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>>48387664
At the moment, Kiki-hime is reliving horrific experiences of her arm being vivisected, Yui-niji-chan is feeling utterly helpless and out of her element even as a healer, Inau-kun is desperately trying to figure out a way to solve the issues without knowing enough about dragonettes to be sure of who can do what (and her secondary issue is that Akari's near perfect invulnerability makes many medical techniques she can use useless for her to perform, and tertiary issue of trying to convince you that between you and she this is not a disaster only an obstacle {….really?}), Shoko-san is terrified for her new friends and loved ones and wants to help in any ways she can, Yuuhi-chan is a blank slate that is just ready to kill anything that isn't family or friend, Kiku-chan has never seen or heard of anything like this happening before in her entire two centuries, Jinyuu-onee-sama is terrified that the kami are doing something horrible, and Er Yin-sensei is trying to control her urge to vomit even as she wrestles with how she is going to help you through this fiasco.

If you were anyone but yourself, this would be an unmitigated disaster.

[] Bring everyone to heel at once first, then dole out assignments.
[] Calm, cool, collected orders, first to the fast ones, then to the slow ones.
[] Make everyone take a seat – willing or not – and then get them organized.
[] Kiki-hime is your first priority, as Inau-kun and Yui-chan can cope with Akari and no one else is an immediate issue (relatively speaking).
[] Make a barrier so that everyone is safe inside it and everyone can access their full strength.

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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' 8" 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.
Ryuu Nabiki is 5' 3”, and fully transformed. Embarrassingly straight.
Ryuu Shinju is 4' 11” and fully grown. She is coy, maybe a dodomeki-child.

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Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/48225529/

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

Her name: Ryuu Yorihokura

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

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 that appears to be made of some alloy of titanium.

Seido no Shinpi-tekina Ken – a mysterious bronze sword given to Ryukusa by the mermaids of Japan.

Go Yūrei no Rensa, the Five-Ghost-Chain, used to summon or send messages to your (actual) older sister Ryuu Nabiki.

Her Penthouse in the Secret Apartments of Tsathoggua in Shikoku prefecture, Tokyo.

Ryukusa's Family.

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

>>48387693
Alright, it's Ryukusa time!
Sadly a bit of a downer start this time though.
>[x] Bring everyone to heel at once first, then dole out assignments.
>[x] Calm, cool, collected orders, first to the fast ones, then to the slow ones.
Maybe set Shoko to calm down Kiki/Jinyuu and Yuuhi to guard them, and tell Yui to be Inau's assistant and follow her lead? If we need more space, we can probably convince Kiku to go take care of Er Yin as well.

>>48387693
>[] Bring everyone to heel at once first, then dole out assignments.
>[] Make everyone take a seat – willing or not – and then get them organized.
>[] Kiki-hime is your first priority, as Inau-kun and Yui-chan can cope with Akari and no one else is an immediate issue (relatively speaking).
Morning XS.

>>48387693
>[] Bring everyone to heel at once first, then dole out assignments.
>[] Calm, cool, collected orders, first to the fast ones, then to the slow ones.

>>48387693
Is Er Yin still compelled to answer us, or has that passed? If it's still a thing, we should probably release her from it since Inau saved the day in that regard.

>>48387693
>[] Bring everyone to heel at once first, then dole out assignments.
>[] Calm, cool, collected orders, first to the fast ones, then to the slow ones.

>>48387823
Yeah, anon makes a good point. Then again it seemed implied that her current status was mostly struggling due to the blood rather than anything else.

>>48387823
She was never compelled to answer you.

She was doing so by choice.

Which is worse.

>>48387664
>[x] Bring everyone to heel at once first, then dole out assignments.
>[x] Calm, cool, collected orders, first to the fast ones, then to the slow ones.

Good morning, XS!
People are less likely to stab people by accident if you prepare them to stab people on purpose.

Damnit, even though I knew it was coming, I wasn't able to make myself study this quest properly. It seems like clues could be anywhere in the previous 125 threads, which is a daunting amount no matter how well-written.

>>48387896
Well shit.

Was saying "Kami Stuff" enough to count as her breaking her oaths or whatever as a seer? Or did Inau inadvertently save us both?

>>48387896
Ah, well I suppose she presumably stopped trying to spill the beans once Inau did then. That's good.

>>48387911
Don't worry anon, it hasn't been that long since last thread after all. Thankfully! But I doubt you could be expected to read through all of it in that time so presumably we won't actually need such knowledge, even if it might be helpful.

>>48387946
It kind of feels like the challenge rating for doing things optimally, like unwritten prompts, requires intimate familiarity with the material. Like I'm not even 100% on what the one thing Demigods do is.

>>48387939
>>48387946
No warning was issued, no harm done.

>>48388024
They mess with destiny. They make the impossible possible, reweave the threads of fate, and that sort of thing.

And they can kick kami ass if we're lucky, because someone surely needs an ass kicking for this.

>>48388024
Perhaps, but think of those like bonuses! Besides, there's a lot of us and only one of XS. There's probably anons who knows a decent amount about topics like these right?

>>48388044
>And they can kick kami ass if we're lucky, because someone surely needs an ass kicking for this.

I keep imaging a bunch of Kami drawing lots and the loser was the one that had to go poke the Hornets nest.

I mean really who thinks it's a good idea to piss off the demigod/soon to be goddess of Destruction with a tract record of dealing with things that pissed her off

>>48388050
That was my hope as well, but lurking in the previous threads, I'm not sure if anyone knows -enough-, myself most of all.

>>48388109
Probably because this seems like a topic XS has some interest in and therefore knows a good amount, while few anons likely know a lot about Japanese/Asian mythology and pantheons. Although at least RQ is likely to have a higher than average number of said anons around, right?

>>48388095
It certainly sounds like the thing responsible is the laws of the universe itself.

Which might make it the same asshole that decided what order Izanami and Izanagi had to go around the marriage pole or whatever.

>>48388130
The middle-management bureaucrat of Kami?

>>48388126
Eh, I think XS sufficiently conveys the mythology within the quest itself. It's more just the whole quest that I feel needs studying because I suspect the quest is littered with, not quite Easter eggs, since that would imply it's hidden, but instead just relevant details anons have forgotten over time or are unsure how to leverage properly.

>>48388213
>Ryukusa doesn't forget those details which are important. Anons are always welcome to use details they find or remember to enhance their momentum or attempts at things.

>>48388029

Somehow I don't trust this.

Is she going to feel incredibly guilty for not upholding her duties or something?

>>48388338
I think it's probably about as bad as it can get without crossing over into "harm"

>>48388319
Did Ryukasa notice that time (sort of?) reversed itself to make sure we remembered that the name Ahto?

>>48387693

>[] Calm, cool, collected orders, first to the fast ones, then to the slow ones.

>Get Kiku to focus on Er Yin for now. Have Yui help Kiki, and see if Kiki can help Yui.

>Store the bed into ~Nowhere to gain room, immediatly place Akari in a smaller bed or futon. You need space.

I hope I'm not too late.

>>48388319

Can you tell us what Ryukusa knows of the seer's obligations or the reason why they couldn't tell us?

>>48388402

We didn't remember his name.

Should we use Fire Eyes? It seems like we need to see the truth.

