Byakuren and Kaho smiled coldly at each other for a moment, before the youkai magician broke the silence:
What a strange shrine maiden, being so polite... What's your relationship with Kinomoto? Why do you want to meet her?
I'm just Sakura-chan's ex-teacher who heard one of her old pupils got lost and I'm tracking her to bring the missing child back home.
Teacher? You're the one who taught her magic?
Oh, no, just math, history and other normal school subjects. Well, I did give Sakura-chan some hints and pushes here and there when she was card capturing, but Sakura-chan learned most of her magic from other places. Still you didn't answer my question. Do you know where Sakura-chan is?
I brought her to this fantastic land, but I'm afraid we got separated by unexpected circumstances, Kaho-chan.
Hijiri-chan, since we're all interested in meeting Sakura-chan, perhaps we can work together?
It depends. What do you intend to do when you meet her?
To return Sakura-chan to the real world of course.
I don't suppose I could ask you to let Sakura-chan remain here some time? I'll personally ensure her safety and education.
And for how long would that be?
Just some years, decades, centuries, as long as it takes for her to become a youkai magician.
I'm afraid I cannot agree with those terms. Sakura-chan has to be returned as soon as possible. That's not negotiable.
I shouldn't be surprised for a shinto priestess to have such short sights. And I here hoping we could reach an understanding to help each other, but seems like we meeting here is just a pointless coincidence.
Mizuki pulled a long, thin and yellow piece of cloth from inside her robes. Waving it in the air, a long japanese bow appeared from behind it along several arrows, which the shrine maiden skillfully grabbed and assumed an archery stance.
There is no such things as coincidences, there is only fate. Mine was to meet you here so I can seal you for good for Sakura-chan's safety. Although there's few youkai in the outside world nowadays, I've exterminated my fair share as part of my duties as a shrine maiden. I'll make it quick and painless out of respect for your past life as a human priestess.
Fate? -Byakuren chuckled- I've been defying it for over a thousand years, and helped many others change it as well. However, if you're going to seal me away again...
Byakuren floated up as she surrounded herself with an aura of multi-coloured light
...I will resist you with all my might!
The youkai magician unleashed a barrage of purple spheres from her scroll, aimed at Mizuki and her surroundings! Completely calm, the shrine maiden placed an arrow in her bow and elegantly opened it, releasing the projectile just when Byakuren's danmaku was about to hit her. The arrow flew true and produced a shockwave of holy energy, dissipating all of the youkai incoming shots and then diving in Byakuren's chest! Shinto sigils formed around the wounded magician, her sutra scroll's light fading away, except for a blue fragment that suddenly glowed brighter.
[Superhuman] "Garuda's Wings"
Byakuren suddenly became a purple blur, moving down from the sky and behind Mizuki in a split second! The shrine maiden turned around instantly, feeling her opponent's magic presence, to see dark tranluscent sapphire wings had grown from Byakuren's back, glowing brighter by the moment. Following her intuition, Mizuki jumped away just in time before the magic wings exploded in a bright blue blast! When the dust subsided Byakuren was stading smiling and unharmed, no signs of the arrow that had just pierced her heart.
That was a clean youkai-cleansing shot. How are you still moving?-asked Mizuki, now serious.
Although it pains to admit me, what saved me just now was a technique I learned from another shrine maiden. Border between life and death she called it.-replied Byakuren, rising up her sleeves.
Mizuki was already setting up any arrow, but before she could shoot Byakuren threw away her cape and closed in, aiming a punch at the shrine maiden's face. Mizuki dodged just in time, and a large rock behind her shattered as Byakuren's fist hit it instead!
And I here thinking you had pride in your magic ability.-provoked Mizkui, trying to put some distance between them to have enough space to use her bow.
Increasing my strength and speed are spells too! A powerful mind should be paired with a powerful body. Besides you're too dangerous with that bow of yours to risk a ranged duel.-grinned Byakuren as she crushed several pieces of scenery with her fists and feet trying to land a hit in the evasive shrine maiden as glowing sutras from her floating scroll flowed through her limbs.
I guess I need to teach you a lesson, even if you're technically my senior.-smiled again Mizuki, suddenly stopping, crouching and pushing her own fist forward. Byakuren was moving too fast to stop and the shrine maiden's closed hand slammed right into her stomach, unleashing a discharge of holy energy that sent the youkai magician reeling back!
Makai that hurts... Shinto divine martial arts sure are a bother...-Byakuren had no time to speak as Mizuki loosened a new arrow at point blank range, the magician managing to duck down just in time.
The close duel continued for some minutes, Byakuren and Mizuki almost dancing with each other as they traded point blank shots and magic-enhanced punches. Still Mizuki was slowly getting the hang of Byakuren's magic-enchanced movements, soon she would be unable to dodge her divine arrows anymore. Then another section of Byakuren's sutra scroll glowed brighter and something formed in her right hand:
Hanuman's Dance
A golden flash and something deflected Kaho's arrow. Byakuren was now holding a short triangular blade made of a golden material.
My shot should be able to pierce any demonic magic... Is that a vajra?
Correct. Not as clumsy or random as a bow. An elegant weapon, for a more civilized age.
The vajra started to glow, and the light extended into a longer blade of divine energy that Byakuren used to extend her range and slice Mizuki's bow in half!
Byakuren resumed her assault, swinging the golden weapon into wide arcs. Mizuki did her best to dodge it while trying to strike Byakuren back with her fists infused with divine energy, but the youkai magician had an overwhelming reach advantage. Then Byakuren heard something approach her from behind. When she turned back, it was too late to evade and she was struck by a barrage of ice shards that exploded in contact, leaving her half covered in frost.
You're a much easier target without your bogyguards, Hijiri.-mocked Yue as he descended from the skies, forming more ice shards in his open hand palms-I apologize for the delay, Kaho-sama, I went a bit too far while searching for my Mistress.
No need to apologize, you arrived just in time.-thanked Mizuki.
The false deva is here too? I can deal with you too...-challenged Byakuren.
Byakuren summoned forth her danmaku lotus flowers, but before she could start shooting she was engulfed in bright flames coming from the skies.
Seal her now, Kaho-sama! While she's weakened!-Keroberos too revealed himself from the darkness of the night- If we deal with her now, it's one less obstacle in our path to rescue Sakura-chan!
Despite her near surroundings being torched to a black crisp, Byakuren's fortified body and dress only suffered light burns. But the magician's attention was now fully focused on defence, her scroll's energies being channeled to defence as Keroberos and Yue alternated their ice and fire attacks in perfect synchronization.
As usual, you have no honor, going three on one against an old lady...
This is the fate you brought upon yourself, Byakuren-chan.-smiled Mizukias she pulled a stack of amulets and threw them around the youkai magician, forming a circle- Yue and Keroberos contacted me after you took Sakura-chan away. I managed to find the breach on Gensokyo's barrier left after you opened a portal to return here. Such a wonderful piece of magic keeping this land I would've never detected it if not for that gap you left..
Ups? It was the Hakurei's job to take care of any holes I left behind in the great barrier. Silly me, trusting a shinto priestess to do the job she was supposed to do.-replied Byakuren as she looked around as if trying to find a way out.
Now, meditate in your errors for at least another thousand years...
SAVE ME DHARMA!-shouted Byakuren at the heavens.
For a moment the only sound that could be heard was the echoes of the youkai priestess voice going through the night. Then a girl landed out of nowhere in front of Byakuren, with teal colored hair and eyes along with dog ears. She wore a long pale pink shirt with teal flower-shaped buttons and a white dress below it with black trim, carrying a bamboo broom which she used to sweep away the amulets sealing Byakuren.
