[x] Offer to keep the interview going.

I don't see Flandre insisting on prolonging the interview. If Korosh wants to stop, she can do whatever she wants, e.g. ask Fate about Tarbin.

Oh, and Flandre was brilliant at presenting her viewpoint.
 
Savage. Brutal. Brilliant.
Flandre has come so far from when she first left home. And Korosh has been trying so hard to get this interview. It'd be a shame to end it so quickly.
(Talk about one sided though, jeeze.)

[x] Keep the interview going.
 
Kinda worry about Tarbin. Let find out what happened. And very like the one-sided interview. Everything Korosh wanted he got the answer but all had been deconstructed and force others to thinks twice on things. While still early, predicting the Bureau political situation is gonna stabilize in the close future and a lot of the Bureau members while still dislike Flan will now be more tolerant with her.

[X] Let them go.
- [X] Ask Fate what happened to Tarbin.
 
[X] Let them go.
- [X] Ask Fate what happened to Tarbin.

This interview went about as well as we could have hoped for. Lets not stretch it out more and open room to screw up?
 
Errr, you sure Flandre mean herself that way here?
She isn't making a point about herself, but about the others. What meaningful difference is there, to the average person on the street, between Fate and Flan? Between Nanoha and Hayate? There really isn't one; sure, Flan is more violent and uncaring of public opinion, but as far as random civilian #32157 goes, they're all effectively invincible, and anything that can fight them is something he has no business getting involved in. Meanwhile, TSAB Grunt #785413 likewise isn't anywhere near their power level, and anything that can fight them is something that can wipe the floor with him ... but he stands his ground and fights back, because if he does, maybe someone else will survive.
Flandre said:
They are all monsters in their own ways, and perhaps they are heroes to some. But because they have such power, I value their heroism less than that of a mere mortal. They step up and stand in the breach because they can; the human steps up and stands in the breach not because they can - because they can't, and they know it - but because they must. Because there is no one else. Because someone must stand, fight, and fall, or else everyone will die.
The red 'they' refers to Fate, Nanoha, and Hayate (and Flan) - monstrously powerful individuals who put themselves in harm's way because they can fight and survive. 'The human' is your average, random grunt who would get turned into a smear by a serious Fate who wanted to kill him. Flan considers FNH to be less heroic because of how powerful they are.
 
She isn't making a point about herself, but about the others. What meaningful difference is there, to the average person on the street, between Fate and Flan? Between Nanoha and Hayate? There really isn't one; sure, Flan is more violent and uncaring of public opinion, but as far as random civilian #32157 goes, they're all effectively invincible, and anything that can fight them is something he has no business getting involved in. Meanwhile, TSAB Grunt #785413 likewise isn't anywhere near their power level, and anything that can fight them is something that can wipe the floor with him ... but he stands his ground and fights back, because if he does, maybe someone else will survive.

The red 'they' refers to Fate, Nanoha, and Hayate (and Flan) - monstrously powerful individuals who put themselves in harm's way because they can fight and survive. 'The human' is your average, random grunt who would get turned into a smear by a serious Fate who wanted to kill him. Flan considers FNH to be less heroic because of how powerful they are.
Oh.

Okay, fair, but I find it weird for Flandre to refer to herself as Flandre Scarlet when wanting to point herself out.
 
Flan considers FNH to be less heroic because of how powerful they are.
It's easy to be brave when there isn't much to be afraid of. Flandre, Fate, Nanoha, and Hayate are on a level where not much can actually threaten them, personally.
It's hard to be brave when there is every reason to be afraid. TSAB Grunt #785413 is going to be pancaked in just a few seconds by anything even within a few leagues of power of FNH.

Flandre rightly recognizes that, while the three are certainly heroes in that they've saved worlds and done battle with truly overbearing foes, as they are now, they almost never have to risk their lives to succeed.
But the average trooper does. And it's far more heroic to risk your life just for a chance to save someone else.

Which is basically restating what you just said, but fluffed out a little more.
 
Yu and Yu
Yuyuko Saigyouji set the papers down and smiled at the youkai sage sitting across from her. "Well, there you go, Yukari! He's only about as strong as an oni, so there's nothing to worry about." She picked up her teacup and nodded at the third youkai at the table, Yukari's fox shikigami.

"Assuming that girl was telling the truth, anyway." Yuyuko's smile faded at her friend's uncomfortable remark, and after a moment she set the teacup back down.

