Chapter 2 – A night to remember
-17's POV- (meanwhile...)
It wasn't long before we arrived to the part of the mansion were the guest rooms are located. I can tell that if I was to blindly wander around in these halls alone I would easily find myself lost amongst all these scarlet coloured walls around me. I get why they are the colour they are but really... there is a limit to everything.
Sakuya told me the room I am standing next to is mine for the night, she didn't bother turning around or anything. Still preoccupied with carrying Mike to his room I guess.
Deciding to not be an annoyance and possibly piss off Sakuya, I slowly open the door. The door squeaks open, one can tell it isn't used that much. One could only wonder why...
Regardless, upon entering the room I find myself amazed! I was expecting just a plain guest room, nothing extravagant... but then I remembered who owns this place!
The room was equipped with a large bed, which could easily trick one into thinking it's a medium sized double bed. There was a table and two chairs as well as flower pots with plants in them.
REAL plants!
If every room has plants in need of watering, then I already feel sorry to the one having to water them maybe every day. Does Sakuya water them? Or maybe the fairy maids?
One thing in particular has caught my attention however...
There was a single window with curtains.
The odd think was, I could feel wind coming from it. Was it perhaps left open on accident?
I walked into the room, making sure to close the door behind me.
Approaching the window, pushing the curtains away I could confirm that it was indeed open.
But not in a normal way.
In fact, there was a hole in it. I think big enough for it to have been a rock thrown at it which broke through it or a fist smashing through it.
But since I couldn't see or feel any glass shards below me on the carpeted floor, the glass was probably already removed or...
...or someone DID smash it from the inside. But why?
...
Well, I won't be looking into it too much now. I could go and ask for another room, but...
I don't want to bother Sakuya anymore, considering she appeared really deadly earlier. Not like the wind lightly coming through the hole is going to bother me much anyways. It is spring after all, right...?
With my worries and thoughts put aside, I quickly made my way to the bed. Noticing a painting in the process which I couldn't have seen from when I came in, I laid down on the bed in my normal attire.
I did notice some clothes on the table, but I rather not.
Off to dreamlands I go...
...
...
-Keine Kamishirasawa's POV-
I wake up once more, only to confirm that it's still night outside.
I already woke up earlier due to a "certain" someone causing a ruckus.
I wasn't surprised at all once she told me it was a fight between her and Kaguya.
I would have lectured Mokou about it, but I soon had my hands full with a cup of tea. I wasn't going to refuse it, since I felt like I needed it more than ever now.
Soon after, we talked for a while before I fell asleep again. My head still hurts and I doubt it's getting any better...
„How are you feeling?" Asks Mokou.
„Mmmm... felt better, but it's bearable..." I respond.
At this point I am currently laying down on Mokou's bed. I felt bad about it, but Mokou told me its fine plenty times and said she doesn't even use it that often until I ceased my resistance.
How stubborn she is...
„Mokou, are you hurt?" I ask her, noticing her staring idly towards a wall.
„Hm? Nah, no way." She waves with her hand while saying that, signalling me to not worry once more.
But I can't help but wonder what's on her mind...
...
...
-Fujiwara no Mokou's POV-
...
...
She's fallen asleep again... I place my palm on her forehead to measure her temperature...
The fewer is still the same if not worse...
That can't be good, can it?
The tea I made did nothing, what a waste of time...
What else can I do? Something HAS to lower her fewer!
...
Gah! I'm stupid!
I retrieve a few old rags from around the place and proceed to place them into a bucket full of water I had in the corner. I wait a couple of seconds before taking one out and walking back towards Keine.
I gently place the cold, wet, old rag on her forehead.
There! That should help with the fewer.
...I hope.
I walk out of my house and take a look around.
...
...
That bitch.
There are holes everywhere in the ground now and several bamboos lay scattered around, burned and broken.
There were active fires everywhere too, but I put the major ones out quickly and the other ones I missed after Keine fell asleep.
*sigh* I guess I may as well, clean it up now.
...
...
Heh...
At least I won.
-17's POV- (meanwhile...)
...
...
...
I can't sleep.
I have been trying to fall asleep for what feels like the past thirty minutes but I find myself unable to do so. Am I not as tired as I was assuming at first...? No.
No, that's not it.
The issue is...
I feel like someone or something is watching me try to sleep. I can feel my heart racing for no good reason while a chill occasionally goes down my spine. I am like that for the past few minutes.
I should probably open my eyes and calm down. Why should I be terrified? Sakuya wouldn't be as bold as to enter my room for no reason, neither the fairy maids... I hope. About Remilia... I doubt it. She seems to have more important stuff on hands to stalk me or anything...
Then why...
Why...
Why do I feel like I am going to regret opening my eyes...?
...
...
No.
I have seen enough horror movies to know what happens next. I will not make the same mistake.
I'm just gonn-
!
As I went to roll over to my side, my ears picked up a very faint sound, which sounded like someone gasping in surprise.
Without thinking ahead, I jumped out of my bed with my eyes wide open. Only to find...!
Nothing.
...Nothing...?
I look around the room and, lo and behold, nothing.
I could have sworn I heard a very faint gasp.
True, I might be hearing things, I am a bit spooked and my paranoia is rapidly going up now. Was it all truly just in my head? I knew I was going to have nightmares but... I didn't even fall asle- !
...
The door...
It's slightly open.
I know for a fact, that I closed it. I did. No matter how else I would like to convince myself that I didn't. I did. I. Closed. That. Door.
So that means... someone really was in my room!
Now, more scared than before, I am unable to calm myself down enough and speak out into nothingness.
„Who's there? I know someone is behind that door. So, show yourself!" I say, in an audible but quiet voice.
...
...
Silence.
...I guess whoever that was must have fled the scene. Maybe it's for the best.
I walk towards the door and close it once more before turnin- !?
...
...
...
