Chapter 2: Seeing Stars
"Alright let's start with basics," Reimu spread her arms creating glowing red seals as they went, "These are danmaku and they make up the basics of the spell card system."
It was a mesmerizing sight to watch as Reimu continued to produce wave after wave of the seals as she manipulated them around her in an oscillating pattern that was both beautiful and terrifying. The cards pulsed in and out creating complex patterns in their orbit around her, concealing her for brief seconds before bursting open and revealing her once again. When I had heard about spell card duels I had imagined something more primitive, violent even but this was beyond that.
This was art.
"Spell card duels aren't about just pummeling your opponent with brute force. It's about how beautiful your victory it is. After all," she puffed out her chest a smile on her face, "I created this system so that even humans could stand a chance against youkai in a fight. Not to mention Youkai still get to cause a little bit of trouble. Plus no one gets hurt this way and things get to be resolved more peacefully."
The slightly forlorn smile graced her face which tugged on my heartstrings for some strange reason. Reimu was really incredibly smart and if I want to succeed in my task it's pretty clear that having her help would probably be necessary.
Welp might as well try to play it up as much as possible, everyone loves being complimented on their work after all. "That's amazing. Really the whole system is ingenious." and really it was, if only back at my place we could have had something like this to settle conflicts things may have been a lot better.
I paused briefly so that I could really look her in the eyes to get my feeling across. Her eyes were a deep brownish red not unlike ripened chestnuts on a midsummer eve. There was a certain warmth that lie in them that belied her slightly cold standoffish demeanour. Her smile slowly into an inquisitive look as I realized it may have been quite lengthy on my part.
"Sorry I just wanted to say that I think what did you here is unbelievably impressive. I hope that we can get along in the future, having someone with your outlook and creativity would be an incredible boon." I gave her a small smile while rubbing the back of my head in a bit of embarrassment. Perhaps I'd been laying it on a little thick but I really needed all the help I can get and our initial meeting had probably not gone as best it could.
Apparently I wasn't the only one embarrassed as Reimu seemed at a loss for words, a bit of color in her rosy cheeks as she averted her gaze to the ground while lightly clutching her arm.
"Wonderfully said my Master," Ran smiled from the deck as she gazed on both of us in our self induced awkwardness. "Perhaps we should move onto explaining the spell cards themselves now?"
"O-of course," Reimu stammered out before taking a breath, schooling her features into a more passive mien.
Reimu reached into her sleeve pulling out a few cards that I couldn't quite make out at the distance we were apart.
"These are called spell cards they're pretty much the way most duels are decided. Each card starts with an announcement of the name followed by whatever pattern of danmaku you have set to the card. The card then starts running down a timer until the card either expires or it's broken through sufficient damage to it's caster. The key to dealing with cards is discovering the patterns and blind-spots while sneaking in some damage of your own. Most duels will end when all of your cards are broken but there can be some exceptions." She explained thoroughly while throwing one of the cards at me so that I could examine it.
"I think I understand for the most part. Some parts are still a bit confusing but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. I've got on authority that I'll get it down if I fail a few times first." I grinned twirling the spell card Reimu had given me in my hands before throwing it back at her.
"So you wanna show me one?" I asked Reimu hoping to get a better feel for the cards through some actual experience.
The grin she gave me in response told me that I had probably bit off more than I could chew.
"~Spirit Sign Fantasy Seal~"
The sudden onslaught of card shaped bullets caught me off guard as they rushed at me faster than I could have imagined. The first wave fast approaching left me precious little time to think as instincts, that I wasn't aware I possessed, kicked in allowing me to sneak into a small gap between the bullets as I twisted my body sideways to dodge the incoming projectiles. Even with my surprisingly successful acrobatics I still felt their bite as a few skimmed my person. Before I could feel any relief at my somewhat successful dodge the second wave was already upon me forcing me to duck as the cards sailed over head. Only to have another set barrel directly into me knocking me down and leaving me out of breath.
Alright Lawrence come on you can do this just get back on your feet and don't panic.
Propping myself up I could see the next wave of cards approaching fast in a straight line. I tried my best to leap to the side thankfully putting me just out of range of the incoming threat. Or so I thought as suddenly the cards split apart into a circle, It's increased range putting me directly into their oncoming path.
With nowhere left to move I held my hands in front of my face as I braced myself for Impact.
