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>>38605236
The sorcerer Julian, on the other hand, is a real problem. His agenda isn't completely ruined yet, but there's very little he can do to put it back on schedule he can only keep it on the tracks. While Water Eyes can't tell you what those tracks are, every little thing you can find out puts cracks in his plans and wears down his defenses. The Japanese girl he's trapped in the angel-shell is just a tool, and his acolytes are expendable assets, though together with his power they might constitute a threat to you and yours; they are an incredibly high threat to the already unbalanced Wakaba. He's managed to kill cat youkai, and significantly harm or kill nogitsune-born spirit children. He won't hesitate to kill you either, but he's certain he's not capable of that. It's sufficient, in his mind, to delay you.

Inau-san is hidden away in a tree nearby, ready to loose her arrows at any target you designate, while Yuuhi-chan is backing you up, making sure the angel-creature doesn't slip past Hidesato-san, who has been fighting the angel in your stead as her penance for the crimes she's committed against you. The demigod sorceress is aware that there is a mortal inside it, because she's purposefully avoided taking any kill shots so far. The angel is shaking, caught between obeying its master and turning on him now and Hidesato is also paused, waiting for it to react or you to give her a direction. Shoko-san is managing to keep Wakaba from transforming into a youkai, and is sitting cross-legged near the stone dragonette, who is once again leaning heavily on her drawn daisho. The fact that the oni-chick has managed to keep Wakaba sane and calm is damn impressive, given she's the weaker Water element to Wakaba's Stone.

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>>38605257
Cleverness counts, and right now you have positional and numerical advantages. Julian isn't a pushover, but he's in a bad place. You don't know anything about what other tricks he may have up his sleeve though....

[] Reiterate the fact that a sorcerer, even one with backup, is no match for a dragonette.
[] See if you can use Matagama-no-Shitoki to break the spell that makes the angel.
[] Take Julian down as quickly as possible and pry some answers out of him.
[] Have Inau-san make sure the acolytes are out of the fight for good – she won't kill though.
[] Taunt Julian into trying his hand against you, see if you can make him spill secrets or power.

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Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/38513360/

Interlude: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/37879167/

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

Kiki's Gift (R-18): http://pastebin.com/sLP3NcbC

Aniki, Senpai, and Me (R-18): http://pastebin.com/U1AxYhxK

Kiku, the shortest, is 5' 1" for ever and ever. Lesbian submissive.
Akari is 5' 3", and has another few inches to grow. Sexuality is weird, switch, cosplayer.
Yui is 5' 4" and will only grow due to circumstances beyond her control (though she will be able to change her size, being Void oni). Dyke, switch.
Kiki is 5' 6", and is at full growth. Bisexual bottom.
Ryukusa is tall at 5' 8", but this becomes 6' in her true form. She is fully grown. Lesbian top.
Er Yin is the tallest at 5' 10" and is fully grown. Lesbian dominant.
Jinyuu is 5' 7" but persistently hovers an extra three inches above the ground or floor because of her nature as a seer. Straight.
Hinata-hakase is 6' 3". Sexuality is terrifying.
Hidesato is 5' 5". Straight.
Kushinada is 5' 8". Straighter.
Taisho Ryoga is 5' 9". Who knows.
Hyun Chisato is 5' 4”, and is fully grown. Lolicon with plausible deniability.
Rie is 8” tall or 5' 5”, and is fully cat. Her sexuality is cat.
Ryuu Wakaba is 5' 6" and is fully grown. Straight dominant.
Hagyu Genso is 12' 5” standing upright. He is by and large gay.
Mizumi Shoko is 7' 2”, is fully grown. Bisexual top.
Yuuhi is 4'11” and is fully grown. Yuuhi a cute.
Tokei Isusangi, Inau-san is 5' 3”....
Reiha is 5' 5 1/2”, and is milfy.
Peta is 3' 2”. Peta is \>.</
>Talismans:
Akari – Centipede
Er Yin – Scorpion
Kiki – Toad
Kiku – Lizard
Yui – Snake
Ryukusa – Matagama-no-Shitoki

>>38605272
>[] Take Julian down as quickly as possible and pry some answers out of him.
>[] Have Inau-san make sure the acolytes are out of the fight for good – she won't kill though.

>>38605272
>[] Take Julian down as quickly as possible and pry some answers out of him.
>[] Have Inau-san make sure the acolytes are out of the fight for good – she won't kill though.

>>38605272
Wooo Ryukusa!
[x] Reiterate the fact that a sorcerer, even one with backup, is no match for a dragonette.
[x] See if you can use Matagama-no-Shitoki to break the spell that makes the angel.
[x] Have Inau-san make sure the acolytes are out of the fight for good – she won't kill though.

>>38605272
>[] Reiterate the fact that a sorcerer, even one with backup, is no match for a dragonette.
>[] See if you can use Matagama-no-Shitoki to break the spell that makes the angel.
>[] Have Inau-san make sure the acolytes are out of the fight for good – she won't kill though.
>[] Taunt Julian into trying his hand against you, see if you can make him spill secrets or power.

>>38605272
>[] Reiterate the fact that a sorcerer, even one with backup, is no match for a dragonette.
>[] Take Julian down as quickly as possible and pry some answers out of him.
>[] Have Inau-san make sure the acolytes are out of the fight for good – she won't kill though.
Oh, this started earlier than expected.

>>38605272

>Try to break the Angel spell

>Have Inau take her shot at Julian.

>Dispatch him instantly if it seems that he might escape the huntress's power

>Have Yuuhi (and Hidesato if the angel is destroyed) take care of the false priest's allies in a non-lethal and minimaly harmful manner.

>Go help Wakaba

No delay

>>38605272
[] See if you can use Matagama-no-Shitoki to break the spell that makes the angel.
[] Take Julian down as quickly as possible and pry some answers out of him.
[] Reiterate the fact that a sorcerer, even one with backup, is no match for a dragonette.
[] Have Inau-san make sure the acolytes are out of the fight for good – she won't kill though.

I think Julian's plan involve making spirit-children go nova with the exorcism, and then steal power from them.

XS did say that sorcery was the reverse of power-boosting.

