Maidens of the Kaleidoscope
~Hakurei Shrine~ => Patchouli's Scarlet Library => Topic started by: Zer0Axiom on April 23, 2009, 05:10:15 PM
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I've been mulling over this idea for a while and never did anything with it. Not sure why, but I've resolved to write it now. Aside from it being long and me being lazy, I hope to be able to complete the basic storyline I have planned. As for a proper title, I was thinking "Scarlet Soaked Sympathy" since the general story follows the residents of the S.D.M. cast.
The story would unfold in a series of short segments from E.o.S.D. until I.N. time wise. Some of these segments would be written from a specific perspective to try and establish a type of inner personality and opinion. Naturally, some segments may overlap as they cover the same events. As my creative ability is limited, I'll only use a few characters for the first person perspective and employ third person for everything else.
I'd also like to make note of the "Extra Segments" since they are exceptions to the story. They add to the story without being necessary. It will also be featuring a miniseries type of short that revolves around a "nameless" faerie.
Outline:
The tides of time continue to flow. After an extended period of "peace" graces Gensokyo, shadows proceed to loom over the bright future. Old and new alike move into the forefront of commotion as Gensokyo becomes a rowdier haven.
Chapter 1 [Segment 1-25+4]
Red clouds cover the skies, leaving Reimu to undo the situation before irreparable damage occurs. With her tag along companion Marisa, they set off to confront the troublesome youkai's petty plans.
Chapter 2 [Segment 26-??+?]
With one potential disaster averted, another appears to take its place. Once again, the heroic duo approaches the Scarlet Devil's mansion to restore peacefulness to Gensokyo.
Chapter 3 [Segment ??-??+?]
With the fresh memories of the summer's troubles out of mind, Gensokyo braces for another travesty: a never ending winter. With Sakuya joining the effort, the trio searches for where Gensokyo's spring has disappeared to.
Chapter 4 [Segment ??-??+?]
With spring's gradual return, a new burden reveals itself. Ghosts have flooded into Gensokyo. Without an alternative solution, the problem must be brought to the attention of a particular youkai for any resolution to take place.
Chapter 5 [Segment ??-??+?]
With spring's grand return, a wave of festivity takes hold of Gensokyo's residents. The Scarlet Devil, not being an exception, attends the gathering at the Hakurei Shrine while leaving her sister behind. But with the three most prominent figures away, will the remaining servants be able to enjoy their time together with the younger sister during the extended period of revelry?
Chapter 6 [Segment ??-??+?]
Time moves forward for all but the immortal. The Scarlet sisters have long spent their time unchanged, but for how much longer? With the memories of past horrors returning to the present, can "love" persevere through the struggle?
Chapter 7 [Segment ??-??+?]
With the prolonged winter and shortened spring, summer passes in a flash, but before autumn can be welcomed, the harvest moon must be returned. With the human unable to notice a difference, it's up to the youkai to seek the guilty and return the splendor of the full moon to the night; whatever the cost.
Chapter 8 [Segment ??-??+?]
With the passing of another "disaster," Gensokyo returns to a state of idle peace. The newly discovered residents invite their recent visitors for an evening game: a guts-trial. Creeping into the illustrious bamboo forest in the dead of night, what images of fright will be uncovered?
Character Profiles:
[Names are listed by appearance in their intended order]
(More characters will be added at a later time)
<Profiles are subject to sudden changes>
Main Cast [1st Person Perspective]
Kirisame Marisa : human magician; competitive and free-spirited girl at the center of attention
As the most common visitor to the Scarlet home, she is reluctant to accept the responsibilities placed upon her from her overly intrusive presence.
Hong Meiling : youkai sentinel; dutiful gate guard of House Scarlet
Efficient in the arts of combat and little else, she hopes to serve her master to repay a debt of gratitude.
Sol Arcana [koakuma] : youkai
A daemon of unexplained origin. She was rescued by Patchouli and given refuge within the Scarlet home. Inferior to those around her, she strives to become someone worthy of the kindness she's received.
Remilia Scarlet : vampire master of House Scarlet; "Scarlet Legacy"
As the "Scarlet Legacy," she is the last born in the ancient Scarlet line. Enduring hardship and loss since her birth, she looks upon the future to erase her long past.
Flandre Scarlet : vampire
The unnamed "calamity" contained by the "Scarlet Legacy." She is Remilia's younger sister. Having survived death's embrace at a young age, she remains as Remilia's true weakness.
Support Cast [3rd Person Perspective]
Hakurei Reimu : human miko; dutiful shrine maiden and Gensokyo's fearless protector
As the final member in the Hakurei bloodline, it falls to her to safeguard all of Gensokyo and its citizens. Blessed with incredible intuition and remarkable potential, she seems lacking in motivation to all but the most attentive.
Patchouli Knowledge : youkai magician; Scarlet's friend, savant, and resident librarian
Her intrigue of the "Scarlet Legacy" led her to Remilia. With her extensive magical resourcefulness, she became Remilia's close friend and trusted confidant. Accepting the name "Patchouli Knowledge," she remains by Remilia's side.
Izayoi Sakuya : human chief maid; devoted servant of House Scarlet
As an orphan in modern France, she was driven by a need to be useful and became obsessed with "perfection." After a confrontation with a local devil, she accepted a new life in a new world as "Izayoi Sakuya."
Other Cast [No Profiles]
Rumia : youkai of darkness
"Lakeside League" : gathering; a gathering from the Misty Lake area
Cirno : faerie of cold; leader of the "Lakeside League"
Aqua Marine [daiyousei] : faerie of morning dew; second in command of "Lakeside League"
"Scarlet Maids" : gathering; a seemingly endless workforce employed to Remilia Scarlet
Letty Whiterock : winter youkai
I hope you enjoy my madness.
-
A gentle breeze whistled by as the clouds carried across the sky; not that anyone could see the drifting of the clouds, or even the sky. As of late, the summer air had been chocked by a thick mist. It would have been overlooked had it been so simple as "a thick mist," but this was not an ordinary phenomenon. It diffused the sky and smothered the sun; sending an ominous chill that grasped at the human of Gensokyo. This was the summer that would be remembered as the Scarlet Mist Incident.
"I can't believe how thick this fog is!" rambled a small figure in the mist, "I almost got lost getting here!"
It was none other than Marisa, a witch dressed in black. She wasn't speaking to herself, or even to no one in particular. Marisa had braved the near-zero visibility to visit the Hakurei Shrine, or more specifically, the Hakurei Miko.
"Aside from not being able to see the soft clouds in the blue sky, I don't think it's a problem," came the miko's reply. As expected, Reimu was quite nonchalant with her surroundings. After she took another sip of her tea, she casually added, "Actually, it's considerably cooler now so I'd argue this fog to be an improvement."
These two made for quite the contrast with one another. While Marisa was a hard worker that was dedicated to her goals, Reimu was relaxed and aloof in her appearance and objectives. Even so, it came as a shock to Marisa to hear Reimu's remark.
"You're joking, right?" Marisa asked with a dumbfounded expression. It was never a simple task in measuring Reimu's words.
"Of course I was," Reimu stated drably. As carefree as she was, Reimu took her few duties as the Hakurei Miko seriously. Her response brought ease to Marisa, but Marisa's sigh of relief upset Reimu greatly. Voicing her suspicions, she asked, "You don't think I'm that irresponsible, do you?"
"Actually," Marisa muttered, "... kinda."
Left in disbelief, Reimu pondered, "Do you really think so little of me?"
After helping herself to some of Reimu's tea, Marisa took a seat next to Reimu. Gazing at the horizon, she muttered, "Really can't see the clouds, huh?"
"Nope."
"... nor the sky..."
"Nope."
"... or the sun..."
"No," the tedium of conversation was deadening, but Reimu added, "It's over there."
Marisa was startled by the serious response and followed to where Reimu was pointing. Uncertain as to where in the clouded sky the bright sun would be, she called back to Reimu, "Where? Where is it?"
"Over the horizon," Reimu chuckled as disgust and disdain stirred within Marisa. It was nightfall, it seemed.
"I had that one coming, I guess," Marisa mused. For her part, Marisa was also enjoying herself. "If Reimu's joking around, she must have a plan," she reasoned. "So what's the plan this time?" she asked, being the impulsively blunt one of the two.
"Not that it's any of your business," Reimu chided, "but I figured I'd check things out at night."
With a look of intrigue, Marisa instinctively asked, "Really?"
"Of course," Reimu asserted, ever full of confidence, as she proceeded to clean up her home a bit.
It was rare for Reimu to be wrong about these things, oddly enough, and after finding an opening, Marisa raced off to build a lead over Reimu. Marisa was consumed with the prospect of fighting stronger opponents to improve her own strength.
"This Mastermind would have to be powerful to cover all of Gensokyo in mist like this," she surmised, "Might as well go and learn a thing or two." Without looking back, Marisa darted off into the misty night.
"By the way, Marisa?" Reimu called out, only to find solitude. With a sigh, she finished her thought, "Not that I care, but do you even know where to start looking?" After finishing with her own preparations, Reimu set out into the night as well.
The night air was brisk and gentle, not that one could notice a difference with the mist so thick. Regardless, the carefree miko continued her approach to a nearby lake. It seemed fitting to start there as that was where the mist was thickest.
Reimu let out a cheerful sigh, "It's great to be outside at night."
"It sure is," came a reply from a figure coasting alongside her.
Surprised to find she wasn't alone, Reimu look around for the source of the voice. It was probably a youkai, and she might have a fight on her hands. Finding a small shape flying in the mist around her, she asked it, "And you are?"
"Rumia," was the response.
The small figure came to a halt in front of Reimu. From the parting mist, its shape became clearer. What greeted Reimu was a little girl holding her arms out straight from her shoulders. With short, golden colored hair and a black dress with white shirt, this Rumia could easily pass as Marisa's twin. Her bright smile and energetic voice didn't take from the equation.
"What are you doing?" Rumia ask as she mirrored Reimu's glances.
"... looking at you?" Reimu halfheartedly answered.
Although there was no particular rush to be anywhere, the situation could become bothersome. Reimu tried flying around the youkai, but found that the youkai simply moved into her path while asking, "At me? You couldn't see me before?"
As she expected, this youkai had become an annoyance. Abstaining a sigh, she answered, "Generally, people don't see well at night."
"Even though there are people out at night?" the bright eyed Rumia inquired.
"Have them for dinner, if you like," Reimu hastily replied as she tried rushing by again.
"Is that so?" the youkai mused as she kept in front of Reimu.
Perhaps she was hoping for too much, but it seemed that confrontation was unavoidable. As she moved back a small distance, Reimu complained, "You know, you're in my way?"
Completely ignoring Reimu's complaint, Rumia asked, "Are you the kind of person I can eat?"
Although it had been obvious what Rumia's intentions were, Reimu couldn't help but laugh at the question. Looking towards Rumia with a smile, Reimu politely chided, "No, I am not."
Without warning, the youkai lunged forward while releasing a barrage of energy, but Reimu was not without anticipation. Shifting to her right, she passed through the energy unharmed. As if by instinct, she thrust her trusty gohei to her left and struck at Rumia's chest. Following this momentum, Reimu brought up her right knee, and spiraled over to drop her left foot down.
Rumia had been stopped with pain from the gohei's impact, and could do nothing as Reimu's knee cut over her chin. That pain was only further amplified as she looked up and saw Reimu's foot come down on her face, but she was not beaten yet. Reeling from the heel drop, Rumia tried to reposition herself for a reversal; instead, she found an amulet flying directly to her head. Now spiraling uncontrollably, Rumia struggled against the inertia. As her eye's regained focus, they met with the ground below. With a deafening crash, Rumia landed headfirst into the dirt road and lay there unconscious.
With a triumphant cheer, Reimu had an I-told-you-so smile as she continued onward with her investigation.
-
"That was a waste!"
I was angry, furious even. I bolted from the shine to beat Reimu to the boss, but forgot to ask where that boss would be. I panned around at the endless haze and helplessly muttered, "What now?"
Then, inspiration struck. I scanned the mist once more. It seemed that the mist to the right was brighter in color than to the left. When comparing the mist in front and behind, they were about the same. "If it's brighter, it must be thicker," I concluded with a invigorated smile, "It's this way!"
Zipping around alone at night, I got to thinking about Reimu. She really is the only person who tolerates me as a "friend." Being alone like this, I can't help thinking of her.
Easygoing doesn't even begin to describe her. She's kinda like a cloud that sails through the sky. Her smiles are without worry or concern. It's like she dances around danmaku without losing her tempo. Maybe this is what gives her a certain charisma that's just great to be around: gentle and strong.
"If she were here, she'd probably say, 'It's great outside' or something," I mused with a smile; until I heard, "It's great to be outside at night," from a distance in front of me. My spirits were crushed, again. It seemed a lost cause; Reimu would always be in the lead, but before I could call out to her, I heard someone else, too.
My thoughts echoed my doubts, "She's not alone? Who could it be? Is it-?! ..."
I needed to calm down.
"... no, it's too soon to be anyone significant," I assented to reason, "While she's busy here, I'll get ahead of her."
With my doubts expelled, I gathered my spirit, "This time for sure! I'll find the culprit before Reimu can!"
I circled around them and raced onward. Eventually, I found myself over water. "A lake, maybe? Um, I'm not too sure since I really don't come through here much, but I think there's an island in this lake," Since there wasn't much else to find here and the mist was concentrated around this area, I figured this would be the place to look. "The Mastermind must be here!" I cheered to boost my enthusiasm and charged for this lake's island, or so I thought.
"I thought the island was around here..." I wondered why I couldn't find a simple island. I remembered it being close by the bank and was fairly sizable for this particular lake. There was a big house on it, too, so I don't think it could have shrunk. Frustrated once more, I blurted out, "It can't move, can it?!"
At this rate, I'll lose my lead again. My fighting spirit deflated. I felt like I was going to cry, but then realized I was reacting to the cold air. "Summer nights are fairly cool, but this is freezing!" I complained as my problems seemed to be accumulating.
"You'll never reach land again!" a voice greeted me in an unusual manner.
Glancing around, I noticed a mass of blue scatter some of the mist. In the increased clearing, the mass of blue took on a more recognizable form. Although it was "more recognizable," I still didn't know what it was exactly. Then, as a breeze picked up, I noticed it carried freezing air to me from her direction.
Fighting off the shivers, I stated my observation, "So you were making it all cold."
"Better cold than hot, right?" the blue figure remarked.
"If you insist," my words held no interest with the subject. After thinking it over, the being before me was probably a loudmouthed faerie. I was certain that they were reputed for leading travelers astray. My troubles really had accumulated; into her.
"Something's not right," she seemed to be contemplating something.
"Makes you wonder, huh?" I mused while thinking, "It's not right to have a faerie in thought."
"You should be more scared!" the faerie asserted.
"Really... I should?" That was what was off? It didn't make sense, but then faeries don't really make sense. I really shouldn't poke at things like this, but I added, "Why is that?"
"Because I'm the strongest!" she boasted with confidence.
I couldn't help but laugh. Her? Strongest? I've seen twigs more intimidating than her. Granted, I'm referring to the ones from the Magic Forest, but they're still formidable for deadwood. Actually, they make for good targets to practice with since they're so durable and all. Then again, maybe my habits are- wait... what was I talking about before? Right, "strongest faerie."
After her confident declaration, I was consumed with laughter. Gripping my sides, I asked her, "You're strongest? Says who?"
"Says everyone," she replied with a smirk as she snapped her fingers.
It seemed an empty gesture, but then I noticed a strange sound. As my laughter subsided, the sound rang clearer. It was almost like buzzing, but lower in pitch. "Could it be... wings?" I thought to myself.
Then, as if to affirm my suspicion, the cloud cover began to lift. On all sides were faeries as far as the eye could see. Although visibility was bad, that was beside the point. I felt my jaw drop with such force; not from their overwhelming power, but staggering numbers.
"This might be a problem."
From overhead, a familiar voice commented on my situation, "That's quite a predicament."
"Reimu!" I was relieved and shocked to see Reimu: relieved she was here and shocked she got here so soon.
"There was another one, too?" "When did she get here?" "What do we do now?" Reimu's arrival stirred confusion amongst the faeries.
"Maybe we can finish this quickly, together," I thought.
As if to reestablish order, the blue faerie cried out to Reimu, "You! Keep out of our fun!"
With her free spirited smile, Reimu objected, "Oh, don't worry. I won't bother your fun; just passing through, is all." She even bowed.
"Well," that blue faerie seemed like she got caught off-guard by the respectful display and smiled joyously as she conceded, "You may move along since we're busy here."
"Ah, thank you very much," Reimu courtly responded to the reply.
Their conversation was sickening. To think that Reimu would stoop so low to avoid some trouble, or was she doing this to spite me?
After another bow, she remarked, "I'll be heading that way then. Take care!" and flew off behind the blue faerie.
"What was that all about?" I felt completely unsatisfied by the bizarre exchange. Not only was I disturbed by the groveling Reimu, but she left without even saying anything to me. Some friend she turned out to be.
"Cirno!" one the faeries called out to the cold blue faerie. Apparently, Cirno had become self-absorbed from Reimu's respect and was daydreaming, or something.
Having been brought back to reality, she responded to the one that called out to her, "Yeah, Aqua?"
"We should deal with this human now, right?" she replied while pointing to me; seems I'm to be dealt with.
"Ah, right!" Did she forgot about me? I felt so insulted.
The faerie swarm prepared for their frenzy, and I wasn't planning on losing to them; not now, not ever. With a "Let's go!", the faerie massacre began.
-
The quiet night was embraced by the ominous haze. Any normal human being would be at home: sleeping uneasily or cowering in fear. Fortunately, Reimu was not one of those people. As the last miko of the Hakurei Shrine, she took her responsibilities of safeguarding Gensokyo seriously; even if she didn't seem very serious. Having bested Rumia, the youkai of darkness, Reimu continued her gradual approach to the nearby lake; more specifically, an island on the lake.
Moving along at her relaxed pace, Reimu found an interesting sight at the lake front. There was a large congregation of faerie type youkai, and at their center was none other than the troublesome Marisa. Under normal circumstances, Reimu might have offered her assistance, but tonight would be an exception. There were bigger concerns at hand, and Marisa would have to make do by herself. Even though this was an exceptional time, Reimu couldn't simply abandon Marisa either.
"Maybe I can help her indirectly," she pondered.
Recalling that faeries were simplistic in nature, it would be a simple task to avoid confrontation. The problem would be in the "assisting Marisa" part. Without putting much thought into her plan, Reimu called out and made her presence know to the crowd, "That's quite a predicament."
As expected, all present were surprised by her appearance. As the clamoring grew louder, one of the faeries in blue cried out, "You! Keep out of our fun!"
Then, as if by instinct, all the commotion came to a halt. "She's the leader, huh?" Reimu concluded. Without hesitation, she smiled and remarked, "Oh, don't worry. I won't bother your fun; just passing through, is all." As a final touch to the charade, she bowed deeply to the loud faerie.
Her display won over the lead faerie immediately. With a tint of blush, the bluish faerie waved her hand slightly and commented, "Well, you may move along since we're busy here."
Taking her cue from the favorable response, Reimu gestured another bow and assented, "Ah, thank you very much. I'll be heading that way then. Take care!"
Her subtle glances to Marisa found an unrefined expression. She would hazard a guess that Marisa took the display at face value and missed the clue. After drifting forward for a bit, Reimu paused to clear her thoughts.
"Marisa can take care of herself," she reasoned, "And I have to resolve this disaster."
Having reevaluating her priorities, Reimu resumed her search for the guilty party afoot. Just then, a voice called out to her, and Reimu's reflexes answered with a wave of talismans; her firm intent to "punish evil" taking initiative. This response did not go ignored, and a battle ensued.
While maintaining her distance, Reimu observed her opponent. This youkai had long red hair and was dressed in fine green and white clothes. It's materials and style were unfamiliar to Reimu. Even the green hat on her head was unusual.
Disregarding the unnecessary, Reimu turned her attention to her actions. The youkai used a series of fine movements to maneuver around while releasing a concentrated wave of energy in Reimu's direction. From this alone, Reimu concluded that this youkai would not continue her assault for long.
In judging danmaku, one of the things considered was its type. Someone like Reimu might be limited in the amount used by the quantity supplied since her tools were her danmaku. In contrast, people like Marisa were limited to their individual stamina as they released energy from within themselves. This youkai would be of the latter. Furthermore, they were currently in flight; this increased the strain upon both combatant's stamina. From these points alone, it would be reasonable to surmise that Reimu held the momentary advantage.
However, several other factors existed as well. One of which being whether one was a youkai or not. Since youkai were born with greater capacities of stamina and physical strength than human, they would hold a natural advantage. Additionally, a youkai would be stronger at night then during the day. Finally, there would be distinctions between the experienced and inexperienced. All these factors gave a greater advantage to the longer lived youkai's favor.
In spite of these numerous disadvantages, Reimu was not troubled. Her opponent's attack pattern was short and controlled, suggesting a preference to close ranged combat. So Reimu continued to grace the sky with composure and precision; waiting for an opportunity to present itself.
Finding a small opening, Reimu unleashed her counteroffensive. With a short spin, she threw out five talismans to the youkai's next location. She then followed with two amulets, one at and the other above her target.
After noticing the attack, the youkai short stepped the talismans and fired off a blast of chi to disable the approaching amulet. Before she could react, the second amulet came down and struck at the nape of her neck. With a short yelp in response, she felt the amulet burn unto her skin. Though the pain was distracting, she endured it and spiraled a distance to her side, dodging another set of talismans. After preparing another wave of chi, she quickly reached for her spell card.
Holding her card out, she called, "Flower Sign!" Reimu's amulets stopped short of their target, having been disabled by a defensive wall of energy from the spell card's activation.
"Selaginella 9!"
Without wasting her breathe, the youkai completed her declaration. An array of energy gathered around her and created the image of a six-petaled flower. The image then broke apart as the energy scattered towards Reimu; replaced shortly by another amassing of energy. The flood of energy sailed by Reimu as she bobbed and weaved through the barrage. The spell card was short-lived as the circumstance of its use deigned its function to bomb instead of spell.
Although published with her approval, Reimu was still unsure of the exact principles to the Spell Card Rule. She was initially doubtful as to how reliable the rules would be enforced, but after seeing it in use, she smiled with satisfaction. These battles might play out as games, but their results would be measured with skill and ability.
It had been not long since the release of the Spell Card Rule. Under this new rule, formal battles could be conducted between two parties without complication. Regulating the use of spell cards, the powerful could flaunt their power for sport or play. Likewise, it enabled a less powerful party to compete against an otherwise unbeatable foe. Though many points remained of concern, they would be redundant if a challenge to battle was not issued and accepted.
When invoked, a spell card would shine to signify its activation before dissolving. The active duration would be tracked by a magical circle beneath the card's user. This circle's shape and design, reflections of their creator's skill, would recede in size proportional to the length of the spell card's period of activity.
The spell card would also project a barrier around its user, absorbing damage during the spell card's effective duration. If enough damage to the barrier accumulated, a spell break would occur; ending the spell card's active period immediately. Spell card usage would be classified further into two categories: spell and bomb.
The use of a spell was restricted only to function during a formal duel by one of the participants: the caster. Its allowable duration of use was further limited within a maximum time span of two minutes in length. Additionally, during any single duel, all spells were regulated to single use; repeating a spell was not allowed.
A bomb differed from a spell in the fact that it could be used at any time. This versatility was offset by the fact that bombs did not remain active for as long as spells could. As their active duration could not exceed several seconds, a spell break would be impossible and unnecessary. Though their functions and effective use differed greatly, the amount of energy consumed by a spell and a bomb remained the same; therein preventing the possibility of continuous uses of bombs during a battle.
With her spell card resolved, the youkai was pressed for another counter strategy. She was at a considerable disadvantage and couldn't afford to squander another card use. Faced with another onslaught, she braced for the worse.
Having evaded the youkai's Selaginella 9 bomb with little more then burnt hemming on her skirt, Reimu readied another handful of talismans. A few more attacks would leave her with total victory, proving her initial assessment accurate. As she swung her arm out, she suddenly paused. A tremendous amount of energy approached from behind and would hit her if she did not move away. Aborting her battle plan, Reimu rushed to a side as did her opponent.
With a deafening roar, a blinding surge of energy carried pass both girls. In its wake, not even a semblance of mist remained. Confused by the surprise attack, Reimu had turned around to locate the new perpetrator. Finding a chance opportunity, the youkai retreated from sight.
Reimu's concentration became strained between "identify the new assailant" and "chase the escaping enemy." As she was about to give chase, she notice her assailant's approach. Black dress, blond hair, black pointed hat, riding a broom; it was none other than Marisa.
"Run!" Marisa called as she passed by without even slowing down.
Deprived of a chance to think, Reimu was left utterly confused. Containing her grief, she followed after Marisa and the rouge youkai.
-
"Let's go!" wasn't much of a war cry, but I wasn't in any position to complain.
Reimu had turned her back on me, and left me in a real bind. No matter what I thought, it was nothing more then what I deserved. Had it have been me, I would have just ignored these faeries and went straight to the boss as well.
"Right, it's my problem, not her. By my strength will I triumph! I won't allow these small fry to best me!" renewing my spirits, I turned to the battle.
The faerie swarm used a hybrid diving hit-and-run tactic. As one group circled around, another moved overhead; groups from below crossed to my side; groups overhead spiraled down below; it was enough to make me wonder, "How long did they practice to be this efficient?"
Since it was an encirclement, their allies would be in the crossfire; not to mention they were in tight formations. I was left with little breathing room, literally. Dodging all this would get me only so far; I needed a plan of attack, too.
As I was considering the few options at hand, I noticed that Cirno wasn't doing much. Next to her, Aqua also seemed to be just observing. It annoyed me to no end because I felt like they were just toying with me.
"You're Strength of Numbers will fall to my Might of One!" I declared. I really don't know what I was talking about either, but I decided on my approach and followed through.
The smaller ones didn't make much danmaku, but a lot of them made a lot together. I fired up a laser and swept a few of them back. The bigger ones had less movement, but lots of danmaku. For them, a large blast should suffice. After clearing out several groups, the remaining encirclement began to falter, and their attack frequency decreased. It got me thinking, "This isn't so bad."
Just then, Aqua jumped in and spiced up the battle. Compared to the other faeries, she was very good. Fast by a faerie's standard, she zipped around the gaps within the formation. The danmaku was fairly standard stuff though. I didn't take her as much of a threat since her danmaku was pretty standard for a faerie.
I guess I was a bit too overconfident. I tried to hit her with some magic missiles, but she moved around too quickly for them to hit. When I tried to lighten my load by bring down more weaklings, they also picked up the pace. I was back at square one and quickly losing ground.
Juggling myself between waves of aggression, I clutch my spell card in hand as I looked for a break in the assault. When their combined danmaku cleaved off my left sleeve and some of my skirt, I had no choice but to use a bomb.
"Magic Sign!"
With the card's activation, the energy blasts in the immediate area dissipated, and the group tempo paused momentarily. I sighed, but there was no time to be relieved yet; I was still surrounded. Taking a deep breathe, I invoked the spell's name.
"Stardust Reverie!"
Several large and colorful stars circled around me and ate through the continuing faerie attack. They spun around a bit and created a tail of smaller stars before they flew out in all directions. As they carried across the crowd, they took some of the faeries with them before disappearing. When the mist settled, I was faced with less than a tenth of the original gathering. Among the surviving were Aqua and Cirno.
"How'd ya like that?" I taunted, relieved that I was no longer completely surrounded.
"We're not beat yet!" Aqua rebuked.
Considering how my Stardust Reverie plowed through them, it would make sense that the remaining few were also the tougher ones. I calmed myself to prepare for the upcoming struggle, but found the situation shift from what I had expected.
"I'll handle this," Cirno decided.
With a slight nod between the remaining faeries, the stage was set for a showdown between Cirno and myself; I felt so cheated. Not only was I embarrassed by an alliance of uncountable weaklings, I get to face off against their leader: another weakling. Well, complaining won't finish the fight; I might as well do this right and win it with style to redeem myself.
Drifting at my eye level, Cirno commented, "For a puny human, you're not bad."
I'm pretty sure my mind blanked out for a moment. I think I had a I-can't-believe-this-is-happening-to-me kind of smile. After her words echoed in my head a few times, I declared, "To be called puny by a short stacked faerie is where I draw the line!"
"Oh, going to draw a line now? Go ahead, if you think it'll help," Cirno mocked.
Swallowing my displeasure, I suggested, "Then, why don't we do this the old fashion way?"
The confusion in Cirno's expression was obvious as she remarked, "The old fashion way... would be..."
With a semi-victorious smirk, I clarified, "'You shoot at me, I shoot at you, last one standing wins.' You alright with that?"
Having been brought to the same page, Cirno answered, "If you want; it's fine by me. I'll beat you whatever the rules."
"Actually, we should be using that new Spell Card Rule, but I don't care for that. I'll put this half-pint into a new world of pain, and to do that, we can't use that new rule," my frustration complained.
The stress was getting to my head. I needed to focus on what I was going to do, or I'd end up being played again. With that realization, I started to take deep breathes to calm down.
As if sensing my grief, Cirno added, "Also, if you're going to use a spell card, don't bother with that dust thing; it's embarrassingly weak."
"Oh, alright," my words replied as I contained my indignation.
Thus began my shoot out with a faerie. At first, it seemed like a tie. Hard to believe, right? I was fighting a faerie to a mere tie. My speed didn't help me in trumping her danmaku since it was wide angled sprays with a condensed followups. Her shots were well balanced and she was fairly nimble.
On the other hand, my shots were very confined in comparison, and didn't provoke much of a response. If this continued, I'd have to use a card. It was a waste of time and effort to throw bombs left and right during a fight, but I had little choice. I wanted to show her up with Stardust Reverie, but decided to see why she would call it weak first.
Restraining my stubbornness, I called out, "Hey! If my Stardust Reverie is so weak, what would a strong spell card be like?"
"You want to see strong? Then you asked the right person!" she asserted.
I was curious as to if she really could use a spell card. Not only use one, but use one that would be stronger than my Stardust Reverie.
She held out a card and asked, "You ready for this?"
"Bring it!" I challenged and fired a barrage of missiles. There was no way I was going to back down.
"Freeze Sign!"
With her call, a small wave of cold air was released and stopped my missiles in place. This was peculiar since the missiles froze in place instead of impact for no damage. "This is what a strong spell is like!" she declared as to make certain I didn't miss it.
"Perfect Freeze!"
Suddenly, a large cluster of energy rained towards me. It was so quick that I almost fell over trying to dodge it. Then, without warning, they, too, froze in place. Afterward, Cirno launched another flurry of cold energy at me. As I pulled to a side, I noticed that all the previously frozen shots began to drift around. They cluttered around me, and I found my speed unable to aid my escape. As the cold blasts sailed pass me, I felt them burn at my arms and left shoulder. I was still in one piece, but the throbbing pain intensified.
I looked up and saw that Cirno seemed to be waiting for something. With a grimace, I voiced my thoughts, "Indeed, this Perfect Freeze makes Stardust Reverie look weak."
Hearing this, the other faeries began cheering; Cirno's victory seemingly assured.
"However!" I cried out to quiet crowd before continuing, "However, that's still weak."
"Impossible!" "You're a liar!" "Cirno's the strongest!" I had won the ire of the peanut gallery.
With a curious look on her face, Cirno raised her hand to silence the commentary. It seemed that she wanted to face my better spell card.
With a wide grin, I pulled out my next spell card and taunted, "You ready for this?"
"Let's see it," she challenged, and I didn't waste the invitation.
"Love Sign!"
Activating my spell card, I pulled out my mini-hakkero from my side pocket. Pointing it towards Cirno, I focused my emotions together and recited the spell's name.
"Master Spark!"
A beam of energy took form and propelled itself from within mini-hakkero. What happened after that exceeded all of my expectations. Though I had practiced this spell often, I never had it be so large before. The out pour was so overwhelming, I was almost thrown off of my broom. It's roar was so loud, I couldn't hear anymore. There was such a presence of power that I was blinded by its light.
After a few moments, I felt the pressure subside. I could not see in front of me; hear the lake below me; feel Cirno's presence anywhere around me. All I could think was "I'm glad that wasn't me" before remembering my purpose: surpass Reimu.
"Later, losers!" I called back to the terrified faeries as I raced after Reimu.
-
The tranquility of a midsummer's night was nowhere to be found. For in its stead was a radiance that consumed all in its path. An intensity that made no distinctions between friend and foe. The night would be long through before peace could settle once more. Within the still of this particular night, the Hakurei Miko lurked restlessly so justice could be done to all of Gensokyo's malcontents.
As things stood, Reimu was considering with complete sincerity, "Marisa's recklessness cannot be allowed free reign! I must take the initiative, and see her thoroughly punished."
Not long before, Reimu was mere moments from claiming victory over an errant youkai when a surge of malicious energy made its way into her path. The distraction afforded by the transgression allowed for the escape of the aforementioned youkai. Shortly thereafter, the maleficence's source made its way into Reimu's view. That source was none other than Marisa.
As Reimu pursued her prey, she came upon an island. "Is that..." after pondering the obvious, she sighed, "Guess her punishment's on hold."
Marisa and the youkai were already on the island. Taking notice of her arrival, Marisa called, "Reimu! You're late!"
Setting down next to Marisa with a bow, Reimu apologized for her delay, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
As her playful smile gleamed, Marisa remarked, "S'okay."
With a cheerful smile, Reimu swung her gohei and hit the side of Marisa's head. Both Marisa and the youkai were shocked by the aggression.
"That was a gift to compensate for my tardiness, and this is for your Master Spark!" Reimu explained. Panic set over Marisa as Reimu continued her generous display with another strike.
"By the way," having temporarily punished Marisa, Reimu pointed towards the youkai, "Who are you?"
Gesturing a bow, the youkai introduced herself, "My name is Meiling, and I am just a normal person."
"It was you that attacked me back there, right?" Reimu interrogated.
"That was a normal attack since you attacked me first," Meiling explained. Turning the accusation around, she pointed back at Reimu and declared, "It is you that is not normal!"
Shrugging off the accusation, Reimu refuted, "I'm a normal miko."
"I'm normal too," Marisa asserted, having been ignored entirely during the exchange.
"Definitely not normal," was the unanimous reply to Marisa's outburst.
"Anyway," Marisa diverted the subject away from herself, "You a guard or something? You're kinda in our way."
"And so I am in your way," Meiling affirmed with a taunting smile, exaggerated bow, and poised salute.
"That's too bad," Marisa remarked in an indifferent tone, "It's not in my style to pick fights with normal types like you."
"Wait, Marisa," Reimu interceded and stopped Marisa from racing away again, "There's a barrier around that gate."
"Indeed," Meiling confirmed Reimu's observation, "This barrier keeps out all troublesome pests from trespassing."
"Then how do we get in?" Marisa demanded as her attention passed between the gate, its guard, and Reimu.
With a sigh, Reimu enlightened Marisa, "How does anyone get into a room: its door."
"And none pass this gate's door without my approval," the gate's guard smirked, "Quite an impasse, fight me or be turned away. Which will it be?"
Without warning, Marisa fire a small laser in response. As the laser passed to her side, Meiling pondered, "Does she mean to fight, then?"
"Direct hit!" Marisa exclaimed with glee, prompting Meiling to turn around.
The target was the gate behind her, and now, there was a breach in its center. Not to be delayed by triviality, Marisa darted forward and dove through the opening.
Completely surprised by the impromptu entry, Meiling raced to stop Marisa from infiltrating the manor. As she reached the gate, she turned around and released a wave of chi, countering a barrage of talismans.
Reimu, with more talismans in hand, called out to Meiling, "Unfortunately, I don't have any problems fighting normal people that are in my way."
"I'll be on my way then," Marisa cheered from the beyond the gate, "Good luck!"
Meiling now found herself in a tight bind, "Can I keep this miko from breaking the gate?" After putting more thought into the matter, she felt that it may have been for the best that the other one didn't remain, "This miko couldn't possibly destroy the gate alone, and it would be troublesome to face two enemies at once."
The standoff didn't last long as Reimu couldn't allow Marisa to venture into the dangerous building and resolve the cloudy disaster by herself. Taking aim with an attack structure that almost won the previous encounter, Reimu launched a small barrage of talismans to which Meiling gracefully meandered through. The homing amulets that followed after were repelled with a subtle chi wave.
As Reimu prepared another handful of talismans, she took notice of Meiling's passive stance. Normally, her opponents would have taken the opportunity to counterattack after such a weak attempt. At a loss for what the youkai had planned since she didn't retaliate, Reimu boldly asked, "You're not going to attack me?"
