[x] Go see her, Aoi said she wanted to see you so you might as well see how she's doing.

[ ] What was a King to do? Message too long. Click here to view the full text.

[x] Burst in that room like the motherfucking Fist of the bitchin' North Star!
[x] Renko, Aoi! I shall devour your souls- wait, no, that's not what you're here for. Recompose yourself, walk up to the hospital bed, and give Ren a bonk on her noggin. Fighting? Really now. She should know better than that.

[x] Burst in that room like the motherfucking Fist of the bitchin' North Star!
[x] Renko, Aoi! I shall devour your souls- wait, no, that's not what you're here for. Recompose yourself, walk up to the hospital bed, and give Ren a bonk on her noggin. Fighting? Really now. She should know better than that.

>>23392
I almost tried clicking on it.

[x] Burst in that room like the motherfucking Fist of the bitchin' North Star!
[x] Renko, Aoi! I shall devour your souls- wait, no, that's not what you're here for. Recompose yourself, walk up to the hospital bed, and give Ren a bonk on her noggin. Fighting? Really now. She should know better than that.

[x] Burst in that room like the motherfucking Fist of the bitchin' North Star!
[x] Renko, Aoi! I shall devour your souls- wait, no, that's not what you're here for. Recompose yourself, walk up to the hospital bed, and give Ren a bonk on her noggin. Fighting? Really now. She should know better than that.

Boring things needn't be left untouched, for dissolving boredom has always been an attribute of this humble me! Be it left ajar intentionally or not, I shall be using this fortunate opportunity! - To kick the door wide open, hands in pockets, cackling maniacally, without any serious damage to Renko's potential privacy at night.
"Ha-HA-HA!" I laugh, while the two of them - one more shocked than the other, turn their eyes to me, marching into the room beaming victoriously at their stupefied faces. "Who dares to challenge the mighty Nana-Ya!"
The challenge I'd be so eager to take up never comes though, and instead I receive two girls - staring dumbfoundedly at my excess, lost in daze of my magnificent high-talk voice. Or at least for the sake of my ego, let us assume that. But, as much as I wouldn't mind it, impressing them has always been a secondary goal in coming here.
Snorting cockily, I turn on my heel, and face Renko, then not moving from the spot, give her a grin as warm as I can manage.
"Yo." She blinks at my greeting. "Messed ya up really bad, didn't they."
As expected, she does nothing at all when I step up to her side, and examine what can be seen - and the sight ain't pretty either. Either someone treated her with a chainsaw-made caesarean section, or attempted to gut her alive - the bandages and dressings under the barely buttoned hospital shirt leave little to imagination. It would also seem only one hand of hers remains operational - the other is - just like her legs - enclosed in a plaster cast.
"You... You're--?!"
Her weak voice halts abruptly when I sit beside her wounded tummy, and tap two fingers on her forehead.
"Gettin' into fights, will ya?" Again, she blinks as I sigh sarcastically. "To think I was ready to bet there weren't a wiener in ya pants."
"You've changed." She finally mutters out.
I cock my head to the side and squint my eyes a lil'.
"Don't get too used." I say, as mysteriously as it is possible. "It's only a temporary change to beat back for all that time I had to cope up with excessive savoir vivre."
Renko - amazingly - gives me a wry smile.
"Gone through much, haven't you. I thought I'd never see you again."
"Right back at'cha. I'd hug you, but that wouldn't end well."
"Yeah..." Renko sighs, and glances down at her immobile body. "This is one of these times I regret not being a youkai..."
Aoi shivers at those words - but only so slightly the corners of my eyes catch a hint of movement - but she shivered no doubt. Really, how pathetic for a girl so energetic to be bed-driven because of... whatever happened to her in those past few hours. When I was busy dealing with boobs and idiots. Damn, if she'd only given me a call...


[ ] What is your will?

You said you wanted to do... something, right?

[x] Shoo Aoi out of the room. You'd like to have a talk in private with Renko.

Here you go, YAF. Indulge yourself.

[x] Shoo Aoi out of the room. You'd like to have a talk in private with Renko.

[x] Shoo Aoi out of the room. You'd like to have a talk in private with Renko.

[X] Shoo Aoi out of the room. You'd like to have a talk in private with Renko.
[X] Let's hear what happened in bit more detail.

[x] Shoo Aoi out of the room. You'd like to have a talk in private with Renko.

... it would have probably not ended like this, with her all bandaged up and stuck in bed. In a way, it's her fault, ain't it? Anyhow, the time isn't the best to be crying over the spilt milk - time to get to work, if I'm to squeeze any information - or anything else, for that matter - out of Renko, and truth be told, I'd rather do it - whatever it is I'll be doing to her - without any eye witnesses. Sorry, Aoi, looks like I'll be driving you out on a whim yet again.
Why does it feel so good to glance at her, smirking spitefully, as her eyes begin to question mutely why exactly are they being given such a stare? Who knows, neither of us can tell, that's for sure.
"Hey, ya." I throw at her unsure face. "Mind giving us a private moment?"
She only blinks several times as I patiently await the end of the confused spectacle. So prone to surprise - no wonder I was able to fight her off earlier with such ease. Aoi, a being naturally resistant to that basic factor of modern and ancient battlements - if I ever feel a need to cut her down a couple of notches, she shouldn't prove to be a problem to deal with.
"Wha-- Why?"
"Look," I try to give a shrug, but end up only disturbing Renko's sheets order. Why the hell am I even trying to be polite? "We ain't gonna shag. She's jacked up enough as she is - I just want a word in private."
"Still--"
"Aoi," Cavalry comes from the disabled girl's dry mouth, and aids my own attempts of winning this hopeless fight. "Please, he's a friend."
I only glance at Renko, and she glints back with an understanding look. Or a conspiratorial one, I can't tell at all. Either way, Aoi seems to have at least caught the hint - and as slowly enough to prolong the moment as much as possible, but quickly enough not to completely piss me off, leaves the room, gently snapping the door shut behind her. Good she can understand that much - there might still be hope for her. We'll make her into an obedient handmaiden yet, and I'll personally see to that.
"So?" Renko actually sighs weakly when the two of us are left alone. "Suppose I am actually eager to know why you insisted on Aoi leaving. Got any excuses?"
"Frankly?" I shrug. "Other than perhaps spending a moment alone with a cute girl, I've no idea."
She frowns, in that scolding, be-clearer-will-you way.
"Flattery's not going to get you anywhere."
"I guess." I look at her cutely frustrated face in a condescending fashion. If this much has her blushing, I wonder what the big guns could achieve. Pity I don't have any tissues on me - but then again, ain't this a hospital? Finding a box shouldn't be a problem. "Regret not being a youkai, huh?" I repeat her ambiguous words. "Why?"
"Well, of course." She shifts her eyes back to the window - where Aoi was sitting at a minute ago. "No likes being chained to a bed."
"Of course."
"If I were a youkai, or at least could use magic... Then--" Renko shakes her head, a bit too violently for someone so badly injured. Miracle her dressings are still in one piece. At least it's nice to see she's all energetic even when on the brink of losing physical integrity. "Nevermind that. I'm just a human - and it's my fault in the first place I'm like this. We humans sure have it hard, don't we."
Her eyes return to me, briefly glancing at my bandaged hand, then to my eyes, seeking something - comfort, possibly, I don't really know. In return, I give her own wounded hand a short look. Ha, if only she knew...

[ ] >>23416 no, you tell me what to do.

[X] Let's hear it in detail. Just what kind of fight was it and why did it happen?
[X] And how did she get familiar with Aoi? You're pretty sure she wasn't around the last time you saw her.

I was about to vote for letting her know that we're not quite human, but... That's bit too cruel at this point.
Oh, to hell with that.
[X] It's a bit sad to crush her hopes of you having an injury too, but friends shouldn't keep things from eachother. Tell her you're a youkai and show her the hand.