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[XX] Bring everyone to heel at once first, then dole out assignments.
[X] Calm, cool, collected orders, first to the fast ones, then to the slow ones.
[x] Make everyone take a seat – willing or not – and then get them organized.
[x] Kiki-hime is your first priority, as Inau-kun and Yui-chan can cope with Akari and no one else is an immediate issue (relatively speaking).

You've never really tried this before, but you extend your hand over Akari, fingers outstretched....and snap them.

LOUDLY.

The effect of the gunshot-loud snap is similar to your chi disruption technique, but kind of in reverse: it's meant to focus their attention on you. And it does, beautifully. Dead silence reigns with the sole exception of people breathing and Akari coughing weakly and covering her mouth. Each of them is capable in their own way – more or less – and each is important to you in their own way, but you are more than the head of the household. In this instance you are their general, their master.

“Yuuhi-chan, keep watch, Kiki is top priority. Kiku-chan, prayers for intercession and help to the appropriate kamuy please, offerings if we have any appropriate for them.” That covers your quick ones. “Inau-kun, Yui-niji-chan, get Akari cleaned up and in a safe position, and decide what you need, if she's safe to-” Yui and Inau-kun are both shaking their heads. “Fine, then decide what you need done. Shoko-san, get this blood cleaned up; you have to have some power over water....”

“I can't make any myself, Ryukusa-sama, I can only control it!” she says, worriedly.

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>>48388495
“Done,” you say as you soak the sheets, Kiki-hime's body and robes, Yui's lap, and the blankets as well. Shoko starts making elaborate hand passes and gestures, muttering in Ainu under her breath. The blood starts to break down and lift, as the water and blood are pulled away. “Sit down, I don't want you falling and shaking Akari-chan. You too Yuuhi, I know you don't need to be standing.” Both of them obey, though Shoko's concentration suffers a bit. “Er Yin-sensei, smiles and breathe through your mouth. The scent isn't as bad that way, and you won't feel so ill. Jinyuu-onee-sama, please accompany Kiku-chan, Er Yin-sensei, you may pray too, but I want you here.” Kiku-chan can protect your sister, and you don't need your sister seeing what might happen here.

She left the clan for good reason, and part of it was the blood.

You slides your tail around Kiki-hime's waist, and reach for her, wiggling your fingers to suggest you want her hand in yours. Her breathing is terribly quick and shallow, and she's a trembling mess. “Kiki-hime, you've seen worse than this. You're safe and sound, you're here with me. I need you now, kasan, hime-chan; Akari and Yui need you now.” Her eyes flick to you, but you keep your eyes on Akari; the temperature differences in her blood are more pronounced and it is thick and sluggish in her veins. You feel her hand, her clammy, soft, frightening hand, slip into yours.

“H....h-hai, Ryu-chan. T-tell me wh-what to do, please.” She scoots a little closer and you spare her a glance, and smile gently. That alone seems to put more wood into her spine, and she takes a deep breath, wiping droplets of dark blood from her face with her sleeve as she swallowed heavily. “I can help,” she murmurs more steadily.

“Inau-kun, Yui-niji-chan, talk to me.”

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>>48388509
Inau-kun speaks up. “I am guessing, and I do not say this easily, but I am guessing that the issue is Water to Void to Stone.” The inversion of the creation cycle of the elements as well as an inverse of the destruction pattern. You immediately realize the problem.

“Void overacting Water, which insults Stone; I think that's what you mean, and you're probably correct.” Yui-niji-chan looks downcast but Kiki-hime lays a hand on the oni-chick's shoulder and her expression immediately becomes determined. “What can we do about it?” you ask, glancing at Yui-niji-chan.

Your midwife takes a slow deep breath, and then looks at Yui. “Can you tell what element the child is?”

Yui nods. “It's a Water child. She's defending herself from her mother, I think.”

Stone destroying Water, while Water insults Stone. Typical, Akari would have the problem child of the family, she's way too easygoing herself. “Do I need to recall Kiku-chan to soften Akari up?” Weirdly, you're thinking of it in a pretty literal sense.

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>>48388509
“Kiki-hime would be better at that, but no, let's not try anything that drastic yet.” Kiki-hime looks at Inau-kun like she's gone crazy, but you understand where she's coming from. “Ryukusa-sama....” Inau-kun looks up at you, and you narrow your eyes. “This would be easiest if you took on an elemental force to help with the healing. I want that to be clear. But it isn't the only way. We have many options to work with. The real question is how hard do you want to fight this.” Somehow you have the feeling she's not referring to the potential miscarriage in this instance. Well, not somehow, Water Eyes is pretty obviously informing you that she's feeling out how much of a demigod you're willing to be for this to come out as a good end.

[] I'm not quite sure what you're asking, honey.
[] ….you're joking right? Who do you think I am anyways?
[] It's not a matter of fighting, it's a matter of what is safest for Akari and the baby.
[] No elements, just tell me what other ways there are.
[] You can speak plainly, I can see your intentions already.

>>48388556
>[x] It's not a matter of fighting, it's a matter of what is safest for Akari and the baby.
>[x] You can speak plainly, I can see your intentions already.
Don't you white-robe us like that!

>>48388556
>[] ….you're joking right? Who do you think I am anyways?
>[] It's not a matter of fighting, it's a matter of what is safest for Akari and the baby.

Ryukusa always put her family first, fire may help later but that won't matter if she couldn't help her Family now.

>>48388556
>[] It's not a matter of fighting, it's a matter of what is safest for Akari and the baby.
>[] You can speak plainly, I can see your intentions already.
I hasn't in the last thread, but I agree with the people warning against just jumping to picking wood on a whim. But if it is the safest option for Akari and the baby then I am okay with taking wood, even though I am generally more in favor of fire.

>>48388556
>[] ….you're joking right? Who do you think I am anyways?
>[] You can speak plainly, I can see your intentions already.

>>48388556

>[] No elements, just tell me what other ways there are.
>[] You can speak plainly, I can see your intentions already.

>No matter how hard it is, I will do it. I will go as far as I have to help my beloved and my children.

Ruykusa does not take the easy way. She takes the right way. Which can be easy, but not now.

>>48388577

Well, maybe fighting does matter, somewhat.

>>48388556
Damn, even though the gods seem to be about as in our corner as they can be, I'm worried that this is a trap, that we're being made to choose between the mother of our child and our duty to Japan, that Fire really is the best option to minimize destruction which is what the kami don't want. But is it really appropriate to choose Wood due to being backed into a corner? Like if intentions matter when choosing an element, are we fucked?

>>48388556
>[] ….you're joking right? Who do you think I am anyways?
So to clarify, besides sounding cool this option is in response to "how hard do you want to fight this" and is saying "a lot"?

>>48388675
It looks like Wood or Fire would be helpful here though.

>>48388594
>>48388623

You're getting it wrong, guys.

This is NOT a question of element. It's a question of Ryukusa's role as a demigod.

And if of course Ryukusa would put her family before anything, she won't sacrifice their future to solve a problem in the now, so picking Wood is still not a good idea.

>>48388577
>>48388623

Also, the fighting matters because it's how our role is going to affect the outcome.

>>48388556
Adding to my vote here: >>48388644 (You)
>[] ….you're joking right? Who do you think I am anyways?
>"I am Ryuu Ryukusa. I choose the Red Robe. I will do what is the best for my family and me.

>>48388695
wait, how would Fire help?

>>48388720
What would choosing the red robe imply in this situation, exactly?

