Gensokyo: Treasure Battles

Year One: The Miko Miko Games

Emerald Vs. Crimson

By: R.X. Hurdle

Copyright: All places, references, and characters are rights of Team Shanghai Alice.

Chapter 2- The Hype that is, the Miko Miko Games.

Kourindou- 10:21 AM, Rainy, 7th day of Spring.

Rinnosuke was hard at work with all the preparations needed to get the invites and events ready for the Miko Miko Games (as he named it on the 6th day). He was tired to say the least, but still in great spirits as he opened the shop for the day. He was immediately greeted by the local newspaper girl, a tengu of all things.

"Ah, Aya, glad to see you today. If you wouldn't mind, I have something for you today." Rinnosuke greeted as Aya (Not used to seeing Rinnosuke so chipper in the morning) gave him a puzzled look.

"Well, you're pretty happy today. What do you have for me?" Aya replied as Rinnosuke presented her with envelopes with his invites. Aya again gave him a puzzled look.

"Aya, I need you to go all over Gensokyo and even in the spots that you don't normally go to and deliver these invites to everyone during your runs today." Rinnosuke requested as Aya got the gist of what he wanted. Aya delivered the paper as per her usual routine and put all the invites in a separate sack and waved goodbye and quickly left with a purpose.

(This will be great. Now, the last thing to prepare for is the actual meeting of both Reimu and Sanae. If memory serves me correctly, Marisa and Sanae will be here at separate times this afternoon. All I have to do is give them these special meeting invitations and the rest will unfold itself.)

No sooner than Rinnosuke recollected his schedule, Marisa entered Kourindou.

"Hey, Rinny?" Marisa called out as Rinnosuke found his first target of the day, at the expense of his patience.

"Marisa, I thought I told you to NEVER USE THAT NAME!" Rinnosuke bursted as Marisa for the first time in a long while felt such anger from Rinnosuke.

"Easy, easy Rinnosuke. I was just kidding. Anyways, do you have my mushrooms I put on order?" Marisa inquired as Rinnosuke gave her the mushrooms she paid in advance for and Reimu's letter.

"Are you heading to Reimu's today?" Rinnosuke asked as Marisa nodded yes.

"Well, I need you to go there quickly and give her this letter. She'll know what to do when she gets it." Rinnosuke continued as Marisa wanted to know what was up.

"I take it that this is very important then?" Marisa continued to inquire as Rinnosuke nodded.

"I'll go now and give it to her. I'll need to order more mushrooms next week. Will you be open?" Marisa continued as Rinnosuke just chuckled.

"The Kourindou will be open, but it will be at a remote store I'm building. Don't worry, everything will be explained in just two more days." Rinnosuke foreshadowed as Marisa exited Kourindou, puzzled and determined to figure out the shopkeeper's intent.

(One down, one to go. All I need to do now, is wait.)

Gensokyo- Undetermined, Rainy, 7th day of Spring

Aya flew the skies the entire day with no end in sight. She started her morning at 08:30 AM from Youkai Mountain and headed straight for Kourindou first. After receiving the invites and delivering the paper, she resumed her runs and with the added task of delivering the invites. She had to stop briefly to get more papers as she was going to go into Old Hell to deliver on this day and it was a bit of relief to see the Oni of Old Hell reading about the world topside. She managed to get some coin and a couple of subscribers in the midst of Rinnosuke's favor.

(Wow, Rinnosuke sure didn't beat around the bush this time. He wanted me to deliver these invites and there are still a couple left. I bet one's for me and the rest is for those at Youkai Mountain. Well, better take a look and see what is going on.)

Aya began to read the invite and was greatly pleased that she was invited to such an event. Without any further delay, she flew as fast as she could (with the help of Wind Manipulation) and got back to Youkai Mountain and delivered the rest of the invites to the inhabitants there.

Aya Shameimaru, Gensokyo's "Reporter" and Tengu of Youkai Mountain. Always seen with her camera in hand, she is always a sight to see when she isn't looking for a scoop. Her normal paper runs makes for an active day for her. Rain, sleet, or snow, you best believe that she will deliver the papers without fail.

Sanzu River- 11:29 AM, Rainy, 7th day of Spring

The Sanzu River was quiet today. The ferry girl wasn't doing much of anything until what would be, a judge appeared to her from the other end of the lengthy river.