[x] It's a bit sad to crush her hopes of you having an injury too, but friends shouldn't keep things from eachother. Tell her you're a youkai and show her the hand.
[x] Let's hear it in detail. Just what kind of fight was it and why did it happen?
[x] And how did she get familiar with Aoi? You're pretty sure she wasn't around the last time you saw her.
[x] Are there any healing spells you know? Just to at least help her with the pain, if not improve her condition.

>>23426
[x] "You know, apart from what I said earlier..." grin "I have always wanted to rape you"

[x] It's a bit sad to crush her hopes of you having an injury too, but friends shouldn't keep things from eachother. Tell her you're a youkai and show her the hand.
[x] Let's hear it in detail. Just what kind of fight was it and why did it happen?
[x] And how did she get familiar with Aoi? You're pretty sure she wasn't around the last time you saw her.
[x] Are there any healing spells you know? Just to at least help her with the pain, if not improve her condition.

[x] It's a bit sad to crush her hopes of you having an injury too, but friends shouldn't keep things from eachother. Tell her you're a youkai and show her the hand.
[x] Let's hear it in detail. Just what kind of fight was it and why did it happen?
[x] And how did she get familiar with Aoi? You're pretty sure she wasn't around the last time you saw her.
[x] Are there any healing spells you know? Just to at least help her with the pain, if not improve her condition.

[x] It's a bit sad to crush her hopes of you having an injury too, but friends shouldn't keep things from eachother. Tell her you're a youkai and show her the hand.
[x] Let's hear it in detail. Just what kind of fight was it and why did it happen?
[x] And how did she get familiar with Aoi? You're pretty sure she wasn't around the last time you saw her.
[x] Are there any healing spells you know? Just to at least help her with the pain, if not improve her condition.

[x] It's a bit sad to crush her hopes of you having an injury too, but friends shouldn't keep things from eachother. Tell her you're a youkai and show her the hand.
[x] Let's hear it in detail. Just what kind of fight was it and why did it happen?
[x] And how did she get familiar with Aoi? You're pretty sure she wasn't around the last time you saw her.
[x] Are there any healing spells you know? Just to at least help her with the pain, if not improve her condition.

[x] It's a bit sad to crush her hopes of you having an injury too, but friends shouldn't keep things from eachother. Tell her you're a youkai and show her the hand.
[x] Let's hear it in detail. Just what kind of fight was it and why did it happen?
[x] And how did she get familiar with Aoi? You're pretty sure she wasn't around the last time you saw her.
[x] Are there any healing spells you know? Just to at least help her with the pain, if not improve her condition.

If so, why not LET her know? If there's one person who deserves honesty - aside from Yuuka - it's her. It would be only dickish to let a hospitalized friend to rot in ignorance, wouldn't it? Sorry, Ren - but it would seem I won't be the only other person to accompany you in your humanity. Come to think of it, she really is alone in the lack of power. Mary has - or at least HAD - Yukari. Aoi - that ghost by-blow of a dickhead, whatever it is. Anyone else? Unless she knows one of the refugees, the possibility of there being another human with knowledge of Gensokyo is slim to say the least. Not that it ain't convenient - but she can't be kept unenlightened forever - and so I stand up, smiling to myself. Here's hoping Aoi didn't spoil the surprise for her friend prematurely.
"Going already?" She asks, in the same, crestfallen voice. I answer not - and only walk a few steps away from the bed, traced by her confused eyes. She blinks when I tug at the clip holding the veil of my hand together. "Hey, what are you--"
"Sorry, Ren." I voice my apologies, and drop the bandage to the floor. Green gleam peeks from under the sleeve I promptly roll up. "You were right. I have changed."
I can clearly see the reflection of the deformed arm in her stare, as she gapes in awe at something I so willingly acquired. Yuuka's source, enclosed in frigid, weak, human flesh. I should have seen this accident coming - but there ain't much sense in crying over the spilt milk.
"What..." Renko mumbles, so quiet I barely catch it. "Why...?"
"Tell ya what," I shrug at her confusion. Not much else I can do anyway. "When ya walk into a flock of crows, you gotta croak like the lot of 'em."
"But why is it--"
"Accidents happen." Her baffled eyes follow me as I circle around the bed and approach the chair previously used by Aoi. Then, sweeping the surface off whatever might have been there, I seat myself upon it, and put one leg on the other, carefully keeping the changed arm in Ren's eyes' sight. "So far nothing's changed in my powers, but it's only been like this for a dozen or so hours."
"So you're no longer--"
"A human?" I ask, squinting my eyes.
Ren answers with brief silence, followed by an unsure reply.
"So you're a youkai... Why is it all of you--"
"Only partially." I cut in. "Don't worry." And give a shark-toothed grin that doesn't seem to cheer her up a single bit. Not that it was meant to. "I'm still human enough to know your pain." 'Know it, and not leave it unattended' - adds my 'human' part. But, there ain't no kindness without defrayal in this world, and so it would seem I have to break her admiring - or being disgusted by - my precious child. She returns her brown eyes to my face when I put the junior over a knee and lean forward. "So, I spilled the beans. How about you return the favour?"
"But how...?"
"For one," I ignore her biting her lip. "Who the hell jacked ya up so bad? And don't give me that 'my fault' bullshit - the guy's going down as soon as I find him. Who was it?"
"Oh..." Renko averts her gaze. "But it was my fault..." She pauses as I click my tongue. "I... You know what happened, right?"
"Reimu went bonkers. Killed Yukari. Got what deserved in return. The Border collapsed." I count out, purposefully not mentioning it all being supposedly my fault. Ain't that pathetic. "Some people got out. Seem to hate me."
"Partially." I can only frown at this useless answer. Fortunately, she soon follows with another. "That." Then clicks the fingers of her healthy hand - or at least tries to. Wry grimace crosses her lips when the attempt fails miserably. "Er, anyway, there's this guy running around, who looks kinda like you. I've done some research, and found no relation, so it's probably only a coincidence." Hm? Really, now - a lookalike? This is curious. Renko resumes regardless of my doubtful glare. "Everyone looks to be hunting for him. Since... you know, they think it's you, and I... kinda felt sorry for him. So I tried to find him first and offer help." She sighs. "And this is how it ended. Some people just can't appreciate a hand being given to them."
"Interesting." I'll leave analyzing the veracity of this story for later. "What about Aoi, then?"
"Aoi..." Renko stops for a moment. "Aoi accompanied us to some of our trips. That's how..."
"I get it. Long story, don't want to elaborate." I stand up. "Thanks, Ren."
She gives me a surprised look when I snap the joints of my hands in a relaxed gesture.
"What? Thanks? Why?"
"Oh, I just remembered why I liked you so much." Even more so, her face expresses nothing but shock. "I'd been looking at you from afar for a long time before that fateful day, you know."
"If I knew, I wouldn't have let you--"
"Of course." I cut in. "That's what I love in you."
She can only gape with mouth wide open, cheeks not sure whether to blush or take up a pale tint, when I run a scan on her body. Right hand is obviously broken - they don't put dressings like those on limbs for no reason. Her chest doesn't suggest any ribs to be broken, but there's a giant rectangle of gauze and whatever else in the area of her tummy and midriff. Legs, evidently broken.
Healing magic ain't a trifle - but it ain't an arcane art either. Of course, healing such damage on a human will probably hurt a whole hella lot, but it should be possible to maybe even get her back to full health, if I remember my studies correctly. The only problem... It would require direct contact with her body.
All those bandages and casts are no doubt going to get in the way.
"What--..." She mutters, in my thoughtful silence. "Why are you looking at me like this?"

[ ] What now?

[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."
[x] Call Aoi back in. Don't need her flying off the handle and attacking me if Ren starts screaming.
[x] Find something to muffle her screams. You don't need any attention from doctors finding out about your arm.

>[x] Call Aoi back in. Don't need her flying off the handle and attacking me if Ren starts screaming.

Wouldn't it be better to have Aoi walk back in afterwards and see Renko healthy but ruffled all over and Naya fix his jacket leisurely, looking as innocent as possible?

