Peripheral Illusion (Tragedy/Action)

Lunasa Prismriver

Lunasa Prismriver

Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 293

06/28/2013, 04:15 AM #11
Patchouli's a youkai, and probably.
S121

S121

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 12685

06/28/2013, 04:17 AM #12
Actually, she's a Magician. Yes, I'm talking about her race.:p


http://touhou.wikia.com/wiki/Patchouli_Knowledge

Originally posted by S121
Every time I see a new post on the Forum, I feel like a little kid during Christmas, all giddy.


sigpic

wonderweiss

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 6777

06/28/2013, 04:29 AM #13
Huh... so she is.

So after some researching I realized that
a. Yukari does know of the other world and
b. the other world is actually called the outside world.

wonderweiss

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 6777

06/28/2013, 09:24 PM #14
Part 4: Return to the Outside World


The Outside World: there are many names that we humans call it by. The real world is most popular by humans. But youkai have never ventured to the Outside World. Why? Two reasons: one, it was such a tiresome trek. Two, Gensokyo was too much a nice place to want to leave. But Yukari... she used to live in the Outside world. That is, until she created Gensokyo. And now she is returning to the Outside World... after more than a thousand years...

Yukari stepped into the Outside World. A wave of nostalgia had shook her body. But she knew that she shouldn't have. This place... was no longer the place she knew.

There were buildings forged by iron and glass everywhere. They were almost as tall as the Scarlet Devil Mansion. There were humans everywhere. In front of her was a giant building with multiple television screens. There were vending machines, peddlers selling hotdogs, there was light emitting everywhere -it wasn't even day time!- and motorized vehicles were bombarding the streets. She had no idea where she was!

Worst of all, she stood out like a sore thumb in her clothing. She caught the attention of anyone that passed by her. Someone with a microphone was coming in her direction.

"...live from times square, I am Sharlene Damons here to give you the happenings of our beloved times square."

She walked up to Yukari.

"Hello, how are you doing tonight?"

"I, uh... fine."

"Tell me, how are you enjoying this evening here at times square?"

"Well, I just got here, so..."

"I see. So you are a foreigner?"

"Yes. My name is Yukari Yakumo."

"Is that a Japanese name? Are you from Japan?"

"We,, I used to. But not in a while."

"So where are you from."

"Gensokyo."

"Gensokyo?!"

As soon as she said that, everyone stopped and was headed in Yukari's directions. "You're from Gensokyo?" "How did you get here?" "No wonder she's a hottie!" "I can't believe it!"

The reporter got closer.

"Tell me, how is it you came here from Gensokyo? Very few ever come or go there! Tell me about it! What's it like?! Is it pretty like in the stories?!"

"Well, I am a youkai-"

"A youkai?!"

"Hold on, I'm not a flesh-eating youkai, I'm safe."

"Wow, what can you do?"

"Well... give me some space and I'll show you."

Yukari got her space. Moments later, she summoned a gap. She fell inside the gap, created a gap right above hers and landed again. There were many people looking in awe.

"Whoa, did you see that?" "It's like a real life portal game!" "I bet that's how she got here."

The reporter spoke to her. "Is that indeed how you got here?"

"Yes, it is."

"So what brings you here?"

"Well, I figured that someone in the Outside world-"

"New York, honey. Specifically Times Square."

"Ah, right. Anyways, I was hoping that someone could translate this." Yukari said, holding up the book.

"Oh, that's all greek to me. However, this is all airing live to many televisions around New York. So listen up, faithful watchers, we have a desperate youkai in need of a translator, so if anyone has any idea how to help her out, call 1-800-York-News. That's 1-800-York-News. Or email us at NewYorkNews@Yorkers.com. Thank you and good night!"

The camera man lifted his hand. "Aaaaand cut."

"Alright, Yukari, tell you what. You can crash at my place for the night. There should be at least one reply by the morning. I just have to get my things from work. And get praised for helping out a youkai from Gensokyo. Follow me. I'll take you there. My co-workers are real nice guys."

Weaving through the crowd, Yukari followed the reporter and the camera man, who was recording some footage of New York in action. After some time, they arrived at the New York News station. There, they were greeted by many workers there.

"Heeeey, there she is, the lady of the hour!" "And guess who's with her!" "She's alot cooler in person!"

"Hey, guys! Look who I brought, Yukari Yumuko in the flesh!"

"Uh, it's Yakumo."

"Oh, right, sorry."

The director came from the control booth.

"Great job, Sharlene! Only ten minutes we already have over fifty posts regarding the youkai!"

