Nicolas Notes: I'M BACK! FINALLY! Though no one saw reviewed in my last chapter... Oh well! Hope this Chapter changes all of that!
Disclaimer: I don't own Touhou. Then... WHO WAS CREATOR?
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CHAPTER 13: Showdown
Year: 2005
11:53 Post-meridian
Human Village, Gensokyo
This can't be good
Keine Kamishirasawa stood at the roof of her school, looking into the west where a curtain of red enveloped the horizon. After a few seconds she turned her gaze to the sleepy village before her. The streets were empty save for the few guards that patrolled it. Most homes were lit while the others were dark and cold. The villagers were wary these days yet they did their best to continue their daily lives despite the incident not passing by like the others. The only incident that probably had them this alarmed was the Mystic Square, in which demons from another realm flooded Gensokyo.
Over thirty humans died during that time, not counting the youkai fatalities and Tengu deaths. The youkais got the worst of it since the demons were free to explore the wilds and forests and were not restricted to the available game unlike in the Human Village which was heavily guarded by the Youkai of Boundaries herself. Keine would rather have herself suffer than to allow such a thing to happen again. She even considered on storming the mansion herself if it weren't for that person's appearance.
There was also word that the Hakurei Maiden was finally setting out to solve this incident. About time too. The happenings around the farms weren't going too well at the moment with the death of hundreds of crops. If the sun doesn't come out soon then it was going to be a cold summer, and the village would suffer by the time winter arrives.
The woman took a step forward and jumped down the roof's edge, landing on her feet as she hit the ground. Being a half-beast had its advantages. Despite falling from quite a height there was no need to fear of sprains or broken bones since the youkai blood she possessed took care of both her regenerative abilities and her body's sturdiness.
Keine slowly walked through the streets, looking left and right for anything out of the ordinary. She smiled and waved at the guards she passed by, "Good evening, please continue to do your best."
Still, I couldn't help but worry. During the last incident, the Hakurei Maiden fought a goddess of demons, who knows what will challenge her next. The question still stands, that could the Hakurei Maiden defeat this threat like she did to the others? Even though if the Miko was currently the most powerful human in the land, there will always be a youkai that will be able to defeat her, there will be always a youkai lurking in the shadows waiting for an opportunity. The Maiden wasn't invincible, none of them were, and I know this since it was I who wrote down every single history they had.
"Going out for a walk, Teacher Keine?" asked a man in his early twenties, donning makeshift armour around his chest and shoulders.
"Yes, don't mind me I can take care of myself," replied Keine with a smile.
The guard considered this for a moment before lifting his head up to the sky. "Full moon, huh? I understand, please be careful."
"Thank you for understanding," said the teacher with a bow before waving goodbye and walking out of the village.
The guard watched her retreating back disappear behind a group of trees at the distance. His eyes widened as he heard an unholy roar erupt from the forest, causing birds to fly out of their nests in fear.
"Gensokyo is a very strange place, filled with many strange things. As a native you should be used to this, no?" asked a soft voice behind the guard.
He spun around readying his spear and lamp only to find a girl with purple hair in a bright orange kimono. "L-L-Lady Akyuu! My apologies for not noticing you earlier."
The girl smiled as she giggled behind her sleeve, "I understand, you were too busy doing your job... Or were you?"
"W-what do you mean by that, milady?" asked the guard, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
"Oh nothing~, though judging from the way you looked at Keine's, ahem ,'back', you were guarding the gate so seriously that you lost your focus on sensing what's around you," a sinister chuckle escaped Akyuu's lips. Bearing the knowledge that this little girl had over nine rebirths the past millennia only added to the effect, causing the guard to shuffle nervously.
"I do not know what you are talking about, milady," he responded as if he rehearsed it.
"Oh no, one ever does, no one ever does, he he he," Akyuu turned around to walk away, leaving the guard with a bewildered expression. "Seems like we're going to have a good night. This night will be one for the history books Keine has..."
Year: 2005
11:53 Post-meridian
Scarlet Devil Mansion, Gate, Gensokyo
Rumia had just finished applying a splint along the Gate Guard's arm before applying some more plant paste to her swollen brow. It's been three hours and Rumia was mostly done with the little healing she could do to the injured guard. At a first glance she seemed fine with nothing but a few cuts and bruises here and there, yet Rumia soon found out that Hong had a few serious injuries she wasn't telling. A couple of broken ribs, a cracked bone in her arm, and a dislocated foot, probably from all of those blows her and Rook exchanged earlier.
Not only that her spirit, or Qi seemed very weak judging by Rumia's observation. She didn't actually see the Qi flow, yet after asking Hong on what else hurt, she found out of the dire state the Gate Guard was. At first the Guard wanted to get up and stop Rook from going in yet Rumia had other ideas and kept her down. This happened shortly after the Hakurei Maiden arrived.
The Red-head was very quiet since then, not protesting or saying a word as Rumia tended to her. It was probably wise since any more rough movements could disrupt her flow of energy and hurt her, complicating her youkai blood's healing capability. The Darkness Youkai wasn't much of a healer herself yet she did know a trick or two in case she received a nasty injury. For now she's done what she can, so she settled for falling on her butt and turning her gaze at the mansion.
The moment the Hakurei Maiden entered the mansion there had been nothing but the sounds of explosions and bangs. Right now, silence hung in the air, adding to the tension both youkais felt. Rumia didn't care much for the Human's life yet he and the Maiden were her best chances of getting rid of this incident. However if he died, then he died, simple as that. Sucks to be him if that were to happen.
The youkai girl began to think back earlier that evening. The time when she was searching for Rook through the island... When she met that woman.
"Do you remember me? Your debt, child..."
"I...see...What do you want in return?"
Rumia brought her knees to her chin and hugged them. She recognized that voice and she would never forget it. Her right hand instinctively reached for her ribbon, only to remember that she couldn't touch it. As much she loved darkness, she hated being left in the dark, or so to say being deprived of information... Information about herself.
