mayfield_rpg | 3rd Spellcard: Haphazard Exchange "The Priestess and the Immortal Flame"

I'll be sure to give you a list.

(Because if she really had to write it all down, it'd be on one of those scrolls that could cross the street and still have more to unravel.)

It must not have been fun watching those two argue. Does Bazett normally bring that much trouble on herself? Marisa tells me she does and she gets the best friends benefits, but I just want to be sure, if that's alright.

Thank you, I'll do my best with what's available here.

[It gives her something to do! And moving on...]

I tried giving Bazett the benefit of the doubt, but she really is appearing to be incorrigible. [She's frowning and holding back a sigh.] It's in a sense 'worse' for me, because we are actually from the same overarching world. I've never met her in my life, but I can recognize the places and positions she talks about and fully understand the implications, such as the Mages' Association and the title of an Enforcer. I have a good understanding of her abilities as well. The possibilities of an alternate reality exist, but it's for these reasons that I believe we're from a common home world. [a beat.] I've kept that part to myself though, Marisa would likely get even angrier if she knew what that woman was really babbling about. But how to say this... [crossing her arms and looking thoughtful...]

That woman flags down every person displaying even a hint of supernatural power within her sights in this town, then forcibly questions them if they're a magi or not, followed by whether they intend to use their abilities to harm innocents or not. You can already see the problem there already, right? Especially in a town like Mayfield, where individuals with all sorts of powers coming from different backgrounds are brought to one place, whether one has the ability of a god or a street magician doesn't matter in the least. We're all stuck with each other, so if there's someone particularly malevolent, it's only a matter of time before they gain a reputation for everyone to be wary of. As for magicians like Marisa herself, she's not obliged to explain to anyone who she is or what she intends to do with her power. That's not even taking in consideration that with such a painfully blunt question, anyone malicious with powers can simply lie to Bazett and be subtle about their actions. I believe she's aggravated miss Knowledge as well, so you can understand how that would only add fuel to the fire.

[She pauses, but clearly she's not done. If Reimu's got comments though, she's free to input them now.]

Yeah, I was wondering what that was all about. She was definitely curious about the barrier I set up around my house; she seemed to calm down after I told her I don't have anything offensive yet.

So I guess she's one of those really reckless soldier types? I can respect the dedication, but if she wasn't so upfront about her motives, she'd be like Merem.

(Which to Reimu, isn't a very good thing.)

But it's the same either way, isn't it? If you refuse to answer, she threatens you with an organization that doesn't exist here. If you're not malicious and give her any sort of positive answer that may imply helping others, she would almost definitely ask you for an alliance. Not only invading personal privacy by insistently questioning about what others do with their abilities, but almost coercing them to help her out... I wouldn't be so concerned myself if she knew what she was doing, but that woman just kept repeatedly landing herself in trouble with that sort of approach without showing any signs that she's learned anything. She even asks those who are powerless, involving the innocent in matters that they should be kept away from. I don't know how Marisa may have worded it, but she has no restraint, tact, or awareness. You know how Marisa specifically set up a ward around our house against her, correct? Yet she keeps on insisting to see her. I've issued Bazett a warning myself personally to leave Marisa alone. I haven't heard anything since, but goodness knows if she really listened to me. Honestly, I have a very hard time believing a woman like her could even be an Enforcer, but if she says so... Your role in Gensokyo is nothing like one, by the way. [She's making a sour face...

Looking up there though.]

She's absolutely nothing like Merem. [Without batting and eyelash and looking surprisingly deadpan, she sure seems absolutely certain all of a sudden...] Bazett did mention him threatening you, but I'd rather hear the details firsthand. May I ask, Hakurei-san?

Even I'm not that reckless; I only fight those who actually start trouble. Policing all of Gensokyo is too much work for me to want to do.

(Okay, so she's not like Merem; Reimu has to remember that Ciel probably respects him a lot more than Bazett.)

He told me that the church views eastern religions as heresy and it's his job to eliminate heresy. I get defensive when people threaten my shrine...

(She really does.)

