Well, now that NaNoWriMo is over... (And you failed...yet again.) ...We can post entries for the Let's Play series again! (Unless you count that job assessment...) Let's not go into that here and get on with the game already.
Note from the future: Yes, this post was originally typed November 2013.
Warning!: This is based upon a game that's rated M for Blood, Drug
References, Strong Language, Suggestive (read 'Sexual') themes, and
Violence. If any of these things offend you, don't click on the link.
Spoiler Warning: If you haven't seen the entirety of the Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors Let's Play; a part of this post will spoil part of the meta plot for that LP.
-Chapter 2: Part Three-
June 1865
(Still that month and year, it's the same as the last part!)
'The compound was alive with noise and movement. I passed several soldiers in the halls, each one of them excited about something. What was going on?'
(Sounds like we'll find out soon enough.)
Kashitaro Itou: "*Pant* *Pant* This is...this is unconscionable! Never, in all my...!"
What has his fudoshi tied up in a knot? (Monster!) (Actually, I would've said "panties" but Shimohi here just said a more period accurate version of it.) (Shimohi!? Not you too!)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Itou? Is something wrong?!"
Well, I thought that would be more socially acceptable question to ask...
Kashitaro Itou: "Yes! Yes, I'd say everything is wrong! Why should I be made to bare my skin in the same room as those...those savages?!"
([sarcasm] I don't know, maybe it's because...oh let's see... [/sarcasm] THEY'RE YOUR BROTHERS IN ARMS!)
'...Itou's explanations was anything but.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Um... Is there something going on today?"
'Itou did his best to collect himself, shakily adjusting his hair and clothing before he spoke.'
Kashitaro Itou: "A supposed doctor that Kondou met during the shogun's visit has come here."
Wait a minute! "Doctor", could that doctor be...my father?
Kashitaro Itou: "He is conducting...physical examinations."
(I still stand by my earlier point. It's for your own good, so suck it up you pansy!) (Hey!) At least Akurei wasn't talking about you this time.
'With a disdainful sniff, he glared pointedly across the hall, toward the area he'd just left. The men were getting physical checkups, that much I knew. Given my...particular situation, I'd been exempted by the captains, who had also given me special instructions to stay away.'
Kashitaro Itou: "That hairless monster! He demanded that I remove my clothes! In front of everyone! When I refused, as any decent man would do, he attempted to remove them himself! By force! And the rest of them just...stood there! What sort of uncultured savages are they?!"
(The sort that are proven to actually be healthy enough to do their fucking jobs! Well, except for Okita. What with the TB and all...)
'"Savages" seemed a bit strong...'
(And he's a whiny little bitch... Sounds about right.) *Thinks about it* Ah, I see, what with him "barking" and complaining and all...
'At any rate, perhaps I should go see just what a physical entailed...I was a doctor's daughter, after all.'
(Female gaze-style fan service ahoy!) (Both of you are perverts, you know that right?)
Shimohi Yukimura: "What's this doctor's name?"
Kashitaro Itou: "I believe he called himself Ryojun Matsumoto."
Oh...
'What?!'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Wait... Doctor Matsumoto?!"
'When I'd first come to Kyoto, my plan had been to try and find Doctor Matsumoto. My father had told me that I could rely on the man if I ever needed anything.'
(Sounds like we still have a lead on the case of your missing father after all.)
'Unfortunately, he'd been away on business when I'd arrived, and after that...'
...and the rest is proverbial history.
Shimohi Yukimura: "I'm going to go watch the physical exams!"
(*facepalm* Didn't the captains give you, "...special instructions to stay away"?)
'There was no time to waste!'
Kashitaro Itou: "Oh my... So you want to see those savages? What peculiar taste..."
(Huh?) Remember, Itou is under the impression that I'm a young man. Moving on...
Shimohi Yukimura: "Is...this it...?"
'I could hear loud voices from inside...'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Oh! ...Oh..."
