[] Train with Yamato
[] Fundamental Knowledge (Hayato): 0 + 15 = 15
[] The Myths (Hayato): 0 + 15 = 15
[] Fundamental Knowledge (Yamato): 20 + 10 + 2 (Hayato) = 32
[] The Myths (Yamato): 0 + 10 + 2 = 12
Hiroko's been quiet for a bit, but you haven't let your guard down in the slightest. There's no telling when or where she could turn up. Not to mention she might have been making moves while you guys have been dealing with other problems. You can't even begin to imagine what a shape shifting monster girl could pull off in a month's time.
You'll need to take her on eventually. And to be sure you're ready, you and Yamato had your respective Partners give you a "Crash Course In The Supernatural". Which entailed the two of you sitting down while the spirit and Kitsune detailed the basics of the history of monsters. They started with the general myths surrounding the two of them, before moving to the main things that are common across their kind.
Or at least, for the most part they did.
About a third of the lecture was the two of them arguing over who had the correct view of Kitsune. Yameko posited that her kind were little more than tricksters who enjoyed playing harmless pranks on humans. Sure the pranks went a bit to far every now and then, but they were always mean tto be in good fun. Not to put people in danger.
Yato, on the other hand, made various references to myths where Kitsune ended up causing a decent amount of harm to others. A Lord devoted to his wife killing himself when he accidentally slept with a Kitsune disguised as his wife. A farmer trapped in the woods for a month because a fox spirit enticed him. And a samurai who lost his skill with a sword after a Kitsune cursed him.
Yamato and you are able to get the two of them back on track easily enough. But the myths that Yato mention...
[Empathy: Feelings: 17]
...There's a personal feeling to them. As if he was there to witness the events he spoke of. Could that have something to do with his past? You should bring it up next time you get a chance.
By the end of the lecture, you and your bro are well aware of the basics of the supernatural. You can easily summarize the myths, and give a brief description on why they happened.
[] Feelings (Hayato): 17 + 15 = 32
After your little "adventure" with Yunagi, you focus more on trying to figure out where he's coming from. You understand that he's a jerk and was likely looking for an easy target to mess with, but there must be something more to it. The guy's way better off than you, can probably buy as much Manga as he wants, and likely gets his hands on whatever new hardware his company makes before anyone else.
With all those perks of his birth, why would he go out of his way to do this to you?
...Unless those things aren't enough to satisfy his self-worth. That unless everything conforms and behaves a certain way for him, he feels like less of a person. Or that he has less worth as one.
Maybe you're stretching here, but you think you've gotten a deeper understanding of how the more fortunate feel.
[] Feelings (Yamato): 0 + 10 + 2 (Hayato) = 12
You move from motives to feelings...and it proves to be more difficult. But you do find out something interesting about the way your brother acts.
It's not that he can't understand other people's feelings. Throughout your discussion over the topic, he makes it clear that he gets everything you're talking about. He's well aware that people feel different things based on a number of factors. That these feelings can influence their decisions and personalities in the long run.
It's just that he doesn't take it into account, nor lets it affect him.
That part is what really worries you about your brother, but he has to go to class before you can press him. You know he understands the feelings of the less fortunate now, but what he said has struck a serious chord.
What happened to your brother?
[] Train with Yameko
[] Diplomacy (Hayato): 20 + 10 + 1 (Yameko) = 31
[] Diplomacy (Yameko): 20 + 10 + 1 (Hayato) = 31
You found Yameko hanging out near the track field in her student disguise. When she asked what you needed, you explained how you were planning to improve your diplomatic skills and wanted her help. Partially because you figured, being a Kitsune, she'd be pretty good at convincing people to see things her way, and partially because you haven't really spoken with each other since you met.
Thankfully you've managed to catch her at a time when she's not busy either watching over your brother, or looking for Hiroko.
So, the two of you proceed to...well talk.
Debate over random topics, specifically.
More specifically, over whether Poki Sticks are, indeed, the greatest sweet in the world.
It wasn't much, but you do manage to improve both your and Yameko's diplomatic skill. You both should be able to convince people to take your side over basic to semi-advanced topics.
You also learn a bit about Yameko. Mainly, that she's about as good at this as you are. Which is strange considering what she is. When you question her about it, she simply giggles and bats her eyelashes while two of her tails wrap around your waist. "While talking works fine, I find it much more effective to win someone over before the conversation ever starts."
...Ok, you can understand that.
"Are you ready, Hayato?"
"Almost! Give me a sec!" you shout while pulling on your tennis shoes. It's been a while since you've worn your casual clothes, and you're welcome for the chance to put 'em back on. Those uniforms were smothering even when you had the chest open! Now if your fucking shoes would just...come...on...there!
You shout in triumph as your foot slips into the black shoe. You start rushing out of your room and yank your bag off the floor near the exit. Yamato is waiting for you at the door, twin rectangular bags hanging from his shoulders. He answers your unvoiced question, "One of the bags contains my laptop in case I require it, and the other has my club issued chessboard for practice matches."
"Ah," you nod as Yameko appears at Yamato's side.
"There's no need to trouble yourself, Yamato-sama," two of her tails slip one of the bags off Yamato and onto her shoulder, "I'm happy to assist you in any capacity."
