[X] This cushion’s really comfortable…

Because falling asleep on your human is the best way to sleep.

[x] This cushion’s really comfortable…

[x] Well, might as well go investigate that noise now.

Sleep? But we aren't tired yet...

[x] This human’s really comfortable…

Adorable.

[x] Well, might as well go investigate that noise now.

Well, the beast is busy, and we are getting bored. Might as well take the time to investigate.

[x] Well, might as well go investigate that noise now.

[x] Well, might as well go investigate that noise now.
Cheers!

[x] Well, might as well go investigate that noise now.

We must understand what it was.

[x] This cushion’s really comfortable…

[x] This cushion’s really comfortable…

How's the friction on these floors? If it's low enough

[x] Scoot the cushion across the floor to investigate.

It's fun! And comfortable!

[X] This cushion’s really comfortable…

Never cease to increase blood rate's moebetus.

Alright, I guess I should start...

Wait.

The votes...They are tied?! Six each for comfort and investigation? Or...five, if you discount the non-standard variations?

Ugh. Well, I'll call it in an hour or two. Or three. Whenever the tie is broken or I feel like randomising it.

[x] Well, might as well go investigate that noise now.

Alright.

Called it for investigate. Expect the update sometime tomorrow, or the day afer at the latest.

>>22933
Hooray!

>>22933
Hopefully it'll be good enough to make up for passing up a cute moment.

>>22936
All moments are cute in this story.

Okay, while I put the finishing touches on this update, I thought you should know something, readers.

Saturday, starting at 1600 or so, site time, I'll be writing as many updates as I receive votes for. Minimum two or three.

Thought you guys should know.

>>22941
I'll be there. You can count on at least one.
Preemptive hooray

You slowly begin to edge back from the table, moving discreetly, with all the experience gleaned from your decades on the hunt working towards keeping your shift unnoticed. You slide backwards, an inch at a time, until you're out of the immediate line of sight of the red-white, who's looking down into her tea, now, as she talks.

You lift off of the ground, and float over to the door into the room where the sound had been. Quietly, quietly, you slide it open just enough to fit through, and slip in, closing it carefully behind you. You take a look around, curious as to the source of the noise.

Oh, right there! A pair of sticks! Someone must have been using those to make noise. Maybe her?

Right next to the pair of sticks, crouched down and mumbling to herself, is a woman with long green hair and a cool hat. You can just make out her words.

"...Fine, ignore me...it's not like I wanted someone to talk to anyway...I was just bored..." The set of her shoulders changes, ever so slightly. "Well, fine! See if I ca-" She suddenly bursts up from her position, spinning to shake a fist at the door, and, by extension, you. However, she freezes when she spots you, cutting herself off mid-word. The two of you stare at each other for a moment, frozen.

Oh, weird. She doesn't have legs! The distraction breaks the impromptu staring contest, and she shakes her head.

"Who are you?" She asks, a haughty air coming over her. "I am the Most Glorious Supreme Goddess, Lady Mima, Patron of the Hakurei Shrine, The Terrible Evil Spirit of Magic!" A pair of grand wings unfurl from her back, that certainly weren't there a moment ago. The image she presents is quite striking.

"You may grovel before me."

[ ] "Cool! How'd you do that wing thing?"
[ ] "Wow~!"
[ ] Write-in?

And your title:
(Any write-ins will be considered subjectively. The most heavily voted will not necessarily win, if there's a better or more fitting one.)

[ ] Hunter's Fear In The Night
[ ] The Hunter in a Land of Dreams
[ ] Flesh-Rending Hunter
[ ] Youkai of Deadly Wounds

[x] "Wow~!"
[x] Hunter's Fear In The Night

[x] "Wow~!"
[x] Youkai of Deadly Woods

She lived her entire life in that forest, didn't she? Her title should reflect that.

[X] "Cool! How'd you do that wing thing?"

As for the title, those suggestions feel mediocre. It should be catchy. Alliteration is good for that.
[X] Arboreal Ambusher

>>22958

Eh. To be fair, I was using the format of existing titles for these. Seeing how the standard is for a Touhou's title, and trying to use that.

If I failed, then I did. Meh.

>>22959
Nah, I got that you were going for a Touhou-title feel.

Arboreal Ambusher sounds like something from Shoot the Bullet, for that matter.

[x] "Cool! How'd you do that wing thing?"
[x] Arboreal Ambusher
This write-in, I like it.

wait a second, does little youkai girl even know what arboreal means?

Alright, if this tie isn't broken in fifteen minutes, I'll either randomise or combine.

Let's get these updates going.

[x] "Cool! How'd you do that wing thing?"
[x] Arboreal Ambusher

[x] "Cool! How'd you do that wing thing?"
[x] Arboreal Ambusher

Loving the write in~

"Cool!" And it was. "How'd you do that wing thing?" She's thrown off balance by the question, and you're right up to her before she can react, feeling the wings, trying to figure them out. "Oohh...they're real..." She somehow sprouted wings, right out of her back! Real ones! Warm, and soft...

"H-hey! What are you-! Show some respect!" She tries to pull her wing out of your grasp, but only succeeds in flinging you over her shoulder, still clinging to her soft, smooth wing. You use your legs to hold yourself steady as you're tossed around. "Hey!" She makes a grab at you as you swing around on her wing, always just out of her reach. The feathers under your fingers give just enough to be soft and comfortable, and between the warmth, the fact that it's daytime, and considering how little sleep you got the night before, you're starting to get a bit sleepy. You yawn widely.

"Hey, c'mon! You-" She grabs at you, spinning and pulling you just out of reach as she does. "-can't-" She tries again, just as successfully, "-do this! When I get my hands on you, I'll-" She only sounds a little angry, anyway. Nothing to worry about.

"Soft~" You murmur, sleepily, and nuzzle the lovely feathers. You yawn again, and remember what you'd forgotten. You haven't introduced yourself yet! How rude. You do so, and follow up with a title you just thought up, since she had so many. You're fairly proud of it, too. It uses cool words. "Arboreal Ambusher..." Your eyes drift closed, and everything just sort of fades away.

----------------------------

Mima sighs. That little youkai fell asleep, right on her wing! "Hey..." She says, half-heartedly, looking over at the peaceful, happy expression on her sleeping face. "Well, it's fine, I suppose... I can forgive her this time." She starts to move, pulling her wings in closer to her body, so she could get through the doorway more easily. She takes a final glance over her shoulder, at the small youkai now nestled into her wings. "...I need a drink..."

[ ] Diamond Sky
[ ] Wild Child
[ ] Pilgrim
[ ] Seven Seas of Rhye
[ ] Beautiful Dimension Dance

[x] Seven Seas of Rhye

No idea what this means.

[x] Beautiful Dimension Dance

No idea what any of those mean, but I like the sound of this one the best. Also, are you doing the whole write a lot thing now?

[x] Seven Seas of Rhye
>>22969
It's a queen song.
Also picking it because it's the only thing I recognize

I am indeed doing the 'Write a whole lot thing'. I'll call votes in about thirty minutes or so.

>>22971
Good eye.

[x] Beautiful Dimension Dance

Because causing ties is AWESOME.

[x] Seven Seas of Rhye

Votes called, Writing now.

You awaken to the sensation of movement, and, when you open your eyes, find that you've been covered by a length of cloth. You hear Mima talking behind you.

"...I'll show you why they call me the Vengeful Goddess of the Hakurei Shrine!" Another voice speaks.

"Goddess?" The word is full of scorn. "Two-bit spirit, maybe. I, Tenshi, of the Hinanawi Clan, will dispose of you easily!" This Tenshi is pretty full of herself.

"Two-bit-! Outrageous!" You feel movement against your back. You're somehow stuck back-to-back with Mima! The sensation of movement occurs again, and the cloth flies up. It seems to be some kind of cape, and you have a clear view, briefly, of open sky and treetops.

"Eh? Whaaa-?!" You're understandably quite surprised by this.

"Oh, you're awake." You hear Mima say quietly, "Hold on for a moment, while I take care of this, okay?" She chuckles darkly. "Say, you can shoot danmaku, can't you? Wait for my signal."

"Okay~" You reply. Mima's pretty cool, and there's no reason not to.

"Alright, then. Let's go!" The sound of danmaku being fired fills the air.

------------------------

On the ground, Reimu and your human are standing next to a small crater, a keystone within showing its source.

"Oh, so this is a danmaku battle?" Your human asks, curiously.

"Yeah," Reimu replies, "That idiot celestial, coming back here again..."

