Scene #1499: Wonderland Whirlwind Tour

Owner	Pose
Artyom W. Valodjn	Not long ago, Artyom found himself wandering into the mysterious land of Gensokyo. There, he watched a play, made connections, and purchased some really awesome liquor. Since then, he's been laying plans for a return visit, partially because that is seriously some great booze, you guys, but also because it's in his nature to explore new lands and civilizations. And what better way to do so than to arrange an Alexander Academy field trip!? At the foot of the great Youkai Mountain, where the road twists upward from the Human village and leads veers off of towards the forbidding peaks above, Artyom waits for the others to arrive. He's in his travelling leathers today-- who knows what dangers await in the forests and mountains of Gensokyo!? Fortunately, the weather is pleasant and sunny, despite the chill, winter wind that blows over the foothills. This is the other reason Artyom is in travelling clothes. But is sightseeing the only reason he's come here? Is this all in the name of self-education, or is there something more!? (It got Souji to loosen up. That's basically a miracle, right there.)
Kyra Hyral	As far as Kyra is concerned, sightseeing is the only reason she's here. The only thing she actually knows about Gensokyo is that Lute really wanted to visit and hit on its women. Not exactly the most glowing of endorsements but Kyra remains undeterred. Naturally, she's pretty curious about this place since it's a world she's yet to visit and visiting new worlds was ALWAYS fun! Artyom is also pretty cool. Kyra arrives, strangely enough, on her own. She's ditched any semblence of her school uniform in exchange for the outfit made by Tomoyo-which means pants, a belt, and a vastly improved hoodie. She wasn't entirely sure what kind of loadout to prepare for the trip so she mostly went with healing potions and a small amount of napalm. "Hey Frank." she greets, her hands stuffed in her pockets as she saunters up to the tall, tall Titan.
Sanae Kochiya	Fortunately, life in this realm is fairly serene in between the punctuating periods of distress. Certainly, there are pockets of turmoil here and there on a daily basis, but for the most part, Artyom has decided to visit during a relative lull; where normal things, like mysterious plays, can happen without incident. The worst that is likely to befall a traveller right now, epecially in the sunlit hours, is to be lead astray from the beaten path by fairies or friendlier spirits, and your lunch money lifted. Just be careful after dark... Having been made aware of the awaited return visit, Sanae Kochiya is in the last stretch of making her way down the mountain. As she wasn't in a hurry today, she's opted to walk the distance on foot rather than fly. It might help any other guests feel more at ease if they don't see a girl landing in their midst, whipped by a localized tornado. She's actually not dressed in her usual, ceremonial garb today, opting instead for a just-off-modern jacket and knee-length skirt, with tights and short boots. It's still chilly, you know! Besides, if it's just entertaining guests instead of punishing wicked monsters, she doesn't really need it. Coming more into ear shot, she gives a wave of a hand, partially covered by the sleeve of her jacket, before calling out with unashamed enthusiasm, "I see you were able to find your way here!" Congratulations, you've just passed Gensokyo Navigation 101 -- it's not as cut and dried as you might think. Stepping up, she regards Artyom with a smile, before giving a gracious bow at the waist, making the contrast between their height momentarily even more extreme, and then raises and does the same to Kyra. Same smile, but just a momentary once over. "Are you a friend of Mister Valodjin," she wonders, more as a matter of course than genuine curiosity, since of course she must be.
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	A sudden poof of white smoke appears right next to Sanae, and once the smoke fades, a familiar grinning face can be seen floating in the air beside the undoubtedly surprised shrine maiden. Mamizou hovers a few feet above the ground, cross-legged and dressed in her somewhat more bundled winter clothes and red scarf. Her leaf-like hat is cocked on her head, too, and she takes a minute to adjust it a little before she folds her arms over her chest and looks over the assembled group. Her heavy, fluffy tail dangles beneath her, swinging cheerfully from side to side. "Ah, good to see you again, Mister Valodjn!" The tanuki grins, lifting her hat to the towering man in a brief greeting before her attention turns to Kyra next. "And I see you've brought a friend today, too. Welcome to Gensokyo, miss! I am Mamizou Futatsuiwa, at your service today." She flashes a cheerful smile to Kyra, then gives Sanae a brief, good-natured slap on the back, clearly . "Good to have you with us, too, Miss Kochiya! I was hoping we'd run into you soon. I'm sure your dear friend would be gravely disappointed not to see one of the greatest sights of Gensokyo, after all."
Artyom W. Valodjn	"Miss Hyral," Artyom inclines his head down at Kyra when she arrives. He dips his head in a slight bow, "I'm glad you could come. I believe we might have a... few more?" He makes a curious noise, eyes scanning the horizon- and the village not so far away. He does wish more of his schoolmates were more enthusiastic about the prospect of visiting strange new worlds. But then, he supposes that they've all got their own dungeons to crawl. Maybe if he finds a dungeon here? Hm. They probably don't really have one of those just lying around, though. All the good dungeons are found deep underground, or underneath some kind of ancient burial mound or something like that. His reverie is interrupted by another arrival! The titanic Titan turns toward Sanae as she calls out, a smile brightening his expression. "Miss Kochiya," Artyom reciprocates her bow- though it doesn't do much for the tremendous difference in height, "It's good to see you again." He gestures a hand toward the Ramuhan girl. "This is Kyra Hyral," he explains, "A classmate of mine from Alexander Academy, and a friend of the family." ...Via Souji, maybe. But still. "Have you been well lately? It has been a wh-" POOF! Another arrival! Artyom blinks warily at the sudden explosion of smoke, but is rather relieved to see that it's Mamizou, and not some kind of horrible Youkai Smoke-Monster or something. "Miss Futatsuiwa. Good day--" Artyom is suddenly seized by a coughing fit! It's the smoke, clearly! Yes, just the smoke. He waves a hand over his face, scattering smoke that is clearly no longer there. "Ah. Er," he stammers only just a little bit, "I'm... not sure what you mean?"
Kyra Hyral	"I hope we do." Kyra says, peering up at Frank, "I haven't seen anyone else on the way, though. The Prince and Dominic have been quiet all evening..so has Soan. And Kamon." It seems the white mage has no problems walking around alone though-it's not like she's /defenseless/. RANDOM ENCOUNTERS STRIKE AT ANY TIME! "So what is so special about this p-" she starts, only to stop abruptly when Sanae arrives to greet them. She looks the girl over, noting the clothing with some interest. "A friend. Um. Yes, we are friends." Though in Kyra's book she'd put them more like acquaintences. Artyom was Souji's friend. Kyra and Souji were less then friends. Kyra tries to keep a straight face when Artyom calls her a 'friend of the family' as she clearly believes herself to be anything but. But she loses her poker face ANYWAY when the tanuki appears so suddenly, causing the white mage to jump a little. "Gah! Um. Hello! Um. Greatest sight of Gensokyo...?"
