Chapter 4 – Tension, Mansion and Realization
-Sakuya Izayoi's POV- (SDM, entrance hall...)
After returning back to the mansion, I fully intended to inform Lady Remilia of what I have witnessed at the Human Village.
Quickly instructing the fairy maids on what to do for the next few hours, I prepare a quick brew of red tea with blood and waste no further time, as I stand in front of Lady Remilia's office, in which she usually spends her time doing whatever she sees fit to do.
I make my presence known by knocking on the door twice with my free hand.
„Come in."
After being granted access, I enter, closing the door before bowing down and speaking.
„Milady, I have done as you requested."
„Oh? As expected of you. However, I feel like there is something more you desire to tell me?" Says Lady Remilia.
„Yes." I respond.
„Very well, you may speak." Informs Lady Remilia.
Placing the tray with the tea set down on her desk and filling a cup full with the tea to cool, I began to inform Lady Remilia.
„After I have ordered the replacement furniture to be delivered and was preparing to leave, I have heard about someone holding a speech in the village."
„Did you attend it?" Asks Lady Remilia.
„I have. The individual who was to hold mentioned speech, was an Outsider."
„Outsider? It couldn't have been one of our recent guests, could it?" Questions Lady Remilia, picking up the tea cup and slowly taking a sip of the tea inside it.
„No, it was someone we haven't seen before. Interesting enough... Somehow, the Outsider managed to influence the villagers to make him the new village chief."
*SPIT*
„W-What!?" Asks Lady Remilia, after spitting the tea on the floor and table.
„An Outsider managed to become the village chief and the villagers support him!?" Asks Lady Remilia further, her childish behaviour slowly spilling out.
„From what I have seen and heard, it appears so. I have tried to have a talk with him once he came down to talk with some villagers face to face, but due to the sheer amount of people present I found it quite bothersome and decided to quickly return and inform you of this interesting development in the Human Village."
„I see... Then it is decided." States Lady Remilia.
„What is it, Milady?" I ask, growing concerned about what it might be.
„Sakuya, I want you to inform that Outsider that I, Remilia Scarlet, personally invite him for a dinner talk to my humble abode, the Scarlet Devil Mansion!" Exclaims Lady Remilia, with a smug smile.
...
„Of course, Lady Remilia. He will be informed and will attend it right away." I say, accepting Milady's wish.
„No wait! I want to write a letter first and sign it with my own blood, just like you are supposed to!" Says Lady Remilia, her true personality out of the cage.
I stay silent and observe as Lady Remilia begins to write down the invitation before stopping after the first word.
„Do you know the Outsider's name?" Asks Lady Remilia.
„I believe it is "Anton Drevov", Milady."
„Oooooh! That name sounds like it belongs to a noble! Is he a noble, Sakuya?" Eagerly asks Lady Remilia.
As I think about it, my face turns pale as I realize that he had a noble looking uniform on him. Before being able to form an answer, my sudden change of expression must have answered Lady Remilia her question as she started chuckling with joy.
„So he IS!" Answers Lady Remilia to herself.
„Sakuya, once I am done, I want you to hand it over to him, immediately. I will go rest some more so I can be fresh once he arrives for dinner! I will impress him with all my riches and achievements, he will feel ashamed to be a noble and not have as much riches as me!"
Lady Remilia proceeds to giggle to herself as she writes out the invitation.
It is always an enjoyable sight to witness Lady Remilia acting like a child getting excited about a new toy. As long as it makes Lady Remilia happy, I shall comply with her requests, as weird as some may be...
Even if it means forcing someone to come with me.
-Giovanni Mennini's POV- (Meanwhile...)
„Everything is fine... hm? Nothing? Good... Good..." I whisper to myself, as I make my way through the forest.
I have been rather paranoid ever since I stepped outside of the village, all alone. Still, it took me some time before I decided to leave the village. While I was still thinking about it, I wandered around the village and bought some things for the journey with the little money I received from Mr. A.
I didn't buy much, just some small rations and a good luck charm, in hopes it works wonders and I don't get eaten...
Oh, and cucumbers. Always loved these as a kid, wouldn't mind having them as a last meal if I have to bite the dust...
Once I was out of the village and on my own, with the objective in mind, I made my way into the direction of a mountain I saw and was instructed to go to. I don't believe I need to climb it, so that's a relief... Still, need to be careful.
I do have the revolver with me, but I rather try to not waste ammo for it or risk drawing attention to my location upon firing it.
With that mindset, I walked and walked until I spotted a youkai of some kind and hid behind a tree and prayed for the lucky charm not to be a scam...
After a short while, when I decided to risk a peek, all I saw was more trees and no youkai in sight. I was relieved and decided to continue on. However, as time went on and I ventured further away from the village, I began to panic.
I always tried to whisper to myself that it's all right, you were told you will make it, so you will and what not... but it too, was starting to not help at all...
Right now, I am slowly making my way to the mountain which is not far from now. Sneaking around and trying not to make even the slightest amount of sound. I continue to take one step after another and when I pick up the slightest sound, I immediately crouch down to listen.
„Juuuuust... fiiiiiine..."
I take another st-
*rustle*
!?
Turning around to look behind me, slowly crouching down, I look around to see what caused that sudden noise but without much success.
Slowly starting to back up, starring at the direction I heard the noise from, I try to identify anything out of the ordinary sticking out.
After a while of me just backing up, deciding I should look where I am going, I t-
„Oof!"
„Ow!"
Falling on my butt, I sit down for a while and massage the spot which collided with so-
WITH SOMEONE!?
Realizing that I just collided with someone I turn around, still sitting on my butt, to face whoever it was.
The sight surprises me dearly, for there appears to be a small girl, sitting down and holding her head, only five feet apart from me.
As I stare at her with shock and fear, the girl soon notices me and, surprisingly, too has a look of shock and fear on her.
She has blue hair tied into twintails and blue eyes. She wears a blue dress with lots of pockets, like a ton of them from the looks of it, and a dark aquamarine backpack with a golden key on the strap in front of her. She also wears a green hat with a weird white symbol on it and blue boots. I think I even see a wrench sticking out of one pocket.
We stare at each other, motionless, not daring to make any movement or sound at all.
We sit like that for a solid minute, before I slowly try to pull something out of my pocket and attempt to bargain with it for my life. I do not care what I pull out, anything which could help would be appreciated.
