Untitled Touhou Fanfic! - AnimeSuki Forum

2010-05-28, 06:56	Link #1
Etherdrone The Questgiver Join Date: May 2010 Location: The Pits Age: 36	Untitled Touhou Fanfic! ...Well, this is it. My very first attempt at a Touhou Fanfiction. But before I actually start it, I want to be extremely clear about what the hell am I doing here. First of all, I know what you're thinking. Touhou fanfiction? Blah! We haven't seen THAT before! Go die, you asshat! Why, thank you. I'm not begging for you to read this at all. I'm writing a fanfiction about Touhou because I friggin' love it. It's fun, it has a vast array of characters and it is epic in its own way. And since I am a total jackass, I tend to imagine characters of my own creation meddling with the characters of that world! A human that doesn't die in Durarara!, or an Angel in Angel Beats! That uses "Offensive Skills" instead of "Guard Skills". I always imagine things like that. It's always for fun, and it only proves how much I actually love what I am watching. It took me a while to start imagining things for Touhou as well. And guess what, it grew so well in my mind I actually had to write a fanfiction about it. Now... Hah! I know what you're thinking at this point! WHAT? An OC in the Touhouverse? Are you crazy!? This is ASS incarnate!! I do this for fun! I hardly call this Fanfiction. It's more like FUNfiction! Oh, and the main character? Will be a guy. A GUY IN MY GENSOKYO!!? It's more likely than you think. Now, please be reasonable. The Touhou universe is 70% created by the fans. Most of things people think and believe about that world are fanmade, don't you agree with me? The character's personalities tend to be extremely convoluted and confusing. Therefore, you shall be warned from this point forward: This Funfiction will be written by the way I see the world of Gensokyo and its inhabitants. So don't expect wet, horny lesbianism. Don't expect super duper awesome special ultra quirkyness. ...Unless I think it will be proper at some point. I don't know! It might happen! Oh, and also DON'T EXPECT THE OC TO BE THE OWNER OF A HAREM IN THE END. Just because the main character is a guy, and just because 99% of the Touhou cast is female, it doesn't mean he'll get laid, or just gain love left and right! ...Ahem. With that out of the way, I can start with the Disclaimer: Touhou and all of its characters are property and creation of ZUN. I don't own Gensokyo, the rights to it neither any of any of the Touhou games. This is a Fiction. Everything written here, everything done here, everything mentioned here is for FUN and ENJOYMENT only, and no profit will be gained from this. Only pure, clean fun. ... If you enjoy a story, and if you want to read it in the world of Gensokyo, then welcome to this thread, and have fun! By the way, comments are nice. Comments are good. It does good to my heart and my mind if you let me know what you're thinking about what I've written. I don't care. Even if you steamroll every single one of my words with shit, I'll still read your comment and take what you said into consideration. And I kind of want the readers to point the protagonist in the right direction. ...This is supposed to be a Visual Novel style, isn't it? Come on then! Let's finally start the real thing! MAJOR EDIT: Due to the great quantity of words presented in here, I am trying to conserve space by adding the episodes in Spoiler Tags. Please let me know if you'd rather it be the way it was before. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoiler for Chapter 1: [Location: ???] ...I can't see anything. My eyes are obscured by the blur of combat. It's dampening my mind. It's eating my thoughts away. I am still conscious enough to realize I'm walking. ...But I don't know where I am. Rustle Leaves. My ears still work. I can listen to the sounds of a forest... My feet lands over leaves and branches, cracking them under my weight. A wave of curiosity take over me. My feeling of time just died completely, moments that seemed like hours passed. I don't even know where I was supposed to be right now. My body wavers. With each step I take, my body inclines forward so much I have to make extra effort to keep myself from falling. My nostrils are filled with the thickness of blood and its smell. I'm not even sure if this blood is mine. ... ... I can't focus my vision enough. I can see bruises over my limbs... I can see my feet. I realize I am staggering. I'm not supposed to be standing up. I'm covered in the red of life. My eyes close by themselves once more. Is it night? I can't tell anymore. I can listen to my heavy breathing breaking the cold air and the silence apart. I am alone. ... My limbs feel heavy. It feels like there are steel balls attached to my arms and feet. Thud As far... As far as I can go. This is it. I continue to breathe as hard as I can. My ears are filled with the sounds of the forest now. As my face is being caressed by the leaves on the ground, I can finally let the wave of tiredness invade me completely. I'm not even sure what crosses my mind right now. I'm so tired... I just want to go sleep... ...I feel really tired... ... ... Rustle ...! Foot... Footsteps? Rustle rustle rustle They are getting closer... The feeling of hope instantly fills my chest. I want to say something... Anything... But I can't muster the strength to do it. I can only hope this person finds me. Find me... Find me, please... ... "Wah!" Rustle "What's this? It's a... It's a boy! Are you alive?!" The distinctive voice of a girl reaches my ears. I put all of my remaining strength into my eyes... ...The small figure is crouching right beside me. I can only see a blur of her image... She looks like a child, yet... "Hang on! Don't die on me! I'll bring you to a doctor right away!" ...My mind finally shuts dead. ---------------------//------------------------ [Location: Cloud Ruler Mountains] ... Since when I used to come to this place? Ever since I remember, I come to this place. After the first ten years passed, I forgot what I even came here for in the first place. There was no purpose. There was no reason. I simply came. To spend a few days... Then leave. Nothing exceptional. The clouds and the scenery of the mountains called for me during these days. I spent all those days there, just standing by the ravine. The wind would whistle through the stone and cobble, creating a music of its own. I'd close my eyes and listen to the sounds the wind and mountains would make. It was beautiful... But even so, even if I loved that sound and beauty... That was never the reason for me to go to those mountains. ---------------------//------------------------ [Location: ???] ...My body does not feel numb anymore. I can feel my limbs again. Light invade my closed eyelids, bringing the notice of life back to my body. "Well, it seems everything is fine. Are you awake now? Can you stand?" The voice of a woman reaches me, and I open my eyes. "Groan... Yes... I can..." At least I guess I can. But never mind that... I bring my upper body up with a singular jerk from my hips. ...Hm! My body is completely ridden of its bruises, and I can move perfectly again... ... Except maybe for my head, that still hurts. "Well, aren't you feeling much better now!" ...The woman right beside me has her arms crossed, with a disappointed expression on her face, as if she reached a goal not worth reaching. Her hair is silver, yet it looks really jovial, long and tied in a ponytail braid. And her red and blue dress looks more like a symbol of herself than anything else. "...Ah... Yeah. What happened? I remember blacking out..." "In the thicket, yes. I'm not exactly sure if it was your luck that brought you here, but even if it didn't... You'd be fine by the end of the second day. Your self-regeneration is really incredible, you know that?" ...She sounds really annoyed. And the reason was because I wasn't in any real danger? "Still your clothes don't have the luck to share your regeneration, but I fixed them up, so there shouldn't be a problem. "...So I was safe in the end... I was sure I was going to die in that... Thicket, you say?" "Yes." She responded with a sigh. Now that I think of it... "Oh, I really should thank you for helping me, and fixing my clothes, even if... If you claim it was a waste. Thanks! ... Miss...?" "Yagokoro Eirin. Isn't the rule for you to introduce yourself first, by the way?" "Yes! Oh, I'm sorry about that! I'm Katsura Shinki. Thank you for healing me!" She frowns and sighs at the same time. "For speeding the process, you mean. Still, you shouldn't be thanking me. You should save it for the one that brought you here." I finally take my eyes off of Eirin-san and look around the place. The neighboring room to this one is large enough to be considered a whole house for most people. I stand up from the bed and walk out the small office-like room I was in. This Japanese-style room have a rather comfortable feeling about it, as if it'd welcome you warmly if you lived here. It is so clean and it looks so well taken care of, it brings an automatic smile to my face. The sun getting through the windows also add a reflection on the floor, as if it has been cleaned recently. ...? Is there someone hiding behind the door? "Master? Master, so what about? Is he fine, usa?" "Speaking of the devil. Katsura-san?" ...Yes, this is she alright. The dress is the same... And the voice as well. Somehow... I get the feeling she is older than she looks. ...Wait, are those bunny ears attached to your head? "Oh, he looks patched already! You really are amazing, usa!" "He would have regenerated on his own. Some people have this power... Besides, vampirism also grants you a rather good regeneration, doesn't it?" Vampirism? "V-Vampirism?" Ah... No idea if I should lie or say something else at this point. "Is he a vampire? Hahahahah! No... No way, master. He doesn't have fangs at all... Think I wouldn't notice if I carried a vampire on my back for half an hour?" "Well, this is the problem... He doesn't have the fangs at all. But his organism clearly has vampiric traits." Well, it's true. I am a vampire. Still... I wonder how much about vampires do they know. Blood-sucking beasts, most of us are. But we are also not that spread... 'Making' vampires isn't as easy as most people think. And also... I'm not... "He is a blue-blood vampire. Isn't this right, Eirin?" ...! The girl on the back, hiding, just said something unbelievable. And the little rabbit just has a dumb-founded look on her face, as if she were sucker punched. Eirin-san doesn't seem to be that surprised. "Ha... Hahaha! Not... What? Princess, are you serious? I almost believed in your for a minute... Haha! Really, a magic-sucking vampire is something out of a legend! I mean, Really!" And now she's saying that as if she just saw one really obvious bad commercial. "Tewi..." "Come on, master! This is impossible and you know it is!" "So your name is... Tewi? You're right to be that deniable about it, and I do not disagree with your point. But... It's true." Snap Oh? I could hear something cracking inside her head! "USA! Prove it to me then! You don't have fangs! How is that possible!?" Well, they are usually hidden unless I make then pop out. "Like this?" So I open my mouth and force it from the inside. "See?" And my fangs are shown. Somehow, the horror in her face is just brilliantly fun to look at. "It's..." She gasps on her own words for a few seconds. "It's inverted! The fangs are upside-down!" Yep. My fangs do not grow on the upper side of my mouth, as most vampires are known for. Mine grow on my lower teeth line instead. Because it is said that our teeth have their 'simbolic purpose'. While the upper teeth suck from the body, taking away your blood to add to our own... A lower teeth will suck from the spirit instead. "So it's true... It's not my first time seeing this, but... It's always interesting." "M-master! This is... So it's true! You are a vampire for real, usa!" Hum. If she talks more excitedly than this, it would probably be squealing, wouldn't it? "And you saved this vampire. I'm not sure what you make of this, but..." ...Yeah. I would probably have another one of those really bad dreams. And I don't want to have them ever again. Repeating that cursed scene over and over... If I had been dreaming in the forest... It would definitely happen. I was saved in more ways than one. "...Thank you. I owe you a debt I can never repay." I speak the truth. And I can't make heads or tails of her constant change of expressions. It's amusing to watch, truly. "Well then... I guess that's how it is? If you want to pay this debt of yours, Shinki-san, you can start by doing me an errand." Well, it seems Eirin-san likes to talk business. "I know you must still be tired, and that there is daylight outside now... But your species are more resistant to it than normal, right? And I'm sending Tewi with you, so there will be no problem. Very well. "Despite me being in need of medical supplies right now... I had to use the few herbs and weeds I had in my disposal to heal your wounds." ...Oh. "So I would like you to go to the bamboo thicket and help Tewi collect the herbs and weeds I need to resupply my stock. Can you do that for me?" Sounds more than just easy enough. "Of course! I mean, you did use your supplies on someone you claim didn't need help at all. So this someone will repay for that kindness as well as he can." "Well, and why are you sending me, too? What about Reisen?" "You brought him here. Resultant of indirect actions performed by your very own imply that said result is your own responsibility as well, Tewi. Don't put Udonge in the middle of it." Snap Oh, there goes that sound again. "Usa... Fine, I'll go. Just don't put some weird medicine in my things while I'm gone! I'll bring enough for you. Is that OK?" "Please do, Tewi. You know how much I need, don't you?" Well, she just gave Eirin a sharp, annoyed look! "Your name is... Shinki-san? Come... You can get lost easy enough in the thicket if you don't know where you're going, usa." I just hope it's not hard to find the herbs she need... It seems tiredness does not follow the same healing rhythm as the body does. -------------------//---------------------- [Location: Bamboo Thicket] Well, I would like to remark a few things before I set my mind straight into what I'm doing right now. First, this girl's ears are real. Even though they don't quite look like it. Second, youkai. Not only Tewi herself, but Eirin, and probably that black-haired girl that was hiding from me, too. So I most probably fell in a youkai-dominated bamboo thicket. I wasn't aware there was a place like this in the Himalayas, but oh well. Third, she wasn't kidding when she said one can get lost in here if you don't know your way. I feel like we've been walking in circles for awhile, but clearly it's not the case. And fourth... It IS hard to find these herbs! "Oh, man... How hard is it to find these things!?" "Don't worry, you're only doing this for the first time." Ouch, I am sorry I said anything. "But even so, are you OK? You were hurt pretty badly just last night, and now you're here doing this... It's almost noon now, you know." "Oh, I'm tired, true. But I don't care at this point... So I'll just do what I can. And the sun doesn't really affect me like that. I'm just not as strong when I'm under its light." She doesn't sound too convinced. Well, I don't blame her at this point. "Don't push yourself too hard. I don't want to drag you back to the Eientei so master can heal you again and then scold me for making her waste more