Sanae Kochiya	Fortunately, shrine maidens are immune to flattery. Or, is it that Sanae has her head in the clouds just far enough to not quite catch Mamizou's game? Regardless, she gives just the lightest and subtly visible start to the bespectacled lady's sudden arrival. Just how long had she been tailing them, anyhow? "Ah, Miss Futatsuiwa," she responds, giving a slightly more familiar bow than she had dispensed to their two otherworld visitors. Seems most here aren't big into first name basis. "I guess it would hardly be a proper tour without the guide!" Her puzzled look to the round-about compliment doesn't last long, though her slightly uncomfortable smile in response hints that she has at least some notion. Sensing similar but subdued tension from Artyom, she leans toward one of Mamizou's fluffy ears and says just under her breath, "Miss Futatsuiwa, please refrain from embarassing our guests..overmuch." It's framed in her voice as a kind request, rather than a priestess' demand, and one might question whether it's just as much for her own sake for the day and evening. There's also the partial qualifier, because one cannot really change a tanuki's nature. Assuming her previous upright posture, she smiles pointedly at Kyra's continued wondering on that point, the kind of mask-like smile that suggests that train of thought is possibly better left unexplored. Soon, it melts into her more warm and genuine expression, and for the sake of recap and introduction to Kyra, she begins, "My name is Sanae Kochiya, a priestess at the Moriya Shrine further up the mountain. This is Youkai Mountain, particularly, named for the creatures that call it home, most notably the tengu and kappa, that normally don't take kindly to visitors. Don't worry, though - they don't usually bother you as long as you don't try to climb up farther than our shrine." That also seems to suggest where they might be going next, but it's ultimately Mamizou's call. To Kyra's question about the specialness, though, once her opening spiel is concluded, she places a fingertip at the corner of her mouth thoughtfully. It's rather hard to answer without knowing their visitors' own circumstances, but she can certainly answer from her own experiences from the relatively 'normal' modern world she grew up in. "You know the scientific proposition that if enough time passes, anything will happen, even the statistically impossible? It feels like that effect is accelerated here. You won't believe the kind of eccentric things that happen!"
Tenshi Hinanai	"Why would you wanna go to a stuffy old shrine, anyway?" HARK, FROM ABOVE, A SNARKY VOICE DOTH BREAK. It belongs to a blue-haired, red-eyed girl draped over one of the mountain's larger boulders, her chin propped up on one hand. The other holds a piece of reddish-pink sidewalk chalk--no doubt the source of all the doodles on the stone around her, "Nothing there but old ladies anyway." She pushes herself up and then swings around to dangle her legs off the edge of the boulder instead, "If you wanna have fun you gotta visit the tengu city. They get super mad and chase you around!" Leaning forward, excitement all over her face, Tenshi says, "It's totally fun! You gotta try it!"
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Hyral," Mamizou offers, looking toward the girl again with a welcoming smile. "Well, you'll have no need to worry about anything here. Your wonderful guide Mamizou will see to every one of your needs today!" Her tail floofs and twirls behind her before she looks toward Artyom again, at which point her grin turns more mischievous than welcoming. She's about to say something, but Sanae's pointed whisper reaches her just before she can manage anything /too/ embarrassing. Mamizou just offers a subtle whisper in return. "Maybe with just a /little/ more funding once we reach the top...?" With that done, she straightens up again and claps her hands together, beaming toward Gensokyo's guests once more. "Ah, in any case! Yes, Miss Kochiya is quite right. We'll just be sauntering up the path to the shrine, and the tengu and kappa certainly won't mind a single bit. Especially not if you're with us; our dear Kochiya has quite the fierce reputation on the mountain, I assure you. Just as long as you don't mind a brisk walk, I believe we can-" Before she can finish, however, Tenshi's suddenly made her appearance right nearby. Mamizou blinks, then cants her head back to look up at the blue-haired girl. Her expression becomes notably less cheery for a moment. "Ah, Miss Hinanai. I wasn't expecting to see you down here. If you don't mind, I think we'll be avoiding a raid on the tengu city today. If you really want, you can do so when /you're/ the one leading the tour. I have a business image to maintain!"
Artyom W. Valodjn	In Artyom's defense, he does seem to cling perhaps overmuch to the... better days. Sometimes it feels like he's the only one who really remembers how things used to be. Perhaps it's just in his Titanic nature to reflect on the past. But any history Artyom might have with the Hyral family has no place for discussion here in Gensokyo! Not right now, anyway. Now is tour time. After recovering from what was almost certainly the lingering after-effects of Mamizou's Smoke Cloud, Artyom seems to find his way back to his usual, calm self. Though if you listen closely, you might hear him whisper thanks to some distant god under his breath as the tension largely clears. "I see," Artyom says, rubbing at his chin, "So you're saying that... Given enough time, anything that can happen here will almost certainly happen here?" That could explain the more... inexplicable happenings about this place, yes. He nods to Mamizou. Some relatively more reckless and gung-ho part of him kind of wants to see what would happen if they stirred up a Tengu nest, but its influence is outweighed by the far more reasonable presence of quite literally all the rest of the Titan's psyche. "Indeed?" He asks, looking to Sanae for confirmation, "A fierce reputation, you say?" And then... /THE UNEXPECTED!?/ Artyom turns to the source of that tremendously snarky voice. His head cants to one side, "Ah. But Miss Kochiya lives there, does she not? She is certainly not an old lady." He glances to Sanae, then back to the Mysterious Blue Haired Girl, "I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met. I am Artyom-- And I... Am uncertain that an insertion into the Tengu City is in the cards for today. Though I would like to see the summit of this mountain, someday."
Kyra Hyral	"...um, actually, I've never heard of this theory before. This, um, given enough time that anything can happen theory. What with the statistically impossible stuff. But...I will keep an open mind." Then again, it could be culture shock on Kyra's part. There are definitely different thresholds between here and Galianda on what is statstically impossible. All the reason she's come here to see this place, after all. She looks up at the blue-haired girl lazing above that suggests they go aggro tengu for some 'fun'. "You...kind of remind me of someone I know." Helena. That's not a good thing and she tries to not let it show on her face, mostly succeeding. "I'm going to agree with Frank, let's not bother the tengu today. A tour of places where we wouldn't get /immediately/ attacked by the angry locals is preferred." Kyra gives her hosts a double thumbs up on that point.