As I turned around, I noticed a small girl sitting on the bed. Starring at me with curious ruby like eyes. With the moonshine shining from the window, giving me faint light, I try and focus my vision on her to quickly notice something. She wears a similar set of clothes like Remilia, but differently coloured I would say. I think the mob cap she is wearing is white with a red ribbon thing on it. The dress is mostly red and white. She has blond hair which goes down to the shoulders along with a side pony tail which is a tad bit longer, pale skin, ruby like eyes and... weird... wings...? Vampire, that word is screaming in my mind and she most certainly is one as far as I can tell, no doubt about that but... Instead of bat like wings like Remilia, she seems to be protruding two wing like appendages with eight crystal-like ornaments on each wing from her lower back. They slightly glow in the dark, which I am thankful for, and make an interesting sound as they swing around lightly... like wind chimes...
„Who are you?"
She suddenly asks, tilting her head and tearing me out of my shock like state. I was nervous, uncomfortable and confused.
With all my courage still within me, I tried to maintain a stable posture and composure as I feared breaking down now would do me no good. With a deep intake of oxygen, I answered...
„I-I'm... 17."
„..." She remains silent. Studying me and maybe even waiting for me to do something.
„Weird..." Is what I hear her mutter lightly under her breath, sounding confused. Weird? Just what does she mean by that?
„Mister, where is your eye?" ...?
„My...eye...? You mean my eyes?" I say, pointing to my eyes.
She remains silent again, her eyes looking over me as if she was desperately searching for something. This kept on for several more seconds until I saw her eyes relax and a light smile appeared on her face.
„Aha! There it is! It was just hiding deeper!" She says.
...what?
„It still looks weird... almost like if it's cracked." She keeps talking to herself.
Enough. This is just confusing me more and more!
„E-Erm, since I told you my name... Could I know yours...?" I manage to stutter out the sentence.
„Hm? Ah! My name's Flandre! Flandre Scarlet!"
She says while she jumped down from the bed and slightly bowed her head while also slightly lifting her dress. A medieval princess greeting...? I can't remember how it was called. But...
...Scarlet? Is she a sibling to Remilia? Remilia didn't mention anything about a sister. ...strange.
Almost as if she... didn't want me and Mike to know about her... why?
„You can call me Flan, though~!" Says "Flan", with the brightest smile I have ever seen.
I am unsure if I should be running or...
„Do you want to play a game with me?" Flan asks, staring right into my eyes.
I have a really bad feeling about this...
„O-Okay... but first, tell me... how you managed to appear behind me? I was certain you were outside this room." I ask.
„Oh! I hid under the bed!" Flan responds.
...
With those wings of hers...? Know what, I am not going to dwell on it.
„So can we play now?" Asks Flan, lightly swinging her upper body left and right as she waits for an answer.
„S-Sure, I guess..." I give in, unsure if I had a choice in the first place.
„Yay!" Flan raises her arms in the air and slightly jumps off the ground before going straight for m- !?
Flan grabs me by the arm and almost breaks down the door as she starts dragging me!
Ow! Ow! Ow!
Does she think I don't feel pain!? And damn, is she strong! No way am I able to free myself from how powerful her grip is around my arm! Fuck! She might even tear it off!
„H-HEY! S-" !
As I tried screaming for her to stop, she stopped so suddenly and placed her hand on my mouth, choking me a bit as a result.
„Pssst! Be silent! Or Big sis is going to be angry!" She stares me down.
I can tell she won't be as nice in reminding me next time I scream. Duly noted.
She, thankfully, slowed down but her iron grip remained. We past several corridors to the point, that I am unsure now if I will be able to find my way back anymore.
We suddenly stop before a corner. Flandre ceased all sort of movements. She sniffs the air a bit...? Does she smel- !
Flandre suddenly pulls me closer and gently whispers into my ear, sending several shivers down my spine.
„We can't play in my room, let's go this way."
I slightly nod my head. She turns back and drags me the other way again.
...
Is this ever going to stop?
...
It's only once we reach a large set of wooden doors that we stop.
„Oh, let's go play in the library!" Says Flandre.
Library? Isn't that more of a place for reading?
„We won't be able to play loud games because of Miss Patchouli, but that's alright!" Says Flandre, more to herself I guess.
Her social skills seem awfully dull.
Not good, considering I am no better...
We enter the library and... I have no words to describe this behemoth which stands in front of me. I can barely see the ceiling, if that is even a ceiling. There are books upon books. Any great libraries already look like a joke to this one. This is merely the entrance!
I don't get much time to look around as Flandre starts pulling me into one direction.
...
How did I get myself in this situation...? I could... Argh! Screw it! Let's be a bit bolder, like Mike!
„Say... Flandre?" I ask the girl currently dragging me like if I was just a toy car attached to a string of rope.
„Hm?" She gives me a signal to speak.
„I just wanted to ask... why you decided you wanted to play with me...? Were you just... bored?" I ask, feeling horribly anxious for managing to spew the sentence out without stuttering but fearing the consequences.
...
...
Flandre slowed down, until both of us stopped. We either arrived to where she wanted to go or my question got her thinking so much she had to stop for a bit to think over my question. ...maybe even both.
„Big sis... she always has people visit here..." Flandre begins talking, in a gentle but sad voice.
„She always hosts activities with friends and guests while going out and doing whatever she desires..."
Flandre turns around and looks me in the eyes. She is... crying? Her eyes seem watery, at the very least... Do vampires cry? Are they not undead? If so... how? Eh, not the right moment to question things...
„Flandre has little to no friends... Flandre isn't visited by people or guests..." ...
„F-Flandre can't go do whatever she desires... F-Flandre can't even leave her own house..."
She is breaking down.
What have I done? If she snaps the wrong way and assumes I am at fault I will DIE! What should I...
...
„...H-huh...?" Flandre mumbles.
Both in pity and fear, I wrapped my arms around Flandre and stroke her head, trying to calm her down.
„T-There, there... just breathe..." I whisper.
...
...
...
We stay like this for several minutes. It is only until Flandre starts pulling away that we break the hug.
„Better n-now?" I ask.
Flandre slowly nods, still saddened.
Until suddenly...
„Were here! Let's play!" ...
