Chapter Two: Mysteries and Machinations
* Forest of Magic *
- Early Morning -
*Girl's Voice: Hey, wake up.
Nnmmmph...mmm...
*Girl's Voice: I know you can hear me. Waaaaaake uuuuuuup! Tch...
Mmm? Mmmmnph...ahh...
|Poke Poke|
*[Her]: |Yawn| Wh-what? Who is...
|Poke|
*[Her]: Hm...this is...bad. Shit. Hinata, you should wake up. We...you are in danger. You've got a stranger in front of you and she's...
|Poke Poke|
*[Her]: ...poking you. It'd be wise of you to wake up...now...
|Poke Poke|
Mmm...h-huh?
|Poke|
*Girl's Voice: Hey, girly! Wake up!
Ngh...awww, who's yelling at me so early in the morning? Is that Reimu? Papa? It's too early to go to school...
*Hinata: |Mumble Grumble| I just need...five more...minuten...Reimu... |Snore|
*Girl's Voice: Oh no, you don't! WAKE. THE. HELL. UP!
|SMACK!|
*Hinata: Aieeee! Ach, by the Sight, that hurt! What the hell?!
*Girl's Voice: Hmph! About damn time you woke up, witch! Tch, you sleep like a sloth!
*Hinata: Ah, sor-ry for trying to get a little extra sleep after I'd just been... |Blink| Um...pardon me, fraulein, but who, in the name of mysticism, are you?
I have more questions such as, "Why am I bound to this tree?" and, "Where exactly am I, right now?" but, I'll keep them to myself for later review.
*Shinobi Girl: I am a shinobi. That's all the information you need regarding me. I'd keep in mind that you aren't in any position to be asking questions, if I were you, mage.
Weird, since it feels like I am. I'll save my indignation, too, till later.
*Hinata: R-right...allow me this though: are you going to kill me? I somehow get a distinct impression that you're going to kill me.
*Shinobi Girl: Depends... Let's see how the next few moments go.
Oh...that doesn't sound promising. Ninian's Grace, how do I get myself into these messes? I (somehow) escape bleeding out in a forest, only to get tied up in preparation to be killed...in the forest. My opinion of forests has drastically changed. I used to love them. Now...
Mmm, the way she's looking at me is near-predatory. It makes me quite uneasy. Looking at her though, she's a strange character, this supposed shinobi. Definitely not human. No human I know has square retinas...or fangs...or (what looks to be, I dunno) gill slits on her neck. Not to mention her skin looks like it's perpetually moist as if she just jumped out of a river. She is very pretty though. Really pretty. She seems to give off a very exotic vibe, especially in her features - more so than Reimu does.
*Shinobi Girl: Tell me something girl: what do you know of the warlock by the name of "Chronos"? I'd have reason to believe that you have some sort of connection to him.
*Hinata: |Frown| a "warlock", you say? You're kidding me, yes?
*Shinobi Girl: Do I look the type to joke around? |Stare|
*Hinata: |Scowl| This coming from the fraulein who just asked me if I knew a combat mage. Scratch that; a warlock!
*Shinobi Girl: I fail to see your point, witch.
*Hinata: "Warlocks" are strictly male by demographic. So much so that they aren't even allowed to converse with a female for fear of being stripped of their power. Plus, there hasn't been any need for combat-only magi since the Magician's War! And you're going by the notion that I have a connection to one? Who even suggested such nonsense?
*Shinobi Girl: Lying to me will get you nowhere.
*Hinata: Are you... |Deep Breath| "Weißt du was? Ich habe wirklich keine Zeit dafür." (1)
*Shinobi Girl: |Frown| I'm sorry?
*Hinata: I wouldn't worry about it.
Let's see now... I should have a spell or two that could break these bindings. Oh dear...by the Kabbala, it's been a while since I've deliberately used any magic. I feel so rusty. I'm at nearly full strength. My mana tanks are at about 85% but, I don't have my grimoire or my lantern (I have a special little lantern that I use to focus my magic. It's pretty neat, honestly) so...there's a 50% chance that I might blow myself and half the forest to kingdom come. Hmmm...I'll...take those chances. Coin flip.
Heh heh, famous last words from a desperate witch.
I take a moment to focus. Time around me seems to slow as my power begins to build in my core and flow through every inch of my body. I try and figure out the words I use for my different spells...which is difficult since my memory's kinda shot. And...I think I got it. Here goes nothing!
*Hinata: [Materia Tôns]!
|STAB! STAB!|
*Hinata: Uurp! |Vomit! Cough!| Bleeeh... Wh-what the hell? Blood?
*Shinobi Girl: |Smirk| Unpleasant, yeah? Just be happy that you avoided using a more powerful spell. The rebound may have been much, much worse.
...!
*Shinobi Girl: You look shocked. Did you really think an experienced mage hunter such as I would bind you using mere conventional means? What a foolish notion! Every time you use a spell while bound in those ropes it will bounce back onto you. So I wouldn't use any more unnecessary magic if I were you. Unless you want to kill yourself and save me the trouble of having to do it later.
*Hinata: |Cough| S-so, you are going to kill me...
*Shinobi Girl: Probably. Eventually, if you continue to annoy me with stupid questions. I'd make peace with whatever god, gods, or lack thereof. |Eyes Narrow| You were lying pretty strongly a moment ago so you might want to repent. It's a fairly bad sin to lie.
*Hinata: B-but I'm not lying! I really don't know any warlocks! Just hear me out, ok? It would be physically impossible for me to have associated any warlocks! The last warlock I'd even heard was at least a thousand years old when he died...and that was well over three hundred years prior to me being born! Verdammt, I'm only seventeen!
At least, I think I am...
*Hinata: So, unless you want to be responsible for the murder of an innocent girl, I'd check my facts, fraulein! Please believe me: I am innocent! I swear by the Power within me and the Seijo name!
*Shinobi Girl: |Frown| "Seijo"? Is that your family name? I thought your last name was "Wären".
*Hinata: No, I was born a "Seijo". My father's last name was "Wären" but, for whatever reason, he didn't want me to have his last name. |Frown| Why would you assume that my last name was Wären? How do you even know that name?