Sanae Kochiya	She certainly isn't an old woman! She's not any, or much, older than Artyom or Kyra, in fact, though most would concur that time in Gensokyo is a bit of a fluid concept, going back to her earlier words about the impossible happening. Such heady concepts probably aren't for the here and now, though, since they're here to have fun! To what she'll take from Mamizou as a rugged compliment, she does feel the need to explain, seeming a bit sheepish suddenly, "When we first arrived here in Gensokyo, I was trying really hard, and didn't really understand the lay of the land yet. I have a sort of reputation built from those days." It's the nicest way she can think of to put the Moriya shrine's failed faith takeover. It's probably not at all interesting to outsiders, anyway, and she even makes a dismissive gesture of a hand, to indicate as much. Tenshi calls attention to herself, just about then, and the shrine maiden's eyes pivot sharply to her in a way that reveals there's quick reflexes somewhere under there. Fortunately, she's in a great mood with this visit ongoing, and aside from horrible graffiti like some kind of counterculture kappa hoodlum, she's behaved herself so far - even indirectly over the radio app on Sanae's phone. With that in mind, there's a quick softening of her expression, though a somewhat expasperated breath of air. "No, we definitely are not stirring up trouble like that," she states perfectly clearly, as opposed to some of the softer-toned refusals going on around her. "If you want to be on the tengu paparazzi's bad side, it is your own business!" The rebuke about the interloper's claim that the Moriya Shrine is stuffy is more of a deflection, as she responds cheerfully, turning to Artyom and Kyra in particular, "I think it's better left for our guests to make up their own minds. There's certainly a lot to see, but I'm proud of our shrine and work hard to keep the grounds tidy and organised. Thanks to the influence of Miss Kanako and Miss Suwako, the frogs are always singing and the snakes protect the grounds." Sure hope noone is afraid of either of those things. Then she glances back to Tenshi, "You're welcome to come, too! It'll certainly be more productive and fun than drawing things on the mountain."
Tenshi Hinanai	"Oh yeah," Tenshi kicks her feet up and then throws herself off the boulder. Through the power of flying, she sails much slower and at a longer arc than she has any right to, with a dainty landing on rugged hiking boots that don't at all suit the elegant blue dress and frilly sleeves she's wearing, "When she showed up she wanted to be just like the other shrine maiden, who seems really lazy and boring until you mess with her stuff and then she gets real fun." A glance towards Sanae, "You're better when you act as yourself, rather than as others. So this is fine." The chalk is glances at, then tossed over her shoulder, "The box says it cleans up in the rain, so it'll be gone in no time." Like 'when somebody provokes Tenshi into a fight'. In response to Mamizou's objections, the angel shrugs, "You got a respectable business in tours an' stuff, right? Tours should be exciting, but if you're gonna be like that, I guess I'm out-voted on 'Plan: Murder of Tengu Harassment'." While one hand lowers from her shrug, the other finds its place on her hip while red eyes examine Artyom and Kyra under the brim of her hat, "Keep in mind though, Gensokyo's a dangerous place. If you didn't have primo youkai and shrine maidens and the greates tennyo that ever lived with you, you'd probably die or something. So--" Tenshi's face tilts up in pride, eyes closed, "Be thankful, an' stuff!"
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	Mamizou just quietly grins as Sanae explains her 'reputation', as it were. It seems she's just determined to make the poor shrine maiden flustered whenever they run into each other. But it's true, in a way: Sanae's proven herself to be on par with the likes of Marisa and Reimu since her arrival, and Mamizou would be the last to claim that she's anything less than a force to be reckoned with. She just might note that she herself would be willing and able to do the reckoning if it came to it. Tenshi, however, gets a quiet, arm-crossing sigh from the tanuki as she flutters down to the ground. Her hand lifts in a brief gesture to Kyra and Artyom, though, before she responds. "Tours are tailored to the client, in some regard, and my own reputation, for the rest. It just so happens that our current guests are paying for something a little more /relaxed/ today. I'm sure you'll settle into some proper business techniques when you're older, dear." And back that gleaming smile goes to the guests in question. "In any case, let's not tarry much longer! We've got quite the climb ahead of us, even if Moriya Shrine isn't right at the peak, and we wouldn't want to be wandering around at night. Come come, it's just this way." Mamizou starts floating backwards at a walking pace, then, leading the group off toward the path up the mountain and the start of their tour up to the shrine. Whether things are going to stay civil is anyone's guess by now.
Artyom W. Valodjn	They do not have many frogs on Titan. Those things tend to need some kind of body of water to hang out in, and the First Mountain doesn't exactly have too many of those just lying around. Snakes, however, are relatively more common. Especially Drill Rattlers, which can be all kinds of annoying when you're trying to set up a new mine shaft. These snakes are not those snakes, however. Artyom has never had trouble with a snake that didn't have the bizarre ability to tunnel effortlessly through dirst and stone. "Ah, you're an immigrant as well?" Artyom asks, smiling. He clearly doesn't know too much about Gensokyo's history- which is only reasonable. After all, neither he nor Kyra are really from anywhere around here. "I see- yes, it's vital that we establish ourselves as... Good guests, for our first visit. After people are comfortable with our presence, I think we may then pursue more dangerous avenues of adventure." He glances between Kyra and Tenshi, then, and... Nods. "Only a little bit, yes," it's in the casual mischeviousness, he supposes. Though Artyom has confidence that there is only ever going to be a single Helena in all the worlds, so meeting another one is probably unlikely! With a slight shrug, Artyom shifts the enormous mass of stone he calls a sword across his back and lightly tightens the buckles keeping its harness fastened to his shoulders. "Miss Mamizou is correct, however. We should probably get moving. I would very much like to see this shrine in time for twilight. Sunset in the mountains is almost as magnificent as dawn, after all."
Kyra Hyral	Frogs and snakes doesn't illicit any sort of reaction from Kyra-no phobias here on those creatures, at least! "I can't say I know terribly much about your geography or famous places here." Kyra says sheepishly, "So I'm not sure what kind of recommendations to make. Except...well. A hot spring. I've always wanted to go to a /real/ hot spring." Squinting up at Tenshi, Kyra seems largely NONPLUSSED. She folds her arms over her chest and looks up at her. "Really? Why do you say that? Do you have roaming monsters or something? Because Artyom and I know how to deal with roaming monsters." She turns from Tenshi and moves to follow Mamizou and Sanae. Without looking back, she waves a dismissive hand behind her. "Very much like her, I'd say. I...know her." There's the faintest bit of hauntedness in her voice.
Sanae Kochiya	There's a light rubbing at the back of Sanae's neck, as she resumes looking a bit uncomfortable about that even more gung-ho part of her history. But, it all worked out in the end, and she's made a lot of great friends, so she doesn't dwell on it much. At least in this area, she and Tenshi are in agreement, "Yes, it's much better now. Since I know I don't have to impress everyone!" Though she certainly remains busy, thanks to Kanako's schemes, and those bursts of activity anyone that lives in Gensokyo for long knows about. While it's obvious she's holding back, at least she's honest and forthright with what she does reveal. Speaking of revelations, when Artyom correctly comes to the conclusion from her words that she, herself, is not a native, she gives a nod of her head. "I came here a few years ago, along with the shrine. ..hmm, was it a few years ago? It was a little scary at first to leave my old life behind, but I made the right choice! I had friends in the world outside, but I never really felt I 'knew' any of them." She gets a slightly distant look in her eyes for a moment, but she doesn't really look sad at this, instead there's a resolve to her tone and expression, "Here I've been able to make true friendships, with the most unlikely of people. It's great!" That also goes a good measure to explaining further what's so special about this place. As she gives a smile and a nod to Mamizou, she moves to follow as a part of the group, though perhaps staying a few paces ahead, since this is a trail she's walked - and flown over - many times. Hardly a stone would go misplaced or scribbled over without her noticing by now. "Well, Youkai Mountain is probably one of the major hubs, despite the isolation," she figures, as they pace along, "Since you can see it from anywhere. That's probably why Miss Kanako chose to place it there, since it's centrally located. She's really good with her business sense. The village where most of the people live is probably the safest and one of the more lively places. Hmm.. There's also a lot of other places that aren't as easy to travel to! Like where this girl lives." She doesn't indicate Tenshi physically, but it's pretty obvious whom she's talking about. Obviously, Tenshi lives in a dungeon.
