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>>36285110
Gently you pull your claws from your best friend's leg, and flick the blood on your sapphire claws into ~Nowhere~. “Since I have everyone's attention at the moment, let me make one thing clear. I am not interested in declaring war on anyone. I am not interested in causing Kuroukami any trouble. I don't have any real issue with Yui-niji-chan not being interested in recompense by her former clan. But if my family believes that these things should happen, I will certainly do my very best to see that they do happen.” You look around the room, at Kiki, at Jinyuu, at Kiku and Er Yin. Akari and Yui you don't look at because you don't really want to insult Kurou Kyota by turning away from her, and you are pretty sure Yui's blushing and Akari is somewhat shocked.

Which is a good place for her to be, right now. She's only lost her temper like that once before, and like the slow shifts in the mountainside that preface an avalanche, there is nothing that can be done to stop it once it actually starts. You tuck your hands under your crossed arms, the ache in your right arm now accompanied by a dull throb in your left. Kiku-chan is still fairly frightened by Akari-niji-chan's attempted murder, and Jinyuu-onee-sama has the seal out but is looking at you with a great deal of worry. Kiki-hime looks rather ill, but her hand lightly comes to rest on your knee as she kneels next to you on the floor.

[] Apologize to the poor servant of Kuroukami for your forthright behavior.
[] Have Akari serve tea, and explain your position to Kyota less vehemently.
[] Ask Akari if an apology from Kuroukami's personal representative would be enough.
[] Tell Kyota that you will accept Kuroukami's offering on your behalf and Yui's behalf.
[] Ask the rest of your family if they have any grievances of their own to address now.

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>>36285110
Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/36224437/

Search for Title: Ryukuza on Suptg
Barrier Combat Guide: http://pastebin.com/rZLwzvGx
Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Hebiki Akari's Tale: http://pastebin.com/3JjNVKbY

Kurao Yui's Tale: http://pastebin.com/qYJa4PwH

Kumatori Kiki's Tale: http://pastebin.com/pdjfAEEU

Akari's Lesson (R-18): http://pastebin.com/bnGavrhP

Kiki's Gift (R-18): http://pastebin.com/sLP3NcbC

Aniki, Senpai, and Me (R-18): http://pastebin.com/U1AxYhxK

Quest Pastebin: Under reconstruction.

Kiku, the shortest, is 5' 1" for ever and ever. Lesbian submissive.
Akari is 5' 3", and has another few inches to grow. Sexuality is weird, switch. Cosplayer!
Yui is 5' 4" and will only grow due to circumstances beyond her control (though she will be able to change her size, being Void oni). Dyke, switch.
Kiki is 5' 6", and is at full growth. Bisexual bottom.
Ryukusa is tall at 5' 8", but this becomes 6' in her true form. She is fully grown. Lesbian top.
Er Yin is the tallest at 5' 10" and is fully grown. Lesbian dominant..
Jinyuu is 5' 7" but persistently hovers an extra three inches above the ground or floor because of her nature as a seer. Straight.
Hinata-hakase is 6' 3". Sexuality is terrifying.
Hidesato is 5' 5". Straight.
Kushinada is 5' 8". Straighter.
Taisho Ryoga is 5' 9". Who knows.
Hyun Chisato is 5' 4”, and is fully grown. Lolicon with plausible deniability.
Rie is 8” tall or 5' 5”, and is fully cat. Her sexuality is cat.
Ryuu Wakaba is 5' 6" and is fully grown. Straight dominant.
Hagyu Genso is 12' 5” standing upright. He is by and large gay.
Mizumi Shoko is 7' 2”, is fully grown. Bisexual top.
Yuuhi is 4'11” and is fully grown. Yuuhi a cute.
>Talismans:
Akari – Centipede
Er Yin – Scorpion
Kiki – Toad
Kiku – Lizard
Yui – Snake
Ryukusa – Matagama-no-Shitoki

>>36285131
>[] Ask the rest of your family if they have any grievances of their own to address now.
>[] Ask Akari if an apology from Kuroukami's personal representative would be enough.
>[] Tell Kyota that you will accept Kuroukami's offering on your behalf and Yui's behalf.
His offering was that they would leave our family alone correct?

>>36285131
>[] Apologize to the poor servant of Kuroukami for your forthright behavior.
>[] Have Akari serve tea, and explain your position to Kyota less vehemently.

>>36285241
No, the offering and the promise to be left alone are separate

>>36285131
>[x] Apologize to the poor servant of Kuroukami for your forthright behavior.
>[x] Ask the rest of your family if they have any grievances of their own to address now.

>>36285131
[x] Apologize to the poor servant of Kuroukami for your forthright behavior.
[x] Have Akari serve tea, and explain your position to Kyota less vehemently.

>>36285241
She's already stated that Kuroukami will not allow Kurao Clan to bother Ryukusa & friends again. The recompense is extra.

>>36285131
>[] Apologize to the poor servant of Kuroukami for your forthright behavior.

>[] Have Akari serve tea, and explain your position to Kyota less vehemently.
>[] Ask the rest of your family if they have any grievances of their own to address now.

>>36285291
>>36285354
Sorry to ask, but what was the offering? I'm afraid ti went over this dumb anons head.

Alright, time for dragons.

>>36285131
>[] Apologize to the poor servant of Kuroukami for your forthright behavior.
>[] Have Akari serve tea, and explain your position to Kyota less vehemently.
>[] Ask Akari if an apology from Kuroukami's personal representative would be enough.

>[] Ask the rest of your family if they have any grievances of their own to address now.

>Ask Yui if she knows anyone within Clan Kurao who would like to leave, given the opportunity.

>Mention that Mizumi Shoko's castle is currently understaffed.

>>36285408
That was never stated, other than Ryu-chan noting the fact she does have a pouch on her left hip containing a very large sphere that she isn't used to carrying around.

>>36285529
Ah right then, we should enquire about that when it is appropriate

>>36285626
It's true that knowing what it is could be useful.