"My duty is to repel trespassers," Meiling plainly replied, "I do not need to attack you to deter your path."
With a smirk, Reimu jeered, "Isn't that because you can't defeat me?"
Holding to her calm demeanor, Meiling stated, "Mock me as you like, I will not be moved."
Reimu considered her available options for a reasonable approach, "This may prove bothersome. On the one hand, attacking recklessly would be a waste of effort. On the other, this opponent refuses to attack and create an opening to exploit." With her opponent's advantage of time and location, Reimu concluded that several bombs would become necessary to achieve any desirable results.
Disgruntled from her severely limited options, Reimu reflected upon her troubles, "If it hadn't been for Marisa's interference, this encore fight would never have happened. I need to remember to repay her properly, for this."
Charging at her opponent, Reimu dropped three amulets behind and showered forth several talismans. As Meiling shifted to a side, Reimu went airborne to rain down another set of talismans. From her place overhead, she also set into play two of her amulets before descending to the gate front.
Meiling's initial movements met with some hesitation as Reimu took to the sky. Leaping away from the cornered gate front, Meiling found no relief as Reimu's delayed amulets greeted her legs. Tumbling to her side, Meiling rolled away from yet another series of talisman volleys and somersaulted into the air. Gathering her chi, she dropped back to the ground and executed a daring counter.
Meeting with some initial progress from the surprise attack, Reimu's follow through did not fare as well when the fleet footed Meiling avoided the assault with embarrassing precision. After seeing her leap into the air, Reimu tried to repel her opponent with a condensed attack, but found the leap was a feint. Pulling away, Reimu concentrated her efforts on minimizing the damage.
"Illusion Sign: Imaginary Dream Flower Vine!"
Without delay, Meiling released a sphere of chi around herself. The massive out pour scattered into a flurry of condensed energy that filled the surrounding space. Reimu found little respite after passing through the barrage; having lost valuable distance from the gate.
With a small abrasion on her right leg, Reimu let out a sigh, "Had I been any closer to her, it would have been impossible to outmaneuver that type of attack."
After regaining some composure, she took notice of something on the nearby bank. It seemed to be a crater, and judging from the surrounding grass, it was newly made. It was probably from Marisa's earlier efforts, but seemed too low in angle to have been from Master Spark, itself.
Shaking her head to adjust her concentration, she came to a realization, "If that's true, then I can finish this without much trouble."
Returning to her whimsical smile, Reimu prepared her gamble to pass this well guarded gate.
-
"I'll be on my way then. Good luck!"
I didn't think it would work out this well. Not only did I get past the front gate before Reimu did, but she decided to stay behind and deal with the gate's guard. It was a free pass to take the lead. Why shouldn't I take it?
Racing across the garden, I reached the front door and noticed its size. I had always thought the place would be like a typical troublemaker's home: more spacious than it needed to be. What I found was a monstrously large building.
"Is it my imagination, or are these places getting bigger?" I asked to no one as I enter the doorway.
Believing it was large by the doors was a mistake: inside was far more unbelievable. I glanced around to see that the entryway was more spacious than my house. The floor tiles were so well polished, they reflected my face as I examined them.
"So it isn't just big, but well maintained, too." I commented, "I wonder what's worth bringing home?" Since I was going to the trouble of visiting a new place, I figured I'd take home a nice souvenir for the occasion.
After surveying the area from the entryway, I noticed that there were two hallways branching out as well as a large, closed door across the room. Since this suspicious door refused to open, I decided on taking one of the branching halls. Picking some straw from my broom, I dropped them on the floor to mark my path. Content that Reimu wouldn't miss this clue, I continued on in search for anything worthwhile.
"Not just wide, but long..."
I couldn't figure why this house was so much bigger inside than outside. These halls, walls, doors, and floor seemed normal enough. Cutting across a corner, I decided not to waste my time thinking about it.
"This place is impossible, nothing more."
After passing a large set of doors, I noticed a magical presence within. It was quite distinct from the remainder of the empty halls and quiet doors from before.
"Guess I got to the boss first," I cheered as I entered the doors.
Beyond the doors was a very spacious room, obviously. What was unexpected was the large arrangement of bookshelves within it. Not only that, but they stood from another level below. This meant that the bookshelves were taller then your average two story buildings, especially since the rooms were bigger than the typical one story homes.
I went into a bit of a frenzy from their overwhelming sight. Although these books were far too numerous for me to read in my lifetime, I could feel their magical energies calling to me. Driven further to add to my meager collection back home, I sailed over the expanse and pondered which I should study first.
While not watching my way, I collided with something and dropped to a shelf top. After climbing my way off the ledge, I scanned the area for what I hit. With no success, I raised my hand and summoned my broom. Shrugging of the accident, I resumed my previous thoughts, "Which books are worth borrowing?"
"Don't take any books, please," a voice responded to my thoughts.
Taking humor in the dialogue, I asseverated, "I'm going to take some!"
With the short exchange concluded by silence, I looked around to verify the voice's owner. Noticing a strangely dressed person on a nearby shelf, I turned to face her. Dressed in a faded lavender dress, she wasn't too much bigger than myself. What stood out most was that her purple hair was so long for her height and was capped with a puffy hat that bore an assortment of accessories; it seemed kind of unbalanced. As I looked closer, I saw she was reading a book.
"Guess she likes reading books," I figured.
As I was thinking about another conversational topic to bring up, I heard her mumbling, "Let's see here: How to Passively Defeat the Person in Front of You."
"That's written in there?!" I was in disbelief to the contents of her book. It was unlikely to contain such a questionably convenient subject. Then again, these were magical books; it was entirely plausible. Curious as to what she would say, I asked, "What's it say?"
With a matter-of-fact gesture, she responded, "'Don't hold back'."
Unsatisfied, I inquired, "And how is that passively defeating someone?"
Closing her book, she dryly explained, "By not wasting effort is how it's passive."
Her answer made sense, I guess. It was enough to make me wonder if that really was written in that book she was holding. I chuckled with delight as I envisioned the many volumes of new text I would soon acquire.
Without thinking much else, I remarked, "This is an impressive place you've got here."
"I simply manage these archives, but it is indeed impressive," she commented in a deadened tone like it was normal.
Continuing with the conversation, I asked, "You're not the owner?"
"And you're not a guest," she plainly stated as she inquired, "What brings you here?"
Shuffling my thoughts, I offered as an explanation, "I heard that this place was remarkable and wanted to see for myself."
"A liar and a thief, then," she didn't hold back on the accusations.
"That's not true!" I exclaimed to defend myself, "I didn't take anything yet! And I didn't lie to you, either!"
"A thief all the same," she objected, "Or perhaps a vigilante of the night?"
"That's..." I was going to deny the claim but then her words replayed in my head. Engrossed by the poetic appeal of the title, I continued, "... a nice way of putting it. Actually, it sounds kinda cool that way."
"As I expected," she concluded as she opened her book again, "I will not permit you to roam freely through the mansion."
"So you're going to passively defeat me?" I sneered which received a sly smile in reply.
From all sides, I found myself completely surrounded, again. The only difference from before would be that there were books instead of faeries.
"Must be my lucky day," I murmured to myself.
-
Vigilance is not measured in deeds. It cannot be received nor given. It is not something to be achieved. As unattainable as it is, it remains invaluable to one of my standing. I am a sentinel, and it is my duty to safeguard my post. It falls to me to persevere through any crisis at hand. Alone and unaided, I must stand ever vigilant.
With Gensokyo in its current state, it was only a matter of time before someone would come to confront Madame about her actions. Several days have passed since the mist began to spread across the land, and only recently have the hostiles made their way to our doorsteps. Although it was still my responsibility to deter trespassers, I was complacent and failed to prevent intrusion.
Renewing my resolve, I took a stand at the gate front. The normal miko merely smiled. My efforts yielded little results and there was less that I could do to anticipate her plans. As she slowly advanced, I prepared to strike back. No matter the circumstance, I could not allow her to pass beyond the gate.
She began her attacks with a bombardment of charms. Though small in size, their power over youkai was undeniable. By releasing my chi into small waves of energy, I could manage to repel the charms and hold my ground. However, her charms were numerous, and I would be unable to counter all of them for long.
Of greater concern was the tracking charms she used. By mixing them with her straight-flying charms, these tracking charms would direct themselves to their target and inflict their damage. Even though their damage was weaker, their application in combat made them lethal.
Preferably, I would have charged at her and fought in close combat. It would have been a simple task to defeat her then. The single reason that I could not was because of her blessed tools. At my current level of ability, my meager skills could not endure damage from them and remain combat effective. With few options from the start, I focused on "delay" instead of "defeat"; if I could outlast her, I would have effectively defeated her.
The miko resumed her attack. While strafing to her right, she launched several charms in my direction. If I moved through them, she would pin me with tracking charms. I followed a path to my right and kept watch over the area. Although the tracking charms were larger in relative size, they remained difficult to spot with the prevalent mist. Correction: keeping watch over the gate, the miko, tracking charms, gate, and approaching bombardment through all the mist was extremely difficult. Following her movements, I made a break to a space on my left. After stepping back a bit, she threw four tracking charms into the air and continued her frontal assault.
I couldn't hesitate. Anticipating a three point assault, I took flight to increase my available movement options. Seeing her charge after her talismans, I continued with my efforts and moved to counter her tracking charms. With her approaching from below, I shifted to my left and dropped to the ground next to her. With cards in hand, we faced one another and announced our spell cards.
"Colorful Sign: Chaotic Dance of Iridescence!" "Spirit Sign: Fantasy Seal!"
In a radiant surge of colors, our attacks collided in a blinding display. While my card rained a plethora of colored prism shards, her spell released large colored spheres of spiritual energy. Those spheres plowed through my prisms directly towards me with a loud roar. The resulting explosions did little to alleviate my grief. Had I not used my spell card as well, the damage would have been at critical levels. After the blasts subsided, I panned around for the shrine maiden with little success.
Just then, she called out, "Looking for me?"
I turned towards the voice to find she was already behind the gate doors. She must have used the colored explosions as cover to slip past undetected. Since she revealed herself to me afterward, I took caution for traps.
"Careful, aren't you?" she mocked, but I would not be provoked. Even if she proceeded for the main building, I could give chase with little fuss. With her complacent smile, she prattled on, "You haven't noticed then?"
From behind me, a tracking charm activated and zipped into the mist: its target beyond sight. From the swirling mist, several faeries made themselves apparent. It was no mere coincidence that they gathered here like this.
As I looked onward to the numerous faeries, the shrine maiden continued her commentary, "They want in, too, but I can't imagine that you would let them in so simply. As such being the case, keep them busy here, alright? Bye, then."
I gritted my teeth. If what she said was true, then there really was nothing more that I could do. Thinking it over more, it was entirely possible that a confrontation was unnecessary. I held onto that sliver of chance as I called out to the gathering, "You are faeries of the lake, correct? What brings you here?"
"Well," a green haired faerie came forth, "We're here for the magician inside."
"The magician inside?" confirming their objective, I continued my inquiry, "What business do you have with her?"
"Punishment!" "Revenge!" "Payback!"
I could only curse the miko's good fortune. Even if they were after the intruder, it was not possible to leave such a bloodthirsty mob unattended at the gate. Holding fast to my duties, I stated, "I cannot allow you to pass. Leave now or face my might."
"You can't stop us!" one of the faeries remarked, and with a frenzied charge, the gathering plowed forward and collided with the barrier.
"If it is as you say," I responded while taking my combat stance, "Then I shall not be merciful."
-
"Must be my lucky day."
There was no better way to put it. Everyone wanted a piece of me tonight. Even Reimu couldn't get enough of me. It should be a crime to be this popular. In all seriousness, I could go without the extra attention.
"This should be fun," was all I could manage with a stiff smile on my face. The multitude of thick magic books encircled my spot on the shelf top. As panic took hold, I tried to even the field, "... but it would be a shame to ruin all of these books in a fight."
"No worries there," she asserted as she informed me, "All of my books are enchanted to resist many forms of damage. They'll be fine."
Daunted by the severity of her words, I complained, "Isn't that cheating? Pitting little me against your indestructible volumes of lore?"
Without thinking on the question, she replied, "In a word: yes. Now, if you're done badgering, we should begin. I happen to be very busy."
Denied of further protests, I was fired upon by the enchanted books. Most of the attacks came in the form of slow moving magic orbs. They were manageable since the orbs were not simultaneously fired en mass but at intervals. If that was all they did, I was worried for nothing.
Then I heard a low hum. Looking around for what was humming, I caught the sight of a book charging a magical blast. The humming came to a cease as several books fired laser beams in rapid succession. The closest one to me singed the tip of my hat.
After the books fired their respective attacks, they closed and moved to a different location before firing again. Taking my cue to retaliate, I returned with a laser pulse. The attack carried to a book that finished its spray, and collided with its closed cover. Aggravated by the lack of notable damage to the book, I blasted another. The results were not different.
I was losing to despair and defeat was growing imminent. Just as I was about to grab out a spell card, my magic knocked a book out of its orbit. Taking a closer look, I noticed a possible loophole to the super books. It seemed like my only chance to bring them down would be when they were open.
The books were closed as they drifted around. After settling on a spot, they opened and began flipping through their pages. If I was right, that was the decisive moment to strike. With my new plan in place, I neutralized several more books with astonishing success. I continued the shooting spree until I realized the books stopped opening.
"Pretty impressive, black clothed vigilante," she remarked in her drab tone.
"Nothin' to it," I cheered with a grin on my face, having received a well deserved compliment.
That actually ended better then my last encounter did. If all my fights went this well, then I'd be set. Completely engrossed with my own ego, I neglected the fact that the person in front of me was a capable magician.
She attacked with a set of sweeping lasers. My only saving grace was that they weren't aimed anywhere in particular. I managed to avoid its cutting sweep before it stopped. In its place was a different set of sweeping lasers that swung in the opposite direction.
Without much pause, she unleashed an array of magical energy that scattered a series of waves in several direction. The flowing energy didn't get far before she began blasting her sweeping lasers from before; only now they were accompanied by a sequence of smaller energy waves. The cycle continued ceaselessly.
"Overkill much?"
It wasn't until I openly complained that I noticed she was mumbling something. "Looks like she was reciting an incantation during the entire onslaught," as I came to that conclusion, she declared a spell card.
"Fire Sign: Agni Radiance!"
An overwhelming wave of heat swept across me as I struggled to keep calm. Several large fireballs took shape and began flying around with alarming speed. It wouldn't do to have those fireballs be alone, of course not. They were graced with the company of many smaller fireballs that cascaded in a series of outward spiral. There was not much else I could do but try to keep from getting roasted while the heat was on.
Eventually, the heat surge cooled down, and I patted out a small fire on the brim of my hat. The respite was shorter then I was because she went right with the many sweeping lasers again. Like she did before, there was an arrangement of magical energy that showered me with repeated handfuls of love. As the pattern continued, she was chanting another incantation.
Not wanting for more damage to my clothes, I opened fire to the bookworm. Even though she was chanting, emitting lasers, and showering me with waves of magic; she still managed to dodge my attacks without slowing down.
Eventually, I came to a realization, "If she's going to use magic on me like this, I should take the opportunity to learn a thing or two."
Finding others with magic that I could use was a rarity, and her magic seemed simple enough to try out. After thinking on it a bit, the sweeping laser thing looked easy enough to try. Its design was simple and powerful. I could fill the magic shower with stars. If I added more lasers, it should do more damage, too.
"I need to remember to try this out later," I repeated with an ever widening grin on my face.
"Wood Sign: Sylph Horn!"
"Oh, right, still in a fight."
Her spell called a parade of flitting leaves and some biting wind. The drifting leaves didn't seem too threatening, but I decided to play it safe. In all honesty, it seemed really weak and a waste of magic and time.
Dodging this spell effects was so simple that I was a bit suspicious of whether she had anything planned. Maybe it was for the best if she wore herself out with such dismal displays. As the gale died down, I focused on what would be next.
"Given up?" she asked in her drab tone; I hadn't expect that.
Taking insult at the notion, I rejected the thought, "Course not! What makes you say that?"
With a placid gaze, she commented, "It just seemed like you stopped trying to fight back."
"Oh," I was stricken at the truth of her observation. Reaching into my wits, I rationalized, "Well, I was just admiring your magic. You're pretty good."
"If that's the case, I shall proceed."
-
The hour grew late as the world slept without change. Many questionable figures roamed the night. The presence of fear; the prize of dominion; the respect of peers, these things were treasured by many but held by few. In a world where the powerful were ever present, one thing was true: nothing remains absolute. However, order must be kept, and for Gensokyo, that responsibility falls to the Hakurei line.
Having outwitted the protector at the front gate, Reimu made her way through the gardens towards the building proper. Although she held responsibility to restore Gensokyo to its natural state, she wasn't in any particular rush. She pressed onward with her task and eventually arrived at the main entrance. Upon entry, she was bewildered to what she encountered.
It was natural to assume that the building was of foreign origin from the outer architecture, but the sheer spacial quality was beyond reasoning; it bordered impossibility. The entryway and main hall were larger than her shrine. There was more room there than was entirely necessary for anyone. This would be a problem for her as she needed to explore its cavernous corridors for the criminal mastermind at the heart of the prevailing crisis.
After reviewing the main hall, Reimu concluded that Marisa had gone down the northern hallway. It was only obvious enough from the trail left behind: mud clumps, mushroom pieces, strands of golden hair, straw fragments, and other dubious materials. After considering the need to chase after Marisa and the ridiculous size of the building, Reimu decided to take the southern corridor and cover a different wing. The hall was, unsurprisingly, wide and long. It stretched for what felt like an eternity, partly because of Reimu's gentle pace.
"It'll be tomorrow if I don't hurry," she urged herself, "The troublemaker is farther in."
Reaching a turn in the lengthy hall, Reimu encountered an unwelcome site. In her path was a group of strangely dressed faeries. Although it would be strange to see a faerie wear such unique clothing elsewhere, it was quite common there. These faeries were servants at the mansion and their clothing was, in fact, a maid class uniform. Taking notice in Reimu's miko attire, the faeries began to attack the "outsider."
"A few measly faeries think they can stop me?"
Reimu retaliated and cleared the area of the pests that blocked her path. As she began to move forward, she realized the mistake she made in not following after Marisa: the path would have already been cleared if she followed Marisa. The spacious hallway was packed beyond capacity with faerie maids; all of them were set to avenge their fallen friends.
Wasting little time, Reimu made the first move. Since there were far too many to even begin a winning battle against, Reimu used a spell card. Employing her Fantasy Seal spell card, Reimu unleashed a barrage of spiritual energy that drove through the mass of maids. The energy exploded in a resplendent display and left much of the spacious hall unoccupied. Having cleared a large fraction in the faerie maid forces, Reimu quickly dispatched the remnants as she made her way along the hall.
As she proceeded, there were still more faerie maids and Reimu questioned the merit in having so many faeries in one place. As the fighting progressed, Reimu noticed a maid that wasn't like any of the others. Based on the fact that she was taller than the average faerie, Reimu concluded she wasn't a faerie.
"Such a mess that needs cleaning," the tall maid remarked as she abruptly threw knives across the hall.
Doing her best to avoid being skewered, Reimu moved aside and noticed the knives were aimed at the faeries behind her. Completely at a loss for why that happened, she turned back to find the mysterious maid missing. It was only for a moment that Reimu looked away, but the maid vanished completely without a trace. Looking around to see if she was still nearby, Reimu noticed that the few remaining faerie maids were not openly attacking her anymore. The mystery deepened, but there were other matters of greater priority.
Racing along the vast pathway unopposed, Reimu rounded another corner and eventually reached a suspicious set of double doors. Passing the doors, she found herself in a room very similar to the entry hall: it was overly spacious. In the center of this new room, there was a stairway leading to the next floor. Also present in the room was the mysterious maid from before.
As Reimu approached the stairs, the maid remarked, "You're making a mess again."
Reimu opted to ignore the remark and asked, "You're not the owner, are you?"
Turning to face Reimu, the maid inquired, "Do you have business with Madame?"
Uncertain about how to respond, Reimu sought to first clarify the situation, "This is where the mist is coming from, right? What's the point in spreading it?"
Without hesitating, the maid responded, "Madame is bothered by the sun's light and prefers the darkened sky."
Flabbergasted by the lopsidedness of the reasoning, Reimu noted, "Well, it's bothersome and needs to stop."
"That is a matter for Madame to address," the maid casually explained.
With thinning patience for the unaccommodating conversation, Reimu suggested, "Then bring her here, and have it addressed."
"I cannot allow for Madame to be bothered by such trifling matters," the maid reasoned with her unchanging expression.
Having reached the limits of her patience, Reimu corrected the maid's judgment, "A trifling matter? It's more of a catastrophe!"
"Regardless," the maid stated with a stern glare, "I won't allow for anyone to bother Madame."
-
Responsibility is the measure of necessity. It holds fast to one's mind and haunts with the prospect of failure. At the same time, it rewards fulfillment for our successes. At all moments, responsibility follows as a shadow; its hold unshakable and unbreakable. I am mindful of my responsibilities as I hold to my purpose.
I have failed, and the second of the intruders has passed the gate. Cornered, I held my ground as the gathering of faeries began to lay siege to the gate. They formed into smaller groups and moved to cover several direction around me. There was nothing more I could do but strike with a spell card.
"Colorful Sign: Extreme Color Typhoon!"
In a flurry of radiant energy, my chi condensed into prism shards and rained upon the faeries around me. Caught in my spell, the faeries scrambled helplessly as my attack cut through their numbers. As the remaining faeries reassembled, more arrived and my progress had reversed. Although I declared the intend to turn them away, it was highly possible that I would be overwhelmed by their returning numbers.
With a renewed fervor, the faeries retaliated, and I found myself pressed for safety in the volleys. There was little room in the formation for me to maneuver and I could not wander away from the gate. Calming my hastened breath, I reached for another spell card.
"Rainbow Sign: Iridescent Wind Chime!"
The colorful prisms returned and spiraled into the surrounding space. The faeries tried to move out of its path, but found their numbers unaccommodating. Once more, the faerie gathering shrank into a more manageable collective. As I dreaded the prospect of another wave of faeries arriving, there were no reinforcements. In a sigh of slight relief, I returned to my efforts of defending my post.
Examining the chaotic clusters, I took notice of the green haired faerie that spoke earlier. It seemed as if she was directing the others. If I could manage to neutralize her presence, I could destroy morale and prevent a full scale invasion force from overrunning the gate. As I kept my defenses up, I looked around for an opportunity to strike.
Firstly, I needed to weed out the crowd. Even if I broke their morale, their numbers were still too great. From the left to the right, there were clusters of lesser faeries in groups of eight. Spaced between the groups were two stronger faeries. As they attacked, the larger groups cycled around in two loops. As they drifted across their paths, the central faeries shifted between being inside and outside the loops. The assault plan was simple enough to read, but that made it effective to execute. Releasing several waves of chi, I managed to throw back their advance and removed some weakened faeries from their lines.
Secondly, I would disable their commander. As their numbers lessened, the green haired faerie entered the fray and I reviewed the field for an appropriate plan of attack. The different groupings reassembled and followed a segmented wheel. As they did before, they attacked then moved along a looping path. The difference was that the paths were separated into zones and did not cross in their lines. This newer movement allowed for more versatile maneuvers.
The stronger faeries meandered in a hit-and-run style raid. They moved in; attacked; then pulled away. Along their flight path was the green haired faerie. She pulled across the open gaps between the different clusters. My moment to strike would follow below her as she prepared to attack.
Expelling my doubts, I rushed in and mounted my assault. With an upward kick, I struck across her chin and leaped above her. As I positioned to strike down at her, I drove my knee into her neck then pounded downward with my fist across her face. With her tumbling across the ground, I chased after several confused underlings.
As the faerie presence lessened, I returned to the gate and reevaluated the enemy strength. A small group of about 16 lingered, including the green haired leader. They assembled a small distance from my location and were discussing something.
Just then, one of them cried out, "Cirno!"
Turning my attention to where they were facing, I noticed a blue colored faerie sitting on the bank. The other faeries rushed around her and were loud in their excitement.
"Cirno!" "Are you alright?" "We were so scared."
"Uh... Aqua? What happened?"
"That magician used a bright light. Then, she ran away and we couldn't find you."
"Ah, that's right! Where'd she go!?"
"Into that house, but we can't get in."
"What!? Why not!?"
"That person's in our way."
Judging from their conversations, I surmised that this Cirno was battling with the black dressed magician that damaged the gate. After using her ridiculously large laser, she fled from the other faeries. That would explain why the faeries were so agitated, I suppose.
As I reviewed the new information, Cirno approached me, "Apologize to my friends!"
Responding with my stoic gaze, I objected to her demand, "They were the ones that attacked the gate first. I will neither apologize nor forgive them."
Although displeased by my response, she declared with a smirk, "Then, I'll just have to punish you!"
-
"If that's the case, I shall proceed."
She proceeded with her incantation, and nothing else. I figured she would keep with the shining laser and stuff, but I guess it wasn't needed if I wasn't attacking her. Maybe the next spell will be cool looking. I simply waited as she continued chanting.
To be frank, I really don't know what was so good about her magic. Up until then, it had all been so bland and average. I would even go so far as to call it "useless," but there really wasn't much else I could say to her. After all, I really was admiring her magic.
"Wood and Fire Sign: Forest Blaze!"
As the spell took shape, the scattered leaves from her previous spell started to gather in a fiery manner. The heat was far greater than the first spell, and now, there was fire all around me; it made for a very effective combination of magic. In addition to setting fire to the fallen leaves, more leaves came showering in from nowhere to strengthen the chaos. The situation only worsened as fireballs took to the sky.
I didn't like how things were looking. The heat was oppressive, the fires ran rampant, and the winds fanned the flames. The spell effects were long for a bomb, too. Even when it ended, it wouldn't put out the burning leaves. Out of the frying pan, and into the fire, indeed.
It was fortunate that my missiles and lasers were able to keep the fires from spreading too closely to me. As the temperature began receding, I nearly collapsed onto the shelf. Coughing for a bit, I began to worry about what types of magic she would unveil next. Her incantations weren't long, but I was able to catch my breath during it. As I managed to calm down, she finished her recital.
"Earth Sign: Rage Trilithon!"
With a loud, grumbling roar, boulders shot across the room. They weren't overly large, but their size wasn't very modest, either. They sailed about without much regard to where they were going. Although their speed was not impressive, they kicked up a lot of dust. It became more difficult to see clearly and breathing was already a concern. Without much choice, I endured the hardships; eventually arriving at the intermission.
Wiping my eyes and coughing for clean air, I began to think about the spell incantations. I always thought that incantations were used for long rituals and were unwieldy in the middle of battle. It was illogical to cast ritual style magic when speed casting was imperative. As I thought on it more, I wondered if I could use incantations to strengthen my magic as well. I've never really practiced ritual magics so I wasn't sure about how it would work, or if it could work at all.
"Guess I'll look into it later."
"Fire and Earth Sign: Lava Cromlech!"
"Great... more fire..." I really wasn't in the mood to be roasted again. With my spell card handy, I waited for the best timing in order to avert the damaging onslaught.
As the spell began, the oppressive heat made a return. Following close after were the familiar flying fireballs. Added into the mix for this round was a tumbling wall of rocks, but not just rocks. Instead of a volley of boulders, the spell churned out a miniature landslide. Boulders, pebbles, dirt, mud clumps, ash, and an occasional rough gemstone were all present in the loud mass of rumbling earth. I used my spell card as the rock wall approached since I didn't feel like toughing through it at all.
"Magic Sign: Stardust Reverie!"
Between the heat, fire, earth, and stars, I couldn't see a thing. With the loud collision of magic, there wasn't much hearing done either. Even as my Stardust Reverie swept across the fire and rock, I still felt the imposing heat's grip on me like a hungry snake on its prey. It was very dizzying.
As my Stardust Reverie began to wind down, I sensed no end to the heat, and panicked, "Is it going to outlast my Reverie?"
The red flames reached out as the tide of earth encroached. Dodging the mass of matter was beyond the realm of my abilities. I tightened my grip on my broom, closed my eyes, and braced for the Lava Cromlech to reach me.
What hit me was a great stillness. There was no pain, no shock, no change; it simply was. Without notice or hesitation, the calm air settled around me. It was so abrupt that I wondered, "Am I dead?"
The silence was nerve wrecking; so I decided to take a peak at what was happening. I opened my eyes and found the bookworm magician hunched over on the shelf top.
"Maybe she overdid it?" I thought.
Setting down nearby, I asked, "You all right, there?"
"I feel a little anemic," she responded, which seemed a little forced.
Since I wasn't satisfied with her answer, I asked again, "You all right, then?"
"Yes," her voice sounded terrible, "but I can't recite my spells like this."
"So..." from what I understood, it wasn't anything severe, but she couldn't continue the fight. It felt hollow, but there was only one possible outcome, "I win?"
-
Conflict and confrontation are unavoidable when dealing with the powerful. From the the opaque halls of foreign design, the pathway forward was stopped short. A simple servant stood in defense of her master, but even the meek would not receive mercy when faced with judgment. Bearing Gensokyo's safety, the Hakurei Miko brought judgment to the wicked, the foul, and the foolish alike.
Formalities of battle were long forgone. In the spacious arena of the the main foyer, Reimu and the tall maid were locked in a stalemate struggle. As knives and talismans sailed to the walls, the two kept watch over the other's movements. Reimu's clever multi-directional attacks kept the maid on edge while the maid's crafty sleight-of-hand volleys kept Reimu from gaining momentum.
A multitude of cutting tools took flight and scattered across the room. A seemingly random outburst at first, but the knives then preceded to change their trajectory and returned for another round at piercing Reimu. With the chaos of the shifting blades, the maid then threw several more handfuls of knives at the preoccupied Reimu.
The knives also held priority in a clash with the talismans, and though the odds stood in the maid's favor, the struggle would progress without change unless drastic actions were taken. Seeking to put the dissonant guest in her place, the maid revealed her spell card and made the first move.
"Illusion World: The World!"
With a flurry of magical energy, a small gathering of spheres began drifting outwards. Then, in the blink of her eyes, a wall of knives appeared and cut across the space in front of them. With nothing more than luck, Reimu drifted through the cluster while receiving nothing more than a few small cuts on her arms and clothes. After reaffirming her bearings, Reimu returned her gaze to the maid.
Around the maid's location, there were three amulets that could still be activated. As Reimu considered a few options, she opted for a long shot. If the plan went well, it would give her an opportunity to use a spell card from a more effective range. Gathering her focus, she set her plan into motion.
As she moved to the left, the maid responded with a volley of knives and drifted in the opposite direction. With the two circling each other once more, Reimu launched a barrage of talismans and moved overhead. Taking a defensive stance, the maid returned fire to counter the talisman barrage and observed Reimu's movements. Following the chance opening, Reimu activated her amulets and charged towards the maid.
Startled by the reckless charge, the maid stepped back and was struck by the unseen amulets. As she stumbled to a side, Reimu attacked with another wave of talismans and made ready her spell card. In a bizarre act of defiance, the maid attacked at Reimu and endured the incoming set of talismans, preventing the optimal range that Reimu was seeking. Having been driven back, Reimu landed a distance from the maid and reconsidered another course of action.
"Not to be rude, but...," the maid spoke out to Reimu while removing the talismans from her clothes, "Were these paper things suppose to do something?"
Confused at the conversation's abrupt rise, Reimu blankly explained, "They're talisman infused with spiritual power. They can cause considerable damage to youkai."
With the last talisman removed, the maid held it in hand and asserted, "... 'But are useless against human'?"
Combining the facts, Reimu commented, "I guess that makes you human."
"As such being the case," the maid proceeded with her inquiry as she tossed aside the talisman, "Do you have any means to cope with human targets?"
"For a more crude approach, I have these needles," Reimu stated on a lackadaisical whim. Revealing a small set of needles grasped between her fingers, she continued, "They aren't much different from the talismans, except-"
"'They're still harmful to human flesh'," the maid concluded, "Most crude, indeed."
"Well, thanks for the intermission," Reimu remarked playfully, "I won't need to waste time wondering why the talismans weren't working."
"And I won't need to worry about those weird paper weapons of yours," the maid retorted.
Resuming from where they left off, Reimu and the human maid circled one another as they prepared their respective tools. With the effective loss of her amulets, this would become a battle of attrition for Reimu.
"Where's Marisa when I need her?" she whispered.
Although lacking in any discernible judgment of modesty and restraint, Marisa's magic made for an effective combat devise against all lifeforms. Against your average human, she made for the perfect threat factor. Now, when faced with a skilled human opponent, Reimu felt most appreciative for Marisa's indiscriminate destructive power.
"I'm here!" Marisa announced as she plowed through the doorway from the northern corridor.
In the distraction afforded by her entry, Reimu attacked the maid with her needles. Injured from the surprise attack, the maid fled from the scene.
"Don't think you've bested me yet!" she declared as she vanished from sight.
"What was that all about?" Marisa asked, confused by the confrontation's sudden end.
Exasperated, Reimu kept her explanation short, "Nothing. Let's go."
"Whatever," unsurprised by the nondescript explanation, Marisa cheered, "Let's go!"
-
The looming darkness, it is comforting and frightening. There is a moment in which I desire its comforting embrace, but fear its cold touch. Such a paradoxical thought, I wonder if I'll ever be free of its torment. The peacefulness of solitude and the terror of seclusion, will I ever be free?
As I regained consciousness, I found myself covered with books. Taking a further glance at my surroundings, I noticed that I was sitting on one of the bookshelves. Shaking off the headache that gripped at me, I slowly recalled the circumstances to my situation.
I was moving some books that the Professor had finished using. She had also instructed me to retrieve several other text from the section that I'd be in. As I was managing to lighten the load, I remembered being struck from behind and then hitting my head.
Shaking away the migraine, I reminded myself of my objective, "Better get back to my task."
As I reached the shelf top, I heard a voice that I wasn't familiar with, "You all right, there?"
"I feel a little anemic," it was the Professor that responded.
I was lost in my thoughts as the conversation continued, "Were they fighting? Did the Professor lose because of her anemia? Who was that other person?"
As I was pondering over some plausible explanations, I heard the professor coughing and without a moment's hesitation, I rushed to her side. I really wasn't too sure what I was supposed to be thinking with the headache that graced me as I asked her, "Are you alright? What happened? Who is that person?"
Between her coughs, the Professor managed a clear response, "...intruder..."
"'Intruder'? Understood," at least I think I understood. The person that was with the professor was an intruder. They were fighting because the Professor was trying to get rid of her. Wait, was she the reason for my headache as well?
Affixing a glare towards the intruder, I remarked, "Quite the troublemaker, aren't you?"
The intruder was nonchalant as she mused, "So I get another admirer? This is quite the night."
"Who's you're admirer?" I instinctively interjected. Taking notice of the fact that the Professor was still in my arms, I set her down as I confronted the intruder, "I will expel you from the grounds!"
With a diabolical grin, the intruder continued her musing, "Perfect timing. I was looking to let off some steam."
If she was able to match the Professor in a fight, then I had little chance for victory. Reconciling my doubt, I looked her over to study her condition. There were a lot of burn marks on her clothes and a few abrasions on her skin. If my guess was correct, she would have been slightly exhausted from the confrontation as well. I was not very confident in my magic against her, but I felt I could probably beat her with close fighting.
Using a small blast of magic to start, I circled around to her side. The intruder moved to her side and appeared directly in front of me. With such a remarkable opportunity, I struck at her and knocked her off her broom.
"That wasn't very fair!" she protested, having tumbled over the shelf top from my attack.
Although her protests seemed rather childish, I indulged her with a response, "All is fair in love and war. Did you think I'd fight you on equal footing?"
Tossing the broom aside, I charged in to defeat the intruder. As I approached, she tried to ward off my advance with her own magic. I was right to believe a direct attack would be best approach. She scrambled away in her attempt to avoid my attacks. Using my magic to corner her, I managed to pin her at an edge and sent her flying across the shelf top.
As she dangled from the ledge, I closed in to finish her off. When I reached striking range, she let go of the ledge and dropped down below. Halting at the edge, I noticed her holding a spell card.
"Love Sign!"
Taking the defensive, I backed away to avoid the entrapment, but my retreat was cut short. From behind, I was struck and pushed over the edge. My eyes glanced behind me to see her broom had rammed into my back. As I returned my gaze forward, I saw a wide grin on the intruder's face, "All's fair in love and war, right?"
