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>>40903586
Lieutenant Margaret Steinhausen of the 4th Division of Panzenjaeger Squad, the Japanese demon-child who was also tainted by European fox-spirit (or vice versa, you never had the chance to find out), is dead. Sadly, it was a mercy killing on your part, one that you put yourself in the unfortunate position of giving by driving her insane. Not Ryuu Wakaba levels of insane, but turned-out-the-lights-for-good-nobody-home-ever-again insane. You didn't just kill her either. Literally, you destroyed the part of her soul that should have gone to Yomi – notably without using Ghost Fire or eating it. You didn't even know it could be done outside of sorcery or religious ritual or without Ghost Fire. Sure, you did know a soul could be eaten, but you didn't know that specific parts of a person's soul, spirit, and mikoto could be separated and destroyed.

That wasn't even using the power of Horobi – that was just what you yourself could do if you'd been properly raised and trained as a demigod instead of purely as a dragonette. You're really beginning to wonder if Oba-san wasn't entirely in the wrong with how she was dealing with you.

But you have real issues to deal with, right now.

[] Lay the body aside and go see to Akari-niji-chan and Yuuhi-chan.
[] Sink the body into the barrier and deal with it later; then see to your kohai.
[] Finish your duty and destroy the body, then make sure your samurai and your harbinger are all right.
[] Try and manifest the shadow again, just to see if you can without calling on the power of Horobi.
[] Fuck all this shit – you need to get your family to safety first and foremost.

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>>40903604
Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/40816420/

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

Threads in Chronological Order: http://pastebin.com/Z53TyK0N
or search for Title: Ryukuza on Suptg

Barrier Combat Guide: http://pastebin.com/rZLwzvGx

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
Detective-san is 5'11” and straight.
Kenji Soomi is 5' 4” and gothic lolita.
Ryuu Wakaba is a head shorter and also deceased.
Margaret Steinhausen is gratefully dead.

>>40903604
[x] Finish your duty and destroy the body, then make sure your samurai and your harbinger are all right.
Dragon time!

>>40903604
> [x] Sink the body into the barrier and deal with it later; then see to your kohai.

>>40903604
>[] Sink the body into the barrier and deal with it later; then see to your kohai.
Erryone's late today.

>>40903604
>[x] Finish your duty and destroy the body, then make sure your samurai and your harbinger are all right.
>[x] Check on Akari-niji-chan and Yuuhi-chan.

>>40903604
> Finish your duty...

>>40903586
>[x] Finish your duty and destroy the body, then make sure your samurai and your harbinger are all right.

Hope the shots went well XS! Don't burn down!

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[X] Finish your duty and destroy the body, then make sure your samurai and your harbinger are all right.
[+] They're not just girls, they're YOUR girls.

You stand up and lay the disturbingly intact corpse of Margaret Stockhausen on the sand gently and reverently. Floating back a couple of yards, you pause and hold your hands over the body, creating a momentary typhoon-force sphere of water and wind. When you lower your hands and disperse them both, there is only a hemispherical depression in the sand.

It occurs to you that you've just marked this place as one of the first and worst hit when the time to take on your mikoto comes, and that you'd better make sure it's taken care of.

You walk around the pit slowly, checking Akari-niji-chan and Yuuhi-chan from a safe distance before you start to approach them. Akari is on her knees now, sitting seiza in the sand and looking unnaturally pale; her hands are both on her thighs. More importantly she's looking at you, and not down or away or with her eyes closed, and she's not shaking any longer. There's a little embarrassment in her expression, though; you imagine it was quite a shock to experience something so terrifying. It sure as heaven shocked you, and it was you're feakin' shadow or animus or whatever.

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>>40904483
Yuuhi-chan, on the other hand, is leaning on her unsheathed sword and on one knee, both hands holding the long hilt meaning there's more than three feet of blade buried in the sand, which probably isn't good for the weapon. She's a tiny thing, and her sword is almost as tall as Akari, blade only. The litany of Ainu she's murmuring is a little distressing too, mostly because you have no idea what she's saying. You suspect that it's prayers, because the closer you get, the warmer and happier you feel. There is a sense of pride in you as well, pride that your samurai is strong enough to weather even this unpredictable situation, despite what should have been a terror inducing thing. You're pretty sure that's also part of the prayers, and not entirely your own.

Which is a whole new level of weird.

“Akari-niji-chan, Yuuhi-chan, are you two okay to move on? We need to catch up to the others.” Work is one of the best therapies, and you have plenty of it ahead.

“Gomennasau gozimasu, Ryukusa-dono....” Akari says, kowtowing to you. She sits up immediately though, before you can panic. “I really wasn't prepared for...for that.” Even she's at am loss for words.

Yuuhi-chan looks up, and smiles brightly. “All done?” You stare at her a few seconds and she blinks mildly, completely at ease.

….you're really not sure if that's disturbing or confusing. Whatever it is, it's pure Yuuhi-chan.

[] Hug them both and let your own feelings show.
[] They're both good girls. The best girls.
[] Kiss them on the foreheads and let them know they did nothing wrong.
[] Baka niji-chan, you did nothing wrong! And yes, yes I am so done!
[] No one's prepared for the Spanis-wait, you're not Spanish, fuck.