Also, I asked someone in the last voice acting thread to voice a few sentences of last thread:

http://vocaroo.com/i/s1AqiYYp1QXw

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[XX] Reiterate the fact that a sorcerer, even one with backup, is no match for a dragonette.
[XX] See if you can use Matagama-no-Shitoki to break the spell that makes the angel.
[X] Take Julian down as quickly as possible and pry some answers out of him.
[XXX] Have Inau-san make sure the acolytes are out of the fight for good – she won't kill though.
[+] Get ready to off the stupid sorcerer and hurry things along, you have a dragonette to save.

You quickly make a couple of gestures, suggestive of murderous intent directed at the foursome of young men and women who were using their power at the Monsignor's behest to perform an exorcism on Ryuu Wakaba. They're basic ones, not those of Clan Ryo, but Inau-san takes the hint, and very quickly all four are sporting an arrow each from soft thighs or the upper arms. Their cries of pain and shock alarm Father Boohr, who looks shocked you'd assault helpless people, while Father Julian bares his teeth and clutches the tiny book in his hands.

“They're just ecclesiastic students, they're no threat to you!” decries Father Boohr in protest.

You move quickly but Julian is prepared for you and leaps over your coiling tail, and manages to block your grabs with a passable form of aikido, counter-locking and then disengaging as quickly as possible. He's clearly aware that you're stronger than he is....which is interesting. How would a foreign sorcerer know that? You were careful not to demonstrate anything of that sort. He quickly sidesteps your thrust-kick and yanks out several pages from his booklet, hurling them at you.

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>>38606002
They burst into bright white fire when they get close, which doesn't hurt you. You may not be harmed by sorcery directly with Matagama-no-Shitoki, but it does blind you for a few seconds – long enough for Julian to sweep up the sword and make a more than passable thrust with it. But his technique is all wrong for a Western broadsword....he's using Japanese swordsmanship stances and moves. Not that it matters, since you let the blade skitter off the back of your left hand. Well, not that the results matter. The style means everything.

“They'll live – they're passing out because of the poison on the arrows. I hope none of them suffers from hypertension though.” Yuuhi steps forward and parallels you, as you both start to circle the 'Monsignor'. “Sorcerers are much more dangerous in groups. One is more than enough trouble for me. Especially one who was taught in Japan.” You narrow your eyes. “Tatsumi-ryu, with yawara grappling techniques....not standard for most Jesuits, I suspect.”

He thrusts at you and you sidestep, allowing him to attempt a diagonal cut, which you immediately counter with another left-handed slap to the blade which very nearly topples him. “You're a sorcerer, not a Kaga warrior....” His eyes harden and his expression is suddenly set in stone. Your heart clenches in your breast. “You ARE Clan Kaja...of all the stupid....”

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>>38606022
That changes the situation drastically – if Clan Kaja was out to distract you by killing cat youkai and nogitsune-born, then that means either the Hojo Group, Clan Kaja, or Taisho Ryoga himself was planning on making a move on Kiki-hime while Julian kept you busy elsewhere! They couldn't have known about Wakaba....you sprang the trap weeks ahead of time by accident!

[] Have Inau put him down, you go deal with Wakaba right away.
[] Have Yuuhi-chan take him out while you go help Hidesato.
[] Take Julian out, have Yuuhi-chan help Hidesato.
[] Put the Angel down, Inau and Yuuhi take out Julian.
[] ….Time To Get Dangerous. Wait, wasn't that....nevermind.

>>38605998
>http://vocaroo.com/i/s1AqiYYp1QXw
Added to the character list.

If Ryukusa was a guy, that would totally be her.

>>38605998
Haha, that voice. Nice.
>>38606051
>[x] Take Julian out, have Yuuhi-chan help Hidesato.

>>38606051
>[x] Put the Angel down, Inau and Yuuhi take out Julian.
Poor angel-chan.

>>38606051

>Let's get dangerous
>Have Yuuhi-chan help us fight Julian for extra quick victory (don't rush needlessly, though)

>Then go help Wakaba


>>38606069

Thanks! I figured she had a very low voice, especially when in a Barrier.

>>38606051
[] Have Inau put him down, you go deal with Wakaba right away.
[] ….Time To Get Dangerous. Wait, wasn't that....nevermind.
[] Take Julian out, have Yuuhi-chan help Hidesato.

>>38606051
>>38606181
Supporting this!

>>38606051
[x] ….Time To Get Dangerous. Wait, wasn't that....nevermind.
[x] Take Julian out, have Yuuhi-chan help Hidesato.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZAEe5811Yo

Ben-To.

>>38606051
>[] Put the Angel down, Inau and Yuuhi take out Julian.
Can we try to dispel the angel curse thing and help the poor girl?

>>38606051
>[] Take Julian out, have Yuuhi-chan help Hidesato.
would dealing with the sorcerer also deal with his puppet?

>>38606390
Yes, but the threat to Kiki-hime is primary. They will take advantage of this soon, and we should be ready to return immediately.

>>38606051
>[x] Have Yuuhi put him down, Inau help Hidesato, you go deal with Wakaba right away.

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[X] ….Time To Get Dangerous. Wait, wasn't that....nevermind.
[X] Have Inau put him down, you go deal with Wakaba right away.
[X] Take Julian out, have Yuuhi-chan help Hidesato.

….you no longer have time for this.

“Yuuhi-chan, help Hidesato.” Even as you lift your right hand and bring it down to point at Julian's shoulder, Yuuhi is a blur of white and chocolate, her daisho lashing out in wide arcs and deadly slashes. Hidesato is startled but recovers quickly, and between her naginata and Yuuhi's daisho, that would-be angel is helplessly embroiled in a fight to survive.

“INAU!” You block the sword he thrusts at you, and immediately three shafts are in flight and he's bringing up the sword to deflect them and defend himself against your counterattack simultaneously. You track the flights, even as you sink low to the ground and swirl around him, twitching your tail out of the way of the sword as it descends towards you. As expected, he blocks the first of Inau's arrows, dodges the second, but the third arrow plunges into his right side, a gut shot that won't have any lasting repercussions.

The fact that you've just put your hand through his back, torn his heart out, and are now holding it in your hand for him to see will have some very long lasting repercussions.

Your admonition is hardly more than a whisper: “You should have surrendered.” He chokes, blood foaming from his mouth and pouring down his chest. “I sincerely hope your people haven't tried to take advantage of this, because if so, there will be heaven to pay.” Water Eyes reveals all you need to know: they know about Wakaba – but not about you. You nod, and he expires; you let his ghost pass to Yomi unmolested.

