File: Th15DreamWorld.jpg (237 KB, 384x448)

237 KB JPG

When last we left off in this fantastical story, Albert had finished a day of strenuous work helping Hakurei Reimu acquire goods from the Village, paying the way himself of course. He learned valuable bits of information hearing out the stories of the wizened turtle Genjii, and after a long night of playing with Clownpiece and sampling this delicious Dango stuff from the Village with Reimu, he was ready to head off to sleep.

And sleep he did, to scout out ahead of Reimu in the Dream World for any dangers...

"..."

You open your eyes and look up.

"Ah, great. Space." You comment.

The floor was invisible, the air was nonexistent. And the Dream World was different this time around, a lot different than before. Previously, in the first dream you had experienced here where you met Doremy first, the world around was like an endless gust of pink clouds. Now, it was something like a delirious background of space, the distance full of flowing red grids and frames of lines. There were still some clouds around, but not so many, and most were shades of blue or a darker pink.

Where the heck were you walking? What were you walking on? Well, you guessed you must have been imagining yourself having a footing to be able to walk here.

You took a deep breath. It seemed you were alone for the time being. Good, without Doremy here to harass you, you'd be able to scout this place out more effectively. But first, you just needed to find Marisa and Reisen, who had been trapped here for a while.

"But... where to start looking?"

In a Dream World that could very well be infinite in size, no less.

"If only there was someone you could ask for directions here in the land of Dreams."

Oh, geez. Her? Already?

File: Smug.jpg (127 KB, 850x1133)

127 KB JPG

You turned and looked over to face Doremy Sweet, who casually floated there amongst the endless space, waving her fingers at you. Her face was plastered with that smug look you abhorred so much. That damn smile.

"How nice of you to drop back in. It's been a while since you last let yourself Dream lucidly to come here. Why is that anyway? Did I happen to put you off in some way last time to make you not want to see little ole' me again? Was it the whole letting you fall great distances thing?"

"Cut the crap, Doremy. You know why I'm here."

"Come to reconsider the secret god's offer and be a good little toadie?"

You just grunted at her as she raised an eyebrow. Her grin crept further up her cheeks.

"Well if not for that, then I can't gauge why else you'd come here to the Dream World unless..." She pretended to gasp; "You just wanted to see me and this brilliant smile again, didn't you? Oh, Albert, you shouldn't have! Huhuhuhu!"

God you wanted to punch her in the stomach so bad. But you were in a powerless position against her here in the Dream World. How were you supposed to find out about her tricks? Find out what's become of Marisa and Reisen? Reimu told you they were here in physical form...

>What will you say?

>>5433489
Oh boy, back into the adventures of Albert Perry! Let's see if we can guide him through the dream world without being thrown into a mind-breaking nightmare by the Baku!

>Would you mind if we imagined a sitting room to talk in? Floating ain't really a comfortable way to chat and get to know each other.
>Could you explain more about your position in the dream world? Is it a hands-on administration deal, or do you have underlings to manage this place? Were you granted this position, or did you gain it due to the nature of your existence?
>How did ya end up working with the secret god? Have you known each other for a long time?
>Are dreams edible?
>What is the oldest dream?
>Has this place ever been attacked? Attacking dreams seems to me a great way to wage psychological warfare.

Dreamworld seems a fascinating place to try and understand. If it is powered by imagination, perhaps we can imagine having a gun by our side.

>>5433489
Genuinely, I want to ask her what exactly she gets out of it for making an alliance with Okina. Doremy didn't like being bossed around by Sagume so she sure as hell shouldn't like Okina giving her orders. I want to know if she's been intimidated into it or bribed with something. Depending on how she answers Albert could end up hating her a lot less.

>>5433489
>"So what does trying to get me to fight people that helped me and getting into trouble at Entei and trying to get me to hate all youkai, which includes you by the way, would have helped protect Gensokyo from the shadows?"
>"For me, it seems more like you are trying to sabotage that secret god's plan by making it seems that allying with her is to join team asshole. In that case you wouldn't need to go out of your way, I remember little, but I what I do make it seem they could pass that impression very well by themselves."
>Pat her head. It's funny.

>>5433618
This might have been too angry, I didn't sleep well last night. Feel free to tone it down.
Also she probably meant to try and get Albert to go down the cruelty path to become a slave to Okina, but I want her to admit it.

>>5433618
>>5433655
Naw this is the perfect level of angry. And Doremy is obviously trolling so its exactly the kind of reaction shes fishing for anyways, she'll probably get a kick out of it and continue to smug on us. Support but try and sucker punch her after she lowers her guard/gets confused by the headpat. (it obviously wont work but an invincible punching bag can still relieve anger)

>>5433489
>>5433508
>>5433618
I'd support a combination of these two.

>>5434177
I dont really see how they can be combined as one of them is taking an aggressive adversarial stance against doremy while the other is taking a diplomatic conversational stance. Either we are against doremy or we arent. Makes no sense to schizophrenically flip flop between the two.

>>5434218
You're right, but I wanted to see if we could ask her lots of questions while being more aggressive, to see if she would let something slip out.

File: Punch.png (672 KB, 660x1143)

672 KB PNG

>>5434218
>Makes no sense to schizophrenically flip flop between the two
We can't be like this pic?

>>5433526
Support, I don't want to do a huge exposition with Doremy. I want her to spill the beans, whatever we can use and tell Reimu.

>>5433526
1+

Your eyes darted to the left, and the right, then you looked back to Doremy. You mentally sighed as you figured you may as well entertain her for the time being. Perhaps if you lowered her guard through idle chat, you might even be able to get the truth squeezed out somehow, or something worthwhile to know.

"Ahem." You cleared your throat; "Can we at least have some seating then? I don't know about you but I don't really like standing on air when I get to know someone."

The Baku's grin faltered for the faintest of seconds; "Ohh? What's this now? You want to become more acquainted with me after all? Huhuhu~..." Before it returned in full and she clapped her hands.

You watched as the glow of the wireframes all around began to shift in their shape, closing in around you as they became walls, a ceiling and a floor which pieced together. And you'll be goddamned, she created the illusion of your apartment suite again. Even if it wasn't the real thing, if you had to watch your apartment get busted up, you weren't going to be happy.

Well, at least you can sit back in your recliner.

"Hmf."

Never mind, she takes it first. You sigh as you fall back into your sofa. Your dream sofa.

"How do you get all this power anyway? You must realize how incredible it seems to a 'mere human' like me that you have endless possibilities at your fingertips here."

"Well, there is a universal need for someone who takes care of the dreams and nightmares alike. A 'Mister Sandman', or a 'Somnus', if you will. That need for a fundamental hand over the world that arises from the dreams of the collective gives rise to Baku. There aren't many Baku, actually. What others there are happen to go off and become other figures in the dreams of many, where they seek to feed themselves with dreams. I heard a few of them become known as 'Sleep Paralysis Demons'. Me? I'm just the best of the bunch, naturally too. Well, I might have also claimed the top position of Dreams back in the beginning too... hmhm."

"So, dreams are edible then? What do they taste like?"

"It depends on the nature of the dream. Happy dreams? They taste sweet. Wet ones? Like aphrodisiacs. Sad ones? Generally bad ones. And the lucid ones? They're like a surprise flavor you have to find out for yourself. Usually, they're also mostly like aphrodisiacs."

"You seem awfully... forthcoming about that bit of info."

"Well I was thinking about sifting through your head to show Reimu some of those 'funnier' thoughts you've been having."

"Wait, what?! H-Hey! No! I don't consent to that! You can't show her that when she gets here!"

File: __reisen_udongein_inaba_t(...).png (320 KB, 600x800)

320 KB PNG

You didn't want your feelings about all these girls you've been constantly surrounded with getting out! Even if you knew it was completely normal. At least, you wanted to wait until the mind reader that was bound to check you would see, because then you still had the reassurance that, whoever she was, wouldn't open her mouth about it.

Doremy laughed. "Relax! I'm just joking, I won't do that. But now I know Reimu is coming for sure thanks to you, I didn't actually think she was before since she was taking so long. Now I have time to prepare myself."

Wait...- Ah! Damn it! She tricked you, and you can't believe you fell for that.

You grumbled with a little anger then, standing up as you pointed an accusatory finger at her. "Alright, I've had enough of your games! Just what are you getting out of working with the secret god anyway? For real, how did you even end up on her side? She seems like the type to have bribed you or intimidated you into working for her, just like how she tried to scare me into compliance."

Doremy's smug look slowly began to droop a little.

"Well? What's the big idea? And what have you done to Marisa and Reisen too?"

Suddenly, a door to your left flipped open. The broom closet door in your kitchen. You peered towards it as two silhouettes emerged slowly from a dark space within, one that defied all physics.

"Well, why don't you ask her, now that she's here..." Doremy said, not so enthused anymore.

File: __matara_okina_touhou_dra(...).png (955 KB, 1101x878)

955 KB PNG

You suddenly tensed up, and turned back to look at the silhouettes as they appeared to... collapse right to the floor. Two of them. You squinted as you took a few cursory steps forward.

No, don't tell you...

"Ah!" You gasped.

It was Marisa, and Reisen. The both of them had been thoroughly beaten up. They were in terrible conditions, but still alive, thankfully. Their chests slowly rose and fell with labored breathes. Even Doremy seemed a bit surprised at their condition.

That was when you felt a hand fall on your shoulder, and your blood froze, as did your expression.

"For starters, I had Doremy work hard to fetch out the cognitive imprint these two leave in the Dream World from the waking one with all their dream history. Their... Dream Souls. As they entered in physical form, it was easy for Doremy to put them into a permanent sleep with their own Dream Souls. A thing she hadn't thought of in the past herself. But, that's just what she got for not thinking ahead. She might rule the Dream World, but she doesn't know everything."

"What have you done."

You felt yourself stumble as the sound of closing doors and a little force hit you in the back. Did she...? Did she emerge from a door on your back...?

You turned to face the secret god, who came over to Doremy.

You watched as she ran her fingers under the bottom of Doremy's chin, the vaunted ruler of the Dream World even appearing uncomfortable herself under the secret god's presence. This vile god just smiled menacingly as she stared at you.

Something... was different about her this time around. She seemed a lot more... infernal. Her eyes had definitely darkened, as if they contained some malevolence that wrenched your guts when you saw them. Something fiery. She snickered.

"Well, Doremy, I don't see any harm in it. Why don't you go ahead and tell him why you're working for me?"

Doremy gulped, and kept her poker face, intentionally trying to hide the nervousness.

"W... Well, for one, I don't have dominion over 'all' the dreams in the universe. The Dreams of some places... such as Hell, run far out of my reach. But, I was promised by the secret god that, if I help her in her goals to protect Gensokyo, she'll return the favor by giving me influence over all the Dreams of Hell's denizens that I couldn't previously touch."

"And to this end, that also includes what?"

File: Doremy's Fear.jpg (31 KB, 273x246)

31 KB JPG

Doremy's fake smile was a bit wobbly. "It also means I'd do my best to convince you to help. Since, as a human, you usually go under the radar of important... figures. Y-You have many tasks you could help the secret god accomplish in her bid to protect Gensokyo from potential threats, before they become a threat. O-Obviously, that meant I had to deal with Marisa and Reisen, since they were coming after the secret god. And to do that, they DID intend to pick a fight with me, and interrogate me..."

"..."

You remained silent, and deep down? Frightened.

"Yes. And who set them on this little path to hunting me? Oh, that's right... it was you, Albert. And to think you could have stopped this from happening if you'd only listened to me, and discouraged them from it. See, I didn't want to have to punish them for their insolence, but you've forced my hand. Don't you know you wouldn't need any other protection than my own if you simply joined my ambitions?"

"So, just like I thought, you intimidated Doremy into compliance, just like you tried to with me."

The secret god chuckled at you, and shook her head, raising her arms in a shrug.

"I did not such thing. I merely gave her an offer to get something she already wanted prior."

"Ah... em..."

The secret god shot a suddenly serious look to Doremy, who put her hand over her mouth and looked away.

"You... you promised you wouldn't hurt them like that once I put them to sleep." Doremy brought to light.

The secret god frowned, and tilted her head.

"Oh, Doremy... why would I leave them in a pristine condition? If they woke up, they'd be trouble. I'll do the same to the Hakurei Miko once you've put her to sleep with her own Dream Soul."

"You... ah... you didn't have to necessarily do it, my power will keep them subdued without the need for-"

The secret god suddenly yanked Doremy up by her collar.

"ARE YOU QUESTIONING MY METHODS, BAKU?" She asked her then, in a voice that didn't sound like her own any longer. As if there was another voice over the secret god's.

The eyes of the god burst with a little seam of red and orange flames them, blending in with the glossy shine of her eyeballs. The flames were so potent that, little as they were, they changed the air of the room to one that felt... like pure evil and anger, dimming your visions.

And Doremy, she had a look of pure terror on her face. You admit that now, even you seemed to finally feel something other than your grudge for the Baku as she was left stuttering against a seemingly greater power seizing that lifted her up effortlessly.

"N-N... Not at... all..."

You didn't dare to move even an inch as you watched the scene unfold. The secret god just stared piercing daggers right back at Doremy's own shrunken pupils through those flames like candle lights burning out from her eyes. She glanced towards you then from the corner of her eyes, and you fell your knees compulsively as they gave away like jelly to such fear that the gaze commanded...

A wicked smile came over the face of the secret god as she suddenly released Doremy, letting her fall to the floor as the flames in her eyes died down.

"Good. Then don't bring it up again. Remember, your job is to assist me to my ends, not have pet peeves about what I'm doing. Keep as you were and the dreams in Hell can be yours." She said, beckoning with her finger.

You watched as a door suddenly grew on Doremy's back, opening up as the secret god put a foot inside.

"Oh, Albert, you might want to reconsider my offer to help me thoroughly. It won't last forever. I you keep being stubborn and getting your friends caught in the crossfires, you'll only get to keep watching them get mauled by me. I have a lot of work to do to help Gensokyo, and I don't have time for games. No tolerance... keep that in mind."

You watched as she descended into the backdoor on Doremy's back, crawling inside and pulling the doors shut... just before the think shrunk until it faded from sight.

Doremy was gasping for air as she just sat on her knees, trying to regain her composure. Marisa and Reisen's beaten up, unconscious forms still lie behind you.

You could only have one question about now.

What the hell just happened...?! The secret god... it was a lot different than the last time you met her. Almost like she was... like she was possessed by something.

>What will you do?

>>5434331
I think we should ask the Baku, or have us, conjure something for her and us to drink after that ordeal with the secret god and look over the dream forms of Reisen and Marisa. Possibly ask her how she's feeling and about the secret god's unexpected behavior.

Perhaps we can turn the Baku against the secret god now, though I don't think she will accept the idea of outright subversion, but maybe she could tell us of the god's plans.