>>40904502
>>[] Hug them both and let your own feelings show.
>[] They're both good girls. The best girls.
Aww

>>40904149
>Thanks.

>>40904502
>[] They're both good girls. The best girls.
>[] Kiss them on the foreheads and let them know they did nothing wrong.

>>40904502
>[X] Hug them both and let your own feelings show.
>[X] They're both good girls. The best girls.

Can't believe I missed the start.

Welcome back, XS! Hope you're doing alright

>>40904502
>>40904514
Supporting!

>>40904483
>It occurs to you that you've just marked this place as one of the first and worst hit when the time to take on your mikoto comes, and that you'd better make sure it's taken care of.

Dang, I wanted us to come back here with our daughter

>>40904502


>[] Hug them both and let your own feelings show.

>[] Kiss them on the foreheads and let them know they did nothing wrong.
>[] Baka niji-chan, you did nothing wrong! And yes, yes I am so done!
>[] They're both good girls. The best girls.
>Write an ideogram on their back with our tail, showing how happy to have them we are

>>40904927
Ryukusa won't let the beach be totally destroyed anon. She's got a plan.

Right XS? ...right? ;_;

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[XXX] They're both good girls. The best girls.
[XX] Hug them both and let your own feelings show.
[X] Kiss them on the foreheads and let them know they did nothing wrong.

You go to your knees and they both immediately move to meet you, Yuuhi-chan kneeling and leaving her blade aside – something that you recognize, in a small quiet place in your head, as something no samurai would do save under the most dire circumstance – and Akari-niji-chan rising into a crouch. You wrap your arms around them tightly and let go of the tears that well up. Tears for having killed someone, for having tortured them into insanity so deep they could not be rescued. Tears for understanding now what you are to Amaterasu-Omikami, to Ryujin Owatatsumi, to Kamuy Fuchi, their weapon of last resort, their executioner with a terrible and weighty conscience.

And discovering that despite the truth, despite the terrible thing you are and the terrible things you must do, both of your dear friends moved to help you rather than cower in fear or draw away.

Yuuhi and Akari hug you back, silently, accepting your soft, quiet sobs and your tears. Akari's touch is gentle and light, so very careful, even in your transcended form worried that she might hurt you, and yet cool against your cool skin, comforting and soothing your hot tears.. Treating you as a fragile, beloved thing. Yuuhi's hug is warm, tight and energetic, her tail wrapped around your back and holding you closer to her and to Akari. Her hug is soft because she is soft, and firm because she cares about you, cares enough to abandon the sword that represents her soul in favor of making sure you're okay.

They really are the best girls in the whole world.

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>>40905385
Yuuhi's hand comes up and strokes your hair, lacking the uncertainty that would ordinarily be present from someone whom you've hugged for the first time, much less crying into their shoulder. Akari's lips are soft and gentle as she kisses your cheek, kisses the tears away. You shudder, and carefully set your feelings aside. Not bury them, nor hide them, only....set them aside for later. Time to enjoy the wonder of their love and the joy of your family later.

Time to grieve for the pain you'll cause Japan later.

You shudder and draw a deep, slow breath, cleaning yourself up, and them as well, drawing the blood away from Akari's swimsuit with cold water. You kiss each of them on the forehead....well, technically, you try, as Akari surprises you by moving her head up to receive the kiss upon her lips. More surprisingly, Yuuhi-chan does so without trying to surprise you, merely expecting you to kiss her on the lips. You giggle breathlessly, and hug them again, and they you, Akari writing love upon your back with her fingers, and you tracing words of gratitude and warmth upon hers and Yuuhi's backs with your talons – very carefully, in Akari's case, since she's on your left.

Words don't come though; you thought you would need to say something, but their eyes, their love says it all for you. You rise as one, and head back towards your family after Yuuhi-chan collects her sword and sheathes it. Your family, who are waiting with fire and wood and lightning and arrows for the enemy.

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>>40905401
Of the four, only Inau-kun is not looking worried or concerned when you arrive; instead, you see sympathy in her eyes, a shadow of the experience in her expression. Kiki-hime moves forward but only a few steps, the bow shrinking to become a simple wooden ring about her finger. Kiku-chan's fire eyes gaze deeply into you, and you welcome it, let her see whatever she would like. What she sees apparently makes her happy, because she steps aside to allow Kiki-hime to run to you, and hug you tightly, her softness warm against your body as she tries to squeeze you into smaller pieces.

That probably answers the question, 'did they see all that' pretty well, unfortunately. Still, Yui-niji-chan takes Akari's hands and your best friend smiles warmly, though neither says a word. Inau-chan starts excitedly telling Kiku-chan and Inau-kun everything she saw, exactly as she saw it, which is no surprise.

You think she might be giving you a moment. But then again, she might just be telling them all about it. That's a complex little fox there.

[] “Everything is fine now, it is okay, I promise.”
[] Take advantage of Yuuhi-chan's 'moment' and take Kiki-hime aside.
[] Hold her tight and just revel in the fact she's okay. She's safer now than she was minutes ago.
[] Tell her you'll explain everything later, yet again, and continue the escape.
[] Kiss her and tell her that you're okay, but you all have to move on quickly now.

