Sunday, December 14, 2008



Loading User Commands:
[X] Ask for directions to Hakugyokurou.

---

Grimnír stands up and brushes the dust off his robes and sack. Nothing seems to have been damaged during the chase. He takes the walking stick before turning back to Komachi.

"I am currently on an urgent errand," he says. "May I ask if you know the way to Hakugyokurou?"

"The ghost princess' place?"

"That is correct. I need to see the good Lady Yuyuko Saigyouji as soon as possible."

Komachi pauses for a moment. She seems to be in deep thought. Somehow, such a serious expression doesn't fit this girl. She seems pretty friendly and carefree, if not a little bit odd. She has a strange, macabre air about her. The scythe she carries is especially disconcerting. He wonders idly about what a shinigami does for a living.

"Alright then," she says finally.

The girl turns toward her left and peers into the deep fog. There are a few gloomy trees near the steps.

"Why don't you come out now? This guy seems alright."

Grimnír follows her gaze toward an ancient old tree. A small child steps out in view. She is wearing a red and pink outfit with gold trimming. A comfortable looking green hat covers her her brown hair. Her dark orange eyes are strange, but that isn't what catches his attention the most. She has a pair of cat ears protruding from hair and two long cat tails poking from under her dress. Is she some sort of cat demon?

"Come on closer, don't be shy," Komachi says.

The cat girl takes a few steps closer. Grimnír takes care not to make any sudden moves. Somehow, he feels that she might run off if she is startled. After a few more encouraging words, the girl finally steps beside Komachi. The shinigami ruffles the smaller girl's hair.

"This is Chen," Komachi says. "We both just came from Hakugyokurou."

"N-nice to meet you," the cat-eared girl says with a bow. "M-my name is Chen."

Grimnír returns the bow before continuing.

"I am Grimnír."

"Grim-nier?" Chen asks. "G-Grim-near? Grim-neir?"

He shakes his head as she tries to pronounce his name properly.

"Just call him Grim," Komachi says.

"Grim," Chen repeats. "B-big brother Grim?"

Grimnír nods reluctantly. It will do for now.

"Anyway, why don't we head back to Hakugyokurou together? It's just a few minutes away," the shinigami suggests.

"Weren't you leaving?"

"Not really. We were just asked to have a 'time-out' of sorts. Nothing you need to worry about."

Grimnír has a slightly bad feeling about the way she dismissed the question.

"Anyway, we should get going. They need to know how many guests we are having for lunch."

Before he can reply, Komachi grabs his hand and takes off into the air. It takes a moment for him to recover and fly on his own. Chen follows close behind Komachi. Soon, all three of them are flying over the endless stairs toward Hakugyokurou.

[ ] Start a conversation with Komachi.
[ ] Try to talk to Chen about something.
[ ] Stay silent. Let them speak first.
[ ] Custom

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