krisslanza !l6ZeLPD4F6 2013/10/26 (Sat) 06:08 No. 174641 ▼ File 138276771727.jpg - (261.80KB, 850x1200 , sample-91bfd34c1af5fce3802918fc568f58c4.jpg)
[X] It can't hurt to sign up, right?
- [X] Non-precious metal restoration.
> Do you want to have workers?
- [X] Only for the big jobs.
- - -
It does not take you long to fill out the paperwork, making sure to dot all the i's and cross all the t's, as the saying goes. You take a moment to double check everything before offering the paper back to Limstella, she takes a moment to look it over before carefully filing it away.
“Thank you. I will see if I can find some work for you in the following days. Please, have a pleasant day.” stated the fairy coolly, shuffling through the pile of papers on her counter.
Well, she was pretty different from any other fairy you had met. Very professional and quiet... and strangely dedicated to her work. From what you had heard, this was pretty much the exact opposite of how a fairy usually acts.
“Well! Let's hope this'll work out great for the both of you. Come on Reina, no use standing around – work doesn't really just walk in through the door here.”
“Actually, it does sometimes. I will send any potential work offers to your house via a courier.” said Limstella as the tengu practically dragged you out.
“I have to say, I wasn't really expecting this kind of place in the village.”
The tengu nodded her head as she looked about, as if trying to find her bearings, “There's a lot more to the 'village' then you'd think. I've told they should probably give it a proper name or something. Outsiders come here and hear 'village' and think like... I guess a small collection of houses or something.
“At first, it was like that. But now? It's kind of like a small town almost. Well. Back in the day anyway, I'm sure by the outsider standards its still just a big village or something.”
You can't say you were really sure on that one... the Human 'Village' was pretty large though from what you had seen. Still, kind of odd how it didn't have a proper name.
“But anyway! Come on, I'm gonna take you out somewhere nice to eat. I don't know about you, but it's been quite a few hours now and I'm getting a little hungry. Also, it's my treat – you're not payin' a single rin!” declared Aya, quickly leading you off before you could really protest her decision either way.
The pushy tengu quickly led you threw the streets of the village, passing many establishments, houses, and restaurants along the way. Eventually she brought you in front of a somewhat large building, looking to be at least two stories. As was usual, it was a very traditional japanese-looking building – only it actually had a sliding door for an entrance.
Once inside you were quickly greeted by an older looking woman clad in a kimono (you were noticing a trend in the garb around here...). She looked at you with a warm smile before looking to the black-haired youkai.
“I did not expect to see you here today, Shameimaru. Should I get you a table for two?”
The crow nodded her head, patting you on the back, “Yup! So how ya been anyway? I saw your daughter not too long ago...”
The woman nodded, gesturing for you to follow as she started to walk off, “She told me all about it. As I recall, you were teaching her,” she inclined her head at you, “how to play mahjong?”
“Yup! She's still got a lot to learn but well, I guess we'll see how she'll do.” Aya flashed you a grin, “If you couldn't figure it out, this is Akemi's mother: Hanako.”
Hanako gave you a smile as she gestured at a table, “It is nice to meet you in person Reina. Akemi told you a bit about you. I believe I've heard you mentioned in gossip around the village... we don't get too many outsiders in Gensokyo – particularly those who actually seem to settle in and like it. Too many of them spend months freaking out or causing trouble.”
“I recall one time, this outsider showed up and figured that since there was so many women around, that we should all be in his harem or something. Lemme just say he didn't last long. I think some wild youkai ended up eating him.” remarked Aya casually.
“It was actually several wild youkai, from what I heard. But I imagine you'll be having your usual? As for her...?”
Before you could even ask what was served the tengu cut in, “The same as me. I'm buyin' for her today, and I'm sure she'll like it. As for drinks... I'll have some sake, and... do you mind some tea? Or would you like water?”
“Ah, water will be just fine, thank you.”
Hanako nodded, “Of course. I'll be right back with your order then. Enjoy your stay.”
~
The meal turned out to be a serving of yakinuki. It was actually pretty well-made and tasty! Though you did briefly wonder where exactly the meat had come from, but decided you probably didn't really want to know the answer to that one. Aya was rather secretive about the cost, and Hanako seemed to not even mention the cost, so you couldn't even think of ways to repay her for the meal!
But that was probably the point of hiding it. With the meal eaten, and the hidden bill paid, Aya once more took charge, exchanging farewells with Hanako before leading you out of the establishment. On the way out, you did notice a staircase leading upwards, and when you came out side, the tengu seemed to have notice that.