"Do you really think she could lie to the Hieda girl so easily? Didn't you ask her to check them out because you trust her ability to see through lies and deception?" Yukari shifted unhappily and looked over Akyuu's interview and initial profile once more.

"… Yes, but I was also hoping that Chen would be able to keep an eye on them, as well. If Akyuu was ensorcelled or hypnotized …." Yuyuko frowned darkly, then sighed.

"Ran, would you mind going to check on Youmu for a little bit?" The familiar glanced at her master, but when she received no response she bowed and withdrew. Yuyuko waited until she was well away from the hilltop before leaning back and stretching. "Alright, when do we attack? Will it be just the two of us, or will Yuuka be joining us?" It was several seconds before Yukari registered what the ghost princess had just asked, and she stiffened and stared at her.

"What? Attack? But -" Yuyuko snapped her fan shut and, swiftly but gently, thwacked the sage's forehead.

"Well, what else is there to do? You don't trust Remilia, or any other source, it seems. So we might as well move first, before she gets angry about your constant suspicions and makes a general complaint." Yukari stared. "It shouldn't be too difficult, even, especially if Yuuka comes along. You take us into the library, or wherever that girl is, and I'll kill her before taking control of her ghost Servant and having him rampage throughout the mansion. Yuuka can deal with Remilia, you can deal with the magician, and I'll take care of the leftovers, and afterward we spin it so that everyone thinks that the girl's ghost got out of control and attacked everyone. And we won't even have to worry about the younger sister!" Yukari stared, then finally shook her head.

"No, no. That … Yuyuko, that won't do …." The ghost princess gave her a look, then sighed, smiled, and leaned forward against the table, shifting her legs to the side.

"It won't? Then what is wrong, Yukari? Why are you pestering everyone about this hero if you don't actually think he's physically strong enough to destroy Gensokyo by himself?" Yukari sighed and reached for her own teacup, then shook her head, changing her mind. Her arm vanished through a sudden gap in reality, and when she drew it back it was holding a finely-made ceramic flask. She poured the sake into a wide and shallow cup that she passed to Yuyuko, then the ghost took the flask and poured for Yukari. They each took a drink, and Yukari sighed again.

"… She's becoming unpredictable. Possibly even dangerous. When they came here, when they surrendered - she let herself be chained. Let me use her to further my plans for Gensokyo. She could strengthen her position, of course, and I'm sure that her magician has been fortifying the mansion as much as she can over the decades - but there are still only the four of them. If they tried anything, they could be dealt with. Now, though …." She sighed and set her cup down before lowering her head onto her arms. Yuyuko waited patiently. "Demons and gods from other worlds, with the power to enter Gensokyo as easily as I can enter the Hakurei shrine. Vampires. Magicians. She brings all sorts of things to Gensokyo, seemingly without limit or cost. I can't even penetrate the wards around whatever they're using! I can find the location, but whatever they've done to it, it's as impossible for me to access as it is for you to kill a Hourai Immortal." She ground her teeth in frustration.

"So are you worried for Gensokyo and its future, or are you upset because you aren't in control and can't find out how to manipulate the situation to your advantage?" Yukari remained motionless for a moment, then scowled across the table.

"… She's going to announce it, you know. That she can access worlds besides the outside world, Hell, Makai, and the other known realms. That's what that special party she's planning is for, why she's inviting leaders from the tengu and oni, the kappa, the hermits."

"But not the humans or the shrine maidens?" Yukari blinked at Yuyuko's question, then shook her head. "Well, then, it's simple. Remilia believes that it's a matter for youkai, and not something that affects Gensokyo in its totality. And her taking control of Gensokyo would affect the humans, wouldn't it?" Yukari frowned.

"It would, but not necessarily in a way that would require they know about it." She picked up the sake flask again and studied it as Yuyuko frowned thoughtfully.

"Well, then, nothing else for it," the ghost said eventually, drawing a worried look from Yukari. "I'll just go there and ask her about it. I'll apologize for bothering her and her guests, and on your behalf as well, and ask her for a simple explanation of what's going on, because I'm not as clever as you are." The ghost popped to her feet and leaned over to pat the youkai sage's head. "Now, you just wait right there until I get back, okay?" She smiled and turned away. "You~mu~!" Yukari watched her walk back to the mansion, calling for her attendant, and sighed.

"It's no good drinking alone …."

I've been meaning to write some of these for a while, now. Votes are not locked.
Adhoc vote count started by Entropy Judge on Aug 11, 2018 at 4:58 PM, finished with 12135 posts and 8 votes.
 
