Steward Of Paradise At Work

by Tall-Gothic-Guy

I didn't come here to meet shrine maidens or monsters. I didn't come here to erect a cross. No one even told me about magic being a thing here. Actually, I didn't expect myself to be here at all. I was simply chasing a woman who created eye portals. But it beats being a runaway thief. I just wish I knew sooner, that this place will never give me a break, not even God...Bring it on.

9. DTM: Don't Trust Marisa

It was another regular day in Gensokyo, no major incidents to deal with, no whimsical Youkai to subjugate, no leaf to sweep in the Hakurei Shrine thanks to Reimu's personal housekeeper and Gensokyo's resident Christian. He earned his keep as usual today, somehow waking up as early as 5:00 as per usual and managing to be able to watch a sunrise from the horizon. He quoted it 'fairly beautiful but nonetheless captivating'. He wished he brought with him his sunglasses but the sight was too beautiful to miss.

After seeing that the sun had now rose from the horizon, he went about with his task of sweeping the shrine grounds as per custom, front and back, even the rooftop (since Suika wasn't there). With a leaf-free shrine in the vicinity, it was a good time for some exercises. Shirt off, necklace off, and tuck the ankle cuffs of the pajama pants to the socks, he took a challenge:

Handstand at the top of the stairway to the shrine, just underneath the torii archway.

His back facing the sun and outwards the descent of the stairs, he is currently bathing in warm sunlight to clash against the morning cold. His pale flesh, gift of God, stood out more than his current position thanks to the sun's light almost reflecting it. With a few shaky hands at first and a slight wobble, he is managing a perfect posture—he is but a statue, his silky hair and the occasional breathing the only parts of him that's moving.

My mind is free. My mind is not bound. My mind belongs to none. My mind is forever.

Or so he thinks.

My mind has no emotions. My mind is stoic. My mind is but a shell. My mind shall be shut.

My mind is free of fear. Free of apprehension. Free of anticipation. Free of distress.

No hate. No stress. No bothers. No worry.

No way. No want. No worry.

I am intangible yet felt. I am shapeless yet seen. I am voiceless yet heard. I am one with nature.

My mind is free. I feel naught but nature. She continues to live. Continues to pass she will.

I am but a shell without nothing. Empty as a seedless grape. Hollow as a bamboo tube. Clear as the blue skies above.

At first, he didn't know what he was doing, he doesn't know if he was doing this thing right at all. He was beginning to question just why was he even doing this in the first place. It was completely pointless. but now, it seemed like the entire thing was indeed worth it, despite the pointless minutes he had to maintain the same position in spite of his annoyance. Now he has achieved perfect enlightenment and a full state of peace, all things around him seemed to float and his thoughts are devoid of everything to the brim.

Just like Reimu's donation box.

"What are you doing?"

[WHUUUAAAAA!]

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

Whoo! Ho! Ho! Holy shit! Holy crap, I nearly tipped over and fell all the way down the stairs. Thank God for that! "Thank you, Priestess. You saved me." You caught my legs before I got tipped over, you're a life saver. No, that isn't the right words to say. "No. I should be scolding you for disrupting the peace, my dear." It's a little hard to look at Master's face since my visions starting to adjust to the extreme light, and her facial expressions are a little off at the moment since she's upside down and not upright like usual in my point of view. "I nearly earned myself a couple of broken bones because of you."

"And you say that as if you nearly got caught in the rain, I don't think you'd care even if you broke a few bones or two."

[Hey! Uncalled for!] "I DO care if I get injured!"

"There's the reaction I'm looking for." She giggled.

"Wha—"

Am I seeing this right now? Is my master and hostess this kind of a person? Am I seriously living with this kind of person?

She chuckled, "Just kidding." She pulled my ankles to angle them pointing backwards, away from the stairs. "Come on, stand up and back away from the stairs. You're sweating a lot and your hands are shaking."

Can't you tell that they're shaking the sooner you disturbed me?

Once she released her hold of me, I quickly bent my elbows and tilted my legs back to being vertical, keeping myself balanced and properly upright in the handstand. Afterwards, I heaved a sharp breath before I twisted around and walked towards the left side of the cobblestone path.

On my hands.

They're a little stiff since I couldn't really tell how long I've been meditatin' but I can cover at least a little distance before I flip the switch and go back as Upright Eman (he's a great guy, you should meet him). Right now, I'll just 'walk' over to the folded shirt I left over there on the small patch of grass found just near the bushes.

I snuck a glance: Reimu held nothing back as she was giggling uncontrollably with her fist covering her laughing mouth. Is she not used to seeing this or is Gensokyo deprived from silly performances like this?

Gotta admit…..she had a cute laugh.

Now, the black shirt folded to a square resting on clean grass is right before me, and atop of the clothing was a shiny piece I kept since I graduated from middle school. A silver chained rosary with strikingly shiny beads, and the moderate sized crucifix at the end after the first five beads was the best part of it. Nailed to the miniature cross was Jesus himself, the piece even had a detailed crown of thorns and the INRI above his head was clear and easy to read, even if small. One of the stuff I never stole, and one of the most treasured things I have. Something I will never hand over to anybody.

The person who gave this to me….hah, I missed you so. I hope you have a merry day in paradise, Emanuella.

Alright, time to become Upright Eman in three….two and…..Hup!

I hopped off the ground and I kicked my feet forward to the ground.

Ha~ That felt great for the arms now that they're off the muscle work. Feels like a good moment to twist my back for a crackle now~

Massaging my biceps a little to relieve the stiffness and wiping a few sweats off my brow, I tilted my neck to make it crackle as I reached down to grab the rosary first. Its texture's a little chilly from the morning cold but I don't mind. My body's a little burning at the moment.

Placing it at my neck, getting myself a minor frostbite from the kiss of the cold steel to my skin, I quickly wiped the sweat out of my forehead before I took the shirt and walked over to the Shrine, going around it and heading for the back.

Once I reached the backyard porch, I slumped down on the edge, "Haah," Ah, feels nice to be off my feet, and that's kinda odd considering I've been standing on my hands for who knows how long.

After a while of singing some classics in my brain, a sleeved wrist was resting on my shoulder, holding a cup of tea. Oh, it's you, "Thank you, Reimu."

"Thanks for the trouble of working for me." She returned, taking a seat beside me. Huh, she's kneeling the Japanese way (it was called seiza, right?), and it looks really formal like I expected. Won't that hurt the knees or anything? Your legs could sleep doing that. "And you still haven't found a proper home yet in the Village." She remarked with a dull tone.

Gulp. I'm blowing my tea here, definitely not blushing hard out of embarrassment, "My apologies." I sheepishly replied, ducking my head low. "Marisa was quite the lead when she toured me around."

"You were in the village, how could you forget what you were supposed to do when it's right there in front of you yesterday?" She asked with a frown.

Shiiit, this is so humiliating, "Things...got out of hand when we arrived."

"So you're saying you got hooked in whatever whim Marisa has..."

Uh yeah.

"And you let it happen?" She remarked with quite a bite in her tone.

...I nodded.

And she groaned, holding her forehead, "Either Marisa got too excited or are you really that shortsighted that you can't even focus on what you're supposed to do...ugh."

Geez, I'm really starting to look like a complete disappointment. Geez, I just got too excited in the tour yesterday, jumping all over the village instead of going for the right people to ask for a house to live in. I was expecting to change but there's still traces of my immaturity in me, and ended up earning the displeasure of my landlady. Sigh.

"...My apologies." How many times have I said that, seriously? The more I say that, the more I just feel like a total dumbass. It feels like I'm just screwing up from time to—

She shook her head, "No, no. It's fine." She dully said. "Partly my fault anyway. Maybe I shouldn't have trusted Marisa to do a good job. She could'a gotten you killed at some point."

Uh, just yesterday she nearly had us both skidding our faces on the side of Youkai Mountain, I think it's too late for you to say that, Master.

"It happened, didn't it?" She suddenly asked in a monotone.

Wha-what? "What?"

"You nearly died yesterday, didn't you? I could see it on your face."

.…..Master, I don't think I'm comfortable 'round you anymore, you could end up looking through my darkest secrets just by looking at me funny.

Nonetheless, I ended up chuckling. For what reason, I don't know, might as well roll with it, "You got me." I admitted, scratching my temple, "A close call when we passed by Youkai Mountain."

"I knew it." She muttered. "Shouldn't have trusted her."

"Come now." I attempted to appease her, "I'm still here, no? We did laugh it off as some form of joke."

She glared at me, "It's not funny, Eman." She sharply retorted. "If your arm gets bitten off by a Youkai, nobody's gonna be laughing. You don't even have one spell card, and if Remilia had challenged you to a Spell Card Battle yesterday, you would've been dead, even if you know how to defend yourself. Fighting a Youkai is not like fighting another human, okay?"

Her tone really hit me hard, it's like I'm being lectured by my big sister, "Can you blame me?" I meekly asked rhetorically, "I do not treat dangerous situations the same way common people do. I am indeed agitated when Ms. Sakuya attacked me. Nearly dying from a dangerous stunt is not out of the ordinary for me. Most I succeeded, most I failed, and I paid with mild or severe injuries. But in the end, I'm still here, despite such shortcomings on my part. But do acknowledge this, " I raised one finger, looking at her grimly. This is serious, Reimu, you better listen so you could never worry too much and waste personal energy on me all the time. "When I get attacked, I do not laugh it off."

She gave me a blank stare, awaiting for more clarifications.

Here's my clarification to my claim: "In a clash with my heart on the line, I never see it the same way I perceive a particularly risky stunt. Why? Because the danger I feel in that moment is never like running through obscure terrain. It is a situation where I am certain that I might possibly get killed. I'm confident with my running ability, but to hold a knife against an aggressive enemy who is intent on killing me doesn't make me feel the same way. The flow of adrenaline, the rush of the moment, the stress of the inevitable, the FEAR of it all—fighting is too different compared to free-roaming. Defending myself against murder is not so common before in my former life. Maintaining my calm in the middle of it is not easy anymore, the thought of my life being in certain danger falters me, and I kept wishing things didn't come this way or even happened.

"In my experience, there is one very distinct difference in a murder fight from a free-roam: It is not fun. It is humorless, dreadfully humorless. I cannot laugh in the midst of it, I cannot enjoy myself in the midst of it, I cannot even revel in the thrill of the moment. I was not the one putting myself in danger, someone else was, and I cannot laugh this off and make it a joke story once it was over, because there is nothing to laugh at in this situation. Nothing.

"A living and breathing and thinking Outer Force is my danger. Nothing is under my control anymore. When I could abandon doing a stunt just by walking away, it is impossible for me to walk away from a fight, because the Outer Force will not allow it. The Outer Force is unpredictable unlike the terrain of the environment where it could be memorized, the Outer Force can strategize, read my body movements and use it against me. The Outer Force, who was my enemy, only wants to beat me senseless, or even kill me. If I want to walk out with lesser amount of injuries in my person as much as possible, I must act against it. Because if I don't, there can only be one result: and that is me dying on the floor, unless my aggressor is the first to be in such a state.

