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>>39935130
Akari-niji-chan is looking pretty good, but she's pissed, and that's never a good sign. Yui-niji-chan looks like she's taken a few brutal hits, and there's blood on her face and running down her neck from a gash above her left eye, but otherwise she's got a lot of minor injuries and she's out of breath. Inau-san seems to have taken several good hits; her swimsuit is torn and she's bruised up and down her left side, but she's got a good grip on her Ainu-style short katana and it trying to give Yui-niji-chan a moment to rest.

Yuuhi-chan is ready and while she has her nodachi sheathed, she's all attention and threat, just waiting for the signal to go, or willing to stay back and protect Kiki-hime. Kiku-chan is seething with power barely kept in check. You're attention has done her a world of good, and with Er Yin-sensei needing protection, you doubt that she'll permit anyone to cause your family harm. Er Yin-sensei is well bandaged, conscious, and her Void Eyes pierce the layers of reality, seeing the demon-girl's true nature. Shoko-san and your own sister are safely out of the way, behind a Barrier on the edge of the ocean, where their combined powers could potentially topple even mountains. Kiki-hime is near the middle, well guarded on all sides. You've already admonished her that this is your job, and she has to be obedient for now.

Not that it stops her from worrying, sadly.

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>>39935155
You address the demon girl, who's burning eyes focus on yours with killing intensity, the Phoenix Fist style of fighting giving her some kind of powerful mental focus that makes it difficult to see through her stance even with Water Eyes. “So....are you going to let us trade out, or do we have to do this the hard way. It's me you're really after, anyways, but obviously I've got a lot to lose here.” You slowly step forward, trying to make your way past Yui-niji-chan and Inau-san to give them more recovery time.

A voice echoes in your head. (Ryukusa-sama....this is not simply a demon-child. Someone has infused the essence of Chinese demons into her. It is possible that she could be under control, or that she could be convinced to turn on her masters. If you turn her, you will be taking responsibility for helping her achieve the Tao, so be very cautious.)

Exactly: complicated.

[] Give her some time to answer, while you take point and give Yui and Inau time to rest.
[] Have Kiku take Yui's place and Yuuhi take Inau's place, get the wounded out of the way.
[] Get a rundown from Akari, and minimize the movement of the others for now.
[] Pull your wakizashi and arm yourself, just in case of treachery.
[] Try and figure out her actual position in the Eight Demon Immortals clan somehow, anyhow.

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>>39935172
Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/39807179/

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

A Few Sentences from Stage 64: http://vocaroo.com/i/s1AqiYYp1QXw

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.
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” and confused.
Reiha is 5' 5 1/2”, and is milfy.
Peta is 3' 2”. Peta is \>.</ aka Her Most Imperial Highness Patanjali Piri Yokuhime Kuronogitsune Pa

>>39935172
>[] Get a rundown from Akari, and minimize the movement of the others for now.
Hmhmhm

>>39935172
Time to Ryukuza!
[x] Give her some time to answer, while you take point and give Yui and Inau time to rest.

>>39935172
[] Give her some time to answer, while you take point and give Yui and Inau time to rest.
[] Try and figure out her actual position in the Eight Demon Immortals clan somehow, anyhow.

Get information. Be careful not to turn her; accruing a karmic responsibility to help her achieve the Tao could be very counterproductive.

>>39935263
But think of the possibilities!
I guess it'd be a lot of extra responsibility we don't need though.

>>39935172

>Give her some time

>Try to figure out her position in the clan

>Use our knowledge of fashion and martial art to deduce more things about her

Sorry, XS, but what would "taking responsabilities" would mean, in that context?

>>39935263

I'd be okay with turning her.

Beside, Ryukusa do things the right way, not the easy way

>>39935294
Rykusa doesn't know. She'll have to ask Er Yin exactly what she meant by that. Ryukuza's experiences with Taoism are very basic and largely indirect.

>>39935294
>>39935337
Clearly marriage.

>>39935328
we have a responsibility to our loved ones before we have a responsibility to strangers. We try that only if it doesn't directly or indirectly put the harem in danger.

>>39935172
>>39935263
I'll support this anon.

>>39935172
>>39935263
this

>>39935337
So why didn't we ask Er-Yin that question?

>>39935328
We don't even have the faintest idea of what it is anon, so no, it's not the right way, Ryukusa doesn't just jump in and take responsibility for things she knows literally nothing about.

>>39935337

Thanks.

In which case I add

>Ask Er Yin what she meant

to my vote here >>39935294


>>39935350

Of course. I'm just saying that we can't already shoot down the concept

>>39935172
>[x] Have Kiku take Yui's place and Yuuhi take Inau's place, get the wounded out of the way.
>[x] Try and figure out her actual position in the Eight Demon Immortals clan somehow, anyhow.

>>39935172
>>39935397 here, adding
>[] Have Kiku take Yui's place and Yuuhi take Inau's place, get the wounded out of the way.

to my vote

>>39935434

The thing to do is to learn more about the situation, and then to decide.

You can't turn people and make them achieve Tao accidentaly, anyway.

Also, no need to be rude with Er Yin

>>39935514
I have no idea what Tao is, so for all I know its entirely possibly to accidentally achieve it.

>>39935527

Have you tried Google?

"Tao" or "Dao" is a concept of Chinese philosophy meaning "way", "route" or other linked words. To summarize extremely briefly, "achieving Tao" is a form of enlightenment

>>39935623
waaaaay too much to heap onto our already fucking ludicrous pile of 'shit to do', it would stress the already very heavily stressed pacing to breaking point, seriously we can't get through 2 threads of downtime without having 6 threads of fighting follow it, it's meant to be the opposite ratio for good flow

>>39935623

To add on this, "Tao" can more or less be thought as the "flow of the universe", and achieving it can be understood as "finding your proper place in the flow of the universe".

>>39935674

We're a half-god. It's in our nature that Shits happen around us

>>39935397
>Because Ryukuza has wounded family and needs to take control of the battlefield, and Void communication isn't effortless for her. Er Yin warned Ryukusa that Yui might be helpless if she answered through the Void (in the previous thread).

>>39935765
then its best to not ask and just figure out what the fuck is going on ourselves

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[X] Give her some time to answer, while you take point and give Yui and Inau time to rest.
[X] Try and figure out her actual position in the Eight Demon Immortals clan somehow, anyhow.
[+] Chinese fashion and martial arts might not be Japanese, but there might be some useful info....

With your minimal understanding of Taoism as a religion – most of your experience with it has been through martial arts training and the few sorcerers you have met in your clan – you're not quite sure what Er Yin means by 'achieving the Tao'. On the other hand, your sister uses the eight trigrams constantly in her fortunetelling, and that can tell you something, you're sure.

On the other hand, Chu Ka you're very familiar with, even if you don't practice it. A vicious and linear form of wushu, the entire point of Phoenix Eye fist is to intimidate and gain control your enemy through fear and power. The fact that it's an extraordinarily violent and powerful form of martial art doesn't hurt either. It's little surprise that even Yui-chan is showing signs of injury despite her dense flesh and bone; backed up with the strength of a demon, there aren't too many who could take a blow from those gauntlets and remain standing. The intensity and fear-inducing nature of the style aren't an issue to you, of course, being a Water dragonette, but those gauntlets are wickedly designed and you can expect to suffer some pain if she hits you.

>>39935784
If she's on the sidelines, it could be fine. She's no longer fighting.

