Endorph posted:
Every day, until you like it
Movement is a completely worthless stat in the absence of time pressures. Without bonus conditions or other significant strategic considerations, moving 4 tiles or 8 is largely irrelevant. The only difference is the real-world time it takes to traverse menus, and it's a tiny difference either way.
Movement is a completely worthless stat in the absence of time pressures.
Without bonus conditions or other significant strategic considerations, moving 4 tiles or 8 is largely irrelevant.
The only difference is the real-world time it takes to traverse menus, and it's a tiny difference either way.
Endorph posted:
Every day, until you like it
Tag, you're It!
Hey, slow down, I'm getting tired...
Should we stop playing Tag and do Hide and Seek instead?
Sure. Who's It though?
...
Wah! What's a youkai doing here...?
Hm? Here...?
Wow, you're right! But where IS here?
...?
Anyway, if you're playing Hide and Seek then I want in.
Fine, but you have to be It.
Count to a hundred so we can we go hide.
Okay. Ooone. Twooo.
Hey everyone, let's go play in that cave over there!
Huh? But what about the girl we just invited to play Hide and Seek with us?
What? What girl?
...Wait, what was I talking about again? Whatever, let's go!
Niiine. Teeen.
Oh, they left. We hadn't even started...
Oh well. I'll just go wander somewhere.
....
Can... I not go home anymore?
...We're going to do a bit of traveling, so anyone who hasn't eaten yet should make sure to grab something.
There should still be leftovers from last night in the refrigerator.
Roger that. Sounds like we'll be busy after this.
Then maybe I should take a short food break too, while I can.
What, you didn't have any of that mochi at the Hieda house?
The Yama was sitting right next to me, so I didn't have much of an appetite.
I was so worried that if I screwed anything up I'd get sent straight to Hell.
No, no, you've got it backwards! That was your chance to make your case to her!
Show her your good side, and she might send you straight to Heaven!
...Good point. I never even considered that. Come to think of it, back on the moon I did so well that even Lady Yorihime recognized me.
I'd reconsider putting on those rose-colored glasses, if I were you.
Who was it again, who locked herself in the refrigerator last time...?
Anyway, have you taken a tour of the bridge yet, Kogasa?
I planned to, but to be honest I kinda already told them everything I know.
So I figured I could just leave that to you all and start thinking about my next job.
Wow, you're changing sides so quickly it crosses over into admirable.
Come to think of it, whatever happened to that sheep youkai we were tracking?
Since then, nothing. Not a single sighting anywhere.
We beat her up pretty bad, so maybe she learned her lesson.
I dunno about that, she seemed like a sore loser.
We've been busy with one thing after another, but we can never be too careful.
This morning I put together a counterintelligence team to begin an investigation.
What? That sounds so cool!
The kappa and tengu weren't too happy with the devastation at the foot of the mountain either.
They'll be patrolling Gensokyo by land, river, and air.
Huh. Maybe I should tell my minions in the bamboo thicket to keep an eye out too.
It's so reassuring to know that we have the support of all Gensokyo's youkai.
Knowing that, we'll be able to focus on the task at hand.
Right. We'll be devoting all of our efforts to finding Koishi for now.
Look, the Northern woods are coming into view.
Keep our course, but try to lower our altitude as much as possible, and look for somewhere to-
Hmhmm...
...You're in the way, Nue. If you want to watch, then stop floating around and take a seat.
Hmph, this was supposed to be my special box seat.
...
You're certainly enthusiastic, Medicine. Do you like the view from up here?
I've never been this high up before! The village is just a little speck now.
I thought it was sooo big, but from up here it's sooo tiny...
Right, and that suzuran field you were in before is even smaller than that.
And there are still more places in Gensokyo that you haven't even seen yet.
Whoa... I'm getting dizzy.
Don't try to take everything in at once. You can have look around once things have calmed down.
But for that to happen, first we'll have to find Koishi.
...Yes. I hope she's somewhere in these woods, but...
You need to calm down too, Satori. We sent Momiji and the others out to take a look, so at least wait for their report before you start worrying.
But if we're going to meet her soon, I'd like to hear about more about this Koishi girl.
Yeah, we don't really know anything about her except that she's Satori's sister.
