Thread 1: >>/youkai/22769
Thread 2: >>/youkai/23061
Thread 3: >>/youkai/23345
Thread 4: >>/youkai/23651
Thread 5: >>/youkai/23942
Thread 6: >>/youkai/24231

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Groaning, I rub my forehead a bit. "Hatate, can you give me a moment?"

"Um... sure," Hatate replies, awkwardly adjusting her skirt in order to preserve what's left of her modesty.

Calmly, I alight from the tree branch and land on the ground, striding over to Sukuna's position. The inchling sees me coming and blinks, face slowly sliding into an expression of nervousness. I think she realizes that she's gone a bit too far. Finally, I stand over the tiny warrior-poet, hands on my hips and eyes narrowed.

"Um... hi?" Sukuna says weakly.

"Sukuna," I say formally, "I am very disappointed in you."

"Eh?!" Sukuna gapes at me, absolutely floored.

I nod solemnly, letting disapproval enter my voice. "That's right. I brought you along with me because I knew that this would be a difficult conversation for me. Your presence here brought me comfort," kind of, "but I was expecting you to be able to read the mood and act accordingly. You didn't."

Sukuna is looking deeply abashed, face lowered to the ground and and hands clasped tightly before her. She's such the picture of an unhappy adorable that I want to scoop her up right now, cuddle her, and let her know that I forgive her. But I must stick to my guns; this is for her own good.

I kneel down to bring my face closer to the little inchling. "Sukuna, that was a really important conversati

Thread 1: >>/youkai/22769
Thread 2: >>/youkai/23061
Thread 3: >>/youkai/23345
Thread 4: >>/youkai/23651
Thread 5: >>/youkai/23942

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(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MRfvI8Mwv4)

Awwww, yeah~.

That's what I'm talking about.

I'm bound up in Yamame's webs, but I just don't care, because the gorgeous spider is walking towards me, and she has THAT look in her eyes. She's got the whole ensemble, too: that tight sweater over that chest. Those tight black leggings over those long, long legs. And that miniskirt...!

And the way she sways her hips when she walks! I don't care if I'm underground and on the way to old hell, because right now I'm in heaven~!

A web smacks me in the face from somewhere, but I just can't give a damn as Yamame stops in front of me and gives me a thoughtful look, devouring me visually from the tips of my toes all the way up to my eyes, her gaze smouldering. A naughty smile crosses the spider's face.

"You ready, little birdie?" she asks as the webs hit me in the face again. I just nod, excitement pulsing through me. Oh man, this is it! This is exactly what I've been waiting for! Finally, I get to see what lies under that shirt! And the skirt! Well, besides the retractable spider legs, but I am totally fine with them!

Yamame slowly, seductively tugs her sweater up, revealing soft, pale flesh as those webs keep hitting me in the face, over and over again. Argh. Stupid webs! I'm trying to get laid here! Give me a break already! But it's just smack, smack, smack-

Why do they feel fluf

Thread 1: >>/youkai/22769
Thread 2: >>/youkai/23061
Thread 3: >>/youkai/23345
Thread 4: >>/youkai/23651

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"Well, this is just me," Hina speaks up, "But I think that some prayer wheels and prayer cylinders would make for a very nice shrine. I mean, yes I like the whole spinning thing," she shrugs in embarrassment, "But think about it! They're a perfectly valid addition to any shrine!"

"I'm fine with that," Minoriko comments, "Just put them out front for general meditation and prayer, maybe?"

"And on that note, auspicious architecture in general would be a good idea," Shizuha notes thoughtfully. "Various mystical sciences all specialize in constructing buildings so as to maximize the good fortune within them." She glances over at Hina. "That would work well not just for Hina, but for all of us. However, if Hina's wing was specially made to help in the absorption of misfortune..."

Yamame nods. "Yeah, I know somebody that I could consult with on that. So, great! Prayer wheels and specialized Feng Shui, can do!"

"I'd also like lots of space to display artwork," Shizuha puts in. "You know, spots for sculptures and paintings, scroll racks for original copies of poetry. That sort of thing."

