Chapter 10: Spark of Interest

Hakurei Shrine

Many words can be used to describe the Servants gathered at the Shrine. Heroic spirits of great reknown with ties to a world other than Gensokyo. For someone like Kaguya, they were embodiments of the potential of mortals, impurities and all.

There were those like Yuyuko's Heroic Spirit, dark in armor and feelings, and yet with a nobility that still burns bright that gives her voice surprising authority. She was currently stuffing her face with food from the Shrine along with the ghost princess, so there was some relatability there.

The same can be said for her current Servant, Rider. A Gorgon, she called herself, one of the monsters from the old world who was currently sparring with Reisen. Kaguya sighed. A lot of them seemed to have lingering thoughts that belittle themselves. That would have to change in the future.

She sat at the Shrine steps, content with merely watching what her other acquaintances were doing.

"For one such as yourself to look so concerned about others, it doesn't suit you." The voice of the King of Heroes reached her ears and Kaguya turned her head to the side to look at the Heroic Spirit that was normally clad in gold. He was clad in more casual attire this time, none of that strange-looking golden armor. If anything, he looked like a typical human from the outside world of the current era.

She gave him a smile and chuckled. "Concerned about my thoughts? How noble of you." She said.

"Just an observation. I do not have much to do at the moment, and seeing how my other… acquaintances are dealing with the news so far a little differently, I think I will simply take my time to enjoy myself while the rest of these events play out." He replied.

"That's nice." Kaguya said, gazing quietly back at the others. "Gilgamesh, right? What is your class again?"

"So far? I am in the vessel of an Archer class much like that faker over there." He said, gesturing over to the Shrine Maiden's Red-clad Servant. That one responded in turn by pointing two fingers at his eyes, and then pointing them right back at Gilgamesh, who simply smirked in response.

"Do I sense some animosity between you two Archers?" Kaguya asked.

"That Faker is no more than an inconvenient consequence. I don't really care much about what he intends to do in this land." Gilgamesh replied.

"I wouldn't be too concerned about forming rivalries. We all have our own enemies and rivals to deal with every so often. I even have one particularly persistent one that's not likely to disappear anytime soon. But as long as the rules are followed, we have free reign to deal with it however we choose." She nodded her head.

"As moderated by that Shrine Maiden." Gilgamesh agreed. "Even I can sense her overwhelming aura. But she is human, and that is something worthy of respect all the same."

"Humans, huh? I didn't expect one such as you to give that kind of praise." Kaguya asked.

"Of course I would. I am part-human myself after all and I would rather be aligned with humans in this land. Perhaps I may even feel the need to lead them, if it strikes my fancy." He answered.

Kaguya said nothing in response. It's a little presumptuous of him to think of leading humans, but she supposed that is a natural way to think of one's place in the world. He was a hero after all, and this in particular was one with experience in ruling over others. And was that really such a bad thing for Gensokyo?

"Of course, I also find myself distracted by other things in this land." Gilgamesh said, arms crossed as he looked at her. "Princess Kaguya of the Lunar Realm; Though I am certain that your story is different from where I come from, I'm sure it still follows a similar narrative?"

This certainly piqued Kaguya's interest. And a little bit of trepidation would have to be exercised here.

"Which part are you interested in most exactly?" she wondered. "There are a few things that could be considered curious and as you know, some legends can be exaggerated. But I won't lie if you ask, I can at least guarantee that much."

"I would hope so. I have my own gift of looking past falsehoods so I would be disappointed if I find someone withholding information born simply out of curiousity." He said, back rested against one of the Shrine Pillars. "But yes, my curiousity is mostly in regards to that elixir of immortality you once gave to the Emperor of this land. How much of the story is still the same?"

A frown appeared on Kaguya's face, a sign that concerned Gilgamesh as he paused.

"Let us stop that there. The elixir of immortality was made partially due to my own selfishness. And eternity is not something that should be trifled with. I have heard of that version of my story, but I can assure you it is different from the one I've experienced. I would not recommend looking for that elixir, or asking anyone to make it for you." She said.