>>40905433
>>[] “Everything is fine now, it is okay, I promise.”
>[] Tell her you'll explain everything later, yet again, and continue the escape.
Still a fight outside yo.

>>40905433
[x] Take advantage of Yuuhi-chan's 'moment' and take Kiki-hime aside.
One of the more unfortunate name mix-ups. But I got it second read!

>>40905529
>Brain faster than fingers today. Leftover adrenaline probably.

>>40905433
>[] “Everything is fine now, it is okay, I promise.”
>[] Tell her you'll explain everything later, yet again, and continue the escape

>>40905433
>[X] Take advantage of Yuuhi-chan's 'moment' and take Kiki-hime aside.
>[X] “Everything is fine now, it is okay, I promise.”

>>40905433
>[] Kiss her and tell her that you're okay, but you all have to move on quickly now.

>>40905433
>] Hold her tight and just revel in the fact she's okay. She's safer now than she was minutes ago

>>40905433

>Write "love" and "okay" and "no worry" on her back

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[XX] “Everything is fine now, it is okay, I promise.”
[X] Tell her you'll explain everything later, yet again, and continue the escape.
[X] Kiss her and tell her that you're okay, but you all have to move on quickly now.
[X] Take advantage of Yuuhi-chan's 'moment' and take Kiki-hime aside.
[+] Writing on people is fun.

You take advantage of the distraction that Yuuhi-chan is creating, whether on purpose or simply because she's a hyperactive nogitsune-child who should probably be medicated to heaven and back, and take your wife aside. And turn her away from the others, holding her close. “I'm okay, and you're safe, and no one is injured, hime....everyone is safe and well....” She pulls back her eyes shining with tears, looking worried for you. “It really is all right, kasan. I'm sorry....” The emotions well up, but you lower your head and close your eyes.

Kiki-hime's fingers gently cover your lips, and you look up. Her smile is small, and sad, but the worry and fear in her eyes is gone. “My Ryu-chan....I never doubted you. Not even before you knew me, when I thought of you as a tomboyish delinquent. You were a fixed point in the world, a person who could make even a small Stone dragonette feel safer.”

You actually blush. The idea of making someone who is practically indestructible 'safer' is patently ridiculous. But the way Kiki says it makes it feel true. Even if it isn't. “Yes, kasan.”

Rather than you needing to tell her that you need to move quickly now, ~she~ kisses ~you~ briefly – but so very warmly – and drops her hand to yours, walking you back to the others. She knows what needs to be done, and she knows you need to do it. But that she is willing to do so without being told....that is something else.

You're not even sure what anymore.

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>>40906564
You write on her hand as she leads you to the others; not just a few kanji, but a gentle and meaningful haiku about your love for her, a seiku, really. But then, she is a creature of nature, so it is a haiku as well, isn't it? She flushes, her cheeks a soft, warm pink, and Yui-niji-chan says something to Akari, who places a finger to her lips. Ominous, that, but not in a bad way.

As you approach the others, who are clearly getting ready to move again, Yui-niji-chan forming a cloud to ride and Inau-kun moving ahead a short ways to scout for you, Kiku-chan looks up at you, her expression embarrassed and contrite, in an unusual display of softer emotions. “I did not know that could happen to you, aniki. Please forgive this stupid lizard.” She bows deeply,

[] ….wait, what?
[] Kiss her on the cheek. Nothing to forgive, always.
[] Words. You're supposed to say words here.
[] You can't be blamed for what none of us were taught. Besides, you're just going senile.
[] I don't expect perfection – you're my priestess, not a kami.

>>40906583
>[X] ….wait, what?
>[X] Words. You're supposed to say words here.

>>40906583
>[] Kiss her on the cheek. Nothing to forgive, always.
>[] You can't be blamed for what none of us were taught. Besides, you're just going senile.
Followed by
>[] ….wait, what?

>>40906583
>[] Kiss her on the cheek. Nothing to forgive, always.
>[] You can't be blamed for what none of us were taught. Besides, you're just going senile.

>>40906583
>[] Kiss her on the cheek. Nothing to forgive, always.
No worries!

>>40906583
>[] Kiss her on the cheek. Nothing to forgive, always.
>[] Words. You're supposed to say words here.

>>40906694
Seconded

>>40906583

>Kiss her on the lips
>[] Kiss her on the cheek. Nothing to forgive, always.

>>40906583
>[] ….wait, what?
>[] I don't expect perfection – you're my priestess, not a kami.
How could she have prepared herself adequately to know this? I can't imagine Horobi had many demigods whose power were related to his, so the specifics of this turn of events are beyond her ability to study and know.

As for the mermaid flesh making us demigods? Same thing. I very much doubt this has precedent. We can't fault anyone for their ignorance on the matter, much less her.

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[X] Nothing to forgive, you silly old lizard; I love you for you, and no one could have expected any of this. What were you thinking, after all, it's Ryuu Ryukusa!

You lean forward and kiss her cheek softly, turning your head to the side to do so, with your hands tucked behind your back. Kiki-hime watches, smiling beatifically as you disregard the problem that Kiku-chan claims she should have foreseen and render it a non-issue. She relaxes, but she lowers her head, obviously regretful, though her temper is quite mild. Apparently you did a VERY good job with her before.

