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Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/1427625/

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

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

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

>Ryukusa's Treasures

Her name: Ryuu Yorihokura

Rie, the God's Eye Nekomata that protects your Family.

Matagama-no-Shitoki, a necklace kami in its 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; actually found to be the legendary blade Ame-no-Ohabari.

Go-Yurei-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 – Black Jade Centipede (Mukade)
Er Yin – Black Jade Scorpion (Sasori)
Kiki – Black Jade Toad (Hikigaeru)
Kiku – Black Jade Lizard (Tokage)
Yui – Black Jade Snake (Hebi)
Inau – Black Coral Ear Cuff (Amatsukami)

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Ryuu Ryukusa is tall at 5' 8"; 6' in her true form. She is fully grown. Lesbian top.
Matagama Kiku is 4' 1” for ever and ever. Lesbian submissive.
Ryuu Akari is 5' 3" and has another few inches to grow. Sexuality is weird, switch, cosplayer.
Ryuu Yui is 6' 3” and will only grow due to circumstances beyond her control. Dyke, switch.
Ryuu Kiki is 5' 6" and is at full growth. Bisexual bottom.
Er Yin Long is the tall at 5' 10" and is fully grown. Lesbian dominant.
Ryuu Jinyuu is 5' 7" but persistently hovers an extra three inches. 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, just 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 scattered to the winds and blessed in death.
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 Sakumo is dead and spread far and wide.
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.
Ryuu Himeyuri is 5' 5” and is supposedly straight.
Ryuu Fuuta is 5' 6” and slightly less soft.
Kaga Kei is 5' 4” and fully grown. Might be experimental.
Kyubi-san is 6' 3” and fully grown. Hard to say.

>>1429973
>[] Ask Er Yin what sort of style she's like to experience, as it is her first time!
She may be out of her depth for now though

>>1429973
>You never understood that reference anyways, because there were never any bees in those movies.
Pfffftt.

>[] First things first – find the reigning Monarchs and show your handiwork.

>>1429973
>[x] Scope the place carefully before brining you loved ones into the thick of it – not necessary, but habitual, you suppose.
>[x] See if you can find some of Peta-chan's people to make contact with before you dive into the thick of it.
Ryukusa two days in a row, truly we are blessed!

Time for best quest!

Hi XS! How are you?

>>1429973

>[] Ask Er Yin what sort of style she's like to experience, as it is her first time!

>Explain the most cryptic things that are going on around your group to your two gorgeous lovers. Tell them about showing your work to the reigning Monarchs

>>1429979

Ryukusa should try that outfit.

>>1430028
But smoking is bad for you!

>>1430019
This

>>1430034

She's in troubles, then, because Ryukusa's wives are smoking hot

>>1429973
>[] First things first – find the reigning Monarchs and show your handiwork.
>[] Ask Er Yin what sort of style she's like to experience, as it is her first time!

>>1429973
[] Scope the place carefully before brining you loved ones into the thick of it – not necessary, but habitual, you suppose.
[] First things first – find the reigning Monarchs and show your handiwork.

>>1430075
Shit!
Maybe dragonettes are immune to smoking hazards.

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>>1429973

>[X] Street food, that glorious and terrifying thing that so many strange people survive on here.
>[X] See if you can find some of Peta-chan's people to make contact with before you dive into the thick of it.

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[X] Ask Er Yin what sort of style she'd like to experience, as it is her first time!
[x] First things first – find the reigning Monarchs and show your handiwork.
[+] Some explanations and guidelines are in order of course....

“What would you like to 'see' first, Er Yin-sensei? I imagine you've at least heard some about this place by now, even as busy as we have all been....” A quick glance around tells you that you're relatively safe and any actual delinquent presence is still some hours off; even if the cliques don't get along necessarily, they like the attention and driving off the shoppers would be bad for everyone.

Kiku-chan glares at you. “Baka aniki,” she hisses softly, while Er Yin chuckles softly.

“That's rather provincial of you, Kiku-chan,” you admonish her with a grin. “You think that Er Yin-sensei is the first blind person to come to Harajuku?” She looks rather started, almost as much by your admonishment as by the idea that Er Yin isn't unique in her disability. “This place has a wider variety of subcultures than the entirety of Africa, and there's even one dedicated to disabilities.”

That actually draws a laugh from Er Yin. “What are you talking about, Ryukusa-sama?”