"So that's the goddess of the shrine, then?" Your human seems intrigued.

"Hm? Oh, no."

"What? But she said..." Reimu laughs.

"That's just Mima. Exactly what Tenshi said, really. A two bit vengeful spirit. Pretty powerful, though." Realisation dawns.

"Oh, the same one from your story, right? Interesting..." Your human watches the battle above with an intent gaze. "Very interesting..."

----------------------------

"Stand still and let me hit you!" Tenshi shouts, angrily. She's breathing rather hard.

"Hah, no chance of that happening. You'll just have to try harder next time~"

"Next time?!"

"Yeah!" Mima presents a small card. "Loophole 「Dirty Trick」! Get ready." She whispers the last back to you after she declares her spellcard. She spreads her wings wide, and a strange, multicoloured aura of magic surrounds them. "This is the end, for you, Celestial!" And she shoots forward, cape billowing out behind her, her wings bathed in energy. Small danmaku bullets spread out from them to either side, leaving the area directly behind Mima completely clear. Tenshi narrowly avoids getting hit as she weaves through the tiny bullets to Mima's left.

"Hah! You left such a wonderful open spot. Don't mind if I do!" And she darts into the open spot, behind Mima...and right in front of you.

"Heh. Now!" Mima gives you the signal. Having long ago figured out what she wanted you to do, as the cape flies away from her, you bring up your hands, sharp teeth bared at the Celestial.

"Goodbye~" You say, and release a barrage of lasers.

"What!" Tenshi only has time for the one word before your lasers hammer into her, burning away fabric where they hit and leaving angry red welts all over her body. She drops from the sky like a stone.

----------------------------

"Hahahahahah!" Mima gloats over her fallen opponent. "Now, for your penalty, let's see..."

"There you are." Your human comes up to you, standing at Mima's side, free of the magic holding you to her. "The sun's starting to set. We should head back to Kourindou." He says, looking at the sky. Is it really so late...?

[ ] We should stay here for the night.
[ ] Let's go back.
[ ] Wait, I have one more thing to do...
[ ] Write-in?

[x] Wait, I have one more thing to do...
[x] Hug Mima goodbye.
She was alright, so this is alright, right?

[x] Wait, I have one more thing to do...

[x] We should stay here for the night.

Because every option deserves a vote.

[x] Wait, I have one more thing to do...

Where the hell did Sanae go?

[x] Let's go back.

In case anyone hasn't voted, I'm calling it in thirty minutes.

[x] Wait, I have one more thing to do...
[x] Hug Mima goodbye.

Goodbye; I had fun playing danmaku!

[x] Wait, I have one more thing to do...
[x] Hug Mima goodbye.

Voting is now officially closed.

Writing commences.

You nod, and walk with your human to the top of the stairs. Suddenly, you remember something.

"Ah!" He turns to you, "Wait here, okay? I forgot something!" He blinks, bewildered, but you don't wait for a response. You're already running back.

"MIIII-MAAAA!" Surprised, Mima turns from where she was arguing with Tenshi, just in time for you to come hurtling into her. You hug her tightly around the waist, burying your face into her stomach. She freezes for a moment, and then puts a hand on your head. You look up at her.

"Bye, Lady Mima! I'll come back to visit you some time, okay?" She looks down at you, and smiles gently.

"I'll look forward to it." You nod, decisively, and dash away, back to your human. He pats your head, gently, and you carry him down the stairs, ready to go back to Kourindou. The two of you start to go down the path. A few minutes after you enter the treeline, though, a cloaked figure steps out of the brush, blocking your path. The only distinguishing features, other than the brown cloak that obscures their entire body, are the two glowing red eyes. They make eye contact with your human, first, and he crumples to the ground.

Then they turn to you.

The world feels like a pane of glass,
just be
fore
it
sh
a
t

t

e

r

s

.

Is anyone
even decided
like as to
also where
is and?

[ ] But the future...
[w] In A Time
[y] Asdfghjk
[x]
[z] ______oh_______

[w] In A Time

They are starting to send stronger rabbits after Human. This doesn't bode well. Also, hooray! Mima got her first worshiper.

[x]

Koishi option! I hope they harm Human so little youkai girl can go berserk on them. ... Wait, she's going to go berserk anyway.

>>23000
That isn't always the Koishi option! It could be a matter of life and death (for the human)!

>>23001
Maybe we'll find out! We'll find out what one of the options is, at least!

It's Eirin, though. I don't think she'd kill som... wait a second, murdered everyone after Kaguya in cold blood. ... Human isn't after Kaguya, he'll be fine.

Alright, well, It's late, and four updates in 24 hours is very good. I'll check out, now.

Keep voting, And if there's enough, maybe you'll get another update tomorrow.

[w] In A Time

>>23004
You were planning to end this on a cliff-hanger the entire time. Meanie.

>[ ] But the future...

Refused to change?

[w] In A Time

This human is like some kind of violence magnet. How did he ever survive without this youkai around?

[y] Asdfghjk
Man, I hate random votes.
Just go to random.org and roll a dice if you have to do this.

"In a world where youkai were queens..."
"No 'in a world', Jack."
"What do you mean 'no in a world'?"
"It's not that kind of story."
"Oh? Okay... In a land-"
"No 'in a land' either."

[w] In A Time

[w] In A Time

Alright, calling votes now.

Tomorrow or the day after for the update, probably.

>>23013

Hooray!

In a time...

What? What's...going on? You try to speak, and your words emerge in a form that is not sound, a hollow, ringing...feeling, would probably be the most accurate word, impressing the words upon your being.

Before time,

The odd words make themselves known again, and frantically, you try to struggle, to move, somehow. There's no sensation of any kind, not movement, not sound, no cold, or dark. Not even silence. There is only thought, and the strange words, resonant without sound.

It feels...familiar.

There were three forces,

And you become aware of three pairs of coloured points. Blue, red, and green.

One was Light.

And the blue points shone with a dazzling not-light, beautiful and terrifying.

One was Darkness.

And similarly, the red points shone black. It was a much more comfortable sensation, and indeed, you begin to realise you are starting to feel things again, ever so slightly.

And the Third was the space between.

And where Light and Dark had each before been at full, and any given area was either swathed entirely in black or illuminated totally, both of them now softened, and gradiations appeared.

And then everything wavered, and, briefly, you catch sight of monstrous, terrible, rabbit-like creatures, and feel searing agony as their claws tear into you, before the image reasserts itself.

...But we have not time to finish the tale.

"Wha...what's going on...?" This time, you're half-audible, and the words respond.

Your concious mind is being shielded from something.

The words falter, at the end, and the rabbits appear again, for half a second.

...Help has come for you.

Be strong.

The rabbits return.

This time, the words don't come back.

----------------------------------

More is on the way. Have the first half of the update, in the meantime.

I'm having difficulty imagining a monstrous rabbit.

>>23026

>>23026
Something like this.

You're tied down. Fastened to something. By the wrists. Yeah.

You focus on the bindings, the surface beneath you, anything, anything except this pain. The burning, searing, tearing pain. The claws...

You scream, once, before biting it short, gritting your teeth. You glare up at the monsters standing over you, and they grin back. It's hideous.

"Defiant, all of a sudden, aren't you." One rumbles, grinning horribly. "Maybe you wouldn't glare so fiercely if you didn't have those eyes." And one bloodstained claw your blood reaches down, sharp, ominous, slow, towards your face. A pair of hands grips the sides of your head, holding it steady...

-----------------------------

"Did you hear that, Reimu?" Mima's staring off towards the forest. The shrine maiden looks up.

"Hm? What?" She pauses in her inventory of seals and wards.

"It was...a scream? A cry for help?" Mima's gaze goes blank, and she stares into space.

"Hm? What, it's not like you have any worshipp...ers..." She trails off, and Mima snaps back into awareness. "It's not...?" The green-haired spirit wastes no time answering, instead flying off, taking the shortest route to her destination - she goes straight through the crest of the hill, and thus passes from Reimu's sight.

"..." Reimu gathers the assorted seals and wards before her into her sleeves, and takes off, following Mima as best as a mere human could, being corporeal.

She catches up to her quickly, and stares at what she finds there. Mima is floating in shock, staring at the youkai who had visited the shrine earlier today, with that odd outsider.

She was...convulsing, on the ground, writhing, her face a rictus of pain. Her arms almost seem pinned to the ground, extended as they are from her body. A thin, high-pitched wail is emerging from her throat, and the stones under her hands have crumbled from her clawing.

"Wha..." Reimu say, taken aback. Mima simply nods, and moves closer.