Tenshi Hinanai	"Fiiiiine," Tenshi throws her arms up and folds her hands behind her head, eyes closed as she hops down from her new perch and falls in at the end of the hiking train, "But if they're only going to the Shrine, they'll never get to Heaven. I guess that's okay with me." Shoulders lifting, then dropping, she adds, "Some folks like frogs." One eye opens towards Kyra and Artyom in particular, and she finally introduces herself, "Hinanai Tenshi, by the way. I'm the angel that descends from heaven to test the hearts of heroes." Eye closing, she adds, "Or whenever I'm bored. It kinda sucks up there." At the end of Sanae's explenation about the mountain, Tenshi adds on to it, "It's a big hub 'cuz the river comes from it, it's near the middle, an' the tengu live there and do all those trashy newspapers nobody likes. Not 'cuz it's easy to get to." Her arms lower, though, and the tennyo kicks up and floats closer to Kyra before settling down again. She leans forward, arms folded behind her back, "Hot spring, right? There's one near the entrance to the old Hell. I go there sometimes, 'cuz the shinigami don't like going there." A crimson eye winks, "I'll show ya later."
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	"Oh, how fortunate!" Mamizou beams at Kyra as they proceed onward. "We /do/ have some excellent hot springs in the area. Summoned by a sweet little hell raven who swallowed a sun god. Mostly a /geyser/, really, but there are some springs around the area that are absolutely remarkable. The heat comes right from Hell, after all!" How she says all that so cheerfully is baffling. "Ah, but that would be another trip; one dear Miss Hinanai seems willing to offer in the future. There are still some sights to see up on the mountain, but hot springs just so happen to be in another direction." Mamizou gives a nod of her head to the side as they start climbing up the mountain, gesturing toward a strangely dark and gloomy forest that proceeds a short way up the mountainside. It doesn't feel very nice at all, but the tanuki still smiles as she floats and talks. "Aside from the tengu and kappa, we have a lot of gods around the mountain besides Kanako and Suwako, like our dear curse goddess. Hina Kagiyama is her name; quite a sweet lady, always willing to spin your misfortunes away. There are the Aki sisters, too, if you're looking for some good produce to store for the winter months. A little late now, but spring won't be long!" Her attention shifts back to Artyom and Sanae, then, though fortunately not for her usual purposes. "Yes, quite a few of us aren't natives, as I've gathered. I myself only arrived after Miss Kochiya, when a good friend called me over from Sado. But, nonetheless, I've been making a name for myself as time goes on. The only way for a true businesswoman to conduct herself!"
Artyom W. Valodjn	Artyom just sort of... Slow-nods at Kyra. He's not sure what that hollow, far-off gaze is about, but he knows enough not to ask questions about it. He's seen that kind of expression before, and it's never one that leads to good places. Instead he latches onto that other bit of information! Because that is in fact something Artyom is rather interested in. "Ah, yes. Hot springs," he rumbles in agreement as he follows along behind Sanae and Mamizou, "I'd certainly like to visit sometime. I've heard very good things about Japanese Hot Springs." Not all bodies of water are disconcerting to Artyom, only the ones that seem to be without limit. Oceans are big no-nos. "Though I'm not quite sure about the, ah," how exactly does one respond to 'hell ravens swallowing sun gods?' It's hard to even imagine something eating Phoenix, but if a Hell Raven ate a Sun God, then maybe the result would be something /like/ Phoenix? Hm. "What exactly do you mean," he asks, furrowing his brow, "When you say Hell, exactly?" He looks to Sanae, then, as she begins explaining the circumstances of her arrival in Gensokyo. Artyom... nods. "I can understand that," he replies, following along behind the priestess and the Tanuki, "Coming to a new place is always intimidating. But change can be good, yes?" Which is good, since things never do stop changing. "An angel?" Artyom gives Tenshi an... incredulous look. She certainly doesn't look like an angel. From what he's read, those things have, like, four heads and seven wings and ride around in wheels of fire! Artyom may be getting his information from somewhat dated sources, "...I see. So I assume today is a particularly boring day in heaven?"
Kyra Hyral	"Wait, what's a hell raven? We don't have those where we're from." Though the name sounded pretty descriptive on it's own. Hell raven. Demonic bird of some kind, clearly. She follows along and, as she does, she reaches into her hoodie pocket and pulls out her phone. Idilly, she takes pictures of the scenery as they pass, including the upcoming gloomy-feeling forest. Artyom receives absolutely no clarification about the Helena issue. Probably for the best. "Didn't come /prepared/ for hot springs, though, but...I could see it as a school trip." she looks to Artyom, "Then we could get some serious attendance I bet, and thus more traffic for your world." She grins at Mamizou, having sensed her to be a very commerce-minded Tanuki. More traffic would mean more customers! But just then... Kyra has to double-take at Tenshi. "....huh. I guess angels look really different in this world. I thought there'd be like...wings and lights and glowing. Stuff like that. Unless you can shapeshift at will? I've heard stories about that too."
Sanae Kochiya	The walk up the mountain from where the group had formed is quite a hike, with a noteable incline. It's offset somewhat by how well-trodden the road is, though, as this is a major thoroughfare for youkai traffic. It's quite scenic, as well, to help distract from the labor it would place on less athletic legs; the trees becoming slightly more patchy with elevation, allowing glimpses of the mountain itself looming larger than on most of the roads, and curtained with meltwater streams and falls that were practically invisible from further away. Every so often, a small roadside shrine to some minor local god or spirit can be spotted. It's little coincidence that Kanako had chosen such a place steeped in faith to locate. It also helps that, somewhere along the way, they had seemingly lost Tenshi, so a potential source of trouble has fallen by the wayside. She must have gotten distracted, or felt this kind of tour was too square for her liking. While the climb continues, Sanae remains in good spirits. The clear mountain air does wonders for the mood. Enough so that she's even willing to engage about something that's still a bit of a sore spot among some of their neighbors, the topic of that hell raven. "Ah, Miss Utsuho..that is the hell raven's name," she explains. "That was another plan of Miss Kanako's. At least it turned out well, in the end?" While she has had time to mellow from her ruthless youkai-busting early days, the hapless smile she gives to that non-apologetic appraisal betrays she still isn't mired by the political machinery of Gensokyo. Mamizou's other recountings receive enthusiastic nods of approval, "It might seem kind of empty at a glance, especially in this season, but it is actually quite lively up here!" "We actually have a lot of Hells, connected around," she ponders to Artyom's question, tapping the tip of a finger against her chin. "Most just look like a cave from the outside, but are a lot bigger on the inside. I've never been too far into any of them." She then allows herself a little bit of a playful grin, slowing her pace to sidle between Artyom and Kyra, placing her arms behind her back and looking between both of them, "It's kinda neat, isn't it? Gensokyo is the kind of place where you can just trip over that kind of thing, that noone's seen for thousands of years." Usually creating more trouble than it's worth in the process, when whatever was sealed inside or called it home wakes up. After the long trek, the road's steep angle finally seems to be relenting somewhat, and levelling off. It's far from the top of the mountain, but the density of monuments seem to be increasing, and leading up to the shrine they had been journeying to, set against the mountain and framed by dense foliage. Beyond a series of gates and up some steps, apparently carved into the rock, the singing of frogs curiously out of season rings out, and tall pillars seemingly thrust out of the Earth itself rise seemingly chaotically - and yet there seems to be some intent to their presence. The shrine itself isn't visible just yet, but the fork in the road here is certain.