...
...
Of course, it had to b-
Suddenly, I notice her gaze switched from my face to the thing I pulled out, which was...
A cucumber.
„Y-You want it...? Y-You can have it...!"
I say, stretching my arm which is holding the cucumber forward for her to take.
She slowly stands up and carefully approaches. Being cautious when stretching out her hand to grab the cucumber-
!
She suddenly grabs it and backs away. Slowly starting to eat it as she watches me in case I try anything, I think.
I slowly stand up trying to appear harmless as I do.
„T-There, s-see? N-No need f-for violence... We c-can be f-friends, r-right...?"
...
...
„Of course, sworn friend!"
...what?
Out of nowhere she appears to have lost all traces of distrust, fear, and what not. Why? How did I do that? Or is it a trick? To make me lower my guard so she can strike?
„...Sworn... friend...?" I ask, unsure what she means by that.
„Yup! Humans and Kappa are friends, after all!" She states, with a proud smile placed on her face.
„Oh? Oh, yeah! I heard about Kappa being friends with humans!" I say, sighing in relief that I was probably safe... probably, because that one guard was vague about it that night.
„May I ask what you are doing so close to the Genbu Ravine, let alone Youkai Mountain?" She asks, tilting her head slightly to the side, as she finished eating the cucumber.
„I... Well, my... friends... asked me to find a spot near the mountain which has valuable resources around, like Iron, coal..." I try to explain it to her without telling something I shouldn't.
„Aha, well, I don't think the Tengu would appreciate humans tampering with the mountain..." She says, looking to her side with a sweat drop forming.
Oh bummer... Well, I guess there is no reason crying over spilled milk. I'll just-
„But I am sure I can figure something out to help you! ...For a price..." She says, with a suspicious, scary smile forming.
Please what now?
„Oh! That reminds me, we haven't even introduced each other! My name is Nitori! Nitori Kawashiro!" Says "Nitori".
„Right, I'm Giovanni Mennini, but people always tend to just call me Mennini..." I introduce myself.
„You mentioned you could help me?" I ask.
„Yup! I think I can get you plenty of iron ore and the likes, but I want payment in return..." Says Nitori, with the smile returning a second time.
„W-What is it you want?" I ask, unsure whether I like where this is going or not.
„I want you to supply me with plenty of cucumbers as well as any fancy technology stuff you Outsiders tend to have!" Says Nitori.
„Huh? I-I guess...? I can try to provide the cucumbers but... I am unsure about the other condition..."
I say, not really sure if I can afford to agree without knowing exactly if we are capable of doing that...
Before I speak up, I remember the revolver and decide to show it to Nitori, in hopes of getting a clearer picture of what she means by "Outsider stuff".
„With the Outsider technology stuff... Do you mean something like this?" I say, showing her the revolver I pulled out of my back pocket. Not the safest place to have it at but oh well...
Nitori quickly grabs it and looks it over. I stay silent, watching her and awaiting a response of any kind. Once she looked it over, she handed it back to me and said.
„Fancy, but not that interesting, I prefer those computer things you humans are so fond of! You know, if you give me a few more cucumbers now, I might give you a little sale for the first month... interested?"
Not sure what to do, I comply, handing over the last two cucumbers I had on me.
With sparks in her eyes, metaphorically speaking, she takes them and stashes them into one of her many pockets. She then turns to me and says.
„Okay, listen. I will convince the other Kappa to deliver a steady amount of what you want to the Human Village, in exchange of the Human Village delivering cucumbers into my place for the next month. After the first month, we can talk more about the Outsider technology and what I want."
Not sure whether she somehow tries to rip me off to make a massive profit or not, I simply agree since my task was pretty much that.
„Okay, it's a deal."
„Actually."
Nitori suddenly grabs the revolver from me again.
„H-Hey!"
„I can take a look at it and see if I can improve it, I'll give it back to you the next time we meet, okay?" Says Nitori, placing the revolver into a pocket of hers.
„Next time...?" I ask, unsure what she means.
„Of course! We still have to meet tomorrow to see if everything worked out and if the deal can be fully realized!"
„Y-Yeah, right..." I say, unsure if I have it in me to make this trip again.
„Good! Let's meet right here again, then!"
„...Okay, deal." I agreed, sighing in fear of what I have just done.
Stretching out my hand for her to take it and shake, she just stares at it, confusion present on her face.
„O-Oh! Sorry... From where I come from we usually shake hands upon settling for an agreement..."
„Ah, I can do that!" Responds Nitori, her confusion fading.
Suddenly, a robotic arm or something comes out of her bag and takes my hand, shaking it.
„Then it's settled!"
The arm retracts back into her bag. Now I stand confused, thinking over what just happened.
„Well, I will go set everything up! See you later, sworn friend!"
Hearing Nitori prepare to leave snaps me out of my frozen state and I respond.
„Y-Yeah! See you... friend..."
...
...
Now all alone again, I prepare to head back. Less careful this time. Thinking back at it, I don't think all youkai are all that bad... The Kappa seem friendly and Akyuu said attacks on the Human Village from youkai are an impossible event in the first place...
Maybe we judged youkai too harshly... perhaps what Anton and Mr. A want isn't the right path to take...
I... I don't know what to believe anymore...
...
...
As I finally arrive at the Human Village, the sun seems to be slowly starting to set. With a heavy sigh, I enter the village and head for the HQ to inform Anton of the success I came upon.
Let's just hope Anton wasn't serious about it all. While Mr. A certainly is, Anton could just have been bluffing to gain the villagers trust.
My mind is a mess, and yet... I have to keep walking to see what fate has to offer to me in the end...
-3rd Person POV- (several minutes after Johann pulled Reisen out of a hole...)
Both Johann and Reisen walked past many fallen bamboos and traps laid around the path which was meant to take them to Eientei, until it eventually did take them there.
Before them a large mansion stood tall, not as large as the SDM but impressive regardless.
Johann looked it over up and down, the sun being reflected by his glasses each time the sun rays made contact with the lenses.
„Ahhh... Here we go!"
Exclaimed Reisen in satisfaction, removing her little disguise to expose her true nature.
Reisen has red eyes, long light-purple hair and long rumpled rabbit ears. Her outfit consists of a long-sleeved black business suit over a white shirt, along with a beige skirt, white socks and red shoes. Her left lapel is decorated with a crescent moon-shaped insignia, and a pocket square in her left shirt pocket.