"So doe that mean I get a raise, hm?"

"Don't push you're luck. But I'll tell you what: for this week only, I'm doubling your earns."

"Woohoo, living in paradise tonight!"

Yukari spoke up. "But is there any responses with the answer?"

"I'm sorry, honey, but the station is closed for the night. But tell ya what: I'll check that first thing in the morning, alright?"

"That would suffice, yes."

"Look at that, shes a true lady! Sure wish my daughter had manners like yours! Hahahaha!"

After grabbing her things, Sharlene left the station.

"Gee, they sure love you, don't they?"

"Yes, but I don't see why they should."

"Ah well, enough with that. Let's grab some lunch and hit the road! Whaddya like?"

"Hmm... well, anything would be nice really."

"Great, then for celebration, we hit Carrabbas!"


Any Suggestions? Comments? Leave them hanging and I'll get to them. Accepting private messaging. Next issue comes out later or tomorrow.
Major Mario

Major Mario

Banned

Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 805

06/29/2013, 04:46 AM #15
I'm tired and reading part 4 was not a good idea before going off to work. Thankfully, it made me think. Unless you've got some reasoning hidden in your sleeve for Patchouli dying, I find it to be... illogical. Yes, illogical, and here this is a story in the Touhou universe. I've always seen the librarian as ill, yes, but seeing her ultimately succumb to them? Could be possible, but with Remilia around, I think otherwise. Certainly the vampire would try to do everything in her power to keep her one and only friend for a hundred+ years alive a little while longer. Manipulation of fate, sending for medicine... giving the 'gift' of vampirism to Patchouli...

Besides, every character death should be treated as, well, a big deal. In a realm where the named characters face death and destruction yet hardly perish, a death should come as a shock.
Last edited by Major Mario; 06/29/2013, 10:32 AM.
bookdragon2000

bookdragon2000

Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 405

06/29/2013, 07:29 AM #16
yukari was rather...emotionless, considering that she is used to the world as it was a thousand years ago, she didnt even inquire about all the machines and what they are for, she knew about microphones television etc...

How many times can you die a day~?
How many times have you died a day~?

wonderweiss

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 6777

07/04/2013, 02:21 AM #17
Alright guys, I've been too busy to post anything, therefore I shall post one part today and FOUR parts tomorrow.

@ MajorMario
There is a reason for everything. It's all part of the bigger picture. You of all people should know that, being the writer you are.

@ Bookdragon2000
Ya got me. I was never good at feelings. But know that she is overcome by nostalgia and confusion. What is there to explain? (Don't answer that. I'm pretty sure you have an explanation.) Btw, remember they have Nitori.


Part 5: Is This What The World Has Evolved To?



Yukari looked around the restaurant. She was amazed by how everything was so... fancy! The shining floors, the amazing scent, the many people... it was fascinating!

"Pretty fancy, huh?" Sharlene said. "I'm putting a lot of money into this, but hey, it's worth it!" She said with a smile. A lady in a uniform came around.

"Hello, welcome to Carra- oh hey Sharlene! How are you doing?"

"Meh, ya know, goin round the streets, drunks hootin and hollerin, finding youkai, ya know. The unusual."

"Is that so? Then you must be... um... I know it, just..." the lady was snapping her fingers to remember.

Yukari spoke up. "It's, uh, Yukari Yakumo."

"Right! Well, I'm Megan. So, Sharlene, will it be the booth?"

"Nah, feeling fancy tonight, I'm gonna sit at a table."

Megan gave Sharlene a funny look.

"Ah, ya got me. Yea, I want the booth. Sometimes, you know me too well."

"Yea. So, in, like, half an hour I'm free for the day. Wanna, ya know, party later?"

"You know it! Just don't sleep over. We have a special guest, anyways."

"Got it. Well, let me take you to your seat."

Megan placed them in a nearby booth close to a window.

"So, Yukari, how are you liking New York?"

"It's... I mean, it's like looking into Nitori's workshop."

"Lemme guess, another youkai?"

"A kappa."

"Hoo boy, you're lucky I watch anime. Otherwise I would have no idea what you were talking about.

A tall man came out.

"Hey, babe."

"Hey, honey."

They exchanged a kiss.

"So, special occasion?"

"Yup. This is Yukari, Yukari, this is Mike."

"Oh hey, Yukari I'm Sharlene's boyfriend."

Mike handed them a menu.

"Alright, I got some business to take care of, I'll be right back."

"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."