I had failed to stop the intruder. I have failed the Professor's expectations of me. With the accumulating magic that gathered from her spell, I would probably fail to survive the attack as well. Completely helpless, I closed my eyes and whispered, "I'm sorry."
"Master Spark!"
With a blinding flash, I was enveloped in a rush of magical power. The deafening roar pierced through me. The pain clenched in my chest. My consciousness faded. "I'm sorry," echoed in my mind as my strength failed me.
-
Comrades are a treasure. They are trusted and trusting. They stand by you as you by them. It is during my hour of peril that I realize how remarkable they are.
Once again, I found myself in a bind. If the many faeries from before were not enough, they were now in the presence of their true leader. There was a clamor over the battle. It seemed as if the other faeries wanted to assist Cirno in the fight. It was with gradual persuasion that they resigned to keeping out of the duel. If they were to keep to their word, then I would be facing Cirno in single combat. It was an opportune respite since I did not have the strength to face a full confrontation with the many faeries present.
Cirno grinned as she turned her attention back to me, "Sorry about that. Now, I'll beat you fair and square. Are you ready to get beaten?"
Returning to my combat stance, I acceded to battle, "As you will, then."
Cirno made the first move. She formed a fragmented ring of icicles and then directed them towards me. Shifting my weight around, I managed to avoid being pelted by the barrage. Keeping on my toes, I kept watch to her movements. Shortly after the icicles passed by, Cirno released a laser blast and I stumbled to avoid it.
The prolonged fighting had begun to take its toll on me. I expended a lot of my chi fighting with the miko and further drained my reserves against the faerie horde. There was little more that I could do but struggle. If nothing else, I might have a chance to defeat her if I struck quickly enough. Without a moment's rest, I gathered my chi.
Even as I faced Cirno, it took most of my strength to stand. I would have only one chance to succeed. Awaiting her attack, I followed for the opportunity to attack. As she aimed her laser, I made my move.
Charging at the bewildered faerie, I reached with a palm strike. She stepped around it but was startled by my approach. Continuing my assault, I kicked high to lure her to my side. When she dodged into my trap, I closed in and drove my fist into her chest. As she went flying a short distance away, I recoiled from the attack.
In my haste, I neglected to consider the obvious. It was a dangerous act to strike at an open flame, and frozen object were no better. Cold air exuded from her presence and my fist nearly froze over from hitting her. The chilblain was yet another factor to worry over with my current predicament.
As she returned to her feet, Cirno fumed with anger, "Now I'm mad! I'll use this! Snow Sign: Diamond Blizzard!"
In a burst of cold air, ice shards scattered about and I was caught in its torrential fury. As I knelt from the pain and exhaustion, I closed my eyes and awaited my suffering. As the cold currents flew past, I was shocked that I remained unharmed.
"Was it possible that the attack would miss me entirely?" I wondered.
After the winds were calm once more, I found myself completely unscathed. By some strange miracle, the Diamond Blizzard spared me from Cirno's wrath. With reluctant joy, I returned to my feet. Cirno was not pleased and made ready to unleash another spell card.
With the last of my strength, I rushed at her and attacked in desperation, "Even if I become paralyzed from the damage, I will defeat the enemy in front of me!"
As I brought in my left hand, I struck out and hit her with my right. As the pain drained my dwindling strength, I drove my left palm across her chin. Completely disregarding the agony, I leapt over her and drove my right heel across her cheek. With Cirno skidding across the ground, I twirled in the air and landed ungracefully onto my face.
The faerie onlookers were no longer able to watch idly. They attacked at me with swift retribution. Devoid of any strength, I resigned myself to crushing defeat. Just then, I was pulled away from the fatal barrage. Several of the faerie maids emerged from the mist and attacked the faerie invaders.
As I glanced at my saviors, a maid inquired to my condition, "Are you alright? Can you move?"
"I've felt worse," my voice would not respond.
"We'll take care of things here."
"Were they able to repel the intruders already? Is that why they came to my aid? Then, I did not fail in my duty?"
Uncertainty clawed at my confidence as my consciousness faded to exhaustion.
-
"Master Spark!"
A powerful burst of magic ruptured from my mini-hakkero. Enveloping the youkai completely, it roared passed her with such remarkable force. It may have been my imagination, but it felt like this Master Spark wasn't like the previous one. It almost felt weaker, for some reason.
Refusing to entertain such doubts, I turned my attention back to the bind I was in. I let go of the ledge and propelled myself downward with the Master Spark; I faced terminal velocity.
"Broom, to me!"
Calling my broom, I flipped around and kicked off of a passing shelf. As I reached out, my broom arrived within reach and I spiraled to a more manageable speed. As I glanced back, I reached my free hand and caught the falling youkai as well. Enduring the strain in my arms, I brought us both to a stop in time for her shoes to tap the floor below.
"Now, don't say I didn't do nothin' for ya."
I may well have been speaking to myself since she was unconscious. I set her down and dropped to the floor as well. Even though she was hit by my Master Spark from point-blank range, she was still breathing; if it had been me, I would have been reduced to ashes.
"Youkai sure are frightening creatures."
After catching my breath, I returned back to the top shelf. I must have been falling at an incredible speed since it felt like an eternity going back up. For once, I felt relieved that these rooms were of such ridiculous dimensions.
Arriving at the top, I searched for that other magician. I stumbled upon her as she lay sleeping. She must have been very exhausted to have slept through all that racket. As I marveled at her resting face, I noticed a familiar sound nearby. To my horror, many books of magical propriety were surrounding me, again.
In a panic, I waved my arms around. When it seemed like they slowed down with the page flipping, I signaled towards the sleeping pyromaniac and clasped my hands in a "sleeping" fashion. As I panned around at the books, they turned to one another in a steady fashion, then dispersed.
"They're leaving?! Or rather, they understood that?"
I was at a loss. Maybe, it was possible for them to be so capable as to understand me, like that one dubious entry that girl was reading earlier.
"I just hafta get one!"
I couldn't contain my enthusiasm. As I pondered what to look at first, I remembered about Reimu and the mist that was still all around. Sighing with displeasure, I left the book gathering for another time.
"I can wait, I guess," I muttered while stuffing a single book in my shirt pocket space.
When I got back out into the hallway, I tried to remember which way I was heading and from which I arrived. Taking a random turn, I raced down one of them, "I'll circle around to her, eventually."
I reached a corner and made a left. From there, I found a set of double doors. Continuing on, I burst through the doors and dynamically announced my arrival, "I'm here!"
Thinking on it again, I would have felt very weird if no one who recognized me was there. Fortunately, Reimu was there. There was an unfamiliar person with her, but before I could get a good look, Reimu attacked her while she was looking at me.
"Don't think you've bested me yet!" she declared; I'd have been pissed at a cheap shot like that, too.
Then she vanished, like she was never there. Everything happened so quickly that I didn't know what to think.
Looking over to Reimu, I asked her, "What was that all about?"
"Nothing," as always, Reimu didn't tell me much, "Let's go."
"Whatever," shrugging off the expected avoidance, I echoed, "Let's go!"
And so, we headed up the big stairs. Was it really necessary for stairs to be that big? At any rate, Reimu rounded a corner and followed the small balcony into another set of doors.
"No reason not to follow," I mumbled as I chased after her.
Inside the room, the thick mist made a return. It was foggy throughout the house, but it wasn't as bad as it was in this particular room. While wandering about, I felt the breeze carry across me.
"Was there an open window here?" Just then, a set of metal objects rained down from behind me.
"You were late in getting here," rambled the strange person that ran away, "I was worried that you had run away."
I didn't really understand what was happening, but I was still mad at being insulted for no reason, "You're the one that ran away! And what do you mean late?! You're early!"
"Whatever," Reimu was as indifferent as always, "Are you ready to take us to your boss now?"
With a light chuckle, the girl retorted, "Did you forget? I'll never let you bother Madame."
Not knowing what to say, I whispered a concern to Reimu, "So we gonna fight two-on-one? Doesn't seem very fair to me."
"Shut up, Marisa!" Reimu wasn't as indifferent as I believed. Turning her attention back to the other girl, Reimu continued, "You! I won't let you off so easy this time!"
"Au contraire, it is I who will not be so forgiving to you."
If there ever was a time that I felt like a third wheel, it would be now, "Seems like a lot happened while I wasn't around. Maybe I'll sit this one out."
"Shut up, Marisa!" once again, Reimu chided me, "Just fight her!"
When Reimu turned to scold me, the fight began. What's with these people and surprise attacks? Zipping around, there were knives everywhere. Sharp and fast, they skimmed by and it was very dizzying. Was that why Reimu wanted a two-on-one? Without hesitation, that girl declared a spell card.
"Illusion World: The World!"
And here I was thinking that the pyromaniac was overkill. There were so many knives in the air that I was stunned. Then, the knives suddenly changed directions.
That's got to be illegal, right? She shoots out a bunch of knives from nowhere and then makes them fly in strange directions? Needless to say, Reimu and I were quite preoccupied with not getting diced to ribbons. Then, the maid decided to use another card.
"Maid Secret Skill: Killing Doll!"
Another spell, another wave of killer knives with variable bearings, but what concerned me was that she was going at it a little too hard.
"Hey!" I tried calling out to her, "If you keep that up-"
"It doesn't matter so long as I stop you both!" she exclaimed before I could finish my words.
"Reimu!" confused by her resolve, I turned towards Reimu for clarity, "She's-"
"Human," Reimu's answer came as a surprise to me but she also asked, "Can you deal with her?"
"What? Er..." It was a little much for me to comprehend, with all the knives flying around. "So she was a human, and Reimu needed me to deal with her? ... I feel so used."
"Strange Arts: Eternal Meek!"
This time it wasn't knives, go figure. Her spell called forth a steady and dense wave of energy. While maneuvering through the magical rush, I thought about the enemy before me.
If she was a human, then it would explain why she seemed so run down. Blasting spell cards in rapid succession was an exhausting feat, even for youkai. Even if I could deal with her, I couldn't get passed her spell cards. As I was going to tell Reimu, she got hit by a wave of the magic orbs.
"Reimu!"
In the blink of my eyes, she vanished. I was shocked and rushed to where she was. When I got there, I heard a thud from the distance and looked over to it. Reimu was standing next to the maid, and the maid was lying on the floor.
Everything happened so quickly that I was left utterly confused, "... what just happened?"
Reimu sighed as if she was asked to point out the obvious, "I teleported behind her and knocked her out."
Although it wasn't my place to judge the necessity of applied force, I asked anyway, "Wasn't that kinda excessive?"
"She ruined my sleeve!" Reimu exclaimed as she held up her arm, "Look at it!"
Reimu's right sleeve was missing from the elbow down. Taking a closer look at her clothes, there were cuts and tears all around her skirt. Shrugging at the display, I retorted, "Then you got lucky."
I wasn't so fortunate. The wide brim on my hat was missing entirely. My skirt was at half its normal length. My short sleeves were no longer in existence. Then to top it off, there was burnt holes all over my clothes.
"You're just unskilled," Reimu chuckled.
It was a nice change of pace since the maid's rampage came as a surprise to me. With a sigh, I approached Reimu and asked, "What's next?"
Just then, an incredible aura filled the room. It was overflowing with malevolence. As I was turning around to find its source, Reimu yelled out, "Behind!"
We moved away and from behind me, the maid stood tall and radiated with a terrifying animosity.
"You've got to be kidding..."
-
You have really animated writing; it's very visual, which I like. I'm especially looking forward to Chapter 5.
-
You have really animated writing; it's very visual, which I like. I'm especially looking forward to Chapter 5.
Chapter 5? I'm not looking forward to it all that much... as things stand, I see three outcomes with it
- Include Everything: which will lead into some kind of 90++ Segment collection
- Include Only S.D.M.: which will produce, maybe, 30ish Segments
- Key Points Only: which will leave the action a little sparse
I'm not too sure how it'll pan out(as far as pacing goes), but it's still too far ahead to be a concern, yet. Then again, I'm more interested in Ch.6, but that's kinda obvious.
As to my writing, it has something to do with the way I follow events, organize reactions, and treat battles(I think). Maybe I'm giving myself too much credit, but that's what I believe.
Either way, I can only continue as I can whether you continue liking it or not. 30 more re-posts until the new stuff... oh joy!
-
In Gensokyo, there exists things far beyond the imaginable: frightening, awe inspiring, trivial, and all round unexplainable things. To the average human, it was more than what one was expected to cope with, but there comes a time when one must stand and cope. As the Hakurei Miko and her companion faced against such a time, how will they fare?
"You've got to be kidding..."
The unconscious maid wasn't looking so unconscious. Her presence emanated with a sinister energy. It was unnatural, but not unexpected. Reimu remained calm and considered any possible attack options.
Magical energy surged from the maid and showered onto Reimu and Marisa. It left little room to maneuver and even less opportunity to attack.
"What's going on, Reimu?" Marisa wasn't so calm. It was apparent that she didn't fully understand what had transpired.
While shifting her words around, Reimu explained as best she was able, "She's sorta possessed."
"Well, obviously!" Marisa protested sardonically, "But how? When?"
Pressured by Marisa's impatience, Reimu sighed to clear her thoughts. Thinking of a prime example, she continued, "It's not much different from when you were with Mima."
"What's that mean!? I wasn't like that at all!" Marisa rejected the notion of her being possessed by someone else.
Expecting Marisa's doubt, Reimu clarified her explanation, "You just didn't notice. When a human holds faith in a greater being, they draw power from that being. If it's a god, they receive divine blessings. When it's a youkai, they receive some of that youkai's power."
Understanding complex philosophies during a fight was not an easy task, but it wasn't any easier to explain them. Being blunt as always, Marisa spoke her mind, "That doesn't make sense... so how do we stop her?"
Unsurprised by Marisa's frankness, Reimu answered, "Like anyone else, but-"
"Then, leave it to me," Marisa declared after hearing what she was hoping to hear.
"Wait! Marisa!" Reimu pleaded unsuccessfully.
Having ignored Reimu's plea, Marisa activated her trusty Master Spark. As the blast roared across the room, Marisa was certain in having stopped the deviant maid. When the powerful magic wound to a calm, Marisa turned her sights to Reimu as she prepared to signal her triumph.
"Look out!"
Startled by Reimu's shout, Marisa pulled away from her spot in time for a collection of knives to sail by. As she slowed to a halt, the animosity came pouring out from behind her. In a panic, Marisa tried to turn away and received a cut across her cheek. Had Reimu not stepped in, Marisa's chest would have a new hole placed in it.
With her back to Marisa, Reimu chided, "Don't just sit there: move!"
With fear gripping at her mind, Marisa bolted around the room as she called back to Reimu, "What'd she do?"
"She's teleporting around, or something," Reimu reasoned while also meandering aimlessly throughout the room, "So you can't hit her normally."
Still shaken by the maid's overly dominant capabilities, Marisa plainly mumbled, "Then, what can we do?"
After a moment of thought, Reimu asked, "Can you still Spark?"
Confused in general, Marisa informed Reimu, "I've still got one more in me."
Satisfied with the reply, Reimiu commanded, "Then, wait for my signal and let her have it."
It was dangerous to leave her alone, but Reimu's ingenuity had a tendency of being successful. Swallowing her doubts, Marisa conceded to Reimu's plan.
Taking the lead, Reimu circled back to the maid's malevolent aura. Her plan was more suicidal than she preferred, but there wasn't a better option. She charged at the rampant maid and lured her to a closer proximity. Being mindful of the magic and knives, Reimu slowly waited for the moment to ripen.
"Now!"
Marisa was doubtful to Reimu's timing, "If I shoot now, She's just going to teleport away, isn't she?" Placing her faith in Reimu's plan, Marisa activated her spell card.
"Love Sign!" "Dream Sign!"
Reimu also activated her spell card. "What's she planning?" Marisa wondered as she took aim with her mini-hakkero.
It was Reimu's intent to keep the maid from moving. If a binding circle could enclose her, it would give Marisa a chance to hit with Master Spark. In anticipation to a possible retreat during the plan's execution, she left enough time to cover possible escape routes. As Reimu followed her intuition, she teleported to a different location and ensnared her trap.
"Evil Sealing Circle!"
Following the cue, Marisa unleashed her Master Spark towards Reimu's Circle. Just as she hoped, the new infusion of demonic energy allowed for the Evil Sealing Circle to bind the maid's movements. The defenseless maid was then hit full on with Master Spark. Since Reimu's Circle wouldn't outlast the long Spark, it was fortunate that the maid doubled as a body shield. After the blast settled, all three collapsed to the floor.
"That went well," Rimu sighed with relief.
Marisa exclaimed her concerns, "That was dangerous! Are you crazy!?"
With a displeased glare, Reimu sneered, "I'm perfectly fine. Anyway, stay here with her."
"What?! I'm going with you!" Marisa objected with unvoiced concerns for her own safety instead of Reimu's.
"Look, it's dangerous to leave her unattended," Reimu explained as she formulated a more plausible reason, "And besides, you don't know how to exorcise a possession."
"Yes I do!" Marisa protested before momentarily stuttering, "Ju-just, uh, ex-terminate the youkai."
"Wrong!" Reimu declared, "Just stay here and keep watch."
Reimu's harsh attitude wasn't from ungratefulness or arrogance. One look at Marisa told her that she was completely drained of any applicable strength. If she was to face Madame in such a state, it would be beyond dangerous and border along stupidity.
"... whatever," Marisa grumbled as she conceded to Reimu's orders.
Relieved with Marisa's cooperation, Reimu headed onward. Even though she was not in any appreciable fighting condition, she would have to make do. There was no turning back, and getting Marisa involved was not acceptable.
Sighing away her doubts, Reimu stepped out onto the open air balcony. On the balcony, she found four sets of tables with four chairs apiece. Upon the table closest to her right, there was a cup with tea set upon a saucer. The tea was still warm, indicating its drinker left only recently. As she looked around, a loud ringing echoed across the sky. It came from overhead. Following the sound, she arrived on the rooftop.
Before her stood a little girl. With a fancy dress that glowed red with the enveloping mist, she had black wings that were draped over her shoulders. Wearing a poofy hat over her short blue hair, she was looking up at a large clock tower on the roof.
As Reimu approached her, the girl spoke, "I knew it. Humans are useless."
Thinking that engaging in small talk would give her some breathing space, Reimu entertained the conversation, "Was that maid really human?"
"You," the girl turned and pointed at Reimu, "You're the murderer."
"This conversation is too weird to be considered a conversation," concealing her displeasure, Reimu continued with the talking, "But that one won't make me a mass murderer."
"And so...?"
"Ah," Reimu was not following the randomness to well. Moving for a change in topic, she added, "Right, there's a problem here: you."
"How simple," the little girl smirked, "And you don't even know why."
"Anyway," Reimu interceded to bring the conversation back into focus, "Can I ask you to leave?"
With a faint shade of confusion, the girl inquired, "But is this castle not mine? Should it not be you, then, who leaves?"
Taking the opportunity to taunt the girl's logic, Reimu replied, "I want you to leave this world."
"Oh my," the girl shot Reimu with a look of surprise before chuckling lightly, "Such a troublesome request."
Feeling mocked by the laughter, Reimu declared, "Without that maid, taking care of you should be no problem."
"That's because Sakuya excels at her duties," the girl retorted, "Isn't it?"
"Actually," Reimu openly pondered, "Can you do anything by yourself?"
"I'm not sure," the girl answered without a moment's thought, "You see, I'm not allowed out much." Then, in a whispering voice, she added, "The sun's bad for my health."
"... you don't say," Reimu felt addled by the girl's overly familiar tone.
"Ah, the moon glows red tonight," the girl mused.
As Reimu looked up from her exasperation, she saw the girl grinning at her. With a long sigh, Reimu grumbled, "This is going to be a long night."
-
Life is a plague, intermittent with suffering and displeasure. As time flows forward, those in its current are swept towards an unfamiliar future. Taking solace in the prospect of redemption or salvation, they struggle to exist in ignorance of their fates. Even I am not exempt. As I gaze upon the world from my seat, I wonder, "What am I doing? Am I seeking something in particular to occur? Is there anything I am able to do?"
"What will they be like?" I whisper to myself as I sipped my tea.
The commotion had arrived at the main gates as I awaited patiently for their appearance. It would soon be time to test the new rules of this world. Although, it had not been long since I came into this fantasy, there had been little in the way of entertainment as before. With few whom would be able to entertain me, this new rule should suffice to keep things interesting. Awaiting the climax was a tedious moment, but it shall all be worthwhile; of that, I'm certain.
Returning my attention to the gates, I ordered my maid, "Sakuya, another cup."
"At once, Madame," she aptly replied.
Sakuya had been most remarkable. From the moment that I first met her, it had been one enjoyable moment after another. Now that she made herself into my perfect maid, there was nothing out of place in my home with my every whim promptly addressed.
Even though I felt appreciative of her devotion to me, I was unable to keep myself in good spirits. There were things to be done and tonight was when the wheel would start to spin.
"Madame, your tea," she stated as she set a warm cup of tea before me.
Content with the evening's state, I dismissed her, "That shall be all, Sakuya. Be mindful of your other duties this evening."
"Of course, Madame," having acknowledged my order, Sakuya curtsied, then turned to leave.
The guests for tonight's entertainment have already made their way into the mansion. They were even so generous as to leave a gift for my viewing pleasure, "I must thank them for that later."
Meiling, whom stands watch over the front gate, had engaged in battle with the faeries of the lake. It seemed as though she would be in for more than she was ready for, but that didn't matter to me as I commented, "She shall perform magnificently."
The halls would become very lively with their arrival, and I hoped to find what I sought with them. Since it would be a while yet before they reached me, I wondered, "What shall I do to pass the time?"
As I thought of "time," I recalled the tower keep with the large bell clock on the rooftop.
"Perhaps, I shall pass the time with that."
The Bell Tower Keep was from before my time. It served as a lookout post for the local town. After it crumbled away, Patchouli made good of its remains and converted it into a clock tower. Not as any ordinary clock either, Patchouli's bell only sounded during the peak hours of night so as to not awaken me from my rest. Such a considerate and thoughtful gesture, it was not a mistake to consider her my friend.
There were no whims that they would not pursue, so long as it was my will. So much, have these people given for me. I wondered if there was anything more I could do for them; especially for...
"Clang... clang... clang..."
I lost me place in thought as the clock's bell began its call. Rather, I was lost in thought until the bell called for my return. Truly, a wonderful gift.
"I knew it," behind me stood the evening's guest, and I could smell the blood on her, "Humans are useless."
"Was that maid really human?" she retorted.
She was probably speaking of Sakuya. In all actuality, Sakuya really was a human. It's surprising even to me.
"You," turning to face her, I pointed to the guest for dramatic appeal, "You're the murderer."
"But that one won't make me a mass murderer," her humor was quite interesting.
Although I was quite aware of her reason for visiting, I opened for her explanation, "And so...?"
"Ah," she really didn't seem too bright as she spoke, "Right, there's a problem here: you."
"How simple, and you don't even know why," I mused.
I have always been the cause for troubles and problems. It was a curse, but there was no need to tell her of such things.
With a look of annoyance, she said, "Anyway, can I ask you to leave?"
Mocking her formality, I asked, "But is this castle not mine? Should it not be you, then, who leaves?"
"I want you to leave this world," she clarified.
"Oh my," I gasped with exaggeration. Laughing lightly, I mused, "Such a troublesome request."
"Without that maid, taking care of you should be no problem," she asserted.
Casually, I assented, "That's because Sakuya excels at her duties. Isn't it?"
With a grieved expression, she asked, "Actually, can you do anything by yourself?"
"I'm not sure. You see, I'm not allowed out much," I explained before whispering, "The sun's bad for my health."
"... you don't say," she murmured with a deadened gaze that reminded me of the moon.
"Ah, the moon glows red tonight," I mused, having turned my attention towards the sky.
The moon's light filtered through the scarlet mist with such an invigorating hue. I returned my gaze to my guest with a bright smile on my face.
Her troubled expression gave way to a sigh as she grumbled, "This is going to be a long night."
Although I was understanding of her exasperation, I couldn't help but express my enthusiasm, "Looks like it's going to be a fun night."
Satisfied with the mood, I unfurled my wings and made my proclamation, "I am Remilia Scarlet, the Scarlet Devil, and I declare battle by spell cards."
She responded with a dumbfounded expression and I found it most uncouth, "Don't be making that kind of face. Isn't it in the rules to announce one's intent to fight?"
"Oh. Yeah, I guess so," she vaguely affirmed.
With an abbreviated silence that followed, I stirred, "...well?"
"'Well' what?" she sneered
"Such a lack of courtesy and etiquette," staving off my disappointment, I noted to her, "Aren't you going to introduce yourself, or even acknowledge the duel?"
Receiving my explanation, she introduced herself, "I am the Hakurei Miko. My name is Reimu. What are the terms of this duel?"
"I'll use five spell cards," I announced.
After a brief moment, she said, "Then, I'll use three. I'm the challenger since you announced the duel, right?"
"Of course," I affirmed as I made my stipulation, "After I win, you'll leave me be."
"And you'll stop with all this mist after you lose," she jeered.
"Now that the pleasantries are out of the way," concluding the proceedings, I inquired, "Are you ready to begin?"
"Then begin!" she demanded.
At the commencement of battle, a magical field enclosed our surroundings. From within it, I felt a powerful barrier form around both Reimu and myself.
"The duel's outcome will be measured by these?" I whispered to myself.
As the duel had already begun, I proceeded with my attack. I began with an out pour of magic that carried across a wide area. The attack was modest in display, but it served to measure my opponents effectively enough.
As Reimu glided through the blasts, I was impressed with her grace, "Even after fighting all the way to me, she still moves so well."
As she fired back at me, I notice that there was a discrepancy in the nature of our barriers. My barrier, as the caster, covered a large area around me whereas Reimu's barrier, as the challenger, was very compact in size and shape. It made hitting me a simple task and hitting her a skillful challenge.
"Was this also part of the Spell Card Rule?" I pondered while my barrier took a fair amount of damage. So, I declared my first spell card.
"Divine Retribution: Young Demon Lord!"
-
"It's boring! I know I said I'd wait here, but it's not like the maid is going to be waking up anytime soon, is she? She didn't make me stay here for nothing, did she?"
Yes, I was talking to myself. I was left alone with the possessed maid as Reimu headed for the boss at the end. Now that I was fully rested, I was getting bored.
"I think, I'll go and scope out some more books. It'll only be for a little while. You don't mind, right?"
I was so bored, I was even talking to the maid. I instinctively turned to her as I addressed her and froze on site. The maid was returning to her feet.
Stunned from the inhumanly feat, I gasped, "It's a joke, right?"
Her deep red eyes pierced into my soul. I wanted very much to run away and cry. How was I supposed to fight against someone who can survive my Master Spark if Master Spark was my best shot? Not to mention, I was in no condition to be using more of it, either.
I looked shyly around from my shock and noticed that all the knives were not on the ground any longer. Taking flight, I bolted at my best speed and heard the clash of metal resonate behind me.
"Can't we talk about this?" I offered.
From the haze of conflict, I believe I heard her reply of, "... kill..."
"Guess not," I mused.
If it was gong to be a do-or-die moment, I'd rather take my chances. Looping around, I tried to study my foe. It would take everything I had.
"I'm not goin' down without a fight!" I declared.
"... although I knew it wouldn't be easy, this is ridiculous!"
My lasers were reflecting off of the knives and my missiles were being neutralized by her magic. This would take more than sheer force, and I was in serious trouble.
The stress was getting to me as I kept talking to myself, "You can do it, Marisa. Just calm down and think."
After taking another loop around the room, I noticed that the maid stayed between the stairs and the balcony windows across the room in the center. She would teleport between three spots in the area depending on how close or far I became. I tried a little experiment to see if I could hit her.
I started by moving away to lure her closer. As she moved into the location that I anticipated, I launched a cluster of missiles towards her. Then, I fired a laser at the knives and had it reflect at an angle. Finally, as she dodged the laser, I circled around and arrived behind her.
"It worked!"
Unfortunately, that was all I had in plan since I didn't think it would work so well. I scurried away in an attempt to not be filleted. The maid gave chase and was always within arm's length. I was panicking and couldn't piece together a functional defense.
I just ran around and hoped something would come to me. It was then that I realized that I was cornered. She chased me into the far corner, and I found myself between the walls and a sharp set of knives.
In a last ditch effort, I fired a laser and reached for my mini-hakkero. As I weaved around the knives, one of them hit my hat off my head. As my body flinched, another cut across my leg. With my focus disintegrating, I saw another set approach at me.
My reflexes pulled me away in time to dodge the attack, but caused mini-hakkero to fall from my hand. I reached out to catch it, but another set of knives pushed it farther away. With my spirits crushed, the knives then knocked my broom out of my grip. Falling into despair, I felt the knives cut into my chest as I crumbled onto the floor below.
"... this... is it... it's... over... I'm... gonna die... good-bye... cruel world..." my words were a bit melodramatic, but I really thought I was going to die.
I laid there, and cried a few tears, "It wasn't quite as peaceful as I thought it would be."
I tried to reflect upon my short life, but the pain strangled my thoughts. As I rolled my head around, I found that it really hurt. I wrapped my hands around my head and tried to soothe the throbbing anguish.
"Does this mean I'm not dead?"
Confused as to what was happening to me, I heard a clatter. One of the knives fell from my chest and hit the floor. As I took a closer look, all of the knives didn't hit me at all. They cut into the magic book I had grabbed from the pyromaniac.
Hugging the book with great affection, I exclaimed, "You're my new favorite book! I'll call you... uh... Favorite Book!"
My brain wasn't working too well at that point. In my ecstasy, I almost forgot about the bloodthirsty maid.
Shielding my head, I raised my arms, "Protect me, Favorite Book!"
There was only silence that followed. Curious as to whether Favorite Book was able to drive away the maid, I peaked out from the corner. There, in plain sight, was the maid.
She was unharmed, except for a few burns from earlier, but what was strange was that she was looking around. So I looked as well. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary except that there wasn't anything out of the ordinary.
Opening my big mouth, I muttered, "What happened to all the mist?"
"Madame!" the maid cried as the reality of the situation dawned upon her.
"Yes, Sakuya?" from the balcony above me, a voice replied to the maid. Was she the boss?
"Madame, you're- !" the maid responded with relief before hesitating.
From her pause, I'd have guessed she was hurt or something, but what caught the maid's eyes was that Reimu was behind Madame.
With her free-spirited tone, she asked, "Is this your hat up here, Marisa?"
"Yeah," I replied, relieved that Reimu was alright, "It is."
With a firm, demure voice, Madame called, "Sakuya."
"Yes, Madame?" the murderous maid replied.
With a subtle gesture, the command followed, "Have some tea prepared for my guests."
"Understoo-"
"Remilia!" came a cry from the outer balcony.
Turning our collective attention to the outburst, we took sight of the pyromaniac from the library entering into view.
"And for Patchouli as well," the little master-lady continued.
"Of course," the maid acknowledged with a calm smile.
"I guess they're done with the fighting," I pondered with this situation before me. Uncertain as to what to think, I asked, "Was that all?"
Having drawn attention with my question, the master turned and asked in turn, "Won't you be joining us for tea, little witch?"
"Didn't you already order tea for me?" hovered into mind, but as I was at a partial loss for a response, I muttered, "I have a name, y'know."
With a slightly displeased gaze, she continued, "Your point being...?"
"Nothing strange, right?" Reimu interrupted. Was she really staying for tea?
"It's perfectly normal," the ever poised lady replied as she gestured to her maid, "For a human, at least."
"Good enough," Reimu flatly remarked.
From her answer, it seemed she really was staying for tea. Not wanting to be excluded, I chimed in, "Then, I guess I'll stay, too."
-
Those whom are born from the cold abyss do not know fear because they have no hope. Is it from this point that hope gives rise to fear? When there is nothing to gain nor lose, there is nothing to fear. As comforting as that logic can be, it is impossible to be without hope and still be content. From my hopes, I find the true terror of fear, and now, I'm afraid of death.
"Is this what it's like to be dead?" I mused.
A gentle warmth flowed over my body. It was relaxing and eased my mind. Gradually, my eyes opened, and I saw the Professor sitting next to me.
"Are you awake now?" she greeted.
"I'm... not dead?" I asked from my muddled state.
"Pretty close, but not quite," the Professor replied, "You're pretty hard to get rid of."
With a shy laugh, I tried to sit upright. I guess the Professor healed my wounds since I was unlikely to have remained uninjured after what I went through. Grasping my head to calm a resounding headache, I looked around at where I was.
"We're still in the library," the Professor explained, "This is the basement floor. You had quite the fall, considering the shelf's height."
From the jumble of confused concerns, I asked, "What about the intruder?"
With a faint sigh, the Professor mused, "She went on ahead, I suppose."
"Then shouldn't we go after her?" I pressed.
"Actually, we're needed elsewhere," the Professor remarked to my increased confusion.
Seeking clarity, I demanded, "Where else would we be needed if not-"
"It seems there's a commotion at the gate," the Professor interrupted, "It will be problematic if it isn't resolved soon."
It was unlikely for a problem to arise at the main gate, but if the Professor said that there's a problem, I'll believe her. Rising to my feet, I confirmed my orders, "I should go the front gate and assist in resolving the commotion?"
"Yes," the Professor acknowledged, "I'll be along shortly as well."
"Understood," I confirmed.
It was only natural for the Professor to stay behind and rest a while longer. It must have been exhausting to heal my not-quite-dead carcass back to functioning condition. Concentrating my magic, I shifted myself to the main entryway.
My shift magic was a bit strange. What happened was I disappear from existence and then return as if nothing had happened. It differed slightly from teleporting in that I wasn't really moving from one point to another. I stopped existing and then returned into existence someplace else; I guess it's a little hard to explain.
My magic could affect nearby things as well, but it's a lot harder. So far, nothing major happened when the magic failed, which was bizarre. At any rate, the Professor wanted me to practice using it so I shall.
After arriving at the entryway, I headed out the main doors and reached the front gardens where I called out, "Meli!"
"How many times must I tell you not to call me that, Sol?" she chided without looking my way.
"What's going on here?" I asked as I surveyed the area.
With fleeting thought, she replied, "Battle erupted between the faeries of the lake and our faerie maids."
"Why?" I pondered, "It doesn't make sense."
"The faeries are really after one of the intruders inside, but since I denied them entry..."
Catching ear of a particularity, I interrupted, "'Intruders'? As in more then one?"
"They were chasing after the one in black," Meiling confirmed.
Feeling my heart skip a beat, I shyly asked, "With the bright blast-thing?"
"Yes," she plainly confirmed.
"Well," shrugging off my shiver, I returned my thoughts to my instruction, "We need to get things under control before the Professor gets here."
Taking surprise from my remark, Meiling asked, "Patchouli is helping as well?"
"In a little bit," I affirmed, "Until then, we'll have to make do."
"Very well then," Meiling acknowledged. After returning her gaze past the gardens, she continued, "Over by the gate is a blue ice faerie named Cirno. She is their leader, and unfortunately, I cannot even touch her."
I was startled to hear of a creature that Meiling couldn't beat. Blankly, I stated my doubt, "Is she really that strong?"
Reconsidering her remark, Meiling explained, "No, she freezes whatever she touches so I am unable to touch her."
"Oh...," I murmured. It was a bit disappointing but also very reassuring to hear that explanation. Striking up my initiative, I offered, "Well, I'll handle her then."
"Are you sure?" Meiling questioned doubtingly, "You do not seem to be in any fighting condition."
After reexamining myself, I noticed that my clothes were in tatters. Cuffs, collar, and a string of buttons were all that was left of my chemise while half of my dress was missing entirely. It was only fitting considering what I went through.
Shrugging off the complaint, I explained, "I just didn't have time to change is all. I'm fine, really."
Even if it was a weak sounding excuse, there was nothing more Meiling could say about it. We agreed on an approach and set forth to stave off the faerie assault.
Charging into the maelstrom, Meiling drove apart the faerie mass and gave me an opening to rush at the leader, Cirno. As I closed her flank, I fired out a magic barrage and chased her movements. Driving her away from the mass of faeries, I continued my assault and kept close watch over her movements.
It wasn't like she was a master fighter or anything, but she was an abnormally persistent faerie. As my magic pinned her, she shot back and tried to scurry by. I would shoot at her again and she would shoot back while moving in a different direction. This bizarre exchange continued for a while.
"You!" she called, having reached the limits of her patience; the faerie declared, "You're in my way!"
"Am I?" I questioned playfully.
"Do you want me to hurt you, too?" she asked as she fumed with anger.