After a couple seconds of nothing happening I opened my eyes to see a dark gap opened in front of me pulsing lightly as it floated in front of me. Red and purple eyes gazed unnervingly from the newly created space sent a shiver down my spine
I wasn't the only one who seemed surprised as Reimu was cycling between shock and disbelief while Ran's eyes were slightly wide as she gave me a contemplative look.
"Well that went better than expected," I turned to Ran regaining some confidence in the display, "I didn't even need to fail once."
Ran gave me a look that seemed to be a cross between a glare and a giant smile that only made feel even better about my accomplishment.
Now if only I had any idea how I managed to do that.
"Alright not bad I admit," Reimu said pulling another card from her sleeve, "Let's see how you fair against something a little bit more difficult."
"~Dream Sign Evil Sealing Circle~"
Red seals once again gathered around her before multiply into small fan shaped patterns. Easy enough, I was starting to get a better feel for how to navigate my way through the bullets as I weaved my way into through the gaps created by two of the overlapping streams. The second wave started to form around her as I prepared to find the same gap that I had spotted in the previous iteration.
All hell broke loose when on top of the seals small white bullets started to gather in a as well, rotating between the seals. Kicking off from where I started, I propelled myself backward in order to buy myself some time to analyze the wave of bullets. I failed to locate any and took a few painful grazes as some of the smaller bullets made contact with my skin and sending me to the ground once again. I pulled myself fast to my feet hearing the next wave of cards in creation.
Alright come on, one more time weird portal thingies do your magic. I stood concentrating on trying to will one into existence before all the very painful looking bullets managed to reach me.
Counter to my expectations instead of a portal, stars started raining from the sky, falling upon the seals and orbs like a meteor shower. It was mesmerizing seeing the two different forces in concert pushing against each other before the stars won out, destroying the danmaku in their path.
"Why didn't you tell me there was a fight going on, da ze." A black and white dressed girl with what I only guess was a witches hat, due to the broom she was floating on, floated in the air behind me. "Allow me to take care of this punk!"
"Marisa, wait!" I saw the Miko call out in a panic, that seemed like some pretty dangerous foreshadowing. I tried to turn around completely to hold my hands in surrender only to be met with two words I'll probably never forget during my stay here.
"Master Spark!"
And then the world went black.
Awakening from my slumber was a task that turned out to be quite the arduous ordeal. Every single muscle in my body felt as if I had just taken them through a marathon, twice. The pounding headache that struck like thunder certainly didn't help as I tried my best to seek my bearings through the great discomfort. My tossing was met with a reassuring hand that found its way to mine.
"How are you doing master?" I found my new servant kneeling beside me, hand place firmly atop my own. Her face was one of annoyance I think, as she alternated between me and looking at the door.
"I'm alright, I think. Ughh, what the hell is a master spark and why do I feel like I was just hit by a bus, loaded into an ambulance, and then hit by another bus." I groaned, propping myself up before fighting another wave of nausea and quickly regretting my actions.
"One of Marisa's more powerful spellcards unfortunately, it can pack quite the punch. Trust me I know from experience." Giving a tiny laugh she motioned to help me stand up, which was very much appreciated. "Now come, lets see if she's still being lectured.
Being guided outside the room by Ran, we returned to the same living room we had been in previously but with an additional guest this time around.
Said guest's head was currently being held to the floor by Reimu as she yelled at her for always firing first and asking questions later. Said lecture was met with a litany of apologies as the witch didn't seem to fight back from her position on the floor.
Noticing us enter the room, Reimu relented. She let Marisa up from the floor before elbowing her side and pointing at me.
Getting a better look at her now she really did go all in on the witch look. Her black dress came to rest right above her knees with a white apron layered over top it. For her top she also had on what I describe as a cross between a vest and a shirt buttoned down on both sides. To top it off she had long golden locks, partially concealed by her wide brimmed black hat, that was braided on one side and hung gently off her shoulder. Her eyes a rather interesting shade of gold that tied together her charming look.
"Eh he, sorry about the whole blasting you earlier. My bad." she awakened me from my thoughts with an apology. Not quite sincere but she at least looked she had the good nature to be slightly embarrassed about the whole incident.
Honestly speaking I wasn't particularly mad, after all someone who could shoot giant freaking laser beams could prove to be very useful in the future.
"I don't know, that was quite painful you know. Tell you what, you agree to do me a favor and we'll call it even." Both the Miko and fox gave me odd looks most likely questioning my motives, but I ignored them for the time being.