(Is... Is your character "fapping" as you call it?!)
'The scene froze me in place.'
It's a buffet of manliness! (And you're NOT talking about the leader of Team Rocket this time.)
Ryojin Matsumoto: "All right, next."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "At last! My turn! Check this out, Doctor! Hm? Hm?! Wadda ya think?! You're looking at the amazing product of years of training!"
Heisuke Toudou: "Your body's fine, Shin. I think it's your head the doctor oughta be taking a look at."
(Oh! Sick burn there! Then again, maybe he really does need those glasses...) (I know I did that warning about this, but stop with the Gintama jokes already!)
Shinpachi Nagakura: "What's that? You say you want me to beat the daylights out of you?"
Ryojun Matsumoto: "You're fine, Shinpachi Nagakura. Move along. Next!"
Shinpachi Nagakura: Whoa, hold on there, Doc! You gotta get a good loot at this--"
Ryojun Matsumoto: "No, you're quite fine. Healthy as a horse. And I've seen quite enough, thank you."
Sanosuke Harada: "You're holding up the line, Shinpachi. Get moving, all right?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "I'm just saying, I don't really think you've had time to fully examine--"
Hajime Saito: "A medical examination is for finding problems, not showing off. Now move."
Shimohi Yukimura: "..."
(Rendered speechless, huh...)
'It wasn't difficult to see why Itou had been so desperate to escape. I couldn't imagine him as part of such a display.'
(Most medical exams are not like what Shinpachi tried to turn it into.)
Ryojun Matsumoto: "You need to take better care of your digestive system. Here. Take this after every meal."
(Something tells me that's going to be a laxative.)
Ryoujun Matsumoto: "Hm. Looks like I'm out of medicine."
'I was waiting outside when Matsumoto stepped out of the room where he was conducting the examinations.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Um, excuse me!"
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Yes?"
'He looked at me for a moment, his eyes narrowed in curiosity.'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Well, I need to fetch some more medicine, so perhaps now is a good time for a break. Can you give me a hand?"
Shimohi Yukimura: "Oh... Y-Yes, of course!"
'What luck!'
We can follow up on that lead! Yay!
Shimohi Yukimura: "Um, Doctor Matsumoto..."
Isami Kondou: "Ah, Doctor. Hello, Yukimura."
'Kondou appeared, just as I was preparing to introduce myself to the doctor.'
Isami Kondou: "I see you've found her already."
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Yes, thanks to you."
Huh?
Shimohi Yukimura: "What?"
'I was utterly lost. Doctor Matsumoto laid a gentle hand on my shoulder.'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Shimohi... I came here to see you. Kondou told me that Kodo's daughter was staying with the Shinsengumi."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Oh...I see..."
Isami Kondou: "I knew Kodo and Matsumoto were acquaintances... So, I thought perhaps Matsumoto might be able to give us a clue to his friend's whereabouts. I looked him up as soon as he returned to Kyoto."
'The Shinsengumi had their own reasons for wanting my father found, but Doctor Matsumoto's appearance was still cause for joy.'
Yes! Hopefully this lead pans out!
Shimohi Yukimura: "Thank you, both of you."
'They smiled.'
(Once scene change latter...)
'Doctor Matsumoto went on to explain that he had just barely missed me when he'd left for Edo as I came to Kyoto. He'd received all my letters, but once he'd finally returned, he had no idea where I'd gone, and consequently couldn't come find me. Kondou's mention of my presence had taken him quite by surprise.'
Ryojin Matsumoto: "I'm sorry that I missed you. You must have had a rough time of it. Is there anything you need?"
Shimohi Yukimura: "No, I'm doing all right."
Except for the fact that my father is still missing, where is he? By the way.
Shimohi Yukimura: "So, Doctor Matsumoto... About my father..."
(Is the background music going to change soon...)
