DISCLAMER: I do not own Touhou Project. All Rights belong to the respective owner, ZUN.
Author Pre-word: It's been a while I know but here you go. Got addicted into playing COD: Ghost Extinction once again so that is why my update was long. Sorry about that everyone. Anyway, have fun and good day to you all!
Chapter 10 – Acquire
Somewhere in Netherworld, Hakugyokurou…
What a day for Youmu Konpanku. After doing gardener job, she went to prepare breakfast for her mistress. Next she did some grocery shopping and return back to prepare for lunch. It is as if she almost has no free time to enjoy herself.
Sigh…I need a break after this. "Youmu!" Someone calling her out and it sounded like her mistress. "Are you back? I have something to talk to you about."
Her voice must have come from her room. Quite loud of her to shout across the manor and there in her room, she is eating some snacks and drinking hot tea to herself. Turning her head behind when she greeted Youmu with her usual smiles. Still having some crumbs and bits on her mouth before wiping them away.
"Yuyuko-sama? Is something the matter? I am going to prepare lunch for you if that's what you want…"
"Now now now…we don't need to be hurry on that. Come, I have something I need to tell you."
Saying nothing and puzzle at this turn of event. She shut the door behind her and went to proceed to sit in front of her mistress. Waited silently on what she may have for a servant like Youmu Konpanku.
"Now, as I was saying." Yuyuko put down her tea. "I have a task for you."
A task? Clearing her throat before speaking herself out. "What kind of task if I may ask Yuyuko-sama?"
"Have you heard of some recent news at the Human Village? Considering the fact you went there just now, I'm sure you know what I mean right?"
"News?" Youmu went kind of confuse." It's true I've returned from shopping in the village but I don't know of any news you talked about."
Yuyuko say nothing and pass her a newspaper to her. Youmu catches it and at the first place there is a headline. Wonder of the Zantetsuken boy. If she remembers correctly, that word has something to do with cutting iron or steel. How come Youmu was not aware of such event going on in there?
"I was bored and sent some of my little phantom for anything great in Gensokyo. In the end, this is what I found out. Pretty interesting after I read about it. Maybe for you too?"
"More like…it is kind of infuriating for me…Ack! I mean it is great! Great for me and you too I guess! Wait! I mean…well…"
Yuyuko laugh at her servant behaviour. "Just say it you are jealous Youmu-chan."
"Yuyuko-sama…" She paused before crumble the newspaper. "I don't know if this boy is seeking attention or simply wanted to gain fame. To me it is unforgiving. If he has ill-intention, I would like to teach him what it is meant to use a sword for. Not simply waving the sword for some event and such."
"Maybe…just maybe he has a reason doing that? But anyway, about the task I had in mind. Go and investigate this person. Learn what you can about this person and if maybe, bring him back here. I too would like to see what this person can do actually."
"Huh? But but…" Youmu stutter. "I did from time to time during my training…"
"But I am bored at looking at you training Youmu-chan." That was direct of her as Youmu thought. "I need something for a change at least okay? Please do it for me okay?" Yuyuko smiles at her cute servant.
Youmu went quiet. Letting out a sigh next. "I shall do as you requested Yuyuko-sama. But before that, let me prepare some lunch for you before I depart for my job?"
"Good good! Now go and make me something good as usual my cute little servant!"
"Yuyuko-sama! Please don't call me cute. I am your servant so please refrain saying such thing…"
"Ooooh! Look at you! You are blushing! Wait till a boy says that to you!"
Youmu sigh once again. Step out of the room to prepare for her mistress lunch. Looking at the sky as she wonder about her mistress task to learn about this person she find interested with.
"Zantetsuken huh? We will see how good you are then whoever you are my competitor…"
Somewhere in Makai…
The deeper we go through the hallway, the dimmer it get. Take out my trusty torchlight and shines it across the hallway. Brightly lit it up to the point we could see as far to the end.
"You are quite handy I have to say." That will be my first time hearing Yuuka says that. Is she complimenting me?
"It is just that it's a habit of mine to prepare anything when comes to survival in the wild. I once served in the army so maybe I took the trait from there?"
"Army?" Yuuka asked me more on that.
"Let's just say I was a soldier fighting for a certain country in the outside world."
"A soldier I see…More or less I know what you mean. Anyway, what do you need once we are there?"
I hand her over the slip of paper Patchouli gave it to me. She took from my hand and read them. "Oh…" Still looking at it. "Some crystals and stones for the ritual…I can take you there."
"You know where it is?"
"More or less." Fold the paper away before giving it back to me. "But be sure to stay close to me."
"I understand. But it sounds like you are concern of me now Yuuka-san." I smiles.
"Hmph! Don't be naïve." She begins to fasten her pace. "Like I said, I will abandon you if you prove me you a weakling."
