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>>2199663
As the limousine pulls into the driveway, you can feel the changing tension in the car, and it's interesting to say the least. The shift from expecting trouble and keeping you awake to worrying about how they're going to get you to the elevator with minimal effort on your part makes you smile. “I can walk. I might be a little slow, but I'm fine.”

Kiku-chan starts to say something but it is Akari who cuts her off, rather than Er Yin. “I'll take care of it.” Turning your head you give her raised eyebrows. She doesn't look you in the eyes as she continues. “Just let her rest there until everyone else but Chi-chan and Hime-chan are left.”

It was a bit much to hope for an explanation or reasoning from Akari, of course, but you let it slide for the moment. You understand why they're worried of course; being ripped apart inside and out by a phantom monster right out of a horror movie takes it out of a woman. Hiei did a real job on you, but he's gone. Next time you'll take care of the problem much faster.

[] Obey your niji-chan.
[] Offer a moderate protest; this isn't really fair.
[] Ask Shoko if she would mind carrying you – she can be perfectly gentle.
[] You really have to protest, despite your injuries because you'll be better on your own feet.
[] Ask Yui-niji-chan and Kiku-jinshu-chan if they will allow you this last moment of freedom.

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Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2113804/

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

Kissing! http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/574453/

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

Megaupload of the RTF document of Ryukusa Quest (links to archive included): https://mega.nz/#!d2xySaAJ!jUydCgDx6Q68PH6u4L_qFR03IhSGrAxak_m0PBorN5o

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.

Shikoku Naya, her fashion teacher and seamstress.

Hisaka Subaru, her weaver and dressmaking teacher.

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 is much less 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.
Hisaka Subaru is 5' tall and 9' tall, and peculiar as all get out.
Shikoku Naya is 5' 4" (not including heels) and is fully grown. Entirely flexible.
Shinkai Yamada is 5' 7” and is straight.
Shinkai Mikurabe is 5' 2” (without heels) and is probably less straight than you thought.
"Shinkai" Hiei is a possible curse in the Theater.
"Shinkai" Serious Onii-san is 5' 6" and is asexual.
"Shinkai" Yoshihano is 6' 1" and may be a little gay.
Tachibana is 5” 7” and mostly asexual.
Natto is a wisp of black smoke in the wind.
Hebiki Rishi is 4' 10” and has a number of inches to grow. Questionable sexuality.

>>2199667
>[] Obey your niji-chan.
Gotta play nice after such reckless behavior

It's been a while

>>2199667
>[x] Offer a moderate protest; this isn't really fair.
>[x] Ask Yui-niji-chan and Kiku-jinshu-chan if they will allow you this last moment of freedom.
Ryukusa time! Gotta try and maintain some dignity in the face of Akari's stern care, right? Hope you're doing alright XS.

>>2199667
>[x] Obey your niji-chan.

>>2199667
>[] Obey your niji-chan.

>>2199667
>[] Offer a moderate protest; this isn't really fair.
>[] Ask Shoko if she would mind carrying you – she can be perfectly gentle.

This really would be a very inconvenient time for an ambush. Hopefully all the dastardly villains out there are feeling the holiday spirit, happy to let Ryukusa recuperate with family. Fingers crossed!

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[XX] Obey your niji-chan.
[X] Offer a moderate protest; this isn't really fair.

“I did make it to my seat just fine, you know,” you admonish Akari mildly. “I can make it on my own from here.”

“You've been lying down this whole trip. Not even you would enjoy getting up by yourself with those injuries, aniki,” she counters with her stoic directness. You start to protest and she looks at you seriously, her carnelian eyes hard. “No.”

You sigh and roll your head back into Kiki-hime's lap and look up at her as you declare softly, “Hime-chan, Akari-tan is being a bully.” Kiki giggles becomingly of course, and that nets you other smiles as well, relaxing them a great deal. It's not often that Akari decides to take control, and you're feeling poorly enough that you're willing to accept responsibility for your injuries and not give her too much grief. Akari smiles that tiny smile of hers, but you can tell she's under a lot of stress despite that. Not that you'd resist too much more, of course.

Especially with two sorceresses, your priestess, and a healer, all perfectly capable of making sure you aren't too troublesome.

You doubt they would, of course, but better safe than sorry. Obediently everyone leaves the car, though you hear them taking up a defensive perimeter rather than all heading into the building. It's really quite nice to know Kiki-hime is in good hands when you must be away.