herbs on you." That's awfully realistic, I can tell. Still, it'll take more hours than it should normally take if we cover so little ground like this. "Say, shouldn't we spread out a little bit more? I already know what herbs I need to get, and in case I get lost I can still call for you, can't I?" "Usa~... I don't want to do things that may cause great annoyance on me. But you are right... We can cover more ground like this." I nod in agreement. "Ok then. Go that way and remember not to go where it's too green. If you don't know where you are, just... Well... Scream?" "Hahah! Of course." I'll also not try to wander off too much. I don't feel like losing myself on the Himalayas, specially when it's a youkai-filled place. ...Thinking about it, I haven't felt the presence of Goldie since I was healed... Maybe it's just my imagination? ... ... ... Well... This is good news. I have got a few more of the herbs. I guess covering more ground truly was worth it. Maybe Tewi already has the rest we need? Let's go back to where she is then... I guess I remember the way. ...Do I? Well... This path is linear enough... The one I took, anyway. If I go this way... ...Wait, isn't this slightly different? ... Damn! I'm totally lost! Back where I was... To the left, to the right! It's all different! Even that girl wasn't there before! ...Wait, what? There is a girl standing on the thicket, looking at the patches of grass and sprout. She has rabbit ears, just like Tewi's... ...No. Hers are longer, but less... Fluffy? I guess? Her hair is shining to the light of the sun. It is a light color... Almost silver. It hardly looks like something earthen... But yeah. Youkai are usually like that. But this is quite unusual-looking, even for a youkai. And she finally noticed me. "...! Ah!" She jumps back, surprised. Well, I'd be, too, if I found a total stranger in these woods wandering aimlessly around. And it's also not like you shouldn't keep your eyes open when walking in a territory like this, I'd guess. Plus, those butterflies have tiger stripes on them. I never saw butterflies with tiger stripes before. With sunglasses. It's quite intriguing, actually. Usually, when donuts have jelly on them, your computer gets slower and the butter side of your bread will always land on the ground. It's like they enjoy tormenting us with such trivia! And you know what the funny part is!? They said marshmallows can't be stashed this way! It's preposterous! It's just ridiculously complicated! And what was that? The monkeys are flipping me off! They flipped me the birdie! It's not ending this way, no sir it's not!! ...Let me just take this burden off my back! Thud Don't run away from me, doggie! I swear to god, this isn't gonna hurt at all! I'm just giving you a massage worthy of a five-stars restaurant!! Just like Mario, but with less mushrooms! As the earth call for you, you dodge the water below you! ...? What follows your path is a stray array of light and shadow that does not correspond to your status quot! This doesn't make any sense!! !! Wait, what!? ...What the fuck just happened? ---------------------//---------------------------- [Location: Forest] Where am I? What happened? I was in the thicket just now... And then I saw this rabbit girl... ... "Oh!" Oh yeah! What was that all about!? Was I having an hallucination? I completely lost control! I don't remember doing anything to cause this much crazy on me! Unless... That girl? Well... Her eyes DID glow red. Are you saying she can make people go mad when they look into her eyes? Because that's what happened to me. And now I'm... In another forest. "Great." What do I do now? ...No sense in staying here. I have to find my way to the thicket and help Tewi with her job... "...Dude! Shit! The pack! Where is my herb-filled pack!?" I... I dropped it? When I was going nuts? "Oh, shit! This is bad... I have to find my way... Through..." ... What's up with this entire forest? I have a feeling I'm inside someone's stomach. What is this place's problem? Is this entire forest area youkai territory? ...Quite, I'd guess... Plus, I feel the smell of magic in this air. "Is this forest enchanted? Is it protecting itself?" Somehow I feel like I am not welcome in this place. I need to move away from here. I don't know why, but staying in a single place for too long in this forest does not sound exactly the best idea ever. ... ... ... Well, this is pointless. I walk, and walk, and walk... And this place looks the same no matter where I go. Maybe the enchantment of this forest is to make you lose your way on purpose? Or maybe you simply need magical endurance for the forest to guide you properly? Well, I'm no mage. In any case, this is greatly annoying. So I'm digging my way through. ...I'm sorry, little magic beings of the woods. "Hum!!" I pop my fangs out. Now that I can use my vampiric abilities, I can start eating this magic. My pores are open. My fangs are brimming... I can feel the magic in the air... I can feel it shaking around me. I move mine around my own body and order it to burn. Siphon all around me. Implode...!!! ------------!!! !! !!!!! Well, it's working. My body is filled with power. It eats the magic around me and burn it. I can feel that my presence is hurting the trees, now. I don't want to piss the youkai off, so I'll walk and dig my way through the woods. ... ... Well, this is new. The things around me look different for a change. It's so good to have the feeling of accomplishment for once! Well, let's see if I can find my way to the thicket. And... Which way is that again? "...Oh, man! Are you serious!? I have no idea where I'm going after all!!" I always thought about it, but now I'm kind of certain... Am I stupid?? Well, at least this is the perfect moment to look at my soul and agree to the fact I'm a total dumb ass. ...No point in that now, through. I need to find my way around here. So I'll just stop draining magic from the air... "Well, I guess I saw everything I wanted to see... Time to make my presence known!" !!! Whoa!! By the unholy name of Jesus, where did she just come from!? "It seems you are quite lost in a troublesome place, Mr. rare breed vampire! My, I wonder what you are doing in a place like this." A girl that talks with a tone that makes her sound ultra-confident just popped out of the complete blue. "Well, it seems I've reached the jackpot this time!" "Ah... Yeah. Nice to meet you too, madam. I'm glad to see people like to pop out of nowhere in this place and not even tell you what is up before they do things to you." "Ahahah! Of course, of course. I didn't want to startle Gensokyo's newest addition, would I? I am Shameimaru Aya, the head of the Bunbunmaru Newspaper! I know a little bit about you already, Mr. Katsura Shinki-san!" ...Gensokyo? I never heard of a place called Gensokyo before. "And how would Shameimaru-san know about my name if I never met her before?" "Nothing can stand between the ultimate reporter and her target! Not even the Eientei, filled with those pesky little rabbits. Excellent with stew, they go. Truth be told." ...Why is her mere presence slightly annoying? No... Annoying isn't the word I'm looking for. "So you followed me here. You said you run a newspaper? And now to interview me, or something?" "Well, I don't really run it. Who does it is Lord Tenma. We of Tengu mountain have pride in having a great leader and stuff, if you know what I mean." ...Tengu mountain? "So, let's start with the interview! The last record of the Hakurei Border being ripped open, even for just a few seconds, was 60 years after its creation! So it was your doing, wasn't it?" ...Border? Wait a second... "Wait... This... What is going on? You mean I am in some sort of boundary?" "When the sky shook that hard, I thought the buildings on Tengu Village would fall apart! I saw a great flash of light, and then I could see the outside world, as the boundary was slashed in half... What have you to say about this?" Outside world!? Wait a minute, this isn't... "What do you mean by outside? Where is this place?" "Yukarin didn't have much to say about it, since she claims the barrier itself suffered nigh negligible damage... Even though it was ripped in half! Well... It lasted only for thirty seconds, so..." "Answer my question! Boundary? Gensokyo? Did I just fall into a random lair in the middle of nowhere?" "Eirin claimed that you are a rare specimen of vampire. One that sucks magic instead of blood... Do you intend to use this for something? What is your plot?" ...Grah! She isn't listening to me at all and she is saying whatever the hell she wants! Suspicious! Yes, that's the word I was looking for. Plus, I have no use talking to someone that won't listen to me. "So I'll go somewhere else. I can't help you." I give my back to the girl - who's still talking whatever she wants – and start walking somewhere. ANYWHERE. ...Never had too much luck with people like this... "Hey, you shouldn't give your back to people like that when they are talking to you!" ... ...!!! What!? B-But...! She was back there just now! I quickly turn my head and no, she is not back there indeed! And now she is... ...Gone? She isn't... Wait, am I still seeing things, or... "Boo." "WAH!" Y-Y-You gotta be kidding me! There she is again, from behind!! "W-What... How can you...!?" "Don't take me for some lowly Tengu reporter like Hatate. Behold, Shinki-san, as before you lies the fastest in all of Gensokyo, Shameimaru Aya!" ... "So I will pester you, for a whole year if I must, without giving you a single break, until you spill all your beans! This is too big of a scoop! And I'm not letting you go at all!" ...Crap. Crap crap crap crap! This is not fun! This is not fun, not fair, and definitely not good to my pressure! The last thing I need right now is someone as stressing as this person latched onto me like some sort of blood-fly! "Tch!" Who gives a damn, I'm gonna run for it! If this forest's truly enchanted, then we're gonna lose our way sooner or later! Dash "What a troublesome person...!!" You can think whatever you want, I don't care! Dash Dash Left, right, left again, straight ahead... ...Somehow I get the feeling I'm going where I want to go instead of being guided somewhere. Is this forest not going to help me at all!? "Hey! It's no use running from the fastest, have you no brains in your head?" Tch! She keeps taunting me! Dash Something tells me I should improve my speed better if I make her go away somehow! I'm not going to last for too long if I just keep running. I'm still not in top shape! OK, let's play some mind games, Miss Tengu! I kick the ground in front of me and make the fastest U-Turn I can...! Kick "...Hey, you braked instantly! That's some amazing leg power you got there, Shinki-san!" Another one! Kick "Making sharp turns like these are not going to help you too much!" Thank you for reminding me you claim to be the fastest. "Why you keep running away from me!? Answer my questions!" "Pant ...I don't want to be talked single-handedly by... Someone I don't even know!" "I'm a reporter! That's what I do!" Grah, she is impossible! "What do you do, you talk to people and they listen to your rambling!?" "That's very rude! I just claim whatever seems to be most appropriate!" More sharp turns...!! Kick "...Isn't this illegal?" "If it's the truth, then no it isn't! For the most part, at least!" "Whatever you are claiming to be true at a time like this... Pant Clearly has no obvious connection to what I claim to be the truth...!!" "So answer my question so I'll be corrected!!" "You're just gonna distort everything I say! I don't know why, but I get the feeling you will! Go away!!" "I'm going to make you stop running from me if you don't stop!!" OK, this is a waste of time. Plan B! I stop running and face her. She's too fast to let me go like this, so this only gives me one option. First of all... Breathe Much better. "...Oh? What's this, you finally gonna speak up?" Not really. And I pull my fists up. ... Well. She clearly didn't expect this. She just let go an unbelievable sigh. "What a boring conclusion you came to. If this' how it's gonna be, then so be it." ...Not the best idea I had in what? Forever? It's daylight and I'm tired as hell. But I have to try anyway! I give a small hop forwards towards her and... Take this! Fake Punch!!! "Too slow...! ...Eh?" Golden chance! I'll take another sharp turn to the right... Now! Eat this...! Ultimate presence concealing move!! Shadow Dance – Distortion Wind! "...!!" ... "Wha... What the hell? Where... What... ...Where is he!?" ... "This... I can't believe this... I actually lost him." ... "Oh, woe is me! My reputation as the fastest! At stake because I got too cocky! ...Ah...!!" ... "He couldn't have gone far...! I'm not going to lose like this! Where are you!? Show yourself, don't you think I can't find you!!!" ... ... She went up. I'm not staying here any longer than I need. She can fly, and she's scouting the area from above. Well, as long as I keep myself in the branches, she's not going to find me. I don't want to see this person again anytime soon, if I can help it. But still... She was kind enough to give me a few keywords. Gensokyo... Hakurei Border; Outside World. ...Maybe I am in trouble? I don't know what I did or what is going on, but it certainly isn't good and a few people probably are not too pleased with me at this moment. And I still gotta see where I am... If this really is inside a boundary, maybe there is a limit to its extent...? I wonder how big this place actually is, too. ...A viewpoint... ... ... ...Well, this didn't even take too long. I don't know why, but this forest doesn't seem to make me get lost anymore. Maybe I hurt the magic in this place too much, and now it hates me. Cutting to the chase, then... Let's climb this big tree? The higher the branch, the better... ... ...And... ... My eyes are emblazoned with the most amazing view I have ever seen in my entire life. ...I wonder why... The mountains in the distant are richly colored by the sunlight, followed by the prominent shadows of the clouds over them, creating a painting-like feeling to the image before my eyes. The sea of trees that follow my horizon extent to a point where it is cut by a lake, where nearby a western-style mansion is elegantly positioned by with regal-like imposition by another mountain's foot. At the very bottom of all this, a village followed by its own fields of plantation make its stand by a road, taking paths towards here, the lake and to the mountains to the east, where I can spot a lonely shrine ruling its top. The entire landscape is shaped in a way that fits itself in the middle of an entire valley. I can't take a sharp look to the left where it won't have a mountain. It's as if the land itself is protecting this entire place from harm. From the outside. ...This is... Incredibly beautiful... I don't know for how long I have been looking at this scenery. ...What was that girl's name again? Aya? I can't spot her anymore. Maybe she gave up on chasing me for today... If so, then thank god. Well, this clearly isn't where I was before I ended up in this Gensokyo place! ... ...It is really something else, isn't it? Well... I won't accomplish anything by staying here. I see all those places... Where should I go to? The village seems like the best option, really. ...But... That shrine up there... My feet start to guide me off the woods as if they had minds of their own. ----------------------------//-------------------------------- __________________ Oh, I laugh at irony so. Last edited by Etherdrone; 2010-06-06 at 13:04.