"I can totally do that," Yamame nods, scribbling down notes. "With that said, should we build a full-on art gallery?"

Shizuha bites her lip. "Tempting... but not just yet. We should catch on first, and once the artists start cropping up and donations begin to flow in... maybe then we can build some additions like that. So perhaps leave some space for additional buildings in the future." Yamame nods her understanding, and I can't help

Thread 1: >>/youkai/22769
Thread 2: >>/youkai/23061
Thread 3: >>/youkai/23345

Thanks for reading this stuff this far!

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I'm sipping my latest drink and still not getting a decent buzz (screw you so much, tengu metabolism), when I hear someone else enter the bar and the bartender call out a greeting. Still can't remember his name. Something foreign, anyway, and I really wonder where he got that vest. Whatever, I'm too busy being in the middle of my funk.

I hear a familiar voice call out in response and a weary figure sits a few spaces to my right. I glance over and-

Godsdammit, this day just keeps getting better and better. A certain pyromaniac has decided to grace the very same bar in which I am hoping to use alcohol to obliviate all of my cares. Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for Meiling Hong!

...Doesn't she have a forest-fire fairy working right under her at the Mansion? That explains everything.

Anyway, Meiling glances over at me and does a double-take. "Aya?! What the heck are you doing here?" I just raise my glass and tap it meaningfully. "Right..." Meiling says slowly, "Yeah, I'm about to do the same. Been a long day."

"Don't you have a liquor cabinet at the mansion?" I ask, "I'm surprised you didn't just get a drink from there." I'm trying to remain calm, but right now, Meiling is pretty much the other half of my frustrations.

"I needed to get away for a while," Meiling sighs. "Long story short... Yuuka and Sakuya are starting to want children."

I choke on my drink. When I manage to recover, I stare at Meiling. "Wha... wait, how the hell would that work?"

Meiling shrugs, and takes a long pull from her glass. "I have no idea, but they've been talking to Flandre a lot these days, a

Thread 1: >>/youkai/22769
Thread 2: >>/youkai/23061

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I groan from my uncomfortable place on the ground in front of Mystia's stand. There's a lot I want to say here right now. Starting with comments about disproportionate retribution on Mystia's part, Hina's lack of concern and support for her beloved friend, and the fact that from my position, I can't peek up anybody's skirt and see the good stuff.

Seriously, Hina's a classy lady! I bet they're all lacy, and frilly, and I can't see a damn thing!

However, my irritation at my lot in life is slightly overridden by a more pressing concern. One given voice by my loudly rumbling stomach.

"I'm hungry," I announce to the two peering down at me. Mystia snorts with amusement and disappears back behind her counter, while Hina giggles and extends a hand towards me.

"Come on, up at at 'em," the goddess says cheerily. "I think you've had a long enough nap!"

Shaking my head blearily, I accept Hina's hand and let her pull me to my feet, then guide me to a stool. As I sit down, delicious smells from the grill waft over to me, making my mouth water. Whatever else may be true about Mystia, the girl can sure cook.

She also has a nice ass. Not to mention a short temper. Hmph.

"What's wrong, Aya?" Hina asks me, munching on a tasty-looking bit of eel.

I look away from the cold, uncaring woman and fold my arms, feeling cross. "You sure didn't help me out when Mysty was beating up on me," I complain.

"Now, Aya," Hina reprimands me, "You really need to take punishment for your misdeeds, and it sounds like you did something terrible to Mystia! Besides, she might have peeled my face off if I got in the way."

"I probably would have~!" Mystia sings from the grill.

"Well... you didn't need to leave me laying there

I slam the wooden door with a loud bang behind me as I push my arms out and up towards the ceiling with a relaxing stretch.

"Ah, I'm finally done with the hunt. Good run today." My arms come back down with the leather bag held in my right hand swaying slightly. I press my forehead with my left hand and slide it across flicking the sweat off, then tug my light purple vest around a bit. It's pretty hot around here.

