2026-02-27: A Pleasant Forest Hike
- Log: A Pleasant Forest Hike
- Cast: Fuuka Yamagishi, Minako Arisato, Minato Arisato
- Where: Mt. Katatsumuri Forest Trail
- OOC Date: February 27, 2026
- IC Date: Tuesday, October 2, 2012
- Summary: A few members of SEES start up the Katatsumuri Forest Trail, and find a little trouble immediately.
MONAD: A party led by Fuuka Yamagishi has begun the event Katatsumuri Forest Trail.
(|===================== Monad - Katatsumuri Forest Trail =====================|)
-==== Round 1: Forest Trail Tales of Terror! - Challenge Level 1 ==============-
| Approach Options: Understanding or Guts |
| Conditions: Bothersome - Charm Down L1 and Scary - Guts Down L1 |
-==== Challenge ===============================================================-
Here in the forest on Katatsumuri Mountain, the trail walk allows people to get
well away from the hustle and bustle of Sumaru City. It's quiet here, the sound
as you start on the trail punctuated only by the sound of birdcall and the wind
rustling through the boughs. Perhaps it was the rumors that brought you to the
mountainside: story has it that there are spirits and other creatures in the
woods. Perhaps you have your own reasons. Perhaps you're here for perfectly
innocuous purposes.
You're not alone. You encounter an apparent forest walker/hiker on a tear
towards the exit; they glance over their shoulder worriedly as they rush up
towards you. "Run! Run while you still can!" they tell you, in a panic. Perhaps
if you can calm them down, you can get some more information out of them, or
maybe you can rally yourselves for whatever it is that this person has left
behind?
(|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
There've been rumors going around lately that there's been supernatural activity on the Katatsumuri Forest trail - sightings of demons and spirits among the trees... Tartarus and the Dark Hour might be their main priority, but a sudden spike of activity like this is worth investigating. It couldn't hurt to familiarize themselves more with the goings-on, either.
And so, the three of them have gone on ahead to check it out. If it's worth looking into further, they can report back to the rest of SEES with their findings. At least for right now, though...
...It's a pleasant forest hike. Quiet - nothing but the birds and the wind through the trees around them.
"...It's pretty nice here." Fuuka comments thoughtfully. "There's a forest outside of Iwatodai, too, but I've never been out that far..."
It seems like things will continue going much the same way - at least until they hear the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching. A terrified hiker is on a tear. They race past them - but they have at least enough presence of mind to shout back a warning.
Run? Did something happen? Fuuka wrestles with herself internally for a moment, but if she hesitates for too long they might lose this opportunity, so...
"W-wait!" Fuuka calls back. "What happened? What did you see in there? It'll be okay... Please, tell us."
She can only hope they'll listen.
MONAD: Fuuka Yamagishi has acted with Understanding toward Forest Trail Tales of Terror!! Base! <Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
Minako can't very well look the other way about something like the strange rumors about the Katatsumuri Forest Trail.
And... it's a nice hike. Which has Minako in a cheerful mood. She likes hiking, thank you very much. She looks sideways at Fuuka and nods. "I've gone a couple times," she says. "It's nice, but a bit out of the way. I like hiking, though." She grins and adjusts her stance, tugging up on the extended SEES armband of her combat gear. "So this is a nice surprise~"
After a moment, though, there are footsteps. A terrified jogger that runs past -- and tells them to run in. Minako turns, after Fuuka calls out; then she, too, calls after the hiker: "Hey! It'll be okay! Just... tell us what's up, okay?"
She frowns a little. Maybe things are dangerous, out here.
MONAD: Minako Arisato has acted with Rushing In toward Forest Trail Tales of Terror!! Bravery and Focus! <Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
Minato, who has spent far less time cavorting along forest trails than his sister, shows up today... in his normal casual outfit, with a bag over his shoulder with a water bottle and a few other essentials like a snack and a fucking gun (no officer, that's an Evoker, don't worry about it... see, this is why he hid it in a bag).
He didn't even remember bug spray, which is why every so often, perfectly deadpan, he slaps his arm, and scolds the bugs tonelessly: "Hey. Stop it."
