Chapter 5 – Night of the Long Pikes (Part 1)
-Mike Victorn's POV- (Present time)
Night has already creeped in and we barely even managed to look around for a place to spend the night in. The fact how angry I was didn't help at all. Why... Why would that idiot do that?
Why would he bother taking over a village he has ZERO relations to?
Why just not get the hell out of here like I am trying to? Does common sense truly mean nothing anymore? It just didn't make any sense...
„Hey..."
Upon hearing 17 speak up, I snap out of my inner ramblings and look to my side, where 17 walks along with me.
„Say, why does it matter that Anton did what he did?" 17 asks.
„...I just have a bad feeling." I answer. I answer honestly. Ever since Anton introduced himself, my gut immediately rang all the bells and placed down all the red flags for me. Something was... too fishy about this guy.
Before we are able to continue on with the topic, we notice something particular.
Or rather, something familiar...
„"Kirisame-ya second-hand shop"...?" Questions 17.
Next to us stands tall a store like house, with a faint light coming from inside.
We quickly look at each other, nod, and proceed to try and let the owner of it know, that we would like to discuss about the possibility of being sheltered for the night as well as ask some questions about a certain... black and white...
But...
„Hang on." I stop in my step, 17 doing so shortly after.
„What's the matter?" 17 inquired.
„If Gensokyo is in Japan, how come we are able to read the text?"
...
...
„Come to think of it, how are we able to interact with the natives..." 17 adds.
...
...
„*sigh* Know what, I just can't bother with logic any longer, let's just move on..." I say, continuing our original thought.
We knock on the door and wait. After a few moments, we can hear footsteps approaching the door, before it slides open, revealing a man who, unsurprisingly, appears to own this place.
„What do you want?" The man asks, suspicious of the late interruption. Knowing darn well almost nobody comes around during these hours unless it was something specific.
„Greetings, sir. If I may ask, could it be possible for us to spend the night here? We are Outsiders and we-"
„So? What about it?" The man interrupts me.
„...W-We don't have any money and we jus-" 17 continued, before again, being cut off by the man.
„Ain't my problem." The man says, before attempting to slide the door close, but is stopped by me, placing my foot firmly in the door frame, rendering the odds of the door sliding to zero.
„Mr. Kirisame, right?" I ask for confirmation.
The man stops moving and looks me in the eyes.
„Yeah, that's me. Now please, remove your foot." Mr. Kirisame patiently orders.
„Ight, but before I do that. You don't happen to have a daughter who goes by the name of "Marisa", do ya?" I say, attempting to get the man to co-operate with us and at least let us explain our situation.
The man, suddenly stops his attempts at sliding the door shut and instead, slides it fully open.
„Come inside. We can talk inside." Mr. Kirisame says, letting us inside.
We do as he says, and enter.
As we settle down, he leaves to another room, only to shortly come back with three cups of tea which he places down on a table.
„Tell me, how is Marisa faring? " Mr. Kirisame asks me.
„Well, from what I can tell ya... She probably is enjoying life a bit "too" carelessly." I answer, recalling the speeds of the flight.
„Haa... That's my Marisa, alright." Says Mr. Kirisame, content with the little information and a slight smile plastered on his face.
„Hm, I don't wish to intrude further into your family relations, but I still would appreciate if you cou-" I try once more to speak, only to...
„Let you spend the night here? We can discuss it right now." Mr. Kirisame says, returning to a neutral stance.
Taking a glance over towards 17, I notice he seems to be somewhere else with his mind. Quickly poking him a little to gain his attention, I lean closer to him and whisper into his ear.
„You can wait outside if this bores you. Maybe even take a walk to clear your mind, we are safe here, after all." Is what I tell him.
He nods and stands up. Bowing down to Mr. Kirisame and excusing himself.
As 17 leaves, I refocus back to the task at hand, which is...
„Very well, may we proceed, then?"
-17's POV-
Standing outside, I think about everything which happened until now. Suddenly falling down out of thin air, seeing a friend get mauled to death, learning about what creatures and things exist in this place, this "Gensokyo".
Unsure what to fear, knowing very well one wrong step could either lead to many problems or even a painful death.
But before I truly fall into a deep thought, I shake myself back to reality as I notice movement in the corner of my eye.
Turning my head to face it, I realize it's a person walking down the street.
Now, that wouldn't be weird at all, considering the night has only just begun and this is quite a large village.
However, the person is wearing a rather... familiar... hat.
And the more I focus my eyes, the more I believe I can make out the colour of said hat and suit.
...
Johann.
The person walking down the street is definitely Johann.
Normally, I wouldn't think much of it, but...
From what Mennini told us...
Ignoring my rational side, which is telling me to just wait here, I decide to try and follow Johann and see where he is heading.
After all...
The streets are empty. Too empty for this to be nothing out of the ordinary.
Why would Johann walk alone in the night, unless he had something to do?
Finally, with enough made up reasons to give myself an excuse to follow after him, I do just that.
At first, I move in a faster motion to catch up to him and not lose sight of him, but as I get closer, I slow down to make sure I remain unnoticed.
As I continue carefully following him, making sure I am always able to hide myself behind something if he were to turn around, I notice him stop in front of a building. I believed we walked quite the distance and we currently are maybe somewhere near the village walls, but I cannot say that for sure.
Suddenly, Johann starts looking around. I narrowly avoid being spotted by hiding myself in an alley between two houses next to me, only poking out half my face to keep watching him with one eye.
Due to the lack of light, he didn't see me and proceeded to enter the building.
Deciding to wait for only a bit, I make haste to get to the building and see if I can either spot, or hear anything.
As I arrive, I can't seem to find a window, gap, tear or anything of any kind which would allow me to see inside. I did notice that the building has a name written on a sign above the entrance, though. It says "Suzunaan". However, by placing my ear on the thin wall, I am able to hear something.
„Y-You can't do that!"
