Chapter One: Revival - Scarlet Dream
* Somewhere Between Life and Death *
- Unknown -
*Disembodied Voice: Hm? Who're...
... ...
*Disembodied Voice: Oh...how intriguing. Quite the quirky little lass, aren't you? A bit stranger than most but, I've certainly seen and dealt with much stranger. Although...to have your soul divided into two yet remain inexorably intertwined with the other half...hm. Very interesting indeed. You'll certainly bring us a bit of much-needed livelihood now, won't you? So much so that I'll happily pull a few "strings" and give you a second chance. The Yama won't like it one bit but, I could honestly care less! That sound good to...erm... You? You look to be the one in charge most of the time.
*Soul: ... ...
*Disembodied Voice: Well, that wasn't a "no". Excellent! Looks like it's your lucky day, kiddo! Good thing that I noticed you here in time. Any further and you would've been crossing the river. Now...where to put you, for the time being, that is... Hm, I'll give you to Reimu! How does that sound?
*Soul: ... ...
*Disembodied Voice: Perfect! No complaints then. Now to send you on your way. I'll be seeing you in a few days' time to see if Reimu can handle you so, try not to cause too much trouble or die again in the meantime, yeah? Oh, and before you go: Welcome to Gensoukyo, kid. Ufufufufu, have fun... ...
... ...
... ...
* The Hakurei Shrine *
- Midmorning (?) -
... ...
...Mm-mmm...
...Mmm...hmm?
...I'm...thinking? Strange...am I...am I dead?
If so...it's not that bad honestly. Not too dissimilar to living. Can't be afraid of the dark though. There's an awful lot of that. Other than that, it's very comfortable. Like floating on a plush bed whilst flying through soft, eternal darkness. Ah...I could get used to this. Could do without the mini-headache though but...
Wait. Hold on. Pause. I'm sensing a logical discrepancy here.
I'm dead...right? Meaning I'm just a soul. I have no physical body. How is it then possible to have a headache; a physical ailment! Unless...
...N-no. N-no way...that can't...can I...?
|Rustle Rustle|
*Hinata: Mmm...ngh. H-huh?!
H-hey! I'm...I'm alive! Wonderful!
Er...how exactly? And, where am I? Definitely not where I was previously: when I was slowly oozing my precious life away. I call that a step in the right direction.
Anywho, I look to be in... what one would call a "shrine". I've read about these before. People come here to give offerings and pay their respects to the local deity that resides here. It's also home to those who take care of the shrine. It does appear to be the amalgamation of both a home for people and a place of deistic worship. Explains why I'm in someone's bed in their minimalistic yet...cozy home. I greatly appreciate cozy homes. There's this wonderfully pleasant aroma in the air. Reminds me of the greenhouses that druids maintain for aromatherapy magic.
G-gah! It's super bright outside! Why?! I really need whomever to turn down the...h-hey! Hey! Wait! That isn't from a phosphorescent crystal! That's the Sun, right?! Wow! I've never actually seen it in person before! Mmm...it's light is so warm...nice. I don't even mind the fact that it's slowly cooking my pale skin.
Ah...ok. This is all very weird. Not only can I see the Sun (meaning I'm outside of Levanntry somehow) but, I was like...93% sure I was on Death's door (why specifically "93%"? I dunno. Seemed like a good number at the time) and now: I live! Laying down in some stranger's bed, in my non-bloodied...scratch that, my super-bloodied but, dry clothes, all safe in their shrine-home.
At least...I think I'm safe.
|Rustle Rustle|
*Hinata: D-ough... Nausea paying me an unexpected visit as I sit up. How terribly rude. |Grimace| Ugh...now my mouth tastes all gross and unpleasant...
|Tok Tok Tok Tok|
*Hinata: Hm?
Awoo? I sense a presence approaching. In sandals? Sounds that way.'
|Slide...Clack!|
*Shrine Maiden: Oh, so you're finally awake. You've been asleep for quite a while, you know.
Ah! It's a girl! A pretty girl! Neat! She'd dressed sort of like a shrine priestess (with a rather personalized outfit from what I've seen in books), radiates pure, undiluted apathy, had long brown hair, dark onyx eyes, and... wow...I'm still caught off guard by how pretty she is. It's all-natural pretty too. No fake, made-up stuff. And brunettes aren't naturally my type so...that says something. She looks to be around her late teens so she's my age...I think. Also, human...maybe. Being that she's a priestess and me a mage, her aura of holy magic is playing havoc with my senses. It's almost smothering. So, until further notice, I'll pin her in the "human" category with me.