"A sore spot, I see. But you need not worry about that. I had my own quest for immortality a long time ago. Granted, it was stolen from me by a snake, but I still had a profound revelation about not necessarily needing it. A simple youth potion will do." Gilgamesh nodded his head.

"Youth, huh? Like your younger self? Speaking of which, where did he run off to?"

"Who knows? If I know myself, and I do, he's off exploring the land. With the current threats in hiding, there is time to relax or to seek out sources of information. And it's best for the two of us to be far apart anyways." Gilgamesh shrugged.

"Oh? Why is that?" Kaguya wondered.

"Call it a difference of priorities and leave it at that." Gilgamesh answered and then looked towards the sun. It was setting now, bathing the area in warm hues of red and orange. "Another question then. The so-called Impossible Requests given to your suitors, are they still available for fulfillment?"

"Eh?" Kaguya looked with confusion.

"As I said beforehand, I am here to indulge my curiosities. And a Princess not of this world such as yourself is certainly one that has caught my attention." He grinned.

"Oh, that…" Kaguya said, her voice faltering ever so slightly as she thought about what he just said. Would he be considered another suitor then? It would be disappointing if that were the case. Another one who would try and fail, despite the last attempt being many centuries ago. "If you think you can fulfill them, then feel free to try. Personally, it is something I'd rather not deal with. Apologies, but I would prefer something more… common?"

"It was a suggestion at a whim, nothing more." Gilgamesh replied, raising one eyebrow at her hesitation.

"And besides, why choose me? I thought you looked perfectly content with your Master?" Kaguya asked.

"My Master Yuuka has a… complex relationship with myself. Though she does not yet know it. I would be hesitant to pursue her with the intent of romantic attachment. No, there is something I would have to confirm first to even think of such an outcome." Gilgamesh nodded, looking briefly at the flower youkai as she stood in the distance, eyes closed as she rested against the side of the Vimana.

"I am flattered to have you focus attention on me, Sir Gilgamesh. Truly, I am. But romantic attachment is not something I'm confident in entering at the moment. How do the humans go for it again…? Oh, right! Those umm… dates to get to know each other better is more preferable." She nodded.

"That's certainly achievable. I shall ask you to one of those sometime in the future then." Gilgamesh replied, holding his right hand out to her. Instinctively, Kaguya took it and stood up, her cheeks flushing red as she felt his lips on the back of her hand. Did that really just happen?

It was a warm feeling, but there was also a coldness she felt as she looked around. Some of the Heroic Spirits, and some of her other acquaintances were looking at their direction. Some amused, and some with a disapproving glance. Not that she minded of course.

"I don't suppose asking to have that happen at the Outside World is something you can fulfill? I would be most interested in exploring out there myself." She said.

"If it's possible, I would do that in a heartbeat. Trust me when I say that I allow only the best." Gilgamesh answered as he let go of her hand. She could see it in his eyes. He was in a very good mood.

"Hmm… what exactly am I looking at?" Marisa asked. Both she and Reimu had turned their heads when Kaguya rose to her feet at the behest of the Golden Servant. To their surprise, the Lunarian was actually indulging either a request or some strange proclamation.

"That's not really any of our business." Reimu shrugged, before her features turned to one of surprise. "Wait, did he just kiss her hand?"

"Awww, that's adorable. Has there ever been anyone that forward with her before?" Marisa wondered, glancing over to the side as Reimu's Servant approached.

"I'd be wary of that man there. Despite his looks and status as a king, he is one who pursues his own goals selfishly. Your friend may not know what she's getting into when dealing with him." Archer said.

"Not really my problem. She's old enough to make her own decisions." Replied Reimu, as she continued to watch the pair. Gilgamesh moved away from Kaguya then to make his way over towards his hovering aircraft. He had a quick conversation with Yuuka, who simply raised her shoulders in reply. She was lenient, despite having contracted with one of the most dangerous Servants in the area.