„I believe you are in no position to have a say in this."
Hearing at least two people talking, I try my best to listen closely. Unfortunately, the conversation appears to be moving further away and I can't make out everything which is said.
„All I request is access..."
„NO! It.."
From this point on, I just hear mumbles.
Something about "too dangerous" I believe. Too dangerous... just what is going on in there...?
Deciding to try my luck from another side, I make my way to the back of the building and try to place my ear on the wall and listen from there.
It seems the conversation came to a halt, as the only person I hear talking or is present, is who I can only assume to be no one else but... Johann.
„Hmm... intriguing."
„If this works, then it means I should have no issue with... doing this..."
Suddenly, I hear a weird sound, which I cannot explain with words. A sound as if someone just tore a hole into a blanket.
...
...
„Hat es funktioniert?"
...What the...
„Hm, tatschächlich."
„Sehr interessant. Darum spricht jeder Deutsch, obwohl sie Deutsche gar nicht sind."
Is that...
...German?
Once more, I hear the same sound occur as before. But this time, as if the hole was sewed shut.
„Perfect. If these books are able to accomplish something like this, then surely..."
Suddenly, someone placed a hand onto the wall next to me, scaring me and making me almost fall to the ground, but I managed to barely stay on my feet.
„Now, who do we have here?"
I turn to face a man. He held a sword in his right hand, but I could tell he wasn't a guard. It was because he lacked any kind of armour, unlike the ones I saw at the gate, he appeared to just be your everyday villager from here.
„What are you doing here, out in the night? Go home." He quickly ordered and pushed me out on the street as he marched towards me.
„W...Who are you...?" I ask, still trying to recover from the sudden appearance of his.
„Takeo. That's all I will give you. Now, get the fuck inside or I will make you regret not doing so."
He raised his sword and pointed it down the street.
Takeo, had dark hair. I could see he had it tied in a bun on the back of his head. I believe a "chonmage" is what it's called. He wore a kimono but the most interesting thing was...
The right sleeve of his kimono appeared to have something written on it in red.
Written on it was I believe "S-
!
Barely avoiding a swing, I managed to dodge.
Takeo suddenly attacked. Shit, I think I must have taken too much time to examine him...
„W-Woah, calm down!" I say, trying not to attract any attention, since Johann may get suspicious.
„Get a move on!"
Takeo said before taking another swing at me. I dodge it easier this time since I was expecting it, and take several steps backwards.
„O-Okay, okay... I am g-going, alright...?" I say, slowly moving backwards to make more distance between us.
„Hmpf." Takeo slowly sheaths his sword and walks over to the entrance of the building, seemingly waiting there.
Shit, he may tell Johann about someone listening in. Just got to hope they fail to connect the dots. Takeo has no idea who I am, but Johann does. Luckily, Johann didn't see me... I hope...
Deciding to not waste any more time in case he lunges at me a second time, I run back towards the house Mike and Mr. Kirisame should still be discussing at.
I hope this encounter won't cause trouble in the future...
-3rd Person POV-
As Johann leaves the building, he is greeted by Takeo.
„Sir, my leader requested me to find you and to let you know that tomorrow, we have a delivery to make. Both you and I and a few members who will carry the cart." Takeo informed.
„Yes, yes... I am well aware. I assume Mennini managed to accomplish his task as I have." Johann answered.
„I do not know of the "Mennini" you are speaking of, but I can say with confidence that everything is going smoothly just as my leader has said it will." Takeo said.
„Anything else I need to be aware of? I heard a ruffle going on here, what was that about?" Johann asked.
„Nothing to worry about. Just some villager sticking his nose into things which don't involve him. I scared him off." Takeo stated.
„Hmm..."
„Let us meet here in the morning." Johann said, before walking off.
„Understood." Takeo saluted, walking off into the opposite direction.
As they walked off, a third presence let herself known to which both were unaware was listening in on them.
„Oooooo! Yesterday's newspaper was already a massive success! I can already smell the success of the next one! The Vozhd and the Human Village! The growing tensions among the villagers! Possible plots! There is sooooo much scooooooop!" the presence said, before flying off into the skies in record speeds.
-Anton Drevov's POV- (SDM, gate entrance. Thirty minutes before Takeo swung at 17.)
„...Was it REALLY necessary to force me here in the fashion you did?" I ask, mildly irritated.
„..." ...She remained silent.
Great. First that damn crow youkai annoying me further while also spreading lies on paper two hours prior and now, in pretty much the night, I have to deal with whatever this nonsense is...
As we were making our way here, I kept reading the letter over and over... Just who is this "Remilia Scarlet" and what does she want from me? I will let her have a taste of my mind once I get my hands around her neck...!
„OW!" A gate guard in green yelled.
„Oh! Welcome back Sakuya! Let me quickly open the gate for you!"
...
What... is this... place...?
We currently stand in front of a massive gate and behind it is an even more massive mansion like building!
The gate guardian seems to have... a knife sticking out of her head...? Not my problem, but... doesn't that hurt?
We walk past the opened gate, the group of guards loyally following behind me, we make our way into the front of the mansion and wait for the huge doors to open.
Just as the doors start to open, a small silhouette is slightly visible, walking down stairs towards us. However, I am more amazed by the huge hall than the presence of the person. In all my life, from what I can recall, this has got to be the largest room I have ever seen!
„Incredible, isn't it? Be astonished by my massive mansion and fancy interior!"
I hear a voice proclaim, which I can only assume is the person who has finally come to greet us.
Before I turn to face the person in question, however, I notice that some of the guards have a distressed expression and are even slightly shaking! Just what got them all so uncertain?
Deciding to face the person who spoke out, I turn to face...
...
...
...those...eyes... they... certainly aren't... human...
„Ha~ I am well aware of my beauty, no need for such a reaction~!"
Quickly realizing my mouth was wide open in shock, I close it and swallow down my sudden terror infested fears.