*Shrine Maiden: Hey! You can understand me, right? Do you speak English?
Oop! Zoned out a second there. She said she's speaking English; sounds about right. Need to tweak my brain a smidge here...
|Ding!|
Ah, there we are. Hope she can understand me through my accent. I need to clear my throat. Get rid of all that phlegm.
*Hinata: U-uh...y-yes. I can understand you. My apologies. ("Mana and Malediction, do I sound as stiff as a board! Never skipping out on my English recitation practice again!") English isn't my first language so, please bear with me. Takes me a little while to translate. Er, question: who are you and where am I?
*Shrine Maiden (Reimu Hakurei, The Shrine Maiden of Paradise): |Nod| I understand. English isn't my first language either. Anyway, then the name's Reimu. (She motions about with her hand.) This is my home: the Hakurei Shrine. You sorta fell out of the sky when I was sweeping. |Weary Sigh| Luckily for the both of us you don't weigh all that much so the impact and having to lug you to bed afterward wasn't all that hard. Gotta say, you really scared the hell out of me.
"I-Impact"? Did I fall out of the sky on you by chance, fraulein? Whoops...
*Hinata: |Wince| Ach, sorry about that. I assure you it wasn't planned.
*Reimu: |Smirk| Tch, no big deal really. I would have let you know if it had been.
You would've?
*Reimu: I'm pretty sure you were out cold the whole way down from..."wherever-the-hell" you came from. Besides, as I said, you aren't that heavy. I've had way heavier fall on me, unfortunately.
You have? That's...a question for later.
*Reimu: Now, I've got a few questions for you. (She crosses her arms, shifts her weight, and eyes me warily.) You're not from around here, are you? Unless I'm completely wrong about most folks knowing who I am at a glance; I'm surprised you didn't recognize me right away. You speak English fairly well too - though your accent is really weird - which is a rarity around these parts.
*Hinata: Perplexed Frown| Thanks...sorta? ("Not exactly sure how to take that one...")
*Reimu: The hair's pretty strange too. Been a while since a new face popped up. You got a name, girly?
*Hinata: ("I'll glaze past her comment about my hair...begrudgingly.") My name is Hinata Seijo but, most people just call me "Hina". Tilts Head| As for me being a foreigner...I'm not even sure where "here" is. Are we anyplace near Germany?
*Reimu: Raises Eyebrows| "Germany", eh? I've heard the name once or twice from the Sukima but, sad to say, I've got no clue where it is. This is a land called Gensoukyo. We're in Japan.
*Hinata: Slow Blink| J-Japan? That is...not close to Germany at all if memory serves me. More like halfway across the world. Mutter| By the Sight, Hina, how did you manage this one? |Mutter|
|Ding!|
*Hinata: Ah? That was strange. Why did...
*Reimu: What was strange? Frown| Wait, you speak Japanese?
What?
*Hinata: Eh? Nein, not that I'm aware of. Deutsche and English sure but...
*Reimu: Well, you seem to be doing fine so far. You can even understand me as well. Can't you?
Double what?
*Hinata: Seems that way. H-huh...that's odd...
*Reimu: No offense, Hina but, everything I know about you so far is "odd".
*Hinata: I suppose that's not...untrue.
Reimu gives me a small smile that's a mixture of both pity and amusement. It's times like this where I have to embrace my inner (and outer) weird. I prefer not to be a "closet-weirdo". Unless I truly need to.
Even so, I've apparently contracted some form of amnesia. It would also explain why I feel so..."incomplete". Quite disconcerting if I'm to be honest.
*Hinata: Hm, make sure to let me know if I happen to switch back to speaking German. That tends to happen when I'm not speaking in my native language without me noticing or realizing it in time. No guarantee that it won't happen sooner or later. I could very easily shift to barking out some really hard consonants by accident.
*Reimu: Smirk| Pfft, will do. Can't promise that I won't make fun of you for it.
*Hinata: Smile| Hee-hee, don't worry: should the situations be reversed I'd more than likely do the same.
*Reimu: Hmhm, glad to hear it, Hina.
This is going well. We seem to be getting along. Considering my usual range of first impressions on a scale of "Meh" to "Absolute Horror Show, Director's Cut", this goes firmly in the "Meh" range. It could have very well been in the latter category. I did sorta smoosh her, after all.
|Gurgle...Groan!|
*Hinata: Wince| Oough...
Ach, dizzy spell. I haven't eaten in a while yet, I'm so queasy and nauseated. How does that work?