„Follow me, I wi-"
Suddenly, realization hit her. She just threw away her disguise in front of a human, an Outsider, no less. What if he got scared now? What if he tries to run away now if he didn't already do so? After all, Outsiders know far less of this world than the villagers and not to mention, Johann was still wearing his Outsider clothes. It could only mean he arrived in Gensokyo only recently!
Those were the haunting thoughts of Reisen in her mind. Assuming the worst, she turned around to see whether Johann has fled or is either scared or confused.
However, to her own now confused, surprised, state... Johann was just standing there, looking at her.
He didn't appear to be bothered at all. Not a single noise or quick movement was seen from him.
This terrified Reisen, as the already uncomfortable aura Johann was spreading with his brown attire, just got worse from his lack of reactions.
„Does there appear to be any significant problem, Miss Reisen?" Johann questioned.
Reisen managed to regain her composure and just simply came to the conclusion that this human Outsider is a weird freak, and was done with it. Now, with new thoughts flowing through her head, she decided it was time to get Johann to her Master, Eirin.
„Uh, no. Follow me, as I said." Reisen answered.
The both of them began to walk towards the mansion, which looked like an old-fashioned Japanese mansion.
While they walked to the entrance, Johann glanced to his side and spotted both regular rabbits, as well as human-like rabbits, walking around and working on something he couldn't really put his finger on at the moment. Before he was able to think too hard about it, he heard the door slide open and decided to rather follow suit.
After a few minutes of walking down long corridors, Reisen suddenly stopped in front of a door before taking in a long, deep, breath of air.
Afterwards, she decides to knock on it to let the individuals inside know someone is eager for their attention.
Seconds passed, and the door slid open. Revealing a certain doctor.
The doctor's name being Eirin. She has dark grey eyes, long silver hair and has a large braid on her back. Her clothing is red and blue and is covered with constellation patterns. She also wears something similar to a nurse's cap on top of her head.
„What is it? Oh, Udonge. Why are you here at this time? Shouldn't you be selling medicine in the Human Village?" Eirin spoke.
„S-Sorry, Master! The sales weren't that high today... B-But!" Reisen said before holding up a finger and turning around to point at Johann, who was patiently standing a step or two behind Reisen.
„This guy wanted to go to Eientei! So I brought him here since he may need your help!" Reisen finished.
Eirin looked over to analyse Johann. She didn't have any change of expression from her already neutral one. That was, until she focused her attention back towards Reisen and smiled devilishly.
„Oh, Udonge... I know you are a growing girl, but to fall in love with a stranger out of the blue?" Eirin said, obviously teasing Reisen for fun.
Reisen blushed out of embarrassment.
This was definitely because she didn't sell enough medicine! Is what she thought inside her mind.
„While I do not mind harmless fun, I am in a bit of a hurry. If that is understandable." Johann spoke. Neither amused, angry or embarrassed at the teasing, which while mostly aimed at Reisen, also was aimed at him a bit.
Eirin lost her smile and turned professional in an instance, meanwhile, Reisen decided to walk away a short distance just so she can remain unnoticed for the remainder of the oncoming discussion.
„Of course. As you already might have heard, I am Eirin. Eirin Yagokoro." Eirin introduced herself.
„Johann. Johann von Hochmär. It is a pleasure to meet you." Johann introduced himself as well, nodding with his head.
„If I may ask, what brings you here to Eientei? Do you require medicine of some kind?" Eirin questioned, trying to see what the man in brown's intentions truly are. For she doubts Johann came just for some medicine.
„I have arrived on this spectacular day to request assistance in the way of "lend-lease" from the proud owner of this mansion, if that may be possible." Johann stated.
„Certainly an interesting reason to come to Eientei for." Eirin nodded to herself, a hand holding her chin as she thinks about the reason behind such curious request.
„Might I ask w-"
As Eirin was about to question the exact reason why Johann asked for such uncommon request, someone entered the scene as a voice rang out, catching everyone's attention...
„Hello, I welcome thee to my residence!"
(Near the Forest of Magic, the moment someone spoke to both Mike and 17...)
Both Mike and 17 stare at the individual currently flying in the air on a broom.
Both of them are receiving the sudden flow of information differently. 17 thinks it's a witch, ready to capture them or worse. Mike on the other hand, is just disappointed at the absurdity, which seems to be thrown left and right around here.
„Uhhh... Hello? Ya alive or is somethin' wrong, ze?"
The individual on the broom is someone well known in these lands, proudly laying claims for being the second best incident resolver around. The name of that person is Marisa Kirisame, an ordinary human magician. She had blonde hair and yellow eyes. She wears clothes with a black and white colour scheme, consisting of a black vest and skirt, white waist apron and undershirt, and a black witch hat with a white bow. Her hair has a braided strand on one side with a bow on the end while the rest is free of any restrain.
„H-Hello..." 17 weakly muttered, raising a slightly shaking hand into the air to greet the new arrival to this confusing journey to a shrine.
„Sup!" Marisa responded, descending down to the ground with a finger hand gun and one eye closed in a wink, making a small star shaped spark appear, which as it appeared quickly faded away into nothingness.
„Heh. Lemme guess... Ya a witch and ya live in this forest, ready to cook up some more trouble for us, hm?" Mike said. Not caring about the consequences of his words for he just doesn't want to bother anymore, considering logic has kept failing everywhere he went.
„Nope! I'm Marisa Kirisame, ordinary magician! And ya? Don't think I metcha' yet, ze!" Marisa said, after she had introduced herself to the two other people around.
„Welp, I'm Mike Victorn. And my friend-o here is called 17." Mike casually introduced both.
„Hehe, strange name you got. 17 isn't a name, ya know?" Marisa said as she jumped off her broom before taking it into her hand, throwing it over her shoulder and walking closer to the two of them.
„W-W-Well..." 17 tried to speak but was quickly forbidden to do so.
„Nah! No need to explain ya self or anythin', ze!" Marisa stated, shaking her head left to right with her hands doing the same.
„Anyways, you guys are Outsiders, right?" Marisa asked, analysing the both of them from head to toe. Whether she is curious about their predicament, clothes or what interesting items they might have on them is still to be answered.
„Guess so. At least, that's what everyone has been calling us from the get go." Mike responds.