Well, Satori Komeiji? Would you feel comfortable speaking about her?
I realize this may be a difficult subject for you.
...No, I'm the one receiving their help, so I need to be the one to tell them.
First, I believe you're already aware that Koishi closed her third eye and can longer read minds?
Yeah, she closed it herself or something?
...She did that because of the circumstances of being a satori youkai.
We, who read the minds of others, have never been accepted anywhere.
Worst of all, we can't even hide from that truth, being able to see those true feelings of others.
So, Koishi couldn't stand that anymore and...
...Yes, she always used to say that:
There's not one good thing about seeing inside people's hearts.
No way... she hated it that much?
...By closing her eye she wouldn't even be able to read Satori's mind anymore. She felt THAT cornered?
Koishi just had that pure and delicate side to her, y'know?
But, that would mean you can't read her mind either. I'm amazed you've been able to live with her after that.
Cause Miss Koishi was still as kind as always!
Even when she couldn't control her body because of her power over the unconscious, she would still always come home.
To us, that was always a sign that our hearts were connected.
But now she hasn't come home for a while. Which means...
Is even her unconscious bond with you broken?
...Yes, that's what worries me.
So, any idea what triggered this?
Orin said you had a hunch.
...We do. Although no more than a guess.
Right before Koishi disappeared, I said something I didn't mean.
...What did you say to her?
This was right after I went crazy on the surface, so I hear it was kinda awkward.
We were nursing Okuu's injuries when Miss Koishi came home and talked to us.
But Miss Koishi didn't seem to understand that Okuu had wanted more power for HER sake..
...And that's when I said something that could be interpreted as blaming her for not being able to read minds.
I could feel her distancing herself as soon as she heard that...
...A tragic miscommunication. I'm sure none of you had much margin for error at the time.
If that's why she went missing, then what are we supposed to do after we find her? Do we even have a plan?
Yeah, I'm not sure she'll listen to us...
Stop worrying so much! They're sisters! It'll all work out.
Exactly. We just need to go look for her as soon as Momiji gets back from her-
Recon unit, reporting back to base.
...Good timing.
Good work. So, did you find anything?
For now, we found what might be traces of someone passing through.
But even with just that, we can narrow the search area.
Well done. Now how can we narrow it down further?
That's the problem. This is Koishi we're dealing with, so I'm not sure we could find her even if we went over the place with a comb.
Can we, like, hang up some cookies and wait for Koishi to come get them?
C'mon, you really think it'd be that easy...?
...
No, wait, what about Nue's weird familiars?!
What?! My familiars are NOT weird!
Ingenious. Having one of those pop out in front her should cause an unconcious reaction.
Wait, hold on. And why should I do this again?
Why not? Maybe they'll see you in a new light.
Wow, you're so cool, lady! You can always count on the great youkai of Heian!
I know I'D love to see the power of a living legend, firsthand.
Hmph. Fine. I've been meaning to show off my powers anyway.
(The great youkai of Heian sure is an easy mark...)
Okay, then we'll start our search in the center of the area indicated by Momiji.
Nue, please deploy your familiars and let us know when you get a reaction.
Yeah yeah, roger that. Just watch me solve all your problems like it's nothing!
At least she's enthusiastic now, I guess...
...Hm? So where did I end up this time?
Well, not like it matters. I bet I'd just forget where this is anyway.
But that river looks nice. Maybe I should take a dip.
...? What's that?
Ooh, what ARE you? I've never seen an animal like this.
Hey, so where'd you come from? Is this the part where you go TAKE-US-TO-YOUR-LEADER?
Getting a sigal from Green No. 3. Someone's poking it!
Green No. 3 was... here! It's close, but...
Wait, look!
Ooh, is this the mothership?
...!
I-It's Koishi! We really hooked her with a UFO!
You did it, Nue!
Y-Yeah. I did, didn't I? Hehehe.
So this is where you were, Miss Koishi! We've been looking for you the whole time!
...Is that... Orin's voice? You're talking from inside the ship?
Yeah! The folks from the surface were helping us look for you!
Miss Satori is here too, of course!
Sis too...?
...Koishi...
Satori...
...I'm just glad you're okay. I was so worried about what could happen.
It's been so long since you came home. Ever since that day..
...Yeah. I wanted to go home too.