Gesturing a thinking pose, I remarked, "Hm, may-be..."
"Then, eat this!" she retorted.
As I wondered what she would do, she revealed a spell card. I was shocked since I can't even get one to work right. Then, again, that was probably the reason why she was made leader.
"Hail Sign: Hailstorm!"
With a cold burst of air, numerous rows of ice formed around her and began to drift about. As I tried to keep from being enclosed by ice, I made an effort to clear away the shards. To my amazement, the icicles defused my magic and kept driving by.
"So this is what a spell card is like?"
Meandering through the cold and ice, I found the difference in power to be disheartening, "To think that a faerie could be this much stronger that I am."
As the storm receded to a calm, I was trying my best to keep warm, "May-be this was-sn't s-such a good idea, after all?"
"Cold already? I'm just getting started," with an ever widening grin, the summer's bane unveiled another spell card, "Snow Sign: Diamond Blizzard!"
In my shock, I asked a redundant question, "Exactly how many spell cards do you have?!"
"How many? Um, I don't know. Hmm..."
"Wait, she's seriously pondering how many she has?"
As Cirno's concentration drifted from the fight, her Diamond Blizzard lessened into a gentle flurry. It was so harmless, I almost cried. With a new plan in mind, I smiled as I murmured, "Maybe this won't be so bad after all."
Recollecting my composure, I interrupted her concentration, "Ah, excuse me. Are you, by chance, Cirno?"
Startled, she asked, "Huh? How'd you know my name?"
I cried while feigning excitement, "Oh my! You really are Cirno! It's so exciting!"
"What's so exciting?" she asked confusingly.
Portending a shyness within, I answered, "I'm not sure if you've heard, but your very powerful."
"I-I guess that's true. I am, aren't I?" she casually agreed. It seemed as though she was blushing. I couldn't believe how gullible she was.
Continuing my act, I hesitantly murmured, "Well, I was wondering if it was at all possible for you to, maybe, that is to say..."
"...yeah?" she pressed anxiously.
Breaking away to reel her in, I mutter in reply, "N-no, I-I shouldn't be bothering you like this. I'm so sorry."
Showing her curiosity, she continued to press, "What? What is it?"
"Are you sure I can ask you?" I quietly ask.
"Go ahead, already," she plainly demanded, "I'm in a good mood right now."
Finding the first phase of my plan successful, I assessed my options. Deciding on a roundabout approach, I hesitantly stated, "Well, it just so happens that I heard that you are very skilled at freezing things. Um, is it true?"
"Of course, it is!" she replied as though it was obvious, "It's my specialty to freeze frogs."
"Wow! That's so amazing!" I openly mused for effect. Following a momentary pause, I continued, "Um, I was wondering, if you could, maybe..."
"'Maybe'...?" she parroted with eagerness.
"... maybe... freeze one?" I requested, "Especially for me?"
"Um," thinking on the sudden request, she replied, "Sure!"
"Re-really?" I stammered.
Nodding at my question, she remarked, "Yeah, I can freeze one real quick."
Moving her directive accordingly, I informed her, "I heard that there are rare frogs near the northern river bank. You should try to get one of those. I'm sure you'll be able to."
"What's so great about those?" she questioned doubtingly.
Pressed for a reply, I offered as an answer, "Well, they're the kinds you can only find at night. That makes them very rare, right?"
"And you want me to go and freeze one of those for you?" she asked as if interrogating me.
Feeling pressured from her tone, I tried to defuse the situation with an outcry, "Oh, I knew I shouldn't have bothered you. I'm sure you don't want to." Glancing shyly back and forth, I hesitantly muttered, "It's just..."
"Huh?" she asked having caught ear of my subdued remark, "What is it?"
"It's just," continuing with my previous remark, I explain, "I've always thought that you were amazing."
With a confident stance, she affirmed, "I am amazing!"
"Then, you'll do it?" I pressed so as to not lose the moment.
"Yeah! I'll go right now!" she replied.
Without even stopping to consider what happened, Cirno left for the river's northern bank. That took some time, but she probably won't be back for a while.
Content with the results, I mused, "Guess I'll go help at the gate."
-
Dependency and reliance, they are words that express trust. It displays one's confidence and acceptance when there is dependence. There is familiarity and appreciation when there is reliance. Even when they are rarely expressed, there are no doubts to their existence. It is imperative that one becomes a dependable person that can be relied upon.
A sharp sound pierced my ears. Awakening from the stillness, I examined my surroundings. In the corner of my eyes, I saw what caused the sound. The gate's doors were hanging by their hinges and opened a path to all before them.
As I tried to return to my feet, an intensity gripped at my hands. They were swollen to the size and shape of grapefruits; my fingers coiled around my palms and refused to move. I had risked all in a gambit, and this swelling was only a natural result.
"This is only fair," I mumbled as I resumed my efforts to rise.
Seeing me try to stand, a faerie maid came to assist me, "Are you feeling better?"
"Well enough," I replied before asking, "What has been happening?"
With a defeated look, she explained, "We've been trying to stop them, but Cirno's been beyond our control."
It would appear that my gambit failed to stop the lead faerie. Looking on to the battle from the gardens, Cirno was dominating the maids.
"Ice Sign: Icicle Fall!" "Eek!"
As I tried to calm by despair, I asked the maid, "Were you not to remain in the manor? Why are you outside?"
"Well, ... you see... um ..." Fumbling over her reply, she then asked, "You won't tell, will you?"
Taken in by her pitiable gaze, I reassured her, "You saved my life, and I shall requite that debt fairly."
Bursting with her confession, she rapidly explained, "There was an intruder in the mansion and when we tried to stop her, we were completely outmatched. Then we ran into Sakuya-san and she was mad that we were making a mess so we sorta ran away."
According to the maid, they encountered one of the intruders, were defeated, scolded, and then fled. It was upsetting to hear that the intruder was not stopped by the maids, but there was nothing more that can be done.
As I turned my attention back to the damaged gate, I heard a voice from behind, "Meli!"
Meli was an abbreviated nickname that Sol called me by when she was still learning to speak. It was unmistakable and was still as annoying to me as ever.
Containing my agitation, I reprimanded her, "How many times must I tell you not to call me that, Sol?"
"What's going on here?" she inquired as she surveyed the gardens and ignored my remark.
Collecting my composure, I informed her, "Battle erupted between the faeries of the lake and our maid faeries."
There was no other way to explain it. The chaos was driven by the numerous faeries and no one else.
"Why?" she pressed, "It doesn't make sense."
I was inclined to agree with her, but offered as an explanation, "The faeries are really after one of the intruders inside, but since I denied them entry..."
"'Intruders'?" swirling her attention to me, she asked, "As in more then one?"
Judging from the shock, it became apparent that she only encountered one of the intruders. Scanning my recollection, I clarified,, "They were chasing after the one in black."
"With the bright blast-thing?" she sheepishly asked to which I plainly confirmed.
For her to have known that, I wondered as to what happened to her. It was clear that she fought with the intruder. Although, it was also a possibility that she won, the terror filled gaze I saw indicated that she lost. Those intruders seemed to be more powerful than I imagined.
Breaking the pause, Sol interjected, "Well, we need to get things under control before the Professor gets here."
"Patchouli is helping as well?" I dumbly asked.
"In a little bit," she confirmed, "Until then, we'll have to make do."
"Very well then," I assented.
This was very reassuring news since Patchouli would be able to repel the mass of faeries without difficulty. If we were to hold for reinforcements, then I needed to inform Sol of the enemy forces.
Directing her attention, I identified our biggest concern, "Over by the gate is a blue ice faerie named Cirno. She is their leader. Unfortunately, I cannot even touch her."
"Is she really that strong?" Sol asked with shocking disbelief in her words.
I smiled slightly to the thought of what she might have imagined as I clarified my words, "No, she freezes whatever she touches so I am unable to touch her."
"Oh...," she murmured as she returned her attention forward. I took humor in the disappointment before she volunteered, "Well, I'll handle her then."
Speaking what came to mind, I questioned her, "Are you sure? You do not seem to be in any fighting condition."
Shrugging off my concern, she reasoned, "I just didn't have time to change is all. I'm fine, really."
Although the excuse was of questionable standing, I could offer nothing to debate over. She was better suited to engaging with Cirno than I was. We agreed on a plan and set forth with our assignments.
Leading the assault, I drove apart the faerie formation and gave Sol an opening to rush Cirno. As Sol moved Cirno from the front, I took command of the maids. Directing the flanks to keep direction and movement around the gate front, we managed to push the faeries into a stalemate.
As Aqua began to reform their formations, I directed the maids to cycle their ranks. Even though we were outnumbering them, the faeries from the lake showed more militant development and ferocity with battle; it was unsettling.
The maids cycled in sets assigned by their rooms. With their numbers and overall placement set, I called them to move into combat formations and to retreat so a reserve company could relieve the efforts. In this way, the maids were able to keep a consistent battlefront while the enemies began to tire from exhaustion. Even then, it was only a matter of time before the maids tired as well. It was my hope that Patchouli would arrive before then.
With Aqua's command, the faeries made another powerful charge. The maids were being swept aside and I tried frantically to reestablish a chain of command. My words fell to deaf ears as the maids scrambled towards the garden.
"They are only faeries after all, or are they really faeries at all?" I confusedly murmured.
The maids had abandoned rank and I was left alone, once more. As the cheering faeries gathered for another charge, Aqua was attacked and the faeries were left in confusion.
"Need a hand?" All eyes turned at the remark and found Sol.
"What did you do to Cirno?!" one of the lesser faeries demanded.
Sol mockingly replied, "I dealt with her, what else?"
There was another frenzy among the faeries and several of them went to look for Cirno. With the few that remain, Aqua renewed their assault against Sol and myself. The fighting was not as difficult as I thought it would be.
It may have been that I was a little more confident in relying on Sol than the maids. She had been showing much development as of recently, and in this battle, the results were becoming very apparent to me. Ultimately, she was the one that held off the faerie assault while I provided minor support. As I was beginning to wonder when Patchouli would arrive, she appeared.
Coughing slightly, she appraised the situation, "It looks like I wasn't needed at all."
"No, no..." I tried to reason with her judgment, "We are barely managing."
"Professor!" Sol cried, barely able to speak in the chaos, "... please... hurry!"
"If I must," Patchouli relented, "Keep them preoccupied."
"Understood!"
Patchouli began incanting as Sol and I defended her. With her sudden appearance, the faeries were in another panic as to what to do. Many were hesitant to attack and wanted to flee, while others cried out for Cirno to help them. With the lapse in discipline, the few aggressive faeries were easily warded back and Patchouli soon completed her incantation.
"Water Sign: Bury In Lake!"
In a flash, the lake's water reached upwards and swept at the terrified faeries. Into the panic, several ice beams were propelled and confusion surmounted. As another wave of water grasped at the panic driven faeries, the maids began to cheer loudly their praises for Patchouli.
The invasion force had fled into the night. With the battle won, exhaustion set over me once more.
Sighing loudly, I turned to Patchouli and worded my gratitude, "Thank you, Madame Patchouli."
"The Professor is the best!" Sol cheered through her exhaustion, "Even the mist didn't stand a chance."
At Sol's remark, Patchouli and I took closer notice of the mist. It had receded and was not returning. Turning to one another, our looks did little to alleviate doubts.
Maintaining an indifferent tone, Patchouli ordered, "I'll leave things here to you both."
"Where are you going, Professor?" Sol asked as she chased after Patchouli.
Without so much as a sigh, Patchouli explained, "I have matters to attend to. Stay here and assist as needed."
Shriveling at the command, Sol relented, "Alright then."
As Patchouli turned back to me, I nodded to her, and she then headed towards the manor.
The maids were confused with what they were to be doing as well. Having abandoned their duties, it was only natural for them to be worried.
Approaching them, I offered to the reluctant maids, "Will you help me watch the gates a little longer?"
With a brightened cheer, they accepted and started to relax around the gardens.
As I returned to the gate, I was greeted by Sol's commentary, "You're rather reckless, Meli."
Taking offense in the words rather then her concerns, I declared, "I am neither of those!"
Waving her hands playfully, she commanded, "Just hold still so I can heal those wounds."
"Am I wounded?" I asked as I reexamined my body.
Even though the swelling had not receded, I did not think they would need specific attention. As I turned my eyes towards my feet, I noticed that my shoes were covered in blood. I guess the chilblain on my foot ruptured and was the source of all the blood.
Resigning to a seated position, I turned towards Sol and asked, "Since when can you heal wounds?"
With a casual smile, she answered, "I've got to learn it eventually."
I can only wonder at how shocked my face was after hearing her logic. I plainly asked, "Does that make me your test subject?"
With a pouting glare, she remarked, "Is there a problem with that?"
"Good luck, I guess," my answer carried an uneasy tone.
Smiling radiantly, Sol asserted, "I'll take real good care of you."
Returning a smile of my own, I drifted to sleep. The excitement was a little too much for me to keep pace with.
-
In Gensokyo, a rule had been passed. In the collective interest of its residents, this rule allowed for battles to be waged with simplistic guidelines and acceptable results. The youkai would be able to flaunt their powers while the human would be able to keep safe their lives. But, even with this rule in place, there still had to be a human strong enough to safeguard the rest of the citizens. To this end, the Hakurei Miko had always been respected and feared. However, could there still be peace if the malcontents were not exterminated as before? Would a passing defeat be enough to calm their diabolical intents? Or, shall the future be more tranquil than ever?
"Then begin!"
With the formalities observed, a magical boundary enveloped the surrounding space. From within, Reimu and Remilia felt a powerful barrier form around each other. These barriers would act as a point of measure to the individual progress of the respective participants in the preceding duel.
As the caster, Remilia's role would be to overpower the challenger with her power and skill. Within the guidelines set by the participants, she would need to force the resignation of defeat from her opponent if she was to be declared victorious.
As the challenger, Reimu's role was designed to surpass the caster's power. She would need the depths of her ability and will to endure through the caster's chosen spell cards. Additionally, she would be limited by how simple it would be to be defeated as the challenger.
Around the two were barriers of different designs. The caster's barrier was larger and more durable, which made breaking it an arduous task. While the challenger's barrier was very compact and exceedingly fragile. This meant that a few well placed attacks could end the match in the caster's favor.
As the duel proceeded, Remilia opened with a wide stream of magic. It rained out to Reimu and seemed to entrap her within an inescapable field, but it was not as it appeared. Reimu glided through the blasts and returned fire with her trusty talismans. With the accumulating damage to her barrier, Remilia declared her fist spell card.
"Divine Retribution: Young Demon Lord!"
A web of energy surged out and carried an ominous dread. Reimu followed her instincts, and pulled across the area only to stop a short distance away away. Immediately, an interlocking chain of lasers appeared and threatened to destroy all in its path. With the immediate danger averted, Reimu looked on to find another wave similar to Remilia's initial attack followed after the lasers. Although notably shorter, it was not any less dangerous since the web of lasers still persisted.
With the enclosing cage in mind, Reimu continued with her retaliation. There was a small window of opportunity when the lasers were not active that allowed her to attack Remilia. Gradually, her plan succeeded and there was a bright flare that signified the spell break. In the passing interlude, both Reimu and Remilia were smiling. The battle continued on.
In her second round, Remilia launched a volley of magic in a series of sweeping arcs. The magic blasts carried with them an unusual trail of materials and Reimu, not wanting to find out what it was, kept on the defensive. With the sweeping movement, Reimu's attack was deterred by the unknown substance. As she pondered alternatives, Reimu turned to her homing amulets to bail her out of her bind. Although the arcs were at wide angles, there were openings that allowed the amulets to strike through. With an impressed gaze, Remilia activated her second card.
"Hell Sign: Mountain of One Thousand Needles!"
The attack consisted of a considerably large barrage of needles. The needles were identifiable as a large and small set. The large set was spiraled in a circular array before continuing outward. The small set was directed outward and did not change its course. As the attack continued, Reimu was unable to find an opening to exploit. The needles were everywhere and they covered all of the approachable angles that her amulets could reach.
"If you want needles, then I'll give you needles!"
Having previously been used against the maid, Reimu employed her needles to attack through Remilia's unrelenting danmaku. The modest shape that they possessed allowed them to pass the moving wall with relative ease and the second break was not long away.
With the spell ended, Remilia commented to her opponent, "You're pretty impressive to have defeated two of my spell cards so soon."
"Don't tell me that you were holding back?" Reimu playfully remarked.
"No, not at all," Remilia responded, "I was just enjoying the moment."
After the short interlude, Remilia carried into a quick bombardment. In a shifting glance, there was a flood of needles that circled around the field. The attack was swift and left little room to retaliate.
As Reimu attacked with her talisman, the small openings in the attack cut the prevailing force without fuss. Reaching for another set of needles, Reimu noticed a potential concern. Her right sleeve had been damaged and with it was an entire stock of tools she had for her battles.
Judging between whether she should conserve her resources or continue with her plans, she refuted, "I'll worry later."
Choosing to not restrain her force, Reimu continued her attacks as Remilia prepared her spell card. With the barrier's damage approaching to it's limit, Remilia announced her third spell card.
"God Art: Vampire Illusion!"
A wave of magic shot across with a trail of resin behind it. After the resin set into place, a pulse surged from Remilia and the newly set material diffused and dispersed. The entangling web of matter drew closer to Reimu as another wave was released. With the pulse that followed the wave, another layer of resin began to encroach.
Without a clue as what to do, Reimu tried to pass around the amassing wall. Having passed through the resin wall, Reimu realized it was actually blood. As she tried to move out of the path of another incoming wave, the blood that she passed through had attached itself to her clothes and was hindering her movements. Having been caught off guard, Reimu instinctively shielded herself from the barrage only to find her barrier released a protective aura around her instead. The blood and magic within the area was repelled and Reimu took the opportunity to find a more accommodating location.
-
Fate and destiny are words of the weak, used to justify their weakness. Is it by this logic, that I, one who shapes fate, am powerful? Can it be so simple as that? Is there nothing more to measuring my dominance then to compare with weaklings? It could never be that simple. Even so, I shall not allow for destiny to overtake me. No, I shall bend fate to my liking and enjoy myself as befitting a proud noble.
"Vampire Illusion!"
Although it was the third spell card I used, this spell would be the first to harness my powers as a vampire. My magic sprayed across the area and condensed into blood. This blood then flowed into the surrounding space as I released another burst of magic. This illusion might seem harmless at first, but it was when one came into contact with the blood that the real magic took effect.
The victims become encased in its grasp and found themselves unable to escape. Trapped by its binding hold, my prey watches helplessly as my magic overwhelmed them. It would be enough to render an average human unconscious. I suppose this miko was anything but average, then. Even though she became ensnared, she didn't lose focus and adapted to it quickly enough.
"Spirit Sign: Fantasy Seal!"
Was it desperation that lead her to use a bomb? Or, perhaps she was simply being playful? With the colorful display of dazzling beauty, I simply waited for the results to make themselves apparent.
Shortly after her seal cleared my magic from around her, the miko quickly followed through with a bombardment of charms. Keeping at her heightened pace, she circled around and rained more of her charms while avoiding my magic. Even with her continuous movements, she showed no signs of fatigue; it was like watching an endless ballet of a dancing machine.
With the third spell break, I pulled out all the stops, "Are you ready to witness the true strength of the vampires?"
"So you were holding back?" the human chided.
"I think of it more of adding to the mood," I playfully mused, "Either way, let's continue."
With a confident smirk, she challenged, "Bring it, then."
Without delay, I proceeded with my attack. I transformed and sprinkled a gentle covering of magic towards my foe. The light pace of the attack was surprising to the miko, but she must have been anticipating fluctuation in the pattern and remain vigilant with her guard. As she fired back, she found her attacks ineffective. Although I was no different from a real bat in my transformed state, her attacks were proving ineffective in harming me.
With her focus broken, I rained a sequence of fast paced blasts in the surrounding area. Proving herself a worthy adversary, the miko dodged the initial wave and activated another spell card to defend against the remainder. With the momentum lost, I moved into another attack that was fast in pace but gentle in demeanor.
After another futile attack, the miko voiced her protests, "You're cheating!"
"'Cheating'? Me?" having been accused, I transformed back and sought clarification, "How so?"
"How is it a fair fight if I can't even hit you?" she demanded.
"I thought you wanted me to use my full power?" I mused.
With a displeased glare, she asked, "What's that suppose to mean?"
"I transformed into my true form," I answered, which drew a confused stare in reply. With a faint sigh, I inquired, "You weren't expecting some kind of grotesque, six winged anomaly, were you?"
Fumbling with her thoughts, she truthfully said, "Actually, I kinda was."
With a sarcastic disinterest, I apologized, "Well, sorry to disappoint, but this is the extent of my being."
"Whatever," she objected, "It's still unfair."
Arguing the objection, I posed to her, "So I'm not allowed to use the full extents of my power? I believe that would be truly unfair."
Scratching her head with consideration, she rationalized, "There should be limit to how you can use that kind of power and how often. Like for spell cards."
"Then shouldn't it have already been specified as such beforehand?" I asked.
Gathering her thoughts, she explained her rational as "I've never fought with people who could cheat like that."
"Well, excuse me for being a 'cheater.'" I remarked sardonically, "At any rate, I'll use my fuller power for spell cards then. Right?"
"That's fine," she assented, "Let's finish this, then."
"In that case, I'll use this: Scarlet Sign," with the slight agreement to the use of invulnerability, I moved straight into my fourth spell card, "Scarlet Meister!"
In a flash, my magic sped across and around. It was probably because of the sudden speed of the attack, but the miko was completely overcome by my spell.
With the barrier around her almost completely destroyed, she hurried away to a more manageable location. It was needless as my magic covered all the different angles that she could attack me from. Even if she moved farther away, it would make hitting me all the harder.
"It won't be long now," I whispered to myself, convinced of my victory.
Then, I felt a fluctuation in the barrier's hold. I glanced around between my attacks to find the cause. Eventually, I realized what was damaging my barrier. During my spell, I was moving around as well. It was at those moments that I moved into a trap that the miko had previously set.
Her attacks seemed off-key, but now I understood what she was aiming for. A direct assault wouldn't have succeeded so she had her charms land on the ground near me. When I moved into the area, the charms would attach to the barrier and inflict damage. Unfortunately, my insight came a move late and a spell break ended my run.
With my last card at hand, I smiled at the miko, "You're even better then I could have imagined."
"Thanks," she playfully remarked.
Her smiling visage was misleading to the combat prowess that backed her skill; more so than that was her shining will.
There was much that could happen by chance, and even more by fate. With my power to unconditionally alter the fate of another being, there was a limit to what could be affected. As I gazed onto this miko, I could sense a strange shape in her fate. It was a shape that I was rather familiar with: a fate that my power couldn't change.
It was only recently that I understood why it was so. These people with unique shapes in their fates were overflowing with confidence. This confidence would keep them outside the reach of my power. Pride, arrogance, determination, devotion; there were many different factors and reasons, but one thing remained consistent: they were always confident.
"No point in dragging this out. My last spell: Scarlet Gensokyo!"
At my command, the surrounding mist gathered to me. Then I released the gathered magic in a spiral flare. The blasts were steady and they filled the air with a crushing pressure. As more magic surged forth, the pulse reverberated and the conflicting forces scattered the energy indiscriminately. The out pour of magic was immense and I didn't keep close watch over the miko's actions.
As I noticed her call to bomb, I shifted into my impervious state and waited out the counter assault. With her last bomb expended, I resumed my spell. It seemed like a waste of effort for her to continue in defying my power, but she persisted.
Without a moment of pause, my magic continued its course. The miko then carried out a daring plan. She activated a set of charms that manifested a wall of energy. This energy disrupted my concentration enough for her to maneuver closer. As I followed her movements, she disappeared from sight.
Reappearing overhead, she drove downward with a heel drop. As I sidestepped the surprise attack, she followed with a strike from her stick. Although I raised my hand to turn away her attack, the barrier interceded and I couldn't move. Momentarily stunned, I was pushed away by the strike and the miko continued her assault. In a stunning display, she kicked me with a back flip and I was thrown a short distance away.
"It'll take more than that to beat me!"
I turned towards her in response. For a brief moment, I saw the silhouette of someone else. Was this the similarity I noticed before? Could it be that she was the answer I've been searching for?
In my delirium, I started laughing, "It couldn't be as simple as that, could it? No. Maybe... maybe, it'll be better this way."
Out of concern or confusion, I don't know, but the miko asked me, "What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying," with a wide smile, I turned to her and stated, "You win."
"That's all?" she dumbly asked.
"And it was all worth the trouble to bring you here," I mused before returning to my feet. Dusting my dress, I suggested, "Now, why don't we have some tea downstairs. It'll be nice if we could chat some more."
With growing confusion, the addled girl muttered, "Huh?"
"This way then. We'll head through the southern turret," I directed while heading off.
Without a moment to think, she simply called, "What? Wait-"
"Now, now, don't be shy," interrupting her, I mused, "There's still time left in the night."
Without wait or pause, I continued on toward the southern turret and the confused miko followed after. Descending the turret's stairs, I wondered of we would speak of over tea.
-
The night's end drew ever closer. In the solitary calm of the moonlit sky, the ominous mist receded. Its callous grip released the frightened populace into a comforting embrace of solace. The people rested peacefully as they should. Order had been restored to Gensokyo, but was the Hakurei Miko finished with her duties?
"Madame, your tea," with a gentle clatter, the maid Sakuya set a saucer down before her master's guest Reimu. Turning to her side, she repeated the process for the evening's other guest Marisa, "Madame, your tea."
"What's with the 'madame' stuff?" having received her teacup, Marisa inquired to the maid's manner of addressing her guests, "We already introduced ourselves so you should know our names."
"Ever the loud one, Marisa?" Reimu had already begun partaking of the tea when she commented on Marisa's manners.
"So, she's normally like this?" Remilia inquired as she examined the embarrassed witch with a curious gaze.
"How unsurprising," Patchouli's comment was directed without dictation.
With her question completely ignored and feeling utterly insulted, Marisa sank into her chair and glared at her cup of tea. It exuded an intoxicating aroma that seemed to calm her frustrations.
"The title of 'madame' can be used to refer to a lady respectfully," the maid enlightened Marisa, "As such, it's the proper manner of addressing guests."
"So you're addressing us as 'madame' because it's your job?"
"No," the quiet bookworm interceded with a reply, "she addresses you as 'madame' because you're undeserving of proper recognition."
Reimu was confused with the explanation and interjected, "But, doesn't she address her boss as 'Madame'?"
"That's because," the maid voiced her response, "I'm not deserving to address Madame by her name."
"Isn't that a double standard?"
"It's complicated," was the unanimous explanation.
"But enough of that," having been left out of the conversation, Remilia diverted the attention to herself, "I haven't yet thanked you two for gracing us with your presence this evening."
"Oh," Marisa lit up with her blinding grin, "It's a pleasure to be here."
Reimu returned to her tea and added a "Hmm" as her acknowledgment.
Nodding at the replies, Remilia continued her announcement, "I also wanted to thank you for the remarkable battle at the front gate."
"That was nothing," Marisa mused, "Right, Reimu?"
"..."
It was only natural that Marisa didn't know what Remilia was referring to. Reimu studied Marisa's unassuming smile. After deeming the direction of conversation to be a potentially entertaining course, she resumed her enjoyment of tea.
"I can only imagine how much 'nothing' it took to organize," the dreary librarian commented.
With a smirk, the little lady agreed, "Indeed, it was enough to boggle the mind."
A confused Marisa began to shrivel in her chair. With a diminishing smile, she turned towards Reimu. Reimu continued to sip an empty teacup as she ignored Marisa's plight.
As Remila sighed softly, Patchouli mused, "It's a pity the gate couldn't be spared."
At the mention of spared, Marisa froze up. She recalled that she was the one that smashed the gate. With a weak laugh, she muttered, "Yeah, a shame, really."
From her seat, she would have to look over her left shoulder to see the front gate. Turning to face the gate, Marisa nearly fell from her chair when she saw its state. The gaping hole wasn't as small as she remembered it to be. In fact, it couldn't be accurately referred to as a mere hole any longer. The gate's doors were warped into a mangle of metal which resembled a small bird's cage.
With her disbelief reaching across her head, Marisa felt a cold gaze pierce from behind her. Returning her attention back to the company on the balcony, Marisa could only chuckle uncomfortably.
"It's fortunate that the gate was the only thing left beyond salvageable repair," Remilia remarked playfully, "It would have been dreadful if there was to be some unsightly ruin where my home should stand."
"Yeah," anxious for a change in the conversation, Marisa jumped at the comment, "How is it that your house is so remarkable? Do you mind sharing some of your secrets?"
"It's no secret really..." Remilia began.
"...between Sakuya and I," Patchouli added following the momentary pause, "There isn't a single detail that's out of place."
"...and there you have it," Remilia concluded, content with the explanation.
Thinking between the maid and magician, Marisa grimaced, "So you made this indestructible and spacious with your magic?"
Shaking her head, she corrected the assessment, "Only indestructible. It's thanks to Sakuya that the mansion is so accommodating physically."
Nodding at the remark, Remilia added, "It's her specialty: cooking, cleaning, warping time and space. There's little that she can't do. Right, Sakuya?"
"It's as Madame says," the maid confirmed with a simple bow.
"Still, it's impressive," Marisa's eyes lit with intrigue, "You wouldn't have any tips to share with a fellow magician, would you?"
With a narrowing glare, Patchouli coldly rejected the request, "We haven't a thing to share, and I have it in mind to review my archives to see if you didn't take anything from me."
As the pressure accumulated, Marisa tried to defuse the tension, "Don't be like that. Aren't archives meant to be stored and shared by all?"
"Only by the worthy," she simply replied.
"Then how does one go about being deemed worthy?" Marisa asked, curious and determined to win her prize.
The short exchange lead to a few passing smiles. In the realization of the answer, Marisa's shoulders dropped. The collective smiles that surrounded her were disheartening.
"Would you like to know your worth, little one?" Remilia challenged as her eyes beckoned to Marisa.
"You're smaller than I am!" Marisa objected, "And could we, maybe, discuss this, a bit more?"
"What's to discuss, Marisa?" Reimu's words mocked at Marisa.
"All you're doing now is stalling," even Patchouli taunted her.
"Might I add that upsetting Madame is a suicidal discourse," Sakuya's smile was more disturbing to Marisa than her comment.
"Don't worry," Remilia called to the intimidated guest, "It'll be over before you know it."
Without a hope to undo her bind, Marisa gathered her determination. With her ever confident smirk, she followed as Remilia headed for to the rooftop.
With the absence of the conversational dynamics of Marisa and Remilia, Reimu and Patchouli relished in the peaceful atmosphere. In the deafening silence, the remainder of the party enjoyed a refreshed cup of tea.
"If I may be so rude," it was Sakuya that broke the serene environment, "What were you planning to do now that you've defeated Madame?"
Turning her eyes back to the cup, Reimu answered, "Nothing so long as she keeps to being peaceful."
"Such a complacent guardian," Patchouli's low tone added impact to her poignant remark, "It's enough to make one worry."
"You'd rather I exterminate her?" Reimu's objection carried her indignation, "I'm only here to punish the ones who cause trouble for the rest of Gensokyo. If she's going to be civil, then I have nothing against her."
"I see," Sakuya was content with the explanation.
With her eyes lowered to the teacup, Patchouli's words felt empty, "That's relieving to know."
"I don't mean to be so unreceptive of your hospitality," as she sighed, Reimu added, "But I should be heading back home."
"Well," Patchouli yawned slightly, "It is getting late."
Nodding in agreement, Sakuya assured, "I'm sure Madame will understand."
After having risen from her seat, Reimu inquired, "What about Marisa?"
"What about her?" Patchouli mused. Smiling at Reimu's that's-not-funny face, she added, "She'll be made to pay for her crimes, but we'll leave her to live. Is that not acceptable?"
As if adding to the momentum, Sakuya remarked, "If you're worried about lodging, there's plenty of room here for her."
"You know what? You're right: It's none of my concern," the miko resigned, "I'll be going home then."
"Shall I show you to the door?" the maid asked; her duties would include escorting the guests through the mansion.
"Can't I just fly from here?" Reimu asked, not wanting to enter into the building again.
Reimu's reasoning left Sakuya confused. After thinking through the obvious, she smiled and bowed, "In that case, may you be well."
With Reimu's departure, Patchouli stirred at her cup. With a long sigh, she turned towards Sakuya.
Taking notice of Patchouli's sigh and deadened gaze, Sakuya inquired, "Is there-"
"It's going to get real busy soon," Patchouli responded without waiting for Sakuya's question, "I can feel it coming."
"I didn't know you had premonitions."
"No, it's empirical," massaging her brow, Patchouli explained, "Remilia simply won't keep still with so much fun to be had."
"I see," Sakuya commented as she returned to her smiling demeanor, "It shall be no more for us than the norm."
"I suppose that's true," Sakuya's logic cut at Patchouli's worries. There was no point in dwelling on the problem because it was within expectancy. With another soft sigh, Patchouli headed into the mansion, "I'll be turning in for the night as well."
"Sleep well, Patchouli."
-
"Ready to lose?"
The Scarlet Devil was standing before a large clock tower. Her small figure made for a surreal image in the still atmosphere. Although I was bigger then she, she had an air about her that pierced through my spine. Prestige, majesty, superiority; the girl was not lacking in any of those, and I was at my rope's end. I might have spoken aloud, but I think I was talking to myself.
"Aren't we confident?" she mused as she turned to face me, her exuberant eyes cut through me as she continued her thought, "So, human, how shall we play?"
There weren't too many options to begin with. On top of that, I wasn't in any reasonable fighting state. Compared to the youkai before me, I hadn't a prayer of a chance to win in an all-out fight. If we were to modify the rules, it wouldn't be a real fight; I preferred to fight without the insulting handicaps.
After an extended brainstorming session, I replied, "Even though you asked me, I'm not sure what would be a good game right now."
Glancing lightly over my state, she insisted, "Since it doesn't look like you have much fight left in you, we'll keep it simple."
I wasn't taking to the condescending remark too well, but there was no point in arguing the obvious. Following her lead, I asked, "How simple is simple?"
With a slight shrug, she explained, "You shoot at me. I shoot at you. Last one standing wins. Simple?"
I almost fell over laughing. That was the same thing I said to the faerie earlier. Taking humor in the coincidence, I agreed, "Alright, if we're ready-"
"Oh, just to be clear..." she interrupted.
With her addition to clarify followed by silence, I hesitantly asked, "Was there something else?"
"This shall be a proper duel," she poignantly replied.
"Was there an improper kind?" I pressed from utter confusion.
With an unamused pout, she further clarified, "It means no dodging."
"How's that a proper duel?!" I demanded, my confusion growing.
Showing a smirk, she explained, "This way, we can properly measure the power difference between us."
"These youkai sure had a strange way of doing things," my thoughts complained. Disregarding the unnecessary, I asked, "Then who goes first?"
"Naturally, it would be the guest: you," she arrogantly pointed out.
"Sounds good," I acknowledged. She gave me the first move, and if I was going to do this, I'll only get this one shot. With a deep breath, I asked, "Ready?"
With a look of intrigue rather than concern, she asked, "You're not worried?"
With a smirk of my own, I remarked, "What's to worry about? I wouldn't die even if you killed me. Even if I did, worrying over it won't help any. Now, we gonna do this, or what?"
"Very well," she assented bemusedly,"You may begin."
"Love Sign!"
I drew out my best card; there was no holding back on this. She was expecting my best so my best she would get. With mini-hakerro in hand, I gathered all of my strength. Pouring all of my magic together, I unleashed my might.
"Master Spark!"
After a momentary pause, mini-hakerro creaked open. A gentle light shone out and directed itself towards my target. Then, in a rush, the Spark raced headlong and nearly threw me off my feet.
The tremendous cry and daunting light flooded the rooftop and left my arms screaming in agony. I was struggling to keep my hands level and the magic flowing. As I felt my grip begin to slip, the Spark subsided. After my eyes regained focus, I saw a terrifying sight: the devil was still standing.
From the dissipating glare, she remarked, "That was a nice shot."
Upon closer examination, I saw that her wings were gone. She was also missing half of her left leg and short one right arm. In a shrill cry, she became enveloped in a red flame. After the glow faded, she had returned to normal as though nothing happened.
Looking on with her cherubic gaze, she inquired, "If I may ask; why 'love'?"
Scratching my head, I replied, "Omnia vincit amor. It's a saying I like."
"'Love conquers all'," she mused.
With a surprised chuckle, I murmured, "I shouldn't be surprised that you'd know that."
