>>45578456
Good morning, XS.

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Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/45441112/

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

Threads in Chronological Order, including writeups by XS : http://pastebin.com/Z53TyK0N
or search for Title: Ryukuza on Suptg

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

>Ryukusa's Treasures

Eight hundred and sixty-two cat youkai live in your aura

Nyoi-ju, the Wishing Jewel.

Matagama-no-Shitoki, a kami in it's own right that protects Ryukusa from inimical magic.

Ame-no-Omukade-no-Musume – Ryukusa's mukade possessed wakizashi; a kami. “Daughter of my Centipede of Rain.”

Gendai-no-Muteki-no-Buki - Invincible Weapon of the Present Age, a secret kami-blade given to Ryukusa by Wakaba

Ryukusa's Family.

>Talismans:
Akari – Centipede
Er Yin – Scorpion
Kiki – Toad
Kiku – Lizard
Yui – Snake

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Ryu Ryukusa is tall at 5' 8", but this becomes 6' in her true form. She is fully grown. Lesbian top.
Kiku 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' 6" and will only grow due to circumstances beyond her control. Dyke, switch.
Kiki is 5' 6", and is at full growth. Bisexual bottom.
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-kun is 5' 3” and still 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, aka Mugon Chujo is fully grown at 5'11”, and straight.
Kenji Soomi is 5' 4” and gothic lolita.
Musumi Kanako is 5' 6.5”, and is pretty straight.
Hebiki Naoto is 5' 9” and belligerently omnivorous, sexually. You hope only sexually.
Kodachi Umetsume is 5' 4”, and fully grown. Practicing asexual.
Melinda Blitzenberg is 5'10”, fully grown and horrible. Maybe confused.
Toshida Ginka is 5” 3”, and fully grown. Turtles have a reputation.
Ryuu Wakaba is a head shorter and also deceased.
Margaret Steinhausen is gratefully dead.

>>45578456
>[] Snap their attention to the here and now before continuing.
>[] Remind them gently that this is the exact sort of thing they signed on for.
>[] Point out that you have already bested servants of a Greater Kami.

>>45578456
>[] Remind them gently that this is the exact sort of thing they signed on for.
>[] Point out that you have already bested servants of a Greater Kami.

>>45578456
>Point out that Oba-chan has foolishly split her forces. While they are powerful individually, they are outnumbered by very competent spirit children and apparently aren't bringing along any goons. This is a good chance to cripple her elites.

>>45578456
>Snap their attention to the here and now before continuing.
>[] Point out that you have already bested servants of a Greater Kami.

>>45578456

>[] Snap their attention to the here and now before continuing.

>Point out that they faced the sword of Amaterasu-okami-sama, powerful Oni, a Chinese demon, and the warriors of clan Ryo.

and, very important

>Give them the phone number of the people Himeyuri most likely sent, and tell them to coordinate a spell or a strategy together.

>Tell them you love them and trust them, and ask for forgiveness for imposing this difficult task (that you are sure they can handle).

>If they have to, they should escape. You'll rejoin them once you've done the ceremony, no matter what.

>>45578456
>[]Ask them to speak freely, they shouldn't hold this in.
[] Point out that you have already bested servants of a Greater Kami.
>[] Remind them gently that this is the exact sort of thing they signed on for, but that they have the training to do this, the ability to do this well, and that they're never alone.

>>45578456
I forgot to add to my vote here >>45578643

>Remind them both the island and your ceremony should help them

>>45578456
Aww yisss
>[] Snap their attention to the here and now before continuing.
>[] Just get them to focus on preparing for the assault.

>>45578456
>[x] Snap their attention to the here and now before continuing.
>[x] Remind them gently that this is the exact sort of thing they signed on for.
>[x] Point out that you have already bested servants of a Greater Kami.

I know this is out of nowhere, but a Detective-san thread would be fun.

>>45579009

Well, yes, it would. A lot.

>>45579009
There are lots of perspectives that should be fun, I think. I like sticking with Ryukusa for now though, since we only just got her back!

>>45579106
Me too, but out of all the possible side things we could do, Detective-san and his gothic lolita sidekick would be very fun.

>>45578456

Another idea I had, to add to my vote here >>45578643

>Tell them to contact Chisato and Peta. They should be able to provide help one way or another, and neither humans nor nogitsune should be underestimated. Of course, they won't be allowed to stupidly risk their lives or the ones of their subordinates against the twin Oni.

>>45579106
I would like to see how Er Yin is doing, though and just how meta she can get.

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[XX] Snap their attention to the here and now before continuing.
[XX] Point out that you have already bested servants of a Greater Kami.
[X] Remind them gently that this is the exact sort of thing they signed on for.
[+] We've come this far, done so well, and....wait, is that a song, or a movie title? NEVERMIND! Accomplishments and strategy! That's important!

The conversation in your mind is mostly done in darkness, their 'voices' more akin to feelings and sensations than actual words or clear thoughts. The one exception if Kiku-chan's precious master, the sorceress Metal dragonette Er Yin, who appears in your mind seated cross legged, her silver-blue eyes open and looking at you with the clarity of sight. Dressed in a silvery cheongsam embroidered with peacock feathers and symbols of protections, she cuts a striking figure, despite her shock of unruly silver hair. It is interesting that her scar is also not present during these moments where you see her.

You kind of wonder if she is visible to everyone else.

(HEY!)

All attention is immediately focused back on you instead of drifting to one another and into the Void.