“You're my priestess, not a seer or a fortune-teller, Kiku-chan. I don't expect you to know what the results are of something none of us were taught about. Inau-kun is the only one who has had any training for demigods.” You lean a little closer and whisper confidentially: “Besides, we can blame it on encroaching senility.”

THAT gets an expected result.

“BAKAYARO ANIKI!” Her hair explodes into life and she rises to her tip-toes as she leans forward to shout at you. “YOU COULD HAVE DIED!”

Okaaaay, so maybe not quite the expected result.

Yuuhi-chan and Akari-chan both look incredibly alarmed. “....what?” is your entirely brilliant response.

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>>40907583
Kiku-chan's hair continues to wave in the wash of heated air that surrounds her body, and it's almost hot enough to ignite paper. Inau-kun steps forward. “If we do not receive vindication of who and what we are when we experience our first Barrier Combat, Ryukusa-sama, we can lose our mikoto.” you look confused, but before you can point out the obvious, she shakes her head and steps forward, holding out bother her hands, more as a gesture to indicate you without being rude. “No Ryukusa-sama....we LOSE our mikoto. It ceases to be ours. It enters Kamuy Fuchi's hearth again, and we are left without it. Like a puppet without a person to move the strings for her.”

The realization sends a brief shiver down your spine. A dead empty shell, without soul or meaning. A puppet waiting for youkai to possess it....and you have over 800 youkai sitting and waiting in the wings, ready to take your body if you lose your soul.

But there's one thing they forgot.

You smile suddenly and lean forward, kissing your poor priestess on her soft, very fuckin' hot lips. Hot enough that steam rises from your lips as you reach up and stroke the softness of her hair, the burning copper horns. “But Kiku-chan....you, my wife, my niji-chan, you carry all the vindication I will ever need for what I am, even if my family was not enough.” You reach down and touch the place below her hara, her solar plexus, and just above the line of her hips. “You will give your son a little sister.”

Yep; you win. Everyone's shocked at that announcement. Several are pleased, but still shocked. There's one expression that doesn't change, indicating how worried she is, but you quickly calm Akari's nerves with a few signs. You trust Er Yin-sensei's claim of his safety.

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>>40907599
“And bearing that in mind now, we really cannot stay here any longer. There's a riot going on outside, and while time may not pass quickly, there are enough spirit children involved that the chance of something other than spirit-children noticing becomes higher by the minute.” Another kiss for your elated and surprised priestess and a hug and quick congratulatory kiss....okay, well maybe not that quick. All right, it was really long. You DID just make Kiki-hime an aunt after all. Which makes you wonder exactly how that works with Kiku-chan's son being decades or more older than Kiki-hime. But that's not important right now!

The tree line is quickly reached; while under most circumstances it would be rough going, you happen to have someone to whom plants are extremely kind. Rather than having her run ahead or behind, you put her on the cloud with Yui-chan, and she remains close to the center of the group. The trees, obedient to her power, part in a strange wave, and you make good time down the coast.

[] Head to Mikimoto, mingle with the evening crowd there.
[] Head to the second train station available.
[] Head to a non-public beach and chill there for a while.
[] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.
[] Head to a rendezvous with Peta-chan and Chisato-chan.

>>40907653
>[] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.
Might as well play it safe.

>>40907653
>[X] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.

>>40907653
>[] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.

>>40907653
>[] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.

>>40907653
>[] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.

Don't forget Peta and her pet.

>>40907809
Agreed

>>40907809
This.

>>40907653
[x] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.

>>40907653
>[] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.

>Contact Chi-san and Peta-chan

>>40907994
>>40907899

It wasn't a vote, anons.

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[X] Head to a safe place in the wooded areas to contact your other group.
[+] Check on Peta- and Chi-chan anyways, just in case.

It doesn't take you long to reach the edge of the barrier. The only two who could have slowed you down are riding on a a cloud; Inau-kun has already demonstrated her incredible abilities to run and track trough any environment; you and Kiku-chan were born for this; Akari-niji-chan can outrun all of you on sheer endurance, even if she isn't the fastest and is traveling through her conflicting element.

You pause only long enough to see if there are any real threats immediately outside the barrier, before you all continue running – or in Yui and Kiki's case, flying. The sounds of combat are nearly inaudible, and the forest is thick enough to hide you from the bay easily. Catching up to Yui-niji-chan's cloud, you call out to Kiki-hime. “If you can find us a safe place to stop so I can try and make contact with Shoko or Jinyuu, do it. If you need us to stop we can stop in another fifteen minutes.” Another three miles might make a difference.

She looks uncertain, and you hop onto the cloud with her, easily balancing on it and not disturbing Yui-niji-chan's concentration or your wife's. “Remember, if you can't manage something, you don't have to be ashamed or embarrassed. We were both trained badly.” She looks relieved and nods. “Then we should stop, Ryu-chan. I don't want someone to get hurt because I messed up.”

You lay a hand on Yui's shoulder and she looks up at you. “Three more miles.” She nods and puts her focus forward once more, and you leap off, catching up to Inau-kun despite having to move outside of Kiki-hime's area of influence.