Huh? I thought you were supposed to be sulking. That was easier than we thought.
But something about this atmosphere seems dark...
Anyway, should we get down from the boat and go pick her up?
Pick me up?
Yes. We'll take you home.
Ah...
...!
Did she disappear? Wait...
...
Hm? What am I doing over here?
Koishi...
Whoa, that scared me for a sec. Let's try that again...
...No. Koishi's acting oddly. Would you mind waiting for us, Satori?
By 'odd' you must mean that...
Looks like she doesn't even realize that she just backed away from Satori.
So even if she says she wants to go home, unconsciously she might be afraid of seeing Satori?
But that's...
Then what do we do? We can't just leave her here.
If she vanishes again, we might never find her.
For now, the rest of us will deploy and try to restrain her somehow.
I'm sorry, everyone.
Okay, so we're out. Now what? How are we supposed to get her back?
Based on what happened just now, seems like it'll be hard to talk her into it.
Then we attract her with dazzling lights and sounds!
I see, a danmaku battle then.
What's this? There are so many of them...
Yo! Koishi! We haven't met on the surface yet, have we?
Long time no see, Koishi. Do you remember us?
Yeah. You're an oni who used to live in the Underworld, and you're that human who came to play at my house.
Satori... isn't with you.
No, she isn't. She really wanted to see you again, but it's been so long that she's too nervous to come out.
Nervous...? Are you sure...?
Probably! Anyway, wanna hang out with us for a while?
If we have a danmaku battle, it'll feel like your mind and body are coming undone!
Umm.... what's a danmaku battle?
Gensokyo's favorite pasttime! A hip and trendy deathmatch!
You should've seen a few when we intruded in the Underworld.
Oh, right, the pretend-killing game! That looked fun!
All right, she's chomping at the bit! Maybe a bit TOO eager, but still!
If we're going to ensnare her, we'll first have to play to her expectations for a while.
That's simple enough. If we're doing this, then we're doing this right. No mercy!
Yeah, bring it on!
Hey, aren't those your minions, Tewi?
Perfect timing. I've got something I need you girls to do for me.
...
...Something's weird about them.
Is it because of the vengeful spirits nearby? Maybe they've been affected.
Then all we have to do is slap 'em back to their senses. But not TOO hard.
Roast bird, huh? That's my specialty.
Looks like we'll be able to reel her in, thanks to everyone's quick thinking.
I'm sorry, I really should have been the one out there...
But based on her reaction, she really is avoiding me, isn't she?
It's not your fault. This was all a bit sudden for her, so she's probably just shocked to see you here.
First things first: we have to ascertain the reason she's avoiding you.
The problem is how are we even supposed to talk to her, as she is now?
Can't we work it out through a danmaku battle?
A battle? How is that supposed to help?
Oh, I see. If words won't get through to her, then we use body language.
So even with her eye closed, we might be able to communicate.
Communicate with Koishi...
We won't know until we try, so, you know, we're gonna try.
In the meantime, you think about what you're going to say to her.
...I will.
This will be a great opportunity for me to tour the living world.
Looks like you're itching to lecture someone.
Of course I am. Impartially judging the residents of Gensokyo is my duty.
No matter who we're up against, I'll be giving them my very best lecture.
I almost feel sorry for anyone who runs into Eiki.
Now, let's begin the danmaku battle!
So this is danmaku? Everyone looks like they're having so much fun!
We're just getting started! There's still plenty up our sleeves!
You said you were Koishi, right? Do you want to play with us too?
Yeah! Let me give it a try too!
What a self-serving brat. And to think she was so gloomy when she was talking with Satori a little while ago.
That's just how she is. Depending on what's right in front of her, she'll change her expression just like that.
I'm sure no small part of that is due to the effect of her power over the unconscious.
So you're saying she matches the other person's attitude and her body reacts accordingly, or something along those lines?
Analyzing her is important too, but be sure to stay focused on the battle.
We're unable to mentally process her presence, as she lurks deep in our unconscious. And it goes without saying that a calculated approach is unlikely to succeed either.
Ugh, that sounds hard!
So what is danmaku anyway? Cut and slap, pluck and stitch?
Ooh, I'm getting excited! Let's play until we drop!
BGM: PARANOIA STEP
.