Lacing your fingers in Kiki-hime's, you look up at her. “I'll be fine,” you murmur softly, as tears well up in her eyes and her smile falters a little.

Akari comes over and easily helps you up, careful to touch only unmarred areas of your body. You have plenty of them, and getting up is easier than you thought it would be. The healing power of your family, undoubtedly, but just resting probably helped as well. “Careful aniki,” Akari murmurs as you step out of the limousine, and immediately take stock of the area.

“I'll be all right, Akari-niji-chan.” She nods, but you can tell she isn't in agreement there. Kiki-hime and Chisato are last, though Fuuta-chan is also close by. Yui looks at you and you shake your head. “I know you'd like to take me up, but I'm not going to leave Kiki-hime here, even with all of my warriors and guardians and sorcerers. She'd just worry.” Shoko starts to say something and you hesitate. You know you're not seeping any blood, and you might be tired but you're not entirely exhausted any more.

[] Fine, fine – but Kiki-hime comes with.
[] You'll be just fine – you might not like elevators, but this time you'll make an exception.
[] Just shut down Shoko-can too – though more for Yui's sake than yours. Nicely though.
[] Ask them if you really look that bad, or they're just that concerned.
[] Take Kiki's hand and just start towards the elevator; they'll get the message.

>>2199702
>[x] Ask them if you really look that bad, or they're just that concerned.
>[x] Fine, fine – but Kiki-hime comes with.
Can't resist.

>>2199702
>[] Fine, fine – but Kiki-hime comes with.
>[] You'll be just fine – you might not like elevators, but this time you'll make an exception.
>[] Ask them if you really look that bad, or they're just that concerned.

>>2199702
>[] Ask them if you really look that bad, or they're just that concerned.
>[] Take Kiki's hand and just start towards the elevator; they'll get the message.

>>2199702
>[] Take Kiki's hand and just start towards the elevator; they'll get the message.
>[] Ask them if you really look that bad, or they're just that concerned.

>>2199702
>[x] Ask them if you really look that bad, or they're just that concerned.
>[x] Take Kiki's hand and just start towards the elevator; they'll get the message.
But do it with just an ounce of flair, rather than just grabbing her and hurrying on. Hold out our hand and invite her to take it.

Damn, was getting some gateway errors there for a bit. Hopefully over now.

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[XX] Take Kiki's hand and just start towards the elevator; they'll get the message.
[XXX] Ask them if you really look that bad, or they're just that concerned.
[X] Fine, fine – but Kiki-hime comes with.

Taking Kiki-hime's hand you start towards the elevator, but the look on several of their faces stops you. You glance around and they amount of concern you're seeing is....well, it's fairly alarming considering more than half of them are trained not to show emotions so blatantly when it concerns the head of security, and one can't even see you.

You stop and then take a step back, your tail guiding you to the car easily, and you lean back against it, keeping hold of your lover's hand. She looks at you with guileless blue eyes filled with love, concern, and no small amount of fear. It's that last that finally prompts you to ask. “I know that no one can see my injuries except for Akari and Er Yin. I did look at myself in a mirror, so I know I don't look appalling, so what gives? I haven't lost that much blood, I know.”

There are a number of glances between those here, and Reiha and Peta-chan – driver and apparently driver's assistant – step from around the front of the car. It is Reiha's reaction that is most telling, despite the concern and worry that everyone seems to share. The soft fur along her ears visibly fluffs out, and her tail curls under her, wrapping around her calf as she tries not to let it curl under her body and up her tummy. She's nearly bristling with alarm, and her eyes go very wide, showing far too much white.

It's Shoko who speaks up, to your surprise. “You feel like he did after one of his duties was fulfilled.” The others look largely confused, and she glances at them. “Horobi. She feels like my master did when he'd return from destroying some place or thing.” Several people look confused, particularly Peta-chan and Chisato, but a number seem to understand and agree. Kiki's hand tightens around yours.

Yuuhi looks at you and then speaks softly. “He was always badly hurt then too.”

You sigh and shake your head. “I didn't take on that power though. I don't know what you're talking about, because I'm just tired and hurt; all my power is keeping my injuries from becoming worse, so it's not like I'm using any of it to do anything else....”

