Nearly two months for this chapter to come out. Sorry for the delay guys. Anyway, to the reviews:
To Guest: Yes, I'm aware that Shikieki is a Yama. However, from my knowledge, Yama doesn't exist in all religions. And Yama has also different means between religions as well, so saying her being 'a God of Death' is the best way to tell to someone who's completely new to Japanese culture.
To Havel the Hebel: I think it's based on many art books and fans' own theorizes that makes Touhou Project special. And many characters are similar to many famous and infamous characters from another manga/anime series. The perfect example is the comparison between Sakuya Izayoi and Dio Brando.
Also I got the knowledge from other writers and *cough cough* off-branded websites *cough cough*. Youtube is one good way as well.
With that out of the way, let's get to the main chapter 9!
'First Force Recon? Wasn't that Griggs' squad when he was chasing Khaled Al-Asad?' After the nuclear explosion, thirty thousands Marines have died, and the rest were sent to help SAS and Russia Loyalist Force to find the true mastermind behind the events in 2011: Imran Zakhaev and his son, Viktor Zakhaev. The Operation succeeded, with the costs of more soldiers' deaths, including Griggs. And now, seeing someone from that force being revived...
"It's a good sight seeing you two here." Soap walks towards Jackson and gives him a handshake. "Griggs surely wants to hear words from you guys as well."
"Wait, Griggs? I thought he survived?" Jackson asks in total surprise, knowing that the Sergeant has escaped the explosion thanks to him being transferred to SAS for coop missions.
"Well... he gave his life so we could kill Imran Zakhaev." Soap sighs. "Sorry, it's supposed to be a happy meeting, and yet we're talking about..."
"Hey, cheer up soldier!" Vasquez has left the helicopter and pats on Soap's back, hard. "We're here now! No need to talk about bad things in the past, okay? Also, Griggs is here, right? We would like to have a drink with him for our revival!"
... He has a point. "You're right."
"HAHA! Now that's the spirit! Oh, greeting mister!" Now Vasquez notices Viktor smiling at them. "Sorry for not noticing you."
"Don't worry, I understand how you feel." He himself would totally forget them if he meets Mason or Dimitri.
"Thank you. And..." Vasquez turns to Reimu. "Miss Hakurei, I assure you that we would move the helicopter when we could find anyone being able to fly it, okay? Give us a little time to do the search."
"You better focus on that." And with that, the miko turns her heels and walks back into her shrine, leaving the soldiers behind.
"Is she always like that?" Soap asks, curious at how the miko acts. He was expecting someone with more formal attitude.
"Apparently so." Jackson answers. "At least, if Marisa told us the truth."
"The black and white witch?"
"Who else it could be... um, sorry, I haven't caught your name in the helicopter."
"John 'Soap' Mactavish and Viktor Reznov."
"Yeah, the same witch Soap. Still, didn't think magic exists without our knowledge." Vasquez says, remembering how shocked they were when the two Marines saw Marisa floating down. "Anyway, where did you get dropped in?"
"I was found lying in the ground of another shrine." Viktor answers first.
Soap continues: "Ghost was dropped in a... I forgot the name, but that's where two ghost ladies residents."
"... *PSH!*" Jackson holds back his laugh, seeing how irony the situation was.
"Yeah, we know. Anyway, Griggs was dropped through the roof of a school in the human village."
Vasquez cringes. "Ouch. That must be hurt."
"Well he looked fine when we found him, so he must be healed after that. Another one is Roach, who got dropped into the Forest of Magic, then he's guided to Marisa's home by a native. I got dropped through the roof of a neighbor's house."
"Wow, that's harsh." Jackson sympathizes. "Both you and Griggs drew the short sticks it seems."
"What about you two?" Soap asks.
"Luckier than you all for sure. We found ourselves in the helicopter, which is in full condition to use, and it's already landed here."
Viktor asks: "None of you can fly it?"
Vasquez shakes his head. "Unfortunately."
Soap: "Our group doesn't have one as well. This is going to be tricky..."
"How about the kappas?" Everyone turns to Viktor. "Remember, they are the intelligent creatures here, surely we could hire someone..."
"Well that ain't work pal." Everyone looks up to see Marisa and Alice landing down. "Kappas are very shy, they wouldn't go near someone unless it's absolutely necessary and benefit for them."
Soap asks back: "What about Nitori?"
