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>>33183798

Of course the main problem is movement. You can run fast, but not inhumanly fast. That is more a Fire and Water trick. You can't fly – Yui's cloud can only carry one. So you can jump, which is not like the ninja-hopping done in manga or in anime. Those are more of a teleportation trick, and in reality you have to be very sure of where you are landing because you don't get to change much of your orientation mid-leap without risking some serious positioning problems.

So, the first problem:

[] You can go to the edge of the barrier and break out, near the road where you can see what enemies are present, and deal with them quick and hard.
[] You can send Yui to break out at a different location than you, and act as a distraction, though separation isn't safe under these conditions..
[] You can choose the area least likely to be watched, break out there, and see if you can sneak away more carefully, if slowly at first.

>>33183807
>[] You can choose the area least likely to be watched, break out there, and see if you can sneak away more carefully, if slowly at first.

>>33183807

All right! Ryukuza Quest is up!

[] You can choose the area least likely to be watched, break out there, and see if you can sneak away more carefully, if slowly at first.

Think before you act, you're not playing an impulsive hyperactive this time!

XS, can we pick multiple choices with Akari, or are we restricted to one like with Kiku?

Rolled 9

Rolling to create a shoggoth

>>33183807
[x] You can choose the area least likely to be watched, break out there, and see if you can sneak away more carefully, if slowly at first.

>>33183907
Akari can mix and match, but she tends to be a a bit more careful than Ryukusa - obviously.

I always consider write ins the most carefully but always through the character's filter.

>>33183952
If she mixes and matches, she will discard parts that don't make sense or endanger the principle.

>>33183952
>>33183972

Okay, good to know!

>>33183807
>[x] You can choose the area least likely to be watched, break out there, and see if you can sneak away more carefully, if slowly at first.

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[X] You can choose the area least likely to be watched, break out there, and see if you can sneak away more carefully, if slowly at first.

The obvious out is the easy out, and while the Barrier extends along the roads in two directions, that means many of the houses to the sides are included in the barrier. You keep going down the street first, however; getting distance between yourself and Anonimous is the critical part. As you reach the edge of the Barrier, you landing with a heavy thump and Yui's cloud sliding in after you, Yui pipes up.

“I don't like leaving Ryukusa-sama back there, Akari-chan.” She is half crouched, which has forced Kumatori Kiki to kneel behind her on the cloud. You approve, it gives her a smaller silhouette, but you don't mention that. Walking slowly and calmly along the Barrier's edge, you shake your head mildly to the complaint.

“Orders, Yui-chan. Kiku-sensei hasn't followed us though, so she will help aniki.” You notice, but again decline to mention that it makes Kiki worry even more.

I am predicting a possible shitstorm.

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>>33184136
You hop lightly over a fence, and into a yard; Yui 'hops' her cloud up and then down, staying close to you without needing to be told. Not a dumb oni, her.

It takes you a very short amount of time to navigate through the yards and houses to a location where you have at least two rows of houses between you and whomever is back there. Reaching out, you dig your claws and fingertips into the Barrier itself, and tear at the spiritual wall, until you make a large circle. Then you drives both sets of claws, and fingers, into it...and squeeze.

The barrier shatters in that circle, and the real world lies ahead.

[] Step through, look around with Stone eyes, if all clear then have them join, try to be quick..
[] Step through,have them follow so the barrier doesn't reseal itself between you, just in case.
[] They go first, you double check for pursuing oni-people; Yui can be trusted to be wary and re-enter the Barrier they have to.

>>33184167
>[x] Step through, look around with Stone eyes, if all clear then have them join, try to be quick.

>>33184153

[]I'd combine 1 and 2 tbh. Just pass your head out of the barrier, look around, and if it looks clear, go as a group!

>>33184167
>[] Step through, look around with Stone eyes, if all clear then have them join, try to be quick..

>>33184167
>[x] Step through,have them follow so the barrier doesn't reseal itself between you, just in case.
Seems most prudent t0 me!

Also:
Previously: http://www.mediafire.com/view/vpaloul1vrotww3/Ryukuza_Quest.pdf
Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/33125592/

Search for Title: Ryukuza on Suptg
Barrier Combat Guide: http://pastebin.com/rZLwzvGx
Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Hebiki Akari's Tale: http://pastebin.com/3JjNVKbY

Kurao Yui's Tale: http://pastebin.com/qYJa4PwH

Kumatori Kiki's Tale: http://pastebin.com/pdjfAEEU

Akari's Lesson (R-18): http://pastebin.com/bnGavrhP

>>33184167
>[x] Step through, look around with Stone eyes, if all clear then have them join, try to be quick.. .
Guess people aren't as interested in flashback-quests, huh.

>>33184167
>[] Step through, look around with Stone eyes, if all clear then have them join, try to be quick..

>>33184284

Eh, it's still early, give it some time...

>>33184284
I tend to not vote if a clear consensus has been reached, like here.

>>33184284
It's a holiday in America. I didn't expect a turnout...but here you are. Thanks.

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[X] Step through, look around with Stone eyes, if all clear then have them join, try to be quick..
[] Step through,have them follow so the barrier doesn't reseal itself between you, just in case.
[] They go first, you double check for pursuing oni-people; Yui can be trusted to be wary and re-enter the Barrier if they have to.

You hesitate, then peer through the opening. There isn't much movement out, but it is just getting into late evening. You narrow your eyes, the stone of the pavement, the walls, the street becoming translucent and misty. Since most building have insulation, you can't truly see through walls, but it is still helpful – the corner of a building doesn't give quite as much cover when it is missing a few inches. You motions the others to move with you, carefully, and you step out first. The barrier itself is a wall to your sight, until you step out, and something in the Barrier's space but not in the barrier can lunge out from the no-inside-but-underneath the Barrier at attack. But that is not the case since you made sure it was a yard as opposed to a street or rooftop.

