User:NekoRex/Village6

	Far, far, far above overhead, a small black dot buzzes about the sky, looking a fair bit larger then any bird, and definitely not shaped like one. Whatever it is, however, it seems to be coming from the south, and seems to be getting closer. 	Meira walked away into the market, her hand absentmindedly cleaning off her kimono as she went to purchase the final items in her shopping list *	Zen_Shin_Tan also bowed a farewell to the leaving figure of Meira_Tanaka. 	Sitting a short distance away from the commotion, Honda sat underneath the folds of a hand built stall, watching the events and the short fight in the sky. These events seem to be commonplace in these regions, and even then, the thought of flying freedly in the skies seemed attractive to her. *	Hinanawi_Tenshi paused to watch the departing figure of the monk, a grim slash on her lips. She doubted her words reached the other. A persistent hypocrite whose ideals hardly hold weight under scrunity...and also someone who haboured a particular enemy. Something may have to be done...if she ever cared to. *	Hinanawi_Tenshi quickly returned to Zen_Shin_Tan, however, clearing her thoughts before she conversed, "a fine goal you have there. I suppose you'll be with the militia, then?" 	"The sands of time will tell. I have yet to find my way in this new society." 	The black dot seems to suddenly fly towards the ground, revealing itself to, unsurprisingly, be a person flying about the air. The rather infamous witch, costumed with her odd western attire, seems to make a somewhat notable entrance in the Marketplace as she lands, swooping down into the street and blowing up a small cloud of dust. The humans who notice her flying in seem to give her a wide berth for her landing zone. *	Hinanawi_Tenshi smiled slightly, "you will adjust to it soon. Simply be wary of where you step." *	Marisa_Kirisame carries, as usual in her shopping trips, a large burlap sack, and seems to have a small doll floating around her right shoulder. She grins as she takes a look around the busy marketplace, ignoring any of the regular humans who recognize her and stare. *	Hinanawi_Tenshi found this man slightly interesting. He may die any moment, too, but then that was a fact of life. 	Joining the militia, at this stage, seemed like a reasonable job oppurtunity. She wasn't a weakling by any standards, and it seemed that this man wanted to join too. From the looks of the other woman, they seemed reasonably well paid too boot. *	Zen_Shin_Tan bowed deeply. I will heed your words now. 	With this idea in mind, Honda quickly stood up, and walked towards the strange older man. She didn't like his eyes, but it was something she'd have to get used to for now. *	Zen_Shin_Tan two things came into Zen_Shin's mind. The first was the black and white figure that had flew in on a broom who seemed to be the center of attention for the nearby denizens. The other was the young woman who was walking towards Tenshi and him. *	Hinanawi_Tenshi quickly noticed the arrival of Marisa_Kirisame, and her lips widened to a slight grimace. 	"My, many interesting characters are arriving today." *	Marisa_Kirisame scanned about the street for any markets she was interested in, but the celestial caught her eye more then anything, and she looks over to her and grins once more, sitting side-saddle leaning on one of her arms gripping her broom, floating over and greeting, "Heh, having a celestial around here is an odd sight. What're ya up to, Peach Fuzz?" *	Zen_Shin_Tan turned to face Marisa_Kirisame and bowed a greeting. 	Honda was about to talk to the old man, before the lady dressed like a witch spoke first. "Peach Fuzz"? Honda thought. That was a highly inappropriate nickname, and she could not help but attempt to stifle an audible giggle as she got closer. *	Hinanawi_Tenshi felt herself grow a little faint. Peach fuzz? Really? *	Zen_Shin_Tan kept his face level but was pondering the phrase. '(Peach... Fuzz.... Is this the Celestial's other name?) 	Struggling to keep the grin off her face, Honda tried to get closer to the old geezer, hoping to slowly introduce herself in the conversation and perhaps get a better job hiring rate by coming in tow with what seemed to be an experienced onmyouji. 	The reacion she sees Hinanawi_Tenshi take only makes her lower her eyebrows and sneer a bit, having been amused by the celestial's groveling. 	"From the look on yer' face I think that nickname's a keeper, heh heh." *	Hinanawi_Tenshi took a moment, struggling to find some sort of appropriate insult to lob at the witch, but she quickly gave up, "I'm simply wandering. What is a witch doing here? Should you not be in that mess of a house, cooking up spells or what have you?" *	Zen_Shin_Tan turned around to face the other approaching woman. He bowed at an 75 degree angle after seeing how young she was. Good day. 	