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>>40908313
“Two and a half more miles, then we'll stop. Scout the area tot he south and west, and Ill have Kiku-chan scout the other side.” Inau-kun nods, all her breath concentrated on sustaining her sleek muscles ans she runs through the forest. You watch her a little longer before drifting back to join the others, the silence of the trees and the cook night air feeling wonderful and peaceful. Inau-chan is a well oiled machine on the hunt; Kiku-chan's speed is actually helped by the forest, the trees and branches merely more objects to push off of, just like you, except faster.

You make three quick gestures to Kiku-chan, and she becomes a blur of red and white, gone in the blink of a human eye. Pleased that for once things are going well, you let the others catch up with you, and it isn't long before you see your priestess and your huntress through the trees ahead.

It doesn't take long for Kiki-hime to find a place in the forest that you can rest for a while; it's not even far off, only a half mile towards the ocean; a natural clearing, made by a small group of larger trees hogging the sunlight. Once there, you and Yui-chan assist the other sin bathing by making a small summer rainstorm off to one side and draining the water intot he ground so it doesn't become mud. Changing clothing is a necessity as well, and you all do so, settling into more comfortable clothing; then another fire pit and the preparation of camping food again.

Except you. You keep your short robe and the two-piece under it on, because you need to go to the ocean to contact Shoko-san or Jinyuu-onee-sama.

[] Take Inau-kun, you have questions.
[] Take Yui-chan, you'll travel faster.
[] Take Akari-chan, you want to talk.
[] Take Kiki-hime, she'll be safest.
[] Take Kiku-chan, she's the fastest.

>>40908331
>[] Take Akari-chan, you want to talk.
>pic
A very lewd dragon.

>>40908331
>[] Take Inau-kun, you have questions.

>>40908331
>[x] Take Kiki-hime, she'll be safest

>>40908331
>[] Take Inau-kun, you have questions.

>>40908331
>[] Take Inau-kun, you have questions.
We need to get the deets on demigodhood before we fuck it up

>>40908331
[] Take Yui-chan, you'll travel faster.

We haven't had much Yui, lately...

>>40908331
>[] Take Inau-kun, you have questions.

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>>40908374
>A very lewd dragon.
Au Ra technically aren't draconic, they just look that way.

The little guy is the tiny form of Midgardsormr, Father of the 7 Great Wyrms of Hydaelyn and the one who traveled space to bring dragons there.

>>40908687
Addendum: We should also wait to bring Kiki to the palace until we can show it off in it's full glory

You know, considering how shit keeps escalating and we're pretty much topped out power wise in several different ways, we REALLY ought to make that visit to Dad and ask for the tide-lowering gem sometime soon, if only to somewhat mitigate the aftereffects once we're forced to hit our "Oh Shit" button and start calling lightning.

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>>40908819
Also, one of the pets that'll sit on your shoulder in-game.

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[X] Take Inau-kun, you have questions.

Though your first thought is of Akari, and your second Yui, you can't ignore the fact that you nearly got yourself killed through ignorance. That the danger was not really a problem in your case – thanks entirely to your family – doesn't mean there aren't other pitfalls you don't know about. The fact that Inau-kun can move as well as you can in the forest is also good. But first you catch Yui-niji-chan's attention with a puff of wind as she waits for the buns to get warm.

She quickly walks over and you smile at Akari-niji-chan watching her lover move towards you. You gesture that you won't keep her long and she gives the slightest of nods, turning her attention back to the fish she's cooking. “Yes aniki?”

Sitting cross legged on the ground, you pull her into your lap summarily, and she giggles softly, settling in comfortably. “See? Now we just have to get you trained to get on the bed without being forced....” You wraps your arms around her and she curls her arms under yours to hold onto your arms.

“Aniki,” she says, embarrassed. You twitch your hands, pulling your phone out of ~Nowhere~, and immediately catching her interest.

“I need to make a private call to a phone that is most certainly being tapped, and probably going to be traced as well.” She cranes her head to look up at you.

“Chisato-sama and Peta-sama?” You nod. “Of course aniki. No one will be able to trace it or listen in. Can't stop them from recording Chisato-sama, though.”

“That's great, Yui-niji-chan.” Taking the phone from you, she pulls out one of her taiko sticks, and taps on the phone several times, making sparks pop and crackle from it. Several of your family look over but you wave them off gently. She hands the phone back, but she doesn't manage to get up, as you have your left arm wrapped quite snugly about her waist.

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>>40909639
Giggling, the oni-chick leans back into you, her head resting against your booms, and you hit the speed dial, laying a kiss on the white bronze of your oni-chick's hair. Not surprisingly, it rings four times before Chi-chan picks up. “Heeeey, Aoi-chan, whatcha want? You better not be in the market for little girls again, 'cause mine's taken.” You have to suppress a laugh. Poor bastards have no idea what they kidnapped to try and hold hostage.

“Nope, got two of my own, thanks. They can't hear me or trace the call, so don't worry about us. You okay?”