"I am genuinely agitated and distressed when I am put in such a situation. That is why I must ensure that my enemy does not have the slightest trace of consciousness before I could assure myself that I was the victor, that my enemy will not rise up and strike me from behind or attack me when my guard is down, that I survived the fight and guaranteed myself to live another day."

I turned to face Reimu with a solemn grimace, "This I promise to you." I raise my right hand and place my vow, "I pledge with all my heart that I will not endanger my own life to the whims of a sentient being that desires conflict when my victory is not guaranteed." I lowered my hand, giving her a gentle smile, "Rest assured, Reimu. I will certify that no matter what danger befalls me, I will come back to this shrine, tell you all about the exciting happenings I went through, and continue sweeping the leaves of your shrine."

...Oh my goodness.

I just realized...I just realized that I have not vowed like that to another person in a long time, not since my little sister. Making a promise, reciting vows, all that crap, I can't believe I haven't done that in a while. And to do this again...it's actually feels very fulfilling. It's like I just made the greatest decision in my life. I finally gave my existence meaning and usefulness.

I think I just gave myself a purpose. A purpose to hold on to. A purpose to have as a citizen in Gensokyo, I finally found it. And that purpose is to go through every darkness this mystical and magical world has to offer, revel in the unnatural experiences, gather all of the good spoils of each triumphant journey, meet every special individual, fight battles I never fought before, go through everything to know this new home of mine, and come back to this old, worn-out shrine that housed a particular woman named Reimu Hakurei to celebrate the wonderful accomplishments along with the friends I'll gather along the way.

Looks like I got lucky, Lady Scarlet. I found the best apple in the pile.

Reimu's blank stare was gone, she was now looking...sincere, perhaps? I can't find the right word for it: her eyes are downcast in thought, head slightly hung in understanding, and her lips are pursed only lightly as she took all of my words in. After a few seconds, she finally composed herself and pointed her stare at the clearing past the backyard, "Just don't die." She told me in the same casual voice, but this time it did not sound bored, it had the touch of solemnity. She wants me to uphold my words, down to the very last letter.

I couldn't hold back the big happy smile on my face anymore. I bowed formally to her and spoke with my most gracious voice, "As you wish, Master."

"Hm." She grunted, finally drinking her tea.

"In my next excursion for a proper residence, hopefully it bears our desired good results." And hopefully without Marisa purposely throwing me into a shitstorm for shits and giggles, or leaving me behind again. "And when that happens, you will no longer have me leeching your food supply anymore."

She was still, after a few seconds she turned to me, "That's practically the first time anybody said something like that to me. Usually nobody cares about how much their mooching out of me." She looked away for just a second before she turned to me, "So uh.…..thanks." She lightly bowed in gratitude before facing forward and drank her tea delicately.

Despite how kinda...light it was, that amount of gratitude is enough to make me smile. Being the first to care about her well-being, I wonder what kind of friends Reimu has. Whoever they are, they should learn to care about their poor friend here. She needs to live too, you know.

I patted her shoulder gently and said, "You're welcome. Even if I found my proper home, I will still come visit here anytime I like and be at your disposal in any way that you see fit for me. Consider it as a token of my gratitude." It may look like I'm willingly letting myself be her slave but I don't see it that way. I consider it my way of showing how much I grateful I am to people who did more for me than they should. Because of Reimu and her subtle concern for me, I was able to discover my purpose in living. That's not a minor thing, not since I lost the person I loved long ago.

She nodded, "Hm, thanks in advanced, by the way." Yay~! Not a simple grunt anymore!

Taking a sip of my now warm tea, Ah~ still good. "By the way, the Scarlet Devil Mansion's librarian has some questions regarding my blood."

"Patchouli?" Yep, her. "That's something. Why do you think she's interested?"

"That's what I want to know as well." This is a very serious matter. If it's about my blood, I'm very concerned. "I'm very sensitive when it comes to my blood."

She looked at me, "Why? Is there anything special about it?"

"To me, it is." I made sure to hold back from saying that it's also important to others as well, I think that might've come off as cocky, and I don't like doing that. "I have the rarest blood type among other blood types in the world, O-negative."

"What's so special about O-negative?"

"It is universally transferrable. Any other blood type can receive a blood transfusion from me and have no side effect."

She raised an eyebrow at me, "There are side effects when transferring blood?"

How could you not know that, Reimu? You gotta know this knowledge, you could end up getting the wrong blood type and you'll be getting sick otherwise if you don't know what you're doing, "There can be if the blood type you receive does not match yours. Unless you are an AB-positive, you cannot transfuse any blood type to your own without suffering complications in your health and immune system." I gestured to myself, "My blood is O-negative, no one will suffer side effects if they transfuse my blood to theirs."

"I know, you already said that." She pointed out.

"Right." I nodded, "If I wanted a transfusion, there is less than 30% chance of people having the same blood type as me."

"So you're basically screwed when you're bleeding and needed a blood transfer."

Yeeup, that's usually the case, Reimu.

"Isn't what you're usually doing already dangerous? You don't even know how to fly yet, you could end up bleeding to the death at some point. Why continue doing it?"

Yeah, yeah, I get that a lot, "I continue doing it because I can, and I shall continue to do so in the future. Besides, I'm aware of the risks that comes with what I do." I suffered the consequences oh so many times before. I always think of the risks whenever I do stunts that I do not consider a cakewalk. If I fail, I admit that it's not easy and walk away bruised or bleeding, "I have nothing to worry about with the easiest executions but when I execute the most extreme stunts, that is where caution has a position, Reimu."

"And is what you did on the stairs cautious?"

Whoops, hehe! I forgot about that! "That was different." It was different, I swear. I didn't think I was in danger until you scared the hell out of me, "I was simply sampling an experiment I had in mind for a while."

"And?"

"Well, it actually worked." Until you came in and nearly sent me flying down the stairs. "I wish you hadn't interrupted."

"I did it anyway so you'll have to live with it." She simply said, taking a drink from her cup. "The wind could've knocked you down and kill you."

Fair enough, that's a plausible reason. "A thank you is in order then." I'll take a sip from the tea now.

I hope this checkup in the Mansion has good results. My blood was more than precious, it was more than a rarity, it was my means of provision. I don't usually live off of stealing other people's shit outside, there was an alternative for me if I wanted any money. And that is bloodletting. I never liked being a thief, not at all. I get so guilty whenever I end up taking something from people. I was never a serial thief, I don't steal everyday, I steal when it was necessary. A necessary evil I have to commit.

A selfish necessary evil.

Bloodletting is more like an act of compensation instead of actual altruism. The nature of the operation and the kind of symbolism I see behind it, it was the most fitting thing I could do as a thief. There was no way I was selfless when I do not even have much to give. I always carry the mindset that whenever I steal something, I ruined someone's life. That much nags my conscience by a large margin, and I don't want my sanity breaking itself apart from that. Giving away my blood is more than enough to pay for the damages and tell my consciences to shut up.

Giving away my blood is the better alternative for me to get money. The usual 50 and 80 bucks is enough to last me an entire week. Bananas and apples don't cost much, and water bottles are affordable. Didn't mean that it's easy to have it. I have to make sure that my blood is clean and safe for donations, and that I need to have a healthy breakfast beforehand. As if I could meet any of that shit, I'm poor and I could barely get myself a week's worth of food before I donate this blood!

Even so, I was a persistent motherfucker. I did all that I could to meet the Doc's expectations, and I fucking pulled it all off. My blood is donated, and I get money out of it. Then there we go, I'm not going to steal from anybody from a while. I also had to take care of the usual side effect of weakness and the cold whenever I was done donating. I couldn't even wall-run a wall whenever it happens. But hey, I didn't complain. A moment's rest is a time of silence, and I like silent moments just to make sure my thoughts are arranged and organized. I'm already crazy, no need to make it worse with prolonged exposure to unhealthy noises.

It's been that way since then, all those months in the Outside World. I struggled to stay healthy, I struggled to make sure I don't end up stealing from anybody and stuck to donating for money, I even fucked myself over just to extort or steal from criminals and drug fucks. I even got Wanted in the Police Station that I had no choice but to move to another city.

Thankfully, I found the best clinic I could find when I did. Doctor Christopher's clinic.

…..…..…..

Damn it, I miss the man. He was the kindest soul I ever met in my life. He knew what I was, he knew that I was a thief, he knew that I had no home, no friend, no family, and nobody to turn to, he even knew why I even considered bloodletting. Despite him knowing that I was a Wanted robber, he never turned me in. He…pitied me. He gave me more than what I usually get, enough to last not 2 weeks but an entire month. Always saying 'come back soon' with a kind smile whenever I walk out of the clinic just to have some runs. He even took me in when winter came.

…..fucking dammit! He was too kind for this world. For all he had done for me, I could only pay him back in my prayers. I prayed for him everyday, I prayed blessings for him, I prayed for his health, I prayed for his job, I prayed that all of God's blessings be handed down to him for everything he's done to me. There was no way for me to repay everything he had done for me. He gave me shelter just so I don't freeze to death in the winter, he made sure I was well-fed to make sure I don't resort to stealing out of desperation, he made me live a legitimate family life in his care along with his wife, and even considered me as part of his own.

I miss him, I miss him so much. He was the closest I could ever legitimately call my father. My real father never showed me that much attention, care, and concern, not even close. Doc's probably thinking I got caught, I never contacted him what happened to me since I left. I hope he moves on soon, there's no point for him to worry about me now. His baby girl will be born, grow up to be a healthy and bright young woman, soon she will leave the house and decide her own future. As a parent, it will soon become his right to respect the child's wishes. I was his preparation for that future: he took care of me to be a fine young man, and I finally left his home to decide for myself. And look where that got me, I was placed in a land where I could no longer steal again, I was made reborn by God, whole and happy, and I end up having friends who I am more than willing to give everything I have for.

[…Dammit.] I muttered, drinking the last of my tea before setting the cup down beside me and scratching my head.

I feel like I'm gonna cry. I did it, I actually did it. I'm FREE. I'm actually free from the suffering, I no longer have to steal from people anymore, I can no longer face guilt now, everything I had done that did me nothing but hurt me and give me pain all over. I'm no longer going to sin, not anymore.

I grasped the rosary through my shirt, closing my eyes to stop the tears from falling off, muttering my prayers, {Salamat, Lord. Salamat.}

I thank my parents who left me to suffer in their home, for they gave me the motivation to leave the house and face the cruel earth that is reality. I thank every single person who hated me, because they made me stronger than I was 2 years ago. I thank every person who hit me, because they made me see what cruelty and evil looks like. I thank Doctor Christopher who cared for me, because of him I found Yukari. I thank Yukari Yakumo, for she gave me a new place to start over. Lastly, I thank God for making everything happen.

