The Youkai Tanuki General

♚ : they had certainly traded blows on more than one occasion back then, though who had really come out the victor was uncertain in the sense of the battles had simply begun to blur together — how the conditions for victory had simply changed, in the end, when the crowd had turned out to be a cabal of youkai tanuki all along.

‘then perhaps it would do you well to practice her mannerisms with all due vigor. as i said, your impression is somewhat lacking.’ she won’t take the bait of being continuously insulted, as she knows better than to fall for such lowly tricks.

‘your memory seems to be mistaken. is your age catching up with you, perhaps? i recall scoring a sound victory against you outside the village when first we met.’ there is something of a smirk alight upon her lips, but it fades quickly into a more neutral, thoughtful gaze just as quickly as it has appeared.

‘the adjustment period was somewhat difficult, but there is nothing here i find intolerable. the incidents can certainly be… lively.’ a pause. ‘will you find yourself up to the challenge, i wonder?’

“Oh yeah? I doubt you could do much better!”

     With a laugh, she kicks back while sitting on her tail.

“You’re the last person who should be chiding me over my age,” Mamizou responds in turn with a meager shrug as she uncorked her sake bottle, clearly ignoring most of what Miko had just said with a lackadaisical expression.

To which, naturally, she would begin to take a drink— letting the hermit continue to speak as much as they wanted to while she indulged, pausing only once the question was bounced back upon them. “Oh? Will I? Who do you think you’re talkin’ to? I ain’t that bumblin’ minion of yours. I’m a master of adapting!”

“It’s a strange place, isn’t it? It does seem like many just came here, popped up for a reason or another.” She almost feels her heart sinking when she thinks about it; she should’ve been back to Imil, to meet up with Justin and Megan again, to see how much they’ve progressed and maybe she’d have felt so proud of how they took care of the town while she was gone. Ah, just wishful thinking.

The djinn on her shoulder keeps looking at Mamizou, curious. She was no threat, so far. It bounces from side to side, eventually relaxing a little more. She can be trusted, it seems. “Ah, that’s an interesting name! I don’t think I’ve heard of anything like that before. I’m Mia, is a pleasure to meet you.”

“And him? He’s Fizz. We’ve been together for a long time now, though I don’t really recall how we crossed paths.” 

“Popped up... yup, that sure is a word for it.” Kidnapped, more like. She’d take another sip, before shifting her posture entirely to get comfy— the woman now laying on the ground sideways, head resting against her arm.

“You haven’t? It ain’t exactly a common name, so I ain’t surprised. But, well, I’ve certainly heard the name Mia before. Still— it’s a nice name. So Mia and Fizz then, eh...? Mia and Fizz... quite the interesting pair you two make!”

“That long, though... wow. Sure must be nice. So he’s like yer pet, then...?”

The excuse of ‘magic resistant toxin’ should be able to carry this lie.

“This world, just like any other, is filled with magic resistant toxin. So long as humans who don’t believe in magic exist in this world… My magical power will be reduced. So, forgive me for not being able to do a more spectacular prank.”

Mamizou… Yes, she would make a good friend for Beatrice. Sayo could imagine the two of them pulling more pranks together.

“Kihihihihi…!! Your ideas are pretty bold, Mamizou! I suppose games aren’t as fun without the risk, are they? We must brainstorm sometime!”

    The way this Beatrice carried herself sure was entertaining. There was an arrogance, a real bravado in her words that amused her. But... her words were strange.

This world, just like any other... there was something strange about that. Perhaps that’s what it was like back where she came from, sure. And while the idea that human belief could affect something so strongly didn’t surprise her (for as a youkai, she knew this first hand), Mamizou had never heard of a magic resistant toxin.

“... Oh, no, that’s alright! That’s just how it is, ain’t it?” Laughing and nodding, Mamizou crosses her arms. “And of course they’re bold! The risk is what makes the game worth it— especially when you can easily manage it! Hohohoho!”

     Laughing some more, she’d only further agree with the other’s words.