I'm so glad we found you, Koishi.
Everyone's been working with Satori and the rest of your family to help look for you.
Working with everyone...? But Satori's bad at that kinda stuff.
Maybe so, but she's been trying to open her heart for us.
But Satori's...
Well, this is surreal. Here we are, both up on the surface, fighting each other.
Is there something weird about that?
I used to think that you wandering around up here was a real nuisance, for all of us. But just look at me today.
Is this some kind of fate? Well, even if this is a family thing, might as well stick my nose in.
So she's the one they made me fish out with my familiars?
Well, whatever, as long as they praise me.
Familiars...? Wait, so you're the leader of those colored disc things?
Then you're an alien!
Huh?
So what were you supposed to do for first contact again? Shake hands or something?
What are you talking about? Does this girl have a screw loose, or-
Hey, c'mon!
Th-The heck is wrong with you?! Ruining my mood...
We finally found you, Koishi!
Satori and Orin and Okuu have been looking for you the whole time.
Satori has been looking for me...?
And I couldn't go home the whole time.... It's like, I'm a bad girl.
No, we all understand your circumstances very well. So don't feel bad!
I know we can save you through danmaku battle!
A satori who can't read minds is just a little sister youkai. You're not as scary as your sister was.
As my sister...? Are you saying a human like you beat her?
It was a pain getting our minds read, but we got through by force. Emphasis on the force.
Wow, cool! Then this'll be fun!
I lurk in the unconscious. My danmaku has never been seen by anyone, even my sister. Can you dodge them? I really wanna know!
...Maybe I've seen you before?
Most likely. I've visited the Palace of Earth Spirits countless times.
You may even have caught a glimpse of me back when you still remained on the surface.
I already forgot everything about back then.
Oh really? Well, I remember. I remember when I went to propose that you two sisters become the managers of the Palace.
I'm sure you thought of me as suspicious. Satori stood in front, to protect you.
...
So what's this Un-Con-Shiss thing anyway? It means we can't find you?
Uh huh. Something like that.
So you're good at Hide and Seek then. Maybe even better than Sunny's group?
Mhmm. So good that everyone always leaves before they find me.
That's awful...
...
Uwah! What?! Don't tell me you unconsciously want to do horrible things to bugs?
Uh uh. I'm trying to float like a butterfly.
Oh, whew, you're nicer than I expected. That's a relief.
And then I sting like a bee!
I doubt you remember me, Koishi Komeiji.
Hmm. I kinda do, but I kinda don't...
No matter. But I do know you, and your past is reflected in this Cleansed Crystal Mirror.
You rejected your ability to read minds, eventually sealing it. Since then, you've been unable to know others, and have lived entirely within your own world.
Indeed, your heart is also a bit too closed.
Yeah, but... it's already closed. Too late.
What'd you mean by 'also' though?
The details may differ, but I meant that Satori Komeiji is in a similar situation. This is a problem both of you need to tackle.
But Satori's third eye is still open, so why...?
You should ask her that yourself. First, accept my danmaku judgement and reexamine your heart!
Hey, slow down!
Whaaat...?
I'm the Sanzu ferryman. I add up the virtues of the dead and collect the toll from them.
Eeeny Meeny Miney Moe...?
Yeah, sure, close enough. If you're worried about somethin' like running away from home, then your assessment will stick with you.
So anyway, I'm gonna be making my estimate, so it'd be a big help if you could take a long hard look at yourself.
You're all so amazing! All your moves are so new to me!
You're not bad yourself. I can't believe this is your first time playing...
Looks like she's doing it all by instinct... Maybe Miss Koishi's a natural at this?
If so, then our plan to use danmaku to communicate might just work.
Right, I'm sure she'll start to show her feelings.
Hm? What are you talking about? Tell me! Tell me!
You'll understand when you're older, sweetie. More importantly, do you want to try even flashier danmaku?
I'm sure you can do it, Koishi. Just relax and let it all out.
Relax... relax... How do I relax?
Don't overthink it, just do the first thing that comes to mind.
Oh, you mean it's unconscious? That's what I'm good at!
Here it goes! Take this!
code:
Ally: No Entry Ally: No Action -Cannot move or attack.
Come at me however you like. I won't die no matter what you throw at me.