„I am Remilia Scarlet, the one who invited you to dine with me on this beautiful night, let us get seated before I tell you more about me and my wealth~."
...
...
THIS... is Remilia Scarlet!? A little brat, who forced a scary maid to drag me to her house just to brag about what she has?!
I am going to...! No... calm down... remember those eyes... she...
...
She is a youkai of some kind. She will kill you if you aren't careful.
After innerly calming myself down, I follow after the small child due to feeling a cold presence coming from the maid behind me and my guards...
After tonight, these guards will receive a promotion of some kind...
We walk for what feels like an eternity! What idiotic design is this!? One hallway after another! Pointlessly long and each and every one of them look similar! Not to mention, everything is mostly red! Or better said, many shades of red! I am starting to hate the colour red the longer I remain in here! Not to mention, there are fairy maids everywhere! And they are starting to get on my nerves from all the looks they are giving me! Just let it end s-
„Here we are! Sakuya, please, show "The Vozhd" his seat, ufufu~."
...
...
She knows exactly who I am, doesn't she...?
...
...
THAT FUCKING CROW!
I bet that fucking newspaper got into her hands and she got curious, didn't she!? Ooohohoho, if I see that crow again, I will tear her apart! I force the whole village on her! I...I...I-!
„Please, take a seat."
Says the maid, pretty much forcing me out of my inner rage and seating me down.
The little brat is seated across from where I am. Quite the large long table. Essentially useless.
Looking behind my shoulder, I notice the guards standing close behind me, but every one of them is uncertain about what to do and what to feel.
Wait a second...
Where the fuck did that maid go...? She was just behind me!
Looking in front of me, I notice her standing next to the little brat.
„Sakuya, could you please bring us dinner?" The little brat, Remilia ordered.
„Of course, Milady." The maid, Sakuya a- !?
Did she just vanish into thin air!?
„Oh, Sakuya, try not to agitate our guest too much, if you could." The little brat said, a smirk plastered on her face which... which...
...
...
„You're... you're a..." I try my best to utter what I want to say, but find it hard to do so.
„I am a...?" She purposefully attempts to make fun of me as her smirk enlarges even more... exposing her...
„Vampire."
...
...
*clap**clap**clap*
„Good boy, that's two sharp eyes you got~!" She clapped and laughed in a haughty laugh.
I take in a deep breath and try to regain my composure. I won't let a youkai... or vampire... which looks like a child, intimidate me! Never!
With a stern face and mind-set prepared, I am ready to face whatever comes next.
„Uhh... My Vozhd... what do you want us... to do...?"
I glance behind me to notice one of the guards decided to come closer and get some orders from the question which was uttered.
„Afraid to remain alone with a vampire in the same room? Does the presence of a few guards make you feel safer, hmm~...?"
Looking back in front of me, starring at the vampire which starred back, piercing me with only the glow of her red blood like eyes, and a smirk full of confidence, I keep starring back and say the following.
„Wait for me behind that door. I will let you know when I need you here."
„Hai." The guard said, and shortly after that, the whole group left the room, standing guard behind the door in case they were needed once more.
...
...
...
„Not much of a speaker? I find that hard to believe from what I heard..." The vampire said, trying to make me talk.
„Pff, depends where you heard that from." I answer, and fold my arms.
„Truly? Does that mean you weren't the one to obtain the trust of the village?" The vampire questioned.
„So what if it was me? What's your point? What the hell do you want f-"
For a moment I froze up when out of nowhere a plate was placed down in front of me. I took a glance up to the person standing next to me. It was the maid, piercing me with a cold and harsh glare.
„...Thank you."
With only a slight nod, she walked over to where the vampire sat and placed down a more reddish looking dish along with a cup of red substance which, in both cases, I can only assume is blood.
...
Human... blood...
Those poor bastards...
„Thank you, Sakuya. As always, it looks delicious." The vampire said, with a cheerful expression.
„I always try to improve to satisfy any wishes you have, Milady." The maid replied, for the first time from what I can tell, a gentle smile forming on her rather cold expression. If only, for a moment.
„Anything else, Milady?"
„No, that is all. You may now leave."
As she appeared, she disappeared.
However, at this point, I didn't even flinch. For I was prepared. Ha, take that!
„...Where were we?" The vampire asks me a pointless question.
I am well aware that she knows the fact, that both I and her know I was about to have a little outburst. Yet, she took a few bites out of her bloody meal and stopped to hold her head with her hands like a child, eagerly listening or expecting something from a story being told.
As if I was going to play into her hands. No, you don't fuck around with this politician.
„Oh, you know very well where we ended. Do not make a fool out of yourself." I say, before examining the meal before me.
From what I can tell, it appears to just be steak with rice and sauce. But how the hell am I supposed to know if the cooked steak is from a cow or a fucking person?
Not feeling particularly hungry, I push the meal aside and continue to have a starring contest with the little abomination.
„Whatever do you mean~?" She laughs silently into one of her hands which she quickly places back under her chin.
„...Tell me what you want from me, do not waste my time." I firmly say, lightly placing my hands on the table. The tablecloth feels as if it was centuries old and made from the finest materials one could think off.
Suddenly, the vampire, stands up. And begins to slowly walk over to me.
Immediately, I also st-
„Sit down."
Out of nowhere, I can feel my legs shaking madly. It was so bad, I was FORCED to do as she said since I risked falling down on the floor otherwise.
She kept approaching in a slow pace, her smile faded the moment she stood up.
My heart kept beating faster and faster. I felt like I was going to melt. Everything started to get fuzzy. Sweat was pouring down from me as if it was raining and I was standing in the centre of the storm.
„...What do you think you are doing, vampire-"
!
„My name is Remilia Scarlet. Not, vampire. I would like it if you were to address me correctly, boy"
Out of nowhere, she picked up speed and her face was almost touching mine. At this point, I lost my composure for a mere moment, but only for a single moment since I immediately regained it.