I am dumbfounded. Only mere seconds ago she seemed so sad and now she acts like nothing happened. Well, I don't know much about Flandre... I will likely ask Remilia about her and WHY she didn't even bother mentioning that she has a little sister... but I think Flandre is emotionally unstable.
So, careful with that unless you want to die. Handle with care, as they say...
„Uhh... Okay. Sooo... what are we playing, Flandre?" I ask, looking around at my surroundings.
„Let's play charades!" Says Flandre, raising her arms in the air in joy. A smile as sweet as honey plastered on her face.
...It is incredibly disturbing how fast her mood can change.
„Also, call me Flan! I told you to do so!" Flan pouts.
You told me I can, not that I must if I recall. But alright, if it makes you happy.
„R-Right... forgive me, Flan..." I say.
„Its okay!" She gives me a bright smile before turning around and taking a stool from a table nearby.
„Here! The one who's guessing sits on this!" Flan states as she places the stool down next to me.
I also just realized I haven't slept yet. I hope this won't bite me in the butt later...
-Aya Shameimaru's POV- (meanwhile at Youkai Mountain...)
„Haaa...! Why isn't anything happening!?"
I groan to myself. I've been looking around for something interesting for the next batch of my newspaper but haven't seen an ounce of success yet!
I only now decided to take a break in my office and collect my thoughts.
Am I being punished for not being an early crow today? Well, sorry world! I haven't slept for a week since I was preoccupied with the latest batch of news which I delivered everywhere twenty-four hours ago! Give me some slack! I work hard enough as it is!
...
!
...
...
Something is happening...
Something BIG is happening...
MY INSTINCTS ARE YELLING AT ME!
„SCOOOOOP!"
I yell as I can practically feel holding the newest Bunbunmaru Newspaper batch in my hands! I can smell the success of it already!
Now, I only need to locate where it is.
Where is it? The Hakurei Shrine? The Scarlet Devil Mansion? Maybe a completely new location or just right under my nose!?
I don't care where it is, for I will find it and get a hold of the event or incident, whatever it may be!
Since it certainly will fill the blank pages in, nicely...
I immediately exit my office again and start looking.
-17's POV-
„Could you be a... crow?" I take guess.
Flan shakes her head and continues.
„Hmm... OH! Are you perhaps a chicken?" I take another guess, pointing at Flan's arms.
„YES!" Screams Flan, who raises her hands into the air before placing them at her mouth for realizing she was a bit too loud.
We have been playing Charades for at least fifteen minutes now. I am slowly getting sleepy since the initial shock factor already faded into nothingness.
At this point I just hope someone comes and finds us here before I fall asleep. Now I know how Mike felt during dinner...
„Okay! I have a great idea! Wait for me here, I will be back!" Says Flan, flashing me a cheerful smile before running off a few feet and then flying far enough for me to lose sight of her.
...
...
Well, what now?
I have no idea where I am in this gigantic library and I have a feeling leaving would only cause me to die in a few minutes.
...
I-
„Huh? Who are you?"
I quickly turn around and notice a person standing ten steps behind me. The person in question appears to be a woman at first, but I can immediately tell she is a youkai.
She wears a black dress with white sleeves, which is normal for the most part. The kicker however, is that she has a small pair of black, bat-like wings on the sides of her head and back!
...she also has beautiful, long, silky red hair...
I immediately shake my head after I looked into her red eyes.
What was that? What was I thinking?
I notice her starting to look suspicious of me, so I quickly reply before something bad happens.
„Uh... I-I am a guest for tonight! L-Lady Remilia allowed me and a f-friend to spend the n-night here!"
She immediately jerks back a little upon hearing this before visibly relaxing...
...her sexy body...
Ugh! What's wrong with me!?
„Oh! Of course! I have heard about two guests spending the night here. Thought, I didn't think you would have visited the library at this hour..." She says, putting a finger under her... perfect... chin.
„I... I didn't intend to... I somehow got caught up in something and ended up here... where... ever I may be..." I try to talk but I can't think clearly. Am I truly that tired?
„Follow me, I shall bring you to Lady Patchouli. She will help you out further." She says as she turns around and slowly walks away... giving me a view of her plum-
*Slap*
I slap myself in the head.
She turns around for a moment, confused, before realizing something.
„Right! I haven't introduced myself yet!" She says while bowing down...
„I am Koakuma. Assistant librarian of lady Patchouli." Says Koakuma, giving me a... lovable... smile...
„I...I-I am... 17." I say, barely.
Koakuma seems to notice something wrong with me and speaks up.
„You must be tired! Quick now!"
She starts to run away, leaving me to chase after her... I have to... ...
...
„Lady Patchouli! I have brought a guest who got lost in the library!" I hear... talk...
„...hm..." I hear... sounds...
I finally... arrive... a-and... my head... hurts...
„Hm. I see."
„Koakuma, go and fetch me that book I talked about. I am finished with this one here."
„At your request!"
...
I hear... footsteps... someone is leaving...?
...?
?
Did the headache stop...?
„Take a seat."
I shake my head in confusion of the situation. Just what was wrong with me a minute ago?
I look in front of me to notice someone sitting down at a table, surrounded by a ridiculous amount of books.
That someone is question is yet another woman. She wears pink pajama-like clothing and she also seems to be sporting a mob cap of sorts which has a crescent moon on it. I can't tell whether her dress is striped or not, but I am too tired to really care. She has long purple hair and her eyes reflect her hair by also being purple. She also has a lot of ribbons tied to her clothing and hair.
„H-Hello..." I greet her.
„..."
I notice her looking into her book, not sparing even a single glance to me.
I recall her telling me to take a seat, so I go ahead and sit opposite to her.
I sit down and wait for her to speak up.
...
...
Or does she expect me to speak up first...?
„M-My name is 17, nice to meet y-you." I introduce myself.
...
...
Is she even awake? She is glued to that book like flies are to –
*Slam*
!
She slams shut her book and finally looks at me.
...Oh my... she looks like as if she hadn't slept for weeks... maybe even months...
She observes me for a while before finally saying something.
„A guest of Remi I am assuming?" She questions.
Remi? I guess she means Remilia.
I nod in response.