You swear you hear Yato scoff in your head, while Yamato simply thanks the Kitsune. He ask if you're all ready to go, which both of you nod in confirmation. Then he opens the door to your dorm...to reveal Hose standing outside with a fist raised as if to knock.
"Oh....is this a bad time?" he chuckles nervously as his hand drops into his pocket. His eyes jump between you two before settling on your brother. He holds out a hand in greeting, "Sup, I'm Hose Kohei. I'm guessing you're Nagai's brother?"
"Correct," Yamato shakes the offered hand, "Nagai Yamato. A pleasure to meet you. Would I accurate in saying you were here to talk with my brother?"
"Yeah," he shrugs, "Wanted to thank him. But if you're busy I can come back later an-"
"Hey, Nagai! This your dorm!?"
Hose turns at the feminine voice as you all behold Ritsuko walking up the stairs to your dorm room...in the same attire that she had when you fought her. She spots your group once she crest the stairs. Her eyes stop on you as a grin comes over her face, "What's this now? Were ya'll planning to have a party and not invite me?"
"Not exactly, Ritsuko," Hose shoots a look your way that ask "You know this girl?" You return with one that says "I'll explain later." Then ask the approaching girl, "Um, why do you have that outfit on? Don't you got to this school?"
"Nope," she stretches her arms towards the sky and stops right outside your door, "My dad sent to me somewhere else. Now then, what's going on here? I was coming by to see if you were up for hanging out in town."
"We actually had plans," Yamato steps up and answers, "to go out on our own. Don't worry. My brother should be open once we come back. He should have time for both you and Hose."
Ritsuko raises an eyebrow and looks your senior's way. He waves at her with a smile, "Hey."
"Hey," she shrugs, "Wanna go find something to do until these two come back?"
"Sound like a plan. Later Nagai," Hose winks at you before walking towards the steps with Ritsuko following shortly after.
As they move away, Yameko sidles between you two, "Well, Hayato certainly is popular, isn't he?"
"Heh, I guess I am," you chuckle a bit before turning to your brother, "Sorry about that, bro. Shall we get going?"
"Lets," with that, Yamato leads the way to his club's meeting. You've got some time before you get there. So, you'll use it to plan out the rest of your weekend. Lets see here....
[You agreed to go with Yamato on the Chess Club Trip! One AP Locked to this Event!]
[Feelings: 32]
[Motives: 30]
Understanding others feelings and motivations have opened your eyes to quite a few things. These were things you already knew, but studying up on them has started making them more...apparent. Leading to a better understanding of how they work.
Now then, how could you use this in an effective manner?
...Well, first impressions make up the majority of how someone initially, and sometimes eternally, feels about you. Maybe you could improve how you appear to people when you first meet them.
Then their motivations. Perhaps you could apply these things to better a different skill? Like say your ability to convince others?
[Unlocked New Perk Research: A Good First Impression]
[Unlocked New Perk Research: Now You're Motivated]
Activities (Pick Three):
[] Go Out Alone:
- [] Martial Arts Club
- [] Cafeteria
- [] Gym
- [] Library
- [] Faculty Room
- [] "Rewards" Center
- [] Chess Club
- [] Robotics Club
- [] Track Field
[] Go out with Yamato Locked due to Event/
Weekend Training:
[] Train Alone
- []
- []
- []
[] Train with Yato
- []
- []
- []
[] Train with Yamato Locked Due to Event.
[] Train with Yameko
- []
- []
- []
[] Train with Hose
- []
- []
- []
Relations:
[] Hang with Yamato Locked due to Event
[] Meet up with Yameko (Relationship: 0/10)
[] Spend time with Yato (Relationship: 3/10)
[] Go train with Hose (Relationship: 1/10)
[] Hang out with Ritsuko (Relationship: 3/10)
Research:
[] Diplomancy Level 1: Try and improve your ability to conduct diplomacy. If you can better get people to see things your way with words alone, you could start really getting better relationships. (+5 to all Diplomacy Checks)
[] A Good First Impression: Try to ensure that every first meeting you have is a good one. That will make sure people like you more. (+3 to Starting Relationship Points)
[] Now You're Motivated: Use your understanding of basic motivation to better convince others to agree with you. Find their motive, and try to get them to back down. (+5 to all Diplomacy Checks)
Possible Events:
[] Search the School: You go looking for Monsters or Organization members. Might lead to new Relationships.
[] Find Hiroko: Even if you're not ready to take her on...you can't just let her roam free. WARNING! Could result in Combat!
[] Gather for the Confrontation: It's time to face Hiroko. You'd better call up your Bro and Yameko. WARNING! Could result in Combat!
[] Ask Yamato what's wrong with him?: It's time you got to the bottom of this. Locked until Relationship Rank 8 or Feelings: 30+
[] Analyze your Parent's Stuff: Maybe there's something here that you missed. ???
[X] Go on the Chess Club Trip: Yamato asked you to go with him, and you said yes. You're not backing out now. (Locked in)
- [] Invite Hose Along: You're sure Yamato won't mind if you ask the guy to come with...Munagi on the other hand...eh, you're sure it'll be fine. (???)
- [] Invite Ritsuko Along: You're sure Yamato won't mind if you ask her to come with....Munagi on the other hand...eh, you're sure it'll be fine. (???)