To Steal From the Thief

[Sonanoka]

Synopsis:

In the late evening of a warm summer's day, a random person was dumped into the middle of the bamboo forest of the lost, unaware of what had happened to him. Stumbling around in confusion, said person managed to step into a pit trap after not stepping more than five feet. Taking pity when she discovered the human, the rabbit Tewi retrieved him from his earthen prison, and deposited him on the outskirts of the human village.

Seeking out someone who might give him shelter for the night, he found that the citizens of the village were rather disagreeable to him. However, he did happen upon the Ninth Child of Miare, wandering the streets. Recognizing her, he bid her greetings, and requested to a room for the night.

Shocked by the communication, the girl acquiesced, leading him to her abode. The person discovered that this child was an outcast in her village, her short, repeated life considered a curse. Whenever she was born, she was cast aside as soon as her family by blood was able to.

Taking pity, the person managed to help her fix her home up some, repairing as many holes in the roof as possible. However, with no money of his own, he was unable to finish, the few boards not enough to cover every hole.

Still, the girl was grateful, and bid him to sleep in her humble home.

The next morning, the person decide it was time to depart, at least for now. There was one person whom he desired to meet in his land. Promising to return as soon as possible, he set off to find his target, knowing that it would be a long, hard journey.

From the words the child shared with him, he knew that it would be hard to find, and even harder to gain an audience with her. However, there was one way that was guaranteed to provide a chance. Twelve of her possessions had been stolen by the ordinary magician turned ice fae in the depth of the woods, and so decided to seek it out.

By providence, his journey into the woods was miraculously safe. Only running into one youkai and evil spirit, both not desiring a human to whet their palates, he eventually came across a house in a clearing. It was not, though, the witch's house he had come across. It was instead the house of another young girl, with dolls of her own flesh serving her.

Pointedly ignoring what exactly that might mean, the person entered in to the abode, and took tea with the young girl. In a surprising show of honesty, she admitted that she had been watching him the entire time, and had prepared some food in hopes that he would come and join her.

Perhaps he was a little too trusting, but any worries that he may have had did not pan out. The young girl, going by the name of Alice, eventually offered to take him to the witch's house, for even though they were friends, she knew of her thieving ways.

After a quiet journey through the woods, during which he began to suspect that the eldest of the girl's dolls was hiding something. However, he was not able to investigate in front of the girl, so he desisted. Approaching the house of the witch, he swallowed and knocked upon the door three times.

Nothing answered him, so the two ventured into the house. By fortune, the witch was not at home. Taking advantage of it, they quickly began to tear apart the room, seeking the twelve items. The young girl revealed herself for the first time to be more than human, and used her nose to track down the scent of the books. Doing as much, they were quickly located and placed inside a sack that the girl had prepared.

After dithering about for a moment, wondering how the witch had managed to steal items such as onbashira and the face of a clock tower, they scampered out of the house and into the forest. They proceeded to stroll towards the currently known abode of the one he sought while she filled him in on the background of the land they were in. The land of Gensokyo.

However, as they approached the lake, they had to proceed with caution, as the witch was known to spend her time on the lake, especially after her transformation. After sneaking through the woods with a shield of dolls bending light, they managed to bypass the possibility of meeting the witch, and approached his target.

Full version:

*sudenly, a man found himself falling into a forest, surrounded by bamboo on all sides, dense enough to keep one from going a single direction for long*
Yesterday 1:26PM*picks self up* Oh lovely, where am I- *blinks* Oh, wonderful. Bamboo forest... Everywhere, Don't tell me... *sighs* Well, if it isn't, I'd still need to get out of here. No need to get my hopes up. *begins to make his way through the forest best he can*
Yesterday 1:28PM*not even making it three feet, he falls into a pit-fall*
Yesterday 1:33PMOh. Lovely. *stares up for a second, sighing* At least I know where I'm at now. Damn Tewi. *blinks in realization* I'm in Gensokyo! So much I'd like to do... *plots as I begin to climb out*
Yesterday 1:34PM???: Ahaha, Reisen, you idiot! Why do you always fall into my- ehh? ...You aren't Reisen...
Yesterday 1:40PMNo, I'm afraid I'm not. But if you need a name, you can call me Begi. *glances up* I don't suppose you can help me up here, can you?
Yesterday 1:43PM*the girl in the pink dress hops into the pit, grabs him, and hops back out*
Yesterday 1:44PM*dusts himself off and nods* Thank you much, Inaba.
Yesterday 1:49PM???: No prob, kid! *grins up at him*
Yesterday 1:49PMSo, could you tell me how to get out of here? I've no idea 'why' I am here... Nor do I particularly know where to go. *Scratches head*
Yesterday 1:51PM*hops behind you, kicking your feet out from under you, carries you bridal style, and hops upwards, skipping there effort needed to actually make the way through the enormous maze-like forest* *starts hopping across the bamboo-tops*
Yesterday 2:00PM*snorts* straight and to the point, huh? *just watches as she bounces, getting a little sick to the stomach*
Yesterday 2:03PM*jumps off the last one, does a flip, hurtles towards the ground, and lands softly*
Yesterday 2:07PM*stumbles back onto the ground, looking around* Where am I...
Yesterday 2:11PMI took ya to safety, kid! *chuckles*
Yesterday 2:13PMThank you much. *glances around* But where exactly 'is' safety? Not that I know where anything is in this land.
Yesterday 2:14PMThe human village! *chuckles* Well, I best get going now, before I get seen~ *bounces at high speed once more, and is gone*
Yesterday 2:17PMOh, alright... Well, I suppose I can find some directions, or a place to stay... *begins to walk through the town*
Yesterday 2:20PM*all of the humans look grumpy, and suspicious of a new face*
Yesterday 2:22PM*avoids their eyes, looking for someone I recognize. Akyuu, Mokou, Keine... Even the Kirisame General Store*