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>>39935803
Her clothing is even more telling. Green-gold cloth, with gold embroidery. The color hints at a lesser position in the clan, and Er Yin-sensei said that the immortal the demon is modeling herself after is the youngest and newest of the immortals. There's something to be said about hiding the clothing under a shell of flesh too – that's definitely not anything you've ever seen. But though her embroidery is gold, her amulet is silver, and she isn't actually wearing any gold jewelery. Nor is she wearing any jade. That means she's on the poorer side of things, or humble in some way. The black cloth is significant – cotton, not silk, and very basic in cut and style. Definitely less important than her gauntlets would otherwise suggest, not worthy of anything but the simplest of concerns for those who have power over her.

You indicate to Kiku to keep positions with a few quick flicks of your fingers, as you walk up next to Akari. You place your hand on her shoulder, and tickle the back of her calf with your tail-tip, telling her to be a shield for the others. She doesn't acknowledge, but you didn't expect her to.

The demon girl speaks up, now that you're standing in front of Akari-niji-chan by a foot or so. “Ryuu Ryukuza. You are accused of interference with Mandate of the Celestial Emperor on the part of Yanluowang, called Enma-Oh in your tongue, in causing disorder and distress to the Followers of the Eight-Fold Path in Japan. I formally request that you relinquish your properties and power and stand before Enma-Oh in judgment.” Her voice is a little low pitched to be pleasant, and her burning eyes are fixed upon yours. “If you refuse, I am authorized by Enma-Oh to take action and bring you to him, bound in black steel, to face your judgment.”

>>39935674
Yeah I got to say the pacing of late has been nothing but a constant grind with no relief

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>>39935824
….well, that's kind of a different tack compared to everyone else whose been causing you trouble. Usually they just threaten and start trying to kill you. Wait, no, it's pretty much the same after all, just less killing. More polite than usual. The fact that you're working with minimum information is hampering, but the gist of what she's saying is obvious. On the plus side, you think she's not actually Buddhist herself because they don't have that particular form of mystic bureaucracy, which means you're not going to cause another incident if you beat the crap out of her.

[] “So, I guess that's a no. Hey, are demons from China honorable or just cruel?”
[] “Well, Little Sister, I think you could take some lessons in diplomacy....”
[] “Judgment kind of implies there's already been a trial, and I haven't been on trial yet.”
[] “Sorry, you have the wrong court system, I'm not part of the Celestial Bureaucracy.”
[] “I'm confused, is that a yes, or a no?”

>>39935824
>You are accused of interference with Mandate of the Celestial Emperor on the part of Yanluowang, called Enma-Oh in your tongue, in causing disorder and distress to the Followers of the Eight-Fold Path in Japan.
The fuck did we do? What, in words an idiot could understand, does she think we did?

>>39935877
>[] “Sorry, you have the wrong court system, I'm not part of the Celestial Bureaucracy.”

>>39935892
It's what Jinyuu did. She turned to the Tao to try to 'help' us. Made a deal with their devil. We get to face 8 Immortals because of it.

>>39935877
>[x] “Well, Little Sister, I think you could take some lessons in diplomacy....”
RUDE

>>39935877
>[] “Sorry, you have the wrong court system, I'm not part of the Celestial Bureaucracy.”

>but the gist of what she's saying is obvious
No it really isn't.

>>39935892
I have no fucking idea anon, I'm as confused as you are.

>>39935918
our sister may as well have just stabbed us in the back for all the shit she's causing us, actually no, that would have been preferable to this bullshit.

>>39935892
Ryukusa's gonna break Japan. there are Buddhists on the island.

>>39935892

We're literaly the God of Destruction. Of Japan's Destruction, to be precise. And we're its divinely-mandated Executioner.
We're threatening the place by existing.

>>39935950
I guess that makes sense. I'm more confused about her saying we're acting on the orders of this Enma oh fuckwit.

>>39935877
>[x] “So, I guess that's a no. Hey, are demons from China honorable or just cruel?”
Not much we can do about the charge, really.

>>39935877
>[] “Well, Little Sister, I think you could take some lessons in diplomacy....”

>>39935938
Sure it is. "Come with me or I beat you up." That's the gist of what she's saying.

>>39935877
[] “Judgment kind of implies there's already been a trial, and I haven't been on trial yet.”
>>39935938
That wouldn't stop them from trying to capture us.
>>39935957
Not necessarily, anon. This quest is about why empathy and compassion matter, why a God should care for those below them. What we'll destroy hasn't been made clear to us, but it's most-likely something that is holding Japan back spiritually.

>>39935961
Yeah that doesn't make sense, she says we're accused of working for Enma-Oh, but are to stand before Enma-Oh for judgement and that she's authorized by Enma-Oh, the person she accuses us of working for, to bring us in...

>>39935961

SHE is acting under Enma's orders. She's telling us who her boss is

>>39935877
>[] “Sorry, you have the wrong court system, I'm not part of the Celestial Bureaucracy.”
[X] Please file the appropriate forms with the correct Office of the relevant Bureau. The request will be reviewed and you can expect a response for the needed additional supporting documents within 100 years.

>>39935986
I read it as "You are accused...on the part of Yanluowang, called Enma-oh", as in Enma-oh is the accuser.

>>39935986
>interference with Mandate of the Celestial Emperor on the part of -snip- in causing disorder and distress
She's accusing us of taking over Emma-Oh's job of causing trouble.

>>39935877
[X] “Well, Little Sister, I think you could take some lessons in diplomacy....”
[X] “I'm confused, is that a yes, or a no?”

>>39935877
>[] “Sorry, you have the wrong court system, I'm not part of the Celestial Bureaucracy.”
>[] “Judgment kind of implies there's already been a trial, and I haven't been on trial yet.”
I wonder if being 2old has something to do with this

>>39935877
>[] “Judgment kind of implies there's already been a trial, and I haven't been on trial yet.”
>[] “Sorry, you have the wrong court system, I'm not part of the Celestial Bureaucracy.”

>>39936048
No discriminating against grannies!

>>39935984
>Not necessarily, anon.

No, anon. We ARE literaly the divinely-mandated executioner of Japan. That's not up for debate. What is up for debate is what we'll destroy and our effect on Japan.

>What we'll destroy hasn't been made clear to us, but it's most-likely something that is holding Japan back spiritually.

Maybe, and that's what we're aiming for, but that doesn't change the fact that Buddhist are logicaly scared of what we can do.

>>39935877

>[] “I'm confused, is that a yes, or a no?”

>[] “Well, Little Sister, I think you could take some lessons in diplomacy....”
>[] “Judgment kind of implies there's already been a trial, and I haven't been on trial yet.”
>[] “Sorry, you have the wrong court system, I'm not part of the Celestial Bureaucracy.”


>Beside, I already have people looking forward for binding me, and I don't think they'd like it if you went before them. Black steel sounds fancy, though, so I'll give you points for the effort.

You can't make threat like this around Ryukusa and don't expect the joke

>>39936109
I bet XS regrets she let Ryukusa multi-vote, haha.

>>39935877
>[] “Judgment kind of implies there's already been a trial, and I haven't been on trial yet.”
[X] Sorry, but complaints regarding my divinely mandated mission statement and jurisdiction must be taken up with my superiors. Please file a formal complaint with the appropriate kami of Japan.

>>39936159
>with the appropriate kami of Japan
Isn't Ryukuza top kami (should she fully resurrect, anyway)?

>>39936215
Ami-chan is somewhat appropriate, as is Ryukuza's father.

>>39936215

Nah, she's not even a kami.