>>36285408
Not sure, but the implication seems to be it's one of the imperial treasures. Might not be, though. I don't know if inquiring is a good idea; it might come off as trying to twist personal problems for more material gain.

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[XXX] Apologize to the poor servant of Kuroukami for your forthright behavior.
[XX] Have Akari serve tea, and explain your position to Kyota less vehemently.
[] Ask Akari if an apology from Kuroukami's personal representative would be enough.
[] Tell Kyota that you will accept Kuroukami's offering on your behalf and Yui's behalf.
[X] Ask the rest of your family if they have any grievances of their own to address now.

You shift in place as you sit cross-legged on the other side of the coffee table from Kurou Kyota, keeping your hands tucked under your arms, the folding of your sleeves a demonstration that you're not interested in a fight. It does seem to help her relax, though she is still a little shell shocked. “Please forgive me for answer your question in such a forthright manner, Kyoto-sama. I did not truly mean to alarm you, but that truly is how I feel on the matter. Please allow it to remain closed.”

She claps her hands together, and bows deeply. “Gomennasai gozimasu, Ryuu-sama, I was too forward!” You blink sleepily at her reaction; she's not merely paying lip service. She is honestly contrite. That would explain why she receives this duty, despite her lack of Water dragonette etiquette. A Water dragonette with humility is a rare thing.

You bow your head in acknowledgement and she relaxes a little more. “Akari-niji-chan....please make more tea. Green syrup for me please.” Kiki-hime looks up at Akari and mouths something to her, trying not to distract you unduly. Akari's hand settles on your shoulder lightly, prompting you to half turn your head.

“Of course, aniki.” Her voice is soft, but neither contrite nor angry. Placid and calm. Her anger isn't gone though – you know her better than that. She gets up and collects empty cups from around the room – though some are less than half empty. She purposefully keeps herself visible to Kyota-sama, not wishing to alarm her. Well, alarm her further.

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>>36285958

“There are certain things I have chosen not to tolerate, and one of them is the abuse of people who do not have a position of strength to fight back from. Cruelty from a position of strength is pretty pointless, and when Yui-niji-chan and I met, she attempted to commit jigai by proxy.” The feminine form of seppuku. And not a work you use lightly.

Kiki-hime gasps softly and turns on Yui. “Yui-chan! You didn't!” Yui's blush is hot and you smile as Akari-niji-chan speaks softly but firmly from the kitchen, “We will speak about this later, Yui-chan....”

“Annnnikiiiii....” whines Yui softly, but you reach up with your right hand and she takes it gently. “You're so ~mean~....”

“What, Yui-niji-chan? It's the truth.” You lift your head and look at Kyota's uncertain eyes. “Her despair was so consuming that death was better. So I killed her, and brought her back to life, and now she belongs with me and my family. Yui-niji-chan is my personal assistant and Akari-niji-chan's beloved companion. Her pain and suffering is over, and there has been blood spilled over it to prove my intent.” You sigh and extricate your hand from Yui's, tucking it back under your sleeve. “If there are other grievances against Clan Kurao, my family should make them clear now.”

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>>36285973
Kiku-chan speaks up. “There is the matter of the destruction of the prefecture within the Barrier at Bayushi near Aokigahara. Kurao Goto laid waste to the homes and domiciles for miles around when he attempted to kidnap baka-Yui-” “Hey!” “-before the appointed duel. There is also the matter of the death of Nikne Kamuy, also as a result of that fight when he battered Ryuu Akari through the prefecture. The kamuy sacrificed himself to ensure Ryuu Akari would live.”

“I am afraid that I must stand with the miko on this matter, Kurou-sama,” your sister says firmly. “Such an act of destruction and wanton carelessness for the kami is inexcusable.”

Kurou Kyota is looking fairly beset upon, and it's clear she is at a loss with how to deal with the dire situation presented....not the brightest lizard in the grass, sadly. Or just way out of her depth, perhaps.

[] Let her sort it out on her own.
[] Suggest that Kurao Goto has paid for his part in the crimes, but the people of Bayushi need help.
[] Offer the use of your altar if she wishes to speak with Kuroukami.
[] Ask her if she would like a few days to think on it.
[] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past day and today while she thinks.

>>36285989
>[] Suggest that Kurao Goto has paid for his part in the crimes, but the people of Bayushi need help.
>[] Offer the use of your altar if she wishes to speak with Kuroukami.
>[] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past day and today while she thinks.
In that order.

>>36285989

>[] Offer the use of your altar if she wishes to speak with Kuroukami.
>[] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past day and today while she thinks.

Is it possible that Goto 'conveniently' forgot about that particular incident... or at least the true extent of his wanton destruction...

>>36285989
>[] Ask her if she would like a few days to think on it.
>[] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past day and today while she thinks.
To be honest, this level of reparations is probably way above her pay-grade, and is serious enough that her boss should be called in on this.

Though I have reservations about her using our altar. Is this the one dedicated to us, or just the regular household shrine?

>>36285989
>[] Offer the use of your altar if she wishes to speak with Kuroukami.
>[] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past day and today while she thinks.

>>36285989
>[] Suggest that Kurao Goto has paid for his part in the crimes, but the people of Bayushi need help.
>[] Offer the use of your altar if she wishes to speak with Kuroukami.
>[] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past day and today while she thinks.

>>36285989
>[] Offer the use of your altar if she wishes to speak with Kuroukami.
>[] Ask her if she would like a few days to think on it.
>[] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past day and today while she thinks.

>Mention that if there is others in the same situation that Yui was, it would be time to think about them.

>>36285989
>[x] Suggest that Kurao Goto has paid for his part in the crimes, but the people of Bayushi need help.
>[x] Ask her if she would like a few days to think on it.
Dohohohoho

>>36285989
>>36286014
I'm gonna back this, covers the important points.

>>36285989
>[] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past day and today while she thinks.
>Hum happily while you cook. If she asks, tell her you're making an offering to a powerful youkai.
We must troll her.

>>36286014
>>36286212
I don't think that Goto has paid enough, what with the destruction of a prefecture and the death of a kamuy.

