Reimu followed the small dark passage cautiously, wondering why she was even doing so. Everything pointed to this room being a trap. Christina just so happening to find a secret passage, right after all but declaring 'I AM RENA!'? Oh, and for added bonus points, they just left a room which acted as a graveyard for previous owners of this place. Totally subtle.
But still, it was hard to distrust Christina. Unless she had godly acting powers on top of super hair growth, she genuinely didn't know anything about Rena, or what brought Reimu here. She just seemed happy to have a new face around.
Emerging in a medium sized, stone walled room, Reimu saw Christina staring at something straight ahead.
Over by the far wall, on a raised platform, was some sort of table. It looked big enough for a person to lie on, and on either side of the table was a weird, black pole.
"Is this a spare room?" Christina wondered aloud, walking towards the table. Reimu followed, keeping a cautious eye on Christina.
They reached the table, and the two noticed a lone, silver and gold curved dagger lying on top of it.
Reimu took one look at the knife, and picked it up.
"... Heh. Guess this where 'she' intends to claim my life." Reimu muttered with a small, cold smile.
"'She'?" Christina asked, her eyes on the knife. For some reason, it stirred something in her mind, as if she were familiar with the blade. The young Mistress knew that it wasn't something she wanted to see, but couldn't identify why.
Reimu's eyes met Christina's. The young Shrine Maiden studied her carefully, trying to determine once and for all if Christina was who she said she was. Did she really know nothing of this place? Everything was too coincidental for that to be true, but Reimu simply couldn't bring herself to doubt the young Youkai.
"Going by the fancy curves and colours, I guess this thing is either ornamental... Or used for rituals." Reimu mused. Christina simply looked curious and somewhat apprehensive, perhaps not sure if she wanted to know exactly what rituals Reimu had in mind.
"And this room is hidden somewhere in this mansion's basement..." Reimu continued. "Clearly, whatever's supposed to happen down here must be kept absolutely secret."
Christina gulped. "I hope you're not building up to my horrible murder. That would kinda suck."
Reimu smiled slightly, lowering the blade from her eye level. "It would. Do you trust me enough to hang on to this?"
"I... think so." Christina kept her eyes on the blade a moment longer. "Do you promise not to use that?"
"Duh. Why would I want to kill anyone?" Reimu asked, slipping the dagger into one of the blouse's pockets. She hated carrying the blade with her, but it was better to make sure Christina or Rena, wherever she was, didn't end up taking it themselves. Just in case.
"Then you have my permission!" Christina announced brightly. She hopped onto the table in a seated position. "...Still, I don't like the idea of having this room in my home..."
"How could you not know about it?" Reimu asked. Christina simply shrugged.
"No one told me, I guess. Lyra once said the original owner was a bit eccentric, and some of the rooms were rather... mind boggling when first built."
"The first successor was a lot more normal, and renovated most of the manor, although I guess she missed this place." Christina glanced around the empty room with a grimace. "I really hope this was just another meaningless waste of space."
Yeah, not likely... Reimu thought grimly. There was a knife in here, after all. Judging from the lack of dust, it was recently placed in here.
Christina could feel her mind starting to sway, as it sometimes did, as if she had been overcome by a sudden fatigue and she needed to sleep immediately.
Reimu noticed Christina clenching her eyes shut. "Hey, what's up with you?"
"I- I don't know... I'm just a little tired." Christina muttered. Reimu's intuition told her this wasn't good. For Christina to suddenly tire like this... something must be happening to her, and Reimu very much did not want Christina to suddenly transform into some sort of possessed puppet.
"Make sure you stay awake!" Reimu urged, grabbing Christina's shoulder's and shaking her slightly. "It's really important that you do!"
"O-okay...?" Christina looked confused as she tried to stay awake. Why was Reimu acting like this? Surely she could get a few minutes of sleep...
She felt so tired... This wasn't new to Christina. There were times when her energy would simply leave her, leaving Christina tired beyond belief. She didn't know why.
However, it could be related to her black outs... And judging by Reimu's insistence that she not fall asleep, something bad would happen.
It was tough for the young Youkai to keep her eyes open. Her body was sagging, with only Reimu supporting her. No matter how hard she fought, sleep was overpowering her.
Please close your eyes. It'll make you feel much better... A nostalgic, yet unfamiliar voice spoke in her head. Christina hadn't heard voices in her head before, but this didn't matter. The voice sounded soothing and trustworthy. Before she knew it, she was dozing off.