Won't die...? So you're immortal? I've never seen an animal like that before!
But even if you say that, I bet you'll die anyway.
What?
Good people and bad people... everyone goes to sleep sooner or later.
...You're sharper than you look. A life like mine isn't something that should be so easily accepted.
So she really was in the northern woods. I need to thank those kids.
What kids?
You played with some kids in town, right? They told me about you.
Oh yeah, it was really fun! Everyone played with me!
But in just a little while they won't be able to see me anymore...
This spellcard battle with Koishi is getting fierce!
So that's Koishi's danmaku...
You've never seen it before either, Satori?
I haven't. Are Koishi's true feelings hidden somewhere in that danmaku?
If she's just following her heart, then yes, I'm sure of it.
But you may not be able to grasp them just by watching.
"If you want to know, then try it for yourself..." That's what Marisa always tells me. I'm no good at this stuff though, so I turned her down.
Try it for myself...?
We finally managed to find you Koishi, so I'm not taking my eye off you for a moment.
Oh right, even with your power over the unconscious, I should be able to see you with my mind's eye!
Mind's eye?
Right! ...Wait, what? I can't see anything!
Duh! I'm not in anyone's minds!
So you can longer get home then? I'm sure we could get you to stay put by tying you up though.
Okay, I'm fine with that.
Oh my...
Maybe if I stay home long enough, I'll remember the way there. You can imprison me or whatever, sure.
...I can tell that you're serious, but locking you up is not the answer. We know that from experience.
Okay, we tried talking, now what? Do you have a plan for bringing her back, Minoriko?
Of course I do! With the sweet scent of roasted sweet potaotes!
Then me too! With the beautiful orange leaves!
...I'm getting a little hungry.
Wh-What a subdued reaction. And I was so confident too...
I guess we'll have to actually take things seriously this time.
What are you talking about? We're always serious! Is it time for us to pitch in as fellow sisters?!
It's so hard to hit her. Is this the power of the unconscious?
Moving without thinking... It's almost like she's achieved a state of complete selflessness.
I'm so happy that you girls can keep up with me!
quote:
So you're really having fun then?
It's been so long since I've really played with anyone! Most people just ignore me, and the kids who do notice me just forget me anyway.
Huh? But that's...
Even if we start playing together, they just forget about me after a little while.
But if I could read their minds, they wouldn't play with me at all, so it's not all bad.
You said that so casually, but isn't your life too extreme?! In both directions!
In exchange for not being hated, she can't be loved either. That's the price of closing her eye.
But... aren't you lonely? It almost sounds like you're living completely alone.
Uh-uh, I'm not lonely. Because there are people I love.
Love...?
Are you saying you're satisfied by just one-sidedly loving someone?
Uh-huh. Because I'll always be happy like this.
I love Orin, I love Okuu, and...
...You love your sister too?
...Yeah. I do.
Koishi...
Satori's always so nice to me, and she knows everything about me, so...
...! This wavelength!
An unadorned sound... I think we're getting into her true feelings.
I haven't changed. Even when I closed my eye, I'm still me!
And I still love everyone!
code:
Koishi: Auto-Fury -Every attack has the "Fury" spirit active for it.
Haven't seen you since we last met in the Underworld. You really saved my skin back then.
Uh huh. I think you let me ride on your broom?
If you liked that, then you'll LOVE what I've got for you this time.
A danmaku show in the skies of Gensokyo! Not only that, we're allowing audience participation!
Ooh, cool, sounds fun!
Well it'd better be. You won't have time to look away, so keep your eyes on the show!
Thank goodness we found you, Koishi.
Oh, weren't you that witch with the dolls? From that creepy house?
...I never thought I'd be called creepy by an Underworld youkai.
But anyway, you want to go home, right Koishi? Then we can help you.
Uh uh. Sis told me not to trust youkai from the surface.
But your sister is right here with us.
That's...
I know we won't get through to you right away. But that's why you need to stay with us, so we can keep talking.
Just... look at her! How can she just throw her love around like that? It's making ME embarassed.
I kinda like it! This pressure she's putting on us!
But that's a pretty big relief for me. At least Miss Koishi doesn't hate us.
Uh-huh, I was kinda worried too. I mean, 'what if.'
Worried? Why?