'His face took on a grim cast, and before he even spoke I knew what his response would be.'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Unfortunately, I know no more about where Kodo might be than you do."
(The background music changed to something more sombre, I knew it!)
Shimohi Yukimura: "I...I see."
'The defeated tone of my voice surprised me.'
*sigh* Back to the proverbial drawing board...again...
'I suppose on some level I had believed that Doctor Matsumoto would have some sort of miraculous revelation about my father... Foolish of me, of course, but that didn't make the truth any less devastating. Kondou simply nodded.'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "I hear you've become involved with the...um...the treatment."
(So THAT'S what you're calling it these days...) (Monster...) (It's a joke!)
Ryojun Matsumoto: "You know what I mean, don't you? Kodo's experiments..."
(Wink-wink, nudge-nudge...) (Reference jar! Now!)
'Yes, I knew what he meant. The experiments my father had conducted with some strange concoction that could make people go mad.'
Shimohi Yukimura: Please, tell me about it. I want to know everything my father was doing."
(I'm not sure you'll want to remember that after you hear it...)
'He nodded.'
"Kodo was working with the Shinsengumi under orders from the shogun to create what were called 'furies.'"
("Furies"?) ... (I think I'll take over from here, Wikipedia describes them as "female chthonic deities of vengeance" from Greek mythology... It's a cultural translation. But I can't see why they can't just call them Rakshasa! What's what "Rasetsu" means, after all!) (What!? You seriously expect people to understand just what a "Rakshasa" is! Normal people don't play Dungeons and Dragons!) (You humans should understand the cultures of your own species more!) (But American Culture is the best there ever is!) Okay, can you two shut up and let the game continue! [simultaneous] (Yes.) (Yes.) [/simultaneous]
'Encyclopedia updated'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Furies are humans with nigh-demonic strength and speed, and phenomenal healing abilities."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Furies..."
I definitely heard "Rasetsu" during Dr. Matsumomoto's last line... (So, "Rakshasa".)
'It was the first time I'd heard the word.'
(In universe anyway.)
'The doctor paused for a moment to look at me, then continued.'
'Encyclopedia updated'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "The substance that transforms normal men into these furies is called the Water of Life."
What I heard was "Ochimizu"... (Or "Strange Youth Water" it's only tangentially related to the Fountain of Youth! Besides, this stuff only turns humans into imitation demons.) (Wha...!?) Akurei, I think that might've been a spoiler there...
Ryojun Matsumoto: "In China, they call it 'sentan.'"
("...And those who call it 'Light of Life' and those that call it 'boo!'") (Now it's a reference to some "comedy song" about a dangerous and illegal drug! Shame on both of you! Shame. On. You!)
Ryojun Matsumoto: "In short, it grants immortality."
(Not exactly. They've got a weakness like a werewolf.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Furies... Water of Life..."
'It sounded more like something from a fairy tale than real life...'
("You best start believing in fairy tales, Miss Yukimura. You're in one!") (Now you're paraphrasing a quote from Pirates of the Caribbean! When are these stupid references going to stop!?) (Never!)
'But there was something in the tone of Doctor Matsumoto's voice that said he was telling the truth.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "I've already heard about how it makes you strong and hard to kill...But doesn't it cause so much pain that it makes most people go crazy? And even if you survive that, even the smell of blood can make you go crazy again..."
'Doctor Matsumoto nodded slowly, then pinched the bridge of his nose with thumb and forefinger. He looked very tired.'
(You sure he's not a distant ancestor of Stan Marsh or something?) That'd make for some interesting headcanon...
Ryojun Matsumoto: "So, you know about that too..."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Yes..."
'They were human, but...not human. Perhaps they were something entirely different now?' I couldn't see how this "Water of Life" could ever be used for good. Even if it had healed Sanan's arm, he'd suffered greatly in the process.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Why?"
'It came out more a moan than a question. My father would never want to ruin the life of another, but because of what he'd done, people had suffered--some had even died.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Why was my father doing this?"