I think Okina might have 'eaten' Junko in some form. Which would explain the switch from subtle terrifying to outright terrifying and the whole fire schtick. I may have wanted us to sneer at her again, but I think we would have had our dream self beaten bloody in her current state.

>>5434331
Perfect time to try and convince her to let us all go, maybe even stop her from fighting Reimu.
"So, I'm guessing being played around with is also a part of your master plan? Ohoho" also a good opportunity to smug right back at her. But only if we think we can get away with it (so probably not).

>>5434331
Dang that was menacing. It seems that Doremy made a deal with the unknown god for the dreams of hell not thinking about the consequences, and now she is stuck with a boss with a slight case of DID . As for Okina I think the "Helping gensokyo" is a fat fucking lie either she doesnt realise that this will start a cold war or some sinister master plan that will totally not go wrong.

We should talk to Doremy subvert her attention and stall until Reimu arrives. Ask her about the hellish makeover her boss got, and that if she really tought this trough.

>>5434331
>Ok, she was even meaner this time, and she changed voices too.
>Can gods get possessed? I think we need to call an exorcist here. Reimu is a priest right? She probably can do it.
>Well, now I at least know you are just mischievous and not evil. Can you let me go from my dream? I need to warn Reimu so she can think of a different way to deal with this.
>Good luck with your new slave master Doremy. I have a feeling she won't honour her promise if she wins.
>Pat her head. It's funny

>>5434335
But if Okina is possessed by Junko, why would she be going against Hecc? Maybe she is possessed by the dead son instead.

>>5434364
We should keep those first two thoughts to ourselves, given "Okina"'s recent interjection.

>>5434381
As long as Albert thinks them and put it into his character motivations and plans it's ok with me.
But I have a feeling Okina is always watching us no matter when and where we say something.

>>5434331
If I can, I'll change my vote from>>5434350 to
>"Ah, so was it part of your master plan to become a slave? I doubt she'll even give you what you want."
>"You know, this means you have to let Marisa and Reisen go with me. If you don't do this, it would make me really not want to join you, and the Secret Goddess wouldn't like that, would she?"
"...still, I'll see if I can make sure if there's a way to free you from this without causing much harm to either of us."
Go smug on her, but try not to be too much of a dick.
Also
>think about why the secret goddess looked like she did, and if Reimu could exorcise her
>Pat Doremy's head. It's funny

>>5434393
Support. Now is the time to headpat the baku for the funny. Remind her that just because shes a big fish in the dreamworld, it doesnt mean shes the biggest. And when you make a deal with a devil, theres always strings attatched.

>>5434376
Pure speculation, but I wouldn't say that Okina is possessed by Junko, but more like Okina has taken a bite out of her power. And since Junko is basically anger, revenge, and all those delightful emotions incarnate, Okina has been influenced by taking a portion of her. Plus, the name of her route is THE SEALED FLAME OF HATRED, which implies for me Junko has been captured in some form. If we see Hecatia or another god, we could ask them what could cause a god to suddenly change in demeanor and describe what we saw.

>>5434836
>>5434376
>>5434335
I dunno if its Junko. Even Junko tends to direct her ball of anger towards a specific point (the moon), not just hate everyone. It could be Okina dropping the mask and showing her true colors, or it could be that some kind of outside force is influencing/subverting her. Either way it seems like something that Yukari would know and be concerned about so the fact that shes kinda letting things happen (despite the fact that Okina isnt fucking around and clearly doesnt give a shit about spellcard rules right now) is worrying.

Thats another thing. Holy shit Danmaku is out the window. She straight up had Doremy knock our girls out and seal them up. Of course assuming that her Not Playing By The Rules means that Reimu is allowed to as well, there shouldnt be much of a problem for Reimu to match her as her power is fucking broken compared to Marisa and Reisen. Still. If it comes down to everyone throwing their actual weight around the damage could be immense.

>>5434882
Maybe it's something to do if Yuuma calling her her master, becoming the goddess of all that blood oil might have started messing with her head.
You know, Hecc said that Satan is busy on hell being the judge/jailor/adversary. But about Lucifer? What's the devil doing this days.

>>5434906
> But about Lucifer? What's the devil doing this days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PS3OltEzxc

There's definitely a Cheating Detective Satori kind of situation afoot here. Okina wouldn't act so directly and brash if she were herself, she specifically got Flan to kill Yuuma because she wasn't able to beat the gote's immortality herself.

Whatever's taken over Okina doesn't respect the rules since she decided to beat Marisa and Reisen up even after Doremy slept them. We need to tell more than Reimu. We should tell Mima as well because she'd likely know how to get into contact with Yukari and Kasen about this blatant violation of Gensokyo's conduct.

File: 1612034284040.png (21 KB, 386x321)

21 KB PNG

>>5434910
>trannycube

Wonder if we have a first aid kit in the apartment that we can use on our injured incident solvers. However, if it is a dream manifestation, I do not know if the treatment would persist once they leave the dream world.

>>5435775
We need to have Doremy to send us to Eirin's dream so she can do the surgery.

>>5435891
>eirin
>dreaming
Why would she? She's a Lunarian goddess.

File: Capture.jpg (67 KB, 453x764)

67 KB JPG

>>5435984
it's canon

File: __doremy_sweet_touhou_dra(...).jpg (621 KB, 2048x1928)

621 KB JPG

Okay, enough standing around with your mouth hanging agape. You shake your head and stare towards Doremy as she rubs her throat and stills her breathing.

Sighing, you stepped up towards the Baku and kneeled over slightly at her. The Dream World's ruler just stared up at you with a discomforted expression at what had transpired, and you blinked back blankly.

"..."

"..."

You reached out and patted Doremy right on top of her long Santa hat looking headwear. The Baku's expression became one of pure confusion then.

"What the... what in the heck do you think you're doing to me?"

"It's funny." You tell her, honestly.

She cocked her eyebrows at you, donning a face riddled with annoyance at you suddenly counteracting all the smugness she had previously faced you with before. She sure didn't like a taste of her own medicine, did she?

"You know, just because lots of people like to portray us Baku as Tapir doesn't mean I'm actually a Tapir, or for petting." She grumbled, slapping your hand away as she picked herself up and dusted her dress off.

"Maybe... but it was worth it just for that face."

"I'll give you nightmares for this."

"Pfft."

You already witnessed a nightmare. What could the Baku inflict on you now that was much worse? Still, she seemed to be in a nightmare of her own now, and you felt that it needed to be addressed for her own sake. Damn you and your altruism, you actually felt bad for Doremy in this instant.

>"Ah, so was it part of your master plan to become a slave? I doubt she'll even give you what you want."

Doremy crossed her arms.

"Hmph. I don't have much else of a choice, as always. The secret god may be forceful, but she's blunt and honest. She's my best chance at being able to lay claim over the Dreams of Hell. It'll be payback for the leader of Hell misusing my realm for her own ends once. I'll have you know, I hold grudges against people who try to manipulate me or my realm. I'll get revenge on the secret god too, somehow... even if I can't get it directly, I always think of something."

"Back in my world, this line of thinking is usually accompanied by phrases like 'good goyim'."

Doremy rolled her eyes.

"I can't go back on my word now that I pledged my help."

>"You know, this means you have to let Marisa and Reisen go with me. If you don't do this, it would make me really not want to join you, and the Secret Goddess wouldn't like that, would she?"

"Oh no, no, no. I'm not falling for that one." Doremy said, her smile returning in the worst way.

You shook your head, now a bit agitated yourself. "I can't just leave here without them. They might get hurt by that psychotic god again if I do! If you release their physical forms from their sleep right now and allow them to come home, then maybe I might just consider the secret god's offer she tasked you with helping to pull me into!"

Doremy waved a finger in your face. "Little lies, oh little lies. I know that after that whole show, you're definitely going to do anything but want to join us now. If I let them off the hook, they'll surely try to retaliate. You might have buddied up with Marisa and Reisen, but I know them a little better, just a little bit better... nothing's going to turn them off of trying to attack me the moment I do something like wake them. Not even you."

"Besides, it was you who got them wound up in this situation in the first place. They wouldn't be here writhing in unconscious agony if you never poked your face around the Hakurei Shrine and gave them the wrong ideas."

Doremy flipped some pages around her book, and procured a pink bubble from within the diary. Another of these Dream Soul things.

"This is Reimu's Dream Soul. Once she gets here in physical form, there's nothing she can do to stop me from putting her to sleep with it as long as I like. Since you got these 'heroines' caught up trying to seek after the secret god, they've got to be taken out the picture for a while. Don't worry, they won't be here forever, they'll just be my hostages until whatever that god's planning comes to fruition. When I get the Dreams of Hell, I'll release them and they'll know when to take the L." She said, using a modern expression as she winked smugly.

God! You hated dealing with Doremy so much from just the short interactions you've had with her alone for a while now. You almost gave up on feeling sorry for her once she doubled back to her condescending self.

You rubbed your temple vigorously, you had to get through to her somehow! Otherwise, just give up and drift off to awaken so you could warn Reimu, who was sure to spank this Baku bit... brat.

"Look, you're clearly in just as much danger as the others here are. There's something about that god, she wasn't like how she was when I met her. She grabbed me by the throat too, but it wasn't that harsh compared to what she did to you. She was pridefully or playfully telling me not to fuck with her. That back there? Those smoldering eyes she had? Never seen before? That was a death threat, Doremy. She was telling you not to raise questions, under threat of punishment. You're just being put on notice, do as you're told or suffer the consequences, or her wrath, or whatever the fuck." You explained.

Doremy's smug expression started to shrink a bit into a frown, and the Baku looked away from staring you in the eyes as you said this.

"You probably won't listen to me..."

>"...still, I'll see if I can make sure if there's a way to free you from this without causing much harm to either of us."

"Really now? You're going to try helping me, even when I've basically told you I don't want your help, just for you to play your part?"

You nod.

Doremy smirked then, but not in a way that seemed to infer some superiority over you at this point. She just looked rather conflicted, as if she was just putting on a fake smile, or keeping a poker face.

"And... what if I follow along with what I've been told already and let Reimu walk into my beartrap? What if I get her bruised and battered too for my own sake?"

You suddenly stepped up close to Doremy, getting far into her grill. The Baku lowered a bit in the air underneath you as you stared down at her with a sure enough face about yourself. She took a step back, but you followed it up by walking right at her, until her back was against the wall of the illusory Dream apartment. You put both hands against the wall as your nose almost touched hers. She had a little blush on her cheeks, which surprised you.

"Look, I don't want to be enemies with you. I know I can't beat you either, but Reimu is my friend, just like Marisa and Reisen are, and the last thing I want is to see them get hurt too just because some boastful god is going around having mood swings. If your actions lead me to it, I'll try my best to take you down myself, no matter what. Even if I can't. Got that?"

Doremy was shocked with your assertiveness. She saw you as a really haughty human, and her eyes went wide as she didn't know what to say.

"Real protective, aren't you? Or maybe I was right about those 'funnier' thoughts of yours after all, wasn't I? Haha! Knew it..."

"That is just what friends do for each other when they're real. You'd know if you've ever had one."

"Now that's just rude. I... I have lots of friends." She said with a little crack to her voice.

"You also seem to secretly have a thing for being the submissive one under someone bigger too. Haha, knew it." You say with a grin.

"H-Huh?!"

Doremy suddenly pushed past you to hide her red cheeks then. "I don't know what you're implying! You haven't come to know me that well in this short little pep talk, you... you stupid yankee!"

A... lever suddenly grew out of the floor. Doremy put her hand on it.

"Oh come on..."

"...I'll think about what you said. I'll think about it... but as it stands, I cannot just give up my alliance so easily. Maybe me and Reimu will come to quarrel just like the other two did by the time of tomorrow night..." She said, before staring right to your own eyes; "Maybe... maybe she just 'might have some trick up her sleeve' I won't anticipate and beat me. Who knows. I'll likely end up trying to pull what I have in store over her, even if you tell her when you wake up."

You held up a hand. "W-Wait, hold on, I haven't been here that long. If you wake me up now, won't it still be night just like it was when I went to sleep?"

"Something something, time is relative, something something... I think."

She pulled the lever.

You winced at the floor, expecting it to fall out from under you! You stared at it for a few seconds in dreadful anticipation, and then looked up back at Doremy, who was smug again.

"W-"

A coconut falls from above and clonks you in the head.

"OW!"

You wake up with a minor migraine, rubbing your head as you suddenly looked around.

"Damn..."

It was morning, already!

You quite literally jumped out of bed in your summer yukata, zooming out of the Hakurei Shrine guest room futon and making for outside. It was there that you saw Reimu near the entrance to the Shrine, at the stairs under the Torii. She was waving Mima off as the ghostly practitioner of the arcane departed the Shrine on her journey to Chireiden.

You then saw the Miko start hopping on one foot as she turned her attention to the sky. Reimu rolled one of her shoulders and stretched it. She had her Gohei handy. It seemed like she was about ready to take off now herself.

"Hey!"

You waved your hand and yelled to grab her attention, running as fast as you could up to meet her.

"Huh? Albert, what's wrong?"

"It's... it's the Dream World, Reimu!" You exclaimed, gasping for air. Running like this as soon as you woke up was not a good idea. You had to rub your eyes quickly and shield them from the bright sun.

The Miko snapped her fingers. "Actually, it's a good thing you mentioned it. I'm about to head there now physically myself. I'm glad you're awake. If it isn't too much trouble to ask, would you mind watching over the Shrine for me today? If anyone asks, tell them I'm off on an errand and that they can just leave their donations in the usual place."

"Wait, you don't understand. It's a trap, Reimu!"

She raised her eyebrow at you.

"I was there, just a while ago. I dreamed last night so I could see what was up. The tapi-... Baku, Doremy, the one who rules it. She's got a trap planned out for you. Marisa and Reisen are also trapped there! They've been beaten up badly!"

"What?!"

"It's true! Doremy, she used something... some blobby pink thing. I think they called it a... a 'Dream Soul'. She used it to put Marisa and Reisen into a permanent sleep! Their real bodies are stuck there! And the secret god... she was there! She's bullied the Baku into helping her, I-I saw it! I saw her choke her! She had fire in her eyes! Literal fire!"

"..."

File: Intoxicating Superiority.jpg (88 KB, 700x700)

88 KB JPG

Reimu just blinked at you. But then, she smiled.

"Dream Souls, huh? I guessed as much myself. So that's how Doremy thinks she'll defeat me. Heh, she's got another thing coming."

You couldn't believe what you were hearing.

"Hold on, didn't you just catch that? It's a trap, Reimu! She's going to try and put you into a permanent sleep! I-I..."

"Albert."

"What if the secret god shows up and..."

"Albert!" She shushed you, putting a finger to your lips; "Don't worry. It won't work on me. I can counter anything Doremy has in store. It's in the nature of my ability. I'm going there now. I'm going to get Marisa and Reisen woken up and out of there, and I'm going to beat Doremy to a pulp. Okay?"

"...But... uh..."

She shakes her head.