She's more-or-less the top kami's personal servant.

>>39936159
Seconding

>>39936215
No, she's just the top kami's personal cleaner/enforcer.
Our boss COULD get her brother to do it, but he's an asshole, has even worse control over limiting collateral damage than we do, and isn't as good at the job.

But in terms of hierarchy, there are other kami who are above us, even in our fully ressurected form.

>>39935877
>>39935984
I'll support >>39936109 as well.

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[XXX] “Sorry, you have the wrong court system, I'm not part of the Celestial Bureaucracy.”
[XX] “Judgment kind of implies there's already been a trial, and I haven't been on trial yet.”
[X] “Well, Little Sister, I think you could take some lessons in diplomacy....”
[+] Hmm....legalese. That's an idea....black steel sounds pretty cool too. Hey, what about a formal letter? That would be perfect!

While her formal way of speaking is confusing as all hell, she's basically threatening you. Just really politely. More politely than anyone else has, really. In fact, she's pretty much saying you have to go with her to stand in judgment for crimes you've committed. Except you're neither Buddhist, nor have you actually been 'causing disorder and distress' to the local population of Buddhists. Well, except your older sister, but that's kind of your job as a younger sister, according to every anime, manga, television drama, and wuxia film you've ever seen.

But maybe you can turn this around.

“While you're not terribly diplomatic, I think what you're saying is that I have to go to the underworld and talk with your boss or you'll beat me up and take me to your boss anyways, right?” She nods solemnly. Akari-niji-chan is giving you an odd look. You tuck both hands behind your back and lean forward a little – you're taller than her by about a foot – and consider carefully.

….while you tell Kiku-chan to swap places with Yui and have Yuuhi-chan swap places with Inau-san with your hands.

>>39936363

We're basically the Darth Vader to Ami's Emperor Palpatine.

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>>39936636
You hear them moving behind you, but Fenghuang-san doesn't take her eyes off yours, as you expected of someone using Phoenix Eye style. All her massive attention is solely focused on you. “Well, first of all, I can't go there, as the underworld I'm allowed to go to is Yomi, not Hell. Second, I haven't had a trial, so no one can sit in judgment over me, not even the King of Hell, whose job I'm not the least bit interested in.” You see a waver in her expression, a touch of confusion. This isn't part of her plan, so you're unsettling her. Perhaps Er Yin-sensei was right about the control. “Finally, I'm part of the Shinto and Koshinto spiritual world, not the Buddhist one, so I really can't go with you anyways. I'm not allowed to leave Japan, currently, chains or not, because I've received my own divine mandate.” You find yourself stopping there, because you can't actually tell anyone you received your marching orders from Amaterasu-Omikami herself.

….

Of course, you've been told you could get her representative to make a visitation. Amaterasu-Omikami said you could call upon Inari herself once. That would be pretty fucking persuasive.

“Akari-niji-chan! Taker a letter!”

Akari looks startled, and you turn to face her, giving you a lovely view of the rest of your family. Yui-chan and Inau-san are safely protecting Kiki-hime and Er Yin-sensei, while Kiku-chan and Yuuhi-chan are both flanking you and Akari, a wall of absolute destruction between your family and the demon-girl. “Hurry up! We're waisting Enma-Oh's time and that of his most helpful representative!” Akari kneels, pulling a kneeling block-table, paper, ink and brush out of nowhere.

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>>39936657
You start pacing and speaking quite loudly, letting everyone hear you. “Most Illustrious and Terrible Judge of the Dead, Enma-Oh; I formally and abjectly apologize for not returning with your servant, but as I am under the mandate of a Heaven not associated with the traditional Chinese systems of belief, I am unable, at this time, to comply with the formally rendered and unsubstantiated judgment delivered by your servant. Please consider this letter a formal request that the matter be taken to my direct superiors in the spiritual world as their commands are currently in effect and require my utmost and considered attention. Regretfully and with great humility, Ryuu Ryukusa, daughter of Ryujin Owatatsumi, heir to the mikoto of Ame-no-Horobi-no-Mikado, as witnessed by her personal priestess Ryuu Kiku and her personal herald Ryuu Yui.”

Akari's neat brush strokes glide across the paper, and the demon-girl is looking at you in utter confusion, her hands lowered and her attention completely disrupted. Er Yin-sensei is laughing behind her hand, while Kiku's eyes are blazing pools of gold and her hair is literally smoking, so shocked and angry is she. Akari, stoic and calm as always, doesn't let one hint of a smile show. Kiki-hime is gently cleaning the blood from Yui-niji-chan's face, and your oni-chick waves to show you she's listening.

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>>39936683
Akari-niji-chan gently blows on the ink to dry it as you turn your attention on the demon girl. “So, while the idea of black steel cuffs – would those be wrists ~and~ ankles, or just wrists? Just wrists? Oh well. Anyways, other people have dibs on tying me up, so you'll just have to wait your turn, sorry.” Akari-niji-chan lifts the letter and you sign it with a flourish. As she folds the letter you turn back to Fenghuang-san. “Anyways, here's my response, please take this to your superiors with my apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused them and you.” you take the letter from Akari-niji-chan, who hands it to you with both hands, bowing politely. You bow to her accepting it with both hands, milking the situation for every bit of ridiculousness possible.

The demon-girl takes the letter as you offer it to her with both hands, bowing to her as well. “....yes. I will take this to my superiors....” She sounds uncertain, but you gesture for the nogitsune-Yakuza pairs behind her to move and they break the circle, stepping cautiously out of her way. The shift in the air around you is palpable, and the strange girl turns and slowly walks off, holding the letter carefully.

[] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
[] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.
[] Apologize for the lack of a fight. (and have Akari collect your winnings later).
[] Immediately kneel and offer apologies to Amaterasu-Omikami, because holy shit you pulled a fast one there!
[] Cut Kiku-chan off and tell her that if Oba-san doesn't know by now she should have stepped down decades ago.

>>39936704
>[] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
>[] Apologize for the lack of a fight. (and have Akari collect your winnings later).
>[] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.

>>39936704
>[] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
>[] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.

>>39936704
>[] Immediately kneel and offer apologies to Amaterasu-Omikami, because holy shit you pulled a fast one there!
>[] Cut Kiku-chan off and tell her that if Oba-san doesn't know by now she should have stepped down decades ago.

>>39935872
Didn't we just have two entire threads dedicated to downtime? 2:6 is honestly a pretty good ratio if you ask me, since I know that downtime is much harder to write than happenings.

My only minor complaint would be that we keep having new happenings before we completely deal with the old ones. We STILL haven't dealt with that kappa. It's not a big deal, though, I'm sure we'll get to it all.

>>39936704
>You wont receive punishment for this, will you? To have sent you here, they must have at least been certain I had committed some crime.

>>39936704
>[] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
>[] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.
>[] Apologize for the lack of a fight. (and have Akari collect your winnings later).

>>39936704
>[X] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
>[X] Immediately kneel and offer apologies to Amaterasu-Omikami, because holy shit you pulled a fast one there!
>[X] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.

>>39936847

Good idea, we should probably ask her

>>39936704

>>You wont receive punishment for this, will you? To have sent you here, they must have at least been certain I had committed some crime.

if she still goes:

>Ask Akari and Yui to follow the demon girl discretely, but only if they are in good enough shape


It's important we know where she goes and who are her direct superiors, because a) they most likely won't settle for this and b) she's probably going to be horribly punished for it.

then

>[] Immediately kneel and offer apologies to Amaterasu-Omikami, because holy shit you pulled a fast one there!
>[] Apologize for the lack of a fight. (and have Akari collect your winnings later).
>[] Cut Kiku-chan off and tell her that if Oba-san doesn't know by now she should have stepped down decades ago.

