Chapter Five: A Visit to Mayohiga
* Levanntry: The Great Ironwood Forest - Outskirts *
- Late Evening -
Oma Wären was a very old woman.
A very old, slightly ornery woman.
She was, in fact, older than the High Covenleader herself but younger than the impossibly ancient Merlin known as Artaxerxes or the mysterious Sorcerer Supreme. She'd been living on the outskirts of Levanntry since the great city of mages' conception...or so she had once told me. She was a very well-known member of Levanntry's society and it was thanks to her influence that her son Nicholas survived the atrocities of the Magician's War. Her name carried weight throughout the city.
She lived on the city's southern-most border in the dense Ironwood Forest for reasons unknown to all but herself. Those who inquired about this weren't given straight answers. Most of the time the inquirer was ignored, shooed away, or given the enigmatic answers of "It's important that I do" or "My 'duty' requires that I be here so here I stay." Oma was an odd woman with many, many secrets. Some that, even with the amount of knowledge she bestowed upon her family, not even I knew the answers to.
And I pestered her...a lot.
I visited her at least three times a week, eager to pepper her with questions ranging from mundane nonsense to deep and philosophical quandaries. I tried my best to get the answers I wanted out of her but, every time she saw through my ruse and left me with many more questions than answers. Her replies were often ones I needed more than ones I wanted. So, it's safe to say I often left her house feeling disappointed and vexed. But it didn't stop me from coming back.
Today, I agreed to help her with cooking in exchange for her teaching me a spell I'd been having trouble learning in school.
Well...that's what was supposed to happen. It had quickly turned into Oma nagging me about my cooking skills while she watched from over my shoulder.
|Chop Chop Chop Chop Chop|
*Oma Wären: Tsk, tsk. Your technique is still really sloppy, Enkelin. Tell me, why do you hold the knife that way? You are only going to injure yourself, Enkelin.
I stopped, halfway through cutting a carrot and spun to stare directly into her dark green eyes.
*Hinata: Oooooma! |Pout| You're breaking my concentration! Haven't you always taught me to concentrate on what I was doing for the best result?
*Oma Wären: Ja, I have. I also taught you to ignore all outside distractions unless they are trying to assist you, Enkelin...which is what I'm trying to do.
*Hinata: And I appreciate it, Oma, but I know how to cut stuff up. (I twirled the knife in my hand) I'm pretty proficient with a blade, as you can see.
*Oma Wären: |Frown| Then why-
*Hinata: If I hold it normally then cutting them all will take forever. So, if I hold it like so, I can get it done a lot faster! See!
|Chop Chop Chop Chop Chop|
*Hinata: Look how much faster it is! I'll be done in a flash, then you can help me figure out how that spell works!
*Oma Wären: Hina, you're being too reckless. You're going to-
*Hinata: Oma, you simply worry too much. I can even do this with my eyes closed. See?
|Bak! Slish!|
*Hinata: GAH! NGHAH!
*Oma Wären: |Gasp!| Hinata! Come here to me, Enkelin! Let me see what you've done now, silly girl!
With agility that was uncanny for a crone of her age, she rushed over to where I was as I cradled my bleeding hand. By the Grace, it hurt SOOO bad!
*Oma Wären: Mein Gott, you've somehow cut straight down to the bone...! I knew that knife was sharp but, the damage you've managed to do to yourself is remarkable... You see, Hinata, this is why I asked for you to heed my words! Any deeper and we'd need to grow you an entirely new hand! How reckless must you be?
I wanted to retort. I really did. But the blinding cloak of pain I was under stifled and silenced any of my words. Not that it would have done any good. Oma just would have chewed me out even more...and that's the last thing I wanted right now.
Oma turned my hand under her careful gaze muttering something under her breath in a language I couldn't even begin to understand. I'm no Linguist but, the language she used sounded...old. Almost like Latin or Ancient Greek but...not.
Huh.
I'm starting to think I don't really know much about my Oma.
*Oma Wären: Tsk, tsk...you're going to need stitches for sure... A good deal of them too...
Stitches?! What for?! She could just heal my hand with magic! Why would I need-
*Oma Wären: Nein.
I turned to blink at her in confusion.
Oma Wären: Do not give me that look, Hinata Stephanie. I know exactly what you were thinking. You want me to use magic to heal your wound, ja? Hmph! I thought so! While yes, using magic would expedite the process but, for you, I feel you wouldn't learn anything from this experience. Therefore, you'll get mortal treatment.
*Hinata: B-but-
Oma Wären: |Shakes Head| Don't, Hinata. I'm doing this for your own good. Now, come with me.
