Some hours later, at Alice's house.
Sakura, Syaoran and Meiling were suddenly roused from their sleeps by a loud crashing sound much like someone kicking down a door.
Here's Marisa! Anyone home da ze?-shouted a strong female voice from the house's entrance.
Can't you just knock on the door like a civilized person? And just what do you think you're doing here at this time of the night?-asked back Alice's voice.
You never answer when I just knock. And my house's been busted and I can't repair it while it's dark, I'm crashing here until morning if you don't mind da ze.
Of course I do mind! And shouldn't you be searching for the culprit?
Tried, but couldn't find any clues. Too dark. Then I guess I'll just be crashing da ze. The guest room is over there, isn't it?
No, you can't go to that place!
Oh, you hiding something, Alice? Now you've made me curious. Some new magic project? You have to let me see! Hey, Alice, you know these basic dolls can't stop me...
There was a sudden flash of light and a strong blast blew apart the door of the guest room out of its hinges. Sakura, Syaoran, Tomoyo and Meiling saw an humanoid figure enter. She wore a long black dress with white buttons and frills at the bottom, long white sleeves, a white apron below her waist, a green ribbon at her neck. Long, ondulated and messy blonde hair fell down her shoulders, the top of her head covered by an oversized lack witch hat with a white ribbon and a small golden star on top. Her yellow eyes were seemed to sparkle with power, and she carried a long bamboo broom over her shoulder.
Alice, you old hag, you've been cheating on me?- merrily shouted the newcomer in her strong voice- I didn't know you liked them that young! And seems like you're going for the harem route at that! But wait, I can only sense magic from two of them... Gasp, Alice, I didn't knew you swinged both ways! It's like I never knew you at all da ze!
They're just guests! And how can I cheat on you in the first place when we don't even have a relationship?-shouted back the puppeteer, once more holding her sealed book and surrounded by dolls readying a variety of miniature weapons.
C'mon, we've both being living in this forest alone for years. Sometimes we have quarrels, but then we're flying trough the night sky together shooting danmaku as one and then we both sleep at my house...
That was because of exceptional circumstances!
...You offered me your own hand-made dolls to keep me safe when I had to go to hell...
I offered them because I couldn't go there myself and I needed you to succeed!
...Then those lovely magic tomes that you gave me out of your own free will...
As fair payment for your collaboration with me. I don't owe you anything.
Geez, Alice, are you trying to say you want to cancel our wedding?
I don't remember you ever proposing to me in the first place.
Ah, yes, I suppose I need to take that step before. So, Alice, want to tie up the knot with me?
Hoe?-Sakura wasn't very sure what she was watching right now.
Shhh, let Alice deal with this-advised the fairies, having taken cover behind one of the beds.
Looks like love problems in paradise! You have any idea who this Marisa may be, Syaoran-kun?-whispered Meiling.
Eeerr, someone who ate too many mystery mushrooms in the forest? Could explain her current behavior.-whispered back Syaoran.
Meanwhile the youkai puppeteer silently reached inside her clothes and pulled a pair small dolls that looked just like Marisa and Alice, that flew from her hands and started floating between the two magicians.
Aw,w, that's so cute of you! So shy that are you gonna let your dolls do the talking da ze?-asked Marisa.
Then the Alice doll pulled a thin but long rope from her back and skillfully tied it up around the Marisa doll's neck in a noose, before quickly flying upwards. The Marisa doll frantically squirmed its tiny limbs for some moments before its movements slowed down and it become completely inert, just hanging down from the rope held by the Alice doll above that was nodding its head in approval of the result. The real Marisa's face suddenly became somewhat pale.
This is the kind of knot I want to do with you right now, Marisa...-slowly said Alice in a voice devoid of any emotion while her eyes stared at the floor-Will you accept it, or will you exit now and stop bothering my dear city-sect guests?
Wait a moment, how do you know I'm bothering your guests?-asked Marisa before turning her head towards the other humans whose brains were still trying to process what was happening in front of them.-You don't mind if I hang here by tonight, do you ka?