Silence once again fills the library.
Then I remember something...
„Say, I was feeling horrible a few minutes ago but now I feel better, if only tired... Do you kno-"
„Succubus."
I jerk back on the stool, nearly falling over.
She just cut me off and answered in a single word.
What did she say? Succubus?
Wait...
Succubus...?
...
OOOOOOOOH!
Now I understand!
I...
I feel embarrassed. I almost completely lost it to my primal urges. A miracle I haven't, to be honest.
„I-I see..." I answer after a minute of silence.
...
...
„Could y-" I try to speak but once again get cut off, this time by a different person... someone I just remembered has told me to wait...
„There you are! I told you to wait for me!" I turn around and turn almost as pale as a vampire.
Flan came back... and she is not happy.
I guess unable to find me where she expected me to be left her a bit sour. I gulp down and wait for my punishment. Which might as well be my certain doom.
„Why did y-"
„Why are you in my library? And causing such ruckus, no less." Interrupted Patchouli. I think. Koakuma mentioned the name Patchouli a lot. So this should be Patchouli.
„A-Ahh..." Flan appears to have turned even paler.
„Why aren't you in your room? You do know your sister doesn't like it when you bother her guests." Patchouli states firmly.
„I just wanted to play!" Says Flan, stomping her feet and pouting.
„You have played enough for tonight." Says Patchouli standing up.
„NO!"
I close my eyes and shiver in fear as I saw Flandre leap at me.
I was in such shock I blacked out for a few seconds.
...
I opened my eyes to realize I was still alive but on the floor.
I slowly stood up and... saw Flan in a bubble?
It appears Flandre has been trapped in a sphere made out of running water.
„Now, behave." I hear a voice behind me say.
Turning around, I noticed it's just the purple haired woman, who I think is that Patchouli person.
„I will let Sakuya know. Wait here for her." She orders me and... creates a weird purple orb...?
I have no clue.
I look over to where Flandre is trapped.
She seems... hurt.
Not physically, but emotionally.
I kinda feel bad for her... but considering she caused me this little adventure and possibly, nearly killed me, I think it's only fair.
I hope she can forgive me, at least. Not really wanting to get on her bad side...
Well, I guess I can talk with her a bit while I wait. She at least is more talkative than that purple haired woman over there. I don't think she can do anything else in that bubble anyways besides talking.
Man, what a crazy night...
That reminds me... I wonder how those other three guys are faring... Did they find shelter for tonight? Or did they maybe even get out of this "Gensokyo"?
Well, I hope they are fine, despite our harsh split up.
The Next Day – Day 2
-Giovanni Mennini's POV-
„Do not forget. Situation is stable, but we need to act swift and precise." Says Mr. A.
Just recently I woke up and back to business it is...
Yesterday night went smoothly, I think. All I remember is running around with a few guards and calming people down who were getting worried about the situation. I was so tired after a while, I was starting to fall asleep on my feet. ...I did get an earful from...
Ugh. Thinking about it gives me the shivers. So I rather not...
Anyways, I kept on pushing myself, I had a simple task to do and I didn't want anyone to be mad at me for failing at something like reassuring people.
I tried asking about how the others night was but they mostly gave vague answers. Which came off a bit suspicious but I think they too were just tired at the time.
Right now, I am eating an apple while listening what we are going to do today.
..mmm, that's not a bad apple, I must say!
Maybe the best I have eaten in a long time! They certainly don't have such i-
„Mennini, are you going to greet us with your attention any time soon or is that apple just too important for you?"
-3rd Person POV-
Mennini's eyes leave the apple alone and stare at the others looking at him. Anton shakes his head and massages his nose temple while Mr. A chuckles to himself lightly.
Mennini shakes his head and puts the apple aside.
„Hehe... No..." Mennini said, scratching his back of the head in embarrassment.
„Anyways..." Anton, The Vozhd, gathered everyone's attention as he spoke up.
„How do you suggest we should proceed, now that we are in control of the entire village?" Anton asked, looking over towards Mr. A.
Mr. A walks towards a window to look outside as the morning was greeting the village in its light and warmth after a cold and dark night.
Anton, Johann, Mennini and Mr. A were all currently in the building which is considered to be the village chief's house. Since last night, they decided to rename it to The Village Hall of Operations or just simply, The Vozhd's Headquarters. Only a few things have been solved that night as they kept arguing how things should work and what to focus on. Today, they try to get things started before things fall apart due to lack of stability.
They were debating around a large round table while Mr. A's men were still renovating in the background. The house was nothing out of the ordinary, it was just slightly larger than the average villager's house. In Anton's eyes, that should change quickly as the people in charge should have a suitable abode for when large meetings are to be held and much more.
Johann agrees with Anton, but secretly thinks it's a waste of time in this moment.
„While we are in control of the village, we still aren't in control of the entirety of it." Mr. A stated, turning around to face the rest.
„We must secure the hearts of the people, then we can do as we please." Mr. A firmly said.
„Of course, that's why I am asking you for assistance. You live here for years, after all." Anton said, raising a finger in the air to put more weight on his words.
Mr. A smiles as he turns back to look out the window, before speaking.
„You need to hold a speech, Mr. Drevov."
„Or should I say... My Vozhd?" Mr. A chuckles a bit after he finished speaking.
„A speech? That should not be an issue. Just quickly tell me some issues going on around the village to address and I will have them left speechless." Anton answered, crossing his arms.
„Uhh... I do not want to be insulting or anything but... in those rags?" Mennini said, and pointed towards Anton's tattered suit.
Anton immediately appeared visibly annoyed.
„Mennini is right. I cannot present myself like this." Anton uttered, as he examined how many holes his suit had.
„Obviously. The speech can wait. Firstly we need to properly dress the villages new Vozhd, no?" Mr. A spoke and turned around once more.
„I suggest the following." Mr A began talking, putting his hands on the table to lean on it slightly.
„You go ahead and get properly dressed and equipped with what you see fit and I prepare the village in the meantime. Basic stuff needs to be done, after all." Mr. A said aloud, but muttered something under his breath for only himself to hear.