>>39936704
>>39936864
Supporting!
Great success.

>>39936704
>[x] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
>[x] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.
>[x] Apologize for the lack of a fight. (and have Akari collect your winnings later).

Personally I like the fact that we have a million and a one things to deal with and new shit coming up all the time, because I'm pretty sure that's exactly how it would happen.

While I agree a lot has been left on the back burner that we really need to get taken care of, and it's starting to seem more and more daunting, I trust XS to pull it all back together in due time, all loose ends tied in pretty little bows to hold down Yui and Akari with.

Basically, enjoy the ride and let XS worry about it, because I'm sure he/she (?) has it covered.

Or maybe she/he (!?!) doesn't, in which case, again, just enjoy the ride and wait for the pretty train wreck at the end.

>>39936704
Shit, I need to remember to tab out more often...
[x] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
[x] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.

>>39936965
>Personally I like the fact that we have a million and a one things to deal with and new shit coming up all the time, because I'm pretty sure that's exactly how it would happen.
Me too. The kappa was really the only thing I wanted to get to ASAP in order to get Er-Yin back in the game, but now that she's awake again, it's less of a concern.

>>39936704
>[] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
>[] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.
>[] Apologize for the lack of a fight. (and have Akari collect your winnings later).
Also >>39936847

>>39936965

And let's not forget that given how the quest's mechanics work, each good things that happen to Ryu has been paid with bad things happening

>>39937032
It's more that she has a certain amount of bias/luck towards her as she has less support, allies, and powerful items to call upon.

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[XXX] Well, that didn't go as anyone planned.
[XXX] ….gather your family and go back to your umbrella before Kiku-chan scolds you publicly.
[X] Apologize for the lack of a fight. (and have Akari collect your winnings later).
[X] Immediately kneel and offer apologies to Amaterasu-Omikami, because holy shit you pulled a fast one there!

“Without one blow, I defeat the enemy,” you announce, not quite loudly enough to be heard by said enemy. “Sorry, boys and girls, but I'm not just any gang member! No one expects the Ryuu Clan!” There are cheer and jeers alike, none of which you take personally or concern yourself with, as the ring of watchers slowly breaks up. The look on Reiha's face is panicked, while Chisato is gleefully receiving handfuls of cash. Some of which is undoubtedly yours.

While the demon girl is being escorted off the beach area by a small group of Yakuza and nogitsune-born, you consider, and then incline your head to Akari-niji-chan. “Follow her, and when you get to a fairly safe spot, politely ask if she's going to get punished for this. If she is, apologize and follow discretely. Actually, never mind – follow her anyways. You're not injured are you?”

“Only my pride, aniki. She was a terrifying fighter, even without magic.”

….okay, that's like, really not good....

“I'm sorry, could you repeat that last bit?”

Akari looks up at you, her eyes hinting at the slightest bit of worry. “She didn't use any magic, aniki. She was just that tough and strong and fast. I couldn't land any punch that she couldn't at least absorb enough of to continue fighting, and she hurt Yui-chan pretty badly for an oni-child. I haven't the slightest idea what kind of powers she has, sorry.” Okay, that's more than just wrong, that's outright freaky.

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>>39937716
You glance after the strange girl and frown. “Follow her anyways then. We need intel. I'll send Yui-niji-chan after she's healed, unless you want me to send Kiku-chan with you.” If the weakest of theirs can hold of the strongest of yours, there's all sorts of trouble in the future. But you hope your letter will get a formal response, rather than an informal one.

“I am fine, aniki. I can take care of this. You can send Yui-chan when she's better. She can find me.” As reassurance she touches her black jade pendant, the made from the jade mask she used to wear constantly. She runs her hand along your arm in farewell, and you steal a brief kiss, before Akari-niji-chan slides into the sand without disturbing a grain of it.

Turning, you gesture to your whole family to come close, and they quickly crowd around you, though the vanguard parts to allow Kiki-hime to press close to you and bury her face in your shoulder. “We're going back to the beach, and taking some time out. Er Yin-sensei, I need you to explain what you meant by turning her and taking responsibility. I already took responsibility with Akari-chan and Kiki-hime, so I am guessing you're not talking about that.” Yuuhi-chan looks confused, and Inau-san blushes vividly. Kiku-chan is still smoking, but she's keeping her anger in check, waiting her turn.

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>>39937746
“A Chinese demon can be brought away from the service of Hell by allowing it the chance to turn from the service of the King of Hell and entering the service of a powerful spiritual being that is capable of taming it. Once tamed, they are absolute slaves until they achieve humanity by following the Tao and serving with proper respect for as long as it takes to become truly human.” Her voice is soft and gentle, and she smiles faintly. “That girl has demon essence in her – I do not think she is human at all, for true demon essence kills ordinary humans instantly, and the taint of demon essence in a spirit-child would make them like demons in every way. So she could be turned, and tamed by you.”

“But how do you know I can tame Chinese demons?! I'm not even part of that Celestial court!” Your disgust at the very concept of enslaving someone like that can't help but bubble through.

Er Yin-sensei looks at nothing, but her expression is apologetic. “Ryukusa-sama....you have already done so twice in your own court.” Kiku-chan glares at Er Yin her mouth opening to lambaste her lover....then suddenly turns and looks at Yui, her expression shocked. Yui-chan looks back at her with utter equanimity, an expression undoubtedly picked up from Akari.

[] ….what are you talking about?
[] Oh. Excuse me, I need to go be sick over here.
[] It wasn't like that at all!
[] That. Wasn't. What. I. Did.
[] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.

>>39937762
>[X] That. Wasn't. What. I. Did.
>[X] It wasn't like that at all!
>[x] ….what are you talking about?

>>39937762
>[] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.

>>39937762
>[] ….what are you talking about?
Because it's a domme talking
>[] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.
Is this about Yui and Yuuhi?

>>39937762
>[] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.

>...Please, Er Yin-sensei. What did I do?

>>39937762
>[] It wasn't like that at all!
>[] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.
>[] ….what are you talking about?

>>39937762
>[] It wasn't like that at all!
>[] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.

>>39937762
>>39937858
This does it best

>>39937853
[X] That. Wasn't. What. I. Did.
[X] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.

Probably Yui and the mukade youkai.

>>39937762
>>39937853
Supporting. Gotta stay cool!

>>39937897
Whoops, wrong quote! Sorry XS!

>>39937897
>>39937853

It's at least about Yuuhi. XS said so in a WQDT, recently

>>39937762
>[X] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.
>[X] ….what are you talking about?

>>39937762
>[] ….what are you talking about?7
>[] ….what are you talking about?

>>39937975
At least it's not Ask.fm!

>>39937762
[] ….what are you talking about?
[] That. Wasn't. What. I. Did.
[] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.
>>39937975
WQDT?

I once said that if she was in a sentai, Ryukusa would be the antagonist. And this is becoming truer by the thread.

>>39938131

Weekend Quest Discussion Thread

>>39937762
>[] That. Wasn't. What. I. Did.
>[] It wasn't like that at all!
>[] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.

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[X] Deep breaths, Ryukusa, deep breaths. It's not what it sounds like, it really isn't.
[X] ….what are you talking about?