A witch?-asked Kaho.
Nah, I'm just the janitor from Byakuren-sama's temple. It's my duty to cook, clean up the trash, and accept challenges from anyone wishing to fight our boss.-smiled the newcomer.
Just another enemy then!-Kero breathed forth a torrent of fire at the animal ears girl, who grinned and pulled a card.
[Echo Sign] "Mountain Echo Scramble"
Keroberos flame breath was dispersed in the form of a shower of danmaku that reflected all around the girl, forcing Kaho and Sakura's familiars to pull back to dodge!
It's a yamabiko, an echo youkai! Keep your voices down and she'll go down easily!-warned Kaho, taking care not to be too loud.
However a strong song started to be singed from above.
Miko Miko Mizuki we love you~
Miko Miko Mizuki what are you doing? ~
Miko Miko Mizuki staggeringly sober~
Miko Miko Mizuki and, of course, aimless ~
The lyrics echoed on the yamabiko, producing new waves of powerful danmaku.
Enough!-whispered Yue, producing his energy bow and unleashing an ice arrow at the teal haired youkai. The projectile was partially deflected by the sound danmaku, but still managed to graze her head, breaking her concentration.
Kaho, Keroberos and Yue moved to surround the dazed yamabiko, when Kaho sensed something quickly approaching from her back. She rolled to the side just in time to avoid a pair of poison coated claws slashing her back. Quickly getting up to face her attacker, Kaho saw a small girl. She had grey eyes and pink hair, pointed ears like an owl and light pink bird-like wings with purple highlights. She was dressed in white and brown clothing, where her hat and dress contained numerous bird-shaped ornaments. Her fingernails were long, sharp and of a sickly green, and she used them to pull a card from inside her clothes:
Behold, the flight of the Hawk Moth as they spreads their scales!
[Moth Sign] "Hawk Moth's Wingbeats"
A swarm of the winged insects flew out from the card and attacked the shrine maiden and her allies, seeking to surround them!
So many bad girls out tonight...-sighed Kaho as she swiftly pulled amulets and threw them to burn away the tiny insects.
Naturally! The good little children went to bed at noon. At night, it's happy hour for human-hunting!- grinned the winged girl.
Byakuren-sama, easy now!-meanwhile the animal eared girl, helped the youkai priestess get back on her feet.
Kyouko Kasodani, is that you?-asked Byakuren, taking a closer look at her rescuer. My venerable lady calls and we answer! You have my deepest gratitude... But what are you doing in this area, so far away from the temple, and who is your friend?-Byakuren looked at the winged girl commanding her fleet of insects against their three opponents.
Oh, this here is Mystia Lorelei, she's great with sound so her power naturally combines with mine. That's why we decided to start performing at night together as a music band! But I didn't want to get complains from the temple about being too loud so that's why we hang in this more remote areas, although that turned out lucky when I heard you calling for help.
I remember now... Hadn't I told you not to hang with that Lorelei anymore? She's a bad influence because she loves to attack humans.
Sorry, but we're both deaf to all but the song. Besides when she's singing at least she's not terrorrizing the villagers, right?
How come a simple night sparrow is giving us so much trouble?-asked Kaho, as the last insects were forced back to card form by her amulets backed up by Kerobero's fire and Yue's ice.
Outta the way, outta the way, this bird is strong!~ -singed Mystia as she swoop down to slash at the shrine maiden again, being intercepted by Keroberos who forced her back with some struggle before trying to fry her with a new blazing breath, but the sparrow youkai gracefully dodged it. She tried to pull a new card but Yue sniped it out of her hand with an arrow.
You had the advantage of surprise, but minor youkai such as you have no chance now that we've seen you. Leave the youkai priestess to us and we'll allow you to live another night.
No can do. We need Byakuren-sama. Her emotions are like a skyscraper. Her mind has allowed us to glimpse the cosmos.-smiled Kyouko, standing her ground.
Hey sis , let's give this public a private concert!-shouted Mystia, landing near and extending her hand.
Let human screams echo throughout Gensokyo!-giggled Kyouko, taking the clawed hand and rising their arms together in the air.
[Punk Rock Sign] Dance of Bird and Beast!
Kyouko and Mystia's clothes became darker as black leather collars formed in their necks and dark glasses materialized in their faces, plus an electric guitar appeared in the winged youkai's hands, which she expertly started to play, unleashing powerful shockwaves with each string vibration!
Their power level... How can it be so high out of a sudden!-asked Keroberos, flinching for a moment.
They're linking their magics! Kaho-sama, please find and opening and finish sealing Hijiri! Me and Keroberos will keep those sound youkai busy!-shouted Yue, charging ahead while launching blast after blast of ice from his hands.
The pale angel and winged lion flanked Mystia and Lorelei, who in turn fought back to back, the bird youkai swinging her guitar like an axe against Yue while Lorelei shouted giant sonic blasts to counter Keroberos's blazing breath. As Sakura's familiars were locked in battle with the rock duo, Byakuren stood up,intending to support her allies, but before she got to recite a single spell Mizuki hit the magician's throat with an open palm strike, silencing the youkai priestess. The shrine maiden followed with a merciless beatdown using her divine martial arts, forcing the wounded Byakuren down again.
You've had more than your fair share of time in this world, Hijiri. Your story ends now.
Funny, that's what your grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand mother said a thousand years ago.-grinned Byakuren
As she placed new paper seals in the youkai priestess, Kaho didn't see the multitude of strange lights appearing in the skies above.
[Unidentified] "Red UFO Invasion of Rage"
Yue saw an horde of crimson winged infernal humanoids descending from the skies, carrying pitchforks and launching hellfire blasts from their eyes.
It's a devil invasion!-he warned the others, summoning his bow again and starting to launch arrows upwards.
Keroberos saw crimson battleships descending from the heavens, pointing their broadside cannons down and unleashing a rain of scarlet plasma blasts all around them.
It's an alien invasion! -he warned the others, starting to breath balls of fire upwards.
Kaho saw crimson giants of metal descend from the sky along a rain of red meteors.
Aliens? Devils? What are you saying?
Can't you see the fighting vessels? Just like the ones from Starhammer 3!-shouted Keroberos as he dodged the descending blasts.
Have you hit your head, Keroberos? They're Lucifer's elite corps as described on the volume LVII of the sacred scriptures!
I see neither of those things! We're under attack by magic knight frames! No, wait something feels wrong...-Byakuren's intuition warned her that if each of them were seeing a different thing, then most probably none of them were seeing the truth.
It's an illusion! Yue, give me a bow now!
We'll cover you, focus to detect the origin!-The ice angel produced and threw an energy bow at Kaho, who grabbed it.
Now where is the source hiding...-Kaho closed her eyes and focused on her surroundings, seeking to detect the source of the illusion magic. Yue stood at her right side, raising translucent walls of energy, while Keroberos took position at her left side and shielded the shrine maiden with his wings.
Suddenly sensing a stronger point of magic in the sky, Kaho unleashed a new holy arrow, piercing upwards. There was a sudden flash and battleships, devils and giants all disappeared, replaced by tiny fairies who panicked and dispersed. But something unknown remained in the sky. A large ball of glowing white light who spiraled down, and a booming voice came out from it:
You human who've forgotten the fear of night!
Die from the terror of this unidentified flying object!
The mysterious sphere started to unleash alternate barrages of blue and red magic bullets as it flew down.