"It's not a bad saying," she remarked before resuming, "But why 'love'?"
With a bit of consideration, I answered, "A human is nothing without feelings, and what greater feeling is there than love?"
Glancing with a distanced gaze, she retorted, "Errare humanum est."
Her answer was not inaccurate, I suppose. It basically means that making mistakes is in human nature. With a smirk, I spoke my mind, "And that makes you perfect?"
"Far from it," she admitted, "But you, who clings to the illusion of love, do you know the lie that it is?"
Solidifying my emotion, I responded, "From what I've seen, it's with complete confidence that I reply, 'I do'."
"Even though you know of its fallacy, you still abide by it. Why?" she questioned openly.
"It's a matter that you wouldn't understand," I stated as an excuse to avoid the subject only to find her face suddenly jilted at my words. As a sadistic grin stretched across my face, it became obvious to me as I mocked, "A sheltered princess with unassuming eyes could never understand the lie that is love."
"Silence!" she beckoned as I felt her anger reach out to me; the animosity strangled at my being.
I really don't learn; even though she survived my best shot, I still provoked her, "What's wrong? Too much for you to bear?"
Radiating with immense strength, she announced, "How about I show you what love this sheltered princess has seen?"
It was difficult to even stand at that point. With my eyes losing focus, I smiled. There was no going back. Her rage flowed from her form and shrouded the rooftop in a reddened hue. Against such overwhelming might, there would be no purpose to me if I couldn't persevere over this.
Clenching my fists, I exclaimed, "Let's go!"
"Requisite Aggression!"
With a dim hue, the energy amassed around her left hand. Humming faintly, it took shape of a large red arrow. Taking hold of it, she raised her arm and took aim.
"Heart Break!"
Without a moment to blink, she threw her energy mass at me. As I gritted my teeth, I felt the cold blast cut into my chest. The oppressive force threw me back and left me breathless.
As my consciousness left me, I wondered, "Is this really the end?"
-
The fates that flow from the the living find many shapes and forms. They can be molded into uniform designs or crafted into unique innovations. As one who can see the forms of fate, I can alter them to any shape I intend. Whether that would be to shorten, lengthen, reconstruct, or even fabricate; it was all within my reach. All except for the strong willed. Those who absolutely defied my will avoided my grasp. In the conclusion of this long night, I found one such being, and only the one.
"Vae victis," I announced as I glared down at the upstart.
With an unsatisfied stance, I looked closer to her small figure. The fleeting fate that I smothered was beginning to blossom again. It was unexpected, and I was left stunned.
"No, I must still be feeling dazed from the exchange."
"There was only one way to confirm it."
"Sakuya!"
"Did you call for me, Madame?" Sakuya replied as she appeared from the northern turret where she had been waiting for me.
"Does the human still live?" I demanded.
She moved to her side and checked her vitals. Looking over to where I stood, she informed me, "She does, Madame."
Peeved and intrigued, I changed the subject, "Where is Patchouli?"
"She retired to her chambers for the night," she answered without delay.
With little else in mind, I beckoned, "Call Patchouli for me."
"As you wish, Madame," Sakuya acknowledged with a curtsy and departed to complete her task.
Now alone, I stood in awe of the persistent human. Even though I resolved to end her life, she managed to sway her fate. It was no small feat to change the course of the future, but she managed to do it. Not only did she change her fate, but she altered mine with it. That was something that I couldn't do, no matter how hard I tried.
"Perhaps, I can put this to use?" I pondered in the time before Sakuya arrived with Patchouli.
"Did you need something?" Patchouli inquired drably. Her groggy expression was normal and made it difficult to read her mood.
"I thought you should see this," I cheerfully replied.
"The witch?" confirming my interest, she continued with her questions plainly, "What about her?"
With a playful smile, I remarked, "Even though I killed her, she still lives. Why is that?"
"Is that a riddle?" Patchouli posed rhetorically, and it became clear to me that she was not feeling well. Even though she was struggling to keep on her feet, she humored my curiosity, "Fine. She still lives because you let her."
"Not so. Remember, I killed her," I reminded and, though it seemed so insignificant, Patchouli made her how-could I-be-wrong face in response. As the smile widened on my visage, I pointed to the human and suggested, "Maybe you should take a closer look."
After considering my hint, Patchouli moved to the little witch's side. With a stifled grunt, Patchouli found the answer, "This is..."
"Isn't it remarkable?" I inquired, overtaken by the moment.
It was a book in her front pocket space. The book was what absorbed the impact and allowed the little human to survive. If that was all it was, it wouldn't have been worth calling for Patchouli.
What was so particular was that the book came straight from Patchouli's collection. This meant that it was fully enchanted to resist damage of any caliber. I continued to laugh and smile as I started to spin around.
"May I kill her?" Patchouli requested; it seemed as though Patchouli didn't share my enthusiasm.
Disrupted from my activity, I declined, "Actually, I had other plans."
"May I kill her afterward?" she persisted.
After a moment of consideration, I muttered, "We'll see."
It was possible that things wouldn't turn out as I envisioned. If that was the case, what would I do? As I began to drift into my thoughts, the Clock Tower's bell began to toll. The night grew shorter, and it was apparent that everyone was exhausted from the festivities.
Clearing my head, I dismissed the short council, "We'll discuss the details later. For now, get some rest."
"Where is there a bed for our resting guest?" Patchouli questioned; her concern were rather peculiar, but it was a real concern.
With no clear answer at hand, Sakuya informed us of the vacancies, "As of now, Meiling and Sol are both resting in their room."
"That leaves... our rooms?" I pondered as the guest chambers have never really been a concern for me before.
With a sigh, Patchouli offered, "Since my room has an extra bed, I guess it'll be fine to take her there."
Between the three of us, Sakuya and I occupy the two chambers on the top floor. Originally, Sakuya's room was Patchouli's, but since she preferred to be within proximity to her books, she changed rooms to be next to the library. In that room, was a two bed set since it was intended for servants to share like with Meiling and Sol.
"That should be all then, right?" I mused.
"Aside from putting my book back, I believe so," Patchouli assented.
Content with the state of affairs, I remarked, "In that case, sleep well."
"Because we have a long week ahead of us, right?" she murmured which provoked a smile from me.
"Only a week?" I playfully inquired, and with a light chuckle, we all retired to our rooms as the near and distant future began to shift once more.
-
With the disaster resolved, I had no business left to stay. Even though Marisa was still at the mansion, I figured that she would be able to look after herself. If anything, she wouldn't need my help. Although there were still some things that went unaddressed, I was exhausted from the long night.
Taking flight and heading for the gate, I encountered the maids from within the building. They were leery of my presence, but I paid it no heed. Continuing on, I arrived at the destroyed gate to find a new person standing watch. As I approached, she turned around and gave me a stern glare. Was I really that suspicious of a person?
Making my way passed, she stepped forward and barred the exit. I really wasn't in the mood for this. Stepping back, I courtly asked, "Can I help you with something?"
"You're one of the intruders; what would I need of you?!" she declared.
With suppressed exasperation, I suggested, "Then would you be so kind as to step aside and let me go home?"
"This isn't some tourist attraction where you may come and go as you please," she countered.
Exaggerating playfully, I remarked, "Then you're gonna keep me here? Although this place is nice, it's just not to my liking."
"Who's keeping you here!?" she exclaimed, "I'm going to- !"
Before she could finish her declaration, a familiar sound roared from behind me. I didn't need to turn to know what it was. The surrounding grass and metal reflected the intense light. In the eyes of this new youkai, the terror was undeniable. The sound came from Marisa's Master Spark; there was no other possibility.
With the youkai frozen as she was, I took the opportunity to move behind her. Since I didn't want to engage in a fight with her, I struck at her neck and knocked her unconscious. As the blinding flare receded, I noticed the tall maid from before.
"Sakuya-san, was it?" reaffirming her name, I continued my questionnaire, "Did you need something?"
"After thinking it over, I realized it would be entirely possible that you wouldn't be able to pass the gate without me," she informed as she glanced past me, "But seeing your handy work just now, I understand my concern was over nothing."
With a shrug, I remarked, "Either way, thanks for the coming. I wouldn't feel right leaving them here like this."
At the gate were two red haired youkai: the first called Meiling and the one I just knocked out. Both of them were unconscious and I didn't want some unfortunate circumstance to befall them as a result.
As Sakuya looked over the state of the two youkai, she smiled and assented, "I shall tend to them immediately. Once again, may you be well."
With a stifled "yeah," I continued on my way home. It was getting very late, and I was growing more tired. A short distance from the island, I took notice of the faeries from earlier. I didn't think they'd go so far from the lake, but it didn't matter to me one bit. My objective was the soft and comfy futon waiting for me at home. Moving around the faeries, I continued onward.
After moving along, I felt a presence behind me. Turning to confront the stalker, I scanned the surrounding forest and found nothing. Perhaps it was by the moon's bright glow that I saw a sliver of movement nearby and attack in that direction. From the tree's cover, the faeries appeared.
I merely sighed, "It's a really long night..."
With the faeries gathering in front of me, I waited to see what they'd have to say. It would be nice if there wasn't a fight, but for obvious reasons, that was entirely unlikely.
Looking over them, I called out, "Is there something you need of me?"
After some deliberating, one of the faeries moved forward. She seemed hesitant and was cowering as she asked, "Um, are you... that is, were you the one that went into that weird house on the lake?"
"Possibly," I stated, "What of it?"
"Did you happen to see any of the others while you were there?"
"Others?"
As I thought of what 'others' the little faerie could have been speaking about, I remembered that there was suppose to be a lot more of them. The gathering that fought with Marisa should have been at least three times bigger then what was in front of me. Even though they seemed so panicked, there was nothing I could offer to help with their mood.
"I don't remember seeing the others at the mansion."
With a tearful voice, the faerie apologized for interrupting me and the flock moved around to another area; presumably to find their friends.
"That was weird," I muttered.
Feeling the exhaustion from the cold night, I continued my return home.
"With so many weird things happening at once, will there be yet another youkai that stops me in my tracks?"
Just then, a youkai indeed stopped me in my tracks by calling, "It's you!"
Pointing at me was a small blond youkai dressed in black. With a bruise on her cheek and some burn marks across her nose, it was the same youkai that I encountered earlier that evening: Rumia.
With a stiff smile, I asked her, "Was there something I could help you with?"
"I want a rematch!" she demanded, "You didn't play fair!"
"A rematch?" I murmured before declining, "Could we do that some other time? It wouldn't be fair to do it right now."
Obviously displeased, she complained, "Some other time? When would that be? Why not do it now?"
Answering her questions in order, I remarked, "I don't know. Just not now. Because the sun's gonna rise."
She had a look of growing discontent as she pondered over when some other time might be. Since it didn't look like she would come to a reasonable time, I left her in thought. I was not in the mood to schedule a battle with some strange youkai.
Having passed through the dead of night, I finally arrive at the shrine. With fleeting glee, I made my way across the veranda as the sun began to light up the sky. It would be difficult to sleep in the groggy summer day, but I will have my sleep. Skipping the formalities of early morning, I went straight to my futon and drifted into peaceful slumber.
-
"There's nothing rare here!"
I was getting frustrated from my search. Having gone a long distance from the lake, I arrived at the river's northern bank. I had heard that there were "rare frogs" in this area at night, but all I've seen were the regular sleeping kinds. There hasn't been a single rare frog here at all.
"Maybe I was tricked..."
As my anger was building, I felt a strange chill from nearby. It wasn't anything special or new, but unexpected. After looking around a bit more, it seemed to be coming from a small cave.
"Why is it cold in that cave?"
Normally, the nights were cool, but for it to be cold like this, it usually was because someone like me made it cold.
"So that's why I didn't see it..."
After I got to thinking that the rare frog was sleeping in the cold cave, I went to investigate.
"This place is really strange."
The cave got smaller the farther I went in. After a while, I noticed that ice was covering the walls and hanging from the cave top.
After arriving at a crawlspace, I made my way along in hopes of finding something interesting. It was colder then the winter air in here, and I really liked that. With my triumphant smile, I found a spacious area at the end of the tunnel.
What I found was an ice chamber. All around was cold mist like in a winter snowstorm. From the ceiling hung large icicles that reached to the ground. All around me was a comforting chill that was so relaxing. This place was an amazing discovery.
Just then, a voice called out to me, "Is it winter already?"
"No, it's still summer," I answered.
"Oh my!" with a gasp of shock, she asked, "Who are you?"
"Does this mean that she wasn't talking to me before?" I wondered before answering, "I'm Cirno."
"Cirno?" repeating my name, she continued to ask, "Are you the one who's making it so cold?"
"It was already cold in here," I pointed out.
Laughing for a bit, that person smiled at me as she explained, "Yes, it normally is cold, but it suddenly became colder. So much so that I thought winter had arrived. So I was wondering if it was because of you."
It was natural for things to be colder with me around. It's always like that everywhere I go.
Looking away for a bit, I replied, "Yeah, I guess it was me."
"That's amazing!" she exclaimed which startled me, "You must be very exceptional to be able to do that."
She was smiling so calmly that I didn't know if she was joking or not. Not sure what to think, I asked, "So... are you a 'rare frog'?"
With another fit of laughter, she complained, "Oh dear, how rude. Although I'm not sure if I'm rare or not, I know I'm no frog; of that I can assure you."
"I guess she wouldn't be a frog; she didn't act like one at least."
After stretching for a bit, she continued, "My name is Letty Whiterock. I spend my year here asleep as I await winter's arrival."
"You sleep all year long? You don't do anything but sleep on this...?" I asked as I examined her bed then paused. I noticed that it was a large block of white ice, and thought to myself, "That isn't where her name came from, is it?"
"That I do." Letty answered to the questions I asked, "For spring, summer, and autumn, I spend my time sleeping."
Annoyed at the schedule, I complained, "Isn't that boring? I couldn't possibly sleep for that long without doing something fun."
She just laughed again. With her smiling face, she explained, "I spend the entirety of only winter having fun because winter is cold. It's just not the same otherwise."
"I like the cold winters too, but there are still fun things to do other times," I argued.
"It's not that I disagree, but I just prefer sleeping until winter."
Trying to win over the argument, I asked, "What about your friends? Won't they miss you while your sleeping?"
With a weakening smile, she replied, "As a youkai of the lonely winter, I don't have any friends."
"What if I become your friend?" I mumbled, feeling saddened at being alone. Surging with the best counter I could, I declared, "That's right, I'll be your friend so you don't have to sleep alone like this. You should come outside and play with me!"
As she chuckled, she shook her head and declined, "That's very generous of you, but I don't like being in the heat. Even though I'm sure you can keep things cold enough, I'd much rather sleep."
I felt so sad. I couldn't think of anything to say to her, but I didn't want to leave her alone.
As I looked down with disappointment, she asked, "How about you come and play with me after winter comes? It sounds like it could be fun to play with others for a change."
With overflowing eagerness, I asked, "But what about for now?"
"'For now'? Didn't I say I was going to sleep?" she asked in reply which made me feel sad again. Not losing her smile for a moment, she scolded, "Now don't mope on me. I sleep so I can play extra hard during winter."
Thinking on what she said, I smiled and declared, "Then I'll be back! During winter, I'll come back so we can play together. We'll have so much fun, you'll have to sleep all year long!"
With a confident nod, she commented, "That sounds exciting. I'll be looking forward to our time together."
It wasn't very fun being alone all the time, but at least we could be together for winter. That way, she won't be alone all year long.
We said our goodbyes and I left Letty to go back to sleep. Winter wouldn't be that far away, but it would be a while yet. Without much else on my mind, I went back to the lake.
-
The Misty Lake was a lake by the majestic Youkai Mountain. It's at this lake that many of my friends and I gathered to play. Normally, there wasn't much to see or do there, but we gathered there anyway. In the quiet rustling of the nearby trees, we always managed to entertain ourselves. All this changed when that place arrived.
It was about five years ago. We were playing like we normally had. Then, from nowhere, a large red house appeared on an island in the lake. It was strange and new: strange in its looks and new since it just arrived. Many of us were curious as to what was inside it and loomed around it to find out.
From within, a tall youkai with red hair stepped out. She glanced around at the lake and the forest. After pacing around the house, she looked up at the mountains. Having rounded the house completely, she went back into the house. Her appearance renewed the commotion among the other faeries.
"There was a youkai inside." "O' course! It wasn't gonna be a human!" "How many of 'em do you think are in there?"
As the gossiping continued, someone arrived and was waiting in front of the house. As the noised quieted, three youkai stepped out of the house. After a bit of talking, the three went back in while the other one left. Speculations flared.
"There were three!" "It's too big to have only three." "Maybe there are more that are still inside?"
The new house remained the hot topic for a few more days. With no new developments, it lost its novelty and everyone went back to how we normally were like. It was several more days afterward when the real changes occurred.
A red haired youkai started to stand at the front gate of the large house. She wasn't doing anything except standing there. Some of the faeries thought it would be fun to play a prank on her. After a lot of back and forth banter, one of them decided to go through with the prank.
The prank would be to take the shiny star from her hat. At one point in the long day, the youkai would fall asleep and that was the golden opportunity to strike. When the moment came, the game began. It really was a simple plan.
As the plucky showoff made her approach, the remainder of us watched. Reaching for the star, the poor faerie was caught. After a loud struggle, they both were talking quietly about something. Then, she was carried inside. We started to worry about what would happen.
It was strange that the youkai took our friend into the house since that never happened before. Normally, after a prank failed, we got scolded, but that scolding took place at the moment that we were captured. After waiting for a long time, they came back out and our friend rushed towards us. We met halfway since we had so many questions to ask.
"Did they punish you?" "What was it like inside?" "How many were in there?"
Shaking her head a bit, she said, "I'm gonna be a maid."
We responded unanimously with, "A wha- ?"
"They're looking for maids inside that house," she explained before describing what a maid was, "You get this funny looking dress to wear and gotta do what they say."
Many of the others were thinking of being a maid was like playing a new game, but I couldn't understand why she would agree to that. It sounded boring and bothersome.
Voicing my doubts, I asked, "Why would you wanna do that?"
Hardly able to contain her enthusiasm, she replied, "You get to stay inside their comfy rooms and they give you food for being a maid."
The others were getting excited at all the things they would get, but I wouldn't be so easily tricked as I made known my suspicion, "That doesn't sound very fun."
My comment stirred agreement from the others, but she only shook her head in response while saying, "They throw lots of fun parties inside, but you can't get in unless you work there."
I could feel the crazed looks from the others at the mention of parties. I tried my efforts to dissuade my friends.
Gathering my words, I said, "But you'd have to work. For them! Like those human that work all day. That can't be good."
From there, the others were divided between the two choices. Many of us liked being free to do as we pleased when we pleased; while others felt the maid thing would be fun. There was a lot of fuss, but in the end, the two groups went their separate ways.
That house made us argue and turn our backs on each other even though we all used to be friends that laughed and played all day, everyday. After everything settled, those of us that rejected the red house kept to ourselves while the everyone inside the red house really did have lots of parties.
As more of my friends were about to become maids, I tried to stop them, "Why are you going to join them? To become their pets, and do what they want? How could you want that for yourself?"
Wincing at my harsh words, one of them managed to reply, "But what else can we do? It's always the strong ones that have all the fun. We're just too weak by ourselves."
Feeling all too well, what she was referring to, I spoke reassuringly, "Then we won't be by ourselves. We should help each other. We'll show them that we're not weakling that can be pushed around. We'll show them how strong faeries can be!"
Even though I was the one that rallied everyone together, we still needed someone that was strong to lead us all. It would be pointless to have just anyone since we wanted to show faerie strength. After thinking for a bit, I thought of one candidate
With growing confidence, I suggested, "How about-"
-
"Water Sign: Bury in Lake!"
In a flash, the lake surface rose upward and grasped at us. Aqua, our pillar of strength, was smothered by the rushing torrent and disappeared. With Cirno still missing, we immediately crumbled into a panic.
In the chaos that ensued, cold beams were propelled and encased many of us within ice cages. The few that weren't hit were swept by another wave from the lake. I was among the remainder that didn't get hurt by either.
I called to the others and told them to run. Against so much power, there was nothing more that could be done. Although they were hesitant to retreat, they knew full well that we couldn't do anything by ourselves. So we retreated to the other side of the lake, away from that red house.
After we fled into the forest, I looked around at how many were still with me. There was still 7 of us. As I plopped onto the grass, tired from all of the activity, I looked towards the lake. With its normally calm surface, it was surreal to think that it was from that same lake that the terrifying wave emerged from. That same beautiful sight that could so quickly erase my friends. The same water that drowned our hopes for victory.
"Hey!" with a loud cry, one of my friends within the group hit my head with her hand and complained, "You should listen when someone's talking to you."
"You didn't have to hit me," I mumbled while massaging my aching head.
"Well, you didn't listen so I had to get your attention somehow," she protested.
"You have it now," I complained with a sigh, "So what were you saying?"
The tension clouded her eyes as she asked, "What do we do now?"
We were separated from the others as we all ran in different directions. Thinking it might be best if we reunited somehow, I suggested that we return to our usual place by the tree. It was an old, worn out tree that sat in the forest near the lake. It was far enough away to still be safe, but close enough that we could find others. Without objections, the others agreed and we all went to the old tree together.
Having arrived at the tree, we were greeted by others whom had the same notion as I had. With more continuing to gather, I happily looked around at all the faces. Unfortunately, Cirno and Aqua were both still missing.
We waited and waited, but they never returned. Many of the others began to cry. Some of them tried to keep their hopes up; repeating to themselves that the others were fine. With so many of our friends still missing, I was becoming disheartened as well.
Just as I was about to cry, I saw something move closer to us. I hushed the others and tried to get a closer look. I wasn't sure why, but the figure looked familiar. Then the person stopped approaching.
Looking closer, I remembered her red colored clothes from before. It was that person that Cirno let pass by when we surrounded the magician. I was certain that it was the same person I was thinking of. I also remembered that she headed into the large house after the magician did; she probably just came from that direction. I thought that I could ask her if she saw the others since she was so nice before.
After she waited for a moment, she moved in a different direction around us and I followed after her.
Just as I was about to speak up and ask her, she turned around and yelled out, "Who's there!?" I became so scared that I froze in place.
After she looked around, she threw something into the trees behind me. With a gentle rustle, the others came from behind the branches. Did they follow me as I chased after the lady in red?
As I was about to ask the others why they followed me, the lady in red spoke, "It's a really long night... is there something you need of me?"
The others started to ask each other what they should do. Some of them also remembered her from before. They were voicing their panic about how scary she looked. Even though she was nice before, they were saying it was because Cirno was there, too. As I was beginning to believe their words, I remembered about why I followed her.
Inching forward, I tried to ask her something, "Um, are you... that is, were you the one that went into that weird house on the lake?"
"Possibly," her stern voice caused me to wince, "What of it?"
Calming myself again, I asked, "Did you happen to see any of the others while you were there?"
"Others?" she echoed as her head was tilted in thought, "I don't remember seeing the others at the mansion."
"Oh, I see. I'm sorry, for troubling you. Please, excuse us," I hurriedly apologized.
Trying to hold back my worries, I turned around and headed back to the old tree. With everything that happened, I couldn't help but wonder what it was all for. Even now, as we huddled together, it wasn't any different then before. No matter how many of us there were, we were still weak. It was something that would never change.
Wiping the tears from my eyes, I told the others what I thought, "I'm gonna become a maid."
-
A month and a half worth of time, 25 segments, 4 extras, and a lot of missed sleep later, I'm finished with chapter one. It doesn't feel particularly special, but I like the notion of achievement. I think I'm content with how this chapter turned out, but there's always the possibility of me overlooking something. Please let me know if I missed something.
At any rate, I'd like to thank those of you that have followed this from the beginning. I hope you look forward to chapter two. I finally introduce the full cast and develop the story a bit.
So far, the only problem I have is that chapter two starts with a bang, or rather a bloody swath. With nothing as it seems, I will probably end up with something I don't like. Regardless, I'll try my best to piece it together in a somewhat coherent fashion for those of you that want to see it.
Try not to get your hopes up too high, chapter two is really uneventful (my story pacing is incredibly slow).
"May you find that which you seek." Thank you for your time.
P.S.-I'm actually worried about the "faerie" extra I wrote, but maybe it's too soon to fuss over it.
Add in another eight moths and thirteen days of rewriting, and it ends up looking rather disappointing. Oh, well. Hopefully, life will be a little more accommodating, in general.
-
Within my wandering mind, the clouds parted to show the clustering stars in the still of the darkening sky. Gazing towards them, I felt a pang of terror.
That sky... have I seen it before?
With a rush, the world before me shifted into something entirely different. Under the twinkling stars, I witnessed a familiar scene.
Is this... that night?
From my spot in a doorway, I gazed into the commotion. A group of six men encircled around two little girls. With a flash, two of the men with daggers in hand rushed at the girls.
In response, one of the girls moved forward to deter the charge. With a clatter, one of the men tumbled across the ground, trailing blood along the path he had taken. His neck had been sundered and his severed head landed near his corpse.
The other assailant withdrew in time to spare his life, but had a gash along his arm. Wiping away the splattered blood from his brow, he exchanged his weapon into his functioning hand. As he rushed forward again, his blade skimmed the girl's check as she removed his extended arm at the elbow. With blood pouring form his wounds and anguish consuming his mind, the tall man dropped to his knees while wailing with torment. He was silenced by a crushing impact to his lowered head.
Brushing her short blue hair and expanding her majestic black wings, that same girl taunted the other men as the second girl cheered. The second girl, with long golden blond hair, stepped forward as well with the intent to help her sister.
Those two girls were Flandre and I from so long ago.
As two more of the men approached the girls, I took closer watch over the scene. It wasn't to spot something particular; it was because my mind mimicked the actions of my past. With the increased focus, my younger self circled one of the men as Flandre engaged the other.
The dreaded moment come closer to repeating as I beckoned the images to stop. Even though I tried to close my eyes, I still saw the world from my other self. Even as I quieted my ears, I still heard the beating hearts around me. Even when I tried to turn and run, my body refused to move. The pain burned across my body and leveled me onto my knees: that poison had taken effect.
At the time I never would have known; never have guessed; never have realized, how dirty those human could be. As the my younger self endured the strain, it reciprocated within me. Struggling with all my might, their poison had taken root into my body and drained me of my strength.
Flandre, having punched a hole into the chest of the man that faced her, turned her attention to the younger me that struggled to stand.
No! Don't look away!
She took a slight step towards her weakened sister.
Turn around! Behind you!
As the younger me turned towards Flandre, my vision took sight of that dreaded sequence. No matter what I thought; no matter what I tried; no matter how I wished, that same thing occurred.
"Flandre!"
The painful moment when that looming shadow enveloped my sister; that shining metal that cut at her head; that pool of blood that formed from her wound, it replayed with such intensity, that my mind shattered.
From the serene light, my eyes opened. Covered in sweat, I lifted myself into a seated position.
Calming my hastened heart, I whispered to myself, "... it was just a dream... it was only a dream..."
But I knew better: that dream was the truth of the past. It was a burden that lingered within my consciousness.
Raising my hand upon my brow, I muttered, "How long has it been... since I've seen it last?"
As I felt the piercing ripple from my memories again, I took closer notice of my surroundings.
Gathering my composure, I commanded, "Enter."
With a clatter, my chamber's door opened then closed. Taking light steps, a maid with shimmering silver hair and tranquil blue eyes greeted me; it was Sakuya.
A saddened demeanor clouded her normally smiling face as she apologized, "I didn't mean to disturb your rest, Madame."
"I have many plans today, Sakuya," I informed the now confused maid, "We'll be very busy soon."
Returning to her vivid smile, Sakuya curtsied and replied, "Understood, Madame."
There was something important that I needed her to do, and after explaining the details, I emphasized, "Don't tell Patchouli."
I could imagine her concerns and doubts, but Sakuya did not refuse. Satisfied that she understood, I continued with my plans.
The next phase of my plan would take me to the shrine that housed the miko that I conceded defeat to several nights ago. I arrived to spot a favorable scene: Reimu was not alone. She was with her constant companion Marisa.
"This might be better than I could have hoped for," I whispered to myself. Landing a fair distance away, I awaited for an appropriate time to make my entrance.
"... it's hot... it's burning... I'm gonna die here," Marisa complained.
"If you die," Reimu retorted, "I'll feed your corpse to the birds."
Finding a convenient topic immediately, I interceded, "Incidentally, it'll be fine if you let me take care of that."
Taking notice of my presence, Marisa sat upright and remarked, "That's a definite no."
Taking a seat next to the complaining witch, I smiled at her and received a stifled smile in reply. While shuffling herself away, she asked, "Is it alright to leave your house so much?"
"I left it to Sakuya so it's fine," I explained.
"Chances are it's not fine so go home, now!" Reimu chided. Then, as if taking cue from Reimu's words, a thunderclap echoed across the sky. As we looked towards the thunder's cry, she commented, "A shower, huh?"
"Unusual at this time," Marisa added.
"That's bad," I said in a complaining fashion, "I can't walk in the rain."
With a snide smile, the little witch sneered as if to spite the miko, "Yeah, too bad."
As we sat there, the clouded sky never came. In the few moments the had passed, even the two of them understood that it was not ordinary. The turbulent storm hung over a single area of Gensokyo.
"Oh?" I remarked, "It seems the rain is only falling around my vicinity."
"Looks that way," Reimu confirmed. With an uninterested gaze, she added, "Maybe it's been cursed?"
"It was already cursed," Marisa countered.
"This is troublesome," I sighed with a hand over my cheek, "With things as they are, I can't possibly return home."
"Or maybe they made it so you can't head home?" the miko mused.
Laughing heartily, Marisa jeered,"You've finally been kicked out!"
With a pout, I objected, "Rather than making a situation where I can't go home, it's more like-"
"Making a situation where something can't get out?" the witch concluded.
Rejecting the explanation, Reimu retorted, "You've been kicked out after all."
Deciding to redirect the interests of the others, I stated, "Either way, I can't go back. Oh, whatever shall I do about my meals?"
"Can't be helped then," the miko remarked as she put down her cup of tea, "I'll go check it out."
The energetic witch cheered, "Sounds fun!"
Having been left to look after the shrine, I moved into the shade of the housing and took a seat at the table. Resting my head down, I decided that I'd take the opportunity to catch up on my sleep.
"It'll be a while yet before my presence is required."
-
Diligence is a state of mind that enables one to complete their task with consistency. With it, one has the focus that permits oneself to be firm and attentive. This state is imperative for one, such as I, to keep at all times.
How I wish it were that easy.
With the shielding mist gone from overhead, I was returned under the full duress of the oppressive force that was the sun. It smothered me in a dreadful surge of radiance that could meet no equal. This feeling of exhaustion, it eclipsed my discipline.
With a hand over my brow, I sighed, "How am I to keep this up alone?"
"You've done well enough, thus far, alone," a voice responded to my complaint from behind me.
My body stiffened in response as I spun around to greet the voice's owner, "Good morning, Madame. I am not worthy of your words."
Dressed in her elegant white dress with red lace linings, Madame Remilia smiled at me. With her stunning dress, pristine smile, and pale complexion, she would have been a walking vision hazard that reflected the relentless light if not for her parasol. Actually, I was squinting to see clearly with her large parasol held at my eye's level; I suppose that makes her a hazard, regardless.
In a soft voice expected of a refined lady, Madame mused, "It is a good morning, isn't it?"
"I would open the gates for you, but they are..." I rambled only to have my voice trail off.
Since the last battle, the gate's doors had to be removed and replacements needed to be ordered. These processes were neither simple nor quick. In order to remove the damaged metal from its bindings, the barrier had to be removed. In addition, the replacement would not be finished until another two months' time. In that time, the barrier would remain down; leaving me as the sole patrol for the entire circumference of the mansion.
"Are you still depressed about that?" Madame remarked with a sense of irritability in her words. With a slight sigh, she added, "You mustn't keep fussing over such a petty detail; that's what Patchouli is for. You are here to keep watch, or am I mistaken?"
Her words crushed at my grief. Indeed, I had not been fulfilling my duty. With this new realization, I felt a renewed urge: I shall not disappoint Madame, again.
Voicing my resolve, I stated, "You are not mistaken, Madame. I shall keep watch as long as is necessary."
Satisfied with my response, Madame continued on her way. From my post, I bowed as she left, saying as I always have, "May you be well on your venture."
In solitude once more, I sighed heavily to the relief of nothing, "...this is hard..."
In the shimmer of summer, I always had the most difficult time in keeping myself focused to my duties. I suspect it had something to do with the sinister heat that lingers in the rising mist. By early afternoon, the lake was covered in a cloud of mist that earned it the name Misty Lake. This mist was neither soft nor gentle. It carried the oppressive strength of the sun overhead, only amplified exponentially.
"Still, I cannot submit to weakness," I said to fight off my complacency, "Come rain or shine, I shall stand watch as Madame wishes of me!"
In ironic coincidence, the sky flared with lightning and carried its thunderous cry throughout the area. Startled at the abrupt change, I turned towards the lingering flash as a reflex. Frowning at the weather hazard that had appeared, I simply turned back to face the roadway.
As I awaited for the imminent downpour that would surround me, I wondered if Madame had taken shelter. Thinking of few hospitable possibilities, I realized that the storm remained stationary. It hung over the mansion and nowhere else.
Panic made its descent as I feared the worst: it was that time. I struggled with my thoughts as I debated abandoning my post to assist. With Madame away, there were few remaining within the mansion that could settle this matter successfully; in fact, I was the only other person to have successfully done so after Madame.
As the doubts clawed at my resolve, I heard a voice from behind me, "What's the meaning of this freak weather!?"
I turned my attention to the voice and found it was the miko with her witch companion at her side.
"What are you doing here!?" I addressed to the witch, "I have no time to be dealing with you!"
"I'm here to stop the weather," she explained.
My stance began to lose its integrity as I pondered the meaning of her words, "Does that mean that Madame-"
"We're both here because of her," the miko clarified, "Now let us through so we can get this settled."
As I recalled the fact that the miko had defeated Madame, I allowed them to pass onto the grounds. Satisfied in the acknowledgment, the witch smile victoriously as the two headed towards the mansion.
Alone once more, I asked aloud, "Is this also part of your wishes, Madame?"
Shaking away my doubts, I reaffirmed my resolve, "Even if all else should fail, I shall stand watch at my post and defend it from..."
-
Normalcy had made its triumphant return to Gensokyo. Having been freed of the haunting red clouds, the bright sun shone its unyielding radiance upon the land and all under its gaze. The sweltering of the summer's day was felt everywhere; as it should. Even so, there was an ominous air that lingered around the Scarlet Devil's mansion. A premature rainstorm was drowning the structure and refused to move. Certain that "foul play" was at hand, the ever vigilant Hakurei Miko strode forth to pacify the "predicament" that the home was under.
Having passed the front gate, Reimu and Marisa raced through the garden and reached the front doors. Straining their clothes of the drenched rains, the two made their entrance. What met them within the expansive mansion was utter chaos; there was no other way to put it.
Faeries were drifting about at top speeds, crashing into each other while screaming incoherently. Several others remained in their place as they shivered, unable to even move for cover. In all the commotion, one thing was made clear: Patchouli had ordered a search.
Even when the two confused human tried to interrogate the faeries, they instead received hysterical wailing. Unable to comprehend the full situation, the two decided to search for themselves. Agreeing to split up and cover more ground, the two girls followed the same routes they had taken on their previous adventure.
With all the trauma stricken faeries, Reimu had difficulty in simply traveling down the otherwise roomy hallways. Finding precious moments being lost to the delay, she opened fire upon any unfortunate souls that stood in her path. Continuing her search, she made her way into the main foyer and took notice of the person she had sought after: Patchouli Knowledge.
"You up there!" she called, "What are you trying to do!?"
"What is it?" Patchouli responded as she realized who had called out to her, "You?! Again?!"
Having drawn the culprit's attention, Reimu declared, "We're here to stop your annoying rains!"
"I haven't the time to-" Patchouli stopped mid-statement. With a widening glare, she asked, "'We' as in you and-"
"Marisa," Reimu answered, "Don't think you're going to ge-"
"Quickly, Sol!" the panicked magician exclaimed, "The library!"
"-et... a-way... ?"
Having been interrupted and ignored, Reimu was about to give chase until she realized what the sudden departure meant. With a sigh, she mused, "Those magicians and their reading materials."
Although the two human girls had different interests, one of the things that Marisa would ramble endlessly to Reimu about was the different books that she had just read. From the simplest story to the most overly intricate philosophy, Marisa spared no detail in recanting her new learning to Reimu with absolute zeal. Of course, Reimu didn't share the sentiment and spent the time ignoring Marisa.
