Touhouventure 10.Z

[22:35]	GM	[In the plateau above the clouds, life is simply simpler, and time is just as simple. Zeke seems to rush forwards and laze about at the same time, wrapping his head around danmaku and spellcards in between hour-long walks in circles across the rocky ground, just thinking and thinking to himself.]
[22:35]	GM	[Several days after his arrival to the shrine, in the early afternoon, Zeke can be found seated at the common dinner table with a large piece of parchment displaying a crude map of Gensokyo he cobbled together from descriptions and brief moments of being carried into the sky by Shingy. He makes notes in the margins and next to certain locations…]
[22:37]	Zeke	has given up even bothering to make the map to scale. General direction is good enough for now.
[22:38]	Kanako	regardless smirks at the artistry of its production, or lack thereof.
[22:38]	Zeke	"So, hang on hang on... the Sanzu River IS a part of Gensokyo, or it's not?"
[22:38]	Zeke	"As in, can it go on the map anywhere?"
[22:39]	Zeke	asks anyone in earshot, really. Or maybe he asks himself out loud. Who even knows...
[22:40]	Kanako	You could say it's on the border, really.
[22:41]	Kanako	About...
[22:41]	Kanako	taps a point beyond the mountain from the map's center.
[22:41]	Kanako	here.
[22:42]	Zeke	draws two wavy lines trailing off into nowhere and writes, "Sanzu River: Basically Styx." next to it.
[22:43]	Zeke	then makes a wobbly circle and writes "Higan: ???" at the end of the river.
[22:43]	Zeke	"Yeah... This is the point where I say, 'Man, I really wish I would have read Dante's Inferno before coming here'."
[22:45]	Zeke	looks back over other portions of the map. This whole ordeal isn't just to learn the layout of Gensokyo. It's also to visualize his potential options...
[22:45]	Kanako	Maybe, but that doesn't really apply...
[22:46]	Zeke	"Well, no, but... Y'know."
[22:47]	Zeke	taps a house icon drawn next to a lake not that far from the mountain's base.
[22:47]	Zeke	"Back to this one, though. Who lives here again?"
[22:48]	Zeke	"I know it's in the middle of nowhere, but I remember Miss Keine Kielbasa saying it's wasn't altogether insignificant."
[22:52]	Kanako	Remilia Scarlet, and her staff.
[22:52]	Kanako	looks mildly annoyed at the last part.
[22:52]	=-=	GM-Mizi is now known as Sakuya
[22:52]	Sakuya	sneezes.
[22:52]	=-=	Sakuya is now known as GM-Mizi
[22:54]	Zeke	"Oh, yeah, yeah, right... And she said they were Outsiders once too, yeah?"
[22:54]	Zeke	sounds particularly interested in that fact.
[22:55]	Zeke	"I mean, with a name like Remilia."
[22:56]	Kanako	nods.
[22:58]	Zeke	continues making little notes while talking. The little things are easy to forget.
[22:58]	Kanako	You seem interested in the Devil Mansion.
[22:59]	Zeke	looks up and seems a little taken aback.
[22:59]	Zeke	"Devil?"
[22:59]	Zeke	"I thought you said they were Outsiders!"
[23:00]	Kanako	Oh, they are.
[23:02]	Kanako	Remilia is also known as the "Scarlet Devil".
[23:05]	Zeke	"Hum... Nice title. She call herself that or...? Because, I mean, that's kind of negative, wouldn't you think?"
[23:06]	Zeke	"Scarlet Devil. You wouldn't want to be outright called a devil, even if you ARE one, right?"
[23:06]	Zeke	"I mean, I guess maybe she is one..."
[23:06]	Zeke	"...IS she one?"
[23:08]	Kanako	She isn't a proper devil, if that's what you're asking.
[23:09]	Kanako	grins.
[23:09]	Zeke	squints at her skeptically.
[23:10]	Shingy	"You know, I haven't ever been to the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
[23:10]	Zeke	"...Damn it you're making me guess again, aren't you?"
[23:13]	Zeke	"I mean, I will if that's what you're asking."
[23:14]	Kanako	rests her head on her tented hands.
[23:14]	Kanako	Go ahead then, why don't you.
[23:14]	Zeke	leans back and folds his hands to his chin, looking pensive.
[23:15]	Zeke	"O-kay, then... Outsider devils or psuedo-devils..."
[23:15]	Kanako	glances over at Shingyoku.
[23:16]	Zeke	"Well, there's ACTUAL demons from the ACTUL Hell Outside, if we're being all Judeo-Christian and stuff, but that's implied, so it can't be that..."
[23:16]	Kanako	Join us, unless you're up to something nefarious.
[23:16]	Zeke	"Succubi? But that'd need a summoner and there wouldn't be any of those Outside."