---------------------------

There's nothing you can do. Your hands are strapped down, and though you wrench at the bindings, nothing comes of it.

However...

Suddenly, one of the bindings gives way, and your claw comes up, catching the one about to blind you across the face. The hands holding your head disappear, and the claws tearing at you pull away. There is only you and the wounded one left.

Pulling your other claw free, you leap, and fasten your teeth on its throat, gripping it with your claws so it can't escape. You tear at its throat with your teeth, but its flesh just won't give way. Warm, comforting arms, wrap around you, and the throat in your teeth changes, becomes more human-like...and now, a scent reaches you.

Lady Mima.

You stiffen, releasing her throat, changing your grip, so that instead of gripping and tearing at her, you're now clinging to her, sniffling. She just holds you for a moment, letting you calm down.

"What happened?" Her voice is firm, in control. You're telling it to her before you even realise you're speaking, and she listens attentively to every word.

"Reimu." You startle, and turn your head to see the red-white standing there, tense, as she slides her hand out from her sleeve, the other gripping her odd stick. "Do you know who might be behind this?" It's less a question than a command. Reimu hesitates, briefly, before sighing and responding.

"Well...one of those Eientei people had an ability like that. Or...well, I suppose that Yukari's shikigami is a kitsune...maybe it's someone else, I dunno. Eientei does have a lot of rabbits, though." She shrugs, and turns away. "Don't overdo it. I don't want to have to resolve another incident you started." And she flies off.

"...Where's Human?" You realise, belatedly, that he's nowhere in sight. Even his scent trail is gone.

"Whoever did this probably took him. Who do we go after? I'll leave it up to you."

[ ] "Eientei."
[ ] "The Gap Youkai."

And of course,

[ ] "We have to save Human."
[ ] "They need to suffer."
[ ] Write-in?

--------------------------

No combining votes. One from each category. If a write-in manages to combine the two in a feasible manner, I'll consider it. Otherwise, I'll fall back on the second-most voted option.

[x] "The Gap Youkai."
[x] "We have to save Human."

Did the human ever mention going to eientei at all?

[X] "Eientei."
[X] "We have to save Human."

Rabbits. Rabbits tried to kidnap him this morning. Rabbits tried to claw out your eyes. Rabbits killed your parents. It's the goddamned rabbits.

>>23031
Beings that merely look like rabbits aren't enough of a strong sign of Eientei involvement and it would be something Yukari would do to fake out Reimu and co.

And unless Human went there, I doubt Eientei has much of a reason to go after him while Yukari, being a popular importer of outsiders may have some kind of plan for him.

[x] "Eientei."
[x] "They need to suffer."

>>23032
We have previously been attacked by rabbits, and our delusions took the form of rabbits attacking us. It's a safe bet to say it's Eientei. And as far as we know, they have just as much reason to kidnap Human as Yukari does, which is to say, none.

>Even his scent trail is gone.
If rabbits carried him off, he'd still have a scent trail. He was gapped.

[x] "The Gap Youkai."
[x] "They have to suffer for hurting Human."

[x] "The Gap Youkai."
[x] "They have to suffer for hurting Human."

>>23034
oh, well spotted!

>>23034

To be clear, it doesn't stop. It's as if he were never there.

>>23036
Oh. Well, I'm still for going after Yukari on general Yukari did it principles.

[x] "Eientei."

[x] "We have to save Human."

[X] "Eientei."
[X] "We have to save Human."

Because man, fuck Eientei. Also, because RABBITS.

[X] "Eientei."
[X] "We have to save Human."

Seriously the clues we have are pretty much limited to... rabbits. And that's about it.

[x] "Eientei."
[x] "They need to suffer."

[x] "The Gap Youkai."
[x] "We have to save Human."

Either A: Yukari did it, and we launch a rescue attempt.

or B: Eientei did it, and we can ask Yukari to gap us near Eientei to start our rescue attempt.

Since our goal is 'We need to save Human', and not 'They need to suffer', we'll be in a calm enough mindset to ask Yukari to help us out if she didn't do it.

[X] "Eientei."
[X] "We have to save Human."

>>23041
It'd be just like Yukari to throw a false trail to eientei. And if eientei was serious about getting Rick, Reisen would have been sent instead as opposed to a couple of mere rabbits.

Do remember that the nameless rabbit hordes are mainly good for gathering information and pounding Mocchi.

>>23045
Or it could be Eirin, casting suspicion on herself to make us second-guess ourselves. You're falling straight into her trap.

The more you discuss, the more attention I pay to this thread. The more attention I pay, the more updates.

Calling votes. Feel free to keep speculating and second-guessing yourselves, though.

>And similarly, the red points shone black. It was a much more comfortable sensation
>Her arms almost seem pinned to the ground, extended as they are from her body.
Is that so~

Are you sure we aren't Rumia?

>>23048
>Are you sure we aren't Rumia?
>>22395
>sitting on the path and clutching her head is a small girl, her pale, greyish purple hair dusty from the impact.
You tell me.

>>23049
Rumia with her hair dyed, then.

>>23046
Nah she'd sooner have Reisen sneak in, do her thing to disable anyone else and get him out.....SHIT! You might be right there (The cloaked person with glowing red eyes), no one associated with Yukari has those powers.

>>23051
While not specifically one of Ran's abilities, kitsune have the ability to create illusions.

Mima nods. "Alright. He's probably not in any immediate danger, then. Why they would have taken him is still a mystery, but he's probably safe, right now." She sets you down, and...if she had legs, she'd probably be crouching, to meet your eyes. "Go keep an eye on Eientei, watch for anything suspicious. I'll be getting some people I know together. This won't even be a fight. Just try to find out where he is, so we can get him out. Okay?" You nod, a determined expression on your face, and she smiles. "Okay, you'll just get lost if you don't have a guide in the Bamboo Forest, so..." She thinks for a minute, before snapping her fingers. "Alright. In the Human Village, there's a schoolteacher, named Keine..."

"Keine? Oh! Human was talking to her earlier today!" You remember because of all the human young - larvae? Cubs? - that were outside of the building. You'd never seen so many at once before.

"Oh, you know her. That makes this easier. Listen, you need to have her take you to someone named Mokou. She can take you to Eientei. Alright? Don't forget. Now, go on. I have my own preparations to make." She 'stands,' and rests her hand on your head. "Go with my blessing." Lady Mima flies off.

Face set, you dash off, taking flight for the highest speeds you can achieve. There's no time to waste.

----------------------------

Slowly, sensation returns. The first thing he notices is the sound of someone else in the room, walking across the wooden floor. Light is shining directly into his face.

"Ugh..." The footsteps stop. He brings his hand up. "My head..." The footsteps hurry across the floor, andthe sound of a door sliding open can be heard, before it suddenly shuts. Now alone in the room, he opens his eyes curiously, and sits up.

"...huh." He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this. A traditional-looking Japanese room? Empty save for himself.

The door slid open.

-----------------------------

You pause at the treeline. How should you do this? You know that the humans standing at the gate hunt youkai sometimes - wrong its wrong we hunt them - so you don't know what to do to enter alone...

[ ] Sneak by them. They're just humans.
[ ] Over the walls!
[ ] A sneaky trick is called for! They didn't notice you earlier, and with the right distraction...
[ ] Maybe something else...(Write-in?)

[x] A sneaky trick is called for! They didn't notice you earlier, and with the right distraction...

Humans are sneaky. But we're sneakier.

[x] Sneak by them. They're just humans.

>>23056
I doubt Keine would be pleased about humans being attacked.

>>23058
I doubt that's an attack option.

[x] Sneak by them. They're just humans.

Does Human still have his mace/sword on him? He might be able to make an scape attempt on his own if he does.

[ ] Sneak by them. They're just humans.

[x] A sneaky trick is called for! They didn't notice you earlier, and with the right distraction...

It's starting to get dark, and humans have a surprisingly good track record of seeing our eyes.

[x] A sneaky trick is called for! They didn't notice you earlier, and with the right distraction...

Because Youkai is the sneakiest.

[x] A sneaky trick is called for! They didn't notice you earlier, and with the right distraction...

Because I want to know what she has planned.

>>23064
My guess is she's going to pretend to be a human. By simply walking in.

And it'll work.

Alright. Since it looks like voting's done, I'll call it now.

Writing will commence soon. If you're lucky, I'll have it for you on Sunday. Otherwise, Monday or Tuesday. I can't be sure yet.

Wait. Wait, no, you have it. A plan. You're getting in there. For sure.