But it was too late.
Her smile. It told me everything. She noticed in that single moment, my face of absolute fear. Having witnessed something which could be considered as nightmare fuel.
„..."
„..."
„...Very well... Remilia..."
...
...
„See? Much better, right, Anton?"
As she said that, she gave me more room to breathe and exhale, for I was holding it all in. But I was still extremely uncomfortable because of her, uttering my name.
„Why am I..." I start so speak, when I suddenly remember the guards must still be waiting outside of this room.
Perhaps I could scream for them to barge in and get me out of here...?
...
No, I would never make it out alive. The maid would make sure of that.
„Why am I here, Remilia? Why did you want to speak with me?"
Finally, I ask the main question. The whole reason I was here, apparently. In the letter I was given, it was written that Remilia Scarlet wished to invite me for dinner, but also to speak to me.
Still shaken, but managing to not have the fear affect my speech pattern, I patiently await the response I may be given.
She leans closer to my ear. My instincts are screaming at me to either attack her, scream for help, or to protect my neck, knowing how vampires would go for them to take a bite. But I choose to do nothing. In hopes she in return, won't do anything either.
„Let me ask you a question." She says.
„What question is that?" I respond.
She leans closer. So close, to the point where I can feel her cold breath, gently tingling my ear, sending several shivers up my spine.
Then, she whispers.
„Do you believe in fate?"
...
...
„Fate? You mean, things which are predetermined to occur and happen, kind of fate?" I ask back.
...
...
„No. I do not. Nothing is ever predetermined. The only thing which affects the way the future will be like, is one's own rational thinking. If I have to choose to kill someone, I alone decide the "fate" of that person. I decide it by being presented with evidence, thoughts and opinions before making the final decision. From that example I have just presented, where is fate already predetermined?"
...
...
Remilia turns around and takes a few steps away from me.
What kind of question even was that? What does she yearn to obtain from asking me such garbage?
„So you say, nothing is set in stone? That your life isn't determined by fate?" Remilia asks.
„Yes, that is what I pretty much just said." I affirm.
She turns her head around to look at me with only one eye, but it is redder than before. ... This makes me sick.
„If I were to kill you right now, would you still claim that it wasn't fate?"
...
...
„Yes. Because it would have been my foolishness to not have done anything about it."
...
...
„Hmm... I see. Perhaps, you don't want to know what fate has in offer for you, then." Remilia shrugs, before walking back to her seat.
Now hold on.
„Wait."
She stops in her track, as I stand up and point at her with my right hand.
„What do you mean by that?"
...
„Oh, so now you suddenly believe in fate? Ufufu~." ...You little bitch.
„I never said that. Now, what did you mean by what YOU said?" I say, walking a bit to my right, having the chair I sat on standing next to me.
Remilia turns around to face me once more. She slowly walks towards me again and speaks up.
„I must admit. You are a brave one."
...
...
„Alas, only on the outside, or am I wrong~?"
I take a step back, of course, she knows that I am barely holding up a face of courage in front of her.
„On the inside... you are afraid... terrified, even... but why?" ...
...
...
...
„Hm. I see. It's because you fear to appear weak in front of others, is that it?" ...
...
„Your silence only confirms it. No need to pretend anym-"
„Stop."
...
...
„Just... stop... please..."
...
...
...
I turn around, and begin to walk towards the door which would lead me outside this accursed room.
„Anton."
I stop, one last time.
Turning around, I notice she is standing only two meters away from me.
„Your fate, is an interesting one."
„It has many ways it can go, but in each way there is..."
...
„You will either die or suffer. Suffer, in many aspects."
...
„There will be many people that will hate you, as well as many people who will betray you."
...
„You can avoid that."
...
„Become my servant, my butler, and I promise you, that you won't have to worry about anything anymore."
...
...
...
...
...
„Hehe...hehehe..."
„ahahahahahaha!"
Starting to laugh, almost maniacally I turn around to face the little fuck one. last. fucking. time.
„Really? You think I, The Vozhd, am going to go so down, to become a mere butler of yours?"
...
„Pche! I enjoyed the attempt. Before I go, I want to thank you for the invitation. I am touched to have gained a lot of attention. However, next time, don't force me to come here without me agreeing beforehand."
I turn around and walk towards the door, touching it and being about to open it, before I open my mouth one last time, in this godforsaken mansion.
„If what you said... is true... do not think I can't do anything about it. I have several ways to make sure of that. ...Just wait and watch."
I push the door open, and walk outside.
-3rd Person POV-
„Milady, should I dispose of him?" Sakuya said, appearing next to Remilia.
„No." Remilia was quick to answer.
„Are you sure, Milady? He was disrespectful." Sakuya stated, having her many knives prepared the moment the order to kill him is given.
„He wasn't as disrespectful, as he was arrogant. Let him leave without a scratch." Remilia ordered, before turning around and walking off, off to finish her by now cold dinner.
„As you wish." Sakuya said, disappearing.
...
...
„Poor Anton... such a charming man and yet, so foolish. He will be his own downfall, without me needing to do anything." Remilia said to no one in particular.
„...Perhaps I may keep an eye on him... maybe he truly CAN stand a chance against his already sealed fate." Remilia said once more aloud, taking a sip from her ornamented cup.
...
...
„Despite the odds of that being close to zero."
-Anton Drevov's POV- (Walking down the many hallways...)
I am fucked. I am fucked. I am fucked.
If I upset that vampire even slightly, that creepy maid is going to skin me alive!
I tried my damn fucking best not to have an anger outburst right there, in front of her. Practically begging her to shut the fuck up before I would do something I would immediately regret.
Why do people need to pointlessly mash their head against a wall to get inside where they are not welcomed at all? It makes no sense!
And yet, here I am!
Worst of all...
Where the fuck did the guards go!?
Did they leave me for dead!?
Fuck that promotion! They get a scolding once we get back!
...
...