"She's the exception." Alice simply answers, with Shanghai shaking her head. "Although, you could go around the village and get some checks on some Outsiders. You might be able to find someone who could..."
"It would be very hard." Soap interrupts. "Finding an Outsider soldier is super hard already, since I'm sure they're not 'forgotten' that easy. Finding one who can fly a carrier is even rarer."
"Well, that's just my suggestion." Alice shrugs.
Viktor decides to change the subject: "What are you fellas doing here? Visiting your friend?"
"You bet!" Marisa gives him a thumb up.
"By any chances, is she in the shrine?" Alice asks Vasquez.
He replies: "She is. About a minute ago."
"Thank you." Alice says her gratitude before pulling Marisa into the shrine, with Shanghai waving goodbye to the group.
"...Well, that's something." Soap says. "Oh and, that girl's house was where I was dropped into."
"That doll... she controlled it with magic?"
"That's right, Jackson. And... I was greeted by a ton of them pointing spears and swords towards my face."
Vasquez widens his eyes. "Real deal?"
"Yeah. Although, that's probably for the Youkais and some other stuffs than killing human though..."
Viktor changes the subject: "How about we go down the village again and, well, try to find someone who could help us?"
Meanwhile
"I take back what I said before." Roach groans, as he sits down in the chair in the teacher's office. "Soap is better at this job than me."
"You did great." Keine tries to lighten up his mood. "Better than anyone I have hired before. Outside World must have really great education."
"Thanks for the compliment. Although, it's not just about the education alone... By the way, can you fly?"
"Eh, yes? You need to do so?"
"Well, considering how far Soap has traveled yesterday, we thought that we need some kind of transporters. Otherwise we're not going too far from the village."
"I see... say, how about you all consider to learn magic?"
"... Is that even possible?"
"Could be. Some Outsiders have proved to be able to develop it, at the lowest level of magic."
"Hm... is there something like a 'Magic for dummies' book here?"
"I don't think a book like that exists. But, books of magic, you can try to find one in Kosuzu's bookstore. Maybe you can ask her to lent some, after all it's her store for. I will give you some directions later."
"Thanks for the info. Now, let's get back to the kids..." Roach says, as the school bell rings up.
...
Time skip to afternoon
"... I was expecting it to be... cleaner..." Roach says to himself, as he looks at the front side of the bookstore. And he can't read the sign either. "It seems we can speak only, not the reading and writing parts..."
"Excuse me?"
"Can I even get books that's written in English here? Or any Latin books?"
"Excuse me?"
"Do I even have enough money to rent one? I don't even know the..."
"EXCUSE ME?"
Roach's left ear rings up due to the high-pitch sound, and he covers his ear in pain. "OUCH! What the hell was that?"
"You were ignoring me!" He turns to his left and sees no one. "Look down, will ya?" He does so, and sees a young girl, seemingly younger and shorter than Marisa, looking at him with a pouty face. "Sheesh, since when were Outsiders so tall?"
'Or you have not developed enough.' That's what he wants to say, but he holds back when he doesn't want to earn a slap to the face. "Sorry for ignoring you earlier. May I ask what you're doing here?"
"You're standing in front of my shop, pal." Earning a look of surprise from the soldier, the girls introduces herself: "My name is Kosuzu Motoori, the shopkeeper of Suzunaon. You must be new here."
"... Nice to meet you too. Call me Roach." He doesn't want to make things weird, because he knows some kids work early with their family for some earnings. "Miss Keine told me that you could have some books for me to rent."
"Then you're coming in the right place! Welcome to Suzunaon! Please come in!" The girl smiles up, and gestures him to follow her. And he has no reasons to stay outside any longer.
Once they're inside, Roach takes a look around the place, feeling the warm and serene air in here. "As expected of a bookstore..."
"Since you're new, you can ask me what you want to find, and I could give you a free book since Keine helped me a lot." Kosuzu walks towards the stand where customers pay for the book and says that.
"... Thanks for it." There's no reasons to deny a free gift. "I'm looking for books related to magic. If you have English books, then it would be better."
"Magic books, huh? There are a lot in here, but English... Is there something I could see to know what 'English' is?" Kosuzu might know how to decipher books, that doesn't mean she knows which language is which.
"Maybe this could help you?" Roach says, as he pulls out his diary and gives it to her.