2010-05-29, 16:30	Link #2
Etherdrone The Questgiver Join Date: May 2010 Location: The Pits Age: 36	Author's Comments: Well, nothing has been said so far. So I'll take this as a Yellow light. More will keep coming, so keep your eyes open! Let there be more, the Yellow Light said. And the darkness complied. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoiler for Second: [Location: Mountaintop Shrine] After about one hour walking, I finally arrived. It didn't take half as long as I thought it would take for me to leave that forest. I wonder if the enchantment there just wanted me out of it as fast as possible. Well, never mind that. ...This shrine looks quite archaic. The style, I mean, because it gives away the feeling it has been reformed just recently. It is so isolated from the rest of this place... It actually looks kind of lonely. But even so... … It gives a sort of homecoming feeling. As if I am welcome here. The air, the atmosphere and the sounds the environment make around here. I feel extremely comfortable for some reason. … As I approach the shrine, I feel like I'm under someone's protection. Where does this feeling come from? Hm. Well, since I am here... Might as well pay my respects. Do I have something to donate? I'm not sure I do. “...Hmm...” Well, my pockets seem to contain only air. ...Oh? What's this? It's... One coin. Koban? Oh, yeah. This is from Goldie, I forgot I got it from him. Only one coin left, though... Well, it is only natural, considering what I went through in the past few days. Whatever. I don't really need the money. So... … … … Respects, paid. I hope no one's gonna kill me for donating gold! Clatter …! Ah... It's another girl. Uh... She's dropped the broom and is staring in horror at me. Her clothes have a slight resemblance to those of a Shrine Maiden, doesn't it? She probably lives in this place. Dash Thud “Ah...! Whoa!” Dude, she just face-planted in the donation box! “You... This... Donation... Serious?” It sounds like she choked on her own voice or something! Is she all right? “Ah... Shouldn't I? It's not like I had anything else to...” “NO! It's fine, fine! It's just that it's so rare to...” ...Rare? “Oh... Cough. Sorry, I got a bit over excited... I don't think I've seen you before.” “Ah... No problem, really. I'm Katsura Shinki. You're the shrine maiden, I guess?” “Yes, I am. I'm Hakurei Reimu, welcome to my home.” ...Hakurei? … … Oh! Bollocks! That Aya girl mentioned the 'Hakurei Border', didn't she? “I don't recognize you at all. ...Shinki-san... Was it? ...Hmm...” What, is she trying to remember something? “Oh, of course! You're the one Aya claimed was responsible for tearing the barrier in two, aren't you?” ...What? “How did... Wait, what?” “Yeah, she was here not too long ago. She said something about an outsider, and that he dropped something. She then gave me this.” …!!! What!? That's... “This is my flute!? What's it doing here?” And it's intact! By all the possible miracles...! “I can't believe this...!” “She said something about over-bullying the newcomer... Or something around those lines. That's what you are, then?” ... “Ah...” ...Well. “I... Yes. What is this place? Where am I?” She sighed and showed me the most honest smile I've seen in this place so far. “This'll be a long story, then. Why don't we have tea while we talk?” T-Tea? ... ...Haah... The nervous just went away like it was washed away by a river. ----------------------------------//------------------------------------ [Location: Hakurei Shrine] “So, how's the tea?” “It's really good. It has been a while since I had tea... I almost forgot how it tasted.” I take a sip of the tea and my eyes fall onto the trees outside. This place really is comfortable, and I have no idea why. “So... Let's see. I'll answer your questions, then? There's no real point in talking on my own.” Fair enough. “Right... Reimu... Correct? So, what is this place?” “A basic, starting question, huh. Well, this is Gensokyo. We refer to the place where you came from, the 'Outside World'.” “Why outside? Is this place shut off from there for some reason?” “More or less. Gensokyo was originally a desolate place, where the youkai who lived here used to terrorize the humans. That is, until a group of powerful people joined forces to come and purge the place. A great battle happened until the Hakurei Border was created, to seal off this world from the outside, so they wouldn't interfere, or even be interfered to.” “...Sounds like an ancient story.” “It is. This battle is more than just over, now.” “...Are there humans living in here?” “Definitely. I am human, a few of my acquaintances also are. Most of the humans live in the village, so they won't be targeted by aggressive youkai who live in the mountains.” “So basically, most of Gensokyo's population are youkai.” “Yes.” Well, this explains the enchanted forest and the bamboo thicket's desire to make you lose your way. “Right. What about the barrier? Is it located somewhere in the outside world?” “I don't know. Yukari said that the barrier basically transformed Gensokyo into a dimension of its own. So we're not really somewhere, but everywhere. I couldn't understand much of that.” Everywhere. So what does it mean? That this world links to all others? Like a bridge? If this is the case, you can warp to anywhere you want, if you can cross this dimension. “So, let's see... Youkai Mountain has communities of Kappa at its base and Tengu at the peak, and the Moriya Shrine is at a lake near the top. Also, there are also the Forest of Magic and the Bamboo Forest of the Lost where Eientei's located. The Misty Lake that surrounds the Scarlet Devil Mansion, and the Human Village which is in a fertile valley.” “It's not really a small place, is it.” “It's not big, either. Oh, and there's also the Sanzu River, separating Gensokyo from the world of the dead.” ...The Sanzu river. I don't know what to think about that, so I'll just drink some more tea. “I bet you had quite the run for your money before you came here.” “Well, when I realized, I was in the bamboo thicket. The folks at Eientei patched me up, and...” ...Damn it. “And I didn't complete the errand they gave me.” “What, right after they healed you?” “Hm. Quite so, yes.” “Haah... They really are a one-sided bunch, aren't they. Don't go out of your way to work for Eientei. They are good people, but it's just not worth it.” Speaking from experience, huh. “This looks like a really comfortable place. I have a feeling I'm under protection...” “Oh, I guess it's because of the gods of Gensokyo.” Gods? “What do you mean?” “Hm? Gensokyo has gods living in it. Mostly, it's just people that want to hide or find shelter when there were nowhere else for them to be. But there are also gods living here, amongst us.” I see. Gods, huh... ...I'd rather not think too deeply over it. “Well, even though they are one eccentric bunch, they are all nice people. At least, most of them are. You just have to find your way through their antics, if you have the patience for that.” “Did you?” “For the most part, no! Honestly.” Ahahah! I guessed as much! ...What a carefree place. I have a feeling as if this place is deprived of worries for some reason. What's the word for it? Taking it easy? How long has it been since I've felt this at all...? “...What's on your mind, Shinki-san?” “I don't know. I can't stop feeling comfortable. It's almost something that just came out of a novel... It hardly feels real.” “What kind of feeling does not feel real...? This is all new to you, so I guess you're right to be surprised, though.” ...The nature around us is somewhat louder than the usual. ...Ah...! Twilight. Already!? How come I didn't notice it was already this late? “Wow, we spent quite the while talking, didn't we?” “I guess we did. I didn't even see the time go. Sorry about that, Reimu.” “No harm done. I hadn't had company for drinking tea in quite a while, so there is no problem.” ...Well. I guess she would be kind of lonely up here sooner or later, wouldn't she. “Ah... And of course. About the barrier...” “Yes?” “...Did I cause much damage on it? That tengu said it was torn in two.” “And it was. I saw it happen, and I thought it was another disaster... Then Yukari came to me and said it wasn't serious. It got fixed just a few seconds later, you can't see the damage on the sky anymore, see?” Well, it's true. The sky doesn't even look any different than I was used to look at before. “Yukari... Aya mentioned a 'Yukarin' to me...” ...This girl's expressions are as smooth as they come, isn't it? “It's the same person. Yukari helps to keep the barrier up, so I guess she would be the first person to know if the barrier got damaged somehow.” So I see. She would know about that if this was the case. “So you say you're the one that did it?” “I'm not really sure. I can't remember doing it... Though I do have the power to tear magic apart and absorb it. So maybe I did it somehow.” “...Tear magic? Absorb it? I never heard of an ability like that.” Well, I'd guess you didn't. “No surprised there. I'm not exactly human, I'm actually called a blue-blooded vampire.” “...Vampire?” Well, no use looking out like that. I know I was walking under the sun. “And no, my fangs are usually hidden unless I make them appear.” “Well, that's a rather different kind of vampire you are, then.” ...Wow. I swear I wasn't expecting that reaction. “You seem to take that quite well, don't you.” “Do I? I guess that's just how I am.” Well. That works for me. “So, what will you do now?” ...Good question. I don't have anything else for me back there. A lot of things happened in sequence in the past few days... If I go back there... What can I expect? Well, I can probably get more youkai slaying jobs. That's most of what I used to do. But then what else? I would have nothing. But... ...I also have nothing for me here, do I? My entire life was maybe just a bad joke, now that I think about it. But... What I did in the end was the right thing. I never thought for a single moment that what I did was the wrong choice. Still... I feel like I lost everything that I had close to me. Even my own home. The only thing I have right now is... The flute. ...That I made myself. I guess I can say this flute was the best thing I've ever done in my life. And it's... The only thing that I have left. I still can't believe it is here in my hands, intact. Heh. I have to thank Aya for this. Wasn't she the one who found this? “If you have nowhere to go, you are free to stay in Gensokyo for as long as you'd like.” Make my life here, huh... “...That...” ...That doesn't sound like... “...A bad idea at all, you know.” I'm not exactly sure why, though... “Still, I'd... I want to take my time resting, first. My body isn't hurt, but I still don't feel the same person as usual. I want to recover completely, then I'll decide on what I'll do.” ...Even though I'm pretty sure what I'll end up deciding in the end. “Well, I guess that's how it's going to be, then? You don't have a place to sleep, do you? You can use the shrine, if you'd like.” Not a bad idea. But I guess I'll pass on her offer. Because... “I appreciate the invitation, but I'd rather not. I'm not exactly the least noisy person ever.” “What? You snore? I don't have a problem with that, you should see what Suika does in her sleep if you'd think a few snores would bother me.” Suika? Does another person live here? “Oh, she's not here today. I guess we ran out of sake, so she's probably in youkai mountain now.” “I see. Well, it's not that I snore. I just want to be on my own for a while. Deep in thoughts and all that garbage.” ...Sigh. She doesn't have to look so disappointed. “Oh well. If you need anything just let me know, then. I'm usually here, so I'm not particularly hard to find.” ...Oh yeah, and of course... “I guess I'm off, then... And if you see Aya... ...Tell her I'm thankful for the flute.” And there goes another carefree smile. This never gets old, does it? “I'll keep this in mind. Be careful down there, not all youkai are shy and quiet.” “I hear you. Thanks! For everything today!” And I'm off. I guess the feeling of comfort I got was coming from the shrine itself? ...Hm. Somehow, I am sensing a pattern in Gensokyo, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Well, since it's the end of twilight now, I might as well find a place for me to raise encampment. It's been a while since I last slept in the open! “Heh.” I'm actually kind of excited... ...And I'm not exactly sure about what. -----------------------------//---------------------------------------- [Location: Bamboo Forest of the Lost] Yes! I recognize a good camping spot when I see one! Oddly enough I had to cross a bit of the enchanted forest to reach the thicket. Then again, I'm not getting lost in there anymore. ...Not even in this place, for all that matters. Have I grown accustomed to Gensokyo already? Oh well. It's totally night now. But this doesn't handicap my vision in any way. I can see everything as easily as I would in the day. Right! The very first thing while camping would be to find a suitable place to raise it. And I'm standing in it right now. Second would be to find the materials to build it. And I'm surrounded by wood. … Rustle Well, these are solid and strong enough, aren't they? “So let's start building!!” Crack Snap This is fun! This is really fun, and I have no idea why! ….. …......... ...Well! It's risen. Hell, what do you know! This looks... ...Hm. Surreal? I guess that's it. How the hell did I build almost-a-house in such a record time!? ...Pah! Who am I to question the power of a hundred years of practice? … … Let's... Let's search for food. Yes. ...Oh. I almost forgot... I also need to make a campfire... Well! This' gonna be a long ass night, I wager! -------------------------------//-------------------------------------- [Location: Bamboo Forest's Campsite] … Hell yes! Well, what can't a person do in a time limit of three hours? I have to say, this little camp doesn't look half bad... “Wouldn't exaggerate if I said this was the best one I've done so far.” ... Man... ...I feel like all of the accumulated tiredness within me just collapsed on my shoulders. The smell of vegetables and fruit by the fire is spreading around me. ...Gensokyo. A place where youkai, gods and humans live together. I wouldn't be surprised if there were ghosts living in here as well. I always thought that knowing a phoenix was big enough of a feat from my part. But I guess I just stepped into the podium of crazy, didn't I. ...It's not like I never have met a god, though. ...Sigh Remembering everything will just end up making me feel all gloomy-like! … It feels like forever since... ...Since I've last played this flute. They do say that music calms the wild beast, don't they? ...And as my lips touch the flute... A melody spreads out of me as if it was struggling to get out. The sound it makes echo through the thicket. ... The cracking from the fire... ...The wind softly blowing through the spaces of the forest. It fills the air and spreads through me as if purging every single worry from my mind. Music fills in the ambient nearly unnaturally. I can feel it. It is taking me away. My thoughts... … I can only listen to the melody I play. It flows through my fingers as if they had their own memories. Note after note... I begin to slowly realize... That my life wasn't as bad as I thought it was. Maybe way too much stuff happened at the same time. Maybe I just made a wrong choice at the right time. But this doesn't excuse me for being a wuss and giving up on it entirely. ...I'm not going to give up like this. I really hope sister can forgive me for being a complete moron... And... ...And the flute leaves my lips as the music comes to its end. A pleasant silence follows it. And the smell just got stronger. There goes my timing again. Rustle Hm? “...” “...” Well, I see another person, now. Her white hair is flowing to the breeze of the thicket, gently reflected in the moonlight. She is wearing the least feminine clothes I've ever seen a woman wear. My sister dressed oddly, but this is overdoing it. Plus, are those charms she has stapled in her pants? She is panting slightly; I guess she dashed all the way over here... “I... I wasn't expecting to see... This here... Exactly. What... Is this?” “Ah! You mean... The camp? Well... I needed a place to sleep, you see. So I camped. Shouldn't I have done that?” “Well, this pushed me a way I wasn't ready for. I saw smoke, and I dashed here as fast as I could! I thought there was another fire going on...” ...Concern! Well, I am worried now. “Ah... Yeah. Shouldn't I have made fire?” “Sigh... Nah. It's all right, I guess. As long as you put that down, when you're done with it! That thing spreads, you know that?” Well, isn't she the kind of person that goes straight to the point? “Your face doesn't look familiar. Who're you?” “I'm Shinki. I... Arrived in Gensokyo yesterday in bloody shape, so I don't quite remember how I did it.” “Wouldn't know about you then. I don't remember anything strange happening in the past few d...” Contemplation! Why do I get the feeling she doesn't like me too much? “...Days. Never mind, I actually do. Your name is Shinki? I'm Mokou.” “The watcher of the forest?” “No, I'm a swamp fairy! And no, I'm also not the watcher of this place. I live here.” Hey, it's been a while since someone slapped me with the cold hand of sarcasm. Maybe me raising this camp was what made her angry? “I see. Well, uh... Sorry! For ripping a few trees off.” “Like I said, I don't care. It does look like you didn't overdo it anyways.” It was enough to raise a small scaffold and cover it with protection from rain. I guess I did overdo it, madam. “Whatever you say.” Well, she looks either extremely disappointed or just plain angry. ...I guess I'd better eat all of this food before finally sleeping. I'm really tired... Munch Munch Munch ... And she doesn't leave. She is just standing there, hands in pockets and looking at me. Did... I offend her somehow? This is extremely uncomfortable. “Hm.” I don't know what I should say! Does she want something from me? “...” “...” I don't know if it's intentional, but I get the feeling she is threatening me. But for what? Is it the camp after all? ...Wait a second! “I know! You're hungry, aren't you?” “I'm not.” “Don't need to be in denial about it. There's plenty of it, so you can eat it if you want.” “I said I don't want to eat!” “So what do you want from me? I get the feeling you want to eat ME instead!” “...Really? I'm doing nothing, you know.” “So what about doing something? I don't know... Talking? Or maybe eating?” “For the third time, I'm not hungry!” ...The thought crossed me for a moment, but... Is she actually a really stubborn person? Oh, man... I always had bad luck when dealing with people with a thicker skull than mine! “What you think I'm gonna do when you... Go back home, I guess? Set the forest on fire?” “Maybe.” “Gah! Maybe... What the hell? Do you hate me or something?” “Yeah.” …! Ah. ...Well, I kind of expected that to a degree. But the real question is... “...Why?” “You smell bad.” “...Excuse me?” “I don't like your smell. I don't know why but your smell make Kaguya's be like a field of roses.” ...She's gotta be the most straightforward person I've ever met. “Sorry for not taking a bath in three days. A lot has happened, all of them involving blood, a near-death experience from my part and being chased by crazy tengu reporters.” Never would have thought I would meet a girl that judges people by how good their smell is! Oh, just on a side note, I can sense hers from here. And it's interestingly good for some reason. “But... I also don't hate you.” ...What? “Anyone that can make such beautiful music can't be a bad person.” Rustle ... ...And... She leaves. What was her name again? Modou? ...That doesn't sound right. Oh well, I can ask her again if opportunity allows me. And now I have the greatest feeling that... I have no idea what the hell just happened. … ...Whatever. I'm not even sure what the time is anymore. So I'm just going to sleep. It takes just a while to put the fire down completely. I'm a vampire after all. I don't need it for the night. All I need... ...Is to recover my former shape... Somehow I still get the feeling though... … That I'm forgetting something really important. ------------------------------------//----------------------------------------- [Location: Cloud Ruler Mountains] ...The wind. This particular mountain had a strange wind blowing during all year. It was hypnotizing. It usually takes way too much effort for me to be amazed by something like this... But the Cloud Ruler did it easily. The sounds made by the constant wind would usually capture me for hours. It didn't even have a distinctive melody. It wasn't even any different than any other sound a squall would make. You could say it was the most basic kind of sounds made from the wind. But maybe this was the reason I liked it so much. I always disliked things that were too different. So I always unconsciously looked to involve myself with the simplest things ever. The simple food, the simple day. Meet simple people and live a simple life. But... At the same time... I was born a vampire. My sister was my idol, and she was totally nuts. Eventually I grew stronger and got hunting jobs. I met the light, the darkness... A phoenix and a god. How could I say I lived a simple life? ...Maybe that's why I took a liking to these mountains. Because they were my model. They were what I could never be. A simple mountain, with a simple view. Making simple wind music... ...And I found that beautiful. But even... With all of that... It was never the real reason for me to go to this place. Maybe by going there so much, and by standing there thinking about why I went there... ...It made me eventually start thinking about a simple thing that plagued my mind ever since. ...I'm a hypocrite. ----------------------//----------------------- __________________ Oh, I laugh at irony so. Last edited by Etherdrone; 2010-06-06 at 13:05.