„No wonder, with these weird clothing on ya, you won't be called anythin' else for a while!" Marisa laughs, apparently in a good mood today.
„Say, you have been flying on this broom of yours, right?" Mike asked, before continuing.
„Do you have a clue on how we can get to that shrine without getting fucking lost? What was it called again... something Haku I think..." Mike said, trying to recall the name of the shrine they are meant to go to.
„Oh yeah! I know how to get there in seconds!" Marisa stated.
Before Mike was able to continue speaking, Marisa noticed 17 playing around with something in his hands. Something, which caught her utmost interest right away.
„Heya, what's that ya got there?" Marisa asked, pointing towards 17's right hand.
17, taken aback by the sudden gain of attention, took back a step before looking up into Marisa's eyes and finally speaking up.
„O-Oh, sorry, I-I was just glancing at thi-"
„May I borrow it real quick? Thanks~!"
17 was trying to talk about what he had in his hands before Marisa took him by surprise and snatched the item away from his grasp.
„H-Hey!" 17 exclaimed. Taking him a good second to realize what bold action Marisa just committed.
„HAHA! Girl, I like ya already!" Mike applauded the act. Finding amusement from it.
„Wow! That's a pretty cool one! I bet Sakuya woulda loved to have this in her collection!" Marisa said, fiddling with the item.
The item was a fancy combat knife. The very same knife which belonged to Paul Garmith.
„Miss Marisa, please return it! This is the only weapon we have and it also serves as a reminder to a f-friend we l-lost..." 17 uttered, feeling bad about having to recall the events from not so long ago.
Marisa cringed, but quickly regained her smile and said.
„Aight, Aight! You can have it back! Only because I'm not cruel and its ya only way to defend yaself, but also please never call me that again! Just "Marisa" is fine, ze!"
Marisa then proceeded to throw the weapon over for 17 to catch, as if it were a harmless toy in her eyes.
„W-Woah, don't just throw a knife around!" 17 remarked, as he caught the knife, nearly cutting himself by accident.
„Still got that knife on you, huh? Totally forgot about it. Y'know, could have brought it out a few instances earlier." Mike stated.
17 sheepishly scratched his head from behind, not daring to mention the fact he too, forgot about having it with him. It was a miracle he didn't cut himself with it until now somehow.
„Ight, enough foolin' around! Marisa, can you get us to that shrine by any chance?" Mike asked, starting to be a bit more serious now.
„Eh, sure. I don't mind. SOOOoooo... I hope you have a good grip~!" Marisa said, winking with one eye.
„Um... What's that supposed to mean." 17 questioned.
„Don't question it." Mike denied the questioning.
...
„Wanna elaborate a bit more?" Mike asked, with a hint of annoyance.
„You see... If you guys want to get to the shrine fast, we go there FAST..." Marisa said, before finishing her sentence.
„By flyin', da ze!"
...
...
„On that broom of yours?" Mike asked after a painful moment of silence.
„On that broom of mine." Marisa answered, straight.
...
...
„Welp, it was nice meeting you, Marisa! C'mon, 17! We have a long way to go!" Mike said, as he turned around and started walking away.
„Uhh... Mike, you do know this direction is where the plant i-"
„Right, on second thought, flyin' doesn't honestly sound that bad."
Marisa starts laughing hard enough to start crying tears of joy.
„...Ahahaha... Aahhhh... you two are funny! Now let's goooo, zeeeee!"
Marisa said, promptly placing the broom on thin air, making it float for her to take a seat on it. She pats the spot behind her as she looks over at both Mike and 17, with a smile.
A smile, which any sane person wouldn't trust for a pot of gold.
„A-Are you sure this broom c-can hold three of us at once...?" 17 asked, not sure if the whole flying to the shrine idea is well thought out.
„You know what they say, son. You have to try it to be able to deny it. In this case, you better hope it can." Mike said, patting 17 shoulder firmly before walking towards Marisa, who is patiently waiting on the broom.
„C'mon! Hurry up or I will leave you with only the dust!"
The mentioned patience shrinking every second, however.
Putting his trust in Mike's words, 17 walks over to where Marisa is waiting and waits for further instructions.
„Hop on! Don't forget to hold on tight!" Marisa said.
Doing as I was told, I carefully hop on and try to hold on tight but can't get a good grip on the broom.
„Here, hold yourself tight around my waist! Just not too tight, okay~?"
Marisa said and giggled a bit as she grabbed 17's hands and put them around her waist.
„Ight, let's get this over with..." Mike said, after too, getting on the broom and holding himself tight on it with a much better grip.
It was hard to tell, but at this very moment, Mike was incredibly uncomfortable due to the fact that sliding back only slightly meant certain death.
He tried to not get bothered by this and just prayed for this ride of his life to be over as soon as possible...
(Hakurei Shrine, three people landing... one laughing... two terrified...)
„C'mon! It wasn't THAT fast, ze~!" Marisa said, proceeding to laugh even more.
They then proceed to dismount, and take a few heavy breaths with Marisa still laughing.
Both Mike and 17 looked at her with an unamused expression. Not saying a single word, until Marisa calmed down and started getting awkward vibes from the heavy silence focused solely on her.
„Hehe... he..." Marisa finished.
„I can now face death and not give a fuck." Mike said, passing by Marisa towards the shrine they arrived at.
The shrine appeared old and slightly damaged, yet still functional. A large donation box was present as well, just like the vacant space within it. Cherry blossoms could be seen standing tall behind and around the shrine's perimeter.
„So, this the place?" Mike asks, turning around and pointing his thumb backwards at the shrine.
„Yup, now we just gotta get Reimu outta her home and ya can ask her what ya wanted to, easy!" Marisa stated.
Marisa then proceeds to run towards the entrance of the shrine and bang at the door like if she owned it, and didn't care about damaging it further.
„Yo! Reimu! It's me! Marisa! Get ya lazy ass out! Ya got visitors!" Marisa continued to shout while not slowing down her attempt at breaking the door down.
„Hmm... OH! I think they are willin' to donate, ze~!"
Marisa, expecting her friend to suddenly break the door down from inside and reveal herself... doesn't seem to do that.
„Huh... That usually always works..." Marisa muttered to herself.
„Hey! Quit screamin' and smashin' down there! An oni's tryna sleep here!"
A voice said, coming from above. Presumably, the rooftop of the shrine itself.
