Chapter 6: Curiosity and Faith
The Forest of Magic is vast and dense, and at times to one lost amidst the sunless green below its canopy, it may seem as though the trees go on forever, that one could walk for a hundred lifetimes and still never again see the sky. However, east or west, all woods must fail, and if one simply placed one foot ahead of the other enough, the claustrophobic darkness will at last make way for light. Continue onwards from the shadows, and you may see as you stagger from the choking confines of ivy and oak a small, worn down shop. To one unfamiliar with Kourindou, it may seem as though the building is as old as the forest, and with a rich history to match. The mouldering wood and cluttered mishmash of detritus scattered around the store tell the illusion of an ancient story, and yet the erection of its first supports lives within the memory of even such fleeting souls as humans.
Kourindou is a strange place, made no less so by its owner, Rinnosuke Morichika. The space within the building is packed full to bursting with a variety of strange artefacts, many of them serving no real purpose, and yet the shopkeeper would have it no other way. Every item, every piece of the thousandfold fragments of another life was a treasure to Rinnosuke, and he would no sooner part with any of them than with his own life. Each item told a story, and although he could not fathom how to actually use most of his collection, he was well acquainted with their tales. As the cry of an avian youkai split the silence of the early morning, and as the dawn sun met his bleary eyes, he ran his fingers along the spine of a nearby manga and smiled. He could feel each moment of the author's work, each loving stroke of the pen as it wove the story to life. He could sense the stress of the deadline, the passion to create, the satisfaction of completion, as though he himself had drawn it. Yes, in truth, he had no idea what the story was about, but each time he touched it he felt every fragment of the author's passion, and that was enough for him.
Affixing his glasses to his face and letting out a yawn, Rinnosuke rose from his bed and waded through the various assorted knick-knacks and miscellaneous detritus covering his dusty floor. With a flick of his wrist, he swivelled a sign in his window and silently declared to the world that Kourindou was open for business. Content in his trivial efforts, he planted himself on a strange wheeled chair from the "Germany" prefecture and awaited the day's lack of customers. A minute passed in idle contemplation as Rinnosuke toyed idly with a small colourful puzzle cube called "Rubik's", then three more. He had almost aligned the colours on three sides when his attention was distracted by a great rushing of air, then the chiming of a bell as his shop door was thrust open. It slammed against a loose stack of manga, knocking them over with a thud. He looked up, locking his gaze with the excited red eyes of Aya Shameimaru, a bundle of freshly-printed newspapers in her hands, her body wreathed in a shroud of black feathers as her wings retreated back below her skin.
"Aya," stated Rinnosuke, "I had thought you might be Marisa here to steal more of my wares. Somehow, I am disappointed."
Aya smiled, planting a solid slab of paper onto Rinnosuke's counter with a flourish. The words "Bunbunmaru Extra!" occupied much of the front page, written in bright, colourful ink. "Come on, a curious man like you? Who else should want more to read the news?"
Rinnosuke pushed his glasses further up his nose and gave a slight cough. "Miss Aya, if what you wrote was indeed news, perhaps I should be interested. Perhaps all of Gensokyo should be interested, but as it stands, I would find more pertinent information from those "Evangelion" manga you knocked over upon your entry."
Aya recoiled as if stung, but her smile only grew wider. "Maybe your outside world stories have words for how hurt I am to hear you say that. Wait until you read this week's Extra before you say such hurtful things."
Rinnosuke gave a small sigh and nodded. "Very well," he lied. "I will read your newspaper. Thank you."
Aya gave a slight bow. "Spreading the news is my job, sir. If you wish to subscribe to Bunbunmaru News, we could always use the money."
With that, two black feathered wings burst from her back, and she lowered herself as if preparing to jump. Reflexively, Rinnosuke plugged his ears, so as not to be deafened by the sharp crack of the tengu breaking the sound barrier. He idly reached down to toss the newspaper onto one of the various piles around him, but stopped as his hands brushed the paper's surface. He could feel it, excitement, fear, grief, and a burning need to tell the world. This was something genuine, perhaps the first truly meaningful article in the newspaper's history. His eyes passed the bright declaration adorning the top of the page and locked with the headline, and he felt his stomach churning.
"Death toll rises as Gensokyo's deadliest incident in 20 years continues."
His eyes skimmed past the various lines promising information deeper within the paper. "Interview with a Fox Shikigami who witnessed nothing but was supposed to: Page 4." "Who is Lady C? Interview with a follower of Gensokyo's newest craze: Page 6." His gaze settled first on one large image, then a smaller pair. Firstly, a spectacular image of the Scarlet Devil Manor, completely flattened by some devastating power. Next, a series of faces, marked with the words "Confirmed deaths". His eyes clearly made out amidst the crowd the red ribbon of Reimu Hakurei, and the black hat of Marisa Kirisame. He gripped the paper, scrunching it between his fingers, searching for a hint of humour in its writer's mind, but all he could see was a grim determination to find the truth and share it with the world.
"Marisa," he muttered, "Why do they think you're dead?"
Rinnosuke scratched his head in confusion, adjusting his glasses once again out of habit. Marisa Kirisame had visited his shop frequently, such that her cocky, self-satisfied smile was etched permanently into his mind. Indeed, he had known her since she was small, and a more obstinate, tenacious girl he had never met. Trial after trial he had witnessed her summit, never once faltering… There was no way that an unstoppable will like that could simply die! Regardless, the paper also named Reimu, and he knew enough of the red and white Shrine Maiden to know that if the heavens themselves split apart and the world burned to ashes she would remain untouched. Curiosity peaked, and thoughts tinged with apprehension, Rinnosuke began to read.
"Although most Gensokyans may be entirely unaware of its mere existance, this latest incident has already claimed more lives than any since the introduction of the Spell Card System. Yet, despite this unprecedented lethality, it is not accompanied by any of the flash or splendour typically associated with high-level incidents. Instead of red mist, there's simply a red trail from the Forest of Magic all the way to the Misty Lake. Instead of cold winter, there's simply cold-blooded murder. Without the clash and clamour of a standard incident, this latest debacle which I call the 'Phantom Killer' incident might have gone unnoticed by most. However, I, Star Reporter Aya Shameimaru, have been diligently -on the case to find out all the details I can."