Your samurai slowly walks over to you, and kneels, looking up at you. “It's not something you're doing, aniki. It's what you are, what you did, and it worries the ones who care about you.” Setting her sword aside while still looking up at you, she takes your free hand in both of hers and lowers her head, pressing the back of your hand to her forehead. “Please allow your servants to care for you, as once we did, long ago, master.”

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The nearly plaintive plea is enough to break your heart, here in the half-light of the underground parking garage, surrounded by your friends and family and chosen warriors. You take a slow deep breath as she lifts her head, her eyes shining in the dark of your shadow. “All right, Yuuhi. If it makes you happy.” She nods shortly, her eyes becoming wet, but she smiles despite that. Kiki-hime smiles at you, and Kiku-chan is once again covering her mouth with her sleeve. The look she is giving Yuuhi is filled with understanding and pity.

You gesture to Yui. “You take Kiki-hime up, and Fuuta-chan as well if you can. Shoko, take myself and Kiku-chan up to the penthouse.” You look over the others. “Be watchful, take care of one another. No one alone, preferably three at a time.” You get nods and salutes and Yui makes a bright, cheerful affirmative noise as she sweeps a cloud into existence.

Shoko-chan offers her hand to you, and this time you take it, beyond any pride or egotism. Even Akari looks relieved at your capitulation, and you settle onto the softness of the cloud while Kiku-chan hops onto it and immediately sits seiza.

“Go slowly,” she admonishes Shoko, who doesn't even swear at her. The ride is quick of course, even though she is indeed moving slowly. Yui-niji-chan's power is increasing steadily – her cloud looks like it could easily take three now, aside from herself. You smile at Kiki-hime, who leans over and smiles at you, looking down; you don't know if she's ever ridden a cloud outside of the times she's been rescued.

Stepping off the cloud, you are greeted by a sleek white cat with two long tails, the dark spots above her cerulean eyes sharply contrasted in her white fur. You slowly bow with folded hands, thanking your guardian for taking care of your home and family. Rie lowers her head in acknowledgement, and is gone when you rise from the deep bow. Shoko quickly opens the door and lets you go inside first, much to Yui-chan's and Kiku-chan's annoyance.

It isn't long before you are gently and firmly ushered into the temple. Kiki-hime tries to accompany you, but is quite firmly told she will be the first to see you after the healers are done with you. They do allow you to give her a slow, lingering kiss – reluctantly, but neither Yui nor Kiku want to push you that hard. “Soon, Kiki-hime. Don't worry, I'm in the best hands.”

“Hai, otousan,” she whispers softly before she is gently ushered away by the gentle giant that is Shoko and the door is closed.

[] Right, these two need to explain what is freaking people out.
[] Let them do their work, as you said you would let them (you didn't promise though).
[] Say your thank-yous first and foremost, then let the medics do their....meddicing? Medicining? Whatever.
[] Apologize for being so stubborn, but this is what and who you are.
[] Take out the letter from the other bodyguard and read that first now that you have a modicum of privacy.

>>2199776
>[x] Let them do their work, as you said you would let them (you didn't promise though).
>[x] Take out the letter from the other bodyguard and read that first now that you have a modicum of privacy.
Freaky viiibes

>>2199776
>[] Right, these two need to explain what is freaking people out.
>[] Let them do their work, as you said you would let them (you didn't promise though).

>>2199776
>[] Right, these two need to explain what is freaking people out.
>[] Say your thank-yous first and foremost, then let the medics do their....meddicing? Medicining? Whatever.
Poor Yuuhi

>>2199776
>[] Right, these two need to explain what is freaking people out.
>[] Take out the letter from the other bodyguard and read that first now that you have a modicum of privacy.

>>2199776
>[] Say your thank-yous first and foremost, then let the medics do their....meddicing? Medicining? Whatever.
>[] Take out the letter from the other bodyguard and read that first now that you have a modicum of privacy.
I think they might be afraid that this will be pretty much the rest of Ryukusa's life after she becomes Horobi, barely holding herself together but acting as if it's no big deal? That's probably not it, or at least not all of it, but that's all I can think of.

>>2199776
>[] Let them do their work, as you said you would let them (you didn't promise though).
>[] Say your thank-yous first and foremost, then let the medics do their....meddicing? Medicining? Whatever.

>>2199793
Not a bad idea. I'm sure we'll know by the end of the thread at least.