The pretty ninja girl chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully, doubt beginning to cross her features. And...ough... There was this ripple thing that passes through her neck-gills (as she crossed her arms under her [impressive] chest) that was so alien that it makes my skin crawl. Not to mention her hair (if that's truly what it was) seemed to move without the aide if her moving her head or wind blowing. I am greatly uneased.
She then stares at me for a long time, making me feel startlingly naked for whatever reason.
*Shinobi Girl: |Sigh| You aren't lying, are you. I'm really going to have to start back from square one, aren't I. |Growl| Damnit...
|Swish! Slick!|
Eh? What did she just throw... Ninian's Grace, I'm free!
... ...
Wait! Whoa, whoa, whoa! When did that happen?! Oh, sweet Mother, that was a kunai! I barely even registered that she moved her arm! She's so fast!
Oh dear, if she really wanted to kill me, I wouldn't have stood a chance. Note to self: never piss this lady off.
*Shinobi Girl: I suppose I owe you an explanation.
*Hinata: That would be...nice.
*Shinobi Girl: Hm. First tell me: your father's name is "Nicholas Wären", correct? Where is he?
*Hinata: Indeed. But, I...don't think he's "around" anymore. I'm sorta suffering from amnesia right now so, I don't know for sure.
*Shinobi Girl: And he was the only Wären?
*Hinata: As far as I'm aware. He didn't have any real family besides me. |Frown| What is this about? I'm not seeing any connection between him, me, and this "Chronos" fellow. And I still don't know who you are, fraulein.
*Shinobi Girl (Feng Mei-Lao, The Abyssal Lotus): |Blink| ...My name is Feng. I was hired by the Merlin of Levanntry to hunt the warlock Chronos and his associates, and bring them to justice. He is responsible for the deaths of many of his fellow mages. I was told by a fairly reliable source of mine that a red-haired witch with the last name Wären could lead me to him. The clues eventually lead me to you. |Stare| You say you aren't lying but, you also have amnesia so, I'm not sure where to go from here. As far as I'm concerned, you're not the one I'm looking for.
*Hinata: Ah, nein. I can safely say that I know of no warlocks and all of my father's name are no more. I think you may have been misled, fraulein. I'm sorry.
*Feng: Looks that way. Chronos has this way of eluding me, despite my best efforts. He has the goddess of luck on his side. So many false trails and dead ends. I thought I'd finally get the break I'd needed. How irritating. Tch...
She looks so cute when she'd upset.
*Feng: Hmph, there's no use complaining about it now. I humbly apologize for the mix-up, Miss Seijo. I hope there's no bad blood between us.
*Hinata: No, nein, of course not. I accept your apology.
*Feng: |Nod| Thank you. I suppose I should leave these items I came across to you. I have no need for them. And please, if you somehow remember anything that could help me find this warlock, pass it along to me. I shouldn't be too hard to contact. Most news finds it's way to me eventually. But if you ever need to contact me immediately, find the nearest body of water and toss in a message weighed down by a rock. I'll be there as quickly as I can. (Her eyes met me squarely) Farewell, Hinata Seijo. I pray that the next time we meet, it'll be on better terms.
|BOOF!|
Ah! She's gone! Vanished with a puff of smoke...and the faint scent of jasmine tea and honey. There are several things on the ground where she once stood. I'm guessing it's the items she felt she wanted me to have. Let's see...
*Hinata: Hmmm...ok. Hey...this stuff looks familiar. Wait. Wait, just a damn moment! This is my stuff!
My cloak, my lantern, and my freaking grimoire! How in the hell... Something's not right here. How would she have come across these things? Did someone from Levanntry give them to her in hopes of framing me? Or...was she the one who attacked me in the forest... No...no that doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel accurate.
*Hinata: |Mutter| There are so many mysteries regarding my past. What is my amnesia hiding from me? |Mutter|
So, I guess I'll get my stuff back then...
|Rustle Rustle|
Mmm...it's so nice to have my cloak on again. I'd forgotten how comfortable it was. I just hope the bloodstains on my clothes don't rub off on my beautiful cloak. Blood tends to stain spider silk permanently and it would be a pain to magic it out without damaging it.
Awoo? Is that an egg? It's huge! It's almost the size of an ostrich egg! It's not something I had with me in the forest but...I feel like I should hold on to it for some reason. I'll have to keep an eye on it though. Worst-case scenario, if it hatches, it's a basilisk or tsuchigumo. Best-case scenario, it's actually an ostrich...or a really big duck. I wave the cloth of my cloak over the egg and it disappears into its pocket dimension.
*Hinata: All right, all set. Ach, right...I have no idea where I am. That's a problem. Damn. Double damn. Guess it's time to pick a direction and hope I find my way back to Reimu's shrine. Slightly nervous that this forest looks the same the whole way around but...oh well. |Sigh| No need to waste further daylight.
(Sometime Later)
* Misty Lake *
- Late Morning -
I've come across the most curious sight: a lake shrouded in a thick layer of mist. Curious in the fact that the Sun is out yet, the mist hasn't boiled away.
|Shiver|
The air temperature is also fairly low considering the fact it made me shiver. There's a magic in the air that - when combined with the eerie miasma of the forest - is screwing with my senses hardcore. Lemme pull out my lantern, maybe that'll penetrate the fog and warm me up a bit.
Ach, let's see here...it looks like it's in good shape. No scratches. No busted panes. The oil's a bit low so, I'll have so remedy that soon. Makes me wonder if Gensoukyo has a suitable alternative to chimera's blood. Anyway...this should work...
|Click Click Click|
Hm...the wick isn't lighting. That's odd. Maybe it needs a little jumpstart...
*Hinata: [Scintilla]
|Fwoooosh!|
Hey! There we are! I love seeing that little blue flame. It seems to still have the self-levitation charm still applied to it. I wonder. Does it still—
|Tingle|
*Nervous Voice: C-Cirno-chan, be careful! We don't know what this thing is!
*Bold Voice: Oh, pipe down, Dai-chan! It's dead, ain't it?
*Nervous Voice: But we don't know that! Let's just leave it alone, ok?
*Bold Voice: Aww, you're such a worry-uh-tart. Yeah, a "worrytart"! If you wanna leave, you can, Dai-chan.
Who's that I hear? Sounds like something of interest. Maybe whoever it is knows where the hell I am.