>>36286268
He was taken away by the zombie goddess of death, destruction, and creation. He's fucked.

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[X] Offer the use of your altar if she wishes to speak with Kuroukami.
[X] Excuse yourself and prepare Rie-san's octopus for the past two days while she thinks.

Rising to your feet smoothly and without use of your hands, you offer your hand to Kiki-hime – your left hand, because right now your right doesn't want to be used for anything – and help her up. You then turn to Kurou Kyota. “If you wish, you may us the shrine in my room to consult with your father. I need to prepare some offerings. Or you may sit and consider, and tea will be served shortly.” The others wait patiently, as you wait for her response.

It doesn't take her long to make a decision. “If I may pray, I would be grateful, Ryuu-sama.” You incline your head. “Kiki-hime will show you to the room.” Kiki-hime smile and let sher fingers linger on yours for a few seconds longer than necessary, and the she bows to Kyota.

“Please follow me, Kurou-sama; please excuse room....” She guides Kyota into the room you just left, and you can hear her putting away the futon before the door closes.

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>>36286482
You pull back your sleeve and look at your right arm. It looks fine, but the wound is healing slowly and it is aching a lot. “Her timing really sucks.” Yui stands up and looks at your arm, frowning. “Don't tell me it's going to get worse before it gets better, please.”

“No, aniki, it is healing pretty normal for you.” She presses her horn and the side of her head against the back of your hand. “Sorry for causing you so much trouble.” She rubs your hand against her horn and head gently, the nearly metallic spiral point cool against your hand.

[] Hug the ridiculous oni. “Beans, remember?”
[] Play with her horns and hair. “Don't be silly.”
[] Lean down and kiss your cloud-rider. “This is nothing, cutie.”
[] Touch your forehead to hers and look into her eyes. “Last time you said something that dumb I threatened beans.”
[] Laugh softly and kiss her. “You're no trouble at all. Now Akari on the other hand....”

>>36286268
Goto no longer exists as an entity. He's paid the highest price there is.

>>36286530
>[X] HUG THE ONI
>[X] RUFFLE THE ONI
>[X] CUDDLE THE ONI
She didn't cause anything; that was all on Goto and his clowns.

>>36286530
>[x] Play with her horns and hair. “Don't be silly.”
>[x] Touch your forehead to hers and look into her eyes. “Last time you said something that dumb I threatened beans.”
>[x] Lean down and kiss your cloud-rider. “This is nothing, cutie.”
Hnnngh time.

>>36286530
>>36286581
This.

>>36286530
[x] Touch your forehead to hers and look into her eyes. “Last time you said something that dumb I threatened beans.”
[x] Laugh softly and kiss her. “You're no trouble at all. Now Akari on the other hand....”
Killing the messenger is also considered to be a faux-pas in Japanese culture.
If Akari had killed Kyota it would have been embarrassing.

>>36286530
This and this:
>>36286581
>>36286617

>>36286530
>[] Hug the ridiculous oni. “Beans, remember?”
>[] Play with her horns and hair. “Don't be silly.”
>[] Lean down and kiss your cloud-rider. “This is nothing, cutie.”

>"Why won't you "help" Akari with the tea? She and you deserves some time, and no one will be bothered if the tea is a bit late"
>*wink*

>>36286530
>[] Hug the ridiculous oni. “Beans, remember?”
>[] Laugh softly and kiss her. “You're no trouble at all. Now Akari on the other hand....”

>>36286530
>[] Touch your forehead to hers and look into her eyes. “Last time you said something that dumb I threatened beans.”
>[] Laugh softly and kiss her. “You're no trouble at all. Now Akari on the other hand....”

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[X] This is my oni. There are others like her, but....no, that's wrong, there aren't. Still mine though.

You shake your head and run both your hands through her soft, gleaming hair of white bronze slowly, several times, luxuriating in the feel of it; your thumbs caress her horns slowly as Kiki-hime steps out of the room, leaving Kurou Kyota to her prayers. “That's silly to say, Yui-niji-chan, this wasn't you at all. It never was.” You hold her head steady as you lean down and press your forehead to hers, her glowing eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Do you remember what I threatened you with the last time you said something so nonsensical?”

She whispers softly, “You said you were gonna throw beans at me.” Yui starts to look down but you gently grip her horns with your fingers and keep her face tilted up to yours.

“Well, I haven't any right now, but I have something else for you.” Her eyes glint, a touch of some fear in them, and you slam the door on the rage that threatens to well up from your heart on behalf of the beautiful tomboy. “You will always have these from me, every time you forget what you mean to me, to us. To Akari.” The fear is gone, replaced by confusion now, and you relax and then kiss her softly and slowly, an act that would undoubtedly appall the ignorant dragonette in the other room.

Which just makes you give Yui a deeper, hotter kiss. She stands there, responding only to the kiss, arms at her sides as you hold the back of her head. When you finally decide oxygen might be important again, she gasps softly, breathing hard, and her delightful musky scent suffusing the air around her. “That is what you get.” She nods shakily. “This....this is nothing more than a formality, and once she is gone, we will be done with them.”

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>>36287262
Giving her a careful hug – which she returns rather tightly, but without more than bruising your ribs – you walk into the kitchen as Kiku, Er Yin, Yuuhi, Shoko and Jinyuu all gather to one side of the living room, speaking softly. Kiki-hime grabs Yui as Yui moves to follow you and makes her sit on the couch. Kiki-hime begins speaking very softly and firmly to her, which make her look abashed at first, then curious.

You,on the other hand, step into the kitchen where Akari-niji-chan is carefully preparing teas of various sorts, kinds and styles, including your requested syrup based tea. You pull out the tako from the fridge and start preparing the two places, calm and quiet. You purposefully place a barrier of still air between the kitchen and the living room, cutting off all noise from either side.

[] Ask her if she's going to have any further problems today.
[] Just work quietly, and let her speak on her own time.
[] Remind her that you know EXACTLY how she feels.
[] Check to make sure she's okay after you hurt her.
[] Ask her if she would mind coming with you to the bedroom for a few minutes.