They don't even consider the existential threat that Flandre poses if they kill her best friend, do they? Poor fools... Gensokyo is one existence, one eye.
 
[x] Keep the interview going.

He was staying up all night speculating about us; Not only that, but he was excited for it, to pick us apart.

Now, let's make it uncomfortable for him.
 
They don't even consider the existential threat that Flandre poses if they kill her best friend, do they? Poor fools... Gensokyo is one existence, one eye.

Flandre has never really been seen as an issue; at first, she stayed in the basement and basically noone knew about her. And then Reimu beat her in a danmaku battle.
I don't think very many know about her actual power. The one that even scares her sister. At least, not in depth. (Which is fair. Showing off everything you can do in a semi-hostile state is dumb.)

That being said... Yukari is just worrying because she doesn't know everything that's going on any more and doesn't have any convenient levers to push to dance it around to her whims instead.
Yuyuko is making a sharp point, almost a slap in the face, that 'just because you don't know about it doesn't mean you should be afraid' and also 'sometimes the simplest ways are best.'
Of course, Reimilia is going to be pleased as punch to have gotten one over the gap hag.
 
Yuyuko Saigyouji set the papers down and smiled at the youkai sage sitting across from her. "Well, there you go, Yukari! He's only about as strong as an oni, so there's nothing to worry about." She picked up her teacup and nodded at the third youkai at the table, Yukari's fox shikigami.

"Assuming that girl was telling the truth, anyway." Yuyuko's smile faded at her friend's uncomfortable remark, and after a moment she set the teacup back down.

"Do you really think she could lie to the Hieda girl so easily? Didn't you ask her to check them out because you trust her ability to see through lies and deception?" Yukari shifted unhappily and looked over Akyuu's interview and initial profile once more.

"… Yes, but I was also hoping that Chen would be able to keep an eye on them, as well. If Akyuu was ensorcelled or hypnotized …." Yuyuko frowned darkly, then sighed.

"Ran, would you mind going to check on Youmu for a little bit?" The familiar glanced at her master, but when she received no response she bowed and withdrew. Yuyuko waited until she was well away from the hilltop before leaning back and stretching. "Alright, when do we attack? Will it be just the two of us, or will Yuuka be joining us?" It was several seconds before Yukari registered what the ghost princess had just asked, and she stiffened and stared at her.

"What? Attack? But -" Yuyuko snapped her fan shut and, swiftly but gently, thwacked the sage's forehead.

"Well, what else is there to do? You don't trust Remilia, or any other source, it seems. So we might as well move first, before she gets angry about your constant suspicions and makes a general complaint." Yukari stared. "It shouldn't be too difficult, even, especially if Yuuka comes along. You take us into the library, or wherever that girl is, and I'll kill her before taking control of her ghost Servant and having him rampage throughout the mansion. Yuuka can deal with Remilia, you can deal with the magician, and I'll take care of the leftovers, and afterward we spin it so that everyone thinks that the girl's ghost got out of control and attacked everyone. And we won't even have to worry about the younger sister!" Yukari stared, then finally shook her head.

"No, no. That … Yuyuko, that won't do …." The ghost princess gave her a look, then sighed, smiled, and leaned forward against the table, shifting her legs to the side.

"It won't? Then what is wrong, Yukari? Why are you pestering everyone about this hero if you don't actually think he's physically strong enough to destroy Gensokyo by himself?" Yukari sighed and reached for her own teacup, then shook her head, changing her mind. Her arm vanished through a sudden gap in reality, and when she drew it back it was holding a finely-made ceramic flask. She poured the sake into a wide and shallow cup that she passed to Yuyuko, then the ghost took the flask and poured for Yukari. They each took a drink, and Yukari sighed again.

"… She's becoming unpredictable. Possibly even dangerous. When they came here, when they surrendered - she let herself be chained. Let me use her to further my plans for Gensokyo. She could strengthen her position, of course, and I'm sure that her magician has been fortifying the mansion as much as she can over the decades - but there are still only the four of them. If they tried anything, they could be dealt with. Now, though …." She sighed and set her cup down before lowering her head onto her arms. Yuyuko waited patiently. "Demons and gods from other worlds, with the power to enter Gensokyo as easily as I can enter the Hakurei shrine. Vampires. Magicians. She brings all sorts of things to Gensokyo, seemingly without limit or cost. I can't even penetrate the wards around whatever they're using! I can find the location, but whatever they've done to it, it's as impossible for me to access as it is for you to kill a Hourai Immortal." She ground her teeth in frustration.