[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."
[x] Call Aoi back in. Don't need her flying off the handle and attacking me if Ren starts screaming.
[x] Find something to muffle her screams. You don't need any attention from doctors finding out about your arm.

>>23444
A nice point.

[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."
[x] Find something to muffle her screams. You don't need any attention from doctors finding out about your arm.

I'm giving you guys a free hand, you know.

[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."
[x] Find something to muffle her screams. You don't need any attention from doctors finding out about your arm.

>[x] Find something to muffle her screams. You don't need any attention from doctors finding out about your arm.

What is this, the Civil Fucking War? Pour some whiskey down her throat and have her bite down on a rag?

[x] Aoi is standing around outside uselessly, get her to swipe an IV bag from one of the geriatrics, one with the word "MORPHINE" written on it.
[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."

[x] Aoi is standing around outside uselessly, get her to swipe an IV bag from one of the geriatrics, one with the word "MORPHINE" written on it.
[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."

[x] Aoi is standing around outside uselessly, get her to swipe an IV bag from one of the geriatrics, one with the word "MORPHINE" written on it.
[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."

[x] Aoi is standing around outside uselessly, get her to swipe an IV bag from one of the geriatrics, one with the word "MORPHINE" written on it.
[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."

>>23449
Well, she's going to have to live with it, because Aoi isn't going to like us getting freaky with Renko, in more than one sense. I don't want to run into any trouble, here, in the hospital.

Excuse the length, but it's Renko - I'm sure you can understand.

==

[x] Aoi is standing around outside uselessly, get her to swipe an IV bag from one of the geriatrics, one with the word "MORPHINE" written on it.
[x] "I think I can heal you. There's a catch though. It's gonna hurt like a bitch, and I'll need direct contact with your skin."

Oh, it would be like a dream to shock her already, at this exact moment, while she's still baffled enough not to suspect anything. Efficiency comes first though - there's someone standing around as we work on building the mutual understanding of the situation, and it conflicts with what I have in mind for her. Ren's question grazes past unnoticed, as I step back to the door, and swing it open as fast and loud as possible.
"Yo." The girl I drove out mere minutes ago sits - holy hell, she really has the potential to become a maid - meekly under one of the walls. Seeing me peer out of the room, she springs to her feet, apparently convinced I was about to let her back in. "Hold ya horses." She stops, the relieved expression quickly disappearing from her face. "Been to this hospital before?"
Aoi nods, of course confused. It would seem confusion is a natural response of hers to anything out of the ordinary.
"Yes... why?"
"Stop being useless, and fetch me an IV bag. Preferably one labeled 'morphine'. You can read, right?"
While the scowl she answers with would earn an ordinary person a beating, I hold the instincts back and wait for her to finish biting her lip. Takes a couple of secs, but at least it ain't the end of her resistance. Would be kinda boring if it were.
"... why would you need one?" She questions, glaring at me as though I was the idiot here. "And how do you think I would--"
"Not me, ya dimwit." Ain't it a bit too much? I issued and order, and yet she's being stubborn - despite it all being for her friend's - I think - sake. Hey, weren't you hella worried a few minutes ago? Go buy yourself a bonus brain, cause this one just ain't good enough! "Make use of your pet, and bring me a goddamn morphine bag. On one foot!" Before she's able to retaliate any more, I bang the door in her face, and return inside, to Ren. Who obviously doesn't fail to let it be known she's kind of lost as well. Right, I still haven't revealed the most important point of the play, have I? "Yeah, stop drooling." I throw, again circling 'round the bed. "I think I can heal you."
"What..." Either simple words are too much for her, or she's authentically bewildered by me claiming to be able to help her. For the sake of my view of her, let's assume the latter option. At least it makes her sound more reasonable. "Seriously--? I mean, really? That's... Just too good to be true."
I smile at her simple mindedness. Humans will always remain humans no matter the knowledge they posses, huh? Shun, nonbeliever.
"There's a catch though." I quickly throw in before a sparkling smile completely stretches her lips. The way it stops halfway through is hilarious to say the least. Oh, I am so looking forward to this. This is going to be one HELL of a blast! "It's gonna hurt like a bitch, for one."
"... I knew it was just too good to be true."
"That's one thing." I add, further pushing her happiness back. There's some malicious satisfaction in crushing her hopes. Guess she just has that kind of punish-me-please appeal, after all. In spite of her rather tomboyish nature. A fact worthy of remembering. "The other is: I'll need direct contact with your skin."
Blink, blink, blink. I can't help but grin as the full meaning of these words makes its way into Ren's thick skull. Her mouth sets ajar, but remains silent for a couple more seconds, only fueling my amusement.
"D... Direct contact?"
"Yeah," I try to erase it from my voice, but I guess it's too strong to contain. After all, I'd been wanting to do this for a long time, hadn't I? I'd been waiting for an opportunity... That - belated, but still - finally came. Too late, WAY too late, but it won't stop me from savouring it. "It's not gonna work otherwise."
"So..." Aha, not going to blush on me furiously like a schoolgirl? Disappointing, Ren. Looking out the window, donning a melancholic expression isn't as fun as watching you panic would be. You're being boring. Hopefully, the look of your drugged eyes will provide enough pleasant images to make up for it. "... is it really necessary?"
"Hm?"
"The morphine." She explains. "I... I've never gone through a surgery before. I don't know how it is to be--"
"Drugged?" I cut in. "Don't worry." Then snicker. "You're not going to feel a thing."
"Have you done something like this before?"
"Only once." I replied. "On a guy from the Human Village who was unfortunate enough to step on one of Yuuka's flowers."
"... and?"
"He made it." Renko's eyes express nothing at all, but I disregard that, and continue in a cheerful tone. "His screams carried far and wide, but he made it."
"It... hurts that much?"
"Human flesh isn't as versatile and flexible as that of the youkai. In many ways, it's just--"
"Weaker." This time it's her who finishes in my stead. "I get that much, thank you."

The next minutes pass in silence I don't dare to break. There's enough respect in me for Ren to let her prepare undisturbed, while I myself look out the window, trying not to think of anything but the impending spell. It's true that I've done it only once on human flesh, but as long as I keep the amounts and flow in control, nothing nasty ought to happen. Like her sprouting a bonus limb. That wouldn't be neat.
ETA reaches zero when the door is opened slowly, revealing my beautiful handmaiden Aoi, carrying - success - an IV bag in her hands. I quickly leap to her side, and snatch it out of her unsure hands. Fidgeting around won't help, twat.
Lo and behold - turns out she can read after all! The label indeed does read 'morphine', and even contains a set of basic instructions, as well as warnings regarding its effects. As they regard, I disregard, and quickly mount the bag on Ren's drip, without waiting for her consent. The sooner we get over this, the better.
My patient gives me a blank look, and answers my smile with a nod. Really, this is what I loved in her so much. Decisiveness.
She doesn't mutter a word when I load myself onto the bed, and squat over her wounded body. Aoi, on the other hand, doesn't hold herself back.
"Wha--?!" She screams. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Oi, oi, aren't you being a bit overprotective? Save that courage for something else - and shut up when I cast you a silencing glance.
"Zip it." I snarl. "If you're jealous, wait for your turn."
"I'm not--!"
RRRRIP.
It doesn't take a single second to destroy the fruit of doctors' work - and my eyes are met with the sight of Ren's massacred belly. Her chest too, but it would seem even such a strong drug as morphine needs a little time to start working, and so she quickly lays her healthy arm over what one could call 'breasts', when a bit of imagination is added. Though she's clearly flattering herself, I let it slip, and turn around to unhook her legs. The plaster casts shatter to pieces when I run my hand over them. The upper part first, though.
Her stomach is covered in caked blood. Whatever tool that bastard used, it must have resembled a bear's claws. They're not even cuts, those wounds. More like someone ripped the skin apart using dull shears. Even more reason to hunt him down like an animal he is.
Recalling the numbers required for the operation, I look down at Renko's slightly blushing face.

