Yumetou

I don't wholly disagree. :) Combat Mage best fits danmaku. Ranged combat is a staple of Touhou. The thing is, Combat Mage has one tiny problem. Its the weakest class in the game. You'd think shooting lightning from your fingertips would give you a boost over people using guns or literal swords, but Combat Mages are kind of useless if they aren't focused on mind-control or summoning spirits. Which has its own problems. The idea of pigeon-holing Flan as the weakest class never felt right to me. That said, there are some advantages. Given how weak the class is, I may be able to pressure the DM into giving me some magical boosts. The closest thing to Four of a Kind in the base game is just a normal single illusion. Boosting spells I'll naturally have or even making my own would let me make more blatant references to Flan, and make me more cooperative in the group. It also ties her closer to Marisa, maybe even putting her in a role where she trained DJ Flan as a mage. So she'd have her own little subplot about finding her missing best friend.

Welcome to the shrine Kymoh! I know you'll be a fun addition to the site here. The Shrine has always felt nothing but cozy to me, and I'm sure you'll have fun. :) Reimu and Orange? Not quite what I expected. Yuuka looks very nice as your pfp!

I am ever so glad to hear it! I started this idea both to flex my writing muscles outside what I was too used to, and to hopefully give my pals on the Shrine something fun to read on a dreary Monday. Originally I wanted to make my own Incident Resolver, but I thought it would be more fun with a character who couldn't fight. Which would (hopefully) elevate the sense of danger, and give the setting a closer feeling to what you or I might experience. Reimu might move through Gensokyo like she's its goddess, but for you or I, even a normal and friendly Gensokyo could be deadly. That's fair. I've picked up a few grammatical habits. Most work towards descriptiveness, but that one I struggle to shake. Its meant to build anticipation, but its one I'm a little too lazy with. :) As for his varying reactions, I'd argue in Kimiko's case, he was alone after being chased with Rumia when he encountered her. While with Agappa, she was passive, and he was surrounded by Team 9. Still, something emphasizing he feels more safe around them would help. The passiveness of some characters on the other hand is down to post length. On average, people get bored if I write more than 500 words or so, with longer chapters getting less votes and views. I imagine most read my writing on lunch breaks or while waiting on a download. So I try to condense my writing, which sadly means Oscar himself, Agappa, Wriggle and especially Mystia get less screen time. I've been considering editing this and posting it to a fan fiction site. With my readers here personified as bored Kami watching from elsewhere in Gensokyo. If I do, I'm hoping to add more emphasis here and there, make some minor changes, and (hopefully) give more scenes to various characters. Especially Mystia; poor girl's been almost dead silent. Will definitely post a link here if/when I do. I greatly appreciate the feedback! It'll make great notes when I edit this in the future. You're right, the CYOA part of the game makes this a little harder. I have a general idea of where I want each option to go, but sometimes writing it out I have to cut things for brevity, or had a bad day and try to streamline the writing. Simultaneously, I think it makes the world feel more alive. Had I been writing this just for myself, Oscar would have picked over a couple of bodies and ran so we could see more of Muenzuka, before being found by Chen or Nazrin. But the audience wanted him to hide behind a bush, and because of that, he met Rumia. Because he met Rumia, he had a more dynamic introduction to one of our antagonists, and then to Team 9. We've all read bad fan fiction, where a superpowered character makes friends with everyone while being better than them. I wanted Oscar to be something very different, and thanks in part to your votes, he is. The next chapter we'll probably split from Team 9 for now, while he meets familiar faces in the Human Village, and is stalked by a certain Forbidden Youkai. I can't wait to see where the story takes us all.