I dunno from what little we've seen of the last incarnation he looked pretty put together to me

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>>2199776
>X[] Right, these two need to explain what is freaking people out..
>[X] Say your thank-yous first and foremost, then let the medics do their....meddicing? Medicining? Whatever.
Maybe its something to do with having learned how to kill anything?

>>2199807
We only saw him like twice right? Once in Shoko's flashback which was shortly before he and all his wives was murdered, and once when he recruited Yuuhi, which yeah he seemed fine at the time but I don't think that's enough to establish a pattern.

>>2199776
>[] Let them do their work, as you said you would let them (you didn't promise though).

>>2199815
Thanks for reminding me anon. That could also very well be it.

>>2199824
Yeah I'd say the possibility is still there, although even if it's not statistically reliable ignoring our one and only lead on what he was like also seems somewhat unwise. Occam's Razor and all that.

Either this is a juicy update or XS passed out on the keyboard.

How about them dragons, huh?

>>2199903
Yeah I'm a bit concerned that she hadn't fully recovered yet, hopefully it's nothing too bad.

As for dragons, personally I'm a fan.

>>2199907
I'm partial to dragonettes myself, but dragons are good too.

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[XX] Right, these two need to explain what is freaking people out.
[XX] Let them do their work, as you said you would let them (you didn't promise though).
[XX] Say your thank-yous first and foremost, then let the medics do their....meddicing? Medicining? Whatever.
[X] Take out the letter you from the other bodyguard and read that first now that you have a modicum of privacy.

Before the young oni girl who is now taller than you are and your diminutive priestess can explode you turn to them. “I will submit to all your attentions after I have taken care of three things that I can't put off any longer.” That brings Yui-niji-chan up short (Ha. Ha. Ha.) and earns you a smoldering glare from Kiku-jinshu-chan. You look back at the nearly growling priestess with a small smile. “I have to say prayers, and I need to read something important. Then I want to know what it is that is bothering everyone.”

Kiku-chan glares at you. “That last is obvious, aniki. You're terribly injured, and while you may have control of your blood, you neglected to control the air around you enough to mask the scent of it. The scent of death surrounds you, and you clearly cannot expend the power needed to prevent that. I suspect even Chisato could smell it.”

You blink and Yui looks even more concerned. “You're not thinking clearly, aniki. You would have known that, would have been aware of that at any other time, I'm sure of it.”

“Maybe not, Yui-niji-chan. It's not typically a concern, because usually the injuries are sealed closed. I haven't experienced wounds like these – I don't know if anyone ever has, really.” Rather than astonishment at your admission of fallibility, she simply nods, and That lack of surprise doesn't escape Kiku's sharp eyes. You walk to the middle of the room and settle down, carefully, as you pull out the letter she delivered. “I hadn't thought of that 'aura' as an actual 'aroma', when Yuuhi mentioned it to me. I suspect Er Yin realized what it was right away.”

Unfolding the letter, you quickly scan the contents.

Ryuu Ryukusa:

Since you have eliminated Natto, it falls to me to lead the remaining bodyguards in the defense of Shinkai Mikurabe. I respect your skill and power; Natto was a great warrior. I can only hope I present as much of a challenge if you remain a threat to Mikurabe-sama. However, if you are not, then I see ho reason to challenge another Shinobi of such skill as yourself. Shinkai Yamada, kami guard him, is a fool. A smart fool, but still a fool.

Regards,
Hideyama Kenako

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Refolding the letter you tuck it back into Nowhere before taking several deep breaths, steeling yourself. Praying takes effort, and you tighten your grip on your power before you clap your hands twice for the attention of the Kami. Then you pray; thanking them, especially Matagama-no-Shitoki and Gendai-no-Muteki-no-Buki, instrumental as they were in saving your life and protecting others from harm. Rie gets another mention of course, as do Kuraokami and Izanami-Okami. You ask for protection for your loved ones from those kami who are allied with you, including Rie among them, as well as Ame-no-Omukade-no-Musume. Finally you offer prayers for the dead, with Hiei being the sole exception.

Yui's uncle doesn't count – he's not even dead anymore.

Your healers sit and wait, impatiently but reverently, and you finish by clapping your hands twice more, informing the Kami that they no longer need be attentive to you. With a sigh you turn all your attention back to your power and feel your body strengthen significantly. Even praying took a lot of your strength to manage, enough that your power started slipping.

