The Shrine of Gensokyo: Gensokyo no Jinja

Chapter 36: The Counterattack

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Original Concept: ZUN & Shanghai Alice

Written by: wrathie

Author's Notes: Occupied with 2 things, Pokemon, Writing my other fics.

Lastly, Should I go back to my TL projects again? Anyway,R&R, have lots on my plate...

Oh, right.. I like EX-Rumia, so that's my diversion from canon..

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[Using a Last Spell… Fighting against Fate of her ultimate death and… Fighting against the Dead… All futile, FUTILE!]

Yukari's twisted face laughed at the both of us but I remained calm and hopeful, my friends will hold on, they will, they can and they would. I believe in their strength and believe in their faith.

Clutching Alice's trembling hands, I steadied her shoulders as I retorted Yukari.

[Yukari, hope is everlasting… Courage is everlasting… and the Potential of Courage, is boundless. It is beyond all boundaries Yukari, our courage and hope will defeat you.]

Pulling two ofudas from my pockets, I flashed them in front of Yukari and taunted her.

[Come Yukari, this is our final dance… Let us finish this!]

[…]

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Sitting in her invisible throne, the four of us faced off once more. Yukari against me and Alice against Ran, it is not like old times but it is close enough…

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[Reimu… can we… do it?]

[… Believe in me, just like how I believe in you… The Great Hakurei Spirit will hear our prayers.]

[…]

Alice seemed unconvinced but she let it go as she charged at Ran the same moment I threw my two ofudas in the air.

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[Spirit Sign: Fantasy Seal –Blink-!]

[Boundary Sign: Boundary of Youkai and Human!]

Colorful orbs broke out of the two spellcards and they slammed straight into Yukari's emerging border, denting it and hindering it from expanding from Yukari's range of control, causing her to curse in frustration.

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[Hope and courage can overcome even the greatest fear, Yukari!]

Teleporting behind her, I tried unsuccessfully to knock her out by ramming my knee to the back of Yukari's head as she quickly gapped away from me and subsequently fired wave after wave of shurikens after me.

[Courage and Hope, those are meaningless in the face of death, Reimu! Death conquers all, fear cripples all and power, corrupts all!]

In a sing-song voice, Yukari laughed as I navigated her wave of shurikens with a bit of unease, she had upped the difficulty by periodically firing lasers at me that I barely got out of the way from.

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Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alice holding off Ran relatively well with her doll army and I breathed a sigh of relief at that.

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[Oh Spirits hear my prayer, my simple but selfish prayers… grant me the strength to overcome the odds… grant me the strength to overcome all fears… grant me the courage that I need to convince her…. Please Spirits, hear my humble prayer…

Just like I believe in you, believe in me…

Lend me your strength and I would lend you mine…

Strength in your strength and faith in my faith…

Oh spirits, hear my call…

Release the spirits and release the strength!]

Two ofudas that I had fired off earlier flashed brightly after my prayer and from them formed a barrier directly behind Yukari.

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[EVIL SEALING BARRIER!]

Slamming the final piece of the barrier in front of the surprised Yukari, I smiled very wearily as the expected pillar of light consumed Yukari with her screaming her frustration at me.

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[It's over… right?]

[No, not yet over… Reimu.]

As expected, she contradicted me within a heartbeat.

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[Life is full of decisions… but it is as simple as a flip of a coin, it will forever be right or wrong, Reimu … What is your decision Now?]

Laughing, Yukari must have something up her sleeve as she broke out of the barrier I had set with her spellcard.

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[Bewitching Butterfly in the Zen temple!]

With her golden claws, Yukari reached for me from her position and I steeled myself for the impact by forming a barrier around me as well. Whatever happens I will not fail!

[Fufufu~ Is that your answer Reimu?]

[?]

[Well, you… LOSE!]

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[DAKINI'S HEAVENLY POSSESSION!]

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Oh, No!

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My blood ran cold and my eyes opened wide as I found out about my error a little too late, it was as Yukari said, there are only two sides of the coin in life. The right or the wrong side… the heads or the tails… I made the wrong one!

I had been struggling with Yukari alone for so long that I had neglected to consider Alice when she is fighting right behind me…

… there is one last chance, one last move I can make and Yukari knew that. Time seemed to slow down as she sneered at me, knowing that I had only two choices left to me.

Like her, although forever there seemed to be a multitude of choices open to her, there is only one true choice for me in this current situation.

