AN : Okay. I already read more about table flip, and turns out that's how Walfasers greets each other. Sorry if there are WSW member who read my story, especially for Bluyidark. As Yasei stated in previous chapter, Gensokyo is harsh. Hope this is justified as self-defense… Back to the topic. The tournament isn't over yet. Yasei and Hotaru will clash on this chapter. Their fight maybe won't be as epic as when Yasei faces Hiroshi, but Hotaru will still give him trouble. Expect lots of tables to be flipped here. And this time, Yasei will show us more of his Parkour martial arts skills. Which one is better? Let's check it out. Then, without further ado!
PS : This chapter might have some 4th wall breaking moments, so read with caution.
Wild Nerd's Strange Life Saga Chapter 6
Final Stage : Clash of Parkour and Tables
Previously…
Hotaru gives Yasei an invitation letter to join the Human Village Guards's 10th Tournament, and states that she expects him to join and resume their fight yesterday. Before that, he asks Keine to confirm it, and there, he found out that Hiroshi Kato, the leader of Human Village Guards, also join this tournament as well. Working through his ways to the final stage, Yasei got a formidable opponent, as Hiroshi proves to give him a hard time, and even able to found out his inhuman agility. After long fight, Yasei finally beat Hiroshi, and goes to the final stage. He probably didn't realize that he got many spectators on the seats, and few unexpected one is present as well…
Tournament Arena, Human Village, Gensokyo…
Readying himself, Yasei took his fighting stance, while Hotaru stacks the tables she has in disposal. Then the latter declares her intention. "You're lucky because I just want to prank you yesterday. This time, I'll flip my tables until you run out of energy." Didn't want to lose before fighting, Yasei replies. "Same to me. I'll show you my parkour martial arts moves other than Frontal Backflip Kick." Both of them grin at each other, before they began their fight.
On the seats, Keine and Akyuu is discussing about Yasei and Hotaru's progress in this tournament. "I never expect that he could actually beat Hiroshi. Look like Yasei wants to prove that he didn't lie when he said he pass the test both I and Yukari give." Looking at the previous rounds, Keine is able to feel Yasei's determination. And Akyuu get the same feeling from Hotaru. "I do agree with you, Keine-san. It seems Hotaru is also eager to show the boy you recommend what she got here. To be honest, Hotaru actually doesn't need to worry about herself since she can fight."
Then they continue their discussion. "Speaking about it, I noticed that Yasei already got a spell card when he arrives here. It might be a hint to his potential. An outsider that is capable of making a spell card soon after they arrived to Gensokyo is extremely rare. Even Lucy doesn't get her spell card right away." Keine shares what she saw yesterday when Yasei is looking for a vacant house. Akyuu seems surprised after hearing that. She totally didn't expect it. "You're right about that, Keine-san. Apart from the gender change she suffers, I don't remember see her holding a single spell card. If we conclude all info we got, I would say that the boy you mention can make a spell card when he is in high level danger."
Let's see the other seats.
"Hmm… Speaking about that fairy, how's she doing?" Lucy suddenly asks Vaati about Cirno's condition. The latter replies heavily, indicating her guilt for leaving the fairy. "I don't think we need to worry about her, since she can defend herself. But if you ask me about my feeling, I hope my face is good enough to explain that." Not want to push Vaati further with questions, Lucy decides to end it. "I see… Even though I can beat the other small fries, I don't think I could beat that fairy. Sorry for asking. Let's continue observing the fight instead, shall we?"
On the skies…
"Wait, he faced that table-flipper?" From bird-eye view, it could be nearly impossible to deduce it, but Cirno could see that Yasei and Hotaru is fighting below. "The last fight must be pretty fierce that he must use his pens. But am I the only one thinking that he used it differently compared to the time when he faces Rumia?" It seems she noticed that Yasei uses his pens not as spell cards, but as trinkets. And to sum it up, she can't trace a single magic from the pens. "A spell card coming from trinkets like that… Vaati told me that even everyday objects can be used as spell card, so I won't argue about it."
On an unknown place, someone already recorded the conversations. (It's not Yukari, I assure you.)