>>48388720
I'm still kind of worried that this is our last chance to move beyond a demigod. Also while it kind of sounds like you know what you're talking about, I'm not sure if you'd feel the same if it seemed like it was leaning towards Fire.

>>48388722
>Fire overacts Earth, which would strengthen Akari's body so she can carry a water child. She's technically weak to the insult of the Water Child inside her, because while Akari is impervious to Water normally, she still has blood, and the baby is sitting in a huge pool of liquid even barely extant as it is.

>She's basically suffering from what amounts to elemental RH rejection syndrome.

>>48388790
It's not, XS said so last thread.

So what does Wood vs Fire mean practically speaking?

Like is it regen and potential healing vs magic immunity?

>>48388827
I don't see that in the last thread, like XS didn't confirm that it IS our last chance, but that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't.

>>48388839

You can't approach that practicaly speaking.

>>48388807

Would choosing any elements risk to hurt the baby?

I hate this fucking eldritch appartment building.

>>48388919
Probably Stone.

I feels like Ryukusa is falling into the most basic of the trap for Water dragonettes: overthinking it.

If she was going to choose, I think she would go for Fire.

She has been trying to live in the "now" and be decisive more, she has decided to be more open with the Truth, both in seeing and revealing it, and she has been confronted by Fire and burning, metaphoricaly or not, many time, only to use it against the challenge in order to succeed.

On the other hand, I don't think this is a question of the choice.


Also, guys, remember that the trouble with the sorcerer last time was NOT a red herring.

On another subject, I feel getting Er Yin out without trying to comfort her was a very un-Ryukusa thing to do. I hope she can forgive us, and that the universe will, too.

>>48389034

We literaly can't do that.

>>48389067
>Also, guys, remember that the trouble with the sorcerer last time was NOT a red herring.
True, but what does it mean? Is he gonna show up to make things even worse?

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[XX] ….you're joking right? Who do you think I am anyways?
[XX] You can speak plainly, I can see your intentions already.
[X] It's not a matter of fighting, it's a matter of what is safest for Akari and the baby.
[+] I don't care about difficulty, this is my family.
[+] My duty was chosen for my family's sake, they are inseparable.

Tilting your head, you give Inau-kun a look that is equal parts bemusement and and incredulity, with a hefty implication of her ridiculousness. “Hey, who do you think I am anyways? If I can't overcome something like this when kami or kamuy are forcing me into a choice I'm not willing to make until I'm ready for it, I don't deserve the nature of a demigod to begin with.”

You acerbic assertion makes Yui snort laughter through her hand, while Kiki-hime, pale and upset as she is, giggles softly. Almost as one they intone the mantra: “If it's Ryukusa, it can't be helped.”

Akari smiles and coughs weakly, her eyes opening slowly. “Aniki is aniki,” she murmurs, weakly wiping her mouth. Yui tenderly takes a now clean sheet and wipes it for her, and the soft carnelian eyes meet the glowing blue of her lover's. “Hey.”

“Hush now, adults are talking,” Yui murmurs softly, and Kiki-hime smiles and lays her hand atop Yui's as Yui place a gently hand on Akari's arm.

Shoko has cleaned the sheets and everyone else, and is walking the swirl of bloodied water to the restroom. Er Yin crawls to where you and the rest of your family are, and settles nearby. “Akari-san, can you sit up for a moment?” You glance at Inau and Yui, and then both scoot back a little, showing their agreement that she may try. “If you align your chakras, you will feel better for a short time.” Yui leans over and whispers to your wife to get the strongest alcohol in the house, and Kiki-hime moves quickly to obey. You flick your hand and Yuuhi immediately follows Kiki-hime without protest.

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>>48389203
[XX] ….you're joking right? Who do you think I am anyways?
[XX] You can speak plainly, I can see your intentions already.
[X] It's not a matter of fighting, it's a matter of what is safest for Akari and the baby.
[+] I don't care about difficulty, this is my family.
[+] My duty was chosen for my family's sake, they are inseparable.

Tilting your head, you give Inau-kun a look that is equal parts bemusement and and incredulity, with a hefty implication of her ridiculousness. “Hey, who do you think I am anyways? If I can't overcome something like this when kami or kamuy are forcing me into a choice I'm not willing to make until I'm ready for it, I don't deserve the nature of a demigod to begin with.”

You acerbic assertion makes Yui snort laughter through her hand, while Kiki-hime, pale and upset as she is, giggles softly. Almost as one they intone the mantra: “If it's Ryukusa, it can't be helped.”

Akari smiles and coughs weakly, her eyes opening slowly. “Ryukusa is Ryukusa,” she murmurs, weakly wiping her mouth. Yui tenderly takes a now clean sheet and wipes it for her, and the soft carnelian eyes meet the glowing blue of her lover's. “Hey.”

“Hush now, adults are talking,” Yui murmurs softly, and Kiki-hime smiles and lays her hand atop Yui's as Yui place a gently hand on Akari's arm.

Shoko has cleaned the sheets and everyone else, and is walking the swirl of bloodied water to the restroom. Er Yin crawls to where you and the rest of your family are, and settles nearby. “Akari-san, can you sit up for a moment?” You glance at Inau and Yui, and then both scoot back a little, showing their agreement that she may try. “If you align your chakras, you will feel better for a short time.” Yui leans over and whispers to your wife to get the strongest alcohol in the house, and Kiki-hime moves quickly to obey. You flick your hand and Yuuhi immediately follows Kiki-hime without protest.

>>48389203
>“Aniki is aniki,”

>>48389214
>“Ryukusa is Ryukusa,”


Damnit another title swapped out for the proper name

>>48389203
>>48389214
Pls. Pls.

>>48389203
>>48389214
Damnit, we're somehow fucking up so badly we're breaking time?

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“And if you can't, tell me so,” you warn her. She shakes her head, and sits up, moving very slowly. Her blood is still terribly sluggish, and still split into hot and cold....

You narrow your eyes, feeling that faint wrongness, that ever so slight influence. Turning much of your attention upon Inau-kun, you speak calmly. “You can be pretty plain, or say whatever you need to even if you don't think I'll understand. Your intent will be plain to me, as will your concerns and desires.” Inau-kun blinks and nods slowly, thinking hard. You support Akari-niji-chan carefully, your hand under her palms as she crawls up along your body before turning to sit upright in front of you; her tail wraps tightly about your arm, but you ignore the inadvertently caused pain, even though it's your left arm.

Er Yin movers closer, her talons gently touching Akari-niji-chan, lightly pressing on meridians and pressure points to assist the flow of her blood. Inau-kun takes a deep breath and looks at you, but you hold your hand up. “It isn't a matter of how much fighting is involved, you know. What matters is Akari and the child she caries. I'm not going to be forced to a decision that will hurt them later by what is happening now. I may not be the strategist that Akari-niji-chan is, but I am better at tactics, and I won't make a tactically unsound decision just because someone has outmaneuvered me strategically. I chose this duty for them, and they are part and parcel of this duty. Without them, it won't matter anyways, so however difficult the method, I will see it done.”

>>48389296
Like I don't know what we're doing wrong? First Kiku and now Akari.

>>48389126

I'm pretty sure that he's deeply linked to it already.

Maybe we should Fire Eyes once, to see the truth of the matter.