"Thank you," said a voice, Rumia turned to see Hong smiling at her, "You're a really nice youkai."
Rumia looked away and resumed staring at nothing. "Don't mention it, love."
"Um, may I know my healer's name?" asked the Guard with a slight blush, She called me 'love'. It couldn't mean what I think it means.
"Names have power, miss. But what the hell, I go by Rumia, a pleasure to make your acquaintance miss Gate Guard," replied Rumia, her crimson eyes fixed on Hong with an eyebrow raised.
"I-I'm Hong Meiling by the way."
"Mhmm."
An awkward silence soon followed. The owls hooted and leaves rustled, everything seemed peaceful at the moment. Rumia began to wonder what was happening inside the god forsaken mansion. And why was the Gate Guard blushing furiously? Rumia released a sigh as she shook her head. She didn't have time to ponder life's mysteries, her job was done here.
Standing up, Rumia brushed dirt off her skirt and prepared to fly.
"Wh-where are you going?" asked Hong looking surprised at Rumia's sudden desire to leave.
"Home, it seems to me that my job is done here."
"Huh? But wouldn't you... I don't know... stay for a bit? Some youkais are probably lurking about and in my state..." Hong's words trailed off, her words turning into incoherent mumbling.
Rumia considered this for a moment before snickering, eventually breaking into a fit of giggling, "You want me to protect you, hm? Oh the irony, the guardian needs to be guarded."
"N-nothing like that, but...well..." Hong's face started to turn beet red turning a bright shade of scarlet as the blonde's face came inches from hers.
"Hmm, seems to me that you enjoy my company, though I'll just say this in advance," Rumia's smile broke into a grin, "don't worry, Rumia-tan will protect you, Anee-san!"
Turning away from the nervous Meiling, Rumia gazed at the forest path with a serious expression. Hm, seems to me that I don't have anything to do at the moment. Cirno's probably still mad at me for involving Daiyousei... I could probably kill time here, besides...
Looking back, her eyes fell upon the red mansion. Something good is about to happen... And I have front row seats to watching it...
Year: 2005
11:53 Post-meridian
Scarlet Devil Mansion, Heart of Voile, Gensokyo
"I can't argue with you on that..."
"But it is, your fault, hm?"
"No need to rub it in..."
Rook didn't feel too good. He was feeling as if his stomach could turn over at any given moment and that what food that's left in him would go out. Nevertheless, he kept his legs from shaking, his mind clear as day, and eyes as cold as ice. The Human was drained mentally, emotionally, and physically. And by the burning sensation slowly intensifying within his bones, the Price was choosing the wrong time to take effect. Due to the mind numbing challenge Patchouli had issued him, he was subjected to horrible mentally scarring tortures, causing a dull throbbing feeling on his skull.
He was at a disadvantage, and it wouldn't take an idiot to see that if a fight broke out, he would definitely lose.
If he can just reach for his pouch and drink from a vial, he'll be strong enough to defend himself. But under the gaze of those purple and red eyes opposite of him, he could barely move an inch without being blasted across the room.
A few paces from him was a dark brown desk, and behind it was a woman clad in purple with her hood drawn up as her hair spilled at the sides of her face. She had her head resting upon her left fist, covered in a long black glove with rune markings. Her right hand was in the same fashion while holding leather bound black book. An uncharacteristic smile spread upon her lips as she gazed at Rook; however a cruel light danced behind both of her eyes.
Another change in costume, and she even went so far as getting contact lenses, thought Rook trying to keep his mind off his inevitable doom. Think, I need to think my way out of this...
The Human's eyes darted towards anything he can use or hide in case of an attack, so far there wasn't anything he can make use. Though he did notice one thing, Why... is the chandelier flickering? Those things should be powered by magic, magic coming from her... Yet why are they flickering...? Something's off here...
"So... it wouldn't take long for you to figure out what's going to happen next, right?" said Patchouli, shattering the fragile silence "This is the part where you suffer..."
"Oooh, scary, but if I may ask, during my fight with China she couldn't help but mention having help from you in powering herself up, so I couldn't help wondering how you did it?" asked Rook, casually putting a hand in his pocket, "Not to mention that eye of yours and that of the Maid's. I've got to say you're stepping up your game."
"Well, I suppose I can indulge on how I succeeded in imitating that god awful augmentation ability you have and bent it to a more controlled state," Patchouli conjured a coffee mug out of thin air and took a sip from it.
"Though even though you succeeded, there has to be some drawbacks, right?" asked the Human.
"A slight problem but nothing I can fix. With the ritual that I have created, I have succeeded in amplifying China's strength, speed, and endurance by fivefold," with a wave of her fingers, a purple mist gathered in thin air before spreading apart. Rook was barely surprised to see his image battling a very angry Hong just outside the mansion. He could see that every time the Guard dashed, she was nothing more than a blur of green and red. From his perspective, he looked like sitting duck.
"With said ritual, I have also increased the intensity and power of my own spells," admitted the Magician, straightening on her chair as she reached within her desk drawer, "And it's all thanks to this beauty. I suppose you recognize this, hm?"
"Philosopher's stone, so you really did manage to extract its potential."
"Why of course, not only did I discover things beyond its ability to grant rejuvenation and transmutation of base metals to silver, I have also managed to use its magic for an endless supply of mana," Patchouli tilted the stone around her fingers as she observed it, "On normal circumstances, I have the power to match that of Remilia's right now with the use of this."
"Yet this isn't anything but normal right now, huh? You mentioned about interference earlier," said Rook.
"Indeed, meaning that the magic I'm supposed to have is cut to half," Patchouli set the purple crystal on her desk. "Hmm, you don't seem to be aware that someone's helping you. A highly adept wizard working for you?"