"No, look. I've got this. I'm not afraid of Doremy or the secret god. Whatever happens... I'm going to be the winner, okay?"

You remained silent at her insistence on her own abilities. You just nodded slowly.

Reimu smirked at that and winked. "Good. Now listen, I'll be back around nighttime when I'm finished with the business up there in the Dream World. If you could, I wouldn't mind it if you used some of the things I bought yesterday to whip up a meal in time for when I get back with Marisa and Reisen, alright?"

"Y... Yeah, sure. Of course, I'll think of... something."

"Good. Just don't let Clownpiece get into my Dango stash. She'll eat it all and then I'll be mad."

With that, Reimu turned heel and went towards the top step under the Torii. You saw the air pick up around her, in a way that spelled mystique to you as you noticed it wasn't particularly windy. It was unnatural... supernatural.

"H-Hey... Reimu, what is your ability anyway?"

"Oh, it's rather simple. I can float."

She can float.

"...That's it?"

"Yep. Alright, bye now!"

Reimu, as she said she could, then floated. You watched as the Miko started to uplift from the ground, up towards the sky. It was as if she was being lifted to the heavens themselves! Was she just going to... fly past the clouds? Off into space?! She... she was! She was just flying! Flying straight up! How was she supposed to physically enter the realm of Dreams themselves by just flying up towards spac- ...Well, the Dream World did look pretty much like space to you.

Did that mean the Dream World exists in the vacuum? What the hell... it's like that old, crazy noosphere theory those Russians came up with or something. Dreams had to do with minds and mental shit, right? Weird stuff. But, you could believe it. Marisa and Reisen reached it somehow, maybe they went the same way Reimu is going.

Breathing in, you turned around as Reimu was leaving your depth of perception to the skies and headed back towards the Shrine. You were soon seated on the wayside of the porch, watching the falling leaves of a Gensokyo entering the autumn season with a serene atmosphere. You sit here for a good while, enjoying the peace and calm of this Fantastical land.

Where was Clownpiece at right about now anyway? Ah, right, still asleep inside, she was in the guest room with you last you seen. Well, she went to sleep in there last night, but she strangely wasn't in the room when you woke up. You've got to remember to keep her out of Reimu's warehouse, otherwise she might eat all the Miko's Dango and that wouldn't sit well with her-

...

"Fuck."

You immediately stood up.

"Clownpiece? Clownpieeeeece!" You shouted out.

No answer.

Oh God, oh God, oh God, oh no, oh shit, oh God. You were basically almost out of Yen, you couldn't afford to replace the exorbitant amount of Dango that Reimu insisted upon purchasing if Clownpiece is eating it all already! You've got to stop her now and-

"Reimu! REIMUUUU! Hic! Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

You turned to look towards the Torii and see two figures approaching the Shrine. One small, one of average height.

File: Oni and a hermit.png (499 KB, 801x670)

499 KB PNG

It was the Oni, Ibuki Suika, and one other you didn't immediately recognize, who was chastising Suika for being too loud in her half-drunken stupor as the Oni snickered, taking another swig from her bottle-thing.

The two step up to the Shrine's front doors and the pink-haired lady there addressed you.

"Ah, hello there. I don't believe I've ever seen you here before. Are you a Villager come on a pilgrimage or here on some other business?"

"Heh, I know him. He's an Outsider man, one from a new Incident that Reimu's been investigating. I heard he got nabbed right from his bedsheets and brought here to Gensokyo." Suika spoke up on your behalf.

This really seemed to surprise the lady with pink hair. "What? A new Incident has already begun? And this man is from the Outside World?! You're being truthful, aren't you, Suika? Then how come I haven't heard about it? I'd have expected to see something in one of Aya's papers, at least!"

Suika shrugged. "It's been the talk of Geidontei. Maybe you oughta pay it a visit sometimes. That Tengu's been there, I heard her drowning in her sorrows over not having- hic! Enough to go off of for her paper."

Ah, yes, she was still stalking you, wasn't she? You felt like you really needed to deal with Aya somehow soon. But you shake your head and focus back on the pink-haired lady wearing a flower and the Oni.

"Ahem. Uh, yes, I'm an Outsider. My name is Perry Albert. I've been staying here at the Hakurei Shrine since the whole investigation around me started. Um, Reimu isn't here right now, she left about half an hour ago off on important business. She told me she won't be back for a while, so she asked me to look after the place in her stead."

The pink-haired lady wearing the flower on her tabard nodded to you.

"I see. I suppose I'll have to see her another time then."

Suika groaned. "Drat... I heard from that Tsukumogami at the bar that she had new needles. I was hoping to fool around with her for the day..."

"Well, I was hoping to be able to merely chat over some tea. I guess I'll have time to reconnect with you after all, Suika." The pink-haired lady said, which seemed to brighten the spirits of the Oni guzzling sake besides her, in a way that entailed some sort of deep relationship you weren't aware of. But, the pink-haired lady then put a hand to her flower and bowed to you; "Forgive me, I should introduce myself. I'm Ibaraki Kasen, a good friend of Reimu's and sometimes something of a mentor for her. I'm merely... a Hermit, in truth."

Ibaraki Kasen...? Wait a minute, this is her. This is the Hermit you'd been hearing about from Reimu, one of the people she suggested could help you out well if you sought training and help in Gensokyo. You were just thinking about meeting her the other day, or so. Well, isn't this a coincidence.

"Nice to meet you." You say, bowing back. Then, you outstretched a hand.

Kasen and Suika both peered curiously at your extended hand.

"Eh? Are you offering us some arm wrestling? Cause if you are..." She grinned.

"Oh, no, it's a, uh, a way people in the real world greet each other. Sorry, I should have known better."

Kasen grabs your hand and shakes it with a pleasant smile. "No worries, I think I understand."

You smile back as you accepted the handshake. Man, she had a firm grip, firmer than any male you've ever shook hands with before.

"Well, you got any plans today, Outsider?" Suika asked you.

"Oh, well... not really besides keeping this place in check. And uh, I've gotta wrangle a Fairy I think might be having a sugar rush too."

"I distinctly remember offering to let you taste my spruced up Sake the last time I seen you, but you went and vanished before the festival where I got to do it for once! That really left a bad taste behind in my mouth, everyone should be able to get a sip of my special Sake! How about this, since me and Kasen were already planning on spending some time together because it's been a good, long while, you can come join us!"

"Suika, are you sure? I don't want to intrude on whatever duty Reimu's asked him to perform here." Kasen said, concerned for the wellbeing of the Shrine.

"What? Are you for real? He's just a normal Human, if somebody attacked the Shrine today, he'd be dead meat! Whatever happens, happens. He might as well come with us, at least then nobodies going to even look at him the wrong way with two of us Oni watching his back."

"Ahah! Suika, you're the Oni. I'm a Hermit." Kasen said, playing something off.

"Riiiight... Anyway! Albert, how's it sound? Come with us to Geidontei, it's one of the best bars in the Village! I'll let you taste my special Sake there! There's a ton of Youkai there too, I'm sure they'd be interested in knowing more about you! Ahahaha! Well, whadd'ya say?"

>What will you do for the day?

>>5436266
>Hey, Reimu told me about you Kasen. Said you were very responsible and knew how to solve problems. I think I can trust you with this.
>Could you stay here instead of going to the Geidontei? This incident is being an absolute mess and we need help to think on how to solve it.
>Basically, some kind of hidden god is trying to start a war against the Goddess of hell and turn Gensokyo into a battlefield, and she seems to be possessed or switching personalities. Also Reimu is about to willingly enter a trap that already defeated Reisen and Marisa.
>I also want to know more about what being a hermit entails. I'm learning magic from lady Mima, but my God forbids it, and I'm worried I might become a sinner if I continue this path, but it's the only option I have so far to not be completely useless to my friends, since as an Outsider I can't enter danmaku.

>>5436272
And if she can't stay, ask then to wait a bit, then try to find Aunn and ask her to protect the shrine, and Clownpiece to drag her along to Geidontei. Because the grassroots trio are probably going to be there, on top of getting a new teacher.

>>5436266
>Ask Kasen if she could stay here, but give her a rundown of the incident first. The tell her you're interested in learning from her to protect your friends and not anger your God.
>Thank the Oni for the offer, but tell her you gave Reimu your word that you'd stay here.
>Stay by the shrine and make something to eat for Reimu and the rest. Maybe we'll find Clownpiece and help her with the mansion or get Mima to teach us something else.
We can always go to the bar later, but it's too good of an opportunity to have Kasen teach us one on one.
And we did tell Reimu we'd be here and make something.

>>5436274
Oh yeah, that's also a good idea. But I don't want Albert to get wasted before making sure Reimu and the others are safe and showing off the cooking skills he totally has.

>>5436283
But don't you want to have a interview with a drunk Aya? We can avoid getting drunk ourselves by pacing our drinks and refusing any drinking challenges. It's not like a normal human could win against an oni or tengu anyway.
Although being responsible and keeping to our word is kind of important. I have a strong feeling Reimu won't return and we will have to go there to ask help late at night, otherwise this quest would be way too easy

>>5436290
As funny as that would be, if we can have Kasen teach us personally (which she probably will, after seeing how serious the situation might be) I think we should git gud for the rest of the day and try at making something edible.

>spoiler
If that's true we can always get Clownpiece to come with us and look around for some friends of Reimu, or ask Mima for some tips on what to do.

>>5436313
If she accepts to stay, I'm definitely going for full on training montage. And protecting the Dango stash from the daughterfu, of course.
The important part is how to make up for ruining Suika's day out. Maybe offer to take them to the bar on our tab? It would financially cripple us even more than Reimu though.

>>5436323
I'm not sure we'd even have enough to pay for all the drinks she wants. So unless we plan on going into debt, maybe we can hold off on that offer for now at least.
But maybe a promise to eventually take her to a bar once we get enough funds might appease her.

File: People's Elbow.jpg (146 KB, 850x702)

146 KB JPG

>You put both hands against the wall as your nose almost touched hers. She had a little blush on her cheeks, which surprised you.

What a lad. Performing a kabedon on the personal sleep paralysis demon. All Albert needs to do now to assert further dominance is give her good ol' hugs.

>A coconut falls from above and clonks you in the head.

Heh, points for creativity.

>Ibaraki Kasen...?

The wrestling teacher has appeared, hoorah! Suika might also know some techniques if Albert can buddy up with her, though that probably requires killing Albert's liver.

>>5436272
Completely forgot another thing to mention, the worry about magic is not only because God hasn't given us the Solomon treatment and looked the other way, but also because learning it, and possibly committing other sins and being a dick in general, strengthens the mark the secret god put on us. And if it gets too strong, we become a slave without free will to some sort of egotistical, maniacal villain with a personality disorder. Then show her the arm.
Hope she doesn't suggest putting all of our negative feeling on it, cutting it off and sealing it away.

Lewd pink route bros....its time.

>>5436266
seconding >>5436272

>>5436272
>>5436274
Support

>>5436272
Support. Trust in reimu, she can handle herself. We should use the time we have to better ourselves.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't one of the ways to become a youkai by hanging out with them for an extended time? Would that also apply to the totally normal hermit? Though, I don't think Fortune Telling QM is cruel enough to do that to us.

>>5436938
The Big Dipper provides a passive negation of Youkai-ification through their company luckily for Albert. Even without it, the time it takes for one to Youkai-ify from being exposed to them is also up in the air, as Youkai roam freely around the Village all the time in disguise, but the cases of humans transforming are rare and seemingly few.

>>5437022
Neat, I suppose turning into a youkai requires adopting their mindset alongside semi-constant proximity to one. I guess for an outsider to become a Youkai, they would have to convince one to not eat them alongside risking likely punishment at the hands of the shrine maiden. The other option is to do what the fortune teller did.

Anyways the main takeaway is don't kiss Youkai. They eat people. Kiss a shrine maiden instead. They are probably closer in age, anyways.

>>5437364
There is a perfectly kissable Hermit right there though.

File: Horror.jpg (119 KB, 850x601)

119 KB JPG

>>5437392
Hags to the left of me
Crones to the right
Here I am
Stuck in the gap with you

>>5436266
>>5436272
>>5436283
Support. I wanna see some old hag battle training.

File: b316fc0369faadae79ed691d5(...).png (2 MB, 1447x2046)

2 MB PNG

>>5437425
>>5437453
>hag
Take that back. Kasen is NOT a hag.

>>5437526
I want to fondle her hair ornaments

I admire Kasen so much. Her hermit training is incredible, it made her as strong as an oni!

File: Buddhist Brawn.jpg (90 KB, 484x683)

90 KB JPG

>>5437564
The Buddhists got some pretty good physical conditioning as well.

"Ah, geez, I... I don't know, guys- Mm, girls. Since I've been asked to look over the Shrine, I'm not sure leaving would be a good idea. Even if I can't protect it, I might at least be able to discourage anyone from trying anything, or remembering their face. Besides, Reimu wanted me to have a meal ready by the time she got back."

"Whaaa-? Reimu's got her own personal cook now? What are you, her new boyfriend or something?" Suika said teasingly.

"N... No! Don't get the wrong idea."

Especially not within ear's reach of Aya, who could be around.

"I've just been helping to return the favor for her own help in this Incident. It's getting downright dirty, and honestly, I think even Reimu's going to need help with it. That's why the Ghost lady who lives here went to find a mind reader."

"You mean Mima? We passed her on our way here. This Incident is serious enough that the help of Satori is needed..." Kasen says, ruminating upon that.

"Yes. I've been learning magic from her. Not sure if that's the best idea, magic's usually... evil in the religion I'm of from the real world. Kind of worried about the implications of that making me a sinner, but I don't have many other options to become more than deadweight."

"Just pump some iron." Suika said after taking a big gulp from her gourd.

"I-I do work out! Look, girls, I don't really want to go to some bar right now, but I won't say anything if you... stayed? I don't know, you do what you want. I have to watch over this Shrine, and hope Reimu comes back from the trap she left to go walk right into in the Dream World."

Both the Oni and Hermit looked surprised at you then. The Dream World?

"This Incident's stretching that far? Just what's going on this time to have such far reaching consequences? I thought the whole Incident was just someone kidnapping you and spiriting you away here in Gensokyo with some kind of funny marking?" Suika asked, hunching over slightly as she stared at you with some kind of doubt.

"It's probably a lot bigger than it seems. The secret god who kidnapped me is trying to-"

Kasen suddenly rushed up the steps past you, towards the Shrine's interior. It caused you to stop in the middle of your speech and turn back to the Hermit as she slid the Shoji door open then.

"Suika, wait here for a while. I want to talk with the human in private for a while. You, come in here with me, right now."

You just blinked in confusion. What has gotten her riled up so easily? Was... was it the mention of the 'secret god'? Whatever the case, Suika just nodded and shrugged.

"Fine by me, but don't take too long, I still want to go to Geidontei with you. I guess I'll go find that Fairy with the sugar rush and see what's that about in the meantime."