Still the barrier could reseal at any second. As you slip out entirely, Yui looks around, her own eyes glowing dimly. You don't complain – normal creatures won't see that glow. Oujo-sama seems to be more worried about the people you left behind than her own hide, which is understandable. You close your Stone eyes, and consider.

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>>33184429
~You know, she could use some encouragement.~

Nikne Kamuy, the spirit inside your treasured Jade Mask, is an oni god The oni god, as you understand it. He's been with you since you were very small, and has counseled and helped you for a long time. But you really need to decide on which of the three direction you're going to go first.

[] Rooftops, then subway; the subway restricts you to running and walking, but it is wide and has exit points to the sides to avoid entrapment.
[] Rooftops only. The fastest, but the most visible; Yui might bot be seen, but you could be.
[] Stay close to the ground – running for you, slow cloud for Yui; then the sewers. They're advantageous to all three of you, but they only have limited escape routes otherwise.

>>33184449
>[x] Stay close to the ground – running for you, slow cloud for Yui; then the sewers. They're advantageous to all three of you, but they only have limited escape routes otherwise.
Sewers, yay!

>>33184449
[] Stay close to the ground – running for you, slow cloud for Yui; then the sewers. They're advantageous to all three of you, but they only have limited escape routes otherwise.

Stick to the original plan for now!

>>33184449
>[x] Rooftops, then subway; the subway restricts you to running and walking, but it is wide and has exit points to the sides to avoid entrapment.

>>33184449
.>Ground, then sewers.
Glad to have another episode.

>>33184449
>[] Rooftops, then subway; the subway restricts you to running and walking, but it is wide and has exit points to the sides to avoid entrapment.

>>33184449
>[] Rooftops, then subway; the subway restricts you to running and walking, but it is wide and has exit points to the sides to avoid entrapment.

>>33184504
Except we know how this one ends.

>>33184564

Information about the guy we'll need to beat up in a couple of threads is always welcome. We knew how Kiku's thread would end as well, and it was still great!

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[X] Stay close to the ground – running for you, slow cloud for Yui; then the sewers. They're advantageous to all three of you, but they only have limited escape routes otherwise.

As much as oujo-sama will hate it, the sewers are really the safest route. Even if you do get trapped by some twist of fate or random mis-chance, you can make a way out easily enough. It isn't something you advertise much but you have a few other tricks besides hitting hard and being indestructible.

“You're really worrying for no reason.”

Kiki-sama looks startled, and then away from you. “But she's still hurt....”

“Kiku-sensei will help protect her.” You confidence is well placed – that prancing, that seemingly calm exterior.....no, you know within minutes of meeting Kumatori Kiku that this was a Clan Ryo trained Fire dragonette. But no one asked, and it's best no one knows you knew.

“It's Ryukusa-sama,” Yui agrees. “If she can beat me, she can beat three wannabe horn-headed wimps.” You try not to smile too much; Yui is really terrible at swearing, poor thing. Though she did scream a few times.

“Fly low, and don't get too far ahead of me. I'm going to have to run along the street, and if you're a little ahead I'll have some warning if anything happens. Head towards Inuba, then toward Shikozue.” Yui nods quickly and you hop over the other fence and start running.

~Not too bad. I'd give it a seven out of ten, with an extra point for getting Yui to kick in.~

[] That's very mean, Nikne Kamuy.
[] You think I've improved that much?
[] I've been trying hard. Kiki-sama is a friend after all.

>>33184737
[] You think I've improved that much?
[] I've been trying hard. Kiki-sama is a friend after all.

Combine these two

>>33184737
>[x] I've been trying hard. Kiki-sama is a friend after all.
Yep!

>>33184737
>[] I've been trying hard. Kiki-sama is a friend after all.
So now that the mask if fucked, wonder where the kamuy is at.

>>33184737
>[] You think I've improved that much?
>[] I've been trying hard. Kiki-sama is a friend after all.

>>33184737
>>[] I've been trying hard. Kiki-sama is a friend after all.

>Yui is really terrible at swearing, poor thing. Though she did scream a few times.
This combination of cuteness and implied filthiness is ruining my heart, too adorable.

>>33184737
>[] You think I've improved that much?

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>>33184823
have you read:
>Akari's Lesson (R-18): http://pastebin.com/bnGavrhP

The 'implied' state is already long passed!

Hah finally catch this live!
Timezone differences makes me miss these mostly but I catch up on the archives, I wanted to ask though is Kiku still as hyperactive as she was in the flashback or has the time since then mellowed her out / taught her patience?

>>33184893
It's implied rather than explicit here, although the explicit filth there was also adorable.

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[X] You think I've improved that much?
[X] I've been trying hard. Kiki-sama is a friend after all.

~You are being generous, Nikne Kamuy. Kiki-sama is a friend though, so it is a good thing to be kind.~

He snickers inside your head. ~Don't try that self-effacing crap with me, you little cheat. Just because you don't show it doesn't mean you don't feel it, and I know everything you hide in that fucking lock-box of a heart.~

~....do you think I've improved that much, truly?~

~I think so. You might actually not seem like the perfect sociopathic monster one day, in public no less. That little Chicky you're shack~

~Nikne, don't talk about her like that.~ He mumbles something, but does apologize. No one talks about Yui that way. Never. ~What would an eight have been, Nikne Kamuy?~

~If you had pattered her hand, maybe stroked her horn...~

~She's riding with my lover, Nikne Kamuy, and she belongs to aniki....oh, you're being perverted again.~

~You know, one of these days you'll pick up on stuff like that, little rainbow!~ His laughter is softened in your head, but you can imagine him bellowing it.