The moment she touches the notebook, she asks: "Are you sure? This is your diary, right?"
"...How did you?" Roach asks in surprise.
"I could tell what kind of book it is just by a simple touch." Kosuzu explains.
"Well... I think it's okay. Besides, you let us borrow for free."
"If you say so..." Kosuzu receives the notebook and flips a few papers... and she returns it to Roach. "Wait for a moment. I have seen them somewhere behind."
"I have time." Kosuzu nods at Roach's reply, as she heads into the back side of the bookstore. Meanwhile, the soldier pulls out a book and flips a few pages, before giving up since he couldn't read. "Guess it's time to update my diary." He opens his diary and pulls out his pen, then picks a chair to sit and starts writing down, waiting for the girl to return back.
Later on
"I found some, actually." Kosuzu returns with a small stack of books. "I checked them, but... I'm not sure if they're what you're looking for."
"What do you mean?" Roach takes one and flips over the pages, quickly scanning through the words.
"Most of them don't have magic in them."
"... I know I asked for a magic book, but is it necessary for a book to have magic in itself?" Roach puts down the book he has finished scanning.
"Because otherwise they're just for fun. You doesn't look like one who just reads for fun." Kosuzu theorizes.
"Well you have sharp mind. Yes, we are trying to find a way to use magic, so we could travel around Gensokyo than walking around." Roach has to give her an applause for her quick deduction.
"We?" The girl asks in curiosity.
"Our group arrived here one by one, and scattered around Gensokyo. We need to meet each other fast and explain to the latecomers about this world before they accidentally cause some troubles with the natives."
"Your... group?"
"The next time we meet, I will answer. Is that okay with you?"
"Well... okay then. Also, that's not what you want." The girl pulls out a book with marks of runes on it. "This one should be okay. Take it."
"Thanks." Roach receives the book. "I'm heading out now. See you in the future."
"See you again soon!"
Evening
"Soap and Viktor haven't returned?" Roach asks Griggs.
"Yeah. They said that they're visiting the mansion near the Misty Lake."
"...Didn't we talk about that yesterday?"
"Marisa and Alice have accompanied them." Ghost speaks from the kitchen. "Also, two of Griggs' old squad mates are with them as well."
"I see... anyway, I got a book from a bookstore. The owner said that it could help us using magic of sort."
"Well now that's a good start. Let's examine it now."
At the same time
"Scarlet Devil Mansion..." Jackson says out loud after checking through the inside of the place. "If this place is not Castlevania, then I don't know what else this could be."
"Same sentiment." The soldiers from America and Britain nod in agreement.
"Miss Alice, are you sure the vampires are not going to attack us?" Viktor asks the Puppeteer.
She nods. "If she does, she's going to get beaten up by either Reimu or Yukari... or maybe the one who sent you here."
Vasquez: "Still, I'm not very fond of the idea of having a sleep in this... seemingly haunted mansion."
Sakuya, who leads the group, replies: "Don't worry. Mistress will make sure that no one will make a jump on you..."
Soap: "We're more scared of HER jumping on us. But, if she's also bound by Spell Card Rules, then we feel safer... somewhat."
Sakuya: "Well, many have that kind of thought towards her. But, please be assured that Mistress won't do such things."
Soap: "We could give her one chance... so this is the place?"
Sakuya opens the huge door that leads to a library. "This is Miss Patchouli's Library. I have asked her for some permissions for you to use it before you rest."
Viktor bows. "Thanks for your work, miss Maid."
The girl bows back. "It's my duty. Now, excuse me..." And with that, the maid disappears.
"With her out of the way, let's..." Soap immediately grabs Marisa's collar and stops her from rushing in. "Hey, what gives?"
"We don't want to get kicked out because of you. Behave yourself." Soap turns on his command mode on Marisa.
"Spoilsports..."
...
"Are you sure letting her go around is a good idea, miss Patchouli?" Soap asks the librarian, uncertain that leaving a certain magician to wander through the bookshelves is okay.
"Don't worry. It happens often." The girl replies with a light cough. "It's a fair game here. Besides..." The sound of Marisa shouting in surprise echoes. "We have a lot of defense systems in here."
"Yeah, I was blasted directly to the face with one of those Danmaku things." Jackson says as he rubs his forehead. "Luckily they really are non-lethal, but man that hurts more than BB bullets."