You control the impulse to lash out at the idea of enslaving anyone, much less anyone you care about. The implication that you enslaved Yui instead of rescuing her is....appalling, is probably the least unpleasant word you can call it. You close your eyes, well aware that your family is picking up on the tension you are radiating, and you slowly take control of your anger by releasing it into your breaths, calming yourself. She's implying something awful, but that's not really how it worked., you're certain of it. You can't even imagine doing something like that on

>purposefully you reach out and take the gleaming diamond that would grant you control of the city. The inhabitants gaze up at you in awe as you face their lord and master, whom you defeated, and the sounds of their hearts and lungs beating and breathing as one fills your ears, your head. You gaze at the self-proclaimed Lord of Order and hold the diamond in your left hand, the massive, heart sized jewel catching the alien light of the bleeding sun under the violet and yellow skies. You look at his perfect, beautiful face-mask, your Water Eyes seeing his gleeful, hateful expectation of you succumbing to the lure of peace and tranquility forced upon the city.

>You squeeze, and the diamond explodes, shards of diamond piercing your palm and wrist, your head tilted enough to catch only a graze along one cheek. The mask of the Lord of Order is pierced by half a dozen razor sharp shards of diamond, and he shrieks, blood trickling from underneath his face-mask as a multitude – a beautiful, disharmonious cacophony of cries, rise up from the liberated populace. “I'm not that kind of girl,” you say, letting the shards fall from your bleeding hand as you turn to continue your journey with new

purpose.

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>>39938493
“Ryu-chan?” Kiki-hime is looking up at you, concerned, and you shake your head, clearing your mind of the memory and vision.

“....please explain, Er Yin-sensei, because what you say I did, I couldn't possibly do. Not like that.” Yui-chan steps over and places her hand on your hip, while Kiku-chan shakes her head, bewildered. Inau-san watches you all quietly, her expression concerned, while Yuuhi-chan wraps her ribs and chest tightly, unconcerned by the situation.

“Yui-san is an oni, a servant of the kami. She served a specific kami, and you turned her away from that kami, and tamed her to your cause. She obeys without question and assists in every way without fear or worry that you would order her to destroy herself or cause your family harm.” Okay, she's technically correct. “You turned the mukade youkai in your sword to your service. Bound it to your blade, and made it yours. It serves you, willingly, unafraid, obedient to your will despite being youkai.”

“But Yui-chan has been afraid several times! She's been scared and worried before!” Kiki-hime's exclamation reassures you, but Er Yin's indulgent gentle sadness makes her hesitate to continue.

“She has only ever been afraid of her previous master, and losing Ryukusa-sama,” murmurs the Void dragonette softly.

“All right. Say you are right, Er Yin-sensei....I haven't enslaved Yui-chan at all. She makes her own decisions, choses whom she loves and stands by, and I listen to her suggestions and concerns without telling her to be obedient and listen to me, except where her life and Kiki-hime's life are concerned. That makes her more than a slave by any measure.” Your heart is beating fast though because you're not entirely sure she's wrong at the moment.

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>>39938516
Er Yin-sensei turns to gaze through you with those shining blind eyes. “Because you're assisting her on her path to freedom as a person of her own, Ryukusa-sama. She has progressed further and more quickly than the mukade youkai can, or a Chinese demon ever could, because you are part of her world, and not theirs.” You shudder involuntarily, realizing she's seeing it from a Chinese point of view, one you don't share.

And you're very grateful for that.

“All right. I think I see what you mean. But I don't know enough about Taoism or Chinese mysticism to be able to do that for Fenghuang-san.” You take a deep breath and place your arm around Yui-chan's shoulders. “Yui-niji-chan is my herald and my precious friend, and my best friend's great treasure. Nothing will ever make me treat her like a slave – and that goes for any of my family, even Shoko-san and Yuuhi-san, who act more like samurai than servants or friends sometimes.” Yuuhi glances up at you but you smile and shake your head, letting her tend Inau-san.

Er Yin-sensei looks at you – AT you – and her Void Eyes strip away your careful defenses and protections. You swallow, seeing her preparing to ask you a question. You glance at Yuuhi-chan, and then back at Er Yin. You can feel the weight of those two-hundred years on your heart under that piercing gaze.

Chi-chan and Peta-chan are walking over to you, Peta's hand securely held by her pet.

[] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.
[] Even if – EVEN IF – it were true, the intent matters!
[] All right. Let's say that you're right: I still can't afford to do that with any of these eight demons.
[] I think we'll just have to agree to disagree, on this subject. But that's all right.
[] I think you're wrong, but we can't argue here any longer.

>>39938536
[x] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.
[x] I think you're wrong, but we can't argue here any longer.

>>39938536
>[] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.

>>39938536
>[] All right. Let's say that you're right: I still can't afford to do that with any of these eight demons.

>>39938536
>[x] Even if – EVEN IF – it were true, the intent matters!
>[x] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.
Ah, the ancient art of the argument.

>>39938536
>[] Even if – EVEN IF – it were true, the intent matters!

>>39938536
>>[] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.
>[] Even if – EVEN IF – it were true, the intent matters!

>>39938536
>[] Even if – EVEN IF – it were true, the intent matters!
>[] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.

>>39938536
>[x] All right. Let's say that you're right: I still can't afford to do that with any of these eight demons.
Right?

>>39938536
>[] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.

>or a Chinese demon ever could
So
>[] All right. Let's say that you're right: I still can't afford to do that with any of these eight demons.
Unless we rekt Japan and have her grind for karma, I guess?

>>39938747
>>39938783

Technically, we can afford it.

>>39938536

>Let her ask her question

then


>[] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.
>[] Even if – EVEN IF – it were true, the intent matters!


>I just wanted to help. It's all I meant to do.
>...Do you think of me that way, Er Yin-sensei?

>>39938816
How about practically?

>>39938536
>The intent matters
Honestly, I feel like we can certainly try to help the girl. That's just what Ryukusa does.

>>39938862

Pratically it would be a pretty horrible thing to do, unless her situation turns out to be worse than the fate we'd give her.

>>39938864

I'm certainly not against it, but help her with what?

We don't know anything about her or how her life is.

>>39938864
Yeah, that's about the long and short of it in my eyes.
Sure you can come with plenty of reasonable arguments not to do it. But in the end, protecting the smiles of cute girls is Ryukusa's creed. One XS several times pointed out has saved her/us in the face of difficult decisions. Abandoning it seems as poor an idea as any.

As mentioned though, we kinda don't have the option any more right now, so unless she reappears it won't be relevant.

>>39938864
Not everyone needs our help, though.

>>39938936
While effective in the current situation, I feel that was ultimately a stalling tactic. i'm positive that won't be the last see of her.

>>39939002
>>39938936

That's why we sent Akari to follow her. Maybe Phoenix Girl is content or even happy with her life, but maybe her life is horrible.

All we know is that her employer don't give her more than the strict necessary items while on mission.

Also, now that I think of it, we didn't ask why she and her friends tried to inject Kiki with Ami-knows-what. We definitively need to address this.

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[XX] It doesn't matter what she would do – I wouldn't ask it and you know that.
[XX] Even if – EVEN IF – it were true, the intent matters!
[X] All right. Let's say that you're right: I still can't afford to do that with any of these eight demons.

“You know I wouldn't ask that of her – I had to explicitly order her to not act on that....impulse....” The words die in your throat and you lower your gaze, unable to look into those shining eyes. You had to order her not to risk her life for you, because she would have done it otherwise. And she obeys, despite her samurai nature. Kiku-chan looks away, her anger entirely dissipated under the painful lessons of her master.