"I know. I will prove you…wrong…" I pause and notice the air is once again quite hard to breathe. It is not like before but rather something different I am breathing in."
"We are here. Unless you wish to take it like a man and breathe in the air in here. Better put on whatever you have with you."
"Eh? You knew about it?"
"Reimu told me about it."
"But of course. You were at her place. Then what about you Yuuka-san? Will you be fine?"
"Idiot." She let out a finger flick on my forehead. That really hurt even from that. "Then what's the point of me coming all the way here?"
"Ah right…of course. Sorry I ask such question." I rub my forehead.
I then put on my gas mask. Install the filter and give a few adjustments on the straps and fit perfectly on my face. Yuuka commented I look really ridiculous really. It is better be safe than sorry in the end. She shrugs. Another few steps when we were greeted by red coloured light at the end of the hallway. Switching my lights off and just as I step at the end of it, the first thing I see is red landscape and how harsh the environment look like. It is somewhat look like Mars but the terrain is unforgiving. Even worse than anything I have seen before.
"This place. Everything about it is unlike like Gensokyo or the outside world…"
"It is called Makai for a reason. By the way, how are you doing there? Having difficulty breathing?"
"Not really." I shake my head. "Everything is normal but we should hurry or else my filter might run out."
"You do have a spare one right?"
"Yeah but it will be great if I use one only. Hopefully…"
"Whatever." She shrugs and slowly walks down the steps to the ground level. "Don't get left behind. Keep up with me boy."
It was hard to traverse some part of the terrain. Taking a leap across the small ravine. Climbing up uneven steps around four storeys high. Jumping to one platform to another and many more. This reminds me of my training day back in my bootcamp. But mostly from the training by my mother. Still, I am grateful I undergo such thing and now were prepare for this. But on Yuuka side, she had it all easy due to her flying ability and her hovering in the air relatively easy.
But my body strangely never felt this light before. Maybe the gravity here is different? But I doubt so. It's something else. Something great.
"Hmm? How are you doing Aruto boy?" Yuuka glance at me. "I am surprise you are able to keep up with me."
"I don't know how to explain this in detail but it feels good. I shouldn't be saying this but It feels like ecstasy inside me!"
"Huh…?" She does not seem amuse. "Just don't get yourself killed from this ecstasy of yours…"
I guess she is right. I have to calm down since I am in an enemy territory. I would not want to lose my focus from any possible attack on us. Out of the blue, Yuuka pushes me to the rocky wall besides us. Leaving me wondering what is up with her.
"Yuuka-san? What…"
"Quiet. They are here…" She places her finger on my lips and look up to the sky.
I too look at what she is looking at. Slowly, my eyes adjusted to the scenery of the red sky. Over at the corner of the sky, a group of something are flying in V-shaped formation. Looking at it carefully, they look like those fairies from the Gensokyo but instead, they have more devilish looking wings and horns on each side of their temple.
"Should we take care of them? Just saying…" I ready my bow.
"No" Yuuka stop me. Firmly gripping my hands as if she is worry or something. "They can sense killing intent so let them pass.
Eventually, the fairies fly pass us. Showing no response of them knowing we are here.
"Sometimes it is wise not to fight unnecessary. Besides, there are just small fries. Save your energy for something big. "
I say nothing and nod my head. We then continue where we last stop. Heading toward our destination. We did not talk much. Only focusing on where we walk, being careful on this terrain and most importantly being alert on our surrounding. Later, my hands are getting cold. Even I wear my long coat, the cold air slowly seeping through the material and eventually to my skin.
"We are reaching soon. "Yuuka said before flying up to another one of the hill in this area.
I follow and jump up to one ledge to another. Using my agility and somewhat the advantage of my lightness, I reached to the top and landed next to Yuuka. There, another landscape takes my breath away. Just like the moment I overlook the whole of Gensokyo. This time, rather than like Mars terrain looking, it is filled with nothing but blue and white landscape of crystalize, ice field.
"What is this place now?" I asked her.
"It is part of Makai still. Although I don't know if there is a name for it. But more importantly, this is one of the places for you to get your first item. Waste no time, let's get going."
Asking nothing more, we head over o that ice field. It is cold as we approach to it. Rubbing my hands to keep them warm. I was not prepared but form the look of it. Yuuka was not bother by it. Walking normally with her parasol open up as it rested on her shoulder.
"You can remove that silly face mask of yours. It should be safe now…" She grin at me.
"Are you sure Yuuka-san? You are not lying right?" I felt kind of sceptical about what she said.
"Just do it already boy." Her voice started to get terrifying.
Without question, I decided to remove my mask. Slowly, the first thing I breathe in is the cold, freezing air. Breathing in through my mouth as I exhale vapour air from my mouth. Just like winter time back in my home.
"It looks like the air here is fine…"
"Told you. Now, all we have to do is search the correct crystal. Maybe we should walk around for starters."
