But in that moment, his mind was furiously passing over everything he had seen and experienced in the past day. He had been in Gensokyo for almost twenty-four hours now. Some things, he seen enough of to make a series of educated guesses. Some he had accepted, some he was still unsure of. He was not in America. Which meant he may as well be anywhere, but it seemed to lean towards an Asian aesthetic. He was possibly dead. Though that part he was hazy on. This place definitely didn’t match any depiction of the afterlife he had ever heard of. Races other than humans lived here, and they knew of Earth as the ‘Outside World’. Further, there were fairies and youkai there as well, which had seemingly never been seen by modern humans. Magic was real here. Which was how all these strange things kept happening. This hypothesis still had holes in it, small things like how half the people he met could fly, yet the village had a short wall around itself. But that could wait. Most pressing at the moment was that word. “Wizards in the Outside World are few, and we spend most of our time focused on our studies. Tell me, what is Danmaku?” The smile Marisa gave in response told him he couldn’t have picked a better topic. “Oooh, Danmaku is great! They’re magic fights folk have. Youkai can be very dangerous and cause a lot of havoc. But we don’t wanna damage Gensokyo or give away that Youkai exist. So the Sages came up with the Danmaku Spell Card Rules. A kind of harmless fight where we shoot magic at one another until one of us gives up. Danmaku’s used for all kinds o’ things, from friendly duels to settlin’ disagreements to celebratin’. You’ve got pretty girls zipping through the air, shootin’ magic at one another making explosions overhead, each an extension of the spellcaster. Anything goes, so long as its nice to look at, ze.” The casual way she described it wasn’t the in-depth dissertation he was hoping for. But it gave him the big picture at least. It explained what Narumi and then Marisa wanted. They were trying to bond over a kind of magic duel. Which meant only one possible thing. He had to stay as far away from this thing as possible. Scary monsters in the forest chasing him were one thing, now that he was nice and safe in the village. But this was something different. It was a challenge, that could be dropped on him at any time, by any one, for any reason. He had to avoid it. And barring that, he had to find a way to compete in Danmaku. The sight of his four friends, even in their disguises behind her, was strangely comforting. The eyes of Cirno, Mystia and Wriggle watched him with timid encouragement. Daiyousei looked nervously over to Marisa. He couldn’t help but give them all an encouraging wink, before his calm gaze went back to Marisa. “That’s good to know, thank you Miss Marisa.” “Geez, are you always so formal? Yer almost as bad as my best friend.” She smiled under her broad hand. One hand rising to grab the brim as she bent down to look over at Agappa. “Who’s yer friend, ze?” The coin had long ago begun to rust. A soft green coat over the sheen of metal. Between its gap, the dark eyes of Mikari-Baba gazed through the gap at Marisa’s shimmering face. She said nothing, at first. Only holding the coin, turning it this way and that, before something seemed to shift. Her pupil began to dilate, then constrict. Focusing not on Marisa, but past her. The witch’s charming smile persisted irrepressibly. There was nothing overtly wrong about the two but... He had the feeling something really bad was about to happen. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What now? = Agappa isn't disguised like Team 9. Introduce her as your sickly definitely human daughter. = Introduce your gloomy companion! That should smooth things over. = Marisa doesn't know Agappa, but Agappa is acting strangely. And has been avoiding this entire conversation. Ask her if this relates to her work with the Yamas. = Now would be a good time to signal Team 9 to cause a distraction. = Let's just ah, go and talk somewhere else, Marisa. I have a couple questions away from my assistant.