2010-05-31, 13:25	Link #3
Etherdrone The Questgiver Join Date: May 2010 Location: The Pits Age: 36	Author's Comments: Cirno uses "Atai". That does not translate to "Eye". As "I". But since she's dumb, it's valid. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spoiler for 3: [Location: Bamboo Forest of the Lost] Light invade my closed eyelids, bringing the sign of day to me. My body instantly recognizes it. The boost in strength I had during the night accumulated, I can bring my body up with extra ease now. And I'm sheltered by the scaffolding I brought up last night. So this means... ...I'm still in Gensokyo. Yeah, of course I am. Somehow, I wondered if it was all just a dream. Even if it wasn't though, this place likes to bring back all sorts of memories I'd rather forget completely! Maybe it's the smell of wood this thicket reeks of. ...Whatever! What should I do now? I did tell Reimu that I would 'think' about it... … Well, first things first... I should get myself more food... It would be perfect if I got meat, but... Whatever! I'll just go on vegetables today, too. …! “Hm?” What the...? … Did... I heard something just now? … … Yes. ...Somehow... I get this bad vibe coming from around me. I am being watched. “...Who is it? Don't you think I can't feel your presence!” … Rustle I knew it. This presence... Yes. This ominous, heavy presence that was on hiding came out as soon as I called it and fell upon me just like a predator attacking its prey. It sends shivers down my spine. The figures around me start to swarm the entire place, hidden in the woods...! All of their eyes are sparkling with deadly intent. I can feel their will to kill as if it was solidly palpable! The numerous beings slowly gathering together and surrounding the campsite move as swiftly as wolves and they position themselves as well as panthers. There are... At least twenty of them...! The sense of power and danger runs through my spine as if a blade made of ice crossed it. Yes... This cunning, deadly force... It can only be...!! “Hey! You are the new one, ain't ya!?” ... ...Fairies. “What?” “Don't answer my question wiff another question!” ...Who is she? I can feel a sort of a regal presence coming from this one. I've seen a few fairies, but none of them bore such a cocky pose like this one does! She is almost the size of a child, but somehow her presence is that of a giant. Icicles spout out of her back like wings, keeping her in mid-air like a levitation system. ...She must be the leader of these fairies. “The new one... If you mean the 'newcomer', as... Some people call me, then yes.” “That's what eye said! And you come here in our forest, settle yourself a fancy home and call yourself the owner of the place?!” ...Did I really call myself this place's owner? Man, I must be a real bastard when I'm asleep. “Cirno-chan...! Cirno-chan, will you start listening to me? Honestly...!!” Huh? Well, that's a surprise. Most fairies just follow a leader's orders blindly, when there is one. In this case, I'd guess the ice fairy should be in total control. “What is it, Dai? Can't ya see I'm nego... Nego... Talking with the new one?” “You're just rushing into trouble again! You shouldn't do that, it's causing all sorts of problems!” But this other fairy seems to be free of that. She looks less child-like than the other, though. Her presence isn't nearly as powerful, I can feel she isn't just a random fairy either. So what? Is she the mind behind the gun? “I'm impressed to see more than a single fairy with an actual mind of its own in the same group!” “Ah... Yes. We're not really like that, you know. It's just that...” “Show him, Cirno!!” “Blow'im a new tog, oy!” “Spread our name across the wind!” Oh. So they... “...See? They are just impulsive.” I can't believe I'm actually in the middle of a circle of fairies with their own senses of will! This... This is nearly as absurd as it is crazy incredible! So you mean the ice fairy isn't the boss? “New one! You know why eye am here, don't you!?” I should be ready for anything at this point. Fairies are never to be underestimated when in large groups like this... But if this fairy isn't the boss... Then... “Who... Who are you?” “Me...?” She is making yet one more cocky pose...!! “Eye am the blue ice, eye am the cold wind, eye am the true power. With spell in hand eye will cut through the evils of this world and freeze them in the glaciers of destruction! Eye am Cirno! The strongest has come!!” “...” “...” I am not sure if the silence that just fell upon the entire forest was just everyone being blown away by the sheer awesome of this. Plus, she said something there... “Wait... Strongest?” “It's me! Eye's the strongest fairy of Gensokyo!!” Shit! I am sure that this is about fighting, now! “Wait, Cirno-chan... Did... D-Did you actually rehearse that...?” “Eye did! So, new one! This strongest here challenges you to a duel! A fair, one on one duel!” I knew it...! “For what purpose? I've done nothing to provoke you!” “Of course you didn't. Consider it a special offer made by the strongest!” “C-Cirno-chan! Calm down, please...!” ...A personal duel invitation made by the strongest? To me? “W-Why?” “Eye want to fight! Isn't that enough?” I... … …. I'm... …!!! I'm pumped up!! Are you serious!? “Of course! It would be an honor to accept your challenge, Cirno-san!!” “Then follow! Come, Dai! Rally the fairies, eye'm going to teach them a thing or two 'bout what it is like to be the strongest!” Changing places, huh? Fair enough!! --------------------//--------------------- [Location: Misty Lake] Well, we walked for quite a bit, didn't we? From what I gathered from these fairies, the green-haired one is actually the leader, Daiyousei. But even though she is the greater fairy, the ice one, Cirno, is actually the strongest of them. “Sorry to make you wait, new one! But eye don't want to upset the angry lady of the bamboo forest, you see?” “Fair enough. I've been wondering though, if we're going to fight, do you suggest anything in particular about it?” “Ah, I'll say this, Shinki-san. I'll mediate it, so things don't go out of control. If I say it's over...” “It is over. I get it.” So if she is stronger than the grand leader... So this means I need to take this seriously from beginning to end. I don't know if Gensokyo's fairies are the same as the ones I used to meet... ...But I'm going to bet my money they use magic here too. So, this is the time to use the abilities I've been blessed with from birth! “Hm...!!” My lower canines grow as I gather my powers in my fists, covering them completely like gauntlets. I'm ready. “Whenever you want, Cirno-san!” “Here eye go!!” And she start blasting at me with icicles summoned from thin air...!! ---------------//-------------- [Interlude- Location: Hakurei Shrine] Swipe Swipe The day was the same as usual for the shrine maiden. The sun hardly was up in the cloudless sky. The wind was blowing nicely through the trees nearby much for her annoyance, since it scattered more leaves in her yard. “Sigh... Same old, of course.” She complained, but she didn't hate it. After all, it was part of the life she had. The world around her was filled with these things. Even youkai extermination is a part of it. It was something that had to be done, sooner or later. People are eaten, and they pay to be safe. That was a good enough of a reason for the maiden to accept these jobs. “...I wonder...” “Heeey! Reimuuu!!” The distinctive voice of her friend called her from the sky. Naturally, the maiden responded with a smile, and a wave from the hand. The black witch landed nearby, dismounting from her inappropriately labeled 'vehicle'. Her usual carefree smile was taken by a rather serious expression. The shrine maiden blinked in response. “What's wrong, Marisa? You look troubled.” “Yeah, kinda. It's just that I was curious about something, so I came over to ask you about it.” Ask about? The black witch is the kind of person that would rather make assumptions on her own, or reach conclusion through her own personal experiences and knowledge on the factors around her after a session of study on the matter. So the simple fact that she was there, asking Reimu about something meant a big deal for the maiden. “You asking something to me? That's quite rare, isn't it?” The witch scratched her head, troubled. She is just the kind of person that likes to search first, then ask later. But... “...This time, I found nothing. So I came to ask. That's all.” “What is it, then? I'm listening.” ...A brief pause took place. The black witch crossed her arms, gathering her thoughts properly. She knew she had to ask about it, but how to ask was the matter at hand. “Say Reimu. What kinds of youkai inside Gensokyo can actually use magic?” Well, that was a rather odd question, coming from a magician like Marisa. “Well, magi-type youkai, of course. Like Alice, or Patchouli.” “And fairies too, right? Or humans that studied enough, like me.” Reimu nodded in agreement. The worried expression in the witch's face got slightly more noticeable now. Something was wrong, and the maiden could tell. “Marisa?” “Reimu. Today I found this youkai in the forest... I never saw something like that before. It didn't have magic in it, but it actually used it.” “It didn't have magic, but it used magic? That's impossible, isn't it?” “I...I know it sounds weird! But it happened! A random youkai in the forest actually used magic on me! It wasn't really that impressive of a spell, but he used it!” “And where is that youkai now?” The black witch took off her hat and scratched her head. “I sparked it to death, so there isn't much left of it now. I felt that it was important to tell you about it though... And in case you knew something about it...” The maiden stopped swiping the ground. Suddenly... She did feel that the wind was blowing strangely. As if something wasn't right. It was just a feeling, but... “I see. Sorry Marisa, but I really don't know anything about that.” ...The timing... Was it just a coincidence? “Marisa, can you do me a favor? I have a job in the mountains, so I want you to do a little thing for me.” “Hm? Depends on what that is, ze.” “You remember that the barrier was supposedly damaged, but in the end it wasn't anything serious? I met the one responsible, and he is in Gensokyo right now.” “So you met the one? Who is it?” “He's a vampire called Shinki. He's a nice person, so if you want you can ask him for details later. Just... Talk to him about it. I have a feeling he might know about that youkai.” “...Oh! I guess I know where to find him then. I saw someone playing with the fairies when I was coming over here, so... Sure! I can do that.” The black witch immediately jumped on her flying broom. “Reimu!” “Yes?” “...Do you have a bad feeling about this?” The maiden closed her eyes for a couple seconds before smiling back at her friend. “It's still way too soon to tell!” [Interlude – Over] ----------------------------//--------------------------------- [Location: Misty Lake] ...I kick the ground and move to the right as soon as yet another icicle flies through the air and carves itself on the ground behind me. My mind is thinking way too fast. As usual, my body responds to incoming danger with automatic reflexes, putting myself in the middle of danger and coming out of the crossfire unharmed. As Cirno tosses more ice blades at me, I use my anti-magic gauntlets to change their direction like shields. ...This is my self-developed ability. As a blue-blood vampire, I can suck magic from people just like a regular vampire would suck blood. But I also can use the magic I absorbed to augment my own physical abilities. I can increase my strength, my speed... The potency of my punches or even my defense. And I also managed to develop a special characteristic for my anti-magic ability. Because most of the enemies I fought against in the past had the bad habit of flying. I can't hit them If they are beyond my reach! So I decided on something really crazy, but that proved invaluable for me. “Damn... It... Stand... Still...!!” If I cover either my fists or feet with this 'glove'... I can actually touch the magic around me if it took physical form and use it as platforms. It wouldn't be over-the-top to say I actually can surf in my enemies' weapons. And of course... I can use this 'glove' as a shield, too! THOOOM And she missed again. ...I don't get it...! “Pant... Pant... Pant... Pant...Damn... Stay still so eye can... Hit you...!” Why is she missing so much? Granted, I am a dodging whore. But this isn't about me being able to dodge. This is about her aim being horrible! Is she testing me? Her icicles aren't exactly weak, though. It's actually a fairly developed ice magic that if it hits, it will hurt. But even so, they aren't half as powerful as I was expecting. What's going on here? “GRRR! This is annoying! Why don't you stand still?!” ...Because I don't want to get hit... “Cirno-chan... Don't get mad at him! You are the one who challenged him, remember?” Is she mad because I didn't attack her yet? I was waiting until she rushed me, but so far she didn't. ...Does this mean I should do that instead? “Don't give up, Cirno!” “Blow'im a new tog, oy!” “Focus, Cirno-chan!” ...What an exited bunch. Well... If this is what is has come to be, then I'm going to rush her! …? She raised her hand just now. What is it? “Deep Breath” “W-Wait! Cirno-chan!!” “Spell Card! [Ice Sign – Icicle Machine Gun]!!” What...!? Flash …Whoa!!! She's blasting a rain of icicles at me! ...Focus...! Crash Crash Crash It's not going to do much good if I keep punching the missiles! Crash Crash Crash I gotta find a way in through this rain... … ...Yeah, I see it. This hardly gives me time to jump away, so I'll just make use of the openings this gives me! It would be a lot more deadly if it didn't move in a straight line, though...! VOOSH VOOSH VOOSH I can move through this rain towards her easily. The problem of a fancy spell like this, is that it has a pattern. Every pattern has a blind hole in it. And if I can find the hole... “...Ah! No way!! Are you kidding me?!” I can reach you through it!! “Take this!” I hit the fairy's chin with the butt of my palm!! BAM …? I felt the firmness of this attack. That was really nasty. Thud … ... Um. What silence is this? Every fairy that was cheering excitedly suddenly went into a deep, dark silence. Hm. Cirno is laying on the ground, about two meters from where she was. “Uh... C-Cirno... San?” “Cirno-chan! Oh, Christ, are you OK?” “Eye thyink eye broyke mye jayw...!!” ...She sounds stunned. My attack caused so much damage on her? Wait a moment. … … SO SHE'S ACTUALLY WEAK!!?? No! NO! Wait a minute, this' not possible! First of all, fairies are entities consisted of the magic in the air itself, a concentration of power manifested due to the shock of power beneath the earth with the gaps contained in it with air and water, making the manifestation of a being thereby possible! So even the weakest fairy in existence would be able to easily dispatch even a higher-ranked demon due to its high concentration of magic, making them easily the closest beings to nature there are! A being close to nature is automatically considered a higher spirit due to its crazy abilities of manipulating their magic, a resource found more abundantly within the nature! It's not possible that a fairy such as Cirno, who is easily a master of controlling the Ice element, not to be resilient! Or at least a flying cannon! Did I miss something when I was learning about magic? Did I do something exceptional to bypass a fairy's resistance? “Cirno-chan, talk to me! What hair style do I have on today? Tell me!” “...Ah... Ponytaiyl? Eye gyess...?” ...But maybe...! Maybe it's Gensokyo that's different from what I'm used to. … Oh, man. Retiliashamane would be ashamed of what I just did. Or maybe she would be ashamed of the fairies, I don't know. “Aah... I'm... I'm sorry. I guess I should have held that back more.” A lot more. I'm feeling bad. It feels like I just bullied someone. “You fought well, Cirno-chan!” “He blew ya a new tog, oy!” Rumble … “Eh? Dai, diyd you say soyemthyng?” “What? I can't understand you very well, Cirno-chan. We have to fix your jaw...” Wait. What was that? There's something up. I can't tell what it is, but there's something... Rumble ...I'm feeling like we're... ...We're not safe. “Dai, soyemthyng's not ryght. What's the rumblying about? Earthquayke?” …! Cirno also feels it? “...Daiyousei. You... You should leave. Right about now.” “Eh? But...” I don't get it! What did this come from? So sudden like this! How many fairies are here? “Get everyone out! Fly through the lake, I don't care! Just go! Hurry!!” It's getting close at... An unbelievable speed! Rumble “Eh? Dai-chan, what's all this rumbling?” RUMBLE ...Shit! “Fairies! Help me carry Cirno? Something's not...” Yes. Hurry! SNAP …! The trees nearby just fell apart! “[MAGIC!!!]” ...WHAT!? A four-meter long serpent, with reddish skin and fins attached to its head, stretching all the way to its tail! And lizard-like scales! ...That...! That is a Leviathan!! What the fuck is a Leviathan doing here?! “Ah...!! AH!!! What is that!?” “[MAGIC! MAGIC!!!]” Well, no surprise a bunch of fairies never saw a four-meter tall serpent painted red! It is clearly berserk! Did it stay off the water for too long? Damn it! Thinking about it isn't going to do much good! “Hm!!” Again! I turn the switch of my vampirism on. “Dai! Dai, what is that? I've never seen a snake that big before!” [MAGIC!!!] …! It just bum-rushed the fairies!! Oh no, you will NOT! I twist my feet on the ground and kick myself towards the Leviathan... THUD [SHRIEK!!] And I hit it with my shoulder as hard as I can. The Leviathan is pushed aside, rolling away from the little ones. What are they doing? “Hah... Hah... Move! Little ones, get off! You can't stay here!” “B-But...” Tch! If I didn't hurt Cirno like that, this would be so much easier... I'm sorry, fairies! “S-Shinki-san! What is that?” “It's a Leviathan! It eats magic, so it's obviously after you guys! But it can't actually fly... So you'll be safe if you just go up!” “U-Understood! Fairies, carry Cirno up! Let's fly, hurry!” I'm glad she mobilizes really fast! The Leviathan is having a seizure in the ground. I never saw one being so stupid when it comes to getting back on their tails. ...Wait. No! This is...!! [HYDROSTORM!!!] SHIT! It launched a rather gigantic ball of water upwards. I can't do anything about it now... “What's that!?” ...The ball blasts itself into an extremely heavy rain of magic. The water from it presses onto me. I open my pores in response, absorbing what I can, but the fairies can't do that. ...So they can't escape flying up, now. “This is heavy!! What's this!?” I immediately jump towards the Leviathan's face. The magic I gathered from the fight against Cirno was actually rather good, plus he just gave me some. So I'll return it to him!! I increase the power of my fists ...As I do so, dark flames begin to burn around them. And I bring them down as hard as I can!! “Horaaaa!!!” TWHOM “[SHRIEEEEEK!!]” ...Tch! So stubborn! Even after ramming my fists through its head, it's still alive. “Fairies! If we can't go up, let's go through the lake! Follow me, hurry!!” ...I'm not sure if that is the best idea ever, but... At least they want to escape. ...By the sound of it, Daiyousei actually managed to rally them well away from this thing... “So it's you and me, big boy. Care to say a last word before I grind you?” “[MAGIC! ESCAPE! NO! ENEMY! HATE!]” I'm not particularly fond of Leviathans either! Specially if they are stubborn like this. So I'll just rip your heart out and eat it for lunch!! One more punch on the mind should do it. So I'll just... “[MAGIC!!!]” W-WHOA! Are you!! A giant sphere of fire blasted away from its mouth without prior warning. THOOOOOM GAH! Thud ...And it hit me! At least I could cover myself in my defenses before I actually got hurt, but...! It's after the fairies! Damn it all to hell! I can't jump that far! “Damn it!! Fairies, run for it!!” That was a real bad move from my part! I wasn't expecting it to shorten its lifespan like that just for me to get out of its way! This isn't funny! What do I do!? … ...He's going to catch up to the fairies if this continues. Damn it!! This is really...!! “Oi! You're Shinki, aren't you? You don't look familiar, so I guess you're the one Reimu mentioned, ze!” …!! Who!? I was so focused on the Leviathan I didn't see this... Blonde... Witch? Coming. “...H-Hey! That's the thing that spit magic at me sooner! How come it's still alive?” ...So the Leviathan was hurt before coming here? “That 'thing' is really resistant, lady! You said you beat it up, then?” “Yeah. What the hell, it's chasing after the fairies!” ...Did... She came flying, didn't she? “Say, can you fly?” “Ah? Yeah, I can with magic. Why?” “Please help me! I want to save those fairies!” “Eh? Why bother? Fairies revive themselves after they 'die', so it's not that big of a deal.” What kind of mentality is that? Are you crazy!? “If they are eaten by a Leviathan, they will not! He feeds on magic! He's going to absorb their lives into his own if he's not killed now!!” Don't make that 'I don't believe you' face!! “That sounds rather far-fetched...” “WILL YOU HELP ME OR NOT!?” “Only if you give me something, ze!” ...God damn it! She didn't even think twice! “Fine! I'll do it! So give me a ride over the Leviathan! Hurry!” ...So she really does fly in that broom of hers? I won't be able to sit in it with her. “Grab on! I'm not exactly nice when it comes to speed, though!” So I'll be suspended beneath you? Whatever, we need to hurry...! ...Well. I grab it! I never really flied in a magic broom before, though... So I wonder how--- VOOSH WHOA! Kiiiiiiiii “Hold on! I know you're sustained by your hands alone, but hold on!! I told ya I'm not nice when it comes to speed!” And she wasn't kidding! We're over the Leviathan already!! This is perfect! “Thank you, witch lady!” And I release myself! I'm going to crush your spine, you disgusting little beast! Using the fall from the broom as a starter, I gather all my power into my right fist. And I bring it down! “DIE!!!” THOOOOM The impact was so brutal it sent a shockwave through the air. “W-Whoa!!” “Eek!” “[SHRIIIEEEEK!!]” I buried my fist through its spine. There's no way this thing can stay alive now. …? I can't take my hand off. “Grab the broom!!” Oh! Oh yeah, I'm gonna sink in the lake! So I grab the broom with my free hand. Grip “Gah! Hey, that's heavy, ze! Why are you carrying it?” “...My hand's stuck on its spine!" ...Hey. "...Say, can you bring me with it back to the shore?” “Why!?” “Because I just thought about it, but... Leviathan meat is good.” “Oh, really? I want some, then!” Fair enough. … The cool breezing sound on the air immediately takes place. The urgent feeling I had vanishes with the breeze. I can finally let go my sigh of relief. ...Hah! Hahahah! I never thought I'd be with a stuck Leviathan in my right hand and being suspended in the air by my left hand! Well... Where all of that adrenaline just go? “S-S-S-Shinki-san! Are you ok?” Well, the great fairy seems to be extremely relieved. ...And so am I, to be honest. I don't know why, but I felt extremely protective of these fairies there, didn't I. “I'm... I'm fine. Daiyousei, you're all fine, right? I'm glad.” She gives a really beautiful smile, as expected from a greater fairy. “We're the ones that need to be glad! You saved us!” “No need, really... I wouldn't be able to reach you if it wasn't for witch lady here. And... Consider the saving, my apologies for hurting your friend.” “Hey! That beast's kinda heavy, so I'm going to speed it up to the shore!!” “Oh! My bad, for making you carry this with me!” The fairy is smiling nicely, isn't she? I just did something good. “So we'll take care of our Cirno-chan now. See you around, Shinki-san!” Well. This was a rather thrilling broom ride, wasn't it? “Well, at least I'm going to eat meat today. All day long.” ----------------//-------------- [Location: Misty Lake] “So, you can actually eat this?” “You can. It's a giant lizard, you know. Lizard meat is good.” And I'm actually a good cook. I'm pretty sure I cooked it right. Marisa is taking her time sniffing it. I'm not going to do the same! MUNCH … ...Yes! I've done it again! There goes my timing, again! “Shinki! This is really good, ze! You weren't kidding!” Indeed! ...So she is a friend of Reimu's. I highly doubt she came here to say hello to me, though. But so far she didn't say anything. I can't tell if either she is in deep thought, or if she forgot completely what she wanted from me. ...The happy munching sound of lizard meat isn't something to be ignored, I know! “...Hey.” Or maybe it should, to an extent. “Yeah?” “So, what is this thing I'm eating anyway?” ...So she doesn't know what a Leviathan is, too? “...This is a Leviathan. From where I came, they were sea serpents that usually would come out of the water to hunt, then they would go back to their lairs. I'm surprised you guys don't know what they are.” “It's not a magical youkai, is it?” Not magical? Of course it is. ...But maybe... Is the difference between Gensokyo and the Outside World really this big? “...Yes they are. They eat magic, adding the things they eat to their own power. The more a Leviathan eat, the more powerful they get. This one was a pretty small one, though.” What's this? Does she think deeply when she's eating like this? “I couldn't feel magic in this thing, ze. How do I say it? It was like he was empty, but full at the same time.” That's a rather complicated point of view you got there. “Well, I don't know how you guys handle magic in here. It's not totally different, but maybe there's a few differences. Is that how you feel the 'absorption' kind of magic? How do you sense my own?” … I don't know why, but when she look in my eyes I feel like she's staring at my guts. “...You feel like a water box to me. Outside World magic is always this different?” I don't know what to say about that. But a water box? That's... A pretty accurate way to describe how I work, though I'd guess a gallon is more appropriate. “I guess it's way too soon to tell. I'd have to see more about this place's magic to conclude anything.” ...Indeed. But this is really strange. The Leviathans aren't exactly a rare kind of youkai. Granted, you will never see two of them together, because they eat each other over territory, and power. But them never seeing one? This doesn't sound too plausible. Or maybe I'm just thinking way too much... -----------------------//-------------------------- __________________ Oh, I laugh at irony so. Last edited by Etherdrone; 2010-06-06 at 13:06.