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[…]

I smiled weakly as knew I had made my final decision without considering as I felt my body disappear into the voids of space. Even if it is futile… even if it might not be worth it…

I just…

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[ALICE!]

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[!]

All I knew was that Ran had me locked in her sights with her possession spell and I had no way of escaping but the next was truly unexpected. The rifts of space opened up in front of me and Reimu stood between me and Ran, her arms spread wide and she was smiling at me, telling me that all would be fine.

[ALICE!]

[Reimu? No!]

Was I going to lose our greatest ally in front of my eyes? Was she going to sacrifice herself for me? Goodness the mere thought of that is ridiculous!

But I could do nothing in the split second it happened, my mind barely registered that single thought when the two forces just collided with one another which resulted in a shockwave that sent me flying into the air.

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Barely stabilizing myself, I shouted out Reimu's name in hope of her hearing me. It was a long shot, one in a million she could survive that.

It was foolish of me to allow Ran to even have the chance to come after me, forcing Reimu's hand and making her act as my shield. My heart hurt at mere remembering it now…

[Reimu!]

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[She's gone, Alice… She lost…]

That damned Yakumo, she giggled as she looked in front of me, enjoying my grief as I shouted her name.

[SHUT UP! REIMU SHE… SHE…]

[She sacrificed herself for you… well then, put up a good fight shall we?]

Leering, Yukari pulled a spellcard from her pockets while I do the same. … So it looks like I have to defeat Yukari to appease Reimu's soul… All the better!

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As the dust settled, Yukari suddenly took a deep breath and growled, causing me to look back and see something incredible.

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It was Reimu, she was alright!

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[Suika…]

[?]

[?]

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[Heh… Reimu, sowwies for being late…]

The familiar voice drawled out and as Reimu shifted a little, I could see Ran's crumpled form and a small figure with her hands on her skull, beaming at Reimu.

[Suika's here!]

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In a heartbeat the tables were turned on her and Yukari could not accept that.

[Ibuki Suika!]

Losing it, she charged down at the two of them, Reimu still struck speechless by Suika and Suika grinning foolishly back at her.

Yukari's laser seemed to strike Suika but she shrugged it off like it was nothing.

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[Weak, weak, WEAK YAKUMO!]

Catching the fan that was heading for her neck, Suika turned the tables on Yukari as she did a roundabout punch that sent Yukari sailing feet away and slamming her into a tree. The impact was so great that the mighty tree was instantly felled by her.

It was the first time that I had seen anyone strike Yukari in the face and I never dreamt that she would actually be hurt by a physical maneuver.

I gained extra respect for the Oni as she struck her palms repeatedly before pointing a finger at Yukari.

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[Yakumo Yukari, you've gone too far this time! I'm taking your down!]

Emphasizing the down by slamming her fist on the earth, Suika grinned as she whistled a tune.

[Let the counterattack begin!]

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[.. ?]

Darkness fell suddenly over the scarlet devil mansion to the surprise of the two resident vampires. A second ago they were straining under the uncomfortable though that the sun would pierce their protective scarlet mist, courtesy of Yakumo Yukari when the sun was covered by darkness, rolling in almost casually.

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[? Onee-sama?]

The younger of the sisters looked up and her eyes twinkled suddenly at the prospect of her play-mate coming to join them.

Waving her hands in the air frantically, she raised both her arms straight and flapped them a few times, mimicking the action of her friend.

[Rumia-chan!]

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[Don't you Rumia-chan me…]

But it was not the youthful girl that she knew and Flandre Scarlet, for it was her who just stared at the new arrival in confusion, this is not the Rumia she knew. Her older sister however gave a sigh of relief as a look of understanding appeared on her face.

[Rumia.]

Her powers restored, she grinned savagely at Rumia and the both of them exchanged a brief punch with one another on their shoulders. Showing her fangs, Remilia Scarlet showed her gratitude by curtseying to Rumia, the darkness Youkai in front of them.

[It has been a while, Rumia. You look… torn up.]

Referring to how Rumia's clothes were torn and tattered, Rumia just sneered before rubbing away some dried blood from her cheek.

[What about you, are you trying to look cute?]

[It is my charm, how long as it been?]

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[Heh… a few years, Remilia… what is that to a youkai like you? Your sense of humor is twisted as ever.]