...Who are you...?-asked Sakura when adressed, yawning while her eyes were still half-closed.
It's the wicked witch of the west of the forest!-squealed Luna at her side with a fake scared accent while smiling.
Flattery will get you nowhere with me da ze!-grinned Marisa.
She kidnaps children and cooks them in her cauldron!-added Sunny, also smiling.
They're full of important nutrients da ze!-Marisa kept grinning.
She's also a violent thief!-continued Luna.
Hey, I'm an archaeologist treasure hunter da ze!-this time Marisa's face frowned.
For magic's sake, can't you act like a serious, decent person for a single moment of your life? You're just embarrassing yourself.-said Alice with an annoyed face.
Tsk, fine... I'm Marisa Kirisame, Ordinary Magician da ze!
Hoe...? There are ordinary magicians?-Sakura's eyes starting spinning in confusion. Were they about to be cooked by a wicked witch?
No, you're not a true magician... You're just an ordinary human.-stated Syaoran, standing up from the ground where he had been laying previously hoping the situation would solve itself on its own.
What did you just said to me, boy?-Marisa suddenly made an angry face and pulled out an hexagonal box with several carved linear runes, that started to glow while pointing it towards Syaoran's face.
But I can sense strong magic from her, Syaoran-kun...-asked Sakura with a confused face.
No, Sakura,you can sense the magic from the magic items she's carrying. Specially that mini-Hakkero magical furnace she's holding right now. That's one powerful and dangerous item. But she has no innate magic of her own.
Would an ordinary human be able to ever control an Hakkero, miniature or not? Then how about this ka?-asked Marisa while pulling a card and placing it in the back of her Hakkero while chanting
[Unsealed Magic] "Open Universe"
The room grew dark for a moment, then the inhabitants of the room found themselves in the void of the space. Countless tiny stars surrounded them. They were flying at impossibly fast speed and passed trough nearby planetary systems. They flew trough nebulas and asteroid belts, kept up with comets, orbited planets and moons. They could feel the heat of the shining, blazing globes that they passed too close by. It was a marvelous breath-taking display, then it suddenly ended in a giant multi-colored flash and they found themselves back at Alice's guest room.
Sakura and Meiling and even Alice seemed impressed by the display, but Syaoran remained unfazed.
Wow, that was... Beautiful, Marisa-chan! I don't really have any words...-said Sakura with sparkles on her eyes.
Yeah, you definitely can use some great magic!-approved Meiling, her eyes also sparkling
Thank you, thank you. So, you still have doubts that I'm a magician, boy?-smirked Marisa in triumph
Don't get me wrong. I'm sure you worked pretty hard to be able to master that magic furnace and use cards like that. But you still don't have any actual innate magic.-calmly insisted Syaoran.
What are you saying, Syaoran-kun? No way she could do something like that without being a magician, even if she has a powerful magic item! I know what I'm talking about, I asked everybody in the Li Clan about it, I read all the scrolls I could get my hands on!-said Meiling.
You tell him, girl!-nodded Marisa.
… The family lied to you. I lied to you. There is a way that even the most normal human can wield great magic, but it's kept as a secret in the deepest vaults...-slowly said Syaoran, looking directly his cousin in the eyes.
WHAT? WHY DIDN'T TELL ME EARLIER? TELL ME HOW! NOW!-Meiling suddenly pounced over Syaoran and pinned him against the ground with all her might, years of buried, pent-up frustation of being considered the black sheep of the Li Clan for having no innate magic coming to the surface.
Hard work. Hard, dangerous work. If one is willing to pour countless hours in reading ancient tomes, doing research and experiments, observing other sources of magic, collecting and experimenting with anything they can get their hands on, performing alchemy... This way even an ordinary human can control powerful magic...
I would've be willing to do all of that!-cried Meiling, tears starting to form over her eyes as she tightened her grip on Syaoran's arms- Why didn't anyone tell me! Why didn't you tell me? Do you think I can't do hard work? Do I look like a lazy person to you? Or perhaps you thought me a stupid muscle head, unable to learn anything but martial arts?
