Courting Ikaruga and Living with Him
Last updated on 15 November:
We now are exploring the Foreat of Endings. I made separate detailed walkthroughs for those Levels.
I have to report that, so far, and admittedly it is early days, Ikariga is an exemplary husband for the most part. Although he presents himself as such a serious individual, he makes a little gentle jest each morning when he hands me the lunch he made for me:
Saying this, he actually jests a little about the magic he takes so seriously as well as his other passion, cooking.
Note that until you go to the Fateweaver Shrine, propose and actually marry, you can still have romantic interactiona with any one with whom you had made a confession of love and had it accepted.
So the day when I was set to meet Ikaruga at noon to go to the Fateweaver shrine, I could have kissed Kai. Even after going to the Shrine and making yout actual proposal, you can have these interactions for the rest of the day I believe. After the marriage occurs the next day, however, it all will be shut down.
At first appearance, Ikaruga appears to hate children. He has his little group of followers but they are not his friends. He is very much a 'lone wolf' who attempts to reject your help at first, even when he is wounded.
The reason for this, you discover, is self hatred for himself as a thoughtlrless child.
It is an event with Hisui that gives you a little insight into his history. He is considered absolutely brilliant and much admired in the corridors of government as well as by other mystics. Yet he has neither family nor friends. He does demonstrate fierce loyalty, admiration and love for his Mentor who died saving his life. He has closed off his heart because of the intensity of that loss. This too is at the root of his apparent hostility towards children because he recalls how his heedless behaviour and curiosity when he was but a child led to the death of his Mentor.
He has poured his enthisiasm for life into food. Gradually though, his respect for what he calls your 'altruism' affects him.
I invited him to the Snow Festival in a file where I am waiting for the Sacred Plum to mature only to see if I can marry before I defeat every one at the Dragon's Tomb. (As it turns out, the option to propose will not be added until you save Azuma. That in itself was worth discovering!)
As I intend to pass most of the hours waiting for 7.00 p.m. sleeping at the campfire, I will not save this.
Ikaruga's response: Of course. Your presence guarantees that we would have a lovely time.
I am not saving this but I ply him with Full Moon Udon and then on the spur of the moment, tell him I love him.
Ikaruga: I see. How very... Hm?
I went through a number of events after that and actually began to feel that I would happily propose to him, but will do all of that in a proper file that I then save. In this one, I discovered, once I had Plum branch and Sacred Drink in hand, even at Level 12 with Kai, there was no option to propose marriage without finishing the quest to save Azuma. I expect it is a general rule that you will not be able to propose marriage even after Woolby gives you the wherewithal to do so, until you become the 'Earth Dancer' in the Quest Menu after vanquishing Mihoshi Habaki.
(I made a rather foolish error as well in trying to identify the file where I had not proposed to Ikaruga but had the wherewithal to do so or propose to Kai instead. I looked in my Inventory for the Sacred Drink as though rlthat would tell me something. In fact, the Sacred Drink does not leave your Inventory when you propose. It is used, not for the proposal, but the actual marriage ceremony. Even after that, it seemed that the actual Sacred Drink I had made stayed in my Inventory. I will pay more attention next time round.)
I now am courting Ikaruga in a saved file. Every encounter is positive except one. I asked him to the First Pilgrimage for the New Year. Unfortunately, his initial dialogue did not reflect the fact that we were romantically involved. On New Year's morning before we met in front of the God Shrine, when every one else was giving positive affirmations, Ikaruga says:
'My apologies, but a New Year's feast awaits me. He does follow that with: 'May this year bring us both good fortune.'
And yet, here is Ikaruga as your romantic relationship deepens:
The First Pilgrimage with Ikaruga is not satisfying emotionally as it is with Kai but I discovered the wish you make can create very differwnt sub-events.
With Ikaruga, I could wish for his safety, wish to become a better cook or wish to become stronger. He is rather obsessed with food but I kind of thought the wish to become a better cook was a jest of sorts. In fact he takes it very seriously and applauds this goal, declaring it is not so different from a mystic's path. He then gives you some ingredients and hopes that one day you will share the results of your culinary progress with him.
I had forgotten the disastrous Fireworks Festival with him when he denigrated my firework as evidently the work of an amateur. A little sour on the prospect of marrying him now but who knows? He really is a work in progress as a man.