Though Yui keeps glancing at you, you ignore her concern for your health and how tired you might get. You're much more interested in the road itself. You can run at well over forty miles an hour, which is not terribly fast for one of your kind. But you can do it indefinitely, unlike the others, making it possible for you to set a speed and just go forever. A quick glance with Stone Eyes tells you there are no unusual people near the sewer opening, not along or in the walls. There is a squatter, but he's only human, unarmed, and elderly. He won't see anything of import.

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>>33185099
You do take one glance around, and then take a higher, longer leap towards the manhole cover. A quick glance is all you need to verify what you already knew, but you are thorough. You land lightly, and Yui slides the cloud up next to you. Kiki looks half frozen from the cool air. You offer your hand and help her down, carefully, making sure that all is well without her noticing a single thing.

~You sure as hell are thorough, I mean that last trick, with the tongue, that was~

~Nikne, stop.~

He shuts up quickly.

“I am sorry, oujo-sama, but we are going to get your clothing dirty, most likely. But you may have these.” You pull out a pair of knee length warm, thick, and waterproof black tabi, and some elbow length gloves of comparable design. “I do apologize.”

Yui opens the cover easily, the heavy weight nothing, and looks around inside with glowing eyes. “There's a homeless guy. He's normal. Old, sick, and drunk.”

You nod, watching Kiki dress, clearly trying not to think about what she is going to be doing shortly. You haven't the heart to tell her it's more than two miles before you leave the sewer.

[] Yui first, then Kiki, then you.
[] You, Kiki, then Yui.
[] You know there is no other solution that keeps Kiki safe.

>>33185120
>[] You, Kiki, then Yui.
Lead the pack.

>>33185120
[] You, Kiki, then Yui.

Keep her safe. Worst comes to worst, we distract, they run!

>>33185120
>[] You, Kiki, then Yui.

>>33185120
>[x] Yui first, then Kiki, then you.
No reason to argue this really.

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[X] You, Kiki, then Yui.
[] You know there is no other solution that keeps Kiki safe.

You don't bother with the ladder, but simply step into the hole, knowing without having to look how far the drop down is, how slick the surface of the concrete is, how the tunnels lie. It is like breathing, or moving your arm. You land lightly, your hand in front of your skirt to prevent giving the half-waking homeless man a show that is reserved strictly for Yui or your aniki (who hasn't taken the opportunity to see the show, sadly, though you carefully keep trying to arrange it). You glance up, and decide that it is safer if he sleeps.

You take a bean out of your pocket and flick it at the man's solar plexus. It hits and he grunts softly, and falls back gasping...then passes out. While you continue watching him, making sure is is still breathing and doesn't vomit, you hear Kiki-sama climbing down the ladder. She makes a soft whining noise, but the man doesn't stir. Leaving him be, you turn to the ladder, and look up, seeing a pair of very long, pale legs now in black knee-length tabi and simple zori, with delicate fuchsia pink scales along her knees and in a tiny scatter upon each thigh. And also white lace, and satin, nearly glowing in the dark. She seems to have lost half the length of her kimono.

[] Politely avert your eyes and step back, between her and the homeless man.
[] Step to the side, and offer her your hand, keeping an eye on the homeless fellow.
[] Step away and, compose yourself, and make sure the way is clear with Stone Eyes – though you can't use them for long down here, since you won't be able to see what you are walking on after a minute.

>>33185262
>[x] Perv
No? Alright then.
>[x] Step to the side, and offer her your hand, keeping an eye on the homeless fellow.

>>33185262
>(who hasn't taken the opportunity to see the show, sadly, though you carefully keep trying to arrange it)
We're working on it, okay?
Also, no option to perv on her? Fine.

>[] Step away and, compose yourself, and make sure the way is clear with Stone Eyes – though you can't use them for long down here, since you won't be able to see what you are walking on after a minute.

>>33185262
>[x] Don't avert your eyes, and step back, between her and the homeless man.

>>33185262
>[x] Step to the side, and offer her your hand, keeping an eye on the homeless fellow.

>>33185262
>[] Step to the side, and offer her your hand, keeping an eye on the homeless fellow.

>>33184449
>Nikne Kamuy, the spirit inside your treasured Jade Mask, is an oni god

What?

What.

WHAT

>[X] Stay close to the ground – running for you, slow cloud for Yui; then the sewers. They're advantageous to all three of you, but they only have limited escape routes otherwise.

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[X] Well, that slightly threw you off your game. They are pretty cute though.

They're actually very pretty, and they hug her body quite closely; she's one of the kind with a slightly plump look, especially emphasized by the satin. You didn't think she would be the kind to wear lingerie so fine under a kimono, especially with aniki still recovering, but apparently hope springs eternal.

You wonder if she can suggest something nice for you to try on later for Yui. You look awful wearing white.

The chuckle of the Oni-Mask's inhabitant in your head prompts you to step away and to the side. “Do you need help, oujo-sama?” You study the homeless man carefully, and then open your Stone Eyes. The feel of the stone you are surrounded by fades slowly, as does the stone itself. The earth does not, nor does the water (or what it carries). You try and look as far down the tunnel as you dare in either direction before you start to lose your sense of place.

“No, thank you, Akari-san. I am all right.” Her voice is particularly nasal; you don't particularly like the smell, but you've waded through so much worse. Pulling a small vial out of your pocket, you hold it out for her. She steps off the ladder, rather gracefully, and looks at the bottle. “Under your nose, each side. It will make you scent blind.”

>>33185557
Slowpoke

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>>33185578
She blinks a few times and then steps quickly away from the ladder, while taking the bottle. You immediately step to keep yourself between her and the homeless fellow, as she applies the sticky, pungently scented slave beneath her nose. The darkness increases as Yui closes the manhole cover, and you have to end your Stone Eyes. The good news is that there is no thing nearby that will be problematic, but that's only one quarter of a mile out of nine quarters.