"Tell me when it starts working."
"When...?" She questions in a weak voice.
"When your tongue gets all wonky, I mean."
"Oh." She sighs, and falls silent. Seventy, thirty... Currents of magic circulate in my veins, calling forth soothing, green light. How unfitting for the hand that was ready to rip throats apart just yesterday. "You know..." Ren interrupts my calculations. "... you look kinda cool." She lets out a silent giggle when I frown questioningly. "I've always wanted to say something like this to someone."
"Oh yeah?" I smirk. "You know, I have always wanted to rape you."
She doesn't even get to blink when I ram all the energy into her skin at once.



...


The deed is done. The pain subsides. Renko whimpers silently in Aoi's embrace as I work hard to bring the veil I've cast away so haphazardly back to order. In the end, she didn't scream. A pity. There was a lot of moaning, though. Moaning full of pain - she moaned a lot while I was invading her body with the foreign energy of my inhuman part. In a way, one could say she's lost her magical virginity today. And the one to deflower her was this humble me.
Ain't that a success.
"Alright." I turn to the two girls, having finished concealing the arm. "Ren, move your legs." Aoi shoots me a furious glance, but Renko abides - and weakly raises her legs. "Any pain?" A light shake of the head. Tears are streaming down her cheeks. "Stomach?" A shake again. "Arm?" And again. "Good."
I move closer to them and yank the 'wired' hand out from under the covers she was tugging at so hard. Her fingers tremble when I pull the needle out. She won't be needing this anymore.
"You're too rough."
Aoi reprimands me, but I ignore it completely, and look into Ren's teary eyes. She returns the stare with unexpected zeal. Her body and mind are two separate entities, I swear. But it's good. It's good she's so brave. There's still hope for her.
Good enough to give her a prize in form of a warm smile.
"Great job." I say. "You took it all in so naturally it almost felt pleasant."
"D--..." She chokes on her own words. Will take some time for the effects of the drug to disappear, I guess. Indeed, her dreamy eyes look more than magnificent. "Did ith...?"
Aoi glances at both of us with disbelief. Yeah, I know how it sounds, no need to spell it out.
Not that I didn't want it to sound dirty.
"So?" She finally stops at me. "I figure this 'service' wasn't just you being a merciful Samaritan?"

[ ] Hm?

[x] "Weeeell..." pause "Yes. It was. But really, now, it's time for part two of this adventure"
[x] Point at Aoi's face "You. You're coming with me; no excuses. We're going to find the bastards that did this, and put the hurt on them. We'll need blow torches, shears, barbed-wire..." grin and snicker "nah, my arm and your "thing" should do"
[x] "First, let's get Renko home. We'll need to sneak out of here. Nobody needs to find out that a patient who looked like she went through an oversized blender made a miraculous recovery within minutes. Get her ready; clothes, whatever"

[x] "Weeeell..." pause "Yes. It was. But really, now, it's time for part two of this adventure"
[x] Point at Aoi's face "You. You're coming with me; no excuses. We're going to find the bastards that did this, and put the hurt on them. We'll need blow torches, shears, barbed-wire..." grin and snicker "nah, my arm and your "thing" should do"
[x] "First, let's get Renko home. We'll need to sneak out of here. Nobody needs to find out that a patient who looked like she went through an oversized blender made a miraculous recovery within minutes. Get her ready; clothes, whatever"

[X] "Weeeell..." pause "Yes. It was. But really, now, it's time for part two of this adventure"
[X] Point at Aoi's face "You. You're coming with me; no excuses. We're going to find the bastards that did this, and put the hurt on them. We'll need blow torches, shears, barbed-wire..." grin and snicker "nah, my arm and your "thing" should do"
[X] "First, let's get Renko home. We'll need to sneak out of here. Nobody needs to find out that a patient who looked like she went through an oversized blender made a miraculous recovery within minutes. Get her ready; clothes, whatever"

[X] "Weeeell..." pause "Yes. It was. But really, now, it's time for part two of this adventure"
[X] Point at Aoi's face "You. You're coming with me; no excuses. We're going to find the bastards that did this, and put the hurt on them. We'll need blow torches, shears, barbed-wire..." grin and snicker "nah, my arm and your "thing" should do"
[X] "First, let's get Renko home. We'll need to sneak out of here. Nobody needs to find out that a patient who looked like she went through an oversized blender made a miraculous recovery within minutes. Get her ready; clothes, whatever"

[x] "Weeeell..." pause "Yes. It was. But really, now, it's time for part two of this adventure"
[x] Point at Aoi's face "You. You're coming with me; no excuses. We're going to find the bastards that did this, and put the hurt on them. We'll need blow torches, shears, barbed-wire..." grin and snicker "nah, my arm and your "thing" should do"
[x] "First, let's get Renko home. We'll need to sneak out of here. Nobody needs to find out that a patient who looked like she went through an oversized blender made a miraculous recovery within minutes. Get her ready; clothes, whatever"

Sometimes i wonder if all thsoe write ins are from YAF.... they are kinda his style.

>>23464
>Sometimes i wonder if all thsoe write ins are from YAF.... they are kinda his style.

Nay, have you ever seen me use a semicolon? Besides, what fun would it be if I was the one making those write-ins?

>have you ever seen me use a semicolon?
Yeah, you're going to have to work on that, one of these days.

And I believe you have used a semicolon before, once or twice, in the past.

>>23466
Semicolons are overrated - I don't use them in my official work either; no one seems to mind me utilizing dashes and commas instead.

[x] "Weeeell..." pause "Yes. It was. But really, now, it's time for part two of this adventure"
[x] Point at Aoi's face "You. You're coming with me; no excuses. We're going to find the bastards that did this, and put the hurt on them. We'll need blow torches, shears, barbed-wire..." grin and snicker "nah, my arm and your "thing" should do"
[x] "First, let's get Renko home. We'll need to sneak out of here. Nobody needs to find out that a patient who looked like she went through an oversized blender made a miraculous recovery within minutes. Get her ready; clothes, whatever"