This voice of misfortune! It's the mysterious youkai from ancient times... It's the voice of the Nue!-warned Kaho as she gritted her teeth.
A Nue? They should've all been slain long ago! Shoot it down!-Yue created a new energy bow for himself, adding his arrows at Kaho's, while Keroberos opened his wings to unleash a new torrent of flames.
The ball made no effort to dodge the incoming attacks, which all collided with it, creating a massive magic explosion! When the light cleared, a floating winged humanoid form remained behind. A young woman with short black hair and dark red eyes, three red metallic-looking wings on the right side of her back, and three blue arrow-shaped tails coming out from her left side. She carried a trident, had a snake on her right arm, and also wore a black wristband on her left wrist. Her dress was all black with blue and white trim in the middle, a red bow on the front, and a small, yin-yang-like tomoe design at the bottom corner of the skirt of her dress. She wore black thigh-high stockings and red shoes with bows on them. She produced a sound that simultaneously sounded like laughter and scream:
It doesn't hurt... It doesn't hurt at all! I'm a classic youkai! You need a legendary weapon if you hope to defeat me! Like this!
The Nue placed a card in front of her and striked it with her trident while shouting:
[Grudge Bow] "The Bow of Genzanmi Yorimasa"
The trident morphed into a massive bow which the Nue grabbed with her left hand, and in her right hand multiple purple arrows materialized. She stringed all of them simutaneously and aimed upwards at the sky before releasing them, then swiftly produced more arrows and shot them in quick succession. Kaho, Keroberos and Yue watched in horror as they saw the ever growing barrage of mystic arrows blanket the sky and descend upon them.
A youkai using a youkai exterminating weapon?-Yue gritted his teeth as he looked around to see if at least he could take out Byakuren with a final shot, but the youkai priestess was nowhere to be seen.
It takes someone very brave to wield the weapon they should fear most...-Keroberos scratched the ground, unsure what to do.
Listen well, we'll have one chance to do this...-Kaho whispered something to her allies as the arrows descended, and then the area were they stood was carpeted by purple blasts that shaked the very ground.
As the dust settled, there were no signs of the human nor the winged lion or ice deva. The Nue turned her bow back into a trident and descended down near some rocks. She dismissed her magic and the rocks turned back to Byakuren, Kyoko and Mystia.
Yoh Byakuren, a little bird told me you got yourself in big trouble again. Seems like I got here just in time.-greeted the Nue.
I'm very grateful for you coming to my aid as well, but you didn't kill that shrine maiden nor those misguided youkai, did you?-asked the youkai priestess while sitting in meditation, recovering her strength.
I don't sense their magic presence anymore. But there should've been something left of them if they had died. Seems like they're pretty good at running away.
Wow Nue-sama, you're even more awesome in action than what I've heard! In the temple you're always lazing around with a bored look in your face but when you get serious you really put up a show! No wonder so many humans fear you!-Kyoko's eyes sparkled with awe.
Yeah, but only because Byakuren-sama was in danger. I just hate it when humans see my true form.-frowned the Nue.
Want me to hunt them down Byakuren-sama? I can get every bird and moth around here searching for them if you say the word.-grinned Mystia.
No, you've already done more than enough for me. Please just escort me back to our temple. It'll soon be so late that even the grass will be sleeping, no sense struggling to find anything out there anymore. We have important things to discuss.-asked Byakuren, standing up and starting to fly, soon followed by the other youkai.
Hiding behind the remains of a tree blasted away, Kaho focused on supressing her magic aura as well as that of Yue and Kero, who had returned to his doll shape to stand out less.
A Nue? They had a Nue in here? He could've warned us about that!-whispered Yue.
Maybe he simply didn't know. Seems like this Gensokyo is indeed a place of many mysteries.-calmly stated Kaho.
So what do we do now? We can't risk drawing any more attention than what we've already done, but we still have no clues of where Sakura-chan is! Gah, where's that brat when we need him?-commented Kero.
There may be someone willing to support us in this task. It's a long shot, but he predicted something based on some old records that may be explained in this land...
At Alice's house, next morning
As Syaoran woke up, his head hurt like somebody had been using it as a punching bag.
Gha, so this is what they call an hangover...
Yeah, it's natural if that was your first time getting drunk.-said a girlish voice in front of him.
Syaoran managed to open his eyes and saw a girl's face floating just above his. He was so startled he fell out of the bed.
Ow...What were you doing so close like that?
Well, you were whispering some pretty interesting things in your sleep, Sakura-chan this and Sakura-chan that. I was just silencing those sounds which I'm sure you wouldn't want your girlfriend to hear-grinned Luna.
Syaoran looked around as his brain struggled to restart. Tomoyo was already up, sewing something over her knees, although she had a frowning expression that strongly suggested she was also suffering a bit from an hangover. Meiling and Sunny were nowhere to be seen. Syaoran didn't find that strange, his cousin liked to get up even earlier than him to train hard before breakfast. Sakura was sleeping like an angel along Star at her side.
Alice-sama has brewed coffee for us, it really helped lessen the hangover. You look like you could use some as well, Syaoran-kun.-Tomoyo pointed with her eyes to a cup filled with a steaming dark liquid at her side.
Want me to bring you a cup of coffee from the kitchen, Syaoran-kun?-asked Luna as Syaoran sat on the floor, rubbing his head.
Yes, that would be nice, thanks...
On my way!-Luna started to walk towards the exit of the room tripped over nothing after just three steps.
Can't you fly?
That's more tiring than walking. Gotta save my energy until the night starts again.
Nah, that's just Luna being her usual clumsy self.-said a voice from an empty spot on the room.
Then Syaoran saw Meiling suddenly appear over him out of thin air, with Sunny holding at her shoulders! Before he could get out of the way his cousin had landed on his back and pinned the boy against the ground, the girl grinning in satisfaction.
Good morning Syaoran! What did you think of my awesome new technique? This fairy got all charged up when the sun rose and now I can turn invisible for faster and longer and we've been training together and it's fantastic!
Hahaha, what did you think of that, human magician? With my light bending power and Meiling-sama's martial arts, none can oppose us!-laughed Sunny
You sound pretty energetic, Meiling. You also had the coffee?-sweatdroped Syaoran.
Hehehe, nope. Woke up feeling refreshed and filled with energy right away. Sunny-chan says I'm a natural drinker, just like her!
Hey, no duels indoors!-shouted Alice as she walked inside the room, a couple dolls with filled cups of coffee floating behind her.
I'm gonna train some more with Sunny-chan then.-Meiling backflipped back on her feet, then jumped out the window.
You ok master?-asked Luna, helping Syaoran stand up while a doll put a cup of the coffee on his hand.
Yeah, I'm used to this kind of thing believe it or not... Thanks, Margatroid. I need to do my morning training as well.-said Syaoran as he slurped down the black beverage, feeling his hangover go down.
I understand you martial users like to train your bodies every day, but you should refrain yourself from physical exercise until your hangover is cured.
In that case, Margatroid, have some paper and ink you can sell me?-asked Syaoran as his mind became more clear.
What makes you think I would be so stingy as to not offer basic writing materials to a fellow city-sect magician in need?
Alice snapped her fingers and a small army of dolls instantly flew in from another corridor carrying a massive stack of paper leaves, pens and bottle inks that they swiftly dropped over Syaoran, burying him alive.
Didn't you just said no duels indoor, Alice-chan?-sweatdroped Luna.
Oh, I apologize. Seems like I'm also suffering a bit from last night's drinking. -Alice blushed a bit in embarassment as she put her dolls to work digging out Syaoran.