[That is short but yet long, with no one to entertain me like you can, Rumia.]

[… well here's some entertainment alright, why don't we have a ball here?]

Rumia grinned savagely as she showed her teeth to the Scarlet Sisters, she was anticipating the fun she would have as materialized a black bastard sword from the nowhere, it's edges gleaming sharp even in the darkness.

[NO! NO! NO!]

It was Flandre Scarlet who broke the happy reunion as she stamped unhappily on her sister's leg, causing Remilia's eyebrows to twitch in annoyance.

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[This is supposed to be for me and Onee-sama! Rumia-chan can't take it! Me want to play too!]

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[…]

[…]

The two elder youkai exchanged looks and it was Remilia who seemed embarrassed at her sister's actions.

[Flan… gee you're noisy]

[That bugger's your sister?]

[Unfortunately yes]

Remilia deadpanned as she looked at the approaching undead youkai army, she was totally cut off from the rest of the world, a barrier was erected all around the Scarlet Mansion and she had no allies except for herself and her own wits. Yet, bathed in the scarlet moon, she felt powerful and unstoppable and ready to take on everything and anything fate throws at her.

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[… Scarlet Devil.]

[yes?]

[…]

[Me want play!]

As a moment of silence passed between the two of them as Flan started blowing up the undead army with leviathan in tow, almost effortlessly she blew them up one by one, littering the grounds with their remains.

[… she's a good kid.]

Rumia grinned as she showed off her blade to her friend; Remilia ran a finger over it and smiled in satisfaction as she pointed to her sister, welding leviathan with one hand and blowing up youkai with her other.

[… she grows on you, doesn't she?]

Sharing the same evil grin, Rumia and Remilia followed Flandre's lead and started ripping through the undead army like they were ribbons.

The two princess of the night has reunited once again.

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[See Flan, this is HOW you play!]

[Spear: The Gungnir!]

[Fear: Engulf in Darkness!]

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[!]

Sakuya grabbed Momizi as she saved her from being killed by a zombie monster that had cornered the fearless commander. She had shown extreme bravery even when facing foes that were tens and hundred times her size and Sakuya had to salute her. She had thought she had seen it all when Reimu had defeated her berserk mistress but seeing the White Wolf Tengu hacking away at a monster's throat which was as thick as herself was enough for her to stop throwing knives for a full minute.

It was ludicrous, surely it was insane but she brought the monster down after beheading. The earth shook as the monster fell down, crushing it's companions as the White Wolf leaped from it's back, howling for blood and getting it by ramming and tearing through the gut of another unlucky victim.

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[…. Thank you…]

Momizi whispered as she pushed me away from her, her ears were folded back in embarrassment at being saved and she was anxious to get back to the battlefield.

However, I did not expect what happened next at all. First Reisen leaping from branch to branch, firing round after rounds of luminous bullets that exploded on contact, causing much grief to the enemy forces.

Next a rumbling noise was heard as several wooden pillars crashed into the undergrowth and onto the zombie army, crushing a large number of them.

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[?]

[Sowwies! I'm late!]

Hearing the voice they have been waiting for quite some time, I looked around to see that it was indeed Suika, tons of miniature Suikas' running at their feet towards the zombie army. Size did not matter as they rolled over them with nary a pause and their giggling. It was a huge purple tide that turned everything in our favor and I smiled as even the scarlet moon pulsated once, as if signaling that it indeed the time is ripe.

[It took a while to persuade them~~ with my fists of course!~~~~ LET'S PARTY!]

Simultaneously raising their purple gourds, Suika summoned a sudden flood that washed away a few of the undead youkai and from the river green forms started popping out of it and with them a bluish hair girl with a small backpack.

[Momizi-chan! I've come to help!]

[Nitori? It's the Kappa?]

It was Momizi who recognized the new allies as she rallied her white wolf guard to gather behind the river. She seemed super pumped up at seeing an acquaintance of hers and she was rearing to go, even her fur started rising in anticipation of the battle.

[CHARGEEEEEEEEEE!]

Trembling with excitement, Momizi and her force jumped across the river, and then joined ranks with the kappa, who were welding armor and swords as they attacked the enemy forces with no remorse whatsoever. It was pure carnage out there, with flashing steel meeting defenseless claws as they ripped through them like a hurricane.

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[What is going on, Sakuya-san?]