*Reimu: You don't look so good. You look like you're about to pass out. I made some tea earlier - it should still be hot but, you should have some if you're feeling out of it.
*Hinata: Dubious| Tea? On an empty stomach?
*Reimu: It helps. Trust me on this one. You can make it to the table yourself, right?
*Hinata: I... believe so...
Even though I nearly fell on my face a moment ago, I managed to reach the table without too much difficulty. No falling, face-planting, nor gut-puking...so, that was nice. After taking my seat on the cushion opposite her, Reimu pours me a small clay cup of a steaming, greenish liquid. Filling my olfactory senses with its delightful aroma, I can easily recognize it as the first scent I smelled upon my awakening here. I gently blow on my tea - never been too keen on the lasting agony that comes with a scalded pallet. Whelp...here goes nothing...
*Hinata: Gasp!| Mmm! By the good Grace of Morgaine! This flavor is magnificent! It's pure heaven! By far the best tea I've ever had!
Awoo? Apparently, not only is its taste magical. Though my memory is still shot; my headache is gone, my thoughts are crystal clear, my nausea has completely absconded, and my stomach is miraculously settled! I'm sorry I ever doubted her. And seeing as Reimu looks pleased with herself, I must be smiling too. Yep, I can feel it.
*Reimu: Feel a lot better, don't you? See? I told you it'd work.
*Hinata: Teheehee, I retract my previous doubt, fraulein. I'm quite impressed! Thank you!
*Reimu: Smile| You're welcome.
|Squeeze|
Mmm! H-Holy cow...she's got one of the most radiant smiles I've ever seen. Am I blushing? I don't want to feel my own face and be super obvious about it. Aaa-ah! A-hem! Achtung, Hinata, focus! You can be dazzled by pretty girls another time, not now!
... ...Thank the Mother that no one else can hear my thoughts.
*Hinata: So, this place - "Gensoukyo", you called it - what's it like?
*Reimu: Thoughtful Frown| ...Hm, Gensoukyo's more of an "experience". Hard to put into proper words.
*Hinata: Sounds interesting.
*Reimu: I could give you a brief run-down of the basics and history if you want. It shouldn't be too overwhelming for a newcomer. Oh, more tea?
*Hinata: Ah! Yes, please. Yes, to both.
After refilling my cup, Reimu begins to inform me about this strange land I've fallen (literally) into. There's a lot of information to take absorb and compile but, nothing absolutely mind-melting. The more I gather the more I conclude that Gensoukyo is a wonderous land to be in. Reminds me a lot of home (at least, what I can remember of it): youkai, gods, demons, angels, laser fights, colorful combat - plus, it combines two of my favorite things: myths and magic! How neat is that! My chest is all gooey with excitement!
Wait..."gooey"? That sounds weird...hm...
*Hinata: Gensoukyo sounds like a wonderful place to be! Absolutely wonderful! It's almost too good to be true! Reminds me of Levanntry, in a way. They have very similar goals in mind, many similar occupants, everything.
*Reimu: "Levanntry", eh? Is that the town you're from?
Exposition time? I think it's exposition time.
*Hinata: Hm... ja - "yes" but, no. Nein. It's not really a "town" in the traditional sense. You see: Levanntry is located in the Black Forest of Germany near Berlin, Germany's capital. It's this massive, gargantuan tower that sank mysteriously like a billion years ago, leaving only the top floor above ground. The original creator of the tower - along with some of his fellow mages - sealed the location away with very ancient, powerful magic. They hollowed out the areas around the central structure into a complex series of tunnels, roads, etc.; turning into a subterranean safe haven for magi. It's sense become its own city with a government-run by the three strongest witches and wizards of our time: the Grand Covenleader, High-Born Magus - also known as the Merlin, and the Sorcerer Supreme - it also has a shopping district, school, library, several power plants, and a whole bunch more. I was born there and had been living there as a student. Deep Sigh| I wish I could tell you more but, my memory's still full of big holes.
*Reimu: Sounds like an interesting place. Whenever your amnesia or whatever goes away, I'd like to hear more about it. (Her expression grew thoughtful) Say, if mostly mages live there, I'm guessing that you're a mage too? You've got that same "spark" in your eyes I've noticed with other magic users but, you can never be too sure around here.
*Hinata: Nod| Yep! I'm a pure-blooded, full-status witch! I've got my school diploma, magical specialty certification, my formal robes, everything! (I traced a violet circle in the air with a twirl of my finger) All the "bells-and-whistles", as they say!
*Reimu: "Magical specialty"? What, meaning the style of magic you prefer using? Like preferring dolls or fire?