(Going with the whole 'knows I'm in Gensokyo', but not 'which' one)
Yesterday 2:23PM*a ten year old Akyuu is walking down the road, humming happily to herself, while everyone else avoids her*
Yesterday 2:24PM*spots her, before happily walking up, seeing someone he recognizes* Hello there, Miss Hieda. *bows shortly*
Yesterday 2:25PM*looks at him in astonishment, as she's not used to being talked to* H-hi...? Erm... W-what is it that you w-want...?
Yesterday 2:28PM*smiles happily, trying to get on her good side* I was wondering if you might know a place an outsider who got dropped in ten minutes ago could stay for the night. I've not any plans yet, and don't have any local currency, but I can do my best to repay.
Yesterday 2:31PMW-well... umm... If you like, you can stay with me... *is starting to get slightly used to being talked to*
Yesterday 2:33PM*nods in thanks* That would be much appreciated, Miss Hieda. I hope I'm not imposing.
Yesterday 2:36PMNo, no, not at all...! I, umm... I'm sorry if the place is a bit... well, messy isn't even the right word... Erm... I suppose... blackened...?
Yesterday 2:38PMAs of the moment, I don't even have a roof. *grins* I can't complain otherwise.
Yesterday 2:38PM*smiles happily* Alright. Right this way, and we can see if you'll be dining on words tonight. *giggles*
Yesterday 2:40PM*tilts head at her words* Odd thing to say. *follows*
Yesterday 2:42PMAnd, here we are. *arives at a burt husk of a home, though it seems to still be standing, save for a few holes in the roof with buckets under them*
Yesterday 2:46PM*winces* You have to live here? No one has tried to help you fix it?
Yesterday 2:47PM*smiles sadly* They all think I'm cursed, and contagious... Everyone but Keine thinks as such... And she's far too busy to help with such a thing...
Yesterday 2:49PMDo you have anything here I can help with, then? If I'm staying, might be able to throw something up... Not a carpenter, but I can make do.
Yesterday 2:53PMI have some wood, some rusty old nails, and a rock... *points to a pile of dusty wood, nails that were once fine when first placed there, and a large, smooth rock* If you could seal the holes, that'd be lovely... I've wanted to for about 30 years now, but I'm just too short...
Yesterday 2:57PMHuh, a rock? is good with me. Although, it'd be better to get up on the roof, and nail from the top down.
Yesterday 3:00PM*looks sadly at him*I don't have any way to get on top - do you?
Yesterday 3:02PMHrm... *looks around for a handhold, finding one just out of reach on the back wall* I thinks so... *climbs up on the roof, and looks down* Can you toss me some of the stuff?
Yesterday 3:03PM...Is that even safe? The wood's probabably a bit rotted by now... *throws him a board, a nail, and the rock*
Yesterday 3:05PMIf it breaks, then a heavy rain would break it too. Better now when we've the time to fix it. *pulls up a few broken planks in the hole, and lays the new planks in and nails them*
Yesterday 3:09PMI guess... *has another three nails ready, for when he needs more*
Yesterday 3:11PM*finishes with the first hole, before moving onto the second* How many more are there?
Yesterday 3:11PMSix.
Yesterday 3:13PMHrm... *looks down* We don't have enough planks for that.
Yesterday 3:14PMIt's all I've been able to collect over the years... *sigh*
Yesterday 3:17PM*frowns* I see. I'll do what I can. *gets to the seconds to the last hole before running out of wood*
Yesterday 3:18PMThank you for your help, outsider! *smiles and bows, once he's finally down*
Yesterday 3:20PMYou're welcome... Not right, treating you like that... *sighs, and leans against wall* While since I've done something like that.
Yesterday 3:21PMSo, shall we go inside? *smiles*
Yesterday 3:26PMIs fine with me... *walks in, and sits down on the nearest thing sittable*
Yesterday 3:28PMWould you like some bread? *grabs a slightly stale loaf, and tears some off, offering it*
Yesterday 3:32PM*noms on it happily, ignoring the staleness* Thank you much, Miss Hieda.
Yesterday 3:34PMJust Akyuu is fine. *smiles and bites into her third of the bread*
Yesterday 3:39PMAlright then, Miss Akyuu... *glances around* What's the problem here? This isn't quite what I had expected when I realized where I was.
Yesterday 3:40PMWhat do you mean?
Yesterday 3:44PMI... err. Even though I'm an outsider, I knew of Gensokyo. But I didn't expect the 9th Child of Maire to be living...
Yesterday 3:52PMW-well, none of the villagers believe me when I say I am as such... *sighs and takes another bite*
Yesterday 3:54PMThat's... *sighs* That's terrible. Why would they...
Yesterday 3:55PMFurthermore, I'm seen as cursed, and end up abandoned every time I'm reborn... *sighs*
Yesterday 3:59PM*pats her on the shoulder* You don't have to worry about that from me. I know what you are.
Yesterday 4:01PM*smiles* Thank you.
Yesterday 4:02PM*shrugs* I just don't know where I can go from here...