"Dumb luck if I can get to call it," Patchouli kept silent at that, so Rook went on, "So, you said that you managed to bend my ability to a controlled state, do you mind elaborating?"
"Oh that?" Patchouli gave him a bored look. She was getting bored, so much for stalling, or maybe she was just tired of playing along? "Very well, seeing how your body rejects whatever it is you consumed to become whatever you are now, I decided that it wouldn't do just to copy everything, right? With an emphasis on everything. No, I just needed similarities that I can imitate such as your speed, strength and endurance. No need to copy the side effects such as the Price since, well, what good will it bring?"
"Fascinating, but in order to 'copy' and 'imitate' you need some kind of base for the stone to work its magic," Rook lifted his left hand and shrugged, "Question is where'd you get them?"
"The samples were taken from the basement," the Magician answered nonchalantly, "You made quite a mess there during your last visit... Tell me Rook, why are you so obsessed with this? You could have left us alone for all you cared... Yet you still chose to stick your damn nose into places you're not supposed to, so why?"
Rook held back a snort, "Actually it's all because of that is the reason I'm doing this: I care..."
"You're not really giving up aren't you, Corvice?" Patchouli said with a smirk.
"Nope, and as much as I want to end this as peacefully as I could, it doesn't seem like your ego's going to let you hear the end of it, Cynthia?"
Patchouli's smile vanished as the name was uttered.
"Hmph, what's with the face 'Patchouli'? Scared of your little shadow?" a grin slowly crept across Rook's lips as he continued his taunt, watching Patchouli grip the edge of her desk looking at him with cold hatred, "Hey 'Cynthia', you mind explaining how you turned out to be a train wreck of a country witch six centuries back? Or was it five? Can't really remember you see, and it'll be nice if you'll—"
"Cynthia is dead, just like 'Corvice' is, Rook," growled the Magician through gritted teeth. Oh he was enjoying this. Maybe a little memory refresher on her background is in order.
"Heh, sorry, I thought we were going to go by the 'real name' basis, but now that we're in the subject, I'll just give you some good news, Patchouli!" Rook added a bit of cheer in his tone this time, mocking the Magician before him, "SHE's here. And SHE's alive and well, living as a ditzy witch living alone with a cat. You know now that I think of it, its ironic how you keep telling me how I messed up everyone's life when you also messed up your own mentor's life beyond recognition, and cursed her while you're at it. I never really got to say this but 'Good Job' Patchouli!"
"You... Have no idea what you're talking about, Chess Piece," muttered the Magician in a dangerous tone.
Rook tried to cross his arms on his chest but winced as the movement pained him, instead he settled with putting his right hand on his hip. "I may have not been present but word travels fast with the right contacts, I'm surprised that you didn't end her suffering once you beat her, shamed her, and took away every bit of her knowledge so that you can put them in your own head!"
"SHUT UP!" roared Patchouli, her eyes looking absolutely livid, ready to attack at any given moment.
The fight was near, time to wrap things up. "If she were here in her rational state of mind, then I'll bet she'd say that you're a 'complete disappointment', Cynthia Aureus."
A burst of purple light and Rook watched as a wooden desk was flying towards him. In his current condition, it was obvious that he got hit, and was hit hard sending him crashing back first into a wall. The desk broke as it and Rook came in contact with the wall, scattering debris on the Human's body. Breathing hard, Rook attempted to rise only to see Patchouli's finger shine an ominous purple before a mammoth like force threw him through the dented wall, across the circular library, and back into the Voile. His body limp, Rook fell through the air, the images of the walls and bookshelves racing past the edge of his vision.
The Human crashed among a large pile of books, somehow preventing him from falling into a bloody mess on the ground. Still it didn't mean he was alright. His breathing was shallow and laboured, black spots danced at the edge of his vision. Rook felt his mind shutting down, yet through sheer willpower he forced himself to remain conscious. Conscious long enough for him to retrieve a vial from his pouch and drinking it in one gulp.
Rook placed a hand on his temple before shaking his head like a wet dog. He had to do something about that buzzing. Wait... Buzzing?
The Human slowly lifted his gaze at the Rook-sized hole he had created and watched as iron cogs shot out, one after another.
"Oh crap, not good..." he managed to roll down the hill of books just as a razor sharp cog hit the place where his body used to be. Wasting no time, he immediately broke into a run as cogs impaled themselves on places where he was a split second before. One cog seemed smarter than the others and tried to cut him in half by flying to meet him. Not wanting to be bisected on the front nor the back, Rook slid down low enough for the projectile to sail above his head. A metallic clank indicated that two missiles collided with each other.
Stopping in a crouch, Rook directed his glare at the hole in which the killer metals came out. It soon exploded, scattering dust and smoke everywhere, the faint glow of five colors visible through the dust.
She sure knows how to make an entrance, he thought. Rook stretched his right hand as sapphire electricity coursed through his glove.
Elsewhere...
He's going to die...
Well? Well? WELL?! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?!
"I... Don't know..."
What do you mean you don't know?! Lookie, lookie, she's going to kill our Rookie! Crush her eye, crush it! CRUSH IT, DAMN YOU, CRUSH IT!
Wuss, wussy Flandre, you're just going to pee yourself again aren't you~? Cry, cry, ahahahahahaha! CRY YOU BIG BABY, HE'LL NEVER SAVE YOU IF HE'S DEAD~!
YOU! SHUT UP YOU, HE'S MY TOY, I GET TO BREAK HIM!
Time's running out, Flandre. He won't make it; he's your only chance of getting us out... If he dies then we'll be with you forever.
FOREVER AND EVER, AND EVER, AND EVER! I HATE IT! IT MAKES ME SICK BEING IN THE SAME MIND AS THIS WUSS! THIS STUPID BABY, SHE'S BETTER OFF DEAD, HEY FLANDRE, GO GET A ROPE AND HANG YOURSELF,YOU WHORE! I LIKE PENGUINS. HEY, WHAT DOES A PENGUIN LOOK LIKE?