Turning, you lead Er Yin into the throng by the hand, walking backwards with your tail tucked away into that weird little Nowhere tails go when you hide them. “Harajuku is a place where fashion and trend setting aren't just commercialized or the realm of shut-ins, even if those are the kinds of people that Harajuku has been built for nowadays. Here, people can be and wear whatever they wish, and if they wear it well, they can garner attention from not just the passers by, but television and news stations across the world. People here are different and so they don't look at the world like others do.” You turn back around and fall into step just ahead of Er Yin, though to the side, guiding her more by the pressures of your hand in hers than actually leading her.

“There are many spirit-children here,” observes Kiku-chan curiously, paying more attention to what is around her now than she had been.

>>1430006
>>1430109

C'mon, guys, let's not bring work into this. Peta-chan's people are smart enough to come talk with us if needed.

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>>1430115
“When you're already more different than you can stand, you don't stand out when everyone is probably stranger than you are,” you point out mildly. You don't bother pointing out the obvious – it's obvious, after all, and these two are more mature than most of your other loved ones. “You can hear thee Rockabillies over there, and the singing to your left are some J-pop fangirls showing off for some news people. To our right is a group of youkai fans, taking their fashion and style from the horror manga and anime, and probably some of Hinata-hakase's tales and ghost stories no doubt. There's an extra helping of magical girls – those would be something from television, kids shows about young girls using magic to defeat evil spirits. Though they're starting to encroach on the gothic-lolita style, and there might be a little friction there.”

“I have to admit that I did not expect this much activity in Harajuku. It was much quieter in my time, in many ways.” Er Yin doesn't sound or act discomfited, and she's...well, you all are starting to attract attention from the aristocrats. Not really a surprise of course.

“Well, there is only one other thing I'll need to do, and that's show the reigning monarchs my current style. If not directly, then by passing by the place where they're holding court to let them know I've still got some influence here.” You look around and sigh, happy to be here despite everything going on in your life. “Otherwise, we can go and do whatever you might like, and 'see' whatever might interest you both. Chances are it will be nearly as new to me as it will be to you, here.”

Er Yin looks thoughtful as you glide past some colorful examples of exaggerated style boys and girls, Which Kiku-chan can't help but stare at. “Kiki-hime said that I should ask about the Kei style.” That immediately alarms Kiku-chan and you smile winsomely. “You're in for a treat,” you suggest as you guide your loved ones onto Takashita Street. You do keep an eye out for any of Peta-chan's people, but you're confident that things aren't going to be too troublesome for you today. Still making contact with them or Chisato's thugs isn't a bad idea.

[] Let the Aristocrats take a nice long look at you all.
[] Find some of the androgynous subculture right away for her.
[] Reassure Kiku-chan that at least it isn't exactly boy-style clothing.
[] Take your time and let Er Yin explore the 100-yen Shops that she might find interesting.
[] Drop by Subaru-kumo-chan's shop and see about some cuffs, collars, or the like!

>>1430127
>[x] Find some of the androgynous subculture right away for her.
>[x] Reassure Kiku-chan that at least it isn't exactly boy-style clothing.
We got plenty of time for collars and all the rest

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>>1430120
sure sure was not really meaning it as being over careful.

>>1430127

>[] Let the Aristocrats take a nice long look at you all.

>Ask Kiku-chan what *she* would like to see or try, too. You know she's not a fan of the boyish/androgynous looks for herself, so you'll make it up to her.

>[] Take your time and let Er Yin explore the 100-yen Shops that she might find interesting.

Mmmmh, I say we visit Subaru-kumo-chan's shop a bit later. Right now it's the introduction, then we show the girls what they're curious about, and the lewd stuff is for later.

>>1430127
>[] Let the Aristocrats take a nice long look at you all.

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>>1430140
I vote in consensus with this anon.

>>1430127
>[] Let the Aristocrats take a nice long look at you all.
>[] Drop by Subaru-kumo-chan's shop and see about some cuffs, collars, or the like!

>>1430140
Collars aren't inherently lewd!
Though I still agree.

>>1430156

Collars are precious. At least when Ryukusa and her lovers are involved.

>>1430127
>[] Let the Aristocrats take a nice long look at you all.

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[XX] Let the Aristocrats take a nice long look at you all.
[x] Take your time and let Er Yin explore the 100-yen Shops that she might find interesting.
[+] It's fine, Kiku-chan, it's not like you'd look boyish OR girlish, but BOTH!