Who let him out here.
"Pretty," he comments, regardless, when Fuuka points it out. "I've never been out here."
Which means that when a terrified fella runs out...
Minato blinks at him, nonplussed. "Does this happen a lot?" He asks his sister, as he ambles up, hands in his pockets.
"... hey," he tells the man. "Focus up."
He meets his gaze, steadfast. "You're at the base of the mountain. You escaped. We're going up there... it's where we're meant to be. Tell us what's up there."
Looking at him, one can even imagine that Minato can imagine the horrors... of Jack Frost.
MONAD: Minato Arisato has acted with Determined Destiny toward Forest Trail Tales of Terror!! Specialty! (|============================= Monad - Results ==============================|) -==== Forest Trail Tales of Terror! - Round 1 =================================- Minato Arisato Guts Success Determined Destiny Specialty Fatigue: 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minako Arisato Guts Success Rushing In Bravery and Focus Fatigue: 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuuka Yamagishi Understanding Success Understanding Base Fatigue: 0 -============================= Party Conditions: ==============================- Starting Conditions: Bothersome-2 and Scary-2 Final Conditions: Bothersome-1 and Scary-1 -======================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====- -==== Reach: 1/6 |= | =====================================================- (|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|) <Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
Fuuka is in her combat uniform today, too... and she finds herself grateful for the long sleeves and general covering nature of it, seeing the the way the bugs swarm at Minato. Someone has to be the bait, she supposes... She'll be praying for his safety.
"Me either." Fuuka agrees, as Minato says he's never been out here. It is pretty, though. She offers Minako a smile as she explains that she has been out there. "Really? Maybe I should go sometime... I really should get out more. I'm glad you're enjoying this, at least."
Anything further, though, will have to wait - there's a hiker to calm down. They seem uncertain, at first - perhaps worried about encouraging a group of teenagers to go right into the danger they just fled... but Minako and Fuuka's reassuring air and Minato's cool, collected reaction give the sense that he knows what he's doing. And so...
"...I see. Thank you." Fuuka replies with a polite nod, before looking back to the others. "Looks like we'll need to be cautious going forward... I'll keep an eye on what's ahead of us."
MONAD: Minako Arisato has drawn a new Challenge!
(|===================== Monad - Katatsumuri Forest Trail =====================|)
-==== Round 2: The Old Shrine - Challenge Level 1 =============================-
| Approach Options: Proficiency or Understanding |
| Conditions: Bothersome - Charm Down L1, Ineptitude - Proficiency Down L2, |
| and Scary - Guts Down L1 |
-==== Challenge ===============================================================-
While wandering through the forest, your group comes across a clearing,
consisting of an old sign and a wooden offering box, serving as a sort of small
shrine to someone's memory.
The old sign reads:
'This shrine is for the founder of the Gouketsu School of martial arts. Master
Fuyou.
Master Fuyou's original name was Junnosuke Kuroda, and he served under
Tatsunoshin Suou.'
Leaving an offering in the memory of someone long gone may not be in the party's
list of priorities, but for certain people, there does seem to be something
familiar in the latter two names mentioned here...
Probably just a coincidence, though.
(|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
"Thanks, Fuuka-chan." Minako looks at her friend and grins -- then she gives her a thumbs-up. "We're counting on you!" Then, a beat, and she looks at her brother. "Next time, we're getting you bug spray. Hiker's best friend."
They resume wandering. While the hiker gave them a warning, danger is not imminent. Instead, their path leads them to a clearing. A wooden offering box stands there; there is also a sign. Minako looks at it, her eyes narrowing for a moment. The last name 'Suou' doesn't mean much to her.
But...
But, someone who is departed deserves respect. She looks for a moment, her expression more quiet. More serious. More solemn. She frowns, then she reaches into the coat she wears, and pulls out a few coins. She slides them into the offering box, with a clink -- but without a word.
MONAD: Minako Arisato has acted with Proficiency toward The Old Shrine! Base! <Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
"Bug spray..." Minato trails off, thoughtfully.
"I'm just giving them a fair fight," he concludes, several beats later.
Not that Minato is getting protective of his ego, or anything. His tone is as flat as ever!