Because it's too risky! You saw how Sakura-chan struggled to master her own magic despite having great innate ability! If you're an ordinary human, a single mistake when trying to learn magic and you can die! And even if you survive, there's countless bad side effects to the human body for trying to follow that route! Horrible diseases, fast aging, soul corruption, it will only lead you to a miserable life down the line. In the past when humans could die overnight from a common disease and youkai openly stalked the world, then many deemed that an acceptable risk. But no more in the present day. That's why that kind of knowledge was sealed away. There was no need for you to risk or ruin your life, Meiling-chan. Kirisame risks her very life every time she uses magic. Her natural life span has probably already been significantly shortened.
Meiling let go of his cousin and stared at Marisa with watery eyes:
Please tell me the true, Kirisame-sama... Please tell me how I can gain magic powers trough hard work...
I have no idea what you're talking about. For I am a pretty soldier of love and justice! Friendship, courage and other positive feelings are what power up my magic!-grinned Marisa, rising her broom on the air as if it was a staff.
B-But what Syaoran-kun just said...
Again, no idea. Never worked hard a single day of my life. I have fun all day around Gensokyo, riding on ma broom, making things explode on my whims, taking whatever I want, that is my carefree lifestyle, trusting just my natural talent, my hakkero, and my trusty broom da ze
Syaoran sighed and pulled a jufu while Marisa was smirking at Meiling that was on the verge of tears.
Obey the command! Petals of wind, Come Forth!
The boy's wind magic caught Marisa by surprise, rising her long skirt and infiltrating inside. From the interior of the human witch's clothes the green wind pulled out some worn-out looking books, flasks filled with strange glowing liquids, and countless scrolls and pieces of paper filled with strange scribbles along several small and exotic objects like tiny wands and orbs.
So, why does a pretty soldier of Justice and Love needs to carry around all that stuff?-asked Syaoran as Marisa panicked for a moment, dropping on her knees to carefully gather the stuff she had just dropped.
I'm a compulsive collector, that's all! What if I borrow some magic trinkets from here and there?
Let me help you with that...-Meiling reached with her hand to grab a fallen flask.
No, don't touch it like that!-warned Marisa, but she was a bit too late as the liquid inside the container started glowing with intensity and Meiling could feel its temperature quickly rising.
Swiftly, Marisa swung her broom as a staff to yank the flask out of Meiling's hand and sending it crashing trough the window of the room, before it violently exploded in a large mushroom cloud over the grass in front of the house.
I...I managed to activate it on my own...-Murmured Meiling, noticing the palm of her hand now had small burns on it.
Don't ever you ever touch a magic item that you don't know what it is for again, you hear me girl? You could've died just now, and gravely hurt your friends on the process!-sternly yelled Marisa at Meiling while standing back up, having reunited all of her trinkets. The chinese girl felt silent and stared at the ground in shame.
You carry such dangerous trinkets in your skirt?-asked a surprised Syaoran.
Don't try it at home, kids. Big sister Marisa is a trained professional.-replied the witch, grinning again.
Alice-sama, is what Syaoran-kun said true?-asked Sakura in a serious tone.
Yes, it is, Sakura. Marisa is the most damned stubborn human I've ever met.-started to tell Alice- She's been burning herself out from the inside for many years now, learning to use magic by any and all means short of sacrificing the lives of other humans. She steals magic tomes and trinkets at every opportunity, she challenges powerful youkai head on just for the chance of observing their magic first-hand, she's ridden that broom to the most dangerous corners of Gensokyo for simple rumors of hidden magic. Marisa even abandoned her own human family along the way. And she's been mostly focusing on destructive, combat spells in order to be able to fight youkais at all, so it's highly unlikely Marisa will still have enough time to be able to master life-extending magic to become a magician youkai like me. Marisa even refused to drink the elixir of immortality when she had the chance. A bit of a waste from a youkai's point of view, to see such a strong life force extinguish itself so fast.