You trace a quick warning to Er Yin – prefacing it with a gentle joke – as you hold her hand, and then distract Kiku-chan with a soft jibe. Don't look now, but we're being admired. Er Yin doesn't even slightly move or acknowledge the small group of elegantly dressed and heavily bejeweled folk that slowly enter your orbit; she only smiles at you and inclines her head as you tease her own special jewel.

“Well, look at it this way, Kiku-chan....at least you won't have to worry about being mistaken for a boy.” She glares at you and frowns mightily, not yet noticing her audience.

“That's not a thing which makes it better!” she exclaims rather loudly, which makes the pretty gothic lolita in white with dark red trim giggle. Kiku-chan turns to glare at the offender, and is immediately taken aback by the lovely young woman's curtsy as she holds a deeply curved parasol. There's only five or six that are truly into it, the rest being hangers on or more hobby-level interest.

The leader, a tall, slender man with very carefully groomed hair and a velvet waistcoat, covered with an authentic London Fog Great Coat, recognizes you after a moment, and then looks at Er Yin in surprise. “Are you going to Meiji Shrine for a wedding, Aoi-sama?” he asks politely, as he gives you a bow.

Giving him a kung fu style salute, you smile and shake your head. “No, I am taking my fortune-teller on a date, that's all, Yami-sama. You look absolutely 'smashing' today; Teki-tan, you look adorable.” Teki-tan smiles up at you as she kneels to offer Kiku-chan a small but colorful spiral lollipop. Kiku-chan solemnly accepts the gift and bows to the white-and-blood lolita. “Who's in the throne today?”

“Oh, it's being hotly contested today....are you finally going to take your place as reigning queen of Harajuku?” Kiku-chan looks at you and raises her eyebrows in surprise.

Er Yin speaks up before you can say anything. “Unfortunately, the prince cannot be adulation....her princess would be most upset about it.” That gets all sorts of eager gasps and attentive looks. You get a sinking feeling as you happen to hear a catchy and all too familiar jingle from one of the televisions nearby that the shopkeepers use to entertain themselves during lulls.

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>>1430234
The chorus of “Oh, she has a girlfriend!” and “Please tell us more!” and the longing sighs isn't exactly unfamiliar, but it's a touch embarrassing to have it happen when you're not expecting it. Er Yin explains that you rescued a lovely princess from brigands, thieves, and murderers – to say nothing of rapists, which always get the gothic lolita crowd excited in the most perverted way possible – and that you are due to be married. The skill and flair with which she weaves the tale is very enchanting you have to admit, and she is a quick read of an audience.

Kiku-chan looks at you in alarm as she starts on the final reveal, and you shrug mildly. “Believe me, melodrama and scandal are fleeting things here, especially among aristocrats and gothic lolitas. They're be chasing off wannabes and dress code violators in half an hour and it will be old news.” She shakes her head, and glances at the advertising screen at the top of one of the shops....where Kiki-hime is displayed in a blaze of glory, wearing a noh-mask, her hair long and undone, and preparing to draw a katana in a manner that makes you ill to even look at....

The gasps of surprise and shock that erupt and the 'sqeees' from several of the lolitas are nothing compared to the shock you get when you read the notice of the Noh Play being performed by your bride in the Shibuya Arts Center this evening. The disbelief that naturally follows is understandable, but Teki-tan looks up at you earnestly as she moves close, holding her parasol in her delicately gloved hands. “Is it true, Aoi-sama? You're getting married to Kumatori Kiki!?” She's almost trembling with excitement – to be able to verify a rumor that is going to spread as fast and as far as this one is an incredible opportunity....

[] Show her your wedding band, and let her decide for herself.
[] Admit to the facts and nothing more – really that's more than enough.
[] Imply it heavily, admit nothing, and let the speculation die out quickly.
[] Explain that you couldn't steal Teki away from her boyfriend so you had to settle for second best.
[] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....

>>1430237
>[x] Show her your wedding band, and let her decide for herself.

>>1430237
>[] Show her your wedding band, and let her decide for herself.
>[] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....

>>1430237
>[] Show her your wedding band, and let her decide for herself.
>[] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....

>>1430237
>[x] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....
Even as a joke, calling Kiki second best is forbidden!

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>>1430237
>[X] Show her your wedding band, and let her decide for herself.
>[X] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....

>>1430237
[] Imply it heavily, admit nothing, and let the speculation die out quickly.
[] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....

I'd rather that neither the Kaga nor Oba-sam hear about this, especially given the number of spirit children. Lets not state anything one way or another, or show a ring.