[23:17]	Zeke	"Vampire, obviously, but again, NOT viable from the Outside without magic."
[23:17]	Zeke	"So that's out too, hmm..."
[23:17]	Zeke	has a theory.
[23:17]	Kanako	keeps on grinning.
[23:18]	Zeke	"You said she's not a PROPER devil. Does that mean she's only pretending?"
[23:18]	Kanako	No, she's not pretending.
[23:18]	Kanako	Nineteen questions.
[23:18]	Kanako	ups the ante ever so lightly.
[23:18]	Zeke	snaps his fingers in disappointment.
[23:18]	Zeke	"Is she bigger than a breadbasket?"
[23:19]	Zeke	cannot stop making these obscure Outsider references even if he wanted to.
[23:19]	Kanako	raises an eyebrow.
[23:19]	Kanako	What does that have to do with anything?
[23:19]	Zeke	"It doesn't~"
[23:20]	Kanako	Eighteen, then. And yes, by the way.
[23:21]	Zeke	taps his fingers against his wrist. Outsider devil, not pretending, but the Outside has no magic...
[23:22]	Zeke	"Is she a Satanist, Wiccan, or other similar religion?"
[23:23]	Kanako	Not that anyone knows about.
[23:23]	Kanako	Seventeen.
[23:23]	Checkers	Is she a vampire?
[23:23]	Checkers	guesses, from next to Zeke.  Totally casually.
[23:24]	Zeke	looks over at his side, and looks back.
[23:24]	Zeke	does a double-take. Wait, people do that in real life?
[23:24]	Zeke	tries to focus on Kanako again.
[23:25]	Momizi	nods a bit, feeling out of place.
[23:25]	Zeke	does a triple-take. Yeah, this isn't working.
[23:25]	Momizi	H-Hi....
[23:25]	Momizi	is in her full vanguard gear, complete with sword, shield, and MP7 with foldable stock.
[23:26]	Kanako	's smile crashes.
[23:26]	Checkers	Hiya.
[23:26]	Kanako	Who let YOU in?
[23:26]	Kanako	looks to the non-mizi voice.
[23:26]	Zeke	turns around and looks back at Officer Woolf. Wait what?
[23:27]	Zeke	looks back at Checkers.
[23:27]	Zeke	"I... No, I got nothing."
[23:28]	Zeke	shrugs and throws his hands up. He has no witty remark for these people appearing in the room.
[23:29]	Zeke	turns over to the twintails-checkerskirt and holds out his hand casually for a handshake.
[23:29]	Zeke	"Ahoy. Pike. I am a person."
[23:30]	Checkers	waves. Like Momiji, she's also wearing those ridiculous single-blocked sandals, only hers are purple, and seem to be attached to long legs in black kneehighs by crisscrossing purple straps. Obve the kneehighs is a vivid purple-and-black checkered skirt and a white bl-- oh, well, fine. Be that way. Also she has just taken a picture of you with what appears to be a yellow cellphone. Also checkered.
[23:31]	Shingy	"Who are you?"
[23:31]	Shingy	asks mildly.
[23:32]	Checkers	seems taken aback by the comment, momentarily. Then she closes her eyes and mumbles something under her breath. When she opens them again, she flashes the group with a smile that seems bright, but maybe a little practiced.
[23:33]	Kanako	stares at the newcomer, mildly annoyed that she has probably ruined her little game.
[23:33]	Checkers	Who am I? Why, I'm just the one and /only/ clear and honest voice of real journalism in Gensokyo!
[23:34]	Momizi	facepalms a bit.
[23:34]	Zeke	retracts his hand, looking skeptically at the new checkergirl.
[23:34]	Kanako	looks unimpressed.
[23:34]	Checkers	Hatate Himekaidou, reporter, journalist. Reporter.
[23:34]	Checkers	waves a hand vaguely.
[23:34]	Checkers	All that good stuff.
[23:34]	Zeke	's face slowly morphs into one of resentment.
[23:34]	Zeke	"...No."
[23:35]	Zeke	says to Hatate's face.
[23:35]	Checkers	...I totally am.
[23:35]	Zeke	stands up quickly.
[23:35]	Zeke	"No."
[23:35]	Zeke	backs away, headed towards the door.
[23:36]	Momizi	tenses up; her grips on the shield tightens.
[23:36]	Checkers	hesitates a moment, before asking, with suspicion:
[23:36]	Checkers	...Did Aya talk smack about me again? She said she was gonna cut that out.
[23:36]	Momizi	"What's with the hostility?"
[23:36]	Kanako	eyes Zeke. Intruding she may be, but...
[23:36]	Kanako	stares right into the pair's eyes, alternating.
[23:36]	Kanako	First, you intruded upon the house of the gods unannounced.
[23:37]	Zeke	"NO."