You back away from the treeline for a sort way, and look around you. No, they aren't - the branches look there - a moment of realisation, and you look up, and...there. Over there. And there, too. Yes, this will doo nicely. You glance over your shoulder. Yeah, you're far enough in. They won't see what you're about to do. Not until they're supposed to.

-----------------------------------

Masanobu Naoe stood vigilant at the gates. It was not an interesting duty, but it was his, by skill and birthright. His family had lived in the Human Village since the Founding, and had long passed down the skills of hunting those foul inhuman beasts, the Youkai. Of course, it was just as important to keep the peace in the village itself, and as such, they had always been members of the Town Guards.

Watching the gates was an easy duty. No Youkai ever approached, except that puppeteer...oh, and those Youkai Keine was trying to reeducate. Anyway, no potentially dangerous youkai ever approached the gate, and that was the important thing. Besides, any that did wouldn't stand a chance.

He was rather startled, then, when what appeared to be a young girl came sprinting out of the forest at full tilt, screaming at the top of her lungs. He relaxed a bit as a hail of danmaku flew out of the forest after her, and a small swarm of fairies came rushing out hot on her tail.

His watch partner glanced over at him.

"...You want to chase off the fairies?" He sighed, and nodded.

"Yeah, I've got this." He lifted his bow from the rest at his side, and nocked an arrow. He pulled, wuick and smooth, and only glanced down the shaft before loosing it. It flew straight and true, piercing through three entire fairies before pinning a fourth to a tree. He didn't wait to see the results of this first shot, however, having nicked and loosed two more before the first had even finished its flight. The swarm faltered, and retreated tot he forest, one pausing briefly to shake a tiny fist at the fleeing girl, who was crying as she stumbled up to the gates.

"Hey, girl, what do you-"

"Brother...!" She sobs, and catches her breath again. "Brother's still...back in the forest...!" The men trade glances. Masanobu crouches down.

"Hey, girl..." He puts his hand on her shoulder, but she flinches away. Nodding gently, he asks, "Why were you two out there, anyway? It's getting dark. You should know better than that." She scuffs a foot in the dirt, getting her tears and breathing under control.

"He, he said...that since Mother and Father had left...we should talk to the shrine maiden. He didn't sasy about what. I, I miss Mother...but he said she c-couldn't come back..." The two guards trade meaningful glances. Masanobu picks up his long weapon from the wall where he had rested it while shooting at the fairies.

"Take her to Keine. Let her know the...situation." he shot a glance at the young girl, her head hanging low. "I'll go find her brother. Get a replacement to the gate as soon as you can, alright?" He rushes off towards the forest. The other man nods, and begins to lead the frightened young girl to Miss Kamishirasawa.

---------------------------

Behind the human, you can't help but to smile, briefly. You've done it!

---------------------------------

"Oh, good! You're awake!" The woman looks down at the human man sitting up in the bed. "Do you remember what happened?" Well, she's certainly strangely dressed, at least. This is probably still Gensokyo. Belatedly, he realises that, as traditional as the rest of the room may be, he's sitting in a bed...

Well, that's not very important, to be honest. He'd just been asked a question by an admittedly beautiful woman.

[ ] No, not a thing.
[ ] Yeah. I remember everything.
[ ] I remember it like it was only yesterday. I was only seventeen...
[ ] Where am I, anyway?
[ ] Write-in?

[x] Yeah. I remember everything.
-[x] Where am I, anyway?

[x] I remember it like it was only yesterday. I was only seventeen...
-[x] Where am I, anyway?

The most Human-like answer, I think.

That was actually damn clever.

[x] Yeah. I remember everything.
-[x] Where am I, anyway?

>[ ] I remember it like it was only yesterday. I was only seventeen...

...IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR!

[x] Yeah. I remember everything.
-[x] Where am I, anyway?

It's too early for the MC to suffer from amnesia.

[x] I remember it like it was only yesterday. I was only seventeen...
-[x] Where am I, anyway?

[X] I remember it like it was only yesterday. I was only seventeen...
-[X] Where am I, anyway?

Still slightly mad.

[X] I remember it like it was only yesterday. I was only seventeen...
-[X] Where am I, anyway?

"I remember everything." He says, his tone that of a man lost in his own memories. "I remember every little thing as if it happened only yesterday. I was barely seventeen," Sorrow enters his voice, but he continues, his face showing a melancholy expression, "and I once killed a boy with a Fender guitar." He pauses, then, thoughtfully, "I don't remember if it was a telecaster or a stratacaster, but I do remember that it wasn't at all easy." He waves a hand, in a donward motion, as though trailing a pick across the strings of the instrument, "It required the perfect combination of the right power chords," He brings his hands closer together, as though gripping an object, and pantomimes striking a blow, "And the precise angle from which to strike. The guitar bled for about a week afterward, and the blood was so dark and rich, like wild berries..." He trails off, wonder in his voice.

The woman stares, before somethng seems to click, and she shakes her head wonderingly.

"That was some kind of quote, wasn't it? You're very good." He chuckles a bit, and speaks again, in a different voice entirely.

"Yeah, but seriously. I can remember...some. It's all a bit jumbled together. A forest. I was going...Kourindou? Yes, I was going to Kourindou. Something...in a cloak, I think, or perhaps great leathery wings wrapped around its body. It...looked at me, and...I saw something. I just barely..." he trails off, obviously struggling to remember, before deflating. "I don't know. It would have been a good story. I can remember that much." He gestures at his surroundings. "And after that...this. Is my companion alright?" The woman seems surprised.

"Companion? I don't know what you mean." He waves a hand.

"Yeah, I was...she...uhm, he...was..." The woman shakes her head.

"You're just a bit muddled. You were attacked on the road, and took quite a blow to the head. You were severely concussed when you were brought here by your rescuer. You're lucky that the witch heard you call for help. She dealt with the creature that had attacked you, and brought you here for treatment."

"I...see." He shakes his head. It's all a bit foggy.

"You'll be fine with rest. Don't worry. I'll have a meal brought to you." She turns to leave.

"Wait. Where am I?" She stops, and looks over her shoulder with a slight smile.

"Oh, did I forget to mention? This is Eientei. Now, please. Rest and recover." She slides the door shut.

He's left alone again. Now what?

[ ] Listen. Rest is good for me.
[ ] Go take a look around. I'm fine.
[ ] Well...where's my stuff? I'll just go find that.
[ ] Well, I should at least know where the bathrooms are, right? I'll just get a feel for the layout.
[ ] I should write.
[ ] Write-in?

[x] Well...where's my stuff? I'll just go find that.

There won't be any daring escape without our sword/mace.

[X] Well... where's my stuff? I'll just go find that.

>"Companion? I don't know what you mean."
Uh-oh, something Eirin didn't account for. And she didn't even give a passing mention to it afterwards. Time to pull the threads and unravel the lie.

[X] Well... where's my stuff? I'll just go find that.

Figures that option wouldn't lead anywhere...

[X] Well... where's my stuff? I'll just go find that.
[X] Pull the string (and this whole thing's coming down)

[x] Well...where's my stuff? I'll just go find that.

Might as well have it on your person for when your rescuer arrives.

[x] Well...where's my stuff? I'll just go find that.

Writer needs writing implements.

Calling it here.

Writing will commence soon, I suppose.

>>23106
>, I suppose.
Uh oh.
This does not bode well.

>>23107

Look at what day it is.

>>23108
I remember it like it was yesterday. It was only seven minutes~

I present, a project I've been playing around with since January: A second CYOA.

>>/underground/6565

The man brings his feet around to hang over the side of the bed. He stretches tentatively, making sure nothing hurts, and is rather surprised to find that beyond some lingering aches and soreness, he's fine. Standing, he starts towards the door. His pack is pretty clearly not in the room, as he glances around, and nearly everything he owned was in there. He'll just find it and come back. No problem.

Pausing at the door, he looks down at himself. Oh. Someone changed his clothes? Well, it does seem to be some sort of healthcare facility, by that woman's admittedly strange clothing. Not...so strange, then...

He slides the door open and steps through. It looks as though the room is right at the end of a long, long hallway, with a corner just to his right, and the man suddenly realises he doesn't actually have any idea where to start looking. He hadn't realised just how big the place was, and his strategy of simply wandering until he found his things obviously would only serve to get him lost.

"EIRIN~!" A sudden call from around the corner startles him, "Where ARE you~!" A young woman rounds the corner and freezes, and he does the same.