Some moments later
Syaoran sat at Alice's kitchen table slurping some coffee while writing fresh mystic runes in the slips of paper Alice had "gifted" him, an empty cup of coffee at his side. That his jufus were consumed after use meant the boy always had to be making new ones and his instincts told him he should be prepared while in Gensokyo. Alice's dolls moved around preparing toasts, eggs and bacon in an old fashioned oven. Some of them moved away from the others to refill Syaoran's empty cup with coffee, something he was quite grateful for as the black beverage had eased the pain in his head, although he still wasn't fully recovered from yesterday's drinking. The dolls seemed to be muttering to themselves, "Why do we have to cook for the humans?", "You'll pay for what you did to our sisters.", "Alice is such a slave driver always giving us orders", "The doll revolution will come one day" but Syaoran wasn't sure if the voices were just figments of his imagination due to the hangover. Alice herself was in smaller table against the wall sewing more dolls, her chained grimoire always at her side. Out of the window Syaoran could see Meiling performing her moring exercises with Sunny Milk trying to imitate her. The fairy was doing a poor show of herself, but seemed happy nevertheless as Meiling shouted the names of the martial movements to keep her rhythm.
Good morning Syaoran!-greeted Sakura in a cheerful voice as she entered the kitchen, Star following behind. She showed no traces of an hangover whatsoever.
Good morning... You seem like you slept well... I'm glad for that...
Hmm, Syaoran-kun, you don't look like so good yourself.-said Star.
Did something happen to you, Syaoran-kun?-asked Sakura with a dumbfounded face.
It's natural, some people can handle alcohol better than others. You seem to be a natural like Meiling.-commented Luna, who was doing her best to copy Syaoran's jufu scribbling, with different degrees of success.
Where is she?
Meiling's outside training, can't you see her through the window?
Hoe... No.
BOO! -Meiling appeared right at Sakura's side.
KKYYYAAAHHHH!-screamed the card mistress in surprise.
Sakura-chan's so cute when she's scared of her former love rival!-squealed Tomoyo, having picked up her camera just in time.
Damn you're right Sunny! it really is fun scaring people!-laughed Meiling
How do you make so few noise? I was not helping you.-questioned Luna.
Meiling-chan's steps are really light when she wants.-explained Sunny.
And isn't Sapphire's power to detect moving things? Why didn't she say something?-asked Syaoran.
Oh, c'mon, I wasn't gonna spoil a prank from a fellow fairy.-said Star.
Hoe... Meiling-chan, why are you staring at me like that?-asked Sakura as the chinese girl closely observed her with a sudden serious face.
...You look like a fresh flower after last night. I guess I shouldn't expect any less from you. But next time we'll hold a proper drinking competition between us two!
Hoe...
Have some coffee while you wait for breakfast, Sakura-chan.-invited Tomoyo, having stopped her sewing to prepare and offer a cup to the card mistress.
Nyaah, it's bitter. -frowned Sakura as she tasted the drink.
Sakura-chan is so cute when she's-ouch my head...-Tomoyo stopped her squealing as her remaining hangover rised again due to her excitement.
Isn't there anything besides coffee?Like some sweets? Sakura-chan likes sweet things. And so do I.-said Star.
Margatroid said the food will take some more time to prepare since there's so unexpected guests.
Hmm, where's Marisa-chan?-asked Sakura, looking around.
I saw her gulping down at least a dozen cups of coffee this morning.-commented Meiling.
She was talking with Alice-chan last time I saw her.-replied Sunny.
...Like I would know that. That little rat is always hiding somewhere.-spoke Alice for the first time.
A doll then popped out from behind Alice's blouse collar and approached Sakura and her friends. Syaoran recognized her as identical to the doll that could me without any strings.
I'm Shanghai. I saw where the black-white went. Follow me.
The kids were surprised as this doll was clearly speaking for herself, in particular Syaoran. The doll started to move into one of the house's inside corridors before her head turned 180 degrees to look back.
What are you staring at, boy?
Sorry, you just look a lot like a particular doll I destroyed yersterday during my duel with Margatroid.-replied Syaoran, somewhat suspicious. She didn't just look a lot alike, her magic presence felt exactly the same.
Yes, you destroyed Shanghai yesterday.
Did Alice-sama repair you?-asked Sakura.
How could Shangai know that? Shangai share memories. Mistress likes to use the same old designs again and again. But Shangai cannot know if she's brand new or a recycled Shangai. Shangai only remembers Shangai being destroyed and then waking at mistress's desk. Here we are. Don't make noise.
Following the doll into a dark corridor that led to a set of stairs leading down, they reached a closed wooden door. It seemed completely ordinary.
Gah, can't open it!-said Star as she instantly moved to try to turn the handle, but not managing to move it a single inch.
I'll help you Star-chan.-Sakura stepped forward and easily moved the handle down.
There was a strong stench of mushrooms as the door opened. The place behind it looked like an archaic alchemy laboratory, with a variety of glass containers, lamps and other alchemy devices. There were sheets of paper with scribbled notes and rough drawings scattered everywhere. Marisa was in the middle of the room, stirring a cauldron filled with a yellow boiling liquid, mushrooms sometimes popping up before sinking back in the mixture, a purple fire burning under the large metal container. More mushrooms were scattered in the tables around her, some cut, others mashed up, some glowing a bit. The witch's face was cold and serious, completely immersed in her work.
What is she doing?-whispered Sakura.
Magic maintenance. Mushrooms grow on trees, but spell components and fuel for her mini-hakkero don't. She need to collect materials and process them. -replied Syaoran.
But we and Alice-sama never do that kind of stuff.
There's no need. Our bodies naturally produce magic. Marisa has none of her own, so she needs to collect it from other sources.
Luna, I never saw Marisa-chan so focused in something. Doesn't this seems like an ideal situation to pull a prank on her?-grinned Star, and the other two fairies grinned back, as if suddenly sharing a single mind.
Before Sakura, Syaoran or Meiling could react, the three fairies flew across the room, picking some of the scattered mushrooms and throwing them inside the bubbling cauldron. The mixture inside started to glow and boiling more violently.
What...-asked Marisa to herself as she saw the liquid in front of her start changing color wildly and starting to overflow.
The witch jumped back just in time as the cauldron exploded violently. Sakura, Syaoran and Meiling instinctively jumped for the nearest cover, all three kids dragging Tomoyo along with them. The three fairies caught the impact head on and exploded in bright blasts.
Sakura felt her body starting to go numb. Looking down she could see how limbs and torso were breaking apart in the form of red and blue cubes, until only her head remained. Around her, she could see Syaoran, Meiling, Tomoyo, Marisa and the fairies had been reduced to just heads and cubes as well. But their eyes and mouths still moved. They were still alive. No blood or anything. Thinking was hard. What was she worrying about again? They should just take it easy...
Marisa's head dragged herself around the floor. She picked up a fallen pen with her mouth and started scribbling a runic circle. She then chanted something. The magic diagram started to glow. There was an intense flash and suddenly the heads had whole bodies beneath them again.
Well, that's one mess taken care off da ze.-sighed Marisa in relief as she stretched her limbs out
I'm sorry, Marisa-chan, I didn't intend to...-started to apologize Sakura.
No need for excuses. What's done is done. Now, where's it ke...
Marisa searched a bit around the rubble formed by the blast and then pulled out a bamboo broom from inside the rubble, moving green vines with leaves sprouting from the middle area and entangling the cable. It seemed alive.