[23:37]	Momizi	"H-Hey! Even if we butt in, this is considered rude, y'know?!"
[23:37]	Momizi	pipes up.
[23:37]	Zeke	turns around properly and stomps through the door.
[23:37]	Zeke	"NO!"
[23:38]	Zeke	slams the door shut resolutely.
[23:38]	Checkers	I'm not here to make enemies, guys. I'm just lookin' to scoop Aya bef-- Wow.
[23:38]	Kanako	watches him go. Have to follow him later.
[23:38]	Momizi	anger!
[23:38]	Kanako	... Secondly, you seem to have upset my guest.
[23:38]	Momizi	"What with him! We didn't do /anything/!"
[23:38]	Checkers	No kidding.
[23:38]	Momizi	"Your fault, Hatate!"
[23:39]	Checkers	MY fault? How is it my fa... well okay, maybe it is.
[23:39]	Kanako	glares at her. She thought it /wasn't/?
[23:39]	Checkers	's indignance is retracted.
[23:40]	Checkers	But seriously, you guys put up with worse from Aya.
[23:40]	Checkers	I don't do that tabloid... stuff.
[23:41]	Checkers	wrinkles her nose at the thought.
[23:40]	Kanako	Not for long.
[23:41]	Kanako	's voice carries a slight but calm edge.
[23:42]	Momizi	"I'm just here as an escort. I am TOTALLY NOT involved in this! Why am I getting yelled at!"
[23:42]	Momizi	stupid stupid guy mumblemumble
[23:42]	Hata-tat-tat	shrugs.
[23:42]	Hata-tat-tat	Iunno.
[23:42]	Kanako	Would you please step outside while I see to him?
[23:42]	Kanako	rises.
[23:43]	Kanako	Afterwards we may have a civil discussion.
[23:43]	Hata-tat-tat	Anyway, you oughtta get that skin tone looked at, Yasaka. Red's nice on clothes, not on faces.
[23:43]	Hata-tat-tat	...okay?
[23:45]	Kanako	sighs.
[23:46]	Kanako	Momizi, if you could keep an eye on her...
[23:46]	Momizi	"Frankly, It's tiring, miss Yasaka."
[23:46]	Momizi	sighs.
[23:46]	Momizi	"But not just as a Tengu Vanguard, but also their friend, I'll keep the damage to the minimum."
[23:47]	Momizi	"Though I'm not really sure how, since they never listen to me."
[23:47]	Momizi	is about to step outside.
[23:47]	Momizi	"Oh. And tell the human guy that he is a total jerk."
[23:50]	Kanako	watches her step out and then goes to Zeke.
[23:51]	Shingy	heads outside as well. She feels somewhat bad at having been so useless.
[23:51]	Zeke	is moping around in the back yard near the lake. He notices Kanako approaching.
[23:52]	Zeke	"Is she gone? I'm not talking to her."
[23:52]	Zeke	is calm, but his voice is very serious.
[23:52]	Kanako	She's waiting out front.
[23:52]	Kanako	-beat-
[23:52]	Kanako	Did paparazzi kill your family or something?
[23:53]	Zeke	"The paparazzi kills every story or reality ever envisioned, EVER."
[23:54]	Zeke	"Nothing good EVER comes from talking to them, they WILL twist your words, they WILL put things into your mouth."
[23:54]	Zeke	"And I am in the WORST position to have to deal with one right now."
[23:55]	Zeke	"I'm not going to give that reporter anything she can use. I refuse."
[23:55]	Zeke	humphs around and crosses his arms.
[23:56]	Zeke	"Let her make up something if she wants. I don't care. Plausible deniability. At least my conscience is clear."
[23:56]	Hata-tat-tat	has her cell phone flipped open and is typing away furiously.
[23:57]	Momizi	"So what are you going to write now that you have absolutely no information whatsoever?"
[23:57]	Momizi	asks Hatate, an edge of annoyance in her tone
[23:58]	Zeke	turns around and looks out at the lake. Even in the land of magical opportunity... the corruption of the Outside follows him.
[23:58]	Kanako	She will probably persist until she gets some table scraps or is driven off.
[23:58]	Kanako	states the obvious.
[23:58]	Zeke	sighs angrily.
[23:59]	Hata-tat-tat	I've got a little something.
[23:59]	Hata-tat-tat	There's an Outsider.
[23:59]	Hata-tat-tat	smirks.
[23:59]	Hata-tat-tat	That's news all by itself~
[23:59]	Hata-tat-tat	...
[23:59]	Hata-tat-tat	's smirk disappears.
[23:59]	Momizi	"?"
[00:00]	Hata-tat-tat	...But it's not enough.
[00:00]	Zeke	"She's getting no scraps from me, and there's no way I'm good enough to drive her off."
[00:00]	Zeke	"Sooo..."