'But it wasn't just my father...I was sure no one involved had wanted such a terrible outcome...'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Perhaps that is why Kodo left. His conscience would no longer allow him to continue."
Isami Kondou: "But the Water of Life was an opportunity given to us by the shugun, to help strengthen the Shinsengumi!"
'The doctor only shook his head.'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "It was an experiment, and it has failed. You should put it behind you. I'm sure the shogunate has abandoned it as well."
'Kondou frowned, perhaps unhappy that Doctor Matsumoto would question the shogunate's original decision.'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "You've seen what happened to the men it was tested on, Kondou. It cannot be allowed to continue. This experiment is inhumane and you know it."
Does it count as inhumane if the experimenter tests it on himself? (Calling Mr. Sanan, AKA "Professor Guinea Pig"!)
Isami Kondou: "Hrnn."
'Kondou gave a noncommittal grunt and fell silent. I was sure Kondou knew just how dangerous it was to use the Water of Life, but the shogunate had come to him with a request. Perhaps he was unable to refuse, even if he wanted to. Silence fell like a thick blanket. It had grown almost unbearable, when--'
(The Fire Nation...) (You've already overused that joke already!) (Okay, how about "Vaatu attacked!"?) You know Niyagi's not going to approve of any kind of joke.
Keisuke Sanan: "An outsider has no right to object."
(And here's our rakshasa commander...) (Don't you mean "fury commander".) (Nope, I meant what I said, Pansy...)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Sanan?!"
'He was especially pale, which seemed to be one of the consequences for being active during the day.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Is it okay for you to be up right now?"
Isami Kondou: "Sanan, you look pale."
Keisuke Sanan: "Don't worry about me."
'He bowed quickly, his mouth a compressed line, and turned to regard the doctor with a cool gaze.'
Keisuke Sanan: "We use this treatment effectively, and at our own discretion."
Ryojun Matsumoto: "It's dangerous, and far too strong..."
Keisuke Sanan: "We have continued Kodo's reasearch. I am, as you can see, living proof. So to speak."
(Proverbially speaking, Professor Guinea Pig.)
'As Sanan did indeed prove, it was possible to drink the Water of Life and retain your sanity. It just wasn't easy.'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Perhaps you're right, but one success hardly means you have unlocked its secrets."
Keisuke Sanan: "I respectfully disagree. With continued research and modification, we will have many more successes, and fewer casualties."
Ryojun Matsumoto: "This isn't a matter of fewer casualties. It's a matter of casualties, period."
(In that case, life itself should be recalled 'till this "death" problem can be cleared up...)
Ryojun Matsumoto: "It isn't worth the deaths of any more of your men."
Keisuke Sanan: "The men who have given their lives are the foundation of our work. I won't allow them to have died in vain."
Ryojun Matsumoto: "But--"
Isami Kondou: "All right, that's enough. From both of you. Why don't we discuss this some other time?"
'It was my private opinion that they were unlikely to agree, no matter what time they discussed the subject, but I felt it would be polite to keep that to myself.'
Ryojun Matsumoto: "...Very well."
'There seemed to be very little in the way of common ground between them, but I could see the merit of both their arguments. Likely Kondou had as well, and had chosen to end things before it got...unpleasant.'
Keisuke Sanan: "...If you insist, Kondou."
'Sanan's face betrayed nothing of what he might be thinking, even when the corner of his mouth quirked up into the beginning of a smile. He bowed once more, and left as swiftly as he'd arrived. Kondou cleared his throat loudly.'
Isami Kondou: "So, ah, how did the exams go?"
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Ah, yes. About that..."
(Are we going to talk about Okita and his TB?) ("TB"?) (Remember, the "consumption" or the old-school name for TB, as in "tuberculosis".)
'Doctor Matsumoto's face took on the look of someone about to discuss something exceedingly grotesque.'