„...and write several documents since the Child of Miare isn't cooperating..."
„Very well, where is the closest tailor?" Johann, who remained silent most of the time, asked.
„Oh, ho ho ho!" Mr. A fake laughed as he caught an imaginary tear falling down from his eye.
„No, no, no. The ordinary village tailor is only going to be able to provide you with something like this." Mr. A said, tugging the sleeve of his kimono.
„If you desire a suit or something perhaps more fancy for your liking... I suggest visiting a store on the edge of the Forest of Magic." Mr. A suggested.
„A store on the edge of...?" Mennini repeated, but not fully.
„Forest of Magic, an unholy place I do not recommend going into." Mr. A quickly clarified.
„The possible youkai lurking in it aren't as dangerous as the forest itself. But the store is on the edge of it, so you should be fine." Mr. A finished and smiled.
„Right... Why this store in particular? Better question, why is it outside of the village?" Anton asked, mildly suspicious of Mr. A.
„No need to look at me like that." Mr. A lost his smile before answering all questions imaginable.
„The store is special because the owner of it gathers Outsider items which you may be familiar with. I have no idea about what you Outsiders consider valuable and thus never found the need to visit the place. Furthermore, to answer the other question..." Mr. A was saying before taking a deep breath and continuing.
„We didn't particularly like the idea of "the owner" to stick around with all that garbage from the Outside world." Mr. A concluded, getting impatient.
„Now, while further discussions will be necessary, I suggest you get on with it for time is running and we all need to hurry." Mr. A added, handing a small pouch with enough currency to afford the essential items into Anton's hand.
Anton nodded and turned around to leave before saying one last thing.
„We will take a look. Make sure your fellow villagers remain calm until then." Were Anton's last words as he left the room, being followed suit by Johann.
...
...
„Uh... yeah, I will tag along with them..." Mennini said, slowly taking a few steps back before turning around to face the door and leave, sliding the door shut.
...
...
„Everything according to plan..." Mr. A mumbles to himself before chuckling slightly.
Anton, Johann and Mennini made their way out of the village, following the path which should lead them to the store called "Kourindou".
Anton is unsure whether he can fully trust Mr. A and his goons but tells himself its fine as he walks along the path. The guards at the gate saluted once they spotted their Vozhd coming and assisted him with directions.
They also warned about potential youkai attacks, and that they should come along.
Anton told them not to worry and to guard the village, for the villagers are more important. They nodded in understanding and wished them good travels.
They were already halfway there, when Mennini spoke up behind them.
„So, once we return, what's next on the agenda?"
„Simple, we assign roles and stabilize the village. After that's done, I shall hold a speech to address the concerns of the villagers and once they feel safe we can start to choose what to focus on next." Anton answered, filled with determination.
„I personally think the village defences need a do over since these youkai beasts might strike again, even more powerful next time." Anton said, remembering the attack from yesterday.
„...Are you sure?"
Anton stopped in his track. Slowly, he turned around and looked deep into Mennini's eyes.
„Are you doubting my plans, Mennini...?" Anton said, with a lack of emotions. Starring deeper.
Mennini gulped hard, before shakily answering.
„N-No, An-"
„My Vozhd." Anton interrupted.
„If you are doubting me, do not call me anything else but My Vozhd." The Vozhd firmly stated.
„A-Ah! That's not it! I am not doubting you!" Mennini quickly replied.
„I... I just heard that youkai attacks like that one yesterday don't normally happen." Mennini answered.
Anton looked Mennini up and down before uttering and asking him a single question.
„Nonsense. If they attacked once they certainly will attack again. ...Where did you hear that from?"
„Yesterday night, when I was running around the village, I ran into Aky-" Mennini was saying, before...
„Ayayayayaya!"
Both Anton and Mennini look up towards where they heard the sound before getting flashed with multiple lights they identified as a camera taking several pictures of them which forced them to back away towards the way where the village lies.
Mennini shivered in fear from what he saw. Anton, was confused from the flashing lights out of the blue. Meanwhile, Johann wasn't even slightly bothered and just stared at the annoyance which interrupted the ongoing conversation.
Anton turned his back towards Mennini as he took a couple more steps back.
Landing on the ground, the voice which startled them spoke up once again, one could hear excitement in it.
„Who do we have here? Outsiders? You must be the ones who made all that ruckus last night in the Human Village! Tell me everything! What happened? How are you involved? Where are you going? Are you the new chief which has been talked about? Why you? How did you, an Outsider, manage to convince the villagers to have you as their new leader?" Questions, questions, upon even more questions were poured down upon the trio. So fast, in fact, not even Johann knew what was going on.
„Okay! Stop! STOP!"
Its only when Anton raised his voice did the questions stop clogging up their ears.
„Who the hell are you even?!" Anton said, visibly irritated by the person in front of him.
The woman in front of them did a pose of sorts before introducing herself aloud.
„I am Aya Shameimaru! Gensokyo's resident and best reporter! I run the Bunbunmaru Newspaper and just yesterday I have collected plenty of good scoop!" Aya said in a smug tone.
„Whoa, that's great! Can I have a copy?" Mennini asked in astonishment.
On the other hand, Anton didn't seem amused a single bit.
...reporter... newspaper...
He dreaded those words. He remembered nothing good ever coming from those.
He immediately took upon a sour expression, to show his distaste towards reporters as he examined her.
He confirmed that Aya has red eyes, pointed ears and semi-long black hair. She wears a white blouse, black short skirt, and a weird hat while also holding a leaf like fan. She has a camera which the flashing lights a good minute ago confirmed. She also has an orange armband on her which intrigued him. The most notable thing of course were her large, black, feathery wings, wings one would see on a crow, not a person.
While Anton had no issue talking with reporters, he didn't particularly enjoy it. More over so, if the newspapers were twisting his words or taking them out of context. He knew better than to believe there are reporters who truly follow the truth. After all, everything sounds better with a hint of lies.
„Ayayaya! Someone is eager to read my newspaper!? Good to hear that you have taste! The latest batch isn't ready yet, but I will make sure you get it once it's done!" Aya happily replied to Mennini.