*Hinata: Blink| Correct again, fraulein. Sounds as though you're already familiar with the concept.
*Reimu: Smirk| That's an understatement. So, what sort of magic do you like using?
*Hinata: I-
Throb!
*Hinata: Winces Painfully| Nghah! Mmmnnn...! Clutches Temple|
U-ugh! Wh-what's h-happening?! A-agh! M-my h-head...s-so...f-fuzzy! I-It h-hurts! W-why...
*[Faint Voice?]: ...say...don't...anything...
Wh-what i-is...th-this? Wh-who i-is...i-in...m-my h-head?
|Throb! Throb! Throb!|
*[Her]: Say...nothing. Tell...her...nothing...more.
Wh-what? Th-this...th-throbbing. S-so m-much n-noise. S-so m-much...p-pain.
*Reimu's Voice (Faint): Hi-Static!| Are y-Static!|
|Grip! Th-throb!|
*[Her]: Just...do what...I say...or else.
Wh-why? N-no! I-I w-won't! G-get o-out o-of m-my h-head! L-leave-
|Squeeze...Stab!|
G-gah! H-ah!
*[Her]: I gave you fair and ample warning, dumb girl. I'll handle this now.
I-I c-can't...m-move...m-my b-body! H-help! St-stop! G-get o-out! Get o-out! G-Getoutgetoutgetout! GET OUT!
*[Her]: Nein. I warned you already. You didn't listen. Besides, I am helping you, idiot girl.
|Throb!|
*Hinata (Her): Mn...hm. Blink Blink| There we are. About time.
*Reimu: Warry Glance| Are you feeling ok, Hina? You looked like you were in quite a bit of pain.
*Hinata (Her): Stare| ...I'm completely fine, fraulein. A brief headache is all. As you can see, my body is still recovering from the attack. No, I don't want to talk about it. Concerning my magical preference...I don't remember really. Only the basics of my training. It's a result of the amnesia. I hope you understand.
*Reimu: Dubious| It's...no problem. I understand.
H-huh?! I-I didn't s-say any of th-that! Wh-what? H-how?
|Stab!|
*[Her]: Ngh!
A-Agh!
*[Her]: So much for that. How annoyingly interesting... Mutters Softly|
What did-
*[Her]: I did what I do best, which is nothing I'd reveal to you...yet. Furthermore, Hinata Seijo: keep that gibbering orifice you call a mouth shut. I won't have you endangering... Nevertheless, should you be as careless as to slip up again, I can and will intervene. Keep that in mind. Tch...until then...forget that...I... was h-here. S-so...t-tired...
|Throb...Static!|
A-ah...huh? Where am I? What was I thinking about? Why do I feel so..."uneased"? And why, in the name of mysticism, does my skin feel so bizarre, all of a sudden?
*Reimu: Hel-lo? Snap! Snap!| Hina, you in there?
*Hinata: Flinch!| Who are...oh! Blink| Whoops! Apologies, Reimu, I think I spaced out for a moment there. Terrible habit of mine. Ignore my weird. What were you saying again?
*Reimu: Slight Frown| Nothing much. Just that I understand, is all.
*Hinata: Confused| Ah, ok...? ("What just happened? Why do I feel like I'm missing something here?") S-so, Reimu, do you know a little about magic?
*Reimu: Nod| A little is about all I know. I'm no mage, as you can probably tell but, I know a few. You'll most likely meet a few of them sooner or later. In regards to magic, it's hard to live in Gensoukyo amongst the "heavy-hitters" without knowing something remotely magical.
*Hinata: The magic being the "danmaku" and "spell card" stuff you mentioned earlier, right? Sounds like you all have a lot of fun around here. The thought of a duel of beauty comprised of bullet barrages is interesting. Quirky with a deceptive amount of complexity about it should you consider the patterns you mentioned. Captivating. I'm curious to see it in action... Gasp!| Hey, I know! If it wouldn't be too much trouble: could you teach me how to play? I'd love to learn if you'd be so gracious as to be my teacher!
*Reimu: (She considers this thought for a moment, then shrugs) Hm, I don't see why not. Most people around here can use some sort of spell card so, I guess I could show you a thing or two.
*Hinata: Grin| Ah! Awesome! Danke Schön - many thanks, Reimu! ("Fist pump, fist pump, fist pump! Whoo!") I am most appreciative of your generosity!
*Reimu: Small Smile| No problem. (Her face drains of all emotion) However...
|Rustle|
Huh? Why do you stand so? Why do you look so suspicious?