As you turn around, you're somewhat alarmed to see Yui-chan staring, her eyes wide and far too much white in them, her nostrils flaring as she breathes too quickly through them. Kiku-chan has her sleeve at her mouth and is look at you with those bright eyes of gold. “How do you want me?” you ask, meaning it in the most literal sense.

“Which is worse, back or front?” your priestess asks softly.

“Definitely back. I discovered that Hiei was an ESPer in the harshest way.” Kiku-chan gestures to the pallet she's set out, while Yui-chan gets cloths and salves, many jars of many different types of salves. “On my belly then?” Kiku-chan nods slowly, and begins helping you undress. She 'tsks' at the sight of the wide, thick bandages.

Once you are naked except for said bandages, you obediently lie down and pillow your head on your arms, giving them access to your sides as well. They begin cutting the bandages away and you maintain your power tightly. They are gentle and careful, and when theya re done they both stare quietly for a long moment. You open one eye and look at Yui-niji-chan, who looks appalled.

“Kami,” she breathes quietly, staring at your back.

Kiku-jinshu-chan is staring, her eyes wide and bright, her hands on her knees. She looks for all the world like she has no idea where to begin.

>>2199919
>[x] Not allowed to die on the job, sorry.
>[x] That really makes absolutely no sense, you know?
You what?

>>2199919
>[] Not allowed to die on the job, sorry.
>[] ….would you mind....elaborating on that assessment, please?

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“So how bad is it, doctor? I can take it,” you prompt.

“You should be dead, aniki!” Yui exclaims sharply, making an effort to keep her voice down.

“Well, that's what being immortal and a Water dragonette does for you,” you reply calmly.

Kiku's voice is slightly higher and there is a distinct heat from her breaths. “You should be dead NOW, you monstrous idiot!”

….Oh.

[] Not allowed to die on the job, sorry.
[] ….would you mind....elaborating on that assessment, please?
[] That really makes absolutely no sense, you know?
[] I'm not very good at dying, that's all.
[] ….okay....and?

>>2199933
>[] Not allowed to die on the job, sorry.
>[] ….would you mind....elaborating on that assessment, please?

>>2199933
Still voting >>2199932

>>2199933
>[] ….would you mind....elaborating on that assessment, please?
>[] ….okay....and?
Or in other words, does that mean we're not actually healing because we're now some manner of revenant? I could have sworn that being an immortal meant that we would eventually recover as long as no one decapitated us.

>>2199923
I was wondering where the prayer went! This makes a lot more sense.

Freaking connection errors ate the middle post.

>>2199924
>>2199932
You may recast votes if you like.

>>2199924
>>2199933
I think I'm okay with mine anyway.

>>2199933
>[x] Am I dead?

>>2199943
Explanation forthcoming. Ryukusa is not a revenant or undead.

>>2199933
>[] I'm not very good at dying, that's all.
>[] ….would you mind....elaborating on that assessment, please?
Ouch

>>2199933
>[] ….okay....and?
>[] ….would you mind....elaborating on that assessment, please?

>>2199971
That's a relief at least. It would be a disaster if Ryukusa could no longer cuddle warmly.

>>2199971
I'm just assuming "should have died and be sitting in our underworld house as our body fixes itself, but alive by sheer power use."

>>2200001
What about "should have died but nobody can be bothered going to the painful effort of trying to collect on it"

I guess we're really lucky we got speedy help during that fight if it still went this badly.

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[XXX] ….would you mind....elaborating on that assessment, please?
[XX] Not allowed to die on the job, sorry.
[X] ….okay....and?

“....and that means what exactly? I'm immortal, and I know how to hold my body together. That I'm not dead shouldn't be that unusual.” You can feel the heat radiating from your priestess. “....Kiku-chan, please explain to me what it is that you are talking about. Your assessment is pretty straightforward, but I am a stupid lizard, so you have to explain in small words.”

Matagama – well, actually it's probably Ryuu now, but that's another matter – Kiku swallows the fires and seems to calm down slightly. Slightly. Very slightly. When she finally starts speaking it is in a very slow, controlled voice that has a nurses clinical detachment to it, despite coming from a teenage throat. She doesn't actually touch you, but you can feel her hand move over the various places she speaks of.