I walk towards the sound of the voices and, sure enough, I find myself the witness of a most curious sight. First subject of notice is the gleaming pile of metal at the very edge of the lake. Besides, that were the two...fairies? It had been a while since I'd seen any of the fey-folk. There must have been a massive well of natural energy nearby for them to have manifested so clearly. I'm so used to them being the size of lemons. Levanntry wasn't known for having vast amounts of ambient natural energy.
*Green Fairy: If I leave then you're just going to get into trouble, or worse.
*Blue Fairy: Stop being such a big baby. It's not going to do nothing. Besides, I'm the strongest! Watch this!
Wait, is that fairy about to—
Oh, by the Mother!
*Hinata: H-hey, don't touch that, you dümkompft!
Both faires nearly jumped out of their skins as I rushed to put myself in between them and the metal.
*Green Fairy: Ah!
*Blue Fairy: Eh? Who are you? And what's a "doom-cough"?
*Hinata: What, in the name of mysticism, are you thinking?! You weren't actually about to touch this thing, were you?
*Green Fairy (Daiyousei, The Great Fairy of the Lake): |Confused| Huh? Is there something wrong with this thing, Miss? |Shocked| See, Cirno-chan, I told you it was dangerous!
*Hinata: "Dangerous" may be an understatement for you lot. A moment please, ja?
*Blue Fairy (Cirno, Ice Fairy of the Lake): Hey, no fair! We found it first! It's ours to play with!
I glance at the fairy absently before scrubbing her off the plane of my existence for a while. Not to be mean, just helps me concentrate when I'm examining something.
*Cirno: Stop ignoring me! It's ours! |Growl| You're really making me mad!
*Daiyousei: Cirno-chan, calm down.
It has a definite shape. Looks to be made of iron so, that confirms my first thought. There's gold and silver present too. This strikes me as manufactured. Strikes me as familiar...why is that?
*Cirno: Fine! You asked for it, lady!
*Daiyousei: Cirno-chan, don't!
|Tingle!|
!
*Cirno: [Ice Sign — "Icicle Machine Gun"]!
*[Her]: Move!
|Ra-tata-tata-tata-tata-tata-tat!|
I throw myself off to one side as thick icicles impale the ground where I once stood.
Two things quickly followed in rapid succession.
I readied my lantern for either protection or retaliation (depending on how I was feeling at the time), feeling my magic burn in my core, and flow throughout my body. It flowed between the invisible link connecting me to my magical catalyst. At that very same instant, the metallic pile launched itself up off the ground. An explosion of steam was expelled from many of its sleek grey and gold limbs.
Fun fact: I totally know what this thing is now.
It's a construct: a being made mostly of metal (or whatever) and animated by magic. Highly resistant to most forms of conventional arcana. An automatic machine or "automaton", if you will.
So...this is bad?
The automaton clicked and whirred, adjusting his joints and sliding metal plates. A crossbow-like appendage materialized on its left side, wasting no time in pointing it at the fairies. Both stared at the machine with a mixture of amaze and fright. They didn't even move when it loaded the crossbow with the clear intent of firing at them.
Pause.
I have two options here presented to me.
First: I could let the automaton fire. It would probably kill the fairies while I could simply flee for my life. The fairies would respawn...I won't. And this thing will most likely kill me.
Second: I could do something really dumb and possibly put my life in mortal danger. I could do this.
*Hinata: [Fabrica Terminus Retribuere — "Create: Reflective Barrier"]!
|Ka-chunk! Ping!|
The metal projectile struck the shield I erected in front of the two damsels and ricocheted over its head. Its attention was drawn immediately from the fairies to good old moi. It turned to me slowly, breathing (?) out a pillar of steam in challenge. Is it possible to piss off a robot because I believe I just did...hm...
All well and good, I suppose. I've been storing up a lot of frustration since the discovery of my amnesia and the fact that someone (or something) tried to murder me in cold blood. I need a food fight.
*Hinata: Sorry but, nein. Do you mind dancing with me instead? (I glance at the fairies) You two might want to get out of here, yes? Fairies and metal don't tend to mix very well, in my experience.
I leap back and extend my hand and lantern out towards the automaton.
*Hinata: [Ignis Pila]! Eat this!
|FWOOOSH!|
My fireball spell raced towards the automaton with rotating violet fury. The hulking metal being bats the conflagration away almost casually. It readied another crossbow bolt to retaliate but, little did it know, I'd used that split-second interval to close the distance between us. I thrust out my palm as it was recovering in an uppercut motion, feeding power through my palm, and unleashed one of my favorite close-combat spells.
*Hinata: [Fortis Palma]! Hi-yaaah!
|CRASH! THOOOM!|
I couldn't help but, grin (somewhat maniacally) as an explosive cushion of pure force, amplified by my own stores of mana, exploded out from my palm. Metal dented and the automaton flew back into a tree. Glad to see my "Concussion Palm" spell still works wonders.
I do a quick calculation and cast another fireball at where the construct fell. This one seemed to connect: kicking up more dust and exploding into pretty purple fireworks. Hopefully, that disabled the damn thing for now. Just in case...I should limber up some more...
*Daiyousei: Um...excuse me, Miss?
*Hinata: |Flinch!| Ah! Oh, wha- Sweet mercy, you two are still here?!
*Cirno: |Confused| Eh? Of course we are. This is our lake, dummy!
Rude but... Besides, weren't you the one who shot icicles at me? I'll keep my annoyance to myself.
*Daiyousei: Don't be rude, Cirno-chan!
*Cirno: |Scowl| I didn't mean anything by it. Hey, lady! What was that thing?
*Hinata: |Blink| It was an automaton. |Frown| Wait...you didn't know that already?
Both of the fairies look at each other then back to me, shaking their heads. Why do I feel like I'm the odd one out in this conversation? Hm.
*Hinata: An "automaton" is basically a giant metal robot controlled by magic. It's the reason I didn't want either of you to touch it due to your species weakness to iron. They're quite common where I'm from.
*Cirno: And where's that? You don't look like you're from Gensoukyo. Who are you again?
*Hinata: Ach, right, my apologies, fraulein. I forgot to introduce myself. |Formal Bow| My name is Hinata, lady fey. But please call me "Hina", if you prefer. I'm a witch! And...not really from around here.
*Daiyousei: A "witch"? Like Miss Marisa and Miss Alice?
Awoo? Who is powerful enough for this fairy to be addressing them as "Miss"?