Before Mennini had a chance to respond or do anything, Anton jumped in.
„Now just wait a minute here, Miss Shameimaru!" Anton said as he addressed the reporter.
Aya cringed a little at that.
„Please, no need to be so formal! Just call me Aya!" She responded before taking out a notepad.
„Now, would you care to answer a few questions of mine?" Aya asked.
Anton looked at her with his eyebrows burrowed in annoyance. He can already tell he won't be able to leave without giving answers. And since he realized this must be a Tengu, a youkai, which that Hieda girl mentioned, he didn't want to possibly upset her too much and risk getting hurt or worse.
„Well, "Aya" we are in a hurry so I am only willing to answer a few questions. So give priority to those you think are of most interest to you." Anton said with a smirk, knowing that way he can hurry up the process.
„Yeah, yeah. Anyways, first question..." Aya immediately begins the questioning.
„First off, who are you all? Names will suffice for now."
Anton, already tired from having to introduce everyone sighs, before proceeding with the introduction.
„I am Anton Drevov, the one on my right is Johann von Hochmär and the one on my left is Giovanni Mennini."
Aya furiously writes down some notes, before stopping for a second and hesitating to write something down.
„Write it down as you hear it, I do not care."
Everyone turns to look at Johann who broke the sudden silence.
Aya nods, and finishes taking notes.
„Next question, when did you come to Gensokyo and how?"
„Yesterday, around lunch time I think. How? No idea. Just fell out of the sky five meters above the ground before everyone else fell on top of me." Anton answered.
„Ah, so you have connections with the gap youkai?" Aya off handily questions as she writes down several more notes.
„The what youkai?" Anton asked confused.
„Nevermind!" Aya said, but wrote down a few extra notes in response.
„Next question, are you truly the new Human Village chief?"
„As far as I and everyone else can tell, yes. Yes I am. But, I changed the title from chief to Vozhd, just to be clear." Anton answered, trying to look through the youkai for any ill intent.
„Hmm... interesting... What doe-" Aya finished taking notes and wanted to ask further upon it but got interrupted.
„We do not have much time anymore, you may ask ONE more question. Choose carefully." Anton stated.
Aya appeared a bit insulted, but was already satisfied with what she got anyway. Combining from what she gathered from last night, it should be enough to work with.
„Okay, final question..." Aya said, flipping to a blank note page.
„What was your involvement last night in the village?"
Anton pondered. He can't let her know it was an elaborate plan to put him in power by force. If she thinks it was just some villagers not being happy with an Outsider leading them, which caused a bit of chaos, he can lie to her.
„T-" But unexpectedly, Johann had a different idea.
„The unhappy villagers tried to coup our Vozhd here, while many have shown support for Anton to become their chief, a lot of them were against it. However, majority won and Anton became the new chief. The ones unhappy about it, tried to forcefully break into the house where Anton was located but were stopped by the guards who tried to calm everyone down. That was the reason a lot of noise was coming from the village that night and I sincerely wish to apologize if we disturbed the likes of you."
Anton was stunned for a mere moment before playing along.
„Yes, as Johann has stated." Anton calmly answered.
Mennini, thankfully, remaining silent.
Aya finished writing down notes in record speed. She wrote down more notes in a minute than twenty people combined.
„Mmmm... Good! Thanks for the interview! I will interview you again at a later date, but for now..." Aya said, before taking flight into the air above them.
„This was Aya Shameimaru! Heading off!" Aya said out aloud before disappearing in the blink of an eye.
...
...
...
„If we encounter someone like her again... Youkai or not, I will do something I might regret." Anton huffed, as he resumed walking. Mennini and Johann following soon after.
-Giovanni Mennini's POV-
It didn't take us long after before we arrived to what we can only guess is the store which Mr. A told us to check out.
The journey from the village to here is only about five minutes of walking if not less, and wouldn't have taken us long if we weren't interrupted twice.
The first interruption was the youkai reporter, Aya. She took several minutes from us, but she seemed nice. She didn't try to rip our flesh off our bones like those youkai which attacked the village. It made me wonder if it was really just a onetime occasion.
After all, last night when I met Akyuu, she told me it was impossibly rare for that attack to have happened. She seemed genuine in her words. Not only that, but she lives here for years so I have no reason to doubt her claim.
I don't know if I should try to explain that to Anton...
He seems to have taken that attack to heart and trying to convince him might just end badly for me...
Well, might as well keep it for a later date, we have other things to worry about.
Such as what the second interruption was.
It was only two minutes after Aya interrupted us when I and Johann got pushed into a bush next to the path we were walking down.
I got scared for a second before I realized it was Anton who pushed us into the bush before he himself jumped in.
I tried to ask him what the reason for that was but he clasped my mouth shut with his hand and whispered.
„Flying midgets... keep your mouths shut..."
Again, I was confused on what he meant.
I took a peak to where he was looking and noticed...
Flying... children...?
...Oh!
Those must be fairies!
I remember about them being mentioned as... "Practice Dummies" ? That is a bit rude.
It didn't take long for them to fly away as they were likely just passing through here, but when Johann tried to leave the bush hiding spot he was pulled back in by Anton who grunted at him and quickly whispered.
„Stay here! We wait here for a bit in case they come back..."
Johann didn't show any signs off annoyance and just waited.
I looked around only to find the silence off the woods to have returned.
We waited several minutes in that bush until Anton got up and returned onto the path.
I can't say whether he is being overly cautious considering the fact we are completely and utterly defenceless or because he is paranoid. Anton did have that one sword he ended up keeping as a reminder that he nearly died I think... Or was it to honour the guard who saved him but died in the process? Either way, with only a single weapon we don't stand a chance.
Mr. A assured to not worry about encountering youkai during the day this close to the village but he did say to always be on guard.
„Alright, let's check this place out."
I snap back from deep thoughts to notice Anton walking in the store, Johann following after. I quickly get in track and enter the store as well.
Only then do I realize how incredibly... unorganized it is? I recognize old everyday items I haven't seen in years randomly placed about. From broken mechanical parts to odd looking items...