Mike left. The two began looking through the menu. To Yukari, everything seemed different, but not completely. The food in Gensokyo was also fancy, especially in the SDM. But the thought of the SDM reminded her of Patchouli. She shook her head to forget.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Yukari snapped back to reality. "Wha, uh, yea, I'm fine..."

"Come on, what's goin on? You can tell Sharlene."

"I'd... rather not talk about it..."

"... I see. Well... hey, the food looks great! Have you decided yet? P.S, I recommend the chicken parm."

"Uh, yes, I'll have that."

Soon after, Mike had returned. "So, you two made a decision yet?"

"Yea, we're having chicken parm."

"You and that chicken parm, I swear. You're gonna convince the whole world to eat it."

"Oh, c'mon, you know you love it."

"Yea, yea."

Mike left with the menus and came back with silverware.

"Oh, and hon, ya might wanna introduce her to the outside world. I heard that when she got here she looked more confused than a deer in headlights."

"Don't worry, I got this, you just relax."

Mike left once more. Sharlene decided to kick up a conversation.

"So, Yukari, ya got any pets?"

"Well, yes and no, see, I have two shinigami named Ran and Yakumo, and they look like cats."

"Umm..."

"Here, I'll show you a picture."

Yukari then opened a gap to grab a bunch of pictures from her room. She pulled back and showed the obtained pictures to Sharlene.

"Oh, wow, they are cute!"

"Yea, I know. Ran does the chores and, well, Chen... Not sure yet. But she's Ran's shinigami, therefore her problem."

"Ah. I have a dog. Doesn't do much. But he's so damn cute!"

"I hope I get to meet it soon."

"Oh, you will. Trust me."

The chicken parm had finally been made and was put on the table. The two had eaten the chicken parm without saying another word. After they were done, they placed the money on the desk and went back to the entrance where Megan was. She had switched out of uniform.

"Alright, are you ready?" Sharlene asked.

"Almost. We got one more."

"Who?"

Mike came out also switched out of uniform. "What, you're not even going to invite your boyfriend?"

"Off early?"

"Luckily."

Yukari, who had been standing by, thinking to herself.

... how? Patchouli is a very good witch. She should have cured herself of any sicknesses. The only thing that could kill her is an elaborately made poison, and no one should have it out for her. For Kanako's sake, you can't even find 'Patchouli' and 'goes outside' in the same sentence unless 'doesn't is in the middle. What's going on?

"Hey, Yukari, You still dreading?"

"Oh, don't mind me. So where is your house?"

"House? I wish. But I do own an apartment. It's not too shabby."

The group then walked on to the apartment.








































Meanwhile, in an unknown location...
Man 1: So, did you do as I said?

Man 2: Yes. The effects were very... promising...

Man 1: Good. The master will be much appeased.

Man 3: And that I am.

Man 1 & 2: Master!

Man 2: I did it. I eliminated the little librarian.

Man 3: Excellent.

Man 1: But I must ask. Why her? Why not the scarlet devil?

Man 3: Are you all idiots? We'll need to disable her, make her weak.

Man 2: Weak? For what? You do have the power to eliminate her straight up.

Man 3: I'm not trying to eliminate her.

Man 2: Then what, master?

Man 3: I'm trying to break her down; to cripple her emotions.

Man 2: If you wanted that, you could have simply eliminated the maid.

Man 1: Yea, she's like a babysitter to the little vampire.

Man 3: No. Doing it too quickly would tear her apart. We need to take things little by little.

Man 2: But why preserve her?!

Man 3: Do not raise your voice!

Man 2: ... right. I was out of line. You obviously have a plan. I'm sorry for speaking out.

Man 3: ... Very well. Now stand by. I'm going to find your next target.

Man 1 & 2: Understood.

Man 3: ... they're gone. Hmph. They are quite something. After all, they are...

my creations.


Alright guys, I am sorry I am really late, like I said, I've been busy. But I'm back. And know that if anyone thought I wasn't posting because the last two posts may have broken my passion... well, they did have an impact. But I always come back. Like Major said once, I'm a proud bastard. I can have half the world scream no at me and I would still be posting because I want to entertain the other half.

Oh, and Major/Bookdragon, I'm not saying that your posts were meant to be disheartening, I'm just saying that I took it negatively. I'm a pessimist. Don't misunderstand like I may or may not have.