Every suffering is worth it. Hang on to hope and you'll be satisfied. Doctor Christopher told me.

A hand held on to my shoulder gently. I opened my eyes, a rogue tear managing to leak out of my left eye before I turned to my left. Reimu had placed her hand on my shoulder, giving me a comforting squeeze as she looked at me with a face that didn't held the usual boredom and stoic expression she carried all the time. She was solemn, and her eyes were close to revealing sympathy and compassion.

I wiped my eyes before I held onto her hand and interlocked my fingers with hers, taking as much comfort she was willing to give in order to console me. She placed her cup down and put her other hand atop mine, squeezing gently. She doesn't even know half of what happened to me, what I did, what I once was, and what actually happened to me that made me a thief, yet she was giving me this much effort to make sure I was okay. Her gesture, even though it was so small it barely even compared to everything Christopher gave me, she was giving me the same value of kindness as him with just this much.

[God bless you, Reimu.] I'm glad I met you, Master.

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

After a simple breakfast, consisting of more rice cakes and tea, I settled down on the front of the shrine's veranda, pulling on a few strands of my smooth black hair absentmindedly, and waiting for Marisa to come by. Never really told her the specific time to come here and it's still early in the morning so I don't know when she'll arrive. But I prefer as soon as before noon; the longer the sunshine lasts while I'm in the mansion, the better.

I am going to a vampire's mansion for a blood test. If others were in my place, they should be worried. I bet Patchouli's gonna take more than the average amount of blood off my body just to fill a shot glass for the Draculina's daily doses.

Or worse, a wine glass.

Urrrghh, I'm feeling the chills already.

Is that vampiress so noble that she'd rather have it served on a platter or teacup by Ms. Sakuya the maid instead of the usual custom of biting a person's neck?

I guess the notion is more…noble than the standard vampire's. Just thinking about Remilia sucking on my neck is way too…..urrrggghhh. What she did yesterday, it was uncomfortable. I ain't gonna say that it didn't feel good, it was just uncomfortable.

I clasped my jugulars with both hands, as if I was keeping it warm from feeling even more chilly willies. Creepy. Don't wanna think about it. Out of my head. Out. Go.

*Sweep. Sweep. Sweep.*

Reimu's doing her work as usual today. The winds had finally decided to be a jerkass and just straight up blew over some more leaves to the shrine grounds for her to sweep up. This time, I'll let her be. I already did my part. I'm just gonna sit down here on the porch and try to think up a few plans for the future.

Like learning some magic!

It sounded like a dumb ambition, but hey! This is Gensokyo, baby! Anythin's possible. Marisa is my piece of evidence. She says so herself that she's a human capable of casting magic, and she earned that privilege through hard work and study. Every Harry Potter nerd in the real world would be killing each other just to learn under her watch, or even Patchouli's. If I were to consider her librarian status and the fact that this was (frickin') Gensokyo, she'd be a mage herself. Though with the way she looked: extremely anemic, her voice soft as if being mindful of a coughing fit had she raised her voice, her movements slow and light as if lethargic, I'm going to find out if she's a really tough mage compensating her absolutely fragile form with clusters of powerful spells.

But first things first: find out what's the peculiarity found in my precious blood, then I will start being a sorceress's apprentice.

…..but.…..

…..Do I need scientific knowledge first?

That sounds…..not good to me. At all. My grades in physics and chemistry are such an eyesore. I'm good at geology, astrology, biology, but not anything that involves numbers and calculations. Look at my math score, it's good enough to be a complete disappointment and enough to have myself receive some pats on the backs from dudes that'll say 'I feel you, man'.

If those two things (physics and mathematics) are a requirement before being a magician, then being one is going to be a lot harder than it looks.

I hope being a magician is not the only alternative to having super powers. Don't wanna believe the fact that I'm an outsider that cannot be influenced with the air of Gensokyo that grants a human magical capabilities until I've been proven so. If I'm actually a normal here, then I'll just stick to my acrobatics as my offense/defense.

Not gonna be happy about it though.

I still want at least a little change in the way MY world works (by which I mean my personal existence in Gensokyo), you know. I don't wanna remain like this powerless vessel. No offense, Lord. The acrobats are really appreciated, really.

Sigh.…..

Welp, time for another one. I fished around my pockets for the change I took. Maybe doing this will make me feel better.

Let's see now…

Hmm, another 500 yen? I thought I took a 100 instead of this but eh, whatever.

Here you go, Master. Here's a coin for your efforts. Flick *Ping!* and…..*Clatter*

Ergh, still painful to hear. The sound of complete emptiness in that box makes me want to cry. It's like watching a crappy Youtube video getting at least one hit from a really considerate viewer. At least that's a 1000 on your savings now.

I looked up to the shrine maiden: she either saw or heard what I did but the main point was that she is completely frozen save for her robes and hair fluttering by the wind, her eyes fixated on her precious box, her broom fell off her hands and her mouth…! Her mouth…!

Pffffttt, oh dear! I'm so sorry, I can't help it….! It's so funny watching the shrine maiden's mouth unhinge like that! I don't feel like closing that mouth of hers, I'd rather watch and see how long until she recovers from her shock. Wish I got my phone with me, took a picture of it then make it my wallpaper but it's in my tent and if I move, she'd break out of the stupor.

Too bad I have to break her out of that stupor, those leaves are not gonna sweep themselves anyway. If she leaves those alone for one minute, another winds gonna mess it up and she'll be sent back to square one.

Curling my fingers and forming a little cup beside my mouth, I hollered with a slight rasp as if I was being an overbearing jerkass boss ordering a stalled employee. [Oi! Get back to work, missy!]

As expected she jumped and gave a slight yelp. Never have I thought that I would see the stoic and cool shrine maiden react like that. "Wha-what did you say?"

*Chuckle* I waved her off, "Return to the task at hand, Priestess. The wind might settle and ruin your handiwork~" I chided with a smirk, crossing my arms.

"Uh—uh, right." She picked up the fallen broom and quickly continued to sweep the leaves and dust. For a little moment, she was still. Then she looked over her shoulder to stare back at me, "But did you…..uh…." She subtly gestured to the box.

I nodded, and her expression brightened before she turned away, the sight makes me feel a little warm inside. Helping people really does feel good. "You're welcome." I called.

"….thanks." That 'thanks' was a little faint because of the wind and the distance between us but I heard it. Faint but I heard it. Makes my patronage worth it. She looked sideways to me, a small smile crossing her face, "I see you're doing alright."

Oh, you talkin' about my sob moment earlier? It's fine, not like I don't break down weeping like a mess every so often back in the outside world, I know how to recover from it all on my own. A prayer and a little bit of spiritual comfort is enough to help me, but the fact that you had to take initiative and comfort me does much more, it is such a sweet gesture. You are seriously starting to worm your way into this stony heart of mine. "All thanks to you, Master." I smiled.

Simple Letitia rule: if you want more of our kindness, just say 'thanks' and you get another one coming. Make us say 'thank you' instead, you get something even better.

"Hmm." She simply nodded and went back to her work.

She's usually composed, one to not lose her cool so easily that I kinda envy it, she never loses that steady line in her voice, especially when Marisa and I were yelling at each other yesterday, coming very close to just beat the shit out of each other, but I shouldn't think so when she gets the moola or when her shrine gets a beating. I should continue doing it just to see the look on her face every time (not gonna do the second one, she'd probably split my head open if I do).

*Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep.*

Hmm….….….….

*Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep.*

Is it me or….

*Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep.*

…her sweeping motions...looked so…..hypnotizing…

*Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep. Sweep.*

Her movements were not methodical, there were all casual and simple, rhythmic and controlled. It was the simplest motion needed to sweep the leaves on the dirt…yet somehow…I'm getting mesmerized by a fucking broom sweeping.

Oh dear, I yawned. And my eyes are a little droopy…..

So sleepy…..

Was it you, Reimu? Or did I wake up too soon? I did sleep late last night, but that was hardly a surprise given that I woke up in the afternoon that day, and that doesn't warrant me a good night sleep until my energy saps out in the middle of the night.

I woke up way too early today too, out of the efforts of my internal alarm clock ringing and it goes without saying that I needed more sleep. Or maybe Reimu's sweeping techniques has a way of putting people to sleep?

Eh, whatever. I'll just lay down here, my back against the wall and I tried to force myself to…..

ZZzzzzzzzz.

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

Spin˃Step˃TD Raiz= Good as always. My landings are still fine, my feet barely felt the impact so that's all good.

Alright, let's do another pattern.

Front Cartwheel˃Side flip˃Cartwheel˃Front flip˃Roll to a handstand= Still good. Fast as always, my hands can hold on well and the callouses are still good enough to avoid getting shredded with the dirt accidentally.

Okay, one more.

Round kick˃Spinning hook kick˃Back sweep kick˃Cartwheel˃B-twist= Yeah~ Still got it.

I could go for a gainer combo but nah, not in the mood for it. I got my necessities ready. I'm really starting to get excited with this danmaku fighting and stuff. Marisa and the Draculina are hinting strongly that I'm gonna get so involved with a lot of fighting sooner or later. The prospect of it just makes my blood rush all over me in the speed of a race car; it's just exciting! Dodging, punching, kicking, throwing danmaku, blasting spells and other shit…..oh man, I wanna be in the midst of it, beating the shit out of everybody. It'd just like the movies, where everybody gets paired up with their respective enemy and they beat it out in different places. Ah shit! So exciting!

I have to remind myself that I'm still a noob. I doubt I could do much against the folks here, who do these danmaku fights like a job or a game. I bet somebody out there's got a danmaku gattling gun, that is an absolute overkill in a fight. Could Marisa even dodge that amount of fire rate? I wanna see it for myself when the time comes. Right now, I need to improve myself above my current level.

I may not be able to fly, I may not be able to shoot danmaku, I can't cast magic worth my shit, but what I can do is that I can traverse the general environment with ease, I have so much experience in that field. I'm also confident in my dodging power, but I know that that factor needs to improve even more. Marisa's fucking Reverie spell card was nothing but an absolute typhoon of danmaku blowing in one direction: ME! My martial arts could work for me, so long as I bring my enemy down to my level.

I might be going too far doing all these exercises and choreos but considering my incoming fate in this place, it pays to be prepared (it ALWAYS pays). In case of a Youkai coming at me to try and sample my meat, or somebody who knows how to play danmaku comes in and challenges me, I'm gonna be needing all the improvement I develop for myself. Playing Suika's game was just a startup, I need a full hands-on training when it comes to fighting a Youkai. I'm gonna be needing also a crash course training on danmaku dodging and fighting. I gotta consider the species of my opponent as well, ogres, vampires, humans, goblins, more, they got their own perks that comes with being who they are, and being intelligent is not exclusively a human perk anymore. I'm not against animals or anything. I'm up against sentient beings, capable of thought and think.