Begrudgingly, I followed my grandmother to her room and plopped down on her bed when she directed me to do so. I waited (sulking mostly) as she disappeared into the bathroom. She reappeared only moments later with a bunch of medical supplies. She glanced around her room a bit before muttering something under her breath.
|Pop!|
A chair appeared behind her allowing her to sit down in front of me. Why do I feel like that was her way of showing off? It also reminded me of how subtlely powerful she is. My grandmother doesn't often give away that she is an extremely powerful witch but, there are often times where she slips and does something not even the High Covenleader can do.
For instance:
The chair she just conjured up wasn't even in the room beforehand. In fact, I'm not even sure that is a chair made in Levanntry. She brought that from outside of the barrier.
Which is said to be impenetrable by most magical means.
So...yeah...that happened.
My grandmother is scary.
She took my hand into hers and scowled at it. She began her work in silence. First, she used some sort of spray ("Gods and Goddess', it stung so bad!"), then came a series of small shots that made my hand entirely numb. As to why she didn't use that first, I'll never have any clue.
*Oma Wären: Hinata.
*Hinata: |Blink| ("Why does she sound so somber, all of a sudden?") Yes, Oma?
*Oma Wären: You've decided on becoming a dream witch, have you?
*Hinata: U-uh...yeah... It's just what I'm...uh...good at, ya know? Dream and mental magic clicks with me more than other schools. I dunno...it just feels easier to understand and learn. |Glance| Why do you ask?
*Oma Wären: |Small Smile| I'm allowed to worry about my own Enkelin, aren't I? (Her face grew serious) Especially with the amount of scorn you'll be assaulted with once what you aspire to it comes to light. I'm sure you know of the last Dream Witch of Levanntry?
*Hinata: |Sudder| I know. Which is why I want to become one! To erase the stigma my predecessor left behind and give the ones who come after a chance to start their own journies without fear of prosecution! That is my ultimate goal!
"How 'noble' of you..."
*Hinata: |Mutter| Oh, shut it, you... |Mutter|
My grandmother stared at me for a while. Part of me felt like she was seeing me in a new light for the first time. It made me feel...odd.
*Oma Wären: |Shakes Head| You're so much different than her...
*Hinata: |Frown| Huh?
*Oma Wären: |Clacks Tougue| Never-you-mind this old woman. I was merely speaking to myself.
With the final stitch, she wraps my hand with a light, breathable bandage. I tested my hand's flexibility, grimacing at the sharp pains and the stiffness. This is going to make things difficult at school...
*Oma Wären: Do you know why I did this?
*Hinata: You said...so I would learn something.
*Oma Wären: Ja, a lesson I feel you've got to learn before you go out on your own path. Your use of "shortcuts" is going to get you hurt, if not killed. You over-rely on using methods that would lead to the quickest solution rather than the safest. You're too impatient, Enkelin. It's not a good trait to have when you're a witch. To help train you in this, I have decided that we'll be studying healing magic so that you may learn to heal your wounds faster. It will take some time and you will be left with some scarring but perhaps that'll get it through to you that quicker doesn't mean the most effective. Taking "shortcuts" all the time can lead to permanent consequences. |Stare| Am I clear, Hinata?
*Hinata: R-right...
Her scolding words cut me deeper than any knife could've hoped to, even to the point I felt my eyes stinging with repressed tears...and I'm pretty sure my face was only a shade lighter than my hair.
"She's right though. You've only got yourself to blame for this. You will be the cause of your own destruction."
Leave me alone. Don't you bother me enough?
"'Bother'? No...I only try and be a more rational voice against the utter cacophony that resides here. And though I wish to be free of you, you and I are linked in a way that neither of us can even begin to understand. So, in short, no. I will not leave you alone, thief."
Why do you keep calling me that? I didn't steal anything from you.
"Hmph, haven't you?"
What? You know, you don't really make much sense. Like...ever. Why don't you just tell me who you are? Or...are you just a signal that I'm going mad?
"Aren't you already mad? This is just a dream, after all."
H-Huh? What do you mean?
|Waaaaaaannn...|
W-whoa...what just-
*Oma Wären: Oh wow...you've changed so much over these years...
I looked at my grandmother, my eyebrows furrowing.
Oma was different. Like...way different. I just couldn't put my finger on it.
*Hinata: Oma? Why do you look so...weird? And why are you looking at me like that? (I was starting to get scared) W-what is going on here?!
*Oma Wären: Calm down, Enkelin. You seem to have forgotten some of your abilities. Tch, how troublesome. But don't worry, you'll remember them in time, I'm sure of it.
Ah...ok?
Oma Wären: Now listen to me, Hinata, for I don't have much time. The strings I pulled to talk to you this way have their limits. Even they will break after a while.
*Hinata: |Blink Blink| Um...ok, Oma.
Was it suddenly a little darker in the room?
*Oma Wären: I know your memory is fragmented right now and I have no idea why but, to help you put some of the pieces together again I will give you a gift. Or...I should say, "Give it back to you".