“But anyhow, sure, I’d love to! Lets plot away, you and me!” She pauses. “... That said... so what kinda magic do you know, missy? Even if ya can’t show me, I’d love to hear about it. And in return— I’ll even show you what magic I can do.”

       a tilt of the head responds to the stranger’s … jubilant personality.  intuition tells of mischief incoming in the near future with this one.  almost like a pixie’s way of having fun … well,  from her explanation,  it makes sense. 

       though,  the laugh does catch Manako off guard,  and so she subtly takes a step back.  not too much.   ❝ I-I see,  ❞  she murmurs,  ❝ I guess there is a difference between magicks and tricks. ❞

       ❝  Well …  ❞  she takes a moment to ponder.  what was it like,  having Eos as a companion?  ❝  Reassuring,  I suppose.  ❞  a faerie companion is practically the mark and signature of a scholar.  ❝  Her name is Eos.  She doesn’t speak,  but she possess a plentiful amount of magicks to help in healing.  Without her,  I wouldn’t be able to heal others efficiently.  … um,  she can be mischievous in her own way,  but it seems that I have some issues summoning her since I got to this city. ❞

“Outside of magical tricks, anyways.” The shy type, eh? Bemused by her reaction, the ‘human’ standing there would place a hand on her hip, smirking. 

Listening on to the other’s description of her fairy partner, Mamizou would cross her arms and nod as Manako continued, an eyebrow raised. Healing magic... that certainly was a unique talent. “So she can’t even talk, eh? Now how’s about that. I’m rather used to the sort of types that jabber endlessly m’self.”

“Well, it is surprising that you are a newcomer. I just recently arrived today, I think, I don’t remember how I got here.” She’s unsure whether anyone remembers anyhow, but the tanuki woman before her seemed to take in stride. “So no, you don’t act like it in the slightest.

The little djinn that accompained her watching from her shoulder, attentively, at the stranger. It wags its tail, a little, but never moves away from Mia’s sight. A hand goes for its head, patting it lightly.

“Hm? The fireworks?” Her cyan eyes meet with a colorful spectacle in the sky, brightening the night in the fullest. Wide-eyed, she’s awestruck at the beauty of the fireworks, there in the boardwalk - oh, but how beautiful they were! A smile creeps through as she observes.

“Oh, they’re so nice! They’re so pretty!”

“From the looks of things, most people don’t. I wouldn’t expect any answers from me about all that stuff, either. At the end of the day, you and I are both stuck in the same mud boat.” Siiiip. While taking another drink of her sake, however, she’d spy Mia’s djinn with a single opened eye, staring right back at it.

Odd little thing. Certainly was no mere pet, either. Closing her eyes, she’d pull back her drink and pleasantly sigh once more, head tilting upwards.

Watching as the sky burst once more into light, Mamizou would smile at the sight.

“Mhm. Pretty indeed. That’s another thing that summer can’t go without ya know— a bunch’a fireworks to set off the skies.” Lowering her gaze to watch as the other appreciates the lightshow, she again examines the djinn, before chuckling. “Name’s Mamizou, by the way. How ‘bout you, Missy? ... And does your pal there got a name, too?”

“Festivals? So that’s why the place seemed so busy at the time - is that common here during these days?”

Truthfully, Mia couldn’t quite say she had the most time for festivals and such; as dedicated to her duties as she was, a part of her silently wished that she’d get a small break of two. Of course she enjoyed her work - how could she not? It kept people safe, and it felt good to do the right thing, to help the sickly and the bed-ridden to come back to health. But, well, everyone needed some fun every now and then, didn’t they?

“Ah, apologies. I just arrived recently here, I’m still not quite sure how everything works, nor familiar with any local festivities whatsover.”

“These days, sure seems like it. But in the first place, summer’s all about festivals, don’t ya know? I reckon it just ain’t summer without some kind of celebration or hullabaloo goin’ on! ... Ah, but is that right? Yer a newbie to these parts?” She takes another drink, before flashing Mia a bright smile. “Well what a coincidence— so am I! But I bet I don’t act like it, do I? As a matter of fact, I’m a pretty amazin’ adapter!”

     By being used to acting as the underdog, Mamizou supposed it couldn’t be helped that she’s gotten as acquainted as she have already. Then again, she’s also always been an adept at learning the ins and outs of wherever she went.