(We knew this was coming sooner or later, from somewhere or another. If it wasn't the Generals Two, it would have been other Elites, or a corralled youkai, or a curse spirit, or some other potent enemy. All of our enemies have great resources. So did Kuroukami; so did the Major; so did Hidesato and Kushinada. She had Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, and I survived her once, then defeated her and Hidesato. ~WE~ defeated Hauko, who is the incarnation of Pauchi Kamui. We have faced down their soldiers and assassins, and we have become such a threat, so powerful, that Oba-san sent her warlords themselves to try and capture one of us.) You let those thoughts sink in, and you feel several of them realize how threatening you all are to them for that to be necessary. (This is not rocket science, people, we can deal with this.)

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>>45579265
Akari-niji-chan, pragmatic and factual, points out the inevitable. (Aniki, we've suffered badly for several of those successes. I'm still injured, you lost an arm at one point, and Er Yin-sensei is even more injured than I.)

(Yes,) you agree readily, (and as a result Oba-san resorted to the Warlords. She's desperate, because the Kamuy she's possessed is breaking free of her control. It's only a matter of time before Kinashut Kamuy is free of the sorceress possessing her.) That rocks their world, and hope flares up in Er Yin's expression, and your sister feels a grim, almost cruel satisfaction at learning that. (Further, I've divided their forces, because I made Himeyuri an offer she couldn't refuse. Get in touch with her or her people and coordinate a defense. We don't have to defeat them – we merely have to keep them from kidnapping any one of us. And they're not going to try and kidnap me.)

Not if they know what's good for them.

Kiki-hime 'speaks' up. (I don't understand why these two are so dangerous. They're oni-children, which means they're not on the same level as Inau-kun or Ryuu-chan, right?)

>>45579253
Yeah, ages since we saw Er Yin now.

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>>45579288
Yui feels unhappy about mentioning it, but she points out one unfortunate flaw in that reasoning. (That's part of what is so bad. They're oni-children so they aren't going to care about the ceremony, the island, the humans, or even the presence of a Greater Kami. We're pretty careless about such things.) Which is true, but there is more to them than just that.

[] Explain exactly why they're a threat.
[] Agree with Kiki-hime; you've been through worse.
[] Have Kiku-chan explain why they're so dangerous.
[] Point out that they ARE the warlords for a reason.
[] …..well, after you're done you plan on leaving only one warlord.

>>45579307
>[x] Have Kiku-chan explain why they're so dangerous.

>>45579307
>[] Have Kiku-chan explain why they're so dangerous.

>>45579307
>[] Point out that they ARE the warlords for a reason.
>[] Have Kiku-chan explain why they're so dangerous.

>>45579307
>[x] Have Kiku-chan explain why they're so dangerous.
>[x] Point out that they ARE the warlords for a reason.
Still,
>[x] Agree with Kiki-hime; you've been through worse.

>>45579307
>[] Point out that they ARE the warlords for a reason.
>[] …..well, after you're done you plan on leaving only one warlord.

>>45579307
>[] Explain exactly why they're a threat.

>>45579307

>Tell Kiki-hime that one should never underestimate a foe or a friend because of their nature.

>[] Explain exactly why they're a threat.
>[] Have Kiku-chan explain why they're so dangerous.

>Still, point out that our family has been through worse, and that you have complete faith in your beloved ones.

Last part is pretty literal.

>Tell your family to ask Chisato and Peta for help

>>45579639
>The nogitsune are going to be badly hampered by the island - it's a sacred place. I'll still add it if you want, but it is something Ryukusa would be aware of.

>>45579893
I'd rather not bring up bad ideas

>>45579639
This, though ensure neither will try to intervene directly. They would be in grave danger of they were to get pulled into a stand up fight.

>>45579893
Even after it was explicitly said that the nogitsune would not be able to help much, I thought that such a ba idea would be rejected outright.
Apparently we have to say that this is a bad idea and should not be entertained.

Though I do appreciate letting the players shoot themselves in the foot for thinking something stupid is a good idea.

So just to be clear, I'm against contacting Chisato and Peta.

>>45579893
Oh, never mind on the back half of the previous.

>>45580071
>I also take into account their current good/zero/bad stuff when things like that are put forth.

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[XX] Have Kiku-chan explain why they're so dangerous.
[X] Point out that they ARE the warlords for a reason.
[X] Explain exactly why they're a threat.
[X] Agree with Kiki-hime; you've been through worse.
[+] But your family is, well, your family.

(Kiku-chan, you should probably explain; you've known them the longest.) Kiku-chan has known of them and about them for longer than you or Akari-niji-chan, and more importantly she's more familiar with oni-children in general just through experience.

(If the Elders of Clan Ryo are the board of directors, then the Generals Two are the CEOs of the company, Kiki.) Unsurprisingly she gets the reference immediately, which is on you really had likened it to before. It's not inaccurate. (They are a Fire oni and a Water oni, but they are also twins, connected through the Void to one another on a level most of us cannot understand. That gives them greater power, power above and beyond their own power, and they are well trained, and very experienced also. Fighting them would be like fighting Ryukusa and Akari and Er Yin, all at once.)

Shoko-san chimes in suddenly. (In that case, you're fucking going to have to be damn careful of the Water oni. She's going to be a trickster, fucking around with kamidamned illusions and confusing your senses. The Fire oni is most likely going to be the warrior of the two, but she's gonna be a fucking flamethrower and lightning bug, all rolled into one shitload of wicked ass trouble.) You – and most likely everyone else – get the feeling that she's speaking from personal experience here. Maybe not with these two, but with a similar pair of oni-children. (I'd bet Chinese gold that one's going to distract Ryukusa-sama and the other is going to the rest of you.)

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>>45580166
(And they are Warlords of Clan Ryo for a reason. It's not a title one inherits, it's earned, through a lot of bloodshed usually and not a little backstabbing and deal-making. They're going to be smart and skilled.) You send out the feelings of warmth, the fearless and certain belief in your loved ones. (But we are Clan Ryuu. We have faced terrible things, forces and situations no one should have to face. We've managed together, and we'll do so again.) You're absolute certainty is met with a lot of warm feelings in return, tinged with trepidation and fear, but under that there is a current of steel. None of them want to disappoint you, and they are all more worried about each other or you than themselves. (I have absolute faith in you, and not once has any of you let me down.)