“Your left kidney is merely a mass of gelatin. The major arteries and veins are a ruin. Your pancreas is pulverized as is the major artery there. Your intestines are torn to ribbons and are only intact because of your power. Your stomach should be bleeding acid all over everything. All the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in your right shoulder are destroyed, shredded and your scapula is in at least eight pieces not counting small slivers and fragments. Your right lung should be collapsed and the major arteries leading to your heart are sliced into small pieces. Your ribcage is compromised in four places and has torn into the lung in all of those places. Your left leg is almost severed to the bone, and your femoral artery is lacerated. If you still retained a pearl, it would most likely be damaged beyond repair simply by sympathetic transference of the damage you're already suffering.”

You swallow slowly. That's far more damage than it feels like you are coping with. “So you are saying that the only reason I'm still alive is because my power is holding my body together in a literal sense.”

“You should be dead right now. No one has the kind of power you must be bruning to stand up, much less walk aniki. You should be dead. That you are even conscious is amazing.” She lays her hand on your back. “Normal you would be dead, and your body would be healing, slowly but surely.” The delicate priestess shakes her head. “This requires help.”

>>2200082
She stands up slowly and looks at Yui. “Can you channel Chi to her body?”

“I can perform reiki, if that helps,” Yui replies doubtfully.

“That would be exactly what is needed. Keep her power steady and her awake. I will need to speak to Jinyuu or Shoko.” Her terse, intense manner doesn't abate.

Yui-chan reaches over you, her hands hovering inches from your body. You feel a slow, steady warmth from her hands, and you feel stronger, more whole already. You suspect that it's a temporary or even a false feeling, but it seems to mollify Kiku enough that she quietly walks out of the room and shuts the door behind her. There are voices outside the door, but you can't use the air to focus them to your ears.

Not if you don't want half your organs to cease functioning.

Lying there, Yui's power providing you with some strength and much needed warmth, you sigh softly, concerned about your big sister's capability of dealing with so much blood. To your surprise Yui speaks calmly and softly. “This is bad, aniki.” Her declaration is a conversational tone, and her expression is determined.

“Not allowed to die on the job. This is what I am, Yui-chan.” Your voice is equally conversational in tone, rather than accusatory or resigned.

“Ani....no.” She takes a slow, deep breath, and then calms herself down. “Ryukusa.” you turn your head, looking at her with no small amount of surprise. For her to call you by name, unasked? Maybe she's the crazy one. “We can't go on like this.”

[] Do you mean you and I, or in a more general sense, Yui-chan?
[] I'm listening. Like what, beautiful?
[] I told you you can speak freely to me, always, my darling Yui.
[] I'm not sure what I can do to change it. This is my duty, Yui-niji-chan.
[] I know, beloved, and I'm trying to change it already.

>>2200088
>[] I'm listening. Like what, beautiful?
>[] I told you you can speak freely to me, always, my darling Yui.

>>2200088
>[x] Do you mean you and I, or in a more general sense, Yui-chan?
>[x] I told you you can speak freely to me, always, my darling Yui.
Well she's not wrong, but...yeah. Tough to moderate.

>>2200088
>[] Do you mean you and I, or in a more general sense, Yui-chan?
>[] I told you you can speak freely to me, always, my darling Yui.

>>2200088
>[] I'm listening. Like what, beautiful?
>[] I told you you can speak freely to me, always, my darling Yui.
>[] I'm not sure what I can do to change it. This is my duty, Yui-niji-chan.

>>2200088
>[] I'm listening. Like what, beautiful?
>[] I know, beloved, and I'm trying to change it already.
>I made a less-than-great judgment call this time, but I'd say even someone like me has learned my lesson.

>>2200088
>[] Do you mean you and I, or in a more general sense, Yui-chan?
>[] I told you you can speak freely to me, always, my darling Yui.

>>2200106
>I made a less-than-great judgment call this time, but I'd say even someone like me has learned my lesson.
We hope so, but who knows what dangerous new frontiers anons will steer Ryukusa towards this year.

>>2200088
>[] Do you mean you and I, or in a more general sense, Yui-chan?
>[] I'm not sure what I can do to change it. This is my duty, Yui-niji-chan.

>>2200088
>[x] I know, beloved, and I'm trying to change it already.
>The list of threats is not endless, and I have a new power to defend myself with.
Maybe elaborate on that.