*Hinata: Huh? Did you take something from me?
*Oma Wären: No but, it did come into my possession by rather curious means. Therefore, I feel I should give it back to you.
She hands me what looks to be...a rectangle.
I-I...
A strange presence settled over the room like a thick blanket. Smothering. Comforting.
*Oma Wären: |Chuckles| Go on. Take it, Enkelin. However, you won't be able to use it right away. Your mind has to heal a bit more first. (She shoots me her signature icy stare) Just remember our lessons in this room, Hinata. Cutting corners and shortcuts aren't always the surest solution to a problem.
Why was it so hard to breathe, all of a sudden? And I feel so...strange.
*Hinata: U-um, ok. I will but-
|Zwooooo...|
Oma began to say something but stopped short, examining me with knitted brows.
|Throb|
A-ah... Something's happening to me... I don't like this. I don't like this!
*Oma Wären: |Concerned| Nein, nein, nein...I thought we had more time... How did it find us here? We should have been... |Sharp Gasp| Hinata! Are you feeling well? Look at me, Hinata!
The shadows curled towards me and I could feel them begin to crawl up my legs. My vision grew dull and static crackled at its edges. A foreign sensation probed at my mind, filling me with alien thoughts and voices that threatened to fray my sanity and send me into a fit of mania.
But it felt...good.
So...unbearably...good...
*Oma Wären: Hina! Hinata! Wake up! Snap out of it, Enkelin!
Who is being so loud?
Shaking me.
Yelling.
Ah...it's so hot in here. My body feels so light. The shadows are up to my hips now.
And everything still feels so damned good...
This ancient...mind-rending power...entering me...I want to resist it...but I can't...
H-aah...
*Oma Wären: Du leiber Himmel, I'm sorry, Hinata. I should have been paying more attention. Forgive me for this, I beg you. But know it was for your own good, Enkelin.
|FLASH!|
*Hinata: NN-NNNNNNNGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
OH GOD! OH GOOOOOD! THE PAIN! IT HURTS! IT HURTS SO MUCH!
There was a terrifying moment of clarity through it all. Beyond the excruciating pain and through my screaming: I felt it.
I felt its pain.
I felt it screaming.
I felt it leave my body.
And I just screamed and screamed and screamed and screamed and screamed and screamed.
...Until I couldn't anymore...
And then...I was alone.
Floating on a bed of darkness...
No grandmother.
No knives.
No presence.
No pain.
Just me.
Alone.
...
...
*[Rhea]: But I am here. As I always will be...
...
...
"Thief..."
* Somewhere *
- Day (?) -
I remembered falling asleep at the Scarlet Devil Mansion. After singing on the roof and the conversation with...
|Shiver|
...Remilia who proceeded to fill my head with more confusing questions, I had a bit of trouble falling asleep after that. To be fair, I was under the roof of the kin of one of my Oma's killers so...I feel that's a bit reasonable. I ended up using a spell that came to mind which helped me doze off but...it felt different somehow.
I'm not sure how I can explain how falling asleep felt different. It just did. Like, not normal.
And then, I was speaking to...someone? I'm not quite sure. I've...never had a dream like it before...one I couldn't fully remember...so...that's very new. I think it was important though.
Next, I know I felt really good all over.
Like...really, really good.
Almost like I was...
Nope.
Nuh-uh.
Not letting that thought get past me.
But I also felt...violated and...slimy. Like a thick tendril of horror was sliding across my mind.
And then PAIN.
I remember screaming.
A scream so raw with pain and terror that it ripped apart my throat as it left me.
I'm not sure how long it lasted but, I'm sure that I won't be able to speak for a little while.
Finally, I woke up and I don't know where I am.
This seems to be a common thing now that I've arrived in Gensoukyo. Now I haven't exactly opened my eyes but, my nose tells me that I'm not in the mansion. I have a pretty good nose and the air around me lacks the subtle scent of iron, poppies, and tea.
Instead, I'm greeted with the scent of vanilla, something fried, and...animal hair?
Hm.
What new predicament have I found myself in this time?
I let my curiosity get the best of me and slowly opened one eye. I was in a room -in someone's soft bed- where the overall design mixed eastern and western elements in a way that was kinda pleasing to me. Maybe I should consider this when renovating my cabin.
|Rustle|
Well...I'm not injured in any way, it seems b-but...
|Shudder|
S-someone removed the bandages on m-my arms...
Mein Gott... What the hells happened to me?!
The scarring on them is a-awful... I w-want the bandages back on! I don't want to look at them!
I frantically shoved my hands into my cloak and fished around for-
A-hah!