[00:00]	Zeke	thinks. When he puts it like that, it really IS a lose-lose.
[00:00]	Zeke	sighs again.
[00:01]	Hata-tat-tat	Aya woulda had enough to work with, but I'd like to actually, like, learn something about the situation first.
[00:01]	Momizi	"Yeah, Aya-san tends to do that a lot."
[00:01]	Hata-tat-tat	snorts derisively by means of agreement.
[00:01]	Zeke	"If she's going to be a burden for you I can leave, Miss Yasaka."
[00:01]	Kanako	sighs.
[00:02]	Zeke	"I've never wanted to intrude on your hospitality beyond what's proper, and I think this may cross the line."
[00:02]	Kanako	You are not a burden.
[00:03]	Kanako	makes a small smile.
[00:03]	Kanako	Besides, a small show of force might boost the faithful.
[00:03]	Hata-tat-tat	looks up from her vantage point across the way. She makes a mental note to learn how to read lips.
[00:04]	Kanako	Watch, if you like.
[00:05]	Zeke	turns back around to look at her.
[00:06]	Zeke	"Yes, ma'am. Thank you. I... It's just... Now is not the time for reporters, for me."
[00:08]	Kanako	We'll see if she reports her defeat, at least.
[00:08]	Kanako	turns from him and walks back towards the front of the house.
[00:09]	Zeke	follows, though at a distance. The thing about reporters is that they're magnetic: you have to stay far enough away, otherwise they stick to you and you can't get them off.
[00:09]	Shingy	"Zeke, is there anything you'd like from me?
[00:10]	Zeke	looks to Shingy.
[00:11]	Zeke	"Eh, oh? Uhmm... I'm, not sure. This is, well, it's something I didn't think I'd have to deal with in Gensokyo."
[00:11]	Zeke	"At least... Not so blatantly I could see it a mile away."
[00:11]	Zeke	"Thanks though."
[00:11]	Hata-tat-tat	...Hey, Inubashiri. Any idea wh-- wait, never mind.
[00:11]	Hata-tat-tat	presses a few more buttons, and then smiles.
[00:11]	Hata-tat-tat	...Good, she won't be around anytime soon, then.
[00:13]	Momizi	"Are you planning something unsuitable for a good kid tengu?"
[00:13]	Momizi	squints.
[00:13]	Hata-tat-tat	Eh? 'Course not.
[00:13]	Hata-tat-tat	Unsuitable things are Shameimaru's bag, man.
[00:13]	Kanako	Miss Himekaidou.
[00:13]	Kanako	approaches and interrupts.
[00:14]	Hata-tat-tat	unconsciously toys with the end of one twintail as she goes back to typing on her phone.
[00:14]	Momizi	"Uh, I think miss Yasaka is calling you."
[00:14]	Momizi	points.
[00:15]	Hata-tat-tat	looks up, startled.
[00:15]	Hata-tat-tat	Oh! Thanks.
[00:16]	Hata-tat-tat	taps a few more keys, then snaps it shut.
[00:16]	Kanako	waits patiently.
[00:16]	Hata-tat-tat	walks over to Kanako.
[00:16]	Hata-tat-tat	'Sup?
[00:16]	Hata-tat-tat	He calmed down, yet?
[00:16]	Hata-tat-tat	Hope my camera didn't spook him.
[00:17]	Kanako	reveals nothing.
[00:17]	Kanako	I must request that you leave this shrine immediately unless you wish to test your mettle.
[00:17]	Zeke	is visible to Hatate, about a stone's throw away. He still looks upset even from that distance. He seems to be glaring at her.
[00:17]	Momizi	lands nearby, being bothered and worried and whatnot.
[00:17]	Hata-tat-tat	...
[00:17]	Hata-tat-tat	Eh?
[00:17]	Kanako	hides her desire to duel.
[00:18]	Hata-tat-tat	folds her arms, looking a little disappointed.
[00:18]	Hata-tat-tat	Man, you're seriously gonna boot me?
[00:18]	Hata-tat-tat	That's, uh.
[00:19]	Hata-tat-tat	...'s kinda stupid, honestly.
[00:19]	Hata-tat-tat	I mean, not like I'm saying /you're/ stupid, no. Just sayin'... it's a dumb move, all things considered.
[00:19]	Momizi	"They don't was us here, Himekaidou. Let's leave."
[00:20]	Momizi	"I mean, really. like... REALLY. LET'S."
[00:20]	Hata-tat-tat	holds up a hand for Momiji to wait.
[00:20]	Hata-tat-tat	Just a sec.
[00:20]	Momizi	whips up her shield.
[00:20]	Shingy	"I think it's more that they don't want you here right this moment."
[00:20]	Hata-tat-tat	No, no.
[00:20]	Hata-tat-tat	I get that, I really do.