"Hey! Wake up! I am NOT willing to deal with whatever pops out your dreams!" Reimu yelled, roughly shaking the girl again. No use, her head simply lolled back and forth, doing nothing to deter the deepening sleep Christina fell into.
With her efforts to wake Christina now futile, Reimu simply sighed in defeat, and allowed Christina to lie on the table. Quickly, the Shrine Maiden stepped back, a hand in her pocket, touching the dagger. She really hoped she wouldn't have to use it...
Six Hours Later
"You did well, Tara." Lyra told the injured Barrier Maiden.
The maid sat by Tara's bed, stroking her hand. She had been brought back into the mansion by the fairies, immediately taken to the nearest room in the mansion. There, Tara had lay unconscious for several hours as her body slowly mended.
Lyra had been at her side for most of her slumber, annoyed with herself. She hadn't done enough to help Tara... It was lucky the intruders hadn't aimed to kill her, because it looked like they had the power. Those intruders... Lyra hadn't expected them to defeat Tara so easily. Ever since she joined their little family, she had shown exceptional growth. From a timid and abused child, to a grown, powerful Youkai with impenetrable barriers and great swordsmanship. For them to defeat Tara so quickly was a huge shock.
Tara had awoken a few moments ago, tearing up when she saw Lyra and muttering her sincerest apologies. Typical Tara, apologising over the silliest things...
"I failed." Tara whispered, apparently struggling to raise her voice. "I couldn't beat her. That ghost woman... She..."
"Shh..." Lyra cooed, placing a finger over Tara's lips. "It doesn't matter. Right now, they're incapacitated. They pose no threat."
Tara looked at Lyra tearfully for a few moments. When Lyra lifted her finger, she said, "I'm supposed to keep our enemies out, but I was completely useless. Anya stopped them, didn't she?"
Lyra simply nodded. She knew how much Tara loved Anya, but also knew of her jealousy of the other Youkai. After all, Anya was another 'orphan' she had brought to the mansion. She hadn't intended on making Anya a 'gate keeper', and although Tara tried not to show it, she didn't like not being the sole protector of the manor. It made her feel insignificant, expendable.
And now that she knew Anya achieved what she couldn't, Lyra expected the Barrier Youkai simply wallow in despair at her weakness.
"I want you to stay here and rest." Lyra rose to her feet. "I have to make sure Anya is able to maintain her illusions."
"...Lyra, why are we stopping them?" Tara asked, and Lyra froze. "We... we want the same thing, right? We all want to stop Rena."
"... It is impossible." Lyra replied, her voice flat. "No matter what we do, it will only end in Christina's death."
Tara was silent. Lyra was right, as always. Even if everyone teamed up and defeated Rena, it would mean possibly killing Christina in the process. And if that happened, what was the point of anything? She was far too important to everyone in this manor. Even to Lyra, who had loved her predecessors dearly, seemed to hold special value for the young mistress.
"...Just rest, okay?" Lyra repeated as she left the room. Tara hated the lack of spring in her step, and the absence of that radiant smile that had attracted Tara to the maid all those years ago... This wasn't Lyra, it was someone who had given up on finding a happy ending.
"Can't sleep... Turtle'll wake up... Can't sleep... Turtle might bite me..." Anya was muttering to herself, her head bobbing up and down.
"Just a little longer, Anya! You're doing very well!" The fairy urged. "Only... Uh, six more hours?"
Anya grumbled in annoyance. She never had to prolong an illusion this long before. It was incredibly draining on her energy to try and keep three people hypnotised - two of them being pretty strong and another being an evil turtle just made things worse.
The fairy looked back at the three slumbering intruders. Each of their faces reflected what they were going through right now. The blonde witch seemed to be experiencing sorrow, the soul seemed confused more than anything... and the turtle was in despair.
The door opened and Lyra stepped through, by passing her own barrier spell. She noticed Anya's struggle to stay awake.
"Sorry this has went on so long, Anya. You've done great." Lyra praised the young Youkai. Anya smiled slightly, always glad to receive Lyra's praise.
Lyra placed her hands atop Anya's, which were clasped over the leather bound book in her lap. Almost immediately, Anya's body began to feel fresher and rejuvenated. Lyra was sharing her own energy with Anya.