„Oi! Suika! Did ya see where Reimu went? She isn't here!" Marisa spoke back towards the direction the voice came from, holding her hands on her face, imitating a megaphone.
„Eh, something about dealing with some troublesome youkai who tried attacking the Human Village or something..." The voice responded, shortly after gulping sounds could be heard, as well as a satisfied gasp.
Mike and 17 were patiently waiting, unsure what else they are supposed to do. Marisa turns around to face them as she approaches closer, having an annoyed expression plastered for the first time on her face today.
„Tsk! Never is present when she is needed, huh?" Marisa said, turning her annoyed filled face into a smirking one, trying to not appear sour to the other two people present.
„Ight, so that "Reimu" person ain't around right now, so what now?" Mike asked, his question mostly targeted towards Marisa who tried to avoid it by whistling.
„Uhh... I dunno. You can wait here or I can drop ya off to the human village, ze." Marisa shrugged.
„I believe the choice is as clear as it g-"
Mike was saying, before he stopped himself as he, 17 and Marissa looked at the three new being which floated down five feet next to them.
„H-Huh...? Aren't those..."
„Oi! It's the Three Fairies of Light, ze!"
„YOU."
...
...
Everyone looked towards Mike, who pointed a finger right at the three newcomers. One could easily spot the directed hate towards the three fairies.
„Oh, you were right Sunny! They really did come here in the end!"
After hearing that, Marisa turned to face 17 to ask a question. Knowing that she won't be getting an answer out of Mike anytime soon.
„May I guess? Ya got pranked by em?" Marisa asked, slightly jerking her head backwards towards the three fairies.
„Y-Yeah... Mike got quite... angry..." 17 answered.
„I can tell..." Marisa mumbled, a small grin starting to form.
The fairies are as follows:
You have Star Sapphire. She has long brownish black hair, a blue ribbon attached to it, and greyish yellow eyes, as well as butterfly-shaped fairy wings. She wears a frilly blue dress, having a white shoulder cloth and white long sleeves. She has a small blue string attached as a ribbon at neck-level and also wears boots.
Next, you have Luna Child. She has red eyes and yellow hair, arranged into six princess curls on both sides of her head, as well as a pair of fairy wings. She wears a white and black dress having long sleeves and a few black ribbons at the front of her dress, along with a big one below her neck and an even bigger one in her back. She also has a white shoulder cloth having black outlines, and a white beret with black ribbons attached on its sides and wears a pair of slippers as well.
Finally, you have the leader of the group of three.
Sunny Milk. She has short orange like red hair, braided at the sides of her head with red ribbons. Blue eyes and of course, a pair of fairy wings. She wears a red and white dress with long sleeves and frills, the middle of the sleeves having red ribbons attached to them. She has a yellow neckerchief and wears black and white shoes.
Before either Mike or the fairies can even think about uttering a single word, letter or even grunt... Marisa is quick to place herself in the middle and speak up.
„Yo, yo, yo! Guys, no need for violence!" Marisa said, before turning her head to grin at the fairies.
„Unless ya really want me to blast ya away, ze!"
The fairies, not really wanting to get blasted by Marisa at the moment, decide to quickly cease any ill intentions towards Mike and 17.
„That also goes for you, Mike~!" Marisa joked, resulting in Mike to visibly shudder.
In the end, both sides decide to not do anything foolish. Instead, they talk for a bit...
„Wait, you call yourselves the Three Fairies of Light? Why is that?" 17 asked.
„Cuz why not? I think that's a cool name! Don't you agree, Luna?" Sunny said.
„Yeah! It actually ha- Aaa!" Luna was saying, before tripping over nothing when she attempted to come closer, falling forward on the ground.
„Oww..." Luna sniffed.
„A-Are you alright?" 17 asked, worried.
„Eh, she's fine! She almost always trips, but never really hurts herself." Sunny stated, waving 17's concern out of sight.
They proceed with chit chatting, but soon Sunny expresses boredom and yawns before speaking up.
„Well, that was boring... We should go and try to trick Cirno again! Let's go, girls!" Sunny ordered, flying away with her two friends in tow.
„See? Those three ain't THAT bad all the time, ze!" Marisa said, fake punching Mike in the shoulder with her hand formed in a fist.
„Huh, guess they can be nice too..." Mike muttered.
„Oh, and just so you know! Our prank on you was funny no matter what you say!" Sunny said, looking down upon Mike with her tongue sticking out before quickly flying off.
...
...
„I take it back, the next time I see them, they are dead."
„Ya can't kill fairies, they just come back in an hour or two, maybe a day if ya lucky." Marisa explained.
„Even better..." Mike said, feeling empty inside.
After a few minutes, Mike relaxed and spoke up.
„Alright, we waited here for quite some while now and no shrine maiden is in sight."
„Yeah, I also am starting to feel a little hungry..." 17 said, placing a hand on his stomach.
„Aight, so it's decided then!" Marisa exclaimed, likely bored from just standing around for no reason.
Placing her broom once more to be seated, she says.
„Hop on, we are going to the Human Village, da ze!"
„No. Why should we? Didn't ya give us the choice to leave us here waiting? Why are you still around anyways?" Mike started to heavily question Marisa.
„Well, can't really leave two humans, Outsiders no less, all alone. Ya could be dead before ya finish sayin' "Borrowing ain't stealin'"!" Marisa answered.
„Besides, doncha wanna go get somethin' to eat? Ya could possibly still stand around for three hours, ze." Marisa stated.
17 glanced towards Mike, waiting for his response.
...
...
„Ugh, fine. But if ya go anyway as fast as last time, I will choke you to death once we land." Mike warned.
„Aight, aight~! Can't promise anything, thou~!"
The trio goes back on the broom like last time and blasts off towards the direction of the Human Village.
The oni, Suika, watching from the roof of the shrine only smiles in amusement. Taking another few large gulps from her gourd.
After several minutes of flight, mostly due to the demand of flying slower and Mike starring daggers into Marisa's back in case she decides to pull something, they finally land only around twenty steps from the village gate entrance, which is being guarded by two guards in light armour.
As they get off the broom and Marisa picks it up to carry it on her shoulder, they start moving towards the village at a steady pace.
„This the village? Looks simple, but also quiet aesthetically pleasing to the eye." Mike states.
„Yeah... seems nice..." 17 idly responds while gazing at his surroundings.