[00:20]	Hata-tat-tat	But I don't think you've thought about this, Yasaka.
[00:21]	Hata-tat-tat	See, this can go two ways. Hold it, wait. Three ways.
[00:21]	Hata-tat-tat	ticks off her fingers.
[00:21]	Kanako	folds her arms and waits out Hatate's rhetoric.
[00:22]	Shingy	"Don't the gods up here get a lot of faith from youkai?"
[00:22]	Zeke	can barely hear even tiny snippets of the conversation. He wishes he had his map to study while this confrontation plays out...
[00:23]	Momizi	is super tense right now. This is why escorting these reporters are never a good idea. It's also why HQ wants them to be guarded. They probably expect this.
[00:23]	Hata-tat-tat	One, I leave go back to my house, and don't bug the Outsider again. A few days later, Aya comes by, and makes one of her "pure and honest" articles painting him, you, and... whoever that guy is--
[00:23]	Hata-tat-tat	points to Shingyoku; she's never seen him before
[00:23]	Hata-tat-tat	--in probably the worst light possible.
[00:23]	Hata-tat-tat	I mean, it's Aya.
[00:23]	Hata-tat-tat	gives Kanako a look.
[00:23]	Momizi	"Yeah, it's Aya-san.That's..."
[00:23]	Hata-tat-tat	You know how bad that can get.
[00:23]	Hata-tat-tat	ticks off another finger.
[00:24]	Momizi	hold on to those words she want to say. Good thing Hatate is here to say it in her stead.
[00:24]	Zeke	goes back to thinking about those 20 questions. What kind of devil could she be...?
[00:25]	Hata-tat-tat	Two, I go home, and in a fit of spite, tell Aya about the Outsider up here. Which I reeeeally don't want to do. But if you're going to kick me out without giving me a chance, well... There's a price for unkindness.
[00:26]	Hata-tat-tat	ticks off the last finger
[00:27]	Hata-tat-tat	...Aaand finally, you can let me have a chance to talk to him, and release news of his presence to Gensokyo in a way that won't be utter hell for him, you, and Moriya Shrine.
[00:27]	Hata-tat-tat	I'm not sure if you read my paper, Lady Yasaka,
[00:27]	Hata-tat-tat	But I /try/ to report the facts.
[00:27]	Hata-tat-tat	folds her arms again.
[00:28]	Hata-tat-tat	So, that's my counter-offer.
[00:29]	Hata-tat-tat	Think of me as the much, much lesser of two evils, if it'll help.
[00:29]	Kanako	waits until several seconds after she's done.
[00:30]	Kanako	Interesting offers, but I first must advise you not to threaten a goddess in her own home.
[00:30]	Kanako	Nor barge in without warning.
[00:31]	Hata-tat-tat	I'm not threatening, Lady Yasaka. I'm stating the fac--
[00:31]	Kanako	This has made him think you are like Aya, which is why he does not wish to speak with you.
[00:31]	Hata-tat-tat	pauses.
[00:31]	Hata-tat-tat	...Okay, I guess saying I'm gonna go tell her is a threat.
[00:31]	Kanako	continues despite Hatate.
[00:31]	Hata-tat-tat	A little.
[00:32]	Kanako	Furthermore, if you truly are a reputable reporter of some caliber, you will understand the virtue of patience.
[00:32]	Momizi	is considering the options between using the sword or MP7.
[00:33]	Kanako	hefts some divine weight into her voice.
[00:33]	Kanako	You might be, given I am not already chasing you off as I would Aya, but we still have no proof.
[00:34]	Hata-tat-tat	Oh, you've got plenty of proof.
[00:34]	Hata-tat-tat	chuckles.
[00:34]	Hata-tat-tat	Aya would already have been gone by now.
[00:34]	Hata-tat-tat	A picture, and the barest notion of what was going on would be enough for her.
[00:35]	Kanako	does not derail from her divine pronouncements.
[00:35]	Hata-tat-tat	The article itself would be mostly speculation. Maybe the time and date, too.
[00:35]	Kanako	except a small aside.
[00:36]	Kanako	We all know of her writing; repeating its style wastes both your and my time.
[00:36]	Kanako	Provide us with several editions of your paper and please wait before approaching again for any intent until we have made a decision.
[00:36]	Kanako	You may be able to visit again and possibly interview him, but only if he agrees.
[00:38]	Kanako	What say you to these terms?
[00:40]	Momizi	"You have to pay for it though."
[00:41]	Hata-tat-tat	flourishes several copies from out of nowhere.
[00:41]	Momizi	"Tengu Newspaper is our major income. We can't give it out for free--- Hey!"
[00:41]	Kanako	gives Momizi a "bitch please" look, ever briefly.
[00:41]	Hata-tat-tat	Five most recent back issues of the Kakashi Spirit News. Totally on the house.
