(Author's note: This story happens some time after the CCS 2nd movie and Touhou 12)
The traditional room had four women elegantly sitting in a circle. They all had calm smiles on their faces and seemed relaxed, yet one could feel an aura of dangerous power hovering in the room. They had no wrinkles in their face, but their eyes revealed that each of them already had seen and done more things than thousands of mortal lives combined.
Suddenly, a black portal opened above them, and out came a fifth woman. Dark golden eyes, long blond hair, carrying an open pink parasol over her head. She wore a pink and purple dress with red strings, and a pink mob cap with a thin red ribbon tied in the front.
I thank you for answering my summon, my dear ladies, I apologize for my delay but there were some last-minute details I had to take care of...
Stop with your fancy speeches and spit out what you want already, Yukari Yakumo. You should not try to trick a greater goddess.-interrupted one of the sitting women. She had an elaborate red shirt with long white sleeves and a round mirror over the center of her chest. She wore a long black skirt with a red flower printed. Her hair was a poofy intense blue hair, and her eyes a dark red . Behind her was a large twisting rope circle with hanging white strips.
Very well, Kanako Yasaka, I'll go straight to the point why I called this reunion. Most of Clow's legacy left on this world has been unsealed over the last couple of years. In Japan no less. The human world is filling with magic again, enough to sustain our existence out there. It is finally time for us to abandon this protective border and take our rightful place.
Clow? Clow Reed? The same Clow that sealed me? I believed there were no humans left out there that could acomplish such a thing.-said another of the women. She had long, wavy, light brown hair with a purple gradient at the top, with light brown eyes. She wore a black and white dress with long strips of black ribbon going across the middle and white ribbon across the arms. Along with this dress, she wore a long purple cape.
Yes, that very Clow, Byakuren Hiziri-answered Yukari- It seems like he refused to attain immortality, and on his last years of life used his powers of foresight to prepare a master plan where one of his descendants, with latent magic powers, would unseal his cards, and then capture them and convert them to a new form over a series of trials.
And who is to say that said descendant of Clow will not go after us if we try to leave the border? After all, if they not only managed to control but also convert the very Clow Cards to a new form, that sounds like an opponent that should not be messed with lightly.-Said one of the women who still hadn't spoken, with maroon eyes, short wavy pink hair, surrounded by several small formless ghosts, one carrying a cherry blossom twig. She wore a light blue and white kimono with dark blue trim, and a blue mob cap on the front of which is a hitaikakushi with a red ghost insignia.
Because she's but a naive little human girl that has yet to experiment true terror. Her "trials" were mostly rigged. She needed the help of several third parties to convert and capture the Clow cards at basically every step, and that's while most of her opponents were holding back. It's nothing short of a miracle that Clow's plan worked at all with so many variables, but now that she will be facing us, her good luck will run out. -explained Yukari with a devious smile on her face.
Uh, I hate to burst your bubble, but haven't all of you been beaten by two certain naive human little girls yourselves?-said the last of the sitting women in an annoyed voice. She had green eyes, long green hair, wore a red plaid skirt, and a waistcoat of the same color and pattern over a plain white shirt. A closed white umbrella rested on the floor behind her.
True, Yuuka Kazami, but those were girls from our world, used with dealing with youkai since they're able to walk, forced to survive and grow mostly on their own.
Besides, I've already put the events in motion to have one of them fight the new card mistress. If our young butterfly wins, I can manipulate her so she won't mess with us anymore.
If the card mistress wins, then we'll have obtained valuable data about her power. And best case scenario, they wipe each other out, and the witch alone will have no chance against our powers combined.
Just think about it...
Kanako, once youkai walk the open world once more, people will turn to faith for guidance again, and you'll be the one waiting to answer their prayers.
Byakuren, you'll be able to conduct the magical renaissance you've always dreamed off, to make all youkai receive their due respect from humans.
Yuyuko, the world's cuisine out there has advanced beyond your wildest dreams. Also, there'll be plenty of open space for your ghosts.
And Yuuka, you'll be able to destroy the ravaging of nature that the foolish humans are conducting. Every year several exotic plants go extinct forever. Only you can save them...
None of the other woman answered to the inspired speech, but Yukari knew from looking at their eyes that they were all thinking seriously about her proposal.