>>36287284
>[] Just work quietly, and let her speak on her own time.
>[] Remind her that you know EXACTLY how she feels.
>[] Check to make sure she's okay after you hurt her.

>>36287284
>[] Just work quietly, and let her speak on her own time.

>>36287284
>[] Ask her if she would mind coming with you to the bedroom for a few minutes.
>[] Check to make sure she's okay after you hurt her.

>>36287284
>[] Just work quietly, and let her speak on her own time.
>[] Check to make sure she's okay after you hurt her.

>>36287284
>[] Remind her that you know EXACTLY how she feels.
>[] Check to make sure she's okay after you hurt her.

>>36287284
>[] Just work quietly, and let her speak on her own time.
>[] Remind her that you know EXACTLY how she feels.
>[] Check to make sure she's okay after you hurt her.
>[] Ask her if she would mind coming with you to the bedroom for a few minutes.

>>36287284
>[] Check to make sure she's okay after you hurt her.
>[] Remind her that you know EXACTLY how she feels.
>[] Just work quietly, and let her speak on her own time.
preferably in that order

>>36287284
[x] Just work quietly, and let her speak on her own time.

>>36287284
>[] Just work quietly, and let her speak on her own time.
>[] Remind her that you know EXACTLY how she feels.
>[] Check to make sure she's okay after you hurt her.
>[] Ask her if she would mind coming with you to the bedroom for a few minutes.

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[X] Love doesn't always need words.

You use Water Eyes and study your best friend. She's not limping, but she's also not taking care of the injury. It is, to her, a small injury, insignificant in the scale of things But it's been years since she's actually suffered a bleeding injury at all. Her anger is in check, tightly controlled now and no longer a threat to your visitor, but it's still there, a deep, bright, hot anger that is more than righteous and more than merely vengeful. It's the anger of someone whose loved ones have been wronged in a deep and meaningful way. Not just Yui, but you as well.

You let your Water Eyes close, not bothering to bring up her feelings. She knows you better than anyone, and would expect nothing less than your full attention on her after such an incident. Despite that, you both work in silent harmony, neither one getting in each other's way, nor needing to say a single word when one needs something from the other. Cooking, fighting, and most recently loving, being near Akari is a beautifully choreographed dance, and you both know your part as intimately as you know each other.

The dishes are in the oven and you're setting them to cook when Akari finally speaks. “It was not fair, aniki.” Her voice is soft, calm, neither regretful or ashamed.

“No. I don't think the others realized.” You walk up behind her as she finishes pouring the last cup of tea.

She places her hands over your arms as your arms circle her waist, and her tail slides around your waist. You rest your chin on her head and she sighs softly. “You could have let me.”

You kiss the top of her head softly. “Let you take the blame for something I wanted for myself? Bakayero.” She leans back against you and she draws kanji on your hands with her nails, symbols of love, warmth, family, and hope. “Our hearts bleed with hers. The others....don't quite see that.”

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>>36287882
She looks down, and you feel the tiny tremor in her body, the tears she can't shed. “It is better that way aniki. No one needs to know.” The embarrassment of having lost her temper. “It wasn't my secret to tell.”

“I know. She knows. She's not like other oni-girls. You know that better than anyone here.” You remember Shoko telling you about Yukari, the oni-child guardian, her politeness, her calm, her kindness. “But I don't think the others know what you really meant.” It wasn't the insult to Yui or yourself that made Akari start to attack Kyota, inadvertent as it was. No. It was Kyota's casual....~ignorance~ of what was circling around Yui. Her inability to be aware of what was going on in her own household among the servants as a Water dragonette. Something that you would have been aware of in moments and would have dealt with in seconds.

You lower your lips to the dark silk of Akari's hair and breath warmth through the softness, earning a soft sigh from your best friend. She whispers to you, a quiet, emotion thick few words. “Never again?” It's the first time she's asked the promise of you.

“Never,” you whisper the promise softly, having made it many times before, but this is the first time you've made it to Akari. She relaxes in your arms, her eyes closed, her teeth grit tight, her body trembling. You're between her and the others, hiding her, protecting her secret. The soft, vulnerable heart inside her stoic, stony shell.

[] I've got you, Akari.
[] Say nothing. You don't need to.
[] ….let her feel the tears flow, just this one.
[] Just hold her close and whisper the names of the people who love her in her ear.
[] Make the promise aloud, just for her to hear.

>>36287896
[x] Say nothing. You don't need to.
Maybe Kyota is ignorant because she doesn't go back to her household?
Because if she is used as a representative, maybe she's kept ignorant of certain things so that she doesn't inadvertently leak that information to someone using Water Eyes or Fire Eyes.

>>36287896
>[x] Say nothing. You don't need to.

>>36287896
>[] Just hold her close and whisper the names of the people who love her in her ear.

>>36287896
>[] Say nothing. You don't need to.

>>36287896
>[] ….let her feel the tears flow, just this one.
>[] Just hold her close and whisper the names of the people who love her in her ear.
>[] Make the promise aloud, just for her to hear.

>>36287896
>[] ….let her feel the tears flow, just this one.
>[] Just hold her close and whisper the names of the people who love her in her ear.
>[] Make the promise aloud, just for her to hear.

>>36287896
> Make the promise aloud.
>hold her close and whisper the names of the people who love her in her ear.
>[] ….let her feel the tears flow, just this one.

>>36287896
>[] ….let her feel the tears flow, just this one.
>[] Make the promise aloud, just for her to hear.

>>36287940
Maybe she's just not the type to get involved with the thuggish servants when she can avoid it.

>>36288242
The spoiled princess type who doesn't see the working areas of the manor?

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[X] It's your best friend. What else is there?

You let her cry, silently and invisible, she tears she doesn't have, hidden away from those who don't need to know. You stroke her hair softly, let her tremble and sob voiceless. Akari is your immovable rock, the foundation for your strength. You can always trust her to be there when you need her, to do what needs to be done without hesitation or second thought. What she might have been for Oba-san, she IS for you: faithful, unquestioning, trusting, fearless.