Also, remember what XS said:

Sorcery is basicaly sucking the power from a spirit in order to use it yourself (the opposite of praying the spirit to give them strength). So he could be behind all this, and it could register as "Kami stuff". Not to mention that as Kiku clearly said, he has the RIGHT to mess with Er Yin as a declared enemy of clan Ryo, and I doubt Akari stayed in their friend list.

Not to mention two other things: he was noted to be a skilled HEALER, and our beloved issuffering from medical problems, and Er Yin was still able to talk a bit about the situation, with "no warning, no harm" from her action, when an hostile Kami would have jumped on the occasion to utterly destroy her.

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>>48389307
Every ounce of your will goes into impressing that upon Inau-kun, and she swallows slowly, realizing she may have underestimated you on a few counts, not just one or two. “Hai, aniki,” she says, bowing her head and placing one hand before her. “Please forgive my ignorance.”

[] nothing to forgive.
[] we're still family you know.
[] these things happen and will be forgotten.
[] nonsense, you are doing your duty.
[] ignorance can be taught away, just ask Jinyuu.

>>48389327
>[] nothing to forgive.
>[] these things happen and will be forgotten.

>>48389296
>>48389322

It's not us or Ryukusa who are fucking up

>>48389327
>[] nonsense, you are doing your duty.
>[] nothing to forgive.

>>48389376
In some ways that's scarier anon.

>>48389323
So wait, are you saying that we accidentally uncovered the mastermind ahead of schedule via idle musing, and now we're receiving not so subtle reminders?

>>48389327
>[x] nothing to forgive.
>[x] we're still family you know.
>[x] nonsense, you are doing your duty.

>>48389327
>[] nonsense, you are doing your duty.
>[] nothing to forgive.

Hrmm we need get someone else to call us by another name, like having Kiki call us Otoosan.

If that causes a time break it's when ever someone isn't referred to by their name, thought would Ryukusa or Yorihokura count as our true name? Because time fuckary calls us Ryukusa

>>48389327
[X] Even if she'll pretend not to know what we're talking about, thank her for interrupting Er Yin?

I don't know, would that be improper?

>>48389327
>[x] nothing to forgive.
>[x] these things happen and will be forgotten.

>>48389414
Is there a Kami/Kamuy whose domain is names? And do they have any reason to be messing with us right now?

>>48389399
This. She is family, so should not feel obligated to kowtow over something this sort.

>>48389327
>[] nothing to forgive.
>[] nonsense, you are doing your duty.

>I am not one for Yes Men. Discussing me is your right, to all of you, as part of my family and persons dear to me.

>Kiki, Kiku, Inau, Shoko, Er Yin, Yui, Akari, Jinyuu, Yuuhi, please forgive this foolish lizard for the hard time she is putting you through, and for not being helpful to relieve your plight in your time of need. I'm really, really sorry.

>Fire Eyes.

We need to see what is going on, and we need to apologize for the hard time we're giving to our beloved.


Also, I'm now certain whatever is happening, it's linked to the names used. Maybe it's linked to our newly discovered True Name.

>>48389433
It's pretty remarkable how this went the same way as last time, although with the name now being Ryukusa I'm not so sure it's True Name bullshit any more. If we know of any other name-related powers, I've certainly forgotten them.

>>48389374
>>48389417

Nothing happened, though, and there is nothing to forget

>>48389392

Well yeah, but it's just the usual.

>>48389398

I'm saying he choose this moment.

>>48389307

Didn't Er Yin leave the room?

>>48389543
>Didn't Er Yin leave the room?
No our sister did

>>48389543
You might be thinking of Jinyuu, anon.

I feel so terrible that this entire situation is making me think of Kekkai Yokai

While I appreciate not wanting to be bullied, what specifically are we waiting for with our elemental choice? Like is there anyone who could plausibly give us guidance in the matter, or any like meditation vision stuff we could do?

I understand the importance of making an informed decision, I'm just a little afraid we're already as informed as we can get.

>>48389629

I hope this is not too late.

>>48389629
>Japanese naming conventions forbid naming a child until three weeks after they are born, so that demons and spirits can't posses them. Even then they are given a childhood/nickname name to help protect them.

>As you can imagine, this would be critical for a spirit-child.

>>48389683

fair enough.

Didn't we already discuss questioning us with Inau?

And for that matter, didn't Kiki do operations without freaking out? While Yui was able to handle herself even in a crisis of equivalent proportions?

... Is somene screwing with how our beloved react, too, or is it just paranoia when I see them act in a manner fitting them because stress is messing with their helped-but-not-resolved issues?

>>48389327

Adding to this (last time, I swear) >>48389475

>Tell your family you love them
>Grab Akari-niji-okaa-chan's hand and put your other hand on her belly.

>>48389475
I'm still having a hard time grasping what is and isn't appropriate in regards to showing vulnerability but I do like this option.

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[XXX] nothing to forgive.
[XX] nonsense, you are doing your duty.
[x] we're still family you know.
[x] these things happen and will be forgotten
[+] You may always question my actions and motives, just like everyone else.
[+] Apologies for being slow to fix this.
[+++] Fire Eyes

Smiling, you relax, and she relaxes slightly as well, though she's still unnerved at the sight of Ryukusa-on-edge, which most people would be. Yui strokes her lover's hand and you reach out and gently lower Inau-kun's hand with your right. Yui's petting makes Akari relax a littler, which is good because that was startling to hurt.


“You're always welcome to contest me, make suggestions, complain, or just tell me you think I'm wrong, you know. Everyone is, and you're no exception. I'm not infallible. Family and clan support one another, and we're both, and you're part of that. It happens, and is forgotten as quickly and as often as it occurs.” You stroke Akari-niji-chan's hair gently. “So, there is nothing to forgive at all. You would be remiss in your duties for not being forthright, and tellign me those things. I will never be angry at you for it.”

“....maybe tease you about it, but not angry,” murmurs Akari softly, her voice thick and sleepy. Yui-niji-chan looks at you, her eyes filled with worry. “Please forgive me for this time spent useless. Please tell me what we can do.” Yui-niji-chan relaxes as you turn your attention fully upon Inau-kun.

“Her elemental nature is battling that of the child, and the child is at advantage in this situation.” You nod absently, having realized that much already. “I am unfamiliar with many dragonette powers, but you have the ability to control blood and water? Would that extend to amniotic fluid?”

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>>48390006
“The ocean where we all come from? Certainly. But I can't do so with Akari, any more than I can mingle her cold blood with her hot blood – she isn't actually injured so I have no way to effect anything inside....her....” You run your hand slowly down Akari's back, which makes her straighten a little more as you concentrate on her warm and cool blood. The separation between the two....

….separating.

Different words, simultaneously heard yet bearing different meanings over the whole.

Kamuy are subtle, more subtle than kami, no less powerful.

Separating blood, elements, names and titles.

Forcing them into contact when they should not be.

Blood that spills where it should not.

….combining, separating....

Shoko and Kiki and Yuuhi come to the doorway and gather; you look up, watching Shoko step back for your wife, Yuuhi following closely, the doorway separating them from Shoko for an instant, until it is crossed.

“Doors.”

Yui looks up at you like you've lost your mind. Er Yin's tail lashes slowly across the bed, as Inau-kun accepts the alcohol from your wife and Shoko kneels near the bed, on the floor, the bed and the floor separate, unique, one leading to the other.

“Er Yin-sensei, what is the name of the kamuy of doorways?”