(Sounds like I might be right, I think that talking about "bloody coughed up mucus" counts as "exceedingly grotesque" to normal folk.)
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Nearly a third of your men are sick, or injured, or both."
Shimohi Yukimura: "What?!"
I know that Heisuke's injured and Okita's sick, but a THIRD of the entire Shinsengumi!? (Okita must be unintentionally spreading that TB.)
Isami Kondou: "Impossible!"
Ryojun Matsumoto: "It is not only possible, Kondou, it is the truth. What on Earth have you been doing to these poor men?"
(Being in combat can do that sort of thing. Injuries from the attacking enemies, sickness due to stress impaired immune systems...) Yeah, I can see how that could happen.
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Cuts, lacerations, bowel pain... The entire place is lousy with...well, lice, for one."
Let's see, the first two are definitely from combat. The third one most likely from poor nutrition due to...lack of funds. As for the lice, that's what you get when you have many, many people in close quarters.
Isami Kondou: "Are you serious?"
Ryojun Matsumoto: "First, you need to set aside a room dedicated to medical care. Sick men can be sent there."
In short, install a medical bay. Got it!
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Second, you need to clean this place up. Otherwise, I won't be able to help you."
I can see why that would be a good idea for two reasons. A) Getting rid of the germs that cause several diseases. B) Kills the lice and their eggs that get on the tatami and such...
Isami Kondou: "I see. Well, if the good doctor says so..."
'And so we were ordered to clean the entire compound. The captains complied, although they certainly seemed less than enthusiastic about the idea.'
(Of course, even you need someone to remind you to keep your bedroom clean.)
'The following day, Doctor Matsumoto returned for an inspection.'
(And he's going to be as nitpicky as a mother-in-law.)
Ryojun Matsumoto: "Well, you've certainly cleaned this place up..."
'He looked pleased, if not a little smug.'
(For once, your tendency for perfectionism helped out with cleaning.)
Shinpachi Nagakura: "It better be. We busted our asses."
Heisuke Toudou: "Yeah, except for Souji. The only thing his ass busted was a chair. Doesn't seem fair to me..."
Are you saying Okita's gotten fat? (You hear something about busting a chair and you think of someone sitting in a chair and it breaking under that persons weight?) Yeah.
Souji Okita: "Can't blame me if Hijikata's an overprotective old woman."
Toshizo Hijikata: "Shut it. You can run around all you want soon as you can go a day without coughing up a lung."
(Damn... That isn't any fun. Heck, even dead puppies are more fun than coughing up a lung!) (That's horrible!) (At least they taste good in a stew.) (And that's...just gross...)
'If Hijikata had any actual concern for Okita's health, his face showed none of it.'
Hajime Saito: "Nonetheless, a clean home is a nice change."
Toshizo Hijikata: "True. The place looks...different. I guess I could get used to this."
Sanosuke Harada: "Well, maybe we should clean every day, then."
(NO!!!) (Now who's being the wimp.)
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Great idea! Make sure you do a good job, Heisuke!"
Heisuke Toudou: "Me?! Whoa, whoa, hold on a minute here! You've got the most energy, Shin! Don't think you're getting out of this."
Shimohi Yukimura: "I'll help too!"
Well, it beats being bored. (Not like there's the Internet, or anime, or video games in this time period. Maybe there's books, but the only genres you like that exist is maybe action/adventure and fantasy, but I highly doubt it.) (Well, "From the Earth to the Moon" is from the same year this game is currently set in.) Well, now that you mention it... (Oh yeah, a copy of "From the Earth to the Moon" is a maguffin in this Rurouni Kenshin light novel you own titled "Voyage to the Moon World". And our father was awesome, of course.) (I can't take this anymore... KENSHIN HIMURA IS NOT OUR FATHER!) You. (Keep.) Telling. (Yourself.) That.