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	Mamizou, of course, continues to be a cheat. While her fellows walk up the mountain path with the stoic determination of youth, the bake-danuki instead floats above the ground, sometimes in a lazy backward recline, sometimes in a position as if she were seated on an invisible stool, always with that massively floofy tail dangling and swaying with perky relaxation. All the while, however, she remains perfectly attentive to those she's put herself in a position of guiding today, ears perked and eyes glistening to be ready to snatch up any sort of opportunity to do her job. And the mention of Hell is just such an opportunity! "Ah, well, when we refer to Hell, we mostly mean the Old Hell, which the Yama ended up abandoning after a while due to...inefficiency, I believe? As I recall, it wasn't being used for its purpose of an afterlife anymore, so the oni from this very mountain moved in, alongside the various kasha, hell ravens, and other youkai that were already present. The currenly-operational Hell isn't somewhere we can really visit, from what I've gathered. Purely a business location, terrible for scenic tours. But!" She grins, lifting a finger as if to punctuate the need for attention. "The city the oni have set up in the Old Hell is an excellent place to visit. They really know how to host a party, and...well, I believe they haven't stopped partying since they went down there. It would be quite suited to your tastes, I belive, Mister Valodjn; arm wrestling, tests of strength, ever-flowing alcohol..." She's really pegged him for that by now, hasn't she? Eventually, they start to approach the unmistakeable sight of the path to the Moriya Shrine. Mamizou gives an excited clap of her hands and flashes a gleaming smile at Artyom and Kyra. "At last, we're on the approach! This little fork here will lead us off to the Moriya Shrine, as you can probably tell by the decoration." She gestures briefly to the pillars that her floating now gravitates toward. "I believe the pillars are one of the symbols of the secondary god of the shrine, Miss Kanako. The frogs that you can no doubt hear-" And which Mamizou no doubt has to speak more loudly to be heard over. "-are the patron animals of the primary god, Miss Suwako herself. Such a vibrant place, isn't it, even in the middle of such frigid winters? It's a wonder you don't get more visitors, Sanae dear."
Artyom W. Valodjn	Ah, the mountains. No matter where Artyom has travelled, the mountains are often quite similar. They stand static and unchanging in world after world, testaments to the earth's tremendous stubbornness. But that's not to say that they're uniform- each one is its own individual, with nooks and crannies, streams and cascades and springs. This one is different than most, though. For one, the trees are still covered in leaves in the middle of winter. That's just the start, though. The land here feels alive. More so than it does in most other worlds, and in a way different from Titan. Titan thundered with ancient, somnolent power and roared with the legion noise of industry. This place is tranquil, calm, but still filled with the myriad whispers of life. Artyom is even more quiet than usual as he climes, though he would occasionally crane his head to peer through the gaps between trees as if he were straining to hear some far-off conversation. At least the climb doesn't seem to be bothering him- Titans seem pretty well-built for hiking up slopes, it seems. "I can see that," he smiles as he answers Sanae, "I've scaled many mountains, but this one is... Mmn, it's different, I can't quite explain in words." He pauses as she starts talking about the many varieties of Hell. Artyom makes a noise of understanding that's halfway between a grunt and a 'hmm,' "I see. So they're... More like magical caves than afterlives anymore? Or do spirits still end up there as well?" Once more, he goes quiet as Sanae continues. "...Yes, it's a place I'd like to explore further, if I have the opportunity," Artyom answers, "If the underground is as extensive as you say, then--" Mamizou. Artyom peers at her. "...It sounds vaguely like a certain culture I know," he doesn't say it's his own. And he's pretty sure the Titans are a lot more serious when they're actually on the job. They don't drink and wrestle /all/ the time! They've got other things to do! But miners do often spend a few hours drinking after their work is done for the day. "Maybe I'll have to visit this City of the Oni. It sounds like it could be... Interesting." Also, because he needs to see if he really does actually resemble them. That'd be... Weird. Then they come to a place full of... Odd rock formations? No, the pillars of stone can't possibly be purely natural constructs. He feels something odd-- And Mamizou's explanation answers his questions. "Ah, I see," He nods, "That would explain it. It is a rather beautiful place. So... These gods, what do they govern, exactly? I admit that I'm quite curious."
Kyra Hyral	On the way up...Kyra doesn't seem to be too great at handling long distances well. Eventually she winds up casting Float on herself to lighten the burden. This isn't straight up flying persay but a sort of 'hover mode' that enables Kyra to walk on air about a foot or so from the ground. Yes, this is even though she hasn't come equipped with her usual 'combat loadout' of ammo and chemicals. Walking up mountains is hard when you don't grow up doing it! She's a little fascinated by the strangely aseasonal weather and features. Frogs would be hibernating in this cold-or they wouldn't exist. Unless it's one of those cold-adapted Gigantoads? Very curious. "So what are all those hells used for?" Kyra asks. "Like do other yokai move into the abandoned ones? Does it get reclaimed by...um...nature?" She gets the answer: reclaimed by Oni and set up as a tourist trap? That Artyom would enjoy? Frowning, she looks to her classmate, having pegged him as a little too reserved to be the 'go out drinking and partying' type. Then again, maybe there was a side to Artyom that she just hadn't seen yet. Frowning, she pulls her phone out again and takes a few more pictures. "So the power of Suwako allows the frogs to stay alive even at this temperature? Being her patron animal and stuff."