"I hope you know what and where to find one. I don't want to turn into ice." I said while rubbing my hands.
"Sigh…you should concern more about other stuff. I hope they are not here. It will be a nuisance really."
I wonder what she meant by that. Like Yuuka suggested, we walk around hoping to find something. After a few minutes of walking, Yuuka mention that if Hatsuyuki could able to resonance with the material, it will decrease the time searching here. Considering it is a huge area to cover. Resonate? Can Hatsuyuki try that?
"Hmm? Oh? Okay." Nodding my head to what Hatsuyuki told me. "Yuuka-san. Hatsuyuki told me it could try what you said. Resonate and all that stuff. Although it may take quite some time."
"Really? Good…" Yuuka came to pause when she cross her arms. I knew what is going on and anyone could tell if he or she do that in this weather. Quickly remove my belt, I remove my coat next. Leaving only my T-shirt and drape my coat on her shoulder.
"You will catch a cold eventually Yuuka-san. You don't have to act tough really. "I smiles at her.
"Hmph…you idiot." Her face is not amused still. "More like you will catch cold eventually."
"I'll be fine. We just have to do it fast. Besides, my body feel kind of great and warm strangely now."
"Hmph…what an idiot boy. You are too kind. You…are just like her…"
Yuuka pause yet again. I ask her I did not catch the last part. But she just ignores me and urges me to complete my task quickly. Without further ado, I drew out my nodachi. Her eyes were fixed on me. Watching carefully on me as if I am going to do some sort of performance. After drawing out, Hatsuyuki told me to plant to the ground. I lift it high in the air and stab the ground, It stand firmly and steadily upright when it start to glow.
"So it is starting?" Yuuka asked.
"Yeah…oh…Hatsuyuki told me this might take some time."
"Just hurry up. I wouldn't want to see you become frozen solid here…"
"So you do concern about me Yuuka-san." I said. Smiling at her but she still show her unamused face.
I think I might make her piss off again. She did once again the finger flick on me again. It was too fast to see and dodge tat too. I guess I should limit myself on playing joke on her.
"Hmm? Hatsuyuki told me something's approaching."
"Oh yes…Hide now. Over there. Come." Yuuka pull me to the corner. Once we set and hiding from sight, we waited on who is coming. "Oh yeah. Shouldn't you be taking your sword with you?"
"Don't worry. No one should be able to grab it away without my consent. Besides, Hatsuyuki is doing it stuff. We should leave it for now."
Then a group of fairies like we saw up on the sky landed near Hatsuyuki. They look small like a child but their appearance is like a demon. With wings and horns. But I am not sure whether to be afraid of them and be fearful of them. Since they look small and like little children.
"Well? It is this place? Make sure before we go and report to our superior." One of them said.
"I'm positive it is in here…Huh? What is that?" One of them said and the group went closer to Hatsuyuki.
"Should we drop them? " I ready my bow. "At least they won't bother us later right?"
"True that they might have sensed us already. Might as well."
"But then again…they look like kids. But their wings and horns…but still, I feel bad about it." I am having a second thought on this.
"They are not what you think they are. They are demon. They are stronger than they look. They might whoop your butt if you think they are inferior little being."
"Hmm…like youkai? I'm up for that challenge. What do you think Yuuka-san?"
"That's the spirit. Then show me what you got boy…" She whisper to my ear but it was a little creepy though.
Clear my throat and told to wait for the signal. The moment one of them touch the nodachi, it will get zap by its electrical power and that is where we will drop them. She simply nod her head. But I really wonder if she know what I meant by that. Then, as planned. One of them got hit by Hatsuyuki extreme voltage of the electricity. I move in. Swiftly nock my arrow and let it loose on one of them. It was a hit when the fairies shouted ambush. Proceed with the second and got the same result. But the third one simply smack my arrow away with its bare hand.
"Capture that intruder! We need him alive!" Just as the leader finish talking, I was already in front of it. Deliver a solid punch on its solar plexus area. The little fairies spit its saliva from the result.
"I'm sorry. Go to sleep now." I said and it went unconscious. This make the others more aggressive and charge at me blindly with their rage. It is perfect for me considering their attack can be easily read. Attack them with my martial art moves. Still, it was not that effective since their body is like the youkai I dealt back then near Hakurei Shrine. Then, it start to get hectic and time to step up my game. Pick up my nodachi and turn its blade to the blunt side. Every hit was really loud from the ringing of the metal vibrate. Even still, their skin is tough to the point I have to hit harder. Nevertheless, it is effective since I aim for their head to knock them out clean.
"Who is this human!? Why couldn't we…ah!" The last one standing fell to the ground. Shaking on its boot net.
"Maybe I had a lot of training? Whatever it is, take your friends and run away. Leave us alone and I won't chase you down little one.