Kiki offers the bottle to you but you hold up your hand. “It will wear off before we are through, you will need it again. I am sorry, but it is the safest way.”

[] You'll take the lead, and trust Yui with the rear....back....oh well. End guard. No, there really isn't a way to put that. Kiki can keep her hand on your shoulder.
[] Yui in front for now, you know the first quarter mile is clear. Kiki in front of you, and you can guide her if she can't see well.
[] Walk a little ways ahead, let Yui guide Kiki from....from behind. Nikne is just laughing at you now. Oh well. But that way if something surprises you you''ll have some room to work.

>>33185557
And to think Ryukusa turned it down.

>>33185616
>[x] You'll take the lead, and trust Yui with the rear....back....oh well. End guard. No, there really isn't a way to put that. Kiki can keep her hand on your shoulder.
Akari is even more lewd than I had anticipated from the write-ups!

>>33185616
[] Walk a little ways ahead, let Yui guide Kiki from....from behind. Nikne is just laughing at you now. Oh well. But that way if something surprises you you''ll have some room to work.

There's a reason it's called "taking point". Being the most dangerous position is only part of it!

>>33185616
>[] Walk a little ways ahead, let Yui guide Kiki from....from behind. Nikne is just laughing at you now. Oh well. But that way if something surprises you you''ll have some room to work.

>>33185616
>[] You'll take the lead, and trust Yui with the rear....back....oh well. End guard. No, there really isn't a way to put that. Kiki can keep her hand on your shoulder.

>>33185616
>[] You'll take the lead, and trust Yui with the rear....back....oh well. End guard. No, there really isn't a way to put that. Kiki can keep her hand on your shoulder.

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[X] You'll take the lead, and trust Yui with the rear....back....oh well. End guard. No, there really isn't a way to put that. Kiki can keep her hand on your shoulder.
[] Yui in front for now, you know the first quarter mile is clear. Kiki in front of you, and you can guide her if she can't see well.
[] Walk a little ways ahead, let Yui guide Kiki from....from behind. Nikne is just laughing at you now. Oh well. But that way if something surprises you you''ll have some room to work.

Yui, walk slightly behind oujo-sama. Use your ears, more than your eyes, but keep a good look out. Kiki, I want you to keep your hand on my left shoulder, all the time, and walk just to the side, near the wall.”

You are surprised at how easily Kiki takes to be being guarded, but aniki did say it was one of her stronger points. Then you are off, slowly but surely.

The going is slow, but not as slow as if you were humans. Between your ability to feel the stonework around you and the faint glow of Yui's eyes – there are no oni-born who cannot see in the dark – Kiki seems to be all right keeping her hand on your shoulder. “Do we have to be quiet?” murmurs Kiki softly.

“Not really.”

She relaxes slightly, and speaks – albeit quietly - “why this route? Were there less....floral options?”

>>33185820
Floral? Well, it is a polite term but really quite the wrong term. “Yes, but they had their own dangers. The subway would have required walking as well, and while the electrified rail was a good weapon, and there were lots of side exits, this sort of enclosed space make my techniques and Yui's powers very potent. Also, it is far less likely for us to be bothered.” Not because of the smell, though – that would be because many of the maps of the sewers are deliberately misfiles and mis[placed and slightly incorrect.

You can feel her relax as you speak, and Nikne barks laughter at you.

“There is a wider area up ahead. We can stop there and make a light if it will make you feel better.”

“Trust me, Kiki-sama, you prefer the dark in this place,” Yui pipes up.

“Oh, I'm not afraid of the dark. Light is much worse, as far as I am concerned. Mostly it's the lack of noise.”

….

You missed that. You lay your hand on Kiki's and stop, and Yui immediately stops, looking alertly about the place.

No rats. No spiders. No slime, really. Not much alive down here at all. It did rain a little, recently, but there should still be more life down here than not.

[] Stone Eyes, this time looking specifically for living things of a normal sort.
[] Wait a moment, in silence, and things will show up – they do tend not to like voices.
[] Well, you are two dragonettes and an oni – even vermin would leave with this much supernatural power in the area.

>>33185829
>[] Stone Eyes, this time looking specifically for living things of a normal sort.
>[] Wait a moment, in silence, and things will show up – they do tend not to like voices.

>>33185829
>[x] Stone Eyes, this time looking specifically for living things of a normal sort.

>>33185829
[] Stone Eyes, this time looking specifically for living things of a normal sort.

Kiki getting the problem faster than Akari and Yui. I'm frightened...

>>33185829
>[] Stone Eyes, this time looking specifically for living things of a normal sort.

>>33185829
>[X] Stone Eyes, this time looking specifically for living things of a normal sort.

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[X] Stone Eyes, this time looking specifically for living things of a normal sort.
[] Wait a moment, in silence, and things will show up – they do tend not to like voices.
[] Well, you are two dragonettes and an oni – even vermin would leave with this much supernatural power in the area.

Stone Eyes open, you study quickly the area nearby. The side openings leading to grates along the street sides, the very edges of the slimy, muddy stream. It takes some doing but eventually you find the occasional rat, some worms, and even the occasional toad. More than a few centipedes. That last would definitely explain the lack of spiders.

Relaxing you pat her hand and walk forward, calmer now. The rain must have chased them out of the central area, and the larger of the Japanese centipedes have no issues eating rats if the rat doesn't stay out of its way.

~Earthly creatures and you really do get along, don't you?~

~Yes.~

A rude snort. ~A little more effort, if you please?~

~I like the mukade. They're not afraid of me and I can hold them and even pet them if I'm careful. They're not as fragile as the other animals.~

~Nor is your little fling, there....~

~There isn't anything of a fling about this. She loves me, Nikne Kamuy. And I do love her. But Ryukusa~

~Is Ryukusa. Yes, I think I have that engraved in my forehead, thank you.~

~You keep saying~

“Akari-chan....what is THAT?”