She's beautiful. That's all that can be said. She is simply...beautiful. Impossibly so. Realising he's been staring, the man gives his head a shake to clear it, and opens his mouth to greet her, and ask whether she might possibly know where his pack is, when she suddenly goes wide-eyed, gasping in surprise.

"!" She stares at him. "Y-you're...! Wait here, okay! Don't move!" She runs off.

The man blinks at the space she just occupied. ...Well, then.

----------------------------------

"And that's the situation. Can you look after her until we find her brother?" Keine nods.

"It will be no trouble." As the guard hurries away, she crouches down to talk to you. "Come on in. I'll put some tea on, okay?" You shake your head. "No? Come on, you just need to..." And then she sees your eyes. "Youkai!?" Her eyes harden. "What are you do-"

"No! There's no time for that!" You interrupt her, not exactly keen on getting into a fight in the middle of the hive. Besides there's more pressing business to take care of. "Lady Mima said that you could take me to 'Mokou'!" She's surprised by your reaction.

"Take you to Mokou?" She doesn't seem to understand.

"Yeah! So she can take me to Eientei, and I can help Human!" She shakes her head.

"...what? And what about this 'brother' of yours? What's going on?" ...She's not going anywhere.

Now what?

[ ] Well, if you're quick, you could MAKE her help you...
[ ] No time, no TIME! Take it to the skies!
[ ] ....ugh. Explain. but only the essentials!
[ ] Well...fine. Explain everything.
[ ] Write-in?

[x] Well...fine. Explain everything.

[x] Well, if you're quick, you could MAKE her help you...

What does this button do?

[x] ....ugh. Explain. but only the essentials!

[X] Well...fine. Explain everything.

[x] ....ugh. Explain. but only the essentials!

Stupid woman needs to hurry up and take us the firelady. Human is in grave danger with every second he spends at that fell place.

[X] Well...fine. Explain everything.

I don't think she'll accept the quick version. Also, potentially delicious embarressment in this choice.

[x] ....ugh. Explain. but only the essentials!

[x] ....ugh. Explain. But only the essentials!

[X] Well...fine. Explain everything.
-[X] As you go on, start talking faster, get teary eyed, jumbling words, look more sad, ect.
--[X] End with crying and wailing like a lost child.

Obviously, the write-in parts aren't our youkai actually thinking those, it's just what she'll end up doing.

If someone can clean it up though so it's makes her more cute, that would be better, thanks.

>>23179
I'm having a hard time thinking of a response to this post other than a reaction image or a flat 'you're awful'.

>>23180
To be fair, that would actually be a decent write-in, provided the situation wasn't so dire. As it stands, it's pretty stupid, yeah.

[x] ....ugh. Explain. But only the essentials!

[ ] ....ugh. Explain. but only the essentials!

You waver for a moment, trying to decide what to do. She seems resolute, and if she’s really so stubborn, it’s down to either hurting her until she helps you or explaining. Since you are in the middle of the human hive, you opt for the safer of the two.

“Gaaah…fine, fine, but there’s no time! Okay, so, Human is my human, and there were these rabbits, and they were after him, and so I hurt them. But then they came back, so I hurt them really bad, but Human said to not kill them, and so they ran away, and we visited the Shrine, and I met Lady Mima, who is strong, and smart, and strong, and she let me help her in a danmaku fight, but then Human was ready to go back to that place we slept at, but then someone stepped out of the forest and there were big mean rabbit-things, and it hurt, but something tried to help me, but then I got free and I went to kill one but Lady Mima was there and she hugged me, and I cr-” You stop, briefly, edit that out of the explanation, and move on. “…and Human was gone, and I couldn’t find him, and she said that it might have been Eientei or someone else, but we think it was Eientei, and she said to find you and you could take me to Mokou, because Mokou can help.” You gasp for breath, and pant a bit. She seems dumbfounded at your story - or maybe at the speed with which you related it. She gathers her thoughts, for a moment - too long, too long! - and speaks.

“…But what about the story from the guard?” She asks, pinning you with a stern glare. “And how’d you hide your nature like that? Normally it’s easy to tell the difference between a youkai and a human girl.”

“There’s no TIME!” You protest, but she shakes her head.

“The sooner you answer my questions, the sooner I’ll even consider taking you to Mokou.” …ugh! This…this hum- no. She isn’t, you realise, as you sniff at the air. There’s something else about her, just like before…but you don’t have time, Human’s in danger and she just wants you to talk and talk and talk!

“It was my trick! Humans always listen to it! And an important part of hunting is not letting the food know you’re dangerous! Come on! What about Human?! He could be hurt, or the rabbits…!” You think back to your own experience with the rabbits and start to shake. You make an effort, but you can‘t quite still the trembling entirely. Your voice is a bit shaky for some reason. “…the rabbits might hurt him, too…” Her face is indecipherable. At last, she speaks.

“…Come on, then.” You look up at her wide-eyed as she turns on her heel and begins to walk off. “You wanted to see Mokou, right?”

“Ye-Yeah!” You hurry after her, wiping at your eyes with the back of your hand. Why is it so wet…?

----------------------------------------

Part one. It got serious all of a sudden, so I'm splitting it up. Have the heavy part. The rest is in progress.

I bet Human wouldn't react like that if youkai girl was gone.

>>23356
>I bet Human wouldn't react like that if youkai girl was gone.

Yeah, but he knows she can probably take care of herself. On the other hand, the human seems like a magnet for punishment.

>>23357
And the human's an outsider... which means "Pretty easy lunch" to youkai.

The man sits back against the wall. Well, there’s no use wandering off if he can’t find his way back, and that woman ought to be coming back anyway, so he may as well sit down, maybe take stock of his aches and pains. He discovers the first as his back makes contact with the wall. With a hiss, he snaps forward, bringing his back out of contact with the wooden post. It’s almost like a burn, he realises, flexing his back this way and that, but not the skin…and the muscles are fine, too. In fact, he realises, as he probes at what he can reach of his back, it’s only when things come into contact with it, although his shirt and the bed hadn’t hurt at all. The pain lingers, fading gradually, providing a lasting reminder to be careful about what touches his back.

He sighs, and shifts position to rest his head on his knee.

“Well. I suppose that’s a problem, then.” It’s not much longer before he can hear feet hurrying down the same hall the woman from before had dashed off to. More than one set of feet, too. He stretches a bit, and stands, watching for the approaching figures. Sure enough, the woman is back, and a pair of bunny-eared small girls behind her. Each of the girls is carrying a cardboard box, and the long-haired young woman has an oddly familiar hardcover book and…a pen?

The girls drop the boxes on the floor, looking rather disinterested, and one of them wanders off while the other watches the man curiously. The young woman holds out the book and pen in an unmistakable gesture, blushing furiously.

“Ah, could you…” She looks away from the man, embarrassed. “I’ve, uhm, never asked anyone this before…” She explains, and takes a deep breath, before bowing low and presenting the two objects in her hands to the man. “Could I please have your autograph!” She blurts, and he blinks as he finally gets a good look at the cover of the book. He starts to laugh as he takes it and the pen from her.

“Sure, sure.” He looks down at the cover nostalgically. “My first book. Glad to see you liked it. So, who should I make this out to?” he flips it open to the title page, pen at the ready.

“You will? Great!” She seems quite happy about it. “I’m Kaguya! I never thought I’d see you in Gensokyo!” He laughs again, and touches pen to paper.

“Kaguya,”

[ ] A good write-in for the signing?

[ ] What does he sign his name as?

Youkai

[ ] Calm. Be civil. This is your only ticket to finding Human in time to help Lady Mima!

[ ] There’s no time! So many delays!

[ ] Write-in?

[X] "To my passionate Princess,"

[x] "Johnny Springsteen"

[x] Calm. Be civil. This is your only ticket to finding Human in time to help Lady Mima!

[X] "To my passionate Princess,"
[x] "Johnny Springsteen"
[x] There’s no time! So many delays!

After some googling (I live under a rock), I'm down with this.

[x] "Here's to interesting times in sunny Gensokyo!" Add the date. "Eternally yours..."
[x] The signature is illegible.

[x] Calm. Be civil. This is your only ticket to finding Human in time to help Lady Mima!

Don't know enough about him to give him a specific name yet.

[X] "To my passionate Princess,"
[x] The signature is illegible.
[x] There’s no time! So many delays!

Actually, that's a better idea.

[x] "To my passionate Princess,"
[x] The signature is illegible.
[x] There’s no time! So many delays!

I have no idea what this Johnny Springsteen crap is referencing, but it sounds terrible.