Being carried over by Suika, Reisen took a moment to bandage one of my arms again as she winced in pain, Reisen had gave it her all by holding the cats and foxes back by herself alone, allowing us to regroup and defend the line. Without her heroic act, the line would have been broken…

[I've got us some help, The Moriyas' and the Youkai mountain youkai are here!]

Suika's voiced echoed and the both of us looked up to see that indeed, the goddess Yasaka Kanako was floating above us with her divine logs all around her.

I do not have a good impression of her, the Warrior Goddess but as the saying goes:

The enemy of my Enemy is my Friend… it is hard but we will try to coexist with one another…

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Gaining confidence, I rallied the remainder of my fairy brigade and looked at them once over. They all are the pride of the Scarlet Devil mansion, even with their bodies covered with cuts and bruises, they still stood in attention and their eyes were determined.

[… Go all out, for the Mistress!]

Drawing the last set of my knives, I nicked my cheek and draw a spell circle with my own blood, causing Reisen to cry out in shock.

Right, this is my last gambit… let me see this to the end, Mistress!

[Scarred Soul: Phantomic Killer In Night Mist!]

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Waves of energy surrounded my knives as I sprung forward, hacking away at anything that I would see, this time I will make no mistake!

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[What are you guys doing damnit!]

Cursing and swearing, I watched as the men started engaging those foul things, they have no right to be here damnit, it's dangerous here!

[Oi oi! I told you, get back where it is safe!]

I was thankful for the help but it won't do any good, not when I have to save them half of the time. If anyone of them were injured Keine'll kill me… it might be worse, she might headbutt me…

Groaning when I remembered how it had hurt, I flung another fireball at the back of an engaging zombie before I ripped the head off another one. They were endless; surely there must be a better way…

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And god damn that Kaguya, fainting when I needed help, god damnit all she's a pain in the rear when it comes to helping…

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[Flaw of Forgiving Shrine!]

Placing both palms on the ground, I summoned a wave of amulets that burst forth and for a moment, held the undead horde back. If I can hold them off for a moment the men could go back at least.

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[Oi oi! I told you to go back! You're NOT helping!]

But stubborn as they are, they won't quit. Not even if they get hurt?

The sea of flames that were surrounding the village grounds was finally broken through when the undead youkai surged as one, bringing with them the flames and the noxious fumes that threatened to suffocate all of them. I had struck every one down and the men had doused the flames, a good thing but at the same time had increased their confidence by the bucketfuls… overconfident cocky bastards they are…

Now it is bedlam out here, they were fighting and running away at the same time… I can hear screams of pain and screams of battle lust all around me… Hell… god damn this is hell here..

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And then it came, I heard something else in the mixture of sounds. Not the sounds of organized feet marching nor the telltale sign of danmaku fire. In the midst of all the confusion, something was coming and that something was someone and something I knew.

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Slithering and clicking sounds coming from the forest that I had made my home before and one inhabitant I had hoped will come.

Well now, she did…

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Out of the undergrowth and from the trees came a flood of insects; gigantic insects that were the size of a kid and some even towering above me. Even monsters from your wildest imaginations like tarantulas, centipedes, millipedes and all kinds of creepy crawlies emerged from the forests behind me.

Needless to say, all hell stood still and stared at the gathering group of super bugs while I lazily yawned and stretched myself. It's bout time damnit…

With them, riding on the head of a gigantic centipede, it's eyes glowing red was a little girl with green hair, two insect like feelers on the top of her head and had a black cape all over her body.

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[Yo! Bout time you bug!]

Right when I called out to her, the first wimp started crying out and running away from them. Bunch of no good sissies…

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Flying towards her, Wriggle smiled flew to join me, the little youkai was one friend I was glad to have and behind her was the Nightbird youkai, Mystia Lorelai, flapping her wings eagerly as they exchanged high fives with me.

[So, Suika got you convinced?]

[…]

The two of them looked at one another and shook their heads collectively.

[It's Reimu… Reimu told us it is okay to help Humans… somehow.]

[Yea~~ It's Reimu~~ we just don't understand humans~~ Suika promised she'll help us~~ if we save them~~]

[Well now, but you're late.]

Hitting both their heads and enjoying the look of pain on their faces, I looked back at the once again approaching zombie hordes, those guys do never learn, do they?

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[Hmph.. I'll take you to lunch if we win.]