After venting out a bit, to myself. Not risking doing so for others to hear. I look around to confirm a certain suspicion of mine.
„Hm. I appear to be lost. Not even that big of a surprise." I sigh to myself, before moving on forward down a hall-
-waaay!?
Suddenly, I find myself in front of the door which leads outside.
How did I-
„Your escort is waiting for you outside."
!?
Almost suffering another heart attack, I turned around and almost dropped to the floor from the sudden appearance of that forsaken maid.
„I... Thank you." I show my gratitude, as I realize she must have done something for me to get to the main hall, which impressed me the first time I entered inside.
„You should be thanking Milady for being so merciful and not deciding to kill you." The maid informed me in the same cold tone and expressionless face of hers.
Still can't decide who terrifies me more, her or Johann.
Slightly and slowly nodding to what she said, I turned to face the door and slowly made my way out of this place.
This place, of nightmarish entities.
...
...
Now that I think about it, where have all the fairy maids gone to? Haven't seen a single one since I left the dining room. Egh, not my problem.
Now fully outside, I realize it is I believe in the middle of the night.
I can't see my own hand in front of me.
What I do see, is the torches of what I can only assume are my guards, waiting for me on the other side of the gate... fucking amazing...
Making my way down the path leading to the gate, the gate guardian quickly lets me through before waving goodbye, with an honest smile.
...It appears they made a wrong call with the personnel assignment. A cold killer should be the gate guardian, not someone with a warm smile.
The maid would have been better suited for that.
Ignoring the guardian's farewell, I quickly order the group of guards to follow me a few steps away from the guardian, before I open my mouth and begin to speak in an emotionless tone myself.
„I very much appreciate the courage, all of you have shown today. Deciding to stand behind the doors for me, in case I required help."
The guards immediately let a sweat drop fall to the ground, one each.
„M-My Vozhd... we truly are sorry, butt..." One guard began but shortly fell silent.
„T-There was... a l-little blonde girl a-a-and..." A second one tried to finish, but too, shortly fell silent.
...
„So all of you ran away and decided to leave me in there, all alone, defenceless, and potentially risking my life, because a little... tiny... blond... girl... Appeared in front of you...?" I ask.
„Did I understand that correctly? Was that the case?" I ask again.
...
...
Placing my hand on my face. I decide to just let it slide. But only this time.
„I will pretend this little "accident" never occurred if you escort me safely back to the village."
„Hai. We will not disappoint you, My Vozhd!" One of the guards said, the others nodding with him.
...
...
I fear I will need to revaluate the efficiency of the villages defence if all guards are like these ones here...
And so, our march back to the Human Village begins.
As we walk, I begin to think back to the words the vampire uttered.
"There will be many people that will hate you, as well as many people who will betray you"
...No matter how much I try to deny this sentence... I always find myself to feel afraid of it.
Perhaps she wasn't all that wrong... perhaps...
...
...
I will need to ensure that there is nobody LEFT to hate and betray me.
Hardly will I not be aware of the mere fact, that there still are villagers who do not agree with me being their new leader. It's true, I will not try to conceal that fact.
But that, I can make sure gets resolved, too.
Even if I have t-
„Watch out!"
Pushed to the side, a guard appears to have gone ahead and block an incoming attack, aimed directly at me.
„Quick! After us!"
Immediately, I decide to do as I am told and follow the few guards who started to run away, while two of the tougher ones stayed to cover us.
Running as fast as I could, nearly falling down on the dirty road, which would ruin my beautiful suit, I was quick to catch up to the other guards and directly demanded what was going on.
„Just what was that now!?"
„Youkai attack, one of them almost decapitated you, My Vozhd."
...
...
...
„My Vozhd? Are you feeling alright?"
...
„No, no... I am fine... I appreciate your noble act of saving my life." I say, deciding to take back everything I said about these guards before.
„Let's talk later, we still aren't quite safe here!" One of the guards said and pointed in the direction where we came running from. We could hear sounds of struggle. The two guards who decided to sacrifice themselves for the rest of us, seem to be slowly getting overwhelmed. If they don't receive additional help, they are surely not going to live to see another day.
„Hurry! We aren't far from the village now!" Another said.
...
„No."
„My Vozhd...?"
„We left two men behind. We have to go back and rescue them!" I firmly state.
„But... It's too dangero-"
Nabbing the sword from the coward, I start running back from the direction we came.
„Wait!"
Following after me, all but one decided to go along with the insane act I choose to commit.
Good. The one who didn't come, was the one I took the weapon from.
Arriving from what I can tell was just in time, I notice a guard being knocked down to the ground and about to be sliced by sharp claws, from what it seems to be a beast youkai of sorts, different from the ones who attacked the Human Village not too long ago.
Just in time, I managed to block the attack with the weapon, which I barely managed to hold onto from the pressure the beast youkai was putting on it.
„M-My Vozhd! You came back!?" The guard on the ground was shocked to say the least.
„Shut up and help me, dammit!" I say, through gritted teeth.
The guard immediately snaps back into action and uses his weapon to slice open the exposed belly of the beast.
The beast youkai roared in pain, and quickly jumped back.
„HYAAA!"
Looking to the source of the yell, I noticed the other guard was doing fairly better at fending the second beast youkai off, slicing its head off after what I can tell was a struggle till the end from all the scratches he was covered in.
The badly injured beast youkai, seeing the situation, decides to make a run for it...
No.
Not this time!
„What are y-"
*slice*
...
*thud*
...
...
With a precise slice to its head, I managed to get the sword stuck in its skull. The lifeless husk of the beast fell to the ground and so ends the fight.
With a human victory.
„You... you saved me... My Vozhd, I... Thank you..."
As I turn around, I notice the guard whom I saved start crying, crying tears of joy as he falls on his knees. Being able to live and breathe and not be deceased.
