Ah, yeah, I do remember the mention from the comments on one of the earlier stories that the carnival wasn't happening, though that still doesn't rule out some of the villains and/or similar magical curses. Especially with Akio Ohtori's little Order still running around out there.

>>I must admit to a mild tinge of disappointment that Shizuru's weapon
>>didn't morph into the bladed whip seen in the anime - but that seems
>>like the sort of thing that would be harder to use in the confined
>>space then the naginata in the first place.
>
>Well, that, and consider this:
>
>Currently, Shizuru Viola has just been confirmed as a Journeywoman in
>the Fujino Chougaja Ryū. Like many other martial arts, it
>has varying levels of techniques reflecting levels of skill among its
>practicioners, and being able to perform said high-level techniques
>indicates their ability to be advanced to the next level. For
>example, Kaitlyn Hutchins was not considered ready to advance to
>Master level of the Asagiri Katsujinkenryū until she had
>performed the Blade of the Inviolate Soul technique (in combat, no
>less!) during the retreat from WPI all the way back in Hunted
>Rose.
>
>What do you think the Master technique for the Fujino
>Chougaja Ry� is?
>
>--- Philip
>"So, still haven't managed the recovery on the whole chain-whip
>thing, Shizuru?" "No, not as of yet. Could I borrow a hat for the
>next week?"
>

Ha! Well played - that thought hadn't entered my mind. I immediately thought more of Kiyohime when the serpent stuff was mentioned instead of the bladed whip, but that could easily be applied.