"I think that's enough, Lyra." Anya said, reluctantly pulling her hands away. "That'll last me the rest of the night."
"...Very well, but make sure to call for me at the slightest hint of trouble." Lyra told her, glancing at the intruders. Right now, each of them looked completely harmless, unable to do a thing about the illusions.
"... Anya. Could you do me a favour?" Lyra asked. Anya looked at her, listening.
"I think they've went through enough grief. Let's at least make their last dream a happy one."
Anya was surprised at the request, but also somewhat glad. If Lyra was willing to let them experience some form of happiness before everyone died, she would gladly comply... even for the mean turtle.
Anya flipped through the pages of her book, looking for one of her happier stories. It occurred to her that too many of her stories centred around loneliness or suffering. That would need to be fixed at some point...
"Ah, here we go." Anya muttered, finding a short story entitled 'Us'.
"Bonds are forged through trials. They connect our hearts forever. Bonds are forged through trust. They connect our souls forever. Bonds are forged through effort, the connect our very beings. The bonds that bind us will transcend time, space, life and death, and solace will always be found with each other..."
As Anya continued to recite her story, an almost undetectable change in expression occurred amongst their sleeping captives, indicating that whatever dream plagued them had shifted into something a bit more pleasant.
Lyra moved to the window, gazing at the garden. With Tara's barrier down, the seemingly endless garden was now bordered with mountains on all sides. Not that the garden could be considered small, but it was a notable change.
Lyra watched the few fairies that littered the garden, their normally playful and energetic selves now dampened by the events currently going on. They were aware that, in a few short hours, their lives would be gone. It was depressing, seeing these fairies.
However, something attracted Lyra's attention. Surprised, she peered a small distance down the garden, around the area where Tara had fallen to the ground. She could see a figure tending to the ruined flower bed. Who was she? Certainly not a fairy.
Not wanting to worry Anya or the fairy to worry, Lyra casually made her way out of the room. "Stay strong, Anya. I'll be back soon, okay?" She smiled at the small Youkai, who returned a small one of her own. In her visible eye, Lyra could see a fear for the immediate future, and found herself detesting the situation even more. It wasn't right, to kill everyone! Anya, Tara, Christina... They had barely lived their lives, and Rena intended to snuff them out, along with the rest of Gensokyo... Why was she so damn powerless?
Instead of descending into the basement and pleading with Rena to end her mad revenge scheme, she instead made her way outside the manor, ready to confront the intruder in their garden. It was so stupid, targeting this person instead of the monster that possessed her Mistress!
In no time had all, Lyra had reached the green haired woman who tenderly touched the ruined flowers. "You are trespassing." Lyra said bluntly, her usual friendly and cheerful manner gone. Perhaps Rena had already stolen that, too.
The woman didn't respond immediately, instead focusing on the flowers, which Lyra realised seemed to be blooming back to life. They had been bent, crushed and uprooted when Tara was retrieved, and this woman had simply... fixed them.
When the last flower had regained its life, the woman rose to her feet, a warm smile on her face as she gazed at the flowers. When the woman faced Lyra, her smile became a frown.
"Can I ask who hurt these innocent plants?" The woman asked. Lyra studied the woman carefully. Judging from the green hair that seemed a shade darker than one of the intruder's, she was a Youkai. She wore a pink shirt with a red checkered skirt and waistcoat, and held a light pink umbrella in one hand. She seemed almost noblewoman-like.
"Can I ask why you're interested?" Lyra countered, ready to defend herself. She had a feeling this woman might turn aggressive.
"These poor flowers were brutalized, and I can't stand such a heinous crime." The woman answered, a small grin now on her face. "I wanted to teach the offender a lesson, maybe do what they did to these innocent babies."
S...She's insane! Lyra thought, taking a cautious step back. "The one who 'hurt' the flowers did so accidentally, when she was knocked unconscious." Lyra spoke coldly, warning the woman with her tone that she would not allow her to harm the 'offender'. Tara was in a bad enough condition already.
"Then she should have made a better effort to avoid them." The insane woman stated, pointing her umbrella at Lyra. "Now, bring her to me, or would you rather I take their vengeance out on you?"
"Just who the hell are you?" Lyra asked.
With an even wider grin, the woman shouldered her umbrella, placing her free hand over her chest. "Glad you asked! I'm known as the defender of plant life! The beautiful paragon of justice!"