[00:41]	Momizi	"Could you reporters play by the rule for /once/?!"
[00:42]	Kanako	takes them.
[00:42]	Kanako	So it is agreed?
[00:44]	Hata-tat-tat	Sure~ Don't drag your feet, though.
[00:44]	Momizi	"I give up."
[00:45]	Momizi	lets out looooong sighs
[00:45]	Kanako	We will let you know when the condition changes.
[00:45]	Shingy	"I think she provided them for the purpose of future business, so it's not really 'for free'."
[00:45]	Momizi	"Next time I'm using my subordinates instead."
[00:45]	Kanako	It would also be appreciated if you could misdirect Aya, if possible.
[00:45]	Hata-tat-tat	...No, I'm not tryin' to rush you 'cause I want you to hurry.
[00:45]	Momizi	pats Shingyoku
[00:46]	Momizi	"Thanks for the words of encouragement."
[00:46]	Shingy	"Not a problem. It's my business and my pleasure to get people to see logic and reason."
[00:46]	Hata-tat-tat	I looked at her photos; she's off nagging that Hieda girl about something. I give her abooout... a day, day and a half, before she swings by here. If Mr. Outsider's talked to anyone else in Gensokyo, maybe less.
[00:47]	Hata-tat-tat	She's still gotta come back and develop them, see.
[00:48]	Kanako	fishes through a pocket, produces a crumpled-up bill, and passes it to Hatate.
[00:48]	Shingy	"So we should be grateful that she doesn't have whatever instant technology the outsiders have."
[00:48]	Kanako	The offer still stands. Any additional time would be appreciated.
[00:49]	Kanako	's bill, upon closer inspection, is actually small-denomination currency from the outside.
[00:53]	Hata-tat-tat	catches the bill. She smoothes it out, and is about to gripe when she sees it's not yen, then pauses.
[00:53]	Hata-tat-tat	grins.
[00:53]	Hata-tat-tat	Sweet, delicious proof~
[00:54]	Hata-tat-tat	folds it and tucks it away.
[00:54]	Hata-tat-tat	...Sorry, what?
[00:55]	Hata-tat-tat	I couldn't hear you over the sound of my doubly-renewed faith.
[00:56]	Kanako	unfolds her arms and smiles.
[00:57]	Kanako	The faithful shall be rewarded.
[00:59]	Momizi	"I'm sort of glad that this works out for everyone."
[00:59]	Momizi	"But I would be more happy if you could..."
[00:59]	Hata-tat-tat	Likewise~
[00:59]	Momizi	mis going to say "preserve the dignity of Tengu as a whole" but...
[00:59]	Momizi	"...nevermind."
[00:59]	Hata-tat-tat	holds out a hand to Kanako. Shake on it?
[00:59]	Kanako	off-handedly passes Momizi the proper count of bills, in Gensokyan currency of course.
[01:00]	Kanako	offers her hand to Hatate.
[01:00]	Kanako	Agreed, but no promises.
[01:00]	Kanako	If he is still averse to meeting with you, I will not force him.
[01:00]	Kanako	Your writing should speak for itself.
[01:03]	Hata-tat-tat	Of course.
[01:08]	Hata-tat-tat	thinks of a lot of extra things she could add, or should add, but decides to leave it to chance. A possible shot at scooping Aya is better than none at all.
[01:14]	Kanako	Farewell, Hatate and Momizi.
[01:14]	Hata-tat-tat	And that's the polite shooing-out.
[01:15]	Hata-tat-tat	's wings extend, and flap once, before she takes off.
[01:15]	Hata-tat-tat	See you tomorrow~
[01:16]	Kanako	remains still as they depart. We'll see.
[01:16]	Hata-tat-tat	Either you see or Aya sees~
[01:18]	Momizi	"Until then."
[01:19]	Momizi	nods.
[01:19]	Shingy	"Farewell, Hatate!"
[01:19]	Momizi	"Though I'm still considered you a jerk for yelling at me, even if it's justified. You should learn to treat woman better!"
[01:19]	Momizi	hmph!
[01:19]	Momizi	directs that one at Zeke.
[01:20]	Momizi	left after that, not leaving him a chance to fix it. There! Ha!
[01:17]	Zeke	waits until he's sure he can't see the two specks in the lower sky anymore, then slowly approaches Kana and Shingy.
[01:21]	Zeke	"...Just because she's not pretending doesn't mean she simply doesn't have any powers but is called a devil anyways. Yes, or no?"
[01:22]	Zeke	"Because I cannot find a way for an actual devil to be in the Outside."
[01:22]	Shingy	"Wouldn't a devil be just a different type of youkai?"
[01:23]	Zeke	"Well, but Shingy, that's not the point. The point is that if she came FROM the Outside, she'd have to be normal. Right?"
[01:23]	Kanako	turns towards them.