It's only far that you get to return the favor.

You lift your hand, and hold them in front of her eyes....and the tears that never existed form in her eyes, and start to fall, for the first, perhaps the only time in her life. She lowers her head, and and you wraps your arms tight about her waist. “I promise on my own name, as Ryu Ryukusa, that no one will ~ever~ hurt her again, Akari. Not her, not Kiki-hime, not Er Yin, not Kiku-chan, not Yui. No one you love, no one who loves you, will suffer that way, the way we have.” Not just you and she, but you, she and Yui. Your whispered words galvanize her and she clutches your arms to her waist, her nails bruising, her body shaking under the violence of her tears. But her whispers of repeated thank you are enough.

After a few minutes, you can feel the eyes of the other on you, and you let go of Akari, who is standing still, composed and calm once more. You don't say anything more – nothing to be said, not between you two. You let her slip away and gather the tea for everyone, and you collect the takoyaki for Rie and sprinkle hot sauce on it.

Fuckin' weird ass nekomata.

You let the sound-wall dissipate and follow your best friend into the living room. Kiki-hime smiles at you warmly; she has her hands on Yui's shoulders. Yui's expression has changed. There is a determined glint in her eyes that wasn't there before; whatever Kiki-hime said to her seems to have done the trick.

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>>36288412
Kiku-chan takes one of the plates from you and you smile. “Did you decide what you're going to ask her?” you ask while walking to the front door.

“We came to a consensus of sorts aniki-dragon. It was not too difficult.” You glance at her as you open the door carefully and set the plates out. No Rie, but no one else to surprise you either, which is a relief. “We're going to ask that the spiritual essences of those homes be repaired as much as is possible for Kuroukami to manage. Shoko-san has agreed to take on any of those who would not wish to remain with Clan Kurao and install them among the people in Ryutaku-ji, safe and protected and with duties to fill, in memory of Nikne Kamuy's sacrifice.” You were wondering how you were going to pull that one off, but that makes it easy. Kiku-chan steps inside and closes the door and places her hand on your back writing kanji.

{Is Akari safe to be here?}

“I think that everything is working out better than I had hoped for, yes.” The yes at the end was not part of the sentence you spoke, but specifically for Kiku-chan's question and she looks relieved. Taking a deep breath, you let it out slowly and gesture for everyone to sit again. As they do so, you settle in your preferred place, but this time, Yui and Akari are sitting much closer both to you and to each other. Kiki-hime on the other hand, moves the table forward a bit....and lays her head along your thigh as she lies down on the floor.

[] Um....not entirely dignified, but fuck it.
[] “Why for you do this?”
[] “….you do know the table is transparent and she could see if you got under my robes, right?”
[] “Still not a boy, Kiki-hime.”
[] “Anyone else got anything they need to ask or tell before she comes back out?”

>>36288427
[x] “….you do know the table is transparent and she could see if you got under my robes, right?”
[x] “Anyone else got anything they need to ask or tell before she comes back out?”

>>36288427
>[] “Still not a boy, Kiki-hime.”
>[] Um....not entirely dignified, but fuck it.
Time for innuendo, apparently!

>>36288427
>[x] Stroke her hair.
Yeah!

>>36288427
>[] “….you do know the table is transparent and she could see if you got under my robes, right?”
>[x] Stroke her hair.

>>36288427
>[] “Still not a boy, Kiki-hime.”
>[] “….you do know the table is transparent and she could see if you got under my robes, right?”
>[] Um....not entirely dignified, but fuck it.
>[] Stroke her hair.

>>36288427
>>36288586
Sure, why not do it all!

>>36288427
>[] Um....not entirely dignified, but fuck it.
>[] “Why for you do this?”
>[] “Still not a boy, Kiki-hime.”

This anons about to fall asleep, thanks for the thread XS

>>36288427
>[x] Let her do her thing.
>[x] Stroke her hair.

>>36288354
Or the sheltered, religion-focused type.

>>36288427
Seconding >>36288586

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dragon stronk

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X] Petting and teasing and warmth, how good does it get?

You blink at Kiki-hime and run your fingers slowly through her hair. Your left arm isn't throbbing quite so badly now, and your aching right arm is moving a little easier. “Despite having your head in my lap, I'm still not a boy. And while the opportunity to have you under my robes might be fun, the table IS transparent....” Kiki-hime rolls over onto her back and gives you an amused look.

“Aka-chan,” your older sister warns, much to Er Yin's and Yui-niji-chan's amusement.

“Ah, sorry, Jinyuu-onee-sama!” You bow over your hand, grinning like a madwoman. Akari runs her hand over your ridged horn, and you feel a wash of heat flow through your whole body, horn to tail-tip.

“I wouldn't mind you know,” Kiki murmurs very quietly, almost too quietly to hear. You look down, a little shocked by the confession. “Camellias are nice too.” That heat is you blushing this time, the flower meaning unfulfilled longing and suggestive of men as lilies are suggestive of women.

“I'll bear it in mind, Kiki-hime....” You're not quite sure what you're going to do with that information, but you'll think of something. Fortunately you manage to get your blush under control as a very subdued Kurou Kyota steps out of the room and walks to the love seat across from you. She's holding the heavy looking bag with it's large sphere within in both hands, and she sets it on the table in front of her, very carefully. It's almost six inches across, and from the sound of it, made out of stone.

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>>36288983
>>36289029
You continue to stroke your wifes hair slowly, making her purr, and Kyota completely ignores the undignified position your wife is in. She also doesn't seem to notice how your subordinates are somewhat close together behind you now. They're holding hands, behind your head, as a matter of fact.

“Kuroukami has spoken. I am told to concede all reasonable demands, and to give you the recompense as well, Ryuu-sama.” She bows deeply and then sits down, before pushing the silk-covered stone towards you and placing it within your reach. “Please tell me what your terms are.” The older dragonette is very clearly shaken; your sister rises and brings her another cup of tea, which Kyota accepts wordlessly.