Haaaah. Where is Marisa anyway? Shouldn't she be here by now? Its two hours in already and she's still not here. It's 10 AM, it's almost noon.

Don't tell me she's planning to arrive at dusk, is she?

I'm so gonna clobber her upside the head so hard if she does. People DON'T wait until night! A lot of people work in the day, you know!

Ugh.

I'll just pass the time with some more flips and gumbi combos. Gotta mind the energy exerted though, I'm gonna need the entire remaining bulk of it for the trip. Who knows what else is gonna happen today? From the succession of days since I got here, I get hurt a lot in each one, and I'm getting the feeling that this day ain't gonna be different, like seriously. Even if I don't get hurt a lot today, I bet there'll still gonna be something that's gonna get my heart pumping and filling me with some good ol' adrenaline.

Lemme guess…..I'm probably gonna get attacked by Sakuya today.

Okay, I'm calling it now. I'm gonna get attacked by that beautiful white hair today when I get there.

I'm gonna be needing to ready all of my footwork on the wall-runs. Going up against a knife-throwing maid, who could dance while she fights….Yep, I need to shape my legs up for today. I don't know if my ocular ability could see those knives that could look invisible if thrown at such high speeds. Oh geez, just thinking of those knives getting shivved in me just makes me nervous…perfect! That grants me some more adrenaline!

I'm gonna practice some more kicks and punches then!

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

And Marisa is still not here.

This is so worthless. I've been running and flipping all over the shrine for the trip and she's still not here, I've been hyping myself for the past hour and half, I'm practically buffed with muscle and giddiness here, and there's not a thing for me to vent it all out on. I'm starting to think that she forgot about today.

I don't want to waste all this effort out here, you stupid witch!

Geez, I sit here and waiting on the shrine's rooftop, looking out for a black dot in the sky to enlarge into a tiny-ass woman wearing a witch outfit with a big-ass witch hat and land on the shrine grounds to pick me up. Instead, I'm trying not to get roasted by the sun instead. And I still have no tan line!

[AAarrrggghhhh!‼] "Where on earth is that Marisa!?"

"Yelling won't bring her to you, you know?" A voice drolly pointed out down below the roof.

Thanks for the input, Master, "I'm aware, I'm just complaining."

"Complaining isn't gonna bring her to you either. Why not tumble some more to pass the time? Isn't that fun for you?"

I skittered over to the edge of the slanting roof, right where the donation box would be below me. Once I got near the edge, I lied flat on the curvy roof, held on to the roof edges and hung my head off the edge, all of my black hair flying upwards to the ground as I faced Reimu who sat on the porch, drinking tea in front of the donation box.

"What makes this exercise of mine 'fun' is the thrill and excitement that comes through the executions. Without the thrill, everything would just be like any regular exercise, which I do not enjoy." These days, I'll just be buffing up instead of having some childish fun. Being fit is good and all but I don't wanna look so ripped that it bulges out of my clothes. I like being slim while wearing my clothes, it kinda serves as a surprise factor, especially in a fight.

She looked up to me, liked the way your face looked upside down, "You're probably too used to your techniques. Why don't you take a walk for once and take a slow beat? Maybe you'll get something fun out of it."

"I'm sorry but I do not find 'slow' appealing. That isn't how I progressed in life." Reality came too prematurely for me. I thought I would learn about the truth of life step by step, the truth that it was hard; that it was cruel, but instead it all came crashing into my face all at once and shaped me into an adult at the age of 17. "If I want something else exciting to do, I'll have myself playing one of Suika's games."

I slinked my head back, standing up and going for the side of the rooftop. When I reached the edge, I slipped down to the grounds, rolling to kill the momentum. Wiping my hands and patting my back to remove the dirt, I sat down next to Reimu and lied my back on the porch. "When is Marisa coming?"

"Give her a break at least, she must be very tired yesterday."

Hmm.

That kinda gives me a hint there.

I raised my upper body upwards and held it up with my elbows, "Correct me if I'm wrong but did she stay up all night just to find me?"

She nodded, "Mm, more or less." She sips a little bit of tea like nobody's business. "She didn't act like it yesterday but she was beating herself up for leaving you on your own like that. When I told her where you probably are, her face was way gladder than I thought she could ever make."

.…...What?

Marisa did? That Marisa did? The most boisterous, violently loud and uncaring woman I ever met in Gensokyo that had done the worse things to me (way worse than Yukari or even Master in particular) did that?

She's justified for being glad, either because she is free from Reimu's glare or was actually concerned for my well-being but I never expected someone like Marisa to even go that far. She didn't come off like that to me, not at all. When she found me and said she's just doing it to stop Reimu from beating her senseless, that was just an excuse to hide her thoughts?

The fact that she was so mad at me when I nearly made myself slip on the broom…was I too short-minded when I regarded her as a person? Was she really worried for me as a friend?

I…don't think I could doubt it. Reimu knows Marisa well and likewise Marisa knows Reimu well, Master knows her hidden depths more than I do. I just came here like less than a few days ago and my general input of Marisa was somebody impulsive.

I guess there is more to a person than what they usually show. That line of thought eludes me all the time.

I guess I should take it easy on Marisa, she did look for me so I should give her thanks.

How should I thank her? Hmm…..

"Hey, Reimu! Eman! I'm here-ze!"

Hmph, somehow I'm instantly smiling now that she's here. How does my mind work, really? Was it out of the fact that I'm beginning to appreciate her or was it just for the fact that I'm finally going to the vampire mansion?

Hmm….

Nah, whichever is good. But I do like Marisa's company as well just as much as I do Master's. The best perk about it is that it's never boring around her. She's literally my potential playmate. I get some joyrides from her, she gets a showcase of acrobats from me, we could go for a free-roaming race across Gensokyo, and maybe…we could rough it out again. I got careless the first time, I won't make the same mistake again.

Fling off the veranda with a kip up motion and hup! There, back to the ground. I waved to my dear friend, [Hey!] "How have you been this mor—"

Her flight path from the torii gate straight to the cobblestone path before stopping right before us, causing a massive ripple of wind to be thrown at our faces and the leaf pile that Master had worked so hard on. Now they are scattered all over the place, even a few managed to reach the veranda, bringing the cleaning task back to square one.

"—ning." All efforts ruined.

I heard a really long and very disappointed sigh behind me before the sound of tea being drank less enthusiastically. Poor Reimu, I'll take over the morning and afternoon task tomorrow so don't you worry.

"Hi, Marisa, you sure slept in." There was a prominent monotone in Master's voice, and it sounded defeated rather than an attempt to hide anger.

"I slept late." Either she didn't realize what she just did or she just didn't care, I don't know. She spoke as if she hadn't just ruined Reimu's progress. "Was studyin' a little bit since I can't sleep. Didn't even realize that it was 3 in the mornin'-ze."

Just how were you able to last that long studying? If it were me, I'd pass out in the middle of it. And just how long were you studying, really? You left the shrine in the middle of noon yesterday, did you actually start studying the sooner you got there or were you taking a shuteye after all the trouble of searching for me and woke up in the middle of the night only to study to pass the time? If it's the latter, then I guess it's understandable.

Sleeping in the afternoon is a form of energy stocking after all.

"Ready to go, Marisa? Have you eaten your breakfast?" I asked, raising a hand for her to high-five.

She gave it a slap, a sting lingering on my palm, "Nah, I'll have my breakfast at the mansion. Been a while since I had a good one there."

Uh….. "Are you sure that's allowed? That place is regal property, not something to be visited regularly unlike a neighbor's house." Though, if she's good friends with the people there, I guess there's no pro—

"What? That's how I do to others all the time. Nobody's havin' problems with it."

What….?

"Only because they gave up trying to stop you, it's not like they actually let you." Reimu derided.

Is she…is she.…..?

"…Do you have tact, Marisa?" I asked, exasperated.

"What're you talkin' about? I got the most tact that they let me borrow their stuff all I like-ze."

Uh huh, okay. Word of Reimu told me that you borrow stuff from people and never return it until you're either get old and die or get murdered by the person you borrowed from, and the fact that you're saying that makes me question how you actually grow up and how your sense of manners developed. Regardless, I'll be sure to get me a guard dog and make my shit very anti-Marisa-twitchy-fingers.

Thinking about your thievery reminds me of my past life. I'm gonna have to deal with that habit of yours, sooner or later.

"I will not bother asking." If I do, my brain would turn into goop juice just by listening to the statement of how your logic works.

"Yeah, whatever." She scooted herself back to give the front portion of the broom some space, "Let's go?"

I nodded before I lift one finger up, "But first." I stepped back a little then I jumped to the air, doing a small backflip. Upon landing, my legs are spread and my arms reaching downwards in between them to the back, as if I was about to grab something behind me from there. "Priestess, if you don't mind. Come close and grab on to my hands."

"What for?" Master asked, not getting up from the porch, waiting for an explanation.

"Eman, whatcha gonna do?" Marisa asked, smirking as she sat on her broom like a bench, legs hung on one side.

"Just a simple finish to the exercise. Requires a second person to complete it though." I ain't gonna be satisfied if I only end this thing with a simple front flip. That stuff's getting old, why not do something in the beginner level for once? "It's very simple, Reimu. You can do just this tiny favor for all I've done for you."

She stared a little before she sighed, "Fine." Reimu stood up from the veranda, placed her cup down, and held on to my hands. I adjusted the grip to make us hold each other's wrists, making sure my grip wasn't so tight to hurt. "What should I do?"

"When I say 'go', throw your hands upwards as hard as you can. Simple as that." The two-man front flip is super simple really, even brave kiddos can do this. If you're a kiddo yourself, you can do this to increase your confidence bit by bit, and maybe, eventually do a front flip on your own sooner or later. I didn't do it myself when I was young but its good advice, really. All you need is a best friend and a small amount of courage.

I already got the load of guts needed to jump above a 500 ft. pitfall and I'm aiming to have more best friends besides these two wonderful girls.

"Ready?" I asked.

"I guess." Good enough.

"Okay," I hopped, "One," Then again, "Two," Then again with my grip tightening and my legs tensing, "Three…!"

With all three voices present, we shouted ["GO!‼"]

Upsy-daaaaiiiiAAAAAAAAAAAAAA—

*THUD!‼*

What.

"Oops."

The.

"That wasn't how it's supposed to go, right?"

FUCK!?

[FUCKING DAMN IT, REIMU!‼]

"BAAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

SHE JUST THREW ME! 4 METERS AWAY! 6 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND! ON MY BACK!

WHAT!? THE!? FUCK!?

She has the stride of a woman who prefers to sit down and relax. She has the grip of a lady who has a lot of work in her hands. She has the voice of a lady who prefers the peace and quiet to last after a long loud day of work. She has the disposition of an experienced warrior, wise and seasoned, cranky and done with it, demanding a rest.

And she managed to throw a well-grown man with a considerable amount of muscle weight like a chair!

How the hell did I end up calling this woman my MASTER!?

"YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO LET GO!"

Ow, my fucking BACK! How many times did this happen!? Somebody retract from day 1 and tell me the exact number of times I fucking fell on my back! Why can't it be my ASS!? My ASS can take a hit-and-run, why does my BACK have to suffer for every fall!? WHY!?

Thank God I didn't land on my head. Do I really have to consider covering my back with pillows?

Oh dear lordy, no. No BLOODY way am I gonna put a note on that. It'll just signify that I'm that prone to it (I never was before!). I'll just try to avoid doing something that might end with this happening to me. I just gotta double check the people I'm talking to and the environment I'm with.

I twisted a little to lie on my side, trying to rub my back to soothe the pain with a healthy arm, [Aaaahh, fucking hell, this huuuurts…!] Wherever luck this came from, my back didn't break like the first time. But the pain is no joke, this really hurts.

Something grabbed my arm before I was steadily pulled up to a seated position, "Sorry about that." At least the slightest sign of genuine worry in your eyes makes me feel better, Master. "I should've known sooner, are you feeling alright?"

I'd be sarcastic but the only thing I end up saying was, "Not really….!" I chocked, "It's actually amazing that my back didn't break….!"

"—AHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HE FLIPPED ON HIS FUCKING ASS OFF! AHAHAA—"

"At least she is spoiled to have the time of her life." Says I as I watched the blonde hold her abdomen down with a disdained look, the spike of pain that was probably growing on her belly seemingly worsening.

"…." Reimu was looking at her with a matching unimpressed look, "Want me to shut her up?"

I patted her shoulder before holding her bare bicep, as if to hold her down, "I'll do the honors. But first…..please pull me up."

Reimu stood up from her kneeling, took my right hand with both of her own and gently pulled me up. Quickly, I was able to stand up, albeit with a little difficulty to straighten my backbone. It just hurts to stand straight, ain't no big deal.

…I hope.

I felt her slapping my back to remove the dust stuck there and lightly doing so as if careful not to hit any spikes there, "Sorry about that." Apologizing again? It's fine, it was an honest mistake. I understand, "I wasn't supposed to let go, right? Didn't know that."

"It is alright. That was your first time doing the stunt." Should'a been clear with my instructions. What did I tell her?...Bah, can't remember. "Well do this again at another time, hopefully with better results."

"….." She was silent, as if reconsidering my words. Then she ended up saying, "Let's hope so." She pinched a few leaves that might've gotten stuck there, slapping even more at my shoulders then—

Huh…..

She's massaging me…..

Uh…I…..uh…

Um…..she….uh….

It isn't as great as Meiling's but she is managing a crackle of nerves to ripple across my body with it. If anything I'd prefer hers over the gatekeeper for being the one person to give me shelter and the first to show hospitality, even if forced or reluctantly at first.

Thanks, Master. I guess I owe you a big lot after all, and not just for giving me residence here.

"Okay." I turned around, took one of her hands and gave it a little squeeze the sooner, shaking it as a form of thanks. "Thank you, I needed that."

"Anytime," She gave an lazy smile, pulling her hands out of my grasp, the motion was so gentle that it made me want to keep holding on a little longer. Sigh. "Consider this returning the favor."

I smiled in turn, it seemed like she is keeping our agreement in mind but she's filling in a role as well. She returns my services with one of her own. 'Give and take', it sort of contradicts my 'Give Policy' but I like it either way.

"—HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—"

I turned around to face Marisa. She's still on the floor.

Geez. "How long can a laugh last?" I asked, finding it hard to believe that she hasn't even died yet.

"To her, probably an hour."

Given that Master says that, I'll not doubt it.

I walked over to the writhing form of the witch and gave a nudge with my feet, "Marisa, get up and set the broom."

"—AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA—"

Fuck it.

I don't think this is gonna go anywhere with a nicer way to go about it so…

I grabbed on to her arm, roughly pulled her to stand while her other arm still holds on to her belly, then I switched grip to hold either side of her face and….

"Eh?"

[GOAT SIMULATOR!]

….I gave her a head-butt.

There, back to the floor, holding on to the forehead, her laughter turned to severe groans of pain, and her big-ass hat is thrown off her head and into the dirt, showing all those blonde locks.

Gotta admit, they looked smooth today. Did she take a bath beforehand?

I received a patting on my shoulder, I turned to see Master standing next to my side. "Nicely done. Usually takes a hard whack to the head to make her stop."

"Is it your default action to take usually?" I asked, smoothing the bangs hanging down my forehead that got disarrayed with the noggin bonkin'. Headbangers dudes aren't usually for the rock and rolls, you know?

"Not the way you do it though." She gave a playful nudge to my side afterwards.

I nudged her back.

"The fuck, Eman!? What'd you do that for!?" Marisa snapped as she glared at me, holding her forehead while gritting her teeth.

"You reveal no sign of stopping so I took the initiative to remove the mirth out of you."

"You didn't have to head-butt me, you dickwad! I'm having a headache right now!"

"Well, I'm sorry but you were laughing too hard that I was frightened that you could have died from suffocation."

"WHAT!?"

"Alright, you two." Reimu now decides to become the mediator, stepping up to Marisa and helping her up to her feet like a good friend. "While it's fun watching you two go at it, Patchouli might be getting impatient already so….." She pushed Marisa to me, "You take your lovers' quarrel elsewhere."

I see your smirk over there, Master. Don't think I didn't notice what you're planning to do here. As for Marisa—

"Hm!"

[OOF!] Holy hell, that punch was sudden! Yeah…..! My gut really felt that….!

"That's what you get." She snarled, swiping her hat off the ground before picking up the broom and sitting on it.

I nodded, [Yeah, I deserved that….!] Fucking ow, so this is how it hurts when she's seriously mad, huh? Ain't no joke, but it was worth it. That gives me a clear warning of what'll happen if she uses the fucking hakkero while she's pissed as fuck. I think I got off lightly with that punch.

"Come on, moron." She ordered, giving me the dirty look underneath the brim of her hat.

[Whatever, numbnut.] I countered with a level tone, crumpling my struck abdomen before walking over to the broom.

"Just remember, Eman." I turned to face Master who began, "If they are really getting into their 'checkup' on you, say, digging deeper than absolutely necessary, leave. Don't let your guard down whenever around them, alright?"

That's…..actually really sound advice, actually. Taken what the Draculina pulled on dinner time, siccing her knife maid on me just to find out what I could do, I should be taking caution on a librarian with a probable glutton for knowledge as well. If Patchouli's gonna have me as a test dummy on some magical experiment she has, fuck that, I'll just say no.

Whatever advice Reimu has, I think it's useful. Taken from somebody who had a lot of experience with the Youkai, I gotta take her word for it. I might be able to live another day in a monster wonderland if I do so. I gotta put that in the Gensokyo tour brochure.

I hopped on the front portion of the broom and sat down, staring back at Marisa's death glare that could definitely kill an elephant if looks could ever kill (is that possible in Gensokyo?).

Staring…

Still staring…

"KKkkkk…"

Shit….!

[Kkkkkkk….!]

Crap, I'm getting affected too!

"Pppppp…..!"

Stop it, Marisa….! If you keep going, I'll be the first to go!

[PPPPPHHHAAAAHAHAHAHAHHA‼]

DAMN IT!

"BHHahahahahahahahahahha!"

Ah, forget it! Go ahead and join the laugh!

Master was affected by the contagious laugh disease and also broke down laughing, Marisa's broom was kinda shaking thanks to both my jolting body and hers. I'm seriously crying right now, and also losing a few brain cells.

Just what the hell is going between us? What the hell is wrong with me?

Just how were we laughing it off when we were seriously giving each other bruises not more than 40 seconds ago? Why was I seriously thinking that Marisa had already forgotten what I did or just didn't care anymore? Why was I seriously going along with it genuinely? How was my anger so easily killed? How was everything so easily forgiven?

Just how was this legit?

Well, fuck the answers.

This is Gensokyo, for fuck's sake. I completely forgot that simple reason why things like this are even happening.

"Ah~ That was amazing." I turned to face Marisa, "You have an amazing punch, my dear."

"Damn right I do!" She puffed proudly, giving me a smack on my arm. "Not even yer own face could hit as much as I do-ze!"

I rubbed my forehead, trying to see her point. I beg to differ but I nodded anyway. I patted her shoulder with a chuckle. "Okay then, let's make our ascent to the House of the Devil."

"Right-O!" She pitched her broom upwards, making me grab the shaft out of reflex.

"Wait, wait!" I held up a hand before she could blast us off. "There's one last thing to do." I held out a hand for Reimu. She stared for a second before understanding what it was and walking over, grabbing my hand and shaking it, inexperience still there. You're getting there, Master. Don't worry.

When she was about to pull away, I didn't let go. When she gave me a look, I was looking at her as if she still had one more thing to do before she's allowed to let go.

She seemed to get me through simple eye contact and pauses in thought for a bit. After a few seconds of frowning, she faced me uncertainly. "Have fun?"

There we go.

I initiated a jovial shake along with a smile before I parted the hands. [Bu-LAST OFF!] I roared, pointing to the skies.

"Here we go-ze!"

[WHOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!]

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

"Just so you know…"

"What?"

"I got attacked in my sleep back at the Scarlet Devil Mansion."

"What!?" Fucking knew you were gonna pull the fucking brakes when I said it. Thank God I held on to her before I said anything. I would've fallen off this fucking cleaning material and crashed into the trees.

[Seriously, Marisa?] Do you really have to do that? One of these days, it's not gonna be me that's gonna hurt me.

"Tell me, everything." Whoa, you lookin' serious there, girl. Chill out, not like anybody died or anything...not yet, anyway.

Well, time for some nonchalant disclosure about my near misses with death, just like one of those days when I tell Doctor Christopher most of my violent feats against drug fucks and criminals. "My dinner was indeed over with Lady Scarlet and Jergo led me back to my quarters to rest for the night. I did intend to retire but I just couldn't. Either it was because of my full stomach or because I was not exhausted yet, but the main point is that I cannot sleep for quite a certain while."

"Uh huh, keep talking."

"When the clock tower tolled, I think it was—"

"Midnight. The tower always tolls at midnight."

Thanks, "Right. As soon as the bell tolled, I was finally about to sleep. But all of a sudden, my door opened. Not that I heard or even seen it open but I felt another presence in my bedroom."

"Okay, what happened next?"

"Uh, can we be somewhere shaded before I continue? I'm the only individual here not wearing a headwear to block the sun." I'm sweatin' so much here, y'know? I've been exercising and practicing for the past hours, I don't wanna be dehydrated when I get there. And I lost my cap months ago, I was pissed for who knows how long when it happened. I was so attached to that thing. "Please? I cannot stand the heat anymore."

*Wush!*

WUAI! Don't just fucking plummet this thing so suddenly, you maniac! I could'a fallen off! How eager were ya to even hear the next part of the story, eh!?