“They are two, Ryukusa-sama; they are called Apasam Kamuy.” She smiles slightly, pleased about your question.

“And let me guess, they're associated with childbirth too?” An awful lot of kamuy seem to be.

“The opening of doorways into life from birth, yes,” she murmurs softly, her sightless eyes opening to look directly at you.

Or the closure of it, naturally, forcing things to go wrong.

You close your eyes – your actual eyes and your Water Eyes, and then open them again, Fire Eyes blazing.

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>>48390049
The two young girls in the beautiful brocaded clothing stare at you with wide eyes of mismatched colors. No one else has noticed them, except Er Yin, whose tail is flicking back and forth, pointing at one and then the other. Not even Jinyuu-onee-sama noticed them. But then, they're not even in a Barrier – they're in the spirit world entirely. And while the wards and protections of being in other spaces are effective against almost anything, it only makes sense that such barriers would mean nothing to a kamuy (A kamuys? Two kamuy? Whatever!) whose entire area of expertise is literally boundaries and doorways.

[] Apasam Kamuy, you are about to be destroyed unless you explain NOW.
[] ….this is an intolerable breech of etiquette, not to mention my duties.
[] You have one minute to explain yourselves before I remove you from the world.
[] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?
[] Lay the fuckin' smack-down on them and then question their chibi asses.

>>48390066
Gotta admit, I didn't see that coming.

>>48390066
>[] ….this is an intolerable breech of etiquette, not to mention my duties.
>[] You have one minute to explain yourselves before I remove you from the world.
>[] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?

>>48390066
>[x] ….this is an intolerable breech of etiquette, not to mention my duties.
>[x] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?

>>48390066
>[] ….this is an intolerable breech of etiquette, not to mention my duties.
>[] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?

Haha we're gonna kill two gods instead of one

>>48390066
>[] ….this is an intolerable breech of etiquette, not to mention my duties.
>[] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?

>>48390066
U wot.
>[x] You have one minute to explain yourselves before I remove you from the world.

>>48390066
>[] ….this is an intolerable breech of etiquette, not to mention my duties.
>[] Lay the fuckin' smack-down on them and then question their chibi asses.
Ryukusa MAD!

I wonder what possible explanation they could come with that wouldn't make Ryukusa mad...

>>48390245
Do they care if she gets mad? Like it's possible that they might be beyond our reach to attack?

>>48390066

>[] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?

>Be indeflectibly polite and as cold as than the abyssal depths.

>I am Ryu Ruykusa. If you know about me, you may know I give at least one chance to people, when I can afford it. I ask that you use yours wisely.

>>48390107
>>48390184

I'd rather not kill them or insult them before we know exactly what is going on.

Thankfully, we can punish them with politeness.

>>48390327
Maybe they want her to get mad for that matter.

From wikipedia
>Apasam Kamuy is conceived as either a male and female couple or a dual entity, similar to the Roman Janus. The kamuy oversees transitions, and this dual nature allows Apasam Kamuy to perceive both sides of a transition in order to better guard the supplicant.

>Apasam Kamuy is called upon whenever a change of state is occurring. This kamuy is called upon to protect women during difficult labor, to protect people against angry kamuy such as the plague god Pakoro Kamuy, to protect travelers on journeys through foreign lands, and, conversely, to protect the Ainu in their dealings with other cultures.

So they might also be responsible for the transition between demigod and god? And are trying to shove us through the threshold or maybe even threaten to slam the door in our face?

>>48390066
>[] ….this is an intolerable breech of etiquette, not to mention my duties.
>[] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?
The aggressive responses are notable for us, but let us not lash out harshly however much we want to.

>>48390327

Our reach of attack is Japan.

>>48390347

But they're doing the opposite of their duties.

>>48390386

Then again, the opposite is also their duties, I guess.

How exactly is it a breach of etiquette, or of our duties?

I mean, we are not breaking our duties, right?

>>48390435

I mean, it could be they are breaking our duties, but the wording is weird.

>>48390066
>[] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?

You know what's hilarious about this?

>>48390477
If we play our cards right, we can do a devastating knock knock joke?

>>48390477
I dunno if there's anything hilarious about Akari almost miscarrying.

>>48390496
Somebody stop this madman before it's too late

>>48390496

No, it's that it's "in case of trouble, apply more fire."

>>48390435
Yeah I'm a bit confused at that too.

Like they might be acting exactly within their duties, and I don't see how they're really interfering with ours. Unless the whole "worrying about childbirth is less time spent fighting Enma" but that's a stretch.

QM, is "figuring out it's linked to doors" a boon you give us, but that we should have figured out ourselves?

>>48390098
>>48390102
>>48390107
>>48390352

I don't think it is a breach of our duties. Maybe of etiquette, but I don't see how.

>>48390660
>Answered later.

>>48390509

This is an horrible moment, and we will make things right for her and the others.

On the other hand, depending on how we handle those two (potential) shitheads, I'm pretty sure I'll laugh a bit.

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[XX] May I ask what you two think you are doing here?
[XX] ….this is an intolerable breech of etiquette, not to mention my duties.
[x] You have one minute to explain yourselves before I remove you from the world.
[+] Be Ryukusa.

Being calm in the face of weirdness is easy. Being calm in the face of actual deities who are actively interfering in your life, the safety of your family, and the live of your best friend and her unborn child....also easy.

That doesn't mean you don't want to hurt them in terrible, terrible ways.

You 'speak', but like speaking through the Void, it is less 'talking' than it is 'feeling'. As a result your intent and desires are crystal clear to the paired deity. (Despite the fact you have entered my home uninvited and unexpected, interfered with my life and that of my child and my lover, and you are clearly up to something, it is against my personal code of conduct to summarily execute you for your incredibly rude and unwarranted efforts here.) Their eyes get bigger, though they're already quite wide. (First of all, I will ask a few pertinent questions, and if you answer honestly and calmly, this can be over with in a minimally troublesome way for all involved. Considering the incredible breach of etiquette and your interference in my duties, you may consider yourselves lucky that I am as reasonable a person as I am.)

Their shock and terror increases by at least an order of magnitude.

(First of all, let us settle the obvious question. What, in the name of all heavens, are you doing?) time seems to have stilled, and the world is a grey mist, but Er Yin and yourself are a stark, intense vibrancy in the still grey of the world of the kamuy. Interestingly so is Kiku-chan, in the other room; you can see her right through the walls. You glance at the non-functional clock meaningfully, and the intuit your glance as it is intended: they are on a timer, and the clock is running.

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>>48390757
{We are assisting you} [in achieving the power and greatness] {that is required for you to} [fulfill your duties] {Ryuu} [Ryukusa!] {That is} [all, really!]

Their tandem speech is annoying, but not nearly as annoying as their explanation. They really were trying to force the choice on you. (Did it not occur to you that I might have an inkling about what I'm doing?) Your icy calm is thawing rapidly and the abyssal depths are home to some of the most violent and deadly volcanic potency there is.

[But without your full strength] {you won't be able to defeat the enemies that are} [even now approaching you] {even with all that you have done} [to protect yourself] {and your family....} the twinned kamuy slowly sidle closer to one another.

Er Yin gestures slightly, subtle movements of the clan hand signals suggesting that they are merely trying to assist you in your transition from one state of being to another. Which is fine, especially since Fire Eyes informs you they are telling the truth. On the other hand, the timescale of the kami and kamuy is not that of mortals; rushing things as they have is not helping. Especially when it requires nearly killing people you love.