(mission get maybe?)
Yesterday 4:05PMWell, most humans just... stay... But if you truely wish to go else where, tell me a bit about yourself, and I'll recomd a place. However, you may be eaten by a grue.
Yesterday 4:07PMWell, if they are anything like I expect from the way they treat you. *shakes head* There's someone I would like to meet, at the least. As for me... I suppose I'm just normal, and would like to say that I'm easygoing. I read a lot, in spare time. Along with writing if I feel like it. *must not say what I write must not say* And I'd like to think I'm at least somewhat handy.
Yesterday 4:10PMWho?
Yesterday 4:13PMOh. Well... *rubs back of head, blushing a bit* Tokiko.

(Not even gonna dance around here. This might as well be named the quest for the ibis. XD)
Yesterday 4:16PMErm... She's a bit... terrified of human, I think...
Yesterday 4:20PMReally? *tilts head* Why is that?
Yesterday 4:21PMI'm not completely sure, but... well... Do you wish to hear my theory? I warn you, it's not going to be pretty...
Yesterday 4:31PM*sits cross legged, and nods* Yeah... I would.
Yesterday 4:33PM*sighs sadly* I think she was kidnaped, and raped by a number of humans from the village...
Yesterday 4:37PM......... *is stunned silent*
Yesterday 4:44PMYeah...
Yesterday 4:45PMThey... they did that. *chokes* To 'Tokiko'? Isn't she one of the ones that goes out of her way to 'not' cause trouble...?
Yesterday 4:46PMI think so, yes... *looks down, grimly*
Yesterday 4:49PM*face gets cross* Do you know who did it?
Yesterday 4:52PMNo idea. I'm sorry.
Yesterday 4:55PM*looks down* But... why? That's just wrong... *looks back up* Is there any way...
Yesterday 4:59PMTo find out who? No. To make her feel a little better? You could retrieve the books stolen from her, I suppose. I believe there are 12 in total.
Yesterday 5:02PM*snorts* Aye, I gotcha. I suppose that might be too much to ask. But as for who would have them- *blinks* stolen books. Either Hakurei, or Kirisame. Correct?
Yesterday 5:06PM*shakes head* The maiden has no need for such things, though she has chased the girl about so as to eat her fear. *sighs* Many of the more peaceful youkai do tend to be victimized in some way.
Yesterday 5:12PMThat's... that's just terrible. *blinks* But you didn't say no to the witch.
Yesterday 5:14PMThough, I suppose if the village actually payed her for her services, she wouldn't have to scrounge for food. And I'm sure that Marisa has most of the books, if not all of them.
Yesterday 5:30PM*sighs* Well, I don't have anything I could barter with... So no luck unless I want to steal it back.
Yesterday 5:30PMIndeed.
Yesterday 5:32PMHrm... Well, if she stole it from her in the first place...
Yesterday 5:33PM...This is Marisa we're talking about, right?
Yesterday 5:35PMYes, I am. My apologies.
Yesterday 5:38PM*chuckles*
Yesterday 5:42PMWell, would it be possible to return the books to their owner?
Yesterday 5:45PMThat depends on the lengths you would go, really.
Yesterday 5:48PMWell, perhaps you could elaborate?
Yesterday 5:51PMWell, what sort of interest have you in that little birdie? Enough to steal for her? Enough to kill for her? Enough to die for her?
Yesterday 5:57PMI... *pauses for a moment* I don't know her. But I know of her. She doesn't deserve what's happened for her. So if I can help karma along, I will do it.
Yesterday 5:58PMThough, I think you'd be in luck... With the fear of melting in her, Marisa is currently staying at the lake. Her home is quite unguarded.
Yesterday 6:03PM*raising eyebrow, I ask* You sure? You seem a bit blase about this... Not that I'm complaining.
Yesterday 6:04PM*shrugs* I'd rather keep one of the few people that talks to me happy.
Yesterday 6:08PM*shakes head* You don't have to do that to me... But I believe I can do that much. Should I go now, or wait?
Yesterday 6:10PMIt's night. Have you a death wish?
Yesterday 6:17PMWait, already? It was day ten minutes ago... *shrugs* I suppose I don't, so I'll stay... *tilts head* Did you say Keine live with you?
Yesterday 6:19PMShe doesn't. My sister merely helps me at times, such as when I'm too young to live alone.
Yesterday 6:21PMOh... I'm sorry. So just you here, by yourself?
Yesterday 6:21PMYeah... Sometimes a nicer baker gives me old bread, though...
Yesterday 6:25PM*looks down, sad* Once I'm done with my business, I'll have to come back, then. You don't deserve that.
Yesterday 6:27PM*smiles brightly* Alright!
Yesterday 6:30PM*stretches his arms* I suppose I should get to sleep, early day. Unless you have anything else you need me to do?
Yesterday 6:31PMNo, nothing that I can think of. *smiles* ...Th-though, umm... would it be okay if I hug you, to help me sleep...?
Yesterday 6:36PM*opens his arms, inviting the small girl in* Of courseIf it helps you...
Yesterday 6:37PM*wraps her arms around his waist* Thank you...
Yesterday 6:41PMYou're welcome. *hugs her gently while he falls asleep*
Yesterday 6:41PM*quickly falls asleep*
Yesterday 6:49PM*wakes up in the morning, finding that she has drooled all over him* ...Cute...
Yesterday 6:53PM*snores quietly*
Yesterday 7:01PM*smiles and sits, waiting for her to wake up*
Yesterday 7:02PM*drools a bit more*
Yesterday 7:04PM*wipes her mouth, and decides to wake her* Akyuu... wake up. It's morning...
Yesterday 7:04PM*bites your belly gently* Mm... nom...
Yesterday 7:19PM*chuckles* You're not a youkai, so don't try and eat me... *pokes her cheek*
Yesterday 7:21PMBlah... Zzz... vant to suck... Zzzz...
Yesterday 7:23PM*snickers* Mankind ill needs a savior such as you.
Yesterday 7:23PMWhat is a... Zzz... Man? A miserable... Zzz... little pile of secrets...
Yesterday 7:32PMHrm. Enough talk. Have at you! *commences tickling*
Yesterday 7:33PMGyahahaha...! *thrashes about, instantly waking up*
Yesterday 7:35PMNow, do you surrender? *tickles harder*
Yesterday 7:36PMN-never...!? *tickles back in confusion*
Yesterday 7:42PM*laughs for a moment, before stopping* I yield, I yield. *calms down* Good morning.
Yesterday 7:44PM*gasps for air with a smile* G-good morning!
Yesterday 7:47PM*sits up, setting her on his lap* So, did you sleep well?
Yesterday 7:49PMI-I did! *pants a bit*
Yesterday 7:54PMGood! *smiles* You drooled on me, so that was my revenge. I hope you learned well.
Yesterday 7:55PMNo, no really...?
Yesterday 7:58PMOh well. That means I should just try harder next time, then.