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>>38606718
You let the corpse drop to the ground and look at the shell-shocked Catholic priest. “I'm telling you exactly ONCE: Leave the Japanese spirits alone, or I will be back. This impostor doesn't reflect on you – he's a spy and a liar, and was never a member of your congregation.” You call upon Matagama-no-Shitoki and expel Father Boohr from your Barrier forcibly, leaving him with minimal evidence of your presence.

A moment's thought to wash all the blood away, and you slowly approach Wakaba and Shoko-san, cautiously taking a circular route around them and giving Wakaba plenty of space. When you get close to Shoko-san, she glances up at you, and offers you the jar of sake she's been drinking from. You take it, but your attention is fully upon Wakaba. She's not injured, though there's a lot of blood; undoubtedly humans and spirit-children who got in her way when the sorcerer turned them against each other. Water Eyes show her in a great deal of pain; her mind is very badly damaged, in ways that may not be reparable, and her spiritual essences are thoroughly corrupted after absorbing so many prayers.

On the plus side, Yuuhi-chan and Hidesato-san are tending to the unconscious Japanese girl who was trapped in the angel; killing the sorcerer freed her from the spell, though you have no idea if she's friend, foe or hapless victim.

[] ….so, Wakaba-san, you're looking good....how are you?
[] ….don't take this the wrong way, but you're in deep shit, Wakaba.
[] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.
[] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.
[] ….Oh, Wakaba-san.... Forgive me for putting you in this situation.

>>38606739
[x] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.
[x] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.
Maybe there's a way that sorcery can be used to rebalance the spiritual side of a dragonette?

>>38606739
>[] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.
>[] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.
She had an easy job so she better contribute a little more!

>>38606739
>[] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.
>[] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.

>>38606739
>[x] ….so, Wakaba-san, you're looking good....how are you?
>[x] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.
>[x] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.

>>38606739
>[] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.
>[] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.
Seems obvious, gotta control that damage.

>>38606739
[] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.
[] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.
>>38606770
To reconnect herself with herself. Healing would be painful, but possible.

>>38606739
>[] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.
>[] ….Oh, Wakaba-san.... Forgive me for putting you in this situation.

>[x] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.


>See what Shoko was doing to keep her calm

>Play some soothing music

I wonder what would happen if someone played to Wakaba the music that made Amaterasu leaves the cave. Though the spirits involved in it are probably way too old and important for people to try to re-play it.

>>38607097
Would be fun to see, but probably impossible. Oh well.

>>38607248
Doesn't mean we can't, it just means it won't have a similar strength of effect. But that isn't what we need, we just need enough of an effect.

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[x] ….so, Wakaba-san, you're looking good....how are you?
[X] ….right, there's not much time, so honesty is the best policy.
[X] ….call Hidesato-san over, see if her sorcery can be of use.

You take a drink from the jar of sake, then slowly walk over to Wakaba. “You look like you've seen a few worse days, Wakaba-san. How bad is it?” While it might not be the most shinobi or samurai-like thing to ask, you're both women, and Shoko-san isn't a guy either. Wakaba lift her eyes and looks up at you, her trembling hand hooking her littlest and ring fingers through the handle of the ceramic jar. Rolling over the back of her arm she takes a messy drink, pouring it into her mouth carelessly. One eye is almost entirely blood, petechial hemorrhage making her entire sclera black in the half-light of the Barrier. There's a slackness to one side of her mouth that gives her an angry sneer, though her voice is low and calm.

“I showed them. They turned on me, and they learned their lessons.” Whether or not she recognized it as sorcery before doesn't matter now; she couldn't care less why they did it, only that she proved their choice wrong in the worst possible manner. “What are you doing here, Ryukusa?”

“My cousin laid a massive curse on you. He tried to turn you into a bakemono. Might be succeeding, because those idiots with the crosses have don't you no good whatsoever, Wakaba-san.” You take the jar as she weakly offers it to you, her nerves shot and her Chi unstable as all heaven. “I have a sorceress nearby.....you mind if she takes a look at you?”

To your surprise, she looks at Shoko, her expression one of fear and uncertainty. Shoko nods solemnly, and Wakaba relaxes. “All right. All right. Just....don't let her touch me. Don't you dare let her touch me.” You glance at Shoko, and she shakes her head ever so slightly. You don't know what Shoko-san did, but for the moment, she's taken on the role of Wakaba's protector.

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>>38607357
Taking a few paces away from the devastated dragonette, you gesture over to Hidesato, who frowns, but walks towards you. Inau-san and Yuuhi-chan are making the woman in the angel comfortable. Hidesato's weapons are gone, save for her paired swords. “Take a good look at her, and tell me there's something, anything that can be done to help her.” The demigod's expression becomes confused, though her anger is still present, until she LOOKS at Wakaba, her Void Eyes telling her more than she probably wants to know.

When she closes her Void eyes and looks back to you, Hidesato keeps her head bowed, and speaks softly. “Ryukusa-san, she's damaged beyond my skills. I don't think that even Hinata-hakase can help her. If the mental corruption wasn't so deep, there would be a chance to fix the spiritual corruption....but any attempt to repair one will cause the other to become unbalanced.”

Shoko is quietly reassuring Wakaba that you're seriously considering the situation, and that the proof of her prowess is of course unassailable, despite her injuries. Her sweet, girlish voice seems to soothe the damaged dragonette, and you slowly reach out and wrap your ruby talons along the back of Hidesato's neck. The demigoddess bows her head and steps closer. “I have your word, on my Pearl, that you are telling me the truth?”

>>38607374
Well, that doesn't sound promising.

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>>38607374
“I am truly sorry, Ryuu Ryukusa. I swear by the Great Kami, and upon the Ninigi, that if anyone tries to heal her, they'll cause her to go completely bakemono in minutes. As it is, I believe she has hours at most before one or the other gives way.” Hidesato looks at you, and your Water Eyes gleam. Sadly, she believes what she's telling you; she wouldn't dare swear on the three holy relics of Japan otherwise. And worse, you believed her the first time. “If her mind goes, she'll become Noppera-Bo. If her spirit goes, I don't know what will happen, but it will definitely release some kind of youkai – herself, or whatever grows from the corruption.”

[] Your debt to me is paid, Hidesato – go in peace.
[] Thank you, Hidesato. Stay for a little while longer.
[] Do you have a magic sword I can borrow?
[] What if I had a Wish Granting Jewel?
[] Kushinada is in Hinata-hakase's care – you owe her a debt too.