"You and who…Eek!" The little fairies eyes went wide open. As if it is shocked at something. "You…you are just like that splitting image of that woman! You demon! Stay away from me!"
What make it to start to feel fearful of me? And what does it meant by me looking like that woman. Yuuka then suddenly appear behind that terrifying fairy and gives a hard chop on the nape of its neck. Drop to the ground and it went out cold.
"And here I thought you could've helped me just now. Thanks for that." I sarcastically said that to her.
"At least you are still in one piece. I guess you are not a weakling after all. I'm impress for now."
"But their projectiles magic attack still was dangerous for me. But forget about that, I wonder what that fairy said about me having an image of a woman? Did it remind me of someone special?"
"It's…" Yuuka pause. Before she look to the horizon. "They are just crazy and sprouting nonsense. But more importantly, have your sword find anything yet?"
"Hmm? Yeah." I nod my head. "Right after I pulled Hatsuyuki out. I'll take you there."
We leave the fairies behind. Walking to our next destination as Hatsuyuki direct me to the direction we supposed to go. Minute pass, we stop in one of the small area and we are here as told by Hatsuyuki.
"Here?" Yuuka looking around her. "I don't see any particular thing of interest here…"
"Hatsuyuki…said it's over there." Pointed at the small ravine in front of us. We look down and it is quite deep. Without question, I ready myself to climb down the ravine.
"You idiot." Yuuka did a finger flick on me again. "Think before you do something. You will not make it down there by simply climbing down with your bare hands."
"Oh right! I forget all about it." I scratch my head. "I was kind of hesitating actually. If only I have the equipment to climb down there…"
"Sigh…really you…" Yuuka walk to the edge. "Fine. I'll do it for you. Just this one time boy."
"Really Yuuka-san!? I really appreciate it! Thank you so much!" I cheerfully smile at her.
"But you will owe me one. Remember that." She narrow her eyes at me. I guess she is annoy and angry at me? But then she start to grin at me. I wonder what she mean by that. She ask for my torchlight next and I hand over to her without hesitation. She jump down but slowly hover in the air as she descend deep into the ravine. Even from where I am, it is quite dim and slowly Yuuka is out of my sight.
"Yuuka-san! Did you find anything!?" I shouted down to the ravine. My voice echo throughout the steep, rugged narrow way of the ravine. Maybe I should not be doing that considering I may steer something in there? Still, there is no reply. No sign of my light shining down there. Is it that deep? I am slowly becoming anxious. Maybe I should just head down there without any regard of any danger I may face. Rub my hands to generate heat and reach out for the edge to climb down.
"Were you going to head down there Aruto boy?" Yuuka said when she suddenly landed right beside me. I quickly got up straight and pretended to stretch my body.
"No no! I was just stretching my cold body Yuuka-san! Hahaha…!" I nervously laugh on that.
"Sigh…really you…" She shake her head. "Never mind that. If you are concern about me. I'll be fine. You think I could go down that easily? Don't make me laugh."
"I see…I didn't say you are weak or what Yuuka-san. I'm just concern that's all. But anyway, did you find anything down there?"
"Here." She took out something from inside my coat and threw something shiny to me. I caught it easily with my hand and inspect it.
"This is an odd looking crystal…Hmm? Hatsuyuki said you found the correct one."
"You kidding? That thing was like everywhere down there. So I took a random one and went back here."
"It looks like your luck was really great to get it for the first time. I have no idea if I went down there…" I begin to inspect it again. Yuuka then toss me back my coat.
"You can have it back. You will catch a cold once we are back to Gensokyo. I wouldn't want to get a complaint from that shrine maiden later for not looking after you. Come on. We should get going for the next one."
"Oh…right…you sure you don't need my…" I said halfway but Yuuka already walk a meter away from me. I let out a sigh and shrug to myself. Wearing them back and I realise my coat smell really good. Like some fragrant flower when I start to blush. Thinking suddenly of Yuuka beauty in my mind. Shaking my head from it. What was I thinking of all time now. Suddenly, the ground tremble violently. Like an earthquake. Then, I felt the ground behind me erupted from below which got me thrown off from the ground. I landed safely in front of Yuuka as she stand motionlessly to the ground. Looking up a bit to the sky without any hint of being surprise or impress over this matter.
"Looks like…we awoken the sleeping giant…" She calmly said that.
"Sleeping giant?" Confuse on what she said. I too look at what she look. The smoke and dust eventually clear away and there. Over 50 meters away from where we are standing, we are looking at a 40 feet tall figure. Its body structure is made of rock made of ice. Spikes protruding from the upper part of the body. Like a bipedal human figure but more rocky and mass in size.
"An ice golem I see…" Yuuka close her parasol before she start to smiles. Her usual terrifying smiling like I saw before. "Finally I could rid of my boredom on something like this."
"You going to fight that thing Yuuka-san?" I pointed at that thing. "He is bigger than us you know?"