"W-Wait, you have to be gentle with Clownpiece, she might try to show you her tor- Gah!"

You couldn't even finish your sentence as you felt a hand grab your collar and pull you back into the Shrine's room quite easily. A hand you then saw was none other than the hollow arm of wrapping cloth that Kasen had for a limb, extending out as it unraveled to pull you in. She shut the shoji door and faced you.

You had to admit, she was a bit intimidating herself with her serious expression. But, you also noted a degree of concern to her air as well as she pushed you back until you fell to sit on the floor near Reimu's table. Kasen seated herself across from you.

"...You mentioned a 'secret god'."

"..." You nodded; "Yeah... that's what she's called."

Kasen was silent, but she seemed to be mouthing something under breath with closed eyes...

"What is she trying to accomplish." She asks, straight and to the point.

"...She may be attempting to start some kind of war against the Goddess of Hell to claim her turf. I'm afraid Gensokyo might become involved in that conflict somehow, or in the crossfire."

Kasen's stature remained resolute, and she didn't appear to react in some way to hearing that, but you noticed that her pupils were slowly shrinking.

"...She claimed she was doing what she's doing to help Gensokyo, but her plan involved me somehow... she wanted me to help her, but she didn't really say how I could."

"Clownpiece lives here."

"She does."

"I know she's the servant of the Goddess of Hell. Have you met her?"

You nodded.

Kasen grit her teeth behind her sealed lips.

File: The Hermit.jpg (140 KB, 666x880)

140 KB JPG

"Your purpose might have been to get cozied up to the Goddess of Hell as a sleeper agent."

A sleeper agent?

"What, you mean... like, I was supposed to befriend her somehow through Clownpiece? Then what, help strike at her when she's... lulled into a false sense of security by... the friendship? I... shit, that does make sense. Hecatia was pretty friendly to me from the start. But fuck, she feels so strong, even if you get her off guard, what was that secret god even expecting?"

"I may know the secret god you speak of. They... always have tricks down their sleeve. However, I'm not sure myself right away if we could even be dealing with the same god I'm thinking of. I'll... wait to see what Satori's input is. What else can you tell me?"

You gulped nervously.

"She acted like she was possessed or something. She was calm the first minute, then deranged the next. I saw her choking the Baku in the Dream World over having her methods questioned. There was fire in her eyes, literal fire. I don't know what's up, could be multiple personalities or..."

Kasen shakes her head.

"A god is not easy to possess, especially not a strong one. It takes something truly corrupt and powerful to possess a deity or otherwise override them, Albert. And when it comes to the potency of things like that, there's a lot of factors. But say we try to eliminate non-factors through using the derangement you mentioned..."

"Then... what could it be?"

"...A spirit that's deranged... angry? Furious?"

"She was really hateful."

"Hate normally fuels grudges. In a world like this, a grudge can be power itself. And there's a certain kind of entity specifically known for such a nature. Vengeful Spirits."

"V... Vengeful Spirits?"

"They are some of the worst kinds of spirits. They'll never truly be satisfied, or stopped for that matter, until their vengeance is achieved. You never know what they want revenge on, sometimes not until it's too late. Most arise from an injustice done to their previous self... others can be beings of pure malice seeking revenge on whatever stopped them before."

"I can see it. So, you're saying that this secret god might be piloted by this... Vengeful Spirit thing then?"

"I'm not totally sure. I haven't even had time to properly learn about this Incident. I've only just heard of it." She says, crossing her arms and staring at the table, clearly saddled with heavy thoughts about the subject; "I'll need to... infer with Reimu and Mima themselves more about it. I don't want to pester you completely, I understand since you're apart of this, it might weigh on you somehow. I don't want you to get the idea you caused it somehow. Oh, no, no, no. You can't have if you were kidnapped."

You shake your head. "Don't worry, I don't think that. It's been rough, since I've been attacked, and even choked personally by her myself. But... I'm still going strong."

Kasen nodded.

"If this is the secret god I'm thinking of, then I may have a lot to share with Reimu and you."

"You seem really knowledgeable, I'll hand it to you. Reimu told me about you. I heard plenty about how responsible you were when it comes to serious matters like this. Besides, you said yourself you mentored her. Oh, and Genjii also talked about how 'sweet' you were."

"Ah, Genjii, I'll have to visit the old coot before I go home. Thank you. I assure you, if you can trust Lady Mima or Reimu, then you can trust this Hermit."

Kasen stands up then, and you stood up with her. It looked like she had heard all she needed to hear for the time being. Something told you that she might know a lot more than she lets on, even more than just what she might plan on sharing with everybody. It all seemed so strange to you how connected all these people you've been meeting is.

"So, you are Lady Mima's student then? Can you tell me why you feel as though you're committing sins learning from her?"

"Well... in the Outside World, I'm what's known as a 'Christian'. We worship a deity named Jehovah and his son Jesus Christ I reckon, but we mostly just call him... God. We believe there's only one real deity and that he made the universe and, um..." You stop yourself, not wanting to get wound up overexplaining; "Well anyway, we all get the word of God from a holy book, the Bible. Um, stuff like witchcraft, black magic and all that is considered evil. I mean, Christians used to burn witches and destroy everything that was considered demonic."

"I see... Yes, I'm pretty sure this lines up with stories of a prophet in the west, correct?"

"Uh, yeah, Jesus was considered a prophet."

"Have you simply thought of petitioning your god then?"

"...Well... n... no. I mean, how would I even...?"

"Prayer, perhaps?"

Good point. Why the Hell didn't you think of that yourself when you felt the Big Dipper's weight increase from learning your Forcefield spell? No, really Albert, why didn't you just think about asking to be pardoned since it concerned your survival? Damn it, it might even be the reason that it happened was because you didn't think towards your faith when learning magic in the first place and forgetting to do prayers daily!

"Well, I'll try. But, if it doesn't work, I heard about Hermits from Reimu too. I heard it involves... religious training?"

Kasen nodded. "Mm. That it does, but not all parts to becoming a Hermit necessarily involves such things. Truthfully, the term 'Hermit' is just an umbrella for people who have become extraordinary compared to others by acquiring many different kinds of powers. It can be anything from learning how to master and manipulate energy, or Qi. Learning how to restructure the very Earth itself, control elements, relocate your own molecules, or gain the ability to touch the incorporeal with your corporeal hand."

"Like, touching a ghost physically? Flying, er... shooting beams from your eyes? That kind of stuff?" You asked innocently, thinking about Dragon Ball Z in the back of your head.

"Well, I won't say you couldn't learn to shoot something from your eyes if you truly sought to become a Hermit. Every Hermit has different powers, no two Hermits should be the exact same. For example, a different Hermit than I can raise the dead, whilst I cannot... ah... d-do such a thing myself... As I've known, the most common ability Hermits actually share is one to conceal their home from the rest of the world, locking it away in another space. I personally hide my dwelling in Senkai, a world where nobody can annoy me. There may be more than one Senkai."

"That sounds... pretty amazing actually." You say, excitedly.

Kasen smiled at the admiration for her own abilities. She seemed pleased by how you genuinely accepted her own information of Hermits readily. But, she gets that serious look again.

"I must tell you... if you believe Hermit training would not constitute a sinful nature for yourself over learning magic, then it is possible that you could become a Hermit, even at such a young age. However, it will be the most difficult task you ever undertake in your life, being an Outsider. You inherently lack much base understanding over the concepts that allow Hermits to function compared to anybody raised in a culture where these concepts are prevalent. It will be very, VERY hard for you. But, if you seek it... I may even be willing to assist your training."

"I understand..."

"Do you wish for me to train you? Know that many magical abilities you could get from Lady Mima could be incompatible with a Hermit's nature. The magic that I wield is nothing alike with the light magic that Mima champions. You may be forced to eventually have to rescind your tutorship under Mima."

As Kasen says this, you hear what you believe to be Clownpiece's voice from outside the shoji paper walls and doors, alongside laughter from Suika. It sounds like a tussle. And there was also some other voice, making sounds that kind of like barks, or the closest thing a human-like voice made that could be compared to a dog's bark. Was that Aunn trying to break up something again?

>What will you do?

File: Taoist Hermit.jpg (303 KB, 869x1231)

303 KB JPG

>>5437863

>Thank Kasen and ask for some time to think and a method to contact her.
>Ask if there are any other hermits available to talk.
>Pray to God for guidance on this incident and for forgiveness.
>Check what is going on outside.

>Then what, help strike at her when she's... lulled into a false sense of security by... the friendship? I... shit, that does make sense.

Albert realizes he's a honey trap for a hag.

>Mm. That it does, but not all parts to becoming a Hermit necessarily involves such things. Truthfully, the term 'Hermit' is just an umbrella for people who have become extraordinary compared to others by acquiring many different kinds of powers.
>She seemed pleased by how you genuinely accepted her own information of Hermits readily

Huh, thought hermits were intrinsically linked to Taoism and that they are beings endowed with supernatural abilities acquired through religious training, not the other way around like she said. This setting might be different, though. Or it's because Kasen knows shit all about Taoism and chose the title of a hermit to explain her longevity and is giving Albert bad info, which is highly amusing. Slightly surprised she didn't mention Celestials since they are basically the end goal of being an earthly hermit eventually.

Magic or Hermit Training. On the one hand, I want to get Albert a magical gun, but on the other, we can eventually get the ability to eat mist if Albert lives past 500 years and wrestling skills.

We might be able to ask Kasen to introduce us to other hermits so we can learn more about their experiences before going down the path.

>>5437863
>>5437893
Supporting this.
We should ask Mima about hermits too, she might know something or at least give us her opinion on them.

Wait a second...Did Kasen just try to poach Albert from Mima?

>>5437893
>>5437922
>Support
Well, hermits are taoist, but maybe buddhas can also be considered a type, and there's a bit of Yoga involved so maybe it also has Hindu things too. So maybe it's not necessarily tied to a specific religion.
Miko is called a saint right? And the old prophets in the bible could live for thousand of year and perform all kind of different miracles right? So perhaps Albert can be some type of christian hermit.

>>5437959
Well, we did say that we were worried that magic is sin and were looking for alternatives, and she did say hermit training would take almost all of our time.
So it's less poach and more offer up another way.

>>5437893
Support

>>5438005
>Albert can be some type of christian hermit.
That's exactly what I was thinking. That or we can aim towards becoming something such as a Saint like Miko is.

New rule: Nobody may call Kasen a hag ever again.

File: Th16Nemuno.png (142 KB, 305x424)

142 KB PNG

>>5438099
If we want a hag, there's an actual one over at the Yokai Mountain

>>5438105
Nemuno can cook good at least.

You know when you think about it being a Hermit will suck in the beginning for Albert, he'll have no choice but to outlive his family and then he'll have to deal with Kishin too.

>>5438167
Well, he will get used to dealing with Kishin soon since his teacher is one.
And given how time is weird in Gensokyo, we might need to live a couple hundreds of years first to outlive our family outside.

What I'm more worried about is Kasen saying that a vengeful spirit is possessing Okina, and their possessed dialogue is green. Don't we know a certain vengeful spirit that tried taking over hell and spoke in green, and then became oddly peaceful and friendly with humans?

>>5438099
Kasen is a crone.

>>5438182
Would making Hecc extremely fond of us help offset the Kishin since they are from hell?

Here's a thought, If Albert makes an immortal being fall in love with him, would they try convincing him to extend his lifespan or let him live his human lifetime?

If it turns out Mima is the mastermind, I will admit to not seeing that plot twist.

On the subject of Albert becoming a Christian hermit, I suppose that gives us more motivation to try and talk to Sariel and possibly badger her into teaching us some miracles/magic.

Bros, it can't be sensei... she wants to help us...

>>5438359
No, you see, by playing both sides at once, she can always stay one step ahead, the perfect mastermind. And her goals are obvious: become powerful enough to be able materialize on the real world so she can force Zun to bring her back.
>>5438296
If we become some sort of christian hermit, I think it's more likely it's one of Satan's boys that would show up to test us.
Atleast by Hecc's comment that he is doing his duty as judge of hell, it might actually be the adversary satan, not the evil devil. So remember to resist temptation.

I wonder if guardian angels are a thing, and if Albert's is having an aneurysm due to all the messes he keeps getting himself into.

>>5438420
>And her goals are obvious: become powerful enough to be able materialize on the real world so she can force Zun to bring her back.
Wtf I want the villain to win now?

"I'd like some time to think it over, if that's okay with you."

"No pressure. A Hermit like me who can live for thousands of years has plenty enough time to wait."

"Thank you, Kasen. Is there perhaps, well, I'm not sure but is there some way I can be able to communicate with you if you aren't around in the next few days?"

"Due to the nature of this Incident, I will be staying here at the Hakurei Shrine just for a little longer. I'm sure you'll have decided before I leave. Even then, I'll leave you a way to reach me should I return to Senkai- Actually, your Kedama is perfect for this. I could teach it how to find me and relay your messages." She says.

(°д°) *HFU...?*

"How'd you know he was there?" You shake your sleeve that contained the fluff ball.

"Keen senses." She winks.

Huh, and there was the potential for you to be able to become like her. Being able to detect Youkai before they can strike at you first would really be helpful, you admit.

"You mentioned there being other Hermits than you. Can you tell me about them?"

"Ah, well..." She starts, glancing towards the ruckus outside, as if wondering that you even cared or not about it since you continued conversation with her; "If you ever hear the name 'Seiga Kaku', you may want to avoid her. I've heard she is a wicked Hermit, although I suppose I've never truly known her myself. You may also try the Mausoleum below the Myouren Temple."

"There's stuff below it?" You ask, remembering it as the temple that Kogasa nearly set fire to.

"Yes, the Hall of Dreams' Great Mausoleum. Contrary to the Buddhists who inhabit the Temple built over it, a Taoist following presides in the Mausoleum. They use it to travel to a stretch of Senkai in which the Hermit Toyosatomimi no Miko is known to live. She is highly respected as a teacher for Taoism. However, because the Buddhists believe in attaining Nirvana and teaching peace, whilst the Taoists seek to become immortal and wield incredible power in juxtaposition, the two followings are enemies, to the point of waging a religious war. I would be careful if you sought to approach either."

"That sounds... strange. But, I don't plan on becoming a Buddhist or Taoist."

"To be honest, you could become far more powerful as a Hermit training under the Taoists than under me. Most Hermits are Taoist in the end."

"...Must I become a Taoist to become a Hermit? Is there no other way?"

"It all depends on which powers you'd seek. However, I offer to train you without the need for Taoism, because I believe that any religious person has the chance to become a Hermit, regardless of what they believe in. And secondly... I admit, I may be interested in seeing what would happen if an Outsider religion tried to fashion a Hermit."

"I think I get it."

So that's Kasen's aim, by training you in the ways of becoming a Hermit, she'd attempt to experiment in a way. But for what ultimate purpose, you didn't know. Perhaps like the secret god, this pink Hermit also had her own ulterior motives on the inside. Thankfully, she didn't give you the impression of being malevolent or the kind of person seeking to pick fights with others. Or like she'd use you for her own gain in ways you didn't want.