'No magical traces on his pens? And here I thought that his pens are magical tools… This Gensokyo is totally different compared to my Gensokyo… Still, I must keep monitoring Sugaku to see what his true intention is. I can't let him harm this world, even if another Yakumo tries to stop me. That means I must wait until the tournament is over, and speaks to him personally. I need to tell him that another Minerva, as well as Luke Thesda is here in this Gensokyo.'
Deciding to wait, the mysterious person disappears, and suddenly appears in the upper seats.
"Hup!" Yasei just evaded one of Hotaru's tables with a backflip. Soon after another table is thrown at him, he does a Railflip Vault, effectively pinning the table down with gravity assistance, and handsprings far enough to reach the girl. It manages to force her to defend. "That move again? You don't thinking about pinning me down, right?" Before Yasei could even reply, Hotaru throws another table. And too bad, it deflected with Frontal Backflip Kick. "Even if I do, you must've already prepared something up your sleeves. About that, I'm very certain." Both of them grin before they charges at each other.
This time, it's Yasei's turn to strike. As he is about to reach Hotaru, suddenly a table appears right on the front of his face. "Whoa?! Agh!" Table Flip! Yasei just got table flipped by Hotaru! That surprises the crowds. This is the first time someone managed to knock Yasei down on this tournament! "Not bad, Hotaru. It seems my prediction is right. You do have something up your sleeves." Hotaru only smiles after hearing that, and she introduces her weapon. "And that's why you can't pin me down. I'll show you what Spinning Hina Robot can do." Then she turns on the robot.
Just after the robot is turned on, it throws tables to all directions. Yasei got surprised by this. 'Darn you, Hotaru… Don't you know if the spectators might get harmed by this?!' Without second thought, he uses his speed and dashes to deflect the tables that launched to the seats. When he spotted the last table is directing to upper seat, he dashes there to deflect it, and he saw someone he didn't know. "Sorry." With an apology, he returns to the arena.
What about Touhou Top 4?
"Do you look that?! He's very fast that all the tables got deflected!" Yasei's feat earlier surprised Marisa. Of all Touhou Top 4 members, only Reimu and Sakuya that wasn't surprised. (Then that means…) "Whoa… I know if Yasei was the best runner in Japan, but I never expect that he could be this fast…" Sanae also got surprised when she saw Yasei's real speed. Not to mention that she arrives in Gensokyo many years earlier… You know what that means…
"Speaking about his speed, my mistress confirms that he can run 20 meters in less than a second. And as you can see, it didn't falter." Sakuya tells them what she got from her fight with Yasei, and adds it what Remilia told her. Reimu only lets out a sigh of relief. "At least he does care the spectators' well-being. If not, I might banish him right away. I think I need to adjust my ribbon's positioning." All of them suddenly fell silent. That's as if they know what she wants to say with that.
Back to the arena…
BGM (Evanescence – Everybody's Fool) [I want to give some AMV feel here.]
"Huft… This is the second time I got forced to use my speed here…" Yasei seems tired. Considering his fight with Hiroshi is very long, it does make sense. Hotaru is still on her place, along with the tables she stacked. "Hehe… That must be pretty hectic for you, I suppose? What will you do- egh?!" This time, its Hotaru's turn to be surprised, as Yasei kicks the robot outside arena after dashing to it. He seems very angry. "It's over, Hotaru. Since you disregard the spectators' well-being, this time I won't hesitate any longer to throw your tables back. Prepare yourself."
It seems he didn't know that the spectators can feel that his rage makes him stronger.
Hotaru only smirks, and proceeds to throw a table to Yasei. Much to everyone's surprise, the latter managed to block it with only using hand palms. And without wasting time… "Heaah!" Yasei took the table and throw it back like a propeller, forcing Hotaru to defend. Even so, the throwing force he gives to the table manages to push the girl few feet away.
*pant* *pant* Now both Yasei and Hotaru is tired. On Yasei's case, it's because his spinning table throw drains considerable stamina. While Hotaru has never been pushed away like that.
"Really you… I never thought that you could be this brutal when you got mad…" Still on defensive position, Hotaru slowly regain her stance. Yasei replies with what he said yesterday. "I already told you before, Hotaru. It depends on the situation. And we still haven't decided the winner yet. What do you say? I won't stop until it's settled." Silent for a moment, both Yasei and Hotaru nods at each other, then continue their fight.