They come to the shrine, though, and Minato blinks. "Suou..." Did he hear a name like that before? Maybe... an officer...?
Regardless, he pulls out his coins, and claps his hands together, and says a silent prayer.
MONAD: Minato Arisato has acted with Proficiency toward The Old Shrine! Base! <Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
"I'll do my best." Fuuka assures, as Minako says they're counting on her. Bug spray... she'll keep that in mind, too.
They continue their hike with a bit more caution - but they don't immediately run into trouble. Instead, there's an offering box. Fuuka reads out the inscription. None of those names are familiar to her - though she thinks she might have met a 'Suou' before... It sounds like it means something to Minato, too, if only a little. She looks toward Minako, noting the way her expression grows more solemn.
"He must have meant a lot to someone..." Fuuka notes quietly. She follows the example of the others - making an offering of coins before clapping her hands together in prayer.
She might not have known him, but that doesn't mean he isn't deserving of remembrance.
MONAD: Fuuka Yamagishi has acted with Understanding toward The Old Shrine! Base! (|============================= Monad - Results ==============================|) -==== The Old Shrine - Round 2 ================================================- Minato Arisato Proficiency Success Proficiency Base Fatigue: 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minako Arisato Proficiency Failure Proficiency Base Fatigue: 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuuka Yamagishi Understanding Success Understanding Base Fatigue: 0 -============================= Party Conditions: ==============================- Starting Conditions: Bothersome-1, Ineptitude-2, and Scary-1 Final Conditions: Ineptitude-1 -=================================================== Party Result: Failure ====- -==== Reach: 1/6 |= | =====================================================- (|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
Minako looks at the offering box, quiet for a moment. But she doesn't manage a prayer; there is just a sad look at the offering box, and thinking of the one at their parents' graves. She is quiet for a second -- and then she looks back at Fuuka. "...Yeah," she says, a little quietly. Then she smiles. "All right! Uh."
She doesn't feel anymore at peace, any happier, with that offering made. She doesn't know why, and the middle of an operation isn't the time to bring it up. (Or, so she tells herself.)
"Ready to keep going?" she asks them both.
MONAD: Minato Arisato has drawn a new Challenge!
(|===================== Monad - Katatsumuri Forest Trail =====================|)
-==== Round 3: Steep Banks and Rushing Water - Challenge Level 1 ==============-
| Approach Options: Proficiency or Charm |
| Conditions: Bothersome - Charm Down L1, Clumsy - Proficiency Down L1, and |
| Ineptitude - Proficiency Down L2 |
-==== Challenge ===============================================================-
There are several small rivers that cut through the Katatsumuri Forest. A few of
them cut across the trail. These almost always have bridges over them, even
though the streams aren't that deep. They can be fast, though, and the banks are
often steep. And this one, unfortunately, has had the wooden bridge collapse.
Planks and railings are scattered on the banks below.
You'll need to climb down the banks -- and then cross the stream -- and then
climb back up. Or, if you're athletic (or can otherwise cheat), you'll need to
leap to the opposite bank. Either way, between the mud, the steep slopes, and
the water, it will be tough going.
(|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
It's kind of unsettling, but...
... but Minato tries to pray, at these things, even when his heart's no less heavy.
He can't quite remember if he didn't pray at the shrine when he was six, but... you know, since then... what if that's what happened?
But those are inside thoughts.
They keep going, though -- and find a collapsed bridge. "... looks like its life's ended," he says, as he looks down at the planks below. "I don't know how old it was... but it must have fought pretty hard."
Minato gives Fuuka a long look.
"... I'm going to make some footholds with those planks," he decides. "That should make it easier for Yamagishi-san to get across... anyway, it's kind of like honouring the bridge's memory."
With that, he slides down the bank, and grabs one of those planks, jamming it into the side of the bank with a shove of his foot.
Shove, shove, shove...
He's trying to make stairs down the bank to make it easier for Fuuka to climb down and then back up again!
MONAD: Minato Arisato has acted with Doom Talk toward Steep Banks and Rushing Water! Friendliness and Efficient! <Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
It's a somber, heavy moment. The air doesn't get any lighter after its over. Fuuka offers Minako a small, slightly subdued smile.