But there's no need to hurry. We've all waited many centuries. We can wait a bit longer. Here, allow me to treat you to some high quality wine to help you decide...-added Yukari in a sweetened voice.
Small portals opened in mid of the room's air, and from there came out first glasses that fell on the floor, then open bottles hanging down so that they filled the glasses with dark liquids, before being swallowed back by the portals.
Each woman picked the glass in front of her and poured it down. Again bottles came out of portals hanging in mid-air to refill the glasses, and once again the women drinked their contents. Soon enough they were all laughing loudly and talking about Yukari's plan with each other.
Bets were placed in the possile outcome of the battle between the human butterfly and the mysterious card mistress. And each of the youkai women bore a truly terrifying smile on her face while doing all of this.
Sakura Kinomoto suddenly sneezed. Strange. Summer vacation had just started, the air was warm, she couldn't had possibly caught a cold.
She and her beloved boyfriend, Syaoran Li, were hanging in her best friend, Tomoyo Daidouji's house. Her mansion to be more precise.
They had been doing that a lot over the last months, since Tomoyo kept inviting them to tea parties, video sessions, and so she could take measurements of boh so the blue-haired girl could take measurements of Sakura and Syaoran to make them new matching costumes.
And then planning choreographies using their magics so Tomoyo could record them in action while wearing said matching costumes. Without any more magical crisis, it was a good way to blow off steam and to get her Sakura cards to have some fun as well.
Syaoran had been somewhat reluctant about that last bit, always somewhat shy, but Sakura had convinced him to try performing for her best friend's camera.
Sakura had been reluctant at first when Tomoyo started recording her all the time some years ago, but the red-haired girl had not only grown used to it, but also started enjoying the attention. It was somewhat like cheerleading. Sakura acted cute, people around her got happy, and that made Sakura happy as well.
In particular if the one being happy was her precious Syaoran. Sakura couldn't stop noticing her boyfriend's eyes constantly darting towards her every time they performed, her form clad in Tomoyo's exotic designs. Sakura wondered briefly if Syaoran already acted like that back when they were facing their challenges. And Sakura herself had found herself enjoying getting to watch Syaoran in new customes, sometimes her gaze directly meeting those serious brown eyes as they danced, jumped and flew according to Tomoyo's latest script...
Emergency news!-suddenly came out from the TV on the room, that had been turned on while Tomoyo took Syaoran and Sakura's new measurements- An unidentified teenager between 12 and 15 years old, dressed in a shrine maiden outfit, has assaulted several of Tomoeda's general stores, demanding to be given "delayed donations for her shrine", and stealing dozens of alcoholic beverages and cakes!
The suspect's armed with multiple long needles, that she used to injure several people who tried to stop her, and managed so far to escape the location of the crimes before the police could arrive. She's armed, dangerous and most probably drunk, so the population are advised to take care when going outside, and if they spot someone young clad in shrine maiden clothing, to call...
Sakura-chan! Doesn't this sound suspicious? Doesn't this sounds like something you and Syaoran-kun should investigate? I can get your new costumes ready by tonight!-Tomoyo's eyes were basically sparkling as she stared at Sakura, who couldn't help but sweatdrop.
But Tomoyo-chan, don't tell me that there's even yet more Clow Cards out there...
Meanwhile Syaoran's face had suddenly become quite pale, and although his expression remained serious, Sakura could detect an hint of worry on his eyes.
Syaoran, you feel anything is wrong?-asked Sakura, suddenly worried as well.
Yes... No... Just remembering something I once read back in China, but it was just some old legend, not possibly true... But we need to investigate this, Sakura. A girl with a shrine maiden outfit and using needles as weapons and evading the police definitely isn't an ordinary accident. Remember, there's many other magic-using beings hidden around the world besides you and my family.
But, aren't shrine maidens supposed to use their powers to help people, Syaoran-kun?
Yes, but long ago, when magic monsters were common in the world, shrine maidens were also tasked with exorcising and exterminating evil entities. Some grew addicted to this, becoming quite violent individuals. There was even a certain shrine maiden family that was so good at it that they constantly traveled in search of areas infected with monsters just for the chance to fight them, while forcing any locals they found to give them supplies as "donations". Some specialized in needle fighting. But they were supposed to have vanished from the face of the planet centuries ago when they went into a particularly dangerous area and were never heard of again... So this is probably some shrine maiden initiate copycat that somehow also heard of that old legend. We should still check it out. Even if she has just basic magic, she can be very dangerous to the common people.