Hotaru is the first one to make a move, as she picks the table, and proceeds to throw it in a manner. Much to Yasei's surprise, the table leaves many afterimages. Not wanting to risk more knock downs, he defends with a cross block. Just like Hotaru, he got pushed too, but only two feet away. Then Yasei counters with a punch to the table, putting some force to it, and returns the table.
"Kh…" Instead of wood tables, this time Hotaru uses iron table as her shield. It proved to be effective, as she managed to stop the table from pushing her, unlike before. And she then pushes the table back with iron table she uses. "Not so fast!" Reading her intention, Yasei runs to the side of the arena, then charges to the pushed table, and re-push it. (Since when this become table ramming contest?!)
Both of them are even! Many spectators surprised when they saw it, but Yasei already knew the reason. "As expected. It seems your arms strength is the key why you can push with such force, Hotaru. And it's strengthened with your table flipping habit." Still on the offensive, Hotaru replies. "I wonder why you didn't just evade it instead doing this…" Yasei answers while balancing his stance. "Wouldn't want you charging me for property damage." Hotaru sighs as she hears that. "You got me. Let's finish this." Then they stop pushing, and took the tables. Yasei took the wood table while Hotaru picks her iron table.
"This time you can go first, Hotaru." Soon after he said that, Yasei put the table on his back. Almost laughing, Hotaru finally able to compose herself. "If that's your wish. Heaaah!" With all of her strength, Hotaru throws the iron table. And somehow, the table didn't get any spin compared to her last throws. 'Good!' Founding a chance, Yasei charges straight to the iron table, slamming it with the wood table, and jumps through it with Obstacle Vault. Without stopping, he evades all the tables thrown by Hotaru, and suddenly appears behind her, ready for revenge. (Revenge or what?) "Got you." And… Table Flip! This time Yasei table flips Hotaru from behind!
"Ugh…" Hotaru barely avoid falling down after hit from behind. It seems her table flip habit strengthens her upper body as well. "Glad to see you're fine." Surprised, she turns around, only to find Yasei tidying her tables. Confused, she asks him. "Hey, what're you doing?" Ignoring her surprised face, he replies. "Cleaning your mess, Hotaru. I wonder why you able to control that robot when facing Jinbara before… Nevermind." Yasei then took the table he used before, and ready to throw it anytime. Knowing what that means, Hotaru does the same thing, change her table into the wood one.
"By the way, I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess, Hotaru. I wonder if you could accept my apology on this stage…" After saying that, Yasei bows, and took his stance. Again, Hotaru is surprised. "Hey, what do you mean by that?" The boy replies. "Actually…"
Few seconds ago…
'Wait a second, what was I done? I force Hotaru to join the fight, without knowing that Table Flip is never intended to be used for such thing!' Soon after Yasei flips Hotaru, he got shocked with what he knows about Table Flip. Realizing that he already made a big mistake, he decided to tidy the tables while waiting the girl regain her stance. 'I don't know what will she think when she saw this, but I hope she will listen to what I will say. At least this is what I can do for atonement.'
Present Day…
Silence fills the arena. Hotaru seems to thinking hard about what Yasei just say. She was interested when the boy thinks she could be potential fighter. And when he realized the meaning of her fighting skills, she knew what that means. "… All right. I'll accept it, but with one condition. Since we both get table flipped, mind for another flip?" Instead of smirk, this time Hotaru smiles. Relieved with that, Yasei returns the smile and prepares for the next throw. "Gladly. Give your best shot."
"Heaaah!" Both Yasei and Hotaru throw their tables with special skills. Yasei's table spins like propeller, while Hotaru's table moves straight and leaves many afterimages. What surprising is, both tables clashes in midair and didn't bounce back, but instead falling down. And so does the throwers, as they lay down right in the arena. Now they're extremely tired after going through a long way. Just when the announcer wants to say the results, someone interrupts.