Taking a sip from her teacup, Reimu turned back around. The Shrine was fixed again at least, and she had to thank Marisa's Servant for a majority of that. Even if she wasn't technically here, Caster's magic was certainly something,

"Trial by fire, eh? You know if any of them break the rules, you'll have to be forced to move out and deal with them, ya know?"

"Yeah, yeah. Shrine Maiden's job and all that." Reimu sighed. "But hey, you'll be helping me out right?" she looked at Archer.

"If you desire it. I'm sure I can be of some use here." The Heroic Spirit replied with a smirk. "But I should let you know, combat isn't the only thing I can perform. My last Master did say I'm good at brewing tea and other household activities. I used to dislike it."

"Hey, I'm not complaining. As long as things have settled down, I'll take all the help I can get. Cleaning or Donations, whatever works." Reimu answered with a wave of her hand.

Everything definitely felt like they were settling down again.

Atop one of the walls, Lancer and Sakuya appeared to be working on something odd. Tying up bags of supplies to Lancer's spear. And then he got into a stance, like that of a javelin thrower.

"You sure that's not going to rip away?" Archer called out to the blue-clad Servant.

"Heh, just you watch. I've inscribed runes of protection on these things. We can afford to do things as mundane as that." Lancer said, eyes narrowed as he aimed up high. Everything froze, and then with a burst of magical energy, the spear was flung forward, flying off into the distance with everything attached to it before disappearing from view.

"Assuming that was no mere boast, then that should land at the Mansion's doorstep. I'd be impressed if that were the case, so I guess we should go check, yes Lancer?" Sakuya said.

"I see no reason not to."

"Guess they're all heading off to their own separate ways now." Marisa observed. Well, a few of them. Lancer will be heading back to the Scarlet Devil Mansion with his other acquaintances. Caster will wait for Marisa patiently back at her place after having made enough observations. Saber and Archer are likely going to stay here for the moment if Yuyuko's previous dealings were any indication. The Lunarians though…

"There aren't any objections for us to stay here for the moment is there?" Kaguya said as she approached the Shrine Maiden. And by us, she really meant herself, Reisen, and Rider.

"Yeah, sure." Reimu shrugged. There's no reason to deny a request. And besides, can she even say no right now?

She watched as Kaguya turned towards Gilgamesh, waving her hand as if to say good-bye as the Golden King rose up on the Vimana. The aircraft sped off into the distance while Yuuka floated away towards another direction. Presumably back to the Garden of the Sun.

"You really think that's a good idea?" Reisen said, her tone slightly worried.

"Who knows? I'll indulge the request I suppose. And in terms of reliability, I think he's alright. Don't forget, he helped us out before we even got here. And there's always something to be said about those who are completely honest about their feelings." Kaguya replied with a grin.

"If you say so." Reisen answered. "But Lady Eirin would likely disapprove."

Bamboo Forest – Outskirts

Various sounds of a firearm could be heard as Mokou sped down the path. Strange things were happening in this forest recently and as she made her way over to the source, she was quite surprised at what she found.

There was a young woman clad in red and black, heavily injured with an array of what appears to be muskets around her. A few of them were disappearing into a haze of particles but even still, her enemies were still arriving despite the lack of weaponry the girl had.

Mokou sighed. Instinctively, her entire body lit up in flames as she sped forwards, incinerating the various oni and youkai that had been there just previously. They had been previously injured already, though the girl had seemed to slip into unconsciousness as Mokou finished off the rest of the creatures.

"Didn't expect to see you here, Chacha. I just need to rest, that's all…heh." The girl chuckled.

Mokou wasn't familiar with that name. Perhaps this was a case of mistaken identity?

"Come on, let's get you to Keine. I'm sure she can help you out." She said, taking the girl's arm to help lift her up. She could fly her there, she supposed. But at least she still had the strength to stand and walk, albeit with a fair amount of help.