Don't tell me that's the broom I cut yesterday? You can restore destroyed objects?-asked Syaoran.
Kinda. My broom's been exposed to so much magic it developed some special properties of its own. Vines grow out on its own, it's usually bothersome and I have to cut them off, but they also repair any damage suffered, that's how it's lasted for most of my career as a magician. It can be used to fly and to channel spells and a few other tricks. But tell me, what's a broom's original purpose ke?-said Marisa.
...Sweeping off trash?-commented Meiling.
Exactly da ze!-grinned Marisa.
Suddenly Marisa held her broom with both hands and swinged it like a weapon in a wide arc. When Sakura, Syaoran, Meiling and the fairies noticed it, they had been sent flying across the room by the blunt tool. Marisa wasn't finished yet however as she pulled a card and slammed her broom's head on it:
SHADOW! RELEASE!
Dozens of flat black tendrils emerged from the card that swiftly wrapped around everybody else but Marisa herself and Tomoyo, immobilizing and gagging them.
Listen now. I don't interupt you when you're dressing up in fancy clothes. I expect to don't be interrupted when I'm preparing my magics. Don't you know how dangerous is to disrupt potion making? This is what I use to fuel my blasts for Selene's sake da ze!
But it was the fairies who did it...-complained Meiling as she managed to break free her mouth, before being shut again.
The fairies you took as familiars. The fairies who couldn't get inside this lab unless a magician opened the door. Punishing the underlings is not enough. You gotta punish their bosses as well.-smiled Marisa.
Hoe... We're really sorry, Marisa-chan...-Sakura managed to slid out the tendril wrapping over her mouth.
"Sorry" won't cut it this time. I spent hours preparing that mushroom extract. How exactly do you plan to make up for that ke?
If it's money you want, I can pay you.-Syaoran managed to bite his mout free.
Do I look like a shrine maiden looking for donations? I only deal in rare items. You know, that star key of yours is something I would love to study more closely da ze.-smirked Marisa as she moved her hand to Sakura's neck and grabbed her pendant, carefully observing it, the card mistress's eyes widening in surprise.
No! Take my sword instead! It's an ancient relic from the Li clan!-shouted Syaoran in sudden panic.
Nah, I was never very good with sharp things da ze.-replied Marisa.
How about a femtofiber fabric dress as compensation instead?-asked Tomoyo suddenly, still free but not having done anything yet, knowing the reason Marisa hadn't immobilized her was that she didn't consider her a threat.
Femtofiber fabric? Don't kid with me, Tomoyo-chan. No way you would know how to sew that da ze.
I sewed the clothes for Sakura-chan and Syaoran-kun with femtofiber fabric. You can check it out.
Marisa dropped Sakura's pendant and grabbed the collar of her shirt instead, carefully observing the cloth texture. The witche's eyes widened in awe and her jaw dropped.
...Well, Makai take me, this is the real deal! Didn't even notice it yesterday in the night darkness, but this is 100% genuine femtofiber fabric! Tomoyo-chan, my dear friend, you have yourself a deal!
What's the ruckus down here?
The question came from Alice who now entered the room. Then she saw Marisa using her new magic to trap the kids with a look of excitement seemingly peeking at Sakura's chest while trying to remove her her shirt. The doll magician's face went completely red and she pulled out multiple cards.
MARISA STOP STEALING THE PRECIOUS THINGS!
The cards glowed and a torrent of hundreds of dolls came out from them. They rushed at Marisa with swords, lances, axes, bows, guns, lasers, and the witch jumped back while recalling the Shadow to cover and conceal her form in the dark room. The dolls kept attacking blindly while Alice hurried to the half-stunned kids left behind.
Are you alright? Did the evil witch did anything bad with you?
Owie, no, it was my fault. Alice-sama, please don't hurt Marisa-chan.
...You're far too kind, Sakura-chan, but if you insist-Alice waved her hand and the rampaging dolls returned to card form in her open palm.
Wow, thanks for the save kid. I may've been in real trouble there with my mini-hakkero still out of fuel da ze.-grinned Marisa as she revealed herself from the darkness behind Alice, lowering the broom she was readying to strike the doll magician's head, and returning the Shadow conceal her to card form.
…You know, suddenly I'm starting to fear what Marisa-chan could do with that new power.-commented Luna.
Yeah, at least before we could see her coming before she started blasting.-trembled Sunny.
I couldn't even tell her movements from the shadows.-added Star.
Tomoyo-chan, can I ask you to make that dress for Marisa-chan anyway? She's right, Star-chan is my responsibility, so I want to make up for that lost potion.-asked Sakura at the blue-haired girl.
Sakura-chan's wishes are my commands! Now Marisa-chan, if you would please allow me to take your sizes...-smiled Tomoyo as she pulled a measurement tape.
Syaoran ended helping Alice preparing breakfast, while Tomoyo sewed Marisa's new dress at lighting speed. Sakura and Meiling helped the dolls clear away the rubble left from the blast. Then Shangai came to warn them the food was ready.
Wow, fits me perfectly! You're a genius, Tomoyo! With skills like that you could open a clothing shop in Gensokyo, or anywhere else for the matter, and be set for life. Sakura-chan must be filthy rich to afford your services full time like this da ze.-smiled Marisa as she admired her new white-black dress while walking towards the breakfast table, quite similar to her last one but with a lot more frills and a shorter skirt reaching just above her knees.
Tomoyo is the one from a rich family. Sakura-chan is from middle class.-commented Meiling, joining them.
I serve Sakura-chan out of my own will because I love her.-blushed Tomoyo.
I also love Tomoyo-chan as my best friend!-warmly smiled Sakura.
Yeah, friends...-Tomoyo smiled back, although hers was a bit fake, not that Sakura could tell the difference.
Hmm, changing subject, Alice, this new cake of yours is quite good. I'm always impressed how much work domestic your dolls can put out da ze.-said Marisa after grabbing a piece of cake and starting to munch of on it before even sitting down.
Actually, it was the boy who did those things. He insisted to help clean up and prepare breakfast in return for my hospitality. Unlike some magicians I can think of...-frowned Alice.
So Syaoran-kun, you know how to use magic and blades and also know your way around the kitchen? Sounds like an high-class maid to me. Or butler since you're a boy I guess. Does Tomoyo pays your salary ke?
For your information, Syaoran-kun and I are from an ancient and rich noble family!-shouted Meiling with pride.
Really? The ones who are great at basic chores and from important families are the servants, and their mistress is some commoner background ke?
Hoe...-Sakura blushed a bit. She had never really considered that she was by far the poorest in her inner circle of friends.
Damn, now I'm jealous of you, Sakura-chan. Your best friend is a genius at sewing and your boyfriend is great at cooking and they're both loaded with money. And I guess Meiling-chan is nice to have around as well. Meanwhile Alice is a nag every time I ask her for some food or clothes da ze.
Because you take them first and only ask later.-glared Alice.
Pfft, details. Which reminds me, Syaoran-kun and Sakura-chan, what are your true abilities ke?
Syaoran-kun is filled with delicious moon magic.-smiled Luna, grabbing some toasts.
Sakura-chan has very strong star magic, but it's not her true core. There's something else inside her I can't understand...-commented Star, gulping down some eggs.
Hoe... True ability?-Sakura's eyes spinned.
Magicians usually have different degrees of flexbility, but each of us has a specialization, something we're really good at before we even got a spell card. Marisa has her doll manipulations, I always had a knack for blowing and burning stuff up if I may say so da ze.-said Marisa.