"Don't make it draw. Give him the win." Everyone is looking at the person who interrupts the announcer, and surprised when they found out it was none other than Hotaru. She slowly stands up, and is about to walk to the Fighters' Room when Yasei calls her. "What do you mean by that, Hotaru? Do you just walk out from this tournament?" Hotaru turns around, and when they're facing each other, she shook her head lightly. "This isn't resignation. You're the one who told me to not be a coward. Actually, seeing you fighting Hiroshi-san tells me more than what you think." Yasei fell silent, before he replies. "So you saw it… If you ask me, Hiroshi is the one who told me about sportive play. Does that mean you accept my apology?" The girl nods and smiles again. "Of course. I did say it, right?" Then both Yasei and Hotaru shake their hands.
Soon afterwards in Fighters' Room… (Music ends here)
"So what did you got, Yasei?" Hotaru asks about the prize Yasei get as the champion of the tournament. "Money, and lots of it. 10000 Mon, I suppose… Well, that's not like I want to keep it myself. If you don't mind, Hiroshi, I'll give back the half of the prize to the village. Is it alright to you?" Hearing that, Hiroshi gives a simple nod. "I'll let Keine-sensei know." He then dashes to the school and waits there. Surprised with Yasei's decision, Hotaru asks him. "Why you do that? That amount of money could cover about one and half year of living expenses, you know…" The boy didn't reply, but instead divides the money he got to 3 parts. 5000 Mon to the village, 2500 Mon for him, and 2500 Mon for the girl. "Because it would be unfair if everyone participating here didn't get their share. I'm fine with quarter of it (2500 Mon). And since you also reach the final stage, Hotaru, you get the same share."
Yasei gives the share to Hotaru. The latter hesitantly accepts it. Just when it is done, a shrine maiden enters the room. "I need to talk with the tournament champion." When Yasei turns around, he became surprised. He fell silent before shook his head rapidly. Soon after he calmed down, he decides to accept the call and confirms it with a nod. "Tell either Hiroshi or Keine when one of them comes here that I'm out." Then he comes with the shrine maiden, leaving Hotaru in the room.
Outside Fighters' Room…
"I never expect that you really become one of Gensokyo residents, Sanae." Finally able to talk casually, Yasei tell Sanae about his surprise earlier. The latter only giggles lightly. "I'm also surprised at first when Kanako-sama and Suwako-sama told me about your presence here. Then Yukari-san confirms it. Speaking about it, did you read the message I give to you yesterday?" Yasei became shocked when he hear that. "Dang… I forgot! Wait here, I'll take it from my house." He then dashes to pick the message and returns very soon. (Did he run at 20 m/s?!) "Here… Let's see what you want to say here…" Yasei opens the envelope with Sanae watching.
Letter : "If you read this, Yasei, it means I already confirm that you come here in Gensokyo. It may be hard, just like when you try to locate my presence since that time, but don't let the harshness of Gensokyo demotivates you. Trust me. You have me as veteran here. I learned that despite Reimu-san seems lazy on her daily life she actually resolves more incident than I thought. Just in case, treat her with respect just like you treat Yukari-san, and don't try to make trouble with either of them. I'm sure you already heard about Wind God Chronicles Incident. Good luck and hope you can survive."
Another silence… Soon afterwards, Yasei folds it back, and put it to the envelope. "You could just say that I become Touhou fan since Comiket 72, you know…" Then both of them laugh together. After that, Sanae resumes her explanation. "Okay. The real reason of why I'm calling you because Reimu-san wants to speak with you personally. And it seems you're lucky, because she will wait until you come to the shrine yourself. I assume you already have a plan here, so I'll report to Reimu-san about it."
Yasei slightly nods, and then someone interrupts them. "I would like to have a word with Sugaku." Both him and Sanae turn around, and see someone they never met. "You two can call me Odysseus. And there's something I must tell. Straight to the point, I need Sugaku to watch Luke Thesda and Minerva." Confused a bit, Yasei decides to ask. "Mind if I ask about a keyword that might help me found whoever Minerva is?" With an inaudible sigh, Odysseus answers it. "Hourai Immortal. Seeing that you already know who I mean by Luke Thesda, I'm sure you already have a lead. That's all I have to say." Then he opens a gap and walks there, surprising both Yasei and Sanae.
"Hourai Immortal… Do you know anyone other than Eirin, Kaguya, and Mokou that qualifies as one, Sanae?" Yasei is asking about another Hourai Immortal that Odysseus mention. He seems unsure about what to do next. "If you ask me, I think I know one. You know the iconic blue fairy of Gensokyo, right?" Sanae answers with another question and the boy nods. "Speaking about Cirno, I was on my way to the village when I met her. We do talk a bit and… Wait…" Yasei suddenly stops, surprising Sanae. It seems he is reminded with what happened yesterday.