[01:23]	Zeke	"Because that's the whole point of the outside, right? It's normal."
[01:23]	Kanako	Wrong, actually.
[01:23]	Kanako	Your second guess was right.
[01:24]	Zeke	tries to remember his second guess.
[01:24]	Zeke	"...She's a breadbasket?"
[01:24]	Shingy	"Or she came from the outside to avoid becoming normal, like this shrine did."
[01:25]	Kanako	almost laughs, producing another grin.
[01:25]	Kanako	Yes, she's a breadbasket.
[01:25]	Kanako	You got me.
[01:26]	Zeke	grins as well.
[01:26]	Zeke	"Well, see, that's the trick. Everyone always asks is it BIGGER or SMALLER than a breadbasket, but who'd ever suspect that it IS the breadbasket?"
[01:27]	Zeke	"And since you've only got twenty questions, if it's not one you just assume it's the other."
[01:27]	Zeke	does the two-fingers-to-eyes-point-back-and-forth thing.
[01:28]	Zeke	"I'm sharp, I'm on it~"
[01:28]	Kanako	Sure, boy.
[01:28]	Zeke	"But, no, seriously, what is she?"
[01:28]	Kanako	ruffles his hair and goes to return inside.
[01:29]	Zeke	follows.
[01:29]	Kanako	A vampire.
[01:29]	Zeke	"Ooooohhhkkkaaaaaiiiiitaminute..."
[01:29]	Shingy	"What kind? A vampire watermelon?"
[01:30]	Zeke	ponders this, if he is meant to take it at face value.
[01:31]	Zeke	"But... The Outside doesn't HAVE vampires anymore. They killed them. With Anne Rice."
[01:31]	Zeke	"Wait..."
[01:31]	Shingy	"The outside doesn't have gods anymore, either."
[01:32]	Zeke	stops and thinks. He just got it two seconds after he said it.
[01:32]	Zeke	"Okay. Yeah. Stupid. Because what they've got is fake now anyways."
[01:33]	Zeke	nods as he sits back down at the map table.
[01:33]	Kanako	She's a real vampire, just as I'm a real goddess.
[01:33]	Kanako	Have a little faith.
[01:34]	Kanako	sits at her spot.
[01:36]	Zeke	"Faith is for believing in that which you know exists but can't touch or see."
[01:36]	Zeke	lightly brushes Kanako's hand with his finger to illustrate the point.
[01:38]	Zeke	"I've got plenty of faith. Right now I could do with some more facts."
[01:39]	Kanako	Ask away, then.
[01:39]	Zeke	stares at the little drawing of a house on the map, pondering.
[01:39]	Zeke	"Gimme a minute..."
[01:40]	Zeke	mumbles.
[01:43]	Zeke	jots down some more notes. "Remilia "Scarlet Devil" Scarlet. Real Vampire. Coven vs. Loner? Real = Dangerous?"
[01:44]	Kanako	Why are you interested in the place, anyway?
[01:45]	Zeke	"Mmm? Ohh, umm..."
[01:45]	Zeke	seems a bit distracted, but tries to explain anyways. He motions to the map.
[01:46]	Zeke	"It's not like that place specifically, it's just, everywhere. I'm just trying to weigh my options."
[01:48]	Zeke	"I can't stay here forever. I mean, HERE, here, like, this house, here."
[01:48]	Kanako	I see.
[01:48]	Kanako	re-settles in her seat and rests her head on her hands as before.
[01:49]	Kanako	What do you plan to do?
[01:51]	Zeke	"Get a job."
[01:52]	Kanako	Admirable.
[01:52]	Kanako	Any idea of what?
[01:52]	Zeke	sighs and tosses his pencil idly onto the map, slumping down in his chair.
[01:52]	Zeke	"Something that's somewhere on that map, or something I haven't drawn there yet."
[01:53]	Zeke	"Aye, there's the rub."
[01:55]	Zeke	"I don't suppose there's help wanted ads anywhere?"
[01:55]	Kanako	Not really, though there's work to be had about everywhere.
[01:57]	Zeke	"Yeah... And if I felt like it I could probably pity my way into wherever I wanted, but... No."
[01:58]	Zeke	"There's what I want, yeah... But there's what I deserve."
[01:58]	Kanako	You'll find something.
[01:58]	Kanako	declares.
[01:58]	Zeke	has a regrettable tone to his voice.
[01:58]	Zeke	"Oh, I know I will eventually. It's just... Well, finding out where to set the bar."
[01:59]	Zeke	"Somewhere between farmhand and personal advisor to the Grand Empress of the Cosmos, I suppose."
[02:00]	Zeke	"Don't exactly have a lot of marketable skills, you know? Beyond, well, common sense."
[02:02]	Kanako	You'll find something.