"KOMACHI! WAKE YOUR SORRY ASS UP!" the judge screamed as the ferry girl (Komachi) stood up and was wide awake to receive her, punishment.

"Lady Shikieiki!? I'm sorry. There's nothing going on today and I was just, um, relaxing a bit…" Komachi quivered as Shikieiki was about to have her repent several times over. To Komachi surprise, she wasn't here to torment the poor ferry girl, but to show her the invite Aya left thirty minutes before.

"Well, look what that shopkeeper in the human village just invited us to." Shikieiki (Shiki in short) presented as Komachi wasn't too thrilled by the event.

"Lady Shikieiki, you know that we can't participate in those events. We can't get rewarded on these, contests." Komachi logically commented as Shiki already knew that. In fact, she was planning something different.

"Komachi, if we can't compete as contestants, why not do as we've done in times past; Judge and Enforce." Shiki commented as Komachi saw what she was getting at. She wanted to be there as a judge to help Rinnosuke keep order, all the while giving Komachi an excuse to beat people up.

"Looks like the Enforcer and Judge will be busy for the upcoming months. Are you sure the judges in Higan will approve of this, leave of absence?" Komachi inquired as Shiki presented a Letter of Delegated Duties.

"I see that you did this before asking me to help. Well, Lady Shikieiki, I'm in. Let's get to the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Knowing Rinnosuke, he might have a meeting there the night before for just the captains and it would be our best bet to intercept him before "drafting" day." Komachi brilliantly explained as Shiki was stunned to see her elaborately thinking this out.

Komachi Onozuka, the ferry girl of the Sanzu River and Shikieiki's "employee". Normally at the Sanzu River to guide the souls along to meet her employer for judgment, when she isn't doing her job, she can be found sleeping on the job. This Winter for her was an active one as many Youkai and Human souls were taken to meet Shikieiki herself.

Shikieiki Yamaxanadu, the Judge of All. Shikieiki's major role in Gensokyo is to judge the souls that Komachi brings to her and dictate where they will end up, whether it be Higan, Hell, or other. Never one for the shade of gray, everything to her is and will always be, Black and White. Her winter was spent doing mass judgings when situation dictates.

"Komachi, let's go. We haven't much time to reach the mansion and I rather not use my power or ask to use another." Shiki commented as the two of them made haste to the Scarlet Devil Mansion.

The Yakumo Residence- 12:15 PM, Rainy, 7th day of Spring

The Yakumo Residence is the home of what would be, Gensokyo's most powerful Youkai, Yukari Yakumo. On this day (after the paper was delivered), it would be Ran Yakumo, her kitsune shikigami that would be the first to read Rinnosuke's invite.

(Hm… The Miko Miko Games. Miss Yukari would be most excited to be a part of this. It also gets Chen and I out of the estate for a while and enjoy ourselves as well. I better go wake Miss Yukari up.)

Ran briskly went over to Yukari's room and opened the door to find her halfway dressed. Chen beat her to the punch in waking her up.

"Chen, what did I tell you about waking Miss Yukari?" Ran mildly scolded as Chen just smiled. Yukari yawned a tad and walked to the door.

"Lighten up, Ran. She did as you requested or did you forget what time to wake me today?" Yukari countered as Ran was left speechless. It's not normal for her to actually forget something like that.

"My apologies, Miss Yukari. I totally forgot to wake you prior to lunch. Anyways, I have something for you." Ran timidly apologized as she gave the invite to Yukari. Yukari smiled like a kid in Christmas waiting to open the first present.

"Ran, Chen, prepare your things. Tomorrow, we go to that vampire's mansion. We're going to have ourselves a good time and maybe get some profit out of this!" Yukari cheered as she was greatly pleased by Ran. As Yukari left to get herself ready, Ran and Chen left to go pack as well.

"Um, Miss Ran, have you ever been to the Scarlet Devil Mansion before?" Chen questioned as Ran remembered all too well her first experience with the mansion.