(How are you enjoying that 300 message limit? XD)
Today 12:00AM(Also, I think I made my Tokiko have a slightly sad profession of sorts, up untill she moves in with the scarlets! XD; With Gensoukyo lacking chickens, she makes a bit of money off of her eggs, as many birds in my Gensoukyo do.)

Eheh...
Today 12:02AM(...are you trying to make me cry?)

Alright. Well, I suppose I should be getting off, before it gets too late. Or do you need anything first?
Today 12:04AM(Well, they are only being eaten. It's like how animals eat the placenta after giving birth. She sees no harm in it, and the money can be of use.
Today 12:06AMNite~ Nope~
Today 12:06AM(aww, going to bed? Well, good night.)
Today 12:07AM(Ehh? Ahh!)
Today 12:09AM(Crappit! XD)

Good luck! *smiles*
Today 12:10AM(...Ok. Totally confused. But at least I know what to do in the RP XD)

Alright. *sets her to the side and pats her head, before impishly ruffling her hair* Where might I go to find her house, then?
Today 12:11AM(I thought you forgot the ()! XD Mixed signals!)

...Somewhere in the forest of magic...?
Today 12:13AMWell, I thought I'd ask. Thanks though, Miss Hieda no Akyuu. I thank you for your hospitality.

(And is all good. XD Oh, and if you're wondering about the messages, we can only send up to 300 a day it seems.)
Today 12:15AM(*tears up* That's not nearly enough! *sniffles*)

You're very welcome, mister Begi.
Today 12:21AM(I know, I know... If we keep this up, we may have to go off sight. I need my Sona fix!)

*smiles and takes his leave, walking through the town before coming upon the edge of the forest of magic* Now, which way is the best to go...
Today 12:22AM(*blushes* Eheh... You're addicted, too? *smiles brightly* Well, I know of a site...)

*he feels eyes upon him from a number of directions*
Today 12:28AM(We'll see if it becomes a problem later on, what with three of these running. And I might be.)

*sighs and begins walking forward* If any of you would be so kind, I need a guide...
Today 12:30AM???: Is that so~? *doesn't walk out, but the voice comes from a particularly shady area*
Today 12:34AMThat I do, Rumia. Sonanoka to you as well. *grins, as that statement makes no real sense*
Today 12:36AM???: Is that so~? *from the other direction, the same voice can be heard, also from a shady area*
Today 12:39AMWait a second... *glances from one to the other...* The three fairies...?
Today 12:43AM????: *chuckles* We are no fae. *from the 2nd location, a more mature voice can be heard now* We just... happened to be caught in the day-light
Today 12:45AMSo, how close am I? And whom might you be...?
Today 12:47AM????: I would be Mima, and the one whose stomach is growling with you around would be Rumia.

Rumia: That is so~! *right behind him now*
Today 12:49AM*spins around, and thinks decidedly about standing his ground* Good morning to you, Youkai of Darkness.
Today 12:54AM*is in a black bubble* Good for you, maybe... my eyes burn out, and my insides boil in the stuff...
Today 12:55AM*winces at the rebuke* I meant no offense, as I was merely attempting to be polite.
Today 1:00AM*giggles* I was only teasing, human~
Today 1:04AMFirst rule that I know of when dealing with youkai... Always be polite.
Today 1:05AMMima: A good rule, when you would normally be on the menu.

Rumia: That is so~!
Today 1:09AM*pales at the thought* That in mind, I seek directions. As an outsider, I know nothing about where anything may be. ...Also, I cannot fly.
Today 1:10AMRumia: ...It would be hard to do that, when I'm blind in the day.