Rinnosuke shook his head at Aya's self-congratulatory language, and continued.
"According to a key insectoid witness who would prefer to remain anonymous, the incident started with the mysterious murder of Marisa Kirisame. Here is an exact transcript of the witness's account.
'I didn't see it myself, see, but one of my moth friends was there y'know. Ah, not at the murder, I mean, but at the fight. Oh yeah, that puppeteer Lisa or something, she fought against the Shrine Maiden, Raymo. Supposedly they were mad about the murder. Oh yeah, it was that magician, Malissa, she got murdered and Lisa found her. Actually a centipede friend told me Lisa was the one what buried her. One of her friends saw the fight but it was too bright to see any faces and she ran away anyway. Anyway, my moth friend said that they seemed to blame each other, and then they fought, and anyway, Raymo knocked Lisa twelve ways to Sunday. Then there was some fairy gave her some paper and she went absolutely crazy and started murdering left and right, youkai and fairies and such. That was when she came to let me know, cuz she wanted me to hide, the moth I mean. See, insects are really useful, don't you know? Well, she didn't tell me in words, but I could tell what she meant. Hey that doesn't mean moths aren't helpful, okay? Okay? Good, glad we sorted that out. Ah, but hey, I don't really want that Raymo to beat me up again so don't let her know it was me in your new scraper or whatever it is you're writing. Hey, can I go now? Please let me go. Please don't hurt me anymore, scary Tengu.'
Following this account, the witness proceeded to cry until released, at which point he or she retreated into the depths of the Forest of Magic at speed. However, her or his testimony did give me the all-important leads to follow in order to piece together this troublesome story, starting with confirming the death of 'Malissa', who I eventually deduced to in fact be the witch and known incident solver Marisa Kirisame. With the assistance of several helpful fairies, I was eventually able to find the supposed location of the murder. It was a small clearing deep within the Forest of Magic, home to a run-down old shrine. I noted that the population of fairies present in the area around the clearing was higher than usual, but upon questioning I received many tears but no useful information.
The first thing I noticed upon entering the clearing was that it was, in fact, almost certain that Marisa Kirisame had been present recently, and had engaged in combat. Sheltered from the wind and rain beneath the trees, the scorch marks left from a battle had barely degraded, and I was able to clearly make out the unmistakable star-shaped patterns in the grass. There were also various trails burned into the ground from a variety of lasers, including one particularly large and impressive crater that seemed to match the size and power of a Master Spark. Having engaged in danmaku with miss Kirisame multiple times in the past, I was quickly able to recognise the damage. That, combined with the fact that the nearby shrine was completely stripped bare of books or valuables, gave me all the information I required to confirm her presence at the location. However, what I was unable to locate was any sign of her opponent. There was damage to the trees that did not fit with Marisa's usual danmaku, but nothing solid that I could recognise.
As I looked around, I did in fact notice a small grave, marked with a sign that did specify it as belonging to miss Kirisame, although that could just as easily have been misleading. Indeed, it struck me as likely that it was in fact Marisa's opponent that was buried there, for as I inspected the crater left by her Master Spark, I noticed a decrease in scorching and impact towards the middle in roughly the size and shape of a person. This matched with Marisa's typical method of execution, implying that she was fighting a youkai, and won. This should wrap up the story with a neat bow, and yet, I remained suspicious. I couldn't exactly dig up a grave, but had I done so, I was unsure if I would find miss Kirisame or her youkai opponent. Could she perhaps have chosen to fake her own death? If so, why?
Muddling over the question, I journeyed to the scene of my second clue. At this point, the night was quite late, but to the sharp eyes and mind of a Tengu darkness or light mean nothing. I approached the home of miss Kirisame, and sure enough, I found the signs of a battle, although there were none present in its aftermath. This time the belligerents were far easier to isolate, the broken dolls and charred talismans all spoke to a battle between Reimu Hakurei and Alice Margatroid. Judging by the damage, it is estimated that miss Hakurei won, and similarly to the witness's account, there was in fact the remains of several fairies present. By this time, their bodies had started returning to the earth, yet they were still quite recognisable. Upon investigation, I did indeed find the remnants of various fairies and youkai scattered around nearby, leading out of the forest in a rough trail of carnage. Of course, as Gensokyo's primary incident solver Reimu Hakurei is not above executing troublesome youkai, but the ferocity and mercilessness displayed here took me by surprise. Obviously, miss Hakurei was quite troubled, lending some credence to the witness's story."
Rinnosuke blinked, adjusting his glasses and rereading the last paragraph to make sure there was no error. Returning his eyes to the confirmed fatalities, he noticed for the first time that nearly all the photographs were of various youkai. He winced as he noticed that, in lieu of pictures taken while most of the victims were alive, many of the faces were splattered with gore, bearing expressions of the utmost fear and horror.
"Reimu," he thought, "This is extreme, even for you..."
He turned the page and continued to read.
"Not entirely undisturbed, I nevertheless followed the path of bloodshed all the way to its conclusion at the Scarlet Devil Manor. At times there were large stretches with no violence, but still each footstep taken left a crust of dried blood. This made me wonder, why was miss Hakurei walking? Whenever we have fought, she has flown with a skill I must admit surprises me to see in a human. Perhaps she did not feel light or carefree enough to float as she normally would? Again, my thoughts turned to the grave in the woods, but soon they were distracted as I at last arrived within sight of the Manor. It was flattened, completely blown apart, and in places the stones were melted by some great heat. Charred books and broken furniture were scattered about along with the stone debris, and in one corner the grand clock tower lay, shattered and silent. In all my centuries of life, I have rarely seen a building suffer such utter devastation.
With haste, I approached the inhabitants, and assessed the situation. Firstly, I saw the mistress of the house, Remilia Scarlet, arguing rather heatedly with the shikigami, Ran Yakumo. Upon further inspection, I saw the witch Patchouli Knowledge looking quite forlorn, sifting through the ruined books scattered around the rubble with the devil Koakuma. Finally, I saw the human, Sakuya Izayoi, looking rather worse for wear, being frantically treated by a rabble of fairy maids. She was bruised, battered, and missing her right hand. Reimu Hakurei was nowhere to be seen.