I agree, Syaoran-kun, we can't let anybody else get hurt if we can do something about it!-replied Sakura, filled with motivation.
Then it's decided! Now hold still so I can finish taking your measurements! I have a lot of sewing to do this afternoon!-finished Tomoyo with a faint smile. She herself was feeling a bit worried inside now. But she knew her beloved Sakura had to go, and all she could do to support her was to make her those customes...
You'll be fine up here alone, Tomoyo-chan?-asked Sakura, holding her star staff close to her chest. She was dressed in an extremely cute dark blue pants, shirt and long gloves covering her whole arms. It covered her whole body but her head, alongside a matching beret and frilly skirt. Two long white ribbons hanged out from her hat down her back.
Yes, Sakura-chan, I have brought my camera's long-range lens! I'll be able to capture all of your movements along Syaoran-kun!
And I'll be here to protect Tomoyo-chan in case something happens!-proudly stated Meiling rising her head, crossing her arms, wearing her martial arts clothing. She was living in Syaoran's house "to make sure he wouldn't make Sakura cry", and her cousin had phoned her to warn her about the situation. Meiling then made pretty clear she would be tagging along.
Syaoran meanwhile was silently focusing on his Rashinban board. He was dressed with a dark green, almost black suit with short and thick gloves protecting his hands, along an equally colored beret with a design quite similar to Sakura's own, except without ribbons.
They were all standing atop the tallest building on the area where the mysterious girl had been reported being. Yue and Keroberos had come as well, having already changed into their true forms.
I can sense it... A source of unknown magic. It's that way!-pointed Syaoran, dismissing the Rashinban board.
Allright, Yue and Kero fly above, me and Syaoran-kun will jump through the buildings-ordered Sakura, pulling one of her cards.
A girl clad in shrine maiden clothes was walking on a not very far roof while emptying a wine bottle with one hand, holding a white gohei with the other. When she finished the bottle's contents, she threw it on the floor, shattering it.
Man, this sucks! The air smells funny, so many tall buildings, so much noise, and way too many rude humans. No proper respect. Leaves me in quite the foul mood.
But Yukari said that a very powerful human magician had escaped the border, and it was imperative for me to find them before they could wreck any havoc. But this city alone is so big, how am I supposed to even start looking for them?
And look, now I'm talking to myself again! It was about time some mid-boss appeared to give me some clues about where to go next, but instead I haven't even found a single fairy... But I must say the night lights they have around here are quite pretty... I should have saved up some of that booze for some night watching.
Then the young shrine maiden looked at the sky filled with stars above, wondering where to go next, when she suddenly spotted something flying towards her. On one side, some kind of winged oversized cat. Next to it, a winged deva. Seemed somewhat feminine, but also seemed to have some masculine traits. Hard to tell. But definitely not human either of them.
Finally, some youkai to exterminate!-grinned the shrine maiden while reaching inside her left sleeve with her right hand.
Sakura, watch out, she has summoned a magic circle!-shouted Syaoran, skillfully leaping across another building, closing in to their target.
She pulled something! Is that... A clow card?-asked Sakura, elegantly jumping alongside her boyfriend, her legs boosted by her own magic card.
Reimu held up her spellcard and chanted:
[Spirit Sign]:Fantasy Seal-Concentrate!
The spellcard turned into eight glowing multicolored orbs materialized around the shrine maiden, starting to spin around her for a second, before suddenly launching through the air at extreme speed and homing into Keroberos and Yue.
Sakura's two mystic guardians were caught completely by surprise and the glowing orbs hit their marks, violently exploding over them, rendering them unconscious before they could even scream from the pain.
WINDY! RELEASE!-Sakura activated her card to catch Keroberos in mid-air as he was falling to the ground, depositing him behind her
Obey the command! Petals of wind, Come Forth!-Syaoran swiftly pulled one of his jufus, slips of enchanted paper to place on his sword, and stopped Yue's fall from heaven as well, transporting him near the unconscious Keroberos.