C'mon, spacecase. Just think about what you did.
If you run away from home without telling them, of course they're gonna worry that you hate them.
I... I didn't run away from home.
I wanted to go home the whole time. I want to go home and see everyone.
It's just... I just forgot how to get there.
As we thought, it seems she's unaware of it. Not that this is surprising, if she's moving based on her unconscious.
What? What are you talking about?
So there must be some reason she doesn't want to go home, and she just doesn't realize it.
You had a fight with Satori, right? Is that still bothering you?
Yeah, that makes sense. Are you afraid that she might hate you?
...She can't hate me. I made it so no one can hate me. Didn't I...?
You don't sound so sure. Is that how you really feel?
Ugh...!
...Her overflowing sound is now being suppressed.
...I still love everyone. Nothing has changed.
So that means Satori still...
code:
Koishi: Auto-Strike -Casts Strike at the start of every turn. Koishi: Latent Terminal -Moves to a random location within field at the start of every turn.
*stare*
Aaah....
Hey, are you copying me?
Mhm. I was going for something like waha!
I don't talk like that.
I don't talk that way.
So you're Koishi then. Hmm.
So you're So-and-so then. Hmm.
Hey, don't copy me! We were worried about you.
You had a fight with your sister, right? We can help you make up with her if you like.
Eh, we didn't really fight or anything.
I just... forgot how to get home.
From our perspective, that's what we call having a fight.
Hey! Koishi! I brought taiyaki for you!
Wow, looks yummy! Have I ever eaten this before?
But... didn't this fall on the floor? I don't want it.
What?! N-No it didn't!
Sis always says that bad manners mean a bad upbringing. But it's the thought that counts.
Eeek! C'mon, I just thought it'd be a waste!
A youkai of the unconscious, huh? If calculations won't work, then maybe pure reflexes?
...Fluffy?
What?
Aw... I just wanna wrap myself up in it! Maybe I can get Satori to buy some fur like that for me?
...What are you talking about? So it's not just calculation that's ineffective, but logic itself?
...I'm getting tired.
Looks like Koishi's calming down.
Are all her emotions going to be coming loose like this?
But at least we figured out why she's been avoiding Satori.
Indeed. Until now, she's been able to stay happy because of her belief in her sister's unconditional love.
But after that incident, she felt rejected and lost that conviction.
And because of that uncertainty, she's too afraid to go home or something?
I feel like that all makes sense, but...
But the problem lies deeper than we imagined. The uncertainty in her heart is the cause of all this, but she's closed it off.
As long as we can't break through her shell, her wounds may never heal.
...!
Th-Then, Miss Koishi will-
No! We can't give up!
Okuu...
Well said, Utsuho. We can't afford to let ourselves lose spirit so easily.
Now that we understand Koishi, next it's our turn get her to understand US!
As long as we keep exchanging words, I'm sure we'll get get through to her!
...What? Are you going to show me something now?
Sure are. We were just hyping ourselves up for our fight with you.
Once you see my full power danmaku surprise, your eyes will be stuck wide open!
Your full power, huh... That sounds fun!
Then I'm gonna give it everything too!
code:
Ally: No Entry
Hey there, great timing. So about that disc you were looking at earlier. I'm willing to let it go for 10% off if you-
Liar!
What? I hadn't even finished yet!
...You're right. Weird. But I just kinda knew you were lying.
A youkai lie detector? She's just as scary as Satori, in a different way...
You're right. It'd be better if I didn't know, or I'm gonna get hated again...
So you're Koishi? Nice to meet you.
I'm Lyrica Prismriver. We're both little sisters, so maybe we can be frie-
Sure!
That was fast!
But even if you say we're both sisters, I don't know anything about you.
We can work on that part. That's what it means to be friends.
Whew, I sung my heart out.
We put everything into that. I think our true feelings got through to her!
What, is it over already? I wanted to see even more.
Even more...? Well, at least we've caught your interest.
But are you okay, Koishi? You're breathing pretty hard.
Oh, you're right! I didn't even notice!
Now, if you don't mind, would you like to come with us to talk even more?
We'll listen to your worries, and I'm sure we could help you get home too.
Worries...?
I think we got a little taste of your feelings by exchanging danmaku with you, Koishi.