“Yeah, lotta rent-a-cops tried throwin' their weight around, but then they found out who they were messin' with. Funny how they got real polite all the sudden, huh? 'Specially after it turned out they were interruptin' some bigwig's stakeout. Dunno what they were thinkin', I'm small fries compared to the Koreans.” That warms your heart. Detective-san is making himself useful already. Looks like that was a good call on your part.

“That's great. We're all good, no problems, and all safe. Gotta call my sister though. You take care of my little friend, and I'll give you a call as soon as I have a plan nailed down.” You recall something else. “Also, see if you can arrange to get your fingers in the businesses on that beach. We may need to get those people out of there really fast some day. Not real soon, but chances are good that it'll be about a month, maybe less.”

She lets out a soft whistle. “That's not much time, but I'll take care of it, Aoi-chan. Give your family kisses from me!” You make kissing noises and she hangs up laughing. You put your phone in ~Nowhere~ and nuzzle Yui-chan gently. “Thanks, sweetheart. That makes life easier for everyone.”

“How are they?” she asks, genuinely concerned, which makes your heart surge.

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>>40909680
“Oh, they kidnapped Peta-chan and are holding her hostage for Chisato-chan's good behavior.” Her jaw drops and then she starts cackling wildly, which attracts everyone's attention. You stroke her horns and lift her out of your lap, before walking over to Inau-chan, your little finger twined with Yui's before she slips over to her beloved Akari.

“Inau-kun, could you come with me? I need to get to the beach, and Yuuhi-chan's passed out.” She is too, sleeping while sitting up again and leaning on her sheathed sword. “And since Kiki-hime will tie my up in the unpleasant way if I don't take someone with me, I figured someone who can tell me what I need to know so I don't accidentally kill myself might be an ideal choice.” She blushes, looking guilty but you take her hand. “And no, that's not a condemnation, no one told you I hadn't been trained, I bet.”

Shaking her head, she tells you, “No, they didn't. I had just assumed that you'd been told at least the most basic things, though I should have known when you told me that you didn't know how our powers were different in a barrier.” Inau-kun smiles, a little guiltily. “So, please allow me to apologize.”

[] Well, just this once....
[] No need – it's no one's fault but Oba-san's.
[] Apology provisionally accepted....
[] You're forgiven, of course. Kind of silly not to.
[] Apology refused, please do something worthy of one first.

>>40909714
>[] Well, just this once....
>>I'll accept it out of politeness, but you really shouldn't worry about it.
>[] You're forgiven, of course. Kind of silly not to.

>>40909714
>[] Apology provisionally accepted....
No use arguing it.

>>40909714
>[] Apology refused, please do something worthy of one first.
>[] No need – it's no one's fault but Oba-san's.

>>40909714
>[] Apology provisionally accepted....
>[] You're forgiven, of course. Kind of silly not to.

>>40909714
>[] Apology provisionally accepted....
Oh, Inau-kun. We're only accepting this because we can use it as an excuse to tease you later.

>>40909714
>[] Apology provisionally accepted....

>>40909714
>[] You're forgiven, of course. Kind of silly not to.

>>40909714
>[] No need – it's no one's fault but Oba-san's.
>[] Apology refused, please do something worthy of one first.

>>40909714
>[X] No need – it's no one's fault but Oba-san's.

>>40909714
>[x] No need – it's no one's fault but Oba-san's.
>[x] Apology refused, please do something worthy of one first.

>>40909714
>[] You're forgiven, of course. Kind of silly not to.

>If you have any doubt or question, don't shy from asking. All members of my family should speak their mind.

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[XXX] Apology provisionally accepted....
[XX] You're forgiven, of course. Kind of silly not to.
[X] No need – it's no one's fault but Oba-san's.

Making a soft 'tsk' at her you shake your head. “If you were part of my family for longer, I would have to refuse on general principles, you know. But if it is Inau-kun, it can't be helped. I accept your apology....for now.” You smile at her as you use the wind and a touch of water to braid your hair, pulling a pair of silver butterfly pins with sapphire and diamond jewels in their winds from ~Nowhere~ so that you can knot it as well. “You'll have to make up for it later.”

Inau-kun blushes a little. “Well then, please take care of me, Ryukusa-sama....”

That nearly – NEARLY – throws you off your stride. “Oh, I will make sure to take care of you, Inau-kun. You're my family, and precious to me.” The huntress blushes more, but her eyes are curious, wondering just how deeply that meaning applies. “Besides, it would be silly of me not to accept one from someone I care for, even if it's not needed.”

With that taken care of, you spend a few more minutes reassuring everyone you'll be back quickly, and kissing and giving hugs to everyone, basking in the love and warmth of your family. You do extract a promise from Akari-niji-chan to save you some wine and at least a couple of pork buns, and she nods solemnly. Then you and Inau-chan – she dressed much as when she arrived, you adding geta to your short robe and two piece still – quickly head towards the coastline.

In only takes the two of you a few minutes to travel the few miles to the coastline. Her, the beach is much more narrow, and the tree line closer to the beach, fed by a fairly strong river which keeps the trees alive here. You and Inau check the area thoroughly, not just for enemies but for youkai or anything else that might be attracted to strong use of the Void or very powerful Water magics.