>>1430237
want to try adding a bit of stealth to >>1430277
since >>1430291 has a good point about the Kaga and Hojo

>>1430258
>>1430265
Yep.

>>1430291
A fair concern. On the other hand, I think Ryukusa has had enough being scared of those jackasses. It's one thing to avoid danger but upsetting them further is hardly a danger anymore.

>>1430237
>[] Show her your wedding band, and let her decide for herself.

>[] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....

>"I'm afraid the spot of the bride is already taken, for this ceremony. Would the most adorable gothic lolita be satisfied as a guest?"

>>1430237
>[] Show her your wedding band, and let her decide for herself.
>[] Imply it heavily, admit nothing, and let the speculation die out quickly.
>[] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....

>>1430291
>>1430298
>>1430301

Neither the Kaga nor the Hojo will take a rumor from the "freaky" part of town seriously.

And those who would take it seriously would already know of our relationship with Kiki.


Oba-shit already knows we did more than bodyguard Kiki.

I'm assuming a few Water Dragonettes or Fire Dragonettes will realize it's true when they hear the rumor.

Probably just before they're seduced by a gothic lolita or a delinquent girl.

Or both.

>>1430324
She vaguely suspects, but assumes that certain things haven't happened yet.

I'm not saying not to say it, I'm suggesting saying it in such a manner that speculation and rumour will die.

>>1430355

>"They're going to get married? I have to-"
>"Hey! Ya ain't going nowhere. We've just booked the love hotel ya like and I've got a surprise for ya~"
>"B-but..."
>"Now, now, darling, you know better than to try to negociate with our loveliest yankee here. She even convinced me to do something singularly uncouth juuuuust for you~"

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[x] Imply it heavily, admit nothing, and let the speculation die out quickly.
[X] Show her your wedding band, and let her decide for herself.
[XX] Ask her if she's subtly hinting that she might like an invitation to such a wedding....

First, you take several slow, deep breaths as you come to terms with the fact that no only is she performing in public, she's performing in public as advertised in public with times and locations spread everywhere. Your niji-chan are takign care of security, Shoko will be nearby, and you've placed Inau-kun to ensure even if a kidnapping is managed that you can quickly find her. It is mostly under control, and probably entirely under control – just not your control.

Taking a last breath you let go of the tension. It's fine. You knew about it already, vaguely, but it was just a shock to see it so boldly announced. Akari will be by her side, and she is the best hand-to-hand fighter in Clan Ryo, and most likely on the island.

With panic tentatively averted, you offer the adorable Teki-tan your hand and she lightly takes it, bowing over it to kiss your hand. It's a little game many gothic lolitas play with one another (regardless of their orientation, you happen to know from experience) when Teki-tan catches sight of the glistening white jade ring on your ring finger that you meant to show her despite her misinterpretation. Not that you minded. Her gasp is audible to only a select few, and you smile indulgently as she stares at the beautiful piece of work.

“If such a wedding were in the plans, would you possibly be asking for an invitation, Teki-tan? It would be an unusual sort of wedding, of course....” Kiku is watching you and Teki-tan curiously as Er Yin fields questions and explains your outfits textures and subtleties. “Far be it from me to try and prove anything my fortuneteller suggests, of course....” you murmur loftily, earning you a starry eyed giggle from the excited young woman. Glancing around theatrically, you lean close and whisper in her ear. “Of course, I would be honored, assuming I did happen to have such a wedding planned, to have the most elegant and stylish of the aristocrats sitting on my side, along with the most adorable of the Gothic Lolita.”

Nearly quivering with excitement she curtsies for you and you salute her again, a more florid and stylish one than that you gave her boyfriend. She steps away and your darling Kiku-chan moves close and takes your hand as Er Yin makes her goodbyes and promises to come visit 'such wonderfully polite and elegant people' again. “That was surprising,” she murmurs softly. “I expected more screaming and clapping.”

“Ah, but that would be inelegant,” you point out and she nods seriously.

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>>1430392
Er Yin holds out her hand and you take it immediately. “You have very interesting friends here, Ryukusa-sama. I think I will enjoy coming back here.” she seems almost elated, in truth, and that makes sense when you recall her nature as a scholar, rather than a warrior or sorceress. Those come from the first in her culture, rather than being something learned after.