"Yes, I'm ready." Fuuka confirms. They move on... but unfortunately, the way forward has collapsed. The bridge lies broken, and ahead of them now are several steep, muddy river banks.
One can almost see the despair on Fuuka's face as she realises what all they're going to have to do to get across.
"...Yes..." She agrees quietly - and then meets Minato's look.
...She doesn't feel ashamed at being called out directly, because he isn't wrong.
"Thank you, Arisato-san..." Fuuka offers. She looks toward the wreckage of that bridge too, though. She looks through it for anything useful - and one can practically see the gears turning in her head.
Minato grabs the planks - and Fuuka goes for the railing. She picks it up and takes a moment to judge its durability. She uses that to provide additional support as she makes her way up the stairs Minato makes, jamming it into the mud so she has something a little more stable to hold on to.
MONAD: Fuuka Yamagishi has acted with Technician toward Steep Banks and Rushing Water! Find and Focus! <Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
Minako looks at her brother, an eyebrow raised. But, she's used to him speaking of a fallen bridge or such an object as if it were dead. She nods, after he explains that he'll make planks to get them down. Particularly Fuuka.
She breathes a small sigh of relief that Fuuka isn't bothered.
She follows up after Fuuka. She's athletic -- on the volleyball team, and skilled with a naginara -- so she isn't worried. But, she can see Fuuka might be a little.
So she smiles at her and nods. "Don't worry, Fuuka-chan," she encourages. "You've got this!"
MONAD: Minako Arisato has acted with Kindling Warmth toward Steep Banks and Rushing Water! Patra and Focus! (|============================= Monad - Results ==============================|) -==== Steep Banks and Rushing Water - Round 3 =================================- Minato Arisato Charm Success Doom Talk Friendliness and Efficient Fatigue: 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minako Arisato Charm Success Kindling Warmth Patra and Focus Fatigue: 1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuuka Yamagishi Proficiency Success Technician Find and Focus Fatigue: 0 -============================= Party Conditions: ==============================- Starting Conditions: Bothersome-2, Clumsy-2, and Ineptitude-1 Final Conditions: Bothersome-1 -======================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====- -==== Reach: 2/6 |== | =====================================================- -==== Loot So Far: ============================================================- Items: 2, Money: 0, Gear: 0 (|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
If Minato were more understanding of Fuuka's feelings, he might have talked more generally, but, well... he's cool and mysterious, not actually good with people. Luckily, Fuuka appreciates things which are true even if they're said rather bluntly, and perhaps that's why he manages to get along pretty well with her, even though they'd need to be in an alternate universe for him to be able to dazzle her with his kindness.
(That alternate universe probably exists, though. It's just not this universe. If Minato tried to make the moves on more than one girl, they'd definitely all get together and destroy him...)
Fuuka's railing becomes an important supportive stick to help her clamber up; surely the spirit of the bridge's hopes to carry people safely across is held there in that staff. And Minato looks at her, and reflects: "... actually, if we were in a role playing game, you'd definitely be the character who was carrying the healer's staff, wouldn't you?"
No one tell him.
"I guess Minako-chan's naginata would suit a game like that just fine... would I just use a sword like I usually do?" He wonders, as he tests the footing on the planks on the other side of the river.
Minako's encouragement helps Fuuka across and up the other side -- plus watching her back to make sure she doesn't slip. Minato gives her a hand up to haul her up the other side, and they're through...!
A bit damp, though...
MONAD: Fuuka Yamagishi has drawn a new Challenge!
(|===================== Monad - Katatsumuri Forest Trail =====================|)
-==== Round 4: Delicious Red Berries - Challenge Level 1 ======================-
| Approach Options: Academics or Charm |
| Conditions: Bothersome - Charm Down L1, Bothersome - Charm Down L1, Lunchbox |
| - Subtract 1 Fatigue., and Stupor - Academics Down L1 |
-==== Challenge ===============================================================-
You come across a bush covered in red, inviting fruit! This could be an
unexpected bonus if you've forgotten to pack snacks. There's just one snag:
Aside from the fact that you would need to convince your traveling partners that
they're safe to eat (or not to eat), or ascertain whether or not that's the case
to begin with, the fact is that these red berries aren't native to the area. In
fact, they're not even native to Japan. Or in season, for that matter
(regardless of what season it actually is right now). In the end, though,
perhaps the initial conundrum remains:
Can you tell if they're safe to eat or not, or, can you convince your companions
to partake -- or to avoid -- regardless?