Meanwhile, we did hqlave a charming and meaningful experience at Kusatsu's Inn where he had to hit three targets blindfolded at my direction. It really was an exercise in trust and he passed it with charm and flying colours. Of course, being Ikaruga, constantly on his guard, initially he accused poor Zazu, Cuilang and Kusatsu of somehow lying in wait to set a trap for him, so that was awkward. He was persuaded to apologise immediately. I have to say he is quick to acknowledge any mistake he makes and never filled with false pride.
I have asked him on the final date. He told me he needs my advice and asked to meet at the Spring Dragon Shrine. He began to walk away after that but I cut him off at the pass to interact with him. My options were limited today: small talk, tell a joke, something else that could prove equally treacherous...I decided to play it safe and go with the option most suitable: so I handed him the Workaholic's Udon.
I do not think pity is a good basis for romance and I do pity him. He is so conflicted and so very lonely. He either is huddled on a bench alone somewhere or having a solitary meal.
Every time I interact with Kai, I am pulled towards him anew. He is so full of faith, so enthusiastic and such a great cheerleader for me. Despite his blunt manner, he is truly kind.
The other day, I opted to pat his head for the first time in this life. He was flustered.
Kai: (The hell, man!) Does patting my head amuse you or what? Tryin' to avoid my horns must be a pain.
Me: (No) Of course not. They're just a part of who you are.
Kai: (No way!) Really...?
Me (laughing happily) They're arguably your most unique feature. You wouldn't be the same without them.
Kai: (shaking his head, Come on, man) Riiight... You're a real weirdo, y'know that? Though since I fell for you, I guess I'm no different...
Me: Hm? Did you say something, Babe?
Kai: Nope! Not a word! (Yeah!) Okay, my turn! Tilt your head.
Me: (Wait!)..Huh? Um, d-do I have to...?
Kai: )'Scuse me?) What? You got a problem with me retuening the favour?
Me: (Ah, um) No, it's just kind of... embarrassing...
Kai: (laughing) NOW you're embarrassed? Ugh! Ugh! You make no sense sometimes.
(Give up!) Well, give up and get over it! I'm gonna let you know how I felt!
(And in fact, he really liked it.)
So here is a clue as to why Kai wears the masque. He is a very handsome man, almost pretty really, but he has the horns of an oni. We know he is half human and half oni, with one foot in each realm. This causes him pain until he embraces his dual nature and declares he will act as a bridge between the two. He in fact delegates his duties in the Underworld as well as his gorgeous castle to Ura because he envisions a life with you but also because he chooses to live on the surface. Of all the characters, Kai actively appreciates nature and especially sunlight the most. Take him with you in your Party and he will exclaim that it is a glorious day in the sun. Kurama on the other hand will tell you the sun hurts his eyes. Ironic really. Their roles if reversed would suit them both! Kurama would live quite happily playing his games underground.
What is evident, however, when you reach out to stroke his hair is that his horns embarrass him. And then, with your usual Earth Dancer ability to say or do whatever is needed, you tell him they make him unique and by implication, extraordinary.
Having experienced Ikaruga's response to the New Year Wish to become a better cook, I thought to test Kai's responses as well. Initially, as with Ikaruga, I made the wish that involved having a closer relationship. Now I chose the Wish to become stronger.
Like Ikaruga, Kai was really pleased by this. He gave me an Amethyst to help me achieve my goal. (It is an ingredient in more than one forging recipe.)
So it appears that the best First Pilgrimage wish always might be related to self-improvement. I would not have known if I had not tried the cooking wish with Ikaruga but on reflection, cooking and food are hugely inportant in Azuma apart from being a special passion for Ikaruga.
Personal Journal:
20 Spring, Year 2:
Ikaruga at Level 13 this morning gave me Workaholic's Udon after we arranged to meet at the Fateweaver Shrine tomorrow.
I finally found my 3rd Oni Toppler at the Mushroom Island so made the Earring of the Unfaltering and saved in two files.
A Silver Steed on Scarecrow Island accepted Strong Fur. I am annoyed that my Party killed off all the giant spiders before I could tame one.
I am a little nonplussed that I have two King Woolies in my Barns but never get Large Fur from them. I have 6 Large Fur probably obtained in battle. I was able to make four Wolf decorations and a number of Wooly Scarves in my other game. Is it the fault of the low expectation herders or the beasts? If I take them out with me in my Party, will increased Levels earned make any difference?