You are worried how they'll react if they think they have – though you know how Yui-niji-chan and Yuuhi-chan are going to react. Unfortunately you have one final problem to address. You aren't going to change your plans – you have to try and deliver the offering.

[] Have all of them attend the ceremony, even Akari.
[] Have Kiku-chan perform the ceremony by herself.
[] Ask if Shoko, Jinyuu, and Er Yin can provide some kind of support from a distance.
[] Risk placing Inau-kun in a sniping position to cover the temple and Kiku while everyone else stays art the temple.
[] Time to use the strength you've been gathering for something new and drastic.

>>45580182
>[x] Have all of them attend the ceremony, even Akari.
Seems the safest.

>>45580182
>[] Ask if Shoko, Jinyuu, and Er Yin can provide some kind of support from a distance

>>45580182
>[x] Ask if Shoko, Jinyuu, and Er Yin can provide some kind of support from a distance.

>>45580182
>[] Ask if Shoko, Jinyuu, and Er Yin can provide some kind of support from a distance.

>>45579893

Oh, sorry, I didn't thought that was that much.

>>45580182
>[] Ask if Shoko, Jinyuu, and Er Yin can provide some kind of support from a distance.

>[] Have all of them attend the ceremony, even Akari.

>>45580182
[] Have all of them attend the ceremony, even Akari.

We did want to introduce Ryukusa's dad to her wives at some point, we might was well do so now.

>>45580182
As careful as i want to be, the mystery button has almost never driven us wrong before.

>[] Time to use the strength you've been gathering for something new and drastic.

and if still appropriate after mystery button,
[] Have all of them attend the ceremony, even Akari.

Unless i'm remembering poorly, we had planned to warn the head priestess, so that should count for something

>>45580319

Don't do this before the ceremony, anon.

New and drastic things shouldn't be done before traditional rituals to contact immensly powerful entities.

>>45580369
But it's really shiny.

>>45580356

>the mystery button has almost never driven us wrong before.

That'd be wrong.

Don't use the mystery button before we really know what the situation is. We shouldn't touch it before the Oni show up and only if they prove to be too much.

>>45580384

Think of our wives' butts and boobies, anon.

>>45580417
Alright, fine. FINE!

>>45580402

I suppose thats a good point, I'll say hold off for now on the mystery button, but I think we shouldn't hesitate to use dramatic steps if the need arises.

>>45580182
[x] Have all of them attend the ceremony, even Akari.
[x] Ask if Shoko, Jinyuu, and Er Yin can provide some kind of support from a distance.

>>45580426

Of course their butts and boobies are fine. Mighty fine, even.

Should Akari even be moved right now?

>>45580439

Of course. Ryukusa doesn't hesitate to use as much force as needed, and not an atom more.

But I don't think it's needed already. I might be wrong, of course, but we're going to talk with our dad first. Or one of his envoys.

>>45580473

She's sweet, but she's not made of sugar.

>>45580402
This

>>45580513
I can only imagine the potential for wrath involved if our conversation is going nicely, and than we have to leave and defend our family.

I can see it going very badly for the entire island in that case.

>>45580182
>[] Ask if Shoko, Jinyuu, and Er Yin can provide some kind of support from a distance.

Any chance we can consider the mystery option and not go through with it?

>>45580564
Write ins are always a thing anon, and take precedence over normal votes.

>>45580558

Well, no matter what the conversation is like, we can't interrupt it. On the other hand, attacking people currently under the Dragon God of the Sea's judgement is a ridiculously insulting offence

>>45580564

As in, learn what the option is, without using it?

>>45580635
Yeah. We may not be that desperate but we might become so.

>>45580635
Mull it over to say the least. The debating around the mystery button has been less of "use it or don't use it" and more of "Save it as a last resort" as I've seen it. (Granted I wanted to use it originally)

>>45580444
Finest in all the land?

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[X] Have all of them attend the ceremony, even Akari.
[X] Ask if Shoko, Jinyuu, and Er Yin can provide some kind of support from a distance.
[+] Consider the drastic option more carefully – bearing in mind that it, like Ryukusa's mind, is a fluid thing and no more set in stone than the future.

(Shoko-san, Er Yin-sensei, Jinyuu-onee-sama, is there anything you can do to provide the rest of our family support from that distance? I understand it is difficult, this thing, but I have to know.) Mostly because you'd hate yourself for not asking, even if they would have mentioned being able to do something without prompting.

The conversation they have is separate from your own conversation, but you can feel it's echoes through the Void despite that. Er Yin's Void-self shimmers faintly and you can see her lips moving as she speaks aloud to those with her. 'Prayers to support the rite from afar, perhaps at the garden or the underground pool,' is most of what you get before you turn your attention to matters closer to where you are. “Yui-niji-chan, Kiku-chan, I'm afraid this is necessity: even Akari-niji-chan is to attend the ceremony. All of you will. Absolutely no separating the party.) Sadly only Akari gets that joke.

The agreement is unanimous.

(Yuuhi-chan, your sole duty is to protect Kiki-hime. You can't come with me this time, so you are now to take my place at Kiki-hime's side.)

(HAI, RYUKUSA-DONO!) Her absolute conviction is a lot like getting slapped in the face with a brick.

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>>45580918
(I'm sorry, Akari-niji-chan, I wish I could let you rest, but I think this is best.) you also inform her more privately that you want her to be there to assist Kiku-chan tactically as well as protecting Yui-niji-chan from the Fire oni-child, Ah, since that's Yui-niji-chan's weak point. To everyone you continue. (Remember, this is not a matter of defeating them or beating them. It's a matter of not letting them escape with one of you in tow. The distinction is important.)