Grinning, I laughed when I saw that Mystia was trembling, she obviously have never been in a war before, heck I've survived lots of them. Immortality works for ya sometimes.

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[Let's go!]

With a command from Wriggle, the insects all leapt towards the zombie horde and started doing what they do best, preying on them.

As I dashed for the wall, running between them, I could see the human men standing at awe at the new force that were helping them.

Yea yea, gawk at the power you guys don't need to have. I have work to do!

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Leaping into the air, I waved thanks at Wriggle who sent a centipede for me as a platform to jump even higher as I focused on creating an all massive and aweinspiring fireball with both of my hands.

[Now take that, YUKARI!]

Flinging the fireball or rather fire-thing-that-was-bigger-than-hell-itself-thingy, I grabbed hold of the centipede and was promptly knocked back, it and I as the fireball exploded in a fiery, well fireball again.

But man it was awesome and it killed off the remaining portals Yukari had opened. Now it was time to mop up the mess left behind.

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Looking back, Mystia and Wriggle was seeing to it and I wiped my mouth, ridding myself of some dirt before I went on again, this time to the end!

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[… huff…]

Panting, I rested for a moment as I had not taken a break in nearly forever, the zombies were coming again, relentless as they were and my fist were hurting. What were these things? They were soft initially and then slowly they became tougher and harder to hit, my fists were being bruised and it was only when Koakuma, bless that little devil sent me a pair of magically infused gloves and some rations did I began taking them out easily again.

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God to know that at least some of them cared… me, all alone in the Steps of the Hakurei Shrine is hurting, not much but it sure hurts enough for me to wince with every punch that I had landed on the zombie youkais. On first noticing the zombie youkai, I had told myself that they were just passing by and if I did nothing, they would not approach me.

They might just wanted directions! Optimistically I told myself but it was wrong, as with everything that had happened this few days.

Everything is going wrong…

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[Hiyah!]

Delivering a punch in the face and a chop to the uppersection of another one, I kicked the corpse out of the way with a dazzling danmaku laced heel kick that took out a few more in rapid succession.

[Do not underestimate the power of tai-chi!]

I crowed in confidence as I dispatched of them one by one, slowly but surely. According to Koakuma, I had encountered just a fraction of what the others are facing but they had allies… all I had were my fists and feet… and of course the gloves and feetguards but, but they had someone to talk to…

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These zombie youkai are too slow and too sluggish to even match my precise movements, striking at their acupoints, weak points and connecting joints, or what was left of those joints with my fingers and heel.

Easy but tiring work, what I would not give to actually have some allies with me.

We could joke and talk while engaging them!

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[sigh…]

But it was the boredom that is killing me…

. .

It was not hard, just, irritating like swatting mosquitos.

At least, till more of them came…

It came like a wave of bodies, stinking and dirty as their claws reached for me. The new arrivals were faster and more adapt at blocking and anticipating my slower movements. They were a challenge. In a one on one duel, I would certainly have won.

But, as per usual with fate, it came not in the ones or twos, it came in the tens and quite soon I was slowly being driven back.

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[Light Sign: Brilliant Light Gem!]

Charging energy, I kicked it towards the chasing bodies and sighed when they were merely hampered by it.

[… let's just end this…]

Jumping up, I slammed my fist on the first zombie that I met and followed it up with a sweeping kick that knocked the rest of the pursuers down the steps and it was a case of just smashing their heads as they struggled to get back up.

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[?]

Hearing sounds of cries and of things breaking, I hurried back to my post to see two fairies, two that I knew were herding the remaining zombie youkai to a corner.

[Neighbor?]

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[Zero Vulcan!]

Shards of ice flew from Cirno's wings as they struck and shattered into brilliant fragments. Beside Cirno was her constant companion, the Great Fairy, Daiyousei.

She's a nice girl who has good taste in tea, Cirno however, although my neighbor is a very slow and silly one.

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[China!]

[Meiling-san…]

Narrowing my eyes, I grabbed a nearby body and threw it at the two of them, intent in relieving myself of anger.

[My name is Hong Meiling!]

[Yes China!]

[Yes, Meiling-san…]

Ahh.. at least there is Daiyousei around…

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[We came to play!]

[… fine, just don't mess up the steps!]

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All around Gensokyo, the people were fighting back and it brought more hope to me, if they can do it… surely I can too!

Hope, such a beautiful and wondrous thing that can give me strength.