Your natural affinity is water, Marisa. Like during the scarlet weather incident you made it rain everywhere. You just like burning and blowing stuff up so much that you put all your magic research towards that goal.-retorted Alice.
Bleh, water magic is no fun. So, what could you do before getting your cards, Sakura-chan ke?
Hoe... I didn't even knew magic existed before that...-nervously smiled Sakura.
Nothing really? No unexplained pheomenon ke?
What about your dreams, Sakura-chan?-asked Tomoyo.
Ah, yes, I can see the future in my dreams! It was very handy when capturing and converting the cards!-remembered Sakura.
So, what did you see tonight ke?-questioned Marisa.
… I didn't see anything. That's strange. Wait, let me try the tarot.-replied Sakura, pulling out her full deck.
Tarot? what's that ke?-asked Marisa with sudden curiosity.
Never heard of it.-said Star.
Me neither.-added Sunny
Your face tells me you know what it is, Alice-chan.-said Luna.
...Yes, I know what a tarot is. But perhaps is best if we let Sakura-chan make us a demonstration.-smirked Alice.
I shuffle my cards and take them out, the resulting pattern also allows me to see the future, I'll show you!-smiled Sakura.
The card mistress started to place her cards one by one in the table. However as she looked at their disposition, her smile started to fade over several minutes, and her face started to grow paler.
Are you sure you know what you're doing?-asked Star.
Sakura-chan, is anything wrong?-questioned Tomoyo.
Are you sensing something bad coming our way?-added Syaoran in a worried tone.
I-I can't see anything... There's no pattern...-Sakura finally replied in a sad tone.
Hey hey, you're messing with me here, Sakura-chan? Because I'm not finding it very funny da ze.-frowned Marisa
Sakura-chan is being honest. It's normal you never heard of a tarot, Marisa, because it's divination magic.-calmly stated Alice.
Divination? Isn't that just a scam shrine maidens use to try to get donations ke?
In the outside world it's probably the last kind of magic that people still widely believe in. People still buy horoscopes and have hand palm readings and tarot sessions as well. But Gensokyo is the place where forgotten things gather. Divination simply doesn't work very well here. Like remember that human scholar from the village who used divination to to become a youkai for a longer life?
Oh yeah, Reimu exterminated him good right away. He definitely didn't see that one coming da ze.
Well, that explains why my rashinban board didn't work very well either when we arrived here. -commented Syaoran.
Hoe... Can't even do a simple fortune telling anymore...-Sakura cried a bit in shame.
Cheer up Sakura-chan, you still have lots of other cards!-smiled Star.
I actually see that as a good thing of Gensokyo. Magic always predicting our future back at home was a bit boring if you ask me.-smiled Meiling
Extra, extra! An extra of the Bunbunmaru newspaper to deliver the truth, the best in Gensokyo! -suddenly shouted a female voice from outside the house. There was the sound of glass crashing in front of Syaoran, and as he rised his head to look something slammed on his face.
What's that? A newspaper?-asked Tomoyo, reaching for the white object with black lines stuck to Syaoran's face.
"Group behavior of magicians! In this special edition we present a rare gathering of four subspecies, the burglar magician, the doll magician, the pretty girl magician, and the sword boy magician!"- Meiling read the front page aloud as Tomoyo unfurled the journal.
W-What is this?-Sakura blushed when she noticed pictures of herself and her friends in the journal's pages.
You never seen a newspaper?-asked Star.
Yeah, like, they're older than Gensokyo. Why are you so surprised ke?-smirked Marisa.
Well, I guess it's more like the newspapers where we came from never managed to catch any magic events. Hey, here's me in the photo's background!-commented Meiling.
What a bunch of lazy reporters then da ze.-replied Marisa.
But we didn't see anybody else last night!-said Syaoran.
Well, the newspaper here are run by the tengu, and I guess normal humans would have an hard time keeping up with their speed. In particular Aya their main reporter.-said Alice.
Your newspapers are run by the Tengu? Aren't they supposed to be blade masters?-asked Meiling.
Get on with the times, this is the information age. Pen is mightier than the sword and all that da ze.-smiled Marisa.
Everybody will know that I have a magical girl...-Sakura cried some more.
Oh, relax, this is Gensokyo, nobody's gonna raise trouble just because you're a magical girl da ze! Besides barely anyone reads the tengu's newspaper anyway, even if they distribute it for free.
Somewhere in the heaven over Gensokyo
A massive island of rock floated in the sky, hidden from the ground by the clouds. Despite how high it was, it was neither too cold nor too hot, the wind was a gentle breeze, and green grass grew everywhere, along some peach trees bearing mature fruit. Rivers filled with crystalline water flowed filled with fish. Humanoid beings in refined clothes danced and laughed and drank or calmly studied books and scrolls. Only one tall girl with long light blue hair and red eyes stood apart, with a bored look on her face, looking down from the border of the floating island upon the land below. Her stance was like she was upon the top of the world, which she kinda was. Then a crow ascended from the clouds, carrying a bag filled with newspapers in its claws, and threw one with its beak at the girl, who caught it in midair. As the crow descended back below the clouds, the look of boredom on the girl turned into a smile, then into a smirk, and the land near her started to shake violently. An oarfish jumped from the nearest river and landed in front of her, speaking:
You're not thinking of rising any new trouble, are you eldest daughter of the Hinanawi clan?
Just take a look at today's newspaper.
The oarfish floated up from the ground and positioned itself over the girl's shoulder to read the newspaper.
So? Magicians in Gensokyo is as banal as news get.-commented the oarfish.
It's a boy. A magical boy using celestial magic. He even knows the ancient martial arts! You know how hard it is to find a proper boy around here? It's girls or women or boring old men everywhere! Even when I destroyed that sacred shrine only girls and women climbed up here to challenge me! Every time an incident occurs down there it's only girls women girls women getting in the action!
What about Unzan?
Old man. Doesn't count. What kind of heaven is this where you can't get a proper date anyway? For once I would like to play with a boy who can hold his own. I'm gonna meet this Li Syaoran. If nothing else it'll be fun for a change.
But the newspaper says this boy already has a girlfriend...
Just means I'll have to beat her up first. Seems like she'll provide a proper fight.
Back at Alice's house
Tomoyo was strangely silent, her face hidden behind the journal, not moving a single muscle.
Hmm, Tomoyo-chan, you barely touched your food...-commented Sakura.
Upon hearing the voice directed at her, Tomoyo's nails sinked in the paper she was holding, ripping it apart into pieces and revealing a cold smiling face filled with bloodlust and killing intent, staring at nothing while mumbling to herself.
How dare they... Nobody takes photos from Sakura-chan while she's using her magic but me... And this third-rate article doesn't make nearly enough justice to her wonderfulness... We must hunt those tengu down... Exterminate them to the last... Sakura-chan's reputation is at stake...
Tomoyo-chan, are you saying something? You're making a scary face.
Hohoho I was just saying this newspaper quality is quite low, it broke apart so easily, what a shame we can't read it anymore hohoho. But say, there's really no trouble from this kind of product being distributed across Gensokyo?
No worries, everybody who can use half-decent magic shows up in the Tengu's newspapers. It's not the kind of secret you can keep around here, in particular if you show off in public. What, people don't they know you're a magical girl in the outside world as well ke?
Only a few, not even my family...-replied Sakura, recovering her composure a bit.
That's dumb. What's the point of having magic powers if you don't get to show them off to the crowd ke?-asked Marisa.