Marisa seemed to be a bit reluctant as her face adopted a slight frown. "What kind of favor?"
"Nothing too crazy, I just want you to help me conquer all of Gensokyo." I delivered in deadpan, doing my best to school my face as neutrally as possible. Images in mind of me flying in the air with her and raining laser beams down on my foes certainly made it awfully difficult.
My request was met with raucous laughter as she doubled over clutching her sides.
The response was not shared among the other two present in the room. Reimu had a look of bewilderment on her face that probably spoke volumes about her long standing relationship with the witch. Ran on the other hand had an inquisitive look on her face, no doubt judging my hastily made decision as she simply shrugged and resumed her passive stance besides me.
"Haha, good one fancy pants," I grimaced at my newly acquired nickname but said nothing and continued my stony stare. "Wait… are you being serious?"
"Quite," Ran stepped in to answer before I could get a word in. Which was honestly fine since I'm sure she was better than me at this sorta stuff. "Master Lawrence is to be the new caretaker of gensokyo and as such it his prerogative to gather powerful allies under him. His … choice of allies, strange as they may be, will be fully backed by me."
"Holy shit," she spared another glance at me before her face lit up in a huge smile,"Marisa Kirisame, ordinary magician at your service. I have only two questions, what do I get get to blow up, and how much am I being paid, ze~!"
Uh-oh payment, that was probably something I should have considered beforehand. I hopelessly looked Ran for help.
"Ran sighed and shook her head, "I'll see about acquiring some payment in lieu of your services, until then just consider yourself on retainer."
"Did you hear that Reimu, I'm now a paid destructive consultant. Your girl is moving on up in the world." she grinned at Reimu who could only sigh in response.
"Well, I guess you're my boss now Lawrence, just point me at your enemies and I'll kick their butt, ze~!" she laughed, forcibly grabbing my and shaking it with gusto. Which only served to make my headache from earlier worse.
"It'll be wonderful I'm sure." and I meant it Marisa seemed like the easy going type and I didn't imagine I'd have a hard time getting along with her. She had a very personable air about her that seemed to make it awfully difficult to be bothered by her. Maybe there was more to her than a penchant for explosions and laid back attitude.
"Awesome~!, let's celebrate with some drinks. Where's Suika I'm sure she has some saki she could give us?" The self proposed witch looked out over the veranda searching for whom I could only guess was this Suika fellow.
"She's keeping the celestials up above distracted," Reimu sighed which I noticed to be a running them from her. "Also it's the middle of the day if we're drinking anything it's gonna be tea. I'll go get some I guess."
"Hey I would like a glass this time please." I yelled after her which only met by a shrug in response. Damn shrine maiden I thought she'd be more affable towards me but looks light we still weren't quite there yet.
I made to take a seat at the table from where we sitting earlier with Ran doing the same to my side, quickly followed by marisa also popping herself down before staring quite intently at me.
"So Lawrence, obviously ya not from around these parts. Outsider I take it? What made you wanna get wrapped up in this mess that's been a brewing lately?" she questioned a little more seriously than before.
I pondered over the subject for a bit. I don't think telling her, or anyone for that matter, the full truth would be such a good idea. I didn't necessarily want to completely lie either though, hmm.
"I'm a really big fan of fox ears, so when Ran requested my help how could I say no" There we go, technically the truth and far away from the real truth.
This response only seemed to absolutely delight the magician as she once again fell over with laughter at the thought. Ran could only nod and sigh, after all she already knew about my proclivities from the information Yukari had gathered about me.
"I see, ~ze." Marisa breathed deeply dispelling the fit of laughter, "Pretty girl asks for help and you couldn't help yourself. Not like I don't get it though, good for you."
"My master's tastes aside, I believe he would have accepted the job regardless of my personal features," she turned to the side and smiled at me.
Ran I get what you're trying to do here, making me out to be this heroic guy but I don't know if that's actually true you know. All well I guess that's what we're going with better play along.
"Whatever, thanks Ran" I mumbled to the side pretending to be embarrassed for being called out on my supposed good nature. Marisa just nodded along happily watching our little skit play out.
"Here," Reimu returned from the kitchen at that moment and handed out tea to everyone, which thankfully included me.
"To saving Gensokyo," I toasted my tea glass in the air, feeling emboldened by the two new allies that sat with us.
The reactions were varied but in the end they all responded in kind.
"To Saving Gensokyo"
Gonna start updating all my stories again after a long break. Anyways here everyone is.