You would have to keep this all in mind. You decided that when night came, you would pray to God and ask for his mercy, and make a humble request that you be granted the right towards magic. But, if that does not come to pass, perhaps the way of the Hermit will be a more favored path in the eyes of your Lord.

"Shall we...?"

"Yeah."

You needed to see what was transpiring outside already.

You went over to the shoji door and opened it.

"Bwaaaaaah! This is totally not funnnnnnnnyyyyyyyyyy!"

Ah, Clownpiece, screaming as she tried not to drop a Dango on a stick she clutched tight.

"Wahahahaha! Maybe you should have thought about that before you tried pilfering somebodies snacks you greedy little hog of a Fairy!"

Ah, a half-drunk Suika swinging her around and around in the air by her collar like a paperweight, in what looked to be an extreme version of the airplane you took her on last night yourself.

"N-Not respectful! Very di-disrespectful to the Shrine grounds! Politely requesting you cease immediately! AAhuuuuUUUUnnnnnn!"

Ah, Aunn. She must have been protecting the Shrine today. Also, she appeared to have been cleaning with the broom she held! What a helpful doggie. You just hoped she didn't drop it as she was hanging onto Suika's back for dear life whilst the Oni spun around like a rotor.

"Suika, knock it off already!" Kasen scolded her, raising her finger.

The Oni abruptly came to a stop, laughing hysterically as Aunn drooped to the stone below with dizzied eyes and vertigo. Clownpiece's head was spinning and stars must have been circling her head in an orbit. The Hell Fairy just barely held onto her torch as she desperately raised the single Dango on a stick she had to take a bite of the treat.

You grumbled and pinched your nose bridge, looking up to see a grinning Hecatia Lapislazuli sitting on the Torii- Wait, Hecati- huh? Nothing there?! But... but you could have sworn you just saw... you mean, she was right there for a split second. You're not crazy. Well, maybe a little crazy by now, but not that crazy.

"I dealt with your little rodent problem! Ah... just try to downplay the amount of Dango that Reimu had. She ate a lot before I could get her." Suika said.

"S-Shrine all clean...! J-Job well done, hwooo..." Aunn murmured.

Well, at least nothing serious happened or got out of hand.

"So, can we go to Geidontei now, 'Hermit'? Mmmm?" Suika smugly asked.

"I suppose. Do you still intend to stay, Albert?" Kasen said, turning to you.

"Well, I should. I'll take care of it in Reimu's stead, I'll be here if you come ba-"

"Auoo!" Aunn suddenly raised her finger as she pushed herself up, tail wagging; "There's no need to worry about that, mister! It's my job to do that for Humans naturally as a Komainu!"

Suika flashed a toothy grin at Aunn's interjection as she stared at you; "So, you're saying the Outsider is free then?"

"Au-huuh! He lives here now, I believe. Don't worry mister, the Shrine's in good hands. Have fun on your outing!"

You raised your hands defensively.

"W-Wait, you got the wrong idea, I wasn't planning to go anywh-ERH! AGH!"

Too late, Suika won't even allow you to protest before she has you and Clownpiece both by your wrists, dragging you helplessly along with her as she started in a gleeful stride off and away from the Hakurei Shrine. It all happened so fast that even Kasen barely had enough time to register it before you were already thirty feet away from the steps.

Kasen just blinked awkwardly before shaking her head and running after that gremlin Suika. "H-Hey! Wait! I don't think he even has money on him!"

"Yeah! And I haven't even gotten to change clothes!"

"I haven't finished eating all the Dangooooo!"

"That's alright! You won't have to worry about it where we're headed! Hyahahaha!" Suika brushed off the concerns as she high tailed it towards the Human Village on foot.

You could only look back at Aunn waving you off from the top of the Hakurei Shrine's steps so innocently. You couldn't decide whether or not she was a good dog who meant well but ended up doing goofy things, or a bad dog. Well, she looks like she would break down crying if you pointed your finger at her chanting 'bad dog!' so you'd spare her from that... for now.

You suppose it's something you'd just have to put up with as Suika eventually let go of you and allowed you and Clownpiece to both follow her on foot normally. Kasen silently apologized for the Oni's behavior. You watched the horned gremlin pick up a large straw hat she left on the roadside along the way and fasten it onto her head to hide her horns just before the four of you entered the Village. You kept Clownpiece close in between you and Kasen so nobody would discern her being as a Fairy.

And before you knew it, here you were, walking into Geidontei, a small and humble if meager establishment in the Human Village. You tightened your yukata's sash, because as it was all you had on beneath it was a baggy pair of pants that only came down to your knees.

"Here we are! The best bar in all of Gensokyo!" Suika announced as she flung open the doors.

File: Geidontei.png (35 KB, 829x607)

35 KB PNG

You ducked your head a little to avoid a lamp as you came in directly behind the Oni and stared around. This bar... was almost completely empty. There was only a few people in here. A girl hiding most of her face behind a red cloak, some mature lady with glasses on the other side of the counter staring amusedly at Suika's entry, what looked to be Kogasa sitting at the bar waiting on a drink, a worker behind the bar wearing a... whale on her head, and...

"Woo...?"

Kagerou! Another good doggie.

"Suika! I hadn't expected you to be coming here. A-Ah, how nice of you to drop by, eheh..." The worker girl said, as if hiding something.

Suika chuckled. "Heh, so the rumor I got from Mamizou was true then, Miyoi. You have been opening up breakfast hours to us Youkai on the weekend."

The girl behind the counter, apparently named Miyoi, glanced over to the lady wearing glasses, who shrugged in response before she rubbed the back of her head; "Well, the owner was gone an hour ago, you know how he likes to close by now on this day. I figured since he's been trying to cater to breakfast needs for the Villagers on the other days, I could try it myself for the Youkai after closing hours."

"Well, why didn't you tell me then? You tryin' to keep me out because of my drinking habits?"

"N-Not at all!"

"Okay! Well that's good, because I came here to drink!"

All the other customers seemed to express worry across their faces then about Suika getting drunk so early in the morning.

"But, I also brought entertainment! This is the Human I've been tellin' you all about-" She says, presenting you; "-his name is Albert, and I was going to give him my special Sake!"

...well, that seemed to spark interest among the various Youkai. Miyoi still didn't seem too welcoming.

"Ahem, and this is my friend, Kasen, the Hermit." Suika said, pointing to a slightly embarrassed Kasen.

"K-Kasan-sama!?" Miyoi blurted, the whale-hat wearing worker coming over quickly from behind the bar and closing the doors behind everyone, just before she showed each of your group to a seat at the bar; "Please, please, come in then! I'd be delighted to have you all in for some drinks! I'm about to begin serving omelettes for breakfast as well, please, feel free to order!"

You were seated soon after without much fanfare at the bar in between Clownpiece and Kasen. You noticed Kogasa waving at you from down the line while Suika chatted with the lady in glasses, sharing a high five and chuckle over something. Behind you, you noticed Kagerou and her red-cloaked friend staring at you, the cloaked Youkai averting her gaze to focus on her drink before any eye contact could be made, but Kagerou just smiled warmly back and you returned one of your own with a little wave.

You were worried about just what exactly Suika's 'special Sake' was, and if you should even oblige an offer for anything to drink from a sop serial drunk like her.

"Ive gotta baaaaaaaaad feeling about this." Clownpiece says to you, hiding her maddening Torch.

"You and me both."

Kasen still had that apologetic expression, but she tried to play it off with a little quiet giggle. "Ahah... I'll do my best to keep things under control, don't worry. I guess now that you're here, just try to enjoy the food at least. I'll pay for your ways."

Kasen cleared her throat, gaining Miyoi's attention as the bartender stepped forward.

"How much will it cost to get me and my tagalongs something good, miss?" She politely asked.

Miyoi shook her head. "Nothing! It's on the house, just for you. I've heard so very much about you and your kind, I've been aching to meet you, a real Hermit, since I heard about you. Suika's at least given me something to look forward to today. So please, don't worry about the costs. Food, drinks, I'll let it slide this once. Now, what can I get you? We have more than just eggs, I can also make you soup, or a salad with vegetables."

"I WANT SUGAR!" Clownpiece exclaimed.

Suika seemed to be getting the special Sake ready, already...

>What will you do?

>>5438739
Clownpiece has had enough sweets, I don't want her teeth to fall out. Let's make her eat some vegies and get ready to drink whatever Suika gives us.

File: ascetic.jpg (473 KB, 700x989)

473 KB JPG

>>5438739
>Order soup.
>Order a salad for Clownpiece.
>Ask for some sake to bring back for Genji.
>Go over to Kogasa, asking if her situation has improved since we last saw her and if she can tell us anything about the residents of Myouren Temple and the Mausoleum.

Don't really know what to do in the bar, to be completely frank. Say a prayer before eating, maybe. But, on the other hand, I know that Suika's drink will intoxicate Albert and that the madness torch is very close, so fun times might ensue. Though I am leaning towards us saying no to the drink, an excuse being we want a clear mind, and horned gremlins can't be trusted. Talking with Hecc at night might be an option if Albert isn't sloshed since she is watching, and we could gauge her opinion on Okina's demeanor change.

I want Albert to meet the wicked Hermit because she is a terrible person and apparently does a reverse-Santa Claus on the side. Albert needs troublesome Christmas reminders in the waking world and the slumbering world.

So Hecc has been watching Albert. That is not entirely unexpected considering Clownpiece, but a bit paranoia-inducing nonetheless. Wonder if she heard the conversation with Kasen.

I'm afraid of the possibility that Albert's going to wake up in some crop field in his underwear with someone's panties on his head if we take a drink from Suika but she probably isn't going to give us a choice. Since it's canon that Humans trick Oni to best them, chances of us doing a stealth dump while "drinking"? Low?

>>5438772
Low, but I have an idea. Since we have the power of forcefields, why don't we try compressing the alcohol while it is in the cup? True, a liquid is usually not compressible because particles are packed close together, but we got magic. Moreover, as a liquid gets more compressed, the temperature increase due to pressure which can cause it to evaporate. Considering what we are dealing with is alcohol and not water, the temperature/energy needed to cause it to vaporize will be significantly less.

This scheme requires our forcefields to be strong enough to compress a liquid to such a degree and some distraction to convince the watching oni that we did drink.

I think we take a gulp of soup, hold it in our mouth, bring the drink to our lips, compress the alcohol to a gas, and then gulp the soup we have, and then fake the effect of the strong drink by coughing a lot.

>>5438747
Support
>>5438739
But let's also
>Meet Kagerou and her friends. Show her that we Fluffy is still around too
>Tell Suika we will take a sip of the sake when she is done, but will not drink it all. Excessive drinking is wrong and we need to set a good example for Clownpiece.
>Order a lot of water to drink after we take one (1) little sip from Suika's special sweet sake to help with the Oni tier hangover

>>5438783
And make it sure to tell her we are drinking out of courtesy because she invited us here and wanted to show it to us.
I wonder if anyone has something that strengthens the liver? Someone has to have made some magic potion or pill in fantasy land.
>>5438739
>Maybe Kasen will know something to save us. Plead if necessary.

And now to get some discussion going, I can see four different paths for Albert depending on how the nightly prayer goes
The Solomon: holy wizard using God approved and Bible compliant magic
The Samson: christian hermit that punches things really hard
The Moses: prophet that prays to god for miracles to help allies and curse enemies
The Fluffy: moral support tag-along to the actual characters

File: sakazuki_aizu_lacquered_h(...).jpg (45 KB, 1000x1250)

45 KB JPG

>>5438782
One problem with that, japs and especially edo japs don't drink things like sake from cups, they save that for tea as I understand. We're likely to be given pic related to drink out of, in which case our forcefield shenanigans will be in full view of everyone.

>>5438787
Kinda like a mix of the Samson and the Fluffy myself.

>>5438747
>>5438783
Actually, maybe the omelettes instead of the soup would be better. Got to get that protein to start on the path of gains.

>>5438739
>>5438747
Supporting. Also politely but firmly decline Suika's offer of Sake. If she insists, then explain how you have to have a clear mind to help protect Gensokyo (and the production of alchohol). And if she still wants us to drink, then use our barrier powers to keep ourselves from drinking.
But always be ready to use our barrier just in case Suika tries to force us to drink.
While we are doing this, and if the soup is brought, try to discreetly (either us or motioning for someone else to do it) exchange the Sake with the soup.

>>5438787
We might not even pray because of how sloshed we'll get lmao

I dunno, I kind of want to see what will happen if we drink the sake now. Kasen is with us so we shouldn't get into any harm and we're still in the wee hours of the morning, we'd have plenty of time to get over a hangover before night when Reimu comes back.

>>5438898
I wanna see if we can use the rest of the morning to talk to some people here drunk Aya is something I didn't know I needed and 'sides we did promise Reimu we'd cook something.
I mean, we can always get drunk later but now we should try to be sober in case something bad happens.

>>5438914
Yeah but if we do drink, that'll make Suika like us a lot more and we might even be able to recruit her to our party. Having an Oni have our back would be really helpful.

>>5438919
If we do drink, we should take only one small sip, as courtesy. I don't think we could handle much more than that anyway.

>>5438840
i support this except for the last part. what if the soup bowl looks too different?
if they aren't we can try i guess

File: Masu Box.jpg (305 KB, 1200x1200)

305 KB JPG

>>5438791
Damn, I don't suppose they'll give us a masu to drink out of. If not, the best idea I have is to catch the sake as it enters the mouth using forcefields, hold it in there, and turn it into a gas. The issue with this is that a heated alcohol gas inside Albert's mouth seems like a recipe for scorching the inside unless we can put forcefields along the mouth. At least the breath would smell like alcohol.

Additionally, I think we need to be sober to cook dinner properly.
>>5438806
We need some FUCKING BEANS for the protein and fiber. Albert needs to eat that like a starving man seeing his favorite food.

Anyways, I like The Moses cause I remember that one story of Elisha getting God to get two female bears to eat the forty-two lads since they called him a baldhead.

>>5439093
>FUCKING BEANS
Kasen is going to hate to be around Albert and his bulking breakfast

>>5438739
[X] Drink 1 cup of whatever the oni offers us.

We are already on the Suika railroad. There is no getting off. Take it like a man, its what the Oni wants. Even if we cant handle it properly she'll respect us for facing it head on.

>>5438739
>Order two hamburgers, one for yourself and one for Clownpiece
We are an american, and Clownpiece is wearing the american flag
>Go over to Kogasa, asking if her situation has improved since we last saw her and if she can tell us anything about the residents of Myouren Temple and the Mausoleum.

>>5439168
Do this too. Eating food, especially meat, before alcohol dulls the effect a little bit.

>>5439168
Bro somehow I get the feeling none of them know what a hamburger is and I don't think Albert's the kind of person to eat one for breakfast.