"I rather not say. But, I think everything has changed since the last time I entered the mansion. Just in case, stay close to me when we get there tomorrow." Ran commented as Chen was still in the dark on why they were heading to the mansion. Ran's experiences with the Scarlet Devil Mansion and its inhabitants were nowhere near pleasant. The first time she went with Yukari, Sakuya eyed her hard and made for a difficult time for her. Since then, every time she and Yukari made trips to the mansion, either Flan messed with one of her nine tails or Sakuya is ready to "knife" her to death.

"Miss Ran, are you ok?" Chen asked as Ran was mortified by the notion of returning to the mansion.

"Yeah… Don't worry about me, Chen. Continue to get ready and we'll help Miss Yukari out." Ran finished as they quickly got ready and then assisted Yukari.

Yukari Yakumo, Gensokyo's Strongest Youkai. She's actually older then Gensokyo itself and is usually the source of many an incident in Gensokyo with her messing around with the boundaries and appearing out of absolute nowhere. When she isn't making issues for everyone, she can be found sleeping or eating well. This Winter was no different for her than any other Winter she's experienced.

Ran Yakumo, Yukari's Shikigami and caretaker of the Yakumo Estate. Ran is a kitsune and Yukari's caretaker while she's hibernating for a good part of the year. Ran usual not one to be vocal about much takes care of everything and keeps an eye out for Chen, who is her Shikigami. This Winter though, Ran spent a good part of Winter fighting the flu with Eirin making a couple of trips to the Yakumo residency, a rarity for Eirin.

Chen Yakumo, Ran's Shikigami. Chen usually watches the house when Yukari and Ran leave to run errands or make hell for someone. Not shy as compared to Ran, she's young, but energetic to a point that sometimes she wanders off to go play with some of the Fairies or Youkai in the vicinity of the residency. This Winter proved to be a dicey one for Chen, as she was for the most part, assisting Ran with the caretaking responsibilities as Ran was fighting the flu.

Miss Ran, is there anything else we'll need before leaving for Gensokyo?" Chen asked again while Ran deliberated what else they needed.

"Nope, let's get Miss Yukari and get some rest. We'll have to leave early enough to make it for the draft on time." Ran finished as both of them ran to Yukari, who by the way was taking too long.

Base of Youkai Mountain- 12:45 PM, Rainy, 7th day of Spring

The mountain was slick today and not many people over the course of the Winter bothered to even come to the mountain. For one lonely mountain guard, she stood watchful as she continue her rounds and met up with two girls who have been talking about the invitation that Aya dropped off during her restock.

"Wow, a chance to actually talk to the others. I wonder how my Kappa based inventions will function with something like this." A young kappa explained as the guard wandered over to speak to them.

"Hello, Nitori, Hina. How's everything here?" The guard spoke.

"Well, no misfortunes over the course of the week. I say that this is a quiet week." Hina answered first.

"I'm inventing, but I don't have much so far. A dull week for me." Nitori added.

"IS there anything to do at all? Even if it means leaving this mountain for a while?" the guard commented as Hina presented the guard the letter. After a few minutes, the guard was excited.

"Now this sounds like fun! I want in!" the guard happily cried as Nitori and Hina agreed.

"Well, Momiji, you think the mountain will be ok without you guarding it?" Hina asked as Momiji took a minute to think and then nodded.

Momiji Inubashiri, the guardian of Youkai Mountain. This white wolf tengu guards the mountain for Lord Tenma and is quick to rid intruders (Mostly Humans wandering too close) away from the base. She's shy for the most part except to those on the mountain. This Winter, she found herself with a lot more free time as the mountain shrine maiden placed a new barricade to halt intruders with ease. Momiji also help the local tengu this Winter with supplies and transport operations up and down the mountain.

Hina Kagiyama, the Cursed Goddess. Hina's major role is to collect misfortunes within her and chase away humans from getting too close to the mountain if they passed Momiji. One for being shy, Hina isn't seen too often, where Momiji is pretty much a dead giveaway. This Winter for Hina was miserable as she not only became ill with the Flu (Uncommon for her), but also had a rare case of bronchitis as well. She didn't do much but to sleep and rest. Nitori helped her back to help just in time for the first warmth of Spring to hit.

Nitori Kawashiro, the Kappa Extraordinaire. Nitori has a knack for making Kappa based inventions and then either selling them or testing them out. The girl has a genius mind for a kappa. This Winter was tough for Nitori with her best friend, Hina, bed-ridden with multiple illnesses, the water freezing badly near the waterfall, the shrine maiden of the mountain barricading the mountain, all the while inventing under stress and lack of motivation.