Quickly, I began to take photographs of the surroundings, until I suddenly noticed a reddish blur approaching me, at which point I politely lowered my camera. Obviously tired and rather distraught, Remilia Scarlet told me in no uncertain terms that her property was at this time closed to the press. Of course, I would be a rather lax reporter if I allowed myself to be dissuaded so easily, and I demanded an interview.
If I was not already aware of the severity of the incident, the weakness of Remilia's danmaku would have alerted me. She was making a concerted effort not to show it, but obviously she was quite severely demoralised and tired. Below is a picture of her mediocre spellcard, 'Crimson Dervish'. Next to it is an older photograph of a more powerful spell card, 'Red in the Nightless Castle.' This should emphasise the difference."
Rinnosuke scanned the images, and could immediately see the disparity, The first showed a blinding flash of light that engulfed most of the photo, the second a spinning vampire with large gaps between her danmaku. "Although," he thought to himself with a smirk, "I don't doubt that either of those attacks would be more than a match for me." He chuckled slightly and continued to read.
"Obviously, I quickly noted the half-hearted nature of her offence, and took the moment to ask if she would instead prefer to talk quietly over some tea. As if confirming her exhaustion, she quickly agreed, although she was sure to paint it as a forfeit on my part.
With no maid to prepare tea, I invited her to my cottage in the Tengu Village, and there we had a brief but informative conversation. I will provide a transcript below.
Me: So, Lady Remilia. I notice your home has been demolished. What caused this, exactly?
Remilia: I had some… Pest problems. I have dealt with them accordingly, however.
Me: Do you mean your home was demolished by an intruder? Was it miss Hakurei?
Remilia: Yes, that was her. She appeared out of nowhere, disabled my staff, destroyed my property, and dared to challenge me. Of course I had to punish her impudence.
Me: So, you engaged in danmaku with miss Hakurei?
Remilia: I had intended to, but she was unwilling to play fairly. I had to remind her why the rules she was breaking were created in the first place.
Me: Do you mean that miss Hakurei was in fact refusing to abide by the Spell Card Rules?
Remilia: Yes, exactly. Of course I can understand that she realised without cheating she was never going to beat me, but I can't fathom as to why she thought she would be able to win an unfair fight, either. Perhaps the simple mind of a human simply cannot comprehend the difference in power between us?
Me: Did you too break the Spell Card Rules?
Remilia (shifting uncomfortably): I did promise to fight fairly with danmaku, and a devil never breaks her promise… Although, obviously one's opponent should be allowed to set the terms of the battle, right? So, it's not breaking a promise to play by the rules set by one's challenger?
Me: So, where is miss Hakurei now?
Remilia: Where does a mouse go when it challenges a cat? Where does a cat when it challenges a wolf? I will not apologise for simply standing higher on the food… Chain…
At this point, Remilia's words petered off, some concern of the past obviously taking priority over my interview. I leaned in closer to ask more questions, but at that point she rose to her feet, announced that the interview was over, and took off.
Sensing that she was obviously suffering with some trauma, I elected to give her some space, as I already had enough information to begin writing this article. However, an hour had yet to pass when Lady Scarlet returned, slamming two items down onto my table. One, a charred and bloodstained black hat, and the other, a broken gohei. She locked eyes with me, and I must admit that I was mildly intimidated, for it was clear that she was taken by some fury. With a quiet reverence I have not seen from her in some time, she announced the following to me.
'Here is something to write in your paper, Tengu. Reimu Hakurei is dead. I killed her. I wish her luck in her next life, I truly do, may she be reborn as a creature greater than the pitiful human she was. It was not her that is to blame. I found this in the bloodied scraps of clothing left behind.'
She waved a blood-soaked scrap of paper, bearing a bat-shaped seal. I could not make out many of the words, but before I could ask what they were, she continued.
'Some fool dared to forge my writing, forge my seal, and lie about me, and whoever it was killed the Black-White witch, Marisa Kirisame. Yes, that obnoxious thief would often steal from my manor, but in truth I never cared beyond mild irritation. I had always planned to retrieve the books upon her death, no real harm done, and my friend Patchouli spoke highly of her magic. I would not stoop so low as to prey upon a helpless sheep such as her, and yet this wretched liar blames me for her murder! Write this into your newspaper, Tengu. If anyone has even the slightest scrap of information that leads me to this deceiver, I will personally owe them my favour, and a devil never goes back on her word. Youkai, fairy, even human, I do not care how low your status. Help me find the one who so brazenly dishonoured me, and I will promise you reward beyond the imagining of your feeble mind.'
With that, she stalked away in a particularly flashy manner, leaving me with three important pieces of information.
1). Marisa Kirisame and Reimu Hakurei are, indeed, dead.
2). Both deaths have been orchestrated by some unknown figure.
3). That figure has now drawn the ire of at least one of Gensokyo's strongest powers, if not more.
It was at this point I realised the true scale of the incident currently unfolding. In all the years since the dawn of the Spell Card Rule, the two powers of Marisa Kirisame and Reimu Hakurei had remained untouched. Time and time again, they emerged from battle victorious, and yet… For both to fall in as many nights, for the long-standing rule to be broken…
The Bunbunmaru Newspaper exists to tell of the truth, and in doing so it is important for us to remain impartial, but I simply cannot here. Evidently Gensokyo is dealing with a new kind of threat altogether, one that works in the shadows and hides from sight. It is clear from the dead that those targeted are any with the skill and drive to solve incidents. Our mystery instigator is trying to strip Gensokyo of its defences. Something big is in the works, I am certain of it. Youkai, humans, fairies, all of you good readers, I ask of you, please be careful."
Rinnosuke finished the last paragraph of the article, closing the paper with a sigh. So, then. It was true. That cheeky, fearless face was lost under the earth. Marisa Kirisame and Reimu Hakurei were gone, and there was nobody left to protect the peace and quiet of Gensokyo. He had read enough stories to know what was to come next, and his skin crawled at the thought. Without the deterrent of Marisa and Reimu, all the lesser youkai that had been biding their time would at last act as they pleased. The powers of Gensokyo had maintained a delicate balance for all these years, but at last that balance had shattered, and the fragile peace was about to break into splinters. Of course, he, Rinnosuke, would be fine. As a half-breed youkai, he shared kinship with both humans and youkai, and as such both would spare him, but what life was that? Cowering in his shop while the world outside bled? And, if he was honest with himself, there was no small spark of anger at the loss of Marisa. He remembered holding the girl in his arms when she was merely four years old, laughing as she grabbed for his glasses and tucked them into her dress. He remembered the months upon months of sweat and toil he poured into her weapon. Her mischievous eyes were forever burned into his soul.