[] Give her the terms your priestess, seer, and Horobi's retainers requested.
[] Ask her if she's all right.
[] Yui looked pretty intent – let her begin.
[] Let her sweat a few minutes more.
[] See what is in the bag.
[] Suggest your own terms (Write In).

>>36289029
>[] Give her the terms your priestess, seer, and Horobi's retainers requested.
>[] Ask her if she's all right.

also, what is
>[] See what i
Supposed to be?

>>36289055
>[] See what is in the bag.
>[] Ask her if she's all right.
>[] Yui looked pretty intent – let her begin.

>>36289029

[] Ask her if she's all right.
[] See what is in the bag.

>>36289055
>[] Ask her if she's all right.
>[] Yui looked pretty intent – let her begin.

>>36289055
>[] Give her the terms your priestess, seer, and Horobi's retainers requested.
>[] Ask her if she's all right.
>[] Yui looked pretty intent – let her begin.

>Precise that the details of the treachery during the duel will be made public

Then

>[] See what is in the bag

>>36289070
>>36289094
>accepted votes

>>36289070
I reposted - "See what is in the bag."

>>36288983
>You're not quite sure what you're going to do with that information,
Go shopping for a strap-on?

>>36289115
>Precise that the details of the treachery during the duel will be made public
That's usually pretty bad form if you accept recompense.

Doesn't mean we can't still do a Noh play on it though.

>>36289127
We don't have one already?

>>36289055
[x] Ask her if she's all right. Would she like some tea?
[x] Yui looked pretty intent – let her begin.
[x] Give her the terms your priestess, seer, and Horobi's retainers requested.

>>36289055
>[x] Let her sweat a few minutes more.
>[x] Ask her if she's all right.
>[x] Give her the terms your priestess, seer, and Horobi's retainers requested.

>>36289168
> Would she like some tea?
We just gave her tea.

>>36289152
Well Ryukusa was single until recently, wasn't she? I mean, she might still have one but it's hardly an obvious assumption.

>>36289205
...Do dragon girls use dragon dildos?

>>36289227
No, those are for Oni-chicks

>>36289055
[] Ask her if she's all right. Would she like some tea?
[] See what is in the bag.
[] Yui looked pretty intent – let her begin.

>>36289055
>[] Give her the terms your priestess, seer, and Horobi's retainers requested.
>[] Ask her if she's all right.
>[] Yui looked pretty intent – let her begin.

>>36289227
Pls.

>>36289148
We didn't accept the offering yet. And it's a reparation, not a bribe.

>>36289227
Would Ryukusa get The Royal Dragon?

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[X] Give her the terms your priestess, seer, and Horobi's retainers requested.
[XXX] Ask her if she's all right.
[x] See what is in the bag.
[X] Yui looked pretty intent – let her begin.
[] Let her sweat a few minutes more
[] Suggest your own terms (Write In).

You can't help but ask, because she's looking so very shaken and she's even more off her game than she was when she first arrived. “Kyota-sama....are you sure you're all right?” She doesn't seem injured or damaged, though she does look like she has been on the receiving end of one of the teacher's lectures at Ryo. Which she might have been if Kuraokami was upset by your reaction. It's unlike she explained exactly what happened, if she even noticed all that much.

Of course, Yuuhi-chan and Shoko-san being here might have something to do with it, and she does know them.

“She bows her head and smiles wanly. “I'm really very sorry, Ryuu-sama. Please, continue.”

“Very well. Yui-niji-chan?”

Yui jumps just a bit, but recovers quickly. “There is something I want from Clan Kurao, Kurou-sama, and I will make sure I can get it. I would like you to tell them that they are forbidden from giving birth spirit-children or raising them until Nikne Kamuy gives them permission to.” Your eyes flick down to Kiki-hime, who smiles up at you brilliantly. “You can tell them they will be barren until they each receive forgiveness from the mouth of Nikne Kamuy himself.” Yui is sweating bullets, but her expression is set in stone.

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>>36289759
Kurou Kyota looks startled, and then lowers her head, shamefaced. “It will be done. Kuroukami will ensure it.” The only two people who aren't particularly surprised by that – aside from Akari of course – are Kiki-hime and Er Yin. “Please continue.” You go on to tell them the demands – the spiritual reconstruction of Bayushi prefecture, the allowance of any spirit-children to be sent to Ryutaku-ji, and informing her that there will be a Noh play describing the duel between yourself, Kurao Goto, and Kurao Fundo. She agrees to all three conditions readily, her head bowed. “It will all be done as you ask. Please, accept this offering and forgive my father's inattention to the doings of Clan Kurao.”

You tilt your head, but take her at her word. You reach forward, and Kiki looks up through the table as you stop petting her. The knot is complex, but easily undone, and you pull the silk bag open.

What you expose is a six, maybe six-and-a-half inch diameter jade orb. It is intricately carved, a series of dragons, clouds, and waves. Even more impressive are the gaps in the sphere, which reveal a second orb of jade within, with carvings no less detailed, and partially hollowed out as well: a jade puzzle ball. But not JUST a puzzle ball; you can feel it's power like a wind, right through the Void, and so does everyone else in the room. Even Kyota seems shocked by the power the thing has. Kiku-chan looks positively alarmed – her hair is exploding again.

[] Pick it up carefully.
[] Ask Er Yin to take care of it – she's the sorceress.
[] See if Your sister or Er Yin knows what it is.
[] Ask Kiku-chan what's up.
[] Carefully close the bag over it once more.

>>36289780
>[] Ask Er Yin to take care of it – she's the sorceress.

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>>36289780

>[X] See if Your sister or Er Yin knows what it is.
>[X] Pick it up carefully.

A personal gift from a God is about as spiffy as you can get, they wouldn't stiff us on this.

Right?

I mean there's no way they'd be stupid enough to stiff us with a cursed object after what we did to Goto, right?

Rrrrrrrrrrrright?