[] Restore everything you've interfered with and go away.
[] Not. Your. Place.
[] Your 'help' has placed my loved ones in very real jeopardy, and I've killed for less.
[] And why, pray tell should I let you live after harming my loved ones?
[] Leave me and mine alone, and we'll forget this entire matter. And fix Akari, too.

>>48390778
>[] Leave me and mine alone, and we'll forget this entire matter. And fix Akari, too.
If the "full strength" is the elemental issue, then fine we get the hint. We should do that anyways. If they're rushing us to accept full godhood... I'm less inclined to be influenced. When we are ready, or when it is truly needed. Not this manufactured crisis.

>>48390778
>[x] Not. Your. Place.
>[x] And why, pray tell should I let you live after harming my loved ones?
For once, I want to bully.

>>48390778
>>48390778
>[] Not. Your. Place.
>[] Leave me and mine alone, and we'll forget this entire matter. And fix Akari, too.

>>48390778
>[] Not. Your. Place.
>[] Your 'help' has placed my loved ones in very real jeopardy, and I've killed for less.
>[] Leave me and mine alone, and we'll forget this entire matter. And fix Akari, too.

>>48390778
>[x] Restore everything you've interfered with and go away.
>[x] Not. Your. Place.

>>48390778

>I will not blame ancient spirits for not having the same mindset as humans. However, it does not mean your actions are tolerated or forgiven, or your new debt forgotten.

>You will restore everything you have interfered with, with Akari and our child being safe.

>You will appear to all my clan, and we will decide what your fate will be.

>And that is NOT up to discussion.

>Did anyone or anything prompt you to or suggested you do this?


They are alien beings, with inhuman minds. But it is our right to decide the reparation their actions require.

>>48390778
>[] Your 'help' has placed my loved ones in very real jeopardy, and I've killed for less.
>[] Restore everything you've interfered with and go away.
Well this is annoying. These guys are annoying. Annoying.

>>48390778
>You think I'm not painfully aware that I need to make a decision soon? Not that you're owed an explanation, but I feel that why I choose is perhaps even more important than what I choose.

>You'd rather I decide my fate and the fate of this country out of desperation and fear, instead of with a clear heart and calm mind?

>Honestly, the worst part is that I might have even appreciated your guidance in the manner if offered literally any other way.

In fact, maybe that could be a way of them paying reparations?

>>48390934

They also owe us a lot.

>>48390915

Wait, is it safe for kamuy to appear to mortals? Even if spirit-children ones?

>>48390778
[] Not. Your. Place.
>[] By interfering in this way, you are FORCING us to live under your standards of what is necessary. My choice of powers, the ways in which they will grow and change, will be based on you, rather than the problems the world face. If you had come to me describing a vague timeline regarding choices, the time-frame in which I had to choose things or Japan would suffer, then I could make my choice better-informed. It would still be my choice and I would be making it to combat threats. But now, you are a false challenge against me.
>[] I ask if anyone guided you here or asked for you to interfere, that they consider that we all must face what it is necessary for us to face, and by interfering in this way, you risk becoming entangled in that which is killing Japan spiritually and risking both death or spiritual corruption.

>>48390969
Probably not? Certainly unorthodox. If it's inappropriate I'm sure our heroine will neglect to bring it up.

You know, I'm preaching for my church, true, but for me, this incident confirmed Ryukusa is more Fire.

>>48391036

To be 100% fair, they are the world. At least, personifications of some parts of it.

>>48391037

Fair enough.

Man, imagine Ryukusa in Dark Soul.

>>48391145
>From pls nerf

I makes me sad they were genuinely trying to help in their weird, stupid way.

Now I want more to teach them the right way than punish them.

>>48391166
I'm just confused that this is the first thing they'd try. Like at least wait until we spurned their warning. Could they just not resist the opportunity?

>>48391145

She'd probably find Quelaag and try to get her to complete her mother's research for the desired result. While helping the witch's sister and seducing.

>>48391115
>They are the world
They're trying to direct someone who wont make a choice, a spirit child, someone who CAN see what they're doing and the implications of it. Instead they're trying to force the issue instead of assessing the individual and to ask.

If you needed to go through a door, would you break it down, pick the lock, or knock?

>>48391189

They're kamuy, they don't work like us.

Or maybe they have tried before, but we solved the problem in other ways.

Or someone tricked them into going overboard.

>>48391215

They are the door. It doesn't matter what we choose, as long as we crossed it.

I'm not saying they're justified, just that doing this is within their right.

Sad that gods and spirits have the right to be unjust, but that's ancient myths for you

>>48391263

>You said that women experienced orgasm more intensely than men, after having experienced both? Fuck you, now you're blind.

>You beat me in a contest? I'm going to skin you

>>48391300

*experiencing

>>48391300
Olympians go and stay go.

>>48391300
>Fuck you, now you're blind.
Is that where the "don't jerk off, you'll go blind" thing originated?

>>48391263
Then it doesn't matter whether it's Hirobi or Susan-oh who cleanses Japan, right? Every little choice doesn't seem to matter, until the weight of them changes everything.

>>48391300
My favorite one was
>You got raped in my temple? I'm turning you into a monster and you will be unable to give birth to the child you're carrying.

>>48391366
I mean, pegasus was born anyway, but yeah, Athena a shit.

>>48391333
That reminds me, like all goes to plan, will the gods be able to openly interact with mortals? And if so do they like... not expect humanity to connect the dots within a year? Or will it just not matter by then?

>>48391442
There might be the potential for that to happen. Whether it happens and if it does, how it can happen is up to, in this case, the Kami and Kamuy.

The hope here is for the conditions inherent to change. They saw someone not doing their part/going along with the perfect cosmic order (of course it's perfect, why wouldn't we be supporting it if it wasn't perfect?), so punishment is necessary. But this is an IMPORTANT person, so they get a second chance, a nice story, triumph over adversity, yadda yadda.

We nearly got played and whether it was only these Kamuy who did this, or the interference of another that they came here, we should investigate. Might as well fix things while they're here, though.

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[X] ….you really went there?!

Closing your eyes, you control yourself, considering that these are more or less deities – old, strange, weak deities, but deities nonetheless – and take a slow, deep breath.

But when you open your eyes all you see is a pair of ignorant kamuy who have placed not only your family but the world in grave danger through their actions. Even assuming these actions were intended to be helpful. Presuming they weren't misled.

(NOT. YOUR. PLACE.)

Your vicious sending carries with it all of the outrage at their temerity, their foolish, dangerous ignorance that you feel. They both start to take a step back, not away from you but into the mists of their true world. Even as your body twitches to rise and follow, Er Yin is gesturing, one hand sketching out an ideogram while the other plunges two needles from ~Nowhere~ into an ofuda before her. Both of them fall to their knees, choking on invisible leashes as she binds them to this here-and-now.

>>48391511
I guess what I'm worried about is that unbeknownst to us, the cutoff point for getting a third element is like in an hour, and this was their way of trying to help us.

It doesn't really SEEM like XS's style, but maybe we missed some major clues.