Before he even knew what he was doing, he was gathering an assortment of items into a satchel, stepping out his door, and calling into the wind, "Aya! Aya Shameimaru!"
Three seconds passed. The wind howled, blasting the hair back from Rinnosuke's brow, as the Tengu came to a screaming halt not two meters from him.
"Yes?" she asked, curiously.
Rinnosuke gulped, uncertain as to whether his choice was brave or foolish. "The vampire, Remilia, she knows more than she told you."
Aya rolled her eyes. "Of course, I'm not stupid, but one would do best not to antagonise a vampire. Especially one as weak as you."
Rinnosuke grit his teeth. "I'm going to ask her a couple of questions. If you'll give me a lift, you can hear them."
Aya laughed. "Ah, this is about the witch, isn't it? Well, it's not as though I have any other leads, so sure."
Aya Shameimaru
Reporter of the Wind
Chishiki Libre lowered the newspaper, closing it with a delicate movement, before absorbing it into her skin. She smiled, a warm, gentle smile, flashing her perfect white teeth at the rough array of youkai, fairies, and humans around her.
"Well," she spoke, in a gentle voice. "It seems that our reporter friend has caught wind of our actions. The people of Gensokyo now know of the mysterious killer haunting the night, the monster that slays the wicked."
She gracefully strode over to a fairy standing nearby to her left, and placed a delicate hand under her chin. Her warm, pure eyes radiated love and light as she stared into the fairy's soul.
"Tell me," she asked, "Am I a monster?"
The fairy blushed, covering her face with her wings. "No, my lady," she replied. "You are our saviour! The one that brings us hope!"
Chishiki smiled, returning to her seat at the head of the humble table.
"And yet… I did kill those poor girls." An ink-black tear rolled down her cheek as she gave a slight sob. "Their blood is on my hands. Was it right? Could we have saved them instead?"
A winged youkai rushed over to her, grasping her hand. "My lady, no! You did what you had to!"
Chishiki nodded, wiping the tears from her face and rising once more to her feet. "Yes, I know."
She strode around the table, brushing her hand across the head of all she passed.
"I promised I would build for all of you the world that you deserve, a world they would never have allowed. I will do what I must to do this for you. I will take what sins I must into my soul to protect you all, but I pray that in the end all the bloodshed and turmoil will stop. Each life that must end is a beautiful story cut tragically short."
She placed her hands firmly upon the table, grasping a sake cup and a smooth, white bottle.
"The people of Gensokyo need our guidance in these dark times. We will burn away the wickedness and cruelty and build paradise! We will all come together. That is why we are here, in this village, but first… Before we look to the future, we must honour the past."
She filled the cup with sake from the bottle, raising it to the sky.
"A toast, in honour of all that have fallen to build our better future, be it for days, or forever. To Sprig Oakleaf!"
A rousing cheer passed around the table. "To Sprig Oakleaf!"
Chishiki refilled the cup, once more raising it aloft. "To Lin Daisy!"
"To Lin Daisy!" echoed the crowd.
Again and again, the cup rose skyward, until at last Chishiki called, "To Marisa Kirisame!"
Silence fell across the table. Chishiki looked around at all the faces, curiosity and surprise reflected in their eyes.
"My lady," spoke up a small fairy after several seconds, "Wasn't miss Kirisame an enemy of ours? Wasn't she an evil threat to our perfect world?"
Chishiki placed the cup delicately upon the table, walking around its side until she stood over the fairy. The tiny figure quivered, cowering from the goddess towering over her.
Chishiki lowered a gentle hand, grasping the fairy softly and raising her to meet her eyes. She gave a soft, merciful smile, running her other hand over the fairy's head.
"My dear," she crooned, "There is no life that should be taken idly. Those that we must destroy to build our utopia are not monsters. They are martyrs to our cause, just as much as any of us that falls in our mission. Yes, we must fight, but we can never allow ourselves to hate. For our perfect world, for your better life, she had to die, but think of it as a necessary sacrifice. She gave her life for our future, and willing or not, this makes her death one worthy of honour."
Placing the fairy back upon her seat, she spun around to address the entire assembly.
"Hear me, all of you. Each life we must take, for more lives yet to come must we erase, for each of them we will raise a cup in honour. Much must be sacrificed to build a better tomorrow, so much more must still be broken, yet never forget this simple fact. We do not kill in thought of vengeance or hatred, but in hope of a better future!"
Grasping the cup once more in her hands, she raised it to the sky.
"Now, once more, from all of us. To Marisa Kirisame!"
A mass of hands shot upwards as one, the echoing roar filling the small, crowded room, bouncing off the wooden walls and into the ears of the mass. "To Marisa Kirisame!"
"To Reimu Hakurei!"
"To Reimu Hakurei!"
There was a slight clattering as sake cups were once more placed upon the table. The crowd began to grow red in the cheeks, as the effects of the sake slowly took effect. Chishiki smiled, showing no sign that the alcohol had effected her remotely. Striding to the door, she turned one last time to give her farewell.
"My dear, beloved children! You may all remain here, to eat, to drink, and to laugh as one. It is time for me to at last reveal myself to Gensokyo, to spread my message to the desparate and the powerless, but the time has not yet come for you to rise to my side. On this bright, hopeful day, smile and be merry, for the sun will soon set over a desperate world. Peace and tranquillity may soon be rare commodities, and before the light returns forever, we shall all have to face this one last, greatest night! Yet, that is for the future! For now, revel in the brilliant tomorrow we will all build together! When I return, we shall at last prepare to take what the powers of the world have denied us all for all these years!"
She flared back her hair, origami butterflies fluttering from her in swarms. "With ink and quill, we write our world!" she roared.
"With ink and quill, we write our world!" echoed the crowd uproariously.