*Cirno: I knew you looked weird! Well, that scaredy-cat over there is Dai-chan! And I'm Cirno, the strongest fairy in Gensoukyo!
*Daiyousei: |Blush!| H-hey!
"The strongest fairy", huh? I guess that explains why she'd about the same size as a toddler. The larger a fairy can manifest, the more magical power they tend to possess. I've only seen fairies the size of my palm and they could very easily best an elite elven spellcaster. And both of them are that size. Geez, wouldn't want to tangle with these two.
|Ka-chunk! Ka-chunk!|
The automaton hadn't quite kicked the bucket yet. Ugh, damn this thing's magical resistance! Downright tenacious!
*Daiyousei: Miss Hina, that thing's still alive!
*Hinata: Noted. |Sigh| Er...you two mind giving me a hand? The help would be most appreciated seeing as my magic might not be enough. Three heads are better than one, yes?
Not waiting for a response, I decided to take the initiative. I draw away more crossbow fire - dodging the few aimed directly at my head (yikes!) and deflecting the others with another shield. I shoot a third, smaller fireball in its direction. A shield manifests on another one of its limbs but, I already managed to circle around it. My mana burns in my veins as I prepare a spell.
*Hinata: [Vitrum Lancea]! How's this!
|Piiiiiiinnnnng! Crash!]
The menacing glass lance slices through the air, colliding with the machine and shattering into dozens of tiny crystal shards. Puffs of steam and trickles of oil began to jet out of the automaton's gold-and-steel components. A larger plume of steam poured out of the main impact wound as it attempted to move. The tenacious metal dork gives me the most baleful look a soulless robot could possibly bestow.
It was about as effective as a kitten trying to frighten a dragon.
|Zwoooooo...|
Eh? It's that same sensation from earlier but...
*Cirno: Hey! My turn! My turn! [Freeze Sign - "Icicle Fall"]!
Whoa! The blue fairy is using a spell! Sweet, this thing is finished!
The temperature drops ten degrees in an instant as Cirno summons a fierce gust of frigid air at the automaton doing...absolutely nothing. Absolutely. Nothing.
Nothing.
Utter silence.
*Hinata: ... ...
... ...
... ...What.
*Cirno: |Confused| Eh? It didn't do nothing.
What just happened?! That was magic...wasn't it?! If so, why couldn't I feel it build up? Why was there no incantation? And that was no simple cantrip it seems. Most importantly, why did a fairy's spell do absolutely nothing when we are surrounded by NATURE, which also happens to be that fairy's home turf! I have so many questions!
The automaton vibrates, breaking the thin layer of frost that had accumulated, and resumed its assault on me. Clearly it didn't think the fairies were a threat. I continue my pattern of dodging, deflecting, retaliating until I visibly see the construct beginning to slow in its efforts. Every now and again a flurry of icicles annoyed it but, that was about all they did. Seriously, what was up with that? Surely fae magic was stronger than that in Gensoukyo. Is there something wrong with this lake or am I missing something here?
|Shiver|
*Automaton: ["Crush those who oppose, Rob them of their lifeline — Vaccum Pressure Wave"]!
Oh damn! Oh damn! Oh-
|Fwhooooom!|
*Two Fairies: |Gasp! Choke!| ...!
*Hinata: |Choke!| C-can't...b-breathe...!
O-kay, now this is the magic I'm familiar with. Unfortunately, I know this spell and it's some seriously bad news! I need to act quickly!
I manage to throw my body into the two fairies, praying to the goddess that I pushed them out of the spells area-of-effect in time. Luckily, I did but, the only thing I could do afterwards was brace myself for the pain to follow once the spell was completed...
...and did it ever.
*Marisa: I'm telling you, Alice! I know what I felt and, whatever it was ain't natural, ze.
*Alice: |Stare| This isn't to say I don't believe you...but I don't. |Quirks Eyebrow| You sure this isn't the result of some weird mushrooms you've been eating? I've told you about watching what you eat.
The two blonde mages flew over the dense canopy of the Forest of Magic. Alice Margatroid, the Seven-Colored Puppeteer had been busying herself with her typical arcane research when her friend/neighbor/nuisance Marisa Kirisame barged into her house. The Ordinary Magician complained of feeling greatly uneasy, hinting that they should investigate the Misty Lake for..." something", the black-white magician was quite vague about it all. Had it not have been that Alice, too, had begun to feel weirdly anxious, she would have ignored the thieving witch or simply threatened her with violence until she left. The sensation had become so strong that she could hardly think straight but, she'll never tell Marisa that. She still had a reputation to uphold and Marisa would never let her get a wink of sleep if she allowed her this.
*Marisa: |Scowl| Hell no! I know which one's I pick and none of them give me an "itch" like this, ze. Can't ya just trust me on this one?
*Alice: Would you trust you?
Marisa begins to answer but stops herself. She purses her lips in thought a moment before breaking out in a cheeky, shameless grin.
*Marisa: You've got a point, O' Puppetmaster.
*Alice: |Heavy Sigh| What am I to do with you? I just hope you realize that we're literally investigating a "feeling". Something that's probably nothing.
Marisa parts her lips to answer.
|Ka-booooom...|
Both mages halted mid-flight. Looks passed between them. Suddenly, Marisa was nearly knocked off her broom as a flying object blindsided her. She reacted quickly, righting herself and readying her mini-Hakkero furnace.
*Marisa: D-whoa! What the hell?! Hey, watch where you're flying- |Blink Blink| Yo, aren't you one of Cirno's pals, ze?
Daiyousei righted herself, looking to each of them as she recovered from the collision and her terror-filled daze.
*Daiyousei: |Sharp Gasp!| Miss Marisa! Miss Alice!
Alice decided to grab the fairy's attention immediately. In her experience, whenever one dealt with a fairy, it was best to drive the conversation to get the best results.
*Alice: Daiyousei. Why are you in such a hurry?
*Marisa: Cirno's not involved in this, is she? |Sigh| Geez, all this for nothin'...
*Daiyousei: |Shakes Head| N-no, Miss Marisa, it's not just Cirno-chan! Miss Hina needs your help!
*Alice: |Frown| The curse goddess?
*Daiyousei: No! The other Miss Hina!
Both mages were confused. That didn't stop Marisa from shooting Alice a smirk that said "I told you something's up". Alice rolled her eyes and flicked a small firework at her friend. Despite this, the gears in her head began to turn. She returned her attention back to the ice fairy.