I kept my arms buried in the folds of my cloak and muttered a spell.
|Swvvvvip!|
Ah! It worked! When I pulled out my arms, they were all covered and concealed once more. Good. I'm not sure why my hands and arms look the way they do but, I'm not sure I want to see them like that anymore. I wonder if Frau Eirin has seen them...if so, why didn't she mention it to me? Perhaps, she thought I already knew... Ach...so many unanswered questions...
|Fwomph!|
I fell backward onto the bed, and stared up at the ceiling for a while, keeping my magical senses on high alert just in case. Perhaps I could have tried to find out where I was and made my escape...but I feel as though that wouldn't have done me any real help. My best bet was to simply deal with whoever it was who kidnapped me in the first place.
Fun.
About ten minutes passed before I felt someone draw near the room. Their aura was...hm...how can I say..."beastly". Almost like they were some sort of animal but not at the same time. Does that make sense?
I jumped out of the bed and wrapped my cloak around me in one quick move. Though not indestructible by any means, the layers of defensive wardings layered within the fabric could very easily stop a small barrage of magical attacks, if need be.
Juuuuuust as a precaution, I erected a small ward and made a fist - pointing my index and pinky finger out toward the door. It's an old warding gesture that helps focus an existing ward and protect against the evil eye.
Amazing what a simple little gesture can do, huh?
Ah! They're almost at the door now!
|Click! Slide...Clack!|
*Blonde Fox Lady: |Surprised| Oh, I didn't expect you to wake up so early.
|Blush|
H-Hah...s-so, she's really freaking pretty. I'll even take it a step further and say she's beautiful. She also seems to be the source of that strange aura I was sensing. Now that she's closer...there's something else there...vaguely coating her aura like the thinnest of veils. It's subtle...but impressively strong.
Wait...whoa...who the hell made such an intricate binding spell? And to whom is it that this beautiful fox lady is bound to?
*Blonde Fox Lady: |Worried| U-um...is something the matter, Seijo-san?
|Tingle|
Awoo? Oh, I zoned out for a moment there.
I croak out what could only barely be considered a response. |Sigh| This is going to be interesting...
I made a motion towards my throat and let out another feeble croak.
*Blonde Fox Lady: Ah, right! I apologize. You were screaming quite excessively earlier. Wait just one moment. I'll bring you something to ease your sore throat.
I watched her leave and lowered my guard, slowly settling back down on a bed. I want to say about a minute or so passed before the pretty fox lady came back bearing a steaming cup of tea. I tensed a bit as she came close and placed the cup at the nightstand next to me but if she noticed she never said anything.
I hesitantly took the cup in my hands and stared down at it. It didn't look particularly lethal nor did it smell that way. Just in case...
I closed my eyes and muttered a spell. The liquid in the cup glowed briefly.
That's good.
*Blonde Fox Lady: |Slight Smile| You're a cautious one. I quite admire that but, there's no need to worry. You're safe while you're under this roof.
I've...heard that a lot lately. And though I believe her, it doesn't hurt to have my guard up.
Hmmm, this tea isn't as good as the one from Reimu's place but, it does help my throat heal considerably faster. I wonder if it's some sort of medicinal brew? Does that even exist?
After a bit, I feel I can finally speak clearly.
*Blonde Fox Lady: Are you feeling better now?
*Hinata: I'm...fine. |Stare| Actually, I'm curious. Very curious, in fact. Um...where am I and who are you? I feel like I've been asking that a lot lately but I go to sleep in a mansion and when I wake up I'm somewhere else. I feel like I'm losing my mind here.
*Blonde Fox Lady (Ran Yakumo, Shikigami of the Gap Youkai): |Bow| My name is Ran. I believe my master wanted to speak with you. I can't quite deduce what it is she wants from you but, I wouldn't be right to deny her.
*Hinata: |Blink| Your...master?
So she's some sort of daemon? A familiar? No, that doesn't feel right.
And she has...nine tails? That means, from what I've read, she's really old and powerful. Who, in the name of sanity, is she taking orders from?!
I. Am. Afraid.
*Ran: |Nod| Yes, she's set me to check up on you.
|Tingle|
Wait...what did she call me?
*Hinata: |Squint| Warten, you know my name.
*Ran: Of course I do. I also know your full title, Dream Witch of Levenntry.
|Throb!|
*[Rhea]: Kill her.
Wait! Woah! WHAT?!
*[Rhea]: There is a reason I don't want people to know of our title. That knowledge put you in danger. We need to get rid of her. Now.
B-but we don't even know her! How can we-
*[Rhea]: Listen to me, Hinata. Do you want to die? If you don't and you want to prove to me that you aren't indeed suicidal, in some form or fashion, you'll do as I say. Unless...you want me to take over.
N-no! Nononononono! I don't want that again.
*[Rhea]: Ok, good. So then-
But I will not harm someone I've only just met. Papa taught me better than that. Allow me to do something to ensure that I am safe.