In a fluid motion, Chishiki turned, pushing aside the doors and striding out of the dingy hall, purpose in her steps. As she stepped out onto the rough cobblestones of the Human Village, she felt her ink-black heart beat just a little faster. She looked around at the various humans all around her, marching to and fro amidst the merchant's stalls and houses.
She dared not let it reach her face, but the urge was in her to smile, an urge she seldom felt. Here was prey, desperate, greedy, hungry for the promise of hope. All it would take is a gentle smile, a few honeyed words, and the painting of a better life… Their wills were hers. Their faith was ripe and ready to be picked.
Mystia Lorelei
Songbird of Maddening Tune
Rinnosuke gasped as his feet at last met once again with the ground. Aya's photos had not impressed upon him the sheer scale of the devastation wrought upon the Scarlet Devil Manor, and whilst airborne his principle concerns had simply been holding on to Aya for dear life. Even if he had looked, the wind pressing against him like a vice would have rendered him blind.
Rinnosuke had never been present at the scene of a truly spectacular fight between Gensokyo's strongest, indeed, he made it his business to keep it that way. After all, even the efforts of a middling youkai would be enough to break him apart, idly gawking at truly cataclysmic battles would be a foolish risk to his life. Still, he had occasionally witnessed the scars cut into the earth afterwards, so he believed that he at least had a reasonable idea as to what to expect. This, however, was like nothing he'd seen before. The manor had been blown apart, with debris lying as far from the ruins as his eyes could perceive, and he could still make out two deep rends in the earth cutting clean through the manor's foundation and coming to a halt more than a full kilometre from its start. Then, out front, a crater, as though a huge orb had been pounded into the ground by the hammer of a giant, and grass all around shredded not from contact, but sheer wind force. He let out a gulp, steeling his nerves. Trembling, he placed one foot ahead of the other, walking slowly but purposefully towards the large, hastily-assembled gazebo from which no light escaped. That was where she was, he was sure of it.
As he approached the door, a tottering figure of a woman wove towards him, barely staying upright on her exhausted legs. Her arm wrapped tightly in bandages, her face plagued by exhaustion and pain, Sakuya nevertheless stood between the door and Rinnosuke.
"Nobody..." she started, clutching her head. "Nobody sees the Mistress uninvited."
Rinnosuke gave a calm smile, noticing as Aya smugly took a seat upon the air and began to observe. "I understand, my good lady, but if you remember, I was invited. Myself and everyone else in Gensokyo that may have the information your Mistress desires."
Sakuya gave a suspicious frown. "For all I know you could be here to assassinate the Mistress while she sleeps. I… I aughta test your power first."
She drew a handful of throwing knives from her dress, in response to which Rinnosuke staggered back. Frantically, he gestured around at the devastation around them. "My dear lady, look around. If I was powerful enough to hurt one that can endure a battle of this scale and, judging by her photograph, come out entirely unscathed, I assure you that you would have heard of me!"
As he staggered, a fan of knives appeared before his face. He recoiled, but too slowly, and he closed his eyes as the knives sped towards his chest. Then, just as suddenly, they vanished. The maid nodded.
"If… If you couldn't dodge that," she murmured, "I suppose you really are powerless… However, I must insist that Tengu remain where I can see her. I know what she can do."
As she said this, she slid down the wall of the gazebo, prompting Aya to let out a laugh. "My," she tittered, "Whatever did Remilia do to earn such a dedicated servant?"
Sakuya glowered. "She's Lady Remilia to you. Be more respectful."
A fairy maid came hurrying over, grabbing Sakuya by her uninjured arm. "Miss Sakuya," she called urgently, "You really should be resting! You've lost too much blood!"
Sakuya weakly pulled her arm free. "I'm fine. Mistress Remilia needs me more than ever right now. Do you have any idea what she's lost?"
The fairy resumed her futile tugging, replying, "Yes, I know, but you're no use to her dead!"
Sakuya again pulled herself free. Her dazed expression grew worse, and her words began to slur. "No, you don't know at all. She's lost the home she's lived in for hundreds of years. She's lost everything she owns. Do you know how upset she was that she killed Reimu? She kept telling me, she didn't mean to, she got carried away, she forgot how fragile humans are, but that doesn't make her less dead."
Sakuya's eyes began to flutter closed, as she placed a hand upon the floor to steady herself. "Then she got scared half to death by that gap youkai… She was just saying she didn't know what she'd do if I died, although I told her it wouldn't be that hard to find a replacement. Got called stupid. She said she needs me. I'm never going to let her down again. Not after she forgave me for my failure last night. Never again..."
A quiet, level voice muttered from the doorway to the gazebo, "Moon and Water Sign: Sailor's Respite." Within seconds, Sakuya was quietly snoring, as three fairies carried her back to a ramshackle clinic erected in the remains of the servant's quarters. Rinnosuke and Aya saw as Patchouli Knowledge emerged from the darkness within the structure's belly, a glowing spellbook in her arms. She looked at the pair impassively, before locking eyes with Aya.
"If any of what Sakuya just said ends up in your newspaper," she calmly stated, "I will personally turn your entire mountain into an active volcano. Are we clear?"
Aya laughed. "You expect me to turn down such an enlightening testament?"
Patchouli nodded, fire flickering at her fingertips. "Yes. Miss Izayoi is not within her right mind. Her statements cannot be taken as accurate, nor is she in any position to give consent to publication. Furthermore, as the situation stands right now, I would be most hesitant to attract Lady Remilia's ire, nor my own."
"Understood," replied Aya. "Without Reimu or Marisa, now might be a bad time for a rampaging vampire to strike."
At the mention of Marisa's name, Patchouli noticably twitched, and the fire licking at her fingertips flared up for a moment. However, any sign of emotion quickly faded, to be replaced with the usual impassive expression. Her gaze shifted to Rinnosuke.
"You. Are you the shopkeeper of Kourindou, Rinnosuke?"
Rinnosuke nodded.
"Tell me, do you sell books at Kourindou?"
"I sell pretty much everything at Kourindou, if you can find it."
Patchouli made a small note on a booklet, quickly returning it to a fold within her dress.
"I see. Do you wish to meet with Lady Remilia?"
Rinnosuke nodded again.
"Interesting. Well, I sense a pathetically small amount of magic within you, so I suppose there is no harm in letting you in to see her. Do be aware, Lady Remilia is currently sleeping, and waking her up may place you at great risk."