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>>40910979
Finding nothing, you decide to get right to it. While questions are a big part of the reason you asked her along, you really are worried about your family; Er Yin especially. Inau-kun holds your robe, and you smile at how difficult it is for her to not watch you as you move towards the ocean....then take a quick run and leap into the waves, far out from the beach through sheer strength. You make a perfect dive, and slide deep into the water, the open ocean feeling even more soothing to your body and soul than the bay had.

Opening your mind, you reach for Er Yin-sensei, recalling how her feelings felt to you, how you saw her, what she was like in your mind before. When the connection doesn't come, you concentrate on how the touch between you in her coma felt, how she looked and felt and thought at that moment.

Still nothing.

Worried, you attempt to contact Shoko-san....then your sister, whom you have known all your life.

Still emptiness.

Worried, you swim back to the beach, drying yourself off as you walk to where Inau-chan waits, still standing and holding your robe, as well as watching over your geta. The expression on your face clearly says it all, and her expression becomes equally worried. “Nothing. Not from anyone. Not even my sister.”

“Could it be because they're in a heaven?”

Shaking your head, you explain softly, “My sister and Shoko-san are of the Water, we should be able to feel each other at least. But I contacted Er yin-sensei through a seal and a coma. In the Water I should have been able to contact her even better than Jinyuu-onee-sama.” you glance down the beach. A young woman is walking towards you, her tails waving in the ocean breeze. Not nogitsune-born; she's clearly kitsune-born. “Didn't we check that direction?”

Inau-kun places her hand on the handle of her Ainu-styled katana. “Thoroughly,” she says calmly, stepping away from you to give you room to move. “Could she be blocking you?”

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>>40911028
“No, she's obviously kitsune-born, kami born. They wouldn't have power over the ocean at all. But illusions....she could have hidden from us easily” You narrow your eyes. “That's not tails....”

Inau-kun looks confused as you let the words die on your lips. You slowly put on your robe and geta, and dry yourself off, your face set in stern concentration. It would probably be a good idea to pull Ame-no-Omukade-no-Musume, but you resist the urge. Let her come with weapon drawn if she wants, you won't escalate it first.

“A ribbon? A scarf?” Inau-kun glances at you, confused. “Why would a kitsune-born tie up her tail like that, Ryukusa-sama?”

You step forward to meet her and take a deep breath. “Same reason I knot my hair and pin it. So it doesn't get chopped off in a fight.”

She stops some fifteen feet away, dressed in a simple skirt and school vest, her straight sword – well, it's a fuckin' ninja-to, is what it is shaped like, even if it's not really – drawn, the ruby blade gleaming under the moonlight. It IS ruby; you've held it in your hand, used it. A family heirloom, and a kami as well. “The spell made it feel like you'd be here, and to my surprise, here you are, Ryukusa-san.”

Crap, crap crap! Wait, Er yin-sensei said the spell would lead those who could potentially be allies to you; but she IS a kitsune-child, she could have subverted the spell, maybe? You don't know enough about magic. It seems like Er yin-sensei would have warned you if the spell could be subverted. She's pretty thorough about it. So....there's a chance, a slim chance you could talk to her. Slim, very slim chance. But you'll take it.

“Umetsumi-san. I take it you're not here to help me, then?” It's worth asking. You can't read her with Water Eyes; she's far too good at blocking them, along with every other kind of Eyes.

>>40911061
Ruh roh!

Might be our change of nature caused a being different from what was expected to be attracted

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The kitsune-born girl clenches her hand on the sheath of her sword, but it's the only sign of anger she displays. Her tied up tail twitches just a little too. “I'm here to do justice. You knew that when you first saw me.” You nod slowly, just once, not taking your eyes off the slender kitsune-born. “I can smell youkai all over you. Cats AND foxes. You're even worse than before.” She tightens her grip on the ruby blade.

“You know this person, Ryukusa-sama?” Inau-kun doesn't pull her sword either, waiting for your word, even in the face of what are obviously meant as insults.

“Kodachi Umetsumi, keeper of Himegami-no-Kodachi.” You take a deep breath and look into her hard golden eyes. “We went to school together. And I murdered her older brother.”

>To Be Continued....

>>40911171

I mean, we went from "dragonette, head of a small rogue clan" to "immortal recognising the mikoto of the God of Destruction as hers"

>>40911198
Thanks for running, XS!

>>40911198
Gonna have to pull out our strongest diplomancy for this methinks. Worth a shot!

Well damn.

Additionaly, she's very pretty.

Thanks for running!

I wonder if she's nevertheless under the spell's power and will end up allying with us

>>40911198
Interesting development. But given the foe we just utterly annihilated, does she really measure up as a threat? How powerful is this weapon of hers? Ryukusa should have some idea what she is dealing with here I figure.

>>40911262
>diplomancy

>I'm here to do justice
>And I murdered her older brother.
I don't think that's going to work.

>>40911262

Indeed. She seemed surprised that the spell reached her, I hope it's good news.

>>40911304
That's weak anon! Too weak!

Thank you for reading and playing.

I'll stay a little while if there are any questions.

Obvious one first: Ryukusa has recalled she's killed two people before she even finished her schooling. Umetsumi's brother was in fact one of them. The conditions under which the incident took place are not public (as in, player) information yet.