Hehehehehe, if she kills herself then don't we die as wel~l? Use your noggin sometimes; it'll work wonders, hehehehe~. Besides, even if the stupid girl hanged herself, she'll just be a nuisance, right Flanny~?
HEY, I SAID WHAT DOES A PENGUIN LOOK LIKE?! HEY MORON, ANSWER ME! EHEEHEHEHEHEEHEHE, FLANDRE, FLANDRE, FLANDRE, FLANDRE, FLANDRE, YOOOOOOHOOOO~~~!
"I know he'll make it... I have...faith..."
But that stupid faith isn't going to save your cute little meat buns behind your back~!
STUPID, STUPID, STUPID, STOP IGNORING ME! I'M RIGHT HERE YOU KNOW~!
Both of you hush. She won't be able to make her decision...
AND WHO MADE YOU THE BOSS AROUND HERE, MISS TWINKLE TOES?! YOU STILL HAVEN'T TOLD ME WHAT RICE TASTES LIKE! OR HOW WATER HAS NO COLOR! OR WHY THE WHITE RABBIT THINGY KEEPS TELLING US ABOUT STUPID CONTRACT!
I'm hungry~! Has that Maid made dinner yet? Hey that rhymes~!
"..."
Oh~, not talking are we~? Fine then, I'll help myself then~!
"No... Please... Don't..."
Ahh~ there we go~!
"Agh! It hurts, it hurts, stop it! Please, my head! Agh, N-n-no! Please don't...T-t-t-take o-over! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
...
"Much~ Better now~! Hehehehehehehehe~"
Year: 2005
12:00 Anti-meridian
Scarlet Devil Mansion, Voile the magic library, Gensokyo
The library rumbled as it was assaulted by two large four pointed lasers, slicing and vaporizing any poor book that got in their way. Fast blasts of red bullets rained upon the earth and caused mayhem, peppering fallen shelves into dust, sending torn pages flying into the air. Patchouli Knowledge narrowed her purple and red eyes in an attempt to see through the smoke.
Her eyes widened as her opponent answered with a lightning bolt. The Magician snorted and deflected the bolt with a backhand.
"That the best you can do, Chess Piece?" taunted Patchouli as she searched for the bolt's source.
Rook on the other hand had his back against the foot of a colossal book shelf, his right fist crackling with electricity. "Hey Magician, catch!"
His taunt was soon followed by a bright blue lightning bolt flying through the air. Patchouli made quick work of it by raising a shield. The bolt winked out of existence, however as it did, Rook disappeared a few seconds later. A loud tap from her back made enough reason for Patchouli to whirl around, spotting Rook kicking off a bookshelf and diving towards her. How he got there so fast was a mystery to her.
Rook placed his palms together before spreading them apart, creating an endless stream of electricity in his hands. He grabbed the energy with his gloved hand and spun in mid-air, lashing out with a whip wrought from raw energy. The whip collided with the shield, pushing the Magician encased within a few feet back. However Rook was far from done since the whip seemed to grab hold of the shield like a magnet, he used the chance to pull himself closer while delivering a fist full of lightning to Patchouli's shield.
Blue and purple danced as his fist connected with the armour protecting the Magician, finally breaking free the last minute.
Rook caught the sight of a black book being opened directly in front of his face before everything exploded into orange. His torso was smoking as he found himself on the ground, thankfully his clothes were made of tougher material to actually tear. A groan escaped him as rose back on his feet, only to be assaulted by fast moving water bullets. The Human ran as fast as he could, aiming an outstretched palm at his opponent while sending bullet after bullet of electricity. Patchouli screamed in frustration at Rook's attacks, willing herself to crash down on the ground while summoning green stone pillars to riddle the battle field.
The Human rolled out of a pillar's way as it thrust out to spear him. Apparently it seemed like these things weren't even aimed at him. He put one foot over a fallen shelf and felt something rushing through his veins. Blue electricity enveloped his arms for a moment before fading as quick as it came.
Rook shook himself out of his trance and focused on his enemy. An explosion rung throughout the library, forcing Rook to shield himself from the fragments of the pillars. Rook narrowed his eyes as Patchouli reached for a spellcard within her the folds of her robe.
"Fire sign~ Ring of Agni!" she declared, raising the card above her.
A wheel of flames gathered above the Magician before rolling its way towards Rook who dodged to his left. The heat was intense, and judging by the burns on the floor he wouldn't like getting hit by that. Landing on a crouch, Rook retaliated with a burst of lightning bullets. He only ceased his fire when a bigger wheel came crashing down towards his way, forcing him to take cover behind a bookshelf.
"Damn, she really is cutting loose," Rook stole a peek only to pull back when he found Patchouli looking for him, her eyes darting wherever he was hiding. "Weird how she's not burning down her own library to find me." He stared at his power filled hand and whispered, "Hmm, maybe I should try those bullets and whip things more often. New powers at a convenient time, not that I'm complaining..."
A ring of fire blasted a hole a few feet away from his head, tearing the bookshelf open. Rook knelt down and countered, his palms firing bursts of electricity like a machine gun. Unfortunately, the time he chose to attack was also the time Patchouli sent another crown of flames for him to receive, causing the bullets to die as they came in contact with it. Rook hid as the flames passed by, firing off a lightning bolt in return.
Patchouli blocked it with her magic circle, casting another ring of fire over her head. Her chanting was cut off as the bolt lashed out while becoming flexible, hitting her shield not once but three times. The Magician shot Rook a look of pure spite as he walked out of the bookshelf, a whip made out of pure lightning similar to earlier. Rook struck, rolling to the side to dodge a fire ball or two while slashing again. Patchouli summoned a ring of fire to circle around her, forcing Rook's whip to dispel as it came in contact with the blaze. Now barehanded and a bit drained, Rook ducked for cover as the flames exploded outwards.
