Land of Shadows

It seems the explosion was not enough.

This strange place that we were sent to was a virtual mirror of the proper world, save the lack of...anything alive or made by hand.  I suspect there were not even any spirits here, before we brought them.  With no other path, we returned by foot to where Standish ought to have been.  And not long after we arrived, the city did appear.  Everything in it, people, buildings, animals all came with it.  And a book store.  Moira-san's newest book hadn't made it home yet, they should have a copy here.  Perhaps she could autograph it?

...or maybe I should club her with it.  After I club Alanna-san for ratting out what I've been saying.  I haven't been trying to be rude, it is just...habit.  Can I really be blamed for using my native language more?  And...and...what she did was going too far.  They both twisted my words to make it seem as if I was lusting after Aren-san.  That's just absurd.  She is...nice enough, when I'm not angry with her, but why would I?  What is the point?

Before anything else, we traveled to the center of town.  A...building had appeared, completely different from all other architecture.  It had to have been evidence of the Titanspawn...and that was proven correct.  Only two tengu appeared after we breached the main entrance.  Both were cut down, though the second wounded both myself and Alanna-san.  The wounds did not last...I suppose we both have rather remarkable healing abilities.  I found another katanam, as well.  This one bearing Hachiman's own seal.  I have taken it with me as we spread out to prepare for our assault on this building.

Moira-san offered to take my to a meal and...talked.  And talked.  And talked.  The whole thing about 'love conquers all'.  It...she makes some sense, but ultimately every story I've ever read about situations like this ends with both parties dead or hating each other.  Even when I finally calm down more, I would prefer -not- to risk that with Aren-san.  So I simply told her that I would consider her words.  Which I will.  I will not, however, act upon them.  And what she does not know, will not harm her, in this case.

I suspect Mother is also using this as a test of my patience and understanding of foreign cultures.  If so...I woudl have appreciated the warning.  I fear I am going mad.