“Especially when there’s drinks involved! And there ain’t no easier way to lull the hearts and dull the minds of shaken folks than by knocking back a drink or two! Hohoho! Cheers!” Raising her bottle of sake, the ‘human’ proceed to go and take a nice, long drink— to which she’d pull away from with a refreshed exhale. 

       with the opening of newer grounds to roam,  Manako would never pass an offer to do as such—especially in a forest,  of all places!  even if it didn’t take long to attract some … tricksters,  to say the least.  the pixies were none too far from the pixies on the First,  so of course she knows how to get along with them.  never tell them a name,  humor them only on certain things,  and definitely don’t touch their stuff.  nothing too difficult, right? 

       ❝  Oh,  um—  ❞

       she looks on at the approaching woman,  a bit startled by the sudden appearance.  some of the pixies flutter away with a giggle,  and others watch.  

       ❝  I … suppose so,  yes.  ❞  Manako nods.  ❝  A place named Il Mheg … pixies live there,  where I’m from.  ❞  maybe she’ll leave out the part where she slayed their king and crowned another.  ❝  They’re really not all that bad when you know how to … erm, humor them.  ❞

       ❝  And I guess it helps that I have my own faerie companion,  too.  Do you enjoy studying their magicks,  too …?  ❞

     ‘Where in the heck was an Il Mheg supposed to be?’, was Mamizou’s first thought. Not that she was much of a geographical expert of the world, but she had her fair share of knowledge of Western countries. Though, she supposed, this could be a place from one of these ‘other worlds’ she’d heard from listening in on folks...

So perhaps the where didn’t really matter, in this regard. Regardless, it sure was a strange name, she mused. “That right, Missy?”

“Then it’s just no wonder why you and those pixies were lookin’ like some real snug peas in a pod. And to even have your own fairy companion...” Sounds like a handful, if this girl was used to were anything like the ones she knew. “... Hm? Me? No, no.”

     The sudden question poised to the ‘human’ elicits an immediate laugh.

She looked over at this stranger with a small pout finding it’s way across her face.

“My magic power is limited among humans… Otherwise, I would have planned something more spectacular!”

Even though this person suddenly snuck up behind her, ‘Beatrice’ was glad for it. Back on Rokkenjima, the only partner she had in her pranks was Maria- who only occasionally visited the island. This woman… She might make a good partner in crime!

“Something like that is a bit dangerous, no? It’s not a curse if I end up accidentally killing him in the process. A curse is a drawn out method of torture that can last a lifetime…!!!”

Hm… Then this may not be very good either. It’s only an idle prank- she’s not going to follow him for a lifetime/

“Very well, I think you’re a worthy partner. I am Beatrice- and you are?”

“Ohh, is that right? Quite a finicky magic ya got there...” This immediately attracted her attention, now— though she’d feign interest for the time being. Magic-wielding sorts were always good to keep an eye on, after all.

Standing up straight, letting a hand rest on her hip, the ‘human’ at her side grinned as she looked at Beatrice. She had a keen enough eye for these things indeed, Mamizou thought. But to begin with, the strongest curses were the sort that persisted even more than a lifetime.

“If he ain’t going to drink it, then I don’t see the problem— but anywho!”

“Beatrice, eh? Fancy name. Mine’s Mamizou. As a magical trick-pullin’ specialist myself, I like your gusto! So it’s nice to make your acquaintance, Missy!”

It seems he’d been fortunate enough to have arrived on the island during a time of festival. All of the activity and the sights and the sounds had been enough to distract him from the disquieting fact that he had no real idea where he was. He’d been able to put a name to the place ( Spirale ) but it wasn’t any better than having no name at all; he’d never heard of it, never seen it on a map. Now the day was winding down, the stars were making their appearance one by one, and he had been given time to think. He stared into the cup of tea he was gripping with both hands, a furrow in his brow. He only had one question on his mind – how would he get back to Paris from here? Surely someone had noticed him missing by now.

                 Right?

These thoughts were troubling but, thankfully, he didn’t have to sit with them for long. He hadn’t even had the time to say ‘please do’ before the young woman was taking a seat across from him. Her questions had derailed his train of thought completely, but he wasn’t mad about it. 