As the others consider their plan, you feel the strength you've been gathering, the potency in your fully charged and recently rebalanced body. Yuuhi-chan's efforts to make you open up more, makign anew friend, and wanderign around the island has been educational....but there is one other important thing: Akari.

Akari's injuries are hampering things badly. But you could fix that, if you wanted to. Inau-kun has mentioned a few times that a demigod, unlike most of the other spirit-children, tends to have three elemental forces at their command, or at least links to them. You have two. And watching – helping – Kiki-hime heal Akari gave you an idea. The rings, the charms she made, the power of the soft Wood over the hardness of Stone....if you took on that elemental nature, you could try and combine your control of Water with the potency of Wood and literally heal Akari, rather than just helping her a little by using all your strength.

On the other hand you could use that garnered strength to do something else in an emergency.

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>>45580940
Jinyuu-onee-sama speaks up. (We will be able to help Kiku-sama with her ritual, and that will help protect you all, by increasing the awareness of the kami in that place upon you.) In other words, servants of Ryujin Owatatsumi, and by proxy, the Dragon Kami himself. (If necessary I will-)

[] NO YOU WON'T.
[] Don't be ridiculous, you'd be just as much bait as anyone here.
[] -do nothing more to entangle yourself in Ryo, baka onee-sama.
[] Let her finish, then shoot her down.
[] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!

>>45580957
>[] -do nothing more to entangle yourself in Ryo, baka onee-sama.
>[] Don't be ridiculous, you'd be just as much bait as anyone here.

>>45580957
>[] Don't be ridiculous, you'd be just as much bait as anyone here.
>[] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!

>>45580957

[] Let her finish, then shoot her down.

[] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!

>>45580957
>[x] Let her finish, then shoot her down.
>[x] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!
A basic mistake!

>>45580957
>[] Let her finish, then shoot her down.
>[] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!

>>45580957
>[] -do nothing more to entangle yourself in Ryo, baka onee-sama.
>[] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!

>>45580957
>[] Don't be ridiculous, you'd be just as much bait as anyone here.
>[] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!

As for the emergency heal, seems risky. We'd be surrendering who knows how much of our own power to strengthen one other, but if we can make it through this ok she'll heal anyway and we'll be stronger. I dunno maybe we still will need it but only if things go badly.

>>45581353
I think that it's expending good stuff. It won't be a one shot thing, and we'll be able to expland on it, like we have with void.

>>45580957

[] Let her finish, then shoot her down.
[] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!

"Prayers to support the rite from afar, perhaps at the garden or the underground pool" I thought using prayers again so close of last time was a very bad idea.


>But you could fix that, if you wanted to. Inau-kun has mentioned a few times that a demigod, unlike most of the other spirit-children, tends to have three elemental forces at their command, or at least links to them. You have two. And watching – helping – Kiki-hime heal Akari gave you an idea. The rings, the charms she made, the power of the soft Wood over the hardness of Stone....if you took on that elemental nature, you could try and combine your control of Water with the potency of Wood and literally heal Akari, rather than just helping her a little by using all your strength.

That's not a good idea, you silly dragon!

First, changing your spiritual development for others might sound useful, but it is a bad thing to do. Your nature is not something you should try to affect just because it's convenient right now, it's a reflexion of who you are. Modifying it just to solve one problem would lead to problems to everyone

Second, now is really not the time to modify your spiritual balance, given what you're doing with your father's ceremony.

And third, if you want Water and Wood to work together, you just have to team up with your wife.

>>45581353
>>45581427

It would be attributing Ryukusa's last element as Wood. It's a bad idea to do it just to get a pragmatic healing.

It's like trying to achieve enlightment so that you can beat up thugs threatening your neighborhood. It might sound like a nice powerup, but it's not.

>>45581485

It's not a powerup at all, I mean.

I think we need to let her finish. Maybe she has a good idea we didn't think before

>>45580957
[] Let her finish, then shoot her down.
[] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water Dragonette!

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[X] Don't be ridiculous, you'd be just as much bait as anyone here.
[XX] Let her finish, then shoot her down.
[XXX] Bad onee-sama, you're thinking like a normal person, not a Water dragonette!

It takes an effort to control your temper, though preventing others from being aware of your irritation at your big sister's self-sacrifice is only a little less difficult.

(-make a bargain to have whomever they have kidnapped released in exchange for myself. My life is valuable, but there are other protections about me that Oba-san would not dare test.) She is, of course, referring to her more privileged and powerful clientèle, which might include members of the Diet and some very powerful spirit-children. Which of course works both ways, as the Diet has already done a few things that make you mistrust them.

(Nonsense. It would be the same situation as having anyone here. Possibly even more dangerous, because your clients can't necessarily protect you, and you'd be dealing with another sorceress, not some spirit-child.) You try and cushion the rebuke a bit. Her misguided sense of self-sacrifice undoubtedly stems from her rapidly growing guilt complex. (That's human thinking, and we're not dealing with any humans at all – Oba-san might have been human at one time, but that's like saying I'm still a dragonette – it doesn't do the situation justice.)

You let your loved ones feel the warmth, the sunlight of your love in the darkness of the Void. (I think we've gotten as good a plan as we can craft now. There won't be any trading of hostages or regrets; we can deal with this problem, especially if Himeyuri holds up her end of the bargain.) She had better, you're really not interested in killing everyone in her family line. (Remember, all you have to do is keep each other safe....something we've been doing this entire time.)