I'm glad to hear it! Each post's opening is meant to be an excerpt from the book's various sections. Some flavor, perhaps some reference to the story. Most of them are droll reflavorings of my old Scouting handbook. But the description of the various races have to be my favorite. I feel like it gives the setting a lot of character, and opens up the idea that there are paths the average person can use besides violence when dealing with nonhumans. This one had a little extra love. Cirno's my favorite character from the series, both because of her tenacity and relatively low power level. But also because of her friends. Though that's largely fanon, I couldn't help but reference Cirno with that last line. I had a rough week at work, thinking up torments from Agappa was the highlight of it. Hoping for the group to reach the Human Village in next post or two, when Team 9 will split up from their new friend. They'll probably reappear intermittently as allies or to encourage Oscar. If the readers play their cards right, he may even talk them into joining Otherworldly Inc as one of his teams of adventurers. Ahh, that's always an option! Remember if there's a tie I have to play it out as if all those options were picked. I prefer one option be picked, since you guys lose interest the longer the posts get. But that's the rule I made for myself. My father once actually used salt instead of sugar for Christmas cookies. Ended up using them as ornaments for years.

A few months ago, I was starting to feel like my professional writing was growing a bit stale. I was writing a lot of the same things, and it felt very routine. To shake myself out of this rut, I started an ongoing fan fiction where the audience would choose what happened next. The Gensokyo Survival Guide. It seems to have made an impression on a handful of people, whom I am very happy to write for. But there wasn't really a place to receive feedback or ideas. The handsome and charismatic Gri has suggested I make an OoC, but my life was hectic at the time and I struggled with where to put it. So, I am dropping it off here. :) If you have any comments or suggestions for the fan fiction, or any other projects I may undertake as Touhou fan fiction, feel free to leave me a message here! Whether its a review of the story so far, ideas for what might come later, or just complains that Team 9 has taken over the thread, I am overjoyed to hear you took the time to read my silly adventure. @Gri

Ice Fairies Like all Fairies, Ice Fairies are spirits of nature. Embodying the cold and winter, Ice Fairies tend to be solitary creatures. Their isolated nature leads to them having strange mannerisms and interests, often out of boredom. These hobbies tend to be banal compared to other fairies, such as tracing frost designs on windows or leaving designs in the snow. They are active in autumn and winter, but hibernate or migrate to colder areas by summer. Ice Fairies internalize heat around them to freeze their surroundings, and a warm environment naturally repels them. If an Ice Fairy is a nuisance to you and your property, you can repel one by sprinkling salt around your home, maintaining a hot temperature or by placing word puzzles and equations around your property. Like all Fairies, they will stop to try and solve them, losing interest in what they were doing. Alternatively, Ice Fairies tend to be lonely, and may be cajoled through treats and simple gifts. They may struggle to befriend others, but an Ice Fairy as an ally will always stand by you. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The group continued on their way down the lonesome road, the Youkai and fairies hurrying ahead of Oscar while they walked. The sound of Agappa’s footfalls somewhere behind him. It didn’t take a genius to realize they were trying to keep him between their unwanted companion. Only Cirno was brave, or foolish, enough to stay near him. Floating beside him with her arms crossed and eyes closed. Oscar knew that look. Plenty of kids and a couple ex-girlfriends had tried the same thing. Cirno wanted an apology, but wanted him to initiate it. Which wasn’t going to happen. She tried to leave him behind! A change in conversation would work. “Hey Cirno--” “Not talking to you.” “Why are you scared of Agappa?” The question swept through the group like a cold wind. Even Daiyousei seemed to tense at the words. Cirno’s head nervously turned, as if to make sure Agappa wasn’t standing too close. “O-Osu, I know you are new here, but be careful. She can make bad things happen like--” The branch across the road was something neither noticed until it struck Cirno across the back of the head. Sending her spinning in place, until her head careened into the ground. Standing up, she rubbed her head. Pointing triumphantly to where she fell. “See Osu? She knew we were talking about us, so she made that branch knock me down!” Oscar might have expected Agappa to be offended, but from her place at the back of the group she seemed to watch bemusedly. As Cirno glared over his shoulder, she simply raised one hand with a blank expression. Waving mutely. “Grr, she’s so mean!” Cirno muttered to herself. The other members of Team 9 were slowing now, both to check on Cirno, and perhaps hoping Oscar would shelter them from the Youkai. “But...why do you dislike her so much? I mean, she’s just standing there.” “Its all a guise, Osu!” Cirno whispered, insistently. The others only nervously nodding. “Last week, we stole a pie from the Hakurei Shrine…” Even the mention of it seemed to make her salivate. Both hands rising as though to grasp the phantom pie. A low groan escaped the others at the thought too. All except Rumia, who looked downcast. “A delicious peach pie...but the Yamas don’t like stealing from shrines, so they sent Agappa after us.” “...And...I mean you’re all okay. She can’t be that ba--” “She put an oil heater in my house! When I came back, it was melted! And she drank my last cherry ramune!” “She swapped the sugar and salt in my izakaya…” Mystia continued. Tears sprouting in her eyes, before burying her face in her hands. “The customers were so mad!” “She stuck fly paper on me while I was sleeping in a bush!” Wriggle protested, antennae and wings trembling with rage. “It took me all day to pull it off, and tore out my hair!” “I’m hungry…” Rumia murmured pensively. The four turned, gazing back expectantly at Daiyousei. The green-haired fairy glanced from Cirno, to each of her other friends in turn, slowly realizing they were expecting her to speak. “Well...I wasn’t there, but I did find two brown rabbits in my flower patch that afternoon.” “SEE! See Osu! She’s a monster!” “I like rabbits…” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = "I keep on hearing about these 'Yamas', what are they, and how do they know you're misbehaving?" = “Well, maybe we can talk this over. Ask Agappa about all this, and lets get the situation resolved. Who knows, she may go easy on you if you're friends.” = "Sooo...she only does what her bosses tell her to, right? How were you even caught?" = "I'm convinced. On the count of three, I pick you all up and run, got it?"