It isn't long before the three of you are wandering the shops, talking about useless things, and collecting souvenirs for everyone. You pointedly do not mention Kiki-hime's play and they both calmly accept the tacit request to ignore it. You buy a cell-phone strap with delicate bells for Er Yin, and then have to buy her a cell phone to put it on since she uses the void to communicate with most people she might call. “This way you can pretend to be on the phone while talking to yourself,” you point out. “You don't have Kiku-chan's senility to claim.”

That earns you a blast of invective that makes several people nearby blush and probably would curl hair if it had been directed at anyone who could ignore the blistering heat.

Kiku-chan is mollified by the purchase of frozen mocchi, and you also collect some incense for her as well, along with a stack of Hell Money to burn next Chinese New Year. All in all the way down Takashita Street is fun, pleasant, and filled with strange people, tourists, and the occasional spirit child. You manage to make contact with some of Peta's people, and warn off some of Chisato's that don't recognize you right away while they are conducting the usual business. The three of you purchase udon from a vendor, freshly made with a nice sweet broth to relax with as the three of you watch some of the people wander by.

[] Time to stop by Subaru's place before heading up the hill to Shibuya.
[] Take them on some of the back streets of Harajuku.
[] Yoyogi Park will be a nice place to rest a while.
[] Ask if they would like to visit Meiji Shrine – it might be a sore spot, considering the Ainu history though.
[] ….ask them if they wouldn't mind joining you on a personal visit.

>>1430397
>[x] Yoyogi Park will be a nice place to rest a while.
What kind of personal visit would this be?

>>1430397
>[X] ….ask them if they wouldn't mind joining you on a personal visit.
>[X] Take them on some of the back streets of Harajuku.
>[X] Time to stop by Subaru's place before heading up the hill to Shibuya.

>>1430397
>[] ….ask them if they wouldn't mind joining you on a personal visit.
>[] Time to stop by Subaru's place before heading up the hill to Shibuya.

>>1430397
personal visit please
if i know anything about our girls, its that they love nothing more than learning about our crazy/mysterious childhood/past.

>>1430397
>[] Take them on some of the back streets of Harajuku.
>[] ….ask them if they wouldn't mind joining you on a personal visit.

>>1430397
>[] Time to stop by Subaru's place before heading up the hill to Shibuya.

>[] Yoyogi Park will be a nice place to rest a while.

>>1430397
>[x] ….ask them if they wouldn't mind joining you on a personal visit.
>[x] Time to stop by Subaru's place before heading up the hill to Shibuya.

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>>1430441
Very good point, in some ways they have know each other and us for ages but in others they have a lot to learn about us and each other.

>>1430397

Adding to this >>1430462

>[] Take them on some of the back streets of Harajuku.

Maybe we'll get through a whole date without malicious interference!

So, Subaru is the spider of the thread's title.

...I somewhat am worried, if they're the spider character XS told us about, months ago.

haf-eldritch spider is sexy, but half-eldritch.

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>>1430516
Ow anon spiders are friends.

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[XXX] ….ask them if they wouldn't mind joining you on a personal visit.
[X] Take them on some of the back streets of Harajuku.
[XX] Time to stop by Subaru's place before heading up the hill to Shibuya.

When you've finished with the udon and tea, you, consider what to do next. It occurs to you tht there's at least one person you should definitely visit while you have the chance, and Kiku-chan picks up on your thoughtfulness immediately.

“Is there something wrong, aniki?” Her deference is not merely for show or affection: she's making sure that there isn't any danger.

You shake your head as you get to your feet and smile. “No. I have to make a stop though; I was wondering if you might want to come with me, though I can't really explain about the person we're visiting.”

Kiku-chan shrugs mildly; she is enjoying herself in a subdued sort of way, but you can tell that she's mostly here for you and Er yin. Too many years as a priestess and a miko, you suspect. Er Yin is much more curious, and agrees readily, which doesn't surprise you at all. “Let me show you Ura-Harajuku,” you say, and rather than following Takashita Road, you turn down an ally, and slip into the back streets of Harajuku. You emerge on the main thoroughfar of the back streetsnof Harajuku, and Kiku-chan blinks in surprise as she notices the lLucky Cat motif that pervades the place. Er Yin pauses, and tilts her head. “There is a river nearby...?” she half-inquires.

“The main Shibuya Tributary. We'll be heading south, towards Shibuya.” You point out the various fashion design stores. And Kiku-chan actually gapes at one. “That's something you designed!” she exclaims, seeing the semi-traditional yukata-suit combo you put together at one point.