With a precise swing, I fling the bag to a corner with a solid thump on the floor and twirl my hat on top of the bag. I walk over to light the candle then jump with a nice flop landing my back on my soft comfy bed as the eyes on my hat bob from the impact. A moment of peace, a good day's work in.

Until the phone started ringing.

I sit up and slam one end of the handset on the base sitting on the nightstand. It flies with a flourish and ends up in my hand as I hold the transmitter next to my ear.

"Who's this?" I nod speaking into the receiver.

"Oh, it's you, good, I thought I got the wrong number. Anywho, Suwako, it's Shizuha."

"Huh. It's been a long time since I've heard from you. What's the occasion?"

"Uh, Suwako..." Her voice quivers, but returns to normal. "I've got something to talk to you about. I'd like you to come over to my house so we can discuss it."

She wants to see me in person? Strange. I wonder what to tell her.

[ ] "Since we haven't seen each other in a long time, I'll come over right away."
[ ] "I want to know what you want to tell me first."
[ ] "Can this wait until later? I'm tired."

Or "How I Ought to Stop Worrying and Love the Story"

_________

I shivered upon stepping inside. A torrent of memories I'd rather not recall rushed through my head. I knew this place more than I wished to.

I recalled walking through the paved streets, after once wandering away in a childish attempt to escape: how absurdly wide the avenue had seemed and my innocent thoughtsa: "Why would anyone need so much space just to walk?"
The walls of the mansions had all seemed the same: tall, an uncaring white. The people also - some scoffed: the ones in silken robes, riding in ornate carriages. Some made a disgusted expression, taking me for a peasant. A few showed pity in their faces, yet none extended a hand. The heart of the city had been cold as ice.
I felt sick.

Then Minoriko was by me, and it was gone.


"Do you feel it?", she asked, brows knitting.

"Feel it?"
I looked around - although not quite as wide as my childhood memory would suggest, the coldness was there as I remembered - it was if the very arquitecture of the place rejected warmth.
There was also the fact that it was completely deserted. Not even abandoned carriages or signs that people were ever here remained. If I didn't know better, I'd have said we'd just walked into the legendary Mayohiga.

"I said feel it, not look. Here." She held my hand, and suddenly something lifted from my senses. I hadn't noticed it, but it was there.
She let go, and it immediately returned. The air staled, as though suddenly rotted. A heavy feeling pressed against my skin, and more unpleasant memories bubbled to the surface of my mind. I scooted closer to the goddess involuntarily.

"I...I see. I think I have a good guess where we'll find whatever is causing this."


The walk towards the pillar of smoke in the distance wasn't too long, but the oppressive magic bearing down on me made it a challenge still. Thankfully Minoriko - of course - seemed to not be very bothered. By the time the gate of my old prison came into view, I

Thread 1: >>/youkai/22769

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Okay.

Okay. This is bad. This is clearly a very nasty combination of guilt, self-doubt, and bitterness at life all flowing together into a steaming, goopy mess of... of... not-feeling-goodness or something, I dunno! I'm not a shrink.

But Hina's clearly suffering, here, and I don't like seeing that. I don't like seeing people cry. It's too depressing. I've seen enough of that to last a lifetime. And I've lived a very long time indeed.

So! Right! Crying Hina, and Kasen looks about as clueless as I do! So, um... gotta give her some support. Gotta let her know that things will be okay. Right.

Carefully, I scoot around the table until I'm sitting next to Hina. Then I gently wrap my arms around her, pulling the goddess into a gentle hug.

Hina hiccups a little bit and settles into my arms, wrapping her arms around me in response. Poor thing... it's like she's pretty much hanging off of me. This must really be eating her up inside. As she sobs into my shoulder, I start running my hands through Hina's soft green hair and start making gentle noises, trying to calm her. It works a little bit, and Hina's crying subsides, just slightly. I notice that Kasen has slipped over and is on Hina's other side, watching her sadly. The hermit looks at me, giving me a nod.