Yesterday, on the way to Human Village…
"I see… Still, Vaati sure told you about greeting manners. Glad to hear that." Knowing what Yasei mean by that, Cirno suddenly feel down. "Thanks. But I haven't seen her for this few years. She said that I'm already strong enough to defend myself. I really miss her…" Yasei silently listen to that, and then comforts Cirno. "It's okay. I'm sure you will meet her again when the time comes. Besides, you already propose a challenge to me, right? Focus on that, and I'll call you when I'm ready." Cirno's expression got better after that. "Really? Does that mean you accepted my challenge?" Yasei nods, and give her a thumb. "That's right. Vaati told you to keep train yourself, didn't she? I'll also train myself in return. When the time comes, we'll see which one of us is the best."
Present Day…
"Just how I didn't know about it when I already talked about her with Cirno?! I think I know what I must do now. I must make sure that Lucy Thesda and Vaati Star safe from any harm. From what I could tell, Odysseus is serious about this, so it's better for me to oblige." Yasei tells Sanae about what he learns from the clue. Then he continues. "And something about his departing move seems familiar, don't you think, Sanae?" Thinking about that, it's certainly strange that Odysseus also able to use gaps. Both Yasei and Sanae agreed about this. "Indeed. That's as if he has been taught by Yukari-san before."
While they were thinking about whether they should tell their groups about this or not, the said person appears. "So you two also get informed about this…" Sanae got a little shocked, but Yasei is unfazed, and he replies right away. "Yeah. I assume you heard it from Odysseus himself about it. Say, what you want to do now? Scolding me because it? Or is there something important? Sorry if that sounds rude, Yukari." Knowing that this is serious matter, Yukari decides to tell both of them. "Actually, I would avoid telling any outsiders about this, but since you two, I'm not kidding, already choose to live here, you need to listen what I'm going to say. That 'Odysseus', is one of the alternate universe outsiders."
After few minutes…
"So many to learn… Even I never expect that alternate universe does exist, Yukari-san…" Sanae struck in awe as she began to understand what Yukari means. Yasei, in other hand, already took Sun Shine Notebook and searching for any info regarding any FanFic OC's that already listed. "Good thing I already figured out who is Luke Thesda and Minerva that Odysseus mean." To sum it up, he even able to found stories regarding alternate Gensokyo, confirming Yukari's suspicion. "There are many versions of me in multiverse. You're lucky because this Gensokyo still keeps its canonicity, despite many fanons. Most of alternate Gensokyos forgets to mention about Great Hakurei Barrier. Even I have strict categories of outsiders that can be transported here. They must be able to perceive Gensokyo's existence."
Sanae connects Yukari's explanation with her knowledge. "Then, they must capable of self-defense. This is extremely important. I already add it on my letter, Yasei. I'm sure you able to figure out the rest." Yasei only lets out a sigh. It seems he realized that outsiders like him don't have any protection from youkai attack. "So that explains why you give me two arrival methods choice, Yukari… I should've figured if that was survival of the fittest test disguised as tutorial level… Gensokyo sure is harsh. Did Odysseus say anything else to you?"
Again, Yukari is amazed with Yasei's quick wit. She decides to test how far this boy could perceive her plan. "He did. And he even points out at one moment on your fight against Hotaru at the final stage, where your rage, instead of blinding your senses, it actually made you stronger. There's another ability that you have, but I'll let you figure it out later. So, from your first step here until now, do you figured what I'm planning to do with you? Give me your best answer, Nerd Ace Hunter."
Afraid that her friend might be reckless, Sanae tries to stop Yasei, but before she can even do that, the latter already answers. "Not really, but let me tell you one thing. I won't challenge Sakuya again until I beat you, Yukari. You may call me reckless, but I already stated that I will challenge you in time, rather than mangled in your mind games. Good thing I already heard about Touhou Top 4." Somehow, he is less rude when speaking this.