So, if yo want, leave a comment, suggestion, or PM and I will get to it. I will try to post as many as I can. I will be at full speed for as long as my brother does not have the computer.
Major Mario

Major Mario

Banned

Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 805

07/04/2013, 12:10 PM #18
Hmm... So I see... It's not always a good idea to take posts negatively, but then again, sometimes that spurs better action. Sometimes when I read reviews on my stories, I chuckle and mutter, 'Just you wait and see'. Seeing as you plan to continue, I want to offer a bit of advice: Write for yourself! You have no obligations towards any of us. You have a story that you want written down, but showing it to the world is number two on your list. Making sure that it feels right for you is the best thing.

wonderweiss

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 6777

07/05/2013, 04:32 PM #19
Part 6: Meanwhile...



In the outside world, Yukari was looking on at the many marvels of what used to be a simple place. However, does that mean that everything is going alright in Gensokyo?

Back in Gensokyo, many were astir about the witch's death. Reimu Hakurei, on the other hand, sat at the edge of her porch with a cup of tea, not giving a worry in the world. Soon came Marisa, a magician and a good friend of Reimu's. She stood in front of Reimu.

"... please tell me you're blocking the sun for a good reason?"

"You bet I have a good reason, ze! Didn't you hear?"

"Hear what? I don't really hear much of anything from up here." She took a sip of her tea.

"Well since you obviously don't know, I'll tell you." Marisa said as she got close to Reimu. "Patchouli died!"

Reimu swallowed her tea hard, making her choke on the heat of the tea.

"*cough cough*... what are you saying?"

"It's true, ze. I talked to Sakuya and she says that it was a strange disease that got her."

"But Patchouli's a witch. She could easily have found a cure. And even if she didn't know what the disease was, it would be as easy as getting one of her books to look for the disease. She has a copy of practically every book ever made, after all. Something isn't right here."

"And you're right about that. It couldn't be a disease. Do you think it was poisoning?"

"Of course not. No one has it out for her. For pete's sake, she doesn't even go out. Either it is some other case or... someone was trying to sabotage the SDM."

"So, do you think-"

"*sigh* yup... an incident."

"Finally, it's been getting so boring around here!"

"Yea. With all this silence, that may as well be an incident itself."

"Alright, ze! So first we find out how Patchouli died, then if it turns out she was assassinated, we beat the crap out of her assailant!"

"Calm down, it's not like she was murdered with a knife."

The two head off towards the mansion, the skies gray as ever. Many believe it to be a heavy rain to come.

Unfortunately it was the middle of autumn.


Alright guys, leave a comment, suggestion, criteria, or PM and I will get to it. Next issue comes out later.

wonderweiss

Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 6777

07/05/2013, 10:05 PM #20
Part 7: An Incident



The duo land at the gate of the grand mansion, home to the vampire Remilia Scarlet. They had been here before during the red mist incident caused by Remilia. It was still as big as ever. Nearby, Meiling was sleeping against a wall. She then shot up.

"Wha?! Who goes?!"

"Relax, it's just us." Reimu replied.

"What are you here for? Are you going after the mistress again? You wish! I'll beat you down this time, and you'll be sorry you beat me the last time!"

"Geez, tell someone to relax and all of a sudden a squirrel runs up their pants... no, we're not here to fight her. We're just going to ask her some questions regarding some... recent activity."

"If you're talking about what I think you're talking about, then you might as well leave."

Marisa stepped up to her. "Oh yea? And why should we do that, ze?"

"Because, as you should know, Patchouli was a good friend of Remilia's, and knowing that she died, the mistress is quite devastated. She lost her spirit. But she's also devastated about something else. I dunno. Maybe you two can figure it out. But I highly doubt she'll talk to you. Especially if you are going to talk about Patchouli. But hell, I guess I can let you two pass for today. But you better fix things, 'cuz if ya screw this up, you'll be locked out on her command."

Meiling opened the gate. The two walked through the garden to the entrance where Sakuya awaited them.

"Good afternoon, shrine maiden and magician."

"Quit being so formal. We came to see Remilia. I'm aware of her situation, Meiling told us."

"I see. I'll escort you to Voile."

"Why Voile?"

"Because that is where she is. She's... going through the memorabilia."

"Ah, I see. Very well then."

Sakuya motioned the two to follow her. They silently winded through the corridors and finally reached Voile, the grand library. At the center, Remilia was looking through a book. She rose her head.

"I've been expecting you..." She said as she turned around.

"...Shrine maiden."


Alright, here's the deal. Until I pay off my debt of issues, I'll be posting two stories a day. I've only got three more days of that. Leave a comment, suggestion, criteria, or PM, and I'll get to it. Next issue comes out tomorrow.