*Alice: We'll help. Take us to where this "Miss Hina" is.
Have you ever been hit by a small planetoid going at a high velocity? One that was about the size of your average moon and made mostly of metal? 'Course you haven't. I just needed an example (be it exaggerated or not) of how getting hit by this blasted spell felt. So, imagine the worse pain you've ever, ever felt. Multiply it by 23.8 and spread it around your entire body equally. Yep. Very unpleasant sensations playing throughout the good ole' mortal coil right now. Had I not erected a shield for myself when I did, I probably would have died...again.
Damn, never thought I'd say that in my lifetime.
|Clank! Clank!|
Perhaps I spoke too soon...
*Hinata: Ngh-ah!
An ocean of pain explodes throughout my body as cold, unyielding metal claws lift me from where I lay and hoist me into the air. I forced my swollen eyelids to open, finding myself staring into three burning jades in place of actual eyes.
*Hinata: |Wry Smile| H-hey so, s-sorry 'bout th-throwing stuff at y-you. N-no h-harm. no f-foul, r-right?
The mechanical being just stared at me. A plume of steam erupts from it's back. My heart sunk as a long metal blade appeared and moved with deadly purpose towards me. The air around the blade sizzled and glowed red-hot along its sharpened edge.
Lovely...
*Hinata: I-I'm guessing th-that's a no? |Shuts Eyes| F-fair enough. J-just m-make it q-quick...
|THROB! THROB!|
It was as if time around me began to slow to a meager crawl.
N-ngh! A-abyss' depths... Wh-what n-now... Wh-why i-is...m-my h-head s-so...f-foggy? U-ugh...
|Throb!|
*[Her]: What are you doing?
W-who is this?!
*[Her]: I am no-one. However, should you remember who I am, I will become someone.
I'm n-not sure I understand. Do I know you?
*[Her]: More than we both care to admit, mädchen. Now, I'll ask you again. What are you doing?
What do you mean?
*[Her]: You are about to die. Are you sure you want to go through that experience again? You are not going to get a second chance. Or "third", I should say.
No! Of course not! I know this! I don't want to die! But it's not like I have much of a choice here! W-wait...are you the one who brought me back?
*[Her]: No. I can, however, help you survive this encounter.
How?! And why should I trust you when I have no idea who the hell you are?! My gut is telling me not to blindly listen to random voices in my head!
*[Her]: Yes...the same "gut" what is about to be ripped from that body of yours should you continue to be unbelievably stubborn. It gets annoying after a time. Life or death, mädchen. What will it be?
... ...Grr...Fine! What do I need to do?
*[Her]: Easy. Lend me your body for approximately...five to seven minutes.
I'm sorry?! Absolutely not! Nope! Nuh-uh! Not going to happen, fraulein!
*[Her]: |Sigh| Why must you be so difficult? Why are you always like this? Whenever I pose this suggestion... It will not be for long. Besides, it was my body to begin... ...
|Lurch!|
What...what did you say?
*[Her]: ... ...
H-hey! I'm talking to you! Repeat what you just said!
*[Her]: ... ...
Answer me, damn you! ANSWER ME!
That's when time sped up again.
|Throb! Static!|
The automaton whirred as it swung its blade, almost eager to slice into its limp mage's form. Half the blade's arc had been completed before Hinata met its eyes again. Her eyes were glazed over from both pain, resignation, and ill-contained terror. Before it could make the fatal cut, the blade halted mere inches away for her flesh. The automaton cocked it's head at the new readings popping up on its radar. Hinata squirmed at the nearness of the heated blade to her pale skin.
*Girl's Voice: [Narrow Spark]!
|Brrrrriiiiing!|
The mechanical being was blasted off its feet by a strong neon blue laser. It released it's grip on its prey as the beam of pure energy careened it into a tree. The automaton attempted to stand but, was assailed by tiny beings holding miniature swords, lances, and glaives. It struggled in vain against the onslaught, firing bolts wildly into the host of strange bodies but, gaining no purpose. With each of the tiny attackers that fell, more quickly followed to take their place.
The automaton loaded another spell cartridge into its weapon chamber. This was not going as it had originally been planned. Not at all. Not with so many unseen variables.
So.
I'm lying on the ground thinking to myself: "What, in the name of mysticism, is actually going on"? First, an automaton is ready to turn me into charred, Hina-flavored, deli meat (ooogh...I just had the most unsettling image...), then, some weird voice starts speaking to me in my head while being all cryptic about it, and finally, to top it all off, I am currently being rescued by two blonde lasses (mages, if I'm reading their energies right) who shoot lasers and have an army of...dolls to do their bidding.
Lord Cernunnos take me because I'm a hair's breadth away from losing my sanity. Well...whatever's left of it...
I watch with mute astonishment as the two high-powered blondes held off the mechanical baddie. I should probably help...
|Stab!|
Ooo! Nope nope nope! Can't do that! Might have a rib or two broken...maybe my left wrist as well.
*Daiyousei's Voice: M-miss Hina! Are you ok?!
*Hinata: A-ah...oh, hey. Unghh...yeah...well...no. Broken ribs and...possible broken wrist. Not dead though so, that's cool. How are-hah! Ngh... How are you and your friend?
*Daiyousei: I'm fine but, I haven't seen Cirno-chan in a while. I'm a little worried...
Schiess.
*Hinata: I'm sure she's fine, fraulein. Hey, do me a favor, ja? See that lantern over there? Could you grab it for me and bring it over here?
*Daiyousei: O-ok?
She glides it out of my view, returning moments later with my lantern.
*Hinata: Ah, danke. Just kinda let it float there 'cause you're not going to want to hold on to it for this.
Right...so, need a healing spell. The ones...I...don't...know.
Why don't I know any healing spells?! I was sure I knew something along that school of magic. I'm going to chalk this up to the holes in my memories. Curse this amnesia. Ugh, I'm going to have to do something drastic, aren't I? Oh, dear...here goes nothing...
Concentrate, Hina. Concentrate on that spark that has existed in you for as far as you can remember. The spark that signifies everything that makes you...well you. Bring it out and up to the surface. Let it fill you and flow throughout every cell in your body. Now convert it into pure untapped energy. Concentrate, Hina...