Rinnosuke bowed politely as Patchouli vacated the doorway, clutching his hands together to prevent them from trembling as he entered the pitch-black building.
"You," Patchouli stated to Aya, "May not enter."
Wriggle Nightbug
Glowing Queen of the Spineless
Chishiki stood amidst her crowd of fresh believers, her elevated position allowing her a perfect view of all the crowds assembled in the marketplace. All eyes were on her, but of course, they would be. The paper-white figure atop a crowd, ringed by a swarm of living origami.
"People of Gensokyo," she called, her voice as crisp as fresh spring water and as sweet as honey. "You have all lived too long in fear and torment! There are monsters all around, lurking in the trees, the skies, the ground itself! It is only natural that you live in fear, but what life is one lived trembling and afraid? The gods of Gensokyo have failed you, time and time again! The Hakurei gods pledge destruction of youkai, yet their shrine swarms with them! The Moriya gods are no better, for they themselves wreak havoc and terror upon you, unleashing monsters time and time again to fuel their own agenda! The Myouren Buddhists preach peace between humans and youkai, and yet they allow their monsters to prey upon you from the safety of their so-called neutral ground! I understand you all may be tired of gods, and I know that I ask a lot when I say this, but I beg you, give me a chance! I am Chishiki, the Tome of Knowledge, and I would see a world where none need be afraid!
All of you, any who have a burning need in their heart for hope, for a better future, I implore you to visit me at my new shrine! It may be a run-down old house, but if I can share it with you, it is better to me than any grand temple! Please, come to me. Talk to me. Tell me of the better tomorrow you wish to see, and I will tell you how I will build it just for you!
Many of you may already have read of me in the newspaper, under the name of Lady C. There I say, and here I say again, I would see a world of love and peace! I would cut the wicked and selfish overlords that rule Gensokyo down, and in their place I would raise an empire of humility and grace!
All I ask is that you give me a chance. Thank you for your time, good people."
With that, Chishiki stepped down, quietly returning to her newest home. In truth, not many would come, but she had sewn the seeds that would sprout when the people lost faith in their current gods and grew desperate. The humans of Gensokyo knew her name, as did the youkai, and the fairies. Ah, she would spin each of them the story they wished to hear. To the humans, safety from youkai. To the youkai, humans to eat. To the weak, power to rise. To the strong, freedom.
Of course, surely the other religious leaders would notice her, or at least, they would, were they not distracted with each other.
She strode through the streets, flanked by her newest minions, ticking another box on her list of blood and power. In her head, one thought repeated over and over.
"The fairy, the firefly, the songbird, the shadow… Ah, the shadow."
The list came to a stop, as she pushed open the doors, her mind dominated by one single thought.
"What shall you read within my pages? How shall you weak, frail minions rock the cradles of the strong? How will you fell the mighty from their thrones?"
Koakuma
Little Library Devil
Rinnosuke looked down at the sleeping form of Remilia Scarlet, squinting to see through the almost total blackness. Even his half-youkai eyes struggled to see clearly through this absolute darkness, and yet, what he could see was almost cute. She was small, like a child, and had he not known just what she was he may have lowered his guard. Taking a seat next to her bed, he pulled a small electric lantern from his satchel, and placed it upon the table beside him. He switched it on, clearing his throat, its meagre light barely impacting the darkness.
"Remilia Scarlet?"
The room was lit by a flash of red light, as the vampire's eyes flicked open. Their ominous red glow pierced the dim light of the lantern and the darkness of the room beyond, as they searched for the disturbance's source. They locked with his own gaze, and he was once again reminded of the devastation he had witnessed outside. Of course, he had come face-to-face with powerful youkai before, Yukari Yakumo frequented his shop, and he often doubted if there was any monster stronger than her anywhere. Still, that was different to staring down a vampire in her own home, especially not with what he had planned.
The glowing red eyes narrowed, and the subtle light of the lantern for a moment glittered across two pearl-white fangs, as Remilia spoke.
"You are not Sakuya. Nor Patchouli, nor anyone I recognise."
Rinnosuke nodded. "My name is Rinnosuke Morichika, my Lady."
The fangs glinted again as they formed into a smile. "My, my, approaching a sleeping vampire in her own gazebo? You are either very brave, or very foolish."
Rinnosuke gulped, but stood firm. "I am here to talk to you, Lady Remilia. About Marisa Kirisame and Reimu Hakurei."
The vampire stopped for a moment, then grinned again. "Are you here to bring me news of the wretch that lied about me?"
Rinnosuke shook his head. "No, Lady Remilia. I am afraid not. I am here to receive information from you, actually."
Remilia narrowed her eyes once again. "I see. If you have no information for me, begone."
Rinnosuke sighed, fear pounding in his heart. "I'm afraid I can't do that. You know more than you are letting on, and I need to know it too."
The vampire rose from her bed, her rather unintimidating height altered by a few swift flaps of her wings. A dim red light began to shine from her body.
"Again. You are either very brave, or very foolish, yet bravery or foolishness will only get you so far. I say one last time, leave, before I decide to take out my frustration on you."
Rinnosuke reached once more into his satchel, drawing out a transparent bottle marked "Calpis". With a swift motion, he uncapped it, placing the lid gingerly upon the table.
"This is sacred water collected from the top of Mt. Fuji. Staying so near to the moon, it has absorbed its pure, lunar energy. As you can see, it has turned white as the moon. It is said that even one drop can cause unimaginable agony to devils. Now, you know something that you haven't shared. I want to hear it."
Remilia took a seat upon her bed, grinning widely. "You would threaten a vampire? I see that you are a fool, not brave at all. Did you not see what happened to the last human to cross me?"
Rinnosuke returned her smile, showing all the confidence he could muster. "I am not wholly human, and you regret your last decision. Fight me, and I use this sacred water. Kill me, and you once again prove your lack of restraint. Leave me living, and I will return to ask until I die. Answer my question, and I leave you to your rest."
The room was lit with a reddish glow and a tense silence for several seconds. Rinnosuke felt as though he had never been more outclassed. If this monster wanted, he would die in a heartbeat, and his bottle of milky drink would not forestall his end for even a second. Remilia's face jumped between anger and contemplation, at last settling on amusement.