Heisuke Toudou: "Good, good! We'll give it a shot tomorrow, all right?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Hey, wait a minute! When exactly did I tell you I was gonna help?"
Maybe it was kind of implied when Sanosuke said "we"...
Toshizo Hijikata: "Shinpachi, there's some trash over there. Go throw it away."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "We aren't starting till tomorrow, right? Heisuke?"
(Nope, you're own your own, dude.)
Hajime Saito: "Stop running around like that. We've just cleaned, and you're already kicking up dust."
(Not the magic kind, just regular type.)
'I was enjoying their banter so much I almost didn't notice Okita quietly step outside.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Oh...?"
'I could just see Okita and Doctor Matsumoto outside, walking off somewhere together. Where could they be going, I wondered.'
-I'm worried about Okita.-
-It's not any of my business.-
(Yeah... Let's stay away from the walking TB vector, shall we.)
'I was worried for Okita, but...'
Shimohi Yukimura: "..."
'He'd be fine so long as Doctor Matsumoto was with him.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "...Yeah."
'After the excitement wound down, I excused myself and went back to work.'
A scene change later...
'I was outside sweeping, bamboo broom in hand, when he appeared.'
(Let me guess, the demonic asshole.) (And YOU'RE some how NOT an asshole...?) (You know who I'm talking about!) Chikage Kazama?
???: "...They make you do chores here, do they?"
No, I do chores of my own free will. Otherwise, I'd be bored out of my skull. Wait...
Shimohi Yukimura: "What?!"
'The cool, bemused voice had come from behind me.'
(Holy shit! It's Mr. Clean!) Now that I think about it, that voice sounds more like Kyuju Amagiri. (You mean the fist fighter that broke Heisuke's head-guard?) Yeah, him.
Shimohi Yukimura: "..."
(If it turns out to be Kyo Shiranui some how or even someone else, I'm going to be pissed.)
'It took only half a second to realize that it was a voice I'd heard before. Slowly, I turned around.'
And it is...
Chikage Kazama: "You have the pure blood of a demon running in your veins, and yet you run errands and clean up for a pack of humans?"
(I believe the proper term for a large gathering of humans is either a "group" or "mob". You're a demon! I can't believe even you don't know this! ...Idiot...) Well, at least your first guess was right.
'Chikage Kazama, just as I suspected. His face was a mixture of surprise and sneering disgust as he looked down at me through cold eyes. I took the broom in both hands like a staff, and stepped into what I hoped was a fighting stance.'
(Fuck yeah!) (You're advocating fighting against one of your own kind?) (Duh! Demons are described as "Chaotic Evil", mostly the "chaotic" part. We just do what we want! And since I'm sharing a body with Shimohi in this universe, who's also a demon herself, we don't want to go with this asshole. So he can go fuck himself!)
Shimohi Yukimura: "Wh-What are you doing here?!"
Just trying to confirm why I think he's here. (Same as the last time?) (Same as the last time...)
Chikage Kazama: "...Hmph."
'It was halfway between a disdainful laugh and an amused snort.'
Chikage Kazama: "You mean to fight me with that, hm? Your heritage hasn't blessed you with brains, I see."
(That sounds strangely...familiar...and not from this universe at all.) I suspect a specific...someone to be behind this "Chikage Kazama"'s actions, but I don't have any proof...yet. (You're talking about Daemon Spearmeister aren't you.) Hey! I just got here! *ji...* ...Who's the purple-haired bitch staring at me? (You mean you DON'T remember the person you attempted to kill at least twice!?) What, but that was a blue-haired MAN! Your point, asshole?
'his tone was mocking, but his eyes were lit like two chips of ice. This was a dangerous man. What was I do do?! I could hardly face him alone!'
Chikage Kazama: "Calm down. I haven't come here to fight. Not today, at least. I only want to know what, if anything, you have to do with Kodo."
(Wait, he knows your...) ...This has so many bad implications.