I appreciate you reading and your critique Mota. :) Yeah, I didn't see Marisa choosing violence unless something went really wrong, but there were other ways things could go poorly. Fortunately everything seems okay. :) So now we get to figure out Danmaku. Oscar sadly won't be able to participate much, even if some of his stage tricks might be useful. I once mused if he were a boss in the games, he wouldn't actually do damage. Just modify the battle while his minions fought you. He might warp your screen, shoot rockets to buffet you around, or even open your options menu to change the brightness. He'll probably follow a similar idea, blinding or deafening people. At least until he can get 'real' spell cards. Even then, probably won't be a real threat with them unless you outwit your foes. I'm glad you and Mokou-tan enjoyed the disguises! I'll be honest, I hate the Human Village. Part of the reason is, for a place called the Human Village, there aren't many humans there. Sure, there are humans in the side stories. But I don't think the game's had a fight there with a 'true' human. Even on the Wiki, most of the characters listed living in the town are Youkai. Keine, Kogasa, Sekibanki. Sure, Marisa technically has a shop there, but she's transitioning into a youkai/devil. Same with Kosuzu. Even Akyuu is debatable. While scenes of the Bakette as schoolmates is cute, the lore both tells us that non-humans aren't welcome in the village, but they also come and go as they please. This is my compromise between the world-as-written, and the world-as-imagined. Cirno and friends attend the school at night, disguised as humans when no one will spot them. They're only outside now because they woke up and noticed their new friend wasn't eaten alive by hungry trees. :P Not quite. :) He shares inventory with Agappa, who plundered eight bullets off a body earlier. They're useless as weapons without their firearm, but a creative person might find a use for their components. Even if the idea of a spell card just being 'gun' is amusing. I dunno. I always thought of Marisa as a good person, even if she's a thief. Oscar would have to convince her he was a real piece of work for her to Master Spark all over the place. But there are many ways he could ruin his new life in Gensokyo outside 'spell card to the face', and Marisa could do that in several ways. As for why she hasn't stolen anything, I think that's more down to him not having anything to interest her, outside the other grimoire. And that'll be easier to steal now that he has two of them. Ah yes, the Shrine Maiden in the room. If you can get Oscar on Marisa's good side, she may be able to protect him just a little from her. Its less 'I will die for this handsome stranger' and more 'I'll call my best friend a jerk for being so rude to a new friend'. Not that it'll do more than make Reimu temporarily argue with Marisa. Reimu may not like Oscar much, though we will see why as time moves on.

Hello again. :) Sorry I haven't been more active checking in with you all. Life's just been hectic on my end. Whether its work, or people trying to make my life more difficult IRL. But I am getting by. I am hoping things will get quiet enough for me to make some edits to the story, from my first post. Its mostly the odd spelling mistake which makes me groan, maybe a little more consistent formatting. Sometimes I have a week to plot out the story, and sometimes like today I have half an hour free to get it how I like it. I'll also be separating the Stage Tricks from the Occult skill eventually. or 'Occult' was meant to be Oscar's knowledge and experience with 'real' magic, versus his art of deception. Which would fall more under Intrigue () or Wits (). It makes his talents feel vague, especially since he doesn't actually know any magic at this point. Each skill is meant to have a distinct meaning, and muddying it like that won't help the readers. You may also notice Oscar has a character sheet now! My plan is to post this at the bottom of every first entry in every page. Which should let the readers keep up with his abilities and growth more effectively.