This man, likely has a family. A loving wife, a beautiful child who needs a father such as him to be properly raised and be able to one day, just like his father, protect the others around him... while the others also protect him.
„Think nothing of it. I may be your leader, your Vozhd..."
...
„But that does not mean I will not fight along with you. In battle, all of us are like brothers. And family needs to protect family. No matter the cost." I say, grabbing the guard by the shoulders and having him stand up straight as I dust him off, from all the dust he had on him.
„You truly deserve to be our leader, Our Vozhd. There is no doubt about it now."
„We will do anything you want. We promise to never let you down, just like you have shown us you would never do."
...
...
„Never again. Never again, will I let a human from the village die, if I can do something about it. I promise you that, to all of you." I firmly state.
„Now, let's get out of here before more show up."
With that, we make our way back to the village, this time, only interrupted by several guards rushing towards us after being informed by that one guard about what was going on.
...
...
...Not a single one of them realized, how absolutely terrified I was to the core on the inside...
-Fujiwara no Mokou's POV- (Meanwhile...)
...
...
Nothing works.
Nothing I have tried until now seemed to have any positive effect on Keine.
Just... Just what kind of sickness has taken hold of her?
She doesn't appear to be getting worse anymore, I hope so at least, but...
At the same time, isn't getting any better.
...
I will give it one more day, the bare minimum. With one last idea in my mind on how to possibly help her, I will give it my all to cure her.
And if even that won't do any good...
...
*sigh*
Then... I guess I won't have any other choice but to...
...
Go to Eientei and ask Eirin for help... while also trying my hardest not to slaughter HER when she starts teasing me, for coming to her place and asking Eirin for a solution.
„...Something isn't right, I know it. I just can't figure out what exactly."
The Next Day – Day 3
-3rd Person POV- (Kirisame-ya second-hand shop, early in the morning...)
Yesterday night, Mike managed to convince Mr. Kirisame to allow both Mike and 17, to spend the night in his store until morning. It was just when 17 entered the store after running away from Takeo, when Mr. Kirisame decided so.
However, there was but one condition...
Convince Marisa to visit her father.
Mike, thinking that this was not a problem, agreed.
...Little did he know, that this would prove itself to be more problematic than he could possibly have assumed...
„Again, thanks for letting us spend the night here." Mike said.
„No need to thank me, just do as we agreed." Mr. Kirisame said, about to slide the door shut as both Mike and 17 just went outside.
„Yeah, we'll bring her here once we find her." Mike claimed.
With no need to continue the conversation, Mr. Kirisame slid the door shut and walked off, his footsteps getting less and less audible.
„Alright... What now?" 17 questioned.
„Welp, lets test our luck. Let's go to the shrine and see if that Reimu girl is there." Mike answered, staring to walk down the road they came from yesterday, heading towards the gate.
„W-Wait! What about Marisa? Shouldn't we go look for her first?" 17 inquired.
„Tsk. Come ere. Lemme ask ya something..." Mike said, calling 17 to him with his hand.
As 17 obliges and walks closer to Mike, Mike places his arm around 17 and patted him a few times on his shoulder.
„Y-Yeah...? What is it...?" 17 asked, unsure what Mike wants to do.
„If you could, alright. But only if you could..." Mike said, confusing poor 17 further.
„...If I could...?" 17 asked, slowly.
...
„If you could tell me where the fuck we can find her without risking our fuckin' lives, then please, go ahead." Mike said, without remorse.
...
...
„Get it? We have no way to know where she is. We didn't find her, she found US. The best we can do is go to the shrine and hope that she too, will be hanging around there." Mike explained.
„I-I see. But wait, didn't she say she would come to check on us first thing in the morning...?" 17 recalled.
...
„Boy, do you want to hear my honest opinion?" Mike said, still having his arm around 17.
„Sure?" 17 said, uncertain.
„I know a person, whom knows a person, and that person, is a certain kind of person..."
...
„Uhhhh... ok...?" 17 said under his breath, progressively getting more and more confused.
„In short, do ya honestly believe she will fuckin', not only do that, but also remember it?" Mike asked.
...
„W-Well, I mean... she might? Why wouldn't she?" 17 argued.
„She also said tomorrow, she never specifically mentioned "in the morning."" Mike stated.
...
„I... I guess you do have a point. We could still just... wait?" 17 pushed for one last attempt.
„No way, my gut is telling me to get the fuck outta here as soon as possible. Something bad is going to happen if we stay here any longer, I just know it." Mike said, finally letting 17 free by removing his arm and continuing his walk towards the exit.
„...Okay, fine! Just wait up!" 17 yelled after Mike, who walked quite the distance already, before sprinting after him.
(Near Genbu Ravine, meanwhile...)
Mennini had quite the rough morning. Being forced out of bed to hurry and go back to the spot where both he and Nitori decided to meet up and fully realize the deal.
Mennini wasn't too happy to have to venture out again, but at least this time, he wasn't all alone...
Following close behind Mennini, where several guards, carrying a large cart filled with the agreed resource.
Cucumbers.
As Mennini reached the spot, after getting almost lost a few times, the guards waited behind a few bushes for the agreed upon signal.
Mennini was about to sit down, thinking Nitori was still on her way, only to be greeted by a heart attack, as Nitori jumped out from the bush in front of him.
„Heya, sworn friend!" Nitori said, a happy expression colouring her visage.
„O-Oh, hi. Hello. Please, never do that again..." Mennini said, taking a few moments to calm his beating heart.
„Anyways, about the deal..." Nitori began, her expression turning rather sad. Mennini, expected only the worse.
„The Kappa... agreed!" Switching back to happy, the sound of a cart could be heard being pushed, shortly emerging from behind Nitori.
By a mere glance, one could easily tell it was filled to the brim with various resources. Mostly iron and coal, however.
„Now, what about you?" Nitori asked.
Mennini makes a small whistling sound, to which, the sound of wheels, squeaking from old age are heard emerging from behind Mennini, this time.