You feel a sickening weight in your stomach, suddenly understanding Er Yin's intent all too well. A soft murmur escapes your lips. “The intent matters. Even if it is true, the intention is pure, and that matters.” Kiki-hime's hand squeezes your tightly, and you feel her warmth, her faith in you, almost a palpable thing. “They didn't deserve what was happening to them, none of them.”

Smooth, hard talons rest gently on your shoulder, and Er Yin is there, looking into your face, or through your face, or whatever. You blink back tears and she whispers softly. “Of course the intent matters, Ryukusa-sama. That is why it is important to understand the capability, so that your enemies cannot exploit it. Enma-Oh has the right and duty to destroy all those demons whom have turned from his service.” Yui-chan is hugging your waist, while Kiki-hime is leaning into your other side. “It would pain you terribly to have saved them, only to lose them all in a way you cannot prevent.” And that would be why you have a seer, damn it all to Yomi. Even if she sucks at telling you shit you don't like.

“Ryukusa-dono.”

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>>39939166
You wipe your tears away with the back of your hand and look at Yuuhi-chan, who is looking calm and unconcerned. “Yes, Yuuhi-chan?”

The strange nogitsune-child speaks very slowly and carefully, looking into your eyes with her glowing crimson ones. “Er Yin-sensei forgot that the choice is still ours, and not anyone else's. Not even our previous masters. You gave us that choice, and we took it, because it was you who let us choose you.” You shake your head, not comprehending. “If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have those choices at all.”

“....thank you, Yuuhi-chan. That means a lot to me.” She nods and gently pulls Yui-chan away, moving her to where the first aid kit is. “Do you really think of me that way Er Yin-sensei?” Kiki-hime gently brushes your tears away.

“No, Ryukusa-sama. I see you for exactly who you are. But your enemies might think that of you, if they understood the nature of that power or believe they understand you more than your family does.” Oba-san, and whomever the leader of the Eight Immortal Demons is. “It is a power that comes from what you truly are, and what you truly are, is not a dragonette.” You glance at Inau-san, who is speaking softly with Peta-chan and Chi-chan. “Yes, hers too. But she is Ainu, and deeply of Koshinto, and she knows this power exists in her.” So it probably wouldn't work on the Chinese demons at all.

>>39938536
>You have an odd definition of slavery, Er-yin-sensei. But I'd rather 'slavery' be what you have described, then what many have experienced and continue experiencing today.

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>>39939178
“I understand, Er Yin-sensei.” You don't have to like it, and you don't have to think of it that way, and you honestly don't really believe it works that way, but the possibility is daunting. She's definitely right about the demons though. “So, I cant afford to give any of the demon's quarter, is what you are saying.”

“No, Ryukusa-sama. You can allow them surrender. You cannot offer them protection from their king.” Er Yin patiently waits until you acknowledge her words with a small sound. Then she goes to her knees, and starts to kowtow, with some difficulty. “I am sorry to have hurt you, Ryukusa-sama. Please forgive this cruel dragon.”

[] no, no, no. you were doing as you must
[] the pain was deep, Er Yin, but I will always forgive
[] help her up and gently chide her
[] in time, Er Yin, I have to process this
[] it is a very hard thing to forgive, this teaching of yours

>>39939227
>[] help her up and gently chide her
>[] no, no, no. you were doing as you must
She's doing her job.

>>39939227
>[x] help her up and gently chide her
>[x] the pain was deep, Er Yin, but I will always forgive

>>39939227
>[] no, no, no. you were doing as you must
>[] help her up and gently chide her
This is why she's here..

>>39939227
>[] no, no, no. you were doing as you must
>[] the pain was deep, Er Yin, but I will always forgive

>>39939227
>[] no, no, no. you were doing as you must
>[] help her up and gently chide her

>>39939227
>[] help her up and gently chide her
>[] no, no, no. you were doing as you must

>Sometime, Er Yin-sensei, the cure seems harsher to withstand than the ill. But only a fool would say that being healed hurt them.

>Please forgive me for my doubts

>kiss the girl, you baka dragon.

>>39939227
>[x] the pain was deep, Er Yin, but I will always forgive
>[x] help her up and give her a hug and thanks for helping out

>Everything Er-Yin just said
So Ryukusa is The Exile from KOTOR 2?

>>39939227
>] no, no, no. you were doing as you must

>>39939227
>[] no, no, no. you were doing as you must
>[] the pain was deep, Er Yin, but I will always forgive
>[] help her up and gently chide her
Why is everyone from our family so great?
Er Yin is Best Girl, Yui is Best Girl, even Inau and Yuuhi are Best Girls.

Perhaps being Best Girl is an Immanent characteristic of Inari?

>>39939489
I only play weeb games anon. And not a lot of those either.

>>39939579

>Perhaps being Best Girl is an Immanent characteristic of Inari?

Literaly, it is.

>>39939579
From what I understand, Inari is basically a single girl who is so Best that she needs five bodies to contain just how damn Best she is.

>>39939581
Massive spoilers to the game, but The Exile turns out to be a hole in the force that subconsciously tethered those close to her to her will and unconsciously changed them as a reflection of her own actions. Therefore, an evil Exile could turn even her most principled followers to the dark side and a virtuous one would see everyone around her become more virtuous.

Massive video spoiler that explains it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EtByaOxiwE

>>39939684
Oh man this reminds me that I need to go back and play the restoration project.

>>39939684
Isn't that the so called Grey side?

>>39939764
Nah, the Grey Side is seeing both sides for the hypocrisy they are and walking the line. Or just swearing the whole shebang off altogether like Jolee Bindo did.

>>39939579
>>39939607
>>39939628
Immanent (ˈJmənənt)

Adjective
>Naturally part of something; existing throughout and within something; inherent; integral; intrinsic; indwelling.

>(philosophy, metaphysics, theology, of a deity) existing within and throughout the mind and the world; dwelling within and throughout all things, all time, etc.

I'd say yes, being Best girl is definitely an Immanent trait of Inari.

>>39939489
>>39939684

Ryukuza isn't like this. It's not passive personality change, it's simply servitude as defined by the cosmic order.

If we got someone that hated us, they wouldn't start liking us because of this power. And if we had a complete psychopathic, we couldn't brainwash them to become better persons.

>>39939803
Where's that pic of Neutral Planet Dude saying "My Gut tells me Maybe!"? It's perfect for this.

I really need to sort my image folder

>>39939489
I don't play vidya.

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>>39939859

>>39939851
We know Ryukusa isn't like this, but it sounds very similar to what Er-Yin said others might think of her as. There's at least a parallel between the whole taming a subject thing and the Exile's force bonds.
>>39939863
see >>39939684 (You)
It's not exactly the rarest concept in the world, but I KOTOR2's rendition of it has always stuck with me.

>>39939914
Thank you.

>>39939936

Well, let's just hope Oba-shit and whoever is in charge to the Immortals didn't get their idea from playing KOTOR 2.

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[XX] no, no, no. you were doing as you must
[XX] help her up and gently chide her
[+] Er Yin is love, just a little harder than the others.

You – and to your surprise, Kiki-hime – catch Er Yin before she can even begin to complete the process of kowtowing before you. With her long, heavy tail she could still easily mage with one arm, but the way her left arm is bound and able to move, she would have had to lay it on the sand somehow. Kiki-hime's eyes are shining too, and you control your tears.