*Reimu: (She fists her hips) I've got a few questions about you to get off my chest first.
*Hinata: (I quirk a curious eyebrow) Okay. Tilts Head| Fire away when ready.
*Reimu: Stare| You look like it but, you aren't really human, are you?
*Hinata: Shudder| Why do you ask? ("Why did my heart rate just kick up a notch?!")
*Reimu: Call it intuition. Being around you, around the aura you give off, gives me this sensation...this "vibe" of unease. It's not a bad feeling - you hardly give the impression of being dangerous - but, it's different than a normal human's. I wouldn't get it from someone who came from the Human Village. My intuition is hardly ever wrong so...
*Hinata: A-ah...I see... ("Why am I so nervous?!")
*Reimu: That's not all. There's stuff about your body as well. Your skin is always too cool to the touch and... (She leans in closer to scrutinize me closer) ...you haven't blinked in a very long time. Almost ten minutes. Unless, I'm missing something or it's some weird mage thing, that leans more to the supernatural.
*Hinata: Twitch| I'm...a human mage, as far as I know. Blush| I've simply been this way since birth. (maybe?). I don't currently have a good explanation for it...for me.
Jeez, first amnesia and now non-specific anxiety attacks about absolutely nothing. I need the former to clean up fast so that the latter won't end up driving me nutty for no reason. I much prefer to be nut and legume-free, thank you.
*Reimu: Stare| Hmm...eh, you look human enough, I guess. Shrug| As long as you don't try to eat me then, we're cool. My intuition hasn't been too spot on lately so, I've been a little overly cautious.
*Hinata: F-fair enough. You won't have to worry about that from me. ("There goes all that tension from before...")
*Reimu: Next question: what are you going to do now?
*Hinata: Tilts Head| Pardon?
*Reimu: You're awake now. Are you considering heading back home or what?
*Hinata: Hm... I've never really thought about it. What am I going to do? Hm... Shrug| I don't know yet. Haven't really thought that far ahead. I don't know whether or not I'm going back or not.
*Reimu: You don't have people that would be worried about you back home?
*Hinata: Pained Grimace| My papa - my father, sure but, the only memories I have of him only extend to some basic facts. I'm not sure how he currently fares. If he's fine then, he shouldn't be too anxious about my disappearance. He'll be searching for me non-stop but, he's always had this strange way of knowing if I'm well or not. Besides, I'm not even sure how to get back to Levanntry. It had a pretty strict immigration policy seeing as the place was sealed away for a reason. Because of that, no one really came in and very little ever left. So, unless someone came to take me back, I'm outta luck.
*Hinata: Deep Sigh| Furthermore, I'm not in any immediate hurry to go back. Though I call it so, it never really felt like "home" to me. I was an outcast with no friends, in a place where everyone knew who I was but, didn't care. It's been that way since I was little. I never even bothered asking why. So, until I fully make up my mind, I'll stay in Gensoukyo for a while. I'll explore a bit, yes?
*Reimu: Hmph, sounds like a good plan to me. Rustle| (She extends her hand out to me) In that case, let me be the first to welcome you to this crazy land of paradise.
Ooo~ A handshake! These are fun.
I happily grasp her hand and...eh? Why are my hands covered in bandages? I just now noticed them. Weird since they feel almost like normal skin...like they aren't even there. Seeing them makes me incredibly self-conscious for some reason. I'll ignore it until later.
*Reimu: You're free to stay at the shrine a little while until you find a more permanent place to stay Point!| but, only a little while, got it? Get too comfortable and overstay your welcome and I won't hesitate to kick your skinny ass out. Exhale...Smile| Other than that, I hope you can withstand the amount of general insanity that tends to accumulate here. You might also want to stop by Eientei soon to get checked out by the doctor. She might be able to do something about your amnesia.
Please, my dear Reimu, "insanity" is my middle name. It's right alongside "Stephanie" (my actual middle name) and before "thinks-too-much".
Also going to put a tiny memo in my mental "to-do" list for this "Eientei" place. And I need to search for a more permanent place to stay. Need I mention that this list has gotten really, really big? No? Ah...ok but, it...it is though. It's like...huge! As to why, well...I'm a very busy girl, you see, and easily prone to getting sidetracked...like now...whoops. Let's get back on topic...
*Hinata: Smile| I'm more than thankful for your kindness and generosity once more, fraulein. Should you ever require my assistance with anything from this point on, simply let me know. You need only ask and I'll happily work my magic, literally and figuratively! (I traced another violet circle in the air to seal my promise) On that, you have my word. (I advert my eyes, blushing deeply) Ach...does...does that mean we're friends now?