*Hinata: [Canalis Interaneus Vita Potere — "Convert"]! Full release!
|Zzzzzzzzznnnnnnnngggg!|
*Hinata: |Wince| H-hah! Ooo! Ow ow ow! Verdammt, that is never a pleasant spell to use! Hmmm, at least it seemed to work... |Rustle|
*Daiyousei: |Shocked!| Miss Hina! How... But I thought some of your ribs were broken!
*Hinata: Still do, actually. My body is currently trying to alert me that they are, in fact, broken but, I'm skillfully and magically ignoring the pain.
*Daiyousei: Whoa! How's that?
*Hinata: Using a terribly-crafted spell that I'm going to regret using later...if it doesn't kill me outright. |Shakes Head| Anyway, I'm sort of on a time limit so, allow me to get some revenge, ja?
I raise my lantern and focus my ebbing power into it. The flame inside glows an ominous purple.
*Hinata: "Überraschung, Mister Robot, das ist eine Hexe, die man nicht so einfach niederlegen kann. Bereit für die dritte Runde?" (2)
That seemed to get the mechanical construct's attention. It quickly turned to me, seeming to ignore the pair of blonde mages, and blows out a violent plume of steam. It appears to have held a grudge. Eh, feelings mutual.
*Hinata: Ladies, do you mind if I join the fun?
*Black-and-White Witch: |Grin| 'Course not, ze! Let's see what you got, Red!
Well, aren't you a bolt of energy! I like you already!
*Blue-eyed Mage: The help would be appreciated. This thing is awfully stubborn.
*Hinata: I'll show you weak points! Let's go! [Fulgar Arcus]!
*Automaton: ["Steam Cannon"]!
|Bzzzzzt! Fwoooossshh!|
My lightning spell met the automaton's pillar of super-heated steam head-on as the other two mages flew, literally (...questions for later...), into action. The black-and-white witch zoomed about on her broom, flanking the robot as it focused on me, and whipped out a small octagonal prism that radiated magic and aimed it at her target. The center of it glowed and that peculiar feeling came over me again.
*Black-and-White Witch: [Love Sign - "Master Spark"]! Better move, Red!
Eh?!
|PEEEEEEEENNNN!|
Mana and Malice!
I release my lightning spell and sidestep as the automaton gets engulfed by a rainbow-colored laser. So much magic built up in such a short period of time! Cirno did the same thing earlier! How, in sanity, are they doing that? I'm so confused! They're breaking all the laws of magic!
As the automaton reeled from the blow the other blonde mage assaulted it with a mob of sword-wielding, spear-totting dolls who lashed out at the joints of the construct. Whenever there was a lull in the dolls' attacks, I cast a variety of elemental spells to keep it off balance and grab its aggro. The black-and-white witch was an explosive dart: zooming about and pairing her attacks in quick coordination with mine.
To be honest, it was a lot of fun! I'd never battled alongside mages whose skills differed so greatly from my own. It probably would have been more fun had this robot not been trying to kill us but, nevertheless, it was quite the rush.
*Hinata: Sit still, you! [Ferrum Infringere]!
|Snap|
The automaton's metallic legs flew apart as the scarlet-haired stranger's spell connected. There was a final puff of steam and the gold-and-silver being collapsed with a loud crash.
Marisa breathed out a sigh of relief and glided back down towards the ground. She hopped off her broom and walked over to investigate the broken pile of metal. She glanced at the strange, vibrant witch from before. The scarlet stranger had pulled up the hood to her cloak but, her amber eyes were still clearly visible. Marisa met the unfaltering gaze of the witch, which gave off the impression of being both child-like and critical, with a growing sense of unease. It continued until the scarlet witch's object of attention shifted from her to something else. Regardless, she kept her distance so Marisa shifted her focus on their former attacker - of which Alice was currently preoccupied.
*Marisa: |Whistle| Damn... This thing looks pretty crazy. I never would have figured that a big 'ole hunk of metal would be so tough, ze. |Squint| Yo, you think that's real gold?
*Alice: Is that really what you're concerned about? It just finished trying to scald us to death and you're worried about whether or not it's made out of "real" gold? |Eyebrow Quirk|
*Marisa: |Shrug| You should know me well enough at this point for that not to be a big shocker, ze. Besides, s'not like it'll be missing it too much if I "borrow" one of its limbs for a while.
*Alice: Don't even think about it. (She leans in to get a closer look) There is quite a bit we don't know about this thing. I'd advise against interacting with it until we have an idea of what it is and where it came from.
*Marisa: |Frown| You take the fun out of life. You know that right, Alice?
|Rustle Rustle|
*Heavily Accented Voice: It's an automaton. Have you two never seen one before?
Both mages blinked and turned to the red-haired witch who now stood beside them. Daiyousei hovered near her. They gave the newcomer a questioning look.
*Hinata: |Tilts Head| I guess that's a no. Huh. How come-
She suddenly flinches and almost doubled over in some sort of pain. She recovered quickly, gritting her teeth, and muttering something under her breath in another language. When she speaks again, there is a slight but, noticeable strain in her voice.
*Hinata: |Wry Smile| Luckily for us, this seems to be a rather small one, yes? They can get much larger where I'm from.
*Alice: And...where is that exactly?
While Alice's face remained carefully neutral, Marisa could see the tension in her shoulders. Should this foreign witch make a wrong move, she knew that the puppeteer would react instantly and without hesitation.
*Hinata: The Great City of Levanntry in Germany. I'm...a recently graduated witch of the academy there. I also happen to be a recent yet, an anamnestic newcomer to Gensoukyo. |Bow| My name is Hinata Seijo. It's a pleasure to meet you both.
*Marisa: Oh...so, you're the "Miss Hina"-chick Cirno's friend was talkin' about, ze.
*Hinata: |Blink Blink| I suppose? These two looked as though they needed my help so... |Shrug|
*Alice: And is Cirno here to confirm this with Daiyousei? |Glance| I don't see her around.
*Daiyousei: S-she was...with me when Miss Hina pushed us out of the explosion but...I don't think she got away in...time...
The small fairy looked away, her eyes moistening.
*Hinata: O-oh...oh dear... I'm terribly sorry, fraulein. |Bow|
*Marisa: Ah, I wouldn't worry about it too much. She won't stay gone for long. Her type regenerates quickly.