Here is how Ikaruga displays his devotion when he reached Level 13:
I married Ikaruga on 22 Spring, Year 2. The 23rd was a rainy day in Autumn. I saved at the Pampas Plain Dragon Save point, went down to the river below the bridge and caught two Taimen. I then saved at the Remote Shrine, went down to the river there and caught one more. They may be limited to rainy days but not as rare as Flounder!
26 Spring:
I was the one who missed dinner tonight. I got home to find him tucked up in the futon where he whispered: 'Master, is that...'
27 Spring:
Despite having missed dinner last night, Ikaruga asked if I would like to expand our family to have a chuld with him. Woolby suggested we pray and we were taken to the Fateweaver Shrine to pray.
This breaks my heart because I am wondering when I can use the Orb to go to Kai. At least Ikaruga still will have the life we share. It is such a curious feeling of betrayal though.
28 Spring:
Well, now I am a little cross. I came back to Azuma to find Ikaruga at Yachi's. I got a prompt allowing me to invite him to dinner so I did. I then went home and found him seated at table eating again, but he did not ask if I wanted dinner!
29 Spring:
Ikaruga: Here, I made you a lunch packed full of love. I hope you like it.
(And I think: It's too bad I witnessed you having two full dinners last night.
Then: I really am becoming very unforgiving!)
He seems to sense my guilty yearning for my past life.
1 Summer:
Matsuri's Birthday
Most of the characters speak positively about her and some allude to her love of big noisy parties.
Even Ikaruga mentions this in a mini event when we chat at the Shrine on her birthday:
Ikaruga: Freyja, are you free this evening?
Me: Sure, I don't have any plans. Why?
Ikaruga: Well, even though we're not having a festival, the gods are planning a drinking party in Summer Village.
Hee hee! So she roped you in, did she? Oh! Why don't I make some snacks to bring along?
Ikaruga: I would appreciate that. *Sigh* You'd almost mistake them for gods of excessive carousing...
Me: (He would've flat out refused not too long ago. I'm glad he's opening up.)
I was shocked by Kanata's conversation today. She can be quite nasty:
Poor Takumi. I do not know what I was thinking. I dragged him into combat without experience or equipment and decided to fight Kamurosaki.
Takumi died twice. He kept saying: 'I'm done for... and rhat's no joke!' I think he was Level 8 and probably still is because he was out of it most of the time. I spent considerable time and gold this morning ordering great weapons and equipment for every one and then neglected to equip any of them.
2 Summer: Woolby sensed a 'strange presence' tody and carried Ikaruga and I both off to the Fateweaver Shrine where he performed some kind of special White Dragon/Woolby scan and pronounced me pregnant.
After that, Ikaruga took me aside and asked what sort of child I would like. Again I chose the charismatic boy because he is so pretty always and I want to see him with Ikaruga's green eyes that somehow evoke a cat although no cat has 'almond' eyes.
Asking him to go shopping with me produced a rather surprising and charming result. It reminded me a little of the firat time I invited him to share my parasol with me on a rainy afternoon.
The description that springs to mind now: Ikaruga really is a 'good sport'.
When we stood beneath the parasol, he offered to find and buy special materials and paints in the Capital so we could create a very unique parasol together.
3 Summer:
I took Watarase out to eat and he told me he was stuffed, that he did not even have room for his 'after dinner fishie' or something like that. Will catch it next time.
5 Summer: People are talking about Tanabata now. I cannot recall how many days I need to wait to have my child.
Takumi: Takumi, carpenter for 15 years, steppin' into the ring! Let's do this!
Went to Toxic Island:
First, Fan Dance for green blight, then Fan dance again for another green blightbloom.
Ude Sacred Drum on a lantern, changes blight to dead wood.
Cross a woiden bridge ro another gravel circle and use Fan Dance again on green blight.
I used my parasol to gfloat down to another long area.
Used Fan Dance on blightbloom.
Danced across a fallen log with my parasol and then used it on purple blightbloom.
Frog here gives Seafood Gratin Recipe.
Activate yellow fan.
Tsubame on seeing yellow fan: What do we have here? Well, that takes care of that.
When you go back across the wooden log there now is a wind vent.
There actually are two now when you reach the higher level. Use fan on green blightbloom.
Now you can find the Dragon Save Point and save.
From there I go right to hop down to a little island using parasol and clear green blight with the fan.