As soon as we reached the forests, we crashed through a few branches as we breached the shrubberies, my feet kinda breaking more than a few pieces of wood before Marisa settled us on a fairly-sized branch. I jumped off first to sit on the extension of the tree and rested my back against the base, Marisa stayed floating on her broom beside me.

"Alright, continue."

I'm starting to see Marisa as a total kid here listening to a bedtime story, and it doesn't help that she's a really small girl.

"Anyway…." Ahem, lemme just get a nice position here, there we go. "….When I felt the presence in my room, I heard a child's voice and slight jingles reminiscent to bells."

"Flandre!?" Marisa suddenly exclaimed, making me cringe back at her outburst, "Flandre entered your room!?

Flandre? Remilia's sister? The way Marisa looked as she said her name, it did not look like her impressions on the vampire are full of sunshine. Kinda adds up as to what Sakuya said to me when she told me about her.

"The worst she had done to me at the time is open a wound on my neck and attempted to drink from it." I scratched the part where she cut me, "But Sakuya managed to arrive before she could do anything and led her out."

"Lemme see that."

[Ah-ey-Hey!] She was already on me, trying to turn my head around so she could take a look at where the cut was. But she's turning my head, you're gonna twist my neck, you nut!

"What the?" I'm not liking the sound of your voice when you said that. You sound shocked. "Dude…."

"What is it?" I cautiously asked, apprehension already building up along with worry.

"The bite marks are gone. Where Rems bit ya, i-it's gone-ze!"

"What?" Hold on just a minute here. I felt my skin around my neck with both hands. There was nothing. I'm feeling nothing but a smooth surface of God-given flesh. "Look again, Marisa. You might have missed it." I tugged down on my shirt behind me just to make it clear.

Marisa pushed my head down even further, down to the point where my chin touched my chest and my forehead was lowering towards my balls. You're making my flexibility look wrong here, Marisa. Check faster, will ya!?

"Nothing! There's nothing!" She released me and stepped onto the branch I sat on, kneeling down and looking at me with a frown, "Dude, what's going on here? Did you get healed or something?"

I quickly shook my head, "No." I felt my nape again, trying again for the last time…..there was still nothing. "How is this possible?"

Marisa and I looked at each other with frowns, trying to figure out just what's going on, what's going on with me. Shortly after a few seconds, she said, "Maybe there's something more to ya-ze."

I was about to deny what she said but when I recalled yesterday, well… "The librarian Patchouli had a strange mention before I left. She said that there was a...'peculiarity' with my blood."

Her eyebrows rose in surprise, looking at me in a new light, "Well, I'll be damned-ze."

"Wh-what?"

"Patchy ain't the best with her eyes, but when she does it with her senses…" Marisa tapped her head with a finger, "…she gets things right. I think this blood of yers could be something related to how fast yer wounds were closin'."

I frowned at the claim, because it sounds so stupid to me. How could my O-negative blood even close up my wounds like that? When my skin breaks open, it bleeds, exposing some flesh and it needs to be dabbed with betadine, disinfectants and covered with bandages, it does not just close up after one day. It stays there, it clots up, and it disappears entirely or it leaves a scar after several days, nothing else.

But when I think twice….I think it's time to think the Gensokyan way. Magic exists, impossible was possible, and common sense doesn't apply. Marisa's theory could be true. There could be something in my blood. There could be something in my system that made my wounds close up so quickly. Maybe something within me was awakening. Something that had been sleeping while I was in the outside world.

What could it be?

I nodded slowly, "Maybe."

"Looks like we oughtta be lookin' forward to this thingy you got going on with Patchy, then."

Ups on that. "Agreed." Anyway, back to the topic we were focusing on first, "Tell me, should I be concerned whenever in her presence?"

She turned to me, confused, "Her? Who ya talkin' about? Patchy?"

I inhaled through my nose and exhaled, "Flandre."

Marisa's countenance immediately turned into a grimace, "You gotta listen to your danger instincts, man. She's nothin' but destruction packed in a can. I don't feel comfortable 'round her at all."

The fact that she, a famed incident resolver that Meiling and Remilia told me all about, who had solved more than several incidents against powerful beings, second only to Reimu, is saying that just means a lot of things. How close was I to death with that vampire who came inside my room just two nights ago?

"You want my advice? Stay out of her zone." You're not talking like your usual self anymore. "Ain't no way for me to calm down if I get spotted by her."

I'm starting to lose my confidence to even comply Patchouli's favor. Who the fuck is Flandre Scarlet?

My fists clenching, I asked, "How dangerous is she?"

"The worse kind of dangerous. Something else could'a happened to ya if Sakuya didn't come to save the day. Whatever could'a happened, it ain't gonna be pretty." Oooh boy.

I am never afraid of incoming danger. I'm not afraid of the police because the worst they could do to me is beat me with a baton or shock with a taser. I'm not afraid of tall buildings and heights either, I'm more than capable of climbing a steep mountain without equipment. I faced bears and other aggressive animals before, I even got chased by a bear once. I was never scared when it happened. Agitated, yes, but never scared in general. It's the same feeling I would feel when zip lining, nerve-wracking but never scary, it only adds the thrill of the entire thing. Going up against somebody who wants to kill me while I don't feel the same way, I'll lose my cool but never scared, because the beat down I'm going to give is gonna be much worse than a bullet to my head. The fewest things I get scared of is my nightmares and sometimes the dark, but even that much could be repelled with a simple mindset 'You're only afraid once'.

If I get freaked out by something just once, I'll have the guts to look at it again because I already what it looks like and what it could do to me.

But to hear Marisa say such words, and the fact that Flandre was a Vampire, a being of absolute power and ferocity that I could not even match up to, a kind of being that I never even encountered in the outside world and never even fought against—I even saw how much Remilia could do with the simple substance of blood. She could solidify my blood from the inside and break my bones if she wanted to. The fact that Flandre was right within biting distance before, and I never even seen her face or anything….

…..oh my fuck.

I grabbed a handful of my silky hair and tugged on them, harshly, just so I could calm down. "I don't know if I should even go there anymore."

"Dude…" Marisa leaned down to look at my downcast eyes, I could see the concern in her face, "…are you….scared…perhaps?" She's saying that as if she didn't expect this behavior from me.

"…..Yes." Now my fists tightened even more, my anger burning up inside me so quickly that I was tempted to provoke Marisa into a fist fight, "And that angers me." I coldly admitted. "I hate being scared, Marisa. It makes me hesitate, it makes me immovable, and it makes me lose my focus." There was more to it than just physical and mental determent when it comes to me being scared. I was frightened once upon a time, then it made me desperate enough to steal from other people, the end.

"Hey," She set her foot down on the branch in front of me, kneeling down as she laid her hand on my shoulder, "It's fine, it's not like people get to see Flandre on their first day."

Ex-FUCKING-cuse me, Marisa!?

"Uh, oh shit. I said that wrong, didn't I?" She composed herself and faced me again, "What I mean is that Flandre isn't usually out, and I barely see her whenever I go for a visit-ze!" She nervously chuckled, since I was still glaring at her, "She's always at the basement, y'know! Plus, it's day time, vamps usually sleep at this hour anyway so there's no way you'll be seeing her…again!"

…..That's reassuring…at least.

"Ease up, Eman!" She patted my shoulder, I was surprised she didn't make it rough, it was gentle rather, "If we ever get into trouble, I got yer back-ze!" She gave me a big smile, throbbing a thumb to herself.

….now that's even more calming than the last one. You even made me smile a little here. Thanks, friend.

"Thank you, Marisa." I extended a hand for her, she stood up and pulled me to my feet. The branch wasn't really thick, this kind of girth might off-balance normal people but me and Marisa? Nah, we stood on this thing like a flat road. "Soon, it will be me who shall have your back."

"Kinky~!" She smacked her butt and winked at me along with a flirtatious smile before jumping off the branch, righting herself in the air with her broom below her ASS, "Get on, ya stud."

Someday, Marisa, I'm gonna be going down on ya without restraint, whether in my dreams or in actual reality, and I'm gonna fucking enjoy every single second.

Without really much thought, I did a precision-jump towards her broom shaft and landed well before I grabbed on to her shoulder with one hand when it wobbled under my weight. After steadying the vehicle, I switched to my usual horseback stance.

Alright! I'm getting used to this broom-mounting-with-style thing.

"Just so you know, Marisa."

"What now?"

"The stress still lingers on my consciousness," I turned to look over my shoulder with a small smirk on the side of my lips that's facing her, "And I need to vent it out with my fists."

Her face slowly morphed to a dangerous grin, the kind of face that totally implies that she'll fuck somebody over with everything she has in her pockets. "I hear ya, dude." She lowly replied, then back her normal voice, "But it ain't gonna be me who's gonna helpin' ya. Oh! I got somebody who's could."

"Hm." I faced forward, eyeing a straight in the midst of the forest in front of me, "Take us to that Somebody. Patchouli and the checkup can wait."

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

"Honestly?"

"Yep."

"Her?"

"Yep."

"She's literally right next to where we are heading to afterwards."

"Mm hm."

"She isn't the only person who could fight with her hands more, yes?"

"Well…I got somebody else but I don't think she'll do it since she's kinda meek for this, and the next person would be an overkill and a hangover-ze."

"…..Right, and she's the best person to help me with my stress?"

"That's right. You could hit it off well with her."

"We already had, but I lost to her yesterday."

"Well, you got a chance for revenge! Take it, Eman!"

"Marisa, revenge is not the case here but….I accept. She shall be opponent, I'm more than eager to try again."

"But she's kinda sleepin' right now. Hmm, that's odd. She's usually sleepin' in the afternoon and it's still before lunch time."

"That would be my current concern at the moment. I tried to wake her up the first time, yelling even, but to no avail. Is there a way to rouse her up? Besides screaming 'China' carelessly and be punished via sucker-punch as a result. I'm warning you, Marisa. Do not laugh!"

"Kkkk! Kk! Kk!"

"I said do not laugh! We are through this!"

"Okay, okay! I just couldn't stop thinking about it-ze!"

"Urrrgh! Do you know a way to wake her up?"

"You know what….I think I do."

"….I don't like the look of your face when you say that."

"Oh, trust me. It's gonna be perfect-ze!"

"I really don't like the look on your face, Marisa. But considering that everything that happens afterwards could either go wrong or horribly wrong, why not? "

"Yay! Now come hither, dear Eman, and listen to what I hath to say~"

[….I don't know where this is going but I'm surely not gonna like it.]

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

Today was another beautiful day, Meiling found out. The wind was blowing gently, the skies above is blessed with a wonderful clear blue to show and the sun was quite warm. It even made the very ominous Mansion of Her Lady seem so inviting and lush with brightness. Not even a seasoned warrior like her could resist a moment to take it easy and revel in the great morning.