"So? They say that the bigger they are, the harder they fall. What? Are you scare to take on that? Show me that sword of yours and your skill is not for display only. Well?"
Hearing those words she said. It feel kind of hurt but I am not angry. Maybe I could give it a try on something big and hopefully improve my skill. "Fine then. I am not going to let my title mentioned by the villagers all for naught. Let's have our fun once in a while."
"Ha! That's the spirit. Show me your spirit of the Izumo bloodline Aruto boy. Prove me you are like her…"
"What?" I did not catch the last part.
"Nothing. Look. It is coming at us." Yuuka steadily stood at where she is.
Let us show her what we are capable of Hatsuyuki. Draw my nodachi out before charging at that golem head on.
Somewhere in the Human Village…
"Now I am here. Where should I start searching?" Youmu said while looking around the village. Just standing at the entrance, it is quite bustling even on late afternoon. Once again she is in the village and some of the villagers pay their respect to her. While others were surprise to see her again.
"Aiya? Youmu-chan?" An elderly woman call her. "Did you forget to buy something from your grocery shopping?"
"Oh! It's not that really." Youmu bow at the lady. "I am actually looking for someone who did a great thing in this village."
Youmu explain more in detail. But unfortunately, the lady know nothing about it. But that is kind of strange. Maybe this person feat was not that well known? Maybe it was misleading as always from that newspaper? Just to be sure. She went around the villager for more info. Eventually, slowly she get the clue little by little. It turn out to be a person name Aruto Izumo. An outsider wield a nodachi. Maybe that explain why he is able to cut iron easily? Furthermore, many people wanted to have a chat with him especially all the fellow swordsmen. Hoping to have a challenge with him while some others wanted to gaze his look. Especially the young ladies.
"But from what I heard, most of the time he is not in his home. Maybe you can some luck today? One of the informants said.
"I see…so where is his house by the way?" Youmu asked and he pointed at the general direction. The person Youmu looking for is living a western house at the edge of the village. Thanking him before hurriedly rush to the location. True on what they said, there is such house. It will be around like a ten minute walk from the entrance. Of course if that person know where this Aruto person live in the first place. About the house, it is not that shabby. Quite spacious just looking from the outside. Not to mention it is a two storey house.
"Maybe I could challenge him on who can cut steel or even greater? Wait…who am I kidding? Not that I want to boast myself but I can cut next to nothing. Anyway, I should focus on Yuyuko-sama order first." Youmu proceed to the door. Just she was about to knock it, she felt a sudden presence behind her. It is someone who intend to hurt her as well. Without looking on who was that, Youmu jump to the side. Creating as much distance as possible between her and this person.
"Who are you?" Youmu got a good look on this person. It is a lady wearing a kitsune mask. That is one way to hide their identity but that is not important for now. "Also, your alertness was rather poor little girl."
"What? But…who are you…how did you get behind me?" Now that she think about it. Feeling a bit worry all the sudden just being with her. Shaking her head from such thought and steel her mind and heart.
"Hmph! You shouldn't be concern about that. More importantly, I sensed that you have such an ill-intention you going to commit to the owner of this house. Am I right?"
What? All I want is to have a challenge wit this Aruto person. Maybe she misunderstanding my intention? "I can assure you I have no such intention. All I wish is to have a talk with the owner that's all."
"Oh? After that you wish to challenge him to a sword fight yes? All the swordsmen in here are the same anyway. But before that, may I challenge you first to see how strong you are?"
"Challenge me lady?" Youmu grin. Showing her confident feeling in her. "But before that, what connection you have with Aruto Izumo? You sounded like you know him very well. Someone precious to you?"
It was a silence moment. A long pause until the kitsune lady sigh. "You shouldn't be concern about such thing."
"Whatever. If I win. You will tell me everything I need to know. I think you know a lot more than anyone in this village. So?"
"Oh? What make you think I know Aruto?"
"Just a hunch. So, what say you now?"
"Fine by me but if I win, you will tell me everything I need to know. Your intention and such."
"Fine by me too." Youmu draw her katana. Ready her stance and she cannot help to think what weapon that lady will be using. Instead, she slide her leg to the back a bit and bend her knees a little. Is it some kind of martial art stance? Youmu seems to see somewhere that before but where she wonder. But still, is the lady going to go head on with someone using a katana? It may be unfair but she will see how this goes. Youmu then without hesitation rush to the lady with her katana high up in the air. Ready to slash downward once she is near the range of slicing the lady down.
"Here I come little girl…" The lady said.
Somewhere in Makai, crystalize ice field…
"Your attack is not doing anything boy." Yuuka landed besides me after constant dodging from the golem relentless attack.
"It is not that easy actually. The body is thick unlike when I cut the iron pipes back then. If only I can go for its eyes."