Oh, two human magicians at once? Guess luck is finally starting to favor me tonight!-smiled the shrine maiden, opening her arms.
Who are you, what do you want?-asked Sakura in a decided voice, holding her staff forward in preparation, while Syaoran stood by her side with his sword in a combat stance, prefering to silently observe their new opponent.
Now that they were close, Sakura and Syaoran could see that this mysterious girl had dark red eyes, black hair longer than Sakura's own, reaching just below her shoulders, and wore a large red ribbon in her hair. She carried a gohei in her right hand, with many paper seals attached in streamers. Wearing a red and white dress remotely similar to a shrine maiden's outfit with detached sleeves leaving her shoulders uncovered, plus a red neckerchief. The shrine maiden was also a bit taller than either of them, looking just a few years older.
Don't play dumb with me, little girl. I've come to take you back across the border you escaped from. You don't belong to this world. Now I'll give you one chance for you to drop your wand quietly, or I'll have to beat you up.
What are you talking about? I lived here in Tomoeda my whole life! And if you want me, why did you attack Kero and Yue?
You mean the flying lion and deva? They were youkai, that alone is reason enough for me to exterminate them on sight. Now let me guess, they were your slave familiars, and that kid with the sword is your personal servant and bodyguard? You were the only one using actual spellcards so far after all.
Syaoran is my boyfriend! And I am Sakura, his girlfriend and the Mistress of the Sakura cards!
The shrine Maiden's face changed to one of surprise, looking at Syaoran for a moment, then back at Sakura:
You can call your spellcards whatever you want, but boyfriend? A boy? Using magic of that level? HOHAHAHAHAHOHAHAHAHAHA that's a good one!-the shrine maiden fell on the ground laughing her ass off.
Sakura sweatdroped. Syaoran however saw a possible opening.
KAAAA!-He lunged forward, screaming, with his sword in his right hand and a readied jufu talisman on his left hand.
The Shrine Maiden reacted with lighting reflexes, jumping from her fallen position into her feet. Swatting aside Syaoran's sword with her gohei, she revealed a long red needle on her other hand with which she thrusted directly toward Syaoran's face.
The boy managed to step back just at the last moment, the needle just grazing the the left side of his face. Pulling back next to Sakura, holding his sword with both hands in a defensive position, she could see Syaoran now had a long, bloody gash across his face. A couple milimiters to the side and his left eye would've been gouged out.
Syaoran, you're allright?-asked Sakura, turning to the wounded boy as her expression changed to deep worry.
It's just a minor wound, I was overconfident, but keep your eyes on that girl! She's definitely dangerous!-replied Syaoran.
Oh, good dodge there! You may actually make nice sub-boss material!-said the shrine maiden with a smug smile on her face.
That combat style, I recognize it from the old scriptures...You're a descendant of the Hakurei Demonic Shrine Maiden lineage, are you not?-asked Syaoran suddenly.
Yes, that's me, altough most people don't add the "Demonic" bit. I prefer to be called Reimu Hakurei, Wonderful Shrine Maiden of Paradise! But anyway that doesn't really matter here and now. You Sakura, come with me now back to the border, or I beat the crap out of you like I did with your two youkai friends.-threatened the shrine Maiden, holding forward her gohei on the other.
Reimu, I don't know what border you're talking about, but this city is my home. What can I do to make you believe me?-asked the red-haired girl.
It's quite simple, Sakura. You'll just have to defeat me in a duel-challenged Reimu, rising her gohei towards Sakura, her expression changing to a serious one.
I accept!-was Sakura's reply, equally serious.
What?-asked Syaoran surprised.
Come, Sakura, let us fly up there, so we don't need to worry about small fry-said Reimu in a dull voice, raising her arms in a cross position and starting to float upwards.
FLY! RELEASE!-White wings sprouted from Sakura's back, and she started flying upwards.
Sakura, there's no need to accept her challenge for a one on one battle. We should fight her together!-warned Syaoran.
I don't want you to get hurt because of me anymore, Syaoran. Don't worry, everything will be alright!-said Sakura pausing in mid-air for a moment, smiling warmly at Syaoran below, before restarting following Reimu.
SAKURAAAAA!-screamed Syaoran as he saw his beloved become smaller and smaller as she rose to the sky.