Kids have limitless amount of energy. At times that may seem true, however if you go for a walk with a child, you'd find that they get tired far more earlier than the average adult. However, if they were asked to play with a child, chances are it'd be the other way around.
It's because children want to have fun, they run around, play around because a lot of things are new to them. It's human nature; by enjoying yourself, you forget that you're tired to begin with. It's much more easier to enjoy new experiences than things you've come to see as 'a waste of time'.
"So what would you like to play? Dolls, house, tag, hide and seek, danmaku?"
I try my best examining the surroundings more thoroughly without making it seem like I'm ignoring her.
"Let's see... What would you like to do, Flan?"
Flandre's room's located in the basement, is that supposed to mean anything? The Scarlet Mansion ran out of room so they gave the basement to her? That can't be right, I'm sure they'd leave room for the younger sister of the owner.
"Flan's choice? Hmm, then danmaku!"
A part of me feels like she gets shrugged off most of the time, perhaps it's why her rooms situated in the basement. Wait, danmaku?
With a wide smile, the room immediately lights up red as it sends a chill down my back.
"W-Wait a second, Flan!"
That's what Marisa and Alice were doing the other day, right? If so then there's no way that's a choice for me.
"Hm?"
"I can't do that, I'm just a Human, an ordinary one!"
"But Marisa says that all the time and she plays Danmaku with me."
"M-Marisa? Well of course she can but I can't, I'm not from here after all."
"Yuuki's... not from here?"
Dispersing her magic, she tilts her head and looks at me questioningly.
"Then where are you from?"
"Some place far away."
A place without magic, when comparing it to Gensokyo, it seems rather plain, and dull. But it's a place where I belong, a place I grew up in.
"Let's not talk about that, I won't be going back any time soon. Why don't we play hide and seek?"
"Hide and seek? Okay, I'll hide, you count to twenty!"
Flandre jumps on the spot as she looks rather excited.
"Okay, but don't leave this room okay?"
In such a small place, I don't think it'd be that difficult to locate her which isn't all that enjoyable. But if she leaves this room, I'll probably never be able to find her.
"Okay!~"
As the rule states, I cover my eyes with my hands, close them and count to twenty aloud.
"Okay Flandre, I hope you found a good hiding place."
Looking around, I couldn't spot a glimpse of her. Everything remained in the same position from when we entered, so she hasn't pushed anything aside to hide. It's like she vanished into thin air, vampires can't do that, can they?
Opening a cupboard, I expected Flandre to be cooped inside as I did hear drawers being opened earlier on. However, the only things inside were torn books and bundled up bits of paper. Feeling rather curious as to what the contents are, I unravel one as it appears to be a drawing.
I couldn't make out what it's supposed to be exactly but it looks like a drawing of herself and her elder sister. Standing out in an open field, they're holding hands. It seems rather innocent but numerous scribbles were atop of Remilia as though it were a way to kill her off. Since it's scrunched up, I'm guessing she doesn't like it.
"Flandre..."
Even though I don't understand the situation she's in, I felt a little bad for her. I couldn't help but further indulge myself in the mystery of her.
...
Looking under the bed, on top and even in the coffin, I couldn't find her. It's like she really did disappear.
"Okay Flandre, come out.~ You win."
"Ehh, Yuuki you're not even trying!"
Flandre calls out as her voice surprises me, it's as though she's in my mind.
"You're not so bright are you..? You should try harder!"
I don't want to be told that from a child! I may not get high distinctions on my grades repeatedly like Renko-senpai, but at least I try!
I scan the surrounding area for Flandre, however I can't quite seem to find her until I saw a flash of red from above. It was then I felt a tap against my back and the moment I turn around Flandre's there with a terrifying expression.
"Gao!"
Due to her sudden appearance and her sharp bearing fangs, I step a few feet back only to knock against the side of her bed and fall on top.
"Wahaha, Flan scared Yuuki!"
After satisfying herself with laughter she hops on top of me as she wraps her arms around me in a soft embrace. Unlike before, it seems like she's learnt self restraint.
"W-Where were you hiding, Flandre?"
"I was hiding above you! I saw you looking everywhere else.~"
"Above..?"
Come to think of it, I didn't think to look at the ceiling. Normally there's no need to, but I guess anything can happen in Gensokyo. Where children fly and eat other people...
"That's cheating, Flandre."
"Ehhh? It's not cheating, the rules were to hide and you seek! I didn't leave the room so I win.~"
"W-Well... Okay, it's your win, Flandre."