(|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
"Thank you, Minako-chan." Fuuka replies. The encouragement does help. Neither of them are judging her for not being quite as athletic as either of them. Thankfully, her use of tools helps make up the difference.
A role playing game...
"I suppose I am more comfortable playing a supportive role..." Fuuka considers thoughtfully, pushing herself further up with the railing. She accepts the hand up - and then, they're across!
She breathes a sigh of relief, thankful that it went without incident. She takes up her railing, then, and plants it into the ground. If the bridge is 'dead', then perhaps this can serve as its gravestone...
...Or, more likely, just a reminder that someone should really come by to build a new one.
They continue onward until, eventually, something catches Fuuka's eye.
"Is that...?" She starts, diverting briefly off the path. Off to one side is a large bush, brimming with delicious-looking red berries. A small frown crosses her face as she considers it.
"This bush... I don't think it's native to Japan. And it's surprising that it's so fresh now that it's starting to get colder..." She considers thoughtfully. "I don't think I recognize the species."
She knows a lot about plants, so this definitely seems strange to her eyes. ...Though she's so focused on it from the academic side of things that she has yet to consider the practical side - whether or not they're edible.
MONAD: Fuuka Yamagishi has acted with Bookworm toward Delicious Red Berries! Escape and Smarts! <Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
"Like... Drake Adventure?" Minako asks, with her head tilted. As it happens, she doesn't know that much about video games. They were never quite her speed.
She wrinkles her nose for a second, then she nods. "Yeah, I see art of characters with spears. Maybe I could--I dunno. Jump a lot?"
They get through, at least a little wet. She steps up next to Fuuka then =- and she looks sideways at their Navigator. She then looks at the berries and considers what Fuuka says, before she lands on the obvious conclusion.
Trust Fuuka. She knows plants.
"Think they're safe to eat?"
MONAD: Minako Arisato has acted with Charm toward Delicious Red Berries! Base! <Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
Rest in peace, Bridge-san...
"Yeah," Minato nods. "Or Last Legacy, or the Epic of Zerta..." Minato does play video games. A great degree of them! All the time! Sometimes, he doesn't come down from his room until the evening on Sundays, and someone's always there to give him crap about it.
"You're thinking of Dragoons," Minato nods, then, to Minako. "They do jump a lot. They're also usually designed a little like dragons..." He scrutinises her, a moment. "... you could pull off a horned helmet," he decides.
And so Minato slaps at his arms, as they walk on. ("I won't be beaten so easily," he mutters, beneath his breath.) Fuuka diverts off the path, though, and Minato follows her, blinking curiously.
"Hmm," he says, as he crouches down, by the berries. "If we're not sure... I'll test them for you," he offers, bravely, and proceeds to nom a berry.
MINATO NO! YOU CAN'T JUST EAT FOOD BECAUSE IT'S IN FRONT OF YOU!
You ESPECIALLY can't nom three more afterwards, declaring that they're, "... pretty tasty..."!!!
MONAD: Minato Arisato has acted with Charm toward Delicious Red Berries! Base! (|============================= Monad - Results ==============================|) -==== Delicious Red Berries - Round 4 =========================================- Minato Arisato Charm Success Charm Base Fatigue: 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minako Arisato Charm Success Charm Base Fatigue: 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fuuka Yamagishi Academics Success Bookworm Escape and Smarts Fatigue: 0 -============================= Party Conditions: ==============================- Starting Conditions: Bothersome-1, Bothersome-2, Lunchbox-0, and Stupor-2 Final Conditions: Bothersome-1 and Stupor-1 -======================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====- -==== Reach: 3/6 |=== | =====================================================- -==== Loot So Far: ============================================================- Items: 2, Money: 0, Gear: 0 (|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|) <Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
Fuuka isn't as knowledgeable about video games - but not for lack of interest. She's seen a lot about them, but her parents never thought they were worth her time, so until recently she hasn't had much opportunity to play many for herself...