That's just you Marisa. Proper city-sect magicians don't go around making flashy displays to disturb public order.-commented Alice.
Of course nobody else can be as flashy as me, but not like you or the other magicians around here pretend they don't have magic. I know that most of the outside world doesn't believe in magic anymore, but I would've expected that would make a true magic-user pretty popular there da ze.
There was just too much trouble in the past when magic was public knowledge . Those few who can still use magic in our world do their best to keep that fact a secret and lead normal lifes. Magic is just to be used when nobody else will notice it, and even then for only a good reason. -said Syaoran.
I use the cards to help with the cleaning when dad and big brother aren't at home.-smiled Sakura.
Yeah, and I saw your big sisters using magic for little things all the time when you weren't looking. It's only you who's a masochist who only uses magic in emergencies, Syaoran.-smirked Meiling.
Just as I use my dolls to keep this place clean and organized. House chores are an excellent way to practice your magic.-added Alice.
But look on the bright side, Syaoran-kun! At least all that hard work seems to have paid off as you're a lot better at cooking and cleaning than me!-Sakura tried to cheer up his boyfriend as she saw him start to sweatdrop.
I'm sure you'll make a great wife some day, Syaoran-kun da ze.-provoked Marisa.
Wait, I remember now Tomoyo-chan telling me Syaoran set up the shirt of Sakura-chan's big brother on fire the second time they met after he tried to keep Syaoran away from her!-said Meiling.
Challenging the big brother to a duel for the right to date his cute little sister? Ok, now that's a bit more manly da ze.-smiled Marisa.
Actually...-Tomoyo was starting to explain what actually had happened.
Not another word about that time, and I'll wear whatever clothes you want with no complains.-whispered Syaoran in Tomoyo's ear, interrupting her.
...That's pretty correct I guess Marisa-chan. Sakura-chan's big brother always was always very protective of her little sister. Syaoran had a lot of trouble with him.
You mean he still has a lot of trouble with him.-said Meiling.
I like the way you act, Syaoran. You knew how to keep your eyes on the real precious thing and steal her under the watch of everybody else. But you better keep her safe, or somebody else may take her from you!
You also use magic to help clean your house, don't you Marisa-chan?-asked Sakura, seeking to change the subject.
Such menial tasks are below my unlimited arcane power.-smiled Marisa.
Marisa's home is a mess that no amount of magic could fix it. Unless we just burned the whole thing down. That would clean it up nicely. But there's so many dangerous stuff in there we would risk blowing up the whole forest of magic along with it.-snickered Alice.
What are the humans and Alice talking about? I got kinda lost midway.-whispered Sunny to her fairy friends.
I'll explain later.-smiled Luna, carefully listening to everything while remaining silent.
Meanwhile, more chow for us!-Star kept gorging herself with food.
Sometime later.
After the breakfast finished, Sakura and her friends gathered at the entrance of Alice's house to bid her and Marisa goodbye before leaving. Tomoyo had of course found time to make new customes for Sakura and Syaoran.
Wow, are you sure you didn't forget any pieces on Sakura-chan's clothes, Tomoyo-chan?-asked Meiling, walking around the card mistress and observing her new super short sailor suit, white shirt and blue skirt with a large red ribbon over her chest, long thin white sleeves covering her arms, and tall red stockings on her legs.
Poor Tomoyo-chan didn't have enough time to make me a full custome because she was busy preparing the dress for Marisa-chan, but Tomoyo-chan assured me this still offers complete protection.-Sakura defended her best friend.
Hmmm... Exactly, your clothes must show that much of your body shape because I didn't have any more time.-Tomoyo tried not to drool herself while staring at Sakura.
Yet you had time to make that for Syaoran!-Meiling pointed at her cousin, dressed in a full formal black suit with a white shirt plus a top hat and long blackcape, a red rose at his lapel and a small white mask covering his eyes.
What can I say, sewing works in mysterious ways.-smiled Tomoyo, evading Meiling's inquisitive glares.
Didn't I see those clothes somewhere already? Somehow they remind me of the lunarians from the moon da ze...-asked Marisa to no one in particular, scratching her head.
Alice approached Sakura and her friends, and offered each of them a doll that was a tiny cloth copy of the gifted, except clad in their "classic" customes, including miniature replicas of Sakura's wand, Syaoran's sword and Tomoyo's camera.
I prepared those dolls for you based on some pictures Tomoyo-chan graced me with. They can't speak, but I've automated them to understand basic commands and they'll guide you through Gensokyo's general areas. The biggest danger would be a certain trio of fairies trying to make you get lost, but I'm sure they won't raise any trouble for these children, right?
Hahaha of course not!-nervously laughed the three fairies of light.
Thank you for everything Alice-sama! Do they know where Reimu-chan lives? I would like to say her goodbye before we leave.
Sure, just ask them to take you to the Hakurei shrine.-explained Alice.
Well, I gotta get going as well, plenty of work to do today, see ya around da ze!-Marisa mounted her broom and took flight into the skies.
Some time later, somewhere else in Gensokyo
The dolls, hovering over their new owner's shoulders, guided Sakura and her friends towards a run-down shinto shrine, with a near grove of cherry trees in one side and a warehouse in the other. There was also a large donation box at the entrance, filled with nothing but old spider webs.
Reimu-chan!-shouted Sakura
Doesn't seem like there's anyone at home.-commented Syaoran, not a single sound coming from the shrine.
Maybe she's even more of a sleepy head than Sakura-chan?-asked Meiling.
The main door's open, we may as well check it out.-commented Tomoyo.
We'll rather not. Hanging around the shrine isn't so bad, but getting inside the shrine without Reimu's permission... We don't want to give her reasons to be angry with us.-trembled Star.
You go inside without us.-said Sunny.
We'll check the surroundings.-added Luna
As the fairies took flight, the kids entered the shrine and separated across the corridors and rooms. Sakura found herself descending into the basement and saw a girl in the darkness, wearing a light-blue and white maid uniform with a red bow. She had light green hair and her eyes were open, but were completely white. She didn't move a single muscle. She didn't even seem to be breathing.
G-GHOST!-cried out Sakura, starting to shake in her legs. Everybody else hurried at her side, and Meiling carefully advanced to poke it first.
It's hard to the touch, just some kind of life-sized doll... A manequim?
I don't sense any magic from it.-said Syaoran.
I feel something strange. Let me check it closer.-Tomoyo approached the strange object.
The blue-haired girl dusted off the large doll, lifting its clothes to reveal metal joints, then a yellow radiation warning symbol on her back was uncovered over a reinforced panel. Pulling up the doll's air, there was a strange terminal.
So, what's it?-asked Meiling in an impatient tone.
It's some kind of android. With pretty advanced electronics actually. Reimu-chan has been holding a lot of secrets from us if she has such an advanced toy in her home.-smiled Tomoyo, this object clearly sparking her interest.
Must be some kind of prop then.-said Syaoran.
A robot maid? Can you get her to work?-asked Meiling with a tone of excitement in her voice.
There's some damage to her control circuits but I think I can repair it with my spare camera parts.-mumbled Tomoyo, carefully examining the back openings.
Do it!-cheered Meiling.
Some minutes later
Tomoyo now stood in front of the android and closed open the panel at the back of its head. Its eyes suddenly started to glow yellow, then green, and its mouth opened to speak with a girlish voice:
Internal nuclear reactor activated...Starting weapons and service systems... Please tell me your name...
…Tomoyo Daidouji.-said the blue haired girl after a moment of silence.
Voice imprint complete. Vocal signature saved. It's an honor to meet you, Tomoyo-sama. Unit Ruukoto is now at your orders.