"Yayy!~ Now Yuuki has to hide."
Flandre bounces off and faces the corner to count aloud whilst I try my utmost best to find a decent spot to hide. At least somewhere that'll take her some time to find me.
...
"Where are you, Yuuki?~ Oo, don't answer that, I'll find you, ehehe!"
Without being discreet at all, she overturns many things in hopes to find me. Whether they were her drawers, toys, bears or books, they didn't matter.
"Come on out, Yuuki!~"
...It's like I'm being hunted by a psychopath, and here I am cramped under her bed.
As I could only see a small portion of her, she draws near and finally she bends down and finds me.
"Ah, there you are, Yuuki! I didn't think you'd hide under the bed.~"
"If I didn't you would've found me in an instant."
Crawling out, I dust myself off and breathe deep to rid of the lingering feeling of being squashed.
"You won both rounds, Flandre. You're really good at this."
"Mm! What should we play next?"
Flandre looks to me for another suggestion, however the state of the room's a mess more than before.
"Hmm... Well, before we play again, we should clean up a bit."
"Ehh!? It's okay we'll clean up after!"
"If you say it like that, you'll never clean up. It'll only take a few minutes, Flandre, then we can start playing again."
"Muu... I don't want to."
She puffs her cheeks and crosses her arms.
"Then you don't have to, just wait a few minutes for me to tidy the place."
I can tell than Flandre's still not convinced, however I don't feel quite right playing with her when the rooms a complete wreck.
"Uu... Okay..."
She hops on to the bed and sprawls across it. Honestly, I expected a bit more complaining but she seems to have taken it better than I thought.
"Whenever you play, Flandre, does your room always end up a mess like this?"
"It's not a mess to me."
"It may not be but... What does your elder sister think or Sakuya? I'm sure-"
"They don't come down here so they don't know."
"Hmm... Then, how about Meiling? You're closer to her, right?"
"Meiling... She's different. She doesn't treat me like Sakuya or Onee-sama does. They always tell me to stay here."
I guess it's safe to assume that Flandre's the little helper that Meiling mentioned. Just from that, I can already tell the difference.
"Have you ever thought that Sakuya and Remilia only say that because the sun's bad for you?"
"That's why Meiling got me an umbrella and hat!"
She gets riled up as she hops off the bed.
"But even then Sakuya and Onee-sama tells me to stay inside! If the sun's bad then why does Onee-sama get to go outside? It's not fair!"
Picking a doll up it's attachments fall off with ease as I try piecing them back together. But all the joints are broken off. The materials seem a little bit on the poor side, however I could sense the dedication it took to make it.
"Did Meiling also buy you these dolls?"
"Yes..."
"Then you should look to taking care of them. I'm sure Meiling wouldn't like to see the things she bought for you all torn apart."
"But she doesn't have to buy me those, all she has to do is play with me!"
The room begins vibrating as Flandre pays it no heed. She's too engrossed in expressing her feelings. The atmosphere becomes heavy as I begin having difficulty breathing.
"I just want someone to play with, it's boring being alone, I don't like it!"
"I-It's not like she can't play with you..."
"Then why!?"
About to drop to my knee's Flandre dives into me and pulls me by the collar.
"I don't understand!"
"..."
Just like before with the force of a thousand tons, Flandre's on top of me as she demands an answer. However I couldn't speak a single word, the excruciating pain's getting worse and I don't think I can do anything in my state.
The difference between this Flandre and just before when she seemed so happy's too severe. It's like she's a totally different person, the innocence in her eye's all but gone. It really looks like I might actually meet my end here.
"F-Flan..."
With my remaining strength I try grasping her arm, however I couldn't even close my hand as she grimaces.
"Come on, why won't you tell me? You can't be broken now, you were okay before so you can't be. Or do I have to wait? Hey, hey talk talk talk."
She shakes me by the collar as she sways her body in synchronization.
"FLANDRE!"
The door to the room bursts open as Meiling enters with a fierce roar.
"Meiling..?"
She releases me from her grasps and gazes at her.
"Are you so determined to hurt Yuuki again, Flandre? She's only human and she's a candidate for Remilia, so unless you want to anger your elder sister, you'll put her down right now."
"..? Yuuki...?"
She looks back at me and soon after it's like she regained her senses.
"Y-Yuuki!"
She flies off towards my side as Meiling rushes in to assist me. However the main problem is that I'm unable to properly breathe due to the tense atmosphere that's still present.