Her consciousness half in the present, and her other half in a Zen state, she stood at attention, arms crossed and eyes closed with her training presenting their testament of making her appear like an imposing opponent despite the state she's in, presenting herself as a barrier against rascals and intruders that dare trespass Her Lady's great abode.

With her side duty of watering the gardens done and dutifully so, she deserves herself a short amount of rest. Thankfully, the witch Kirisame Marisa won't be coming in today and horde Patchouli's books. The occurrence is usually once a week and rarely twice in a row, she already broke in yesterday so that means she can take it easy and enjoy the—

[OOOY, CHIIIIIIIIII~NNAAAAAAAA]

In response to Marisa's so-called idea, her arms shot upwards to cover her face out of sheer reflex and it paid off as something hard came crashing down on her forearm, sending her fighting instincts to a jumpstart, utterly killing the Zen state she was in.

"Who-Who goes there!?" She barked, shaking her head to regain full awareness and looked back at the assailant. As quick as she could, she was able to see that she stopped a kick from crashing down on her face, the shoes worn by the assailant were quite familiar with the rubber soles. Peeking to the side to see past her arms, the person was wearing a black T-shirt and orange pants full of pockets from so many places, designs clearly from outside world craft. The face of her offender was pale as a sheet, a natural complexion rather than an exterior sign of being frightened, she noticed, and the smooth black hair present on his head, long enough to cover his ears and the hazel eyes….

Her eyes went wide, a smile coming to her face upon recognition.

"Oh, Eman-dono!"

The outsider himself returned a smile, "Good day, my friend. I come to propose a proposition to you." He proposed, his voice and tone soft and polite as ever with a touch of being jovial.

"Oh?" Despite not hearing it yet, she already knew what it was. His eyes and body language was something familiar from the most respectful warriors, "And what would that be?"

Eman moved to cartwheel backwards, away from the close-contact, his foot resting on her forearm pressing down to throw himself out with momentum. After one backflip, he was in a stance that caught her interests, the same stance he used when he punished her yesterday. "I propose a duel, Meiling. A visitor am I but the anxiety upon meeting thy mistress prevents me from making an entrance."

"Yeah! Beat her ass up so we can get in!" A familiar voice hollered just above her.

Her eyes shot sideways to greet the infamous kleptomaniac and usual hoarder of Patchouli's archives floating on her broom, looking at them both with interested and excited eyes. She sneered at the sight, "Kirisame! You've come to bother Patchouli-sama, haven't you!?"

"Hey, China~!" The irking witch gave a smile as if she was a dear friend whom she have not seen for a while. "I see yer doin' good on being a crap guard as always!"

"Don't you dare demean my position to the Mansion, you maniacal thief! And STOP CALLING ME THAT!"

"Meiling." A pale hand grasped her bicep gently, she turned to face Eman bearing an apologetic look. "Meiling, please, calm yourself." He turned to Marisa, "Marisa, a bit of tact would be appreciated."

Meiling bore a look of shock, "What is the meaning of this, Eman-dono? Why are you siding with this woman? Haven't you known that she would come here rob Patchouli-sama of her books almost every week!?"

"You know me so well-ze!"

"Why must a man like you give approval to this woman's antics!?"

"Okay! Okay! Okay! Stop!" Eman immediately raised his hands up, a slight irritation found on his face. She was quickly silenced, knowing that she wasn't giving him a chance to speak amidst her rant. "Right now, she's my source of transport. Currently I vouch for her and as long as I'm here, she will not do a thing. And yes, I am aware of her tendencies. And I swear not to let that happen on my watch." He turned to the witch with a pointed stare, "Am I clear?"

"Sure! Cross my heart and hope to be sparked-ze."

Sharing a confused look with Eman, she gave an awkward cough and crossed her arms, "I guess that abates my worries, if only a little."

"Come on, cut me some slack! I'm a changed woman now."

"If that were ever to be true, then Gensokyo is wrought to destruction." She shot back, then she faced the outsider once again with a smile. "So, Comrade, what was it you were proposing again?"

"Ah, yes." He ran up a hand through his hair, his silky tresses slightly bouncing. "I want us to fight."

"And for what, may I ask?" Despite asking, she was already eager to start. But she will hear him out either way. Among all the things she finds interesting about him, it was his fighting style. Eccentric and very utilizing, a rather eye-catching combination of a dance and a martial art form. A wonderful, wonderful display of fluidity and grace while maintaining the fierce approach of an aggressive warrior.

"I am feeling anxious to enter at the moment so I will be requiring some form of stress relief, which I could find from you." He gestured to her with a wave.

"Too nervous to face a Lady, what kind of a man are you?" She smirked, taking amusement in the slight coloring of his cheeks.

"Tha-that's very personal and I will never share it to you." His tone still remained leveled, however. Is he used to being teased or was he thatcalm in regards to such advances?

"He's just stressin' since he's goin' to be meetin' the Mistress over there. I think he's havin' a crush on her-ze!"

*Stomp!*

With a strong slam of his foot, creating a sizable cloud of dust to erupt from the ground, he gave the slighting witch a cold glare that had actually made her silent. Meiling was given the sight of a new kind of expression to form on her friend's face. "Marisa, one more time and I will give you another one of my cerebral adjustments, with my foot."

"Okay, okay!" She waved her hands about, floating a little away. "I'll just shut up and watch over here."

"Well." He clapped his hands and rubbed them together in clear anticipation and giddiness, his recent ireful disposition instantly replaced with a rather eager one. "Shall we begin?"

"I can hardly wait, Eman-dono." Her smirk grew wide in response, cracking her knuckles in preparation, sharing his eagerness. She saw a slight sign of fright in his eyes as he watched her crackle the battle-hardened fists but it soon disappeared to be replaced with a fiery gaze, the prospect of a fight eliciting his excitement.

And she liked the look of it.

Entering a battle-stance, with a fist near her waist, other arm slightly stretched and pointed towards him, palm facing the sky, she taunted him with a waving beckon of her hand. "Come at me."

His response was to smile in such delight that even his lower teeth was showing before he jumped in the air, slapped both his thighs while doing so, then upon landing he backflipped with such ease that he made it look so easy and he reared his striking fist back the sooner he landed, charging at her. Smiling still.

[Don't mind if I do‼]

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

Incoming fist—not!

Instead of the fist, I sent a swinging kick to her side. But this time, she blocked it off with a single forearm. Slight surprise there, then I'll do the incoming fist for real: a hook with the first left arm. She parried and followed a counter with a swinging kick using her opposite leg. I got very lucky to block that with a lift of my leg, my knee colliding with her shin. I quickly hopped with my other foot and shot a kick forward, hitting her abdomen but not pushing her. I threw a few punches and she parried them one by one, my fist nowhere coming close to the places I wanted to hit. Wanting some air, I quickly dove behind me to a cartwheel, hoping to hit her with the swing of my legs.

I didn't feel my feet hitting her jaw or anything. I missed. Aw….

Doing a single side-flip with a 270 degrees twist in the air after the cartwheel, I stood facing Meiling upon landing. I placed my hands inside my pockets just for the coolz, "Mighty start, my friend."

"Likewise, Comrade." She replied, readying her stance again. "Try again."

I'm pretty sure this is gonna go differently than yesterday. Meiling was just under the influence of being punished, her performance could've been flawed. Now, there is no guilt here, there is no order here, there is no guest here, there is no drive, just some standard giddiness to play outside with a friend.

And Boy, do I feel PUMPED!

Tricking time!

Ready the pinwheel arms. Then Spin˃Step˃TD Raiz= She backstepped it all. That was good, really.

Oh yeah? I charged her with a jump upon close-contact, a knee going for her face. When she blocked it as expected with a strong smack of her hand, I followed with the other knee: blocked with the other hand as well. I threw a punch to her face, she leaned her head away, my fist striking where her cheek was a second ago.

I opened my fist, then I sent it sideways for the repetition of the punishment, aiming for a blow 60 times heavier than a feather.

Slap the bitch—Ah, never mind, she ducked under it and sent a single jab to my abdomen!

And fuckin' ow!

Reeling a little from the hit, crumpling my abdomen as I do to make the pain ignored or gone. I executed a Capoeira kick, then another, Then ANOTHER! All were dodged, with slight difficulty (at least I gave her a little hard time with it), either ducking or backstepping away. But can she dodge this? Not losing the fluidity of the movement, I quickly stood back up and leapt to the air, swinging my leg for a tornado kick to her face. When she ducked under it, I followed with a cartwheel—there! That got her off-guard: Using the stumble in her backstep as an opening, I quickly threw a back-kick and I aimed for her middle.

She righted herself with her steps and sidestepped away, my kick hitting the air pointlessly.

Damn it. Are we ever gonna hit each other if we keep this up?

"That was an impressive combo, Comrade Eman." She even bothered to clap about it, either out of mockery or sincerely being impressed, I can't tell at the moment, "You're balance is even impressive at that." She didn't even sound winded, and by the looks of it: she isn't even sweating yet.

Compared to me, I got winded from all that exertion. Why is this so different from parkour? I don't tire that fast on free-runs. "My thanks, Meiling." I wiped my hands on my cargo pants, removing the dirt off my palms.

She went back to a stance, and I can't really tell if that's an offensive or a defensive stance. It's the same stance as yesterday, especially when she began to fight back. "Come on and show me more, Comrade!"

I could only sigh, bitterly at that. I could throw a lot of fancy offensive kicks and have a 60% chance of hitting home but my dodging is all but average, I'd be hit multiple times if she decides to fight back. And she's good at both, hitting and dodging. She's way too used to fighting compared to me, who's used to running. This is surely gonna take a while if all she's gonna do is dodge everything.

….