>>38607406
[] What if I had a Wish Granting Jewel?

>>38607406
>[] What if I had a Wish Granting Jewel?
Ffffff

>>38607406
>[x] What if I had a Wish Granting Jewel?
>[x] Kushinada is in Hinata-hakase's care – you owe her a debt too.
Sword one sounds unpleasant.

>>38607406
[x] What if I had a Wish Granting Jewel?
[x] Your debt to me is paid, Hidesato – go in peace.

>>38607406
>[] What if I had a Wish Granting Jewel?

>>38607406
>[] ... Hidesato, I withstood the Madness powers of the one who did that to her. Is there any way -all hypothetical means included- to share my resistance with her?

>>38607406
This >>38607582 +
[] What if I had a Wish Granting Jewel?
[] Do you have a magic sword I can borrow?
[] Kushinada is in Hinata-hakase's care – you owe her a debt too.
[] Thank you, Hidesato. Stay for a little while longer.

>>38607481
The sword is a final semi-reasonable option besides fighting her.

>>38607690
Oh, forgot something. In addition tothe wish granting jewel:
[] I know the phrase, 'Be careful what you wish for', but if I had access to a Wish-Granting Jewel, what might it's effect be?

>>38607741
Well, we can explore it after we hear abut the Jewel perhaps.

>>38607861
>>38607861
Yeah, however I have a feeling the Jewel won't be a massive cure-all. Doesn't mean we shouldn't explore it, but I feel like this won't have the happiest of endings.

>>38608053

XS did say in two instences that the Jewel wouldn't cure people. All what we're doing telling Hidesato that is giving information to a declared enemy. Though I wouldn't mind trying to convince her to join us.


There is a few things I can imagine doing to help Wakaba (not many that would be easy to do now though), but at worse we could try to heal her and deal with the consequences.

Though I suppose we could try to go to Yomi and have her soul healed there. Even if the big red guy wouldn't really make it easy

>>38608214
>Even if the big red guy
Who, Enma? If we're going to Yomi, he won't be there since Yomi is Shinto, and Enma is Buddhist.

>>38608277

Too bad someone opened him the door

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[XX] What if I had a Wish Granting Jewel?
[X] Kushinada is in Hinata-hakase's care – you owe her a debt too.
[+] What about my resistance to the madness of Pauchi Kamuy?

“What about a nyoi-ju, a Wish Granting Jewel? Would that be able to cleanse her of the corruption and the poisons?” You can feel her blood pulsing in unnatural manners, not necessarily a physical poison, but a spiritual corruption that is blood deep, maybe bone deep now.

Hidesato-san sighs, frowning. “Even if we had one, the chances are it would turn her into a purified youkai or bakemono now. Though a purified noppera-bo would at least be tolerable.” the suggestion that the no-face would be one of the mischievous ghosts rather than one of the horrific monsters is almost worth the price by itself. Even a pure youkai would be preferable to a half-mad living curse. “Those gems are almost impossible to gain, we simply wouldn't have time.”

“I have one,” you mention off hand, considering something else already. “I have a certain amount of resistance to madness – is there any way to grant her that, however improbable it may be?”

“No, you're a Water dragonette and that means - you HAVE one?” Her excitement is intense and her shock almost palpable. “Ryukusa-san, if you get it here quickly, we might be able to keep her from turning into a monster, if not from turning into a youkai.”

You frown. It was the responsibility of your priestess, of course, though you believe Er Yin-sensei has it in her particular ~Nowhere~ at the moment. You might be able to circumvent that, you've already managed something like it once, but it's a risk of it's own. “So, aside form the jewel....” you remind her of your previous question.

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>>38608358
Hidesato looks at you with a dark expression. “It is your Water dragonette nature combined with your obvious demigod aspects that allow you to resist the madness so well. There is no way to transfer your mikoto to another that I know of.” Well, that's that.

“Do you have a magic sword I can borrow?” She looks confused, and then looks at Wakaba who is mumbling strange things to Shoko-san, who seems to be agreeing softly and speaking in soothing, reassuring tones.

The demigod shakes her head. “No – your poison blade will work well enough.” You nod – she's been on the receiving end, so she would know. It's not really supposed to be done with a wakizashi, but you're both women, so it should be okay. “But just giving her the jewel will at least solve most of the problems. There isn't even any ceremony necessary, though it could help. We have to do it quickly.”

“Hai. Incidentally, I left Kushinada in Hinata-hakase's care. She's getting help, training from the priestess. You owe her a debt too. But you've more than paid yours to me.” You take a deep breath. “I need a moment.” Hidesato steps away, and goes to speak with Yuuhi once more, who, with Inau, is keeping watch over all the slumbering enemies.

[] Talk to Wakaba and make your own decision.
[] Help Wakaba decide her own fate.
[] Fetch and use the Wish Granting Jewel.
[] Assist Wakaba in performing jigaki – the spiritually acceptable ritual suicide.
[] Talk to Shoko-san, see if she can enlighten your decision some.

>>38608214
I'd rather not deal with the Buddhists till it's time to kick their asses and allow Jinyuu to worship whatever she chooses.

>>38608415
>Help Wakaba decide her own fate.
But at this point jigaki is probably going to be the best option.

>>38608415
>[x] Help Wakaba decide her own fate.

>>38608415
[x] Fetch and use the Wish Granting Jewel.
[x] Help Wakaba decide her own fate.
[x] Talk to Shoko-san, see if she can enlighten your decision some.
We can speak with Shoko as we fly to get the Jewel, in order to save time.

>>38608415
>[x] Talk to Shoko-san, see if she can enlighten your decision some.
Favoring
>[x] Fetch and use the Wish Granting Jewel.

>>38608415
>[] Talk to Shoko-san, see if she can enlighten your decision some.

>>38608475
Except all that's keeping Wakaba calm seems to be Shoko.

>>38608415
>[] Talk to Wakaba and Shoko. Wakaba deserves to decide her own fate. Tell her of the Jewel, and what it might be able to do.

>>38608415
>>38608555
Yeah, supporting this. As long as we mention the sword as an option too.

>>38608415
>[] Help Wakaba decide her own fate.

>>38608555
>>38608569
I'll support these

>>38608415
>[] Talk to Wakaba and make your own decision.
>[] Fetch and use the Wish Granting Jewel.

>>38608415

>[] Talk to Shoko-san, see if she can enlighten your decision some.