"Sigh…fine. I'll distract it. Then you better get it boy."
She spring into action without any second thoughts. Blasting it away with her type of magic. Not to mention her brute strength with just a punch on its body. Maybe I could just wait in the side line and let her take care of it anyway. But then again I should do a part of myself and go for the absolute kill. With the golem got distraction with its back facing at me, its blind spot was certain and I rush towards it. Just a few meters from reaching to its legs, I leap towards it. To my great disbelief, I jump higher than I usually did before. This is just ridiculous as it is like jumping up to like a two storey high. I came to conclusion that it may have to do with the gravity of this world. I reach at its calf area and make my way up. Once I manage to get my footing on something flat along the way, I jump once again and every one of them was getting higher and higher than the previous one.
Just a bit higher. Huh? I notice the golem left arm is reaching for me. I dodge it easily despise the huge arm when it did once again. This time, I decided to smack it away with my blunt side of the nodachi since I am in mid-air. Impossible to dodge through this. But I know it will not work to smack it away but at least I would not get a full impact from the attack.
"Hatsuyuki! Strike it with all you got! Hiya!" I swing the moment it is about to reach for me.
Smack! I did not get knockback from the impact. Rather shoving it aside easily I did. What ? Could it be Hatsuyuki doing? What happened again?"
"What are you doing Aruto!? Stop daydreaming and get it now!" Yuuka shouted at me.
I snap myself from the daydreaming. Heading up fast and I jump to its head the moment I landed on its shoulder. It could not react fast to stop my attack as I slash one of its eyes. Then another and it was a successful one. Before Yuuka grab me away before I got hit by its flailing, blindly attack around its face. We landed safety. That is when Yuuka pointed her parasol and the tip begin to glow. As if it is charging some kind of energy on it. I too ready once again. Charging right at its legs to give one clean slash at it. BOOM! An explosion occur on its body as it stumble backward from the sheer amount of the impact. Supposedly from Yuuka magic attack. Then I went for mine attack and slash! Despise its hard, huge legs, I strangely manage to cut clean like hot knife through butter.
"So you finally did it huh?" Yuuka compliment me. "Just like her I see…"
I have no idea what Yuuka meant by that. But once again, I slash its legs again and it is the same, good result. Leaving it went unbalance and went trembling to the ground. Shaking the ground from its great impact. But that is not the finale, Yuuka fly up to the sky. Charging her parasol yet again and this time, I could see how her magic work up close. "Dual Spark." In a split second, a double of herself conjure besides her and shoot out an energy beam from their parasol.
"Is Yuuka-san a twin now? What…?" I said while watching the firework displaying at the golem. Exploding at it relentlessly until everything become like a wasteland next. Thick, grey smoke eventually clear away and there at the other side of where I stand, Yuuka gracefully walk with her parasol shading to herself even there is no sun here. Cracking a smile and as always that smiles never fail me to give me a chill down my spine.
"We are done boy." She said calmly. Walking up to me before tapping on my head. "You did well at least. I'm impress how you manage to cut that golem easily though."
"It was tough still…so…" Looking at where the golem supposed to be at but there is no trace of its body. Wipe out from its existence so to say literally. "I guess you blow it to smithereens huh…?"
"Out of existence actually. I was expecting it to be tough but useless, pathetic creature as always. I hope I can get a great challenge again like her…"
Like her again? Who is she mentioning to now that I think about it. "But still, that was a waste of time indeed…Hmm? Hatsuyuki said it got another location of something at the other side of this place."
"Oh really? From this wasteland huh?" Yuuka looking out at the environment and indeed it is unsightly to watch now. "But I have to say your sword can multitask despise we are fighting halfway. Now I am interested to see how this might work out. Revealing who reside in there."
I did not say anything but just simply scratching my head and smile at her. Telling her next to follow me as Hatsuyuki is giving me the direction to go. Leaving everything behind us. The demon fairies and the golem which supposed to be there until it got obliterate into nothingness. Once again, I have to pit on my gas mask once I am outside the ice field. It is troublesome for me but at least I would not be choking on the poisonous fume next.
"You really look ridiculous in that you know that?" Yuuka giggle at me next. Making fun of my look I suppose.
"I know. You've said that the second time already. Unlike you, I am a human. How convenience really to be immune to this kind of environment. "I am kind of envy now that I think about that.
"You do know I have to get use of this environment right? Of course I use none of that silly looking mask or whatsoever things.
"Breathe in just like that?" It is kind of unbelievable though. "Of…of course! You are a youkai so your body have different system than us human."
"Don't be absurd. We don't have much different from you lowly human. We do have weaknesses…maybe?
"Maybe? That doesn't sound convincing."
"Whatever it is, why don't you remove that mask and get use to this place. Come on now." She went closer to me.
"Huh? Excuse me? I appreciate that but no thank you. Better be safe than sorry.