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>>45581898
You bask in their love, the love of all your family....and then you feel a jolt straight to your heart, one that is so powerful that your breath catches. The fleeting sensation of fingertips reaching for your face, then pulling back, a momentary brush with something greater than the pieces of it, a shadow of a past self that is not yours. The love of your wife, your trusted friend, your beloved servant, your seer, your priestess....that momentary glimpse into a past that they share, that you once held close in another life.

The moment fades and you are looking at a soft, gauzy outfit,sewn with red thread and prompting stares and curious onlookers as you put the finishing touches on the Ama diving outfit. Your heart is still racing, the image of that spectre looking for you in the Void even as you feel the love of Inari in your heart. It's only been about ten, fifteen minutes. You hold it up critically, the Capri-style leggings, and the simple attached tunic. You won't need weights, or an oyster knife, and you definitely won't have to worry about sharks.

[] Ask if the suit is acceptable, keep it under control.
[] Excuse yourself for a moment and step outside.
[] Try and chase the image, just a little more....
[] Remember and continue with your work instead.
[] Say a prayer for protection. You know, just in case.

>>45581922
>[x] Excuse yourself for a moment and step outside.
>[x] Say a prayer for protection. You know, just in case.

>>45581922
>[] Excuse yourself for a moment and step outside.
>[] Try and chase the image, just a little more....

>>45581922
> Ask if the suit is acceptable...
> Say a prayer for protection...

>>45581922

>[] Ask if the suit is acceptable, keep it under control.
[] Excuse yourself for a moment and step outside.
>[] Say a prayer for protection. You know, just in case.

>>45581922
>[] Ask if the suit is acceptable, keep it under control.
>[] Remember and continue with your work instead.
>[] Say a prayer for protection. You know, just in case.

>>45581922
>[] Try and chase the image, just a little more....

>>45581922

>Send your love back. Both to your family, and to the shadow.


>Remember Yuuhi's warning, and tell your family that Ginka-san might be put in danger by the Oni.

>>45581922
>[] Excuse yourself for a moment and step outside.
>[] Try and chase the image, just a little more....

>>45582108


People sometime say that a person is only truly dead once everyone has forgotten about them and that all what they left in the world is gone.

Well, if it's true, Ryukusa is eternal, just as her love.

Is chasing a shadow wise?

Maybe, maybe not. And maybe some madness is needed.

>>45582108
We're going to be swimming with Ginka. If they try and grab her there won't be twins anymore.

>>45582174
Not necessarily her waifus though.

>>45581922
>[] Ask if the suit is acceptable, keep it under control.
>[] Excuse yourself for a moment and step outside.
>[] Try and chase the image, just a little more
>[] Say a prayer for protection. You know, just in case.

>>45582248
Given that the original fate had them grabbing her, they'll probably wait until after the ceremony.

Good chance they'll be watching, though.

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[X] Try and chase the image, just a little more....
[X] Ask if the suit is acceptable, keep it under control.
[XX] Say a prayer for protection. You know, just in case.
[XX] Excuse yourself for a moment and step outside.

Your first instinct is to step outside and deal with the things going on in your immediate spiritual vicinity, but one quick glance is enough to inform you that you're not going to be just walking out without some kind of explanation. Ginka and Zunbera-ama might understand, but most of the women here are just ordinary humans. You purposefully add some decorative stitching, letting your hands work while your mind slips back into the Void.

You can't see the shadow or the after image or the....you don't know what it was. You do feel that it isn't the same thing as you felt from your lovers. It's separate, distinct and other than them. It was close, though, very close, but only for a moment. It's the second time it's happened. Then voices interrupt and you can't help but focus on them.

“....must have been practicing for a long time.” “No, she said she's never been around here before.” “She made this from scratch just looking at your suit?” “Yes, and she only studied it for a few minutes!” That was Ginka. “Come away, and let her say her prayers, girls.” Zunbera-ama, kami protect her, realizing you need a moment.

You smile and bow your head to the young women and girls, though you catch Ginka's attention. “Is this all right? There won't be any issues with me using red?”

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>>45582712
“No, because you're a guest, and you are helping the priestess....Zunbera-sama said you were special and that you might need to adjust the suit.” Ginka smiles as you return her suit. “Say, are you all right, you looked kind of....confused or something?”

“I'm all right, I just need a moment, Ginka.” You stand up and neatly fold the diving outfit before bowing to Zunbera-ama and stepping out into the hallway where there are less people. Almost no people, in fact. Not a Barrier....but something. You murmur a prayer of protection to Matagama-no-Shitoki, and you feel her gentle hands enfold you, protect you.

Taking a deep breath you empty your mind, and become receptive to any feelings or thoughts that might be seeking you out, then open your mind to the Void once more – cautiously.

It's a brief flash, a sense of someone standing right in front of you, peering at you, yet through you, a blind person looking into infinity. Not like Er yin, no, but blind to you in a way that feels different, feels wrong. Feels almost sticky, tacky; maybe even dirty.

[] Open your eyes and ~focus~ on them.
[] Reach out for them, in the Void.
[] Physically and spiritually reach out for them.
[] Just wait for a moment.
[] Perhaps, reaching for them using your left hand might give you a result.

>>45582752
Well that's...creepy.
>[x] Just wait for a moment.
>[x] Open your eyes and ~focus~ on them.

>>45582752
>[] Just wait for a moment.
>[] Open your eyes and ~focus~ on them.

>>45582752
>[] Just wait for a moment.
>[] Perhaps, reaching for them using your left hand might give you a result.

>>45582752
[x] Perhaps, reaching for them using your left hand might give you a result.

>>45582752
Fuck, I want to try all of these..
>[] Just wait for a moment.

>>45582752

>[] Open your eyes and ~focus~ on them.
>[] Reach out for them, in the Void.

It's possible Inari's mikoto has been damaged, like Horobi's was


>No, but blind to you in a way that feels different, feels wrong. Feels almost sticky, tacky; maybe even dirty.