With a quick twirl, the woman threw her parasol into the air, her hand outstretched. Catching the falling parasol perfectly in her hand, she swung it to her side, as if posing dramatically with a sword.
"I am the greatest Youkai who ever lived! Call me Yuuka Kazami!"
Lyra watched her small display with disbelieving eyes. This Youkai woman was insane! Judging by her self-introduction, she was some sort of plant lover, or possibly her power stemmed from them. Not that it mattered. She wasn't about to let this 'Yuuka' attack her precious Tara, or anyone in the manor.
That isn't named Rena. The thought crossed her mind, and for a second, she considered convincing this woman to turn any anger she had towards the demon that started this whole mess. But it was a foolish thought. There was no way this insane woman could hope to match Rena, and even if she did, she would doubtlessly hurt Christina in the process. Or worse.
"... Not impressed?" Yuka asked, somewhat disappointed by Lyra's lack of reaction. "Well... Maybe we should skip to the epic showdown?"
"Whatever." Lyra sighed, readying for battle.
When Marisa came to, her head hurt. She had a sneaking suspicion she had recently suffered a mysterious headache, but of course she couldn't quite remember.
Furthermore, Marisa was quite sure she'd fallen into depression. So why was her heart now filled with such warmth and joy? She looked at her surroundings, realising she was at the Hakurei Shrine.
"Yo, Marisa!" A voice called from behind, and Maria turned to see the purple haired Shrine Maiden, sitting on the patio of her Shrine, wearing a large grin.
"Rei...mu?" Marisa wondered why she was so surprised to see her. Reimu was always at the shrine, so it made sense for Reimu to be here right now. Perhaps the confusion stemmed from Marisa herself not knowing how exactly she got to the shrine.
Reimu got to her feet and strolled to Marisa's side, taking one of her hands in both of her own. Marisa looked in confusion as Reimu happily led her to the porch, plonking them both down..
"Mima should be messing around with Yuuka right about now." Reimu said brightly, and it took Marisa a little while to remember who she was talking about. The weird flower Youkai who may or may not be insane? Why would Mima be messing around with her? Were they having some sort of battle?
Marisa's head felt incredibly muddled and clouded. Another familiar sensation. It was as if something were blocking her memories...
After the adventures we had, our friendship bloomed...
"Friendship?" Marisa murmured, and Reimu glanced at her, eyebrow raised.
It bloomed and prospered, becoming something much more...
"... Wait, I think I see where this is going already." Marisa stated to her head, eyes growing wide.
"You do? Wow, I thought I was being innocent." Reimu remarked with a laugh. Casually, as if it were something she did many times, Reimu sidled a little closer, and hand placed over Marisa's.
Her heart was beginning to beat faster as she stared at Reimu, who leaned into Marisa's shoulder, a small smile on her face.
The trials they endured brought forth their dormant feelings, and a new happiness was created.
What were these thoughts in her head? They didn't sound like her own, or even like a memory. It was as if something was chanting phrases in her mind, as if to fill in the large gaps in Marisa's memory.
"We should have plenty of time together, before Mima returns." Reimu sighed happily, glancing up at Marisa's shocked face. "Anything you'd like to do?"
"Yeah, find some answers!" Marisa suddenly rose from her feet, pushing Reimu away. She looked surprised, and watched as the young witch glared suspiciously at Reimu.
"What's with the way you're acting? You never acted like a lov- er, a... um..."
Reimu giggled at Marisa's sudden embarrassment. "You're so cute when you lose that self-sure aura of yours."
Marisa could only blush furiously as Reimu got to her feet and stood face to face with her. They were roughly the same height and body proportion, although anyone who really payed attention to this sort of thing would say Reimu only barely won over Marisa in the 'talent' department. Not that they had much to begin with.
With that happiness came passion and bliss. A feeling of true harmony.
"Someone's screwing with me here!" Marisa yelled. Reimu didn't flinch, but instead laughed.
"Yeah, you're right! Although you screw me just as much!" Reimu sniggered, and Marisa's mind simply went blank. It was as if her feelings had clashed in an epic duel to win over Marisa. The part of Marisa that liked Reimu as a friend, versus the part of Marisa that saw her as something more of a friend. When had she ever felt that?
"Marisa~! You awake?" Reimu inquired, noticing how despondent the witch had become. With a start, Marisa snapped back to reality, staring at Reimu, scrutinising her.