A greater threat than Youkai in Gensokyo is something all races know. Starvation. On Pages 14 - 42, you will find a collection of fruits, vegetables, roots and mushrooms which are safe to eat. Be particularly careful when picking mushrooms or what look like berries. Poisonous look-alikes are very common, and often can kill you. If you are unsure, its best to go hungry for a night. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oscar had little idea what a Youkai was. Or a fairy. He had no idea how they could look so different from one another, or if that had any special meaning or not. But he didn’t need to be a lore-master to know that Cirno and the one-eyed brat arguing would get them nowhere. With a sudden rush of energy, he leaped forward. Cape billowing after him, one hand coming to his hat even as its resident napper peered a head free. He had arrived just in time. “You see this right here fairy? Its going into your permanent record. You ain’t like a human and get yer slate wiped clean when you croak.” “Well, your face is ugly. And stupid.” “Insulting an agent of the Yamas. Two counts. That’s bad luck for a whole week. Keep pushing me, girly. Let’s see if we can make it to a month.” “Oh yeah?” Cirno glared back. Her mouth opened. Despite her small size, she seemed to have no trouble opening it to comedic proportions. A rush of air flooded inside, just as he came in arm’s reach. “BAKAB--” Thankfully, in that instant, the magician’s hand clamped over her mouth. Pulling the flailing fairy against him. All as he tried to give the figure seated on the tree branch his most charming smile. “Ahh, h-hello, we haven’t met. I’m--” The girl’s only visible eye didn’t shift from him as she pulled at the length of the scroll. Woven reeds spilling onto the ground. She seemed to find her place after a moment, eye dipping down. “Oscar Diggs, Earth Man. Most recent offense, Attempted--” “Yesyes that’s ah, not important,” The young man said, resting his arm on the scroll. Still clutching the flailing Cirno against him. Before his other hand gently pushed Daiyousei forward. “She ah, she’s our spokesman.” The surprise in Daiyousei’s face was self-evident. Though the relief in the three Youkai’s expressions were all readily apparent. Daiyousei recovered quickly from her surprise. Smiled graciously, and offering a little curtsy. One the figure seemed to consider returning. “Yes, hello. We’re Team 9, and this is our friend Osu-san. We’d like to pass on our way to the Human Village.” “Osu? Sounds like a cheap hair tonic.” The diminutive girl in her robes sniffed. Pulling at her scroll again, the cloth and reeds crinkling until she reached Daiyousei’s name. The girl’s brown eye squinted. A small hand reaching into her hair to sweep it from her face, revealing a second eye, this one tinted blood red. Attached to the scroll was a paperclip, with a card on it. The two eyes stared at the square for a moment. Before giving a shrug. “You’re free to go. Have a happy day.” The sudden shift in tone was enough to make him hold his breath in shock. Daiyousei thanked her, and the group began to move on. “Oh, and Agappa? Go with them. I wanna make sure loudmouth gets hers.” The girl in the raincoat silently saluted. Following after the group of six. And Oscar could sweat he heard Cirno scream into his chest. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = “So, that scroll was magic, right?” = “Hey Cirno, why are you so scared of Agappa?” = I have to know what’s on that card. ‘Accidentally’ trip and see if you can steal it. = “Hey. Do you girls want a shoulder ride?”