“There's actually a gambling parlor up there too. Like Akemi, she runs one... it's a bit more classy though, you could say. She mostly just serves up food though. Not too many people are willing to throw that much coin around everyday after all.” answered the tengu
“I didn't think there'd really be any gambling around here, to be honest. And ah, thank you very much for the meal, Aya.”
Aya flashed you a grin, “Don't mention it! And yeah, I guess it is kind of surprising to outsiders. People still like to gamble though, it's a nice way to pass the days sometimes. Now then!” suddenly the tengu grabbed you and hefted you into her arms, “Hold on and don't let go now. I'd hate to have to catch you, it's tricky to grab a moving target sometimes.”
Before you could voice a protest or objection, you felt the tengu start to float up and quickly did as instructed, holding onto the youkai's waist as she then took off into the sky. It was pretty late now, and the wind chill was quite noticeable, but Aya was still surprisingly warm and wasn't flying too fast.
You could fly yourself, but there was always something nice about being carried regardless. Maybe because you could just appreciate the view better? Flying was pretty much a human dream after all, and no one in the outside world could say they have flown around without the assistance of an airplane or something.
The village quickly disappeared beneath you, and you found yourself heading in a direction you weren't too sure about at all. Your face must've had a puzzled expression, because the tengu chuckled.
“I can't take you to the mountain, but I can at least show it off from a distance. I don't think you've ever seen it, right? It's pretty far off, but well, I'm pretty fast. I can get you close enough to get a look, and then get you home before it gets too cold out.”
“I have no idea how you manage to fly around so fast and not get cold to be honest...” you admit with a chuckle.
“There's a trick to it, a little bit of magic. I'll have to teach you one day maybe. I'm sure Reimu could do it too, but I guess just learning to fly in the first place is better then learning the little things like protecting you from the wind chill.” the black-haired crow chuckled again, “If you were wondering, that is how I can fly around with this skirt and not have my legs covered in goosebumps.”
You had to admit, that thought had crept into your head a few times. Reimu and Yuuka wore pretty full-body covering outfits, so it never occurred to you that there might be some magic to it. But Aya's rather short skirt did leave her legs mostly bare, and you wondered if it got cold when she flew around.
After some flying, the tengu quickly descended and set you down upon the grass, and then she pointed off in the distance, “I'd bring you closer, but I think if I get too much closer, the White Wolves might start taking offense. They're probably already watching you, to be honest.”
To your surprise, you were actually fairly close to a very impressive, and large mountain. Now that you thought about it, you could always see it off in the distance but you had never really seen it this close to your recollection.
A vast forest seemed to cover up most of the mountain, probably extending at least half way up, if not two-thirds. You could also just barely make out what seemed to be smoke rising from the mountaintop. Was it a volcano or something?
“It's not a volcano,” stated Aya as if she could read your mind, “that's just smoke stacks, more or less, that helps filter out the smoke from the city. The kappa are pretty industrious after all. You'll notice you don't see any buildings, really right? The city is actually inside the mountain, so there's really no way to show you without actually getting permission. I'd really like to do that sometime, but the powers-that-be can be really stingy about it.
“Sad to say, you'll probably need to do something impressive for them to even consider letting an outsider in. If you were a Gensokyo native, it'd be a bit easier, but as an outsider, they kind of distrust you out of habit, I think.”
That was a bit of a shame. You were really curious as to how that city had to look to have actual smokestacks coming out of it! Maybe one day... the view was rather impressive though, even from down here.
“What does it look like higher up?” you asked curiously.
The tengu rubbed her chin, “I'd show you but...” she pointed at the forest, moved her hand a bit and pointed elsewhere, and pointed once more, “you have three White Wolves already keeping an eye on you at least. I think if I took you up, they might decided to throw us out. They don't seem to mind people looking from the ground, but when you get higher up, they really get mad.
“Probably because if you're up high enough, you could reach the city faster. From the ground, you'd have to get through the forest, which is no walk in the park that's for sure. I'll see about getting some paperwork done one day, and I'll give you a proper tour. There's a shrine up at the top, and I think the shrine maiden is an outsider like you.”
“Really? I think it'd be pretty nice to meet her sometime then. I can't even see anyone watching us at all...”