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[x] I'm not sure what I can do to change it. This is my duty, Yui-niji-chan.
[x] I know, beloved, and I'm trying to change it already.
[X] I'm listening. Like what, beautiful?
[XX] Do you mean you and I, or in a more general sense, Yui-chan?
[XXX] I told you you can speak freely to me, always, my darling Yui.
[+] I screwed up this time, it's true, but I learned my lesson too.
[+] The list of threats is not endless, and I learned something useful.

You can't help the smile. Of all the girls – young women – that you have encountered, she's grown the most, and not just physically. “I meant it when I said you could always talk freely with me, Yui-niji-chan. I'm surprised at how honest you are being, but I'm not upset about it.” She looks at you, seriously, and your smile fades. “I suspect that you don't mean between you and I, do you, Yui-niji-chan.”

She looks down, and you feel her power slip a little, before she controls herself and concentrates. The muscular young woman looks at your back, looks through you, and murmurs softly. “No,” she agrees softly.

Yui doesn't continue for a few moments though, and you wait as long as you dare. You doubt she's be this forthcoming with anyone else present. Even if it was only her Akari, or Kiki-hime. “I am listening, sweet Yui. Tell me, my beautiful Yui, what you mean.”

She looks down briefly, then focuses her attention again. “You have to rely on us more, Ryukusa. You can't....you can't be this careless anymore.”

You bite back the quip that tries to slip free, and consider her words carefully. “I didn't intend to be. I messed up, Yui-niji-chan, but it was a surprise even to the people who knew what was going on. But I learned from my mistake, and I learned valuable things.” She sheakes her head, and you smile gently. “It's my duty, and the enemies aren't endless, beloved Yui. Everything I learn makes us that much safer....”

She takes a deep breath and lowers her hands, and you sit up, slowly. To your surprise, Yui allows you to do so without protest, and she looks into your eyes, serious as you have ever seen her. “You're not the princess' shinobi anymore, Ryukusa. You can't be. You have to be more than that now.”

You have to admit that you're taken aback by this level of....assertion she's using. According to Er Yin, she shouldn't be capable of this, but then, you asked it of her. Perhaps your desire to see her free and strong on her own means more to the kami than Er Yin and Kiku thought. “What do you mean, darling?”

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>>2200318
“It's not just about Kiki-hime anymore. You have to protect all of us. Not just our family, but our warriors, Chisato's and Peta's people. Without you, we'd be as bad off as we were before. Worse.” She takes a deep breath. “You're our daimyo, Ryukusa. You're the center of our world now, all of us. Our princess may be the most important person, but without you....without you, it won't last a day. We'll be at the mercy of our enemies in too many ways. She's our heart, but you're the head. And we can't survive without both, Ryukuza.”

It's not very often you're at a loss for words. “I wasn't taught to be a warlord, much less the head of a household. I can get by on guesswork, but....I don't know how to do this, I don't know what to change.”

Yui looks at you seriously, her glowing eyes warm and her expression hard. “Rely on us. Yuuhi is your samurai. Take her with you, everywhere. Trust in Akari. She's your right hand, she's what you used to be. Let her do what you used to do, and the princess will be safe. We can do this, all of us, for you.” She sits up straight and looks into your eyes. “Please let us protect you, Ryukusa, the way you protected us. We can help you now. We can't....” Her eyes are suddenly brimming with tears that capture the glow of her eyes. “We can't live without you, Ryukusa. I don't want to lose you.”

You carefully scoot forward and take her into your arms, holding her close as she struggles not to shed tears. Stroking her back, you can't help but wonder how hard it will be to do what she says.

Because really....she's not wrong. She's not wrong at all.

>To Be Continued....

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Thank you for reading and playing. I hope to have another session tomorrow, but we'll see how well I sleep and what nightmares I live through.

I'm doing better, and the pain is more tolerable, though it took a while to get used to it. Therapy and taking some time to just learn how y\to cope with it did me okay. Mostly.

But I'm glad to be writing again.

>>2200330
Thanks for running XS.

>>2200330
I'm glad you're feeling better XS, thanks for running.

Looking forward to the urban fantasy thing!
(Weeeee witches, WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE)

>>2200330
Thanks for running and I'm glad you're doing better. This talk was a long time coming, and I'm glad it's Yui who's the one to say it.

>>2200330
Thanks for running!

Well of all sessions, this was not one I wanted to miss.

>>2200330
Thanks for running!

I'm not sure if it will be a new thread or not. I suspect so, however. 5 threads should be safe, right? It has been in the past.

>>2202002
you're fine