[x] "Here's to interesting times in sunny Gensokyo!" Add the date. "Eternally yours..."
[x] The signature is illegible.
[x] Calm. Be civil. This is your only ticket to finding Human in time to help Lady Mima!

This is excellent, but does human know that Kaguya is immortal? If not, no date.

[X] "To my passionate Princess,"
[x] "Johnny Springsteen"
[x] Calm. Be civil. This is your only ticket to finding Human in time to help Lady Mima!

I get the feeling that Eirin sicced monster rabbits for the sole sake of having Kaguya meet him. (Naturally Kaguya doesn't know a thing)

[x] "Here's to interesting times in sunny Gensokyo!" Add the date. "Eternally yours..."
[x] The signature is illegible.
[x] There’s no time! So many delays!

[x] "Here's to interesting times in sunny Gensokyo!" Add the date. "Eternally yours..."
[x] The signature is illegible.
[x] Calm. Be civil. This is your only ticket to finding Human in time to help Lady Mima!

Calling it here. Writing now~

>>23375
Hooray!

>>23375
You can do it!
Go! Go! Go!

>>23375
One month later...

This was to be his first time signing one of his books - in the past, his constant wandering had precluded the possibility. He knew about what he wanted to say, but it was all in the phrasing...ah, yes. That seems rather appropriate.

"Kaguya,
Keep that excitement, and don't let yourself get down. Even as life speeds up more and more on the Outside, here in Gensokyo you have all the time in the world. Take it easy, and enjoy yourself.
To my passionate Princess,"

The signature itself is as illegible as any other. Satisfied, he hands the book back. She takes it reverently, and opens it to see the note and signature. She hugs it close, and thanks the man warmly, before turning to grab one of the boxes she had had brought.

"I wanted Eirin and Reisen to try reading your books too, so I got them both these box sets, as a surprise, and..." She pauses nervously, before blurting it out. "It would mean so much more if you'd sign these, too." She bites her lip, looking away. "Would you?"

How could he say no to that face?

"Sure. Why don't you tell me a little about them?"

------------------------------------------

Keine stops in a bamboo clearing that looks to you no different than any of the others you went through to get here.

"Mokou? Are you here?" She calls.

"Yeah, I'm here. What's up, Kei-" A familiar figure steps out of the bamboo on the other side of the clearing, and freezes, cutting itself off mid-word.

"You!" Both of you cry, simultaneously. Your cry is a lot happier than hers, though, despite the ball of flame you dodged.

"Hey!" You cry, leaping out of the way of a second burst of fire, bigger than the first.

"You little bitch!" The white-haired woman shouts, throwing more flame. "You ate me!" This trips up the schoolteacher, who had been moving to intervene. Her head swivels sharply to stare at you.

"What?" You can do this. Calm, cool, and collected. Be polite. You don't even need to fake the confusion.

"But you got better." Another thought occurs to you, and it's out of your mouth before you can think better of it. "And you were really very tasty. Even if Human's pancakes were better." Ducking away from more fire, you add, "And besides! That was a really, really long time ago!" None of it seems to help. She's still trying to set you on fire, for whatever reason. At least the schoolteacher is looking more confused than inclined to help her. Dodging her attacks, you frown. There's only one option left to you, if you don't want to jeopardise your mission for Lady Mima.

Even if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth...

[ ] Anything for Human the Mission.
[ ] No! You won't stoop that low. You don't need her, you can do it yourself!
[ ] Maybe...just maybe, there's another way? (Write-in)

-----------------------------------

A bit short, but it's been a busy couple of months, and I haven't been on the site at all. I'm starting the /underground/ update soon, after losing it a few weeks ago, and should get back on track with updates now.

Sorry about all this.

[x] Anything for Human the Mission.

[x] No! You won't stoop that low. You don't need her, you can do it yourself!

Youkai pride! Never apologize to food! (Friends aren't food.)

fuck, I am so happy to see this back

>>23836
I'm sure saving the human >>> Pride as she asked Keine to help already.

>>23837
Keine isn't food for a number of reasons, such as

[x] Anything for Human.

[X] Maybe...just maybe, there's another way? "I wonder if you'd taste better cooked."

(Okay this is stupid, don't vote for it, but I don't like either of the options..)

[x] No! You won't stoop that low. You don't need her, you can do it yourself!

Asking Keine for help is one thing. It stung our pride; it truly hurt to lower our self to that level. Asking this woman would be even worse than that. Even at our most desperate, we aren't that shameless. There are some things you just can't do, and this is one of them. Either Keine will broker peace of her own volition, or we'll go save Human ourselves.

>>23840
When you have nothing intelligent to say, it is often better to remain silent.

[X] Anything for Human the Mission.

We need to get to Eientei as fast as possible, damn the consequences. Who knows what kind of torture those rabbits are putting him through?

>>23840
You're not helping. Wouldn't phoenix be self-cooking?

>>23838
Keine was one of biggest threats to the youkai's hunting, second only to Reimu. Hence Keine's surprise when this same youkai came asking for help.

[X] Anything for <strike>Human</strike> the Mission.

[X] Anything for Human the Mission.

[X] Anything for the Mission.

[x] Alles für Mensch die Mission.
Eat your pride and get diarrhea.
Alternatively, eat the fire and get heartburn.
I wonder what this option does, the first or the second?

I still like this story.

[x] Anything for Human the Mission.

Guilting writefags into writing is a good hobby.

>>24161

Only when it works.

It's a tough decision, but, in the end, Human's the most important thing right now. You focus for a moment, and punch a large danmaku bullet through the center of the next burst of flame. The fire is scattered and extinguished by the ball of energy, and Mokou pauses. You take a deep breath, and leap right into your words before she can regroup.

"Listen, I...didn't know you were still alive. If I had known you would survive it, I wouldn't have tried to eat you. I never meant to make you suffer, I guess..." You steel yourself for the bitter, distasteful words. "I'm sorry." And you bow. The bow, at least, manages to hide the pained expression on your face at having to say such a thing. You can hear the not-quite-human, Keine, moving towards Mokou - surely a good sign. She'd be in the way if flame started to fly again, after all. You can hear her start whispering, in a tone probably not meant for your ears.

"She's going to..." She's almost immediately interrupted.

"She...she apologised?" Mokou's whispering as well, but sounds dumbfounded. "Keine! What do I do?!"

"...What?" The teacher seems confused.

"No-one's ever apologised to me before! What do I do?!"

"Eh?! Never?" She seems taken aback. "Well, uh, first, you need to decide whether you forgive her..." Really? they're going to go through this now? Well, let them. You need Flamey's help, anyway. In the meantime...hm...how will you celebrate, after rescuing Human? Cakes are a celebratory food, right? And he made those delicious pancakes earlier...yeah. To celebrate, you'll make him make pancakes. With that syrup, and that yellow melty stuff... You catch yourself drooling. At least they haven't noticed. Finally, Mokou raises her voice.

"Listen, ki-" She cuts herself off, "No, I guess you really aren't, even to me..." She grows quiet for a moment. "Look, just...no promises, but why did you need me?" Ugh. Once again, you start to explain.

-------------------------------

"Hmm?" Reisen says, picking up a small note. "What's this?" It was atop a small box, that certainly hadn't been there before. "A gift from the princess?" She gazes suspiciously at the box. "...How weird." She takes a look around her room, perhaps searching for some telltale sign that the box is some kind of trick, before reaching down, and with the longsuffering air of one resigned to their fate, opening the box. Inside... "Books?" She says, perplexed. She lifts the top book from the box. The name on the spine is familiar...that human Master sent her to get?

Curious, she flips open the book.

--------------------------------

[ ] Like a Spider
[ ] Like a Snake
[ ] Like a Moth
[ ] Like a Wildfire

An update! And in good form, too!

[x] Like a Moth

We're drawn to Human like a moth to a flame~

[x] Like a Snake

>>24164
See, I told ya.

[x] Like a Spider
This is the stealth option, right?

>>24174
Snake is probably the sneakingstealth option. Spider is probably waiting, moth is probably charge in, and wildfire is... I have no fucking idea what wildfire is. Maybe Mokou burning the whole place down.

Mima told us to locate him and wait, by the way. If we defuse the situation before she shows up, things might be significantly less awesome than they could be. Or maybe they'd be more awesome. Who can say?

[x] Like a Spider

[X] Like an Ork

WAAAAAAAARHG!!!

[x] Like a Spider

SPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDERSSSSS

[X] Like a Snake

This is a sneaking mission.

[x] Like a Moth

Humans make fire. Moths are drawn to fire. Ergo, moths are drawn to humans. Time to move.