Ok, maybe that sounded a little too absolutely desperate.
*Reimu: (She considered this briefly) Grin| I don't see why not. Friends, Hina.
*Hinata: Grin| Hee-hee, yep! Friends, Reimu!
Aw man. I love moments like these! I might cry! Gah! No, bad tear ducts! Behave yourselves! Do not embarrass me in front of my very first friend!
So! An entirely new world for me to explore, filled with myths and splendor. at my leisure! How exciting is that? I wonder what I should do first...
Eh, I'll worry about that later.
(Sometime Later)
- Late Night -
*Hinata: Inhale| Mmmm-ahh! By the Sight, the weather here is perfect! The air smells and feels so nice. And the Moon is so much larger, shinier, and sliver than I'd thought it would be. The world outside is beautiful. After living underground all my life, this is so neat!
After Reimu decided to turn in for the night, I decided to make my way to the top of the shrine to take in the moonlit sights. Though it took me a moment or two to work up the courage to step outside (that's kenophobia for you), once I was finally out here, I was so entranced by the night sky that I quickly forgot about my fears. Living in Levanntry, you always hear about the sky at night and the pinpricks of starlight that dotted the endless black canvas. Experiencing it for one's self for the first time was breathtakingly beautiful. Though each point of light was some distant burning ball of incandescent gas, I remember Papa saying that each represented a wish that had come true and taken form. He told me this in the planetarium be used to take me to next to the Levanntry Grand Library. Silly, I know but, it is still a fond memory of mine. One of the only memories I have of him left. Because of that, every time I look up at the night sky it gives me hope. Helps my thoughts settle. It allows me to consider the questions that I need to be answered:
Why am I here? How did I get here? What happened to my memory? Who or what attacked me in the forest and left me for dead? And why? Where are all my personal items (my grimoire, my cloak, and my lantern)? Who decided to bring me back to life?
And most importantly, am I truly who or what I say I am?
Ah, it's so frustrating not remembering anything! To know that it's probably in my head somewhere but, I just can't access it...AGH! Verdammt!
I can't lose hope though. There's something here in Gensoukyo for me. I can feel it. A vibe I can't quite explain but, it excites me. It makes my nerves feel all live and electric. Gensoukyo holds opportunities here that I feel may have been barred from me should I have stayed in Levanntry. I know it! Speaking of...why does thinking of Levanntry bring me this sense of unease and danger. That can't be right...can it? Geez, this amnesia sucks! I really hope this doctor of Eientei that Reimu mentioned can help me. If she can't then...
*Hinata: Sigh!| Hinata Stephanie, you need to stop worrying about things you can't control. Just relax and - oh! I have the perfect method to do so! If I still can, that is. I just hope I don't wake up Reimu or anyone else around. Thoughtful Frown| Hm...it seems that part of my memory is still intact. Great! I still remember all my lessons!
Let's work on that tune...ah! I recall it now! Ok, deep breath and...
*Hinata: Deep Inhale| "~Ha-lalalaaa Lalaaa Laalaa Lalalalala~"
*Hinata: "~Halaaa La-lalalalaaa Laa-Laaa~" Exhale| I should work on the lyrics for that tune one day. Something that clearly portrays the emotion that went into that tune. Unfortunately, I suck writing lyrics. Though, I'm not sure-
|Tingle|
"Someone is behind me."
Huh?
*Female Voice: An interesting little tune. I'm quite impressed: you don't have that bad of a singing voice, kid.
Eh?!
Spinning about I'm presented with a fairly tall woman floating in mid-air a few meters away. Long, golden blonde hair, violet eyes that seem to peer into my very soul, and a smile that puts me so on edge that I'm surprised I haven't erected a ward in reflex. And maybe it's just the aura she gives off but, not only does she strike me as the untrustworthy type but, she's definitely not human. Her eyes hold centuries' worth of information and tell me that she hasn't been human in a long, long time.
*Blonde Lady: Smirk| Hmhm, did I startle you? Apologies, Hinata.
*Hinata: Stare| And who are you exactly, frau? And how do you know my name? I've never seen you before in my life.
*Blonde Lady: Amused| Never? Now, how would you know that to be true? I was under the assumption that you were suffering from amnesia. Has that changed recently?
*Hinata: Deep Frown| You really love being creepy, huh, frau whoever-you-are. If so, then congrats: I'm successfully creeped out ("not to mention incredibly irritated"). Just who the hell are you? And how do you know all that stuff about me? Icy Glare| You wouldn't happen to be the person who kindly left their knife sticking out of my chest, would you? (I feel ethereal wisps of pure magic begin to flow off my body.) I've been meaning to pay someone back for that.