I'm glad you understand. That sort of approach is quickly exhaustive and the last thing that could lead to productive results. Does Marisa's irk make more sense now? Honestly, I'm beginning to be at my wits' end myself...

[Looking pretty nonchalant, she just blinks back.]

Ah, as I thought... Actually, have you noticed that while he's given you two statements, any threat you may perceive is projected? An indirect one, in other words. He just said two facts about himself and Christianity, but nothing like directly telling you he'd harm you, right? That's how he usually is. He just likes to say disturbing things to get people on guard, but the truth is he dislikes violence and fighting in general. I do believe he's been warming up to Marisa behind my back, so I don't think it's in his interest to anger her either. Please ignore him and just let me know if he does actually cause any trouble. Mm... This is a secret, and while what he says is true, as a member of the Church myself, I could really care less about something like that here. But since I know him best, I'll assume responsibility if he does do something out of line. Will you keep me updated, Hakurei-san? [kayneshrug.gif]

It makes a lot of sense now...

(Now that she's heard it directly from Marisa AND Ciel, Reimu won't try to make them do anything with Bazett.)

Oh, so he's one of those types who likes to get a rise out of people. I know plenty of those...

...but I'll keep you posted, if anything; he hasn't said anything about my shrine since then, so I was wondering if he forgot about it. Hopefully, me getting my divine power back won't get any negative attention.

Mm. ...I'm sorry that you had to be involved in it too, Hakurei-san. She is our neighbor, living on the same street as us, so I try to handle things in Marisa's stead because it wouldn't end well for anyone if Bazett really pushes her past her limit. And trust me, she has the capacity to. [Having pity on Marisa and Reimu because they're teenagers overlooking the peace of Gensokyo... Pity, really? Ugh, it's best if no one else ever learns of that.]

That's right. I don't think he's forgotten about it, he probably just grew bored or found something else more interesting. Deep down, Merem is just a child looking for toys. And you don't have to worry about that; Christian exorcists also draw their power from faith. While it's a different variant, the base principle is similar. You probably won't be doing anything he hasn't seen before, and even so, unless you possess some rare artifact, he'll soon be on his way again.

And from the sound of things, she's definitely pissed off more than Marisa before. It's got to be rough, being her...(Pity for the person who pities her? WHAT IS THIS I DONT EVEN)

Ah, that might be a bit of a problem, then. If Mayfield gives it back to me, I'll have my yin-yang orbs. They're a family treasure filled with incredible divine power; they can only be used by those of the Hakurei bloodline, but yeah...that's something to look forward to.

...That's the worst part, Hakurei-san. I don't even think she realizes, it's why she's not changing her ways. I've tried to explain too, several times even, but to no avail. Any form of pity would be quick to transform to annoyance, if you're starting to realize more and more than nothing may be done about it. [Coolly; yeah no sorry not following you there...]

Is that so? ...Well, it's not like he can use it, but he may want to give it a look. Still, that would be your opportunity to get him to do something in exchange. Either way, please don't worry about it. We don't know when you will be getting them back, do we? There's no use fretting about it now.

So what's left to do, then? Leave her to do what she's doing until she learns the hard way? (It's cool; Ciel had to tolerate her longer than Reimu.)

Fair enough. I don't think I have much I could ask him for, anyway.

I'm... not sure, honestly. [Frowning in conflict now as she gives a small sigh.] I know there are ways to seal her thaumaturgy, but you can get the idea that as long as she doesn't understand why her behavior is antagonistic and aggravating to the point of infuriating, she won't change how she acts. I suppose I could try telling her explicitly this time to leave Marisa alone, but... [whelp. She is just getting sick of this repeating, and SHE's supposed to be the patient one here...]

It's best to have little to do with him, so let's hope he doesn't bother you again. [she can nod to that though, and like she's already told Reimu, let her know if Merem starts something, :|b]

I guess if she actually listened, things wouldn't have gotten this bad. If things get really bad, I could try sealing them; by divine power lets me seal things away, but I don't know how effective that would be...

I hope he doesn't, either. (Oh, Reimu will totally let her know. Totally.)