"Well spoken, intruder. It is not uncommon for lesser creatures to speak to me with belligerence, but it has been many years since one has done so with such charisma, let alone such suicidal fearlessness. Of course, I should kill you for your discourtesy, but you may be useful."
She settled into a more comfortable position on the bed, and flashed a smile, as Rinnosuke's chest at last unclenched itself from the knot it had formed into.
"Yes, it's true, as you seem to have figured out. I didn't want to kill Reimu. She was a tremendous pain in my side, but a worthy opponent, for a human. I enjoyed our little games, but on that night, I could tell she wasn't playing. I meant to simply knock her unconscious, maybe break a few bones, but I was angry. She flattened my beloved home, but more importantly, she tried to kill my maid. Sakuya is a good maid, losing her would be a tremendous inconvenience. Humans are so fragile, I see now why my sister has such trouble keeping her toys intact!"
She sighed, the red in her eyes dimming slightly. "I meant what I said. May the blessing of fate within me embrace her as she journeys to her next life. Perhaps she will be reborn greater than the weak human she lived as."
Her eyes once again lit with red light, glowing with an even wilder intensity than before. "Yukari took her body. This is what I kept to myself. She took her body, and she attacked me with the sun. I didn't share this with the Tengu because I didn't wish to admit I could so easily be beaten. It was humiliating, first I am too strong and kill a foe I meant to capture, then I am too weak, and I lose to an opponent who is barely even trying."
Rinnosuke noticed traces of tears lining the vampire's eyes, and he drew a handkerchief from his satchel, passing it to her wordlessly. As she dabbed at her eyes, he asked, "Is that all?"
Remilia nodded. "If I had any information that could lead me to the culprit, I would have hunted them down already."
Rinnosuke stood, bowing, and turned to leave. "Thank you for the information, Lady Remilia. If you will excuse me."
In a reddish blur, she appeared before him, her arm outstretched. "Before you leave, give me the drink. I have not tried it before."
Rinnosuke staggered back, looking from the drink to her. "The sacred water? You heard me say..."
Remilia cut him off with a laugh and a wag of her finger. "Little boy, did you think that I was incapable of reading Kanji? What you are holding is an outside-world refreshment."
Rinnosuke looked confused, his heart racing once again. "But… Lady Remilia… If you were aware that my weapon was a normal drink, why did you tell me all that?"
In response, Remilia's eyes glowed brighter still, and Rinnosuke could feel the hairs on his chin crisping as she leaned in close to his face and grabbed his shoulder, demonstrating only a fraction of her strength, yet exerting more pressure than any human.
"Oh, my sweet little boy. I told you because you should be well aware that, should you tell anyone else, you won't be telling anyone anything, ever again."
Rinnosuke nodded in frantic agreement. "Of course, of course."
Remilia's grip lightened, becoming a gentle caress. "That's a good boy. Now, I've helped you, it's time for you to help me."
"Help you? How?"
Remilia eyed Rinnosuke up and down. "You have a power, don't you? What is it?"
"How did you… Yes, I do. I can… Appraise objects. Learn what they're for, what they're called, that sort of thing."
"Excellent."
Remilia thrust a small, bloody scrap of paper into Rinnosuke's hands. "Tell me everything you can about this."
Rinnosuke ran his fingers along the bloodstained page, concentrating, searching for the object's story, but…
"Nothing," he stated.
"What?"
"I said I am picking up nothing. This was not crafted."
Remilia's grip tightened. "It's a written page. Someone obviously wrote it. I thought I made it clear that the time for games had passed?"
Rinnosuke shook his head. "Ah, no, sorry. I mean, this was not literally made. I get the same reading from organic matter such as arms or leaves. I also get this kind of reading from constructs made by powers, such as Reimu's barriers. So, there are three possibilities. One, this is a part of someone's body. Two, the entire page was created by a youkai's power. Three, this page is sealed by a powerful barrier. This is actually the most useful reading we could have hoped for."
Remilia raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
Rinnosuke smirked triumphantly. "Simple. We can rule out the first instance, as it is unlikely for someone to naturally grow this exact page, complete with this message. This means we are looking for someone who can either create paper with magic, or create powerful seals."
Remilia thought for a moment. "...Yukari?"
"I had thought of Yukari, but no. This is not her style. Besides, if she wanted Reimu to attack you, she could simply have asked her to do so; Reimu was hardly hesitant to fight you."
"So… Who then?"
Rinnosuke sighed, massaging his brow. "I don't know, and if you don't either, that's a problem. My knowledge of the various youkai in Gensokyo is fairly limited, but I imagine you are familiar with at least all the major players, which means this is someone new."
Remilia growled. "Someone new with a grudge against me? Why me specifically? I barely even leave my home, there are countless other youkai who cause far more trouble than me!"
Rinnosuke raised a finger. "Who said it was you? Why not Reimu? She has… She had plenty of enemies."
"So, why send her after me then?"
"Simple. If I wanted someone killed, someone I didn't want to fight myself, I'd jump at the chance to send them to fight a truly powerful youkai. You are incredibly powerful, yes, but also energetic and aggressive. A more placid youkai such as Yuyuko Saigyouji might not be riled to fight at full strength, but you on the other hand… That is why she accused you of cheating; to make Reimu herself cheat. If Reimu cheats, the odds are you take offence and fight like you mean it. In the end, Reimu dies, and you take the blame, and the only evidence left behind is a scrap of paper written in your handwriting."
Remilia grit her teeth, a scowl tearing her face apart with frustration. "So, I, Remilia Scarlet, master of the night, was used as a common thug by some scheming coward hiding in the shadows?"
"It looks to be that way. I'm sorry."
Remilia took his hand in her own, her grip almost crushing his fingers. "Don't you apologise to me, commoner! You aren't the one responsible, but the one who is? I'll tear them apart and leave their body for the crows! As for you, you're going to help me find them. I order you, as the Red Lady of the Night, as the greatest of devils! You will help me find the one responsible, and since you have impressed me, you will then stay as far away from the fight as you can. If you can even call what I am going to do to that dishonourable coward a fight."