"So are you worried for Gensokyo and its future, or are you upset because you aren't in control and can't find out how to manipulate the situation to your advantage?" Yukari remained motionless for a moment, then scowled across the table.

"… She's going to announce it, you know. That she can access worlds besides the outside world, Hell, Makai, and the other known realms. That's what that special party she's planning is for, why she's inviting leaders from the tengu and oni, the kappa, the hermits."

"But not the humans or the shrine maidens?" Yukari blinked at Yuyuko's question, then shook her head. "Well, then, it's simple. Remilia believes that it's a matter for youkai, and not something that affects Gensokyo in its totality. And her taking control of Gensokyo would affect the humans, wouldn't it?" Yukari frowned.

"It would, but not necessarily in a way that would require they know about it." She picked up the sake flask again and studied it as Yuyuko frowned thoughtfully.

"Well, then, nothing else for it," the ghost said eventually, drawing a worried look from Yukari. "I'll just go there and ask her about it. I'll apologize for bothering her and her guests, and on your behalf as well, and ask her for a simple explanation of what's going on, because I'm not as clever as you are." The ghost popped to her feet and leaned over to pat the youkai sage's head. "Now, you just wait right there until I get back, okay?" She smiled and turned away. "You~mu~!" Yukari watched her walk back to the mansion, calling for her attendant, and sighed.

"It's no good drinking alone …."

I've been meaning to write some of these for a while, now. Votes are not locked.

Damnit Yukari, stop being so paranoid you old blonde doofus.

 
Flandre rightly recognizes that, while the three are certainly heroes in that they've saved worlds and done battle with truly overbearing foes, as they are now, they almost never have to risk their lives to succeed.
But the average trooper does. And it's far more heroic to risk your life just for a chance to save someone else.
Mind you, Nanoha DOES actually risk her life to succeed via the time honored means of Plus Ultra, but Flan has no way to know that TBH.
 
They don't even consider the existential threat that Flandre poses if they kill her best friend, do they? Poor fools... Gensokyo is one existence, one eye.
Well, Yuyuko did mention that assaulting the mansion while Flan was absent meant that they wouldn't have to deal with her. Whether she's correct or not ....

That's adorable! :hug:

Mind you, Nanoha DOES actually risk her life to succeed via the time honored means of Plus Ultra, but Flan has no way to know that TBH.
Case in point: The canon StrikerS ending saw Nanoha's power level reduced by 8% and she was 'advised' to take a break for at least a year, and more like two or three.


Votes are locked.
Adhoc vote count started by Entropy Judge on Aug 12, 2018 at 5:52 PM, finished with 12145 posts and 10 votes.
 
Korosh's Interview IV
[X] Keep the interview going.


You smile sweetly at Auris. "Well, I don't mind continuing. But if you want to stop, Korosh, I'm fine with that, too." You turn your smile to the stunned reporter and wait for his response. After several seconds, he shakes himself, recovering from his earlier shock.

"Ah, I - I do have a few more questions, if you don't mind? About … some of the things you've said." You bow your head and float back to the piano bench as Korosh staggers to his feet. "… Earlier, when we were discussing your accommodations, you mentioned bringing only one attendant, and not a small army. Do you normally travel with servants and the like? And why isn't your servant helping you right now?" You nod appreciatively. Shocked and turned-about as he is, his mind still works quite well. Whatever fascination he has with you hasn't completely dulled the brain that has garnered a following and a strong resistance to bureaucratic meddling.

"Normally I don't travel with servants, no - but then, I don't go away from home, much, not until very recently. My sister likes to travel with at least three or four, depending on how capable they are and how long she'll be gone. At the mansion we have … hm. At least thirty maids, I think, plus Sakuya. Could be more. Anyway, as for why Satsuki isn't here - that's because she's a night person. Days are really bad for her, so she's sleeping right now." Should you just come right out and say that she's a vampire, too? You consider it for a moment, then dismiss the thought. "Besides, she's kind of shy and I'm still teaching her things." Korosh nods slowly.

"Then … um, please inform me if I've gotten something wrong, but … I studied your home - Non-Administered World #97, called 'Earth' - quite a bit while trying to learn more about you. It is … technologically advanced. I … I don't believe horses have been used in their wars in over a hundred years, but - but you said you witnessed a battle in which eighteen thousand horses were used on one side." You nod as Fate takes a deep breath before covering her face with her hands.