The Human glanced from behind the hill of debris and spotted his opponent. Apparently, the Magician was bent over, breathing laboriously. It seemed like that last attack did quite a number on her with the wards that she said were suppressing her power. Rook vaulted over his hiding place and broke into a run, a hand outstretched to grab Patchouli's arm and to fry her.
Patchouli looked up with a triumphant smirk on her face as she said, "Water sign~ Princess Undine"
Rook barely dodged the torrent of water as it grazed his right shoulder. However, similar to that of a giant tentacle, another torrent swept horizontally and hit his torso just as he was a few inches away from the Magician. Rook was sent flying backwards, his back coming in contact with the ground as he came to a stop. Groaning, Rook slowly stood back on his feet only to get blasted by a water pillar.
When the pressure died down, he was on all fours, panting and gasping for his precious air. The sound of water being released reached Rook's ears, cue for him to roll forward and dodge.
"I expected more from you Rook, who's the disappointment now, huh?!" Patchouli enveloped herself in large transparent bubble and slowly hovered from the ground.
Rook stood up and assaulted her with more lightning bullets, switching to his regular bolts a few seconds later. The Human cursed under his breath as his attacks bounced off the Magician's shield. Blue lights slowly shined upon the bubble's roof when all of a sudden smaller glowing bubbles were launched into the air. Rook ceased his fire and sprinted across the exploding bubbles, using the torrent's absence as a chance to get closer.
Lightning flew from his hands and met resistance in the form of Patchouli's bubbles, accompanied by lasers. Diving to his left, Rook didn't seem to be making much damage but only succeeded in making Patchouli even more furious. The lasers were new however they only made his job harder. Rook grazed one and realized they weren't lasers; they were narrow, sharp shard of ice and just left a shallow cut on his shoulder.
"Enough!" he roared, spreading his arms on either side of him, causing tendrils of electricity to leave his body.
Patchouli wasn't even surprised as all of her ice and bubbles disappeared, and instead she promptly drew a spellcard from her pocket. "Fire sign~ Agni Radiance!"
"You want a piece of me, huh?!" shouted Rook, glaring with eyes filled with hate at the Magician flying between two twisters of fire, "Then come and get me! Wayward Chess Piece~ Checkmate!"
Year: 2005
12:00 Anti-meridian
Between of the Forest and of the Humans, Kourindou, Gensokyo
A bell rang at the entrance, causing the Unmoving Goods Seller to lift an eyebrow. Now who could be visiting on this time of night while in an incident no less? Rinnosuke Morichika released as sigh as he recognized the rough footsteps headed towards his counter. The shopkeeper paid no mind to the noise and turned the page of the book he was reading. A few seconds later, a large outline of a cone blocked the little he received from the dim light bulb, thus disturbing his reading.
A cough, probably a gesture for attention, came from the other side of the counter to which Rinnosuke reacted with a bored gaze. A young woman with the appearance of a fifteen year old blonde and witch outfit took up most of Rinnosuke's vision with her large pointed hat. A grin was etched upon her lips while her golden eyes twinkled with mischievous light, a fair enough warning that this wasn't the kind of girl to be entrusted with explosives or sharp objects.
"Good evening Kourin! Business booming yet?" asked the girl with her arms crossed below her chest.
"Marisa... The person I least want to see, what do you want?" The shopkeeper gave her an annoyed look before returning to his book.
"Aww, don't be like that, ze!" teased the witch with her ever present grin, "So you have what need yet?"
"Yes. It's still a prototype, but it should be fine," Rinnosuke unwillingly set aside his book to get something below the counter, "Though I'll have to advise you to keep the explosions to a minimum. As you requested I stretched your hakkero's limits to the very peak, however it doesn't mean that it's as durable as before. One concentrated magic attack or a feather slicing that thing is enough to destroy it so be careful. Though it doesn't seem like you're the type to be careful anyway..."
Rinnosuke gently placed a cardboard box on top of the wooden table and opened its contents, fishing out a small octagonal box and tossed it to Marisa who caught it. The young witch couldn't help but whistle as she examined her upgraded toy. She felt strange warmth envelop her fingers slowly travelling throughout her arm. Marisa tossed the hakkero into the air, catching it before hiding it in her apron's pocket.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."
Rinnosuke's eyebrow travelled further into his fringe as he caught a hint of sincerity in the Witch's tone. Now that's surprising...
"So, I take it that you'll be taking part in this incident now that you have you hakkero back?" asked the shopkeeper, "It's been days, weeks even, maybe you should go and help her out."
"I know, I know, why the hell did I have you upgrade my hakkero if that wasn't the case?" an arrogant smirk crept on Marisa's lips.
"So you were planning to help out after all?"
"Shoot, Cranko Miko's my best friend, ze!" said Marisa, "Can't have her working all the time, eh? It ain't good for her lazy personality, the last thing we need is for Reimu to be up and running around, sticking her nose into everyone's business like some kind of cop."
Rinnosuke picked up his book and sighed, "Marisa..."
"Yep?" the Witch gave him a questioning look.
"It's been three years since you last spoke to her and already five years since both of you fought, whatever it is you're trying to hide, cast it aside since it won't do you any good," the shopkeeper's golden eyes flashed for a moment while his pupils contracted like that of a cat's, "It's not my place to tell you what to do, but sometime later, you'll need Reimu's help. It's going to be inevitable..."
Rinnosuke couldn't see the Witch's face under the brim of her hat, but he could tell that she was doing her best to stay calm.
"Look here Kourin, I got nothing against her at all and I'm gonna go out there right now 'cause I'm freaking tired of not talking to her all this time, okay?"
"So you want to earn her favour back now, hm? By helping her out?"
"Yeah."
"I see..." Rinnosuke was silent for a moment before saying, "Okay then, but bear in mind that you'll have to forgive the person you hate most, one way or another."