"Flandre, what is it that you don't understand?"
"B-But, t-this isn't my fault!"
Her eyes widen as though she believes she's not the culprit, however it's clear to us that she caused this.
"This isn't good... Focus on me, Yuuki, I'll-"
"Hahh... What's all this ruckus about, can't I enjoy a lovely afternoon tea in my own mansion without any disturbance once in awhile?"
Remila walks in without a heavy sigh as she examines the situation before snapping her fingers, which causes the area to return to normal.
"Sorry, Yuuki. I came here as fast as I could when I saw you were no longer in my bed. And as Sakuya stated, you were with Flandre. I'm glad I made it on time."
Meiling grasps my hand as though she feels responsible for my state. With her watery eyes, I start feeling a tingly sensation in my stomach.
"Y-..."
It took great effort to even mutter a sound, so instead I nod once and try smiling to help relieve her and to show my appreciation.
"Hold still, Yuuki. You'll be okay, I'll try easing the pain until Sakuya arrives."
Meiling closes her eyes and begins to focus as she adds pressure to my hand, with her other against my chest. A shock resonates within my chest and hand before swirling off to other parts of my body, at first it was painful but I soon started to feel the warmth emitting from Meiling.
"O-Onee-sama..."
Remilia's gaze meets Flandre's as she walks towards us.
"I-I-"
Before Flandre could finish her sentence, Remilia slaps her across the cheek.
"I apologise on behalf of my little sister, Yuuki."
She peers at me before returning her attention to Flandre.
"W-Why..."
"If anyone were to harm my guest, they'd receive punishment whether it's Sakuya, Meiling, Patchouli, or even you, Flan. Not once I hear but now twice, you're lucky Yuuki's not as fragile as she looks."
She grins at me and folds her arms before turning her attention back to Flandre.
"But, I suppose there's a lesson to be learnt here, Flan."
"Onee-sama..?"
"I've been listening to the whole thing. Flan, do you not know why I say it's dangerous for you to be outside?"
"..."
"Hahh... Do I have to spell it out for you? You should at least be aware of your power, Flan."
"My power..?"
"The power to destroy anything and everything. With that sort of immense power you can well enough twist the very fabric of Gensokyo. It's dangerous, not only for you but everyone else as well."
"But!-"
"There's no buts about it, until you're fully capable of containing that power I want you to remain here. Because the moment you step foot outside, they'd be able to sense your overflowing power, something that only a monster would have. And you can be sure that they'll come after you. They'll fear you, but that doesn't mean they won't fight you."
"I'm a monster..?"
"Yes. What frightens us the most are those who're able to kill without any effort."
"B-But, I'm not a monster, Onee-sama! I'm Flan!"
"Indeed, you're Flandre Scarlet, my precious little sister. The only family I have left, I know you don't like staying here, but I don't want to lose you. I've been avoiding you because I'm afraid of the outcome just by being near you. A change for the better or for the worse? I have no control over the result of your fate. This may be just be an excuse, but know this, Flan. I never once hated you."
"Onee-sama..."
Remilia moves in to embrace the trembling Flandre, however she strikes her back in the cheek and pushes her away.
"Onee-sama you idiot! Why didn't you just tell me earlier? Are you just telling me this so I don't get angry, because I am! Not only because you call me a monster, but because you call me your precious little sister too, how am I supposed to feel? Tell me!"
Flandre starts bawling as Remilia could only smile.
"All this time I thought you hated me and now you say you care about me, don't make me laugh! You never come visit me, you never talk to me, I always wanted to play with you, to be by your side and have you say that you love me, but I don't care anymore! I hate you, Onee-sama, I hate you!"
Without stop, Flandre pours her heart out on how she feels about her elder sister. Expressing her sorrow, and her anger as Remilia listens to her quietly. Without a word as though she believes she deserves her hateful words.
As her tears endlessly flow, Remilia moves in to wipe them away with her finger.
"I'm so sorry, Flan, for everything."
Remilia embraces her as Flandre couldn't do anything else but cry in her arms. Gently patting her head, she smiles warmly.
"Well, it seems that about settles it."
Sakuya suddenly appears beside me as though she was waiting in the dark.
"Thank you for your hard work, I'll take over from here, Meiling."
Expressing her gratitude to Meiling, she bends down and opens up a medical bag that she brought with her.
"Sorry, Yuuki but I must ask you to sleep now. Don't worry, when you wake up you'll be just fine, I promise you this."