The way she's keen on keeping her suspicions in spite of all the help I've generously granted to someone she seems to deeply care about is just silly, if not outright unfriendly. Would have been nice if she'd stopped wrinkling that pretty face of hers all the time, really.
"Weeeell..." I pause, letting Aoi gather all the spite she needs, and put a hand on my hip. If she's expecting a demand of equally ample redress, she's in for one, wild disappointment. "Yes. It was."
Ah, yes - here we go, getting all confused over trivial acts of kindness yet again. Easily discouraged handmaidens ain't really desired nowadays, ya know. Grab a hold of your head, Aoi. No, not of Renko's healed hand - unless you want to break it again by squeezing so hard. I can't help but feel kind of left out, when the two of them are embracing each other, whilst I stand on my own in the middle of the room, as though I was the culprit of jacking Ren's ass up.
"Why?" She questions, the same, sharp look in her eyes. "You're a--"
For fuck's sake, not that argument again. "It doesn't matter." I cut in. This is seriously getting unpleasantly stale, everyone blaming everything on me. "Stop ostracising me, will ya. I've known Ren for longer than you have."
Bullseye - it would seem I've just hit a weakspot for massive damage. Aoi's glare flickers.
"But--"
"But, really, now." I butt in yet again. Show must go on, and nothing good's going to result from arguing over who has more rights for Ren's butt. "It's time for part two of this adventure -- And you-" She blinks once more when I shoot the fingers of my human hand at her face. Even backs away when I walk closer, carefully keeping it aimed at her nose. "You're coming with me. No excuses."
"Why--"
"You're asking way too many questions for someone of your posture." Her words land in shards on the floor the moment I finally reach that cute, little nose and put the index finger against her skin. "We're going to find the bastards who did this, and put the hurt on 'em. We'll need blow torches, shears, barbed wire--..." Indeed, to return the favour would be only appropriate, if not obviously polite. Oh, if we do find the SOBs who touched MY Renko... It's going to be a blast. It's going to be one, giant, bloody, painful fest of flying intestines. Just the prospect of tearing through the flesh of someone who dared to attack this girl sends shivers down my whole body. "--Heheh..." It's going to be extasic to rip them apart. "--Heh--" But then again, there's this girl, giving me that 'This Boy Needs Therapy' stare again. Oh, yeah, it would be only fair to share with her, wouldn't it? "Nah." I quickly trigger the calamity to return to my face, and shrug in a relaxed manner. "Guess my arm and your 'thing' should do. Understood?"
Aoi, reluctantly, but nods.
"I want to find the perpetrator, but--"
"But first." Slashing through her sentences like a hot knife through butter feels oddly satisfying. "Let's get Renko home. We'll need to sneak out of here. Nobody needs to find out that a patient who looked like she went through an oversized blender made a miraculous recovery within minutes. Get her ready - clothes, whatever else."
In the meantime, I'll go survey the foreground, if you'd be so kind not to ask any more unnecessary questions.
Fortunately, she seems to have finally caught the hint - with the corner of my eye, I catch her pulling a small, boy-scout-style bag from under the bed. A set of clothes quickly finds its way onto the covers. Funny how Renko's just observing it all with muzzily curious eyes.
But now - the window. Gentle breeze sways the dirty curtains when the old frame swings wide open. Third floor, eh? Tenth or fifteenth would have been much more amusing. Directly below, there seems to be a little space between the wall of the hospital, and the high, concrete fence surrounding it from all but one - frontal - side. Should be enough of a cover.
"Okay," I turn to see Aoi zip the bag close, Renko dressed in a set of her usual, black-and-white clothes. Have to say, that was quick. "So how are we going to sneak out? It's the third floor, and the elevators must be crowded--"
She goes silent when I leap to the bed, and raise Renko from the embrace of the white covers. Her arms - out of an instinct, I guess - immediately grab a hold of my shoulders.
"It's only the third floor." I say, throwing one leg over the windowsill. "We're taking the shortest route."
"Wait, what are you--?!"
She doesn't get to finish.
If anyone looks outside during this short, one and half a second at most long fall, is bound to get examined for mental illness.


...


After a solid couple of moments filled with idle waiting and tapping shoes on the concrete pavement, Aoi finally peers out of the gray apartment building which she'd disappeared inside with Ren not so long ago. For one reason or another, she insisted on putting Ren to bed on her own, and since the girl in question had recovered a bit over our brief voyage here, I didn't oppose. Had enough of putting girls in beds anyway.
"She's asleep." Aoi mutters, having arrived by my side.
"Ain't that great." I reply, looking to the window I sometimes would come under and stare for an hour or so. "Gotta give the lass an ounce of 'er own privacy every now and again, eh. We've got other brooches to give ears to."
Aoi casts me a scowl.
"You're speaking in tongues again."
I look down at her in a condescending manner.
"Let's just say some of yas deserve more respect than the others."
"Anyhow," She completely disregards my spiteful remark. "I guess I should thank you."
"Save it." I shrug. "I've had enough fun healing her."
"You're irreformable, aren't you..." Aoi sighs, while I giggle to myself. "How do you suppose we'll find the one who did that to her, anyway?"

[ ] How, indeed?

[x] Witnesses. Any?
[x] Information? Publi- private records? Heh.
[x] Anything she could tell us? Anything anybody could tell us? Anything we could do to get whatever info we need, like, I dunno, say... magic?

[x] Witnesses. Any?
[x] Information? Publi- private records? Heh.
[x] Anything she could tell us? Anything anybody could tell us? Anything we could do to get whatever info we need, like, I dunno, say... magic?

slow saturday is slow

[x] Witnesses. Any?
[x] Information? Publi- private records? Heh.
[x] Anything she could tell us? Anything anybody could tell us? Anything we could do to get whatever info we need, like, I dunno, say... magic?

I reject your boring option and substitute it with my own.

[X] "Why don't we have a chat over something sweet? I know juuuuust the place."

Writing as soon as I'm done devouring this mountain of cholesterol.

I ended up playing L4D first.

==

[X] "Why don't we have a chat over something sweet? I know juuuuust the place."

Creature of poor faith! The question is not 'how' - but 'where to begin' - can't you see it's evident like grass being green? What a daft girl, and yet I find that disarmingly cute - or at least disarmingly enough to disarm my arms from their Smack'A'Moron cannons. Instead, I fire my best condescending smile at Aoi's baffled face, hoping that if not the wits, maybe playing at her emotions will work.
"Well, bitchslap me if it ain't gonna be a knock." The same, mildly disgusted, and surely disturbed face is all that answers my playful voice - not quite enough spite to unman someone of my cojones just yet. "You know what I think?"
Aoi backs away half a pace when I bend forward, lean towards her, flashing my teeth. Ren's smell drowned it out earlier, but now it's clear - she smells of something weird. The ordinary, human scent of sweat and a lingering hint of deodorants looms there in the background, but other than that... Maybe it's her ghost-pet-thing, but I guess smelling her in the middle of a walkway ain't really gentlemanly of me.
"Stay away, you creep."
By my own whim - not hers - I return to the upright position, and glance at her distrusting eyes. What a bother, to cooperate with someone so cute, yet equally unwilling. Well, if it comes to that, I may always try convincing her the hard way. For the time being, though...
"Why don't we have a chat over something sweet?" I grin when she gives me another of these hostile looks. "I know juuuuust a spot, and if ya want to play ball with me, there's a couple o' things I'd like to know. How 'bout it, hm?"
She winces, but it would seem the obligation holds prime over the rest of the feelings she might favour me with.
"... if it's necessary."



...


"I can't believe you know this place."
Aoi squirms in her seat, while I calmly browse the menu a waitress in a cute costume was kind enough to bring us as soon as we'd taken up a table. The place's still the same as ever - unchanging, a bit old-fashioned, quaint cafe in the middle of a city, where all the noises from outside are blotted out by a pair of ordinary - at the first glance - doors, leading to a place where the destiny we're facing was pretty much made.
"Do ya?" I glance over the list of desserts at Aoi's uneasy face. "Well, the more ya know, me and Ren first met here long ago." My eyes squint on their own. "Well, in a way."
As though the topic has caught her attention - as opposed to my indecisiveness in choosing between 'strawberry shortcake' and 'chocolate phantasia'. Both look equally delicious.
"Suddenly it feels like if I was talking with her ex."
"Bein' jealous?" Chocolate phantasia'll have to suffice. With a wave of the hand, I call the waitress back over and hastily place our order. She quickly scoots back to the counter, politely bowing beforehand. Never change, my beloved cafe. "Ain't that curious. But don't sweat it, we din' do any jaunts in the bushes, if that's what yer interested in."
"Actually," Aoi changes her tone to a more serious one. Scanning her face - it too smartens up. "May I ask you a favour?"
"Shoot." I reply, placing my chin on an arm put on the tabletop.
"I don't care if it's natural for you, but even if it is," She grimaces. "Please, talk like a normal human."
Oh, so it's that after all. It was kinda silly of me to expect anything else - like 'please, come to the restroom with me for a moment', or 'My panties feel weird, could you help me take them off?'. Stretching in the comfortably soft chair, I let out a pleased groan.
"Does that really bother you?"
"A lot." The determination in her eyes seems to agree wholeheartedly. Well, for that face, I can make an exception. "I don't want to work with someone who sounds like a redneck."
"Hey," I half-blurt out, half-snicker. "You didn't have to cope up with excessive savoir vivre for several, long months, did you. I know I did."
"No, I didn't." Aoi shakes her head. "I don't even know who you are. What's your relationship with Ren? What do you know about The Border? What's up with that hand? Why did Ren act so familiar with you? Whose side are you on? Are you in cahoots with Mary?"
The crossfire of questions sends me yawning, leaning back, staring at the ceiling. So curious, Aoi - you're bound to cut your fingers off sooner or later, if you keep on sticking them into wrong holes - and I feel inclined to pull out the knife.