"Right," with that the Witch pushed the exit door open and left.
"Geez, I just hope she'll get what she deserves," the shopkeeper gazed at his ceiling fan.
12:25 Anti-meridian
Scarlet Devil Mansion, Voile the magic Library, Gensokyo
"Two minutes... Two minutes is all I have..." Rook had his arms shielding himself from the flames, "I'll have to make the most of it!"
A solid kick to the ground sent Rook flying across the air, bursting from the swirling pillars of fire and towards the flying Magician. He didn't even flinch as the flames reached for his skin and neither did his flesh seem to be burned during his time within the heart of the inferno. His whole body was on fire sure, but the blaze soon died out as they found no fuel to burn with his clothes remaining intact and his skin refusing to be cooked.
Rook brought his arms up again as Patchouli hosed him down with a pillar of orange fire, yet the attack seemed to have no effect on him. The Magician gritted her teeth as the Human was about to reach her, forcing her body to fly sideways. Rook collided with a bookshelf, sending dust and debris into the air. Patchouli's eyes flashed and proceeded to unleash a fierce onslaught of fireballs and purple orbs upon the smoke.
A figure burst from the dust clouds and dashed along the shelf, heading to higher ground. Rook stomped one foot ahead of the other as he ran on the shelf's side, defying the laws of physics and gravity themselves. The Magician screamed in frustration as she bombarded her own books with exploding orbs and fireballs. Rook kicked the shelf and launched himself upwards, reaching the roof of the shelf and resumed his dash, this time retaliating with his lightning bolts.
Patchouli took the time to dodge before shooting with her purple orbs. Lightning bolts and magic orbs collided while a few made it past the hordes and were headed straight for their respective enemies. Patchouli caught a handful of the lightning with her magic circle while only four orbs reached Rook, all missing him by a meter. Rook used the Magician's preoccupied time to jump off the shelf with his hands and feet crackling.
The Magician was too busy adjusting her vision to the dust and smoke to see the Human falling towards her. It was only when Rook was levelled with her in terms of altitude that she noticed him; however it was then the time he released the pressurized electricity within his palms by clapping them together. Blue light shined throughout the dim library, sending both Rook and Patchouli crashing into bookshelves.
Rook had his hands grabbing the sides of the crater he had made to prevent himself from shooting through the wood. Patchouli had done the same, though only with the use of her flight. Rook drew his arm back before thrusting it out, sending a stream of blue lightning into the air. The Magician raised her abominable shield once more and casually deflected the attack, causing tendrils of electricity to dance in the air.
The Human grunted as his vision began to darken while fighting to keep his lightning alive. Soon, his left knee gave away, causing him to kneel as his left hand rested upon his right arm. It wasn't enough, his power wasn't enough. Even with her magic cut to half, she was still more powerful.
No... Come on, fight! He growled internally, planting his left foot on the ground to stand up.
"Lie down and die already, Metal and wood sign~ Elemental Harvester!" A horrible buzzing echoed over the sound of running lighting.
Rook was caught by surprised as the edge of a razor sharp cog hit him square on the chest. The lightning was cut and in its place blood sprayed as the blade forced itself to slice Rook in half. If it weren't for his spellcard earlier he would have been long dead and sliced, though if he didn't move now he was going to lose all of his blood and die anyway. With growl, the Human clasped his palms upon the flat sides of the blade and spun around, tossing it into the abyss of books and wood. It wasn't even a second later when another rotating blade hit him on the back, sending him flying after the first blade.
Papers and dust flew as he crashed face first into the junk pile. A couple of coughs escaped his lips as he stood up only to tense and side step a blade from the shadows. Rook ducked low as a whirl of purple slashed horizontally above him before stepping back a few paces as another blade cut upwards. Surprisingly enough Patchouli decided to engage in melee combat using her blades. She shielded herself as Rook struck with an electrified fist, causing the attack to bounce off the flat of circular blade.
Her feet slipped a few inches, a sign that she wasn't entirely used to close range combat. It didn't change the fact that she was still an adept magician in both close and long range; this was proven when she launched the giant cog on her right towards Rook. The Human managed to catch it by some miracle between his palms, stopping it as it was a few inches from tearing his torso apart once more. Electricity crackled and the cog broke into fragments, cue for Rook to evade another slice from the Magician.
Patchouli brought her rotating blades behind her before slashing the both horizontally in hopes to catch Rook in a pincer attack. The right cog flew a few inches from hitting Rook's skull; however the left one came in contact with his right arm in an attempt to shield himself. It was like his skin was made of metal, no, his bones.
He wasn't exactly invincible at the moment because of the blood he was releasing, but to barely flinch against explosions, cuts, and direct hits was almost impossible. Blood flew, yes, but there were no wounds for them to come out from. Regeneration? Perhaps but this one was too fast. The cost of stressing his normal human rejuvenation and to block all sort of transmissions sent from his nerve into his brain while keeping his body functioning must be heavy. A Price one must pay to acquire this level of endurance and strength, no wonder his body rejects it.
A cruel smile appeared upon Patchouli's lips. No matter, even if he is invincible now, it doesn't mean that he's invincible forever...
Rook struggled to shield himself against the wicked cog, however it seemed like its momentum was too strong and was beginning to overwhelm him... And it did. The Human was lifted off his feet and was sent crashing into the hill of books.
Lifting his head up, he cursed under his breath as he dashed away from the assault of yellow. Rook raised his palm to counter, only to catch the sight of a volley of yellow orbs headed his way. He didn't even have the chance to dodge or run when it suddenly rained hell on earth around him. When the dust cleared, Rook rose to his knees, inhaling a lungful of air. A chill went down his spine as he saw a pair of brown lace boots stop right in front of him. He slowly raised his head and immediately recognized Patchouli's book wide open in front of him with the Magician herself behind its pages.