I made sure to keep myself light on my toes just in case.
*Hinata: I've been trying to keep my title hidden from most people. Dream witches aren't exactly..."common". I kinda don't want to almost die again so, can you promise me that you won't tell anyone what I specialize in? And do you mind if I bind that promise to something?
*Ran: U-uh...I'm not sure I'd be able to do that as I can't go against my master's will.
*[Rhea]: Now what?
Uh...I don't-
There's another presence approaching.
*Young Girl's Voice: Ran-sama! Ran-sama! Is that pretty girl awake yet?
*Ran: |Chuckle| Well why don't you come out and see for yourself, Chen. She won't bite.
P-pretty? Who is this adorably cute voice calling me pretty?
From behind Ran appears a small brown-haired girl with the largest orange eyes I've seen. She also has cat ears. So...safe to say, I love her already. I mean...I love, love, love animals but, there are some that hold a special place in my heart. Cats are one of them. I had about three of them when I was younger but, they all moved on to other places. Some became youkai, I think...my papa never told me. I wonder if I still have any treats stashed away in my cloak...
|Shiver|
There's that weird aura again. It's around the tiny cat girl ("'Chen', I think Ran said her name was.") too. The one around her is less refined than the one around Ran, there's more..."whatever" coming through the cracks in it. If I had to explain it in a simple way: it's like having a ball of burning gas sitting in front of you constantly emitting visible wisps of energy and then someone placing a transparent blanket over it that both covers the wisps with its own wisps and masks whatever was beneath it. With Chen, the blanket is full of holes where the original wisps can come through.
Does that make any sense? Probably not but, it's confused my senses so much that I can't seem to comprehend it any other way. And now the word "wisps" has lost all meaning to me.
*Chen: Hey! Hey! Are you feeling better? You were screaming a lot earlier and me and Ran-sama thought you were sick but, Yukari-sama said you'd be just fine after a little while.
That's a good question. I don't even know what I was screaming about, to be honest. Do you, Rhea?
*[Rhea]: ...No. I recall nothing of you waking up.
Really? Nothing at all?
*[Rhea]: Have I lied to you before?
Not that I know of but, that doesn't mean that you won't do it in the future.
*[Rhea]: Hmhmhm, how wise of you... I'm proud of you to actually come to that conclusion. However, I'm not lying to you.
Oh. Ok. I believe you.
|Shiver|
A weird little thrill fluttered in my chest and I can only assume that Rhea had something to do with it or was related to it in some way.
*Hinata: |Smile| Um, yeah! I'm fine. I just had a, uh, really bad dream, you see. Nothing to worry about.
*Chen: |Concerned Frown| But Yukari-sama said you control dreams... Can you not just give yourself good dreams all the time?
*Hinata: |Deep Scowl| N-nein, it doesn't work like that. W-warte nur einen verdammten Moment, how do you know all this?! And who the hells is this "Yukari" person?!
*Familiar Woman's Voice: Ufufufufufuu, that would be me, dear Hinata.
Oh. I know that voice.
Oh noooooooo...that sounds like...
|Zwooooo...|
The strangest ripping sound fills the air and the room darkened slightly. To my left, some sort of rift opened up - oddly tied off at both ends with large red bows - and a lady I'd unfortunately seen before appears, sitting on the edge of the rift. She gives me that same knowing, creepy smile from before at the shrine.
Oough...
*Blonde Lady (Yukari Yakumo, Youkai of Boundaries): What's with the face? (She hides half her face behind her ornate folding fan) Didn't I say that we'd see each other again?
*Hinata: That doesn't exactly make the experience any more pleasant, frau. Should I have had my lantern on me, I just may have hit you with a spell or twenty.
*Yukari: Ufufufufu, I would love to see you try but, perhaps we'll play some other time. I actually have something to discuss with you, Dream Witch. It's why I brought you here.
*Hinata: |Quirks Eyebrow| Es tut mir Leid? Sorry to...burst your bubble but, I have no intention of speaking with you. You kidnapped me. |Blink| Plus, you give me the creeps.
*Yukari: |Smile| You're certainly not one to mince words. Are you sure you wanna speak that way to the one who brought you back from the brink of death? |Pout| I even got scolded by the Yama because of that. How rude.
|Throb|
W-w-wait...
*[Rhea]: ...I-I...
The world around me seemed to shift; a headache forming behind my eyes. Blue wisps of magic curled off my thin frame as my emotions rapidly grew unsteady.
*Hinata: ...Wh-what...wh-what did you say?
Yukari's smile grew downright sinister.
*Yukari: Grabbed your interest, have I? I thought that might do it but one can never be too sure unless they try.
... ...