>>5439168
She offered omelettes, soup and/or salad with vegetables.
Might not hurt asking if she can make one, but it's not really on the menu. Also it's breakfast.
Maybe bacon and eggs instead if meat is absolutely necessary?

>>5439171
Nigga he lives in america. We eat burgers any time of day. Carls Junior/Hardee's breakfast burger was the shit before they went under.

>>5438739
>reject the funny drink
>embrace being responsible for daughterfu

>>5439179
We're not in America we're in fucking Gensokyo my brother in christ.

>>5439180
Based

>>5439183
Get ready to fucking colonize then.

>>5439185
Trying to mate, just need Kasen to like us first before we set up the Oni hybrid factory.

>>5439183
every pocket dimension in the world belongs to America
>>5438739
changing >>5439168
to
>Order an omelette
>Go over to Kogasa, asking if her situation has improved since we last saw her and if she can tell us anything about the residents of Myouren Temple and the Mausoleum.
forgot about the options that she listed

>>5439186
I'm pretty sure you mean the hermit children factory, afterall Kasen is a completely normal one with nothing to hide.

>>5439188
Oh yes, of course. I simply got her confused with Suika for a second there is all.

>>5439186
>kasen
Reimu*
>oni hybrid factory
Hakurei successor factory*

>>5439219
This man, this man understands.

File: Spoiler Image (444 KB, 800x736)

444 KB JPG

No mention of the Rabbit despite her high relationship.

>>5439285
We have higher affinity with Reimu at the moment.

File: __imaizumi_kagerou_touhou(...).png (46 KB, 400x290)

46 KB PNG

>No one else wants to say hi to Kagerou and meet Sekibanki
Poor wolfgirl and dulahan

File: 1620105761092.gif (98 KB, 402x416)

98 KB GIF

>>5439455
It was a tough decision, if they had the funny fishe with them I would have definitely voted to chat with their group instead. Hope we see more of the grassroots group anyways.

Did we all just ignore the tanuki?

>>5439558
What do you mean, I can't see any tanuki? I just see a normal lady with glasses, just like Kasen is a normal hermit.

>>5439563
Fuck, it can only mean one thing: this lady is a badass for drinking with youkai. Like seeing a rabbit resting among lions.

We keep mentioning people we should meet but how about the ones we should definitely stay clear of?
For me, it's Seija.

>>5440299
Know about Seiga is cool and all, but I want to stay as far away as we can from her. Yachie too, with her mind powers come to mind too.
There's more than a hundred characters, it's hard remembering them all at will.

>>5440318
Oh, and I know that Seija and Seiga are too different characters, I just think both are bad news.
Add Parsee with her jealousy, Medicine with her hatred for humans and Tsukasa due to being a scheming little shit to the list. Maybe Yuuka, depending on how she is feeling that day. Although Albert might be able to get on her good graces because of his experience working part time at a flower shop.
Mai and Satono too, but I don't think we are going to have a choice given who is behind the incident.

>>5439285
If we ask to pet her ears would it be weird?

>>5440299
>seiga
Probably a bad idea.

>>5441639
She is pretty interesting though.

File: 1592559240029.gif (576 KB, 500x500)

576 KB GIF

>>5441639
Just because someone has a undead servant, schemes a bunch, and literally has the title "Wicked" doesn't mean they're a bad person or untrustworthy :^)
But nah, I wouldn't mind us meeting with Seiga. We need all the help we can get to move away from being a squishy normal human, and I'm thinking that bunch of different perspectives will be important to get the most out of hermit training in the short term. Seiga is the one who taught Miko, so she's gotta be good at passing along the techniques.

>>5441649
She's most likely to only want to do that to taoists, given the whole plan to supplant buddhism.

>>5441649
Thinking about it, one of the best sources for information about hermits would probably be Tenshi. I have no idea how we would find the celestial, though.

"I'll just have a soup. And a salad for this one." You say, pointing to Clownpiece with your thumb.

"I'll have the same." Kasen said, a bit pleased herself at you deeming to keep Clownpiece's diet in check.

Though, the Pierrot herself didn't look too pleased, Clownpiece giving you a shocked expression.

"Whaaaaat? Are you for real?! A sa-s-salad?! Buh-but I don't wanna eat greens! Bleck!" She said, sticking her tongue out.

"You can't just eat sweets all the time, Clownpi. You're going to get yourself sick to your stomach you will."

"But I'm a Fairy from HELL, I don't get sick! Uh, usually!"

You frowned at her. "Okay, but we've established that you can get sick then. Even if you don't deal with it the same way us humans do, if you eat sweets all the time, you just take away what makes having sweets special on the occasion for it. That's why we have a specific time for dessert, you silly."

"Uhg... y-yeah, well..." Clownpiece stammered. She looked like she was hard at work trying to come up with a counterpoint, but she just couldn't think of anything; "Okay...! Fine, I'll eat the... egh, salad. But don't expect me to like it!" She pouted.

Somehow you get the feeling she'll be gobbling up whatever's given to her without a second thought. Kasen giggled at how childish Clownpiece was, and you heard Kogasa give it a chuckle too.

"My, my, dealing with a Fairy... you have more patience than most Youkai I've ever seen." The Umbrella chimed in across the bar.

"When you come from New York like me, it isn't nothing special. So, how's your financial game been since last time?"

"Good, actually! I was able to pay off half my debt to Byakuren-sama thanks to your contributions! It's given me a lot more confidence in my skills at bartering! I'm sure two more days of selling off my wares will get me enough to finish paying what Byakuren-sama asked of me." Kogasa beamed, happy with how her situation was turning out just before she hiccupped from her own drink of sake.

That was good for her. You were glad to see your actions and purchases have at least caused a genuine reaction. Part of you was afraid before that a lot of your doings would go without actual results. She didn't appear to be afraid of any assassins anymore either.

Kasen, passively observing these conversations, was quite surprised herself to hear about how you went out of your way to help Youkai themselves. But of course, she knew you were an Outsider, and didn't share the perception most Humans in Gensokyo had towards them.

"Ah, you've both met before then have you? Albert, you should know that Kogasa, being a Tsukumogami, has a very specific way of sustaining herself. The next time you meet her, it might be in a way you won't expect." Kasen said, with a hinting little grin.

You tilted your head at that. Even Kogasa herself didn't seem to take any offense, she even had a mischievous look upon her face.

"What does that mean?"

File: __imaizumi_kagerou_touhou(...).png (1.25 MB, 900x1250)

1.25 MB PNG

"BWHOOOO!"

"Hgn!"

God! You didn't expect to suddenly get taken by surprise from behind by Kagerou with a jumpscare then. She actually had your heart pounding slightly.

"Wh-What's the big idea?!"

"Hehehehe! What we're trying to say is that many Youkai derive their energy from Human fear." The Werewolf explained as you just stared wide eyed at her, and a Clownpiece who was pulling her eyelids down to make a scary face at you past her.

"It's true, I'm able to steal spiritual energy to sustain myself by surprising Humans. Although last time, I surprised the wrong Human..." Kogasa admits.

Kasen nodded to that. "Being that it's only in her nature, Kogasa could try scaring you the next time she meets you. If you happened to end up supplying the existence of a Youkai by feeding them fear, you could end up feeling weak as a result, or even physically ill. But, you know most that you've met already won't mean it."

"Y-Yeah... all fun and games... But, I don't really feel weak, even though I just got scared."

Kagerou sniffled and wrinkled her nose. "It must be that brand that makes us feel pretty bad. Whatever you do, don't roll your sleeves up." She asked, patting you on the shoulder before she returned to her own table.

Now that was interesting. Youkai could feed off Human emotions like fear, but your Big Dipper was preventing them from eating of your spirit even if you actually fall for a cheap scare like that. You wondered if Youkai could feed off other emotions from Humans than just fear. You didn't doubt that there could be creatures out there who purposely attempt to sabotage lives to feed of something such as sorrow, in this land of Fantasy.

Damn, now you want to play the Witcher 3 again.

File: It's no boof but she offe(...).jpg (150 KB, 617x999)

150 KB JPG

"If you aren't feeling weak yet, then rustle up, cause you just might after having some of this!"

The Youkai in the establishment all turned their attention off to Suika as the Oni was steadily approaching you then. She a tiny little red saucer in her hand filled with a clear liquid. That must have been her special Sake.

"She's really gone and made it extra intoxicating..."

"Ohuhuhu! This will be good."

"...Y-You don't see that every day..."

You were left feeling a little singled out as all eyes fell on you and Suika, the bartender staring nervously behind her counter while she cooked, Kasen staring intensely at the saucer, Kagerou covering her mouth, the lady with glasses adjusting her shades as she cackled. Clownpiece did say she had a bad feeling about it... but then you went and decided she needed to eat salad, so she quickly changed her mood and was hoping it made you extra drunk with a sly look on her features.

"Heeere you are~! Heheehee! Just a tiny... teency tiny little bit in an extra small sakazuki, smallest one I could find. Go on, I said you should try it. Don't disappoint us! I rarely ever get to let Humans try my special Sake! I made it extra strong, but in such a little amount, it shouldn't be too much for you... or will it? Hehee!"

Damn, you were hoping to weasel your way out of this somehow. Maybe by swiping it for soup, but Miyoi was still preparing your and Kasen's miso soup, and Clownpiece's salad. She was still chopping some ingredients, and now working a bit slower as she watched the scene unfold. How did Suika fortify her Sake so fast? She must be more than your average drunkard. She's like a super drunkard or something!

Well, you still had a plan. You'd been learning magic from Mima. A Forcefield in specific. You could make one that could cover you of course, but you could also make small ones that could fit between your fingertips, since learning in the initial four days, you had to slowly master expanding your Forcefield from a small size to a big one. You had a plan.

You would go to drink the Sake, and then create a Forcefield in your mouth to contain it by focusing your mana or whatever through your teeth. Like your fingertips, your teeth could also work as a focusing point! It was genius!

So, you reached back for your Hanbo-

"..."

Wait a minute, you didn't have your Hanbo. Suika hurriedly took you before you could grab any of your things. You went as is. Without your spiritual medium, you couldn't cast the Forcefield. Even a master like Mima needed her staff, casting from the palms wasn't as effective.

Shit.

'Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink!'

You heard basically everyone except Kasen and Miyou start chanting. To make matters worse, there was a sudden new arrival, Aya Shameimaru, coming into the bar holding her camera high and joining the chanting, and Hecatia Lapislazuli was off in the corner secluded with a single bottle in her hand also encouragin- Wait, when did she get here?!

"Well, you gonna drink or not big man, you don't wanna keep us waiting, do you?" Suika urged you.

"Uh... uhh... I, ah, well, I... Nnn... Dh... Damn it..."

You reached forward, took the sakazuki and downed the Special Sake in one gulp, like a shot. The surrounding Youkai started cheering and Aya's camera flashed to snap the moment just as the drink met your lips. (Cruelty 1+)

You gave out a post-gulping sigh as you put the sakazuki back into a satisfied Suika's hand. The Oni bellowed a victorious laughter and raised her gourd to drink from it, everyone else taking that as their sign to start drinking sake themselves too then. Kasen rolled her eyes, and you saw the Hermit decide to join in herself a little.

It made you wonder why Miyoi was anxious of Suika coming in to drink sake when everyone else already appeared to be doing the same over their omelettes. May have been breakfast hours but you guessed a bar remained a bar. Maybe you'd be finding out why soon enough... Speaking of food, your miso soup was finally presented for you, and a salad with fruit, seaweed and tofu was given to Clownpiece, the Hell Fairy eyeing it suspiciously for a second before taking a pair of chopsticks and scooping some tofu into her mouth. Clownpiece chewed... and then began pigging out on the salad, as if enjoying a newfound guilty pleasure.

"Oh man, I can't believe he actually did it...!" Came the red-collared Youkai.

"He's quite tolerant. Or, that remains to be seen at least." Kagerou gossiped.

"This is so going into the next edition." Aya muttered to herself.

Suika was already having trouble orienting her wobbling head right as she gave another hiccup packed with as much alcoholic content as her drink and buzzed with giggling at you.

"Heheheee... So, so how are you feeling, Alby?"

"Juss fine." You said, covering your mouth to suppress a burp.

Just a little green maybe. But, you thought you handled your Sake well enough.

"Ah... Albert? Albert, what are you doing?" Kasen asked then.

"What do you meeh...?"

The Hermit pointed with her finger of wrappings to your miso soup bowl. You looked down at it and saw that you were fishing around in the soup with a pair of chopsticks, like you were swirling it pointlessly. You dropped it and realized there was a soup spoon to use.

"Ahohhohright, nah nah nah I was juss thinkin it was noodles since, cuz that was the last meal I had is all. Yeah, yeah, just acting a little silly izal."

"Hah! I think you're feeling something more than 'juss fine'! Hahaha!" Suika said before she bumbled off, taking comically long strides across the bar floor, but not before she had reached over to pour some of her Special Sake content into the Hermit's own saucer while Kasen was distracted reaching over to fix the spoon into your hand.

You just picked up the entire bowl then and started chugging the miso soup down, along with all the contents. You put the bowl down to see Kasen and Miyoi both give you an astonished look while Clownpiece just smiled like an amused chimpanzee with a piece of seaweed stuck to her cheek.

"Albert... are you feeling right?" Kasen asked with concern over your soberness before she drank from her own saucer again.

"Y-... Mmm! Yeah, peachy." You said, swiveling around on your bar chair to face away from the counter.

Your head was starting to spin. You had a buzzing feeling, your cheeks felt hot and were blush red. You also felt... really happy.

>[Write in]
>Kagerouuu! Pet the doggo, pet dog. Goode wolfu, deserves many pats, pretty boofer wooferino, pet the dog pet the dog pet teh do-
>Feelin thirsty again, need to get quenched FAST. Hey, Suika, give me more of that good stuff! (1+ ???)
>Hey, look, it's Aya Shmyaroo. How's about that intervoo?
>Ah, good, H-*iccup*-...eccia's here. Now'sabout a good time to bring her up to date about that secret dog that's been bothering you, maybe Clownpiece will want to see her too.
>Kasen! Best buddie! Even though you only just met her today, she's a real nice lady. Hug time!
>Ask Kogasa is she has a warranty. (1+ ???)

>>5441856
>Kagerouuu! Pet the doggo, pet dog. Goode wolfu, deserves many pats, pretty boofer wooferino, pet the dog pet the dog pet teh do-
Pet the wan wan

>>5441856
>Ah, good, H-*iccup*-...eccia's here. Now'sabout a good time to bring her up to date about that secret dog that's been bothering you, maybe Clownpiece will want to see her too.

Let's see what drunken shenanigans talking to a maternal figure of Clownpiece can lead to. I am interested in seeing if others can see her beside us or if we are going insane.

Oh, Albert, you brave fool, you fell to peer pressure. How will you be an upstanding parental figure for Clownpiece now?