2010-06-06, 13:54	Link #4
Etherdrone The Questgiver Join Date: May 2010 Location: The Pits Age: 36	Author's Comments: Rabbits are awesome. Don't you dare say otherwise. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spoiler for Quattro: [Location: Misty Lake] "...So that's how your magic works, huh. Well, it's... Interestingly similar to ours, somewhat." And it explains in a nutshell, why the ice-fairy wasn't as strong as I first imagined... Because where I come from, the magic you use is actually drawn from the nature. But since it is amplified to cause the desired effect, it disperses and taints the air, so you can say that you use 10 to leave 15 behind. Most youkai and nature creatures such as the fairies feed unconsciously from magic, so the more there are, the more powerful they get. Marisa said our magi sound like animal caretakers. It's more complicated that just that, though. In here, they actually use their own magic to do their thing, in the form of spell cards. “So, how do they work?” “What? The spell cards, or just the magic?” Aren't they the same thing in the end...? “Reimu came up with that so everyone can have a chance to win. It's just a game in the end, so the most beautiful one wins! ” ...Beautiful, huh. I hardly accept a rain of icy death to be beautiful! So what? Is this place's magic just a method of entertainment? “I find this kind of logic hard to follow... Maybe tampering with magic for so long in my world made me think like this.” “So from the outside you use magic to kill people?” “It's a big world, after all. They will never be the masters of something specific if they don't stop trying to be the masters of everything.” It's a circle that keeps repeating itself. “So I can say that our magic is just a weapon magi use to hurt other people to please their own needs. It's bullshit.” “I'm surprised you know so much about magic. You a mage, too?” “Not really. I'm just way too used to fighting them, plus, I'm their natural enemy I guess.” I'm naturally resistant to magic, even if that's not exactly immunity. I have to use the magic reserves I have to make me more resistant, or just plain immune. That's why I can absorb the magic from either physical contact, or by biting people. Otherwise, I'm just resilient. “But man! That's the first time I ever saw a vampire with inverted teeth! So you really is a mage hunter?” Mage hunter. I hate that expression. “I don't hunt mages.” “That was a way to put it! A rare kind of vampire... I wonder what Remilia would say to that.” ...That name sounds familiar. “Remilia?” “Ah, she's the owner of that big mansion there, see? She is a vampire just like you, ze.” Oh, I see. She's a vampire. So that's why she wondered what she'd w-w-w-w-W-W-W-WAIT!!! “...Marisa. Y-You said Remilia is a vampire?” “Yeah. She's actually pretty strong, but doesn't go out in the sun like you. Maybe it's because your blood is different.” A red-blood vampire. ...Shit. I wondered why I felt like there was a rock inside of my head ever since I got in here. There is a vampire living here. “Shinki?” ...The feeling of worry take over my body and swarms it like caterpillars covering a tree. If she is what Marisa said, then... I might end up being hunted. “Hey Shinki! What's wrong, you looking a bit pale up there.” No. It's still way too soon to guess anything. There is no way she haven't felt my presence yet. But the fact I haven't received any sort of capturing attempts by her part until now, probably means I'm safe. “Shinki! Look at me, damn it!” ...Ah! Marisa does not look pleased! “M-My bad! I was just over thinking. I need to stop with this mania of mine...” She is contemplating my face statically, as if she's trying to read my mind. “...Do you want to talk to her?” …! ...Well, no. Not really. I wish to stay away as far as possible from her, actually. But I also don't want to hide away. I want to find out whenever she is dangerous or not. Even if I risk exposing myself. “...Yes.” “Then the story's gonna be simple! Come on, let's get into the Scarlet Devil Mansion so you can talk to Remilia, ze!” Wait, what? “Y-You mean, like this?” “Yeah! Stop staggering and come on already!” ... Scarlet Devil. Once again, this name rings a bell on my head, but... Maybe not... ----------------------//--------------------------- [Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion Yard] “WAIT.” “What? Don't bother me now, ze!” “What are you doing? That's the window!!” “I know! And that's how we are gonna get in!” “Haven't you heard that going through a door symbolizes that you're entering a sanctuary and therefore you're being blessed with safe shelter?” “No.” I still don't agree with the burglar cat-like behavior prior to entering other people's houses! “So, um. I'm going that way. There's a gate, so...” “What? Are you crazy, why bother!? They won't let you in!” “Then so be it.” And if they don't let me in, then so be it. If I go inside in such a manner, I might be attacked regardless of me being a blue-blood. I'll be attacked because I'm going in without permission. I'd rather take my chances going straight through the front. ----------------------//------------------------- [Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion Gate] Well, that was a waste of time. ...This mansion looks enormous. It's obviously western-styled, crafting the difference between itself, and the rest of Gensokyo. It has very few windows in it. Since it belongs to a vampire, I'd guess that is only natural. The feeling of royalty booms from this place, giving me a sensation that I'm standing in front of a really important palace... Or maybe just a rich person's house. And standing in front of the gate... Is a girl. Aqua-colored eyes and long, scarlet hair that blends to the background that is the mansion she is guarding. The green beret and the dress resemble traditional Chinese clothing, giving off a fierce impression. Her eyes meet mine as she notices me approaching the mansion. “...Hey! Don't get any funny ideas!” Her voice went out in a single sigh. That's not a warning! “...You sound like you're more than just used to people having funny ideas.” “You would be surprised.” ...Let me test this. “Or maybe I wouldn't. But I see your point, considering this isn't the safest place ever!” She didn't cross her face! She's probably the patient type, then. “Never hurts to be too careful, right? Who are you? I don't remember you from anywhere else.” “Of course, I arrived this Gensokyo only recently, on an accident. Since it seems I'll be staying here for a while, I thought I'd introduce myself properly to my neighbors.” ...And I give the strongest salesman smile I can muster from the deep holes of my tainted soul. “...I didn't get any information that someone would come.” “Of course, like I said. I arrived yesterday, there is no way I would be able to arrange an appointment with your master before, right?” Please don't think too much please don't think too much please don't think too much. “Well, that is true. So you wish to speak with mistress Remilia? Wait just a moment then.” Clap Clap Clap …? Hand clapping? What, is she going to call someone from inside the mansion? Flapping ...A bat. It's not everyday that I can see a bat land into someone's arm like this. “It's a message to the chief maid. There's a newcomer... Uh...” Oh, of course. “Katsura Shinki.” I'd rather not spit a false name at these people. “A newcomer called Shinki wants to introduce himself properly to Mistress Remilia, Sakuya. Is it possible?” And the bat took off. Well, I must admit that was a rather functional method of communication. If these bats can transfer messages like so, then I wonder if she already knows of me. “So your name is Shinki? Isn't that a woman's name?” “I'd... Rather not talk about it. It's something stupid my sister came up with.” And she gives really strong facial expressions. I don't think I've seen a smile this wide in a long time. “I see! My name's Hong Meiling! Everyone forgets about it sooner or later, but I do them a favor and never forget about theirs in return.” ...It's so honest it burns my retinas. “I see... I'll do my best not to forget about it.” I wonder. She gives off a really awesome presence. Why is she just a gatekeeper? ...I'd... Better don't mention it. Yes. Flapping Oh? It's returned. “...Well, then please let Shinki-sama know that our Mistress is sleeping at the moment and does not wish to be disturbed. If he wishes however, I can warn her of his arrival and mark an appointment.” ...Well, that bat let go an answer on a voice I wasn't expecting. But yeah. How stupid am I? Of course she's asleep. She's a vampire. She sleeps for the day and only works at night. “I see. ...Well, you heard the answer. Sorry about that... Maybe if you come back at night time?” “I'll do that. Thanks for the attention! I'll let you back to your duty then.” ...Well, I kind of expected this, somehow. By the way, why is she a gatekeeper? She doesn't look the sort. Oh well, not my place to say anything to people. “See you at night then, Shinki-dono!” Dono? ...I feel kind of bad for trying to bypass her like that. If only she wasn't a good person... Actually, I'm glad that she is. ... “See? I told ya you wouldn't get in, ze!” And Marisa is displaying what I'm gonna call the mocking smile number three. “She's asleep.” “Who cares? Just barge in, like me. It's not like they seem to try to stop you.” ...Actually, you are probably the only one that thinks they don't. “I don't want to talk to her if she is in a bad mood, caused by my possible bypass of her homestead.” “Remilia usually is like that, unless you're Reimu. But if that's how you want it to be, then so be it. What are you gonna do now, ze?” Well, I pretty much know what I should do. “I'm gonna bathe.” “...” It's true. Damn, now that I think about it, I'm extremely grateful for the bat to say I shouldn't get in! I reek of sewers!! “Yeah, now that I think about it... What would you have done if they'd let you in with that look following you around?” “I would say I met you before going there, and that you hugged me.” “Hahahah! That's a good comeback, I like it!” Kinda glad I didn't have to really use it. “So this is it, then? I'll be going now, 'cause I don't wanna see a guy bathing. And I wanna go check on Reimu, she had a job to do in Youkai Mountain.” Oh yeah, I was wondering about that. “What kind of job does she have?” “Youkai extermination, for the most part.” … Well, that's a rather hardcore line of work for a Shrine Priestess. “Is... Is she going to be fine? This is a rather punk job!” “Nah. There is a reason why Reimu is my second player. She can pull her own weight, no problem.” Marisa shrugs like she has total confidence in her, while mounting on her flying broom. By the way, where did she get that expression from? “But what's the main character if she's not there to help the second player?” “I get where you're coming from. 'Twas nice meeting you, Marisa. Watch out for the scorpions.” And she takes off with a 'See ya!' I can barely listen thanks to the zooming sound from it. She is an extremely odd person, but I can't help but like that! When am I going to meet the first person I won't like in this place? --------------------//----------------------- [Location: Misty Lake] … … Well. I'm done. I know I should have checked this sooner, but my body's bruises aren't half as bad as I thought they were. I was expecting scars, or even a few marks here and there. I'm not totally healed yet, too. I can still feel a sting in my head and my joints still hurt enough to be noticeable. But considering the amount of punishment I went through prior to my arriving in Gensokyo, I'm practically unharmed! ...Eirin must be one hell of a doctor to patch me up like this, and I had no idea. Well... Now that I think of it, now's as best time as any to go apologize for me disappearing on their asses! That is, if I can find that mansion in that maze. And my scaffold isn't even deep enough in the thicket, so I can't really call me being a master of navigation through it. But hey. Now that I'm finally clean again! I should go to the... What's it called again? I forget. -------------------------//-------------------------------- [Location: Bamboo Forest of The Lost] ...Well, it's no use. I have no idea where I'm going, after all. After a couple minutes walking through this place I started to realize that this thicket isn't that magical. It is confusing in nature. It doesn't make you lose your way on purpose, but you lose your way still. It's like a natural trap that takes you in it unless you know how to navigate through it from the start. Or maybe unless you lose your way enough. “Man, this is pointless.” Being lost and walking aimlessly won't take me anywhere. Maybe if I shat luck again like I did last time, and actually meet someone in here, then I would feel comfortable with where I am going. ...Now, what. I don't wanna yell and call for help. That's not how I work. … Hey! That's right, I remember! The pants lady! Didn't she say she lives in here? ...B-But... That's not gonna help me, either. I don't know where she lives. Unless... I got my flute with me, don't I? ...Let's see. … Well, playing it is the best thing I can do right now... Let's see how pointless this will be. ...And I touch the flute in my lips, allowing a song to flow through it. It's been a while since I've played like this. Walking through somewhere, listening to the echoes of the music flowing throughout the place. The music I play. That I love. And that I cannot have enough of. It really helps me to think clearly, just as if I'm filled with adrenaline. But until today I can't really tell if this is a good or a bad thing. I can think the most clearly and well when I am fighting. But music also does that to me. Does this mean that I actually consider playing music the same as fighting...? ...Or is it the other way around? “...” The feeling that I've just done something good fixes itself onto me when I'm done. But I don't really know if there are people around me this time. Well, you jackass! I'd actually be amazed if there was. “...Sigh. Well, that was an everyday idea by yours truly.” What should I do, then? Start tearing the trees around me and create my own path? Rustle … No way. Rustle You're kidding me, right? Rustle “...Ah. I thought I heard music coming from here.” “...Are you seriously telling me you actually heard me playing this?” It's pants lady. What the hell is she doing here? I mean... “Do you live around these parts anyway? Or you just have incredible eardrums?” “What are you talking about? I heard it echoing through the forest pretty clearly.” Oh. Really? “...That's odd.” She sighs in response to me. And I don't know if I should call her presence here a Deus EX Machina or just disgustingly convenient. “Well, I guess that... If it worked... Then why complain... Right?” And she gives me more confused looks. … … … “...And that's how it is!” “So you played that song with the dim hope that someone would listen to it and come to your aid.” She is staring daggers at me, as if what I did was just the dumbest thing ever. “It worked!” I'm pretty sure she isn't used to talk like this. She usually keeps eye contact, but use as many short words as she can. “So you are lost.” “Yeah. I'm not afraid of saying that I have no idea where I am. And I am scared.” “Really.” ...She has really sharp eyes, just like those of a cat. A cat that's being way too cautious. She doesn't like me at all, does she? But I already bathed! “So, uh... Sorry to ask you this, but... You know your way around here, don't you?” “You're not the first lost person I've seen in here. I'll take you out, follow me.” “W-Wait! Actually, I want to go to the mansion deep in the forest...” ...Whoa. Somehow, I feel like I poked one of her nerves. “...I see. Follow me.” …? Uh... M-Might as well. So what? Did I say something that I shouldn't? … … We walk slowly in silence through the forest. I'm not sure what's going through her mind. Her expression was rather menacing at first, as if she was trying too hard not to be threatening but failing at it... But now her eyes are like those you would have when you're thinking deeply about something, or recording a nostalgic memory. I know because I have that look on my face most of the time. The very forest is contemplating in silence. I don't know why, but I like this. Nothing is being said, nothing is happening. We're just walking through the thicket. But why do I feel so calm? Even though I'm walking next to someone who doesn't like how bad my smell is! “Hey.” …! “Ah. Yeah?” “What's your business at Eientei, after all?” Eientei? “Oh yeah! That's how it's called, isn't it?” “You... Forgot? Or no one really told you about that?” “Well, they did, but only once and they were telling me how the landscape of this Gensokyo works.” She sighed. Is she forcing herself to try and talk to me or something? “Oh yeah, I also forgot your name.” “It's Mokou. I won't say anything bad about you forgetting it because I also forgot yours.” “It's Katsura Shinki. A really manly name, isn't it?” “...Sounds like a woman's to me.” Thank you, that's the second time today. “...Fujiwara.” “Your first name?” “Family. Fujiwara no Mokou. But no one really calls me that. It's just 'Mokou'.” 'No'? Isn't that a mannerism added to clan names? Like... 'Mokou of the Fujiwara clan', in her case? ...Not sure why, but... Something tells me I'd better not say anything about it. “So what's your business in Eientei?” “Well... They basically saved my life when I came to Gensokyo. And I didn't manage to repay them for that, so I thought... That I can do that now, like... Why not?” “Hm.” … Well, she isn't the social type, I guess. “So I take it from your response you don't like Eientei so much.” …? She stopped walking. I guess I hit the mark. “That's not a place I'd like to go on a whim.” … So she has a grudge with that place? Or with whoever lives in there. ...I... Totally see where she's coming from, now. “If it's a pain in your ass... You can just tell me how to walk through the thicket and I'll go myself...” ...She's smiling? “What, are you sympathizing with me? I don't need that.” “If I wanted to sympathize with you, I'd give you rice for lunch. I just don't want to make people do what they don't want to.” Because that's... ...That's basically what brought me in here, now that I think about it. I'm not exactly pleased with that. “So, you won't do something you don't want to?” “Not really. I'd rather kill myself before that happened.” ...Hm. ... It's like we totally ran out of things to say. “...I see. Follow me... I'll take you there.” “Really? Isn't that...” “A bore? It isn't. I just don't feel comfortable with that place... But that's all.” ...She said with a more relaxed tone. Somehow I feel that she doesn't dislike me as much anymore. -------------------//--------------------- [Location: Eientei] Well, I can see the mansion from here now. Mokou actually dusted off as soon as it got into visual range. Something about not feeling in the mood to get closer or something. As I approach it, I finally realize this is actually a pretty big mansion. A pretty big, Japanese-style mansion. It almost feels like a purposeful counter to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Just like the two different sides of a magnet? …Something's different though. Now that I'm looking properly... The Eientei looks damaged. The walls have a few localized cracks in them... And I can see a few scorch marks on the ground. The atmosphere and nearby bamboo trees are twisted in a way that seem like there was heavy combat here. It wasn't like this when I came here first! W-What's happened here? Well, is that... Someone sweeping the front yard? … That's the rabbit girl I've seen right before I... Never mind. I don't want to remember that. Actually, I don't think I can. “Say, is it safe to actually talk to you now? Or am I going to run away completely crazy like last time?” “...Ah!!” Well, I scared her a few times more intensely than last time. And I can see her eyes are red. Natural red. “Y-You are... That boy from last day... Aren't you?” “And you are the Rabbit that somehow can make people go bat shit insane with just a look. That's one nasty ability, you know.” I don't want to sound like a douchebag, so I say it playfully. She probably noticed that, since she let go a little embarrassed smile. “S-Sorry about that. My master and Tewi mentioned you... Your name is Shinki, right? I'm Reisen, Master Eirin's apprentice.” “And I am a nobody! Sorry for coming like this, but it takes a while to get through this thicket, you see.” “So it... Took you a whole day to find your way through the forest...?” No, actually it took 20 minutes. Thanks to Mokou that is. But I can't say that. Rattle “Reisen! I've got... Oh? It's Shinki!” Eirin! From the window on the second floor. “Sorry it took so long to dig through the forest!” …? She looks extremely... Grim. And serious. ...Does this have to do with... With the atmosphere of this place? “I am sorry, but can you come back later? We are in the middle of something quite important right now.” ...Something tells me something bad happened. “Master? What about Tewi, have you seen her?” “...I didn't. Reisen, come up. We need to talk.” This sounds really serious. My intuition says this is serious. I don't know why, but... “Understood! ...Shinki-san, sorry to cut this short but I have to go now.” “It's OK. What's wrong, can you tell me?” “S-Sorry, I can't. Maybe Master can, but... Not now, I guess.” I see. But this just sealed my main point. I don't know what is going on, but at least I want to know. So I am going to sneak in, right after you, Ms. Rabbitson. Because solving my benefactor's problems, even without their consent, is how I was taught to roll. ...Eirin's not looking here anymore, she went in and closed her window. Reisen is just now opening the door. ...And I boldly step forward and get in right after her. I hold my breath. If she looks behind her, I'll be seen, so... I keep myself away from her eyes as she closes the door and proceeds up the place. I am not surprised that she didn't realize I am following her. Because I'm not just boldly walking in here. When I lived outside, I needed to learn more ways than one to reach my objectives. Stealth proved to be an excellent method to do so. It allowed me to bypass a lot of trouble, even more when I had to walk through whole nests of enemies. When I realized, I was really good at being stealthy. ...The sound of my footsteps are nonexistent. Or at the very least really light. And that's probably where everyone is. And she opens a door, revealing a few people inside. I can't go in there like this, so I'll have to improvise. … … … There is a passage right up there. What's this house modeled after? Swiss Cheese? I give a small hop upwards and put my big head in the passage. ...There are three people here, Reisen included. Eirin and... Someone I don't recognize. She is really beautiful, though. ...Wait... What's that in the middle of the room...? “So, Master? What about Tewi?” “I don't know where she is, of course. I wouldn't worry too much about her though, she is a lot smarter than she looks.” ... “S-So Eirin... Please tell me. What of the Inaba?” “They were extremely lucky. If not for Reisen and Tewi's interference, more than half of the rabbits would be dead. But none of them were. Half of all rabbits have been badly wounded, though.” “So they are fine... I knew it. Tewi will be glad to know that!” “What of her anyway? Kaguya, do you know?” ... “I... I do. A little. She said she was going to calm down, and went to the forest...” “Isn't it possible that Tewi went to the forest to look for whenever they came from...?” “Maybe... But Tewi is smart. If she went to look for where they came, she wouldn't do a mistake and be caught. She is smarter than that." … “So what are these, Master? I never saw youkai like these before.” “I have seen them only in books myself. I believe they are a species called Trackers... But more than that I don't really know.” “They attacked so suddenly... What could they want from Eientei?” “I can't tell. I can only think of this as they were looking for food, there was no other reason for them to possibly attack us. And aim specifically to the rabbits.” “That's why they chased after me and Tewi, then? At least gave us room to lure them off the small ones.” “That was easily the best thing you could have done.” “E-Eirin... We have to do something. I don't want anything bad to happen again to us!” “I'm not sure what to suggest. We could move away from the mansion, but we have so many wounded rabbits we can't move just like that.” “That's not going to do anything, really.” “...!!!” Well, I revealed myself. Not too shocking to see the scare in their faces. I've been standing right behind them for a while, now. It's a miracle that they didn't notice me all this time. And there is a little youkai right in front of them. I recognize it right away... Eirin was right. This is... “Trackers.” “What are you doing here?! I said...” “What's done is done, I invited myself in. Sorry for that, but really. I know what this thing is.” ...They immediately calm down. The black-haired pretty one is Kaguya, then. She is the one that claimed I was a blue-blood right off the bat. ...And she just hid behind Eirin. “...Kaguya?” “I'm not going to bite you!” “...I don't like him, Eirin. He has a weird look.” ...She... Uses rather cute words, somewhat. “...Well. I will complain about you invading the mansion later. What is this, then?” “It's a Tracker. It is called like that because they don't leave trails at all. They are not very strong, but they always walk in groups, and when it comes to what they do... Well, think of them as ants. Following their leader's orders to the letter, even if that leads to their deaths.” “So... What are the purpose behind this? Do you know?” “I can guess, but it's as good as any. If they just blindly attacked you as you said, then they are not looking for anything. They are creating territory.” “Territory? ...Isn't the fact that they couldn't capture this place a strong reason for them to attack us again, then?” “Well... Thing is, when Trackers go through with territory conquest, they usually have a parameter. A certain radius around their leader, or a certain, pointed area. If they don't manage to capture their designated area, they won't even bother trying the same place again.” Kaguya finally left Eirin's back. She is genuinely scared. “...S-So... Eientei's safe?” “You could say that, but I wouldn't count on you not seeing them anymore. The Trackers by themselves won't try again, but if their leader orders it...” I look at the carcass of the tracker. Their physique is that of a dog, shaped similarly to an ant. It's a rather disturbing sight to those who never saw them before. “So... You mean the fastest way to deal with the problem would be to destroy the leader?” ...That is the idea, Reisen. I wouldn't worry about this place being in any real danger, though. Because as far as I can see, these three ladies are really powerful death cannons in disguise. But they don't look the sort to go out, search for and kill things. So I guess I should do something about it myself. “I could deal with this problem for you.” Though I don't know where they came from, it's impossible to track them like this. “...You mean... You'll deal with them for us? Why?” “Well, for one Eirin did heal me. It is highly unlike me to not repay a favor that's done to me.” “...A favor of mine for a favor of yours...? But even so, I can't ask of you to put yourself in danger like this!” “You're naïve, Eirin! True, they are a dangerous folk and should not be looked down at, but I am no mere vampire.” “...Didn't you say to me you were a nobody just outside?” I am a nobody with a passion! “...I see, you were a youkai hunter.” “Yeah, I was. I'm not exactly a professional, but... It paid well enough when I needed it.” ...Oh. Kaguya is looking right in my eyes. “Do you guarantee that they won't come here again?” “I can only guarantee that I'll deal with them. I can't fly and I can't track them, so I'll probably have to wait until they attack again... Or until I can find a straggler.” They all nod. Well, it seems I finally got my first real job in Gensokyo. And it involves a youkai that's not common around here, too. This is really strange, but not exactly the point. It's been a while since I've done something like this! ------------------------//--------------------------- __________________ Oh, I laugh at irony so.