Uh. Not the best thing to meet before a holy ceremony. Oh well.

>>45583081
At least we didn't meet by choice, so anons didn't fuck it up themselves!

>>45582752
Ya know, the ONI twins are attuned to the void, and shoko suggested that the water one could be a trickster.
This thing could be a trap.

>>45583135
With faint but familiar whispers in the void that are easily ignored? I kinda doubt it.

>>45582752
[] Just wait for a moment.
[] Open your eyes and ~focus~ on them.
>[] If it feels safe, perhaps reaching for them using your left hand might give you a result

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[XXX] Just wait for a moment.
[XX] Open your eyes and ~focus~ on them.
[X] Perhaps, reaching for them using your left hand might give you a result.

You wait, quietly, calmly. You don't feel threatened as much as you feel disturbed by the sensation this....this specter, this force puts off. Corrupted? Not really, just....not pure? It's difficult to explain, even for someone with a vocabulary as large as yours is.

It starts to move away from you, slipping back into the voice, when you open your dragon's eyes and try and see what isn't there, what might not be real. There's a bright flash in the darkness of the Void, and for an instant, a single, brain-burning instant, you don't merely see through the Void, but you see what's across it, the gulf of the Void from where you stand, into the depths of Yomi.

It's the shadow of your mikoto. Your own shadow, the shadow of yourself, the shadow of destruction that waits for you to lay claim to it. You stare into it's unseeing eyes aware that all it would take is a single desire, a simple decision, and all that it represents, all that you are expected to be, will be yours forever, with all the consequences and results it would bring.

You keep your mind clear and calm, even as your heart races, the awareness of how close you are to being whole while destroying all the work you are putting towards doing this safely sits in your center like hot lead.

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>>45583833
Slowly the sense of it, the apparition fades, time ticking forward again, the world no longer drowning in cotton filled potency. Darkness rules the Void in your mind and the sense of being sought out fades.

You close your left hand, and you pulls back from the Void with as much delicacy and care as you can manage. No way were you going to touch that without being fully ready for the end result. Maybe if you needed to, maybe in the case of the most dire emergency, but not now. Though....now you know that you're not just seeking to fulfill your destiny on this side of the world, but from Yomi as well. Your mikoto is no longer confined to the pit. It moves, seeking wholeness.

“Are you okay, Ryukusa?” Ginka's voice drowns out your heartbeat, as she looks at you, concerned. She's dressed I the simple white uniform, her breasts bound beneath the flimsy fabric that covers her like a bathing suit from the 50's might, a loincloth as well. She has an oyster knife at her hip, ans well a s a small pouch and a set of weights.

[] Fine, just....fine.
[] Not really, but I'll be all right.
[] It's all good, Ginka-chan, come on.
[] Hey, stick with me for this dive, I could use the help.
[] Ginka, I should warn you....

>>45583854
>[] Not really, but I'll be all right.
>[] Ginka, I should warn you....

>>45583854
>[] Not really, but I'll be all right.
>[] Ginka, I should warn you....

>>45583854
>[X] Not really, but I'll be all right.
>[X] Hey, stick with me for this dive, I could use the help.

>>45583854
>[] Not really, but I'll be all right.
>[] Ginka, I should warn you....
How much Good Stuff did we burn to avoid touching our mikoto with our left hand?

>>45583980
>None. Again, stuff is only spent for actual tangible (sort of) and permanent benefits.

>>45583854
>[x] Fine, just....fine.
>[x] Hey, stick with me for this dive, I could use the help.
Scary, scary.

>>45583854
>[] Not really, but I'll be all right.
>[] Ginka, I should warn you....
if she's not scared off, then
>[] Hey, stick with me for this dive, I could use the help.

>>45583854
>[] Fine, just....fine.
>[] Ginka, I should warn you....

>>45583854

>[] Not really, but I'll be all right.
>[] Ginka, I should warn you....

So, I suppose the Kamuy are coming back in strength... first the Snake, now the Destruction

>>45578456
>One of the more peculiar aspects of your nature, one you don't really put much thought into aside from caring about your appearance, is that you are a more than passable seamstress. You never really thought about why you are so good with needle and thread and scissors, but perhaps it is because the act of making clothing is an act of creation through destruction.


That's really encouraging, when you think about it. It shows that Ryukusa can become the creator of something new, once she destroyed the old.

Ryukusa is not only the Executioner of Amaterasu-okami, after all.

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[XX] Not really, but I'll be all right.
[XX] Ginka, I should warn you....
[X] Hey, stick with me for this dive, I could use the help.

You can hear the last of the Ama moving in the changing rooms, and you realize you've probably been here for several minutes, maybe as many as ten. The presence of your mikoto probably frightened any normal humans away. You take a deep breath, lettign the tension in your body melt away. “I'm....I'll be all right, Ginka. Thank you. It's nothing that can be fixed but it isn't anything you have to worry about either.” you smile, and that reassures her some.

“Are you sure? You look a little pale.” She hesitates....and then she leans forward, rising onto her tiptoes. Realizing what she plans on doing, you oblige her by tilting your head so her forehead touches yours for a moment. “No fever,” she comments as she pulls away. Interestingly, her skin is actually colder than yours or even Akari's. “If you're sure....we should probably head down as soon as you get changed.”

“Would you mind staying with me so I dress properly. I may have made it, but I've still never worn one of these. It seems pretty flimsy.” You and she walk into the room, where the last few divers are finishing tucking their hair under caps. You sigh; Akari is much better at pinning your hair short, to be honest.

“It is – it's meant to tear if you get caught on something, so you don't get trapped. Not that you'll have any problem like that!” You smile wanly and nod. “So, first loincloth and binding your breasts, then like this....”