File: dog.jpg (222 KB, 1280x720)

222 KB JPG

>>5441856
>Kagerouuu! Pet the doggo, pet dog. Goode wolfu, deserves many pats, pretty boofer wooferino, pet the dog pet the dog pet teh do-
How could I possibly resist if you give us an option like this QM.

>>5441856
>Hug Kasen
>Sob into Kasen's shoulder about how nice she and everybody else is for helping an outsider like us
>Make a toast to Gensokyo with Kasen's drink
>Order a hamburger

>>5441859
Hey we did good by her so far, we just obviously weren't going to have a good time resisting Suika. I think Heca will be proud and satisfied to hear that. You know, unless our drunk ass starts hitting on her or something.

>>5441883
>our drunk ass starts hitting on her or something
I really want to know what horrible pickup line Albert would use on a god now.

>>5441914
"Hey baby, how about showing me those planets of yours. The other ones."

...wait, is Hecatia actually here now or is Albert so drunk that he saw Sekibanki and thought "red hair=Hecatia"

>>5441942
Well, the line about seeing Hecc was before he took the shot, so maybe?

>>5441943
ah, whoops, missed that bit

>>5441856
>>5441864
support. tell them that gensokyo is great. then tell them that its actually shit if it doesnt have burgers and we need to culture them.

>>5441856
>lift up clownpiece
>put her on the table
>stand up and recite the pledge of allegiance
>demand a burger

Now that I think about it, we are leaning pretty heavily into the American steryotype, but since hes a new yorker, shouldnt albert have a thing for Pastrami Sandwiches? Kosher sandwish shops are a big thing there (or at least they used to be)

>>5442379
He needs hotdogs and pizza too.

>>5442375
>>5441864
And you know what? Being drunk is the perfect time to order american cuisine and be patriotic.
I'll support both of these, including being sentimental in thanking everyone for being so nice. On top of petting the nice dog, of course.

>>5442388
Oh, another idea on what to sing besides the national anthem: a psalm, or a catchy church song.

>>5442399
We have to dedicate a round of Amazing Grace to Kasen. The blush would be legendary. Reimu is also an option for added posterity.

>>5442574
Put that one aside for later. Great Idea but now is not yet That Time.

Uh, are none of us concerned about Suika secretly giving Kasen her extra extra drunk sake while she wasn't looking?

>>5442599
I'm sure that the totally normal hermit has ways around that, she wouldn't be close friends with Suika with her liver was destroyed.
One could say she has the endurance of an Oni.

>>5442599
Ain’t we making a toast with Kasen’s drink?

>>5442602
>One could say she has the endurance of an Oni.
In bed too haha

>>5442605
She already drank it didn't she?

>>5442605
hell if I know, I did that write in as more of a "these would be nice hijinks to see"
If we can make it more than one step into that plan before Suika's super sake puts us on the floor than I'd call it a win
>>5442607
I figured she had some left

Don’t suppose that Hecc is drinking some ambrosia right now is she? Can we get a gulp of that?

>>5442614
It could also be nectar. The mythological one, not the flower and bees one.
If magical foods are a thing, could God hook us with some Manna? We are going to need some now that we are broke.

>>5442619
>morning at the Hakurei shrine
>there is no food left
>though it does little to comfort the hunger pangs, Reimu is a little happy that she isn't the only one to be going through the struggle
>Albert walks outside
>he immediately gets showered by food
I don't know if her heart could take it

>>5442621
She might make Albert, though by that point called Jedediah, a permanent resident of the shrine if his presence rains food from the skies

>>5442758
>5 years later
>another Outsider manages to survive Gensokyou and make his way to the shrine
>first thing he sees is Albert inextricably strung up on a post and surrounded by bowls of manna with Aunn napping nearby

File: 4ff.png (357 KB, 475x792)

357 KB PNG

>>5442758
So our take on christian hermit is to become a mormon? They do believe they can ascend some sort of divine figure, and Smith is the closet thing to an american prophet there is, so this might just work.

>>5442868
To be honest, Anon, I was thrown through a loop by your statement about Mormons until I realized the name Jedediah (lit. beloved of Jah) was probably used by some Mormon leader. All I know about the Mormons is that they have polygamy, Smith was killed by a crowd, and something about golden plates. Anyways, I like the idea of ascension, like Enoch and Elijah.

>>5443244
I'll be honest, the only things I know about them is from the old Mormon Jesus video. I was googling what Jebediah meant, but when a wikipedia page about one of their leaders appeared on the top results I immediately remembered that Joshua Graham meme and thought of an excuse to post it.

Anyway, on another topic, should we change our Hanbo to become some sort of shepard's crook, or put a cross on top of it? We can always keep it as is and let it just be a staff though. We could also put a bronze serpent on top to clown on Kanabo. God told Moses to do it

>pop in
>see 2hu quest
>we are a random american doing dumb shit in gensokyo
why am i not surprised, other then the fact i'm kind of surprised we aren't trying to shoot shit.

>>5443297
Yet

>>5443297
Well, it helps that the other native 2hus are doing enough shooting to cover our American quota

Can't believe none wants to have a drunk interview with Aya.

File: __imaizumi_kagerou_touhou(...).jpg (201 KB, 500x700)

201 KB JPG

Really happy, really chipper. Reaaal fine right now. That's how you felt. And to top it all off, you have the munchies, again.

"Eck-... cuse me, bar lady, can I get a b-ouff... a burger over here?" You asked with a dizzy disposition.

"Ah... a... a what...?"

"You know... a burger. Beef between bread. This is America you know." You say, pointing to Clownpiece, who perks up at being singled out.

Okunoda Miyoi blinked a few times, herself having some trouble processing just exactly what you meant. "B-Beef... between bread? I, ahh... uh... I-I'll see what I can do!" She says, not wanting to stain the image of her little kitchen by not having something she feels she could easily whip up.

You just smiled like an idiot and gave a little 'heheh' under your breath much proverbial to your current state of mind and soberness, and swiveled around in your seat to stare off at Kagerou.

"Mmm."

"...Dog." You just said in observation. It made Kasen stop in middle of raising her drink to her lips so she could just stare at you instead.

You stood up and started walking towards the Werewolf.

"Aahhh... here we go." Kasen sighed.

Kagerou's curious eyes fell on you as you stepped up to her. She honestly looked a bit worried, knowing too well that just a little of Suika's special sake had put you under the influence already. She tensed up a little bit as you raised her hand, the red caped girl across from her getting mild sweat drops.

"Gooood girl."

And then your hand fell onto her head and you started petting her. Kagerou's ears drooped, and her cheeks turned red.

"W-Waaah! Wh-ooo! Wh-a-at are you doing...?!"

"Nice doggies deserve scritches!"

"N-Noooo! N-Not in front of everyone! N-Not like this! S... Sekibanki, he-helllp!" The Werewolf begged, to which her, as well, somewhat drunk red-caped friend began to break out into laughter at her situation. Aya made sure to snap a few more photos.

Kagerou was extremely embarrassed, although that didn't stop her tail from wagging at the affection whether it was voluntary or not as you scratched her hair until she couldn't withstand it and planted her chin on her table; "Wh...Wooo...!"

You patted her head and turned back to Kasen, the least drunk of everyone right now besides the bartender and Clownpiece. She instantly prepared herself for whatever you were about to do next.

File: __ibaraki_kasen_touhou_dr(...).jpg (634 KB, 856x1000)

634 KB JPG

You strode forward and hugged Kasen.

"...Eeeeh!?" She mouthed as another flash came from Aya's camera, flushed and humiliated by the display.

Your head was just buried into her shoulder as her eyes darted from the left and the right, Kasen herself totally unsure of what to do besides pat your shoulder and hope to endure the duration of this...

"A-Albert... are you okay? Maybe giving you special sake wasn't the best idea... I shouldn't even be drinking myself." Kasen sighed as she held her saucer out for a refill from Suika nonetheless.

You wept.

Kasen raised an eyebrow, and she promptly nudged you back, seeing you shed manly tears with a serious face and a sniffle.

"U-Uh! Albert? What's... wrong? Are you... are you crying...?!"

"Yes. Yes I am."

"Awhoo...? I-Is something the matter with him? Is it because he stopped petting me...?" Kagerou said, quick to come to your side.

"No. These are tears of joy." You proclaimed, giving pause even to Suika; "Because you're all so nice to me-hee-heeeee!"

Confusion swamped the room and you still clutched Kasen tightly, the Hermit's brain buzzing with question marks. Clownpiece spared a look towards her torch, debating whether or not to exacerbate things by waving it to you and the rest of the drunk Youkai.

"I'm so glad I ended uph in Genshokyo! Ahuuhuuuuuuu! OoHHHH! All I kept getting told and told was... maneaters this... death that! Evil gods this! People are goina kill me but!" You sniffle mid sentence; "But everyone's been so helpful and, and! And! And! And NIIIICE to me! Even nicer than the clerks at the convenience store! Much nicer than the metro popo too! See cause I kept hearin' that I was gonna get torn apart by Youkai, but it never happened because you all decided to be nice friends to me instead even though I'm just a STINKING Outsideeerrrr! So, so! So that's why I'm weeping these tears of joy! They sumbolize my deep, DEEP happiness and ratitude for every-thiiii-hii-hiiing!"

"Okay! Okay! Simmer down, we get it. You just appreciate that you're in good hands..." Kasen tried to calm you down, a bit shy towards telling that announcing yourself as an Outsider in the Village wasn't particularly a good idea.

"Y-Yeah! He's right!" Kogasa suddenly exclaimed, brought to tears herself by the outburst, which streamed down her flushed cheeks as she stood up beside Kasen, whose look sunk; "And for a human, he... he treated me really good, even where most other Youkai don't!"

"Nobody really thinks to give me pets because I'm so vocal against it, because I don't want to look like I'm having my dignity torn down, but secretly deep down inside I really enjoy it and wish more people would do it to meeeee!" Kagerou then joined the cryfest.

"I'm out of salad! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!" Clownpiece cried.

(;д;) *HFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!*

"Aaahuuuuuuuu! Aaahooo hooo..." Suika bawled.

"Wait a minute, why are 'you' crying?!" Kasen asked.

"I'm out of sakeeeee!" Suika said, before refilling her saucer and lightening her mood; "Now I'm not!"

The Hermit groaned. She knew she was risking this kind of company coming to the bar but she didn't think it would escalate this quickly. It's all thanks to Suika and her special sake.

Wait just a minute there, sake! That's it! Everyone just needed more sake! That was the perfect conclusion your drunk mind could come up with! You let off making Suika the shoulder you cried into and grabbed her refilled saucer of the special sake then, stepping up onto a stool.

"Everyone! A toast! To Gensokyo!" You declared, raising the saucer to the air.

"To Gensokyo!" Came a round from the Youkai.

All together, you and the rest would drink more sake. More sake always helped! And then the bar was swarmed with sakazukis asking for refills from the customers, and Miyou thrown into a frenzy trying to refill them as fast as they were drunken down. The whale-head looked up at you in-between giving Kogasa for seventh or so refill.

"M-Mister...! I checked every last cabinet but I can't find any beef that we have in stock! I used it all for a stew last time we were opened and um... I don't think I can fulfill your order for a... what was it?"

"A burger. And if you don't got burgers, you don't got nothin'... unless you have deli cuts. Man! I love nice slices of Lebanese bologna. Mmm."

"Oi! Oi! What kinda place you trying to run here if you don't got any meats, Miyoi?! Can't you see he's a man? Men need their meats, otherwise they're not good for eats!" Suika said with a questionable context, raising her shackled fist to the air.

"Yeah, what she said. We needs the meats. Like Arby's, they have the meats, even say it in their commercials. What about you?"

"Ah... I'll need to wait until my b-boss restocks!" The Zashiki-warashi said.

"That's no good! You need beef, right? Well then, why don't we just go get it ourselves!" Suika beamed.

"Suika, no-" Kasen was cut off by you standing on the bar and walking behind her to get in better range of the Oni.

"What do you suujest?"

"Hehee! I saw some horses outside the Village a while ago! Maybe they have beef!"

"Great idea! Let's go round them up and butcher them one by one for their meat, like in Red Dead two!"

"Y-Yeah! Grhh! Great plan! Maybe if we get a lot of good meat... Miyoi'll give us more sake! Hahaha-OOH!" Kogasa said before tripping and falling.

You drank down Kasen's sake saucer and dropped it, the Hermit catching it reflexively as you felt yourself lean forward a bit.

"Let's do it."

You fall forward and hit the floor, almost face first.

...


Day eventually perishes to night...


...

File: 87b8aadee4ad86882e1053564(...).jpg (186 KB, 736x1104)

186 KB JPG

"..."

Your eyes flicker open to behold the star filled night sky. You lean up and find yourself amid trees, bushes, tall grass, and some wet spots on the ground. There was the sound of a river nearby too. And bugs chirping into the night.

"Crap."

And you only had your underpants on. Your summer yukata was gone... wait, that's your yukata hanging from a tree branch above. Looks a bit high to reach right now.

"Phewwww..." You heard snoring nearby.

You peered over to the side and saw Suika laid against a tree. Clownpiece was nowhere in sight. It was nighttime to boot, and that meant Reimu would have been back at her Shrine by now! Oh god! What have you done! You should have never taken an Oni's drink, much too strong for human livers! Oh great, you feel like you're going to be sick too...
You became a real drunkard today. (Cruelty 20+)

"Hehehehehe..."

You freeze up momentarily, looking back over your shoulder slowly past the tall grass and into the trees. You weren't alone. There was something else out there. You heard something dashing into the foliage in the distance, something fast. Was it Rumia?! No... she didn't seem that fast, rather oafish if anything. This was probably a different kind of Youkai.

"Little human, little human... why get lost in the woods at night? Is it the stink of tipple that brought you here where you're in fright? Hehehe! Then cower, cower in fear of the night, and remember human, your fear of it."

Well then, that was more than enough to get you off your feet. You grabbed a fallen branch and used it to pull your yukata down to catch. You supposed getting the hell out of here was a good idea right about now, preferably putting your clothes back on as you went on your way back to the Hakurei Shrine and kicked it. You started pushing your way past bushes and...

"Where do you think you're going...?"

Huh? Suika's awake? It looks like she's half-awake.

"You really just gonna... -aaaaahhhpheeww!- ...just gonna leave without Kasen and Kogers first?"

"Wait, what?! Are you saying... are you saying Kasen and Kogasa are out here too?!"

"Hahaha! Don't you remember the fun times we had? Yeah, I think Kasen fell asleep over there by the river! Man, seeing her like that again for the first time in ages sure was entertaining. Anyway, I'm gonna, just gonna.... ahhh..." She tossed and turned on the ground until she found a comforting enough spot to keep snoring.

You had a bit of a delayed reaction here. You don't remember much past... falling on your head when you were drunk. Are you serious?! You were stuck in the middle of God knows where, a Youkai might be after you right now, Suika was trying to sleep on the ground, and Kasen and Kogasa were also stranded out here with you?! You couldn't just... you couldn't just leave them! But, what about yourself? You didn't have your Hanbo, therefor no means of self defense and...!