Mima: Likewise.
Today 1:13AM*hums to himself* Well, I suppose I must attempt to find it on my own. Thank you, though.
Today 1:14AMRumia: *giggles* Good luck~

Mima: Indeed. Good luck with that, human.
Today 1:18AMThank you much. *proceeds further into the forest, searching for a clearing*
Today 1:20AM*eventually, he comes upon a clearing with a cozy little house in it*
Today 1:22AMHrm... Well, this is either Alice's or Marisa's... And it doesn't look like the former's... I suppose I'll knock first, just in case. *knocks*
Today 1:24AM(I said cozy, not messy! XD)

*the door swings open*
Today 1:30AM(Well, yeah. But messy can be cozy)

*calls in* Hello? Is anyone home?
Today 1:31AM(...I'd hate to see a list of hoarder homes that you consider cozy! XD)

*a little girl is having tea*

???: *smiles* Tea?
Today 1:34AM(Ok, hoarder would be different. But from the outside, I imagine that it wouldn't be so bad. The inside, on the other hand... *shivers* would be horrible)

*eyes widen in surprise, realizing he'd come to the wrong house* *smiles anyways* That would be lovely. I did not have any breakfast earlier, so I'd enjoy a spot of it. Thank you much Miss... *tilts his head* Margatroid?
Today 1:39AMAlice: *chuckles* Well, you're in luck, as I just finished making crumpets. *smiles brightly*
Today 1:41AM*smiles back* Thank you very much miss. Such hospitality soothes a young traveller's soul.
Today 1:44AMBetter than having it enrage ones soul. Enraged souls are rather difficult to deal with.
Today 1:46AM*flinches* How would it do such a thing?
Today 1:47AMAnd that is the number one question, of that subject... How DOES one keep from enraging a soul?
Today 1:54AM(Thought you might like to know that while I was waiting, I got the next chapter to 3.5k)

There is no one true way with words that I can imagine. For what may please one soul might anger another. *looks at her warily* I've not angered ye, have I?
Today 1:57AMNay, ye have not. *smirks*
Today 1:59AMThat is good. I was worried that I had...
Today 2:00AMI have mellowed, since having been talked down from my overzealous days.
Today 2:03AM*tilts head* If I'm not too bold... Overzealous, how?
Today 2:04AM*blushes* W-well... I would threaten to kill anyone who I had even a hunch of looking at the woman I loved...
Today 2:10AMOh. *blinks* That is good... *looks closely at her* Do you mean the Kirisame by that?
Today 2:12AMAhah... Y-yes...
Today 2:14AM*grins slightly* I merely supposed. Who was it that helped you mellow? Or have your own experiences taught you that?
Today 2:16AMWell... Patchouli smacked me over the head with a book, and started to lecture me.
Today 2:23AM*chuckles* I see that she is applying her Knowledge, one might say.
Today 2:24AM*sighs with an amused smirk* That was horrible... *a team of dolls flit in with a large tray of crumpets, straining from the weight*
Today 2:28AMOh, but it made you smile, so it was worth it. *glances at the dolls* And whom might these be?
Today 2:29AM11, 49, 261, 355, and 452. *smiles*
Today 2:34AM*blinks* Oh, Alright. *nods his head to each of them in turn* Nice to meet you, Misses Eleven, Fortynine, Twosixtyone, Threefiftyfive, and Fourfiftytwo.
Today 2:35AM*the dolls all bow, setting down the tray*
Today 2:37AM*waits for her to take her food*
Today 2:38AM*reaches for one, teasting in with her finger, before pulling back in surprise* *waves hand around* Oww... I hate when I haven't the time to let them cool, before company arives...
Today 2:43AM*chuckles a bit, before braving to try and take one himself, having the same reaction* It is fine. I'll just think that ye had them cooked specifically for myself. *grins cheekily*
Today 2:44AM*laughes nervously* I did...
Today 2:52AMOh? *tilts head* You knew I was coming? *eyes trail over to the dolls* ...You were watching me in the forest, yes?
Today 2:54AM*smiles* One does not simply waltz into the Forest of Magic without my notice.
Today 2:59AMThen you must know what I am here for? *blinks* Wait a moment. What if they tango on the way in, then?
Today 3:01AMA few precious things, obviously. After we are done here, I'll lead you there. *smiles*
Today 3:04AMReally? I wouldn't have thought...
Today 3:05AMThought what? *smirks*
Today 3:07AMThought that you'd lead me there, if you knew what I wanted.
Today 3:14AM*shrugs* You have a look in your eye like you have your reasons.
Today 3:15AMI do... *blushes* Of course, My original thought was to do something more extreme, but I got talked out of it.
Today 3:16AM*giggles*
Today 3:19AMI suppose you know the feeling, yes? *grins slightly* I can't wait to meet her, though.
Today 3:20AMI do wish you luck. *transfers a crumpet to a small plate, and tears a bit off, popping it into her mouth*
Today 3:23AM*takes his own crumpet and chhomps at it, before blushing and trying to be more dignified.
Today 3:24AM*giggles at him* It's fine.
Today 3:26AMJust trying to not eat like a madman.
Today 3:26AMAnd yet you're sitting here, having breakfast with a random fae in a forest full of literally magic mushrooms. *smirks* That sounds mad, to me.
Today 3:30AMIf you wanted me for breakfast, you would have had me, already.
Today 3:46AMWhat am I, a pixie...? I don't even eat solid food, most of the time! *giggles* The magic in the air is enough for me. *smiles*
Today 3:51AM'Fraid I know not what it is. I only know what youkai are. And that's enough for me.
Today 9:18AMMan-eating fae. Easily distinguished by the color of the sclera, unless they've found a way around it. Black sclera would be the mark of a pixie.
Today 9:21AMHeh, alright. If I had a gun, I'd not shoot until I see the black of their eyes.
Today 9:25AMThat would be for the best. *chuckles* I'd hate to see one of few nice humans being devoured.
Today 9:31AM*looks down* Are they... are athey really that bad? I was holding out hope...
Today 9:41AMThey commonly try to capture lesser fae, or weak youkai, and have their way with them.
Today 9:43AM*cringes again* poor Tokiko...
Today 9:44AMIndeed.
Today 9:45AM*takes another crumpet* They reall would hate me, wouldn't they?
Today 9:52AMAlso quite true. *smiles*
Today 9:52AMThe how can I... get her to at least tolerate me? *thinking out loud*
Today 9:53AMActing a bit... crazily can help. She considered all nice humans to be insane, and vise versa.
Today 9:56AM*grins slightly* I hope what I'm doing can be considered like that.
Today 10:01AMIndeed, it can be. *smiles*
Today 10:02AM*smiles at her* thank you. Ghese are really good, by the way. *blushes* If you couldn't tell...
Today 10:12AM*chuckles* I'm quite proud of my baking skills. *grins a bit*
Today 10:13AMAs you should be... Makes me want to drop by again, even if it's merely to say hi, and steal biscuits.
Today 10:14AM*giggles* It's not like I'd mind. I do get lonely.
Today 10:19AMAs you wish... *finishes off another* But I reall should get going.. As nice as it is to stay and talk a while.
Today 10:27AM*smiles* Alright. *pops the last bit of crumpet in, and gets up from her seat, showing just how short she is*
Today 10:38AM*has a double take* you look like you just came from makai...
Today 10:55AMWell, I've stopped hiding my form... With my interest in Marisa gone, I've no reason to care if I look a bit like a child.
Today 10:56AMI don't care what you look like, you meerely surprsied me. I just didn't really notice until you got up. *waits for her to get ready*
Today 10:58AMAlright, let's go. *a swarm of dolls starts to come out of the woodwork*
Today 11:20AM*eyes widen* I hope you're not insulted if I can't keep track of all of them.
Today 11:22AM*giggles* You need not, as I am them, and they are me. I control them like a second body. All five hundred of them.
Today 11:27AMOh, I see. Little extensions of yourself? *walks outside* I think I see now... They look organic though, not lke dolls. *is kinda sad he didn't get to meet Shanghai, though*
Today 11:29AMThey are made from myself.