*Hinata: B-but won't the local fairy queen be angry? I've never gotten in trouble with the Queen Mother of the fairies before but, I've heard it can be quite dangerous. Oh, dear...I need to find a way to apologize to her right away!
The two mages stared at her, perplexed. Even Daiyousei looked confused. A bevy of emotions registered on her face.
*Hinata: What...what's wrong? Am I missing something here? Why aren't any if you worried?
(Moments Later)
Ten minutes...and counting. Damn.
*Hinata: This is...not at all what I'm familiar with.
So the pretty magi I met (Alice, an expert puppet master, and Marisa, a seemingly over-powered human magician) were kindly able to inform me of how magic worked in Gensoukyo and where fairies tended to rank in the overall hierarchy here.
And it's weird.
They coincide with one another. Those who live in Gensoukyo didn't draw their magical power directly from the environment around them unless they explicitly choose to do so. Most of their magic came in the form of those "Spell Card" things Reimu mentioned as part of the danmaku games. It was a sort of quick release for powerful magical abilities. It's the reason I got that strange sensation whenever one was used. I was feeling magic that wasn't coming directly from them, which confused the hell out of my senses.
And it's weird.
That being said, it's the reason fairies were ranked pretty low here. There was no fairy queen and most of the fairies were independent and drew off their own sources of magic instead of the environment they lived in. Which didn't make any sense! So I came to the conclusion that this land didn't make any sense.
Automatons were also a rarity here. There weren't too many mage-types like the three of us who could make such a thing. Some other "western" creatures I mentioned were rare, if not completely foreign to this fairytale land. At some point, Daiyousei had left us to wait for Cirno's imminent regeneration. Strangely enough, Miss Margatroid informed me the meek little fairy was the closest equivalent to a fairy queen that Gensoukyo had. Higher than the (self-proclaimed, I found out) strongest, Cirno. I can only wonder how the hell that came about.
Eight minutes...
Somewhere along the line, our conversation shifted to what had initially brought them this way.
*Hinata: What do you mean by "anomalous energy"?
*Alice: I'm not sure. (She motioned towards Marisa) She barged into my house complaining of some strange feeling making her skin itch. I didn't feel anything initially until I pointedly decided to focus on it. It got stronger and more prominent the closer we got to the lake.
|Shiver|
*Hinata: It's...it's me, isn't it?
*Alice: |Shakes Head| No. As far as I can tell, you aren't the source.
*Marisa: The energy you give off is strange, sure enough, but you aren't the original source of what I was feeling, ze. It's odd to describe what I get from you. It's like feeling the heat from a sun that isn't really there.
*Alice: Or holding a barrel of water that's both overly full and completely empty.
Huh. That's odd.
*Marisa: |Frown| Now that I think about it, I don't feel it anymore. That odd energy from before.
*Alice: |Surprise| You're right! You don't think...
We all look at the automaton.
*Alice: It would make sense. |Murmur| Seijo-san, you say this construct is piloted by magic, correct? How so?
*Hinata: That is...a good question. It differs depending on the automaton. Ach, and please, call me Hina. One moment. |Deep Breath| [Clarus Revelare]!
|Whhhiiisssshhhhh|
Recalculating...
Four minutes...
An ethereal glow begins to emanate from the automaton's former body. I strolled over and rummage through the scraps for the source of the glow. Looking...and...oh! It's a...cube? A very glowy and red metal cube of some kind. Didn't expect that.
Why has that become the norm all of a sudden? By the Sight...
*Marisa: Yo, what is that?
*Hinata: I wish I knew, fraulein.
Whatever the hell it is gives me the strangest case of déjà vu. I've definitely seen something like this before...but, where?
Two minutes...
|Throb! Throb!|
*Hinata: |Wince!| Ungh! Ow! Damn...
*Alice: Hina?
*Marisa: Yo, Red, you doing alright, ze? You aren't looking too hot.
*Hinata: This...this is regret. Lots and lots...of regret.
One minute...
|THROB! THROB!|
*Marisa: Eh? What do you mean?
*Hinata: |Pant Pant Pant| N-no...more...time. I-I...need a...doctor...
Thirty seconds...
Damn...this caught up to me...so quickly...
Bad...bad...bad...bad...bad...
Ten seconds...
*Marisa's Voice: |Static|
*Alice's Voice: |Static|
C-crap...I'm...passing...
... ...
[Interlude]
* The Xanthic Forge *
- Unknown -
*Hollow Male Voice: Master, I bring news of your scout!
The great Master of the Forge halted in mid-swing of his hammer. His eyes of burning coals turned to his young (in comparison to himself) apprentice. The pale-skinned youth stood confidently, arms crossed, and ethereal ice-blue eyes stark against the black of his sclera. He was dressed in the armor from an age long past with a massive zwëihander strapped to his back. Despite the blazing heat of the roaring forge, the youth's chilled breath was clearly visible in the air.
It wasn't common that his apprentice interrupted him in the middle of his work. This may be something of great interest.
*The Forgemaster: |Eyes Widen Slightly| What is it, lad? What's the news?
*Pale Apprentice: One of your Sentinals has been destroyed and its dynamic engine taken.
The Forgemaster set his blacksmith hammer on the anvil and swiveled his great body to face the pale youth directly. This was interesting indeed.
*The Forgemaster: Really now? |Pause| And what, pray tell, caused the destruction of one of my favorite creations, Skälid?
*Pale Apprentice (Skälid Thøringärd): I'm not sure. The Sentinal's black box was mangled beyond repair... |Cocks Head| You don't appear to be upset, Master. If anything, you seem the opposite. Why is that?
*The Forgemaster: "Upset"?! Of course, this doesn't bother me, lad!
He grew more thoughtful as the look of intrigue on Skälid's face. He spent a moment stroking his long silver beard in contemplation then, he turned back to his work. He worked the metal without saying a word for a time, organizing his thoughts.
*The Forgemaster: Tell me something, lad. |Pause| Why are we here?
*Skälid: |Blink| Pardon?
*The Forgemaster: Why are we here, Skälid? Why have I moved the Forge to this land of fantasy?
*Skälid: I am...unsure, Master. You've yet to tell me why.
*The Forgemaster: |Shakes Head| Lad, must you always rely on me for your information? If you can't draw upon your own conclusions still, how am I supposed to trust you with the Forge once I eventually pass on? |Glance| I wouldn't be able to do that in good conscience, now would I?