“BAPE paid me a lot of money for that design. It's mostly how I can afford to live in my apartment complex. I do designs for Visvim and Undercover sometimes too.” She looks at you strangely. “You can blame Chisato-chan and the person we're going to meet. They were the ones who suggested I visit the companies. Then I liked the idea of having untraceable money, and that means actually making it.” You shrug mildly. “It's not something I talk about much because there isn't much point.”

“And here I imagined Kiki-hime was marrying down,” teases Er Yin, much to your chagrin.

“Hey, that's not very fair,” you comment mildly as you gently steer your lovers away from a group of delinquents in favor of some cherry trees.

“You are a very strange person, aniki,” comments Kiku-chan, not for the first time.

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>>1430639
“Well, maybe, yes, a little,” you admit as you approach one of the older bridges. You slow down, and they match your pace. “Now, be quiet, and be polite. I don't know anything about him, but Oji-san is a very special person in my opinion.” Kiku-chan gives you an odd look and you shrug. “I really can't explain it. You'll see.”

You walk around the side of the bridge, and carefully guide Er Yin down the short, somewhat steep embankment. The cardboard boxes and torn sleeping bags are still there, and Oji-san is sitting on his old, broken, three-and-one-half-legged stool next to the fifteen foot wide aqueduct. You gesture for Er Yin and Kiku-chan to stay put as you approach him, moving into a crouch when you get about five or so feet away from him and waiting for him to acknowledge you.

Oji-san – you have no idea of his real name, if he even has one, is dressed in the thick layers of jackets and heavy clothing, his old levies torn and stained into nearly armor like solidity. He opens his rheumy eyes and grins toothlessly at you. “Oh, if it isn't the little girl,” he greets you, as he had five – and two hundred – years ago. He runs a shaking hand through his thinning hair, his long nails ragged and yellow.

“Ohayo, Oji-san,” you murmur respectfully. “How are you feeling?”

“Oh, not bad, not bad....my rheumatism is acting up, and I got a sore bone, but I'll live another year or two!” he exclaims, before coughing several times. Just like the last time, and the time before, and the time before that. “How are you, little girl?”

You gave up trying to get him to call you by name; he won't do it. “I'm fine, Oji-san. May I show you my friends?”

You can feel Kiku-chan's Fire eyes, but you know what they'll see already, and she steps closer, guiding Er Yin. Her confusion is almost palpable. “Of course, of course! A more little girl, and a great big girl! How nice for you to have such interesting friends!” he exclaims. He picks up his tin can that he uses to beg with – something you haven't ever seen him actually do – and sets it on the other side of him. “Hello, hello!! You look very fine, in good spirits!”

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>>1430653
“Thank you, Oji-san,” murmurs a confused looking Kiku-chan as she bows. Er Tin bows slightly as well, her confusion well hidden, but present nonetheless.

“Well, what can I do for you, little girl?” he asks, curious as to your visit.

“I wanted to tell you, Oji-san, that something bad is going to happen in the city sometime soon. It's going to be a bad earthquake, and maybe some fires. Might be a hurricane too. You should move to a studier bridge, or maybe out of the city.” You deliver your warning apologetically, but he is already shaking his head.

“I'll be fine, little girl, I'll be fine. The big shake-up didn't bother me none, this one won't either. You'll see, I'll be here the next time you visit, that's for sure!” he cackles, then coughs several times.

You scoot forward carefully, unfolding your tail to counterbalance yourself as you pull the extra large sandwich you bought earlier and place it on thee ground near him. “Okay, Oji-san. I just wanted to say so. Thank you for talking with me.”

“Don't mention it, don't mention it! You take care of those nice young ladies you hang around with, and treat the babies nice, all right little girl?” He cackles again and then picks up the sandwich and starts unwrapping it. You scoot back carefully and then turn around, and start walking away, gently taking Er Yin and Kiku-chan in tow as you walk along the aqueduct.

Kiku-chan asks first, a you expected. “Aniki, he's just an old man....and that's all. But....”

“How did he know about the babies? I don't know. Water Eyes never tells me anything about him. He doesn't have any magic, doesn't smell like a spirit child, and he's old. That shake up he was talking about was the Great Kanto Quake. I figured it out when he described it in detail.” You guide them to another bridge, and then turn around. “This should be far enough. You can probably see it too, Er Yin.” She open s her Void Eyes, as You crouch and gently pull Kiku-chan into your arms, making her crouch with you as Er Yin stands tall, her tail sliding out to wrap around your ankles.