There was a long pause before anything happened. I simply stared at this mysterious woman whose eyes held so many secrets and I knew from that moment that I had been lead into a trap from the very beginning of this conversation. No...even before that. Ever since our first interaction. She purposefully annoyed me so that I would be irritated enough on our next encounter that she could lead me along like a pig to the slaughter.
This woman was dangerous.
*Ran: Ahem. Yukari-sama, could we move this into the living room? I'm sure that our guest would like a moment to prepare herself before your actual conversation begins.
Yukari gave Ran a careful glance. I may have detected a fleeting glimpse of ire in her gaze but, I can't be sure.
*Yukari: Very well. (She turned back to me) Alrighty then, kiddo, I'll give you a few minutes to freshen up. |Smile| We'll continue this talk later.
In less than a second, the fissure in space grew and swallowed her up but, not before she gave me one more creepy grin.
*[Rhea]: ... ... ...
...What is it?
*[Rhea]: ...What do you mean?
I feel like you want to say something.
*[Rhea]: ...It's nothing.
Are you sure?
*[Rhea]: Don't you have something better to do?
Not really...
I stood in front of a mirror, my hair tied back in a ponytail, and face looking as pale and gaunt as I'd ever seen it. I guess that kinda happens when someone actually confirms the fact that you DIED and they BROUGHT YOU BACK TO LIFE!
*[Rhea]: Stop yelling. It's loud.
Ach, right. Sorry. I forgot you kinda live in my head, Rhea.
It's just...a lot, you know?
*[Rhea]: I can imagine.
Can you? I still don't know if you're just a figure of my imagination or something. After all I've been through, it's entirely possible.
*[Rhea]: You'll remember. In due time.
Still with the cryptic nonsense, eh? Fine then. I don't think I can handle any more startling reveals right now anyway. Keep it to yourself then.
I must've ignored Rhea...or she didn't respond to my comment...because I stood in silence for a while until...
|Knock Knock Knock|
*Ran's Voice: Seijo-san? I've come to check up on you.
Hm...I have been in here for a while, haven't I...
I took a deep breath and opened the door with a wave of my hand.
*Ran: Ah. |Wry Smile| I see the shock of what Yukari-sama told you still lingers.
*Hinata: Is...that you're way of telling me that I look like scheisse because I feel like it. It's not every day that you get told you're basically a zombie.
*Ran: That may be taking it too far. Zombies are reanimated corpses, no? As far as I can tell, you're quite alive and I've not known Yukari-sama to do a job half done. So, you need not fear there.
Reassuring.
*Ran: And from what she's told me, Yukari-sama only wants to speak to you. There's to be no debt payment for her bringing you back.
I...don't fully believe that but, coming from Ran, this gives me a strange sense of hope.
*Hinata: |Stare| Why're you trying so hard to cheer me up? We barely know each other.
*Ran: |Shrug| I'm not quite sure myself. Yukari-sama is always prompting me to act on my own from time to time - which can be admittedly difficult - but, this time I found it much easier. |Smile| I suppose it's because I find it very easy to speak with you, Seijo-san.
*Hinata: |Wince| Ach, "Seijo-san" sounds so formal. Please just call me "Hinata" or "Hina".
*Ran: Very well, Hina. Are you ready to speak with, Yukari-sama?
As I'll ever be...
*Yukari: So, I'm sure you know very well that I know a lot about you.
*Hinata: ...It would seem that way.
We sat across from each other underneath the warmth of a "kotatsu", I think it's called. Ran stood calmly next to her while she cradled and pet a small black cat...who I think is Chen. And oh my gods, she's so cuuuuuute! I wanna pet her soooo bad!
Ah! Pay attention, Hina!
*Yukari: You also know that I brought you back to life after your unfortunate...expiration.
Yes...please get to the point.
*Hinata: Of which, I am grateful. |Bow| So, what do you want from me in return?
*Yukari: Pardon?
*Hinata: What do you want from me in return? |Frown| I am saying that right, ja? "Ich kann Sie das gleiche in Deutsch oder Englisch fragen, wenn Sie möchten?" (1)
*Yukari: |Smirk| No, there's no need for that. I'm simply wondering why it is you think I need something in return?
*Hinata: It's custom in my land for one to repay an action done for another; especially if that action results in you saving the life of someone. And "need", is the...operative word. "Want" fits more cleanly. And, I wish no offense, but you don't seem the type to simply perform a favor out of the kindness of your heart.
*[Rhea]: ...I don't think you're playing about this the right way. Ran stated that she didn't want anything in return for bringing u- you back. Just leave it.
I want to hear that in her words. I'll make her seal it in a promise too. Relax, Rhea-Rhea.
*[Rhea]: Rhea-Rhea?
Sure. It's your nickname. Do you like it?
*[Rhea]: It's...fine.
Oh? I think I hear a smile in that usual monotone of yours.
|Pang|
Ow. Sorry.