"Well, let me get my stuff and then we'll walk together. We don't need to hurry. Besides, Nitori, have you visited the Scarlet Devil Mansion?" Momiji asked as Nitori has visited the mansion, once.

"I don't remember the exact way, but when you have something like this and Aya sending invitations, there will be frequent visitors of the mansion that will attend. We'll just follow them or have Aya take us." Nitori answered as Hina and the others left to gather what little things they had and left the mountain.

Eientei- 12:53 PM, Rainy, 7th day of Spring

The Eientei was busy this day as the doctor got the morning mail and paper to take to her mistress.

"Princess, it's time to get up." The doctor called out as a lazy looking girl exited her room and looked up with wary eyes and a beat up look.

"Eirin, what time is it?" the girl asked.

"Seven minutes before one. You should eat something first…" Eirin started before the girl noticed the invitation.

"We have mail. Odd, only the paper comes here. Is it possible to have Tewi and Udonge join us while we eat and view this letter?" the girl asked.

"As you wish, Lady Kaguya." Eirin replied. Eirin waved to one of the rabbits working in the estate and had her get Tewi and Udonge. Within minutes two rabbits different from the rest stood before Kaguya, a tall, sleek rabbit and a shorter rabbit with energy to spare.

"Lady Kaguya." Both of them presented themselves.

"Please, join us for, um, lunch!" Kaguya replied as she remembered that breakfast was over a while ago.

"Thanks for having us, Lady Kaguya." The smaller rabbit commented as the taller one sat quietly.

"Why so quiet, Udonge? You know that you can speak without being told to." Eirin asked as Udonge (Reisen to the others) wasn't one for many words around Eirin. When Eirin wasn't around, she had plenty to say.

"Well, I would like to know what's going on. Usually, we just work through lunch." Udonge observed as Eirin quickly diffused the tense rabbit.

"Well, we got this letter and we're going to take a look." Eirin commented as all of them took a read after Kaguya got first dibs. Everyone in the room was excited, especially Kaguya, who has been in the best of health in years.

"Eirin, we're going to this contest! Maybe we can finally get something nice for a change." Kaguya beamed as Tewi and Udonge were a bit timid on the subject. In Tewi's case, she wanted to go and meet up with Chen, Cirno, Nue, Wriggle, and a few others. In Udonge's case, she just wanted to get away from the bamboo for a while.

"Udonge, Tewi, you'll both be join me and Miss Kaguya at the mansion." Eirin announced as both of them were relieved and excited about going to the mansion. Just as they were going to celebrate, that notion was short-lived by two more guests that got their hands on invites as well.

"Hey, Bitch! Did you get an invite?" a familiar voice called out as Kaguya's face got stern.

"If you must call me a bitch, it's MISS BITCH to you." Kaguya corrected as the two new guests came near the door.

"Miss Eirin, sorry about Mokou. You know how she is with Lady Kaguya." The other guest apologized as Eirin shook her head and waved it off.

"It's fine, Keine. It has been a weird start to this year, with Kaguya and Mokou not killing each other at least." Eirin accepted as Keine and Mokou took off their shoes and join the rest in the Eientei.

"So, Kaguya, you ready for draft day tomorrow at that vampire's mansion?" Mokou casually asked as Kaguya nodded.

"Not really, but with my health getting better, I think I should be fine for the Spring and Summer. Though, I rather not have to face you if it is only Danmaku." Kaguya hesitated as Mokou nodded in agreement.

"Lady Kaguya, are we going to walk there or are we getting teleported?" Tewi asked as Eirin gestured the walking motion with her hands. Tewi was pleased by that.

"Now Tewi, it's going to be fine. We'll leave late tonight and then we'll be there just before noon. We'll pack breakfast before we leave. It would be nice to see Miss Keine and Miss Mokou join as, as they are the closest we have to an extended family." Udonge commented as all of them stared at her and then nodded carefully. It has been an uneasy Winter, but for the most part, Udonge was correct.