There's a game out in the world called Shadowrun. Its a fantasy-cyberpunk tabletop role-playing game. In my own opinion, its kind of dumb and crap. I mean, the map of America has only one faction based on a fantasy race besides humans. But I was invited to a Shadowrun game. And seeing as I have no ideas, I decided to play as a Touhou character and see if anyone catches the references. But, I have a little problem. One I would like the advice of the loremasters of the Shrine with. My Idea Flandre de Bourgogne or as she prefers 'DJ Flan' is a young aspiring urban artist. She makes a decent living on personalized artwork, playing music at various clubs and has a good following for her graffiti artwork. She has a cozy basement apartment she keeps stuffed with her artwork and exploding toys. That said, she is a solitary figure with an odd sense of mannerisms. Being an elf, she is long-lived, and often grows bored. Trying to coerce strangers into children's card games to show her skill. "If you win, we get to be friends. If I win, I get to shoot you. With THIS gun!" is a favorite introduction of hers. She isn't completely isolated. She has an older sister who is head of the police force. Her sister Emilia is also a vampire, a family tradition provided when a family member proves themselves. Not that DJ Flan cares about that. She has a couple other friends, such as her family bodyguard who tutored her as a child, the neighboring rich family's delinquent daughter as well as a minor street gang called the Misty Fairies. She's not into Shadowrunning (imagine cyberpunk crime but with magic) for the money, but to have fun, and to find her missing best friend. My Problem So as you can see, its a pretty naked allusion to Flan. With enough blatant theft that a normie with any contact with Touhou will pick up hints. Which is good, because I normally don't associate Shadowrun with fun, while I usually associate Touhou with fun after I stop dying. The problem is Shadowrun is a game. And like most games, it has pesky things like 'rules'. Which mean I won't be able to play a goddess of destruction who is a master of danmaku, can split into four, and fights so well with a spear it only shows up on the box art and as a card. Instead, I need to choose a class or 'archetype' which will let me play out my fantasy of making obscure references to a Japanese video game older than the game master. Which is fine. Except I can't decide which set of skills to give my Not Flan. I won't bore you all with a breakdown of all the classes archetypes, but will give bullet-points on my ideas. Which basically amount to 'smacky Flan, shooty Flan, explody Flan'. I want to hear from you all, which 'feels' the most Flan, so I can stop being indecisive and get this ready by next month. Adepts: Adepts are wizards if they went to the gym instead. They use magic to buff their feeble noodle arms, making them masters of melee combat. Its also the most broken class in 6e. Which means Laevateinn is on the table, but danmaku is mostly out of reach. Which doesn't feel quite right. Combat Mage: Mages come in two flavors. Mind control/spirit summoning demigods and deadweight. That said, standard combat magic is sometimes useful, and it means danmaku is an option. Not to mention the rarity of standard mage players in the setting might make her stand out more. Thinking of focusing on explosives if I go this route, and may be able to arrange Four of a Kind with some work. Street Samurai: More or less the Terminator. They focus on melee or gun combat. If I go this route, I'll probably give her a pair of SMGs for the Danmaku spray, maybe with some explosives for that creative burst. So yeah, that's it. I'm indecisive about a roleplaying game I don't care for and want to post low-tier Flan memes. Help me become Flan, but in the future.

My high school years were awful. 0/10. My happiest moments were walking with my dog. I eventually left and went to college however, and had a completely inverted experience. Everyone knew who I was, even if they had never seen me, I was one of the lead figures of my fraternity, and had more friends than I could count. I even was nominated for student body president, even if I only found out after the election. Life gets better. Keep your chin up, and focus on being your best You. Bad times pass, but good times keep you going long after they're gone.