'Kodo... That was my father's name. But why would he, of all people, mention my father?'
Shimohi Yukimura: "You want to know about my father?"
(*facepalm* [sarcasm] Great! Why not tell him EVERYTHING while you're at it. [/sarcasm]) Wow, bitches be as stupid as the day is long.
Chikage Kazama: "...Father? You mean Kodo?"
(Please! Keep your trap shut while you can!)
Shimohi Yukimura: "If you're talking about Kodo Yukimura, then yes, he's my father."
(*x2 facepalm combo*)
Chikage Kazama: "...I see."
'I'd seen surprise in his face at first, but now an understanding seemed to have dawned across it. Unfortunately, my own confusion had only deepened.'
... (Oh crap! Because Shimohi's read plot spoilers by now, she's getting "desynchronized", so to speak.) (*Ji...*) ("Plot spoilers"! Shimohi still doesn't know anything about what sort of effects her decisions will have on the romance aspect of this game.) "Romance aspect", of course you realise this mean all three of you bitches are about to be the latest additions to my glorious harem!
Shimohi Yukimura: "Why are you asking about my father?"
'I lowered the broom, my situation temporarily forgotten, when--'
Toshizo Hijikata: "Trying to sneak into the enemy camp alone, huh? Well, not on my watch."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Hijikata?!"
'He settled into a loose fighting stance, placing himself between Kazama and my pathetically ineffectual broom.'
(And during this, where's Shimohi's sword?)
Sanosuke Harada: "What're you doin' out here in broad daylight? Little early in the day to be pickin' up chicks, pal."
Heisuke Toudou: "Get away from her!"
Yeah! What Heisuke said! Get away from me! But "chicks" exist to be owned by men and that's... Absolute bullshit!
Shimohi Yukimura: "Harada... Heisuke!"
Sanosuke Harada: "I heard you yelling. Sounded like you were up to something besides cleaning."
Heisuke Toudou: "You alright, Shimohi? Are you hurt?"
"Yes" and "No", in that order. But I'm glad you came to help!
'I nodded, relieved.'
Chikage Kazama: "The Mibu's wolves can only fight in a pack, eh?"
Hey! Wolves are badass fighters! And there's a reason why it's easy to break one stick but near impossible to break a bundle of sticks! ("A bundle of sticks", huh? That's the original definition of the word...) Dude, not here. Maybe if the readers are interested, they can check out that link there. (Fine...)
Toshizo Hijikata: "Watch it."
'I could feel the tension rising by the second, but it was Kazama who attempted to cut through it.'
Chikage Kazama: "If you want to play, then I'm happy to oblige, but I'm here today simply to take care of some business. More specifically, to issue a warning. Stop trying to turn humans into demons."
(I hate to mention that he was the first one to mention this in-universe but, yeah, rakshasa are pretty much imitation demons. Just like I said.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "...What?"
'Humans into demons? Was he talking about the Water of Life...?'
(Yes.)
Toshizo Hijikata: "Not your business."
Sanosuke Harada: "Yeah, what make you think we're gonna listen to a sleazebag who'd attack a girl in broad daylight?"
Chikage Kazama: "Idiots. Are you too blind to see I'm doing you a favor?"
'If he was trying to show the Shinsengumi kindness, it certainly didn't show on his face.'
(Seriously, this sort of behavior is reminding me a an asshole we know of...) I'm right here, bitches! And we wish you were not here, asshole. Your point?
Heisuke Toudou: "This is our turf! You better shut your trap before we gotta do it for you!"
Chikage Kazama: "Hmph. The smaller the dog, the louder the bark."
(Yeah. This is reminding me of the actions of the asshole who directed the actions of Ace during the second Nonary game...!)
'He looked away from the captains, as if suddenly entirely uninterested in them, and fixed me with his cold gaze.'
Chikage Kazama: "Kodo is with us now, Shimohi. Do you understand what that means? Your father has abandoned the shogunate."