She considers Minako's idea thoughtfully. A spear character, with a horned, dragon-like helmet...
"...I think that would be neat." Fuuka agrees, ultimately.
Minako asks if they're safe to eat. Fuuka 'hm's thoughtfully to herself, and Minato volunteers to test them.
"Ah, wait -" Fuuka starts. He eats one - no, he eats four of them. She waits, a little on edge... But things seem fine?? She examines the branch more closely again. ...It doesn't bear any usual signs of poisonous plants...
"I... think it might be safe." Fuuka concludes. "Are you noticing any kinds of irritation...?"
These ones, at least, are in fact safe to eat! It'll give them a much needed boost as they continue on.
MONAD: Minako Arisato has drawn a new Challenge!
(|===================== Monad - Katatsumuri Forest Trail =====================|)
-==== Round 5: The Fork in the Road - Challenge Level 2 =======================-
| Approach Options: Charm or Understanding |
| Conditions: Bothersome - Charm Down L1, Bothersome - Charm Down L1, Hard - |
| Understanding Down L1, and Stupor - Academics Down L1 |
-==== Challenge ===============================================================-
You've reached the end of the forest trail. Ahead is a fork that will take you
back towards the entrance if you want, or, if you ignore the signs here that
state that ahead is private property and that you absolutely shouldn't
tresspass, you could potentially take an approach that would take you right up
to the back of the Morimoto Sanitarium.
Assuming, that is, that's somewhere that you want to go.
But tresspassing is a crime, and there are plenty of stories that, true or not,
suggest eerie things take place in the sanitarium. It's quiet here. You can't
even hear the birds. There's nothing for you but the sound of the wind in the
branches.
Do you have a good sense of your group's mood and whether this is an adventure
you want to chance? Or would you prefer to bolster their spirits and urge them
on ahead?
(|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
"A... horned helmet?" Minako asks, with a blink of confusion. "I'm not sure, uh, that seems kinda like a Viking?" But then she glances at Fuuka. "R-Really? Well... maybe."
Then, she opens her mouth in muted horror as her brother goes to taste test berries that may not be safe. Her horror quickly becomes not-so-muted: "Minato-kun!!"
She looks nervously at Fuuka. But, she confirms it should be fine -- and then Minato seems fine. She takes a few berries and eats them -- "mm!" -- before she continues forging ahead. The trail comes to an end, and she spots the signs that point to the sanitarium. Her eyes widen, for a moment.
And she seems to space out.
"My master thinks... you're going to need to go there. Eventually." To Minato and Fuuka, it's like Minako just glances to the side at nothing. They don't see the tall, blonde-haired man leaning against a tree, arms folded over his chest. "Not today. But soon. Minako-chan... remember the path here."
She swallows and nods at Theodore. Then, she looks ahead. "I don't think we should go now. But..." She trails off. "...I think, we should remember the way here. I have a feeling about this place."
MONAD: Minako Arisato has acted with A Smile for Every Situation toward The Fork in the Road! Specialty! <Pose Tracker> Minato Arisato has posed.
"No, it's Berserkers that wear viking helmets," Minato corrects Minako, without missing a beat.
Minako cries out in dismay, but, well, that's really just fuel for a brother, didn't you know? He tries another berry. "It's fine," he promises her. "I don't feel numb or tingly or anything. They're sweet."
Nom nom nom...
Minato comes to the end of the trail, and looks to the sign. "Looks like it's private property," he reports. "We'd better turn back..."
Here, he turns back to Minako, only to see her spacing out. "Hey," he calls, lightly. "Earth to Minako-chan. Come in, Minako-chan."
Minako reports in, and he titls his head. "You think our destiny lies here...? All right," he nods. "Let's look into it. Yamagishi-san, can you investigate the Dark Side of Sumaru when we get back...? If something important's going to happen... I'm sure people are talking about it."