Polls closed! An even spread between Flan, Mystia and Ran. Though let's be honest. We all know who it would really be. Tired from work, so let's have a simple stupid question. Hottest MILF? = Byakuren = Eirin = Junko = Mima = Ran = Seiga = Suwako = Urumi

Hitotsume Kozo ‘One-Eyed Priest Boy’ Found throughout Gensokyo but most commonly in dark and forbidden places, these little menaces are reviled throughout the land. Judgmental, mischievous and child-like, these monsters are harmless compared to other races in Gensokyo. Their true power comes from the ability to see the sins of any they see, which they then relay to the Yamas and Hecate for judgment. Hitotsume Kozo are said to resemble miniature monks with bald heads and one eye, though they can be either gender. They are devote Buddhists, and can be pleased with the correct mantra. They are often seen in the company of the Mikari-Baba, who like them is said to have one eye. Both are spirits of misfortune, with the Hototsume Kozo directing the Mikari Baba onto a chosen target. When alone or without a Youkai to protect them, they enjoy startling Humans and Youkai alike with wild pranks. Particularly the wicked, people doing evil, or just those who annoy them. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= “O-oh really? Its uhh, nice to meet you.” The magician leaned forward with a smile he hoped didn’t look too forced. The eyes of the youkai, one still in her hand, focused on him. He was glad to be wearing his cape, for the flowing shape made his frame all the larger… A gloved hand eased behind him, waving to the group watching nearby. It took him a couple tries before they noticed, and a couple more before Cirno seemed to understand. Turning, she held a finger up with a ‘Shhh’. Before creeping along the path. Mystia, who was nearest, turned to Wriggle, repeating the gesture, before following after Cirno with a slow creep. When Rumia turned with a smile to Daiyousei, she only found the other fairy glaring down at her. The understanding nod Rumia gave instead earned her a pat on the head. Oscar meanwhile, desperate to keep the conversation with the weirdo holding her *actual eye* in her hand glanced down at the body beside her. It was an old thing, wrapped in rags and more bone than flesh. “So ahh, what are you doing?” “Scavenging.” “What for?” What people don’t want.” The phrase was singularly unhelpful. Though Agappa-chan turned to a bag at her side. One hand diving into the knockoff Chanel handbag before she raised her open palm. Between her fingers was a couple paperclips, a Bic pen, lighter and a few bullets. Though what their size was, he had no idea. Her other hand slipped into the bag a moment later, pulling out a black book, marked with elaborate designs. Her next few words were tinged with almost a note of pride. “Humans don’t want these anymore. I’ll make them useful.” Cirno glanced over at the weird man they picked up. The broad cape thankfully blocking them from view. Wary blue eyes glanced back to observe the others sneaking behind her. Well, Mystia and Wriggle sneaking. Daiyousei and Rumia looked pretty casual. The team’s fearless leader turned to Oscar Diggs, giving him an unseen salute. “Thank you Osu! Your sacrifice won’t be forgott--” “Freezing frogs. 1507 counts.” The two words were delivered as calmly as possible. But from the scream which ripped from Cirno’s throat, one would have guessed she saw the end approaching. Or a mighty frog god looking for revenge. With a surge of adrenaline, the fairy leaped into the arms of Mystia, barely able to hold her up. The group and Oscar crowded around, staring from behind her. Even Agappa glanced over with passive interest. Seated on a tree branch nearby was a girl. Though hunched over, she looked like the diminutive Cirno would tower over her. Even Rumia was probably taller by a couple hairs. Most of her frame was hidden behind a scroll she held in her hands, leaving only one eye glaring at them visible, and a half-shaven head of silky black hair. “Interrupting an agent of the Yamas. Punishment: fifty hiccups at your next meal.” She said. Rapidly scribbling down the entry onto the scroll. The fear of the group hovering over everyone before the blue baka managed a glare back at the figure. “H-hey, one thou...one thou...that number’s too small! I’ve frozen way more frogs than--” “Oh, a wise guy eh? Well it says here freezing frogs. 1507 counts. Your punishment’s 30 leg cramps at 3 AM. Don't make me make it 31 leg cramps.” “Ha! Then I just won’t sleep!” “...I don’t think that’s possible Cirno...” =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What next? = Daiyousei seems pretty put together for the group. Maybe she should help? = What is up with these eyes I mean--Uhhh...want to see me make a fairy disappear? = ...Well this seems a good opportunity to leave. Thank you Cirno. Your sacrifice won't be forgotten. = Push the annoying girl off the branch. Teach that nerd to read curses at you.