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>>33186165
The terror in Kiki's voice is quite palpable, and her hand has tightened on your shoulder enough to hurt. Wood dragon. You'll have to keep that in mind, she can actually hurt you iff you're not careful.

“Fucking goddamn sonuvabitch.”

That's really not a good sign. You look around carefully. You're almost at the side tunnel station, where it gets diverted down the mountainside to the main city lines. That was where you planned of stopping so Kiki could rest for a little while. There is a large pile of school desks and chairs off to the corner of the maintenance area, next to the much larger tunnel leading from higher up the hill and mountainside.

Part of the problem with being a Stone dragonette is you really are a more earthly sort of being, and have a harder time seeing pas veils and Barriers. Nikne Kamuy's distraction of you didn't help matters. You stare hard and long at the desks and chairs, and it slowly resolves itself into something more sinister, and much, much more dangerous. A youkai.

“A mukade youkai,” you reply softly. The massive centipede spirit is piled into the corner, the huge head pointed in your direction, the antennae twisting and curling slowly. You can see it's eyes, clusters of small, dark globules, and the wicked mouth-parts, and the venomous stingers on either side of it's mouth.

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>>33186187
“I...didn't think that centipedes could get that big....”

“It's a fucking youkai, it can be as big as it fucking wants.”

Well, since it's more than a mile in, you're not surprised you didn't spot it earlier. You suspect several people have gone missing in this sewer, maybe children, probably workers, undoubtedly homeless people. Still, it's not moving much....oh. She's guarding her eggs, a huge cluster of shining silvery spheres under her body. This is a good thing – as long as she doesn't think you're going to harm them.

[] Step closer, and stay between Yui and Kiki and it as they walk along the edge of the platform furthest from the creature, keeping your arms spread wide, guarding them, and making sure they won't “try for the eggs.” It can't really hurt you unless it poisons you.
[] You can exit from here, if it will let you climb up the ladder here, which will let you avoid having to go past it. You can't stay between them and it for the last half of the climb, though, so if it attacks, you will HAVE to kill it first.
[] You could make an offering to it – if Kiki doesn't mind giving up a finger for a few hours, and Yui doesn't mind losing a little skin. You just have to bleed, trying to leave a piece of yourself would take to long. An offering will ensure safe passage but takes time.

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>>33186211
[] Step closer, and stay between Yui and Kiki and it as they walk along the edge of the platform furthest from the creature, keeping your arms spread wide, guarding them, and making sure they won't “try for the eggs.” It can't really hurt you unless it poisons you.

"Why, hello there..."

>>33186211
>[] Step closer, and stay between Yui and Kiki and it as they walk along the edge of the platform furthest from the creature, keeping your arms spread wide, guarding them, and making sure they won't “try for the eggs.” It can't really hurt you unless it poisons you.

>>33186211
>[] Step closer, and stay between Yui and Kiki and it as they walk along the edge of the platform furthest from the creature, keeping your arms spread wide, guarding them, and making sure they won't “try for the eggs.” It can't really hurt you unless it poisons you.

>>33186211
>[X] Step closer, and stay between Yui and Kiki and it as they walk along the edge of the platform furthest from the creature, keeping your arms spread wide, guarding them, and making sure they won't “try for the eggs.” It can't really hurt you unless it poisons you.

Damn quiet today. I guess it's because the colonies are busy celebrating their degeneration into hedonism and corruption.

>>33186468
Yep. I expected it though.

[X] Step closer, and stay between Yui and Kiki and it as they walk along the edge of the platform furthest from the creature, keeping your arms spread wide, guarding them, and making sure they won't “try for the eggs.” It can't really hurt you unless it poisons you.

“Gomennasai gozaimasu,” you murmur softly, and bow politely to the massive beast. It probably isn't intelligent, it might not even be sentient as you understand such things, but it cannot hurt to be very polite.

“Kiki, Yui. I want you to hold hands, and stay behind me. Move very slowly, and keep your arms low, Don't look at the bottom part, just look at the head, if you have to look at her.”

“H....her?” Kiki's voice is very, very small.

“Yes. She has eggs, and if she thinks we are going to steal any she will eat us. If she attacks me, I will keep her busy, and you two run down the tunnel and up the nearest escape you can.”

“Akari-chan, can you hold that....” At your sidelong glance Yui lowers her head, a quick bow. “Gomen.”

Taking a single step closer, you raise your arms, spreading them wide. She lifts her head up and pulls back slightly, but you feel Yui place her hand on your hip. You slowly, carefully keep yourself interposed between the gigantic mukade and Ryukusa's important person, and your lover. Your arms making it clear that these are yours just like the eggs are hers. The massive head follows your movement, the antennae slowly twisting and curling.

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>>33186498
She lunges several feet forward; you take a single half step towards her and stop moving.

It is several feet away still, but both Yui and Kiki have frozen. Slowly, the antennae extend, curling, twisting slowly. It reaches for you with them, the useless eyes hidden under the armor of her head.

[] Don't let the feelers touch you. Try and get the others moving again.
[] Let her feel you. She's just curious. If she were hungry you'd already be under attack.
[] Tell the others to run and give her a slap on the head to daze her. You don't have to kill her just discourage her heavily.

>>33186519
[x] Let her feel you. She's just curious. If she were hungry you'd already be under attack.

>>33186519

[] Let her feel you. She's just curious. If she were hungry you'd already be under attack.

Stone STRONK! Stay wary of sudden movements though, and ready to react.

>>33186519
>[] Let her feel you. She's just curious. If she were hungry you'd already be under attack.

>>33186519
>[x] Let her feel you. She's just curious. If she were hungry you'd already be under attack.