[ ] Well, who are you?

[x] Pull out the knife.
[x] "Why, I am the most well-adjusted and personable full-blooded member of the Yakumo family."
[x] "Am I in cahoots with Mary? Just because I found out she was my sister and banged her anyway doesn't mean I'm in 'cahoots.'"
[x] "In fact, I hate my family, so much so that I've become somewhat of an expert in the arts of matricide, fratricide, and, probably someday soon, sororicide."
[x] "Oh, and I'm involved in a longterm on-again off-again relationship with Yuka Kazami, Flower Master of the Four Seasons. Four seasons proper, not the restaurant."

>Just because I found out she was my sister and banged her anyway doesn't mean I'm in 'cahoots.

Since when are they blood related?

[x] "Slow the fuck down, Aoi. Let's play a little game, shall we? It's pretty old, so you should know it by now. You ask one question, I answer, then ask you one question. It goes back and forth like this until we finally get everything we wish to know from each other, kapeesh?"
[x] "And be honest; depending on the answers I get, I may or may not prod you about your three sizes or the color of your underwear".

>>23473
ಠ_ಠ
>>23476
I believe it was a figure of speech.

[x] "Slow the fuck down, Aoi. Let's play a little game, shall we? It's pretty old, so you should know it by now. You ask one question, I answer, then ask you one question. It goes back and forth like this until we finally get everything we wish to know from each other, kapeesh?"
[x] "And be honest; depending on the answers I get, I may or may not prod you about your three sizes or the color of your underwear".

>>23476
Well, they were kind of related in in TS3, but this story continues from TS4 so Naya doesn't know that stuff at all.
[X] "Slow the fuck down, Aoi. Let's play a little game, shall we? It's pretty old, so you should know it by now. You ask one question, I answer, then ask you one question. It goes back and forth like this until we finally get everything we wish to know from each other, kapeesh?"
[X] "And be honest; depending on the answers I get, I may or may not prod you about your three sizes or the color of your underwear".

[x] "Slow the fuck down, Aoi. Let's play a little game, shall we? It's pretty old, so you should know it by now. You ask one question, I answer, then ask you one question. It goes back and forth like this until we finally get everything we wish to know from each other, kapeesh?"
[x] "And be honest; depending on the answers I get, I may or may not prod you about your three sizes or the color of your underwear".

[X] "Slow the fuck down, Aoi. Let's play a little game, shall we? It's pretty old, so you should know it by now. You ask one question, I answer, then ask you one question. It goes back and forth like this until we finally get everything we wish to know from each other, kapeesh?"
[X] "And be honest; depending on the answers I get, I may or may not prod you about your three sizes or the color of your underwear".

>I reject your boring option and substitute it with my own.

where are the options anyway. Got too lazy writing them? You are lucky that one guy always makes a write in else there would be no votes.

[x] "Slow the fuck down, Aoi. Let's play a little game, shall we? It's pretty old, so you should know it by now. You ask one question, I answer, then ask you one question. It goes back and forth like this until we finally get everything we wish to know from each other, kapeesh?"
[x] "And be honest; depending on the answers I get, I may or may not prod you about your three sizes or the color of your underwear".

>>23482
>where are the options anyway. Got too lazy writing them? You are lucky that one guy always makes a write in else there would be no votes.

4S has been made write-in-only for a couple of reasons. First of all, to slow down. I'm busy enough as it is with BLAIR, and it is only due to the obligation towards Vodka I decided to continue 4S regardless of all the drama. Second off, write-in-only prevents me from doing any premature thinking and planning, which - for 4S - is, as we know, a buh-baaaaad thing.
If there are no votes, there are no updates, and whose problem is that? Most definitely not mine.

[x] "Slow the fuck down, Aoi. Let's play a little game, shall we? It's pretty old, so you should know it by now. You ask one question, I answer, then ask you one question. It goes back and forth like this until we finally get everything we wish to know from each other, kapeesh?"
[x] "And be honest; depending on the answers I get, I may or may not prod you about your three sizes or the color of your underwear".

"Whoa, whoa." But seeing how I've no knives on me this time around, another tactic'll have to be applied instead. To reveal anything about me without an assurance of getting some answers in return would be a stupid thing to do - and what's what - I'm everything but stupid. Aoi seems to be still glaring at me with that determined expression on when I stop admiring the beautiful plasterwork above. Come to think of it, compared to Aoi's face, it ain't all that great. "Slow the fuck down, you." I shift a bit closer, if only to see if I can 'accidentially' bump my knee against hers. Too bad the table's too long for such maneuvers. At least it made her cock her head to the side a little - always a success. "Not so fast. Let's play a little game, shall we?"
"A game?" She questions in a steely voice.
"A game." I confirm, nodding. "It's pretty old, so I suppose you should know it by now."
"And what is that game, if I may inquire?"
"It's pretty simple." I lean back and cross arms on my chest. So much for trying to steal a touch of her legs. Whoever made those tables, was either a woman, or a moron. "You ask one question, I answer, then I ask you a question. It goes back and forth like this until we finally get everything we wish to know from each other, capiche?"
Aoi bites her lip, squirming around in the chair as though it just grew a bunch of spikes. Evidently, she's not so keen on spilling the beans - while pushing this poor me to do so. How selfish, Aoi - don't you have any manners?
Ugh, manners.
"... I don't trust you." She finally mumbles under her nose, looking aside. "I'm not sure if..."
"Alright then!" I cut through her sentence like a Concorde through the 1969's March's sky. "Here comes the first question: why is it you don't trust me? Oh," And quickly add, seeing her ready to retaliate. "Be honest, because depending on the answers I get, I may or may not--" Take you to the restroom and show you what I've got by force if you continue to look so flustered. Makes one think you really need to vent some frustration, and desperately. "--prod you about your three sizes -- or the colour of your underwear. Either would be fine."
Aoi casts me a dagger from the eyes I gladly let drive deep into my chest. Oppose - it's only making it more interesting.
"Is my underwear all you can think about while Ren is--?!"
"I trust my skills, Aoi." I tap a finger on the table, nodding at her to settle down. Angry faces don't suit cute girls, yet I can't help but think even that looks somewhat sweet. "They have yet to fail me, and believe me--" I lean forward a bit. "--I would never allow them to fail helping Ren. Let me repeat: why is it you don't trust me?"
Again, she falls silent on her spikey chair while my impatience grows in strength with every fleeting glance of hers swiping by my face. Seriously, ten more seconds, and I swear I'll haul her to the restroom and rape on the spot.
Fortunately - for her, at least - she finally makes a decision.
"... I thought you might be on Mary's side." A positively surprising one. Straight to the point, how admirable. Shame I've already deducted as much. "She sent me to fetch you after all."
"Okay, I get it -- only I don't." I cast her an encouraging glance. "Why in the hell would Mary be the bad girl here?"
"You don't know, do you..." Of course, and looking at me like a hounded puppy won't help me understand. "Following the destruction of The Border, Mary begun to change... She--... She started acting differently. At first I thought it was because of the shock, but--" Aoi pauses for a moment. "--I soon discovered she'd been sneaking out at night, calling suspicious people, talking about some really bad things with them... There's one guy she's been calling every night lately. It-- it's almost as if she was coercing him to do... things."
"Things?" I repeat. "Not being really clear here, with just 'things'."
"Things." Aoi nods meekly. "Break into stores, steal, search for various people I don't know... And sometimes, she outright orders him to dispose of them. Don't you watch the news?" She raises her eyes, but a blank look from mine quickly answers in the lips' stead. Dangling her head, Aoi sighs. "There've been a lot of murder or terminal injury cases in the city lately. And I thought."
"You thought it could have been me." I finish her sentence. What a knock - to think I only woke up yesterday - and I'm already being ostracised for things I had no idea about. Hello? Unless I'm sleepwalking and murdering people at night, there's not many ways for me to have done that, you know. Not to mention my memories were sealed for some stupid reason. "Why did you listen to her telling you to fetch me so eagerly, then?"
"It wasn't eagerly..." Another pause. "I had no choice - I live with her, I have to pretend I don't know anything. That's why I used Nyom to restrain you - just in case."
"Well, whaddaya know," I snort. "If it had been me, you wouldn't have stood a chance. Yet here we are, both alive, Ren back to full health at her place. My allegiance does not lay with Mary - I suppose this should be enough of a proof?" Though I still have problems believing Mary would really do something like that. I didn't have enough time to notice anything odd during our meeting in the park. Perhaps if I had held her out there for a bit longer... "So you think it was Mary's puppet guy who did that to Ren?"
"Precisely." Aoi nods once more. "Ren's been searching for a way back into Gensokyo these last couple of weeks. Of course, she didn't tell us she was, but I think both me and Mary realized. We just pretended we didn't. I... tried to stop her from going out at night, but she didn't want to listen." The end of the report comes with Aoi's displeased groan, as she rubs her eyelids in a tired fashion. "I've already said enough. It's your turn."
"Shoot."
"What is your relationship with Ren?"
I can't help but snicker.
"You're so awfully inclined on knowing that stuff. Why?"
Her eyebrows bend in a scowl.
"Answer. What is your relationship with Ren? Why do you act so friendly towards her?"
Obviously, she hasn't heard much about me, has she. This builds us a pretty nice opportunity to set up a bluff and perhaps fish for some more information without losing a question... Or not - sometimes honesty pays off, only I'm not sure if this case would be one of those times.