Sanae Kochiya	"That's right," Sanae sums up, for both Mamizou and their guests. Most of the conjectures being passed around aren't wrong, at least. It can be a little difficult to encapsulate certain concepts, though she briefly ponders each in turn. "There were still some wicked spirits in the Old Hell, I think," she ponders uncertainly, and her eyes grow a bit distant as she looks beyond Artyom and Kyra, remembering a journey there, perhaps. "But honestly, I think they're as much of the party as anything else, these days. I guess that kind of thing happens when you're decommissioning an afterlife." Her tone to the whole thing is as if this is as natural as their walking up this path. Something Mamizou said on the matter of the Old Hell does capture her curiosity, though, and she leans toward the wisened party animal. "You make it sound like they just let people in, these days. I heard you just get challenged to annoying fights to get anywhere!" That blurting suddenly fades into a curious tone, though, as she rubs her chin, "Now that I think about it, though..maybe that's just because Miss Reimu is a stick in the mud." Absent of any sudden yin yangs flying in her direction from her presumed rival, she clears her throat lightly, and gives a halt of her steps and light bow at the waist, now that everyone has properly had a chance to absorb the details of their now imminent destination. "Welcome to the Moriya Shrine," she confirms, along with further details upon rising back up to her full height. "Yes, all of the miracles you see here are enacted by the goddesses, Miss Suwako and Miss Kanako. It's a bit like..hmm, they're able to maintain this place outside the normal flow of time." The nebulous domains of gods are as hard to distill down as refurbished evil soul prisons, though she tries her hardest to: "Miss Kanako is a goddess of the heavens, and her domain is the distant sky. That seems to include..the interface between it and the Earth, though, so she's able to raise these pillars. Miss Suwako, hmm.." Has the claimed priestess of these two honestly put so little thought into this, or is it just honestly that difficult to put into words? "She's more into the ground beneath our feet, a connection with the solid Earth. That's how she's able to keep this place like this. Isn't it weird how two opposites can be such good friends?" Pointedly, around this time, and just as Sanae turns to Mamizou to bashfully turn away her praise of the peaceful shrine, something comes flying down the steps at a bullet velocity, embedding itself into the trunk of a tree nearby. A closer look would reveal that it's a wooden playing piece like one would see as part of a board game. Sanae's expression is initially startled, but soon fades into a drawn out sigh, as if this is somehow a routine occurence. The sounds of an argument uphill also add to the cacophony of the frogs. "Those two..at a time like this? Well, maybe they'll behave once they know we have visitors."
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	"There aren't really many Hells, as far as I know," Mamizou replies with a shrug. "Evil spirits that were left behind in the transfer are still around the Old Hell, but they're taken care of by the residents." Sanae's direct interjection gets a look of curiosity from Mamizou; the tanuki takes a moment to push her pince-nez glasses a little more securely on the bridge of her nose before she grins again. "Well, /most/ people can just wander in, but I guess some people might take it on themselves to hold up the tradition of guardianship. That girl on the bridge is particularly invested, for instance!" She shrugs, then, folding her arms over her chest. "I won't vocally deny your assessment, in any case. Can't really be seen taking sides, now, can I?" Mamizou is technically the guide here, but Sanae remains the undisputed authority on the shrine she serves. Once they've reached the path up to it, Mamizou hovers a little off to the side and allows the green-haired shrine maiden to explain matters in her own...thoughtful way. Mamizou says nothing, no matter what opinions she may hold about the girl's presentation; she /is/ technically about to be a guest, after all, and there's no reason to be a critic! The sudden arrival of the game peace embedding itself into a nearby tree with all the force of a bullet fired from a gun, however, is something of a disturbance considering the formerly peaceful aura. Mamizou blinks, eyes shifting aside to look up the path to the source of that growing argument. One might almost think they see a drop of sweat rolling from her temple before she clears her throat. "...well. The conflicts of the gods truly are never impacted by the concerns of mortals, are they?" She grins, though she offers Sanae a faint look of concern regardless. "Ah...are you quite sure now is the best time, Sanae dear?"
Artyom W. Valodjn	"A party, huh?" Artyom muses, giving his chin a firm rub. "Most worlds I've visited wouldn't typically associate Hell with... raucous festivities. Usually it's all fire and brimstone," he shrugs, then, "I like this alternative better, I think." Not only is it significantly less grim and distasteful, but it's also more... realistic? It's difficult to imagine a place where there is nothing /but/ suffering and punishment for all eternity. "Though," he supposes, "If this is a hell in mid-decommissionaing, I assume the ones still in operation are... Less pleasant?" He looks towards Mamizou, "It sounds as though the ones who've moved to this Old Hell are rather hospitable. You said they were called Oni?" "Ah," Artyom's attention perks slightly at that, "Is this Miss Reimu prone to getting into fights, then? Or does she just... Lack a sense of humor that matches the people down in this former Hell?" He knows people like that. He knows /several/ people like that. Almost all of them are Ramuhan, though one in particular wasn't always that way. That's neither here nor there though. He nods, then, at Sanae's explanation of her two gods. "It's not too odd," Artyom says with a shrug, "The sky and the earth see a lot of one another, so it'd be best if they got alo--" WHAM Artyom cranes his neck around to peer at the little wooden game piece that somehow fixed itself like a peg into a tree trunk. Is... It smoking a little? Are those friction burns? "That's... Well, maybe they aren't getting along as well as I thought?" Artyom muses, scratching at his cheek, "That's quite an arm on... whoever it was that threw that thing. Should we bring it back?"
Kyra Hyral	"...that's pretty bizzare. I mean, to hear you're just 'decomissioning an afterlife' like you're driving an older bit of technology off the market with the new hotness. So, what, spirits just get re-routed to the new place? Are there any...uh, I guess outreach efforts to update belief systems when this kind of change happens? Brochures? Or are you guys kind of becoming one of the prime destinations for spirits in the multiverse at large? ...can that even happen with Unified worlds?" The thought of cross-polination was a interesting idea-just as it was a scary one. Being assimilated like the Borg? No thanks! She's still taking pictures when a board game piece goes darting by at such a speed that it's forcefully embedded into a tree. Kyra takes a picture of this too. "....uuuh, so what's /that/ all about?" Kyra jerks a thumb towards the deadliest game piece.
Sanae Kochiya	Somewhat in preemptive response to Artyom, Sanae is already stepping over to pluck the game piece out of the tree. She then licks a fingertip and slides it over the bark in that area, which to the observant appears like nothing ever impacted it, besides a little dent of cratering. Everyday miracles! She doesn't dwell on this in the slightest, stepping back up to everyone else with a smile on her face, now that the momentary frustration has a chance to play itself out. "Oh, it'll be fine! They chose me as their priestess for a reason! I know how to calm them down," comes the reassurance, almost like she's more of a babysitter than a priestess. She allows herself a light giggle at Artyom's own sudden reassessment, and a light shake of her head, "Part of being friends is little disagreements like this. But trust me, they're inseperable now, if it comes to it. I'll take the lead, just in case!" After all, most friendly rivalries don't include primordial forces that can throw carved game pieces with that amount of force. As she begins climbing the steps, there's still more questions and theories. It's expected of visitors here, and though she still doesn't have all the answers, she once faced several of them herself. "As far as I can tell, the spirits that come here are mostly from here, or the worlds that have long been connected to it. I..don't think otherworldly ones are involved, anyway?" A glance is given to Mamizou with this, as though the old lady of the troupe would know any better than she does the matters of the dead. "But, that's a matter for the local Yama. She's kind of the judge of the dead, and determines where they're going. ..she takes her work really seriously!" Someone really needs to take that girl on a shopping trip in the outside world sometime, the shrine maiden allows a surface thought to amuse her momentarily. Just as the hill is about to be crested to the shrine grounds proper, someone or something leaps out right at Sanae. Could it be one of the local youkai was waiting in ambush for this moment!? With a practiced rebalance of her weight and grasp of her arms, Sanae catches whatever had just pounced upon her without somehow being sent tumbling down what would be a very painful set of steps. A chance to examine the creature would reveal it looks nothing more than a young girl, probably no older than twelve, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a dress with playing frogs printed on it. She implores the priestess, though somehow her voice is more playful than concerned, "Sanae, you're back! Kanako's angry again, you have to do something!" Not long after, a more mature woman, looking to be in her mid-20s or so, steps boldly out; she does indeed look steamed, "There you are. Sanae isn't going to be able to save you this ti--hmm?" A certainly embarassing standoff is averted, as Kanako manages to dispel her righteous fury long enough to look past Sanae and Suwako, to those that had dared to follow behind. Ah, right. Sanae had said something like this - it must have slipped her mind, as it wasn't directly related to current business arrangements, ohoho~. After the brief pause, the goddess gives a cordial but dignified smile, quite a contrast from the stalking behemoth's posture she had moments before, "You must be the visitors from the otherworlds. Yes, welcome, welcome. I apologize for the mess." Suwako also gives a look to Mamizou, still latched onto the patient Sanae, but spends more time gawking at Artyom and Kyra, with both sets of eyes. (There seems to be another set affixed to the top of her hat - decoration or not, it's hard to tell.) "She's just mad because I beat her in that game again," she explains, somewhat boastfully, causing a vein to pop up on Kanako's forehead, barely visibly. But she avoids putting on any more of a scene. "These are the goddesses," Sanae doubly confirms, in case anyone questioned it.