[] Just wait quietly for it to arrive.
[] Explain what happened when you met him.
[] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.
[] Ask how how she's feeling and if a shock might upset the baby.
[] As Er Yin if she sees anything about him either.

>>1430662
>[x] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.
>[x] Ask how how she's feeling and if a shock might upset the baby.
Interesting.

>>1430662
>[] Just wait quietly for it to arrive.
>[] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.

Strange mystic old men are the best

>>1430662
>[] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.
>[] Ask how how she's feeling and if a shock might upset the baby.

>>1430662
>[] Explain what happened when you met him.
>[] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.

>>1430662
>[] Ask how how she's feeling and if a shock might upset the baby.
>[] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.
>[] Just wait quietly for it to arrive.

>>1430662
>[] Explain what happened when you met him.
>[] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.

>>1430662
Shit was creepy and cool all at the same time.

>[X] Just wait quietly for it to arrive.
>[X] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.
>Give a slight warning maybe

>>1430662

>[] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.

...Man, I hope Ryukusa's and the others's efforts will manage to protect those places we visited. Or at least preserve it despite the destruction.

All that culture, all those people, disappearing... It'd be heart-breaking.

>>1430662
>[x] Explain what happened when you met him.
>[x] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.
>[x] As Er Yin if she sees anything about him either.
I trust Kikus maternal ability.

>>1430662
>[] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.
>[] Ask how how she's feeling and if a shock might upset the baby.

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[XXX] Nuzzle Kiku-chan a little and inhale her scents.
[X] Explain what happened when you met him.
[X] Ask her how she's feeling and if a shock might upset the baby.
[X] Just wait quietly for it to arrive
[+] No scaring your lovers.

“I did a lot of wandering when I could get away from Celestial High and Clan Ryo, which wasn't often enough. I came across him down here after I walked the Cat street – that's the one above us – four or five times.” You nuzzles Kiku-chaan and inhale deeply of her hot, sweet scents, incense and scorched cedar. She sighs and snuggles into your grip, while you wrap your tail about Er Yins. “I gave him my uneaten sandwich, and then wandered away, and then saw it.”

“Saw what?” a dolorous Kiku-chan murmurs as you slip your hands up and down her faintly swollen belly.

“You're feeling okay, bitsy dragon? A shock won't upset the baby?” She shakes her head, not quite putting two and two together. You catch the movement out of the corner of yor eye, but elect to slightly draw your teeth along the soft skin of Kiku-chan's neck, humming softly at her. Er Yin tilts her head, her tail tightening about yours. “Uh huh,” you murmur into Kiku-chan's neck, your eyes watching the faint ripple of the water under the bridge as the old man tears pieces of the sandwich off and lays them in a pile in his lap.

Kiku-chan opens her eyes, and you nibble on her ear a little before whispering. “It's fine.”

“What's f-” The words die in her throat and she tenses, as does Er Yin, reacting to the thing that slides it's head out of the water slowly, not five feet from the helpless old man. Kiku's heart races, and you tighten your grip on her, while doing the same with Er Yin's tail.

“Easy. Just watch. It's fine.” Neither of them relax, so you nuzzle Kiku-chan and watch the creature slowly move it's massive jaws closer to the old man. “It's fine.”

It doesn't look fine of course. The draconic beast lifts it's tendril covered neck up, unable to lift it higher than it's sloped shoulders. The trio of claws on each of it's two arms claw into the stone, and it blinks it's rolling, uncoordinated eyes at him. If someone took a dragon, and beat it to death with an ugly stick, and then brought it back to half life, that's about how this thing might have been born. It's draconic, but not nearly a dragon. There is a distinct lack of intellect in it's glassy, rolling eyes, and it opens it's barbed, wicked jaws slowly.

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>>1430863
The old man takes a small piece of the sandwich you gave him, and holds it out to the beast-dragon, which slowly turns it's head. With surprising delicacy, the creature takes the piece of sandwich, and turns it's head upright to toss the food up and snap it's jaws shut over the tidbit. The man nods, clearly saying 'good boy, yes, that's a good boy', though you can't really hear him. The creature lowers it's head and then he offers it another bite.

Kiku-chan stares, much as you did your first time. “Aniki...that's a wani,” she breathes softly, her heart racing. You nod into her shoulder, watching the old man feed and pet the creature like a well trained dog. “Why is he not dead?!”