“The sights are wonderful! I’ve never seen anything like some of the things they have here.” The technology alone was brilliant, so different from back home. “I haven’t tried much of the food…” Not that he would be a good judge of whether or not it was poorly made. He went to take a sip of his own beverage, wrinkling his nose as he realized it had gone cold. He’d been brooding too long. 

     Studying the other for a moment, letting him dwell in his thoughts before he spoke in return she’d chuckle at the other’s sudden zeal. With the look that had been on his face just moments ago, he certainly looked rather troubled, anyhow.

Then again, sights like these were enough to dazzle even the most shocked of folk who had just arrived, she’d suppose— what with the variety of it all.

“That so? Well, ain’t that swell to hear! Sounds pretty similar to what most people’ve been telling me too, ya know. And for the most part, I’m partial to agree. This place sure ain’t like home! Hoho...” She watches as he takes a drink, focusing on his face.

“That’s what happens when ya don’t enjoy yourself right away.”

♚ : at first, she’s mildly surprised and bemused to see the shrine maiden of paradise here on the island, but quickly does her good mood turn to suspicion upon further examination of the girl before her. miko hasn’t had much contact with reimu of late, but she could certainly swear that her diction was quite… different than this. had she access to the full range of her ability, she might have been able to see right to the heart of the matter.

…though, really, it wasn’t that difficult to guess who might act in such a manner. she hadn’t even bothered to ditch that elderly mannerism of hers.

‘ahaha.’ her laughter is somewhat flat, forced. she’s in on the ruse now. ‘you know, i have a distinctly different memory of those long summer days — and quite a different memory of your behavior. i must say i expected some of your disrespect, but not to this extent.’

‘but then, what am i to accept as truth from a bake-danuki? …miss mamizou, you may drop your disguise whensoever you please. unless you enjoy poorly playing a servant to the gods?’

“Huh— wha— ya figured me out so easily?! But my disguise was darn near perfect!” Feigning utter shock at the Crown Prince’s achievement, she proceeded to laugh once more as the form of the Hakurei Shrine Maiden began to grow smoky.

“As expected of one such as yourself, I suppose! Hoho, but I am quite fond of this look, ya know. After all, Reimu’s already so youkai-like.”

“Much more entertainin’ to take her form than yours, anywho!”

     The shrine maiden’s hair stands up on end as her form is soon obscured by the smoke-like transformative process— and soon, standing in the girl’s place was the tanuki in all her splendor, tail landing on the ground with a slight thud as she’d shift from the position she was leaning at, to sitting thusly on her prided appendage.

And then there was the tail, too... certainly wasn’t as impressive as hers, though.

“... You certainly get along well with those pixies, don’tcha?” Striking up a conversation with her after having watched her for a moment, the human-disguised tanuki would approach Manako with a smile. “Used to livin’ around these sorts?”

“I sure am myself— more so fairies than these lil fellers, though. Might as well be the same, with how tricky they are! Aside from the difference in sizes, and all.”

     It was rude to just ask someone about their kind— so she’d go the roundabout way. A little nice casual conversation was relaxing to have now and then, anyways.

“Lovely lil’ tea party they got goin’ on, ain’t it?” Approaching the solitary vampire, the human-transformed tanuki sat on across from him. “Don’t mind if I join, do ya? Ain’t much of a party if yer sittin’ by yerself, after all! Hohoho!”

“So. You enjoyin’ it? ... The sights I mean. Not the food— although I’d give these quiches they got a solid seven outta ten if you asked me. Just a mite too salty.”

     Adjusting her spectacles, she’d offer Noe a small, friendly smile... before bringing the gourd she had strapped to her side to her lips— indulging in not tea, but sake.

“Aaah, that’s the stuff! Far better than the tea or coffee they got here...”

“A festival-like air durin’ the middle of summer... brings back fond memories of me kickin’ yer butt back during those religious wars a few years ago!”

     The ‘Hakurei Shrine Maiden’ gives off another odd laugh, as she leans against a nearby streetlight. With a canted head, the girl gives the other a bemused look.

“So! Been here long? Enjoyin’ the modern life? Busy proselytizing?”

     Although she’s jabbing the other, ‘Reimu’ was mostly just playing around. She’s barely even bothering to act like the girl she appeared as, after all.