"Hmm… I never expect you decided to soften your tone… I wonder is that because of your sweet friend here…" With a grin, Yukari looks at Sanae. That makes the latter blushed. Yasei nods as his confirmation. "After long research, I found out that Sanae is even stronger than Sakuya now. And that's why I decided to oblige her letter's content. It includes showing respect to Touhou Top 4 and Gensokyo Sages. Now, please stop that grin. I mean it." Yukari gave a small laugh when she heard that. "All right. Challenge accepted. My condition is, prove yourself first, then we'll do it. In return, I won't disturb you." Both of them smirk at each other, until Sanae breaks the mood. "Yasei, Yukari-san, I'm still here."
Later…
"So that's a deal. I'm looking forward to our fight. Don't disappoint me." Yukari gives her remark before leaving. Yasei makes a fist, and points it to her. "Same here. I'll make sure to do just that." The gap youkai lightly chuckles before teleporting herself. Knowing what that means, Yasei and Sanae decide to end it quickly. "This is it, Sanae. You already heard it, so wait until I'm strong enough. Until then…" Both of them nod at the same time. "Got it. Don't forget to visit Reimu-san. And I wish you luck, Yasei." Then they go back to their places. Yasei dashes to Human Village, and Sanae flies to Moriya Shrine.
'Lucy Thesda… Vaati Star… It seems I got my first assignment in Gensokyo… Better ask Keine for further detail.'
Next Chapter Preview…
Soon after Yasei become the champion of the tournament, he is called by Sanae. (Yasei : I totally didn't expect that until she tell me it was Reimu who sent her.) They were talking about him until someone gives Yasei an assignment. (Yasei : You do know Lucy right, Sanae?) (Sanae : You get it right, Yasei.) Then Yukari comes and they went into a small discussion. (Yasei : Good thing I already read Sanae's letter before.) From here, he will face harder challenge as he walks out of the village. (Yasei : I don't think I can do it myself. Are you two with me?) (Hotaru : I'm with you.) (Hiroshi : I'll ask Keine-sensei's permission first.) What will he face outside? Find it out on the next chapter. Looking forward for it!
AN : Honestly… I almost run out of idea until I look the review Xovercreator gives to me back then in Chapter 3. For note, Odysseus here isn't one of Greek gods, but a codename for one of his OC. And I did warn about 4th wall breaking moments. Speaking about 4th wall, Bluyidark already created an OC based from this, Yon-chan. Yon is Japan's replacement for Shi. See "Four is Death" trope for detail. In short, it does make sense since all of us tend to break the 4th wall when we're online. Hope you don't take it as offense. Next is alternate universe. I'll offer my opinion about many versions of Gensokyo. First is canonical Gensokyo, which is made by ZUN-sama. Second, Gensokyo 'tainted' with fanons. Then, many versions of Gensokyo written in FanFic. Gensokyo settings that I use accept other OC's, be it from FanFic or other sources (even fanbase characters), as long as it didn't conflict the canon. Although, there are few exception applied. Before I end this, let me give some special credits here.
Thanks to Team Shanghai Alice a.k.a. ZUN-sama for creating Touhou Project and Gensokyo, KirbyM for creating Walfas (Though I didn't use Walfas, few of OCs included in my story is created from it), Vaati Star/Vaatis500 for creating Fugere Illusion series and his OC (Minerva/Vaati Star), Bluyidark for creating Mizutani Hotaru and giving ASC tutorial (I happen to be huge fan of alphes style drawings, and I need the advice about Hotaru's character), arcluz77 for creating Arcluz, Oliver Morales, and What Really is a Gappy (I heard Arcluz lost his power, so I only can make some reference about him, while Oliver still needs to adjust himself, so there is no reference about him), Savato93 for creating The Outsider and his OC Lucy [Luke] Thesda (Hiatus or not, I'll remember the story. The Outsider not only inspires me, but also encourages me to start become FanFic writer. For those who wondering, I even save all the chapters on my laptop because I fear it might be erased here), SKOOLATOON as the first reviewer (Great job with Sendai Hakurei no Miko Mode. I look forward to see what kind of challenges she will face there) and Xovercreator for supporting me until now. Don't mistake this as my last notes. I'll still write this story, albeit uncertain time intervals. I admit, my tempo become slower and slower, but I won't stop.
Reviews, critics, comments, and advices are always welcomed. See you on the next chapter.