Just like the prayers that I had said, just like the encouragement all my friends gave me… Hope, beliefs and faith is transient but they all gave us and me strength.

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Smiling, I looked at Suika to see that she was glaring angrily at Yukari, the both of them were glaring at each other ever since Suika's appearance and it seemed to me that Yukari was a little apprehensive about what to do about Suika.

She was shaking with anger too as she lowered herself slowly down to earth, Ran by her side. The five of us cautiously looked at one another, Yukari and Ran at one side and Suika, Alice and me in the other.

Like Suika said, aid had come from all around Gensokyo and it seems like Yukari's planned were foiled, at least for now. She could not possibly just accept this, can she?

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[Suika…]

[Yukari…]

The two ancient friends and foes just glared at one another till Yukari blew up.

[YOU MEDDLING FOOL!]

[SHUT UP, YUKARI!]

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Their voices created quite a stir and the both of us took a nervous step back, unsure what to actually to defuse the situation. The both of them only have themselves in their eyes, anyone and anything else would not matter to them now.

I knew that deep inside me and I gave them some space, took the opportunity to prepare myself… there was still a long stretch to the finishing line.

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[YOU HAD GONE TOO FAR! THIS IS THE END! YOU FAILED, YUKARI!]

[… …]

Wordless, Yukari grumbled something to Ran before whipping her fan out and fanning herself. Was Suika right, is everything all over now? If it is… thank god…

But then, Suika and Yukari just disappeared from the face of the earth, I could not sense their presence at all and it disturbed me greatly, where had they gone?

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Offering a small prayer to the Great Hakurei Spirit, they just as suddenly appeared in front of me and urgently pushed something into my hands. It was her gohei, I recognized the grooves and the torn edges of it as she took Sanae's gohei from me.

Suika's face was unlike the carefree and easy-going expression she had all the time, she was not even drinking sake!

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[Alice… you'll haf to handle here, got me?]

But instead of talking to me, Suika held one of my hand and turned to face Alice.

[Yes, there is no problem. I will still remain here, this is my home, Suika.]

Alice was as composed as ever, she had taken the opportunity to regroup her dolls and she was looking much better now.

[Listen Reimu… Yukari's not quitting…]

[Ah…]

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That was to be expected after all, she is Yukari, she would not give up without a fight…

[I'll take care of Ran… you take care of Yukari, we'll win this and prove her wrong. She's wrong, Reimu… her ways are wrong.]

Hugging me from behind, Suika grinned as she took off into the air, she was showing her faith in me, her faith that I can defeat Yukari. Funny we would rely on each other so badly...

[Reimu, I'll come back, we'll sleep together okay? And, And Reimu! I wanna eat something nice too! Then we gonna play again, right, right! That's a promise, Reimu!]

Watching her soar into the air, I sighed and took a deep breath. She was behind me, I was silly not to realize it… She was Yukari after all…

Alice was gone and so was Ran… so she had been waiting for me again, it is not polite to keep her waiting I guess…

Even if it will kill me, even if I have to give everything I have… even if I have to sacrifice myself… I will stop Yukari, whatever her plan is..

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That is a promise… Suika…

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[So let's start, Yukari!]

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[… So… Reimu…]

Pacing in front of me, Yukari smiled in the face of difficulty, the whole of Gensokyo had more or less gathered together to rally against the force that was trying to change the face of Gensokyo as we knew it… we had wondered what she meant to do but we would not want to find out first hand…

It must be a prophecy after all, the nightmare that started this sequence of events that brought me back to Gensokyo to stop Yukari…

Oh Great Hakurei Spirit… be with me till the end…

Offering a silent prayer, I waved a few ofudas in front of me and told Yukari that it was all over.

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[It's over, Yukari…]

[Says you, Reimu… I was going easy on you…]

[Liar…]

[Yes, I am, aren't I? I never go easy on you, Reimu… we promised one another… didn't we?]

She smiled like the Yukari I knew and I felt my heart ache, somewhere in that twisted personality was the Yukari I knew, Suika knew and Gensokyo knew…

I found myself trying hard not to cry even when facing her, a moment of weakness will not do… especially when I had gone past the point of no return.

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[… even if I had gone over the other side then… it is over… Yukari…]

[?]

She seemed puzzled and if she was not, I would be very surprised. After all, my final move towards the queen was one of the hidden aces in my sleeves. Yukari had me cornered in one path, the path to sacrifice myself for Alice and that was the true and only path I could take in that circumstances.