*Skälid: I...suppose not. |Lowers Head| I apologize, Master.
*The Forgemaster: |Waves Off| Bah, it's more than alright, lad. You'll have time to get it all straight. (He examines a hunk of glowing metal) My dutiful apprentice, we have come here to learn.
*Skälid: |Frown| "To learn"? What knowledge would we need to glean from this strange and nonsensical land? I see nothing that can be considered of great or worthwhile interest here.
*The Forgemaster: Bite your tongue, ingrate! Whenever one travels to a new location there are always great wells of information to supplement a hungry mind if you know where to look! If you care to look! However, it is up to the individual to sift through the right channels to nourish the brain appropriately. Whether that be discovering the impurities in a new ore or what weapon can effectively extinguish the life of a god or hellhound. We must find the right tools for the job.
*Skälid: I'm afraid I still don't see your point, Master.
*The Forgemaster: |Sigh| ...I suppose I've been going about your lesson all wrong then. I'd forgotten that you're the type to learn by acting instead of thinking. I'll tell you what... I have an assignment for you, my apprentice. One that may serve to shed some light on why we have come here. I trust it'll be quite an illuminating experience for you, lad.
Skälid eyed his master's imposing form for a while. The ancient metalsmith was notoriously difficult to read but, none more than now. He had been with the metalsmith for many centuries but had never been quite become familiar with the giant's peculiar philosophies, observations, or expressions. The Forgemaster was often too...alien to try and comprehend. Regardless, he was only the apprentice of the mighty Forgemaster and his Xanthic Forge. Until the day he was gifted the title himself and it's hammer of office he would heed his master's wisdom and guidance - despite how strange it may be at the time.
*Skälid: |Bow| Of course, Master. I'm at your command.
*The Forgemaster: There's a good lad.
|Static|
~ Many Years Earlier ~
* Levanntry Academy of Gramarye: Administrative Hall *
- Afternoon -
*Elderly Man's Voice: Please, do come in.
...I'm hesitating. Why? I have no reason to.
Hm...
|Creeeeak!|
...!
*Artaxerses: |Smile| I suspected it was you. Right on time, as always. Please have a seat, my dear.
The current High-born Magus of Levanntry is not alone.
*Artaxerses: |Quirks Eyebrow| Miss Seijo? Is something the matter?
*Hina: |Stare| I...did not expect my father to be here as well. |Glance| Hello, Dad. How are you?
Nicholas Wären (my esteemed father) is the exact opposite of Artaxerxes in appearance. The Merlin/High-born Magus is of dark complexion with long rivers of silver hair. On the other hand, my father is quite pale (like myself) with a shock of short, pure black hair. He also happens to be clean-shaven and looks very young for his age...unless you looked into his eyes. Artaxerxes had a long silver beard and skin reminiscent of sun-dried parchment.
*Nicholas: |Crooked Grin| Hello, Hina, my love. How is my "little red candle"? Is school going well?
*Hina: ...Yes. School is going just fine. As for myself, I can not complain. |Glance| Lord Merlin, what is this all about? Am I in some sort of trouble?
*Artaxerses: |Shakes Head| No. Not at all, my dear. This is something of a different matter entirely. I-
*Nicholas: Ahem, actually... May I present this to my daughter first, Lord Merlin?
*Artaxerses: Of course, Nicholas. Go ahead.
*Nicholas: |Deep Breath| Hinata, darling. I need to ask you something of utmost importance.
My father's face becomes haunted. The same look that he's tried to keep hidden from me for so long. How carelessly he boasts it now. A look brought about from the horrors he witnessed in the great Magician's War, where he stood near the front lines...ordering and commanding his friends and colleges to their deaths. All because they considered his mind to be brighter and more flexible than theirs.
What could possibly be that important to bring out that look once more? And why...
|Tingle|
...does it bring about this sensation. One of... Is this what they call "unease"?
*Hina: What is your question, Dad?
My father's jaw shifts twice uncertainly. His amber eyes become veiled as he held out his hand. He mumbled some spell under his breath and suddenly an image appeared above his outstretched palm. The image of a woman.
The moment my eyes gazed upon the image of the woman, my heart seemed to ice over. I...couldn't explain it. It was such an irrational feeling, I felt my mind may fragment in twain.
"It's fear, Hina. What you are feeling is fear."
N-no...that's illogical...
"Sure it is. When it's brand-new to you. You weren't born with the capacity to feel such things."
And you were?
"Yes. Thanks to you, Hina, I was."
*Nicholas: |Worried| Hina? Are you ok? You look like you're in pain.
*Hina: I'm...fine. What was your question, Father?
*Nicholas: Well...I was wondering if you had any recollection of this woman? Any at all?
I stared at the image of this ebony-haired woman. Tall, thin, imposing in a way I could not hope to explain. This woman brought about this sensation of "fear". Yet, I did not know who this woman was. Nor did I have any real recollection of her.
Or did I?
"That is up for you...or "us", I should say, to find out."
Leave me alone. Who are you?
"I am no one. However, should you learn who I am, I will become someone."
I...don't understand.
"You will, in time. Or perhaps you already do. The answer is a lot clearer than you think."
You...no...that's not possible...
*Nicholas: |Deep Frown| Hina, you're beginning to worry me.
*Hina: I'm fine, Father. Please don't concern yourself with me.
*Nicholas: Hm... So, do you recognize this woman?
"The best option is to lie. To say anything reckless without any real reason would incite a panic. Please, don't say yes. I beg you, Hina. Please."
... ...
*Hina: No, Dad. Should I?
|Static|
[Interlude End]
| End of Chapter Two: "Mysteries and Machinations" |
- Continue? -
AN: Whelp, sorry for the long wait but, chapter two is officially released. Please let me know if there is any strangeness in the format or proofreading, I can't get it all sometimes. Dyslexia sucks. Hard. Like...a lot.
Anywho, I hope you all enjoy it. Please leave a review and tell me how I'm doing. I only get better with critique and comment. Tell me what you enjoy and tell me what you don't and I shall take all into consideration. Thank you all for the support.
Translations for the German text.
(1) "You know what? I really don't have time for this."
(2) "Surprise, Mister Robot, this is one witch you can't put down that easily. Ready for round three?"