*Blonde Lady: As if I'd need to resort to something so medieval to end your life. (She doesn't look the least bit fazed by my ever-shortening temper. She still even has that damned smirk on her face.) If I wanted to kill you, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now and I certainly wouldn't have to use a knife. Whether or not you want to believe that is up to you; I could care less.
...This bitch... I've never met someone more irritating in my entire life.
*Hinata: ...So... say I do believe you...for now: you haven't answered my questions from before. I might (nope) be prone to trust you more if you answer them.
*Blonde Lady: Hmhm, you'll learn my name soon enough, don't you worry. And I'm simply here to see how you're doing, Hinata. Nothing more, nothing less.
*Hinata: Dubious| Seriously?
*Blonde Lady: Mysterious Smile| Why not? Pause| Hm, other than the obviously horrid state of your clothing, I'd say you look and sound pitch-perfect to me. I'd do something about the bloodstains though. The "gory" look is very unbecoming of you.
*Hinata: Twitch| I'll...keep that in mind. You know, next time I get stabbed in the chest. Thanks for the input... ("I think I hate this woman already")
*Blonde Lady: It's my pleasure. I'll be seeing you again soon. We'll talk more in-depth once the time comes. Until then! Sweet dreams and au revoir, Scarlet Witch.
|Fwishhh...|
Whoa.
In the time it took me to blink, she's gone. Just like that... What, in the name of sanity, did I just witness?
[Interlude]
~ Many Years Earlier ~
* Levanntry Great Library: Restricted Section E *
- Twilight -
The rumbling growl of thunder was a common sound in the lower branches of Levanntry's largest library. Despite the subterranean location of the great city of magicians, the dangers of lightning were still present. This was not the result of electrically charged rainstorms that generated massive columns of lightning. Not at all. In fact, it was the result of another natural phenomenon. Though rain wasn't foreign to Levanntry, it never generated lightning. The lightning was created by the massive, arcane generator that powered this section of the city. There were around ten or so main generators - one resting beneath the Great Library. Normally encompassed in stone and a layer of powerful wards, there was part of the library generator's machinery that was exposed allowing powerful orange arc storms to manifest due to the extra energy escaping into the air. There was an overhand overlooking said exposure where one could watch the arc storms from a relatively "safe" distance. Of course, the had been those foolish enough to be struck by a wayward bolt of lightning (which almost always ended with the electrocution of the said individual) whilst standing here but, they'd simply not been careful enough. Hence why Section E of the library was barred from the public. The Grand Covenleader, High-born Magus, and the Sorcerer Supreme deemed the area too dangerous - the fear that some other fool would come and meet his untimely demise.
All this was completely fine with me.
Section E had been a very popular area before the triumvirate of magi sealed it off. Now, it was only inhabited by the numerous daemons and minor fey-folk who worked in blissful ignorance in Section E's darkened halls. It was a seldom occurrence to see any other intelligent being here. Neither species of worker seemed to care about those who slipped in; it was the perfect location to be alone with one's own thoughts, to be free of the constant buzzing of Levanntry's social atmosphere and industrial centers, and free of the dull students-
*Energetic Female Voice: FOUND HER! Toldja' she'd be here!
*Calm Male Voice: Did you really think I had any doubt she would be, Cal?
So, they found me again, I see. How persistent.
I turn and offer the pair a curt nod by way of a typical greeting. Just who I'd suspected. The future "Clockwork Mage" and the future "Witch of Seven-Stars" - Gideon Sörenbach and Calypso Nikos respectively. My... "colleagues".
*Hina: Is there something you need of me?
*Gideon: Not particularly. So, what brings you down here? Can't sleep, Dream Witch?
*Calypso: Grin Hee-hee, you realize that this is a restricted area, right, Steph? If we get caught again then it's a full year's worth of detention.
*Hina: ...I'm aware. I'm just having trouble sleeping.
Gideon: an astute and kind boy. His mother was a human and his father a Hellhound. Known well for his vast intellect, a talent for attracting female attention, and a knack for combining arcana and machinery. He was handsome. Brown-haired and grey-eyed. Interestingly afflicted with a case of social anxiety.
Calypso is...different. She's a pure-blooded elf who easily fits the description of "gregarious". Very high energy but, staggeringly brilliant when it comes to magical theory and celestial-type magic. She's more of an experience than an individual. Attractive. Silver-haired with a white streak parting it down the middle and mahogany-eyed.