>Thank Shoko

>[] Help Wakaba decide her own fate.

>"So, Wakaba-san. We are at the crossroad, here. You could take my Wish Granting Jewel, at the risk of becoming a mischievous no-face. You could perform jigaki. You could also do nothing, or try to fight me. Or, we could ride into Yomi and desperatly try to get you healed -at the price that I would have to end your life should your situation worsen. Know that no one could blame you for either. What do you choose ?

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[X] Wakaba and Shoko both need to be in on this little problem.

You glance at the others, who seem to be assisting the previously unconscious angel-girl sit up and giving her something to drink. She isn't panicking so apparently she's dealt with spirit-children before. Or, she thinks she's having a psychotic break.

Speaking of which, you walk over to where Shoko is sitting and look at Wakaba, who is not really conscious at the moment. You've seen similar things in people who have brain bleeds or encephalitis caused by trauma. That the trauma is more spiritual in nature than physical doesn't really make that much of a difference. “How have you been keeping her under control, Shoko-san?”

The powerful oni-child lifts her head slightly to look up at you. She's nearly two-thirds your size sitting down cross legged. “Well, you kamidamned said it yourself – I'm not as good a warrior as she is. But I'm pretty clever. I used fucking cunning instead of brawn. She's tired, and hurting, and as long as I keep her thinking we're not here to hurt her, she's too fucked up to care, Ryukusa-sama.” She frowns. “You don't look particularly happy.”

“There's no real cure. Even the Wish-Granting-Jewel won't cure her, only give her a chance to be pure. Pure youkai or bakemono, but pure.” She shudders. “It's one of two options. The other is the permanent one, and I need to know how reasonable she is.” You're not going to ask how sane she is – she was pretty nuts before your brother got a hold of her.

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>>38609016
“I'm awake,” Wakaba rasps softly, pulling herself upright and looking at you unsteadily. Your Destruction-Seeing-Right-Eye can see the powers eating at her Shen and her Chi, changing it, transforming it. She's got about four-and-a-half hours before she's gone and whatever she is becoming takes her place.

“I don't have any good way to tell you....and I want you to know, that I've talks to experts.” You take a deep breath and Shoko places a hand against your back, supporting you. “You're becoming a bakemono, Ryuu Wakaba. Maybe even a youkai. Your Shen and Chi have been totally corrupted.” You take a slow, shallow breath. “There's no way to stop it. We can purify you, so that you're not cursed or you don't become a curse, or....” You reach into the sash of your costume and pull out a simple knife with a plain wooden sheath. Her eyes widen in recognition.

Her expression crumbles and Shoko speaks gently, her little-girl voice coming out of that monstrously proportioned body in gentle tones. “You're still the best warrior. It's not a failure, or even defeat. Others were dishonorable, and you are paying the price of it. But you don't have to succumb to their dishonor.” Wakaba seems to take heart from Shoko's speech and stands up straight, albeit a little unsteadily. The shakes are getting worse though.

“I understand. I need a moment to think about it....”

Shoko-san preempts you. “We have time, Wakaba-san. I'll make sure no one bothers you. It is a very difficult decisions, but I have faith in your strength and your righteous nature and will.” The code of Bushido? Not what you would have tried, but Wakaba nods, seeming to take it at face value.

….damn, she's pretty good.

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>>38609109
You feel your attention being drawn and turn to look back at the others. Yuuhi is staring at you, which is a pretty strong stare to grab your attention that quickly. To your surprise, there's someone new with them – the blonde priest, Father Harris. Hidesato-san is gone, however. “Don't do anything rash. I'll be right back.”

You slide through the air, much to the awe of both Father Harris and the pretty Japanese maiden, and land before the Catholic. “How did you get in here?”

“I came in when the....ah, outrageously dressed woman opened a doorway into this place. She was kind enough to tell me you were here when I asked about you.” Hidesato, of course. Father Harris looks abashed. “When I found out what was happening, I rushed to stop it, but I was far too late....” You aren't happy with him, but there is something....you recalled that their god is counted as one of the kami. Which means a purification ritual isn't entirely out of the question now, despite Hidesato's claims.

[] ….can you reverse an exorcism?
[] I want you to see what happens when you exorcise a spirit-child, father.
[] This is really not your business, Father Harris.
[] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?
[] Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?

>>38609136
>[x] ….can you reverse an exorcism?
>[x] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?
Worth a shot.

>>38609136
[] ….can you reverse an exorcism?
[] I want you to see what happens when you exorcise a spirit-child, father.
[] Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?

>>38609136
>[x] ….can you reverse an exorcism?
>[x] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?
>[x] Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?
Why are we considering a normal exorcism? I thought that was a bad thing?

>>38609136
>[] Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?
>[] ….can you reverse an exorcism?

>>38609136
[x] Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?
[x] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?

>>38609136
>[] ….can you reverse an exorcism?

According to the Ars Goetia, it's possible for a true believer to do it.

>[] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?
>[] Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?


I'm really not happy at Hidesato getting out, though. There was things we needed to discuss with her, and her running around would be dangerous both for her and us.

>>38609136
>[] ….can you reverse an exorcism?
>[] I want you to see what happens when you exorcise a spirit-child, father.
>[] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?

>>38609228
Hmmm? Who's considering an exorcism?

>>38609136
[] I want you to see what happens when you exorcise a spirit-child, father.
[] ….can you reverse an exorcism?
[] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?

>>38609136
>[] Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?
>[] ….can you reverse an exorcism?

>>38609228

A purification ritual is a shinto ceremony with for goal to clean its subject of the spriritual taint it withstands.

>>38609275
None of us, but one option was seeing what an exorcism would do.

>>38606069
>If Ryukusa was a guy, that would totally be her.
So her past incarnation?

>>38609228
We're not, we're thinking about reversing what's been done to her.

>>38609136
>[] I want you to see what happens when you exorcise a spirit-child, father.
>[] ….can you reverse an exorcism?
>[] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?
Let him know the suffering he could have caused.

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[XXX] ….can you reverse an exorcism?
[XX] Are you willing to act as a priest and help me perform a purification ritual?
[XX] Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?

Hidesato's escape, while irritating, isn't really surprising. On the other hand, she was speaking to Inau-san, and after tonight, you have little doubt that Inau-san could find her again very easily. You warned her what might happen if she let your secrets slip, but on the other hand, you're fairly certain she doesn't want to end up on your bad side ever again. You sure as heaven wouldn't want to be on your bad side.