"Human's gotta eat." Marisa replies, adjusting the sack on her shoulder so as to draw attention towards it. "My concoctions are coolin' off anyway, I won't be able ta' do much with 'em until tonight. But enough about my buisness, I go wherever I want, whenever I want." 	"Hello. I couldn't help but notice that you were an onmyoujij-" Honda quickly bit her tongue to prevent the last syllable from escaping her mouth. 	"Oh, did you wish to learn the ways of Onmyoudo?" 	"Well..." Honda points behind at her little shop. "I guess it wouldn't hurt for me to learn a little more. Though I wonder if there's a good job out there that will let ma put everythin' into practice. No good just learning the theory an' all." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Hmm..." *Zen_Shin stared at her eyes. But they were unfocused, as if they were staring at something past her and beyond.* "You have a strong spirit and a fiery will. Your spiritual energy is at a balance, calm and yet vast like the sea. The potential to cause a terrifying storm at a moment's notice. You have had training I presume?" <Akumu_Honda>	"A lil'. Nothing much to be proud of. Nothing like what you pulled earlier. Guess it comes with age." *	Hinanawi_Tenshi smirked a little at Marisa_Kirisame, "and take whatever you want, I'm sure." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Age has naught with one's abilities. It is what one goes through that determines what they can go through." *Zen_Shin took a second to look in the direction where Meira dissappeared.* "If that is what you wish, my only advice is to ask that woman to take you into the militia. In all my years, this is the first time I have been in this land. I apoligize for not being able to provide more." <Akumu_Honda>	"Why dontcha come with me? I mean, they might not let me in so easily, but if I said I was a student of yours, maybe I could get a foot in the door?" Honda asked curiously <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Heh, and what're you gonna do about it, ze?" Marisa retorts, only grinning further. "I beat up troublemakers, I deserve a few interesting souvineers from time to time." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Hmm... Perhaps. Very well, potential must not be wasted. I will assist you in however I can." <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"You're no different from a troublemaker," Tenshi shot back, "Perhaps I should beat you up too, take some souvenirs of my own." <Akumu_Honda>	"Thank you so much, old man! Can I get your name so I can call you something slightly less disrespectful?" Honda said with unbridled joy. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	(Custom and traditions have changed much in 600 years...) "My family name is Tan." <Akumu_Honda>	"Tan? Tan-san? Tannichi? Tan-sama? Tan.... Eeeh they all sound weird. Can I just call you Sensei instead?" <Zen_Shin_Tan>	(And also quite rude by my era's standards!) "Yes... You may call me sensei." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"You wish you could try. In fact, you're free to, but ya' won't win, I reckon." Marisa says. <Akumu_Honda>	"Hmm, do you have a place to stay, Sensei?" Honda asks with a little bit of hesitation. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"No, not yet. I have only arrived by yesterday's setting of the sun." <Akumu_Honda>	"Well, I ain't got much, but I've managed to secure some temporary housing from a nice family after I helped them clean their roof an' all. Maybe you can stay with me till we earn a lil' bit of money." <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"I would," Tenshi replied with a thin smile, "but who knows, a flying monk might come to stop me again. Have to watch out for those. Nasty pests they are." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Ah, that might be true, but insulting a magician might make one actually appear." Marisa says, offhandedly. *	Zen_Shin_Tan bowed deeper this time. I will be in your debt. *Zen_Shin straightened himself and took a look at the shop.* What are your wares? <Marisa_Kirisame>	"You're lucky said monk has quite the patience, ze." *	Hinanawi_Tenshi shrugs a little, "let them appear. I will do as I wish." <Akumu_Honda>	"Well, it's not much or anything, but I sell charms." Honda absentmindedly picked up one of the charms. "Like this one be for good childbirth, while this one be for good luck. I got all sorts. The housewives can't get enough of this stuff. I put a little bit of power in it an' all but an optimistic belief does wonders for you in the household." <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"Patience or not, i have little respect for a hypocrite." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Hmph, well, it's of no concern to me. Just don't do anything I can hear from my house, at least." Marisa says with a shrug. "Or I might have to come over to quiet ya' down." <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	There was a mischievous grin at that remark, "i would like to see you try, when it happens." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Ahh, omamoris." *Zen_Shin gingerly picked one up and carefully studied it.* "Finely sewn, but it is not at its full potential. The link to its kami is weak and unpure." <Akumu_Honda>	"I'm not really sure. There's been legends that our god was formerly a youkai but it doesn't make sense giving we're spiritual and holy or whatnot. At least that's what my mam tells me.. From our tales, our kami is believed to "make dreams come true" or somewhat. " *	Marisa_Kirisame smirks back, finding the celestial as interesting as she found everyone else she ran into. "I'd like to see you try and win, but we all know that won't happen." Marisa replies with a wave, backing off to go look at some shop's wares, probably to buy the biggest fish she could find for sale. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"A kami is not limited by what something is. Anyone and anything can become a kami. Even this omamori." *Zen_Shin placed the charm back into its place* *	Hinanawi_Tenshi shook her head with a mild chuckle. She would prove the witch wrong, but her mood for battle had long extinguished. Instead she let the other leave, bringing her attention back to Zen_Shin_Tan and the other new arrival. *	Marisa_Kirisame, after a few minutes, returns with a comically large red snapper shouldered on one arm, and some taiyaki in another, which she happens to also be eating. "So, who was that old guy, Peach Fuzz?" she asks with her mouth half full. "He seemed kinda weird." <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"Ah?" *	Hinanawi_Tenshi raised an eyebrow as she turned to face the witch. A woven container of yakitori rested at her palm, likely purchased not too while ago. <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"He is an onmyouji. What is weird about that?" *	Hinanawi_Tenshi decided to withhold the time travelling part. Noone needed to know, and she had no want for a witch to go snooping further. <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Dunno, the way he was talkin, the way he looked. Like he wasn't from around here." Marisa says, indicating she's quite a bit more observant then she usually lets on. *	Hinanawi_Tenshi gave nothing away in her expression, merely shrugging, "as was that girl from before. Your point?" *	Marisa_Kirisame shrugs. Just wonderin' why you were talkin' to them. You don't look like the type to waste your time on normal people, ya' know. Bein' one of those high 'n mighty celestials, and all." <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"Don't group me with the rest of them," she snapped, a little too loud and sudden than she'd intended.  *	Hinanawi_Tenshi paused to gather her thoughs before she continued, "humans and youkai are interesting to talk to, at any rate. 'Normal' may well be more interesting than something 'abnormal'." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Ufufu, what makes you different then the rest of that lot, then, I wonder? You seem to treat Gensoukyou like your own little playground most of the time, eh?" <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"And you are any different?" She retorted, "the way you act, it's as if you had extra lives to use."  *	Marisa_Kirisame snorts, finding funny a joke only she seemed to get. "Well, that's because I can do what I want and get away with it, and because I don't give people a *real* beatdown unless they're askin' for it. Spellcard Duels aren't terribly painful, after all." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"The other reason is, cause," Marisa says, pausing to stuff a bit more taiyaki in her mouth, "Witch's gotta eat."  *	Hinanawi_Tenshi only gave a slight smirk, "you've gotten more arrogant since I'd last saw you. What would you do, when a little black youkai tries to eat you instead?" *	Marisa_Kirisame grins and pats the head of the doll buzzing around her shoulder. "I call in friends, of course. If a youkai's that dumb to try and eat me, they won't be when I bring company. Besides, I can hold my own for longer then most youkai would like." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"That's assuming, of course, they could hold their own against me in a fight. Which the vast majority, definitly, cannot." <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"Of course," she replied dourly, a hint of irrtation in her voice, "the saviour of gensoukyou can't die, after all. Would be problematic." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Ufufufu, that's more true then you think." Marisa replies.  *	Hinanawi_Tenshi found that immense confidence abhorrent. Why? She couldn't find that answer herself. Perhaps her mood truly hadn't recovered after the past hour, or it was simply reminiscent of heaven. Whatever the case, it had begun to show in her tone. "My, what a shame it would be, then, if someone knocked that confidence out of you," she half drawled, biting on another stick of yakitori.  *	Marisa_Kirisame rips another chunk off her taiyaki in response, chewing a bit before responding, "Hmph, is that a challenge? It's been a decent while since I've had a good spellcard duel. Maybe I could test a couple new spells I've been working on, ze." *	Hinanawi_Tenshi snorted, "I have no qualms with that. Trying to murder the 'saviour of Gensoukyou' would be a...good excercise."  <Marisa_Kirisame>	"I don't think you'll be murderin' me, and I won't appreciate you tryin'." Marisa warns. "We'd be playin' Spellcard Rules, you know."  <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	"Hmph...Fair enough."  *	Marisa_Kirisame gives Hinanawi_Tenshi a big sneer. "Well then, how about tomorrow, at <flat, open place I can't be bothered to name since it'll likely be in #Gensoukyou anyway>?"  *	Hinanawi_Tenshi shook her head slowly, "<flat, open place Nekorex can't be bothered to name since it'll likely be in #gensoukyou anyway> it will be, then. At noon, preferably." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Noon seems a bit early, but it'll do. I guess it's a date then, Peach Fuzz." <Hinanawi_Tenshi>	There was a slight twitch of the brow at the nickname, "don't call me that."  <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Whatever floats your boat, Fruitcake."  *	Hinanawi_Tenshi 's composure cracked just a little, "you damned kleptomaniac of a witch."  *	Marisa_Kirisame simply chuckles as she floats off, and retorts, "I guess we can't all be perfect like you, can we now?"  *	Hinanawi_Tenshi made no response, only viciously chewing on another yakitori stick. If only she could wipe that smile off her face right now. Oh, if only that happened...  <Akumu_Honda>	Honda was walking quite energetically a ways ahead of Zen_Shin_Tan. She occasionally turned back, looking upon the old man with a look of disdain, biting back a sharp remark or two about knobbly knees and dysfunctional bladders, and not-so-patiently waited for him to catch up.  *	Zen_Shin_Tan followed her, wearing a calm and composed face. What was happening in his head was another matter. His patience and temperance was great, but they were being strained with her. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	(No... I must not have such thoughts. This is but another test that I must endure through.) *	Marisa_Kirisame shortly seems to appear following them down the street, slowly catching up, but going at a rather liesurely pace. As before, she's shouldering a red snapper that's almost bigger then she is. *	null is now known as nullasleep <Akumu_Honda>	"Hey Sensei, what sort of food do you like eating?" Honda asked in a half assed effort to make conversation. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Food... That would be dependent on the whims of the cooks. Of all the foods I have tasted, I suppose the fish from the Seto Inland Sea was my most favored. Kyoto, was a lavish place. The most talented of culinary artists were invited all across the nation to cook for the Emperor. The strictest of standards were placed upon the food for the royal family. However, less was placed upon those for the <Akumu_Honda>	"I don't think we have such lavish food in these parts unless you decided to break into one of the mansions in this place. Though at that point you'd probably be better off eating off the dead skin of a cow or something than kicking down the door in a suicide mission." *	Zen_Shin_Tan laughed. I am not completely made of such lavish foods or my spirit would be inadequate. The Onmyouji only return to the capital to make Ofudas and to guard the Emperor. His main duties are to protect the country and her people from youkai attacks.  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	When out on a mission, simplicity was essential. Eat too heavy and your eyes will grow weary. Eat too little and you will not tame your shikigamis.  <Akumu_Honda>	"So basically it's like a girl keeping a close watch over her weight and figure so her boyfriend doesn't get fed up with her?"  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	".......Yes.... It is like that."  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	Who was your teacher? Your spirit is not like the others I have seen.  <Akumu_Honda>	"It was my mother, actually..." <Akumu_Honda>	"She's awful strict at times, but you can tell she wanted the best outta me." Honda says after some though <Zen_Shin_Tan>	''Your mother must be proud of you. Those are words that will moist any parent's eyes." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Ufufufu, quite the odd pair we have here." Marisa says as she finally catches up right behind Zen_Shin_Tan.  *	Zen_Shin_Tan turned around to meet the new voice. He greeted the strange yellow-haired woman with a proper bow. Good evening, friend of the celestial.  <Akumu_Honda>	"Eh... It's that strange witch again." Honda said with a little bit of interest.  *	Marisa_Kirisame looks at them with a bit more scrutiny now, now that they've had a proper chance to greet her. "Hmmmm? What do you mean, strange? You're the strange ones here, even moreso that you don't recognize someone like me." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	''I apoligize. I am but a fallen leaf that has drifted down the river far from its home. My family name is Tan. What is yours?" *	Akumu_Honda glanced at Marisa_Kirisame and looked at her up and down. She didn't look remarkable special in any sense of the word. Sticking a little too much to the entire witch theme if anything, she noted. <Akumu_Honda>	"Are you trying to be a magical girl of sorts? That outfit really doesn't suit someone your age, miss." Honda said quite abruptly to Marisa_Kirisame *	Marisa_Kirisame breaks her composure a bit, making a loud snort at the remark, before breaking into a fit of giggles. "Pfffhahahahaha! I guess you could say that, in fact!' Marisa says, laughing heartily, before regaining a bit of her composure back. "I'm Marisa Kirisame, an Ordinary Magician, and Youkai Blaster Extraordinaire." *	Marisa_Kirisame doesn't bow or such, but she does have a big smile on the face at the funny remark.  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Oh, I assume by that you are a youkai exterminator?"  <Akumu_Honda>	"Eeh." Honda was more or less dumbstruck. There were few people who would admit to that, and even fewer that had the semblance of sanity. Honda wasn't quite sure which category this one could be placed into. "I... see."  <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Hahaha, ah, yeah, I guess you could say that, although usually all I gotta do is rough 'em up a bit to make them behave."  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Rough them up? You mean you do not kill them or seal them away?" <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Nope! The smarter ones usually know when they ain't gonna win, and just give up. The occasional dumb one will keep goin until they're real beat, but they usually learn their lesson. Almost nobody can beat me!" <Marisa_Kirisame>	"I can't do the sealin' up bits anyway, that's the job of one o' my partners in crime."  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"I see... The ways of the world have indeed changed much..." he nodded. "Ah, forgive my rambling. I am often lost in my own thoughts." <Akumu_Honda>	This lady has more hot air than a research balloon, Honda thought. "I can't seem to sense any bit of spiritual power from you... How do you manage to overpower such beings with your abilities?"  <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Heh, simple, I use magic, of course." Marisa responds as a matter of fact.  <Marisa_Kirisame>	"I'm not a magician for nothin' ya know. Do ya live under a rock?" <Akumu_Honda>	"Well, it's not common where I live, that's for sure." Honda retorted.  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Magic. It is no magic I have ever seen. I have heard rumors of a different style of magic, from the traders that visit the Empire of T'hang. Traders that brought tales from far away lands, off beyod the ends of the Earth." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Well, how do you think I'm flyin' around on a broom, hm?" Marisa queries, pointing to the ground, which she happens to not be standing on, opting to sit side-saddle on her broom.  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"And so here it flows in front of my eyes. I never would have thought I would be able to come across such a legend." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Well, flyin's not too hard if you know what you're doin'" Marisa explains offhandedly. There's a lot more complicated stuff, like what I do at home with my experiments and research. Right now I'm tryin' to come up with a spell that lets me put stuff in my hat and appear in the other hats I keep at home, for safe-keepin goods." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"But mostly, what I do is spells for youkai blastin'" <Akumu_Honda>	Honda decided not to comment at all, as she looked at the broom with some interest in her mind. Trying to imagine herself wearing the same clothes as Marisa, a horrifying image flashed her mind, and Honda couldn't help but wish to throw up slightly at the thought of being dressed up like her. *	Zen_Shin_Tan took notice and asked with concern. ''Are you alright? You look ill.'' <Marisa_Kirisame>	As if to demonstrate, she flicked a very weak danmaku star at Honda, about the equivalent of getting a static shock. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	The sleeping shikigami that wrapped itself around Zen_Shin flared to life. Despite being a very weak projectile, the barrier treated it indiscriminately and blocked it for it came too close to its master. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	In a brilliant flash of blue spiritual flames, it engulfed Zen_Shin and Akumu_Honda. Protecting it from that one danmaku. <Akumu_Honda>	"Ah it's nothing just had a bad image in my mi- Whoa did you just take leave of your senses? Don't go around indiscriminately shooting projectiles at strangers you meet!" Honda retorted. *	Marisa_Kirisame jumped back a bit. "Whoa, that's a bit of an overreaction, there!" <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"I apoligize. It is the natural defenses of all Onmyouji." said Zen_Shin as he quickly casted another barrier ofuda upon himself. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"We are the greatest targets for assasinations. An Onmyouji never goes without their barrier." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Sheesh, you're actin' like someone here in the village is gonna kill you or somethin'." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"...Wait, do you actually think that?" <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Why yes. 'Kill the head and the body will die.' An Imperial Onmyouji often leads the youkai extermination parties. Those with intelligence will ignore the others and go for the Onmyouji." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Whoa whoa whoa, what are you goin' on about?" <Akumu_Honda>	Honda really wasn't sure who was more insane at this point in time, as she looked on the both of them with a look of disdain on her face. <Marisa_Kirisame>	"If you go out sealin' up youkai and your name isn't Reimu Hakurei, the only thing you're going to get is a worse youkai payin' you a visit." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Same goes for a youkai attackin' someone in the village, but in that case the one payin' a visit will be me." Marisa states with mock authority. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"I apoligize for the confusion. I come from a far away land. There, the Bureau of Onmyou directs the Emperor's Onmyouji in youkai extermination skirmishes. It is the reason why I have ended up here, lost and seperated from the rest." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Aha! I thought you were new here! Well, maybe you'd be smart to learn the spellcard rules." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"The spellcard rules? What is this 'spellcard rules' you speak of?" <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Heh heh!" Marisa chuckles with a grin. "Alright, lemmie tell you them, then!" <Akumu_Honda>	"I'm not entirely sure if it'd be a sane choice for me to stay here in the presence of trigger happy lunatics." Honda accidentally said aloud. <Marisa_Kirisame>	Rule 1: Spellcard Duels are the official way to settle things with youkai. If you're out in the woods though, you're probably fair game." *	Marisa_Kirisame seems to ignore Honda's stupid comment, continuing.  <Marisa_Kirisame>	Rule 2: Spellcard Duels are what you do if you don't wanna get killed. They're nonlethal by default. Of course, if you lose, then you're probably screwed. That's why you don't lose a spellcard duel.  <Marisa_Kirisame>	Rule 3: Defenses are pointless! If a youkai wanted to kill 'ya, you'd be toast anyway. Not that they would, because that's against spellcard rules. Dodgin's the only way to not lose a spellcard duel.  <Marisa_Kirisame>	Rule 4: Danmaku's all about firepower. If you don't have enough danmaku, you aren't gonna win. Simple as that. And nearly any idiot with a lick of magic ability can do danmaku. Of course, they probably also aren't me. And I don't lose.  <Marisa_Kirisame>	And that's the four Spellcard Rules. As far as I bother to think of 'em, anyway. *	Nue_Houjuu is now known as Nue|Zs <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Thus.... These duels are a replacement for youkai extermination?" <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Yep! If a youkai gets rowdy, someone smart just challenges them to a duel, and if they win, the youkai usually settles down and behaves." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Plus it's a good way to earm their respect, I guess." *	Zen_Shin_Tan pondered this for a bit more. ''How... Are these rules enforced?'' <Marisa_Kirisame>	"If you don't play by the rules, it means you're either dealing with a real stupid youkai, in which case you'll probably die, or you didn't challenge them to a duel proper, in which case you'll probably die." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Unless you're me, but I the only ones that could probably beat me aren't stupid." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"If in the weird chance you challenge them to a duel and they don't follow the rules, you'll probably be dead, or you can go bug Reimu and she'll beat them up." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	''So Reimu is the one who enforces these Spellcard Duels? She must be great/powerful.'' <Akumu_Honda>	"I can't help but think that we've found ourselves in one heck of a detailed playground." Honda mused. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"I suppose that is another look." chuckled Zen_Shin. <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Well, Reimu's one of..." Marisa stops to think for a moment, actually counting her fingers. "Well, Reimu and Yukari are one of the two people I'm sure can't beat me in a Spellcard Duel. <Akumu_Honda>	"It's kind of a sad day when the younglings are the ones teaching the older folks how to talk care of themselves. In that case shouldn't you be lil' more embarrassed about your position, sensei?" <Marisa_Kirisame>	(((*can beat me))  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	''I am in a new land. One most not be blinded by their own experiences. Success comes not with one's own wisdom, but the wisdom of others."  <Akumu_Honda>	"Isn't that just another way of saying that you don't know anything?"  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"The amount of knowledge one has is not the same as the amount of wisdom one has."  <Akumu_Honda>	"I see. So, Marisa, was it? Basically you're saying that if we want to survive, we need to be fit, flexible, and able to hurl more abuse at the other person than they can hurl at us right?" Honda questioned the witch.  <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Well, that describes what I do around here, so I guess you'd be right!"  *	Akumu_Honda levels a deadpan word at Zen_Shin_Tan. "Did you hear her. Fit. And. Flexible." She said, punctuating each word <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"...." Zen_Shin stared at Akumu with an unchanging expression. <Akumu_Honda>	"Do you live around here, Marisa-senpai?" Honda asks, adding on an honorific! <Marisa_Kirisame>	"I live in the Forest of Magic, actually. In fact, I run... ran... will run again, a shop in there." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"You run a shop in the Forest of Magic? May I inquire where is this forest?" <Marisa_Kirisame>	"It's the one to the south. It's easy to recognize by the man-eating plants and exotic mushrooms." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"There's also another store right at the entance." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"The environment your home is in sounds rather.... Hostile." <Akumu_Honda>	"Hmm. Are there any job positions open there?" Honda asks thoughtfully. <Marisa_Kirisame>	"At my store? Nope." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Well, nobody bothers me in the forest, so I think it's fine. I can deal with the toxic air without any problems, anyway." Marisa answers Zen_Shin_Tan's remark. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"I see, you have trained your body to the point where you are immune to its toxins." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Nah, I just use magic." Marisa says quite bluntly. <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Magic. It seems like quite convineant." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"It's hard work too. I have to experiment day and night to get the results I want. Unlike Reimu, who lazes about and flaunts her innate powers without any trouble." Marisa says, pouting at the remark about Reimu. <Akumu_Honda>	"So... if I work as hard as you do, could I maybe use magic as well?" <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"I suppose... Even spiritual training has changed in all these years...." mumbled Zen_Shin to himself. <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Reimu's just lucky, I guess." Marisa sighs. "But if you've got the talent and the time, I guess you could learn it." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"I have a real knack for magic, so I guess I'm luckier then most as well." <Akumu_Honda>	"Magical talent, huh?" Honda ponders. "Sounds like something pre-determined." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Well, I guess it is a bit, but I bet anyone could overcome that kinda thing with enough effort, just variable. I'd test it myself, but I have enough things to experiment on." <Akumu_Honda>	"I don't really have a good memory for magical potions and incantations though, It'd be pretty time consuming and all to find everything you need to mix your potions of suspicious effects, won't it?" Honda continues to ponder. <Marisa_Kirisame>	"I guess, although I mostly use exotic mushrooms lying around the forest. <Akumu_Honda>	"How do you go about testing your potions anyways? do you sell them to unsupsecting housewives and record the effects after they consume it?" <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"That doesn't seem very safe..."  <Marisa_Kirisame>	"What? No, obviously not." <Akumu_Honda>	"So what do you do then?"  <Marisa_Kirisame>	"I do a whole buncha different things. Especially before I actually try drinkin' one. I make more then potions too, ya know." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Oh? What else are in your wares?" <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Magic books, magic powders, explosives, other magic doodads." Marisa says, listing off the things with her fingers.  <Akumu_Honda>	"Do you make enchanted papers by any chance?" Honda wondered if she could combine multiple effects by writing ofuda patterns on already magically inclined paper.  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Magical texts? Interesting. Perhaps I will visit your store one day. Foreign magic sounds very intriguing indeed." <Marisa_Kirisame>	'For what, ofudas?" Marisa guesses. "I guess I could make somethin' like that, but I'm not sure how well magic would mix with that miko stuff you lot do." <Akumu_Honda>	"Well, I was thinking it would be nice to have some paper that purifies and burns at the same time." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Paper that burns when you throw it would be easy, heh heh." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Ofudas can have multiple effects Honda-san." <Akumu_Honda>	"Well, I want to have some versatility. Something else to fall back on in case everything starts looking like pile of excreta." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"A... what?" <Akumu_Honda>	"Never mind. I guess I'm kind of interested in what you do. Do you think I can watch you at your work some time, Marisa-senpai?" <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Ah... well, I don't typically... my research is a bit private, really. I can't just let anyone know how I throw around giant lasers." *	Marisa_Kirisame gets a bit flustered at being asked that sort of question. A Magician never reveals her secrets, after all. *	Choeki_Zenkoji is now known as nullaway <Akumu_Honda>	"Ah, it's fine. I probably would end up leaving more confused than when I entered, in hindsight." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Perhaps you could visit the style once you have finished mastering your own." <Akumu_Honda>	"That sounds like a good idea. It wouldn't do for me to be flailing like a fish while I try to wrap my hair around which sorta attack I should use." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"Right, you'd be best sticking with the skill you have, you won't get very far trying to use two super different methods of combat, assumin' that what you wanna use magic for. <Akumu_Honda>	"Well, I was thinking more on tossing paper that goes booom when the barrier is breached. You know, a backup of soorts." <Marisa_Kirisame>	"That could work, although you'd need a whole lotta magic paper, if I've seen Reimu doin' any fighting before."  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Indeed. One needs hundreds if not thousands of Ofudas." *	Zen_Shin_Tan unfastened the outer layer of his Onmyouji robes and revealed several deep pockets of entire stacks of ofudas. Some looked like they were mass produced and stamped while others looked like they were carefully written on with a brush.  <Akumu_Honda>	"I had a different sorta use for it, but if you say so."  <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Those who are naturally talented will never achieve the same spirtualness as those who are not. If we watch those of the naturally gifted discussing theory, and concentrating on different and complex techniques, even though they seem skilful to watch, they have not the slightest true spirit. For spirit is the one thing that is not given naturally, but earned" <Akumu_Honda>	"Could you say that in perhaps an easier and less convoluted fashion? I zoned out after you went on about naturally gifted." <Zen_Shin_Tan>	"Hmm... Onmyoudo is not something that can be mastered by natural talent. It is something that can only be mastered by years of experience. For to become competent in Onmyoudo, one must master their own spirit." *	Marisa_Kirisame manages a fake yawn, being quite loud to express her dwindling interest in the conversation. "Well, uh, I guess I'm gonna go on home. I don't really care to stick around the village too long, anyway." *	Zen_Shin_Tan bowed toward Marisa again. I wish you safe travels.  <Akumu_Honda>	"See you around, Marisa-senpai."