Hmm... I begin to notice a pattern... the store IS organized, but in an unusual way which doesn't make much sense to me.
I notice something shiny which immediately catches my attention. As I move towards it I speak out loud.
„Hey, what's t-"
„Marisa, please don't tou- Oh."
A sudden voice interrupted me before it cut itself off.
„Oh, my apologies. I was under the assumption you were someone else." Says the voice of a man who stands behind a counter at the far back opposite side off the entrance.
I could have sworn nobody was behind that counter just mere seconds ago, perhaps he was just ducked behind it?
I take a good look at him.
He has golden eyes, short silver hair and wears a pair of glasses. His clothes are black and blue, and he seems to be carrying a small bag with him at the moment.
He pushes his glasses up and takes a good look at us as well.
„Oh! You are Outsiders, am I correct in assuming so?" The man asks, a smile appearing on his face.
„Yeah. I am Anton Drevov, this guy is Giovanni Mennini and this one here Johann von Hochmär." Anton quickly responds. He seems to have given up and just gets the introduction over with.
„And you are?"
„Rinnosuke Morichika. Welcome to my home and store, Kourindou. How may I assist you?" The man, "Rinnosuke" asks. Not minding Anton's sour mood.
„Right, before I ask you about the goods we came looking for, I want a simple answer to why the hell the front yard of your place is filled with a large quantity of dusty, old, TVs." Asks Anton.
...It is...?
I must have not noticed.
„Ah, you see. I wasn't sure where to properly fit it in inside. So I left it outside." Answers Rinnosuke.
„...Are you not concerned that rain renders them useless?" Asks a now confused Anton.
„Do not worry. They already appeared to have been broken. No matter what I did it didn't want to start showing images and pictures as it is meant to. Perhaps you could show me how it works?"
...What? Is this guy for real?
„I... nevermind." Anton waves a hand in front of his face to snap him out of his stupor.
„We came here looking for a few items. Most importantly, a new suit to replace this ripped excuse of mine." Says Anton, showing the holes in his suit.
„Hmm... I think I might have one of sorts. I quickly go find it. In the meantime, have a look around." Answers Rinnosuke before retreating to what I can only assume is the back area where customers aren't allowed to enter.
Anton is tapping his foot on the ground, impatiently waiting. Meanwhile, Johann is walking around and examining a few items which caught his interest.
That reminds me...
I return my gaze to the shiny object I noticed earlier, before walking over to it. I grab it and pull it out to reveal...
!
„Whoa! That's a Colt M1917 Revolver!"
My little outburst quickly catches the attention of Anton who promptly walks over.
He rips the revolver out of my hands and examines it carefully.
„Huh, pretty good condition. We might get this as well. Try to see if you spot any ammunition to it." Says Anton, who hands me the revolver back, which I gladly take.
As I search around for possibly ammunition, Rinnosuke returns back to us.
„Here, this is the one I meant. Is this to your liking?"
I look over and... is that... is that a whole military general uniform? Holy shit. That thing looks like it belonged to a Russian Tsar! Just how old is some of this stuff here?
I look at Anton and... and...
He seems to have fallen in love with it. He grins madly as he approaches Rinnosuke and examines the uniform.
After he examined it, he speaks up.
„Perfect. It even appears to be my size! It is as if it calls to me!" Remarks Anton.
„Alright, how much for it? Oh, hold on. Mennini! Get over here!" Yells Anton.
I grab hold of the revolver and two small munition boxes I found which were half full and walked over to Anton's side.
„The uniform and the revolver with... oh, you found munition for it?" Asks Anton, looking at the small old boxes in my hand.
I nod.
„Great. The uniform, revolver and these two ammunition boxes. How much for it?" Asks Anton, eagerly awaiting a response from Rinnosuke.
„Hmm..."
Rinnosuke places a hand under his chin as he examines the items.
„...I don't know if I wish parting away from that uniform... The revolver and ammunition, sure, take it. It appears dangerous and I have no use for it anyways. But the uniform..."
Anton doesn't like that one bit.
„What do you mean? Tell me the price you want for it! Perhaps we can even exchange something?" Asks Anton, desperately trying to get the man to sell him the uniform which he has taken a strong liking to.
„Well... What do you offer in exchange for it?" Asks Rinnosuke.
Anton tried to find something on him he could offer. He grabs the handle of the sword on him for a split second before letting it go again. Anton was about to admit defeat before...
„What about this book?"
Both I and Anton are taken back by Johann speaking up.
Johann walks in front of Rinnosuke. Both being relatively similar in height, they stare through their glasses into each other eyes.
„What about it?" Asks Rinnosuke, looking down at the book Johann was presenting to him.
From what I could tell, it was a medium sized looking book which was covered in a black material of sorts.
„This is a book about healing, medicine and blessings from old to modern times. It contains a lot of information which can come in handy for anyone who pays enough attention. It also includes the history of each method and is overall a good read for those interested in reading and obtaining new information."
Rinnosuke seems to have gotten curious. He grabs the book and flips a few pages.
He returns it after and closes his eyes.
...
...
„Hm. I think I am willing to give away this uniform for the book."
Anton immediately cheers up upon hearing this.
„But are you sure you want to give up such an interesting book?" Asks Rinnosuke. Opening his eyes and looking into Johann's eyes once more.
„Certainly. I have already read it several times. I think it would find more use for new readers." Johann answers with a nod.
Rinnosuke smiles, happy with the exchange.
„But if I may..." Speaks up Johann.
„Could I also have this included?" Asks Johann, presenting what appears to be a small amulet towards Rinnosuke.
Rinnosuke keeps smiling and nods.
„I think that is fair."
„Wonderful." Johann nods as well.
„Good. That would be all. Let's hurry up and go." Anton speaks up, with a grin still firmly plastered on his face.
„Come again soon! I would like to ask about how a few things work next time!" Rinnosuke waves us off as we turn around to leave.
As we head for the entrance, however...
Another person appears to have entered.
„Oh, Miss Izayoi! What brings you here?" Rinnosuke greets.