Both are uniquely interesting individuals.
*Calypso: Snort| Wait, so you're the "Dream Witch" but, you can't sleep, Red? How does that work?
*Hina: The irony is not lost on me. Sounds like the plot of a paltry children's storybook: The Witch of Dreams that couldn't sleep.
*Calypso: (She appraises me carefully) Was...what your attempt at sarcasm?
*Hina: Blink| No.
*Gideon: So, what's on your mind, Hina?
*Hina: What makes you think I have something on my mind?
*Calypso: Would you be here, otherwise? Wry Smirk| Sorry but, we know you too well. You're nothing if not predictable to us.
*Hina: ... ...
|Flutter|
There it is again. This... "sensation", just like before. What is this? Why is it here?
*Calypso: Am I right or am I right?
*Hina: Glance| I... suppose I could enlighten you both. However, I won't have it leave this room.
Gideon nodded, his fingers snapping and bringing all of Section E's labor force to attention. He politely asks them for a few minutes of privacy. There came a few "Of course, sirs and ma'ams" and "Right away, Lady and Lord Mages", before they were alone. Calypso strolled over and casually threw an arm about my shoulders. She's always been so..."physical". Why I don't know. It's not something I fully understand.
Much like the sensation from earlier.
*Hina: What...what is it that you do to get others to like you?
*Calypso: Surprised Stare| ...
*Gideon: Stare| ...
*Hina: ...I will need an answer. That wasn't a rhetorical question.
|Twinge|
The looks they gave each other... Thinking about it makes my skin itch. The result of a different sensation now. It's rising in my chest and throat. What is this?
*Gideon: (He coughs and leans against the railing of the balcony with a sigh) Sorry, that was the very last thing I was expecting from you to ask. Appraising Look| Are you feeling well, Hina?
*Hina: I'm perfectly healthy. Why was my question so unexpected?
*Gideon: Ah...it's just that-
*Calypso: Quirks Eyebrow| You worry about that kind of stuff, Steph?
*Hina: Worry? I hardly worry about it. I'm simply curious.
Calypso pulls me into a tight hug, squeezing me with the abnormal strength of the elves. It is fortunate that my body doesn't bruise easily.
*Calypso: Ah, hehehehe, there's the Hinata we know and love! We were worried about you!
"Love"? Why does that word feel so...appropriate?
*Hina: Will you two provide an answer then?
*Calypso: Heh, it's easy! For Gideon, it's because guys find him cool and girls think he's hot. Pretty cut and dry.
Gideon choked on whatever words he'd been preparing and embarrassment colors his face a bright red. A plume of smoke jettisons out of his nose causing Calypso to burst into a fit of giggles. Of which, I have the urge to join her... hm... What is happening to me?
*Calypso: Ahaha, don't be embarrassed, Ian. Mamma only speaks the truth, right, Hina?
*Hina: Blink| I suppose both statements have the merit of truth behind them.
*Gideon: Rolls Eyes| Thanks for making me self-conscious, ladies...
*Calypso: Wink| Hehehe, anytime, sir!
*Hina: Glance| What about you, Sidereal Witch?
*Calypso: (She executes a perfect pirouette) I'm perky, I'm quirky, and I'm drop-dead adorable. (She motions to her pointed ears) Mamma's also an elf so, people love that.
*Gideon: Smirk| That's the most modest a description of yourself I've ever heard you give, Blinky.
*Calypso: (She shoves him good-naturedly) Oh, shut up, Cogs!
*Hina: ... ...
*Gideon: Sigh| There's more to this than plain curiosity, isn't there, Hina?
How clearly he sees through me.
*Hina: ...I've begun to...notice how others react to my presence. When I compare it to how they react to both of you...there are vastly noticeable differences. Considering that there are very few differences between the three of us - meaning no extremes - I find such drastic variations to be illogical. The sheer inconstancy of it all... "bothers" me.
And it shouldn't.
*Calypso: Shocked| It does!? Are you serious!? Like, it actually bothers you!? Whoa!
*Gideon: Concerned| This is not like you at all, Hina. Are you sure you're feeling well?
I turn away from them and stare out towards the flashing arc storms. Is it possible for me to answer that truthfully? There are so many things happening to me that I don't understand nor, can I explain. So much to both my body and my mind. Am I ill? Or...could this possibly be something else entirely?
*Hina: Would you believe me if I told you that I truly don't know? Because I don't. I truly don't know.
|Static|
[Interlude End]
| End of Chapter One: "Revival - Scarlet Dream"|
- Continue? -