Pushing his glasses further up his nose with his uncrushed hand, Rinnosuke cleared his throat and continued. "Yes, I too wish to see our mystery manipulator pay for their treachery. With that in mind, I believe we have a lead."
Remilia withdrew her hand, her eyes perking up. "Do we? Where?"
Rinnosuke flicked his hand, checking to ensure his fingers were still unbroken. "Simple. Our target held a grudge against Reimu, and presumably Marisa. However, it is possible that Marisa was simply killed to provide motivation, and because she would be a true threat to anyone that targeted Reimu. So, we will narrow the topic to Reimu. Who might know a more comprehensive list of Reimu's various enemies?"
Remilia nodded, catching on. "Her allies, right? The people she often worked with to solve incidents."
"Yes. Who are?"
"Hmm, there was Marisa."
"Dead. Next?"
"Yukari?"
"Judging by your story, she is not best pleased with you at this time, and has doubtless observed that I am consorting with you."
"Suika?"
"Ah, yes, the Oni. Do you know where she is?"
"No, and she can be difficult to find. Ah, that leaves… Oh, the Tengu. Aya."
Rinnosuke snapped his fingers. "Ah, perfect, Aya. If I'm not mistaken, she is waiting directly outside this gazebo."
Remilia grabbed a battered parasol, striding down the stairs and out into the bright sunlight, Rinnosuke following closely behind. A beaming Aya stood triumphantly before them. Before Remilia could even speak, Aya began to chatter.
"Okay, so Reimu's enemies… There were a lot, I mean, really, a lot. Almost every youkai in Gensokyo, actually, and a fair few humans and fairies and..."
She stopped as Remilia placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Aya. Were you eavesdropping?"
Completely unabashed, Aya nodded. "Of course I was. What kind of reporter could ignore a scoop like this?"
Remilia's grip tightened, far more than she would consider safe to employ against a human. "I repeat. You will not tell anyone what you have heard, or I will personally pluck every feather from your wings and make you swallow them!"
"Ow! Fine! Anyway, I was doing some thinking, and nothing really matches up."
Remilia removed her hands, and crossed her arms with a pout, foisting her parasol onto Rinnosuke. "What do you mean? You of all youkai should know a suspect or two!"
Aya raised a finger. "Firstly, I do have suspects, but none of them fit. For instance, Reimu had plenty of enemies capable of creating a seal such as the one the shopkeeper described, but none much weaker than you are. If they wanted her dead, it'd be far easier to attack her themselves. As for creating paper, I can't think of too many youkai with such a power, not a perfect forgery like that. Mamizou, perhaps? Although, it should have returned to its original form by now if it was her. Hmm."
Aya thought briefly, before snapping her fingers with excitement.
"What is it?" asked Remilia and Rinnosuke, almost simultaneously.
"Well," began Aya, "I wouldn't call it a suspect so much as a possible lead, but there is a new goddess in the Human Village."
"A new goddess?" asked Rinnosuke. "From where?"
Aya grinned. "From the Forest of Magic. Apparently she had quite a following of fairies there, but recently left for the village to spread her message among the humans, too."
"This all started in the forest," stated Remilia. "Do you think she might be responsible?"
"I'm not sure," Aya responded. "Certainly when I spoke to her she did not strike me as much of a schemer, but first impressions can be deceiving. She certainly knows about the incident, although being from the forest that's not too much of a surprise. Apparently, that's why she left, she wants to spread hope in these troubled times, and perhaps gain some faith as a side-bonus. If she's not responsible, though, she might know who is. At the very least, she might have some useful information."
"I see," Remilia began. "This new goddess, what is she named, and where can I find her?"
"She goes by Lady C, although her true name is Chishiki. The last I heard of her, she was setting up in a run down old house in the slums of the Human Village."
Remilia nodded. "Thank you for the information. In exchange, and in exchange for your silence, you should be aware of a situation that may have evaded your notice."
"Oh?"
"Eientei has gone completely dark. My maids inform me that no rabbits are present to lead them through the bamboo, and those that in the end found Eientei reported it empty, although without any obvious signs of damage."
Aya nodded. "I'll investigate right away. Thank you."
As Aya took off in a cloud of dust, Remilia began to plan. This Chishiki, surely she knew something? She grinned to herself, the whites of her fangs glinting from out beneath her parasol. Today she would rest, yes, and avoid the hated light of the sun, but tonight? Tonight the Mistress of the Night would once more hunt her prey beneath the cold, impassive gaze of the moon. The foolish sheep of Gensokyo, it seemed, needed one more reminder as to who she was, and why she was above the petty squabbles of humans and youkai.
As the Tengu flew through the sky, a fresh scoop swimming in her mind, and as the vampire retreated to her bed, neither noticed as the rubble stirred. Neither saw as a blood-red parasol slipped from the dust and mortar, followed by a snow-white cap and a head of golden hair. Carefully, quietly, Flandre Scarlet slipped from her isolation. She looked around at all the wreckage, and sniffed. There had obviously been such a fun game here! Why had she, once again, been left out of it?
That said… Perhaps with all the damage to clean, maybe her sister wouldn't notice if she played for just a little while? She knew there was a village of humans not too far away. In the past, humans had been such fun to play with! The red-white grouch and the fun black-white witch, they had both been excellent playmates, and contrary to her sister's insistence, they hadn't broken at all! Her wings jiggled with delight at the thought of a whole village of playmates like them. Carefully, slowly, she crept away into the trees. No-one noticed, save a lone maid, and it would be some time before she realised what she saw was not a dream.
By that point, it would be too late. It would all be too late.
The clock struck 10 AM. The sun shone brilliantly.
The Feast of a Thousand Shadows would begin in twelve hours.
Suika Ibuki
Moonlit Parade of a Hundred Oni
After chapter 5 I took a long break, for reasons not entirely related to the story. The first year of university can be rough and taxing. When I once more approached this story, it was with a lack of confidence and a definite uncertainty as to how best to proceed. I knew where I was going, but getting there was a challenge.
Where is the story going? Why, to a feast of course. All good things lead to revelry.
In a way, this story belongs to Chishiki now. Well, that was inevitable. She's my character, my contribution. I know her best, she's the centre of the story. A book within a book about the book. How many levels of book is that? Well, how many countless exist within the one, the other, the chain continues who knows how far.