„Yup! Safest place for humans, ze!" Marisa says, walking in front of the two, stopping them in their step.
„Soooooo... Just head in and I dunno, walk around or somethin' cuz I'll be going now, see ya!" Marisa said, taking large steps away from the village.
„Oi! Hold on just a sec!" Mike said as he turned around at the fleeing Marisa, forcing her to stop.
„Why are ya suddenly leaving?" Mike asked, suspicious of Marisa's behaviour.
„Ya know, I have other places to be n' stuff, just brought the two of ya here so nothing happens to ya, remember, ze?" Marisa informed, before placing her broom in the air once more and climbing it.
„Don't worry, I'll come back to check on ya tomorrow, da ze!"
„WAI-"
Before Mike was able to finish a single word, Marisa was already high up in the air, flying towards the misty lake they saw earlier.
Mike clutched his head with both hands, before calming down and walking towards the village entrance.
„I-I guess we just go figure something out?" 17 asked Mike, walking besides him as they approach the two guards.
„We just gotta wait till that shrine maiden is back at her shrine when we return there, so let's see if we can find an inn or something in this village..." Mike responded.
„Halt!" One of the guards stepped in front of them, denying them access to enter the village.
„What are you? Human? Or youkai?" The second guard asked, being prepared to swipe his weapon at them if needed.
„What do ya think? Human, obviously. Both I and him." Mike said, trying to hold off the temptation of making a joke. Not necessary wanting to be beheaded because of it.
The guards visibly relax, but remain wary.
„Very well, you may enter the village. Do not cause trouble." The first guard said, stepping aside and granting them the option to enter the village without further questioning.
„Nah, we'll just look around and stay a night at most." Mike said, walking in with 17 following close behind.
As they pass the entrance and officially set foot in the village, 17 gasps before the sight he just witnessed.
A Japanese like village, with plenty of houses, markets and people around just at the very entrance of the village. Mike too, was taken aback by the old time architecture. A smile forming on his face, taking in the simplicity of how these people must leave on a daily basis. No phones, no internet, no cars and all the other modern technologies they have in the Outside world.
Mike, for some strange reason, liked it. Reminding him off something he once lost, but unable to remember what it was.
„W-Woah... this looks... so cool!" 17 found it hard to believe where he was at the moment. It was almost as if he travelled back in time for several hundreds of years.
„Exactly. C'mon, boy, let's get a move on, ight?" Mike said, giving 17 a slight push and walking down the village road in front of them.
17, with a smile, nodding and quickly following suit.
As they keep walking, plenty of market owners call to them so they examine their wares and maybe buy something. However, both of them lacked the currency to be able to go on a shopping spree for items they might not even know the purpose off.
„I wonder how these people are able to live like this..." 17 questioned, trying to start a conversation with Mike.
„Welp, just like us. Except, more simple in terms of technological advancement." Mike stated what he thought was right.
„I guess... but what about the youkai?" 17 asked.
Mike stopped to think about it for a second. Thinking back, he assumed they just had to deal with bothersome encounters outside the village, but mostly remained safe inside the village itself. Since, which youkai or fairy would be bold enough to enter a hornet's nest?
As he was about to state his opinion on that matter, he was interrupted by a face he didn't he will see again anytime soon...
„Huh? Oh! It's you! Hey, how have you been?"
The person greeted. Mike unsure what to think about it, simply responded with a neutral greeting.
„Still around? I thought ya guys already left at this point, Mennini, was it?" Mike said, crossing his arms.
„Yup, that's me... and no, we... we had a change of plans... I guess you could say...?" Mennini said.
Mennini too, only shortly returned and was on his way to report his findings. As he looked up to face the sky, he noticed it turning orange. Was the day already over?
„A-Ah, I am sorry, but I have to inform Anton o-"
„Anton? Why? Tsk, are you seriously taking orders from him?" Mike shook his head, with a slight smile he was mocking the thought of Mennini playing the role of a servant for no reason.
„Well... you se-" Mennini tried to answer, however Mike asked another question.
„And what was that about a change of plans? You do know there is a way for us to leave this place, right? You know about all of this... magical world... stuff, or am I wrong?"
„N-No, no! I do, I do! It's just..." Mennini was talking, but unsure whether he should finish his sentence.
„Go on, spit it out, mate." Mike pressured for Mennini to speak.
„Anton kinda took command of the village...?" Mennini said, followed by a dry laugh with anxiety.
...
...
„Excuse me, he DID WHAAAAAT!?" Mike yelled, grabbing Mennini by the shoulders as he shivered in place.
„I-I can explain...!" Mennini said, and began to recall the events which unfolded up until this point in time...
„That's all?" Mike asked.
„Y-Yeah..." Mennini answered, gulping down saliva, which has gathered in his mouth.
„Like I said... You ever meet a politician claiming he has no ill intentions, you turn around and avoid them at all costs..." Mike said in disgust.
„What now?" 17 asked, who was standing and watching Mike squeeze out every piece of information out of Mennini.
„Nothing, if what Mennini said is true, if we attempt to do anything to Anton, we might get sliced in half." Mike stated, hating the feeling of not being able to do something.
„I-I am sorry, I really didn't want to cause trouble... But I have to go now, otherw-" Mennini apologized and tried to speak further, but was stopped by Mike.
„Mennini, its fine. I can't be mad at everyone, ya know. Just promise me to not be a lapdog to that madman." Mike said, walking off.
„Y-yeah, I'll try..." Mennini said, feeling ashamed of himself.
„I-It was nice to see you, Mennini." 17 said, before slowly turning around to follow Mike before he wandered off too far away.
„Yeah... Nice to see you doing well as well, 17..." Mennini responded.
After both 17 and Mike were out of sight, Mennini sighted and began to continue on his way towards the HQ.
As he arrived, the sun was about to leave the sky, signalling that the day is about to be over and night is just around the corner.
He walked inside and looked for Anton, but was unable to find him. Instead, he found Mr. A, sitting on the ground with a paper of sorts in front of him.
As he approached, the floor creaked, which alarmed Mr. A that someone else was here. Quickly retrieving the paper from the floor and hiding it behind his back, he stood up and faced Mennini.
„Ah, Mennini. You returned with good news?" Mr. A asked, irritation present in his voice ever so slightly.
„Uh, yeah." Mennini said, before asking the most important question.
„Where is Anton?"