>>36289780
>[x] See if Your sister or Er Yin knows what it is.
>[x] Ask Kiku-chan what's up.

>>36289780
>[] Ask Er Yin to take care of it – she's the sorceress.
Makes sense.

>>36289780
>[] Ask Kiku-chan what's up.
>[] Carefully close the bag over it once more.
>[] Ask Er Yin to take care of it – she's the sorceress.
> [] Thank her and Kuroukami for their gift.

>>36289780
>>36289877
Backing!

>>36289780
>Water Eyes
>[] Carefully close the bag over it once more.
>[] See if Your sister or Er Yin knows what it is.
>[] Ask Kiku-chan what's up.

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[X] Ask Er Yin to take care of it – she's the sorceress.
[XX] See if Your sister or Er Yin knows what it is.
[X] Ask Kiku-chan what's up.
[] Carefully close the bag over it once more.

“Er Yin-sensei....Jinyuu-onee-sama....what ~is~ this?”

“Don't touch it, Ryukuza!” Kiku-chan's sharp voice is incredibly authoritative – Kiki-hime immediately sits up and looks at her sister, who has a handful of ofuda sticking out of her raised sleeve. You know she can hit everyone in the room with one and possibly only you and Akari might be able to stop her. Though it's possible Kyota might be a better warrior than she is a diplomat outside of talking to priests.

You glance at her mildly. “I hadn't planned on it....what is it?”

Er Yin answers you. “It is a Wish-Fulfilling Jewel, Ryukusa-sama. It will grant you the desires you have....” Which sounds really neat. “....but that can also mean grant you an understanding of the cycle of reincarnation, allowing you to commune with your mikoto.”

Ooookaaay, not so great.

“Fucking heavens, woman, are you a kamidamned idiot? Are you trying to wreck all of kamidamned Tokyo and kill everyone in the whole fucking city!” This time Shoko is unable to keep her mouth shut, and you can't really blame her. “If she'd touched that....GUH!” the sound of Yuuhi jabbing Shoko in the gut with her sheathed sword is quite impressive.

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>>36290466

That doesn't stop someone else from delivering an even more scathing diatribe. “Are you brain damaged, or are you insane?” Kiku-chan is standing and glaring at Kyota, who looks frightened and confused. “Did Kuroukami not tell you what would happen if you gave that directly to Ryukusa?” She still has the talismans in her hand, and her eyes are molten pools of gold.

“No, he did not! I was only told to present the jewel to her!” Your Water Eyes open wide, you can see she's terrified and telling the truth – her ignorance isn't feigned, it's very real. She's simply a messenger, god to priests and priestesses. But more importantly, there are cracks in her ignorance, the glimmer of potential understanding. The Wish-Granting Jewel, on the other hand, is a shimmering glow of possibility and understanding, everything that Kiki-hime's Wood eyes showed you, but even more so, because unlike Wood Eyes, this could make those possibilities instantly REAL.

You shudder and look away. “Er Yin-sensei, please take care of the jewel....Kiku-chan....”

[] “....use your Fire Eyes and teach her what she needs to know.”
[] “....calm down please; she has been honest as she can be.”
[] “SIT! STAY! NO BITE!”
[] “....come here and calm down, please.”
[] “....tell us how you really feel.”

>>36290510
>[] “....come here and calm down, please.”

>>36290510
>[] “....calm down please; she has been honest as she can be.”
>[] “....come here and calm down, please.”

>>36290510
>[x] “....use your Fire Eyes and teach her what she needs to know.”

>>36290510
>[] “....come here and calm down, please.”

Could we ask Kyota is she truly wishes to know exactly what fire she has been fed to? Because, I feel that she should be given the option of going down the rabbit hole... she has already seen the white rabbit, now it is just a case of following it or not....

>>36290510
[] “....calm down please; she has been honest as she can be.”
It's not her fault if she was intentionally kept ignorant by her boss.

And as insulting as it is, maybe we should tell her that she Gould use her Water Eyes more.

>>36290510
>[] “....calm down please; she has been honest as she can be.”
[] “....tell us how you really feel.”

>>36290510
>[x] “SIT! STAY! NO BITE!”
Dohohoho

>>36290634
Then we should use Water Dragonette diplomacy to get the message across, subtlety and respectfully. I get the feeling that she might have gaps in her training, so we could offer to help her take off the wool covering her eyes, so to speak.

>>36290510
>[] “....calm down please; she has been honest as she can be.
>[] “....use your Fire Eyes and teach her what she needs to know.””

>>36290466
>“....but that can also mean grant you an understanding of the cycle of reincarnation, allowing you to commune with your mikoto.”
Can someone explain this to someone both new to the quest and stupid?

>>36290743
Ryukusa is the reincarnation of the God of Destruction but she hadn't taken on her own true soul yet. When she does there will be a massive disaster that affects most of Japan.

The jewel can force reincarnation to happen instantly which would have basically wrecked Tokyo and told all our enemies that we're right there and off balance.

>>36290510

>[] “....calm down please; she has been honest as she can be.”
>[] “....come here and calm down, please.”

>[] “....tell us how you really feel.”

>Ask Kyota if she wants to know more and explains what will be the consequences if she learn it.


>>36290743
Ryukuza is the mortal body that the essence of the God of Destruction will inhabite the day it reincarnate.

Now, bear in mind that we're talking about a Japanese God of Destruction. Imagine all the natural catastrophes they had to deal in their histories that shaped their belief in that god.

Now, imagine all those catastrophes happening in the middle of a city. At once.

>>36290859
Oh, that. Yeah that's bad.

I get the sense this thing is dangerous regardless of that though. Seems a bit less controllable than some genie wish, but better than monkeys paw.

Does it count as a declaration of war?

I'm pretty sure attempting to pull that kind of bullshit during a peace negociation count as a declaration of war.

>>36290510
>[] “....use your Fire Eyes and teach her what she needs to know.”
>[] “....calm down please; she has been honest as she can be.”