Huh? Oh! Right, gotta say something. Ummm... what to say, what to say. Hm, this is tricky, but I'm sure that I can handle things!

"Hey, Hina?" I murmur quietly.

"...Yeah?" Hina whispers back.

"This is stupid, okay? I mean, what you're doing right now. The crying stuff." Hina seems to shrink at my words, and Kasen gives me a sharp look, but I shake my head. "No, no, I'm not criticizing or anything, just hear me out. Okay?" Hina hesitates, then nods. I sigh deeply, then continue.

"Now Hina, it's true that life has dealt you a pretty bad hand. Nobody can deny that, or that you

Hi again. Having written Being Meiling and Pleasant Meadows, I've decided to go back to something fairly light and fluffy. This story is in the same continuity as the previous stories, so you might want to read them to have a clue as to what's going on:

>>/sdm/54956
>>/others/51333

Anyway, updates will NOT be daily. I'm taking some courses, so I might be able to update two or three times per week. Maybe.

With all that aside, let's see how this goes!

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

"This is all a total load of bullshit!" I declare, folding my arms. "Always has been, always will be!"

Ichiro just stares at me with a raised eyebrow. Damned unflappable bastard. That always irritated me about him; no matter what you said, the guy was totally immune to it. Anything from insults to come-ons, he just reacted with a raised eyebrow, and not a whole hell of a lot else.

Actually, that's kind of a trait of all tengu males. That damn stiff demeanor. It pissed me off so much, that I finally went off to find greener pastures. I mean, I like a guy who reacts during a frenzied bout of lovemaking, you know what I mean? Or a girl, too, but my people can be so damned uptight about the stupidest things. Kinda why I left the village in the first place.

But yeah, uptight as all hell. Which brings us back to the present.

"Aya," Ichiro sighs, "Do you know why you're here?"

I roll my eyes and lean back, resting my hands on the tatami. "Yes, Itchy," I say in a monotone, "This is my parole meeting. I know it, you know it, Momiji knows it." I jerk my thumb back at the wolf tengu who is watching the proceedings from behind me. The very same wolf who burned down my house with the help of a certain gatekeeper who shall go nameless (MEILING HONG), due to my oh-so-forgiving nature.

Bitch. Both of them.

Ichiro shrugs, ignori

Gensokyo was known as a magical land, full of danger, mystery, and excitement. As well as its incidents which tended to directly, or indirectly, involve everyone. But it was also known for lapses in those incidents, and although it did mean the Hakurei maiden was free to lazy about her shrine all day, it meant Gensokyo as a whole tended to get... bored.

Which generally meant someone, somewhere, would throw some kind of party or get-together to temporarily relieve said boredom. As it so happened, today was one of those days. Some time ago, the youkai Yukari had organized a similar get-together at the Hakurei Shrine, and while there was a plan for another, Reimu had stubbornly refused, claiming she didn't want to clean up after everyone again, and all the youkai freely coming and going as they pleased, scared off any potential worshippers.

So instead, the other shrine of Gensokyo, the Moriya Shrine adopt the Youkai Mountain was to be tonight's gathering place. It probably, truth be told, would've been organized a lot sooner, but the ruling Tengu were always trying to keep outsiders away from the Mountain in the first place, so there was a lot of persuasion involved in trying to have them allow outsiders brought in for the party.

The night was to be full of food, drinking, and merry-making! In addition to cards. Specifically, cards used to play strip poker. As like the Hakurei Shrine, so to will the Moriya Shrine offer the same game! Why? Because why not. They had nothing better to do anyway.

- - -

Please select the roster! The teams are split into the Hakurei team and the Moriya team. However, this is mostly just for formality as the same rules as last time apply – the lowest hand loses, and it does not care for which team it is.

Each team will have four characters, totaling eight players in the end. Some characters can only be selected for one side, and will be noted as such, those who are noted as Neutral will play on either team.

Also note which character you want to be the 'main' character. This will just be whichever one will be actually controlled.

[ ] Reimu Hakurei [Hakurei]
[ ] Sanae Kochiya [Moriya]