*one of the dolls looks slightly different from the crowd, but acts the same*
Today 11:34AM*realizes* Ohhh... So they are literally you. Sorry it took so long. Magic is strange. *seeks the odd one out* But who might you be?
Today 11:35AMAlice: That would be my first doll, Shanghai. My mother helped me make it... *smiles fondly* I even named a spellcard after her, though she is the only one with a name.
Today 11:46AM*holds a hand out to her* It's a pleasure to meet you then, Miss Shanghai. You stand out, even among your sisters.
Today 11:49AMShanghai: *shakes one of his fingers, an experienced gleam in her eye*
Today 11:51AM*chuckles* Cute... *tilts head* Why do I feel like you are... 'more' than the others? If Alice hadn't had said anything, I'd say that you were alive...
Today 11:56AM*the doll pales slightly*

Alice: Ehh? But she's not...
Today 11:57AM*eyes widen as he looks at the doll* *tilts his head in question, whispering* You are...
Today 11:58AM*doll sweats slightly*
Today 12:00PM*stares at her for a few seconds, before sighing* ...not. My apologies. I must say that your puppetry is most excellent, Miss Margatroid. You had me completely fooled. *shoots Shanghai a significant look*
Today 12:02PM*sighs*

Alice: Well, it's more like possession, really... I put my soul in the body, and it becomes just as much me as I am.
Today 12:36PM*nods* Understood. That must be why I was fooled. *gives the doll a questioning look, asking why?*
Today 12:36PM*acts like doesn't see*
Today 12:37PM*keeps glancing at it, until she responds as Alice keeps walking*
Today 12:38PM*can't really respond, as Alice would notice*
Today 12:39PM*sighs and gives up* How far until we get there? This place can't be 'that' large...
Today 12:40PMAbout thirty minutes. It is.
Today 1:00PMShort and to the point, hrm? *shrugs* Alright. *waits a few minutes before asking* What is it that you do?
Today 1:03PMI make clothing, and investigate disturbances of the peace sometimes. *smiles*
Today 1:06PMSo, Alice Margatroid, Cop/Tailor? *shrugs* Makes sense. Although, don't you need a bobby hat if you do that?
Today 1:07PM*chuckles* I'm more of a vigilante. And if you ever are in need of a new outfit, I promise that my rates are quite affordable. *winks back at him, over her shoulder*
Today 1:15PMI don't have any money on me, so I suppose I'll have to wait to earn some. *smiles* But I thank you all the same.
Today 1:15PMIndeed? Well, I suppose first outfit is on the house. *smiles*
Today 1:22PMIt's fine. I can get plenty of mileage out of this one... And then, I'll be done, and able to earn enough to pay.
Today 1:26PM*chuckles* Well, the offer is still open, if you ever need it.
Today 1:28PM*nods in gratitude* Thank you. *is silent the rest of the way to the house*
Today 1:35PM*they finally come to a house that looks quite worn, with a couple of broken windows. Basically, it looks like a haunted house.
Today 1:39PMWell, this is lovely... *glances about* It looks... abandoned.