"Summer Red," she whispered softly, and then the entire world became orange.
Patchouli smiled in satisfaction as she watched Rook's battered body crumple right back at the center of the library, giving her a good view on her opponent's impending demise. Her smiled only widened while her eyes twinkled in cruel amusement as Rook began to convulse. An expression of pain etched upon his face while his arms seemed to stiffen along with his legs. A gloved hand covered his blonde hair as he groaned in agony. His time was up.
The Magician slipped a hand in her pocket and slowly drew a spellcard, "Earth and Metal sign~ Emerald Megalith"
Rook gritted his teeth as pain flooded his system, it seemed like the Price chose the worst of times to act up. At the sound of a spellcard activating, his blood couldn't help but freeze in place at the thought of an incoming assault. In his current condition, he was in no shape to dodge or block anything. The pain was too unbearable for him to think of a coherent thought, much less issue a command to his body to dodge. The hand clutching at his face fell limply to the side as he watched as hundreds of fat green orbs turned into a thousand, accompanied by green crystals and smaller orbs appear below the library's roof.
He reached out with his trembling hand in an attempt to stop the inevitable onslaught, yet only succeeded in straining his mind further. Every time he moved it hurt, every time he thought of something it hurt. Giving up sounded like a good idea right about now. At his state now he was bound to lose. It was only a matter of time; he had come so far only to fail once more.
It was over...
Patchouli released her will from the spell and allowed the green attack to fall upon her most hated enemy. A frown formed upon her brow and with a little nudge, she increase the intensity of her attack, causing loud bangs and explosions to rock the colossal bookshelves. I know it'll take more than that to put you down, so don't expect me to stop right here, Chess Piece.
Emerald pillars crashed while the green orbs unleashed a ring of force every time they came in contact with the ground. Wave after wave they assaulted the spot where Rook supposedly lay, if it weren't for the Spellcard System used as the foundation of the cards used, no youkai or human would have been able to survive that. But with the way Patchouli intensified every wave, even with the System, Rook had a slim chance of getting out with more than a fractured skeletal system.
Concentrated attacks of Danmaku like this could kill a person in contrast with normal Danmaku within the range of the System could cover.
When the crashing and explosions reached intolerable levels, Patchouli cancelled the spellcard and reached for another one, obviously not content. "Fire and Metal sign~ St. Elmo's Pillar!"
This'll end you for good, NOW STAY DEAD! A ball of fire hovered above Patchouli's head before launching itself into the smoke and ash. However the loud blast she expected never came. The Magician tilted her head to the side in curiosity as she discovered a strange presence and power before her. Weird... It would've taken him a few minutes before recovering from an attack such as that, but now... Hold on... This isn't Rook's power, this is... Different...
"Duplex Barrier," declared a feminine voice with a subtle mixture of irritation and amusement. "Hm, this place seems a bit bigger on the inside than the outside, no? So dark, can't the people here afford building windows? And they say I'm a cheapskate."
Patchouli greeted the newcomer's monologue with a tone of annoyance, "You there, Red-White. Stop running amok in my library."
"Library? Oh... Well aren't you rude," responded the voice as its source stepped out of the dust and smoke. True to the Magician's word, the girl wore a red-white shrine maiden outfit with detached sleeves and a yellow kerchief at the base of her neck. Her left hand was thrust out in front of her while her right hand placed her purification rod on her shoulder. A golden square the size of an average human emitted a faint glow before fading away. Now Patchouli knew what cancelled out her last attack.
"Rude I may be, but I don't appreciate people dropping by unannounced," said the Magician coldly, "And please don't touch the books. Judging from your appearance, you look like a street rat, meaning that the books here a worth more than your shrine could afford in five years."
"Uh, my shrine doesn't really get that much donations...Oh... I get it..." the girl glanced behind her and crouched down beside Rook's half conscious form. "Geez, after five years this is how I find you? Not really the reunion I was expecting, but..." She turned her gaze towards the Magician standing at the ready. "Seems like you were busy, huh?"
"Rei...mu? " was all Rook managed to croak before passing out.
"If you would be so kind to step aside, I have some unfinished business with that man right there," snapped Patchouli, clearly eager on setting Rook on fire right there and then, "That is, unless you want to burn along with him..."
A sigh escaped Reimu's lips as she turned to face the Magician, staring at Patchouli's mismatched eyes of purple and red with her own. "Look, I really don't care what kind of beef you have with him, and you can beat him up for all I know, but I'm gonna tell you this."
The shrine maiden raised her gohei towards the Magician with a smirk plastered across her face, "I'm youkai exterminator and you... Are a youkai... So it only makes sense that I exterminate you for being in my way, right?"
"Sense? Sense?! Oh my, now isn't that just barbaric..." replied Patchouli, "You poor, poor girl. If you knew this man then he must have been a very bad influence. I advise you to choose company better suited for you, little girl..."
"Hmm... Maybe you're right..." said Reimu while rubbing her chin, a look of deep contemplation on her face. Then suddenly, the look vanished, replaced by a wide grin, "The again, maybe not...Show me what you got, bookie, Dream sign~ Evil Sealing Circle"
"Sun sign~ Royal Flare," declared the Magician, raising her spellcard in synch with the Shrine Maiden.
A wide circle surrounded the two combatants while the world exploded in orange light.
Nrgh... What the hell happened? Darn it feels cold...
Rook reached to touch his head before wincing, his body was stiff and sore as if he just ran six marathons without a break. Or maybe that was just an understatement. He felt tired, exhausted, drained, whatever more words the thesaurus has to offer, he was dead beat and wanted nothing more than to lie down and relax. He had done enough for one night.
Still, his conscience poked its ugly face from the darkness of his closed eyes and yelled at him to get up and fight. He half heartedly agreed with it that it was right, time was in the essence and he had a village to save. Now that he thought of it, he began to question his motives and reviewed them briefly.