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>>48391608
(The choice is MINE to make! Not to be guided or forced into by some contrived crisis that has no bearing on the world of humans or spirit-children! Your hurry has caused my loved ones pain and nearly pushed me into a decision that not just I, but the who world you are trying to protect might end up paying for!) The images and feelings you drown the twin kamuy in makes them whimper and shudder, as they grasp at the invisible bindings that hold them prisoner before your wrath. (If you had approached me in most any other way we could have discussed this! Now you have cost me and my family in pain and turmoil....and you WILL put this right.) A hot, throbbing pulse rushes through your veins and you ignore it; this isn't anything to do with Enma-Oh, and so using Horobi's scepter would be inappropriate.

Not that it's going to stop you from putting the fear of Ame-no-Horobi-no-Mikado into these two little twits!

[Mercy] {please} [Ryuu] {Ryukusa!}

Their plea(s) are earnest and they truly regret their actions; you also see there is no corruption, no underlying falsehood that someone who has deceived them would have left upon them. They really were just trying to help. You're fairly sure Kamuy Fuchi would have warned them off of this idea if she'd been aware.

(You WILL put right all that you have caused here. You WILL ensure my family – ALL my family – has safe and guarded childbirths. You WILL no longer attempt to help me without express permission from Kamuy Fuchi or her sister or brother!)

[{Yes, Ryuu Ryukusa!]}

You glare at them a moment longer, and then take a slow deep breath. (Be gone from here and trouble me and mine no longer, or face the true and unleashed wrath of Ame-no-Horobi-no-Mikado!)

{[Yes, Ryuu Ryukusa!}] [Your compassion and graciousness] {will be forever remembered!}

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>>48391628
They slowly rise as Er Yin releases them from the spell....ah. The twitches, the name issues. Sorcery, taking the power of the kamuy and using it to alter the threshold of name to title. You have a tendency to forget that in addition to being a seer, Er Yin is first and foremost a sorceress. They both hold their hands over your bed, and you watch them carefully, ready to deal out death and worse....but they fade, and with that your Fire Eyes close as well.

As Akari goes into another violent coughing fit your head throbs violently....but you can feel her blood heating though, feel her womb settle and resume the gentle throbbing in time with her now normal heartbeat. Your best friend sits up, blinks in surprise as Inau-kun continues explaining how you will need to try and balance her fluids in some manner.

Kiki looks confused, and offers the small bottle of scotch to Akari. “Akari-chan....are you okay?” Yui looks up, her eyes bright and hopeful.

She looks at her hands and then at the people around her, who are all looking back rather dumbstruck. “I think I am all right,” she murmurs softly.

“....that's good,” you murmur softly as the world goes dark.

>>48391637
Oh boy, overdid it perhaps?

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>>48391637
~LATER~

You blink, looking up at the ceiling. Well, the draperies of the canopy where the ceiling should be. Anyways....

You're surrounded by (mostly) warm bodies: Kiki-hime sleeps soundly and happily, snuggling into the crook of your shoulder; Akari and Yui, both asleep next to you, hands clasped, tails entwined; Inau-kun drowses against Shoko-san's shoulder next to the door; Yuuhi-chan is nodding off nearby, also sitting on a cushion on the floor. Jinyuu-onee-sama is in her own bed, also sleeping. A bundle of heat is at your feet, Kiku-chan radiating warmth.

Cool, slick talons gently cover your eyes, and you obediently close them.

[] ….what the heaven was all that?
[] Sleep. There will be time for questions tomorrow.
[] Thank her softly, and tell her to come to bed.
[] Take her hand and kiss it, and let her stand watch.
[] You're done sleeping; take her out to the living room.

>>48391333

It does matter for us, and for the mortals. But don't forget that even if Amaterasu-okami-cutie would rather have Ryukusa do the job, she won't deny Susan-oh-shithead should we prove inadequate.

>>48391659
>[] Take her hand and kiss it, and let her stand watch.
>[] ….what the heaven was all that?

>>48391659
>[x] You're done sleeping; take her out to the living room.
A chat!

>>48391659
>[x] Sleep. There will be time for questions tomorrow.
>[x] Thank her softly, and tell her to come to bed.

>>48391659
>The worst part is, I really could have used their help.

>>48391659
>[] Thank her softly, and tell her to come to bed.

>>48391659
>[] Take her hand and kiss it, and let her stand watch.
>[] ….what the heaven was all that?

>>48391671
And the point of that is who will guarantee results. Susan-oh is the hammer, we're the scalpel. We guarantee more possibilities than her, IF we succeed. But that will require intelligence, skill, and the ability to see what's going on and call it bullshit if it is.

>>48391659
[] Take her hand and kiss it, and let her stand watch.
[] ….what the heaven was all that?

>>48391659
>[] ….what the heaven was all that?
>[] You're done sleeping; take her out to the living room.
I wanna spend time with Er Yin, picking her brain a bit on our own sounds fun too.

>>48391659

>[] Thank her softly, and tell her to come to bed.

>I'm sorry for pushing you. And for everything you have suffered because of me. And for being separated from my magnificent sorceress for so long. I love you so much, Er Yin.

>>48391719

That's not the point I was making.

>>48391803

I'm hesitating between telling her to come closer, or have a talk in the living room.

>>48391628
>{[Yes, Ryuu Ryukusa!}] [Your compassion and graciousness] {will be forever remembered!}

Did they understand they screwed up and that we really are merciful, or are they just kissing the ass of the scariest being ?

I want to talk with Er Yin, but now seems to be the time to rest while hugging her.

>>48391907
We had Fire Eyes open, they couldn't lie.

>>48391929

We can talk tomorrow morning, in private

>>48391847
The point you were making is that Susan-oh will still kick Japan's and our ass if we fuck up. I was expanding on that, and pointing out that an emergency solution, while a threat if we fail, still is one. We are succeeding far beyond expected.

We're the attractive choice and based on what's going on in this quest, Susan-oh had better have developed an NTR fetish, because we just stole his waifu.

>>48391952

No, my point was that even if Amaterasu, a benevolent kami, would want us to succeed, she will not hesitate to let her brother or anyone else kill billions, if it was the right thing to do as per the cosmic order.

Kami, Kamuy, gods and the like are as much natural forces than they are persons.

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[XXX] ….what the heaven was all that?
[XX] Thank her softly, and tell her to come to bed.
[XX] Take her hand and kiss it, and let her stand watch.
[X] You're done sleeping; take her out to the living room.
[+] So sorry I fucked this all up, my love....

You let her rest her hand over your eyes – it is nice and cool, actually, and the little hotbox at your feet (you can just imagine her head exploding at that description) makes for a lovely contrast.

“Sleep, Ryukusa-sama. We are all safe and well.” Her voice is soft and warm, and you would love to obey.

Except you can't.

You have questions and you've already slept more than you have in weeks. You slept for a whole three hours. “Can you tell me what that was, Er Yin-sensei? I mean, what that REALLY was?” Your voice is soft, pitched for her hears only, and she hears you perfectly, of course.

“Who can say? Wayward kamuy wishing to be helpful, a spirit-child who must one day step where only kami tread, or a spiritual metaphor for a troubled pregnancy....all of those things, perhaps none of them. Such is the world of a sorceress, Ryukusa-sama.” Her slick talons slide along your hair, caress your horn slowly. “I am glad I was able to help as much as I did, despite being unable to give you any warning.”