Fujiwara no Mokou, Eientei's guide and Immortal. Mokou for the longest time hated Kaguya after her father failed Kaguya's trails and then was further disgraced with a failed marriage proposal. They fought for a good thousand years with Mokou seeing no way to get true revenge. This Winter changed everything, as Kaguya would be needing help getting back to her estate and it was her enemy that saved her. Humbled by Kaguya's gratitude, Mokou finally let go of a grudge that consumed her for one thousand years.

Keine Kamishirasawa, History's protector and local teacher to many Youkai and extraordinary Humans. Keine's responsibility is to protect the Human Village, even if she sometimes erases it from the history books. She has mentored Mokou for a long time now and since the passing of Winter, she has been very pleased with the progress of Mokou. She also assisted Eirin in delivering medicine this Winter as well.

Tewi Inaba, Head Rabbit in the Eientei. Tewi has a reputation for helping Human that get lost in the Bamboo forest and has even help Mokou from time to time in guiding travelers to Eirin. Playful and a bit of a scam artist, she isn't too innocent and will on occasion get money off of people. This Winter was rough for her as many of the rabbits that works for her got sick (with a few of them actually dead in her watch). But despite the misfortune, she still managed to save the rest and since then, have had her rabbits take longer breaks and get them back to health to continue working with high morale.

Reisen Udongein Inaba, Eirin's pupil and Kaguya's Pet. Reisen fled the moon and became a refugee on Earth. Since her escape, she's served Kaguya and began to learn Eirin's trade. She has even began to sell her medicine at the Human Village every other day in Spring, Summer, and Fall (leaving the Winter to stock on the medicine). This Winter was a trying one for Reisen, but she didn't get sick and she help find the vaccine to the deadly Sylvilagus Flu that plagued the Earth Rabbits working the Eientei.

Eirin Yagokoro, Gensokyo's Medic. Eirin has become the go to woman when it comes to medical assistance as she has added many people and Youkai alike in health aid. With Reisen assisting her in medicine distribution, she made more time to find vaccines and get advance techniques to further help those in need. This Winter was a busy one for Eirin as she not only had to fight off the flu, but also kick her work up a few notches as everyone in Gensokyo got sick.

Kaguya Houraisan, the estate owner of Eientei. She was exiled from the Moon for drinking the Hourai Elixir. She despised humans at first, but came to love her new home and made permanent residence there. Since reuniting with Mokou, the two of them nearly took each other out on a regular basis. This Winter humbled the young estate owner as she wander too far from the Eientei one nasty evening, looking for Tewi of all people. As she walked into the Bamboo Forest, she took her body to the absolute limit as she was in incredible amounts of pain and she was already sick as it is. Just when Kaguya thought she would freeze until the storm passed, Mokou, of all people found her, carried her back to Eientei and nursed her back to health. Since then, the two of them have better appreciated earth other's company.

"Mokou, think we will be on the same team?" Kaguya asked as Mokou shrugged.

"Don't know. I hope I don't get recruited by Sanae though. I have a bone to pick with Kanako." Mokou sneered as an incident involving those two flared in her mind.

"Well, since we don't have much, Tewi and Udonge, prepare a basket for tonight's trek. Mokou, Keine, need a bed for the afternoon?" Eirin motioned as the two of them nodded and got comfortable.

Hakugyokurou, 2:22 PM, Clear, 7th Day of Spring

Near one of the boundaries of Gensokyo, the Hakugyokurou is located. Aya got close, delivered the paper and invite and it was teleported to the estate inside. A young lady grabbed the paper and invite and began to sift through the junk. When she looked at the invite, she dashed quickly to a resting woman.

"Lady Yuyuko, wake up!" the young woman cried out.

"*Yawn* Youmu, what's up? Anything worth mentioning?" Yuyuko asked as she got to view the invite.

"Are we going?" Youmu asked.

"Yep. Food, drinks, and contests! What more can you ask for this year?" Yuyuko celebrated as Youmu got a small sack ready.

"I'll prepare lunch and place the barriers necessary for us to come down and enjoy ourselves." Youmu prepared as Yuyuko was happy as a school girl going to the prom.

Youmu Konpaku, Yuyuko's maid and Gardener. Youmu's teacher went missing a good while ago and since then, she had to learn the art of sword-fighting herself. Usually mind mannered and obedient to Yuyuko, she works diligently to please Yuyuko, though her efforts please Yuyuko enough. This Winter was actually normal for both Youmu and Yuyuko as they didn't get much going on at all.