I can see the Dragon in front a little lower.
Chest with Earth Boost Maga II, RP Maga II
Go back to Save Point and at the end of that area is Green Blight. Use fan, then drop down to small area with chest containing Smelling Salts.
This is Toxic Isle and first visit in this game.
I go to Croakie because I have found 191 Frog Statues. He gives me:
Grand Shrine Recipe
Ceramic Tanuki Statue Recipe
Royal Curry Recipe
Forgotten Grove: dispel fog to find warp circle that takes you to the high Shrine. Chest with Crimson Jewel.
Tanabata Wishes:
Iroha: Defeat 3 Kappa
Pilika: deliver Quality Fletch
Deliver Sweet Potato (who asked? I did not pay attention!)
8 Summer: Our son, Nikolai was born.
Ikaruga made a lovely little speech about devoting his life to us, but when I spoke to him later, his first reference to our child was this:
I have to admit however that his is a romantic nature and his responses to embracing or holding hands can be sweeter than any one's.
For a guy who was a total recluse initially, he now collects a lot of gossip!
Ikaruga: The Forgemastwr must get along rather well with the ladies of Winter village. They often come together for a little chat.
Ikaruga: I overheard the local women mention the master angler would be quite the catch if he didn't discuss fish non-stop.
Clarice also wrestles with the hand that life has dealt her. I hope she conquers her fate, and not the other way round.
In contrast, Clarice refers to Ikaruga as 'a difficult person to pin down'.
10 Summer: Only two days after his birth, Nikolai awakens me with a heart shard!
And Ikaruga continues to complainnod his back yrouble daily. Why does he not ask his shikigami to carry Nikolai instead? If he can make animals out of paper, he could make a little pony out of paper for Nikolai. Anyway, Nikolai constantly asks me for piggyback rides and I carry the load without any complaint.
We go to the arena in front of Rakshasa Gorge to fight Lv 110 Ninetails and get a shard.
We go to Eastern Trishell Island where I find a Wayside Shrine with Mark of the White Dragon , Grand Tengu's Blade, Artemis Bow, Oni Bane Recipes
We get a shard from the Cursed Tree.
We fight the Spectral Warrior at Dual Shell Island
Finally Scarecrow Island.
Wayside Shrine here gives:
Mark of the Black Dragon
Divine Tengu Spirit Talismans
Shuten-Doji
Mirror Shield Recipe
Forest of Endings, Level 1
Frog gices Airship Decoration
Cluckadoodle tamed with Quality Fletch
Black Oni tamed with Quality Cloth
Midpoint Frog gives Divine Wolf Spirit Talismans Recipe
The terrible twins come at us right before the End Point.
Frog has Exotic Storehouse Recipe near endpoint.
Qhen we enter Level 2, Woolby: You okay partner?
Me: Yes, for the most part.
Woolby: Looks like we still have a ways to go. Slow and steady, yeah?
I found an oni Toppler at the 'knot' in the far west of Level 2.
A little further, Frog has Snow Woolby Recipe.
At the top of some pools, Frog has Shrine Recipe.
Four precious gems in chest
In the northwest, there is a secret area with Wayside Shrine. Light two torches with sword to lift rock wall. Shrine has:
Rune Legend
Rune Edge
Rune Shield
Dragonic Stone Bracelet
At the very end a host of kappas and wall of flame. I rush home in time for dinner. Although both Ikaruga and Nikolai were in my Party, he says, 'Still out at this hour?' before offering me dinner.
12 Summer:
Today we explored Level 3 and then went to Level 4. I turned away from the narrow path on Level 4 to go home for dinner. My husband as usual had brought his full culinary prowess to bear to make a 'perfect' meal. And yes, I would agree that I am quite lucky to be able to eat his cooking every day, but my heart longs for boisterous, imperfect Kai.
Level 3 had a Wayside Shrine and a Frog. The Wayside Shrine gave Divine Blossom Spirit Talismans, Oni King Bludgeon Recipes.
I really have no interest in the Talismans although Ikaruga will be over the moon when I order one for him. As a sabre fencer in my youth, I embrace the short sword always. Attack with one hand and defend with the other. Quick and lethal.
The Frog gave a Wagtail Bow Recipe (ATK 3990).
Level 4 so far had a Wayside Shrine with Demon Blade Myramasa (ATK 4650) and Frost Fanga Recipes.