Still, she insisted to remove my mask. Until she start to tease me and at the same time attempting to remove it. But of course in a joking manner. But then again for how long? While we are at it, I strangely felt that we were like this before. Joking around like what we are doing. Then, a surge of energy rushes to my head and I see a series of obscure flashback. But I manage to catch a glimpse of it. I was looking up at Yuuka instead. She is looking down at me. Smiling at me. Held her hand and said she will look after me. Then everything came to halt. I came back to my senses. I am back where at where I am. My hands though were not at my side but rather touching something soft.
I know what this is. This is bad I think. I look down and my worse fear was right. "Ack!? Yuu…Yuuka-san! I'm so sorry!" I back away from her and bow at her to the fullest. "I didn't mean to touch your breast! Forgive my carelessness! It's not my intention!"
"Oh?" Her tone was normal but still I could feel some sort of danger in it. The intimidating of it. "So I guess you like to touch them anyway right? If you were given permission yes?"
"Permission? That will be yes…Wait! I mean no! I won't do that to you Yuuka-san! I'm sorry!" I bow at her again.
Even my face is looking at the ground; I could feel she is approaching to me. Her footstep is getting closer and closer but she eventually walk passes me. Ignoring me next as if she is letting go of what I did.
"Let's get going already. We have waste enough time from all the joke and fun. Where to next Aruto boy?"
"Huh? What…I mean yeah! This way. Follow me…" I lead the way again.
I guess I escape death from her. Lucky day I suppose but I forget about it along the way. Then Hatsuyuki tell me we are reaching our destination. Just I was about to turn my head to inform this news to Yuuka, I felt something touching my head. There is only one person with me and my worst fear was right. Yuuka make her way to the strap of my mask when she smirks at me.
"Yuuka-san? You are not thinking what I think it is right? This is not funny you know?" I nervously said it.
Still, she pays no attention and still smirking at me. My reaction was slow. I could not help but to watch in horror at her doing something unbelievable. Easily and effortlessly remove my mask. In a second, all sort of memories were flashing in my mind. It is as if I am going to die or something. But then again, I am not ready for that. Holding my breath while desperately trying to take back it. Silently trying to tell her to give back my stuff.
"Eventually you have to breathe in. Give it a try." She still smirks at me.
Nevertheless, I run out of breath and were to breathe in the air around me. But to my surprise, I am no suffocating from the poison air or anything else. Like I am breathing normal air like the outside world. "It is me or the air in here was normal from the start?"
"Hmm…maybe yes? Maybe no? Usually people like you are already dead by then. Surprise of me to see you still standing boy. Odd…"
I too cannot explain why. But whatever. I decided to focus on the task quick and get out of here fast as well. Ignore of getting the gas mask from Yuuka grasp, I rush to where Hatsuyuki told me to go. It did not take long to search in this another red crystalize field. Grabbing the one Hatsuyuki told me to get the most potent one.
"That's it? That was easy this time." Yuuka seems to be sarcastic over her comment.
"Just don't jinx it Yuuka-san…Cough! Kuuh…" I feel pain in my chest suddenly. Grabbing my chest area as I start to feel a burning sensation inside them.
"Hmm? You alright there Aruto boy?" Yuuka place her hand on my shoulder.
"Enough already!" I angrily push her hand away. Showing my angry look at her. "If only you did not take my mask away. This will not happen…cough! Let's go home now. I have all the thing already."
"Hmm…Well…I was expecting more than this. Like someone attacking us or you shows me more what you can do…Never mind, you want your mask back?"
I sigh to myself before ignoring her next. The way back was strangely easy for me. Knowing where to go back. Easily traversing the land unlike just now where this journey this time is like going down the hill. Still, I have to be careful when comes to jumping great distances like the ravine and down a steep hills. The more I breathe in the air around here, the hotter my chest gets. But my coughing strangely reduces little by little.
"Okay! Sorry if my prank were a bit too much. You don't have to be angry already. Here, you can have your silly mask back boy." Yuuka hand it over to me.
"We are reaching home soon. But thanks anyway." I take my mask away and put in the bag instead. "I think I can do without the mask for now. Somehow I am getting use to the environment now."
"Is that so?" She smiles at me. "I wonder if you will acquire some kind of power after this."
"Huh? What rubbish you talking about? I really doubt so. Anyway, don't get left behind now." My turn to say that to her.
"Hmph! Cocky little boy aren't you. But whatever." She simply shrugs away and follows me from behind.
Soon, the sight of reaching at the main entrance is just within a few hundred meters away. Looking at my watch, it is getting late and I cannot believe we spent in this place quite someday. At the very least there are not much nuisance attacking us besides than the demons and the golem. Still, it was a good experience to sharpen my skill I suppose. The moment we step into the hallway, the burning sensation on my chest is gone. Maybe it was all in the mind to think I feel pain and such from that place? I glance at Yuuka next. Smiling as always when our eyes met. Maybe I was a bit too much for showing my anger towards her. I guess I could apologies to her later. But that have to wait just as we exit out of the hallway.