"Good luck, Marisa," Reimu cheered quietly as she made her way towards the eventual battle's site.
Approaching the door with a sneeze, Reimu suddenly felt an ominous presence nearby. Readying her tools, she called out to the unnatural silence, "Who's there!?"
With a loud clatter, the immovable dividing doors at the center of the foyer and lobby slid apart. From the other side of the doors, a small girl stood with an energetic smile.
Leaping through the doorway, she announced, "Here I am!"
Shorter than Marisa in stature, this new girl was no less poignant in her presentation. Her blond hair matched the recurring theme of spasmodic annoyances that had carried itself thus far. Her skirt and vest were red in color and short in lengths. Her hair was tied on her left side into a long ponytail as a fluffy hat capped the top of her head, similarly to some of the others within the household. The gaudy frills and lace of her clothes were eclipsed by the accessories that the small girl carried.
Immediately, one would take notice of her large, black, wing-like frames that reached out from behind her. Their simple shape was made bizarre by the crystalline objects that decorated them. Along each wing was a cascade of colors that mimicked a rainbow that carried away from the girl's shoulders to the tip of the frame.
Reimu was left exasperated. "Why are they getting stranger?" she asked herself. Returning to her stern glare, Reimu asked the new girl, "You weren't here last time I came, were you? Who are you?"
Laughing gleefully, the little girl said, "I was here, but you never saw me. My turn! Are you a human?"
Feeling as if she had been reeled into a young child's game, Reimu indulged the girl with an answer, "That's right, I'm human."
Before Reimu had a chance to return with a question, the girl continued, "You're not trying to trick me, are you? I've never seen human as anything but a drink."
Blocking out the mental image of a freshly squeezed human drink, Reimu replied, "I really am a human. We tend to be more complicated then tea, most anyway."
"But chickens," the girl said abruptly, "Are still tasty, even if you can't cook them."
Further disturbed by the complacent conversationalist, Reimu asked, "Who makes the food here, anyway?"
"I don't know. I don't think Sister does, at least," the girl replied while looking as if she was deep in thought.
Reimu thought of any possible individuals that might have shared familial relations with this strange girl. Speaking the first name that came to mind, she continued, "Replica, the Devil?"
"Remilia!" the girl corrected, "Remilia, my sister!"
"Yeah," Reimu stated in a condescending tone, "I don't think she cooks."
"She doesn't," the girl agreed.
"By the way," Reimu said, "There was something I wanted to tell you." With the girl gazing in curiosity, Reimu added, "That sister of yours has been visiting my shrine and is being an all-round nuisance. Can't you do something about her?"
"I know!" the girl pouted, "I wanted to go, too!"
Feeling as though her complaints were cast upon deaf ears, Reimu interjected, "Don't."
"I couldn't!" the girl was visibly irritated, "It's raining too hard!"
"That's pretty bad, have you done anything to deserve this?" Reimu was beginning to understand that this girl was the real "cause" for the rainstorm to appear.
"I couldn't have! I've never been out for 495 years!" the girl answered, which threw off Reimu's thinking. Without a moment's pause, the girl rambled, "Say, do you mind playing with me for a bit?"
Thinking that a little playtime would calm this storm's approach, Reimu asked, "What game did you have in mind?"
With a wide smile, the girl replied, "Danmaku!"
-
"What the-"
Within the overly large mansion, Reimu and I found a rather disturbing sight. The faerie maids were dashing about as they crashed into each other. Some of them were huddled into small balls as they muttered to themselves. As we gazed at the debacle, ... I can't even think of anything to say; it was just mind boggling.
Reimu was intent on finding the reason for the madness. As she approached one of the faeries, she interrogated it about the panic, "Hey! What's-"
"Waaaahh!!" "Eeeeiii!!" "Nnnmmm..."
Instead of a coherent response, she received mindless wailing that chained consecutively from the nearby faeries. In the sudden outcry, Reimu and I backed away from the gathering as we recoiled from the deafening noise.
Taking notice of our presence, one of the more lucid maids approached us and said, "I'm sorry, but could you come back at a different time. Patchouli-sama has ordered a barricade and search of the premise. We can't accommodate guests at this moment in time. If you'll excuse me," and with a quick bow, she raced off into the chaotic cluster.
"Hear that?" I asked Reimu.
With a slight nod, she suggested, "Split up?"
"Okay," I agreed and we headed down the paths that we took on our first time visiting.
Surprisingly, the halls were emptier than I had initially imagined. The further I went, the quieter it became. Certain that I was on the right path, I rounded the corner and came to the library's doors. Palming my face, I recalled the rather obvious fact that Patchouli-sama spent all of her time in the library.
"What better place to look for her then here?" I concluded.
With a loud bang, I kicked open the doors and made my dynamic entrance, "I'm here so show yourself!"
Silence. Nothing appeared and nothing stirred. The room was empty and I felt completely embarrassed with myself for the idiotic display.
"At least no one saw that," I reasoned to console myself.
Thinking back to what was said, I remembered that there was also a search in place.
"Does that mean this place will be empty for a while?" I mused while trying to contain my desires as my blood came to a boil, "No, I have important- forget that! Books, here I come!"
I submitted to my will and proceeded to pillage the vast collection of bound text. As I reached for a particularly large volume, I felt a sudden force propel me away. Regaining my composure, I was greeted with another impact across my face.
Finding myself under siege, I fled to the shelf top in an attempt to better locate the assailant.
As my attacker came into view, I called out, "Hey! You're-"
"You won't beat me this time!" she claimed while cutting off my words with a magic blast.
It was the youkai that I encountered alongside the powerful pyromaniac. After the tea party, I don't think I was ever properly introduced to her; but whatever. Our last battle ended when my Master Spark put her down, I even went through the trouble of catching her out of a lethal downfall. Is this how these people repay favors? Well, to be fair, I guess she would never have known about that last part since she was unconscious, but it still wasn't very nice.
Gritting my teeth, I circled around her magic and kept watch over our positions. She was a close range fighting type, and I didn't want to have to go through with the bruising again. As I maintained our distance, she disappeared from my line of sight. Before I could search for her, I was nailed with a sharp kick from behind.
Coughing from the impact, I muttered to myself, "No one plays fair here."
Taking offense in my remark, the youkai yelled, "You're the one that's isn't fair! Don't think your cheap tricks will work this time!"
"Not my fault you let your guard down!" I retorted; our exchange was really petty, but anything was better then being pummeled.
She snarled at my words then rushed forward while releasing another barrage of magic. This time, I would keep better focus; her teleporting trick would only catch me once, no more. After reflecting on it again, I suppose this was why that vampire made that strange specification during our match, but I digress.
As the battle raged on, I found that my attentive focus was giving a fair benefit to success. It was only simple enough since the youkai appeared behind me each time she teleported. Continuing our back and forth exchange, I parried her attack with my newly reinforced broom and repelled her back. With the girl a fair distance away, I unleashed a shower of missiles and maneuvered across the shelf top.
The youkai kept her pattern with embarrassing dedication. As I was beginning to wonder about why she would be so persistent, I suddenly remembered the pyromaniac; she should be approaching soon. If my intuition was to be correct, this girl was making me waste my energy and concentration by being monotonous in her activities. I would let my guard down and be overpowered by the sudden magical bombardment.
As I was thinking about how weak that type of plan was, I heard the youkai call out to someone, "Professor!"
Surprised at the outburst, I turned my attention towards her line of sight and found the pyromaniac, Patchouli.
Standing over the balcony's ledge, she grumbled, "I haven't the time for you; but since you're here, I'll deal with you first."
With a slight nod, the other youkai resumed her attack on me while Patchouli chanted her spell.
"I guess they really don't play fair here," with that thought in mind, I tried to fight the youkai back while anticipating an opportunity to test out my new weapon.
As the youkai teleported, I assumed she would follow her previous attack pattern. I stepped forward and spun on my heels to turn around only to find the youkai at my side. I slipped off of my feet and managed to dodge her attack, but continued to tumble as she chased me. Now in a complete scramble, I was stumbling about just to keep from being hit. Swinging my broom, I tripped her feet in time for Patchouli to complete her spell.
"Moon Sign: Silent Selene!"
-
In the eve of the Scarlet Mist Incident, I was awaken to a prominent fact: there are things in this world that I am simply afraid of. In the chaotic struggle of the night, I was confronted with the prospect of losing everything that held meaning to me. Even as I reflect on it, I understand now that there were still many things that I had yet to understand.
The night ended without incident. It wasn't until late noon the next day that I had awoken to hear of the news. It was depressing to think that someone was able to defeat Madame. More so then that, I had lost to both intruders of the evening. To top off the troubles, the one dressed in black saw fit to stay the night and return the following days. She has been overly bothersome in her escapades to borrow from the library.
After failing to chase her away on one incident, the Professor decided to give me an accessory that would help in my efforts to fend off the unwanted guest: a small onyx brooch. From what I understood of the explanation, the brooch acted as a focal point to enable better concentration. She hoped that I would be able to use it to better achieve my potential, I think.
After testing it for a bit, I felt that it had indeed improved my abilities. I hadn't realized I was capable of so much. There was still more testing that needed to be done, but the Professor told me to take a short break so I headed off to rest a bit. It was then that I encountered fear beyond doubt: Madame's younger sister was standing in the hall.
There had been many roaming stories about her and what she could do. Among the tales was that she could eviscerate you with a passing thought. Another was that she was kept locked within the basement because no one could control her, including herself. The many stories couldn't be confirmed since she wasn't ever allowed out.
It was undeniable that the person I saw was she; one glance told all. On her back was an array of crystal shards attached to one of two long metallic stems that reached from her back. There wasn't a single person with such a bizarre appendage except for Madame's younger sister. As that realization came to me, I froze into panic.
Here she was, the embodiment of destruction, and I was standing within ten meters of her watchful eyes. The same eyes that seemed to rend my soul and hollow my mind. I could feel my knees give way as instinct took over my actions. I shifted right next the Professor's seat in the library.
"Professor!" was all I could mutter coherently. I was gasping wildly and waving my hands hysterically. I tried my best to return to a manageable level of terror.
"What is with you?" the Professor demanded.
Shaking away my panic, I answered, "Madame... sister... hall... now!"
I think the Professor understood the reason for my panic since her eyes shot me with a look of shock like none I've ever seen. She raced to one of the other tables and a book on that table made its approach to her. As I was wondering what I could do to help, she recited a spell with masterful speed and I felt a tremor of thunder at the spell's conclusion. The Professor had called for a storm.
I was at a loss as to what the rain was for, but then I remembered that vampires couldn't move through rain. It was a brilliant plan and I felt relieved until I made another realization: we were stuck here with her.
There was much debate over what to do between the Professor and Sakuya. With Madame away from the mansion, there was no one left who could keep Madame's younger sister calm. In the course of the discussion, I came to the conclusion that her name was Flandre and that she really was capable of reducing others into nothing with the passing of a thought. I was shivering to the point that I could no longer stand straight.
While slumping into a nearby chair, I muttered to myself, "Even if we knew where she was, what could we do about her?"
Taking ear of my words, the Professor exclaimed, "That's right, where is she?! Quickly, have the other maids aid in the search! We need to find out where she's hiding. And go inform Remilia! I'll undo the spell to let her in. Quickly! We haven't a moment to spare!"
The orders were made clear, but the reasons why were never stated. I didn't understand what our search was suppose to uncover. Even if we managed to find her, she could escape again since no one was fast enough to catch her.
In the futility of our search, I heard a voice call out, "You up there! What are you trying to do?"
"What is it?" the Professor responded as she identified whom had called out to her, "You?! Again?!"
It was one of the intruders from the prior incident. The one dressed in red and white that managed to defeat Madame. As I was pondering over that fact, she declared, "We're here to stop your annoying rains!"
"I haven't the time to-" the Professor paused as if she realized something that was forgotten. With an ever-widening glare, she continued, "'We' as in you and-"
The intruder answered, "Marisa. Don't think you're going to ge-"
"Quickly, Sol! The library!" the Professor exclaimed with panic.
That was all I needed to hear. I shifted myself to the library and arrived in time to spot the black garbed magician circle towards a shelf. I closed in on her and prepared myself to drive her away.
After I attacked her, she realized she was being chased. Finally turning her attention to me, she said, "Hey! You're-"
I didn't want to hear what she had to say. Instead of allowing her to finish her words, I interjected with an attack as I declared, "You won't beat me this time!"
She tried to keep herself away from me as I tried to approach. She probably thought that I couldn't get close enough to attack if she stayed well enough away, but she was mistaken. I used my shift magic and appeared behind her. In her panic, I managed a clean kick into her side.
With a cough, she cried out, "No one plays fair here."
Hearing her mention fair in a battle was an insult, particularly because she was a thief and not some venerable visitor. Watching my words, I called back, "You're the one that's isn't fair! Don't think your cheap tricks will work this time!"
"Not my fault you let your guard down!"
There was truth in her words, but I didn't let that consume me. It was my lapse in judgment that resulted in my defeat during our previous encounter, and I wasn't going to repeat that. With the same approach, I shifted behind her. I understood that there needed to be more variety in my plan if I was going to be successful, but I was trying to use this repetitive assault to break her awareness. I just needed enough time before the Professor's arrival.
Even as I attacked her, I could feel a definite amount of strength in her defense. Not only was she able to repel my attacks, she did so without losing her own offensive momentum. It was disheartening to think that this human could be so capable as to fight me equally in close quarters combat. As I tried to refocus my thoughts, I noticed the Professor's arrival.
With all eyes on the Professor, she stated to the unwelcome intruder, "I haven't the time for you, but since you're here, I'll deal with you first."
With a slight nod, I continued my charge as the Professor chanted her spell.
"I guess they really don't play fair here," the thief complained.
Even if it wasn't fair, she wasn't worthy of honorable acknowledgment. Taking a different approach, I appeared to her side and caught her off guard. In the preceding struggle of me chasing and her escaping, she managed to trip me off of my feet just when the Professor completed her spell.
"Moon Sign: Silent Selene!"
-
"Moon Sign: Silent Selene!"
With Patchouli's spell in effect, a multitude of shimmering energy took form as it rained down upon the battlefield. The energy scattered in a hastened manner with columns forming from behind Patchouli. As the trailing columns redirected towards Marisa, Sol took charge for her target.
Even with the many hazards in her way, Sol made ready her assault. Within the realm of the Silent Selene, the struggle of battle would not be lightened. She knew how dangerous it would be, but she felt compelled to gamble her safety. It would be all for her Professor.
With all the magic that filled the room, Marisa had her hands full and was almost struck by Sol's reckless onslaught. Being pinned by the surprise attacks, Marisa was unsuccessful in repelling the vigilant youkai. Receiving a sharp cut from Silent Selene's light, Marisa activated her own spell card.
"Magic Sign: Stardust Reverie!"
With the cover of her stars, Marisa made ready her preparations to test her new weapon. Charging at the youkai on the shelf, she tackled her with her broom before rounding back for a second charge; all to measure her "teleportation" skill.
The spell card's invocation halted Sol's attacks as she maneuvered away. Taking caution with the approaching stars, she was distracted from Marisa's ploy. Startled that the small magician would launch a counterattack during the bomb, Sol was tackled and tumbled across the shelf. Reeling from the surprise, she shifted away from a second charge.
With both spells diminishing, the two resumed their brawl as Patchouli began chanting another spell. Observing the push and pull of the other participants, she felt an odd sensation, but tried to disregard it. Her full efforts were needed for the battle; all other thoughts would need to wait until a more accommodating time.
As Marisa struggled to hold her ground, she put her plan into motion. Activating her Stardust Reverie a second time, she waited as her opponent moved away. Charging forward with the full intent of being dodged, she spun around in time to throw a small vial at her calculated location. As a final stroke to her masterpiece plan, she launched a missile and shattered the vial mid-toss.
Sol took notice of the shielded charge from Marisa. Shifting away from the attack, she was caught into Marisa's ploy. The shattered vial released a cloud of magical residence that enveloped her senses. Shifting away once more, she shook off the fear of the chemical's contents as she readied her retaliation. At that moment, she could feel her strength fade from her body. Collapsing onto the shelf, her consciousness drifted from her mind.
"Success!" Marisa cheered, content with her results.
Within the vial was a new potion that she had developed to ward off the irritating forces that might interfere with her grander plans. Inducing a state of hibernation upon its target, the subject would continue sleeping for a variable of two hours. Judging from the immediate effects, there was nothing her victims could do to resist the concoction and that was all she needed to know.
Marisa's jubilant cheering was cut short as Patchouli concluded her invocation, "Sun Sign: Royal Flare!"
From the center of the room, a large amassing of magic shaped into a ball and began to spiral with outstretching trails of fiery energy. The center then filled in with another burst of magic that repeated the cycle.
"Cause it wouldn't do to be without fire somewhere," Marisa sneered with an unreceived joke.
Taking flight to better avoid the numerous flares, Marisa managed to keep herself relatively safe from the encroaching waves of heat and fire. With the spell approaching its declination, the two magicians were at a standstill.
"What next?" they each thought.
Taking the initiative, Patchouli used another spell card, "Elemental Sign: Philosopher's Stone!"
From the spell, a formation of five large crystalline objects took shape. The magical prisms revolved around their creator as Patchouli made her descent onto a shelf top. She made it apparent that she would not back away from the battle against Marisa.
"So she doesn't need incantations to use spells!" Marisa mused with obvious exaggeration.
"Take humor if it pleases you," Patchouli retorted, "However! You will not be so inclined to think so lightly of me after witnessing my power."
"Ya' dun say?" Marisa mocked.
"So I did," Patchouli was not mindful of the critical tone, "Behold then, my- !"
Without notice, she dropped to the shelf top. Her cherished book tumbled over its edge and fell into the abyss below. The purple haired magician moved her hands upon her chest as she wheezed with growing intensity. She was in the grips of her asthma.
Marisa was in more shock than Patchouli. She had never encountered such a display of contortion and unpleasant gasping. She mimicked Patchouli's gesture with a hand upon her chest as she winced at the sharp sounds of air being exhaled from Patchouli; each breathe expelled immediately after being drawn.
"H-hey! You alright?" Marisa asked in an attempt to dispel her panic, but the lack of an audible response did little to placate her concerns.
Just then, one of the prisms ruptured into a spray of magic. The rain of magic fell woefully onto the ailing magician in a horrific display of torment, but no cry of pain was made; only her continued struggle to breathe. Without pause, a second prism shattered and repeated the traumatic display. Solidifying her resolve, Marisa charged forward as the third prism collapsed. Arriving in time to rush the magician away from the fourth outbreak, Marisa could feel Patchouli's breathing return to a more normalized pace.
Turning her attention to the injured Patchouli, she asked, "You okay now?"
With a nod, Patchouli gruffly stated, "... well... thanks..."
Receiving Marisa's hearty smile, she put her hand on Marisa's chest, "... farewell..."
Behind Marisa, the fifth crystal exploded and drove its power into Marisa's back as Patchouli released a burst of magic into her chest. Caught in the vice grip force, Marisa sputtered and collapsed over a shelf. Landing with a tumble, Patchouli came to a stop near the edge of the shelf before her breathing eventually stabilized, allowing her to return to her feet.
After recollecting her composure, Patchouli reflected on the incident, "Such an inopportune time to receive an undeniable opportunity. Although I'm grateful for your assistance, we are still opponents."
"However, what's more curious is your concoction," she mused as she paced across to where Sol lay. As she examined the shelf, Patchouli noticed a faint shimmer, she remarked, "... there's still some here?"
In a glass shard next to Sol was a small amount of liquid. There was little doubt that it was the same chemical that Marisa had used. Careful in collecting the sample, Patchouli had one of her books deliver it to her workstation for future research. After glancing over to the fallen magician, she turned her attention forward to the main building. The day's battle had yet to truly be won.
-
"A~a~a~ah..., I yawned.
It was just an ordinary yawn, I was bored like always. I was sitting in my unlit chamber in the lower level of Sister's home. I chose this spot because it's nice and dark here. I don't like the bright rooms upstairs; I liked the dark. Even then, there wasn't much to do. Like always, I felt like sleeping. It was around then when I noticed some new person inside the mansion.
At first, I didn't think much of it; there was always someone new at one point or another. However, things were different with this one. Normally, the newcomer would wait in the lobby for someone like Sakuya to go and talk to them. Oh, Sakuya's one of the maids here. The maids all work for Sister with Sakuya being the busiest.
Anyway, this new person decided to head into the northern hall, which was pretty close to where I was. Before getting too close, it stopped and went into the library. Then, there was a loud noise. I hadn't expected something like that to occur so I was curious as to what it was. I stealthily crept into the library and tried to watch what was happening.
Inside, I found Patchouli was fighting with a person that I'd never seen before. This person was wearing a lot of black, like she was some kinda thief. She also had a really big hat and an odd broom. She was rather strange looking.
Oh, and Patchouli is someone who works for sister, too, but she wasn't a maid. She has lots of strange books and is in the library almost all the time; keeping it organized and quiet. That's why it seemed so odd for there to be noise coming from there because Patchouli wouldn't let there be anything noisy inside the library.
At any rate, the two of them were fighting and it looked like that new person couldn't even fight back. While I continued watching, I noticed Patchouli stop before her final attack was about to hit. After some talking, the new person won. I didn't think it would have ended like that since Patchouli was really powerful, but it did. Just then, Other One came to Patchouli's rescue.
Other One's someone that Patchouli took in. Sister didn't mind so she stayed here like everyone else. I call her "Other One" because Patchouli named her; Sakuya, Patchouli, and I were all named by sister. I probably should take the time to mention that there's also "Strong One" that stand outside all day and night, or most of it at least. So remember, there's Strong One and Other One!
Going back to the story, Other One was fighting with the new person. It ended very quickly when that new person used a very bright, very power blast of some kind. It was very loud, too. After she left, I was curious as to what to do. Other One wasn't looking too good, and Patchouli was sleeping.
Since I was worried about what was happening, I tried to wake Patchouli up without being spotted. She eventually got up. After awhile, she received a "report" from one of her books and went to where Other One was. I heard that there was still trouble where Strong One was, but I didn't want to go out there. I decided to stay in my room even though I was worried; I didn't want to go outside.
Either way, the commotion eventually ended and all that. To heard that there was a different person that was there who beat Sister in a fight, it just sounds odd. Yeah, that was all of it. So why did Sister want me to tell you about what I saw?"
I was curious to know after having recalled all of what I saw during the noisy night that Sister's mist was still all around.
"Madame was worried about you and wanted to know how you felt," was the reply that I received.
"But to ask about what I knew about the others, too? Even about you, Sakuya? It sounds suspicious to me..."
The person I was speaking with was Sakuya, Sister's favorite maid. She was tall and slender and was always working. Even now as she asked about what I remembered, she had also brought me lunch.
With her the normally unchanging smile on her face, she explained, "And that was why Madame was so embarrassed to mention it until now."
"So what's so different about now?" I asked with a bit a skepticism.
"Madame found an interesting person she wanted to introduce to you. She was hoping that you would join her in her visit, but she has been very shy about the whole ordeal."
Sister always had trouble saying what she wanted, even though she knew what she wanted so well. In disbelief over what to think, I asked, "Sister wants me to join her... outside?"
"That's right. She said it would be fine, but she's worried that you would turn her down. She's been fussing about it for a while now."
I was strongly enticed at being with Sister, but I was still hesitant to go outside. Uncertain as to what to think, I asked, "Where is she now?"
"She went ahead, but she still wants you to go outside with her."
"I didn't know Sister felt that way..."
"If you'll excuse me, I'll be taking my leave."
It didn't feel very real, that Sister would want me to go outside. I was surprised to heard that, and I wanted to go, "But... outside is so... I really don't want to go... but Sister wants me to go... so do I go?"
I wasn't sure of what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to be with Sister. I gathered my courage and went ahead, to be with Sister. I opened the door and greeted the bright hallway.
-
Within summer's peaceful day brewed a violent storm. From this storm grew a calm. Amongst the calm, another storm awaited its moment. With the frivolity of a fallen leaf, the Hakurei Miko strove to bring the calm to the entirety of Gensokyo as she faced a storm that had yet to arrive.
"Danmaku, hm?" Reimu mused, "Well, I'm pretty good at making patterns."
With an energetic cheer, the small girl raced to the side of the foyer across from Reimu. With a sudden exclamation, the girl paused and turned around.
"Almost forgot..." she muttered before she regained her composure by coughing once and then announced, "I am Flandre Scarlet, and I hereby declare battle!"
Taking humor in the serious display, Reimu laughed lightly, "I'm Reimu, and I acknowledge the battle by spell cards. How many were you planning on using?"
Glancing down to her hands, Flandre then raised both palms forward as she replied, "Ten!"
Having her line of thought derailed again, Reimu coughed once to regain her own composure. With a slight sigh, she said, "I'll use five."
"Okay, you get five while I'll use ten," Flandre confirmed while still bearing a serious appearance. Following a momentary pause, her expression dropped as she blankly asked, "Was that all?"
Shielding her smile, Reimu replied, "Pretty much. You may begin when ready."
"Oh," Flandre mused. She didn't really understand the reasoning to the pointless formalities, but she didn't let that stall her. With a fiery cheer, she declared, "Then, I'll begin!"
With her command, the foyer was enclosed with a magical presence. As the barriers took form, Reimu made ready her talismans as Flandre prepared her magic. With a sly smirk, Flandre opened the duel with a surge of magic. The energy carried across the foyer in waves as Reimu glided between the ripples. Reimu was surprised that Flandre didn't bother with aiming or waiting. Shortly after the battle began, Flandre announced her first spell card.
"Taboo: Cranberry Trap!"
With the sudden declaration, Reimu was on guard for the trap, but was confused as Flandre remained still while giggling casually. Before Reimu could think of what was in store for her, her instincts moved her away in time for a magical burst to graze by. From around her, magic was pouring forth while Flandre continued her giggling.
"I didn't miss something, did I? In the short instance from her call to the attack's manifestation, she didn't move a bit. How could she be attacking like that?" Reimu's confusion flourished as Flandre's Cranberry Trap rained magic independently of Flandre.
Taking the surprise with stride, Reimu concluded that the trap was in the fact that the attack couldn't be easily followed. Maintaining her evasiveness, Reimu's talismans eventually overcame the first of ten spells.
Returning to her initial pattern, Flandre released a repeating surge of magic with quicker succession. Reimu found that her talismans were drowned out by the sheer volume of magic that Flandre was pouring. With the fruitless struggle weighing upon her concentration, Reimu was startled by Flandre's second quick declaration.
"Taboo: L?vateinn!"
With a quick spin, Flandre twirled a long metallic object that resembled a deformed wand. It received little notice as it had previously been attached to her wings and hung downward like a tail behind her. Continuing with her chuckles, Flandre then wave the rod through the air which created a powerful pillar of energy that stretched out following its path.
Reimu scrambled frantically as Flandre continued with her spell. Reimu's troubles were further compounded as the lingering trails of energy from L?vateinn incinerated her thrown talismans and amulets. With her options literally cut short, Reimu endured with the haunting giggles and fiery slashes from Flandre.
With the second spell's end, Reimu braced for the magical surge that would resurface. Although the attack made its return as anticipated, it was carried at a slower pace. This made it a reasonable task to attack through the barrage. Deciding to vent some of her frustration, Reimu expended effort in attacking at Flandre. In a largely expected event, Flandre shortly declared her third spell.
"Taboo: Four of a Kind!"
In the momentary silence that followed, Reimu was weary for a figurative meaning to the spell's name. With a terrifying echo, Reimu caught ear of several Flandres giggling around her.
Grasping her temple to calm a growing headache, Reimu mused, "This'll be interesting."
-
From my darkened haven, I emerged. It had been a while since I last ventured into the halls. The last time was when Sister's mist covered the air. At the time, the thick mist diminished the intense lights, and I actually liked the gentle color that embraced the rooms. From what I recall, it was the mist that attracted the guests from before, and it was because of these guests that Sister stopped spreading her mist. It was rather confusing, but I don't mind since Sister wanted to stop.
With the mist gone, the lights from the halls blinded me momentarily as I stepped past the door. Just then, I heard the library doors squeak open as someone stepped past them before stopping. After my eyes' focus returned, I was able to identify the person that I had heard.
Before me stood Other One. It seemed like a random encounter as I recalled the abstract fact that we have never been properly introduced. Stumbling over my thoughts, I tried to speak to her casually.
I hadn't so much as opened my mouth when she disappeared. It was shocking, and I was at a loss for what had happened. As I thought about what I should do, I remembered about why I came into the halls at all: to be with Sister. Ignoring all other matters, I continued onward.
Pacing down the hall, I heard a tremendous echo rumble from outside. My body froze in place as the tremors resounded under my feet. The familiar roar had sent shivers down my spine. That sound could only mean one thing: there was a storm outside.
With a raging storm, I wouldn't be able to go to where Sister was. My spirits dwindled as I dejectedly headed back to my room. Not even a step later, I collided with someone.
As I looked up to whomever I ran into, I recognized it to be Sakuya as she greeted with a smile, "Good afternoon, Mademoiselle."
"It's not good; it's raining," I complained.
Without a break in her poise, she commented, "It would seem so, but don't worry. I shall have things sorted out momentarily." Before I could ask her about what she was talking about, she added, "If you would, please wait near the lobby, and if possible, keep from being seen."
Her instructions seemed really specific and I was suspicious as to her aim, but I understood that she meant well. The lobby was right next to the front doors and would be the best place to wait at if I wanted to leave. Additionally, if I was spotted in the halls, it would be difficult to explain myself. Nodding at the instructions, I headed towards the lobby and waited in the nearby parlor.
While waiting, I wondered about what it was like outside. I could feel a distinct fear about it each time I looked into my mind. Even though I had remained indoors for the entirety of my life, I couldn't shake away the foreboding panic that gripped at me when I thought about going out. Even with Sister encouraging me along, I refused to move so far as the lobby's entryway.
Even now, with the rains that barred my passage, I may have felt disheartened, but I was also relieved. I can't properly explain why, but I just can't bring myself to go out like Sister can. Consumed by self-pity, I almost missed the rising commotion outside the parlor walls.
In the lobby, there was a flurry of gossip from the many faeries that Sister hired as maids. Their conversations were particularly uninteresting, but it helped to distract me from my miserable mood. Suddenly, there was silence. As I was wondering about what happened, I heard someone speak aloud.
"I shall be off then," announced the voice that I recognized as Sakuya, "Sol shall have your instructions."
With that, she exited the mansion. I suppose it was harder to settle things then she thought and had to head out to find Sister. That's what the other maids were whispering about, I think.
Just then, I heard someone clear their voice to silence the crowd, unsuccessfully. It was probably Other One. The name that Patchouli gave her was Sol so that would mean that she was trying to relay the instructions that Sakuya previously mentioned. As Other One continuously tried to quiet the crowd, they suddenly ceased with their commotion.
I became confused at the development, until I heard Other One call out, "Professor!"
Patchouli arrived, and that was what caused the maids to be quiet and attentive. With a faint chuckle, I listened on to the instructions.
"Madame's younger sister has escaped the basement and is loose in the halls! For the safety of all, it is imperative that she be found immediately!"
I was utterly stunned at the announcement. My shock drowned my attention into and out of the conversation in the lobby. From the pieces I heard, there was a commotion amongst the maids as they complained about the impossibility of the task.
It was clarified that they would only need to "find", not "capture." Further, it was advised that no one actually agitated and engage in battle with me. With the maids occupying the main floor, it was planned that Patchouli and Other One would actively search in the areas that were left unwatched. After a dazed moment, I returned to my senses as I heard a squeal.
One of the maids opened the doors to the parlor and found me sitting next to the door. In her panic, she backed away from the door, and I jumped to my feet. In the lobby was a fairly large gathering of faerie maids and I was scared about what would happen. It wasn't because they could hurt me, but I didn't want to hurt them. Even if it was a wasted notion, they were Sister's maids and I didn't want anything to happen that I wouldn't be able to explain to Sister.
As I struggled with my concerns, one of the maids spoke to me, "Imoto-sama! Turn yourself in peacefully!"
Without much concentration in my thoughts, I responded, "I didn't do anything wrong!"
"That doesn't matter now," she replied while pleading with her eyes, "Just surrender yourself before thing get out of hand."
"But I didn't do anything!" I persisted.
"Please, Imotou-sama! Ojou-sama will be here shortly to sort everything out," she explained.
At the mention of my sister, I froze with doubt. It had been Sakuya's suggestion that I wait near the lobby and if not for her words, I wouldn't have left my room at all.
"Did she do this for some reason? Was it all at Sister's orders? Was Sister ultimately to blame?" my doubts questioned as I struggled internally to find an answer.
The maid approached me slowly as she continued her pleas, "Please, if you would just-"
"Quiet!" I demanded.
In a sudden rush, my power escaped my control and swept across the lobby. Several of the maids that were in its path were reduced into a fine powder in its wake. The others descended into a maddened panic from the oppressive display. The undeniable clamor drew undesired attention. When Other One appeared on the scene, I couldn't help but try to escape.
I fled to the dividing doors and closed them after crossing through. These doors were unique in the fact that few people were able to open them. Even so, it seemed like Other One could teleport somehow. In order to keep myself from being followed, I changed my shape into a cloud of mist.
It was actually something I thought to try when Sister's mist was still around. I practiced numerous times and am now able to do it well enough. In this clouded state, I drifted along the floor as Other One glanced about in her search.
It was shortly after when Patchouli entered from the dividing doors. In a slight panic about what I would do, I moved back into the lobby as Patchouli closed the doors behind her. The two remained in the foyer as a clatter drew my attention to the entryway.
There were two people I had never seen before; well, two people that I had never met, to be fair. I believed them to be the guests from before. In a slightly expected display, the maids cried woefully when they were approached by the newcomers.
I felt sorry for the maids, but there was nothing else that I could do about it. After the two intrusive guests left the lobby, I changed back into my humanoid form.
Hushing a scream, I whispered to that maid, "Take the others someplace else."
She was hesitant, but agreed before corralling the other maids down the Southern Hall. With the lobby emptied, I waited near the dividing doors.
Just then, I heard a voice call from the other side, "You up there! What are you trying to do!?"
Listening carefully, I managed to hear Patchouli respond, "You?! Again?!"
The voice then declared, "We're here to stop your annoying rains!"
Patchouli seemed to murmur something before getting interrupted. Their conversation came to a sudden close when Patchouli hastily departure for the library. Left alone in the foyer, the voice sighed to herself and was about to follow Patchouli.
But instead of leaving, she called out, "Who's there?"
It was apparent that this voice's owner was the guest that defeated Sister since the black clad one was chased in the library. There were no others that she could have been speaking to since she was alone.
I became a bit hesitant. I poured my thoughts over what I should do, but I couldn't decide. I was already going to be in trouble when Sister got back, but there was nothing I could do about that. As I was about to turn away and hide, I suddenly remembered something.
"The Scarlet Devil does not cower and hide!"
Time and again, there came those who challenged Sister and she would always face them; always. As I thought of her confidence, I felt the need to prove myself as well. To show that I wasn't a complete disappointment. I wrestled away my anxiety, and opened the dividing doors.
Stepping forward, I announced, "Here I am!"
-
The calm air was nowhere to be found. In the growing tension of the afternoon sky, the thunderous echo of a stormy day reverberated throughout the land. At the center of the disturbance, a small home encased tremendous dread within its walls. Taking appeasement from the company of a visitor, that solitary dread remained preoccupied. But was the Hakurei Miko moving to fulfill her duty with the well-being of Gensokyo in mind? Or was she merely taking part in the playful whims of carnage?
The gentle chuckles of the many Flandres was cut short by the echoing thunder of the persisting storm from outside the mansion. With that momentous change, Reimu found herself attacked from all angles and prepared herself as best she was able.
This wasn't the first time she was outnumbered, and it would not be the last time was out-powered. Using the reverberations of the clashing energy, she kept calm and continued moving safely.
When the waves encroached upon her, they collided with one another and sent a slight presence of pressure that carried past Reimu. By maneuvering around the forbearing ripples, Reimu was able to keep herself away from the mass of the otherwise impossible assault. With the delicate balance and poise of a leaf in the the biting wind, Reimu allowed for the ever-shifting attacks to guide her direction. Neither resisting nor struggling, she revealed her art as a free spirited soul unbound by the limitations of reason.