>>40911304
There is a smaaaall chance it could. I'm figuring we did it on Oba-sans orders and not just for shits and giggles. Redirect the hate.

More likely though well have to beat her down and exert some restrictions on her first. I doubt she deserves to die in any case.

>>40911304

Depends. As nasty as it may sounds, from a Japanese spirit point of view, killing her brother could have been the just thing to do.

Also, we're kind of the authority on what is right, here.

Furthermore, there is other ways to get justice than trying to kill us, and we know them.

Stay stunned for next episode: The Trial of Ryu Ryukusa

>>40911293
It's a family heirloom level kami - at least 25 generations old, and Ryukusa has handled it before - she knows how powerful a weapon it i. She also went to school with Umetsumi, and knows her situation pretty well.

How well is to be seen in the next session.

>Kodachi Umetsume is 5' 4”, and fully grown. Probably Straight. Probably.

>>40911447
Would take that as a challenge, but Ryukusa's harem is getting big, and with their relationship it seems unlikely anyway.

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Player question.

It will not be for a few sessions yet, but which would be preferred:

POV: Yui
POV: Er Yin
POV: Peta-chan

>>40911511
>POV: Peta-chan
Yes please.

>>40911511
>POV: Er Yin

>>40911472
Can't happen The spell makes it unlikely.

>>40911511
>POV: Peta-chan

>>40911511
Peta, as much as I'd love to see Er Yin's head space.

>>40911511
>POV: Peta-chan

>>40911511
Man, that's rough.
Love Peta, but she might work better as someone we don't get in the head of. Yui-chan has been a liiittle neglected lately, but I really want more Er Yin...
>POV: Er Yin

>>40911511
>POV: Er Yin

>>40911560
Yes it is rough. I couldn't decide, which tells you how rough it is.

>>40911511
>POV: Er Yin

>>40911511
>POV: Peta-chan
We gonna get all the bitches.

>>40911511
Chisato would be hilarious actually.

>>40911511
>POV: Peta-chan
Snatch & Revolver in one furry package

>>40911511
POV: Yui

They're all going to get covered eventually though, right?

>>40911619
That is the plan.

>>40911415
Any idea when the next session will be?

>>40911696
Not certain. Wednesday hopefully. Depends on whether there are fires and if I have to take another breathing treatment anytime soon.

The epinephrine shots were more than enough for a while.

>>40911511
>POV: Er Yin

We have already seen Yui's POV, in the pastebins.

>>40911537
I don't know which part to trust

>>40911472
>>40911447

Kistune girl is apparently a master at hidding things from Ryukusa. I won't trust that "probably" .

>thread over before 100 posts
XS, I love your writing and adore this quest but the way these threads seem to be getting shorter and shorter fills me with a sense of quiet despair.

>>40911870
I chalk it up to big updates and a distinct lack of quibbling among posters some quests manage. I don't feel anything is lacking at all.

>>40911870
I missed the thread, would only have contributed about 10 posts to it doe.

>>40911870
It's cyclical, based on my level of mental stability and capacity for speed writing. It'll pick up in a week or two.


Hazards of a shifting brain chemistry. I'm not bipolar, but my serotonin level dip and rise randomly over the course of months, and it has effects on my clarity of thought and my ability to put my thoughts into coherent sentences quickly. Can't medicate too often, but I don't usually need to. /blog.

>>40911870
We've had plenty of longer.sessions recently, 150 - 250 ones, and a couple months ago we had consistently shorter threads with barely any reaching 100 even after the end. If anything it's resurging.

>>40911511
Gonna vote Yui even if I'm the only one.

>>40911953
I'm mostly just paranoid that it's the knid of slow dropoff that happens when a writer starts to lose interest in a story and just sort of coasts along out of a sense of obligation that slowly turns into resentment before dropping it for good. I know that's probably not the case, but there's no convincing my brain that. The nigga upstairs is a subbern fuck.

>>40912155
Not going to happen. If I can run a Spelljammers game for 15 years through three editions, I can manage a quest for a couple.

>>40912442
Jesus, now that's dedication. I'm impressed none of your players moved away at some point to be honest.
Finished with it now?

>>40912484
Yes. Ended at level 31. The Rifts game only ran five years, but they won back South Americas from the vamps.

Splyncryth made bank selling those holovids. of their adventure.

A couple of player changes, but three core members were there through it all.

Earlier Ryukusa seemed caught off guard that his weapons became kami, shouldn't he have noticed that a century earlier in the madness dimension?

>>40912623
*she
Dammit

>>40912623
Not necessarily. She couldn't trust her own senses there.

When the sun regularly changes the number, color and directionality of it's eyes, when it has them, you kind of have to wonder what else you're not necesarily wantign to pay attention to.

>>40912593
>but they won back South Americas from the vamps
Brown vampires, not even once

>>40912996
What about Browned Dragongirls?

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>>40913171
What about grieving brown foxgirls?

>>40913538
What about insert brownskinned version of favorite monstergirl here?

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>>40912996
>>40913171
>>40913538
>>40913714
Late to the party, but I can't just not post this.

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>>40913538
What about suicidal blind foxgirls?

>>40915333
You're giving XS too many great ideas.