But, I could deviant the path, couldn't I?

The spell I was prepared to unleash was shelved away and was thrown out as a shield against Ran, I was unsure at that time whether it would work but thanks to Suika, I did not have to find out. The spell however was readied and waiting for this moment…

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The four amulets that was forming a square with Yukari at the center glowed brightly and I threw the remaining two on top and below of Yukari as I felt a surge of power inside me, causing me to glow slightly.

Yukari must have sensed something was wrong as she attempted to escape from the area, but it was too late… this border is mine!

[Divine Arts: "Omnidirectional Dragon Slaying Circle!"]

Stepping lightly twice, the entire square grid was instantly covered with holy fire, burning as brightly as the sun itself and the flames were tall enough to cover a few feet into the air.

Amidst the fire, I could hear Yukari screaming in pain and agony as she was caught, unable to escape and was forced to endure the entirety of the spell, one of my last trump cards.

I knew the burst of light would be visible to everyone else in Gensokyo… may it provide hope for the people…

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Oh great Hakurei Spirit…

Bless the people,

Bless the Spirits…

Help me Save the Gensokyo that we love!

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It was like a beacon of hope as I watched the pillar of light burst into being in the horizon. From the Hakurei Shrine the view was spectacular and I knew from then on that Reimu was alright, she had found herself again… not putting all the blame on herself, not living because of others fully but living and fighting for what she believed in.

Reimu, you signify our hope! At least… mine, I know you can do it, I know you will make Yukari see sense and the blinding tower of light did nothing to waver my faith, it bolstered it…

Reimu is trying her best… and I, Kamishirasawa Keine should continue to do so..

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If I want the dream of Youkai and humans coexisting together peacefully to come true, I must do my part!

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[Light Sign: First Pyramid!]

Firing a triangle formation of light at the approaching zombie horde, I sighed softly as it stopped them in it's tracks like I had hoped, catching them on fire and generally flailing about in panic.

Likewise, in the air beside me, Patchouli-san was firing fireballs and bursts of wind at the other direction, into the forest of magic while I covered the tracks of Mokou and Houraisan-san…

Directly behind us, Eirin Yagokoro was assisting the line of defense that we had drawn while below us, Shameimaru-san and Kochiya Sanae-san was assisting Miss Meiling and her friends in protecting the centre of the chaos, the Hakurei Shrine.

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From the beginning, Eirin had known that the most logical place that Yakumo Yukari would want to take over was the most prominent and important place in Gensokyo, the Hakurei Shrine.

In a location that overlooked the rest of Gensokyo and placed so near to the Hakurei border, Eirin brought that point up with the assurance that it too was the easiest to defend due to it's geographical location.

Somehow, her prophesies did come true and Yukari's army just headed straight for it like bees to a beehive, they ignored everything else, from the Youkai mountain to the Sanzu River and just for the Shrine.

It was unfortunate that the Human village, the forest of magic and The Scarlet Devil Mansion was directly in the way and thus small forces were placed there to defend the position, not to stop them but to defend the position as they saw fit.

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Even as the situation was dire, we had hoped in one another and of the promise of reinforcements from Suika…

But as the day dragged on and we were forced to assist in the battle instead of finding information and history about the motives of Yakumo Yukari, we faced despair and defeat was looming in the horizon for us.

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But for some of us, especially those in the skies, Reimu was the source of our hope… as long as she kept fighting, kept struggling and kept believing in herself and in us, we can go on…

The Hakurei Shrine Maiden, the symbol of hope and strength, the one who holds the belief and hope of Gensokyo in her hands was all that kept most of us going…

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But to those who were in the front line, such consolation was not enough…

The sacrifices were enormous, the pain and suffering were untold of… how can they even believe in something that seemed impossible…

I saw the hope drain from those struggling by themselves, from Remilia Scarlet the fear of death, from Miss Meiling the burden of responsibility, from Houraisan-san the feeling of weakness and despair and from Reisen-san never ending regret…

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And even I, Kamishirasawa Keine started to weaken even in the face of the Crimson Moon placed there just for me, my powers to alter history…

Then, like I said… the beacon of hope lighted the sky…

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Reimu, we believe in you, so… so please

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[Save Gensokyo, Reimu!]

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Author's Notes: R&R Would be nice