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>>45584792
As she assists you in binding your breasts – something you allow her to help with more for the sake of keeping her close by than any real need – you decide to be forthright with her. “Ginka-san, I'm afraid being near me has gotten you into some trouble.” While she slows down, to her credit she neither panics for acts confused. “I'm afraid some of the idiots troubling my family might try and capture you as leverage to make me do something I can't really afford to do. I am sorry, but they'll leave when I leave.”

She considers what you've told her as you work on pinning and folding your hair carefully, the massive length of silk requiring a lot more work than last time you did something on this order. Mostly because it all has to fit under a bathing cap. “I understand Ryukusa. I've dealt with....a few problems in my past. I'm not a great fighter, but I'm pretty tough.” She absently touches her scars, something she doesn't even seem to be aware she's doing.

You take her hand, pulling it away from the long healed stitching. “Stay close to me, and I'll make sure you are safe. I can't promise, but not because I don't want to. If they do catch you, don't try to resist or fight back, and they won't hurt you. Besides, I kind of need the help.”

A grin spreads across her face. “You make it sound like you're being chased by Yakuza....” Your wry smile, and her taking another look at the tattoos along your back causes her smile to fade. “Oh. Um, sorry. I didn't think.” They're not exactly traditional Yakuza style, but they're close enough.

“Well, technically we are, but it's a clan of spirit-children. It's a water oni who might come for me. Or, nothing may happen at all.” Yeah, right. “But you really will be safe with me, and in the unlikely event they do manage to catch you, just don't fight them and you'll be fine.” Ginka nods, a strange, sad smile on her lips. “What?”

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>>45584825
“I kind of thought there had to be some kind of price to pay for having a life like yours....I guess that's it.”

With a sigh, you agree. “Sad but true. Still....I wouldn't give up what I found for the world, either.” Your wife, your niji-chan, your lovers, your priestess and her mistress. Yuuhi too....worth every moment. “Hey, are there signals and codes for the diving I should know about? And how long can the humans stay down, I don't want to panic anyone.” Ginka-chan immediately starts explaining the rules of the Ama divers, and teaching you their signals and the codes they use to indicate what they're doing, both underwater and at the diving platforms.

Catching up to the other Ama, you follow, noticing that the bundle of inaw offerings is already at the platform, taken over by boat along with baskets for placing oysters in and diving weights for the humans. You see your family on podiums, and Kiku-chan motioning with her tamagushi as she blesses the divers, the waters, and invokes the grace of the Kami on the island, it's people, and the seas around the island. Kiki-hime and Inau-kun and kneeling next to her, one ringing a bell, the other a gong, while Yuuhi watches nearby and Yui beats her small hip-drums at carefully timed intervals. Akari is kneeling next to her lover, eyes closed, but very much alert and aware.

Then you're in the water with the divers, swimming out to the platform. There is a note on the bundle of sacrificial sticks, instructions undoubtedly.

[] Take a quick look-see deeper in the water before catching up with the divers.
[] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
[] Use Void Eyes very briefly.
[] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.
[] Catch up to Zunbera-ama, ask her if she really thinks there will be a youkai.

>>45584836
>[] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
>[] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.
>[] Catch up to Zunbera-ama, ask her if she really thinks there will be a youkai.

>>45584836
>[] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
>[] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.

>>45584836
Oh my, going late today huh.
>[] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
>[] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.

>>45584836
>[X] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
>[X] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.
>[X] Catch up to Zunbera-ama, ask her if she really thinks there will be a youkai.

>>45584836

[] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
[] Use Void Eyes very briefly.

>>45584836
>>45584868
Supporting!

>>45584836

>[] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.
>[] Catch up to Zunbera-ama, ask her if she really thinks there will be a youkai.


>Be a diver, be a miko, but be Ryukusa


There is no one else we should be right now.

>>45584836
[] Take a quick look-see deeper in the water before catching up with the divers.
[] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
[] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.
[] Catch up to Zunbera-ama, ask her if she really thinks there will be a youkai.

>>45584836
Hooray being in a live thread and voting!

[] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
[] Use Void Eyes very briefly.
[] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.

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[XXX] Act like the divers, be a diver. Best disguise is normality.
[XXX] Feel the wind and water, take complete stock of the surrounding habitat.
[XX] Catch up to Zunbera-ama, ask her if she really thinks there will be a youkai.

It takes a little effort to act like the humans; this is your element; more than your element, it is home to you and the joy of being here in the ocean is just as intense as your first time was. Still, you take care in swimming like the divers do, though they do a lot more kicking than most, and us their hands to steer or guide them through the water, which you hadn't expected. Of course, it makes sense: powerful leg muscles to keep them under the water, hands free to check the oysters, cut mussels away, and remove starfish. It doesn't take you long at all to fit in perfectly, something which Ginka is in awe of. The divers are used to her unusual skills, of course; you don't need to shock them with yours.

The sky is blue and only lightly cloudy, the sun is bright and warm, despite the cool ocean air. The breezes and waves are calm and the tide low now; the divers should have easy pickings, you imagine. You can feel the water deep and cold, clear of anything more dangerous than a few eels and the occasional octopus. Sharks have all cleared out, as usual when you're in the water. You don't need your eyes to feel the water itself, all the way to the ocean floor, you can sense the beds of mussels and clams and oysters. They're carefully separated and cared for, anemones and seaweed keep things healthy, abalone rare currently, too young for good shells just yet. Only a very few starfish, which is good.

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>>45585596
You do push yourself a little harder once you've familiarized yourself with the area; Zunbera-ama is already on the diving platform, preparing baskets and handing out weights and tools. The note tells you how to make the offering at the appropriate time, the very lowest point of the tides, at the end of the prayers; you'll have to swim the bundle of nusa down, leaving the inaw at the very lowest point of the diver's area. As the other women make their own prayers and ask for the kami's blessings, you hop up onto the platform to sit next to Zunbera-ama, who smiles at you as Ginka holds onto the platform, kicking her feet lazily as she watches you curiously.