"Anyway, what kind of magic you're looking for?" Patchouli asks.
"Something along with teleport magics?" Vasquez replies.
"That one... it won't be easy to use." Patchouli says what she knows. "You best bet for starters is to fly, or use simple element magic."
"Well that..." Soap's radio catches some signal, and he answers: "Hello?"
"Hey Capt! Enjoying your trip to the mysterious dungeon?"
"Very funny, Ghost. What is it?"
"Just got a book with a couple of spells usable. Now we don't have to scare about being cold in winter."
"That's..." Soap doesn't know what to say. They already can use magic. "Great, I think? So we are all potent to magic?"
"I think it's specific." Roach's voice can be heard in the background. Then he uses the radio directly: "Ghost and I can use Fire magic, but Griggs can use Earth-like one, and we can't use the other magic."
"Hm... let me get more information before I call you back."
"That's interesting." As soon as the radio's off, Patchouli comments. "That could beat that crow's newspaper in delivering news."
"Depends on situation. Anyway, you heard it all right? Then can you explain something?"
"Many mages would stick with one type of magic. Like that rat..." Patchouli gestures to the witch between the bookshelves. "With her extreme flashy spells, or Alice with her Puppet-control magic. You, however... the magic might be related to your past, before you were... killed, if the chief maid's info is right."
"Just before our death? Or our past life?" Viktor questions.
"That's uncertain. I have never encountered someone who's reincarnated before. And magic has no borders in its uniqueness. Living through over a century, and I haven't even scratched the surface of this library." Not losing focus on her book, the librarian answers.
"Guess we have to find that on our own." Jackson puts down a book that he found in Patchouli's own stack.
"I think I know why Roach and Ghost could use Fire. They were killed by Shepherd with fire..."
"That sh!t is still haunting me... Shepherd, doing such things..." Vasquez couldn't still believe hearing his former general committing such crimes.
"Although I could guess myself using Ice of sort." Everyone focuses on Viktor. "I mean, I am from Russia. Ice is mostly everywhere."
"That would be the case." The soldiers couldn't really argue of that.
"Changing the topic a bit..." Jackson finds another book. "If this is in your stack, then why..."
"That one is useless." Patchouli immediately comments.
"Woah. Now that's a quick response." Soap is a bit surprised that she would answer that fast.
"It's because that book is utterly useless. Probably from somewhere in the Outside World. Sometimes that Gap Youkai dropped some books into my place. Some good, some completely nonsense. Don't know why that would draw that rat's attention."
"Can I borrow this one, Patchouli?" Alice suddenly asks, causing the soldiers to turn at her in surprise. "What?"
"We nearly forgot you're there. Sorry." Viktor immediately apologizes.
"Don't need to. I would like to keep myself be out of sight." The Puppeteer accepts.
"... Where did you even find that? I thought I asked Koakuma to burn anything unnecessary."
"Probably she missed it." Soap says as he looks at the cover... "I suggest you throw that away, miss Alice. I don't think you're old enough for that."
"Did you even look at its content?" Vasquez immediately follows, not expecting something like that to exist here.
"I think it's just a magazine for unique outfits from Outside World..." The moment she opens the middle of the magazine, she immediately closes it with a red face. "... Why could this exist?"
"Just some people's ideal for beauty. Not a fan myself." Soap says, nearly immune to that one. "Some of my squad mates think otherwise."
"Although, you could use some materials in it. For real." Jackson dismisses Alice's embarrassment. "Some of the outfits are really unique and pretty for themselves."
"I...I will try to hold back the judge... for now."
A few moments later, Patchouli puts her book down and stands up. "I'm heading to my bed now. Feel free to use the library, but don't break it."
"What about Marisa?" Vasquez asks, as the witch has flown away with some books stolen.
"It's a fair game in here. She did return some after she used them, so I don't really mind... too much."
"Good night, then." Soap says to the girl.
"You too." And with that, Patchouli is out.
"Guess this one is ours for now." Viktor says. "Let's see if we could find something before we hit the bed."
Chapter 9 end!
Yeah, no real actions in this chapter. And probably a few more before a fight could happen.
"And I was expect you would do something about that."
... *Turn off the phone's power* Also, there's no more dropping in for now...
"Don't drop them into my place."
... I'm going to end this now before Yukari bothers me any further. See you guys in the future!