Mr. A was quick to answer.
„Right now? I'd say right now he is about to have dinner with the devil."
Mr. A only giggled afterwards, as he made his way out of the room past Mennini, who was left confused on what he just heard.
„...The devil...?"
-Reimu Hakurei's POV- (Somewhere around Youkai Mountain...)
*sigh*
„That should be all of them."
After hearing about beast youkai attacking the human village, I was forced to hunt them down and make sure they never attempt doing something stupid as that again.
...what a bother...
Honestly, just what was their motivation to decide that, that was what they had to do? Attacking the only place they aren't allowed to enter and kill humans at? Makes no sense...
But oh well, they killed a villager inside the village, so they had to be exterminated.
All I wanted was to just relax around the shrine today but noooo... I just had to spend the whole day searching their hideout at this stupid mountain!
Not only that, but I was even interrupted by that white wolf, Momiji, and other youkai for the sake of annoying me further from what I can tell.
Luckily, it didn't take long for me to beat them in a danmaku battle and knock them out unconscious so I could continue my search.
„Tsk, when will both youkai and humans learn to just live in peace... Would make my job a hell lot easier..." I mumbled.
As I was flying back towards the shrine, I kept wondering about the same thing over and over again...
Why did they attack the human village? Were they that desperate? Were they unaware of the consequences? Or...
Did someone order them to?
Hmm... This could be the beginning of an incident...
...
...
„Eh, probably not." I shrug.
...
Wait, how did they managed to get inside the human village in the first place? Isn't Keine supposed to protect it by hiding its existence from potential threats?
As I kept flying, the more I pondered. Something just didn't feel right...
I think, I shouldn't just let this go as a onetime occurrence.
...
Finally, I arrive and land down onto the shrine grounds.
„Huh, night time already... great..." I sighted.
Realizing I spend my whole day NOT doing what I wanted to be doing, I decide to keep these thoughts somewhere in my mind and look into them tomorrow. For now, I just want to go sleep...
I swear, if tomorrow or in the coming days something bothersome arises, I will NOT be merciful towards the one who forced me out of my futon.
-Anton Drevov's POV- (Earlier that day... around an hour before Mennini, Mike and 17 meet.)
„...and the future factory will be... Right here."
I say, content with my decision as I plan the future layout of the village on a map, which Mr. A gave me when we were discussing what we plan to do next or much later.
„These Outsider buildings you are talking about, how exactly do you plan to have them work like they work in the Outside world?" Asks Mr. A.
„Simple." I merely wave a hand as I say that before going into detail.
„Me, Johann and Mennini will teach the villagers and explain everything until at least one of them gets the idea on how it works and from there on out, it should come naturaly." I briefly explain.
„Hm, I see." Answers Mr. A, looking for something in the shelves filled with various objects like books, tools and-
*knock**knock*
My thoughts are interrupted as I hear knocking coming from the other side of the door.
„Come in." I say.
„My Vozhd, someone wishes to speak with you..." Informs the guard I had stationed to guard the entrance to this building.
„Oh? I will be there in a few minutes, infor-"
„Ehm, I believe a few minutes isn't an option..."
I stare at the guard who dared to interrupt me. Quickly noticing he was sweating heavily and that his eyes were unfocused. Just what could have terrified this man?
„Pardon me for my emergence, but I have strict orders to deliver a message for you, sir."
...
A woman with silver hair in what appears to be a French maid outfit, stands in the door frame. The guard who previously stood in her place long gone. I will make sure to punish that guard for his cowardice. After all, it is merely just a human woman, not youkai.
So what was he so afraid off?
„Do I know you?" I ask, irritated at the woman's rude appearance in the household.
„Sakuya, Sakuya Izayoi. You must be the "Vozhd", Anton Drevov." She says, without any hint of emotion.
„Correct. What brings you here? What do you want?" I say, starting to feel uncomfortable.
Sakuya, huh? That woman and Johann seem to have that emotionless face alike. Both make me feel anxiety and just generally feels like someone is about to stab you in the back with a knife.
„Lady Remilia is formally inviting you to dinner at her mansion, the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
...
...
Who? Dinner? Me? Why...?
„Excuse me, but what is this all about?" I ask, hoping my confusion will be cleared and not more messed up.
„You are to come with me." Stated Sakuya.
...
„...Do you know who I am?" I try to remind the woman who she is speaking with.
„Yes, a human of interest to Milady."
...
...
...
„I heard enough. Guar-"
!
...
Suddenly I can feel something cold touching the back of my neck.
„Here is the envelope with the letter hand written by Lady Remilia herself, read it as we walk." Orders Sakuya.
Without any choice, I am forced to leave the building and be instructed to walk towards her destination.
„Have fun!" I hear Mr. A yell after me.
...I will not forget you not even attempting to help me...
As we approach the gate, a group of guards appear from a patrol I set up this morning, which was meant to make sure the village is safe by walking around it every other hour.
The guards only stare dumbfounded, unsure whether to interfere or not.
„Hey! You! Follow after me!" I yell after them as we walk past them.
They look at each other, unsure.
...
„That was an order." I clarify, in an irritated tone.
The group of guards decides to do as I say and begin to follow me and Sakuya, who is still holding most probably a knife or dagger at the back of my neck.
„Okay, okay! Wait!" I say, making Sakuya stop in her step.
„Fine, I will attend the dinner but let me walk on my own... and have these guards accompany me." I say.
„Very well."
Sakuya says and as she does, also take away the cold, metal blade from the back of my neck, allowing me to swallow the fear down my throat.
„Go on, lead the way." I say, making sure she walks in front of me as I walk behind her with a fair distance between us. ...I am trying my best not to shake like a beaten dog. For I am terrified, but value my dignity more, than to show how much my legs could wobble.
„I certainly hope you can entertain Lady Remilia long enough, it would be a shame if she lost interest rather quickly..." Warned Sakuya.
...
I am going to need more than a bottle of pure vodka after this night is over...
-3rd Person POV- (Back with Johann, Eientei...)
After the owner, Kaguya Houraisan, introduced herself and called everyone to come sit down around a table to discuss further about the reason Johann came, not much else has happened yet.
Both Johann and Eirin obliged without any protests, only Reisen said she has work to do and asked for permission to go do the mentioned work. Eirin knew that Reisen just simply didn't want to remain around since she didn't want to get embarrassed further by her, which made Eirin smile slightly.