“Zunbera-sensei....do you truly believe there will be a youkai to bother your people today? It is important, I think, to be sure of it.” Even with the other divers already starting their dives and the announcer explaining what's going on, you remain on the platform with the chief of the ama, Ginka starting to become nervous at your question.

“Owatatsumi-chan, I think that it is very good that you are with us here today, that is all.” Zunbera-ama smiles toothlessly, and pats your hand. “Please take care of us, most favored niece of mine.” the chief of the ama asks softly, bowing over one hand.

Unfortunately, you think she means it. “Of course! I must do my best for my fellow divers,” you reply, taking the inaw bundle and slipping into the water. She chuckles and Ginka smiles once more, as she leads you to her diving area – not coincidentally the deepest point of the territory the ama claim. She gestures for you to follow, and you do so, moving easily through the water as she dives. Unlike you she doesn't breathe water – she simply holds her breath. Her nature as a daughter of the kappa means she can hold her breath as long as she needs to without harm, which could be handy in a number of ways you imagine.

>>45585627
You're only halfway down to the bottom when you taste copper in the water: blood. A lot of it, a huge cloud of it that you're swimming through. But you don't see any of it at all. Nor can you feel the heavier blood in the water. Despite that, it's in your mouth and nose; you can certainly taste it. Ginka pauses when you stop, looking confused....you stick your tongue out at her and she does the same with a smile....and then gets an alarmed look.

Then you hear the soft, rhythmic hissing noise of movement through water; powerful strokes of a strangely textured fin, slicing the water apart, propelling something large towards you.

Seems like they're here and ready to start trouble.

>To Be Continued....

>>45585662
Ominous.
Thanks for running!

>>45585662
Thanks for running!

As always excellent writing, and its been a pleasure reading along as usual.

>>45585627
>which could be handy in a number of ways you imagine.
Oh Ryukuza.

>>45585716
Scrub your mind, anon! I'm sure Ryukusa meant WHOLESOME ways!

>>45585662
Thank you for running, XS!

>>45585716
She's be fairly useful if there's a fire around and it's hard to breath, or against debilitating gas, anon! Very useful.

>>45585662

Thanks for running!

>Please take care of us, most favored niece of mine

This made me think of Izanami-no-Mikoto-okami. After all, we're kind of her niece, and we gave her an offering that's probably bigger than anything her family usually give her.

>>45585662
Thanks for writing, hope you're doing better.

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Thank you for reading along and playing. Sorry for the momentary lapse later in the tale. Nothing serious, I promise.

We will be continuing Wednesday.

>>45583980
To address this 'question.'

Good Stuff is only ever spend on acquiring meaningful and useful things that affect Ryukuza. Allies, powers, friends, lovers, secrets she can utilize more than once, magical weapons or tools, and the like.

As long as it is banked, her luck is high, her techniques less fallible, and her awareness and mental stability are equally high. She can (and will) take more risks, and get away with them more often. That isn't to say she can't be hurt, that there are no consequences, or that she's going to get things spoon fed to her. Her innate and unfocused psychic talents are also more prevelant, coloring more of her choices.

The down side is that as long as she has Good Stuff banked, she doesn't advance; she can't gain more powers, can't improve upon her existing ones, and can't gain new allies and friends as permanent and vital fixtures in her life. Things will go her way, yes, but they can't be resolved permanently either.

When she spends to zero stuff or close to that, her outlook become a little more grounded in reality, her psychic ability-powered choices become less frequent, and the enemies advance their plots more often. she also gets to learn how to use her powersd better and can increse the ones she has, or advance ones she's just learned. Combat becomes more give and take, and her skills become more brutally effective as well.

When she has spent into Bad Stuff (i.e. negative stuff totals), her outlook becomes somewhat darker, her psychic abilities become ominous rather than helpful, and she is more prone to injury or suffering. On the other hand, she and her enemies can both advance their plots and plans, and the most personal growth occurs when she's in Bad Stuff. There is also a lot kore closeness as here family draws together to protect her and each other.

>>45585865
Close. But there's another aspect of Ryukusa's life that this applies to. She asked Er Tin about it at one point.

>>45585939
Better yes. Still occasionally drifting off and passing out for short periods of time, as I did late in this game.

>>45585989
Thanks for running XS. Stay safe.

>>45586030
Aha, I thought that update was taking quite a while.

>>45586030
XS, tonight is a full moon over North America, btw.

>>45586087
I always know when it's a full moon. I have a much harder time sleeping -and also I work graveyard shifts. But thank you.

>>45585627
>“Please take care of us, most favored niece of mine.”
Amaterasu, is that you?

>>45585865
>This made me think of Izanami-no-Mikoto-okami. After all, we're kind of her niece,
More like a granddaughter. Owatasumi is one of the children of Izanagi and Izanami.

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With that, good night. If there are any questions left on the thread, I'll answer them next session.

Her is Mantis-Shrimp Youkai-chan, for your amusement.

>>45586115
Thats um, a bit disconcerting.

>>45586180
anyone who says that the statistics on people being crazier on a full moon are a myth and WRONG, anon.

>>45586180

I tend ot have troubles sleeping during full moons as well.

Well, more troubles than usual.

>>45586177
Cute~

>>45586012

Is it related to her being a Demon Tamer?

Random anon that dropped by last week and has been splurging through the archives and I only have one question: What the hell happened to the centipede egg? I knew that we saved it but it was never mentioned again after that.

Other then that, XS you are one classy writer.

>>45586754
The centipede will hatch later, I think? Er Yin is keeping watch over it.