Yuyuko Saigyouji, ghost and owner of Hakugyokurou. She lost her life early in her life before the fabled Saigyou Ayakashi fully blossomed. Since the phantom blossoming of Saigyou Ayakashi, she's lived quietly in Hakugyokurou, with Yukari and her Shikigami being her only regular visitors. Whimsical and very playful, she gets excited just as easily as Remilia Scarlet. To pass the time, she has Youmu entertain her with games and activities of the like. As mentioned before with Youmu, this Winter was the same for her as always, sleeping.

"We'll probably meet up with Yukari on the way. I can't wait to get drafted." Yuyuko beamed as Youmu agreed there.

"Well, Lady Yuyuko, allow me to prepare real quick and maybe we can crash with Yukari and them tonight." Youmu proposed as Yuyuko was now really excited. To speed up the process, she ACTUALLY assisted with Youmu so they can leave sooner.

Chireiden, 3:26PM, Underground, 7th Day of Spring

A tall older lady walked to the front doors of Chireiden. As she knocked hard on the door, she was greeted by a beautiful redhead and a pretty winged girl.

"Hello Orin, Okuu. Is your owner home?" the lady asked.

"Master Satori and Miss Koichi are inside. Want to come in, Miss Yuugi?" Orin invited as Okuu smiled and escorted Yuugi to the main lobby where Koichi and Satori were discussing the invites integrity.

"I see that you got the invite as well. Aya made a trip down here for the first this year. We normally get the Summer Special, but this time, she was interested in making sure that the invites were sent with the papers to particular people." Yuugi explained as Satori's suspicions would be defused instantly.

"So, Yuugi, what brings you here? Surely you don't mean to go to the Miko Miko Games?" Satori commented as Yuugi gave her a thumbs up.

"Come on sis. We should enjoy ourselves since we don't get out much. We may be away from the Ancient City, but that doesn't mean that we can't enjoy ourselves topside." Koichi rationalized as Satori pondered a bit.

"Please master! It would be nice for all of us to join in. Maybe…" Okuu spoke as Satori continued to ponder. Finally giving in to temptation, she nodded.

"Ok, ok. We'll go. If nothing else, to win some money and get some property topside so we can be near the action more often." Satori commented as everyone was excited.

"Master, who's hosting the games?" Orin asked as Koichi was all too happy to answer for Satori.

"Mister Rinnosuke of Kourindou. He's hosting the games." Koichi answered as everyone looked worried.

"I thought the Manzai wasn't until the fall?" Okuu hastily asked as she got slapped upside the head by Orin.

"Not quite, Okuu. This is a competition between two teams rather than 2-girl teams. Team Crimson and Team Emerald." Yuugi explained as everyone knew Team Crimson.

"So Reimu is captain of Team Crimson. I wonder who is the captain for Team Emerald?" Orin asked as Yuugi also knew that answer.

"Sanae Kochiya, Gensokyo's newest shrine maiden. I think Rinnosuke is using this rivalry to get profits and end a feud that has sparked since two Summers ago." Yuugi explained as everyone wanted NOT to be on Sanae's team as they didn't feel, right, with Sanae, Suwako, and Kanako.

Yuugi Hoshiguma, one of the Four Legendary Oni of Old Hell. Yuugi is a strong oni that resides in the Ancient City. Big on tests of strength, she hasn't found anyone strong enough to compete with her strength or drunken stupor since Suika left the city. This Winter was not like the other Winters before as Old Hell got a taste of Letty's work and many of the oni became ill. That only lasted a day though. Yuugi was the ONLY one that weathered the change.

Rin Kaenbyou (AKA Orin), Keeper of Blazing Hell's Fire and one of Satori's pets. Responsible for starting the fires in Chireiden, she is usually collecting new fires for Okuu to maintain. She is playful, but at the same time, plays to the side of caution like Satori. This Winter for everyone in Chireiden was the same, "Keep the Heat Fresh". Orin did just that.

Utsuho Reiuji (AKA Okuu), Maintainer of Blazing Hell's Fire and Satori's other pet. Responsible for maintaining the fires that Orin gives her, she is more carefree than Orin, giving her more of Koichi's favor than Satori's (But still favored by her). Like Orin, Okuu did her part this Winter.