[02:03]	Kanako	reiterates herself while retrieving some tea, then passing Zeke a cup.
[02:03]	Zeke	raises an eyebrow at her playfully, taking the teacup.
[02:03]	Zeke	"You say that like I've been looking for a month."
[02:05]	Zeke	"Oh, by the way... What was the deal with that reporter girl?"
[02:06]	Kanako	She will relent until you change your opinion.
[02:06]	Kanako	passes him the newspapers.
[02:06]	Kanako	And provided these in good faith to let you decide for yourself whether she is worth seeing or not.
[02:06]	Zeke	"Ehh? What this?"
[02:06]	Zeke	takes the papers. Kakashi Spirit News?
[02:07]	Kanako	She already certainly isn't as bad as the usual reporter, but the choice is up to you.
[02:07]	Kanako	sips.
[02:07]	Zeke	"There's more that ONE?"
[02:09]	Kanako	frowns.
[02:09]	Kanako	The one that usually comes by is far worse.
[02:10]	Zeke	frowns as well.
[02:11]	Zeke	"Usually comes by? Does this shrine generate a lot of news?"
[02:13]	Kanako	Not especially, but there is one troublesome "reporter" that gets around.
[02:16]	Zeke	taps his fingers contemplatively, vaguely glancing at the newspapers he's been given.
[02:18]	Zeke	"Maybe I should keep on the move, then... Crap."
[02:19]	Zeke	"How widespread are these newspapers, anyway?"
[02:19]	Zeke	taps the front page.
[02:19]	Kanako	I don't know about this one, but too many get Aya's.
[02:20]	Kanako	All across Gensokyo.
[02:21]	Zeke	"COMPETEING newspapers? Gaah, give me a big old break already, jeez..."
[02:21]	Zeke	throws his hands up into the air, letting the newspapers fly."
[02:22]	Zeke	"It's like I can't win."
[02:23]	Zeke	leans back over the map, placing a lackluster palm against his cheek.
[02:25]	Zeke	"Netherworld, no good, land of the dead. Makai, no good, land of spirits... huh?"
[02:25]	Zeke	turns his eyes over to Kana.
[02:25]	Shingy	"You know, Zeke, you should set your sights higher. After all, Gensokyo is the land of the impossible."
[02:28]	Zeke	"No offense, but, like... I don't think I've set my sights ANYWHERE yet."
[02:29]	Zeke	"And anyways, who says that where I set my sights has to be where I start?"
[02:30]	Zeke	"We all started from the ground and worked our way up, after all."
[02:30]	Zeke	"Or... Wait, no, forget that."
[02:30]	Zeke	"Magic."
[02:32]	Shingy	"Precisely. I don't think many youkai understand that sentiment at all. They were born the way they are, and change only slowly, through external means."
[02:32]	Kanako	Humans are unique that way.
[02:33]	Kanako	You change quickly.
[02:33]	Zeke	"That's what the stories say, at least."
[02:34]	Zeke	taps the map again, like tapping it will give him more luck or something.
[02:35]	Zeke	"Still... Something with people would be nice. Or travel. Just something where I'm in the midst of it all."
[02:36]	Kanako	Oh, so you're one of those types, eh?
[02:37]	Zeke	shrugs.
[02:37]	Zeke	"Well, it's not like I'm the TYPE so much as... Well, like he said. Gensokyo. Land of the Impossible."
[02:38]	Zeke	"I don't just want to be stuck in a back room, I want to SEE things. MEET people."
[02:39]	Zeke	"What's common to you isn't to me. And that's gonna be important I think."
[02:39]	Kanako	Just don't get too romanticist.
[02:39]	Kanako	You might wind up in some sticky situations.
[02:39]	Zeke	rolls his eyes.
[02:39]	Zeke	"Yeeess, Moooomm."
[02:40]	Zeke	scoots his chair back and picks up the tossed papers.
[02:40]	Kanako	sighs.
[02:40]	Kanako	That wasn't my best.
[02:41]	Zeke	"Wasn't mine either; we're square. Hey, is this like, REAL news, or just a rag?"
[02:43]	Kanako	Aya's bunbunmaru is terrible, but I don't know about this.
[02:44]	Zeke	finds a softer chair and nestles in.
[02:44]	Zeke	"Ahh, well, maybe the Sudoku'll be challenging, at least."
[02:47]	Kanako	They're 3D.
[02:48]	Shingy	decides not to look at it; he'd solve it instantly and then annoy Zeke by wanting to help.
[02:48]	Zeke	"Effing A."
[02:48]	Zeke	deadpans, reading the headline of the first paper.
[02:49]	GM	[Welcome to Gensokyo. We have reporters here.]
[02:49]	GM	[That may or may not have been the actual headline.  Tune in tomorrow* to find out!]
[02:50]	GM	[* For extremely large values of tomorrow.]