>>33186519
>[X] Let her feel you. She's just curious. If she were hungry you'd already be under attack.

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[X] Let her feel you. She's just curious. If she were hungry you'd already be under attack.

You stay still as the slow, careful coiling orange tentacles of chitin slides through the air toward you. The first one to touch recoils slightly, the other not reacting, as if they were two separate entities. You wait patiently, and the cool, slick, almost glassy touch caresses your cheek, slides though your hair. It touches the mask, and recoils again, the power of the treasure unpleasant to the youkai.

It takes a long moment for the tendrils to reach you again, and they slowly slide over your cheeks, your lips, caress your horns. Remaining rock steady, you let her investigate you, while Kiki makes a high pitched whining noise of terror deep in her throat as one slides across your throat, plucking at the soft material of your jacket.

She pulls back slowly, curling more securely around her eggs, and then seems to settle down, ignoring you. You take the half-step back and Yui's hand grabs the side of your jacket tightly. You can feel her shaking, though her voice is steady as she asks, “Can we leave now, please, Akari-sempai?”

“Slowly.”

You match pace as they start walking slowly towards the other tunnel, the journey taking a million years, and about a minute.

~You got some fucking ball of iron, bitch.~

~I'm a girl, Nikne Kamuy.~

~Don't fucking care, you still got bigger balls than any ten oni.~

You stop and run your hand over Kiki's hair, stroking it softly, trying to soothe her as her breaths come too quick and too fast. Yui is shaking like a leaf, and you reach for her, take her hand. Her finger immediately curl with yours and she squeezes, hard enough to break anyone else's hand.

[] Tell them that everything is really okay, they are safe. It's true.
[] Well, she didn't eat us all, so that turned out well.
[] Kiki, stop breathing so hard, you're going to make yourself ill.

>>33186875
>>[] Tell them that everything is really okay, they are safe. It's true.
>[] Kiki, stop breathing so hard, you're going to make yourself ill.

>>33186875
>[X] Tell them that everything is really okay, they are safe. It's true.
>[X] Kiki, stop breathing so hard, you're going to make yourself ill.

>>33186875
[] Tell them that everything is really okay, they are safe. It's true.

Problem solving, Akari-style! Less flashy than Ryukusa-style, but just as efficient!

>>33186875
>[X] Well, she didn't eat us all, so that turned out well.
>[X] Kiki, stop breathing so hard, you're going to make yourself ill.

>>33186875
>[] Well, she didn't eat us all, so that turned out well.
>[] Kiki, stop breathing so hard, you're going to make yourself ill.

>>33186875
>[] Tell them that everything is really okay, they are safe. It's true.
>[] Kiki, stop breathing so hard, you're going to make yourself ill.

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[X] These silly spirit-born. It's only a giant centipede youkai.

“We all safe. She won't hurt us, she was just curious. We're okay. She won't follow us.”

Yui's laugh is a little too high pitched, a little too nervous. “Well, she didn't eat us all. I think that turned out well.” Yui's stutter is adorable, and you really would enjoy it more if Kiki wasn't startling make a very weird whistling noise when she exhales.

You quickly gather Kiki's hair and move it away from her face with your free hand, the other behind you, gripped tightly by your sweetheart. “Please, oujo-sama, try and control your breath. You will make yourself sick.” She nods, and then looks pale, and slowly sinks to her knees, her eyes shut tightly and her breaths coming in low, high pitched moans.

You squeeze Yui's hand tight and she lets go, as you step closer to Kiki.

Gripping her shoulder hard, you tighten your grip in her hair. She gasps, her head held up as you “We don't have time for you to be ill, Kiki. Ryukusa is waiting for us. We need to reach her.” She reaches up, grips the hand that grips her shoulder, not in pain or to pry your fingers loose, but to let you know she hears you, that she can handle this. You whisper more softly, “Ryukusa would be proud of you, for having stood there with me. Most people would have run.

“I sure as fuck wanted to scream and run in terror,” states Yui with vehemence.

Kiki gives a soft, strangled laugh, and you relax your grips, and let her hair fall along her shoulders. You gently brush the silken pink locks, and whisper one final reassurance. “Ryukusa is waiting. We have to go.” She nods and stands up, taking quick, hard breaths and pushing them out, steeling herself. You're actually fairly proud of her. You screamed like a little girl the first time you saw a youkai.

Of course, you WERE a little girl, about seven, but still.

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>>33187306
You know Ryukusa would have been impressed because she had been with you for not running. Screaming was fine by her.

Yui grabs your hand and you let her, turning to face her as Kiki collects her scattered wits. “Akari-chan, don't you ever do anything like that again.”

“I can't promise that, Yui. It's my duty.”

Yui closes her eyes, and lowers her head, and then brings your hand up to her lips, and kisses the soft skin between your knuckles lightly. You drop your eyes, and pull her close, your hand stroking her thick hair, and resting your forehead against hers. “Gomennasai. I didn't want to scare you.” She nods, making your head tilt back and forth slightly. “Okay?” She shakes her head and you touch her cheek with the back of your free hand. “Liar.” She laughs shakily. “We have to go now.” they both nod and you rearrange the party slightly.

>>33187357
Deciding that you being between them and the mukade youkai is the better option you let Yui lead, and you place your hand on Kiki's shoulder. Yui picks up the pace, and the socialite doesn't put up any resistance or argument at all. A half hour later you are climbing up the latter and exiting the sewers, emerging into the residential district of Akabisho.

Clouds have come up, and Yui immediately looks alarmed. “This isn't natural at all.”

You locate the problem almost instantly – an oni, descending from a cloud. There's no doubt in your mind he tracked Yui through magic – cloud riding, obviously Void since he has red skin. There is only one problem.