[ ] Have you shagged her? Have you stalked her? Or have you only known her for a short period of time?

[x]It's hard to say. I've known her for some time... in more than one way

[x] "Why? isn't it just because we've been friends for such a long period of time? I don't see any other reason than that. I mean, you've known her for a lesser amount - why do you act so friendly towards her? Is it jealousy, Aoi? Because it doesn't look good on you; rarely looks good on anyone. But why does it matter? I helped her, didn't I? That should be enough; I have no hidden intent. But she's still such a pain in the ass, that there's nothing much to consider"
[x] Sigh "But if you really insist on delving into what our relationship is, I'd have to say... I was her stalker, fellow adventurer, friendly associate, comrade in arms, a potential love-interest, teacher, rapist- ah, no, did I? Can't remember all too well. May have been drunk, dunno. You'd have to ask Ren; women tend to care more about who they've slept with in the past" sharp-tooth grin "but seriously, I like her. She's my friend, whether you like it or not. I've got nothing more to say about that".

>--
Just because someone got on your case, does not mean you have to double-up.

>>23486

I've been trying to find a way to type longer dashes (as opposed to standard-issue hyphens) on this completely useless Polish typeset. I swear those things looked like a single dash in the text editor. Well, screw that, at least I learned how to type in تدرت. Not that it's of any use.

[x] "Why? isn't it just because we've been friends for such a long period of time? I don't see any other reason than that. I mean, you've known her for a lesser amount - why do you act so friendly towards her? Is it jealousy, Aoi? Because it doesn't look good on you; rarely looks good on anyone. But why does it matter? I helped her, didn't I? That should be enough; I have no hidden intent. But she's still such a pain in the ass, that there's nothing much to consider"
[x] Sigh "But if you really insist on delving into what our relationship is, I'd have to say... I was her stalker, fellow adventurer, friendly associate, comrade in arms, a potential love-interest, teacher, rapist- ah, no, did I? Can't remember all too well. May have been drunk, dunno. You'd have to ask Ren; women tend to care more about who they've slept with in the past" sharp-tooth grin "but seriously, I like her. She's my friend, whether you like it or not. I've got nothing more to say about that".


hmmmmmmmm. Weekends without HY updating are boring

Ignore this.

>>23487
Do you use Microsoft Word? Or just Wordpad/Notepad?

[X] "Why? isn't it just because we've been friends for such a long period of time? I don't see any other reason than that. I mean, you've known her for a lesser amount - why do you act so friendly towards her? Is it jealousy, Aoi? Because it doesn't look good on you; rarely looks good on anyone. But why does it matter? I helped her, didn't I? That should be enough; I have no hidden intent. But she's still such a pain in the ass, that there's nothing much to consider"
[X] Sigh "But if you really insist on delving into what our relationship is, I'd have to say... I was her stalker, fellow adventurer, friendly associate, comrade in arms, a potential love-interest, teacher, rapist- ah, no, did I? Can't remember all too well. May have been drunk, dunno. You'd have to ask Ren; women tend to care more about who they've slept with in the past" sharp-tooth grin "but seriously, I like her. She's my friend, whether you like it or not. I've got nothing more to say about that".

[X] "Why? isn't it just because we've been friends for such a long period of time? I don't see any other reason than that. I mean, you've known her for a lesser amount - why do you act so friendly towards her? Is it jealousy, Aoi? Because it doesn't look good on you; rarely looks good on anyone. But why does it matter? I helped her, didn't I? That should be enough; I have no hidden intent. But she's still such a pain in the ass, that there's nothing much to consider"
[X] Sigh "But if you really insist on delving into what our relationship is, I'd have to say... I was her stalker, fellow adventurer, friendly associate, comrade in arms, a potential love-interest, teacher, rapist- ah, no, did I? Can't remember all too well. May have been drunk, dunno. You'd have to ask Ren; women tend to care more about who they've slept with in the past" sharp-tooth grin "but seriously, I like her. She's my friend, whether you like it or not. I've got nothing more to say about that".

>>23488

Angerwing did 3 updates today, you know. Three. That's as many as three ones.

>>23489

Word'98. Never bought a newer edition. It does change double hyphens into dashes, but the boards somehow manage to jack them up in the process.

Pic unrelated.

>>23492

Download Notepad++, It's a great alternative to Word.

>>23492
and YAF did one. He sucks.

>>23493
I was going to suggest 'Jarte'. It's got some different features and an easy to use special-character-keyboard for things like long-dashes.

I can't come to a consensus with this thing.
Updates later today. I guess now would be a good time to take a break from BLAIR.

[X] "Why? isn't it just because we've been friends for such a long period of time? I don't see any other reason than that. I mean, you've known her for a lesser amount - why do you act so friendly towards her? Is it jealousy, Aoi? Because it doesn't look good on you; rarely looks good on anyone. But why does it matter? I helped her, didn't I? That should be enough; I have no hidden intent. But she's still such a pain in the ass, that there's nothing much to consider"
[X] Sigh "But if you really insist on delving into what our relationship is, I'd have to say... I was her stalker, fellow adventurer, friendly associate, comrade in arms, a potential love-interest, teacher, rapist- ah, no, did I? Can't remember all too well. May have been drunk, dunno. You'd have to ask Ren; women tend to care more about who they've slept with in the past" sharp-tooth grin "but seriously, I like her. She's my friend, whether you like it or not. I've got nothing more to say about that".