Polls close! Coming in dead last with -69 votes, dead meme. First place? Remilia lures a lecherous weirdo into a dark ally before draining him like a capri-sun. The vampire princess is drinking good tonight. I will say I am proud all the options appealed to everyone, and the one that won out was the option I came up with. Glad to see I'm improving at baiting ya'll. This week's bad Touhou Opinion is: Which character is most likely to have canonically eaten a human? = Flandre 'I never met a human who wasn't a meal.' = Mima 'How would I even eat someone? I don't have a digestive tract.' = Mystia 'Its not cannibalism if she's not human.' = Ran 'Chen! I brought home a happy meal! He's still smiling.' = Seija 'Sure you're tasty, haven't you ever bitten off a hangnail before?' = Yuugi 'The cowardly are meant to feed the strong' = Yuuka 'I prefer my humans grass fed and free range.' = Yuyuko 'Won't you ease her hunger?'

And the winner is...Flandre is gooboo. Sorry, executive decision. The runner-up though, Flan is a loving but playful little sister. Humanity has hope after all. Next Bad Touhou Opinion! "Hey, mister..." = "Do you want to have sex?" = "Yo man. Fuck?" = "Do you want to have Fumo?" = "Do you want to eating hamburgah and potato everyday?" = "Did you know the average human body has 1.2 to 1.5 gallons of blood? Wow, that's a lot. You probably don't need all of it, right?" = "There is no meme. Give me your wallet."

And the votes are in! A well-meaning fairy and her friends win out with their uncooked eels. Hopefully Mystia will recover from the lawsuits in the next thirty years. Today's Bad Touhou Opinion is a simpler one. Flan. Flan is... = Remi’s loving and rambunctious little sister. = The comfy basement NEET who games all day. = A troubled youth who needs a friend in her life. = A homicidal maniac kept in check with constant treats. = Flan broke under the weight of her fractured psyche a long time ago; everyone else in the mansion is just her clones standing on one another's shoulders, living out the happy pampered life she always dreamed of.