He's huge. Fifteen feet tall. With oni, stature isn't just size – it's literally stature. He's not like Kurao Buso, he's a major power serving the Rain god. Yui hasn't spotted him, nor has Kiki. He may have located you, but he hasn't actually seen you yet, he's still in the clouds – water is not an obscurement for you.

[] Tell Yui to Hide with Kiki – you'll keep him distracted until Ryukusa finds you all.
[] Hide with Kiki and Yui, there's a railway station nearby, that will give you lots of things to work with.
[] Keep them close, for the moment, it's safer if you know exactly where they are. He'll be down in a moment.

>>33187375
[] Keep them close, for the moment, it's safer if you know exactly where they are. He'll be down in a moment.

Let's hold our ground for now. He was only supposed to come and challenge at the end of the week.

Yes, I know he'll beat us into the ground, but Akari doesn't know that yet!

>>33187375
>[X] Tell Yui to Hide with Kiki – you'll keep him distracted until Ryukusa finds you all.

>>33187375
>[] Tell Yui to Hide with Kiki – you'll keep him distracted until Ryukusa finds you all.

>>33187375
>[] Tell Yui to Hide with Kiki – you'll keep him distracted until Ryukusa finds you all.
This sounds like a great plan

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[X] Tell Yui to Hide with Kiki – you'll keep him distracted until Ryukusa finds you all.
[] Hide with Kiki and Yui, there's a railway station nearby, that will give you lots of things to work with.
[] Keep them close, for the moment, it's safer if you know exactly where they are. He'll be down in a moment.

“I see a very tall red skinned oni. He has a samurai sword held upside down at his side, and a massive metal club, I think of iron. He had nice robes, but they are well worn. He has two horns.” You rattle off what you see, hoping Yui can identify him for you.

“That is my uncle Goto. He serves as Kuroukami's keeper of titles and major domo.” Yui sounds frightened, but relatively calm. There is also a distinct twitch along her eyes, and she keeps running her thumb along the knuckles of her right hand, back and forth, back and forth. The hand someone might hit with a stick or a ruler for touching what was disallowed.

Suddenly, you really don't want to just talk to this oni.

“Take Kiki, Keep her safe, hide somewhere he can't reach you, even if it means going back into the sewers.” There is a rumble, and a huge barrier, encompassing at least ten city blocks, falls over the world. You turn on Yui who is starting to speak, her head lowered, her thumb sliding back and forth along her knuckles like a metronome, tears in her eyes. Grabbing her, you shake her twice, startling her. “Hide. Use your magic, hide somewhere he can't reach you. I won't let him touch you ever again.” Your voice is raw, hoarse with emotion, and you can see the blaze of your magma red eyes across Yui's pale cheeks.

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>>33187677
“Ryukusa owns you. You keep ~her~ safe.” You point at Kiki, and you spare her a glance....and you see her looking at Yui with sympathy. Not pity – sympathy, the kind that only someone with a similar experience can have.” She's the most important person. Take care of her, and Ryukusa will rescue us all.” But it's Kiki you are talking to now, not Yui. Kiki nods, the steel you saw before coming back.

“Where can we hide, Yui?” She asks, her fingers resting on Yui's shoulder. Yui jerks, and then relaxes, her fear fading as she remembers her duty.

“The subway, over there....”

Summoning a cloud, Yui and Kiki whisk away, leaving you with....fifteen feet of giant oni, with the power of voice, a massive iron club, a samurai sword, and chains. His robes are not stained, he isn't actually in chains, and he stands tall, and strong. The servant of a god. Slowly he descends upon the world; he has not yet seen you. He steps off his cloud, some hundred feet away, facing the wrong direction for the moment.

[] To yourself: “Please hurry, Ryukusa-aniki. I need you.” To him: “I spoke with Kurao Buso. It has not been five days yet, you are too early, Kurao Goto.”
[] To Nikne Kamuy: “What is his weakness?” Move to a more advantageous location away from the others and call him out.
[] To Ryukusa: “Ame-no-Horobi-no-Mikado, please protect me.” To him: “Hold! I am Hebiki Akari of Clan Ryo! You shall not pass!”

>>33187703
>[] To yourself: “Please hurry, Ryukusa-aniki. I need you.” To him: “I spoke with Kurao Buso. It has not been five days yet, you are too early, Kurao Goto.”
But also ask Nikne Kamuy

>>33187703
[] To yourself: “Please hurry, Ryukusa-aniki. I need you.” To him: “I spoke with Kurao Buso. It has not been five days yet, you are too early, Kurao Goto.”
[] To Nikne Kamuy: “What is his weakness?” Move to a more advantageous location away from the others and call him out.

These two.

>>33187703
>[] To yourself: “Please hurry, Ryukusa-aniki. I need you.” To him: “I spoke with Kurao Buso. It has not been five days yet, you are too early, Kurao Goto.”
Obey the timeline fucker.

>>33187703
>[] To yourself: “Please hurry, Ryukusa-aniki. I need you.” To him: “I spoke with Kurao Buso. It has not been five days yet, you are too early, Kurao Goto.”
>[] To Nikne Kamuy: “What is his weakness?” Move to a more advantageous location away from the others and call him out.

>>33187703
>[x] To yourself: “Please hurry, Ryukusa-aniki. I need you.” To him: “I spoke with Kurao Buso. It has not been five days yet, you are too early, Kurao Goto.”
Yep!

>>33187703
>[] To yourself: “Please hurry, Ryukusa-aniki. I need you.” To him: “I spoke with Kurao Buso. It has not been five days yet, you are too early, Kurao Goto.”
>[] To Nikne Kamuy: “What is his weakness?” Move to a more advantageous location away from the others and call him out.