[ ] Like a Moth

[x] Like a Wildfire

[x] Like a Boss

Because it had to be done.

[x] Like a Boss

oh yeah

[x] Like a Boss

Best option.

[x] Like a Moth

Guys, I don't think you're actually supposed to vote for the joke vote...

>>24207
Nonsense.

[X] Like a Boss
This must be done

[X] Like a Snake

Tactical Espionage Action.

>>24201
Here, changing vote to:

[x] Like a Boss

Because going in with our chest puffed out is what little bawesome youkai do.

[x] Like a snake.

[x] Like a Boss

Meet a phoenix.
Demand she help you.
Get rejected.
Swallow sadness.

[x] Like a Spider

>>24215
Pretend you aren't greentexting
Because you aren't using the >
You are still a faggot.

>>24219

Do you have a conniption fit every time you don't understand a pop culture reference, or is it just this one in particular you have a problem with?

>>24219
For reference to mad at greentexting anon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NisCkxU544c
Let's not run into Iku.

>>24231
To Do List:
Meet Giant Fish
Damn.

In other news, update at around 50%. Tomorrow ought to be the day, all. Thought you might want to know.

Just to be clear, called for LIKE A BOSS. Yeah, this struck me as amazingly in character.

>>24252
All my hoorays!

clicked to reply and ended up reading the whole thread again

"Alright, here it is." The white-haired woman says, and lifts some kind of small stick to her lips. With a flick of her thumb, she sets the end alight. Why, you have no idea. You turn your attention to the great enemy stronghold. A truly imposing construction, indeed. However...its defenses are weak! Already you have found an opening in the imposing outer wall of the compound! And it looks like the guards are absent! Quickly, you make your move.

-----------------------------------------------

Keine and Mokou watch, bemusedly, as the small youkai puffs out her chest and simply walks right up to the front door - or perhaps 'marches' would be a better word. She firmly slides it open, and turns, a confident and supremely determined expression on her face, to nod her appreciation at the two before marching right in. Mokou shakes her head.

"That little bi-" Keine shoots her a warning look. "...youkai sure has ba-" She cuts herself off, with a nervous glance at Keine, and finishes, lamely, "eh, guts." Keine just sighs.

"At least you're trying."

---------------------------------------------------

"Hey, where're you taking that?"

"There's a patient in... oh, it's you. To that human you brought in."

"...Give it here."

"What?"

"I'll take care of it. Give it to me."

"Why?"

"Because I said so. Give it."

"Ohohoho~ You like him, don't you?"

"Wha- What?!"

"Here you go! Wait till everyone hears about this! Heheheh, don't worry, I'll make sure you two have plenty of privacy, so feel free to get up to all sorts of naughty things~"

"It's not-"

-------------------------------------------------

He doesn't look up when the door opens. He just shifts the inkwell a bit to the side somewhat distractedly.

"You can just leave the food here." He says, absently, as his inkpen dances over the pages of the small book in front of him. He casts a glance at the plate as it's set beside him. "Hm. Looks good..."

"Hey. Human."

"I do have a name, you know. Oh! Is that..."

"I don't care! How did you know this?!" He turns to look at the angry girl. Huh. Bunny ears? ...There's something familiar about that. She waving a book at him. He takes a moment to look at it.

"Oh, you would be Reisen, then?" He asks, mildly.

"Huh?" She's thrown by his words.

"Yes, Kaguya asked me to autograph a few books for you. Thought she'd try to get you into my work. Now, what's the problem, then?" He sets his pen down and turns in his set to look at her.

"This book! How did you write this! It's-" She starts to build up steam again, but he cuts her off.

"It's loosely based on my travels from a few years back, as well as some general ideas and a world I'd been kicking around since I was a child. Why do you ask?" Once more, she's thrown.

"Your...personal experiences? But...but..." He waits patiently. "But this is ME! ...Just as a human." The man looks confused.

"Who is?" He asks, curiously.

"The main character! I was flipping through, trying to get a feel for just what this was, and a few things seemed familiar, and, and, if I hadn't run, the last half of the book..." He's definitely curious.

"Really, now? We'll have to discuss this later, then. How interesting..." He falls silent, thinking for a moment. "If you could come back tomorrow, hmmm...around lunchtime, perhaps, I'd be glad to discuss the book, and your own story. I must admit I'm interested in hearing more specifics about how the story relates to you. For now though, I have a meal to eat, some writing to do, and wounds that need to heal. Please, if you could excuse me?"

"Ah, yes..." Wilting slightly, the purple-haired rabbit girl backs out of the room, narrowly avoiding bumping into you, and starts down the hall. You watch her go. Rabbits... Disgusting creatures. Terrible, disgusting creatures. You open the door to Human's room. He sighs, loudly, and sets the stick he was holding down.

"And what is it no-" He looks at you for a moment. "You aren't a rabbit."

"Of course I'm not one of them! I'm here to rescue you!" Mission accomplished! In fact, you could probably sneak him out now, and instea-

"...Why?" He asks, eyebrows raised. You pause. This isn't how it goes.

"Because you were kidnapped...?" You hazard. You'd never been good with 'why'. 'Why are you doing this?!' and 'why?! oh, gods, why?!' always confused you, and this question seemed similar, albeit with less screaming.

"I was?" He asks. "Really?" You stamp your foot.

"Yes!" You puff out your cheeks in exasperation. He chuckles.

"And why would you come to save me, then?" You freeze.

"What?"

"Why save me?"

"Be- Because you're my human! You should know that! I- It's not that I was worried about you, or anything! It's...It's the principle of the matter!" You cross your arms, and look away, your face red.

"Your human?" ...You don't like that tone of voice. "...Who are you, anyway?"

[ ] "H-human? What...what do you mean?"
[ ] "Huh? You know me!"
[ ] "...We're leaving."
[ ] "...You mean..." You sniffle a little. "You...don't remember?"
[ ] Write-in?

[x] "...You mean..." You sniffle a little. "You...don't remember?"

This would be easier if folks decided to try doing a choice conductive to remembering things as opposed to some stupid story.

Amnesia calls for the big guns.

[X] "...You mean..." You sniffle a little. "You...don't remember?"

And if that don't work, waterworks.

[x] "...You mean..." You sniffle a little. "You...don't remember?"

[x] "Huh? You know me!"

Youkai girl is too slow on the uptake for that last option. Angry confusion, then crying.

>"Your human?" ...You don't like that tone of voice. "...Who are you, anyway?"

Dangerous. He may yell for help if she say the wrong things. Calling him 'human' is a hard thing to gloss over; best to play it off as some kind of pet name. I think she has the advantage of not having many obvious youkai-like features, unlike the rabbits, but her clothes and appearance is probably filthy.

[x] Pout. "F-fine! If you're going to be that way, I'll say it: 'I was worried about you, big brother.' Those rabbits knocked you over the head and kidnapped you!"
[x] Point to your clothes: "They got me pretty good too."
[x] You risk discovery. Tell him to act normal, you'll hide somewhere, and wait until night to spring him.

She's not terribly well spoken and kind of stupid (the original plan wasn't exactly brilliant itself), but she's fully capable of preying on human emotion, as shown with the ruse at the Village gate.

Hopefully he'll be able to draw his own conclusions about the amnesia; it shouldn't be hard to match up head trauma, and apparently not recognizing his own family.

Lying to him sucks, but she'll have all the time in the world to jog his real memories once they're out of Eientei and somewhere safe, like the Village or the Shrine. Right now they're in hostile territory. Sure, they may not want to hurt him, but she's a different matter.

If he thinks something might be up, even if he's not sure, he might try putting harder questions to the staff or attempt to check himself out, and if they're evasive, it would help confirm her story. And by spying under the floor boards until nightfall, she might be able to find out why they kidnapped him.

[x] "...You mean..." You sniffle a little. "You...don't remember?"

As much as I don't want this to option to win, anything is better than >>24261

[ ] "Huh? You know me!"

>>24264

The days of write-ins are over.

Can you imagine what would happen if someone wrote-in something like in Ace Combat Gensokyo in any given story?

Lynching.

When most of the given options are exactly the same--plus or minus a stutter--and '[ ] write-in' is prominently displayed, it's time to help your author out, Anon.

>>24267
Your lie isn't believable. That's the problem. Not that you made a write-in.

she just said "my human," he's a sharp guy, there's no way in hell he'll let her get away with claiming to be his sister after that

[x] "...You mean..." You sniffle a little. "You...don't remember?"

[x] "...You mean..." You sniffle a little. "You...don't remember?"