2010-06-06, 14:45	Link #5
blitz1/2 Tenshi's Defense Squadron Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Fighting against those who oppress the system	Interesting read to say the least. But I think it's better if you post it in FF.net. Maybe you can get some fans there. Quote: "DON'T EXPECT THE OC TO BE THE OWNER OF A HAREM IN THE END." No? Curses! __________________ hai, hai. Onii-chan has his work cut out for him.

2010-06-06, 15:10	Link #6
Etherdrone The Questgiver Join Date: May 2010 Location: The Pits Age: 36	I thought about putting it there, but somehow I feel that it would be dangerous. I don't know, maybe I'm being paranoid. ...And who knows!? Maybe he can own a Harem in the end! I haven't thought that far ahead... cough __________________ Oh, I laugh at irony so.

2010-06-06, 19:06

Link #7

blitz1/2

Tenshi's Defense Squadron

Join Date: Dec 2005

Location: Fighting against those who oppress the system

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etherdrone

I thought about putting it there, but somehow I feel that it would be dangerous. I don't know, maybe I'm being paranoid.

...And who knows!? Maybe he can own a Harem in the end! I haven't thought that far ahead... *cough*

Well, I was trying to ask other writers about possibly writing about an OC brought into Touhou but like Sister Princess style. (All the touhou characters are little sisters that have varying interactions with their onii chan) But the idea got tossed out because they think it's a bad idea. T_T

__________________

hai, hai. Onii-chan has his work cut out for him.

2010-06-12, 04:05

Link #8

Etherdrone

The Questgiver

Join Date: May 2010

Location: The Pits

Age: 36

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitz1/2

Well, I can see about how that would be a bad idea...

Author's Comments:

She was supposed to have a british accent, but I changed my mind before permanent damage was done.

Spoiler for V:

__________________

Oh, I laugh at irony so.