You abandoned your family out of your own will, Marisa-chan?-asked Sakura with a sad expression.
Nowadays, most humans in Gensokyo are nothing but a bunch of cowards, cowering behind the village's walls and kissing the youkai's feet in hopes they don't get eaten.-said Marisa, her face changing to one full of spite- My mother died in very strange circumstances, strong magic clearly involved, and what did my father do? He burned whatever magic books and trinkets he had at their shop and declared he would never deal in mystic merchandise again. Spineless scum. Just like the rest of the village. They make me disgusted. I despise them from the bottom of my heart. I couldn't bear even living near them so I left and never looked back. All I care nowadays about the humans in the village is they hiring me for well paid jobs or any interesting items they happen to find.
What Marisa means is that she isolated herself from other humans so that that she can conduct her dangerous magic research without getting any others of her kind in danger-added Alice still with an expressionless face- When Gensokyo started there were many like her, but over the years they've either died out or given up on this kind of hard path, choosing to just enjoy a peaceful life. Ordinary humans trying to learn powerful magic has become a thing of taboo even here in Gensokyo. It is an harsh road that inevitably draws the attention of powerful and hostile youkai, and rarely leads to an happy end. Marisa alone follows this path nowadays as far as I know, not wanting to risk the lives of any of her fellow humans.
Pfft, like I cared about others da ze!-rebutted Marisa, grinning again.
I remember you quite caring about a certain person, Marisa...-started to say the youkai puppeteer.
Not another word about that, Alice Margatroid, or I swear I turn this fancy house of yours into a smoking crater.-interrupted Marisa while glaring at the youkai puppeteer.
So, Sakura and Syaoran, what do you think of this magician wannabe of the untamed fields?-asked Alice turning towards the card mistress and her boyfriend- She can be quite amusing, don't you think? Probably a side effect of her mind already being broken from all the insanities she's been trough. Marisa will surely soon get herself killed in one of her own foolish experiments or when her body finally breaks down from all the magic stress and damage that she's been piling up over herself, shouting nonsense like that all the way to her early grave, childless and alone. While we'll still have young bodies and true magic, Marisa will become nothing but a distant memory on our minds, that we may discuss while having tea and cake.
Heh, that's where you're mistaken, Alice da ze.-smirked Marisa.
Am I, Marisa? Mind explaining why to me? You barely mingle with the other humans nowadays. Most think you're a monster already.
The black-white witch took off her large hat and inserted an arm inside it, pulling out a large tome, opening it in front of everyone. Inside its pages, neatly organized, there were description upon description of hundreds of spells. Marisa then started to talk with a clear sense of pride
This is my own grimoire. Marisa's grimoire da ze. It is a compilation of all the magic I've observed over Gensokyo over my days. All my research, results and failures alike, resumed and simplified so even a beginner can understand them. Warnings, advice and guides on the proper use of magic of all kinds. I've already arranged for copies to start being produced and sold over the village. I plan on updating and releasing a new copy every couple of years or so. This is my child. This is the legacy I'll leave behind when I'm gone. For a better tomorrow where all humans can use magic more safely.
...Are you being serious?-asked a surprised Syaoran. For a moment he could've sworn that Marisa was actually being truthful.
HAHAHA!-laughed Marisa in an amused tone-Perhaps I'm doing it just to increase my own power. Perhaps for profit, you can make a lot of money out of great books after all. Who knows? I'm already insane, didn't you hear? Gazed directly at the depths of hell and the true moon and paranormal horrors without protection and all that. But somebody has to at least try it. Magicians have always kept their research for themselves. Alice's grimmoire she always carries around is a thing of beauty, but she has only ever shown it to four beings that I know, and one of those is me. I guess that's one of the reasons science won on the outside world, scientists started to openly share their works and discoveries with each other da ze.
Science can be safely used by others if the proper instructions are followed-retorted Syaoran-Magic is heavily influenced by the feelings of the user, for better or worst. Unfortunately it's usually for the worst. That's why so much of it had to be sealed away.