Koichi Komeiji, sister of Satori Komeiji. Koichi is usually in Chireiden playing and keeping herself from becoming bored (similar to Flan to an extent.). One to wander Old Hell, she usually is out the most as she isn't too confined to the palace like Satori. This Winter for her was a change of pace, but nothing major at all.

Satori Komeiji, owner of Chireiden. Satori is the textbook definition of hermit. She rarely leave Chireiden, she has a number of pets, and she a bit over cautious about things. There's a reason for that, her power allows her to read into anyone's heart and mind. A power she keeps in check at all times. This Winter was the same as many others, maintain Chireiden and enjoy her life.

"Well, we better get ready. We may be divided for the games." Satori observed as they all got ready.

Kourindou, 4:00 PM, Rainy, 7th Day of Spring

Rinnosuke was about ready to close up shop when a familiar girl entered. She has a shrine maiden's outfit on.

"Mister Rinnosuke? Hello…" the girl called out. Rinnosuke was quick to come from the back. He was finishing the remote store plans.

"Ah, Sanae. How's everything at the shrine?" Rinnosuke inquired as Sanae bowed respectfully.

"Well, this winter has been cruel as the boundary we created to protect the villagers also inhibit us to get our normal flow of followers. Still, anything is better than the Hakurei Shrine. I see you have something for me." Sanae commented as Rinnosuke gave her a special letter. Sanae began to read it and as she scanned through it, she began to smile.

"I see you like what I have planned." Rinnosuke commented as Sanae nodded.

"Well, it's very intriguing to see an end to this rivalry Reimu and I started. So, you want me to meet Reimu and her two assistants tonight at the Scarlet Devil Mansion at 9PM.?" Sanae asked as Rinnosuke answered with a nod.

"I will be there with Suwako and Kanako. They need to get out more and I feel more at ease with them there with me." Sanae finished as she left quickly out the door and headed back to Moriya Shrine.

Sanae Kochiya, Gensokyo's Wind Shrine Maiden. Due to her inherent power, she is confused by some as the "Wind Goddess" rather than the Wind Priestess. She pretty much does things like Reimu, but with three distinct differences. The first is the amount of followers. Reimu don't get so much as ten as Sanae will have at least fifty or so on any given day. The second is the funding. Due to Kanako's influence on the Human Village, Sanae is blessed with a large donation base where Reimu must fend for herself many a day. Third, Sanae, though not a favorite with many of the Youkai and other non-human beings, is highly favored by the Humans, where Reimu is favored by just about everyone (Very few humans don't like her. All of them are not important.). This Winter backfired greatly against Sanae as she created a barrier to protect humans from Youkai Mountain where the shrine is at, but at the same token, keeping her followers out.

Kanako Yasaka, Gensokyo's official goddess. Kanako earn the title of official goddess after defeating Suwako, but have Suwako around because she is a fellow goddess. Known to partake in the drink, she is usually drunk more often than not. Her influence in the Human Village is prominent and because of that, Sanae is blessed with a steady income. This Winter wasn't bad for Kanako as she was the only one to have a bright idea. She put the donation box in the village and protected it with her power. Sanae would collect and then use it to maintain the pristine condition of the Moriya Shrine.

Suwako Moriya, Goddess. Suwako stays with Kanako and Sanae as a mentor to Sanae and a fellow goddess to Kanako. She is smart at times and very playful when possible. Not much else is known as for her habits, but she hangs around Sanae most of the time. This Winter was harsh for Suwako, as she couldn't so much, except watch snow and Youkai.

"I have to get going. I will catch you in a few hours." Rinnosuke finished as Sanae bowed and exited Kourindou. Sanae knew that if Reimu was showing up, Alice and Marisa would join her as support. The decision to have Kanako and Suwako there was a wise one for Sanae. She quickly flew to the shrine as Rinnosuke began his walk to the mansion.

(Looks like the stage is set. Now, to meet the captains, one-on-one.)

Temple of Myouren, 6:22PM, Rainy, 7th Day of Spring

Much was to discuss this evening between four beings who caught wind of the Miko Miko Games and got invited to join. These four, though not particularly fond of Marisa and Reimu, showed interest.