The only other individual present was another rabbit girl, shorter however, attending to rabbits in the same room.
„Now that we are seated, we may talk!" Kaguya said.
Kaguya has dark brown eyes and very long black hair in a hime cut style. She wears a pink shirt with many white bows, and a long, dark burgundy skirt decorated in plants and flowers representing the four seasons.
„Very well, as I already said, I am Johann von Hochmär and I came here today to discuss a possible deal." Johann stated.
„Oooo! Exciting! What likes of a deal are we about to speak off?" Kaguya said, interested in what Johann may propose.
„I shall go straight to the point. The Human Village formally asks for assistance in the form of weapons, your co-operation would be highly appreciated." Johann firmly stated.
„Oh? Why would the Human Village be in need of such things?"
„The Human Village was attacked by beast youkai recently and simple close range weapons simply won't do anymore." Johann said.
„As a result, I was tasked by a villager who goes by the name "Mr. A" to go to Eintei and request help." Johann finished.
When Johann mentioned Mr. A, an eerie grin started to form on Kaguya's face. With Eirin remaining unbothered, mostly because she finds this request absurd if not outright outrageous.
„Why haven't thee spoken of this at an earlier date? I, Kaguya Houraisan, am willing to agree!" Kaguya spoke right away, leaving Eirin dumbfounded.
„Your willingness is greatly appreciated, w-" Johann was saying before he was forced to stop, when Kaguya jumped into his words to speak.
„Patience, I must first ask thee what kind of weapons might be of thine likings..." Kaguya said, before continuing.
„Would thee prefer weapons able to hurt youkai all the way to the point of near death..."
...
...
„...or outright slay them?"
„Kaguya, with all due res-" Eirin decided to join into the conversation before being shushed by Kaguya.
„Shush!"
Eirin merely shakes her head, not amused a single bit by what game the princess is playing.
„...lethal." Johann answered, without remorse.
„Very well, it shall be done so! Kaguya said, a smile far too big for such instance plastered on her face."
„Do you not desire any kind of payment?" Johann asked, getting a bit suspicious by how easy it was to convince them to provide weapons for the Human Village.
„No, not direct payment." Kaguya said.
„Not direct payment? Then, what kind of payment are you interested in?" Johann inquired.
„Thou shall provide Eintei with sufficient resources, such as raw ores, and we shall do the rest, including the delivery part." Kaguya said, with a smile.
„Hm, good. I will inform the ones who send me here about this, and we shall see how it turns out. For now, I will say my farewells for night is approaching and I mustn't be late to arrive back to the village." Johann said, standing up from the table they were seated at.
„Of course, thee presence was of great pleasure. Farewell." Kaguya waved goodbye as Johann started walking away, into the direction he originally came from.
To no surprise, he got lost but managed to find Reisen who decided to volunteer and guide him out and back to the village, safely. Reisen only did so since she noticed Mokou wasn't around when she went for a walk earlier and didn't want Johann to fall prey to either youkai or a trap.
„Perfect..." Kaguya said after several minutes of waiting for Johann to leave, which by now, he long did.
„Tewi? Could thee go inform the rabbits about what to produce in large quantities for the following weeks?" Kaguya asked, without looking at the individual who was mentioned.
The mentioned name belonged to an earth rabbit. She has dark red eyes, black shoulder-length hair and fluffy white rabbit ears. She is barefoot in a frilly pink-white dress along with a carrot necklace around her neck.
„Hehe! On it!" Tewi responded, before promptly running out of the room to go outside and gather the rabbit populace to her, to spread the message Kaguya asked her kindly to share.
„Honestly, do I even wish to know what kind of game you are playing now?" Eirin asked, slightly irritated by what she just had to witness, without being able to interfere because of Kaguya not letting her speak.
„Oh, Eirin... It's just a little something from a while ago..." Kaguya said, not caring about what she is about to spill out.
„Oh? Would you care to elaborate?" Eirin inquired, crossing her arms.
„Remember that one villager which came here a month ago?" Kaguya asked, wanting to see if Eirin recalls it.
„You mean the one with the strange request of a specific kind of poison?" Eirin recalled, waiting for Kaguya to continue.
„Precisely, now, what kind of poison was it again, Eirin, do you remember that too?" Kaguya playfully pondered, already knowing the answer.
„Of course, it was specially prepared. Its strength was versatile." Eirin said.
„How so ~?" Kaguya asked for more details.
„Weren't you the one who bothered me with making it for that villager in the first place? You should know of its effects." Eirin stated.
After a few seconds of silence, Eirin sighed and responded to the question with the expected answer.
„A small dosage could already kill a human, while a larger dosage could severely weaken a youkai."
„Eirin, what would happen if someone who is considered half-youkai was to be poisoned by it?" Kaguya inquired once more.
Eirin pondered, for she hasn't given it that much thought until now.
„Hmm, well, I would say that individual would not die from it, but fall horribly sick for a very long period of time." Eirin answered.
„Why wo-"
...
...
Suddenly, Eirin was hit by realization about what Kaguya was trying to point out.
„You can't be serious, don't tell me that the poison was used on..." Eirin didn't want to finish the sentence, and frankly, she didn't even have to.
„Yes, Eirin. I saw her with my own two eyes yesterday." Kaguya said, the eerie grin from before becoming a fully-fledged eerie smile.
„Why even..." Eirin muttered, her hand firmly planted on her forehead.
„Let's say, I desired for Mokou to suffer in a different way." Kaguya answered.
„Aren't you taking this a bit too far? She is just going to burn everything down once she realizes that you are behind it." Eirin said, trying to reason with Kaguya over it.
„But, Eirin..."
...
...
...
„I wasn't the one who planned this, I merely partake to relieve myself of boredom."
-People/Factions and their allegiance/opinion towards The Vozhd, Anton Drevov-
Johann von Hochmär – Loyal
Giovanni Mennini – Loyal?
Mr. A – Somewhat Loyal
Mr. A's followers (The SHA/SHS) – Accepting (Loyal to Mr. A)
Paul Garmith – ?
Mike Victorn – Furious
17 – Indifferent (Friends with Mike)
Villagers – Accepting
Guards – Mostly Loyal
Youkai – Slightly Irritated
Kappa – Friendly
Eintei – Supportive
(More factions will be added when the need arrives...)