Speaking of which: “Father Cristobal Harris. Do you believe in redemption, Father Harris?” He looks a bit taken aback by the question.

“Miss Ryukusa?!” Oh, right.

“Yes, and the explanation would take longer than the amount of time I have. Let's just say that the gods work in mysterious ways. But you didn't answer my question.”

He looks at you nervously. “Well, of course I believe in redemption. All men may be redeemed, if they accept the word of the Lord into their hearts....”

You hold up your hand. “I need your help redeeming the man who pretended to be a member of your church, and the priest he duped. They did something horrible, and I need your help to try and fix it. I'm no priestess, but you are a Shinto priest.”

Running a hand through his hair, the young priest looks concerned. “Well, not really, though I've performed multi-denominational-”

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>>38609886
“Father Harris, can you reverse an exorcism?” He looks utterly flabbergasted at your new interruption. “It's not an idle question. Father Boohr and your not-really-Deacon Julian inflicted an exorcism on a Stone dragonette, and turned a curse into a spiritual corruption that is going to destroy her and transform her into a monster.” His distress is genuine enough, and you continue. “The god you worship is considered a kami by Shinto. That means you are a Shinto priest. I don't want you to perform an exorcism, I need to you to help remove the damage that was caused by one. If you don't....I either have to kill someone or help them turn into a monster that isn't going to destroy everyone even remotely like us.”

Father Harris is looking a lot pale, and he tucks his hand in his pocket – he's holding a rosary. “If you can't do this, tell me now. But those are the only options I have, aside from your help.” Yuuhi looks up at you, and the somewhat dazed Japanese girl stares up at you, her eyes bright and her expression stupefied. Inau-san looks sad at your words, but doesn't dispute them. “You have a few minutes. Send Yuuhi-chan, this girl here, to come get me when you've made your decision.” You hesitate, and then speak softly. “This isn't your fault. But this is because of the people that you serve and that you helped. Please make the right choice.” The sense of his watching you continues, until he sees Wakaba; then his attention is gone from you.

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>>38609974
Walking back to where Shoko and Wakaba are, you study the Stone dragonette. The corruption in her blood is still moving, slowly but surely, and her Shen and Chi can't be in good shape at all. More worrisome are the streaks of violet smoke wafting from her skin every now and again. Shoko is giving Wakaba more sake, going so far as to help her drink it. You sit cross-legged a few paces away, near where Shoko had been sitting, avoiding any confrontation.

[] Explain you may have found another way. Maybe.
[] Ask her what she has thought about.
[] Remain quiet, see what she has to say.
[] Explain your cousin's involvement to her.
[] Offer her something significantly stronger.

>>38609998
>[] Remain quiet, see what she has to say.

we should only inform her of our cousin's involvement if she asks and/or has decided on her fate...

>>38609998
>[] Explain you may have found another way. Maybe.
>[] Ask her what she has thought about.

>>38609998
>[] Remain quiet, see what she has to say.
>[] Offer her something significantly stronger.

>>38609998
>[] Explain you may have found another way. Maybe.
>[] Ask her what she has thought about.
>[] Offer her something significantly stronger.

>>38609998
>[] Offer her something significantly stronger
>[] Ask her what she has thought about.
>[] Explain you may have found another way. Maybe.

>>38609998
>[] Remain quiet, see what she has to say.
>[] Explain you may have found another way. Maybe.
>>38610033
We already told her our cousin is to blame.

>>38610039
>>38610102
>>38610149
>>38610172

Let's not give her false hope, guys.

This would definitively be shitty. Even more than the current situation

>>38609998
>[x] Remain quiet, see what she has to say.

>>38610445
We say it's risky and unknown if it works or what it will do. We present it as another option, nothing more.

>>38610588

I mean, we don't even know if the option is available or not.

>>38610445
We also can't expect her to make a proper decision without informing her of all potential variables.

>>38610645

True, but we should wait to know if it's possible.

>>38610635
We say that too. That way she can consider it. She might be unable to communicate soon anyway.

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[X] Explain you may have found another way. Maybe.
[X] Remain quiet, see what she has to say.
[X] Offer her something significantly stronger.

Shoko pulls back slightly, looking at Wakaba with real concern. It's not faked, even though she's perfectly aware that the person she's dealing with threatened to kill your best friend and could become a horrible monster at any time. You don't really blame her, you'd be much the same way. She's an oni, so she's pretty damn hard to kill too. You'd probably be more wary due to the curses involved, but you can't fault Shoko for giving Wakaba comfort in her final hours.

Another one to lay at Oba-san's feet.

You pull a bottle out of ~Nowhere~ and toss it to Shoko-san, who snatches it out of the air with all the skill of an oni stealing alcohol. She blinks at the unusual bottle of dark orange liquid and uncorks it...and immediately recoils. Wakaba, on the other hand, sniffs, her expression becoming wistful. “Oh, cognac....”

Gesturing to Shoko, she helps the dragonette drink some, and it seems to revitalize her significantly. Shoko shudders as she corks the bottle; apparently rum spices don't agree with her. “Thanks, Ryukusa.” You gesture mildly, nothing to be mentioned. “You know, I didn't intend for it to end this way. I was going to have a glorious battle....Shoko says if I fight, I'll turn into noppera-bo.”

“She's right.”

“Tch. That's too bad. I wanted to see who was stronger, me or Akari. It wouldn't be fair now.” She sighs and slowly sinks to the ground, and lays her sword across her lap. “Do you think you could have beaten me?”

>>38610823
It's a tough question. But.... “It wouldn't be a fair fight. I'm not just a dragonette anymore, as you can see.” She lifts her eyes, one gleaming diamond in a sear of crimson, the other bright and aware. “I've been telling people I'd have to kill them if they know....but....” You shrug mildly and she croaks laughter.

“Yeah, I think you would win. Too bad. It would have been a hell of a fight.” You glance at Shoko, who is kneeling next to Wakaba.

“We can try a purification ritual. There's a priest I trust, if you-”

She cuts you off. “No. No priests, no miko, no one. I'm not going to suffer that kind of indignity again. Besides, the corruption's too deep. It's already in my Pearl.” You wince. “And I'm not turning Into a monster. If I was going to be a monster, I'd be a monster.” You look at her seriously. Yuuhi steps up beside you but you hold up your hand, a gentle admonition to be quiet that she respects. “Do you have some paper?”