"Miss Shou, is there anything we need for the trip tomorrow to that dingy, old mansion?" a magician asked.

"Miss Byakuren, not that I'm aware of." Shou answered.

"Well then, Ichirin, will the weather favor us swift travel tomorrow?" Byakuren asked as Ichirin looked at her partner from a distance.

"Unzan informs me that travel should be good, but expect a delay if we don't leave in a timely fashion." Ichirin relayed as Byakuren was happy to know the weather.

"Nazrin, do you have everything we need for lunch tomorrow?" Shou asked.

"Yes, Shou." Nazrin finished as they all were excited to get in on the action.

"So, Miss Byakuren, what do you want to do with your winnings?" Ichirin asked.

"Spruce up this temple and make it more, hospitable to humans and youkai alike." Byakuren commented as everyone else agreed with the makeover of the Temple of Myouren.

"Miss Shou, Unzan wants me to congratulate you on your recent victory against Kanako." Ichirin smiled as Shou wasn't prepared for that.

"I got lucky. That's all… Please don't put me on the spot, Ichirin." Shou blushed as everyone laughed it off and got ready to travel tomorrow.

Byakuren Hijiri, a monk for the Temple of Myouren. Revived by Shou and the others, she holds no ill will for humans (who imprisoned her long ago.). Her ideals is for Youkai and Humans to live in peace and co-exist with each other. Her dream is being fulfilled in a sense. There are Youkai living with Humans and vice-versa. The Winter for her was her first in many centuries and like many of the others this winter, spent in bed with the flu.

Shou Toramaru, disciple of Bishamonten. Shou is a bit timid when it comes to her occupation, but is a confident girl when it comes to Danmaku and combat skills. Polite and soft spoken, many beings try to walk over her as she isn't one to voice her opinion. This Winter, Shou was very busy as she helped train a lot of Youkai following Bishamonten learn how to defend themselves.

Ichirin Kumoi, defender of the Palaquin Ship. Ichirin with her partner, Unzan, has protected the Palaquin Ship and finally settled a bit within the confines of the temple. Though aggressive to foes, she did pick up a part-time position as Keine's assistant at the local Youkai school. This Winter proved to be normal as school was out for a couple weeks and she got some well needed rest.

Nazrin, Dowser. Nazrin helped Shou out in the past and since then has resided with Shou at the temple. Known for finding anything, she has struck it rich and shared the riches with the residence of the Temple of Myouren. The last year in general was a good year for her and as a result, she didn't need much at all.

"So, Shou, what can we expect?" Nazrin asked. As Shou and the others were dumbfounded about what was to happen.

"Well, we'll find out tomorrow, Nazrin." Byakuren interrupted as the gang got ready for tomorrow.

Scarlet Devil Mansion, 8:45PM, Light Rain, 7th Night of Spring

Reimu, accompanied by Marisa and Alice, got to the gates of the mansion to be greeted by Sanae, accompanied by Kanako and Suwako.

"Reimu."

"Sanae."

"Thief."

"Bitch."

"Miss Alice."

"Goddess Suwako."

"ALICE! Don't be polite to the opposition!" Marisa shouted as Reimu nodded in agreement. Alice and Suwako didn't have problems and were peace keepers for Marisa and Kanako mainly. Reimu and Sanae for the most part, held an uneasy silence when they met up.

"Suwako… Why are you being polite?" Kanako asked as Suwako wasn't looking for trouble this night.

"Well, maybe we're here for Sanae. Besides, Alice never did anything to me. The same could be said about you and Marisa." Suwako mused as Kanako scoffed it off and waited with Sanae.

"Look, Reimu. I just want a peaceful night before the Miko Miko Games tomorrow." Sanae pleaded as Reimu for once, was on the same page.

"I agree, but I do have questions to ask Rinnosuke." Reimu commented as Rinnosuke came from the gate.

"Well ladies, we'll begin the meeting soon. Let's enter and begin the meeting and procedures for Day 0." Rinnosuke announced as all the ladies outside followed Rinnosuke inside via the main doors.

Author Notes: Sorry for the major delay. Between technical issues and lack of a CPU, this was difficult to get time to actually work on this… Luckily, Chapter 3 won't be as long for production. Thanks for reading and hope you become a fan.