“No, Er Yin-sensei. This is what I need you for. It would be shameful for me to condemn you or make you apologize for doing your job.” As hard as it is, you can't see making it harder on her. You suck at philosophical stuff, mostly because you're one of those strange people who has a strong idea of right and wrong. Hurting people who don't deserve it is wrong, even if killing them isn't.

Yeah, you're a thug; you've learned to live with it.

As you help Er Yin to her feet, you give a wink to Kiki-hime and she smiles, a little forced, but it is still a smile. “But I'm definitely not going to let you get away with treating me so harshly. I'm going to punish you for that.” You keep your voice even and controlled. Kiki-hime looks at you dubiously, and Kiku-chan is glaring daggers at you.

“Of course, Ryukusa-sama. It is no less than I deserve.” But that little smile at the corner of her lips belies her compliance.

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>>39939999
That's okay, you didn't expect her to believe it. “That's right. I'm going to make you feed me an entire pint of chocolate ice cream, by hand, and I'm not giving you any.” She puts her good hand over her heart and bows to you in acknowledgement. You lean over and kiss her forehead, and then her lips lightly, as she looks up in surprise. “You take all the fun out of it if you just accept it like that, Er Yin-sensei.” That earns you a lovely, and surprising blush from Er Yin-sensei, and you caress her silver hair, still surprised at how it feels like silk rather than spines.

She stands up and looks a little abashed. “Sometimes lessons are painful. I really can't fault you for teaching me what I should have learned if my life had been normal. Well, normal for me. Never mind, that makes no sense either.” You shake your head as Inau-san leads Peta-chan and Chi-chan over. Kiku-chan steps up to you, looking into your eyes with her soft golden ones, her expression only mildly perturbed rather than angry. “You can scold me later Kiku-chan. But I think I did the right thing.”

“Baka dragon,” she mutters, but she follows it with a sigh. “No, it is fine. I think it was very foolhardy, but you are you.”

>You tear your way free of the entangling ribbons of rotted canvas, the stench of rotting fiber and cloying incenses and oils burning your eyes and clogging your lungs. Your scream of utter rage causes the white sky to cloud over with viscous inky clouds, and the gale force winds that rip through the caverns tear the gem-studded cerements from your body as the downpour of inky black rain extinguishes the pale blue torches. “I AM NOT YOUR PRINCESS!” The ancient warriors, long dead, cower and moan their despair as you destroy the temple they sought to inter a new princess within, to take the place of one long since dust.

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>>39940047
“....you okay, Aoi-chan?” Chi-chan is looking at you with some concern, as is Kiki-hime. Yui is stretching and looking at the bandages, while Yuuhi-chan pokes her with a fingertip and received giggles. Peta-chan is looking at a shell on the ground, oblivious to all the world. Er Yin-sensei and Kiku-chan are speaking softly to the side.

“I'm...all right, thanks. Ah, Er Yin, Kiku-chan, go tell my sister and Shoko-san they're fine. And see if you can get some sake and snacks for our campsite, please!” They acknowledge, but Kiki-hime doesn't look entirely convinced that you're okay.

Chi-chan waves it off. “Leave that to me. I'll take care of you.”

“You're still paying me my share of the bets.”

“Eheheheh....okay, sure.” She snaps her fingers. “Oh, we got some information from those idiots who tried to shoot your girl.” You can feel the outrage starting already as Chisato casually refers to Kiki-hime as your girl. “Apparently, they were just in it for some kind of bounty, offered by some military type fucks. Humans, not weirdos like you guys....” Oh yeah, this is going well. Kiki-hime's blood pressure is rising fast. “....the chick is just the guy's main squeeze. The military guys were foreign too. Disposable cell, one use number, passwords, all that crap, no trace, all that stupid shit. We still got them tied up if you want a go at 'em. I already chopped off their pinkies.” And just like that Kiki-hime is sick to her stomach rather than angry.

[] No, it's all good.
[] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more.
[] Later, just keep them handy for me.
[] You know, you really shouldn't talk like that around my wife.
[] Only their pinkies? Are you getting soft?

>>39940068
>[] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more.
Might as well.

>>39940068
> [] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more
Water eyes, of course.

>>39940068
>[] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more.
>[] You know, you really shouldn't talk like that around my wife.

>>39940068
>[x] Later, just keep them handy for me.

>>39940068
>[] Later, just keep them handy for me.
>[] You know, you really shouldn't talk like that around my wife.

>>39940068
>[] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more.
>[] You know, you really shouldn't talk like that around my wife.

>>39940068
>[] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more.

>>39940068
>[] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more.
Peta is an Empress, right? What peoples does she represent? The nogitsunes?

We should also tell Chisato that she's in the presence of royalty. Unless she's the kind that doesn't care about that.

>>39940068

>[] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more.

> Yui-niji-chan, do you think you could reattach severed pinkies to humans?

Gratitude is wonderful for making people talk.

>Put hand on Kiki's back, make sure she's okay.

>>39940237
She's a Yakuza boss, I think she tries to be as offensive as possible to royalty and aristocrats.

>>39940237

Chisato already know, and she's even fucking royalty.

>>39940171
>>39940130
>>39940109

Come on, guys, Kiki has a problem with it, so let her deal with it on her own terms.

>>39940264
That's Chisato. Peta is the foxloli who has claimed Chisato as her pet.
>>39940241
As is promising to remove them again.

These people did just try to fuck with Kiki, after all.

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[X] Yeah, I think I might be able to learn a little more.
[X] You know, you really shouldn't talk like that around my wife.
[+] Well, Yui-niji-chan is a medic....

“I think I have a few tricks up my nonexistent sleeves that will make them talk,” you comment mildly, rubbing Kiki-hime's back lightly. “Also, my wife is part of the Hojo Group, you really shouldn't talk like that around her.”

Chi-chan's eyebrows shoot up. “Really? Sorry, princess, I didn't know.”

Kiki-hime glances at you, confused, and then bows slightly to Chisato-chan. “That is all right. I do not belong with them any more, I am with Ryuu Ryukusa's clan now, as are we all.”

You shrug mildly to Chi-chan as she looks at you, confused by Kiki-hime's formal words. Chi-chan bows....well, kind of bows to Kiki. “I am you're most wicked and capable servant, princess!” Ch-chan claims, and gestures mildly towards one of her flunkies. “They can tell you where they are. I have to go oversee the fireworks or some idiot is gonna blow us all up.” She walks over to Peta-chan, who is now wearing a shell topped bow in her hair, and takes her hand. Peta waves goodbye and Kiki-hime smiles and waves back.

“Oh,” calls Chisato, turning to walk backwards. “That was some cool shit in that letter! Like some grand heroine returning to take over the kingdom!” You blink at her response and wave, but don't bother shouting a reply. Kiki-hime seems stunned by the comment though.

“What is it, 'hime?”

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>>39940677
“....'You have missed the opportunity for a triumphant return'....” she says, as if quoting something. You frown, and struggle to recall. The next line dislodges your memory though.

“....”You must now wait years before such an opportunity cycles your way again.' The changing line from the reading your sister gave you.” She looks at you with wonder in her eyes.

“The letter announcing my nature to the King of Hell himself....while it might not be triumphant, it sure as heaven is a grand entrance.” Then the other version of the hexagram comes to mind. “The students are willing, and seek to learn under the master....” Kiki stares at you, and then looks at Yuuhi and Yui who are putting away the first aid kit. “That one came true too,” you admit to her, cursing your damaged memory for not having caught on sooner.