"Yes, that's right. Is something the matter?" Korosh rubs the side of his head.

"But - but how? You witnessed an event that took place a century ago?" You look up at the ceiling, then shake your head.

"No, I think it's been over three hundred years since that battle, actually. Sixteen-eighty-three, by the European calendar, and it should be two-thousand-something by now. Is something wrong?" You cock your head to the side when it looks like the gears in his head not only stop grinding, but start falling out of their mechanisms. Auris, too, is staring at you in shock, although Fate - Fate looks like she's trying to keep from laughing, but not the 'having fun' kind of laugh.

"… It's just … you … the way you look and act …." You cross your arms and give Korosh a stern look.

"The way I look is the way I look, and I can't do anything about that. But I act the way I do because it's more fun, because it's what I want to do." He stares blankly at you.

"You're … happy with how things are?" You shrug.

"I'm not in a situation I feel needs to actually be drastically altered. I think 'satisfied' or 'content' would be more accurate terms to explain my current circumstances, but 'happy' is an adequate one." He nods slowly, then winces and rubs the side of his head.

"I … I think I should end the interview now. Thank you for seeing me, Miss Scarlet." You smile politely and bow your head.

"Of course, Korosh Manta. Come, let me see you out." You skip forward and gently guide him toward the main entrance. He does look actually sick, his breathing more labored and his eyes gaining that haunted, panicked look of someone who no longer has any idea what is happening. After his third stumble you stop him and have him lean against a wall. "Fate, would it be better to get a doctor here and use the medical facilities, or have him taken to a hospital to be looked at?" Fate's eyes widen and she stares at Korosh, but Auris rushes forward to study Korosh more closely. She hisses angrily.

"Idiot, idiot!" She reaches out for the Device over his shoulder and presses part of it. "Stupid idiot!" She takes a breath and turns to look at you. "It's a known condition, he's just usually more careful about it. And he normally doesn't turn off the automatic monitoring system. I'm sorry that this ended on such a low note -" She breaks off as a whooping siren sounds and several people rush into the hallway. The two of you step away as they hurry forward to take the feebly-struggling man and put him on a wheeled stretcher. Auris sighs. "… Well, maybe he'll recover and ask to interview you again. Good-bye, Flandre Scarlet." She turns away before acknowledging your own farewell. You wait for a few moments, until the hallway is empty of strangers, then turn to Fate and shrug.

"… I'm not sure you did anything wrong, Flandre," she begins, and you nod, smiling.

"Possible problems for the Bureau, I'm sure." She nods, and you shrug again, still smiling. "Well, someone will deal with them, I'm sure." She sighs and you turn away. You don't even reach the cafeteria, however, before a charging Nove almost slams into you.

"You! You - you didn't - why didn't - you!" You blink; she looks quite stressed about something, but you can't think of anything you said that would make her upset.

"Me?" She slams her hand into the wall.

"You! You …." She finally calms down slightly and takes several deep breaths. "You said - you didn't kill the person who killed that Marino guy." You nod slowly. "But - you did! You killed Due!" Ah. You shake your head.

"I did not kill Due. I did not correct any of your assumptions earlier because I didn't think you would believe me, that you would think I was just trying to get you to dislike me less. I did fight Due - young woman with blonde hair, claws on one hand - and if it had progressed long enough, I would have killed her. But before I could, she did something that ripped a hole in reality - that's why Lulu, Zest, Vita, Verossa, and I went to other worlds, because of what she did. I know she had at least two of those … what did you call them, Fate? Jewel Seeds?" The Enforcer nods solemnly when you look at her, and you turn back to the stunned Nove. "I would have killed her, and I certainly hurt her badly, but I don't know that she's dead, and I didn't kill her." Nove leans against the wall, dazed, and you pat her shoulder before heading into the cafeteria to get yourself a cup of tea. Good tea, not that green stuff, and not composed of more sugar than liquid ….


What do you do?

[ ] See if Zest is still here and willing to duel with you.
- [ ] Two on one, with Fate on his side.

[ ] Ask Fate about Tarbin.

[ ] Timeskip: Go shopping.
- [ ] Bring Cinque to serve as a model.
- - [ ] … And Wendi and Nove, too. You did promise you'd try, after all.

[ ] Timeskip: Mission.

[ ] Other?
 
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