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	Mamizou takes a moment to clear her throat and adjust her scarf before she turns back to Artyom and Kyra, smiling despite the awkwardness of the situation. "Ah, yes, the oni! They used to reside on Youkai Mountain, but extrenuous circumstances relocated them to the former Hell instead. They've been living there ever since! we haven't really needed to 'update' any belief systems for that, though...the various temples that've been moving in have been running their own campaigns over time. I'm not really sure how the logistics of our Hell work at the moment, otherwise." Another light shrug. "As for Reimu...she's just a little dedicated to maintaining the peace in this place, that's all~. She's quite a dear if you run into her when there's not some problem going on." When the goddesses themselves suddenly make their appearance, Mamizou decides to quit her floating to instead stand firmly on the ground. A low, respectful bow is offered to the pair, followed by her usual diplomatic smile. "Indeed," she replies to Suwako and Kanako. "I was just giving a tour to our new friends! I'll let them introduce themselves," the tanuki adds, gesturing with a little flourish to Artyom and Kyra, "but suffice to say, I was contracted to lead a little romp up the mountain path to dear Miss Kochiya's shrine. I do hope we weren't interrupting anything important. I know the tribulations of deities are fragile matters indeed~." She's most likely not making fun of them, though her particular choice of words makes things a little hard to tell sometimes.
Artyom W. Valodjn	Artyom... Artyom is not quite sure what he was expecting when he was told that he'd be meeting gods. Maybe something that stood five stories tall, all aglow with an ostentatious halo of raw, divine might? A towering creature of wind and storm and swirling sky matched by an equally mighty entity of cyclopean basalt and growing things? Maybe. Definitely not... A touchy-feely little girl with a hat that also has eyes. Kanako fits the stereotypical bill for approximately five seconds. A span of time that still has Artyom go ever so slightly pale. But then Sanae works her magic, and everything goes all hunky-dory. It's almost terrifying in its own right. "I- I see," Artyom bobs his head at Sanae's introduction. "I am Artyom Wojciech Valodjn, a student at Alexander Academy," he bows... deeply. The motion only looks exaggerated because he's so large, and halving his full height in a bow is still something near four feet. of difference. "It's an honor to meet you, Gods of the Moriya Shrine." He hopes this is the right way to do this sort of thing. Artyom does not often meet gods. He looks to Mamizou only after returning straightening his back and sending his head shooting back into its usual lofty altitude. "So the Oni used to dwell on the surface? Why did they move?" Artyom asks, inclining his head. He pauses, musing on thought for a moment, before continuing, "...I see. It's good to hear this place has such a dutiful protector."
Kyra Hyral	Kyra stares owlishly at the two new people who, by the look of it, could NOT be any more different from each other. It's easy to pick out that these two were the ones fighting each other over a boardgame to the point of hurling pieces. But at first glance she assumes that they're both more shrine maidens, clothed as such because that's Just the Way things Work Here. "Um, hello." The gawking is equal. "You are both...Goddesses?" Kyra can't quite keep all the disbelief out of her voice. After a few moments of awkward silence she introduces herself. "I'm Kyra Hyral! A white mage from Galianda and student at Alexander Academy." She puts a hand to her chest as she says this. After a moment she speaks up again. "Say...may I be honored with a picture with both Goddesses of Moriya Shrine?" She holds up her phone again.
Sanae Kochiya	So much still to address, but that can come when Sanae isn't standing between two goddesses that, only for the sake of appearances, have set aside their spat for the moment. After a few more moments, once things are significantly calmer - odd how even the weather seems just a little warmer and clearer, with that. A pat is given to the top of Suwako's head by the shrine maiden, a gesture that might be seen as disrespectful by many goddesses of their subjects, but nonetheless seems to be received gladly by this one. A curious sight they are, indeed! The more mature-seeming of the two goddesses approaches further, any hint of malice long gone, as she's in full diplomatic mode. Bowing isn't quite her thing, though she does raise a hand in gentle greeting, "It is good that you've made the trip safely: Sir Artyom, and Lady Kyra. But then, I suppose few would oppose travellers with this company?" A knowing look is cast towards Sanae and Mamizou. Having street cred is pretty helpful in this realm. "I am Kanako Yasaka, and this is my colleague," she says, with just the faintest annoyance - as Suwako does not seem to be paying attention, but is instead intrigued by Kyra's phone, "Suwako Moriya, for whom the shrine is named. Please see all that you wish to see, and enjoy our hospitality. I would only wish that you leave the sanctum be - even ladies that are goddesses need some privacy." She gives a light laugh at this, and it might be hard to judge how serious she's being. But with that angry face she was giving earlier, perhaps it's best not to test, for this visit. The elder-looking(*) goddess casts a curious glance to Kyra's request, and then to Sanae, as if asking for her most able translator about the reasonability of the request. Sanae steps up, then, "Like the cameras the tengu reporters carry, Miss Kanako. It'll be harmless!" Despite the connotations bringing tengu reporters into such a discussion might otherwise cause, it seems the goddesses trust Sanae's judgement in this matter, since Kanako gives a smile and consenting nod of her head, after. Suwako, meanwhile, had already made up her mind long ago, and is gung-ho about it, already sidling up. As she's more down to earth, obviously she's more 'with it' than this old fogey, "Ha ha, we get to be in a selfie!" Sanae, for her part, can barely contain a chuckle. Her words to Artyom and Mamizou are nonetheless cast at neither in particular, the tone in her voice bemused, "Looks like you guys really saved me. Everyone's suddenly having such a good time. It's like they weren't even fighting a minute ago."