You motion Shoko away from Wakaba and she slowly walks over to join Yuuhi-chan who is settling down to kneel where you were sitting. Shoko goes to her knees, and puts on a stoic expression. Pulling out a brush, ink stone, and paper, you lay them out for Wakaba. It wasn't what you expected of her, really....but you watch as she writes the poem, pausing every few seconds to keep her hand from shaking. She sets the brush aside and then takes her nodachi and offers it to you silently.

[] Take the gift in equal silence.
[] “I'm not worthy of this kind of weapon, Wakaba-san.”
[] Shake your head, but take out your wakizashi.
[] Promise you'll make sure it goes with her to Yomi.
[] Ask her if she's sure.

>>38610839
>[] Ask her if she's sure.
>[] Promise you'll make sure it goes with her to Yomi.

>>38610839
[X] Take the gift in equal silence.

>>38610839
>[] Ask her if she's sure
.>[] Promise you'll make sure it goes with her to Yomi.

>>38610839
>[] Promise you'll make sure it goes with her to Yomi.
No asking if she's sure. She made her decision, honor it.

>>38610839
>[] Promise you'll make sure it goes with her to Yomi.
Don't ask if she's sure. She's made her decision.

>>38610839
>[x] Take the gift in equal silence.

>>38610839
>[] Take the gift in equal silence.

death poem?

>>38610839
>[] Take the gift in equal silence.
Damn. I didn't think I'd pity her this much.
I feel bad for Wakaba, she could have been a good ally had the circumstances Been different.

>>38610839
[x] Promise you'll make sure it goes with her to Yomi.

>>38610839
>[] Take the gift in equal silence.

> Write "honor" on her forehead with our finger. She deserves it.

>>38610839
>[x] Take the gift in equal silence.

Wait, we're in a Barrier.

Couldn't we do the same thing to her that we did to Yui ?

>>38611141
>Couldn't we do the same thing to her that we did to Yui ?
Could you refresh my memory a bit? You mean what we did back in the first few threads where we saved her life Using our Water powers?
because back then we saved her by using magic to restart her heart, not purify her mind and soul at once.

>>38611141
i think you mean hidesato, and that only works if you win a barrier fight with them.

>>38610839
[] Take the gift in equal silence.
[] Promise you'll make sure it goes with her to Yomi through clan hand-sign.

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[X] Take the gift in equal silence.

You take the weapon from her – it's a gift, in this case, passing her weapon to someone she thinks it worthy to use it. She would have told you if there was someone else she wanted you to deliver it to. It is a fine weapon, one she takes care of, and unusual for a Stone dragonette to wield. Still, she wants you to have it, and you'll use it sooner or later.

You've never owned a weapon you didn't use.

You don't need to talk, not anymore. You take Ame-no-Omukade-no-Musume from Nowhere as you stand up and unsheathe it, taking the few steps to walk around behind her. She shrugs half out of her kimono, and rests her hands on her thighs. She doesn't change her sitting position, despite the normal kneeling position required; you can see the fine tremor in her muscles.

Ryuu Wakaba's expression is hard and grim, and Shoko and Yuuhi are reverent and attentive. The other remain in the distance, speaking quietly enough that you cannot hear them when they do speak. Inau-san seems to be educating them, and Father Harris is clearly distraught. You hold your wakizashi at your side, and wait patiently.

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>>38611374
Wakaba takes out an aikuchi, the tanto styled knife that lacks a tsuba, and wraps it in her sleeve, rather than paper. You watch as she drives the blade deep without ceremony or forewarning, and slices it across her abdomen. The gush of blood is not crimson – it is nearly black, and violet smoke rises from it. She curses under her breath, and pulls the dagger out. She places it over her heart – no, over her Pearl – and drives the blade through her breastbone and into the sphere hidden behind it.

You act instantly, your sword a flicker of light, and almost sever her head before the light goes out of her eyes. The blood turns black where your sword touches it; she falls forward, her arms catching her head on the final strip of flesh that remains as her body curls over it. You can see the poisons from your sword killing the darkness in her blood, laying her to rest entirely despite the curses and corruption.

….those aren't tears. Of course not. It's raining lightly, that's all.

You're making sure of it.

>To Be Continued.

Thank you for reading and playing.

Anon surprised me again. I did not expect that ending to this arc. I hope that it was still worth reading.

>>38611413
Thanks for running!

>>38611442
Thank you for running, XS. We're suckers for best ends, and I think this is the best end for Wakaba, the one she choose for herself.

>>38611442
Thanks for the thread!
What ending had you expected, then?

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>>38611413
>….those aren't tears. Of course not. It's raining lightly, that's all.

Dammit. Rest in peace, Wakaba. I only wish we could have met you without our cousin's madness poisoning your mind.

>>38611442

It was amazing, XS. Simply amazing.

Thanks!

Can I ask what you were expecting?

>>38611442
Would you be willing to tell us how you thought it would end?

>>38611442
It was definitely a great ending in its own way at least, a fun thread. Thanks for writing!

>>38611442
Thank you for this amazing thread, Mistress XS.
was there any way we could have saved her?

>>38611442
>What would happen if we got on the anti-exorcism ?

>>38611442
How would that reverse exorcism have worked out?

>>38611442
Thank for running, was a great thread.

>>38611522
I had expected a fight, naturally, but this was obviously a possibility. Sometimes talking does work.

Assuming it will work every time is dangerous of course, but Ryukusa knows that very well.

>>38611538

Same here.

Goodbye, Wakaba.

>>38611579
I'm not sure it'd be fair to tell us - yeah it'd be great to know in the context of Wakaba, but on the other hand it could come up again later theoretically, and that'd be quite the meta advantage.

I guess XS would know if it's safe to say though.

>Here lies
>Ryuu Wakaba
>2hot4twosomes

>>38611635
;_;

Sadly, the reverse exorcism and/or purification would have only delayed the inevitable. Hidesato, for all her wicked ways, was being honest in that only the Jewel could have had any effect, and the only effect it would have had was to transform Wakaba into a mischievous and gentle No-Face, or a true youkai.

Though, if it had turned into a true youkai, it very likely would have been a statue of some sort, or a snake youkai that ate madness. Nothing immediately dangerous, but youkai are never 'safe'.

>>38611699
Ah, alright. Well, that's nice to know at least.

>>38611699
How much of her would have remained had she become a gentle No-Face or Youkai? Would she be mostly the se person as before or would she act completely different?