Nitori and the Kappa, who were hiding behind the cart filled with the ores for being a bit shy, had stars in their eyes as they starred at the cucumber filled cart being presented to them.
„Everything is here as we agreed, so..." Mennini said, trying to steer of Nitori's attention from the cucumber cart.
Nitori shook her head and said.
„Wait, I still have something to give you."
Nitori ran over to Mennini and pulled something out from her backpack.
It was the revolver and another item.
„Here, I modified it a bit, so it should be more useful." Nitori said, handing the revolver back into Mennini's possession.
„Oh, thank you." Mennini smiled. As he was placing the revolver into his back pocket, he stopped and placed it into his side pocket instead. Better safe than sorry, he thought to himself.
„Also, take this." Nitori said, handing over the second item mentioned earlier. It was...
„Wait... Another revolver?" Mennini wondered outload, confused.
„Yeah, I disassembled the first one before putting it back together to see how it all works and tried to make another one similar to it. It seems to work fine, so here, take it as a bonus to the deal." Nitori said, placing the second revolver into Mennini's left hand.
„See you in a month, sworn friend!" Nitori said, as she and a few Kappa ran over to hijack the cucumber cart and bolted with it as fast as they could.
„Uhh... You too..." Mennini said, to the dust cloud of Nitori.
„Ahem, uh, guards! We have what we came for so... uh... let's get it to the Human Village from which point Johann deals with it... I think." Mennini stated. The guards merely huffed, before pulling together with all their might to slowly get the cart filled with ores to a move. Slowly but surely, it started to accelerate and now Mennini was on his way to deliver the acquired ores.
(Outside the Human Village, meanwhile...)
„Well, waitin' here won't do us any good, will it now?" Mike said.
After leaving past the gate, 17 convinced Mike to at least give it five minutes. Unfortunately, it appears as not even fifty minutes would suffice. Alas, Mike's patience was starting to run out.
He wanted to go home, to his world, which was the outside world, and he wanted to go now. He knew he needed to get to the shrine and get some answers as to why they even got in here, since both of them concluded for a while now, that they can't remember what happened before they appeared out of nowhere into Gensokyo.
„Listen, I get it. You are scared. So am I, you are not alone. But we gotta get movin' if we wish to get back home." Mike said.
„But what are we going to do if we run into a y-youkai? Until now, we've been surviving out of sheer luck! Its bout to end eventually!" 17 said, being aware of the potential hazards waiting for them on their way to the shrine.
„We hide or run, nothin' else we can do. But-" Mike was saying, before being interrupted.
„But what!? We can't hope to outrun every sign of danger! O-Or hope we aren't caught hiding in a bush or something! We already lost Paul because o-"
„Shut." Mike said, silencing 17.
„*sigh* Ight, first off, it wasn't our fault. Paul got tricked by that youkai. He thought it was just a little girl and let his guard down. Secondly, we already walked through the forest yesterday and were mostly uninterrupted, why should that change? Lastly, do you want to go back to our world or not?" Mike firmly said. Expecting no answer as a response.
...
He didn't receive one.
„You still got Paul's knife, right?" Mike asked.
17 upon hearing the question, checked his pockets and fished it out to show it to Mike.
„Hold onto it, so if we do get attacked, ya can defend yourself, ight?" Mike said, slowly getting tired from this.
„...Okay, let's go to the shrine... Just... let's just be careful, alright?" 17 stated.
„Believe me, we'll be more careful than ever before. We just gotta hope we won't face a repeat of yesterday."
Eventually, both Mike and 17 calmed down and began their walk into the forest. After two days since their arrival, a lot of pent up stress had gathered in the minds of both. Being able to release a bit of steam, already made them feel slightly better. Now, with the goal of getting to the shrine. They are prepared to try their best.
As they move along the path, 17 keeps looking around, not only because of slight paranoia, but also because of the pretty scenery.
„You must admit, though. Gensokyo sure is... a pleasing sight of nature." 17 said.
„Eh, you ain't wrong. But that's the point, isn't it." Mike responded.
„Huh? What do you mean?" 17 asked.
„Everything looks magical and pretty, but that's just a disguise. Beneath that outer layer, that's where the true face of it lies. Danger, man-eating beasts, limited freedom due to movement restrictions because the flora might kill you in various ways for all I know." Mike uttered his opinion.
„I... I guess you're right. But, maybe from afar, and without the knowledge of what lies in it, it would be a beauty out of this world..." 17 said, not paying much attention to the conversation.
„Well, it certainly is "otherworldly" to say the least, I'll give you that." Mike said, under his breath.
*crack*
Both of them freeze on the spot. After hearing a sound which sounded either like someone stepping on a twig, snapping it in half, or something, cracking someone's bones.
Mike snaps out of his frozen state and quickly drags 17 down to the floor with him. Both now crouching, they sneak their way into a few bushes and wait for several minutes, before one of them dares to silently whisper out loud.
„W-What was that...?" 17 whispered.
„Shh..." Mike silenced 17 quickly, observing the surroundings in front of them for movement.
...
...
!
„Look, over there." Mike whispered into 17's ear while pointing at whatever he spotted.
Through the forest emerged something curious. It was a cart, filled with ores from what the both of them could tell. However, the most interesting thing about it were the people who were escorting it.
For amongst them, there were a few familiar faces...
„Look, if it isn't the man in brown himself. Johann von... something..." Mike whispered, pointing towards the man who is known as Johann and who wears a brown suit along with a brown fedora.
Among them, however, was someone only 17 knew about.
„Mike, do you see that guy?" 17 whispered, pointing at a man who wore a kimono, which had something written in red on the right sleeve.
„Yeah, what about him?" Mike asked, in a low voice.
„That guy attacked me yesterday night, when I was out." 17 informed, still whispering.
„What!? Why and why didn't you tell me about that!?" Mike angrily said, making sure not to be too loud.