Oh ho, and why not both - after all, be it as it may, it's a game, nothing less - and while I'd appreciate her abide by the rules, no one at all said I have to stick to them myself. In a way, shouldn't that be only fair? - the one initiating the match should be the one able to change its rules during the course, no? First of all, though, I ponder if the reason for he suspicions is really that important to waste a whole round just to prove it nonsensical.
"Why?" I ask her furrowed forehead, while the eyes glare from beneath. "Isn't it just because we've been friends for such a long period of time?"
"That's none of your concern." Aoi rebuts with a scowl. "It's my turn, answer the question. It was your idea in the first place."
"I don't see any other reason, though." I stick out a finger when she throws herself back to the backrest of her chair. "I mean, you've known her for a lesser amount--" How long? I've been inside The Border for a solid couple of months, unless Yuuka's field's aura meddles with the time someway - and before that, Renko had never mentioned someone who would resemble Aoi from the description. Other old friends,sure - girls too. But never a cute as a button lass who wears school uniforms wherever she goes. Oh, and the ghost-thing-familiar, can't forget that. Wonder where it's gone off to..."Sure can't see it anywhere around. "It should be me asking - why do you act so friendly towards her?" But I've stalked her for longer than Aoi could have possibly spent at her side. In this field, I hold undisputed superiority. Before she parts her sweet lips to argue, I promptly resume the speech. "Is it jealousy, Aoi?" She backs away, zipping the mouth shut. Boom, headshot, twenty points. "Because it doesn't look good on you - rarely looks good on anyone, actually."
"I'm not jealous--" But sure am looking like it - says her face - and probably am lying by claiming otherwise. What a knock.
"Why does it matter anyway?" I counter her frown with a relaxed shrug. "I helped her, didn't i? Shouldn't that be enough? I've no hidden intents. But yeah, still, she's such a pain in the ass there's nothing much to consider." We both fall silent for a couple of seconds, Aoi too baffled to mutter a word, while I'm simply enjoying the look of hers. Like my women how I like my drinks - stirred and shaken. Nothing beats a confused face soon to be hit by a witty, pickup line. In a way, it's a shame there's a game to play, while I could be simply enjoying my time with her alone... Not that she'd have agreed to spend it with me, if there hadn't been a game to play... What a knock. So knocky I let a knocked sigh out. "But if you really insist on delving into what our relationship is, I'd have to say..." Me eyes shift away - recalling all these weeks I'd been stalking the girl I overheard by a chance. Aoi, barely noticeably, but pricks up her ears, eager to hear a proper answer at last. Impatient, and oh so impatient. I wonder. "I was her stalker," No hiding it. "Fellow adventurer," In a way. "Friendly associate," From afar. "Comrade in arms," Invisible arms, but not once did I lend her a hand through proxies. "A potential love-interest," I wished. "Teacher," I taught her to pay more attention to her surroundings, didn't I? "Rapist--"
"Say WHAT?!" Aoi yells out loud at my slip. Her face has grown the reddest I've till now witnessed, in a matter of seconds. Shush, can't a man make a mistake? Sheesh.
"Ah, no--" I put a finger on my chin and squint my eyes down at the table, putting a thinker's look on. "--did I?"
"Did you?!" She urges once more.
"Can't remember all too well."
"You can't--?!" She slumps back onto her seat, mouth gaping open like a cave full of cutely white stalactites and stalagmites. "You can't--..." Says she. "You're joking, right...?"
"May have been drunk, dunno." And I respond with the same indifferent shrug. "You'd have to ask Ren; women tend to care more about who they've slept with in the past. Don't know if she'd like to talk about it, though..." Glance, as she raises her little hands above the tabletop, the shivering fingers hung in the air, trembling all over - her face too quivers like orange jelly on a plate - staring dumbfoundedly, blinking like mad. Priceless - it was worth it, if only to disturb her. So, so worth it. So worth it I can't help but grin. Needless to say, it only sends more terror past her head. "You should see yourself right now."
"What--"
"But seriously?" I pick a napkin up from a stand, and put it down on the table, then fold it in two. "I like her. She's my friend, whether you like it or not."
"So you didn't--...?" Again, in half. Aoi's hands fall back to her lap. "You mean, that was a lie?"
"What's the matter?" I only glance up at her once. Fold, fold, fold. "Couldn't stand her not being the pure, innocent girl you seem so fond towards?"
"That's not it--"
"Well, like I said." Seven times now. I wonder if I could make it bend once more. "I like her. I've got nothing more to say about that."
Both of us decide not to inquire about anything anymore - especially since the brisk waitress that took our order minutes ago has finally returned with the desserts on a happily dancing tray. A miracle she keeps them both on and in one piece.
"Here you go~!" Chirps she, with a pirouette. "Enjoy~!"
Chocolate Phantasia for me - and Strawberry Heaven for Aoi. Somehow, it feels oddly appropriate.


...


"So," About halfway through the brown delicacy, Aoi starts with the spoon still inside her mouth, seemingly intent on licking every single bit of the white cream off before taking another bit. "It'f youw tuwn now."
"Can't I even finish eating in peace?" A twin spoon aims at her nose, swaying back and forth in my irritated fingers. "I'm trying to enjoy myself, you know."
Though the cake is nothing compared to what the fairies back at Yuuka's mansion used to make.
"Enjoy yourself?" Aoi plops the thing out of her mouth. Shining clear - there really isn't a single trace of cream left on the surface. Amazing, if she can do such things with her tongue-- "In a time of crisis?"
"There's a time to fight and a time to rest, Aoi." I say, carefully observing the spoon jab into her cake again. All of it. All the cream off. My god. "And uh... How did it go again... Something about shields..."
"Well then." Again, with full mouth, she shoots me an attentive stare. The piece of metal sticking out from between her lips sends shivers down my spine - and something else too. "Unleff youf got anyfing to afk, mind if I...?"


[ ] Mind if she?

==

By the way, if you'd rather have some pre-made choices back, let me know. Perhaps I can try to spark something out.

Oh gods, Aoi.

[X] "Sex? Alright then."
[X] Wait a moment.
[X] If there's no reaction, "...That's not it, huh? What do you want, then?"
I'm bad with options. Somebody come make up something better.

>>23532
No pre made choices. Let the people be creative. You really should write some FUG......

>if you'd rather have some pre-made choices back

Yes, please.

[x] "No, sorry, I'm taken. Though, a little side-action hatesex shouldn't be too bad..." grin like a madman "my mistress".
[x] "Ehh, sure, go ahead. At this point I'm more focused on getting to find the whereabouts of those punks that put Ren in the hospital - and your panties, but I'll save those for another time"

>>23535

Wot people? I see only a pair o' boyz tryin' ta sound smarty, instead a' bein' more shooty! Dis ain't a WAAAGH!, ya gitz!

Two contradicting suggestions, two different, not-so-appealing options. Stalemate. Brb, Arcanum.

and god said let this die.... or maybe not?

[x] "No, sorry, I'm taken. Though, a little side-action hatesex shouldn't be too bad..." grin like a madman "my mistress".
[x] "Ehh, sure, go ahead. At this point I'm more focused on getting to find the whereabouts of those punks that put Ren in the hospital - and your panties, but I'll save those for another time"

>>23605
Seems so. Oh well, and I was looking forward to writing potential Adahn H... Eh, at least it ain't my fault this time 'round.

[x] "No, sorry, I'm taken. Though, a little side-action hatesex shouldn't be too bad..." grin like a madman "my mistress".
[x] "Ehh, sure, go ahead. At this point I'm more focused on getting to find the whereabouts of those punks that put Ren in the hospital - and your panties, but I'll save those for another time"

[x] "No, sorry, I'm taken. Though, a little side-action hatesex shouldn't be too bad..." grin like a madman "my mistress".
[x] "Ehh, sure, go ahead. At this point I'm more focused on getting to find the whereabouts of those punks that put Ren in the hospital - and your panties, but I'll save those for another time"

>>23615
Good, I only want Vodka to write anything about Adahn.

>>23628

Super, I don't need to feel bad about leaving you on the ice, then. Balm for my bleeding heart.

>>23631

>>23628 here
Disregard what I said YAF, now I feel bad for saying that.
I just hate the idea of Nanaya doing something to Adahn, but if it's a Momizi + Adahn H-Scene I'd be really happy to read it.
...Maybe I should have asked what you had planned to write first.

I loathe the idea of crossovers, so I couldn't be happier to see this abomination die. I'm not so naive as to believe it will stay dead, though. This is YAF, he can't let an idea as awful as this end. Not unless he has something even worse, but I’m fairly certain that’s not possible.

>>23640
So why are you posting in the thread if you don't even read, let alone like, the story? What's the point? Spite?
To answer your worries, no, I am not going to continue this. Whatever plans I had were long forfeit, for the sake of the write-in-only rule that - as we could witness - has failed as well. Nothing more to reap on this field.

>>23639
I had in mind one of the four possibilities: AdahnxNaya, AdahnxMomiji, AdahnxNayaxMomiji or NayaxMomizi. The development would have depended on a couple of factors.