2010-06-25, 16:21	Link #9
Etherdrone The Questgiver Join Date: May 2010 Location: The Pits Age: 36	Author's Comments: It took its sweet, puny time but in the end it came in all its glory and beauty! It has action, it has exposition, it has Buildup! You can say this is your all-in-one chapter package. Spoiler for Long Talks: [Interlude – Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion's Back Yard] ...Scarlet. The name for which the owner of the manor would be mostly recognized as. Called as such because of the bloodstains in her vests, whenever she fed. Also, the color of her power. Of her lineage. The deep, powerful eyes she had. ... The Scarlet Devil danced. Her moves were gracious and strong at the same time. It was both hypnotic and frightening. She danced with such beauty, the wind seemed like it adjusted to her moves as she saw fit. Her brilliant bat-like wings fluttered in the air as she turned once, twice and three times on her right foot, bringing her hands up and down in the process. ...And the yard was tainted scarlet, by her spectators' bloodstains and corpses. Twenty, forty... She forgot how many of the dog ants she had killed. The only thing in her mind at the moment was the fact that they were persistent, and that was vexing her greatly. She did not feel in need of assistance. Her physical strength and speed was that of a vampire; she was the perfect night predator. These clumsy, unresistant foes went down one after the other in quick succession. With each strike, at least one of them would be downed. As she danced, her eyes met those of her maid's. The head maid was fighting, next to the gatekeeper. The quick, deadly projectiles from the silver-haired maid and the powerful, shattering attacks from the gatekeeper were keeping their side of the yard safe, and maintaining the dog ants away from the mansion, just as instructed. “...This is taking forever.” However, the Scarlet Devil was incredibly annoyed. That proved to be interesting at first, but now it was just a nuisance. A fight this easy were just being stretched due to the inconvenient amount of enemies, and that wasn't interesting. Strength in numbers only works when the soldiers can at least do something. This was far from being a fight... This was a slaughterhouse. The thought crossed the Scarlet Devil's mind as she decided to put an end to this massacre. She brought her hands to her sides, as she gathered her power in her fists. The red glow stretched through her entire body, filling her with the energy she was so familiar with. Her eyes, illuminated by the moonlight, was sparkling fiercely to the light reflected in her enemies' blood. “...!! Sakuya, hold on to something NOW!” Heeding the warning of the gatekeeper, both servants held onto the nearest ground-stuck object they found. ...A singular jerk from Remilia's hips and a kick on the ground, and all of the dog ants were sucked towards the devil. “[Midnight King – Dracula Cradle]!!” … ...A rain of carnage fell upon the yard of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. The dog ants fell upon the field. Some grinded to bits; others completely bruised or slashed in vital parts. However, the only thing they all shared in equality at this point, was that they were all dead. The scarlet devil landed graciously after such a display of deadliness. Her clothes and wings fluttered as she turned her head around the yard and could not see more living dog ants. “Tch! Weaklings! Throwing themselves into my manor even though you are so pathetic!” The once peaceful yard was covered in the blood of those monsters. The Scarlet Devil walked around it for a few moments before biting her own lips in cross. She was angry. This fight proved to be a putrescent waste of time and energy. When she was warned of danger, she was expecting a thrill, but this is what she got instead. “What was the point of this...!? I sincerely hope your goal was to vex me, because if that was so, then allow me to congratulate you! Sakuya! SAKUYA!” The head maid instantly warped next to her mistress. She was also stained in blood, and she sensed her master was infuriated. “Dispose of those corpses! Incinerate them, or eat them - I don't care! Just take them out of my backyard!” “Understood, Ojou-sama.” The crimson vampire took off her head gown and took flight towards the manor. The gatekeeper and the maid looked astonished towards the carnage. “...Fuu. It's not the first time I've seen our Ojou-sama's powers, but it still sends chills down my spine.” The gatekeeper, although having experienced something like this, had her usual cheerful personality up. The head maid knew that's how she was, and that was no use telling her to behave differently. “...It has been a long time since I've seen Ojou-sama so vexed.” The head maid, with the aid of the gatekeeper and the fairy maids, started cleaning the backyard and fixing the damage caused by the fight. And in her flight towards the mansion... The scarlet vampire bit her own index finger in anger. “...That let me with a bad taste in my mouth.” [Interlude – Over] -------------------------//------------------------------ [Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion Gate] … … ...I don't want to go one step further. This place isn't looking so hot now, is it. The sight of the mansion is a lot darker and gloomier than it is during the day. The moonlight reflects the entire mansion in a way that makes it look darker than it actually should be. “What are you waiting for? Shinki-san?” “Katsura-san, what's the matter?” ...Not sure... M-Maybe I'm just scared shitless because it's night time now. And it's certain that the master of the mansion is awaken. And I see the smiley gatekeeper just waiting for me to come closer. Sigh. Well, I did come all the way here. So I can't chicken out now! “...Meiling! G-Good evening.” “Ooh~ You remembered my name! Katsura Shinki-dono, good evening!” And I see you also remembered mine. “...What's this? It's an unusual group you got with you.” “Oh, sorry. It's been a while since I last saw you, hasn't it? We actually have something to ask of Patchouli, if possible.” “My presence here is for the same purpose as hers, so you can say I have united the useful with the practical.” By tagging along? You basically proposed coming here yourself, Alice. “Well... Can we, then?” She nods slightly and the gate... ...Opens by itself. “Of course. Sakuya already have been noted of you all, so please go in.” ...Both Alice and Reisen seem impressed by how simple this was. And I step forth first. Tap …? Meiling just slightly tapped my shoulder. “Eh? What is it?” “Good luck with your introduction!” Ah... ...She... Remembers even that? How good is her memory? It makes me feel bad for lying to you! Don't show off such pure emotions to me, they hurt me so! T-This good luck smile she is giving me... I can't possibly step back now! “... … ...I'll do my best!” THE SMILE BURNS! Whimper I'll walk towards the mansion with a risen head! “Katsura-san...? What happened?” “Karma. That's what happened!” -----------------------//-------------------------- [Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion] Well, I'll be damned. The mansion is quite large from the outside, but it seems like it has gotten two or three times bigger from the inside! The lobby is basically what I should have expected. Stairs leading to the second floor, and a bunch of doors everywhere. There also seems to be a magic circle in perpetual work right in the center of the place, but I don't feel any energy coming from it. Probably one of the living rooms is also on the lobby, since there are couches and tables here. It looks like a relatively busy mansion. There are fairy maids looking at me and the girls with welcoming faces, trying to keep everything in shape as should be. And right in the center of it all, there is a human maid. She looks extremely elegant, with silver hair and a blue maid dress that... Fits her perfectly. I can't help but think she is a really beautiful person. “Welcome to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. ...Alice-san, Udonge-san. ...This is a rare sight.” ...Oh yeah, I recognize her voice. The bat-phone Meiling used to contact her sooner. “This place never changes, does it, Izayoi-san? Good evening.” “Good evening, Sakuya-san. I guess you already know why we are here.” Well... I might as well stay quiet for now. “Yes, I do. Please, proceed to the library – Koakuma shall guide you to Patchouli-sama upon your arrival.” “...Eh? Shinki-san, you're not coming?” I don't think I should. “I'm new to Gensokyo, ain't I? I just thought I'd introduce myself properly to the lord of this place.” “Oh. You still don't know Remilia. I understand.” Thank you, Alice! “We'll be waiting for you at the library then.” “See you there, Shinki-san!” ...And they go. “So you are Katsura Shinki-sama? I heard about you, although I admit I'm intrigued by your presence here.” “Intrigued?” “I am Izayoi Sakuya, the head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. ...Excuse me for my assumption, but I feel like your presence within the manor isn't exactly pointed towards your wish to meeting the mistress.” Strike. “...In all honesty? It really isn't. In fact, I'm kind of scared.” “Should I know the reason?” … Should I tell her? What's going to happen if I tell her? “If it is because of Ojou-samas' reputation as a vampire...” “No...! No, it's not that. Really. ...I'm not sure why myself. But if I want to know...” ...Yes. “I want to meet her. This is genuine, I assure you.” ...She... Is smiling. “I see. You have a good personality. It is rare for an individual to admit and face their fears.” “M-My bad. I know I shouldn't judge someone before meeting them... I don't know what I was thinking.” “Hm? Sakuya, who is this mannerless boor? Is he the visit I was told was coming?” …!!! W-W-W-Dude! Second floor. A girl, her physique is that of a 12 years old girl. ...But that won't fool me, because I can sense the eras through her frame. Bluish wavy hair and bat-like wings scaling out of her back, her deep blood-red eyes are staring at me like they are crossing my soul. ...She is the red-blooded vampire I dreaded to look in the eye. “Ojou-sama! Are you...” “No. I asked who is he.” Um. She... She seems to be severely lacking in happy. “Wait, I remember Meiling mentioning him. Shinki, right? With a name like this, I believed you were a girl.” “I... I hear that a lot!” Whose voice was this? Mine!? Get a grip of yourself, man! Look at the face she's giving you!! “Sakuya. I have already seen him, so I am leaving now.” Eh? What? “Ojou-sama, be reasonable. I know your mood is coarse, but directing it towards people with no connection to your anger is not...” Glare …!!! “...I'm sorry, but I am not in the mood for this. Shinki's your name, right? I'll talk with you in a proper manner when my mood gets better. Until then, I'll retire to my room. Sakuya, have you disposed of those things already?” “...Yes, Ojou-sama.” And she start to go up the stairs, with no one saying otherwise. That glare of hers froze my bones, man. B-But other than that... She doesn't look like a bad person. ...I guess. Maybe. Probably. “Forgive me, Shinki-sama. Ojou-sama's mood has been coarse ever since we've been attacked this twilight.” It seems you're not used to seeing her in a bad mood. “No problem. I also wouldn't want to talk to someone if I was pissed. You say you were attacked? Sure doesn't look like it.” “Yes, we've done a throughout job at fixing the slight damage they caused. It was strange, we've never seen anything like them.” ...Whatwhatwhat? “Anything like them? W-Wait... What did they look like? Did they look like a hybrid of a large dog and an ant?” She looks surprised at me. So my guess was right...!! …? Tumble Rumble Rumble Tumble Someone's running down the stairs. Remilia! “You know of them!? How is it you know how they look like? Do you have an involvement with their presence in my mansion?? Answer me!!” How can her voice boom so loudly out of her throat!? “Don't yell at me like that, do you want to blow my head off!??” “Don't answer my question with a demand, my patience isn't at its best condition!!” At least you actually lowered your voice! Thank you!! “As long as you don't burst my eardrums I'll say what I know. I don't know where they come from, that's why-” “Are you suggesting we breed those beasts in our basement!?” “Unless you like eating Hivecrawler queen pus then no!” ...Well, she seems shocked enough with what I said. “...Are you telling me there are people who feed on those things' body fluids?” “Yes. And they use that to control them to do their bidding. If you were attacked, this means the nest I'm looking for is close... And this is extremely convenient.” “...How do you know all of this? Who are you?” Now you are interested in talking to me? “The explanation might take a little while.” “I'm willing to listen to you. Sakuya? Please bring some tea.” “Understood.” Huh. Sakuya has a glad smile on her face. “What are you waiting for? Come here and sit down. Enlighten me with the knowledge not even Patchy has.” This is the last thing I expected to happen, but who am I to wonder about that, hm. And I sit down by the table, right across from Remilia. -----------------//------------------ [Interlude – Location: Voile Library] The library of the Scarlet Devil Mansion was always impressively huge. The puppeteer has been there a few times for research, but she always thought that every time she went there, the place would grow larger. The moon rabbit however, didn't have the same experience. Her only trips to the gigantic library was to run errands to her master, so she was walking really close to the puppeteer, who walked through the place with much more confidence. “...Oh! Alice-san, Reisen-san! This is rare, seeing you two together at the library...!” The assistant of the One-Week Wizard always greeted people with energy. Exceptions were not tolerated for her standards. “Koakuma-san, you seem to be doing fine. Where is Patchouli? We have something to discuss with her.” “It's about the magic energy scattered through the forest. I'm sure she has noticed it already, but we need to ask something...” The assistant nodded in response, and made a gesture to the puppeteer and the moon rabbit. “Follow me, I'll take you to Patchouli-sama. She has been studying ferociously over a subject of no business of mine, but she might share the details with you...” “No business of yours? Have you tried asking her about it?” “I... Didn't. I don't think it is in my place to ask about her matters. I'm just an assistant...” The puppeteer shook her head slightly. If that's what you believe. After a couple moments of walking through the library, a huge pile of books were found near a large wooden table, in the center of a rather big space without any bookshelves. The two girls didn't recognize the place... It was probably recently changed due to the librarian's wishes. And in the middle of the pile of books, a girl, with long purple hair and a one-piece purple baggy dress was absorbed in her fervorous reading. With a few books floating around her with their pages flipping by themselves, the One-Week Wizard was picking up one book after the next, skimming through their contents and placing them back into the pile in discontent. “...Patchouli-sama? Alice-san and Reisen-san are here to speak with you.” “I'm busy.” The answer was firm and solid, an unexpected tone coming from someone with such a weak constitution. The assistant of the librarian shrugged in loss. “I can't have her out of the books for nothing, I can only arrange the volumes she demands of me.” “...I can't say I was expecting something different, but we are in a hurry. Since when has she been absorbed like this?” “Ever since we've pushed back some attackers, if I'm right. We never saw anything like them, and Patchouli-sama has--” “I'm busy.” “--...been studying... On the matter since then.” Both Reisen and Alice confirmed the information with a look in each others' eyes. Mysterious attackers on both Eientei and the Misty Lake, and now the Scarlet Devil Mansion... If the information they received from Shinki was correct, then it was Hivecrawler work. The puppeteer approached the librarian and looked at the books of the rejection piles. “Fables and Legends... Demon Biology... A Hunter's Diary... Records of Alchemy... Homunculus... The smallest of these books have at least nine hundred pages... You didn't find anything about Dog Ants in these, Patchouli?” “I'm busy.” “...Sigh. Their species is called Hivecrawler. “ The impact of the puppeteer's words on the librarian resulted in all the floating books to fall on the ground. She gave a stunned look to the golden-haired girl by her side, and instantly stood up. “Koakuma! Bring me the 2057th volume of Heaven And Earth, on the lower half at the last shelf of the northern part of the library!!” “U-Understood!!” As the assistant ran towards the north of the library, Patchouli met both Alice and Reisen in the eye. She was clearly not well, despite her health not being the best one there was. “...How do you know what is this species?” “I'm sure you've noticed the newcomer to Gensokyo already. Turns out he was a youkai hunter, and he knows what they are.” “The outsider knows... What kind of person is he? I wish to talk to him in person, where is he?” “P-Patchouli, he is talking with Remilia right now... We want to ask of you something about magic energy that is a residue of the Hivecrawler's presence...” The librarian started to walk towards the entrance of the library, shifting the books around and out of her path. “What about said energy? It is weak and it leaks out of their bodies like steam. It's not important.” The word 'steam' fitted really well to what Alice