Would a big enough branch work? Maybe a rock? Your Hanbo was an object that merely focused your magical energy... couldn't other things work?

>...What will you do...?

>>5444718
Damn, we got 21 cruelty from the in total for this outing. We should avoid alcohol from now on.
>PRAY
>For forgiveness of all of our sins, for not praying these past few days, for over indulging in alcohol, for practicing magic without asking first, for being born again and immediately falling to temptation.
>For guidance for our future, and how we could survive in Gensokyo without succumbing to evil, to protect ourselves and our friends.
It's time

>>5444722
Also our cruelty is now matched with our grace because of this.
We really should avoid everything from now on, seems cruelty is way, way easier to get than grace and getting it higher leads to bad end.

>>5444722
+1
Oh my God, you guys managed to get us piss drunk, without our piece, in the middle of the woods after we semi-decided to become a Christian hermit in addition to binding us more to the secret god and after promising to cook the shrine maiden a meal. Temperance is definitely not our virtue. I am most offended by the fact that we don't have our piece to use to confront the monster, to be honest. We really need to pray or grab a stick or something. The hermit didn't keep us out of trouble at all!

I suggest putting Suika on our back and fleeing if we need to run.

>You became a real drunkard today. (Cruelty 20+)
Damn, that is a definite increase. I wonder wh-
>"Hehee! I saw some horses outside the Village a while ago! Maybe they have beef!"
>"Great idea! Let's go round them up and butcher them one by one for their meat, like in Red Dead two!"
Oh no, did we butcher some village animals? We definitely don't have the money to pay for a horse in this period of history. Hopefully, they were just wild animals.

>"Little human, little human... why get lost in the woods at night? Is it the stink of tipple that brought you here where you're in fright? Hehehe! Then cower, cower in fear of the night, and remember human, your fear of it."

Is it Nue?

>>5444729
The whole thing about night and how Albert thought about Rumia might mean it's Mystia.
Also it seems we ended up in the bamboo forest of the lost, which means running probably won't work.

Also I'm partly to blame for this for support this
>>5441864
Without adding to avoid the toast or drinking more
>>5442388
Sorry everyone

Also Albert went all french and tried to go for horse meat. For shame.

>>5444734
>Also it seems we ended up in the bamboo forest of the lost
Wot? I know the image shows bamboo but the text is this:
You lean up and find yourself amid trees, bushes, tall grass, and some wet spots on the ground.
I would think bamboo would be noted if this was the bamboo forest.

>>5444741
I really thought it was because of the image, and QM just didn't mention because of that.
But it might be the Youkai trail in that case, since it's near the village. Which would confirm Mystia I guess. Maybe Keine will come to the rescue, we are a human and this is part of her patrol.

>>5444741
I found it by searching for 'japanese forest at night' so it was the best pic I had at the moment.

>>5444722
Support. Funny drink wasn't so fun...
I don't think we should immediately run away. It would be better if we tried to wake Suika up and tell her to help us find the others.
But we should do whatever God tells us to do first after praying.

>>5444748
Question, is it possible to lower either grace or cruelty? Or is that spoiler territory?

>>5444780
The amount will just continually rise to infinite, what matters in the end is how much you build up of one side of Karma before the seal breaks.

File: 1664538437469637.png (830 KB, 900x1701)

830 KB PNG

>>5444783
But then why it's a percentage if it just keeps rising forever? Or if it reaches 100% it breaks?
Also reposting the inventory, i'm tired to look at the other thread
Just realized that saving lives is less good than drinking is evil. Albert might secretly be a muslim.

>>5444718
lmao great scene
>grab a stick in the hopes it will work as a focus for magic if we get jumped
>try to locate the river to find Kasen, keeping an ear out for the sound of water

>>5444717
>Cruelty +20
Albert has to learn how to say no and keep his promises before he gets involved into something worse.
And also take a vow of temperance to boot.

Oh great, Suika duped Kasen into returning to her Oni roots.
You don't think we screwed around or anything with any of them while we were off partying? I won't be surprised if Albert finds a pair of panties in the next ten feet...

>>5444787
Wait, or does the point that accumulate does not perfectly match the percentage? I didn't really stop to count to make sure.
Hope this doesn't feel like me complaining to you QM

Although maybe all the cruelty is not directly being a drunkard itself, but all the mayhem we case while being drunk.
Like breaking Reimu's promise, getting all of these yokais to start messes, not holding back, killing horses, etc.

>The amount of Cruelty or Grace you accumulate in your Karma is directly dependent on how nasty the actions performed are viewed

From the first thread, I think it explains why so much cruelty was accumulated. Aya was most likely around documenting and photographing the mayhem caused by Albert.

I would also like to see what happens if we get Cruelty and Grace at 100% simultaneously. Thought that this wouldn't be possible because of how much of a difference there was between Cruelty and Grace. But turns out that getting plastered with Oni really levels the field.

>>5445063
Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Now it makes more sense.

>>5444787
>>5444791
>Or if it reaches 100% it breaks?
No, it will keep going, even to to say 8000%. Remember, the Big Dipper only breaks when you discover the identity of the one who placed it.
And it's no worries mate, if anything I'm surprised at the general lack of complaining since these systems were made on the fly.

Can we call out for Fluffy? I would think it unlikely that he is out of commission or hampered by the aftereffects of drinking like Albert and the others are. So perhaps we can use Fluffy to try and find Kasen, guiding us to her or her to us. Unless, in the infinite wisdom of the drunken mind, Albert gave some drink to the Kedama.

Your mind was racing, you just didn't have the answer to everything. As it stood, you weren't sure about chancing it either by running or making a break for it, not without one of your Youkai friends protecting you. You might make it far but a Youkai like the one hunting you was undoubtedly faster... they'd catch you and then...

You didn't want to think about it.

You fell to your knees and kept your head below the line of the tall grass and clenched your hands together, putting them against your temple as you began muttering under your breath...

"Dear God... oh Dear God help me! Please! I... I've done wrong, Lord! I was foolish! I gave into temptations even after giving myself to you! Please forgive me, PLEASE forgive me! For... for all the black magic! For being a drunkard! Oh God please help me, I'm so alone and scared. I don't wanna die! Not just yet! Show me the way! Please show me a sign! A-Anything!"

You heard a sniff resound to the air.

"Mmm... Yes, I smell fear on you, Outsider! You're not very far! Hehehe! Is that... prayer I smell too? It's far too late for that. Your fear will make you delectable. When I find you, your life ends. I'm going to eat you alive! You won't escape, the night is your enemy and will blind your way! So run! Hide! It doesn't matter, it'll just make it funner for me! Hahahahaha!"

You flinched where you were and thought that was good enough. You started into a crawl through the tall grass and bushes, coming up upon Suika. The Oni was snoring, that was bad. You carefully reached over and picked Suika up... and goddamn she was heavy! Deceptively heavy for how small she was! You hefted the Oni onto your back and her mouth fell onto your shoulder, blocking her snoring and forcing her to breath out of the nose. You found that despite what you might have thought before, carrying her by her enormous horns wasn't so bad an idea, she didn't seem to react especially to it.

"We goin' on another... hip! Trip...?"

"Shut up."

"Ruu... ruude."

Now... you just didn't know which way to go now. You hoped Suika would be able to fight back if the enemy caught you.

Just then, you felt the wind suddenly change direction, and go into the actual opposite. That was so unnatural. The tall grass was blowing to your right now. Cautiously, you began crouch-walking that way... and eventually, you'd come upon a bush...

File: __houjuu_nue_touhou_drawn(...).jpg (98 KB, 900x1000)

98 KB JPG

And pushing through it, you found something on the ground, left here abandoned just on the grass. It was white. Was it a sock...? A small mitten? Wait, no, you recognize this, this little... muff thingy. It was one of those two things Kasen wore on the sides of her head to keep her buns up. Then if this is here... that means the Hermit must be near! Suika did say something about her falling asleep near a river, and you heard rushing waters around!

This must have been the sign of the Lord you've asked for! With the wind whipping and the sound of the river hard to discern, you wouldn't have known the direction otherwise and would have been lost. The wind must have been blowing in the right direction! You started heading forwards, between the trees and bushes.

You ducked and stopped then as branches ahead were sliced in half and fell. You nearly drop Suika by letting go of one of her horns, instead raising the hand to cover your mouth and prevent your yelp.

"Hmm? Seems I lost you for now... Hehehe! Sneaky little Outsider, you've already lasted longer than I was expecting."

You glanced off towards the left, and barely, just barely raised your head above some bristle.

A Youkai was floating there. One wearing a short black dress, stockings, and wielding a trident or something. She had... odd red and blue growths extending out her back, like tentacles or gnarly wings, or the limbs of a spider. Black hair, and red eyes, just like Aya did.

"Your prayers must have been answered, but do you think you'll get out of here alive? I can trace you by the sounds you make, and I can smell your fear. And there's something else showing me that you aren't far either. I'll find you, eventuallyyyy~! Hahahaha!"

The Big Dipper, Youkai were drawn to it. You felt sweat slither down the side of your skull as you looked up. The Youkai hunting you dashed off again, slicing right through a tree and letting it fall in a slow timber. You took that chance to grab Suika by both horns again and start moving.

You stop briefly upon noticing a branch you nearly stepped on and snapped. Damn! She did slice some branches too! She must have been doing that on purpose to reveal you! You have to be careful...

(°д°) *FU?*

H-hey! Fluffy is still with you?! The little Kedama slid out your sleeve! What was he... he's smelling Kasen's hair bun that you held.

(°д°) *FUUU!*

"W-Wait...!"

Darn! Fluffy is floating off without your direction ahead! Maybe he can lead you to Kasen.

>Roll 1d100 to avoid detection.

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>5446102
O God my God! I beg of Thee!

>>5446104
Shit, God is mad at Albert.

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>5446102
Go fluffy, be the best boy!

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>5446102
Deliver me from mine enemies, o my God. Defend me from them that rise up against me...

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>5446102
AIEEE SAVE US FROM THE THIGH YOUKAI

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>5446102
We're all good now, I'm sure Fluffy can solo Nue.

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>5446102
These rolls man.

>>5446157
Finally, one above 50.
I'll use these arbitrary bad dice roll as an excuse to say that God is angry at us and we must repent for our sins.

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>5446102
FAAAAAITH

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>5446102
the noo is 3spooky5me

also surprised that we managed to catch a glimpse of her true form. just by doing that weve already removed some of her power over us. Heh. Albert wanted to larp some rdr2 but it looks like hes gonna have to do his best Snake impression instead.

KANAKO BLESS THESE DIGITS

>>5446585
Morya shrine and the snek goddess here mogging all the other faiths.

>>5446585
Well shit, guess it's time to convert

>>5446184
>>5446585
Guess Albert got out of this one. Wonder if we'll actually find Kasen with these rolls.

>>5447016
>>5446760
I know you guys are probably just joking, but I feel like rejecting YHVH or worshiping someone else at the same time might add to our Cruelty.

You weren't sure what he was going to do, but you'd rather not lose what could be a good chance. You started back into your shuffle across the ground, soon coming upon what looked to be rocks between the bushes-

Cr... aaAck!

A rock... didn't usually make that sound when you stepped on it.

"Found youuuu!"

"Shit." You mumbled quietly.

You thought quickly and shuffled ahead. The Youkai was swiftly flying down to your own location. In the heat of the moment, you set Suika down and rolled on your shoulders into the shrubbery to your left, out of sight.

"OW!" Suika suddenly shouted.

The Oni was nipped in her leg by the trident...! You could see between the strands of grass that... she simply went back to sleep and ignored it...?

"Huh...? You're not the Human, only the company that was with him." You heard the Youkai chatter as she retracted her trident and backed off, garnering only snoring in response from Suika; "Then I must have confused the two. This stupid Oni might be sleepwalking, or moving in conjunction or response to whatever she's dreaming off right now... although, she did crush that branch I made mistakable for a rock with my power. In the way a footstep would have..."

The Youkai's eyes darted from side to side. Her gaze fell your way. You felt cold, as though you thought she spotted you faintly between the strands of green. But, her gaze turned off.

"I suppose an Oni's strength would do the same. Then I'll keep looking..." She said before you saw her go up above.

So, her power was capable of making things 'mistakable'? That put you on further edge, but you were going to press on. Must have been the grace of God that she didn't catch you.

Hauling Suika back onto your shoulders, you faced Fluffy who waited for you and pressed onwards towards the river, led by him.

File: Sleepy Hermit.png (328 KB, 800x600)

328 KB PNG

It was here that you'd come upon the flowing river... and Kasen's form laid out near the riverside!

You quietly placed Suika back down on the grass and pushed her mouth shut so she'd breath out of her nose instead of snore and came over to the Hermit's side as Fluffy whistled while floating over her. Putting your hand on Kasen's shoulder, you rolled her over-

"...What the...?!"

What... is that? What is... that thing coming out the side of her head?

"Uh...?" You tapped it with your finger.

It was solid, like stone, and flat, as though it had been cut perfectly off. Was it... growing out the side of her head?! Her skull?! Was it what she covered up using her hair buns...? No Human has things like this protruding from their head. For a Hermit who's risen from the dregs of weak Humanity to something greater, she sure had a pretty inhuman feature. Almost like Suika. Actually, it was exactly like Suika's horns. Was it perhaps some side effect of gaining powers...? You didn't know, you just slipped her bun back on, not wishing to chance the possibility she gets upset over it if she wakes up.

"Kasen. Kasen! Wake up." You say as you shake her.

Kasen is... unresponsive.
And not just sleeping, but totally motionless. Her chest is rising and falling, her skin feels cold as yours was, but... not in the fearful and alive kind of way. Kasen looked like she had gone pale under the moonlight. She wasn't waking up!

Oh shit. No... NO...! Don't tell you... don't tell you she's... she's...

"...Hgn!"

You started pressing on her chest, her breathing wasn't returning.

This can't be happening! This can't be happening right now! How did she die?! How did she... she boasted about being so strong! Was it the alcohol? Who... who killed her?! Was it that... that Youkai out there...?!

This is all so wrong. What do you do? What do you do?! What about Kogasa? What about Suika? Yourself?!
What do you do, man...?!

>[Write in]
>Commence CPR.
>Dunk her head under the water.
>There's nothing you can do. Kasen is gone... you'll just have to find Kogasa now and leave.
>Pray more. More!
>Confront the Youkai yourself. With Karma at your level now, the ward was more effective. Time to see how effective.

>>5447237
>Pray more. More!
>Commence CPR.
>Dunk her head under the water.

Kasen chads not like this...
Need to use everything in our power to help her!

>>5447237
>Commence CPR while praying
Live. LIVE.

>>5447237
>Commence CPR.
NO NOT THE HERMIT HYBRID FACTORY
DONT DIE