*Yukari: While normally not the case, I really don't want anything from you in return. I brought you back from the river on a whim. Nothing more. Simply because your soul looked interesting.
"Interesting"?
*Yukari: But let's not go into that right now. I bet you're dying to know why I brought you here. (She hides her mouth behind her fan) I assume you know that your home of Levanntry was completely destroyed?
*Hinata: ...Ja, I heard.
Still don't know how I feel about it though...
*Yukari: Yes...it's part of the reason I let that little cephalopod in. She was somehow able to contact me about the event which got me ever so curious. And I'm sure you'd like to discover the culprit?
I opened my mouth to refute this but, nothing came out. Truth be told...I did want to find out who destroyed Levanntry. I did want to find out who was powerful enough to displace the three most powerful mages I'd ever witnessed and sacked a place I'd once called my home. Just who could've done that?
While it was fair that it had never felt like a real home to me but, part of me felt...angry. Almost blinding anger at the fact that it was gone. That someone had taken the place I was born away from me. I wanted to get back at that person. But more than that...I just wanted to know why.
So, I nodded.
*Yukari: Ufufufufu, I thought so. Which is why I brought y0u here...
She paused for a moment. Allowing for a build-up of tension that set my nerves on end.
*Yukari: What if I told you that I know who the culprit is?
* Scarlet Devil Mansion: Voile Library *
- Noon -
We were sitting around the library waiting for the spell placed on the dynamic engines to discern where they were received their signals from. It was taking a while - whatever wards were used to guard such secrets were annoyingly complex - so we decided to simply wait it out and talk for a bit.
I spent most of the time speaking to the girls about the concept of danmaku battles and learning all I could about them before something Reimu said reminded me of my strange encounter earlier.
*Hinata: Oh yeah, I met Yukari this morning.
Oof, that was not a pretty look you just gave me Reimu. I'm guessing Yukari has that effect on a lot of people.
To be fair, almost everything that woman did serve to irritate me in some regard so, I can understand Reimu's reaction somewhat. Although, I don't know how much interaction the red-white shrine maiden has had with that odd youkai. Methinks it's on the level of "way-too-much".
*Marisa: She didn't do anything funny to you did she?
*Hinata: I mean...she kidnapped me in the middle of the night. Other than that, we just spoke about things.
*Marisa: Oh? Like what?
*Hinata: Umm... She told me a bunch of information about where I came from and who might be behind the attacks on the mansion.
*Patchouli: |Scoff| Hmph. And you believe her, Hinata? I thought Nicholas would have taught you better than that.
Oh yeah...you would know my Papa, wouldn't you?
*Koakuma: While I don't trust her words myself, Yukari-san would be the one in possession of such information. I'm mostly surprised she was inclined enough to look into it unmerited.
Every time Koakuma spoke, I found my eyes wandering to her unconsciously. Something about her was incredibly alluring and easy to look at. Miss Knowledge did say that she was from a part of the underworld called Makai (To which Reimu mentioned that an entrance to it was near her shrine and that she'd been there before. I...dunno what to say about that) so, if she is what I think she is then, that makes sense. I just need to keep my mind from thinking about it too much...
It's really hard to ignore though... So much so that I muttered a simple spell to counteract her..."allure".
*Hinata: |Wince| Not quite... She kinda wants me to play clean-up for her in exchange for the information.
*Reimu: |Quirks Eyebrow| "Clean up"? For what?
*Hinata: Apparently...whenever Yukari let in that ninja-squid-lady I encountered from before, something else slipped in. She didn't say what but, did mention that it had something to do with the automatons. |Frown| Now that I think about it, I really had no choice in the matter... Did...did I just get lead into a trap?
*Marisa: |Smile| Yup.
*Reimu: Probably.
*Koakuma: |Wry Smile| Certainly seems like Yukari-san's M.O. She excels in allowing one to play into her hands.
I resisted the fierce urge to let out a vicious cacophony of German swears the likes of which I'd never uttered before. My irritation with Yukari and her sneaky ways was beginning to tip into the realm of strong dislike.
*Reimu: |Slight Frown| Also, did you just say something about a "ninja-squid-lady"?
*Hinata: Did I not mention her? Maybe you've seen her? A bit taller than me, crimson hair...tentacles, orange eyes with weird retinas?
*Reimu: Ooooh, that girl. She's a squid? I knew she was some kind of youkai but, I didn't think she'd be a squid of all things.
*Hinata: Well, I say "squid" but, she might just be cephalopod-like in general. I'm guessing she stopped by the shrine?
*Reimu: |Nod| About a day ago. She was looking for a way out and looked pretty flustered about the whole ordeal. We had a chat about some stuff...oh, and she wanted to say sorry again for kidnapping you.