Yeah. There are no secrets between us anymore.
...
Uh-uh. I'm not going. It was a lot of fun playing with you, but...
But I don't need to know other people. It's better when I don't know.
No way! Miss Koishi...!
...We were hoping that by moving her feelings through danmaku, we could create an opportunity when her heart wavered, but it seems we failed.
It's because she's resisting. We were so close, I know it!
But Koishi, don't you want to go home?
Yeah! Your sister's worried about you, so go show her you're fine.
...But, my sister, she...
Wait, Miss Koishi!
Crap, we don't know where she's gonna go!
What do we do? If we lose her here, she's gonna wander off somewhere again!
Leave it to me!
Lady Flan?! What are you doing?!
Take that!
Eek! What was that?!
Tee hee hee, surprised?
Geez, now I'm all wet. Even my hat. Even my socks.
Of course! Distract her with a surprise! Darn it, why am I not strong enough for that?!
Don't just stand there admiring it. Although I guess we did stop her from getting away.
It was a little forceful, but effective nonetheless. That should be enough for now, right?
We've bought some time to keep talking, at least. But we'll need to be careful about what we say next.
(Koishi...)
Geez, what happened? I'm dripping wet.
There there, now be a good girl and stay put.
At least no one was hurt in that explosion.
Don't worry, I missed on purpose.
Hey! So you're the one who made that explosion? It really startled me.
I wanted to take a dip, but not like this...
Well, sorry for making you wet. But you were the one running away.
Hmph! I wasn't running!
Were too!
Now now, we can argue later. Let's get you dried off first.
Yeah, you'll catch a cold if we leave you like that.
Right. And inside the ship we've got fluffy towels and warm meals...
Mm. How fluffy...?
So fluffy. We can show you where they are.
Oh, I'm coming with you!
Looks like we can leave Koishi to them for now.
Nice one, Lyrica. You got her on the boat.
Now we just need to make sure she doesn't bump into Satori.
...I'm sorry. I'm just relying on you all for everything.
I couldn't even participate in that battle...
Eh, we just kinda did that on our own. Don't worry about it.
Actually, I was afraid we'd just worry you. I mean, we did get pretty violent with her back there.
No, there were no injuries, so I'm grateful for what you did.
And if you hadn't restrained her like that, I might have lost her again.
Well, you're welcome. Just hearing that makes this all worth it.
Our goal of finding Koishi is now complete, if only formally.
As for what to do next, I'd like to hear Satori's opinion.
Me too. So what are you going to do now?
...What AM I going to do...?
Since we caught Koishi, we might as well take her back to the Palace of Earth Spirits.
But that won't exactly wrap this up nicely.
If we leave her like that, she's pretty much just going to run away again immediately.
...Yeah, we understand that.
...When the time is right, I want to apologize to her. And then clear up this misunderstanding.
...An apology, huh? Do you really think it'll be that simple?
Shizuha...
Koishi's avoiding you because she lost trust in your feelings.
Until now, she's been okay despite having her eye closed because she trusted that you'd always love her.
But now that trust is broken, and she can't handle the uncertainty.
...So this isn't just about clearing up the misunderstanding.
Indeed. No matter what you say to her, this will remain unsettled as long as you can't remove all doubt from her heart.
...
But then, what do I do?
Miss Satori...
I was watching from the ship too, I saw how she feels.
But Koishi closed her eye. I can't just show her my feelings anymore.
I... can't reach her heart with words alone.
...No, everyone else should have already cleared the path for you.
Don't tell me you didn't independently realize this was a possibility?
But that's...
It's the only way to reach Koishi's heart. You'll just have to try out for yourself.
We were just one step away from reaching her, weren't we?
...But can I do it? I...
This isn't about whether you can or can't. You have to try.
I told you before that you didn't have to do this alone. But THIS is the part that only you can do.
I can't guarantee it'll go smoothly, but we'll help however we can.
...
I understand. If that's the path you've left for me, then I'll have to try.
...I'll have a danmaku battle with Koishi.
Oh no! The Palanquin ship!
I can't believe this is happening!
Wait, what were we doing here again?
Now that you mention it, I'm not sure...
...I knew I wouldn't remain in their hearts.
But even so, let's play again sometime.
Wait, Koishi!