I... I like her, don't I? Marisa wondered. She could recall feeling conflicted about how she saw the Shrine Maiden. Even to herself, she struggled to admit anything, but now, it felt so clear: She did like Reimu Hakurei after all... But how much?
"This much." Reimu whispered, as if she knew exactly what Marisa was thinking. The Miko leaned forward gently, slowly drawing her face closer to Marisa's. The witch could only watched, entranced, as Reimu's lips drew closer.
Why... Why don't I want to back away? Her befuddled mind asked of herself.
Mima instantly knew that something wasn't right.
Her mind was a complete, foggy mess. Try as she might, nothing of her recent activity was recalled. She knew that something made her feel... lonely, earlier, but now she had no idea how she had arrived...
Mima realised that she was now in the Forest of Magic, in front of a house. It took her a split second to recognise it as that little hovel Marisa owned. However, hovel or not, she was so intensely happy to see it... as if she couldn't find it before.
The door opened and the blonde little magician stood in the doorway, wearing, oddly enough, a pale blue yukata that somewhat resembled Mima's usual outfit.
"Heya Mimama!" Marisa called, and Mima blinked in confusion. Maybe it was her messed up head, but Mima was quite sure Marisa had called her something different.
"C-could you repeat that?" Mima asked, her authorative tone absent.
Marisa giggled lightly. "How much can you love that nickname, Mimama?"
"Mi...mama?" Mima repeated. As in, mama? Mother?
Though not by blood, their bond rivaled the closest of families. Their fierce love had shone in both hearts...
That thought... it clearly wasn't hers. Something was very wrong here. She knew Marisa didn't act like that. Her apprentice always referred to her as 'Miss Mima', no pet names or any of that silly nonsense. It was sheer idiocy.
So why did she find that she, in fact, liked it?
Becoming a mother to the young woman, she provided the love that she needed. And her daughter, in turn, loved her back.
"Mimama, I made some soup! Come join me!" Marisa called happily, disappearing back into her home.
Curious, Mima glided through the house's threshold, taken aback by how... empty it looked.
Well, empty was the wrong word. Her front room had a two seated couch, a small table and a fireplace, and the kitchen clearly had all the necessary utensils. A quick peek showed that her bedroom was adequate, too.
It only looked empty because there weren't any stolen trinkets or mountains of books.
Marisa hummed away in the kitchen, stirring a pot of soup. Seating herself on (Or rather, above) the small sofa, Mima tried to gather her thoughts.
Memories slowly returned to her. Memories of her and Marisa... laughing and playing together. Shockingly, Marisa was incredibly young in these memories, still an infant. How could this be? She didn't meet Marisa until she was twelve!
"Or did I?" Mima murmured, completely confused. A small part of her mind nagged at her, pointing out that these memories didn't seem right. A larger part of her mind convinced her that these were real.
Stirring a love previously unknown, the ice-cold woman changed into a loving mother, the child now the most precious thing in existence. Nothing would squash this newfound love.
"No... Something isn't right." Mima was growling, hands holding her head.
"Mimama? Something wrong?"
Mima looked up, seeing Marisa had arrived holding a tray. A bowl of soup and several plates of bread and cooked meat balanced upon it, and a look of concern on Marisa's face.
Seeing her, Mima couldn't help but admit to herself how much she loved this girl. Not the way a lover would, but how one would love their child. Even if she doubted the thoughts that invaded her head, she was sure her feelings were genuine.
In a rare moment of genuine affection, Mima smiled warmly at her appre-daughter.
"Everything's just fine. Sit."
With a smile on her face, Marisa took her seat next to Mima, setting the soup on the table. She gave Mima a small hug, despite Mima's lack of a physical body.
"Oh, by the way, there's a fairy causing some trouble further up the forest." Marisa said conversationally, dipping a slice of bread into the soup. "Tried to freeze someone skinny dipping in the water."
"... I see." Mima grinned in amusement. Something told her that this wasn't right. It wasn't real, but she found that she didn't care. Mima wanted to observe Marisa a little more, wanted to openly admit how much she cared for the young witch.
The voice that filled her head with thoughts was fading. Not that Mima noticed.
"It's kinda worrying. I mean, what if I wanna have a swim? I don't want some fairy freezing my ass for no reason!" Marisa shuddered at the thought.
"I can make sure that fairy leaves you alone." Mima promised, taking a piece of meat and chewing it.
"Heh. You're so reliable, Mimama!"