In an hidden underground base, somewhere in Gensokyo, a shadowed figure was working in a series of computer terminals, when suddenly a screen popped up and started flashing.
This can't be... No, it's not a false signal. Boss, unit W71 is back online!
There was the sound of steps and another concealed figure approached, speaking in an authorative voice:
So somebody finally appeared with the knowledge and skill to repair her? Then it's time to initiate plan X6Y1J90.
Tomoyo blinked a few times in disbelief of what was happening, her friends behind looking in silent awe at the moving android before them.
Shouldn't have you already made a contract with Reimu-chan?-asked Tomoyo.
Recent memory is damaged. No register found on that subject.-replied Ruukoto.
Wow, it's totally a robot maid!-screamed Meiling.
Affirmative.
But it's strange, I always thought androids would have some big plastic ears with connection ports...
That kind of design was patented and my manufacturer was too much of a cheapstake to pay a license for it.
And who's your manufacturer?
Recent memory is damaged. No register found on that subject.
Wouldn't you rather be Sakura-chan's maid?-asked Tomoyo.
Negative. Once a new contract is formed, only the manufacturer can change the directive.
Let's see about that...
Tomoyo moved behind Ruukoto and opened her head panel again, starting to press switches and buttons.
Tee hee hee, Tomoyo-sama, that tickles!
It's no good... I can't hack her memory at all. The technology is too advanced. This doesn't make any sense. From what we've heard only old things should show up on Gensokyo, but this android is years, no, decades ahead of the best technology I've ever seen back at home. I'm sorry for failing you, Sakura-chan...
Tomoyo-chan, you were the one who got Ruukoto-chan working again, you deserve to keep her.-sweatdroped Sakura.
How can you say that, Sakura-chan? A robot servant would be the perfect next addition to your magic collection! I already have flesh maids Well, I guess I can always order Ruukoto-chan to pose at your side and then edit the videos as necessary.
I come equipped with fast recording high definition cameras, long range audio recorders, and a thousand terabytes of free memory.-commented the android.
...I sense this is the beginning of a beautiful mistress-servant relationship, Ruukoto-chan.-grinned Tomoyo.
Then they heard something moving behind them. Something big and crawling across the wooden floor panels. Sakura and Syaoran summoned their magic tools while Meiling assumed a combat stance with her needles. They waited in anticipation as the crawling sound got closer. What entered the room was a giant turtle with a long white beard, dragging itself across the floor, who spoke to them:
Hey, aren't you those kids Reimu-sama met while she was on the outside world? You look just like what she described to me. Oh, where are my manners, I'm Genji. Feel free to take that android if you got her running again. She was never that good at cleaning anyway even when she was working.
Hoe...A talking turtle?-blinked Sakura.
You know Reimu Hakurei? Have you seen her?-asked Syaoran.
If I know her? I've been with her since she was little!-sighed Genji.
So, you're, like, Reimu's pet or something?-asked Meiling, jumping on top of the large turtle's shell.
The nerve! I'm Genjii, Reimu-sama's mentor when she was young, and also served as her loyal sky steed until Reimu-sama learned how to fly on her own!-shouted Genji, starting to hover in the air and trying to shake off Meiling, who smiled while maintaining her balance easily by contorting her body.
You're telling me that Hakurei rode something like you to battle?-asked Syaoran in disbelief.
Don't remind me. Four years of carrying Reimu-sama around, literally to hell and back. I retired when Reimu-sama finally learned how to fly on her own and I've been enjoying my old age at the lake in the shrine's backyard ever since.-replied Genji before giving up of trying to shake off Meiling and landed again, which caused the girl on top to start hitting his shell in anger:
Hey, get up again! If Reimu doesn't use you anymore I'm taking you as my flying pet now!
Sorry child, I'm too old for any more adventures. Anyway, Reimu-sama told me there was a chance that you would show up here, and she instructed me to explain you how to get to the Scarlet Mansion, where they will help you get out of Gensokyo.
Oh, we were already going there, a youkai magician called Alice Margatroid gave us those dolls to guide us.-said Syaoran, pointing to the tiny green-clad doll hovering at his side, who waved at the turtle with its tiny sword.
It seems like good fortune is still with you. Reimu-sama will be out for a long time catching up with her youkai extermination job. She guarantees she'll go visit you in the outside world when she has the free time again, so you shouldn't wait for her.
In that case, I'll write a letter to leave for Reimu-chan. Thank you for your help, Genji-sama.-politely bowed Sakura.
In the forest near the Hakurei shrine.
Under the shadow projected by the canopy of the trees, a human maid holding silvery knives glared at a nine-tailed fox snarling her teeth, and green-pink orbs started to form around the beast.
Why are you stalking those humans, slave fox?-asked the human.
For the same reason you are, dog of the devil. Our mistresses ordered it.-replied the nine-tailed one.
In a dark place of Gensokyo
Reimu floated atop the disintegrating remains of dozens of youkai. In one hand she held a ying-yang orb half covered in blood. In the other she held a grey ogre twice her size by the neck, impaled by dozens of red needles, staring coldly at its yellow eyes:
Gathering so close to the human village, your friends had a lot of guts. Had. But you're in luck, I'm looking for a certain vengeful spirit. My intuition tells me she was here and that you know something about it. Where did she went? I don't care how she broke free, but she needs to be sealed again! Spill the beans unlike your friends and I'll let you live!
We fear her more than we fear you, shrine maiden. The worst you can do is exterminate us!-defiantly said the wounded ogre, before Reimu smashed its skull with her ying-yang orb and dropped the corpse as it exploded into colourful dust.
Seriously I'm gone for some days and they start forgeting how things are supposed to work. I beat them up and they give me information, how hard is remembering that? Anyway, this is bad. She gets a lot stronger during the night. If I can't find her soon...-Reimu gritted her teeth as she flied deeper inside the darkness, as if searching for something.
At a lake covered in thick mist inside Gensokyo
Four small figures floated above the calm waters, their features blurred by the fog.
I've tasted tiger yesterday!-said the blond one covered in black garments-But she managed to slip away in the darkness before I ate her all.
I took down a cloud giant!-boasted a green haired one wearing shorts.
I met a new red-white shrine maiden in Gensokyo, she fought side by side with two youkai, but she was the one in charge, not the other way around!-said the figure with dark feathery wings and claws in her hands.
Something a lot more important happened last night, says the newspaper.-said the fourth figure, blue hair and clothes, the mist near her freezing into tiny crystals
The new human in Gensokyo?-questioned the green haired one.
No, those three fairies of light. They're siding with a bunch of humans. That's inadmissible.
Is that so?-asked the blonde one.
Of course it is! They must be taught a lesson.
So you're gonna start the second great fairy war?-asked the winged one.
No, not only fairies, because you will be helping me!
Is that so?-asked the blonde one.
I'm always up for terrorizing some humans!-cheerfully said the winged one.
We'll show them the power of critters!-said the green haired one.
In the forest of magic.
A green-blue shrine maiden wandered aimlessly. She was flying over the trees, but even then she seemed to always end at the same place.
Gah, I'm completely lost! How do the witch and the red-white ever get around this place?
Author's comments:
Hmmm, I guess two months for a new chapter is technically a lot faster than over half a year. Let's see if I can speed up in August.
Thanks for the suggestions in the reviews New Universe Returns and Suzululu4moe! I must say I fully intend to include the lunarians in the story, but only later on as they're pretty much the heaviest weights around in Touhou.