Magician A Magician, not to be confused with the various magic users of Gensokyo, can refer to either an item imbibed with magic which animates it, or a human who has ascended to a higher state through magic. Using a series of rituals, Magicians purge themselves of human limitations, such as the need for food or aging. Instead, they feed on raw magical potential, often taking up residence in mystic towers, forgotten ruins or arcane libraries. Their extensive lifespans and need for magical knowledge insures even a young Magician is a formidable magic-wielder, though the level of study needed to become one insures they are few in number. Magicians may be classified as Devils or Youkai depending on their origin, and physically they have few derivations from a normal human. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The handle of the broom was aimed squarely at his face. Almost as if she were some ancient heroine challenging a rival to a duel. Oscar, however, managed to stay calm under the glare of her smile. Her confidence was almost overwhelming, but his instincts told him there was an opportunity here… “So, you dare challenge a master of the Arcane?” He replied with a sniff. Reaching with one hand for his fallen cups as he righted the ‘table’ they were set on. “Very well. With what do you barter to contend with my might?” The question seemed to stun her. The blonde witch blinked, staring down at him. Before her hands went to her pockets, thinking to herself. Either hand turning over their contents. Beside her, the four girls glanced to him. Wriggle, Mystia and Daiyousei especially looked nervous, which was surely a sign something bad was going to happen. Cirno on the other hand gave him a thumbs up and an encouraging wink. “Idunno, how’s this?” Oscar’s eyes went back to the woman as her hands pulled at a bag to her side. Pulling out a book, and slamming it on the table. It was an old thing, that much was obvious. Its surface worn from countless nights of reading. The cover clearly depicted some kind of Chinese design, complete with a dragon in its center. Whatever it was though, it was sure to be valuable. “This will suffice, child.” “...Child? I own my own store, ze.” “I am willing to wager a tome of my own against this. If you win, I pass it to you. If I win, I keep this as my prize.” Oscar gestured to the side. Agappa’s eyes dully rose, the visible black book emerging from the handbag around her neck. Its surface traced with Occidental designs. “...Okay, that’s more like it.” The young woman’s smile flaring under her thick blond hair and wide-brimmed hat. “Ready for some flashy dan...” Her words died on her lips as Oscar silently rolled a ball under a cup, and began to shift them in place. His hands moving with a building speed, until they were a blur. Team 9 stared in slowly building awe at the display. Until Oscar eased the cups to their final position. “Choose your cup, and claim your prize.” Silence descended upon the crowd. None of the children, whether human or Team 9, dared to even breathe. Scarcely standing over them, and only just meeting Oscar’s gaze sitting down, the witch flashed a frown of discontent. Before her eyes fell to the cups. Holding aloft her broom, she deliberately set it against the cup on the right. When her eyes went to him, they seemed entirely robbed of their earlier energy. Before the handle of the broom flicked aside the cup. There was nothing inside. The crowd seemed to slowly take a breath. Marisa on the other hand bent her knees, eyeing the other two cups. Carefully peeling back the remaining two to reveal… Nothing. “Wow, that’s not bad.” She said, a hand extending to run over where the ball would be. The fake ceilings in the cups staring back as she peered inside. Brightness returning to her face as she held out a hand. “I thought you were pullin’ my leg, but a spell like that takes real skill. I didn’t even sense you castin’ it.” “Such paltry things are only a fraction of the power of Oscar Diggs, master of the arcane.” “Cool. So...wanna danmaku fight?” There it was again. That word. Narumi had said it earlier, and he still had no idea what it was. His ignorance was not helped by Marisa wriggling her eyebrows at him. “Alas, I have not the time. Please, your wager.” “Ehh?! C’mon, a magician like you would have no problem. Unless you’re scarced~” “The book, pl--” “Bawk.” “The b--” “Bawk.” “Th—” “Bawk.” This time the barb came from Cirno. The witch turned, her eyes flicking to Cirno in her disguised state. The expression on her face was...weird. It wasn’t fear, he didn’t think. But very much a kind of nervousness. Cirno had been almost fearless of Kimiko, but something in the lines of her face said she knew what the stranger was capable of. The other three looked just as nervous. But somehow, Cirno managed to speak. “Osu-san is...n-new, to Gensokyo. He doesn’t even have his spellcards yet.” “Oh. OH.” Comprehension and surprise dawned on the blond’s face as she turned back to him. Extending her hand. “That explains everything. I’m Marisa. You kin think of me as a big deal ‘round here. You kin consider this yer welcoming present from me.” With only a moment’s hesitation, she pushed the book towards Oscar. The man completely unaware she already had half a plan to get it back by the next day. Idly, he took it, stowing it in Agappa’s bag as Marisa smiled to him. “So, yer Oscar Diggs? Weird name.” “I’ve been told.” “I’m sure yer full of questions. What wouldja like to know?” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What do you ask? = Ask about her. Maybe you can be friends! = Ask about what Danmaku and Spellcards are. They keep coming up and its weirding you out. = Ask if she's ever heard of Cirno, Narumi or Agappa. = Ask about her business. Maybe you can find a way to earn money from it. = Ask about places to stay. Keine might let you stay at the Temple for now, but do you really want to sleep on that futon more than you have to? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oscar Diggs, the Great and Powerful Species: Human (Outsider) Health: Good Magical Potential: Nil Reputation: Outsider Wits = 3/5 Charisma = 4/5 Occult = 0/5 Intrigue = 2/5 Physical = 2/5 Inventory: Old Rabbit Rocket Volley (x1) Simple Stage Props Cell Phone (18% Power) Grimoire (x2) Paperclip (x2) Bic Pen Lighter Bullets (x8) Quests: Stay in the Human Village. Discover spells and abilities you can use for Danmaku. Move out of the Heida Temple School spare room. Earn enough money to eat.

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

Woo! Can't wait to see what comes next. :) Did you shave down the factions? I had a lot of them in the original RPG idea, mostly to give the player characters a lot of potential leads and make the world feel more expansive. But having so many factions might be a weight on the story. Some didn't really have any impact on the setting either. I don't think either the Hermits or the Netherworld are even referenced outside a faction outline.