"What happened here?" I said while witnessing numerous piles of bodies at where we first started. Looking carefully, these bodies are similar like the one Yuuka and I defeated. Demons.
"Welcome back you two." Reimu appear from one of the trees besides us. "Took you long enough."
"Benn busy lately Reimu?" Yuuka smiles to her. "I guess we were quite long inside huh?"
"Yeah…" Reimu tone was not that happy about it. "I cannot believe a lot of them were pouring out from the gate right after you two went in. Very cheeky of them really."
"Urmm…sorry about that Reimu-san. We should have return sooner. But then again we too were caught up by things in there too." Scratching my head while looking to the side. I feel kind of bad for Reimu to be in this as well.
"Nah!" She waves her hand at me. Smiling at me next that soothes my heart at least. "At least I had some exercise after a long day of doing nothing. About these bodies, I will deal with them later."
"Want some help? I wouldn't want a girl like you to do everything by herself." I offer my help to her.
"Ha! If you can spare a little time of yourselves. What about you Yuuka?"
"I pass! I wouldn't want to dirty my hand from these lowly demons. I'll just watch from the side."
"I knew that. Come on Aruto. Let's get a move on." Reimu move out to deal with the bodies.
While at it, I ask her if they are dead. She replied they are simply taking a sleep only. I guess I should not be asking more regarding that. But for Reimu to deal with them easily, she must be really powerful like Yuuka-san. How terrifying can it be now that I think about it. I have seen Yuuka fight. Mostly pure, brutal strength of her she utilized. I will be truly dead if I go head on with her if by any chance I were to fight her. After like what it seems done, I look at my watch and it is getting really late.
"With this it is done." Reimu did some swinging of her gohei before the gateway close up and be one with the mountain wall like before.
"Are you sure it's alright? I mean the way we just throw inside and pile their bodies like hills inside the hallway."
"They will be fine! But I'm surprise you are concern of those demons. Just leave them be. They will manage."
"I hope so…Sigh! I'm so going to take a long rest after this! So busy these few days really! I can'" I begin to stretch my body.
"Hardworking of you I guess. I suggest you should take a sip in the hotspring somewhere in the village later on."
"Hmm…good idea. These joint and muscle of mine are getting sore lately. A little dip will be great."
Then, as I was stretching, I punch the air to the side as to loosen my stiff joint when a loud explosion occurs at the side. Looking at it with bewilderment. Part of the forest was destroyed by something. Making a straight line of destruction all the way deep into the forest. Confuse and in shock. What just happened?
"What…? Reimu? I don't sense any enemy around here…hmm? Reimu?" I look at her but she has this unbelievable face given to me. Did something happen?
"Aruto…did you did that? Those moves…that skill…did you do that!?" She went close to me. Face close to each other but we were not embarrassed over this. But rather she is curious and in shock of something else.
"Reimu? I don't know what you are talking about. What…hmm? Yuuka-san?" She went up to me. Smiling at me as usual but this time is rather sinister.
"I see you have that power like her…Finally I won't be bored after all this time Aruto boy…"
"Huh? What? Power?" I went even more confuse over what Yuuka said.
"Had enough little girl?" The kitsune mask lady said. Standing confidently and even with all the prolong fight they had, she show no sign of exhaustion, Let alone begin injure from any hit inflicted by Youmu.
Who is she? Even from the entire blow I gave to her and still standing? Youmu were panting for air while readying her stance next.
"But I have to say your swordsmanship is rather…poor. You should train up more on that. Everything else seems half baked.
Of course Youmu feel kind of offended to hear that. But she steadies her mind and focus for the final showdown. This time she will go serious even to the point she may mortally wounded that lady. The lady says no more and readies her usual stance. Youmu begin by shuffling her foot to get closer to her opponent. Raising her sword up high but this time she is willing to strike to the fullest and at a top speed.
"The usual I see…Fine. I'll finish you off in one blow. "She said and changes into a new martial art stance.
Youmu say nothing and just when she was about to swing down her katana, she felt a presence at her side. It was sudden too and both of them look at who is this presence they felt at the same time.
"Excuse me but I'm sorry. May I ask you to what are you doing outside my house?" A young man as tall as the kitsune masks lady smiles at them.
"Eh? What?" Youmu went confuse. "Who are you…?"
"Ar…Aruto-kun?" The kitsune mask lady said. "So you…you have…"
"Hmm? I'm sorry but…you seem kind of familiar…" Aruto said to her. "Have I seen you before…?"
Afterword: I will be out of country for a few days but, I will bring my writing material and plan my next story. Before I begin to type into the full, confirm version. So stay tunes everyone! ^_^