Er Yin breathes softly, hardly daring to whisper. “He is simply a mortal man. He doesn't have any power or even the ability to see spirit-children....” The wonder in her voice is gratifying; she can see the movement of the river and the power of the wani clearly, but her Void Eyes were just as useful as your water eyes and Kiku's fire eyes.

You all watch as the old man feeds the sandwich to the ugly river dragon, the brutal, nearly mindless spirit of the rivers and streams that would just as soon kill you as breath....and yet this old man, this ordinary old man, feeds this one by hand. “I don't know why or how. He does this any time he has food to spare. It hasn't ever harmed him, and even when he doesn't have food, it lets him pet it.”

The ugly beast snaps down the last piece of sandwich and then moves close to the old man once more. Kiku holds her breath and Er Yin stares as the breast moves close, inches form the old man...who lays his head on the massive snout and rubs it like a beloved dog. “....kami....” breathes your priestess, staring at the unnerving, impossible sight of the river monster allowing this old man to stroke it's head and pet it.

“Mnh hmn,” you agree, watching with her, marveling at the wonder of it. Er Yin shivers and you reach up, wrapping your hand in hers as you snuggle with your priestess. The old man sighs and sits back, grinning at the dragon, which slowly, ever so slowly retreats back into the water. Once it is fully submerged, you sigh, and kiss Kiku-chan's neck one last time, before rising, watching the wani swim away.

“Let's go see Subaru-kumo-san....I think she'll have something perfect for Kiki-hime.” Kiku-chan is staring at the old man, who just sits there, bobbing his head and calmly looking out at the river, while you start guiding Er yin up the embankment, on your way to see The Spider of Shibuya.

>To Be Continued....

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Thank you for reading and playing. I hoped you enjoyed this glimpse into Ryukusa's past.

>>1430516
Maybe.

>>1430887
Thanks for running XS

>>1430887
Thanks for writing! Truly the city is home to many wonders. Looking forward to some more next time, perhaps such as the wonder of Kiku in a collar.

>>1430887
Thanks for running! I really liked seeing how the spirit world can blend with the mortal world in Harajuku, and I enjoyed seeing just how fast Er Yin was able to adjust to the situation.

>>1430887
Thanks it was ow so filling.

>>1430887

Thank for running!


Subaru is pretty as hell.

>>1430910
Er Yin dosn't advertise it much, but first and foremost she is a scholar, and she is used to assimilating herself into new cultures and situations. Ryukusa herself semi-forgot that in Er Yin's culture, scholars are warriors and sorcerers often enough, but it is always scholarship that comes first.

>>1430933
Does that include the massive spider-back she has?

>>1430937

Does Er Yin follows Confuscianism's precepts?

>>1430942

Yes.

>>1430955
To an extent - she rebels agaisnt them in several irreconcilable ways for example, being female. She is much closer to a Taoist than anything else.

>>1430937
Have you had a chance to see the Dark Tower trailer yet? Due to the natures of trailers, it's hard to really tell what tone they'll go for in the actual film, but I didn't see any red flags.

>>1430964
Aside from the fact that Susannah and Dean aren't in it, and the rediculous reloading stunts and blind shots he makes (any one of which roland would have never done becasue here would be too much opportunity for somethign to fuck up)?

I'm generally displeased by it. Also, Jake [/i]convincing[/i] him to go to the Dark Tower? Really????

Though Ibis does do a good job otherwise.

>>1430998
>Aside from the fact that Susannah and Dean aren't in it
They weren't in book 1, either.

This takes place right at the Epilogue when he's chasing the Man in Black, but has the Horn now.

>>1430998
With the stunts, I guess I glossed over them because I felt like Roland could conceivably do stuff like that, but you raise a good point that he'd stick to reliable methods whenever possible and the flashiness doesn't really seem necessary (kind of a case of CAN vs SHOULD I guess?).

>>1431021
That seems to be the case, but why would that make Roland want to find the Dark Tower any less than he does already? Unless for whatever reason Flagg is heading in a different direction and Roland needs to choose, but I'm not sure that makes sense.

>>1431021
Now this might make things a little easier to cope with. If it's after the epilogue, thenI can somewhat get behind it.

But the 'trick shots' still annoy me because the man was a practical and efficient killing machine, and they really needed to keep it that way.

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>>1431052
It does seem to be the vibe they're going for, as there's also a shot of Elba having the horn poking out of his satchel.

>>1431052
>>1431153
Way too late to join this conversation, but Mcconaughey owned that trailer as the Man in Black.