Good timing. Let's get out of here as to not disturb the shopkeeper and new costumer.
-Hieda no Akyuu's POV- (During the Coup. Last night...)
Both I and Kosuzu ran out only to be punished by a terrific sight.
Villagers were running left and right, confusion sewed on their faces.
„Stay calm! Stay calm! There is nothing to worry about!"
Guards and other villagers try to calm everyone down and run along with them with the intent of keeping the panic as low as possible and ending it if possible.
„Kosuzu, what is-"
I turn around only to find a passed out Kosuzu on the ground. Poor thing, she must have fainted from the sight of ongoing panic. I drag her back inside Suzunaan and place her head on a pillow before quickly running out again, sliding the doors shut.
I aim straight for my house. Just what did I miss while I was with Kosuzu?
My house appears in my vision as I run towards it as quickly as I can.
„Out of my way! I never agreed to this!"
An angry villager appears right before me as he tackles down another villager. I almost bumped into them. I managed to halt my momentum before going around them.
Have the villagers gone mad?
I think to myself, as I suddenly do end up bumping into someone. That someone being...
„Mennini?" I call out.
„Ow... H-Huh? Oh! Miss... Akyuu...? What are you doing here outside during the night? It is far too dangerous to be out right now! Here, let me help you get back home!" Mennini says as he stretches out a hand to me.
„No thanks, I can get home by myself." I refuse, before asking a question of my own.
„What is going on? Why are the villagers panicking?"
„Oh, t-that...? I think it's because of a youkai attack! I try to help the guards keep people calm before someone gets hurt!" Mennini responds, but I can tell he is nervous about something.
...Wait. Did he say youkai attack!?
„A youkai attack? That is absurd! Something like that is very, VERY, unlikely to happen! The village is protected and any youkai attacking and killing villagers INSIDE the village are to be exterminated by the shrine maiden herself!"
„...Oh? I-I see! Well, I need to take a move on! I am going to check on you later! Goodbye for now and stay safe!"
„Mennini, wait!"
I yell after Mennini who suddenly dashed away.
*sigh* He probably didn't hear me from all the sounds around us.
No need to distract myself further. Reaching my house and asking servants about what really is going on should be my top priority at the moment.
Only after not even twenty seconds I arrive.
I reach my property and promptly enter.
I slide open the door and close it after I enter my estate. Before I know it I am quickly greeted by a surprised servant of mine.
„Lady Hieda? Where have you been? We all were worried sick!" Says the servant.
„I have been visiting a friend. What is going on? Why is the village in such an uproar?" I put pressure on the servant to inform me quickly.
„Oh, haven't you heard? The village chief died and the village was attacked shortly after by wild youkai beasts!" The servant spoke in a scared manner.
...
W-What!?
Mennini wasn't lying then! There really was a youkai attack!
„What!? Why am I only being informed of this now! When has this happened? Why wasn't I informed sooner and..." I stop for a brief moment to take a deep breath of air.
„...where is Keine!?"
The villager backs away, shakily answering my questions.
„It was shortly after today's guests left, Lady Akyuu! That's when the chief passed away and soon after the youkais attacked!"
A cold chill travels up my spine. Today's guests...? The only guests were the Outsiders!
Before I manage to say or think any further the servant continues answering.
„We ourselves only learned about it shortly after you left the premise! We tried to reach you but were unable to locate you before suddenly guards started walking around with torches in hands to make sure people remain calm! As for Miss Keine, she hasn't been seen since she left the village earlier today!" The servant finishes, lightly shaking over the pressure of the situation.
...You didn't think about looking for me in a place I often visit? I find that hard to believe... and what was that about guards walking around with torches? Was it already dark outside for them to use torches? But wasn't I just told that the youkai attack happened maybe not even an hour after I had talked with the Outsiders? There was certainly still daylight!
Does that mean the youkai attack itself wasn't what set the villagers into a panic this late at night? If so, then what did?
Furthermore, why did youkai of any kind attack the village itself in the first place? A youkai attack on the village hasn't happened in a long time because of its protection!
So why-
My thoughts were interrupted by strong knocking on the door.
I walk over and slide the door open, only to reveal...
„Hello again, Miss... Akyuu...? Was it? Sorry, if I got it wrong but I am here to inform you to remain calm and not panic! Everything is under control!" Mennini says with a slight smile.
„Mennini, when did that youkai attack happen?" I ask.
„Oh, that was earlier today!"
„If that is so, why are the villagers panicking only now? When I was leaving my house, the streets were mostly barren but not filled with panic." I speak, waiting for Mennini's reaction.
„W-Well..." He sweats, unsure what to say. He certainly is withholding some vital piece of information from me.
„Mennini..." I utter his name. Crossing my arms.
„...M-Maybe some people are angry because they aren't quite accepting of the new village chief...?"
...
...
„...What?"
-3rd Person POV-
After Mennini sneakily confessed the truth, he was taken into a room and is now forced to explain everything to Akyuu.
As they left the main hall, the servant looks around to see if someone else is in the room.
After a short while of not being able to find anyone else, the servant wickedly smiles and looks out the window.
„Everything is going just like you planned..."
The servant muttered before slightly laughing in such way, where one could tell something worked out in a way as was expected.
The servant stops after a while and says one last line of words...
„Soon the youkai menace will be no more when the SHS achieves all it needs..."
The servant promptly leaves. Leaving only a single letter behind on the floor. The contents of this letter being...
The SHA/SHS will save humankind.
The letter will never be found, as a small mouse got to it first before taking it away into its burrow.
-People/Factions and their allegiance/opinion towards The Vozhd, Anton Drevov-
Johann von Hochmär – Loyal
Giovanni Mennini – Mostly Loyal
Mr. A – Somewhat Loyal
Mr. A's followers (The SHA/SHS) – Accepting (Loyal to Mr. A)
Paul Garmith – ?
Mike Victorn – Suspicious
17 – Indifferent (Friends with Mike)
Villagers – Somewhat Accepting
Guards – Mostly Loyal
Youkai – Indifferent
(More factions will be added when the need arrives...)