Aya chuckled and patted you on the back, “I've got good eyes. Also I kind of know their usual spots. Anyway, they're looking kind of edgy. I'm going to take you home, alright? I'm going to be spending the night as usual, per the agreement to keep an eye on you. I'll be gone when you wake up though but...” the tengu bit her lip, “it'll only be for a little while.”
You offered her a reassuring smile, “I'll be fine, don't worry. Thanks a lot for today Aya. I'm going to need to repay you somehow.”
“Oh, I can think of a few ways...” the tengu grinned broadly, picking you up once more, “but that's for another day! Off we go, hold on tight.”
~
It was a bit unusual now to have the house be empty of anyone. It had only been a few days since... stuff had started to happen, but it was pretty nice waking up and having a friend there in the morning. The house felt a lot emptier now. It also occurred to you that Yukari had been suspiciously absent for a while now... she usually had a tendency to pop up when something like this happened.
But maybe she was just busy, or maybe it just wasn't that important..."Well, no use dwelling on it, you could never figure out went through that youkai's head anyway. Now the question was, what were you going to do for the day? You could do anything of course, but you didn't have any outstanding work, and you somewhat doubted you would get anything from Limstella given you had seen her less then a day ago.
“How did I ever pass slow days like this back in the outside world anyway...” you said to yourself with an amused chuckle.
As you finished up making and eating breakfast, once more trying to decide what you should do with your day, you are interrupted by a gentle knocking on the door. When you go to answer it, you are surprised to see the silver-haired maid standing outside, giving you a small curtsey.
“Good morning Reina. I hope I am not interrupting anything?”
You shake your head and gesture inside, “No, not at all, please come in. I'm a bit surprised to see you is all. I don't think I have ever seen you outside the mansion.”
“I take a route to the village that brings me close to your house, but today I was instructed to specifically come see you. Mistress Remilia wanted me to attend to the matter of payment for this month, and I was to see if anyone was with you today.” the maid took a quick glance around the room, “I take it you are alone today, Reina?”
“Yeah. Aya spent the night, but she's usually gone before I wake up. She always says she has to be up early to get home in time to publish the Bunbunmaru and all. I knew Remilia said she was going to have you come by, I guess I just didn't think it would be so soon.”
Sakuya tilted her head slightly, “If my presence is a bother, I can leave if you require it. Mistress Remilia would not wish to impose upon your personal life after all. Here is your payment for the month, including some extra.”
The maid procured a small bag from seemingly nowhere, handing it over to you. You took a quick peek inside to note the coinage, before placing it away inside your own bag.
“Thank you, and ah, no it's not really a problem at all. I was actually kind of really unsure of what to do today, I've been kind of used to either having work or friends around.”
“Of course Reina. Well, for the day I am at your disposal. While I am hesitant to leave the mansion in the care of the fairy maids for the day, Mistress Remilia was quite insistent I take the entire day off, and I am not to return until tomorrow morning.”
Remilia did mention she had really wanted to give Sakuya a day off, even if she never seemed to complain. Well, seems she had sent her to you as she had suggested... you had to think this was largely due to your situation though. It was kind of odd to consider your friends were basically serving as bodyguards, but that was just how it was.
- - -
Well this is new, Sakuya huh?
[ ] Before you got started on the day, you did have that bracelet to make for Reimu...
- [ ] Once that is done you're just going to lazy around the house and chat with Sakuya though. (Write-in questions)
- [ ] Sakuya is supposed to be good with cards right, why not a game? (Write-in specifics)
- [ ] Maybe you should pay Reimu a visit with Sakuya.
- [ ] Perhaps you'll go find Yuuka...
- [ ] The village is becoming kind of a thing. May as well have Sakuya show you around?
- [ ] Other?
[ ] Don't make the bracelet yet. (Same sub-options as above)
[ ] Other (Write-in)
> Gained 6 yen
> You have 12 yen and 70 sen
- - -
Sorry for how late this is. I've really gotten into this whole “Okay it's after college, time to play games.” thing again.
I have also been really thinking on another CYOA idea I really want to write, but I still have details to work out... and I'm not sure its in good taste to have two CYOAs running at once, particularly as I think this other idea is pretty /th/ material. I could maybe just make it in the village though.
It is a Teahouse idea though. Kind of like RiG in being slice-of-life, but without the 'supernatural' element of the grimoire, so it's mostly just going to be character and business-driven. Thoughts? If any.
Also as for that Bronze Coin... That is indeed a reference to the Lotus Pavilion. I actually have some things in mind for it so we'll see. Maybe.