>>38611600
Sad I missed this due to work. I would have totally voted to tell her that she was entirely right, she would have done the job better than Akari.

I'm just hoping this will not affect the persons present too much.

Ryukuza...well, it is the less horrible way her role as executioner can be expressed.

Shoko was with Wakaba for her last moments. This will leave a mark.

Yuuhi saw another part of us. I don't think the death will bother her.

It is a rather harsh introduction to our world for poor Inau. I doubt she'll be comfortable around us for a while.

Harris and Bhoor have probably taken a heavy hit. I don't think they'll ever recover completly.

And Wakaba went to Yomi with the honor of a samurai and the dignity of an empress.

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Yes, the QM had to resist tearing up as well.

>>38611785
There would have been nothing left of Wakaba save some minor, almost unnoticeable hints - a scrap of white kimono, a few grey scales, a gleam of white in her hair.

When a spirit-child becomes a bakemono or obake, almost nothing is left of the original person. It's considered a fate far worse than death.

>>38611860
Same if she went Full youkai ?

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>>38611800
before this thread, I thought Wakaba was just an enemy, someone who wanted to hurt or kill Akari and as such was to be kept away at best and killed as soon as that proved impossible.
Then this thread happened and now I can't hold all these feels.
Wakaba was a good girl in the end, and I really regret not being able to help her more.

>>38611788
To be fair, it would have been very hard to do a worse job than Akari

>>38611886
Probably even less for full youkai. Bakemono are transformations, but turning into a true youkai is beyond transformation - the soul is snuffed out and ceases to exist entirely.

So.... how and when are we going to inform our Cousin of Wakaba's fate?

>>38611860
>>38611922
In the end, this was the best possible fate for her.
Damn, why Is it that I still feel sad despite knowing that?
Are you some kind of Word Sorceress, XS? A demigoddess of writing?

>>38611791
Ryukuza will be effected because she'll blame herself.

Shoko will be pretty balanced. Not a lot of people will go that far for a servant, much less an enemy.

Yuuhi saw us help someone in a very dark place.

Inau will be troubled, but happy it turned out so well.

The Jesuits are hit the most due to our methods (Bhoor isn't comfortable with our violence, Harris isn't comfortable with what he sees as a murder/suicide ritual). But fuck them, their ignorance is vast. A suck passion was treated with respect and died in peace. It should be a good lesson in how complex compassion is.

>>38612027
A sick person was treated with respect*, fuck my my phone.

>>38612020
I can't answer that.

>>38612086
Might I ask what would have happened if Ryukuza had broken the cycle and taken Void with Er Yin then Earth with Yui?

>>38612086
Do the Catholic priests count for the kitty ritual?

>>38612086

would it have been possible to undo the damage if we had not sent her after the catholics? if she was only affected by our cousin's influence?

>>38612164
We need to ask our landlord about Ulthar.

>>38612124
If you mean Void with Er Yin and Stone with Akari, then Ryukusa's ties to to the elements would be slightly different - she wouldn't have as close a tie to Void and would have a stronger tie to Stone than she has currently. It also would have imbalanced her Chi cycles, and a correction would have been necessary before she could gain Horobi's power.

>>38612164
....maybe?

>>38612196
Possibly. It would have also meant dealing with Wakaba being in a position of strength rather than weakened by the exorcisms, and Wakaba wasn't exactly reasonable to begin with. That fight would have been inevitable, though the aftermath could have lead to her being healed.

>>38612246
I meant linking with Void first rather than Stone first. Head's still foggy.

>>38611061

I am born from Stone

For others I have lived

I die as myself

>>38612341
Same as
>>38612246
Currently Ryukusa has fairly strong ties to Void, and seen in recent experiences. If she had taken Void first, she would have stronger ties to Stone - be tougher, stronger overall rather than having that focused on her left arm. She would also be able to think more clearly than she can currently. But that would have also imbalanced her Chi.

>>38611061
Samurai write a final poem before death. All samurai were trained in poetic arts and were expected to be artistically capable. Reality is a far cry from the ideal, of course, but Wakaba is capable.

>>38612403
This is acceptable.

>>38612020
We're responsible for her being in the situation to begin with.

>>38612628
Ryukusa knows better than that. She's laying that body on Oba-san and the Kaga Clan.

>>38612617

>This is acceptable

Oh, dang. Thank you very much.

>>38612628

We're not really responsible. Wakaba was pretty obsessed to begin with, made worse by our cousin because he wanted to practice, and only then we sent her against a foe we thought to be less dangerous than what they were.

Wakaba is a victim, and she faced death admirably, but let's not forget that she would have gladly cut our and our family's throats even before the Madness Kamuy. She was not a nice person, and not a good person either. But she was an honorable person.

>>38613051
This, Ryukuza only gained word about something unusual going on a few hours before we set out here. She's neither omniscient nor highly intelligent. She's had a lot to juggle and Wakaba was already unstable, which is the reason she was so badly effected.

Now, Clan Kaja on the other hand, has been experimenting with the daughters of dragons, specifically in their traits and now spiritual mutilation.

And we don't even know what Oba-san may have done to Wakaba.

>>38613596

Ryukuza is highly intelligent, though.

>>38613596
I'm honestly starting to question her role in all this.
She is- or is inhabited by one of the kamuy.
Japan's safety, and the spiritual safety of it's denizens is required for her survival, right?

So is she a villain here, or is she responsible for putting ryukusa in the right place to start this all?
She was at one point allied with all these people, and might not be able to act openly.

i just realized we don't know what a zen swordsman is exactly. Ryukuza does obviously, because she identified shoko's grandpappy as one, but we never got an exact explanation.

>>38614072
Probably an ubersamurai that uses Chi in some way.

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>>38614072
I assumed she just meant a stoic motherfucker who just takes things as they come.

Of course, it's never that simple in Ryukuza Quest.

>>38614072
Consider the concept of Zen, channeled into being a swordsman. Then consider an oni who can do this. Yeah.

>>38613745
That is what we'd like to know. Why tell us nothing about our abilities, set all this up, and why has it taken this long to get a reasonable incarnation up-and-running?
Most-likely our bureaucracy a shit, which is to say, someone is running a criminal enterprise, or someone wants to destroy heaven.

>>38614072
>>38614108
>>38615141
>>38618253
Yuuhi is also a practitioner of that style of swordsmanship.