(My Marisa's house doesn't look like that, so I can see why you wouldn't call it cozy.)
Today 1:40PM(Hehe. Though, the inside, while messy, is a bit cozy.)
Today 1:41PM(Alrighty then. Just thought I'd point out XD)

Well, either way, let's see if anyone's home. *walks up to the door and knocks*
Today 1:45PM*the wind howls, and he is answered by nothing but silence*
Today 1:50PMAlright... *opens the door cautiously, stepping inside* Hello?
Today 1:50PM*the door creaks, and the inside of the house has a great number of various number of barrowed things, but otherwise looks spot-less*

...How did she get an onbashira in here?
Today 1:53PM*starts looking around for the books* I've no idea. But this is Marisa we're talking about. If it isn't nailed down...
Today 1:55PM...How did she even lift it, though...? Those things are far beyong the strength of a human, or a fae, for that matter...
Today 2:00PMDo we really want to know the answer for that? *continues to search around for some books*
Today 2:01PM*opens a door and gets a pile of books falling on her* Books... found...
Today 2:03PM*eyes widen* Wow... *digs Alice out, checking on her before moving on to the book search proper*
Today 2:04PM*gets up* Oww...
Today 2:06PM*blushes, and looks back* Are you ok? Need a bandage for anything?
Today 2:07PMI'll live... *dusts self off, before noticing a scent* *sniffs the air, and sends a doll into the room, who comes back with The Art of War* This smells of bird.
Today 2:10PM*looks at her, before grinning* You're awesome, you know that? *flips open the book, looking for her name, eventually spotting it in the back binding* Good... Just need eleven more...
Today 2:12PM*sends dolls to scour the room, gradually coming back with one after another* *Second book is IT*
Today 2:15PM(IT?)

*confirms it, setting it next to a stack*
Today 2:16PM(Stephen King)

*Third book is How to Passively Defeat the Black Thing in Front of Me*
Today 2:26PM(oh. It. XD And one of Patchy's books?)

*double checks it, before chuckling* Oh, I like some of these comments...
Today 2:29PM(It's a best seller in Gensoukyo)

*giggles*
Today 2:30PM(I don't doubt it)

As well as all these remarks on just 'where' she gets her magic from... *picks up another book that she had brought. The Big Book of Secrets: Gensokyo Edition* Oh my...
Today 2:32PM(And are we going to do each book individually?)
Today 3:02PM(If you want, I can skip~)
Today 3:04PM(Well, we can list them all, that's fine with me. We'd just be wasting a lot of our daily limit. XD)
Today 3:06PM(Ahh! Right! :x Which reminds me, I'm Sonanoka on roleplayerguild .com, in case we run out~)
Today 3:08PM*The remaining books weren't particularly of interest* And that makes 12. *smiles*
Today 3:08PM*smiles back* Thank you much, Alice. *picks them up, surprised by how small they were* Wish I had a pack, but I think I can carry them.
Today 3:36PM*takes a sack from a large pocket on her dress, and has her dolls load the books inside* There we go. *smirks at him*
Today 3:38PM*grins at her bashfully* You're a clever one, aren't you? *shakes head* just glad you don't want to eat me. You'd probably figure a way for me to serve myself. *holds hand out, offering to carry the sack*
Today 3:39PMWell, I did lead you through the forest, indirectly~ *grins teasingly* It would be difficult, but I might be able to make you service yourself...
5 hours ago*looks at her, before blushing* Wha-? You mean... *shakes head thoroughly*
5 hours ago*chuckles* I was only playing with you, human. *smiles wide*
5 hours ago*smiles back reluctantly* One never knows... *looks away* And I don't suppose you could point in the direction of... *pauses* Wherever she is?
5 hours agoLast I saw her, she was an assistant to Patchouli, over in the Scarlet Devil Mansion
5 hours agoHrm. At least a lake isn't easy to miss... How far of a walk is it?
5 hours agoThree hours, or so. It depends on how offten you stop, really.
5 hours ago*looks up* It's not even noon, I've a full stomach... I think I can make it. If you could kindly point me the way, Miss Margatroid and Shanghai.
5 hours ago*tilts head* How did you tell the time by looking at the ceiling?
5 hours ago*points up at the stolen clock face from the SDM* Don't ask me how it got in here, either.
5 hours ago...That looks heavy...
5 hours agoIf you don't ask about it, I won't either.
5 hours agoIt so big, too... Yeah, agreed...
5 hours ago*quietly sneaks out of the house, and away from the clock that loomed above them* Well, now that we're done with that...
5 hours agoI'll lead you to the side of the forest that comes out nearest to the mansion. From there, it will be another 10 minutes.
4 hours agoYou will? *grins at her* Thank you! You're awfully kind to a near stranger.
4 hours agoIt'll still be a two hour trip, however. *chuckles*
4 hours agoOh, I don't mind. But I suppose the sooner we get going, the sooner I can be out of your hair. Don't want to be a bother.
4 hours agoAs I already said, I do enjoy company. *smiles*
4 hours agoAlright, thanks. *begins to walk, before realizing he needs to follow her* Well, lead on then, Miss. I humbly request your aid.
4 hours ago*chuckles* And aid, you shal get. *leads on*
4 hours ago*follows after her, chatting about inane this and that, getting to know the situation in this Gensokyo compared to the one I already knew*