No matter. Will keep this up until I hit you!

~~~~~ « ҉ » ~~~~~

And that is pretty much what I did…..and all the hits I managed?

Not fucking one!

Just how were you hiding this amount of experience yesterday, Chun lee!? Why didn't you just go all-fuckin'-out yesterday!? That was my orders! If you did, I would've been prepared for this!

I'm seriously winded right now. Flips and tumbles and kicks and lots of Capoeira techniques, not even one hit home. I even brought out a few kicking patterns that were pretty much brought out of my own ass that I didn't even know what I was doing.

Well, it's time to do this the standard way, damn my pride.

I readied my fists, fully abandoning the utility of momentum and my feet. It's time to go to the kitchen, ready the ingredients, and serve some Knuckle Sandwiches!

Here's the side of beef on top of that bun!

I dashed forward, throwing a fist to her face and she dodged with a leaning of her head backwards. I followed with a haymaker using my other hand, and she had that blocked with a forearm.

Gotcha now.

Using my free arm I grabbed that forearm as fast as I could, then I twirled, slamming my back against her front before I bent her arm over my shoulder, slipped a foot in between her owns and heaved forward, trying to execute some kind of taekwondo shoulder throw whose name I can't remember to flip her over me and send her to the floor on her back.

"Hm!" *Clasp!*

Yikes!

Before I could attempt the maneuver, my foot in-between her owns about to pitch upwards to support her weight on the throw, she got me locked in a full-nelson before I could. My back was too open, I knew that, but I didn't expect her to actually do it. I had it coming, I had it coming!

"Arrgh! Trying to catch me off-guard, hm, Comrade?" She asked with a probable smirk or smile, keeping an iron hold on me. I could actually feel the amount of muscle she has in those arms keeping me in my current predicament.

"What do you think?" I shot back, knowing full well that there is NO way am I getting out of this hold. I'm reminded very well again that she is NOT a human, she's practically Suika with those arms 'round my neck right now!

Unless…..

"Hrrgg!" I jumped off the ground and I clasped her midsection with my legs, like a fucking crab claw, baby! She tipped forward for a bit that I thought I was about to faceplant the cement but (thankfully) she maintained footing and still had me held up to the air with the nelson.

Here's a squirt of mayonnaise!

I tightened the squeeze with the greatest grip I could manage with these legs hardened from so many landings at suicidal heights back home and I utilized the flexibility of my arms to grab the wrists that bind me and try to pull them off.

"Uurrggghhh!"

[RRrrrrrggghhhh!]

Lots of grunting/growling right now between the two of us. We're starting to sound like dogs having a tug of war with a piece of meat. Only a matter of time before we find out who has the most bite and takes home the larger portion!

So close, they're about to slip off my head….! Come on! Get the fucking hell offa me, Chun Lee! If you don't, you're SO gonna get waisted with Crazy Legs!

Successfully interlocking my ankles behind her back thanks to the long length of my legs as I am tall, I made sure to squeeze as tight as I could, and at the same time separate the hands that were interlocked behind my neck. And it's working!

We're tipping forward, come on! Leggo a me!

*Slip!*

She slipped them off. Finally!

Here's a slice of cheese to that meat!

I literally twisted my upper body to a 110 degrees (that's what you get when you exercise) without letting go of her midsection and I threw a punch to her face as I lift my arm up to let the strike slip through past the underarm.

It hit home to her forehead! YES! FINALLY, I LANDED A BLOW!

And Fuckin' Ow, my hand!

You're head, Chun Lee, how long were you hardening that thing, eh!?

At least she tipped over and fell on her back, holding the struck forehead. I let go of her waist and landed feet first instead of knee, shaking my aching knuckle for a second. Managing to make the pain disappear for only a little, I executed the monkey flip towards her fallen form. It's kind of like a reverse back-cartwheel, but more weight was added to the legs, and I'm aiming to slam my knee to Meiling's face.

Using the said flip, I aimed a knee to strike her face upon the landing, only for it to be blocked with that frickin' forearm and she sent a free fist towards my left kidney!

[AACCKK!] NOT COOL! THAT SERIOUSLY HURT!

Rolling off her and eventually to my back, I quickly rubbed the seriously aching spike to ease the pain. I can't fight with this pain lingering on me!

Meiling quickly rolled away to her feet before rounding on me with a certainly offensive stance and charging towards me with a curb stomp of ensured hospitalization to the ribs.

Can't…..roll…away….! Pain….too much! Fuck!

Flare, you dimwit!

GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME! [HA!]

Using an able leg, I hopped off the ground, slammed both my hands to the concrete and swung the opposite leg in a Coffee-grinder blade spin. It collided with Meiling's stomp, impeding the attempted strike to a sudden off-balance before I followed up with the other leg to complete the flare, totally hitting her back twice, leaving two dirt marks on the dress. Not enough to topple her but good enough to make her back away.

I don't know how I did that, despite this ache on my kidney (which had eased a little), but thank goodness.

Stacking to my feet with a spin afterwards, I cartwheeled towards her and executed a spinning punch. She backstepped it as expected.

Let's see you dodge this again: Step˃Spin˃TD Raiz= She dodged them again (sigh), I even made my movements as fast as possible, fast enough to make a human not be able to catch up. Then again, Meiling ain't no human. She could just dodge 'em like their pillows thrown in a pillow fight.

"Who-whoa!" She stumbled! Wasting no time, I took the chance and swung a roundhouse kick to her face.

Here's some lettuce for the hell of it!

*Thwack!*

…

…..I can't believe she just blocked that. With the same. Frickin'. FOREARM!

Just drop already!

Riled up like a Sniper from Counter-Strike having his scope covered up with an idiot teammate blocking the view and ended up killing him instead of the last enemy and getting kicked out as a result, only for the enemy team to win the last round, I gave up all technique and just resolved to throwing punches towards Meiling in all directions.

I'm doing the machine guns now, Chun Lee.

She looked shocked at my assertive approach, at first she was managing to parry and deflect each one but I pressed on like a motherfucker and she ended up having a hard time, receiving hits on her shoulder, arm, wrist, abdomen, even breast (please don't kill me for this later, Meiling) before I stopped suddenly. Using her shock/stun as leverage, I motioned to give her a forward kick—not!

She fell for it. Here's your punishment and take it like a warrior.

And here's your bun on top!

I swerved my body to make my right side face her and I executed a stationary sideflip, ejecting a kick on the right moment and it hit home!

….on her forearms that came up at the last moment….

….Oy…..

The serving is so gonna suck.

*THUD!*

Hmm?

Oh wait, never mind. She just got sent reeling to the tree, head bonking against the bark before crumpling to the floor, face first to the grass, making a few leaves fall down.

Uh….I guess that's the standard serving of a Knuckle Sandwich, ladies and gentlemen? Take notes for later?

…..….

"Uuurrrgghh….."

Oh dear.

Um…..she ain't hurting a lot, is she? She's a Youkai so she should be able to endure that.

"…..aaarrrgg. That smarts….."

Right?

"…..Ow…." She pushed herself up with her hands and knelt down, rubbing the back of her head with her hands. Opening one eye to look at me, "You sure do not hold back when you face a woman, do you?"

Great, now I'm the passenger on the guilt train. Her smile was kinda softening the guilt but it's only making me feel even worse. I jogged over and leaned down, checking for any bad bruises on the lady. "….Are you alright, Meiling?"

She rubbed her bare scarlet head with a groan, giving me a breathy chuckle and a smirk, "Not to worry, barely anything I cannot handle." She extended a hand for me.

I took her hand and the other took ahold of her shoulder with a nice grip before tenderly bringing her up to her feet. After she got to stand, I made do with patting the dust and excess grass stuck to her outfit off.

"I'm still apologizing." I told, "Sorry about that."

"For what, beating me? You should be proud, and I have to say: you really gave me an entertaining fight."

I raised an eyebrow, massaging a few areas on her back with a single arm, "It wasn't a good fight?"

"It's hard to say, to be honest." She gave a chuckle, shrugging her shoulder to elicit a loud crackle (sounded like it felt good), "Your performance seems more of a dance than any actual fighting. I guess that emphasizes entertainment part."

Oh well, now that's disappointing. I didn't even manage to impress her with my fighting skills and rather had it ridiculed (in a good way, that is but still), "I presume that means I lost."

"What? No, you won, Eman." She quickly denied, looking over her shoulder. "I do admit that I wasn't giving it my all since I didn't want to hurt you too badly but you sure caught me off-guard. That's quite the feat for an outsider like you."

I nodded. I finished my massage and stood to her side, "When will you give it your all once we do this again?"

She turned fully to me with a kind smile, "Once your skills had improved and your technique is honed to defeat anyone, even me. There is still room for practice, Comrade Eman, so keep your head held up and keep going."

Huh. Somehow that made me feel a lot better than I thought, actually. I was feeling severely defeated when she said that my fighting style was not enough to get her and just technically called it impractical. Not only was it insulting, she was partly correct. Plus, she gave me acknowledgements, and she's a really seasoned martial artist at that to have the right judgment.

You know what, I'm fine with whatever. I have a lot of time to improve in the fighting anyway. Next time, I'm gonna ask Marisa as my partner. Given that she doesn't hold back in a fight, I'll likewise do the same and find out how the hell are we gonna beat the shit out of each other.

"Thank you, my friend." I smiled, patting her shoulder and having a fist ready for her. "My spirits are lifted by your words."

"Anytime, Comrade. It's what us warriors should do, we improve the other and mold them to become our equals or to best us." She returned the fist-bump, returning a patting to my shoulder as well.

I'm seriously going to like you a lot if you keep up that attitude. Please keep it up, Chun Lee.

"So, have you relieved yourself of your anxiety?" She asked, crossing her arms.

I paused for a little assessment: I'm tired, sweating, fast-paced in the heart department, seriously pumped because of her compliment and motivations, and currently having kidney stones.

Yep. I'm good. All the stress brought about by the anger earlier is gone. I'm feeling totally cool.

"Yes, I am. Thank you for your time." I patted her shoulder, walking over to the gate. When the hat got near my feet, I quickly bent down to pick it up. Meiling came walking beside me in a matching pace, I placed the hat back to her head.

There ya go.

She gave a smile and a thanks afterwards. Come to think of it, she's quite a tall lady. I mean she didn't top me but she's at the level of my eye. If I remember right…Yukari was taller than me. Master was at the level of my chin. Marisa was slightly below my chest.….

Wait a minute!

"Wha-what's wrong, Comrade Eman? You just stopped all of a sudden."

"Where is Marisa?"

She widened her eyes, snapped to look at the last place the witch had been, then she looked over several areas around us, even the skies, then her face contorted to the look of complete horror. "Oh no! She just sneaked in while our backs were turned!"

Somehow, I feel panicked. I don't know why but my instincts are ringing for me to feel that way, and I think I know why. That's not always a good sign for me! "Wh-why!? What's wrong with her sneaking in?"

"She snuck in so she could steal books from Ms. Patchouli and never return them!"

Shaky hands coming to claw at my face, [RRrrrrrggghhhhh, that stupid midget of a hoarder!]

Fuck you, intuition. Just fucking fuck you for always being right! I had it coming! I HAD IT ALL FUCKING COMING SINCE THE DAY MASTER TOLD ME ABOUT IT! I thought she wouldn't around me but no! She just fucking did it anyway! I even told her not to, but NO! She just fucking lied!

"You are coming to meet Patchouli, yes!? Come on and follow me, I'll stop her before she gets out of there!"

"Do not label me as incompetent just because I'm exhausted, Meiling!" I shouted indignantly, "You and me, we're going to the library and give Marisa a piece of our minds!"

She stared, looking a little indecisive but then she nodded without objection. "Right, just don't lag behind!"

"Right!" To the Mansion! To beat up stupid witch named Marisa Kirisame!

You ain't gonna fucking stop me, brick wall! Hup!

One foot slamming against the red bricks, I ejected upwards with arms stretched, reaching for the top, then I latch on to the edge, pulled myself up to chest level before placing the knee atop it and swung the legs over the spikes.

Yeah~, wall-ran over that bitch!

"THERE'S A GATE, EMAN!‼!"

…Fucking damn it…