Shimohi Yukimura: "What...?"
You're the avatar of a controlling, hypocritical, misogynistic liar. Why should I ever believe what YOU say!? Because men are always right and bitches are always... (*hits Daemon with a hammer*)
'His mysterious smile gave me nothing in the way of explanation.'
Chikage Kazama: "Why are you here? I suggest you think on that. Carefully."
You just "claimed" that my father's with you in an attempt to make me surrender my body to you. That's not going to happen, ever!
'Then, with a slow, rippling motion--like a shadow slipping across the ground--he turned his back to us and vanished. What was happening? What were demons, and why had they come after me? My father was with them? On their side, he must have meant. Did that mean he was working with the national imperialists? The inside of my head was a swirling mass of questions and doubts, but the one thing that most concerned me was...'
-The demons.-
-Their interest in me.-
-My father.-
(Knowing Shimohi, there no question over what's troubling her.)
'Why were Kazama and his friends after me? He'd said that I had the blood of a demon, but... I wasn't sure I wanted to tell anyone else that just yet.'
Heisuke Toudou: "Why's he after you anyway?"
Sanosuke Harada: "C'mon, there's only one reason a guy'd go to this much trouble over a girl. He's in love with her."
Ugh! Gag me with a pair of chopsticks! (Well, that's more period than a spoon.)
Shimohi Yukimura: "What?!"
'How could he have said something like that so...so casually! Harada grinned.'
Sanosuke Harada: "Why're you so surprised? Sure, you dress like a boy, but you really think a smart guy can't figure out the truth? That demon guy's a jerk, but he's sharp."
Shimohi Yukimura: "N-No! He's not in...in... That's not the reason!"
Sanosuke Harada: "You might be the only person who feels that way, you know."
Shimohi Yukimura: "Wh-Why are you doing this to me...? Please, stop..."
'My voice faded into a pathetic whimper.'
Heisuke Toudou: "Man, Sano... Do you ever stop flirting? Seriously..."
(Wait! Sanosuke here's related to Captain Jack Harkness?)
Sanosuke Harada: "You don't get it, Heisuke. I'm not flirting. I'm just telling her the truth."
Heisuke Toudou: "Yeah, I bet..."
'My face was so hot I felt like I could have fried an egg on it.'
(What's the temperature needed to fry an egg? *Looks it up* Apparently it's 250 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, you'd be cooked before the egg does...if you were human anyway.)
Toshizo Hijikata: "Knock it off. Back to work, you two."
Sanosuke Harada: "Fine, fine."
Heisuke Toudou: "Whoa! Time flies when you're having fun, eh?"
'I looked up at the sky. The sun was already far to the west. There was still a lot of cleaning for me to do...
Sanosuke Harada: "Cheer up, Shimohi!"
'Harada gave me a friendly clap on the shoulder as he spoke.'
(Does this mean what I think it means?)
'Suddenly, my heart felt a little lighter, and my mind a little less troubled.'
Shimohi Yukimura: "Thank you!"
'I rolled up my sleeves and took a firm grip on my broom.'
(Aw man, still no romance points for this chapter...)
'From then on, Matsumoto visited the compound regularly, to check up on the men of the Shinsengumi.'
'Encyclopedia updated.'
'The Corps was renamed the Fury Corps, but remained secret.'
(Don't you mean "Rakshasa Corps".) (No! They said "Fury Corps" and meant it!) (No! Rakshasa Corps is more accurate!) Let's continue, shall we...
'Still, I couldn't help but wonder... Was it really all right to continue to research the creation of furies? It wasn't long before I began to wish I'd never heard of the Water of Life, or Furies.'
... (And more de-sync problems.)
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(This doesn't sound good for our heroine here.) (You know what else isn't good, that you two never pay your tabs for the reference jar! Speaking of which...)
Monty Python Reference Jar
Akurei: $22
Shimohi: $14
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