I know a magus from our world capable of such feat. Our organizations aren't on good terms back home. We've maintained neutrality here, and while I'd rather not go to her for help, it's still a viable solution. ...It's likely more punitive though, so if you're willing to do something if this persists, I would be grateful. ...But time will tell; ideally, we wouldn't need to talk about any of this.

[She'll just give a small nod at that. RE: She knows him pretty well, so she at least would like to think that she knew Merem enough to predict this much.]

(To Reimu, Merem seemed like the unpredictable type...then again, she doesn't know him nearly as much as Ciel does, so she couldn't say for sure.)

I'm hoping we won't, but for what it's worth, I've been laying low and playing defensively until I regain a few more things. Barriers, seals, healing, all of that miko stuff, so I can definitely give you a hand if you need it.

[She had to put up with him and work alongside him back home. ...Yeah, she'd know. >_>]

That's best, I think. The church has a barrier around it that repels demons. Given how unstable this town can get however, it's difficult for me to consistently maintain its strength, though it should weaken the typical heresies if they enter. This body is normal, but I can normally heal and seal to an extend as well. There are similarities between the roles of a miko and a priest, isn't there? [She offers a small smile, completely disregarding the clash of Eastern and Western beliefs. You start getting into the habit of it, after spending some time in Mayfield... :v] You can come see me if the need ever arises, at least until you regain your own abilities back?

More similarities than one would initially think. The gods involved might be different, but at the end of the day, gods are worshiped. (At least Reimu doesn't really have much against western religions; she didn't really bother to look into them.)

Sure thing. I can help out with that kind of stuff too, if you need it. I don't really do much other than the occasional school visit, anyway.

And both draw their power from Faith, right? That's why Christianity has so much power and influence, it is the most popular religion in the world. [She completes with a small smile. Ciel just gave it a surface glance, having spent a few years in Japan and all.]

I can't accept that until you have the power to back up your words, Hakurei-san. I won't be able to face Marisa either if I got her friend hurt somehow. [She gives a small shake of her head, but it's lightly teasing and clear that she means well.] Aha, the high school does get repetitive, doesn't it? I normally teach there actually, it's my day job.

Yup! Faith is the major tool in both of them.

I don't think I'd be able to face her, either; Marisa's a bit fond of tough love, but I really don't mind. (She's pretty sure there'll be plenty of other opportunities for the witch to beat Reimu's face in.)

It really does. The only reason I go other than droning is because of the Yama; she'll lecture me something fierce if I miss her classes.

Haha, that's actually quite neat to have confirmed, thank you! [...Can't help but chuckle faintly there.] It's her way to show care, isn't it? So please be careful and don't overdo it. You know we're at 1125 Taylor, right? Feel free to come by whenever, too. ...Though a heads-up would be nice, I do admit that I'm not home very often.

The Yama? As Yamaxanadu Shikieki? [she looks thoughtful about that... they've spoken before a few times, the woman seemed reasonable... :v]

Yeah, I'll definitely give you a call beforehand!

That's her. She's a really strict teacher...(Mayfield's not an excuse to not go to school, so she says.)

I appreciate it, Hakurei-san.

Aha, though given that she's the Yama, it's not very surprising. She's strict but she means well, doesn't she? Hang in there! [haha she'll make you an extra lunch for morale boost?]

She does, but...she's just really passionate about it, you know? She absolutely loves the idea of teaching law-something something, whatever her class actually is, but I've made it this far, I guess.

(Extra Ciel lunches could make Reimu do pretty much anything.)

Exactly, so I'm sure you'll be able to make it through with a few more pushes! Do you start the day with a good breakfast and eat a filing lunch? Eating well is important too, after all!

[this can... be arranged...]

I usually make breakfasts out of whatever's in the house; eggs and stuff like that. Lunch is...well, whatever they have in the school, if that counts.

(Which means that she either eats slop for lunch or doesn't eat lunch at all.)

3rd Spellcard: Haphazard Exchange "The Priestess and the Immortal Flame"

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I hate the tab key sometimes.

happened to me too bwuh

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