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[X] To yourself: “Please hurry, Ryukusa-aniki. I need you.” To him: “I spoke with Kurao Buso. It has not been five days yet, you are too early, Kurao Goto.”
[X] To Nikne Kamuy: “What is his weakness?” Move to a more advantageous location away from the others and call him out.

~What weaknesses does he have, Nikne Kamuy?~

~Aside from beans? None.~

~Truly?~

~He is the servant of a god, Akari. He's a divine messenger. His element is Void, so he is not weak to you there, and he's old – at least three hundred years. And he's important. So, I'm afraid he doesn't have any.~

~Arigatou, Nikne Kamuy. I am going to place you somewhere safe so you don't get hurt.~

~Pah! Sacrifice me!~

~....what?~

~Sacrifice me you stupid little lizard! Let him smash me across your body. He doesn't have any weaknesses, but I can at least protect you, for having kept me safe and kept me company. It won't kill me, i'll just wander about for a bit, maybe go visit Yomi for a while, say hello to a few friends. I'll be fine!~

~But Nikne....you're my friend.~

There is a long moment of silence in your mind.

~Hai. And as your friend, I am asking...live for your friends and loved ones, my little Akari. Sacrifice me, and I shall return to you one day. Maybe Ryukusa can give you a child, and I can be her uncle.~

You can't cry, but you know when you want to. ~Hai, ojisan. I will look forward to presenting you to my daughter.~

~Now, little girl with iron balls, let's go kick some divine butler.~

Can onis die from having peas thrown at them?

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You gather yourself, and root your power deep in the earth, drawing from that infinite strength as much as she will spare for you. You flex your hands and feel your claws grow slightly, your eyes burning with the dark fires of the earth. You leap up, soaring several hundred feet, landing lightly behind him, no more than thirty feet away – ad in a direction off from where he is looking and from where your companions vanished towards. Let him guess whatever he likes.

“Hurry, aniki. I need you now, my Ryukusa.” you whisper the prayer reverently, hoping she hears it, wherever she may be. Then you stand up, taking off the beloved mask you have spend most of your life with – in fact, almost as long as you have been with your aniki. “KURAO GOTO.” He turns, his stern visage gazing down at you with annoyance. “I told your brother Kurao Buso to return in a week. You are five days too early – go back home.”

He sets his massive club down and gazes at you calmly. “I have been told by Kurao Yui's father to fetch the little snot back home. I mean to do so, regardless of my idiot brother's claims.”

“Ryuu Ryukusa isn't ready to speak with you yet. In five days, she will be ready to speak with you. Please, you are too early. Let it pass for these few days.” You bow politely....not taking your eyes off him for a second.

“Or what, little snake?”

[] Show him what. He asked.
[] Tell him what. Make it sound good.
[] Plead once more – that means that whatever it is is REALLY bad. And you want to do REALLY bad things to this person.
[] Barrier Combat.

>>33188108
White beans, uncooked.

Yes, Akari has some.

>>33188133
>[x] Plead once more – that means that whatever it is is REALLY bad. And you want to do REALLY bad things to this person.

>>33188133

[] Show him what. He asked.

BEAN HO!

>>33188080
;_;7

>>33188133
>[] Show him what. He asked.
What? He did.

>>33188133
>[X] Show him what. He asked.

Might as well try the beans.

>>33188133
>[x] Plead once more – that means that whatever it is is REALLY bad. And you want to do REALLY bad things to this person.

>>33188133
>[] Plead once more – that means that whatever it is is REALLY bad. And you want to do REALLY bad things to this person.

>>33188133
>>33188133
>[x] Plead once more – that means that whatever it is is REALLY bad. And you want to do REALLY bad things to this person.
It is good diplomacy to give them three warnings.

>>33188133
>[] Plead once more – that means that whatever it is is REALLY bad. And you want to do REALLY bad things to this person.

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[X] Show him what. He asked.
[X] Plead once more – that means that whatever it is is REALLY bad. And you want to do REALLY bad things to this person.

“I beg for you to reconsider this matter! My aniki is willing to discuss the return of Kurao Yui to her family, but only in person....I have not the permission to speak on her behalf, as I am sure you can understand.” He grunts and thrusts his chin at you. “I humbly request that you return in four days, - she will surely understand the significance.”

His eyes narrow, and he grins, his tusks gleaming. “I can believe that she would. But no, little silver-tonged dragon girl. I mean to take my niece home. I know she is here, so begone, lest I smash you to a paste so fine you will be good for nothing but decorating the walls.”

“Then I must honor your previous request.” You bow deeply, Nikne Kamuy held before your chest with one hand....and the other dropping a handful of beans into your palm from the sleeve's inner pocket.

“Eh, what's that?”

“I must show you 'what'.” You rise from your bow, and hurl the handful of beans with all your strength.

He whips the club up, deflecting most of the beans – one tears through his left trapezoid, and another gouges his right arm and he leans into the massive club. Each bean leaves a divot in the metal,. Their spiritual power evident even against his club. Before you can blink he steps up and sweeps his club down at you. You barely manage to bring Nikne Kamuy you your chest in time to shatter under the massive blow, which drives a spike into your chest, and smashes you through two walls, shards of jade spilling from your hand.

To your surprise, you breathe easily, the blow that should have killed you only winding you. You leave a message for Ryukusa in the gravel, and push yourself away from the wall.

Time to give him some of what he gave his niece....and then some.

>End Akari's Run - Ryukuza Quest Continues Monday!

Sorry I can't continue any further. I hope you enjoyed this little side story staring Akari.

>>33188438
Noice. Thanks for running. See you Monday, though I wish it was sooner.

>>33188474
I enjoyed it immensely.

>>33188474

Eh, no problem. Thanks for running, and see you monday.

>>33188474
Thanks for the thread, it was nice.

>>33188438
Thanks for running! Looking forward to resuming properly on Monday!