You catch a glimpse of your sister and Shoko-san walking towards the umbrella, Kiku and Er Yin with them, speaking like old friends. Yui-niji-chan and Yuuhi-chan are discussing the chances of catching an actual octopus, while Inau-san smiles at you, as she sits nearby. You take a deep breath, and let it out slowly, casting aside any doubt or question. Kiki-hime hugs your arm, leaning into you, soft and warm and vital. You're doing all right despite the complications, and your family is still safe for now.

But you can make them safer.

“Yui-niji-chan....what do you know about reattaching fingers...?”

>To Be Continued....

>>39940735
Thanks a lot for running XS!

>>39940735

Oh XS, you beautiful, devious devil.

Amazing. Simply amazing

>>39940735
>Yui-niji-chan and Yuuhi-chan are discussing the chances of catching an actual octopus
Tell them go into the water in swimsuits (skimpier is better) and cephalopods and eels will swarm in like moths to a bright light.

Thanks for running!

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I'll stay around a short time for questions.

Thank you for reading and playing.

>>39940796
> cephalopods and eels

Is that how Ryukusa calls her fingers?

>>39940735
>You must now wait years before such an opportunity cycles your way again
Hell is so slow

Thanks, XS.

>>39940846
Thanks for running.

I'll ask the most obvious question first then: Next thread when?

>>39940846
So wait, did we or did we not miss an opportunity?

>>39940869
You sent a letter to Enma-Oh blatantly announcing you were in fact the reincarnation of the God of Destruction.

It's safe to say you are returning triumphantly, and aren't shy about announcing it any longer.

>>39940866
Hopefully tomorrow, but it's allergy season, I may have to wait until friday.

>>39940846

Thanks again!

Did the events of this thread change the way our family and friends see us?

Also, how do juridiction conflicts between Buddhism and Shinto usually go, in Japan?

>>39940865
Technically, Ryukusa DID wait years. 208 of them.

>>39940906
>You sent a letter to Enma-Oh blatantly announcing you were in fact the reincarnation of the God of Destruction.
So basically, we asked him if he wanted to start a war over this?

>>39940927
>Did the events of this thread change the way our family and friends see us?
Friends yes, family no; you still have total confidence and approval from your family, even more so after dealing with the corundum that Er Yin put before you.

The Yakuza and nogitsune clan are both terribly impressed with your showmanship, especially when giving lip to the God of Hell, though most of the Yakuza thinks it was kind of a joke. They approve of anti-authoritarian actions such as boldly telling the King of Hell to "bother my boss, I'm busy doing important shit."

>Also, how do juridiction conflicts between Buddhism and Shinto usually go, in Japan?
Badly. The first time lead to spiritual warfare, and more recently the tensions have been high but currently Shinto has the right of way. That's why Ryukusa has been treading very carefully around Buddhist issues before this.

Fortunately, there is enough difference between the Celestial Bureaucracy and the Buddhist Spiritual World that Ryukusa isn't in danger of causing conflict between Shinto and the Celestial Bureaucracy.

>>39940906
Ah I see. The tenses in prophesies can throw one off I suppose.

>>39941037
More a case of "please talk to my boss, who I am required to work for, as opposed to you, whom I actually have no possible relationship with at this time outside of your people bothering me." Enma-Oh suggested Ryukusa is going to cause trouble for the Buddhists in Japan, which is his job. Ryulusa claims that her duty to Amaterasu supersedes his claim entirely because it's literally her job to wreck Japan at times, regardless of whose religion is present.

>>39941061
That's the problem with the I Ching - present, past and future tense don't mean too much.

>>39941106


If I was Enma-Oh, I'd have insisted to have Ryukusa accept one of his people in her staff, so that he can claim that it's still him who cause troubles for the Buddhists in Japan, he's just out-sourcing a bit.

Then again, I'm not an immortal king of Chinese Hell who probably spent centuries being bothered by this Destruction Kamuy business

>>39941207
To which we'd respond that we have no need of his most-kind offer, and if he was a dick about it, we'd respond that he's trying to do our job for us, and he should really talk to our boss about this.

>>39941207
That isn't outside the realm of possibility.

On the other hand, Chinese demons have a different code or conduct than Japanese demons. The situation outlined by Er Yin isn't simply an ethical or moral code the demons abide by - it's absolute servitude, with some leeway when the boss isn't right there if you're a strong enough demon. Fenghuang-san isn't a strong demon, if she's a demon at all.

>>39941233
This. If we start accepting that, we'll have to deal with all of those touble-making deities whose peoples live in Japan (Anansi, Loki, etc)

Shoving jurisdiction is the most prudent thing right now.

>>39941284
Of course, if she's half-spirit-child, she might have a slightly more complex path to follow, right XS?

And what Er Yin was bringing up was the most negativistic view of service or tutelage.

>>39941333
It depends. For example, our I Ching has, based on current events, suggested we accept who we are and not hide anymore. Be exactly who we are, no less, but no more.

>>39941366
It's very accurate for what she was discussing though. If the King of Hell orders Fenghaung to die slowly, Fenghaung will start dying, slowly, and there is no way to save her short of convincing the King of Hell to save her.

Further, the adversarial nature between Chinese Hell and the Celestial Heavens is absolute as well. There can be no reconciliation between them - otherwise the Celestial Harmony is disrupted and truly awful things happen, like the Burning of Nanking and the Opium Wars.

>>39941441
And even as I read that now, it's not really a correct interpretation of what we 'should' be, unless that person clearly understands who Ryuu Ryukusa is, I think.

>>39941478
So we need to stick to the natural order or bad things will happen

>>39941583
The Chinese celestials and demons do. Shinto is slightly more forgiving and has a much broader interpretation of such matters (i.e. there is no evil and no good, only what is correct and incorrect, pure or impure).

>>39941583
We should stick with the natural order of things, or else huge fucking disasters happen.
Either that, or we have to work overtime causing disasters so people repent and the natural order of the universe is re-established.
Then again, I'd say working overtime counts as a huge fuckimg disaster.

>>39941583

That's the definition of natural order.

This is the main problem when people look at a fatalist culture when they're accustomed to the "yes, you can totaly beat fate and look awesome doing it" mentality of many modern media.

>>39941648
>Either that, or we have to work overtime causing disasters so people repent and the natural order of the universe is re-established.
That's how Susanoo does things.

>>39941648
>>39941675
Keep in mind that the current status of things may not be the natural order, especially because Hirobi has been gone for centuries, along with several other Kamuy.

>>39941583
>>39941648
>>39941787
>Amaterasu's expression changes, as you ask if there is anyone who can help, and while she may not read your mind, she knows the minds of your family fairly well, on a hunch. Her expression becomes even more serious, and she steps up to you, into you, her arms sliding up your back, rising onto the tips of her toes in her geta. She embraces you, and it's heaven, it's bliss, it's

>~PAIN~

>Japan is tearing itself apart, not physically, but spiritual, and mentally. The huge separation of the people from each other, the poor, the rich, the powerful, the weak, the darkening of the world's chi through bad planning and unfortunate choices, the poisons seeping into the waters, the air. The people are too far from each other and the kami to help each other grow through it to greater things, and it hurts, it hurts so bad, the pain is agonizing

>ithurtsithurtsithurts

>She is kissing you, and the pain is gone, her warmth, her love, her strength, her support keeps you from falling to the ground hundreds of feet below

I'd say the balance is disturbed.

>>39942279

The balance is disturbed. It's why we're here. On the other hand, there is still the natural order to obey.