„I was standing outside, when I noticed Johann walking down the road. Deciding to follow him, I ended up at a place called "Suzunaan" he was doing something inside but I wasn't sure what exactly." 17 informed Mike, taking a break to see if they had noticed them.
„What? Alright, we can figure that out later. But what about that guy? When did he attack you?" Mike asked, with a silent but concerned voice.
„Couldn't exactly hear what was going on inside the building, so I sneaked behind it and placed my ear on the wall to maybe hear something and it worked. I... may have gotten too absorbed and didn't notice the guy approach me from behind..." 17 whispered, feeling a bit ashamed.
„Happens. But, is that the point when he attacked?"
„No, he just wanted me to get back inside my house I guess. I don't know why, but when I took too long to do that, he started getting irritated to the point of trying to slash me with his blade." 17 finished explaining what happened to Mike, not so silent anymore since the cart has long been out of reach.
„Do you know his name?" Mike asked one last question.
„Takeo. That's all he gave me when I asked who he is." 17 responded.
Mike grabbed 17 by his hand and started to sneak into the direction where the cart went. This concerned 17.
„W-What are you doing!?" 17 asked, trying to break free from Mike's grip on his hand.
„We gotta see where does fuckers are heading. Something about that ore filled cart just screams trouble. Get a better grip on that knife, will ya? We might need it if shit gets tight." Mike stated, determined to figure things out for once.
„Mike! I will NOT kill anyone!" 17 stated, pulling his hand back, making Mike lose his grip.
Mike started to look at 17 and the direction the cart went, frantically.
Until...
*sigh*
„Okay, fine. We won't get too close. But let's at least watch em from a distance. Their headed in the direction we need to go anyways, yeah?" Mike, clearing his mind and deciding to take on a more careful approach, said.
„Good. That seems safer and better. Mike, I know you mean only good but there were too many guards o-or whoever those people are! A single small knife would do nothing to fend all of them off!" 17 explained his reasoning.
„Ye, ye... Your right... The tension of the moment just got to my head. *sigh* We gotta keep a cool head, alright." Mike reaffirmed.
17 nodded.
With that, the chase begun. The objective was clear... Get the cart in sight and figure out how the hell Johann is involved.
(The ore cart, at the same time...)
Ever since Mennini delivered the cart behind the village out of the villager's sight, as Mr. A suggested would be the best course of action, Johann and Mr. A's men took charge of it and went on record speeds to deliver it to Eientei.
Mr. A assured a safe passage but warned not to mess around and hurry. Johann agreed to have it be done as soon as possible. After all, they needed to obtain the new weapons, fast. If they wanted the village to be able to fight of any threat, they needed training. Lots of training.
This wouldn't be an issue, normally. However, they only had a single day to do so. After Anton arrived yesterday in the middle of the night, he quickly warned Mr. A and Johann, who arrived shortly after Anton did, that they needed to ensure the loyalty of every villager, no matter the cost.
Mr. A agreed right away, not questioning it. However, Johann seemed curious. Johann noticed a distressed aura coming from Anton, he could only imagine what had happened to get Anton so worked up.
In the end, it was settled upon that tonight, there would be a crackdown on those who have doubts in the Vozhd.
Johann didn't care much, unlike Mennini who whilst remaining silent, didn't agree with the plans he heard.
Johann just wanted to get the job done and return to his studies about this world and its magic, for he has found... books... of interesting origins, which intrigued him greatly.
„Not long now, the start of the Bamboo Forest of the Lost is right in front of us." Takeo informed.
„Yes. I am, quite aware. However, do we have a guide at disposal?" Johann asked.
„Hai. There should be a rabbit by the entrance, which will get us there safely." Takeo informed.
„Hm, good." Johann finished the short conversation, as they kept going until they reached the entrance.
„Hehe, welcome! So you're the ones I am supposed to get to Eientei, huh?" Said a short rabbit girl, sitting on a large rock by the bamboo forest entrance.
The short rabbit girl, also known as Tewi, was quick to hop on down from the rock and quickly approaching Johann and Takeo while the rest of Mr. A's men waited patiently.
„Obviously. We have the ores, just guide us to where to drop the off." Johann stated, swiftly.
„Yea, yea! No need to be in such a hurry old man! You still got some years ahead of you! ...maybe..." Tewi said, snickering in her hand before moving into the forest. Johann didn't seem to care about that comment. Only slightly adjusting his round glasses.
„C'mon! This way!" Tewi said, ordering them to follow her.
Soon, the cart is once more in motion, moving slowly at first, but gaining speed over time as they venture deeper and deeper.
„Just stay on track and mind the traps! I won't take the blame if you activate them or fall into a hole or two!" Tewi warned, snickering for a moment.
...
As they left, two more men arrived by the bamboo forest entrance. Having heard everything which was said, they had to make a choice.
„Ight, so, this could prove to be an issue." Mike concluded, having his hands placed on the side of his nose, thinking what to do next.
„Well... Traps are one thing but, I assume from the name this bamboo forest has, getting lost could be another concerning issue to deal with." 17 said, analysing the best course of action.
...
„Ight, 17, I think that's our stop. I can't be bothered to deal with traps and getting lost. Let's just turn around and go to the shrine now, as we originally plan...ned...to..." Mike was saying, getting silent.
„What's wrong? Cat got your... ton...gue...?" 17 quickly understood why.
For both of them, after turning around to go back, were met with a certain someone they had the pleasure to encounter once before, and feared the day they would meet that someone once more.
It was...
„Hello mister one and mister two! I am Rumia, who are you?"
-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)
Takeo – Accepting (Loyal to Mr. A)
Paul Garmith – ?
Mike Victorn – Furious
17 – Suspicious (Friends with Mike)
Villagers – Accepting
Guards – Fully Loyal
Youkai – Irritated
Kappa – Friendly
Eientei – Supportive
SDM – Indifferent
(More factions will be added when the need arrives...)