Reaching up, you take her silver and black claws, and gently kiss her pal, her talons. Her heart beats faster as you do so. “Thank you for that; I am only sorry I could not be here for you, help you more. I wish I could heal you myself, and restore your strength so easily as all that.” You smile faintly and you see her smile in response as your smiling lips touch her knuckles. “I really could have used their help I suppose, but I think it's safer this way.”

>>48392124
And my point is that the universe ISN'T unknowable. There would be reasons for such an action, damn good reasons, which would be obvious as soon as we asked her why.

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>>48392170
“You are most likely right, Ryukusa-sama. Sleep now.”

“Come to bed, beloved, and I will try.”

The scholar-warrior hesitates, and then you feel her moving in the blankets. Er Yin slides carefully between your niji-chan and you, and you can feel her hesitations, her pauses, those moments when she is forced to cope with muscles and tendons and ligaments she no longer possesses. You sympathize rather deeply. Ironic that you lost and arm only to have it restored by the woman who lost hers later. “I am sorry, Er Yin-sensei. I am truly-” She silences you with a slow, deep kiss, her good hand cupping your cheek, her bad one resting along your body.

“Sleep, Ryukusa,” she whippers, as you softly gasp for breath after the lingering kiss.

“Hai, sensei.”

>To Be Continued....

>>48392124
And my point is that the universe isn't unknowable. There would be reasons for such an action, damn good reasons, which would be obvious as soon as we asked her why. This means that Ryukusa can still fuck up, but at the same time, if we're smart, we probably wont.

>>48392187
D'awww.
Thanks for running XS!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

Thanks for running!

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Thank you all for reading and playing.

No grand evil plot, no terrible conspiracy, just two not very bright kamuy trying to help in the only way they could grasp to be able to do so.

Because they are kamuy, they cannot directly contact Ryukusa - they were forced to work indirectly in the manner of their place and duty - say, causing a crisis they were capable of creating to help Ryukusa grow her powers.

A very few questions can be answered.

>>48392229
How scared were tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum by the end there?

>>48392187
Thank you for running, XS!

May I ask what Ryukusa's thoughts are on the Celestial Bureaucracy? Is there anything that she might have noticed that is a serious flaw in how it works?

>>48392229
Thanks for running XS.

>>48392229
So the repeated post with a changed name was less a time loop and more two possibilities happening concurrently?

>>48392229
Thanks for the thread.
Did the others get things explained while Ryukusa was unconscious?

>>48392229
But could they be 'just in the neighbourhood', stop by for a bit of tea, so to speak, with Er-Yin and Ryukusa confronting their presence and thus understand the situation at hand more-clearly without them having to say anything?

>>48392229

How did people react, once Ryukusa went to sleep and danger diminished?

>>48392243
They were scared for their existences. Kamuy and Kami can die, and Ryukusa made sure they understood EXACTLY how she felt - it's a lot harder to put into text, but kamuy speech is much like Void speech except even more charged with emotions and concepts. And when the God of Destruction tells you you dun goofed and threatens to annihilate you in exact terms, it tends to force an existential crisis.

>>48392250
She hasn't had enough experience, but she suspects the beauracracy part can be lawyered for leverage - to an extent. Higher ups can have people summarily executed for even minor infractions if they need to - but then, since they're all immortals, that is often a deterrent, not an actual punishment.

>>48392271
Yes, exactly that.

>>48392279
Not really. How do you explain fifteen minutes of discussing things with (i.e. threatening) gods when no one noticed anything? Ryukusa could try and explain, but how would she even begin?

We should include those two in our prayers, probably.

Might give them a few pounds of brain.

>>48392399
>Yes, exactly that.

Damn no wonder, concurrent events like that hard to get through text, but make perfect sense looking back at everything

>>48392399

What does those two dummies are thinking, now? "Thank you for sparing our existence, we'll work hard to improve." ?

>>48392288
They can't. Kami and kamuy don't live on the same existence as spirit-children and humans. That's the entire reasons Barriers exist at all. That why there are intermediaries like Nusa Kamuy and Nikne Kamuy and demigods.

That was part of the reason the twins were so shocked to 'see' Ryukusa. She shouldn't have been able to manifest at all where they were.

>>48392378
Confused, disbelieving and worried, though Er Yin took care of most of the worry. It still defies explanation in some ways, but Ryukusa is Ryukusa.

>>48392400
I guess it can't hurt.

>>48392441
They aremost likely being reprimanded quite thoroughly by an irate Kamuy Fuchi (remember, she is ALSO a goddess of childbirth - as well as a goddess of the Hearth and therefore....Fire.

>>48392456
Even if they feel like we're taking to long, do the Apasam Kamuy feel, besides terror, at least some reassurance that we're taking our duties seriously?

>>48392488
So were we supposed to make the connection between names and doors/childbirth?

I still don't quite grasp it myself, and I'm wondering if there were other hints we missed.

Also in terms of how seers work, Er Yin were able to perceive those two pretty much immediately, but wasn't allowed to tell us?

>>48392511
Ryukusa was quite thorough in her explanation. They really were apologetic.

>>48392546
The QM did not expect the connection to be made, no, but Ryukusa is Clever and quite brilliant at putting together random seeming information. Jinyuu and Er yin know the kamuy or kami would be putting Ryukusa's loved ones in danger to push an agenda, but they are not allowed to directly come out and say so. they are allowed only to hint and suggest and warn in the most vague terms. It's the price for being able to see the future - you can't TELL anyone.

On the other hand, once Ryukusa was engaged with them., Er Yin could pull out all the stops.

>>48392488

Oh boy. She helped us, eh?

I do indeed think Fire suits Ryukusa.

>>48392586
So is being a Seer technically more of a Curse than a Blessing?

Like it seems like the only things you can do is feel bad or keep the letter of the agreement while mercilessly violating the spirit of it as much as you can.

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Incidentally, there were a number of ways that the situations could have been resolved, several without even engaging the kamuy directly (Fire Eyes got three 'technical write ins finally so I allowed their use). Additionally, several would not have required choosing an element but instead using those she or her loved ones have access to readily..

I was great, XS.

I hope everything is alright on your side

>>48392633
It's a mixed blessing. You can use the power to answer questions and guide people towards their futures more kindly or cruelly, depending on your whim, and you have great influence with the kami, but you also have responsibilities to the kami and to the people you give fortunes to.

>>48392670
>I was great
Anon so modest!

>>48392488
haven't looked her up before, I think it's actually pretty neat that one of the most important deities of that pantheon is of the hearth (contrast with, say, Hestia)

>>48392660

> several would not have required choosing an element but instead using those she or her loved ones have access to readily..

Well, I thought about this option, in a way, but it wasn't needed in the end.

>Fire Eyes got three 'technical write ins finally so I allowed their use

Uh. those could be mine. I talked about using them a bit before actually doing the write-in.

>>48392670

*It was

>>48392704

Hestia was very important, at a time.

>>48392660
I think the repeated names were freaking people out too much to not be suspicious.

Even though it probably would have strengthened our bonds better to solve it without bullying deities.

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>>48392709
....and?

>>48392670
Yes you were anon.

>>48392704
Unborn souls collect at the hearth before being send to live in the children they are given to.

>>48392670
Mostly, yes.


With that, good night.

>>48392744

onigirlslaughingatyourpearl.png

>>48392744
Have an excellent night, XS, and I'm glad those oni have excellent dress-sense (especially the v-neck shirt).

>>48392744
goodnight

Goodnight!