*Marisa: You seem to be an epicenter for strange events, eh, Red?
It would certainly appear so.
*Marisa: I will say one thing, being under Yukari's thumb isn't somewhere you wanna be, ze. You should watch yourself around her, Red. She's one of those "traditional-style" youkai. There's always a catch with those types.
*Reimu: For once, I agree with Marisa. Yukari excels at layering schemes within schemes. What she hopes to gain from this is anyone's guess.
*Hinata: Duly noted, frauline.
|Waaannnn...|
W-whoa!
The other two mages blinked at the sudden shift in pressure. I'm guessing the spell finally broke through.
*Reimu: Did it work? All of you just shivered at the same time.
*Patchouli: It would appear it has. Lovely, perhaps now I can finally have my library to myself. |Glance| Not that I don't mind having you two here; the company is nice every now and then but, the sooner this is over, the better. Koakuma, I will need that device Sakuya received from the Shopkeeper.
*Koakuma: Ah! Yes, ma'am!
I will note the fact that she did not direct that comment in Marisa's direction.
We followed Miss Patchouli to where the dynamic engines were and, sure enough, the cubes were glowing with a faint blue light while levitating slightly off the table. Using my magic senses, I could sense a strange aura coming off of them but couldn't quite focus on it enough to see where it was coming from. Kinda like trying to look directly at the distortion that heat waves cause in air.
Koakuma appeared soon after carrying...well...I don't know what it was exactly. Looked a little like some sort of rectangular device with a screen and buttons on it. She handed it to Miss Patchouli who took it without a word. She grabbed one of the cubes and muttered a spell under her breath.
|Zvoop!|
Oh! It shrank!
She opened the box and placed the engine inside before fidgeting with the buttons and nobs on it. After a moment, she handed it to me.
*Patchouli: Here, this should lead you to where the signal originates from. Point it in the direction where the needle clicks the loudest.
*Marisa: Whoa, where in the hell did you get something like that, ze?
*Patchouli: From your friend's curio shop. It was apparently used to detect a sort of radiation and whether or not it was within a safe enough amount to be in that area. I had the kappa repurpose it to use in...experiments.
Hm...why does that sound familiar. Didn't we have something similar in Levanntry? I have a vague memory of a new instrument of some kinda that was brought in when I was ten. Papa was fascinated by it at the time.
That seems...like an awfully long time ago...
Also what Miss Patchouli just said sounded sketchy as hell. I'm very tempted to pry into that further.
*Hinata: I suppose I should head out then. I'll go see who the hell is sending these automatons and why and be back before dinner time.
*Reimu: |Quirks Eyebrow| By yourself? Nah, sorry. That ain't gonna work.
Eh?
*Marisa: |Grin| What? You didn't think we were just going to help you up to this point and then let you go it alone, were you? Come on, Red, you've got us for the long haul, ze.
Eh?
*Hinata: U-uh, I appreciate the help but-
*Reimu: Hina. We want to help you. Just shut up and go along with it already. |Smile| We are friends after all, aren't we?
I'm not sure what to say. Is this what having friends is like?
*Hinata: |Exhale| Ach du lieber, I suppose you have a point. |Smile| Well come on then! We've got an investigation to continue and some constructs to smash.
*Patchouli: Oh, before you go.
Awoo?
Oh, my lantern! Wait...when did I give it to her?
*Patchouli: I couldn't find any chimera's blood in my storeroom but the manticore blood inside should hold you off until you find another suitable alternative.
*Hinata: Aww~ |Bow| Thank you so much, Frau Patchouli. I owe you so much for this.
*Patchouli: (She waves me off) You owe me nothing. You're already doing me a favor in dealing with these pests. Just make sure to come back and tell me how it all went. I'm curious to know who was behind it all. ...As long as you don't bring any rats in with you next time.
*Marisa: |Pouts| Hey now, I actually helped out his time, ze. At least give me credit for that!
*Patchouli: Still doesn't excuse the problems you've caused us in the past. Now get going, this issue isn't going to solve the quicker it does, the quicker I can get back to actual research.
|End of Chapter Five: "A Visit to Mayohiga"]
- Continue? -
AN: So. I've been gone for a while. Not gonna lie, I got hit by writer's block HARD and a serious lack of motivation. Hence why this chapter is a bit short and lacking of substance...at least, in my opinion. But, things have gotten better so, I hope to be updating this more frequently and actually continuing on with the story. I have a lot of sub-plots to wrap up eventually, reveals to...reveal, and just ideas and such to throw at you. I just hope I don't get burnt out or hit with the block.
Sorry for the sudden hiatus but, I'm back now, with a new laptop and fresh motivation. Again, thank you all for the support, and please leave feedback so I may improve.
Translations
(1) "I can ask you the same in Deutsche or English, if you'd prefer?"