>>36290994
>Does it count as a declaration of war?
Even if it is, we shouldn't act on it.
We do NOT want to have to fight a true Dragon in our state, especially one that is also a God.
Not to mention all the OTHER enemies we have right now.

>>36290994
We shouldn't be hasty, there could be other explanations.
It could be that Kuroukami assumes we'd be smart enough not to touch it, and means no i'll will.

>>36291116
It could also mean that Kuroukami is being a shifty arsehole, but there's nothing to gain from not being polite and being a better person

>>36290859
>>36290951
You know, I've been wondering.
Can't she just, I don't know, catch a plane to some deserted island out in the middle of the ocean and get it all out of here system there?

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[X] “....calm down please; she has been honest as she can be.”
[X] “....come here and calm down, please.”
[X] “....tell us how you really feel.”
[+] Gently warn her she needs to get a clue, a really big freakin' clue.

Er yin stands up and walks over to the table, moving slowly and carefully. She unerringly picks up the back and lifts it up over the jewel, avoiding touching the powerful object at all. “Such a gift is priceless, Ryukusa-sama. Kuroukami has been generous beyond measure.”

Shoko starts to say something, but a high pitched, “Mmmmhh!” And the half-felt threat of another gut punch makes her settle down. Looks like Yuuhi is wearing the pants in that relationship, biker oni-chick or no.

Kiku-chan continues to glare at the Water dragonette, her eyes shining pools of bright gold, actually glowing. She opens her mouth and you can see the furnace roiling in her body. You speak softly. “No. She's been honest with us and you know that.” She clamps her mouth shut and continues to glare. “Kiku-chan!” Barely raising your voice makes her grit her teeth angrily, and she turns away, closing her eyes. “Come here, Kiku-chan.”

As Er Yin places the magical jewel ~Nowhere~, Kiku chan walks over to you, tucking her talismans into her sleeve. Kyota watches as she Kiku-chan kneels next to you, and you reach up....and slowly run your hand through her soft, soft hair, gently stroking and soothing the smoldering dragonette. Her teeth are still clenched, but she submits to your gentle touch, her eyes glowing behind closed lids. “I do not understand how the kami would dare allow such a dangerous thing to occur....” She growls the complaint softly, but loudly enough for everyone to hear. “She should be old enough to be responsible for her people, for her actions, for her knowledge....”

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>>36291186
Truth be told, you agree. Despite that, you cannot let your people get out of hand. “Kuroukami has my thanks and my gratitude for hearing my grievances. You, Kurou Kyota, have my appreciation for your forbearance.” You continue to stroke Kiku-chan's head and her tail slowly starts swaying in time to the slow, deliberate caresses. Another hand joins yours – Akari, reaching over and firmly grasping Kiku-chan's horn, which makes the dragonette gasp, cinders spilling from her mouth. You continue to pet and soothe the irate dragonette, and she makes a soft whimpering sound. “Kyota-sama, perhaps you might wish to see more than what others show you. It is a dangerous place you have put yourself in, and I would not wish you to suffer unduly because your eyes were not opened to the truth in time.”

Though her cheeks color and she looks ashamed, she merely nods in response, no longer trusting her voice.

“Kiki-hime, please see Kurou Kyota to the door. Shoko-san, Yuuhi-chan, please join us. We have much to discuss.” Er Yin bows to Kurou Kyota, as does Jinyuu-onee-sama, and Kiki-hime hastens to see her out. Kyota returns the bows, and bows deeply to you and to Yui, which startles a surprised “Whha?!” from your beloved cloud-rider. Kyota only looks sadly at Kiku-chan, understanding on some level that she's made a terrible mistake somewhere, somehow.

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>>36291256
You smile and and look at and pet your pretty Fire dragonette, as Akari keeps her still for you. Your priestess, obedient to your divine mandate....as the door shuts behind Kurou Kyota, and she summons a cloud to take her away, you lower your hand and lean back against the couch. “That could have gone better....” The pain you've been ignoring is somewhat lessened by the closeness of your family, but you're hot and aching, and you really want to rest.

“It could have gone much, much worse, Ryukusa-sama,” Er Yin says mildly. “It is no one less danger you face.” She's right of course.

Two down, five to go.

>To Be Continued....

>>36291148
That'll be like if a President of the USA in the middle of the Cold War decided to nuke some deserted island to get it out of his system.

>>36291148
Ryukusa asked that already, it doesn't work like that. The entire poimt of the destruction is to return people to worship, so blowing up nothing means that no one cares.

>>36291148
Sadly, that will not work as her power - like that of all spirit-children - is centered in Japan. the further away she is, the further away from Yomi she is, and without that connection, she can't take on the reincarnation. Even if she's on an isolated island near Japan, Japan is the center of power and Japan is what gets hit.

That isn't stopping her from trying to mitigate the worst of it - there are player advocated plans on that front already (speaking with the Sea Dragon-god Ryujin, for instance, getting the Tide-Controlling Jewel to Hinata-hakase, creating a group of spirit-backed humans to help control the human rioting, etc.)

>>36291186
> Looks like Yuuhi is wearing the pants in that relationship
Yuuhi really is a cutie.

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I hope you enjoyed reading and playing. I may do one more on Friday - we'll see how the night goes.

Thank you.

>>36291426
I suppose Shoko is the more dominant one most of the time, but Yuuhi doesn't hesitate to stop her if she get outside of her boundaries.

>>36291470
Thank you for the thread!

>>36291470
Thanks for the thread!
Kept me watching all day long.

>>36291470
Good night, XS. Do you have time for questions? I was curious about how easy it would be to get the Cat Youkai to Ryutaku-ji.

>>36291634
On the subject of Rie, we need to assign someone to feed her octopus in the case we are indisposed.

>>36291634
Ryutaku-ji is a heaven, but it is in the ocean off the coast of Hokkaido.

Cat youkai are still cats. They also need an urban environment. You're having Kiku and Er Yin look into the spiritual centers of Hokkaido for alternatives.

That is for next thread, however.

>>36291680
She only requires offerings when you are physically present at home. Your family is aware of the bargain, and you can probably rely on them.