(I keep on switching between first and third. Oh well!)
4 hours ago*answers all of his questions truthfully, and without deception* And here we are.
4 hours agoWow, that is... that is something. *looks at the mansion across the lake* That went by like no time, though. Are you sure you didn't know a shortcut? *grins* But now to get across... Where to find a boat...
4 hours ago(Err... the closest the forest comes is a short ways from the mansion! XD That's an hour walk!)
4 hours ago(you said ten minutes a second ago XD But just think that I'm thinking ahead. Or that he is.. .bah, whatever)
4 hours ago(Yes, but the forest of magic goes quite far, hitting around next to the mansion. Where he is now is an hour away from the mansion! XD)
4 hours agoHere we are...? *glances about* I don't see the mansion anywhere? Unless it's further on that I thought initially.

(Just do whatever, then.)
4 hours agoAlice: Hrm... I suppose I must have come out at the wrong spot... Ohh, well. Atleast I get to have company for longer. *giggles*
3 hours agoAlright... *shrugs* Oh well. I'm not in 'that' big of a hurry... *glances at Shanghai*
3 hours agoShanghai: *sweats lightly under his gaze*
3 hours ago*sees that she wouldn't respond, and turned away once more* Alright. Let's keep heading on then. *takes off in what he hopes is the right direction*
3 hours agoThough, I WAS hoping to avoid where Marisa is staying...
3 hours ago...*blinks* You did mention that she lives on the lake. So you were trying to get us around it?
3 hours agoIndeed. I doubt she would be too happy.
3 hours agoTrue... *cringes and shrinks behind Alice at the thought* Lead on then... and let's do our best to be quiet...
3 hours ago*the dolls form a wall of shields, aimed at the igloo beside Cirno's normal home* *the shields begin to warp the light around them, creating a wall of invisibility* There. That should help.
3 hours agoOh. *blinks* That 'is' handy. It makes me wonder how I ever got around without magic. *begins to walk while protected by the shields*
3 hours ago*chuckles, and follows after him*
3 hours ago*eventually comes upon the lake after enough walking* So... are we safe here?
2 hours agoShh. Quiet. We're now right next to her summer home, almost.
2 hours ago*zips his lips and tiptoes by*
2 hours ago*starts flitting her wings, as flight is quieter*
2 hours ago*watches exactly where he walks, making sure not to step on anything that might even make a rustle*
2 hours ago*their sneaking goes on slowly for a bit, before they finally start to escape the proximity to the one who's itching for a fight*
2 hours ago*doesn't start to hurry, as that will trigger something bad. keeps going slow and steady, doing his best not to make any noise*
2 hours ago*they continue sneaking for another ten minutes*
2 hours ago*whispers* Are we safe?
2 hours ago...Probably...
2 hours ago*glances around, but continues to sneak for five more minutes before moving more quickly*
2 hours agoAbout twenty to thirty minutes to go, untill we've arived.
2 hours agoGood. That'd be nice... *tilts head* Do you always walk through the forst like this? I'm pretty sure most everyone flies.
1 hour agoOne does not fly out of the forests of this land easily... Far easier to simply walk.
1 hour ago*nods to her* Yes, ma'am. I'll take your word for it. Kinda surprising, the lack of youkai... not that I'm complaining.
1 hour agoThat would be the other benefit of not flying. Flying about makes you easily spotted by anyone within, ohh, I'd say a few kilometres.
1 hour agoTrue. Everyone does have rather good eyesight... And I'd rather not end up as a midnight snack.
1 hour ago

Indeed, I suppose being near, or far sighted is rather rare. Even sickness, honestly. We're built to last, and such.

[Beginnings]

*snorts* That's just the magic sustaining you. Count yourself lucky. Our lives are much shorter already, so to think that we're more apt to lose days due to ill health.

(And I had almost finished the synopsis!)

[Sonanoka]

(Ahh, sorry~)

Indeed. *keeps walking along*

[Beginnings]

*begins to see sunlight shining in among the overgrowth* I think we're almost at the lake.

[Sonanoka]

Alice: Indeed.

[Beginnings]

You keep on using that word. *grins* *passes through the underbrush, until he sees a large red mansion emerging from woods, as it sits high on hill in the middle of a lake*

[Sonanoka]

Alice: Well, would you tell me of a word that would better suit the questions? "Indeed" is far more interesting than a simple "yes," you know?

[Beginnings]

*chuckles* That it is. Although... *glances back and forth, up and down the lakeside* What would be the best way to get across. Could swim, but then the books would get wet... *finally notices the road next to him, leading up to the mansion* ...Hopefully she won't say anything about it Let's just take the road then.

[Sonanoka]

(Erm... We've already crossed... The misty lake of my world is enormous, and Cirno's house is on the shore. As such, they've already gone around the lake and are now about to the road leading to the mansion! XD; )

[Sonanoka]

Alice: *shakes head* You've no sense of direction, huh...? *sighs*