Finding her consecutive waves of energy unsuccessful in overcoming her opposition, Flandre directed her selves into an enclosing path and released an additional volley of energy towards Reimu. With her four selves pulsating with energy as well as attacking directly towards her opponent, Flandre was certain in overwhelming the human.
Lithely, Reimu spiraled, swirled, and twirled, but did not get hit. All of the attacks that were directed towards her managed to skim by without bringing her harm. Even with the awe that carried from the impossibility of her achievement, the display was more exhausting then she would have preferred.
Taking solace in the blind impatience of her enemy, she felt troubled by the endearing treat of hastened combat in prolonged fighting. If the battle was going to remain at such an unaccommodating tempo, Reimu might make a mistake in her defense. Calming her breath, she tried to keep her focus on her immediate surroundings.
In what felt like an eternity, the third from a set of ten spells was concluded. Anticipating a short-lived rest, Reimu kept calm her dizzied breathing as she turned to face her foe.
"You're pretty good," Flandre complimented as she smiled, "At not getting hit."
Smiling in reaction to the taunt, Reimu remarked, "Well, you're not bad at making a mess."
With a faint glare, Flandre continued her taunting commentary, "But I wonder, little bird, can you fly safely from your cage?"
Instinctively, Reimu took flight as Flandre cut straight into her spell's declaration.
"Taboo: Kagome, Kagome!"
From wall to wall, an array of energy manifested into an interlocking chain of magic. Caged by the formation of the spell, Reimu looked onward as Flandre fired two consecutive blasts of magic that tore through the structured energy, collapsing it as it passed. As the crumbling cage was propelled by the blast, another cage began to take shape, and Reimu could only race about as the unstructured structure restructured itself.
Finding that the momentum was dictated by the fanciful whims of Flandre's intermittent attacks, Reimu returned into an offensive approach. In the passing interludes of the cage wall rebuilding itself, Reimu had ample opportunity to retaliate and brought a close upon the, otherwise, troublesome spell.
The fourth spell break passed as a faint chuckle resounded; Flandre returned to employing an evenly paced pulsating wave. Deliberately restrained in cycling repetitions, Reimu felt that she was being provoked into attacking.
Striking back nonetheless, Reimu was mildly surprised that Flandre didn't immediately declare her fifth spell card. Drifting and swaying, back and forth, the modest exchange continued. Then, Flandre rushed forward while the startled Reimu repositioned away.
"Taboo: Maze of Love!"
"Why must the annoying ones give me love?" Reimu dejectedly mused.
With the fifth declaration, Reimu readied herself for yet another mind-boggling display of danmaku. As the attack took shape, Reimu found herself charging forward towards Flandre. The projected wall of energy was so condensed, there was no possible way to avoid being hit by it; impossible with one exception: a gap directly in front of Flandre. Even with that small opening, there was another wall of energy that threatened to enclose upon Reimu , but her instincts kept her moving forward.
Having passed the first wall, Reimu caught sight of another opening in the second wall and raced to safely reach it. Like a pet answering its master's command, Reimu hopped through the loops that Flandre made for her in the Maze of Love. Racing forward, circling back, she was at Flandre's mercy and could only continue in following along.
As the first half of the proposed set of spells came to an end, Flandre began to cheer jubilantly.
Although she felt that she would regret hearing the response, Reimu asked, "What's with the good cheer?"
"It's just that, normally, anyone I'm playing with disappears on me around now, but you're still here," Flandre explained as she squealed with excitement, "This'll be so much fun!"
-
Within the chaos of battle, I found myself reflecting upon the Spell Card Rule. It was some time ago when Patchouli and I had this discussion. It was about the rule and how everyone was going to obey it. It seemed odd and I didn't think that it would be of any use at all. Naturally, I was opposed to the notion.
The rule itself was a contradiction to some of the things that I had been taught. Those with power should be free to use it. Those that were lacking had no place in the world. That was what I was taught. Now, to hear of a rule, a law, that would make the weak greater and the strong pathetic, it was abominable. I couldn't tolerate it in the least. I refused to conform to it at all.
It was then that Patchouli said to me, "Instead of looking upon it as a displacement to natural order, it might be better to think of it as a game."
"You're not serious, are you?" my resentment was filling me with anger over the suggestion, "A game?"
"Indeed, it is with the utmost sincerity that I relate to you the thought," Patchouli replied. Having taken her time with my persistence, Patchouli told me, "I should also point out that this is what Remilia believes as well."
My frustrations multiplied when I heard that Sister and I didn't agree on this point. Holding back me tears, I asked, "Why would she?"
With a slight smirk, Patchouli explained, "Correct me if I'm mistaken; although there are numerous way to break something, it can only be truly broken once. Correct?"
With my nod of agreement, she continued, "Would it not be more convenient, then, to keep one's playthings from breaking after playing with it than break them and their replacements constantly?"
Following a slight pause, I reluctantly replied, "I guess..."
"It is with this that I believe Remilia would reasonably have agreed to such an arrangement. Not for herself or even for you, but for all of us; a new game to be played and enjoyed. Don't you agree?"
Although I understood what she was saying, I just didn't think it was a good idea. It was with great hesitation that I eventually agreed to learn the "new game." Reminding myself, "It's for Sister... so I can play Sister's new game, too."
Even after I had learned the rules, I never got the chance to use it. "All the better," I thought, "It couldn't be all that great."
At the time, that was how I felt. How could I have imagined such a difference in change between then and now.
As I fought against this human, my frustrations welled and I could still feel my anxiety grasp at my concentration, but I didn't feel upset. In contrast, I was greatly pleased. It was a bizarre sensation; a mixture of emotions that stirred and moved me.
She had the time to spare to play with me, but if she was someone whom Sister declared an "equal" in battle, what chance did I have in besting her?
Even then, she presented herself as helpless, almost powerless. With each passing spell, I could feel the fading limits of her presence flicker before me. She attacked earnestly and pursued whichever opportunities she found as she scurried and scrambled with each of my attacks.
Although faced with such debilitating odds against overwhelming power, she remained persistent, and I understood why. With the short exchange that passed at the start of battle, she already proved herself as poised and adept. Attentive to the subtle changes in her surroundings and aware to the states of her self and adversary. The longer we fought, the more I could see Sister in her figure: someone beyond my reach.
As the laughter echoed from within me, I pressed on with our game. It was the only way I could think to distract myself in order to fight her with my best efforts. Bringing my focus back into view, I readied myself for the remainder of the contest. Just then, she spoke to me.
"What's with the good cheer?" she plainly asked.
"It's just that," I began to explain before pausing. Although I understood why, I just couldn't explain it. I searched my mind for a different excuse. With hastened consideration, I sputtered, "Normally, anyone I'm playing with disappears on me around now."
Having said something so irrelevant, I took notice of the truth to my muttering. In all the times anyone has bothered to be with me, they always ended up disappearing before we could finish. At this realization, I felt a sudden rush of disappointment in myself before my attention returned to the person before me, "But you're still here."
"Was this why Sister wanted me to go with her?" my thoughts reasoned, "To play with this person?"
It was such an inane thought, but it managed to fill me with so much relief.
Ecstatic over my newly found discovery, I declared, "This'll be so much fun!"
-
The calm before the storm, the anxiety of the approaching unknown, the dread of childish whimsy; several forces gathered in the ominous foyer within the the Scarlet's home. With no clear end to the rampant storm in sight, the Hakurei Miko was busy dealing with a formerly unknown resident. Even with her progress, could she restore Gensokyo's peaceful summer day from the reaches of a brash and childish being?
Flandre's childish laughter continued to echo as Reimu recollected her composure; defeated five of Flandre's spell cards was a more demanding chore than what she had expected. The blinding display of power was enough to hinder one's depth of perception and the taunting laughter that echoed in the foyer was also disheartening and disorienting. Although she was only at the halfway point, Reimu felt her exasperation grow as she faced the foreboding whimsy of her opposition.
"Okay! Round 2!" Flandre cheered as she unveiled her spell card.
"Forbidden Barrage: Starbow Break!"
An uneventful moment passed before the discoloring shone closer which caused Reimu scramble. Flandre's Starbow Break was raining down from above. A multitude of colors took shape as the radiating orbs showered intermittently. As the orbs collected on the ground, another collection of orbs appeared on an adjacent wall and drifted towards the opposite wall.
With the colorful energy lining two sufaces, Reimu tried to keep on her guard for which way the attack would approach from. No sooner had she turned to face Flandre, the recently settled energy on the wall proceeded to return to its former position. Shuffling through the retreating barrage, Reimu began her assault on Flandre. As Starbow Break continued, the swarms of colorful orbs simply fell back and forth, and Reimu followed the opportunity to bring the spell a quick end.
Following the spell break, Flandre emitted the familiar pulsating waves of energy. In contrast to the previous waves, this one was largely denser in shape and followed a shorter repetition cycle. The heavier waves made moving through them a chore, but the slow-moving intervals gave a wider range from which Reimu could attach from. With the two attacking earnestly, Flandre then declared her next card.
"Forbidden Barrage: Catadioptric!"
Reimu backed away and tried to observe what type of attack Flandre would employ. Surprisingly, Flandre unleashed her attack behind herself. The bursts of energy carried to the wall and proceeded to ricochet off the aforementioned wall. With the energy returning towards them, Flandre had already repositioned to her left side and released another burst of energy towards the nearby wall, reflecting more energy throughout the room. Retreating to the opposite wall, she continued her attack on the wall before firing an intermittent volley towards the domed ceiling as she drifted to the previous wall. She then repositioned near the center and repeated the attack's cycle.
The bizarre attack structure caught Reimu in a daze. Although the attack spanned the entirety of the spacious room, the fact that it relied on impacting the walls to redirect itself meant it filled the room with excessive reverberations. This made it exceedingly difficult for Reimu to maneuver through since her instincts would tell her to move even though nothing dangerous approached, or even into an approaching blast.
Additionally, the energy left trails of fragments as it carried across the room. These trails drifted slowly enough to be a hindrance in Reimu's retaliation. Upon closer inspection, the deflecting impacts also sent splinters to sail through the air, further hampering Reimu's senses. With futility amassed against her, Reimu employed her Fantasy Seal in an attempt to level the field.
With the counterattack approaching, Flandre shifted into her impervious state and awaited the bomb's failing before shifting back and resuming her spell. Reimu, momentarily stunned from Flandre's preparedness, barely evaded an incoming blast only to collide with a lingering orb. Having received her second hit in the course of the duel from this one spell, Reimu was pressed for a better course of action or face defeat.
Relying on her Evil Sealing Circle to clear her way from another enclosing barrage of energy, Reimu retreated as best she was able. Sifting through the chaotic clusters, fortune struck at her. By what could be mere coincidence, a small area she arrived at received less traffic from the re-angling attacks and Reimu saw fit to retaliate from that relatively safe location with great fervor.
With the long awaited spell break, Reimu found no respite as Flandre directed a short volley of energy directly towards Reimu. The attack itself wasn't entirely threatening, but Flandre intended to continue applying pressure to her foe. The short volley was repeated in hastened intervals and left Reimu in a bind to continually move in order to avoid its rapid approach. Responding to the increased pressure with attacks of her own, Reimu took the short declaration interval afterward to try to recollect her composure.
"Forbidden Barrage: Counter Clock!"
Several large waves began to propel themselves across the foyer as Reimu took sight of an intriguing spectacle. Two small spheres appeared and proceeded to project four large beams into a cross shape. These crosses then tumbled across the path of the scattering waves creating an intimidating array of lights. The passing waves meandered by the crosses as such that they appeared to be moving along together; like the gears of a clock.
Unfortunately, Reimu didn't have the time to be amused by the semantics of her enemy's attack; the sweeping array left little in the way for maneuverability, much less for attacking. Already feeling dazed from the brightly enclosed environment, Reimu could only drift helplessly in the sea of shifting waves as she unsuccessfully tried her tools against Counter Clock.
-
"Forbidden Barrage: Counter Clock!"
With the spell's manifestation, two orbs appeared nearby and reshaped themselves into crosses. I then directed a steady wave of magic to carry the crosses across the foyer. My wave reached low enough that she wouldn't be able to dive below it, and the crosses rose high enough that moving over them was improbable. As the attack stretched closer to my enemy, the area of safety would recede and smother its occupant.
Amazingly, the human didn't allow for my spell to overtake her. Instead of awaiting the enclosure's approach, she rushed forward and slipped by harm's way. Continuing off of her acrobatic endeavor, she tried to attack over my rising wave only to have her charms fall short of clearance.
Even if her attack wasn't successful, her abilities proved to be the greater. Although I tried to change my attacks' variances, she continually outmaneuvered my attempts and drew my spell out into its limit. With the flare from the spell break, I gathered my strength and pressed my attack.
"Secret Barrage: And Then Will There Be None?!"
Releasing my focus, I scattered my being into an impervious mist as I guided a small surge of magic forward. My responses to the human's movements were stiff as I was somewhat dazed by the rapid release of energy. As my concentration gradually restored itself, I released several more magical surges to clutter the foyer. The energy blasts scattered rippling trails as they sailed, but the human wasn't daunted. She continued to meander in a controlled fashion as my attacks whisked by her.
With the surges dimming away, I redirected my control over the magic that had collected around the room. Gathering and releasing the traces of magic, I managed to draw ripples of energy from the stagnant air and had them enclose upon my foe. The initial wave was turned aside by her Evil Sealing Circle since it caught her by surprise. Even so, the remainder of my spell proved to be ineffective in cornering her at all as she continued her free-form flying.
Disappointment and frustration consumed my thoughts as I felt my focus give way to dizziness. We were almost at the end, yet I felt as though we wouldn't stop at all. Something drove me forward as I felt myself fall back.
I could feel my thoughts circle around me, "There is still one more!" "Not yet!" "One more!"
I felt a strong urgency overtake me. There was still more that I could do; that I wanted to do. With my focus recollected again, I prepared myself for the finale. With the spell break as my trigger, I called out my final spell.
"Q.E.D.: Ripples of 495 Years!"
I let myself go. With the single rush from my declaration, my magic clouded the foyer in waves that barreled around in dramatic fashion. The clustering of energy blinded my sights as the fluctuating presence of magic swayed my attentiveness. There was more to the match than I could admit to, and I could only press myself on; expending my strength.
What was this nostalgia that beckoned from my mind? Why was this exhaustion comforting? Was there something that I was afraid of?
My thoughts went unanswered as the barrier collapsed around me. With a shrill cry and a blinding flash, the spell break signaled, and our game came to an end.
-
The storm's thunderous echo was not felt. Even as the quiet interlude passed, its presence went unnoticed. At the forefront of thought was the struggle of the game. The childish calamity had reached the pinnacle of chaos while the Hakurei Miko endeavored to surpass its awe. With the finale drawing ever closer, what will the conclusion hold for Gensokyo's future?
A calmed moment gathered as Flandre's spell came to an end. Feeling the fatigue from her long battle, Reimu quieted her aches with a hastened sigh, "Just one more."
Following the brief pause, Flandre made her final declaration.
"Q.E.D.: Ripples of 495 Years!"
The peace within the foyer disappeared as the magical pressure surged forth. From all around, ripples of energy tumbled across the arena as the echoing cries of the clashing pressure and energy overwhelmed Reimu's senses. The creeping wave of magic descended upon her as more took shape; each accompanied by the deafening roar of anguish that would rend all sanity from any unaccommodating minds.
Each approaching ripple enclosed upon its target with cluttering accuracy. Each advancing wave carried with it another surge of agonizing dread. With the accumulating stress from the prolonged fighting, Reimu struggled to keep calm. Her poise had long been tested, but never before had she felt such a reluctance to continue onward.
An unnatural sensation crept into her mind as the struggle to move continued. Bringing with it the sensations of disquieting solitude and restless initiatives, Reimu felt her usually positive perspective give way to an embitterment that sought nothing. It lingered and swirled, but found no satisfaction. It drove her forward only to pull her back. A sensation of indecisiveness flooded to her mind as she resisted its grasp.
Fighting away the overwhelming urge to scream, Reimu stumbled over her feet as she swayed between the waves of Flandre's attack. Drawing forth a spell card of her own, Reimu prepared to clear her mind of the many conflicting thoughts only to find her instincts had betrayed her. Her hands trembled slightly as she unveiled her card, allowing it to fly forward and out of her grasp. Surprised at her needless blunder, Reimu was caught in a bind from the encroaching energy.
No longer able to retaliate as she planned, Reimu shifted her weight in a daring maneuver to reclaim her initiative. Diving to her side, she rolled across in a loop and landed with a short hop. Narrowly avoiding the multitude of ripples that passed, she made a second attempt at a bomb, but found her focus cluttered once more by the surge of unstable thoughts. Resisting the cold shiver that crept upon her figure, Reimu clenched her gohei as she cleared her thoughts once more.
Unfortunately, the progressing magic of Flandre's Ripples of 495 Years was not so accommodating. In the momentary delay from Reimu's resilience, the bombardment crushed down upon her. With a silent flash, the magic subsided as Reimu's barrier wavered. With a faint sigh, Reimu loosened her stance as the rippling magic appeared once more.
With her spell card in hand, she awaited the for the somber thoughts to resurface as she took flight to outmaneuver the energy. Detecting the flow of alien thoughts grip upon her mind, she released her focus as she declared her attack.
"Dream Sign: Evil Sealing Circle!"
As the Circle flared into view, Reimu followed the swirling presence of the drifting thoughts. Waving her gohei overhead, she tried to sort out the different thoughts as they came to her. Without a clear conclusion to her investigation, Reimu dropped down and rushed through an opening forward. Stopping a short distance, she declared another spell card.
"Spirit Sign: Fantasy Seal!"
From underfoot, the dropped spell card activated, and released her accumulated spiritual energy. Waving her gohei overhead once more, Reimu allowed the energy to mix with the chaotic thoughts. The resulting outcry from the explosive Fantasy Seal went unheard by the youkai as Reimu alone was leveled to her knees.
From within the shifting sequence of thoughts came words of resentment: resentment about herself, about someone she didn't know, about the warm light of day, about the cold chill of night, about the endearing persistence of boredom, about the exhausting grasp of time, about everything, about nothing. In the short time afforded by the bomb, Reimu realized what it was she heard.
By its very nature, the attack was not meant to inflict confusion on its target. Instead, she heard it as a voice that could not speak aloud; words that were not allowed shape. With this particularity in mind, Reimu felt her instincts betray her once more. The struggle to move resurfaced in an entirely new direction. With the new insight to her enemy, Reimu felt herself confused in what she would do. Doubts that she normally would not consider emerged in her sights as she sorted through her thoughts.
With the momentary paused afforded by her hesitation, Reimu found herself overtaken by the persisting waves of rippling magic. The brilliant flash that ensued was followed by a sharp pang of a sound. In the dimming hue of the foyer lights, the world around them lost its integrity as it shattered and faded from view.
Resettling into the growing void was the faint light of the scarlet tinted walls. Reexamining her surroundings, Reimu found herself in the all-too-familiar foyer of the Scarlet Estate. With unsettling confusion in general, Reimu thought aloud, "Was that it?"
From the silence, a voice replied in kind, "Don't think that's all! There's still more!"
Following the announcement, Reimu glanced over to the voice's source. As she was wondering what was next, she noticed that Flandre had already raised her mangled metal rod overhead and proceeded to close the distance between them in two blinks of Reimu's eyes. Startled beyond comprehension, Reimu fell over as Flandre brought down her attack.
Had it not been for the fact that Reimu was already standing in a slump, she might not have avoided that sudden rush so well. With the stroke cutting short of her leg, Reimu leapt away in a hurried rush and recollected herself into a semblance of a defensive stance as she turned towards Flandre.
Taking several deep breathes, she then took notice of the abrupt inactivity of her foe. Already overwhelmed by confusion and exhausted from the ordeal, Reimu stated plainly her observation, "Hey, er, you don't look too good."
Growling lowly in reply, Flandre repositioned herself upright and glared at her opponent. Then, as suddenly as before, she startled her foe with an unexpected maneuver. She collapsed onto her bottom with a soft thud.
"Yeah," she remarked, with a soft whimper, "I'm so tired, I can't even shoot smoke."
With an awkward laugh, Reimu paced closer to where Flandre sat as she changed the flow of conversation, "Just so you know, I'll come over and play with you all you want."
At that remark, Flandre looked up; eyes wide with of shock. It felt puzzling and gratifying at once, but before she could exclaim her excitement, Reimu continued, "So please, please, don't come to my shrine."
Flabbergasted with jaw agape, Flandre protested, "But I wanted to visit you, with tea and cake, in thanks."
Stunned at the generosity, Reimu fought the twisting convulsion over the implication as she kindly insisted, "If you would, try to not bring your kind of food to a human's place."
"It's not too sweet, is it?" Flandre pondered, dejected over the rejection.
Calming her thinned patience, Reimu chided, "Even if it's sugar-free, don't bring it over. At any rate, good girls should go home quietly and get to sleep."
Hesitating with confusion, Flandre remarked, "But I am home..."
"Then you don't need to go home," Reimu commented, "How fitting for a bad girl. Now if you'll excuse me, I must be going. I have to get another bad girl I left at my shrine."
"Who do you mean, 'bad girl'?" the addled and depressed Flandre asked.
With a pout, Reimu explained, "You and your sister!"
-
From the darkness, a soft pang clattered through my ears; its presence soft, yet unsettling. Caught in a hypnotic daze, my mind wanders lost within the mysterious echoing. In the harmonic dissonance from the uneven noise, I recalled what it was that I was hearing.
This sound, is it rain?
No, not just any rain. My eyes open to the darkened sky as I was entreated to an unsettling sight.
Home... from before...
The dim haze of night was being pierced by the open flames of torchlight and my sight wandered closer to the foggy shapes. The soft echoes grew louder as a cold shiver enveloped my body. Tightening my grasp, I shook away the panic that tremble over my thoughts.
"Is something amiss?" a gentle voice called.
Still trembling faintly, I felt the hazy dream dissipate from around me as the figure before me returned into focus.
Ma... m?re...
"Madame?"
With a faint stare, the stupor lifted from my eyes as the silhouette faded into a different shape. With an uneven breath, I tried to identify the new shape before me, "Sa.. ku-ya?"
"Are you not well, Madame?" she asked while glancing at me with great concern.
My drifting attention took notice of my state: I was being carried by Sakuya. With that thought in focus, I recalled what I had previously asked of her. After she had spoken with my sister, she was to find me at the Hakurei Shrine and bring me back home. As my scattered thoughts sorted themselves, I turned my attention elsewhere.
With my eyes closed and my head resting upon her shoulder, I asked, "How far are we?"
"We have only just passed the outer gates, Madame," Sakuya informed, "As you have requested, I have not altered our course, and we will arrive at the main entrance shortly."
"Hm," I halfheartedly replied.
The afternoon lethargy still grasped at me as I tried to tighten my hold across Sakuya's form. My mind slipped back into the terror that was the memories of my past.
From before I could recall, I had always been seen as a cursed child. It was true since no matter whom it may have been, everyone I encountered had misfortune befall them. When my own parents fell victim to tragedy, I was left alone to dread the inevitable: I would soon join them. Truthfully, it was what I had longed for the moment I realized it would happen.
What I was most afraid of was to be left alone, and when that moment came, I was foolish enough to step forward into the sight of certain doom. My parents lay dead as the building I would later call home was set ablaze. In the open sky, heavy rain scattered before me as the droplets cut across my skin and stole my strength. I was driven by loathing and despair, ready to embrace my end, when I heard a cry. At that moment, I recalled something important: my sister.
Her faint cries beckoned to me from a distance away, and I felt a tremor of emotions: she and I were all that we had left of our family. Even if it was painful for me, it would be worse yet for her if she were alone. I understood that I couldn't simply abandon her.
Then, in a flash, I sensed a change nearby and the spell lifted from my eyes. As the distilled images that enveloped my mind faded, I slowly reawakened from my rest.
"Madame, we've arrived," Sakuya announced.
I held fast to my embrace as my mind returned to the matter at hand. The comfort left me with a sigh when I released my embrace and headed onward.
As I approached the doors, Sakuya appeared at my side and stated, "No matter the past, our futures are yours to decide."
Following a momentary pause, our expressions were synchronized with smiles.
"And that's because," I remarked while unfurling my wings, "I am the Scarlet Devil."
I was no longer the child of my past. I have changed; grown. I am not a mere fledgling, but the master of my domain.
Content with my restored confidence, Sakuya opened the door for my entrance. Approaching calmly, I took sight of the battle's ceremonious end. Awaiting patiently, I was treated with a humorous spectacle as my guest and my sister continued to exchange some idle banter.
Taking ear of my mention, I interjected, "And that makes you a good girl?"
"Sister!" Flandre exclaimed as the two finally took notice of my presence.
"My little sister," I called, "It seems you've already meet the Hakurei Miko."
Hesitantly, Flandre confirmed, "Yes, I have, Sister."
Casually, I continued to ask, "Did the two of you have fun together?"
With another hesitant, yet eager, expression, my sister confirmed, "Yes, we did, Sister."
With a light chuckle, I smiled gently as I remarked, "That's good to hear."
I reached forward to caress my sister's face, but was interrupted when Reimu callously informed, "Since we're done here, I'll be heading back."
"Yes, of course, and thank you for your time," I replied as the miko sighed loudly before exiting. Turning my attention back to my sister, I commented, "Perhaps you should get some rest as well, dear Flandre."
At that suggestion, Sakuya knelt by Flandre's side and offered, "If I may be so direct, shall I carry you to your quarters, Mademoiselle?"
Receiving her quiet consent, Sakuya held Flandre in a cradling embrace and headed towards the Northern Hall. Calling at their departure, I wished to her, "Sleep well, my dearest sister."
With a faint smile, Flandre whispered back as she always had, "Dream well, my only sister."
"Quite the touching moment," came a comment from behind me after Sakuya had passed beyond the doorway.
"Indeed," I replied as I turned to face my commentator, "But I thought you already left."
With a concerned expression, Reimu asked, "That sister of yours, you know she's-"
"Lonely," I interrupted, "All she really needs is someone to play with."
With a soft sigh, she turned and proceeded towards the entryway once again. After her departure, I was left to dwell on my thoughts.
"I, who have lost so much, and my sister, who never had much to lose; for so long, we only had each other, but that won't be for much longer," I mused loudly before I turned around, "Will it, Pachi?"
"Keeping us ever busy, Remi?" emerging from behind the Northern Hall's doorway, Patchouli grumbled, "Hm, this really will take more than a week."
-
Within the tranquil view of the setting sun, a moment of reflection carried for the residents of the Scarlet Devil's mansion. What was nothing short of a wrecking zone mere hours ago was now a peaceful coven of maidly figures frolicking through the halls. It was the eve that followed destruction's reign, and the collective sighs of relief was felt, heard, and shared by all within the home.
"What are you talking about?" the young master inquired, "That's ridiculous, even for you. Are you trying to embarrass yourself?"
"Even if I was, whose shame would I suffer?" her quiet companion retorted, "Yours? Sakuya's? Mine?"
Together on the front balcony, the two shared a moment of discussion towards the day's passing events. With a displeased frown, the young master called to her companion, "It would be your shame for my indignation. Now, explain your accusation, Pachi."
"Very well, then," the quiet companion acknowledged. Finishing another sip of her tea, she turned her firm gaze to her master as she explained her logic, "Although the entire incident was well planned, there still remains a particularity that was overlooked."
"Get with it already," her master complained.
"At the time, I could only speculate as to why, but the biggest problem comes from Sakuya's own preparedness in the face of my queries," the quiet companion explained, and after an unsteady glance was passed towards the maid in question, she interrogated her, "Sakuya, would you care to explain from where it was that you learned so much of our dearest Flandre?"
Without a moment of thought, Sakuya replied, "That would be from Mademoiselle herself, Patchouli."
"Quite agreeable, except Flandre couldn't have told you that much about herself. So, Sakuya, from where did you learn so much of our lovely Flandre, again?"
The stalwart maid simply shook her head. Unflinching from her smiling presence, Sakuya retorted, "Mademoiselle is far more understanding than you realize."
With a startling bit of laughter, Patchouli grinned faintly as she pressed her point, "I'm well aware of how much understanding Flandre has. The problem would be in that she wouldn't speak to anyone about those types of things. Even if she shared some of that knowledge with you, you still couldn't possibly know as much as you do. What do you have to say for yourself now?"
With her unchanging expression, Sakuya responded with a mere, "I wouldn't know."
"Now, now Pachi," the impatient master interrupted, "Even if you pin Sakuya's guilt, that doesn't begin to confer any precedence with your accusation. How am I the culprit to this incident?"
A confident smirk appeared as Patchouli argued, "But that is just the thing Sakuya's guilt will convey. Whom else but a small list would know of those particular details? Meiling, you, and I. Among the three, it most definitely wasn't Meiling. Had it have been I, we wouldn't be discussing things like this. Therefore, Sakuya could only have learned about Flandre from you."
"That still doesn't pin me as the guilty," the master retorted, unamused by the details.
"But Remi, it does," the companion decreed, "There is only one reason Sakuya would even dare to speak to Flandre so openly, and that's because of you."
"I guess I can't hide anything from you, Pachi," the young master admitted.
"So how was it, your plan?" Patchouli inquired, curious as to what results were achieved.
"Boring," Remilia replied, "I fell asleep and it was over."
With a light chuckle and slight nod, Patchouli mused, "Sounds about right."
Furrowing her brow, Remilia sneered, "And what's that mean?"
Patchouli shook her head and shrugged her shoulders as she remarked, "In the end, that's all we really can do."
Remilia bit her lip slightly when she turned away; dismayed by the truthfulness of her friend's words. Those whom worried most could do the least to help. Sighing loudly, she gazed upward to the waning moon.
"Instead of moping, why not let me help you with this one," Patchouli suggested.
With a defeated sigh, Remilia turned her attention towards her friend. She took immediate notice of the confidence that poured from her smirk and dismissed Sakuya from the balcony. Holding her hands together with quiet anticipation, she listened intently to what her friend had to say.
Patchouli drew closer as she conveyed her advice, "First, we must find the right one..."
-
In the passing tide of noon, there was a gentle breeze that sailed the clouds overhead. Under the drifting shade, the typical tranquility was ever present in Gensokyo. But even as the chaotic memories of the past week released its grip, they would not disappear entirely. The Hakurei Miko, with nothing to do, enjoyed her tea while filled with foreboding insecurity: something was amiss.
"Reimu!" a voice called from an approaching figure.
Focusing her sights to the new figure, Reimu casually replied, "What is it, Marisa?"
"What's with the dead gaze?" Marisa immediately pointed out, "You not well, or something?"
With a soft sigh, Reimu raised her teacup to her lips as she mumbled, "Sure, that works."
"Well, sitting around won't help you get better," Marisa complained, "How about-"
"I'll pass," Reimu interrupted.
The ominous sensation weighed heavily on her mind, and being with Marisa wouldn't cure the problem. Preoccupied as she was, she didn't pay any mind to Marisa displeasure. With an amassing headache, Reimu shook her head slightly.
Turning her sights to her friend, she insisted, "Just give it time; I'll be fine."
"Yeah, whatever," Marisa sneered, "I've got better things to do than catch you germs. Later."
Bolting away without a moment's delay, Marisa disappeared into the sky and left Reimu with her thoughts. With an uneven sigh, Reimu mumbled her grief, "What's wrong with today?"
"That's quite the question," a new voice commented, "Since most would call this a good day."
Startled from her thoughts, Reimu almost dropped her cup. Coughing slightly as she regained her composure, she jeered back, "Now I know it can't be a good day if you're here."
With a smile of amusement, her visitor inquired, "What a hurtful thing to say. Am I really such a troublesome sight?"
"You are," Reimu plainly answered. After another sip of her tea, she continued with her typical hospitality, "Did your master need something, bookworm?"
"Quite the contrary, I'm here for my own business," the magical librarian plainly stated. After receiving a glare of doubt, she continued, "May I have a seat?"
Having been confronted with a polite request, Reimu was lost for a reply. Normally, her guests simply did as they pleased, and offered little necessity for the formalities of etiquette. Shaking off the muddled hesitation, she directed her visitor to an open space on the veranda. With a slight nod of confirmation, the unusual guest approached her seat.
Patchouli Knowledge; the pale skinned magician was a close friend of the Scarlet Devil. She spent most of her time in the dusty library that was within the Devil's home. It was even a point of humor how she rarely ever left, and for her to personally visit the shrine, was a glaringly suspicious act in Reimu's eyes. Additionally, that she would leave on her own business as opposed to her master's; Reimu knew that something was being planned. The question of what remained unclear.
With the awkwardness that enveloped the shrine, Patchouli spoke openly, "I don't doubt that my motives are under high suspicion, but I mean you no harm." Receiving a scoff for a reply, she continued her speech, "After I heard of what happened, I wanted to thank you in person."
"A week after the fact?" Reimu's thoughts screamed, "What kind of scam is this supposed to be?"
As Reimu stared dumbly, Patchouli smiled slightly, "It must seem silly, that a youkai would thank you, but I'm truly appreciative." Patchouli paused to gesture a bow before she resumed her remarks, "What you managed to do for both Flandre and Remilia is something I will never be able to achieve. I know it isn't much, but if-"
Confused by the seriousness of the conversation, Reimu interrupted, "Wait, I didn't do anything to be thanked for. I was just doing my job."
Patchouli nodded once and reiterated, "And that is precisely what I was thanking you for." To Reimu's growing confusion, Patchouli continued her rant, "It may not have been particular or special, but it was definite. What you did, it remains as something you did and something they won't forget. It bears greater meaning than you might admit to. So if you would, please, accept my thanks."
With a humbled perspective, Reimu felt out of place being embarrassed by her unknown accomplishments. Mustering a reply, she assented, "Well then, you're welcome."
Smiling softly at the giddy Reimu, Patchouli concluded her business, "And so, my gift to you: an invitation to the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
Immediately, Reimu was struck with the foreboding that she had sensed some time ago as her thoughts echoed, "I should have known!"
With the conversation moving expectantly, Patchouli commented, "Incidentally, Remilia wants to thank you personally as well."
"So you are here on her orders," Reimu chided.
"As I said, I'm here for myself," Patchouli reiterated, "If it were on her orders, it would be Sakuya visiting you instead."
Fighting off the grievance to her truthfulness, Reimu mused, "So, what if I decline the invitation?"
With a slight nod, Patchouli replied, "If you will not come to us, we will go to you. Both Remilia and-"
"Hold that thought," Reimu interrupted. She could anticipate the rest of the remark and preferred not to hear it. With a sigh of defeat, she asked, "When should I be going?"
"Right now," Patchouli plainly stated, "I'm your escort."
"Oh, joy..." Reimu grumbled as her thoughts declared, "Why can't I be wrong for once!?"
-
"Arg! Why can't I get this right?!"
My frustrations piled and clouded my concentration. I was at the limits of my talents, and felt the heavy burden of inferiority shackle me from my energetic self. As persistent as I usually am, I simply couldn't handle the stress. I needed a break.
It's been a week since the stationary rain hung around the vampire's place, or rather, vampires' place. Imagine my surprise to hear there were really two of them all along. To cap off the shock, turns out the one I met was the older and weaker of the two. It makes one wonder "Just how much stronger is the younger one," but that isn't what I'm hung up on.
During the incident, I took it upon myself to test out a new potion of mine. The efficacy was greater than any before it and I was feeling quite proud of myself. However, little more than a day later, that dreary librarian concocts a remedy specifically for it, and I ended up outdone.
Even without my new potion to employ on my endeavors, I can still manage to capture a few books, but that's beside the point. My pride and skill had been challenged by her, and I wasn't going to back away! Even so, I still couldn't manage to one-up that remedy. Maybe I'd been thinking too hard on the problem and couldn't see the answer, but whatever the reason, I needed a break.
Being upset wouldn't make things easier, if anything, it was holding me back. On such days, the simple answer would be to go and spend some time with Reimu. It might not have been much for a solution, but it was the most reliable one I had. She's my friend, and that's what friends were for. Right? Carrying on in my typical habit, I flew over to the shrine for a visit of my good friend.
I'm not sure why, but something about her just helps me to calm myself. Maybe it's being away from the forest, maybe it's the aroma of the tea, maybe it's being with another person my own age; whatever the reason, I always looked forward to visiting Reimu, and today wasn't an exception. Although it ended very exceptionally.
Approaching my destination, I called out, "Reimu!"
Having drawn her attention, Reimu looked over to me and asked, "What is it, Marisa?"
Although it was normal for her to be a bit negative with her reception, she seemed more far gone than usual. Confused as I was, I asked her directly, "What's with the dead gaze? You not well, or something?"