sensed in the Forest of Magic. “What if this steam leads to the nest of these beasts?” Once again, the Unmoving Great Library stopped. What was going on? Thoughts that never crossed her mind never made so much sense. If it is steam, could it be considered a flawed magical property of their bodies? But what if this defectiveness actually forces their presence to be concealed? Since it is air, it cannot be tracked... But if it comes from something, it has a natural source coming from their place of origin, because it creates the beasts that exhale the steam. And if one manages to gather such steam, can it be used for tracking the beasts back to their nest? But the steam is a defective. Broken magic isn't something one can simply pick up and fix. It needs to be rebuilt and redone from scratch. It isn't something one can do with steam because it disperses and it loses its properties at unbelievable speed. One cannot fix a spell that was broken on purpose. One can only see what the damage is... ...The librarian's mind raged with thoughts as her assistant finally came back, panting slightly to the speed on which she went and did what was requested of her. The enormous encyclopedia on her arms was taken by Patchouli, who flipped through the pages of the book extremely fast, her eyes fixed on the letters contained within. The information she was looking for was contained halfway through the book. “Hivecrawler, youkai species number 6057 of the Underground fauna. Known to be aggressive and highly territorial. Their hierarchy is composed of a Queen, her elite guards called the Watchers, the warriors called Reapers, the tunnelers; Burrowers, the peasant/scouts; Trackers and the internal workers; Feeders. Only the first three have poison glands although the Queen's usually is removed so she won't drool it on her eggs...” She furiously shuffled the pages of the book for more information, but to no avail. She closed the encyclopedia with a singular, angry slam. “...Is that all? I am ashamed of this author's capability of gathering information on such a rare species! Dejohn Havoc used to be such a great researcher, but since he wrote Knowledge Hell Born, his abilities degraded in such a sad manner!!” “Patchouli, sorry to ask this again, but can you do that favor to us? We want to see if gathering the energy they release will actually lead us to where we want to go.” “Wait... Not until I have found the answers I seek. Koakuma, put the books back to where they were. I need to find this outsider and have a chat with him.” Both the puppeteer and the moon rabbit sighed. The librarian was relentless, and they did not know what to do. Stopping her seemed impossible, so they simply followed her out of the library. [Interlude – Over] -------------------------//------------------------- [Location: Scarlet Devil Mansion] ...I explained what I could about the Hivecrawler problem. That Eientei was attacked, that I offered myself to deal with it. I also explained that from where I came from, they weren't that rare, though it would be hard to actually stumble through their nests. “Existing in the world in big numbers does not necessarily mean you'll find them everywhere you go”. “So I imagine. What you are saying then, is that there is someone that can actually control these beasts, and he or she or it is trying to gain territory by sending their peasants to certain locations around where he is.” That's right. And the only place we haven't been to yet... “He is probably on Youkai Mountain.” But the question is where they could be? “...This is odd.” “What is, Sakuya?” “Well... Considering what Shinki-sama said, then I find it strange that the Tengu hadn't solved this incident by themselves.” The Tengu... “I also heard that there are Kappa in the mountain, right? And a shrine...” “That shrine is unimportant, don't worry about it.” …That sounded awfully rude for some reason, Remilia. “In any case... It would take an awful lot of time to search through the entire mountain.” “Are you sure these beasts can't be followed back to their lair?” As far as I have experienced, they can't. But... Things in Gensokyo proved to be different from what I am used to. Maybe... Maybe I should place my bets on the mages of this place. “...mi... Remi, is the outsider still here!? Are you still...” …? What? The door to the library opens with a singular slam, and Alice, Reisen... And a girl I never saw before came out of it. ...She looks so frail that I'm afraid if I even touched her, she'd shatter into pieces. “Patchy? What's the matter, calm yourself down or you will pass out.” “I won't pass out until I find out about this man! ...You...” ...Eh... She is staring deeply onto my eyes. What's she doing? It's like she just saw a ghost imprinted in my face. “...What are you? You're not a human.” …!!! D-Dude! So is this Patchouli Knowledge, the magi the girls talked about?! “...What are you? This glow... You're the same as Remi!? ...No... The hexes are the same, but the person as a whole is different...” “Ah! I-I'm... No! Wait, what are you...!!!” “Patchy, what do you mean? 'Like me', you said... Is he a vampire?” Please oh merciful god please make her not say it! Please!! “I never would've thought I'd look into a blue-blooded breed of the vampirica in the eye.” ...Oh, balls. “Blue-blood? That...” “...Oh, yes. Ojou-sama, I am certain that I saw somewhere about a rare species of vampires that had more freedom when it came to concealing themselves, but their abilities to reproduce and procreate were extremely weak and limited...” “...Ah... Wait...” What, am I going to die, now? “Katsura... I knew that name sounded familiar to me. Are you an acquaintance of Katsura Shiyane by any chances?” … ...You've... Got to be kidding me. “...How do you know my sister's name?” She displays an incredible grin towards me. “Well, this... Is clearly a surprise. Not only both of you managed to pass through without me noticing your lineage, but you are siblings? What are the odds!?” “H-How do you know my sister?” I would appreciate if you'd stop laughing!! “I'll tell you the truth, Shinki. It wasn't anything exceptional - she lived under my protection for a while, and left when you were born. Now, I am looking at the same child from that very day... Fate surely knows how to play the most amusing games.” “She just... Lived under your protection?” “Now I understand the reason behind your fear towards me. I protected Shiyane from vampires that came for her blood. The energy provided from your vitae is something so great, it actually purifies our own and makes us much more powerful.” You know all of that. Still... “...So why don't you...” “What, that is disgusting! I do not rely on cannibalism to increase my powers, the ones that need to do such a thing are nothing more than lowlifes!” Eh? “Protecting your sister was my way to position myself among the vampires. I do not hunt to kill. I do not eat vampires. I have my own standards, and I will respect them to the end.” … “Well, so that's how it is. You can relax, now.” The... ...The tense air around me died completely. I rest my head on my hands and let go all of my worries with a single sigh. “I imagined that Shinki-sama was tense about something, but I wasn't expecting it to bother him so much...” This place is really strange. Gensokyo... “...Sakuya. Don't call me 'sama'. I'm nothing important, just 'Shinki' is fine.” “...I understand.” Why do I feel so happy...? What's happening to me, for crying out loud...? “Remi. Can I steal your guest from you? You might be anxious to fill him in with your nostalgia, but I want to talk with him about our unwanted attackers.” “Sure. If it helps us to crush those vermin, then he is all yours, Patchy.” They seem to be really good friends, huh. “Well then, Sakuya... I'll retire to my quarters. Please tend to Patchy what she asks of you.” And this time, she leaves in a much better mood than last time she did it. Patchouli then sits right where Remilia was, while both Alice and Reisen sit across from each other in the round table we were in. “OK then, Shinki... These beasts. Where do they originally come from?” “...They are originated from the Demon World. I don't know exactly how it happened, but there is a story about a demon general called Gerentha, who left the underworld to conquer the upper world. He brought with him a single Hivecrawler queen with him to breed his own little army, but got crushed instead.” “So why there are still Hivecrawlers?” “They breed. Though Gerentha was utterly crushed, the one who did it didn't exterminate the queen, and well... One thing led to the other.” “...” The only distinctive sound I can listen clearly now are the gears of her head turning so fast it even makes a distinctive 'whryyyyyyyy' sound... And Sakuya pouring more tea for us. “So you mean they exist in rather abundant quantities in the outside world, Katsura-san? Abundant as in, there are enough to be rare for a youkai hunter never have seen one.” “Ah... Yes.” “So it's even stranger that Patchouli had no idea of their origin. I thought Voile had all the books you could think of.” Oh, Alice. Patchouli just gave you a look that could shatter bricks. “Be enlightened then, Seven-Colored Puppeteer. It doesn't.” ...Alice just responded by drinking tea. Delightful. “Ah... S-So, what else about the Hivecrawlers you wanted to know, Patchouli? If we're to ask for your help...” Thanks Reisen! She can see that I appreciated that. “Hm... We have only seen a single type of Hivecrawler on their assault. They were all similar, and had approximately the same size. About... 25 kg and one meter, standing. Were they all the same hierarchy?” “Oh, yes. The ones you mentioned are the Trackers. The only ones smaller than them are the Feeders, which are... Pathetic, really. Reapers have really nasty scythes as an extra pair of arms they use to kill you and are roughly four times bigger than the Trackers. Burrowers aren't that big, and they also aren't that strong to fight, but the acid they produce to cave in is... Nasty and definitely not healthy.” “What about the Watchers and the Queen?” “Watchers are Reapers with wings basically. And a very hard to breach carapace, plus, they actually have a brain that works, unlike most of their brethren. They are responsible for removing the Queen's venom glands, because she is so useless, if they didn't do that she'd drool it on her own eggs and not give a damn.” “...That was incredibly impolite, but why can I understand that so well?” “Because everyone understands impoliteness, while you need scholarship degree to understand court speech.” “I will take that into account next time I refer to you, Shinki.” What, it's not like I was talking about you, Sakuya. Honest. But of course, I am too absorbed to be snide, so I'll only think of this and keep it that way. “You mentioned the Queen's inability to care for her brood...” “She doesn't have a brain at all. Her only function is to lay eggs and drool. Oh, and feed, of course. But I don't even think she is smart enough to do that, so I guess that's what the Feeders are for. They feed the Queen and the Hivecrawlers at the nest.” “Sounds like her own brood does not care for her at all.” “I bet you they don't. After all, they obey the first person or thing that reaches her and eats her pus.” “...The mere thought of such an act disturbs me deeply.” “That's what I said, too. ...Though I was a bit extreme.” “Sounds like the perfect pest control method, but the thought of it being put into practice enrages and disgusts me.” “Even as a magician, the knowledge that the mere act of eating such a secretion exists makes me cringe.” The thoughts of the ladies flow away like so. “...So the Queen must be pretty big, right?” “She is about six times bigger than an adult-sized human. The fun thing is that her lower body is actually more like a lizard than anything else. She's got scythes the size of a person, but like I said, she is a vegetable, so she never uses them.” “It almost makes her the last thing you have to worry about if you'd strike their lair, if that was the case.” Once again, the head maid is correct. “So, Patchouli. We came here to ask if you could gather and track the steam the beasts release. Unless you have more questions, can you do that favor for us?” “No... I'm done for now. But I don't guarantee results, and it'll probably take the whole night to achieve any of it at all.” That's faster than I expected, considering Trackers CAN'T be tracked. But this place defies my logic, so I'll shut the fuck up. “Well, then we're stranded until we get any results...” … Youkai Mountain, huh. “I'll go to the Hakurei Shrine for now, then. I have something I want to ask Reimu...” “Reimu? What is it you want to ask of her?” “Well... Actually it's because Marisa told me she'd have a job to do at Youkai Mountain, and that was this morning.” So I guess I'm done with the ladies now. “So, what are we waiting for? Let's go.” … ... WHAT!? “A-Alice? What did you say?” “...Are you deaf? I said that I am going. I was trying to find the source of this problem, and staying with you has been the most effective method so far.” “I agree, Shinki-san. I also want to see the Hivecrawler problem dealt with, for all the rabbits that were hurt because of them.” ...Pah... These ladies are just unbelievable. “...This problem also intrigues me. Still, I cannot leave after being instructed by Ojou-sama to tend to Patchouli-sama... So I won't be able to help you at all.” “If you want to, it's fine, Sakuya.” “Forgive me, but I won't follow such a reckless command from you, Patchouli-sama. Your constitution is not well, and I will not allow you to be sick for doing extensive work.” Well, I'd guess it is settled, then. “So I'll go to the Hakurei Shrine after I am done gathering this steam. Make sure you stay there.” “I got it. Thanks for doing this, Patchouli.” And she gives a rather weak smile. Now that I think of it, she didn't do it until now, did she? So we three leave, then. This time to the Hakurei Shrine. -----------------//------------------- [Location: Hakurei Shrine] You know what? Traveling this distance proved not to be bad at all when you are accompanied by such interesting people. ...We reached the shrine already. It hardly didn't feel like it took this much time to get to here. It's not that late yet, I'd guess. When we reached the mansion, the sun had barely set. I don't think we spent that much time in there. ...But then, maybe we did. This place still gives the comfortable feeling I felt last time I can't get enough of this. “...This is odd. Reimu...? Reimu! Are you there?” ...I hear something. Is someone on the back of the Shrine? “I think she's back there, Alice.” Rustle … … ...Did my brain just die? “Ooh~... I knew I heard someone coming, but it's just you two. It's strange to see ya together, now that I think about it!” This is an Oni. I am betting my guts that this girl is shorter than Remilia. “Eh? Who's the fresh face I see here? I'm not so drunk I'm seeing triple, am I?” She is definitely an Oni. And she reeks of alcohol! I never would have thought I'd see an Oni above ground, holy shit!! “...Suika, have you seen Reimu? The fresh face you see here actually has something important to ask of her.” “If you are too drunk to say anything, then I have a medicine on me that will make you sober so fast you'll actually feel bad about yourself.” “WHAT? Keep that poison away from me, you crazy bitch!” Suika is her name? So she is the one that lives with Reimu in here, huh. “I'm Katsura Shinki. Reimu actually mentioned you, but I would never have thought... That you were an Oni.” “...OOH! Of course! That Aya talked about you to me when I was up Youkai Mountain. I'm Ibuki Suika... And you must be pretty strong to be able to rip the entire barrier in half, and actually escape from a Tengu like you did!” ...I'm nothing special. “What about it? Do ya want to fight me a little?” “I don't really want to trade punches with an Oni, thank you. I like my face the way it is.” “What's this? If you're a man, you have to accept the challenge! No backing down!” “No, thank you! On a totally different subject, do you know where--” “Clear!!!” ...Ah. *DOOOOMMMM* ... Zounds! What was... ...Oh. “Ayaya, that was quite the landing, wasn't it? ...Eh? Why so many people are here? ...Oh! If it isn't Mr. Ninja Vampire!!” “If it isn't crazy stalker maniac reporter!!” Damn, I can't keep a straight face when this woman is around! She just landed right on top of Alice! “...Aya-san, next time please mind where you land. And please get off of me.” “Ahahahaha!! The Tengu pride is hanging on the balance if you're the one standing for their landing skills, Aya!!” ...Well, Alice is marked on her head rather painfully. How can the Tengu walk around with those shoes anyway? “I'm not here to listen to your drunken talk now, Suika. I am here to see Reimu, where is she?” “We've come here to ask the same thing, but it doesn't seem like she's home.” “Reimu went to Youkai Mountain on a job, but didn't come back yet. That's really boring, I was hoping I'd have her drink with me all night again...” ...She didn't come back? “When did she leave?” “It was by the day I'm sure. I had just come back and she was leaving.” “This is strange... If she was on Youkai Mountain, I'm sure I would have noticed.” ...Oh. I don't like to think on the possibilities, but... “Maybe... Maybe Reimu's in trouble?” All of our eyes meet, just as if I said something completely absurd. ...Something just doesn't feel right... What is this bad feeling I got...? __________________ Oh, I laugh at irony so.

View Poll Results: What do you think of the protagonist?
He's OK.	3	60.00%
What a jackass.	0	0%
He could be better.	0	0%
I don't read this garbage.	2	40.00%
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