[x] "...You mean..." You sniffle a little. "You...don't remember?"

Votes called. Writing will commence sometime soonish.

>>24291
And there was much rejoicing.

>>24292
I hope that party is still going strong...

>>24421
Everyone's passed out on the floor, and Yukari froze the night again. But they're partying their hearts out in dreamland. Kirby and Meta-Knight are with them.

>>24422
It's funny because I've been playing Return to Dream Land.

Are you dead or overworked?

W-what?! I'm...NOT dead?! But yeah, between the doctors and the work and all, been...unable to write, as much as I'd want.

Have an update.

---------------------------------------------


"Y-you mean..." Your lower lip begins to quiver, as you tear up slightly. "You...forgot about me...?" In all your life, you've been many things, but if there's one point you've always been proud of, it's that you've never been forgotten. His eyes widen, and he waves his hands frantically.

"No, no...!" He protests, nervously. "It's um...not that I've forgotten you!" He smiles reassuringly, "It's, ah..." He chuckles awkwardly. "Just that I can't remember you?" You sniff.

"Really?" You ask, suspiciously. If there's one thing you know about humans....well, unrelated to hunting or eating them, that is - it's that they're deceptive. You eye his approaching hand warily. He settles it gently atop your head, and ruffles your hair softly. ...Despite yourself, you find all the tension flowing out of your body. You sigh, softly.

"Of course." HE smiles down at you warmly, as you scowl angrily disapprovingly adorably back up at him. "How could I forget someone like you?" You can feel yourself redding under the effect of his...his...him-ness.

"I-idiot." You accuse."Letting yourself get attacked like that, after everything..." You scold him for so easily succumbing to the rabbit's attack. "You need to defend yourself better!" Although that damn rabbit did manage to easily pierce your own mental defenses, and since Human is just a human... "I...guess I can overlook it this time, since..." Not about to admit weakness, you find another, valid-sounding excuse. "...it was an ambush, after all, but next time you'd better be able to hold your own." He nods, that same, stupid, warm smile on his face.

"Of course." He says, somehow managing to be reassuring. "I'm getting better at this 'danmaku', and physically I'm no slouch, either. ...even if I can't fly." ...Danmaku? The real stuff, not silly spellcard games, right? ...but there's no time to ask now, you can worry about that later. You need to get him out of this place, and Lady Mima said that she'd...oh! Human's just a human, so there's no way he can sneak out with you, no matter how much better a human he is, but Lady Mima and her friends can get him out! She said it'd hardly even be a fight! There ARE an awful lot of those...rabbits wandering around. You'd probably get caught, trying to sneak a human around, even if it IS Human.

But...you hesitate. Every moment you leave him here is another moment that they could do all sorts of horrible things to him! What should you do?!

[ ] Take him now!
[ ] JAILBREAK
[ ] ...He'l have to hold on, just a little longer...
[ ] Tactical Espionage Escape Action

[x] Tactical Espionage Escape Action

If I could do a backflip, I would do so out of sheer happiness right now.
Now go update in /underground/.

[x] Tactical Espionage Escape Action

[c] Tactical Espionage Escape Action

[x] Tactical Espionage Escape Action

Seeing this update again is glee.

[x] JAILBREAK

I am so happy right now. Even if the next update takes forever, I'll be waiting.

[x] JAILBREAK

Found this just a few days ago when it got rec'ced, didn't expect it to update again, very glad it did.

Whoa whoa whoa holy fuck, what?

Recommended?

My...my ego! It's....it's GROWING....!

>As for abandoned stories,
Goddammit.

Sorry. Hopefully I can get back on the wagon.

[x] Tactical Espionage Escape Action

Just found this story. Seems excellent.
Question: When Youkai omnomed Mokou a few updates back, did she eat all of Mokou (esp asking about the liver)? Cause if so we have another Hourai Immortal. Which could be fun.

Calling votes here for Tactical etc.

Hope to have it updated within a week. Or less.

Cross your fingers.

>>25067
Hooray!

Why do I get this feeling that Youkaianon is going to be hilariously bad at actually sneaking?

Hooray!

>>25068
If she was bad at sneaking, she would have starved to death a long time ago. But she can't sneak with all these lights. And hallways. Where are the trees??

I'm uncrossing my fingers.

Your mental debate is fierce, but in the end you can only come to one conclusion - the longer Human remains here, the greater his danger. You nod resolutely.

"Human." You back to him. "We need to leave." He looks up from his plate, 'fork' in his mouth.

"Hrm?" He swallows, lowering the 'fork'. "What, now? I should probably talk to the doctor, fir-" You interrupt fiercely.

"No!" You slash a hand through the air. "It's working with the rabbits! 'Doctor' can't be trusted!" Human continues to eat, eyebrows rising.

"And the rabbits are bad because...?" He asks the most ridiculous question.

"What?!" You exclaim, too distracted by this unfortunate turn of conversation to worry about the sounds coming from outside. "They attacked you! Twice!" You barely manage not to shout. "In your sleep, even! And they're the ones who attacked us on the road, too!" He drops the fork, and is on his feet almost instantly.

"You!" He exclaims, "I remember you! You were with me on the road!" He finally nods. "...You're right." He admits, after a while. "The doctor...she's hiding something." So the doctor - whatever that is - is a she, huh? Good to know.

"Good." You nod firmly. "I'll go first." You cast about quickly for some kind of camouflage, something simple...

Your eyes fix on the perfect item. It's even nice and hollow - the ideal solution. You quickly don the construct, much to Human's amusement, and slide the door open.

"Wait here." You instruct. "I'll let you know when to follow." You follow the hallway to the first intersection, watching for rabbits alertly. On the very edge of perception, you can faintly smell...Smoke? It shouldn't be a problem...

"Human." You announce. "Come on." And in this manner, you proceed through the labyrinthine corridors of this accursed rabbit hutch, meeting no-one, until, suddenly, all of the noise stops.

You hadn't actually noticed it until it stopped, but...the crashing, the roaring, the faint screams...It all suddenly stopped.

You have a bad feeling about this. And to top it all off, there are footsteps coming - you're out of time.

Human nods down at you, hurriedly slipping through one of the doorways lining the hall. He holds it open for you, but you just shake your head. You can't afford to leave the enemy unknown.

After a moment, he nods and slide the door shut. You secure your disguise, and wait.

------------------------------------------

"Gamma, where are you?! Alpha and Delta have been wiped out! We need support!" The voice crackles over her headset, raw panic clearly evident.

"We're moving as fast as we can! You know we can't fly with this sort of ordnance!" She shouts into her microphone, feet pounding the floor. The five girls under her command hurry after her, each struggling with an overlarge weapon.

"Just hurry!" Command shouts back, "It's gone still for now, but we've hardly scratched it - I think it's building up for something big! We need you up here! Lambda has their shields set up in the fifth courtyard - we've got a firing platform ready for you there. So get to it!" And with a crackle of static, Command goes silent.

"Come on, girls, pick up the pace!" She shouts back. "Courtyard five, let's go!" She hurries past an unobtrusive cardboard box - another of the Princess's toys, probably. She makes a mental note to come back and get it put away later.

The five rabbits hurry down the hallway, unaware that they were being observed.

---------------------------------------

"Human!" You cry, excitedly, "Mima's here!"

"What?" he seems bewildered. "Why?"

"She's here to help us escape, obviously! Now come on!" You zip off, quickly.

-------------------------------

You return, pick up Human, and fly off again, chasing the rabbits.

It's not too far before you arrive at an actual exit - the one the rabbits took. The doors are flung wide open, and you can fianlly see where the smell of smoke was coming from - part of the mansion is burning. And there, you see it...

A giant, metal...

Mima.

Now, how to get to her?

[ ] Attack the rabbits from behind.
[ ] Find a different route.
[ ] Observe, don't act yet.
[ ] Something else...

[x] Observe, don't act yet.

[x] Shout Mimaaaaaaaaaa and wave frantically. In a dignified way, as befits your status.

Going to her sounds like an awful lot of effort.

>"What?" he seems bewildered. "Why?"
I forgot what was going on and had the same reaction.

[X] Attack the rabbits from behind.

That's what you get for this, bread.

[x] Attack the rabbits from behind.

Pincer attacks work wonders, and who cares about rabbits? We have to save our Human, and reach Hiosu Tensoku Giant Mima.

hahahah what?

[X] Attack the rabbits from behind.

[X] Attack the rabbits from behind.

We have the advantage of surprise. No one knows we're here. If we're fast enough, we can break through and escape before anyone registers we were even present in the first place.