But you should be more than capable of handling a fairy. Mima realised. Hadn't she taught Marisa everything she knew about magic?
"... Oh, Reimu was around earlier. Wanted to invite me to a donation drive she's holding." Marisa mentioned, taking some more soup-soaked bread. "Wanna help us out? We're trying to raise a thousand yen!"
That's all? "That would be nice..." Mima muttered, her gaze on the floor.
Marisa noticed that Mima was acting odd again. The concern back on her face, Marisa reached for Mima's hand.
"Mimama, what's wrong?"
Mima looked at her surrogate daughter, her eyes filled with love - and regret. Her mind had subconsciously been dispelling the mist that seemed to cloud her head, and she found herself remembering a different Marisa. One who stole, one who lied... But one she loved all the same.
Mima rose into a standing position, and Marisa with her. "Mimama...?"
Mima embraced the young girl, her body passing through Marisa's skin only slightly.
"Any other time, I'd be too proud... too afraid, to do this." Mima whispered. "I'm sorry, Marisa. You aren't the daughter I know."
She saw the shock in Marisa's face, but it changed to a look of understanding.
"I see. You saw through it? You truly are the best Mimam... Miss Mima."
"'Mimama' will do." The Soul Youkai told the illusory daughter of hers. "I guess... should I say goodbye?"
Marisa smiled at her 'mother'. "Nah. It's not like I only exist in your mind, after all. See you in a minute, 'kay?"
Mima simply nodded, and detached herself from Marisa. She closed her eyes, exuding her aura. She felt her energy clash with whatever had a hold of her mind, and challenged it. Now that she was aware of the tricks, her power easily dominated whatever messed with her head. A squeal of pure terror was heard as she woke up.
"This is great..." Genji sighed, lazing around in a pond behind the Hakurei Shrine. "If I ever retire from Miko-shipping, I'm spending the rest of my days here."
Fear was emanating from the young Youkai when the soul had began to arouse from her slumber. Desperately, she tried to pour her power into the book, trying to reinforce her illusions, but it was hopeless. The soul had already awoken. All Anya and the fairy could do was watch in terror.
With a large yawn, Mima took in the surroundings. She was in some room of the mansion, and she could faintly detect the energies of a barrier around it, keeping them inside.
Without so much as a glance at the frightened girl who sat hunched on the armchair nearby, Mima turned to her apprentice, whose face was deeply flushed.
"Marisa! Hey, Marisa! Wake your lazy little ass up, please!" Mima yelled into her ear. When this didn't do anything, Mima tapped her forehead, releasing a tiny jolt of magic energy.
That woke the magician up. With a startled grunt, she opened her eyes blearily, looking confused.
"R-Reimu? Where'd you go? I thought we were kis-" Marisa realized that Mima was floating by her side, arms crossed and wearing a sly grin.
"Hm? You and Reimu were what?" Mima asked teasingly, and Marisa blushed harder.
"N-n-nothing at all! I swear!" She stammered nervously, the memories of her last dream still fresh in her mind.
Mima's eyes glinted with amusement, noting that whatever that dream was, she would have payed so much just to see exactly what was going on. The soul fondly recalled the Marisa she had encountered in her own dream, and decided that that wouldn't be the price.
Leaving Marisa to her blushing spell, Mima turned to the slumbering turtle, poking him with the same magic jolt. As he woke with a start, Marisa began to recall the earlier dream she had. The one where she had been alone. Scared. Angry...
Seeing the still terrified girl in the armchair, Marisa slowly got to her feet and walked to the girl, until she stood directly in front of her.
"... You made those dreams, didn't you?" Marisa asked, her voice monotonous. Dangerous.
"No! Anya never did a thing!" The fairy immediately protested. "She was just watching over you!"
"That explains how we met in your garden and fell asleep as soon as she read from that book." Marisa replied, and the fairy cringed. "That dream... I didn't like it too much."
Anya could only tremble as she imagined what horrible wrath the intruders had in store for her. Oh, why did they wake up now? Why couldn't it have been five minutes earlier, when Lyra was here? Then she wouldn't have to handle a severe pummeling.
Mima noticed Marisa approach the girl, and watched silently. She had recalled an earlier dream, in which Marisa and Reimu apparently didn't exist. Such a dream disturbed her, but she felt no ill will for the scared little Youkai, for some reason. Maybe because the illusionist looked so pitiful? Quite different from when she had leaped at them from the sky...