So I heard. Laugh at me if you want for building my life upon only magic and dreams da ze.
I won't. You clearly have worked very hard and endured great hardships to reach where you are. It's still an insane goal you've set for yourself. But it may not be too late for you yet. We're from the outside world. We plan on leaving Gensokyo. We can take you with us. With your dedication and modern medicine, you could still have a long and fulfilled life in the modern world, I'm sure of it.
Leaving Gensokyo for the outside world you say? I admit I've wondered about that sometimes. Already been to Makai and even the Moon Capital, but an human dominated world should be a sight to see before I die...But alas I'm afraid I can't accept that offer yet. I still have many unfinished business in Gensokyo. New youkai keep appearing and somebody has to keep up the extermination efforts to keep them in check da ze.
Sakura-chan, mind talking to her? People usually listen to you better than me.-sighed Syaoran.
...Having something you're willing to put your life on the line for... That's something I can understand, Marisa-chan. I can only wish you that your dreams one day become reality.-was what Sakura said after some silent moments pondering her words.
Ah, I knew you were a nice sweet girl, Sakura! I just want to take you home now da ze!-Marisa approached the card Mistress and put her right arm around the younger girl's neck, pushing her face against the witch's waist while rubbing her head.
Didn't you said your house was in need of repairs?-smirked Alice.
Pfftt, details.
Look, just leave now. You've made your points, but this children need rest now, and I doubt they'll be able to do that if you remain here. You can come back tomorrow morning if you want to talk to them again.
Fine, I know when I'm not welcome in a place anymore. I'll just be taking this and leaving.-calmly said Marisa as she picked up Sakura and placed the red-haired girl over her shoulder, starting to walk towards the exit of the house while whistling, the card mistress too surprised by this sudden treatment to resist in any way.
Marisa had taken three steps before she had multiple sharp objects pointed at her face. One was Syaoran's summoned sword, another was a needle from Meiling, and the rest were from Alice's dolls miniature weapons that had were now floating in front of her.
Eerr, can I take the boy instead then?-asked Marisa making an innocent expressin.
Sakura squirmed and freed herself from Marisa's grasp, rolling to the ground before delivering a low kick to the witch's knee, making her flinch.
Syaoran-kun's under my protection!-declared the card mistress.
Ow, fine, kidnapping humans is bad, I get it...Then how about a duel at least? Let me take a good look at that magic I can sense in you! For the sake of research?-Marisa grinned widely.
...If it helps you update your grimoire, I'll do it, Marisa-chan!-replied Sakura, closing her fists in decision- You'll help as well, Syaoran-kun, won't you?
No hard feelings if Sakura-chan captures your cards?-asked the boy to the witch.
I'm an insane and violent thief, not an hypocrite da ze.-smirked Marisa.
Then I'm in. The more magic we take from you now, the slower you'll burn yourself out on the future.
Hey, I'll fight with Sakura and Syaoran too!-screamed Meiling, roused up as well.
Sorry, this will be a Magus Night, ordinary girls need not apply. Think of it as punishment for trying to snatch that bomb from me.-stated Marisa, and Meiling sat on her bed pouting
Well, I'm going to thoroughly enjoy seeing you getting your ass kicked by a pair of city-sect magicians, Marisa.-smirked Alice.
Then you'll also have your ass kicked, since you'll be fighting with me da ze.
I beg your pardon?
Of course, Sakura and Syaoran are a pair, so it is only fair we face them as a pair da ze!
You challenged them, not me.
Ah, come on, Alice, you want to challenge them as well, don't you?
I have no idea what you may be insinuating.
You keep that cold facade, but deep inside you enjoy a good duel as much as me da ze! You always making those cute dolls and filling them with accessories dreaming of how to use them in combat, are you not?
..Fine, I shall fight alongside you, Marisa but just so that Sakura and Syaoran don't grow bored too quickly from fighting a simpleton that just knows how to blast away.