Mikari Baba ‘Winnowing Basket Borrowing Hag’ Youkai of greed and misfortune, they are said to resemble old women missing one eye, though Agappa-chan is pretty cute. They are stingy and shameless, wandering from house to house to beg for food and other items. Yet they prefer to eat scraps and use broken tools. If you refuse, they will creep into your home to steal things from you. They dwell in abandoned homes or sheds around villages and farms. Mikari Baba are often seen scouring fields after a harvest for the last grains of rice. Mikari Baba usually appear once every eight days, and seldom seen otherwise. They have very poor eyesight, and struggle to see things more than half an inch from their face. They are also said to have a fear of things with many holes, mistaking them for many eyes watching them. They are often seen in the company of Hitotsume Kozo, a one-eyed Youkai resembling a youth with a shaven head. These miscreants record the misdeeds of any they encounter, bringing these lists to the goddess of Hell and the Yamas. If a person’s misdeeds outweigh their good deeds, the Mikari Baba are sent to bring bad luck to the wicked. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Oscar's first instinct was to back out. His day had been full of excitement and unpleasant surprises enough. But as the five girls stared up at him, he felt his willpower begin to crumble. The silent, innocent gazes doing more than anything they could say. With a sigh, he started down the road, the five figures shuffling around him before watching from behind. Silently exchanging thumbs-up and high-fives at narrowly avoiding the walking disaster that was Agappa-chan. Only Daiyousei sat out the celebration, watching him as he strolled towards her. The worried gaze returned to Rumia as the youkai took her hand with her first smile of the evening. "Why are you frowning? Osu will be fine. He saved me. Agappa's not as scary as Kimiko, right?" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Poor Oscar was scared out of his wits. In the course of an afternoon, he had met two Youkai outside Wriggle and the other one. The first had pretended to be friendly to get close, before coming so close he could see down her throat. The other had chased him through the forest while he held the first. Half the youkai he had met wanted to eat him. Dealing with Kimiko or even Wriggle had been a relief next to Rumia's charming exterior. Their honest natures at least a small relief. Now he was going to meet a youkai even Rumia hesitated to speak to. Just what kind of terror did this girl hide? Dress shoes weren't the best thing for creeping along a dirt path, but somehow he managed it. Oscar remembered an old story about how stepping sideways was quieter, so he did his best. The girl, whether she noticed him or not, seemed preoccupied with checking the body's pockets. The only sounds to be heard was the pounding of Oscar's heart and the sound of rummaging fingers. It was only when the strange girl was in arm's reach that he realized he had no idea what he was going to say to her. With nothing better in mind, all he could do was slowly manage the first thing that came to mind... "Uh...hey..." The face of the youkai turned towards him. At first glance, Oscar had no idea why the others were so worried. She had a cute face, sure, but compared to Rumia or Cirno, she was practically plain. The dark hair had long bangs combed to either side, and a messy ponytail in the back. A cute nose with an unassuming expression gazed back at him from a pair of bloodshot brown eyes. The rest of her body concealed beneath her yellow raincoat and boots. She assessed him for a moment, only the word 'Ningen' escaping her, before going back to her looting. "Want to see a magic trick?" The head turned back towards him. He couldn't be sure if her stare was sullen, curious or indifferent. But it seemed the closest thing to concurrence he was going to get from her. After a moment of thought, he reached to the rose blossom in his buttonhole. Waving it to and fro in the way he was used to. It was normal for his typical clients to touch it, gaze in awe or even scrutinize him for the trick. The even gaze she gave him was much more unnerving. Trying not to let it distract him, he held out the rose. Letting his glove surround the flower, before pressing down hard. A moment later, the corner of a silk handkerchief appeared from beneath his thumb. At that, Agappa blinked. Before a hand rose to one of her eyes. At first, he thought she was just rubbing them in a way he was used to. Before he realized her finger had slid inside the socket. With a sound that made him feel as if he would be sick, she produced the eye between three fingers, holding it out towards the kerchief. If that were not enough, the orb swiveled on the ends of her fingers to scrutinize the trick more closely. It took him a moment to fight back the urge to vomit. His own eyes went back to the kerchief, before giving the corner a pull, producing it before her. Waving it to and fro again for her to observe. Thankfully, she did not remove the other eye. With a careless toss of the fabric, Oscar blew upon it. In an instant, the kerchief caught flame. Fire engulfing it, before leaving him standing before her. Rose back in its button hole. Despite his disgust, he managed a half-hearted smile. "Ta-daaa..." The words were not helped by his jazz hands, no matter how they swayed. The girl called Agappa merely stared at him. Both from the eye in her head, and the one in her hand. Scarcely had Oscar time to think of his next move, before her voice cut through his thoughts. "That was a waste." "A what?" "You wasted a good handkerchief. You could have used it for something more valuable." "Well...I thought it would impress you." "Oh." Silence returned to the roadside. Though thankfully he didn't need to spend so long figuring out what to say next. "I'm Agappa Harume. My friends call me Agappa-chan." =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= = Examine the fallen body. Maybe asking her what she was looking for could endear her to you? = "...You have friends--I mean can I be your friend?" = Signal the girls to sneak around while you keep this one-eyed terror distracted. = "I'll set fire to the rest of your things if you don't let us pass." = "Okay no I know this icon's on cooldown but I have to ask what is up with your eye?" =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= OoC: Sorry for the delay folks! I've recently packed and moved across country, and my job decided to keep me busier than usual my last two weeks. I'm hoping to take a job which will give me more regular hours in a few weeks. I don't know how my new job will pan out, but for now I should have less trouble posting regularly.