Marisa wasn't sure what to do with the one-eyed girl. Should she hit her? Did she really deserve it? After all, they were only dreams. Illusions. And it wasn't like Marisa hated that second dream... But they had felt so real, and what if she had never woken up? Well, she would have managed to kiss Re-
No! That didn't happen! Marisa scolded herself, feeling colour rise in her cheeks again. Seeing the girl's confused stare, she must have been wondering if Marisa was actually going to do anything or not.
"Grr... Take that!" Marisa, to cover her embarrassment, aimed a weak little jab at the Youkai, wrapping her forehead with her knuckles. Marisa didn't expect it to actually do any damage, but the sudden bawling that erupted from the girl surprised her.
"W-what the hell?" Marisa gasped, watching as the fairy immediately began to coddle and comfort the girl, shooting Marisa a reproachful look that actually made her feel somewhat guilty.
"Heh. I've never seen such a fragile creature..." Mima muttered.
"Ugh, what's that noise?" Genji grumbled, taking forever and a day to fully awake. He seemed to regain his senses quickly enough. "Oh no, she's still crying?"
"Still?" Mima asked.
"I... sort of bit her when she came too close." Genji mumbled in shame.
"You sick monster." Mima replied with an amused smile.
It took several moments for the girl to calm down. Sniffling, her visible eye darted between the three intruders, showing a vast amount of fear for both Genji and Marisa.
The fairy had found a towel lying on a rack in the attached bathroom, and slipped the girl's eye patch off to properly dry her tears. A momentary glimpse showed that the girl actually had two eyes. the hidden one was simply green.
"You really should be ashamed." The fairy said reproachfully to Marisa. "What is with you lot and hurting innocent little Anya like that?"
"S...She's an enemy." Marisa stated dumbly. "And she did make those... dreams."
"They weren't all bad." Mima shrugged. "Sure, the first dream kinda sucked, but the second was nice."
Yep... Marisa thought, recalling that scene with Reimu again, and hurriedly turned to look out the window to hide her embarrassment once again.
"Anyway, no more time to waste." Mima clapped her hands. "It's been fun and all, but we'll be going now. Got some useless miko to rescue and a hairy ass to kick. Genji, Marisa!"
Marisa didn't move, instead she peered into the garden, watching the beginnings of a brawl.
"Marisa?" Mima floated to her side, staring out the window. "What's going-...Ah."
"What?" Genji asked, mildly worried.
Mima grinned as she recognized the flower Youkai, battling with an unfamiliar figure. "It would appear someone else has an interest in this place."
"Eh?" Anya nervously approached the window, and Marisa stepped aside to let her look. The girl kept her green eye closed, as if too afraid or timid to show her mis-matched eyes. "L-Lyra? Who's she fighting?"
"Death incarnate." Mima growled into the girl's ear.
Five hours earlier
I definitely overreacted... Reimu thought to herself as she watched Christina sleep on.
Reimu had no idea how long they'd been cooped up, but enough time had passed for Reimu to be convinced that Christina wasn't going to be waking up as someone else any time soon. Had she been wrong in her suspicions all along?
Sitting with her back to the table that Christina slept on, Reimu had the knife in her hands, simply studying it. She could feel traces of magic power imbued in the blade, and the faint trace of lives taken by it. It was sickening to think how many may have died at by this blade.
But why was it here? Christina or Lyra didn't seem the sort to perform ritualistic murders, and she didn't know enough about Rena to judge (Although, it certainly looked like that was the plan...).
As Christina's light snoring continued, Reimu sighed and leaned back, wondering just what the hell was going on. Clearly, Reimu was locked down here with Christina for a reason. Was Christina really Rena or not? She really would love an answer around now.
Reimu sensed movement behind her, and cautiously moved from the table, her eyes on Christina, who had just opened her eyes.
"Christina? You feeling okay?" Reimu asked.
Christina shifted to a seating position, looking at Reimu, and the Shrine Maiden felt a slight change in the air around her. Gripping the knife tightly at her side, she asked again, "Christina? Are you all right?"
"Never better, Reimu Hakurei." That weird dual voice. The difference in the way she addressed Reimu... So it was true, after all.
Christina, or rather Rena, hopped off the pedestal, smiling at Reimu. The smile didn't reach her eyes. "Well now, I suppose a few explanations are in order?"