With a grumble under her sigh, Reimu sipped her teacup and didn't bother with an answer. I was ignored and that was very aggravating. Already in a crossed mood, I continued the conversation on my own, "Well, sitting around won't help you get better. How about-"
"I'll pass," Reimu interrupted.
Suddenly cut from my thoughts, I chided, "You didn't even let me finish!"
With the pause that filled in afterward, I started to feel a bit concerned. Shuffling around my doubts, I spoke my concerns, "If you're really not well, then maybe you should go inside for a bit."
Again, silence, and I felt my grief fill my head. Unable to restrain my discontentment, I demanded, "So you're just going to ignore me, is that it!? I'm not so useless that I can't help out! I can-"
Shaking her head to stop my rant, she simply said, "Just give it time; I'll be fine."
It was the ultimate rejection. To be turned away by a "friend" during her time of need rather than being asked for assistance. I was already upset and now this? It was more than I could take.
"Yeah, whatever," I sneered, "I've got better things to do than catch you germs. Later."
Turning away, I didn't wait for a reply. I just left, and in my dismay, I pondered, "What now?"
Without a solution in sight, I grumbled, "Guess I'll go there..."
There weren't too many places in Gensokyo that I'd really frequent so my choices were already limited. Since that place had been on my mind for some time now, it was actually the place that I wanted to go to: the library in the mansion. Although it was one of the places I most wanted to visit, it was also the one place that I was least likely to want to visit with my current mood.
Apart from it being abundantly accommodating, the resources were redundantly convenient. Shelves stacked with numerous volumes of any, and possibly every, subject I would ever need. Magics and alchemy on levels I could only imagine existed with materials and formulas for creations that I never realized possible; such things could be found in the books there. There wasn't a topic I couldn't find a book for when I went, and that was the exact reason I wanted to go.
At the same time, she was there as well: Patchouli Knowledge. Being the resident librarian, she was constantly in the library, and as things stood, I just didn't feel up to another encounter just yet. She was far more impressive than I cared to admit, being reputed for having written all of the books that populate that library. Although the texts were all very beneficial to my magical development, I realized that I was merely growing off of her talents and not my own.
It was part of the reason I haven't really studied the new books I've collected, and even now, all I managed to do was deepen the rift between us. It was on a fleeting whim, but I continued my approach to that place; if only to spite her grandiose collection. I wasn't feeling very pleasant at all.
Since their "barrier" was still completely ineffective, I could enter through the back entrance. From there, it was a dead approach through the southern corridor. After I got into the library, I would get what I needed and be on my way back out. As I wasn't in a lingering mood, I wanted to get in and out quickly.
That was what I had planned to do, at least.
-
In the receding tide of the energetic day, one can begin to feel the accomplishments of time. How far one has progressed, how much farther one has yet to go, how much harder the following day may be. As I take notice of my steady progress, I am stunned at how little I have changed. Renewing my resolve at each passing day, I looked forward to the achievement of tomorrow.
How is it, then, that I have become Mademoiselle Flandre's companion for the day?
The only reason this task was given to me was, "Flandre doesn't want to impose onto those that are already her sister's. As it so happens to be, you are the only one here that qualifies to that one condition."
Without a say of any sort one way or another, I was seated in the Professor's library across from the honored guest, Madame's younger sister Flandre Scarlet.
The stagnant air strangled my mind as I smiled uncomfortably and asked myself, "What am I supposed to be doing?"
"May I offer you some snacks?" came a voice that saved the atmosphere from its ailing state.
"Is it snack time already, Sakuya?" Mademoiselle asked.
"No, it's just before lunchtime," Sakuya calmly replied, "But I thought you might like some snacks now. Am I mistaken, Mademoiselle?"
"Ah, it's fine by me," Mademoiselle casually stated, "How about you, Other One?"
With a light smile, I assented to the suggestion and then gleamed at the surprisingly large platter of cookies that Sakuya placed upon the table. A variety of six different flavors were present and briefly introduced to the receptive guest.
"There's a lot, isn't there?" Mademoiselle appraised.
"I don't think we can finish this all," I complained as I shifted my glance between Mademoiselle and Sakuya.
"There is no need to worry. The remainders will be offered to the maids as fitting," the ever smiling maid explained.
"Well, if that's the case, we should save some for them, right?" Mademoiselle asked as she pondered over the quantity of the pile.
Shaking her head in disagreement, Sakuya argued, "That will not be necessary; too many might spoil the maids."
"Then, we'll just have our fill," Mademoiselle calmly announced, "Which ones do you like, Other One?"
With little consideration, I responded, "I don't have one."
"Even though there are so many?" she persisted.
With the situation pressed against me, I laughed lightly as I truthfully replied, "They taste the same to me so I don't really like one any more than the other."
"How can they taste the same when they clearly taste so different?" Mademoiselle demanded.
"They taste the same to me because I can't taste them," I explained, "Although I've read about all the different flavors and masterful creations, I can only feel the textures and never the true taste of the meal."
Realizing only too late what effect my words had, I was shocked by what Mademoiselle said, "Then I won't have any either. It wouldn't be fair."
"That isn't necessary, Mademoiselle," I remarked, but failed to conjure a reason when encountered with Mademoiselle's pouting glare.
Sensing my struggle, Sakuya calmly resolved the situation with a simple explanation, "Even if we can't enjoy your favorite foods, we can take joy if we can watch you enjoy them."
Fending off Mademoiselle's doubtful stare, I added, "When I'm with someone that's enjoying their food, I feel as though I can taste what their eating as well."
Shifting her eyes between the two of us, Mademoiselle declared with a subdued roar, "Then, I'll enjoy enough for all of us!"
Confused by her announcement, I was stunned when she proceeded to shovel handfuls of cookies into her mouth. With my terror filled instincts taking hold, I tried to stop her before she ultimately chocked on the mouthful of partially chewed cookies, "You shouldn't eat so quickly!"
"A-i h-a?" Mademoiselle sputtered while glaring dauntingly at me.
Though asked directly for an explanation, I couldn't formulate one. I was overtaken by the sight of Mademoiselle's crumb covered cheeks that puffed out as her two hands, overburdened with more cookies seemingly on the ready to be thrown rather than eaten, floated nearby. As I struggled internally to keep from exploding with laughter, it was Sakuya that came to my rescue.
Wiping away the mounds of crumbs from Mademoiselle's face, Sakuya calmly asserted, "You shouldn't eat so quickly because if you do, we can't share in your enjoyment."
"We-i?" Mademoiselle quietly asked with her cheeks still stuffed.
Containing myself to a simple smile, I tried to literate, "It's in the way you eat that we can take pleasure in. If you eat so quickly, it feels like you're forcing yourself to eat, and that feels painful for us."
Receiving a nod of confirmation from Sakuya, Mademoiselle and I were able to take our time in enjoying several more of the cookies until a sudden shift in mood occurred.
"This isn't right! I have to talk to Sister."
With a short hop, Mademoiselle was out of her chair and passing through the doors. As Sakuya and I looked blankly about the scene, the severity of the situation dawned upon me as I chased after Mademoiselle.
-
No sooner had it happened, did it end. In the void from thought the ensued, I wasn't concerned with what went wrong, nor why. My mind was wrapped around one fragile detail: these cookies suck.
After I realized the very real danger of what Mademoiselle meant, I panicked. Should I pursue her? Wouldn't that be improper? Should I asked directly what was wrong so I could correct it? What should I do?!
As my feet carried me after her, I was caught at a loss over how quickly she moved. When I reached the doors, Mademoiselle was no longer in sight. Left to wonder over what to do next, I shifted around the halls in hope of encountering her. With what little luck I had, I found her on my first try. Unfortunately, I ended up directly in front of her, causing both of us to jump back from shock.
With Mademoiselle before me, I lost my composure and tried to piece together some conversation, "Um-"
"It was you!?" she declared.
"Me?" I thought, "What did I do?"
"That hurt, you know!" she continued to my confusion.
Taking notice of her posture, I stepped back and bowed as I apologized, "I'm so sorry, Mademoiselle. I didn't mean to hurt you." Raising my vision to check her expression, I continued, "Is your head feeling better?"
Turning her eyes away, Mademoiselle responded, "Well, i-"
"Mademoiselle, please enter!" interrupted a voice from overhead.
Startled by the interruption, Mademoiselle murmured, "Ah, I shouldn't keep Sister waiting on me..."
Even though she said so. It was very evident that she wasn't going to be going anywhere. Her anxiety must have been overwhelming if she was frozen stiff. Feeling her depression spill into my head, I shook away my fears as I nudged her forward. Uncertain of whether I was overstepping my boundaries, I was startled when Mademoiselle turned and said, "Let's go."
I don't know if "idiotic stupor" or "terrorized panic" would better describe my expression since I was feeling both quite strongly. Despite that, we both pressed on and entered the Dining Hall where Madame awaited.
The accumulating pressure that choked the surrounding space which blurred my sight, the reverberations of each heartbeat that poured across my chest and fueled my anxiety, the majesty that commanded my to genuflect at her feet, such was Madame's overwhelming presence.
I tried hard to contain my childish whimpers from the crippling fear. Drooping my shoulders down and relaxing my arms into a passive state, I felt my rationale fitter incoherently as I doubted my choice to chase after Mademoiselle. Then, with a sting of shock, I felt a warmth grasp at my hand. With a stifled shiver, I looked closer to see that it was Mademoiselle that was holding my forearm.
"What's wrong?" I reflexively whispered. Receiving silence in reply, I tried to solidify her resolve. With confidence I was unaware of, I assured her, "That's right, there's nothing wrong."
Locking eyes with her that's-not-funny glare, I continued my speech, "You're here to talk to you sister, and there's nothing wrong with that. Right?"
Having broken her death glare, I felt her grip tighten around my arm. Leaning closer, I pressed her along, "Go on. You don't want to keep her waiting, right?"
Slowly, Mademoiselle released her hands from my arm and inched forward. As thoughts of "Where did I hear that all from before?" filled my attention, I snapped back to reality when Madame's booming voice called, "That will be all."
In the momentary gap of my shifting attention, I heard Mademoiselle's retreating footsteps clatter away at a hastened pace. With the disbelief that filled my head, I was compelled by some alien force to speak my mind only to have Professor appear behind me and say, "Flandre's waiting for you so you shouldn't keep her waiting."
With the confusion of a millennium rolled into a second's time, I excused myself and shifted into the library. There, Mademoiselle was seated at the table in front of the platter of cookies. Taking notice of my arrival, she stood up and complained with a pout, "You're late!"
"Late for what?" I shyly asked, feeling lost in all my confusion.
With a wide grin, Mademoiselle loudly replied, "For something fun!"
-
From the peaceful tide of midday, a new concern appeared. The Hakurei Miko received an invitation to the home of two recent incidents: the Scarlet Devil's mansion. Feeling heavy burdens throughout the morning, she arrived while wondering about the looming dangers to threaten Gensokyo: the next incident that would take place there.
After Reimu climbed the central stairwell in the center of the foyer, she followed her escort's instruction and waited by the southern doors. Before her stood two exquisite doors that featured an intricate arabesque design. With roaming eyes, she gazed across the foyer and passed short glances at the tapestry over the stairs and the banister guiding the path.
Flawed but still majestic, the tapestry showed several shades of fading colors as the materials bled across one another. Emblazoned with symbols and shapes that could barely be recognized, it hung from the wall for whatever assembly gathered therein to be able to marvel at it.
Likewise, the banister was showing its age. Along the edge of the upper floor, the polished railing was covered with imperfections. Splintered edges, charred paint, and newly replaced supports were littered throughout the view as the memory of the recent battle returned to Reimu's mind.
Shaking away the displeasure, she was startled as a body burst out from the doors. Turning her attention to the sudden distraction, she recognized the retreating shape to be Flandre, the younger Scarlet. The blurred mass hopped along the steps at an impressive rate, and as her eyes followed after, she heard a voice behind her from the other side of the now-open doors.
Adjusting her sights past the doors, she caught sight of a blacked cloud fade away from view. As Reimu wondered about the cloud, she had her attention broken by a loud coughing sound. Patchouli intended to announce her arrival, but was waiting for Reimu to enter as well. Finally remembering that final piece to her instructions, Reimu hurriedly made her way through the doors.
With the guest's entry, Patchouli cleared her throat as she continued with her task, "Presenting, Hakurei Reimu of the Hakurei Shrine."
"Welcome, dear Reimu!" Remilia greeted as she rose from her seat, "I trust the journey here wasn't too bothersome."
"No trouble at all," Reimu courtly replied as she gestured a bow to her hostess, "And thank you for the warm welcome. It's an honor to be invited; even on such short notice.
"But enough of that! Come! Have a seat! There is much I would like to speak with you about!" Remilia urged as she gestured her hand to a nearby seat with a cup of tea already set in place.
Reimu felt resistant at the suggestion and hesitated. The sensation was akin to awkwardness as she had twice intruded upon the home as a force of opposition. Now, as a formally invited guest, she felt unprepared for the reception.
The feeling of reluctance increased with the grand scene that stood before her. Although its spacious abundance was left largely empty, there was an eloquent majesty about it that was more overbearing to her than it should have been. As her wandering attention returned to her hostess, Reimu realized the rudeness in her delay and proceeded to respond only to stop with another realization: they were alone.
In the short moment that passed between the reception and Reimu's fluttered reaction, Patchouli and Sakuya had received Remilia's dismissal. With expert execution, both servants exited from the Grand Dining Hall without drawing notice from Reimu. Addled beyond comprehension, Reimu slowly made her way to the tremendous table to take the seat offered by her hostess.
The awkward air hung around them as Reimu smiled uncomfortably. With things as they were, she felt that being tactful was an insignificant concern. Expelling her hesitation with a sigh, she asked, "So, what did you need to speak with me about?"
"As you may already know, part of the reason I invited you was to express my gratitude," Remilia replied, "There has been such a change in my sister, and I am gladdened to know things will be better; all thanks to you."
"You may say that, but I didn't really do anything," Reimu complained, still confused about the youkai's ramblings.
Bearing a small frown, Remilia complained, "And that's the most infuriating part! Try as I have, time and again, there has been no progress or change. Then you come along, do nothing, and now, she's like a whole new person; it makes no sense!"
Reimu's smile concealed her discontentment from the remark. "Actually, there was a lot of hard work involved," she wanted to mention, but was beaten to the chance.
"There's no point in discrediting yourself," Remilia stated in a pleasantly subdued tone, "Whatever was done was thanks solely to you."
Briefly glancing down to her teacup, Remilia corrected her posture and rose from her seat. Passing the distance between herself and her guest with simple strides, she smiled radiantly as she conveyed herself purposefully.
Gesturing a curtsy, she courtly declared, "Thank you, Reimu, for being you."
Taking humor in the 'serious' display, Reimu failed to contain her giggles as she mused, "It's what I do best."
With the deathly stagnant atmosphere lifted from the room, Remilia returned to her seat. It was her intention to express gratitude to her guest; not smother her with formalities. Sharing a smile in the lightened mood, she received a sudden change.
"What else did you need, then?" Reimu asked, a serious tone in her voice and a stern gaze from her eyes.
"The remainder will be made apparent shortly," Remilia informed while taking a sip of her tea.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Reimu demanded.
With a teasingly auspicious glare, Remilia replied, "It hasn't happened, yet."
Racing to the door, Reimu was stopped when she heard, "That won't be necessary."
Turning with a stern glare, she demanded, "What's you're aim?"
"You'll understand," Remilia mused still gazing at her teacup, "Right... about... now."
As if on cue, a tremendous tremor shook at the foundation of the home. Reimu stumbled as the quake seemed to carry into the air as well. She couldn't idle away when the culprit was still nearby, could she? Resolved to hunt down the cause, she resumed her approach to the exit when more interruptions appeared. From the doorway, Patchouli appeared and smiled suspiciously at the exiting guest.
"What is your report?" echoed Remilia's voice which caused Reimu to hesitate.
"The entire rear entryway is collapsed. Portions of the kitchen and lower dining hall are ruined. The central stairwell is beyond salvageable," Patchouli announced to Reimu's horror, "All within acceptable values."
"What!?" the flabbergasted miko exclaimed, "What crazy plan have you been scheming?!"
With a growing smirk, the savant replied, "Your answer will be along shortly."
Left in more confusion, Reimu's thoughts were interrupted by a suggestion, "Come! Take your seat! The show has only begun!"
Resentment grew within Reimu's mind as her thoughts demanded, "What have I gotten myself into?"
-
"Guess I'll go there..."
My target was spiteful vengeance! It was thanks to her that I haven't been able to sleep well for the past few days, and that my work has been making no progress. It was going to be a glorious moment of triumph for me when I repossess some new texts from her library. It was the single reason for my heated approach, my crusade to achieve success.
"I will tolerate none to hinder my path!"
I guess I was feeling a bit hotheaded, but that didn't change much of my reasoning, nor my judgment. I knew full well the dangers of that place and was fully intent on continuing with my plans. I haven't hesitated before, and now won't be any different.
Closing in on my target, I circled around to the back and dove in to an unassuming altitude. I skipped with the touchdown and cast my magic to open the door. With one obstacle down, I rushed through the next set of swinging doors.
To my unfortunate horror, there was someone in my flightpath and I was tossed a distance across the carpeting. Preparing my magic to silence the speed bump, my voice gave out when I realized whom I hit.
Odd wings that were adorn with crystals, long blond hair to one side, red outfit that barely fit her, overwhelming aura that demanded death; it was the other Scarlet vampire, the younger sister.
My body reacted before my head as I lunged forward and took hold of my broom then propelled myself overhead. Away from her scanning gaze, I landed silently on the other side of the large stairwell that centered the room.
Barely able to breathe, I felt my body quiver as she cried out, "Who? Who hit me?! WHO!?"
As the regrets started to form in the corner of my mind, I returned to attentiveness as I heard someone else speak.
"Mademoiselle, are you alright?" asked a voice very similar to that one maid.
Responding to the question, the vampire demanded, "Sakuya, was it you?"
"I heard you calling for something, but I'm uncertain as to what you needed," Sakuya explained to defend herself, "May I be of assistance somehow?"
"Um, I was gonna go talk to Sister, but then my head started hurting and i-nn"
"Ah, then allow me this intrusion," the maid suggested, "A trick to cure your pain."
I couldn't hear what they did, but I knew it was over when Sakuya asked, "Are you feeling better? Good. Then, shall I go and announce your arrival to Madame?"
There was a break from the following silence as I heard footsteps climb up the central stairs. My chance to charge was stalled as I noticed light steps from the other side of the stairwell, someone was still there. Inching along the opposite rail, the footfalls were uneven and disorganized. If it really was one person, then it was as if that person was shuffling to and fro indecisively. Wanting to go, but rejecting the chance, the distance began to increase back and decrease forth until there was a sudden yip and clatter.
"Um-" "It was you!?" called two voices.
"That hurt, you know!" complained the vampire.
"I'm so sorry, Mademoiselle. I didn't mean to hurt you," responded the newcomer, "Is your head feeling better?"
The first voice was interrupted from her reply as "Mademoiselle, please enter!" echoed from overhead.
Without a moment's delay, one of the two murmured, "Ah, I shouldn't keep Sister waiting on me..."
Following a short pause, she proceeded to command the other with a "Let's go!" and they proceeded up the staircase; affording me an opportunity to slip by.
As I rushed along, I contemplated what I encountered. It was unusual and conversely unexpected. I faced more dangerous odds than that and not quivered, but to feel the chilling shakes of fear and to cave under its urges to hide from a single glance, it boggled my mind. It wasn't from her power, it couldn't be from her physical shape, she wasn't holding anything particularly special, and she was alone; so what was I reacting to? Unable to find an answer, I arrived at the destination and resumed with my scheme.
After a brief moment of repossession, I had a modest collection of books in tow when I heard a voice call out, "You're late!"
Taking the voice as my cue to exit, I secured the luggage and made my way to the ceiling so I could avoid wandering eyes. As I got closer, I managed to identify the ones present: the younger sister and the clumsy assistant. Keeping myself out of their view, I hovered ever closer to the door when I heard, "There's something here!"
With a jolt, the baggage collapsed and spilled its contents downward as the vampire continued her rambling, "And the winner is the one that--"
Buried under a piled of magical texts, she was stopped mid-statement as attention was drawn to me. Reacting immediately, I declared a bomb and disabled the red-haired pest before the situation could become more complicated. Throwing the loose sac over my back, I raced away with what little I could lay claim to.
"Careless," I grumbled, "How could I be so careless?"
Rounding the last doors to the exit, I encountered another obstacle: the maid.
"Careless, indeed," she parroted as the rear entryway was filled with razor sharp knives.
I didn't get the chance to blink before a voice roared from behind me, "Taboo: L?vateinn!"
Caught in a cross of metal and magic without a chance to react, I felt my body be thrown off of my broom and into a wall. With a heavy quake, the blast cut through and exposed us to a faint ray of sun. My head was still spinning as I tried to collect my composure and loot.
"I'm seeing things right?" my thoughts asked as I looked at the books, or rather, the lack of books.
There were a few bindings and several loose pages, but the collective as a book was nonexistent. "Aren't they protected by magic?" my thoughts continued.
Lifting one of the empty bindings left ash in my palm as the cover crumbled to dust. Lost in my confusion, I simply sat there as a question crept into focus: What's going on?
"WHERE!? Where did you go!?" demanded the culprit to the destruction. With her eyes shielded and metal bludgeon overhead, she was like a lit fuse waiting to explode as the energy gathered into her weapon.
"You've captured her, Mademoiselle!" the soot covered maid replied as she glanced sternly at my blank expression, "Isn't that right?"
"Don't lie to me," she commanded after the silent pause, "Where is-"
"I'm being truthfully," the maid retorted before repeating, "Right?"
"Eh-heh-he..." was all I could manage as a response; given my mental state.
"Then, I really caught it?" the small girl asked, now trying to hide from the glaring light.
"Yes, you did," encouraged the maid, "Right?"
"I-I, um," fumbling over my words, I just gave into the charade, "You, ah, got me..."
She was eventually ushered away as a single thought continued echoing in my mind, "What just happened?"
-
"... and that will be your punishment."
Talk about having been set up. As it turns out, today was a really bad day to have left home. I entered the overly reddened home in hopes of relieving some stress. Instead, I get more added on. In my failed escape, I nearly lost my life, and there was no point in trying to run. At least Reimu was here to keep things fair.
"Far too lenient."
... or maybe not. "I'll remember this, Reimu!" I declared to myself.
"This is boring!" complained the source of my new stress.
In the brief encounter in the rear entryway, I was blockaded by the ever-busy maid. After her initial attack, we were both ambushed by a rampaging maniac. That maniac was none other than the owner's younger sibling. She managed to ruin a large portion of the western side of the large building and nearly buried everyone in ashen debris. She was also the single reason why I didn't try to escape again; the last thing I needed was to give her an excuse to hunt me down.
After submitting to defeat, I was lead into a grand looking room where everyone else was waiting, including Reimu. Apparently, they were going to decide what type of punishment to serve me with Reimu there as an impartial mediator, but if I didn't know any better, I'd say she was in on the conspiracy against me.
With the home wrecker fidgeting needlessly, her older sister suggested, "Why don't you play with that one for a while."
Pointing casually in my direction, the ruin bringer asked, "May I?"
Receiving a nod of confirmation, the energetic tyke leapt for joy as she raced toward me. I was in a panic for an argument to avert the playtime, but my complaints fell apart at the menacing smiles that emanated auspicious horror from the three that were still near the oversized table: Reimu, Remilia, and Sakuya. With another defeated sigh, I tried to prepare for the time ahead as the others revised my punishment.
Drawing together my nerves and resolve, I asked, "So, what kinda game did you want to play?"
Hesitating with consideration, she suggested, "Your pretty fast, so how about we play tag?"
"Sounds interesting," my thoughts mused, "So any special rules?"
"I don't know if it's a special rule, but when I play, we tag with this," she replied with an innocent smile as she unveiled the large black object she was wielding when she annihilated the exit.
"Definitely a no! What kind of a moron plays like that?!" I wanted to protest, but I knew better than to ask something like that. Instead, I complained, "That doesn't seem very fun though."
"But it is!" she insisted.
"Not if you're being chased," I argued.
With a displeased glare, she pouted, "Fine, here. You chase then."
She held her hand out and offered the object to me, and I couldn't help but feel shocked and confused.
"Is that thing safe? Should you really be offering it to others so readily? Should I take it?" I couldn't decide on what to say.
Glancing around helplessly, I asked, "Are you sure?"
"You'll play if you're not being chased, right?" she asked, showing her distinct disdain for boredom.
Reaching for the object, I grasped it as she smiled brilliantly once more. Unfortunately, that thing nearly tore off my arm. I don't know what it was, or how it was possible, but the object felt like it weighed a ton! It pulled me by the fingers with enough force to plow through the flooring. I needed both hands just to keep one end level, the other end was on the floor. We hadn't even begun yet, and I was breaking out with sweat.
"And she carries this effortlessly!?" my pain shrieked to myself as she hopped about ready to begin her game of tag.
Hoisting with all my weight, I lifted the object over my shoulder and managed a full two steps before driving it back down. Needless to say, I missed entirely and resigned to a loss.
"You're no fun!" she complained.
Wiping off the sweat of wasted effort, I argued, "That was harder than it sounded..."
"Then how about..." she mused as she considered a different game.
With my breath evening back to normal, I suggested, "Why not play one of my games?"
Her eyes opened wider as she murmured, "Do you know any fun ones?"
A confident smirk stretched across my face as I boasted, "I know a few good ones."
"Pick one! Pick one!" she demanded, overly eager to have fun, I suppose.
Needing a good premise to impress the tireless playmate, I chose a simple game. It wasn't so much a game for me as it was more of a training exercise. What it entailed doing was trowing a small object out and then hitting it with an attack before it could hit the ground. It was actually an oversimplified way of just shooting things, but it was simple and easy to play.
I'm not sure why, but she liked the idea and was all too eager to get started, not even worrying about hearing its name or any other suggestions. Delayed by the odd fact that there was nothing on hand that we could throw, the mood crashed rather hard until an uplifting answer was given.
"Just use the silverware," the older sister suggested.
With no counteroffers or complaints, we were given some expensive looking forks and spoons to destroy in the name of fun.
"Such a waste," I complained internally, but then again, it wasn't my loss.
Lining up for our little game, I prepared to make the first throw. Afterward, she would make the attempt to shoot down the flying metal spoon, and then we'd switch roles. The rules were all too simple, but that was better than a complicated explanation.
Preparing a trick throw, I made the toss with dynamic force. The trick was that the throw made for a sudden curve in its arc and the unsuspecting competitor would miss as a result. It might not sound very fair, but I needed every advantage that I could muster.
The throw went far and as expected, the shift in trajectory gave it enough distance to sail by as the little one's shot missed entirely.
"Did I get it?" she asked while trembling with anticipation.
As I was about to answer her, I heard the commentary from the spectators: "Nice shot!" "Well done, Flandre!" "Congratulations, Mademoiselle!"
"Yeah! I did it!" she cheered victoriously.
"She did it!?" my fading smirk demanded an explanation, "She clearly missed!"
"What are you talking about?" "You're pitifully human senses are sadly mistaken." "Did you not notice?" the three remarked.
Glaring furiously, I suddenly realized what they meant. If she really did miss, then where is the spoon? There would have been a clatter or a sound of some sort when the silver clump landed on the ground. It was then that I finally saw the answer to my question.
A distance away, there lay a splattered mess of liquidized metal coating the marble tiles. Her attack didn't hit directly, but it still utterly destroyed the spoon. I wasn't specific enough to discredit the differences between a hit and a miss. Overruled my the majority, I congratulated her on her success, but the game had only just begun.
Now, it was my time to shine. I readied my Master Spark and waited for the throw. It was my game, and I wouldn't stand to be outdone by a first timer. With the slight tap of a step as the cue, I unleashed the blast as she released the flying metal.
The radiant surge of power blinded all who even glanced at it. The overwhelming might couldn't possibly have missed. I felt the confidence in my display as the blast faded to a calm.
"How about that!?" I cheered, completely assured of my success.
"That's too bad Marisa," "Such a wasteful display," "Better luck next time," the three mocked.
Facing me with unease, the small one asked, "Did you really miss with that?"
There was no way that I could have possibly missed with Master Spark! It was an impossibility! I demanded satisfaction! My outcry was answered with a simple display.
The maid paced to the opposite wall and glanced closer to were my shot had stained the walls. Uneasiness graced my mind as I continued to watch her pan the scene. Then, finding what she sought, she seemed to remove a speck from the ceiling and approached me.
Holding out her hand, she offered to me what seemed like a rounded coin. It stretched thinly near its edge and was smeared into an elliptic shape. As I wondered what the object was supposed to mean, the answer shot through me like a volley of shooting stars.
It was only obvious enough: the metallic object was what was left of the fork that was thrown. It flew with such an incredible speed, that it outran Master Spark and was flattened as a speck on the ceiling before it could even be hit.
The mistake I made was in comparing our abilities as being anywhere near equal. She was stronger, more powerful, and more capable than I could even hope of being. I was doomed to defeat and raced headlong to it believing otherwise.
A defeated smile adorned my face as I congratulated the winner, "I didn't stand a chance."
With much cheering, she danced gleefully and raced back to her seat at the table.
"I didn't miss anything important, did I?" inquired the pyromaniac as she entered the room.
With a shrug of her shoulders, the pompous mastermind mused, "Just Flandre's decisive victory over the intruder."
"We were going to announce the revised decree," the maid added.
And so, my punishment was finalized... "Hooray!"
-
Trice has the Scarlet Devil's home been host to incident. Among them, only one was directly relevant to the the remainder of Gensokyo, and one was not resolved by the Hakurei Miko. With the resettling peace that accompanies resolution, the gathering of the home's residents was host to their new guests as the day continued to pass by.
"I liked the other punishment better," Marisa complained.
"All the more reason for its changed," Reimu chided.
"And this would be a punishment?" inquired Flandre.
"It's probably a human thing," her sister replied.
"If there's nothing else, I have something to say," Patchouli announced.
Gathering the attention to herself, she informed, "This might seem odd, but for a time now, there has been a sound, of sorts, that echoes throughout the basement."
The focus of the announcement shifted form Patchouli to Flandre. Like a child having been outed for a prank, she protested innocence, "It wasn't me; I didn't do anything wrong!"
Shaking her head, Patchouli remarked, "Indeed, nothing wrong was done. What I wanted to note was how much progress those sounds have made. Don't you think now would be as good a time as any to share your secret?"
"But, I'm not ready -!" Flandre complained before realizing her slip up. Shriveling with embarrassment, Flandre sank into her seat as she glared disdainfully at her teacup.
Leaning forward, Remilia whispered, "You don't need to worry. If Patchouli thinks you're can share it, then I believe you are ready. So won't you share it with me?"
Flandre glanced around at the encouraging smiles that wrestled away her hesitation. Looking over to her sister, she replied with a smile, "Then, I'll give you this present now."
Giggling lightly, she stood up from her seat and searched for an appropriate stage for her performance. Caught with indecisiveness, she received as a suggestion, "The table will be fine," "Yeah, so we all can see it."
With a nod, she paced a distance along the table and climbed atop her stage. Turning to face her audience, she introduced herself, "Welcome to the Last Minute Show! I'll be your only performance for this event. Without further delay, the Scarlet Star performing Glistening Eve!"
Closing her eyes, Flandre slowly recited to herself the rhythm and took firm hold to the center of her metallic staff. Gradually beginning her piece with simple strokes to gems that hung from her wings, she continued with the motions and added more patterns in the display.
Through the short intro, Patchouli spoke to Reimu, "It seems you don't hear it."
"Was I supposed to hear something?" Reimu asked back, uncertain about the significance to the remark.
"Not particularly, but you are the only one hear that can't hear it."
Receiving the notification, Reimu observed the others and realized how engrossed they seemed. Puzzled at the sight, she glanced over to Flandre's continued show and then back to Patchouli.
"I'm not sure if it's your powers or just you, but maybe that's why it happened," smiling at Reimu, Patchouli explained, "The chime from those crystals creates a unique sound in the ears of the ones that hear them. Specifically, those sounds are meant to generate a calming sensation within the listener. It's interesting that you can't hear it, and I can't help but wonder why."
Processing the information, Reimu glared back at Patchouli, "What else have you done to her?"
"If you must know, her wings are made of materials that continually drain the power from her body. It's the only way she can contain her immense power."
Reimu turned her sight away and tried to calm herself with the tea before her. Having barely finished her cup, she heard Patchouli continue with the explanation, "Ideally, the wings, crystals, and even that wand provide enough resistance to keep her calm, but you've already seen the level of strength she still possesses."
"What's the point in telling me all this?" Reimu quietly demanded.
"I wanted you to know so you would keep yourself safe next time."
Reimu's body stiffened. "'Next time'? Was that what today was about?" Staring with accusation, she asked, "So you want me to keep away, next time?"
"If you would, yes," Patchouli confirmed as Flandre completed her song.
With the showering praise, Reimu's smile was all she could muster. Containing her grief in her thoughts, she pondered over the request, "If next time really happened, would I really be able to keep out?"
-
Doubts grow from where there is no trust. If I truly trust them, I should not doubt them. But with the recent string of commotion, doubting would be the natural thing to do. Even still, I must hold calm and stand firm, "They would not do something so recklessly if not without purpose, right?"
The quiet evening stretched on as the day grew shorter. With the disquieting curiosity that continued to weigh on my mind, I found myself glancing back through the gate. My concerns from so long ago continued to ring in my ears as I tried to recollect my confidence.
"I need not worry, everything was accounted for. They would not be as shortsighted as to leave a problem unaddressed. Everything is fine."
"Indeed, everything is fine," a voice echoed and broke my conflicted state.
"Sakuya," I identified, and took notice of the platter in her hands. With mechanical reaction, I pried the gates back for her as I voiced my observation, "You did not need to go through the trouble of bringing me my meal. Besides, it is still early."
With her unflinching smile, Sakuya replied, "It is no trouble at all, and that aside, mealtime has been made busier due to the earlier ordeal. I hope you understand."
Accepting the meal with apologetic confusion, I seated myself by the gate as Sakuya recounted her day to me. It seemed to consist largely of Mademoiselle's play-date and even included the moments after the unmistakable destruction on the mansion. As the story moved indoors, I chuckled along the game that took place and found myself idyllically reconstructing Mademoiselle's song.
It was then that Sakuya shot me a question, "Did you know that Sol couldn't taste anything?"
Caught in momentary confusion, I looked back to find Sakuya's countenance show a different degree of seriousness. Turning my gaze back towards the lake, I gathered my thoughts on the subject and looked farther into my memories. It has been an odd 60 years since I was taken under Madame's wings. Sol came into Patchouli's care some 40 years ago. Sakuya joined only after we all arrived here, and compared to then, she had changed so much.
The more I thought of it, the more it stood out, "Sakuya is a human, after all."
"Do pardon me for being human," Sakuya courtly chided as I realized what I muttered.
"I did not mean it negatively. It -," I tried to explain before stumbling over my thoughts. Clearing my voice, I tried once more to speak my thoughts, "A youkai does not change so simply, and in a world of youkai, the world does not change. Although you may not have been in this home for long, it feels as though you have always been one of us; like you will always be with us. So when I think of it, I have to remind myself, 'Sakuya is really a human.'"
Taken in with the prevailing silence that followed, Sakuya smiled and remarked, "That's nice, but you've avoided the question."
"Oh, have I?" I mused confusedly, "What was it again?"
With the rolling clatter of the dish in hand, I recalled the object of discussion. Recollecting my thoughts, I asked, "Did you know about her scars?"
With a shifting glare, Sakuya replied, "I know of them."
"But, you have yet to hear the 'why?' right?" I pressed and received silence in reply. Calming myself from the memories, I offered my answer, "There is a connection. Even though I know of the connection, I am uncertain as to what that connection is. Actually, I am certain that Sol is unaware of it as well."
"Is it so problematic that you must be so secretive of it?" Sakuya asked, obviously discontent with my rambling.
"Less so secretive, more so complicated," I remarked, "If you want the full details, you need to ask Patchouli. The answer that I can give is that she was a subject. That was all I understood."
Sakuya buried her expression with concern as she murmured, "If it's really that complicated, I guess I shouldn't bother."
The sun had cast its final shadow as Sakuya headed back towards the mansion. I was left with my thoughts and an empty bowl as I delved into our lingering discussion.
"What does it all mean?" I asked to no one in particular as the confusing blend of change continued to mix.