Don't forget us!-said Star Sapphire, floating at Sakura's side.
Yeah, we'll support our new masters!-added Luna, floating to Syaoran's side.
Hmm, still counts as two versus two. You fairies are such light weights that you don't really tip the scales. Actually you may be an handicap for them da ze.-replied Marisa-But whatever, everyody to Alice's courtyard so we can start some danmaku! This house just doesn't have enough space inside for a proper battle da ze!
Wait, I've got new customes ready for Sakura and Syaoran!-interrupted Tomoyo across the corridor, recording everything with her camera.
Geez, Alice, you building up provisions for winter or something?-smirked Marisa.
...Just how long have you been there, Tomoyo-chan?-asked a sweatdroping Sakura.
Ever since Marisa-chan blew up the door to this room. You handled the situation so wonderfully that I though there was no need for me to intervene.-innocently replied Tomoyo.
So that's what you wanted my sewing machine for... And what is the reason for changing your garments before a magic battle, may I ask?-questioned Alice.
Didn't you hear, Alice? It's the latest fad of magic girls on the outside world, all the cool kids change their dresses when an enemy appears! It's supposed to include a fancy light show with special poses and everything or so I heard!-grinned Marisa.
Tomoyo meanwhile dragged Sakura and Syaoran to a pair of other rooms in the house and handed them their new clothes before closing the doors and then standing guard in front of them.
Wait, no clothes transformation light show?-asked Marisa in a disappointed tone.
Sakura-chan is the best magic girl there is, but even she isn't perfect. But rest assured, I've been researching for 3 years now the best way to change your clothes with magic and I believe I'm pretty close to a breakthrough in this field.-explained Tomoyo with a professional smile.
...Ah, whatever, gonna to do some warm-ups da ze. Mind setting up some of your dolls flying for target practice, Alice?
What about I set up my dolls to use you as a target practice, Marisa?-coldly replied the youkai puppeteer.
Fine, I'll just use those fairies over there da ze!
Star Sapphire and Luna sweatdropped as Marisa pointed her Hakkero at them, then started to fly away at top speed while screaming in panic as the witch started shooting lasers at them. Sunny Milk meanwhile had discretly turned herself invisible and was laying still, no energy left to cover her companions as well.
In a dark library in Gensokyo
The pale girl with purple hair, eyes and pink pajamas was back on a comfy armchair, surrounded by tomes, and tried to turn another page from the book she was now carefully reading on her lap, but had another extreme cough attack.
There's no time to search through all these books! I must go get the cat to help me...
She then closed the book, tucking it over her arm and proceeding to float over the bookshelves.
The lake on top of the tallest mountain on Gensokyo.
Kanako floated above the water, surrounded by dozens of flying black crows:
No sign of that Kinomoto human yet?
Nope, oh great goddess!-replied one of the crows.
And you call yourselves tengu? Are you not supposed to be nimble information corps?
Well, oh great goddess, an evil unknown spirit appeared and has been rampaging all over the skies of Gensokyo tonight. It's quite hard to fly anywhere at all as soon as you exit this mountain. Tenma says that your promised payment right now isn't enough for this kind of work.
Agh, fine, contact your boss. Tell him that his extra conditions are accepted and to deploy your best agent. Your very best. You know the one I'm talking about. Our shrine must find Sakura Kinomoto first. It is somewhat of a shame that Byakuren let her slip through her fingers, but this presents an unique opportunity to boost our faith beyond our wildest expectations...
(Author's notes: Ah, Marisa. Compulsive burglar and liar to the end, almost always hiding her true hard-working nature. And also the character closest to us normal humans according to Zun's own words. Well I guess Zun is pretty hard-working himself having made so many games solo, and also loves to troll us fans with contradictory facts. I always wondered how Marisa would react to the way magic is depicted in modern magic girls shows... "In my time, we had to go out there to a monster-infested forest to collect hallucinogenic mushrooms and then cook them for hours to power up our magic artifact! And we liked it!"...Nah, that kinda sounds too much like an old lady)