MONAD: Minato Arisato has acted with Doom Talk toward The Fork in the Road! Friendliness and Efficient! <Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
Past the berry bush that thankfully isn't poisonous, they find a fork in the road. One seems like it leads back the way they came... but the other leads onto private property, to the Morimoto Sanitarium.
"Yes, I suppose so..." Fuuka agrees with Minato with a nod. "Even if there's something strange going on, trespassing on a hunch is going too far..."
...Says the hacker.
She looks toward Minako, too, to see her standing there like that.
"Minako-chan?" Fuuka asks, as Minato tries to get her attention.
Minako says they shouldn't go now - but they should remember the way here.
A feeling...
"...I think I understand what you mean. It's so quiet here. It's... not a good sign, when nature gets quiet like this." Fuuka agrees. ...It's not quite the same feeling.
She looks toward Minato, then, with a nod.
"I can look into it. I'll let you know if I turn anything up." Fuuka replies.
MONAD: Fuuka Yamagishi has acted with Understanding toward The Fork in the Road! Base!
(|============================= Monad - Results ==============================|)
-==== The Fork in the Road - Round 5 ==========================================-
Minato Arisato Charm Success
Doom Talk Friendliness and Efficient Fatigue: 0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minako Arisato Understanding Success
A Smile for Every Si Specialty Fatigue: 0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fuuka Yamagishi Understanding Failure
Understanding Base Fatigue: 1
-============================= Party Conditions: ==============================-
Starting Conditions: Bothersome-1, Bothersome-2, Hard-2, and Stupor-1
Final Conditions: Bothersome-1 and Hard-1
-======================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====-
-==== Reach: 5/6 |=====| =====================================================-
-==== Loot So Far: ============================================================-
Items: 2, Money: 0, Gear: 0
(|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
(|===================== Monad - Katatsumuri Forest Trail =====================|)
-==== Round 6: The Old Guide - Challenge Level 1 ==============================-
| Approach Options: None |
| Conditions: Revelation - The best result. |
-==== Challenge ===============================================================-
Emerging near the side of Mt. Katatsumuri, your group comes across an elderly
guide. "Ah, excuse me, but did you happen to come across an old shrine?"
If the party donated some yen earlier to the offering box and are interested
enough to ask about Master Fuyou, the guide smiles. "Ah, so you have some
interest in his tale? It's a sad one; the Period of the Warring States was no
fairy tale for those that lived it... Yes, back then, he was known as Junnosuke
Kuroda..."
The gist of the tale is that Junnosuke served under Tatsunoshin Suou, vassal of
the warlord Kiyotada Sumaru, the founder of what would become Sumaru City. Due
to the warlord's tyranny, Kuroda, Suou, and Maihime Amano made a assassination
attempt on him. During the fight, Sumaru fatally wounded Amano with a spear,
devastating her lover Suou, who ordered Kuroda to burn down Sumaru Castle.
Kuroda did as he was told, trapping his master and the warlord in the burning
building as he fled. It's said the ninja master's spirit still sits in limbo,
waiting for the chance to exact revenge on the man who killed his master.
"Ah, but listen to me gab. Please, be careful if you're going to the Sanitarium;
seems something is happening up there." The guide offers you some candies, and
ushers your group along.
(OOC: How much the old man tells you and to what degree is up to you!)
Final Loot: 2 Items!
(|============================================================= Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Minako Arisato has posed.
<poem> Minako just looks confused at the mention of berserkers. (Isn't that a manga or something?) "Y-Yeah," Minako says, with a glance at her brother. She doubts he knows of Igor, or the Velvet Room, or Theodore. (She has two out of three wrong.) She blinks, her lips forming into a frown.
Then, she looks at Fuuka. Minako nods at her, with a smile. "...Yeah," she lies. She doesn't know how to explain it. "It's too quiet. In... a strange way. Thanks, Fuuka-chan. For now... let's head back."
As they are almost out, though, they meet an old man -- and sure enough, they donated. Minako blinks her eyes once at the story -- and she gasps a little. "That's a really sad story," she says. "Thank you, sir. And..."
She glances back up the path. "...we will."