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	Well, fortunately, everything seems to be proceeding just fine regardless of earlier tensions! Mamizou breathes a little sigh of relief, then turns back to Artyom with another winning smile. "Oh, as I recall, it was a little competition with the humans of the area. Naturally, the oni were more than capable of fulfilling whatever the terms were, but the humans used cleverness to trick them into thinking they'd failed. So, off they went to the Old Hell. They took rather well to the arrangement, though, so it all worked out in the end!" She gives a little grin to Kanako, then, in response to that look. She's already made quite the name for herself here, after all, and many people know by now that she's started building connections with the many residents of Gensokyo. Maybe not in quite the same way as the tengu have, but she's definitely a good person to go to for cred on the streets of Gensokyo. "Thank you, dear goddesses, for your excellent hospitality today!" Mamizou's smile grows as diplomacy sets in again. "I was quite hoping you would be willing to have us as visitors. An excellent continuation of our tour, I believe. And of course, you have no need to fear our intrusion on your inner sanctum," she adds with a lifted finger. Her grin turns back to Sanae, then, as she throws an arm over the shrine maiden's shoulders with a friendly little shake. "Oh, no need to thank me, Miss Kochiya! I'm always glad to dispense a little more joy into the world, especially for such a dear companion." Her grin turns a little more sly then, matching the swish of her tail behind her. "And if you ever find yourself having trouble dealing with such things in the future, don't forget that I /still/ have some of the best sake in Gensokyo~."
Artyom W. Valodjn	"Ah, of course," Artyom bows his head again. It's not quite as severe of one this time, though- he's already done the crazy deep bow-thing. This one was more like a nod, "We'll try not to disturb you overmuch. Thank you for allowing us to visit." He doesn't know what kind of things goddesses get up to in their free time, but he's not going to say /no/ if they ask for privacy. That's a good way to get hurled off a cliff, or worse! He does kind of... wonder, though, whether all gods can go from wrathful to diplomatic over a few fractions of a second. Or maybe Kanako's just practiced at it? He can ask Sanae later. "It's no trouble," Artyom says to Sanae, a smile breaking the (now lapsing) expression of fascinated bewilderment that the goddesses had caused. "I must thank you for bringing us up here. Exploration for its own sake is one of those things I wish I could do more frequently, but rarely have the time or the opportunity to." Usually there's an element of business involved in his travels. Though it's not like there's not one today... It's just one that can wait for a little bit. Speaking of which... "Ah, Miss Mamizou, about that. I'd like to speak to you about possible arrangements in the near future. Maybe after the tour is complete?" He pauses. "I see. So they were tricked into leaving," he rubs at his chin again. 'Chin rubbing' seems like it may just be Artyom's go-to thinking-gesture! "And there's no animosity on their part towards humanity? Interesting." He looks to Kyra, then, nodding. "Oh. A photo, is it? Did you want someone to take it for you, or..." Artyom glances toward Suwako, "Is it going to be a selfie? Maybe a group shot would be more appropriate, hm."
Kyra Hyral	"Heck, Artyom, I wouldn't mind both kinds of pictures. One moment~" Kyra chirps cheerfully before adding: "Oh, yes, completely harmless!" It didn't even occur to Kyra that anyone here might be unfamiliar with cameras and instant pictures. "Unless you have something against keeping pictures of your likeness...? Not going to lie, I've never met Goddesses like you before so I'm probably going to post it for my followers to see online. Er. On the Mognet. Internet. A..and I mean like followers as in they follow my Wark account not like they worship me or anything ahahaha.." Just trying to explain it makes Kyra realize how weird Mognet culture must seem to an outsider. "Uh, anyway, it'd probably make people really interested in this world so your shrine may get even more visitors in the future." Kyra has to bend down just a little to accomodate Suwako which unfortunately means Kanako is going to have to stoop a little to get in the picture. Kyra holds the phone out once they've all crowded in and, yes, takes it selfie style. Once it's taken, she shows it to the two Goddesses so they can see. She then motions for Artyom to join her. "Okay, we'll get a group shot now! Someone's going to have to hold it out over there so Artyom can fit in it." Because he's huge. "Also Sanae! Mamizou! You should both be in it too..!"
Sanae Kochiya	"We're happy to share our own little corner of Gensokyo with visitors," Sanae pipes up to Artyom's gratitude, as well as Mamizou's own, even if it was more directed at her patrons. They all speak with a united front, you see! A brief cough is allowed as the latter mentions the ultimate goddess calmer, liquor, though there's no question that it does have a strong effect when necessary. "I'll keep that in mind, for the future," she agrees, in a lower tone, while Kanako and Suwako are having fun with taking a picture with Kyra and are ignoring them. However, it won't last long, since now it's time for a proper group shot. Suwako and Kanako both seem to be in good spirits - the latter not even seeming to mind having to contort a little to be in the frame, and beckon their priestess over, which puts a little extra spring in her step, "O-okay, I'm hurrying!" After a moment, she settles in with everyone and casts a broad smile towards the camera! It wouldn't be surprising for an unseen tengu to be taking their own picture, to appear in the newspapers later. These kinds of visits don't escape their notice.
Mamizou Futatsuiwa	Mamizou perks a little when Artyom brings up 'future arrangements.' "Oh, of course, of course! As soon as you'd like, we'll speak about whatever you'd like, dear. Just give me a little poke once we're all done today!" Suddenly, Mamizou vanishes in a poof of white smoke, reappearing with a similar poof right next to Kyra. Her rowdy, friendly arm drapes around the girl's shoulder as she offers a cheerful grin, then lifts her other hand to snap her fingers. The next poof of smoke nearby comes from the appearance of a raccoon dog floating in the air with a green leaf on its head, and the little tanuki floats over to Kyra and holds out its paws. Seems Kyra has someone to take the group shot for her! "Ah, memories," Mamizou sighs happily, grinning as everyone moves into position.
Artyom W. Valodjn	Artyom nods! He scoots into frame- which is kind of tough since he's, as mentioned, kind of ginormous. "This will make it somewhat... difficult if we need to take a picture remotely," the Titan muses, before an idea sparks in his brain- a way to make this just slightly easier. He undoes his cloak, unslings the huge, bound-up thing that was slung over his shoulders, and makes them into a makeshift bench for him to sit on, effectively dropping his profile to only approximately five or six feet. Much more managable! Except he's still broad like some kind of living barn. But at least he's not going to be in a photo wearing that ratty old thing. It looks like he was actually dressed in a set of nice hiking clothes under all that fabric. "There, that should make it less... Difficult. But we still need someone to take the--" POOF! Artyom blinks through the thin white smoke as Mamizou teleports into frame. And they've been joined by another tanuki! One of Mamizou's many subordinates, likely. "Ah, that will work. Well," Artyom nods. He gives the camera an easy grin as everyone settles into the picture, "Something to commemorate the trip, then. It's not every day I meet goddesses, after all."
Artyom W. Valodjn	THERE IS A CLICK! And a flash! The camera pans away from the photograph, set into a frame on a very nice wooden desk. Memory: Made!