Why was he doing this? It was to clear the mist and return summer to the land so that the village's crops will be able to grow in time for winter. By also partaking in resolving the incident, Rook will be able to unlock a few of the resident's memories. The first was Hong and if he can just get Patchouli out of the picture then all he had to do was to convince Remilia. Not an easy job but it was killing two birds with one lightning bolt.
Is it really worth it? Well if things went well and as planned, he would have regained a bit of Remilia's memories and trust to secure his place at the mansion by telling her what really happened all those years ago. The lives of those three, Hong, Remilia, and Flandre, can't go on if they're living based on a lie the Magician told them. They had to know the truth. He knew it was going to be hard, but it was either he succeeded or die trying.
Was he ready for the consequences? In terms of power no, but if one would ask about his plans then yes.
And do those plans involve sacrificing some poor sap or manipulating another person to be achieved? Only if things get ugly. Besides, the only poor sap that's worth sacrificing and manipulating was the Magician since she was the one who started this whole mess.
"But then again... Does she deserve it?"
Rook shot up at the sound of the voice, causing a groan to escape his lips while clutching his throbbing head. He was so immersed in his own thoughts that he didn't recognize that he was giving answers to something else. Something that wasn't part of his internal monologue.
"An internal monologue in your own mind? Now isn't that just a tad bit redundant seeing as your corporeal form is unconscious outside of your mind's boundaries?"
He turned his head from left to right, gazing deep into the void. He was in a black world; though not necessarily dark enough to obscure his vision, but the range of what his eyes can perceive were limited. He can't see beyond five feet in front of him and there was this strange silver smoke covering the floor. What he found stranger was that the voice seemed familiar. In fact, he heard it whisper to him a number of times in the past. It was familiar, yet he couldn't place his finger on to whom it belonged to...
"Yukari?" called out Rook, spinning in place to take in more of his surroundings. Everything was dark so it could pass for being the Gap Demon's world, however it lacked the armada of golden eyes staring into his soul.
"Oh... Not even close," the voice broke into a fit of giggling like that of a high school girl finding her crush funny, "Strange how I'm easily compared to that woman, we're not even the same age."
This... Is this an illusion? Thought Rook as glared from one direction to another.
"Oh stop thinking with your thoughts, I can hear them perfectly," said the voice, sweet yet poisonous, "And to answer your question, no, this is no illusion. Might as well be since it's all in your head. You passed out after your last battle and your conscious mind has retreated to your subconscious, allowing us both to speak for the first time in five years."
"What do you want?" asked Rook, "And who are you? What are you doing in my head?"
"Hmm, one at a time, Rook. One at a time," whispered the voice with a hint of mischievousness hidden in it, "To answer your first question, no, I do not want anything from you. As for the second, I am but a poor lowly soul. And now for the third..."
The indulged itself in a long pause, apparently testing Rook's patience.
"The third is that I am your guardian angel," it finished. Rook could hear a series of muffled giggling.
"Look, I don't have time for games, so if you'll be so kind and show yourself," requested Rook, keeping a wary eye at whatever may come out.
"Hmm, oh well why not?" said the voice coming to his right.
Rook was hardly surprised yet stunned at the same time. Long flowing green hair, a point blue cone hat with a sun upon it while wearing a blue vest and dress, the owner of the voice adorned herself with a long blue cape with yellow trimmings while a single chain dangled at her left side. However the strangest thing was not her green hair, long cape, and crescent sceptre, but it was that in the place of her legs was large white blob with a tail. It also appeared that this woman was floating.
A grin upon her face and a mischievous glint shining behind her eyes, the Evil Spirit of Makai has made her entrance.
"Lady Mima, conqueror of the Weathered Heavens, retired Grand Sorceress of the Order of Mundus Igneuim, and slayer of the Great Ten Crowned Dragon," said Rook, catching his breath before resuming with a question, "Why am I not surprised?"
"It's because it'll take more than ten small star ranked obliteration hex for you to acknowledge my feats!" replied the Evil Spirit, crossing her arms under her chest, "And don't give me that look!"
"It's common knowledge that all of those titles are completely bull," deadpanned Rook, clearly not happy being in the presence of one of the most annoying beings that has ever existed, "Look, I don't have time for this. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be sealed up along with... Uh... You know, that thing you were suppose to seal up?"
"Actually I am, and it's supposed to be me asking you about your business here," said Mima, "Seems like your subconscious plane is connected to my dagger currently sheathed on your corporeal form's chest, with the magic creating a bridge for your consciousness to travel from your mind and into here..."
"It was an accident, I passed out and didn't know where I was going," explained Rook sheepishly, "I'm only human you know? I make mistakes too."
"And a damn lot if I were to remind you," said the Evil Spirit, "Hmm, you know what dear acquaintance? I think that librarian girl packs quite a punch if you push the right buttons. And boy howdy did you push them right and hard. What is it with you and biting off more than you can chew?"
"Not your business," muttered Rook, turning his back against the Spirit.
"Oh it might as well be since what used to be my dagger which now holds my essence is now yours," said Mima with a hint of irritation in her tone, "If you were do get vaporized right there and then, how do you suppose I'm going to last another minute without magic, hm?"
"Wait, what?" asked Rook, turning to face the Spirit.
"Rook, technically and as embarrassing as it sounds, my dagger belongs to you and by proxy, so am I, or my power rather..." explained the Spirit, "In order to survive, I absorb what excess energy you release and convert it into my own, storing it into the dagger and adding it to what little power I have left there. Before you ask, no, I can't use the power to break myself out of this damned seal, and the only thing I can do with it is to use it against the whore of a Spirit that got me here in the first place, driving her back into the deepest recesses of her prison which now acts as my own. I'm kinda like her warden and the power you give off is like my coffee."
"Strange way of putting things but what of this... Power? Your power?" asked Rook, apparently interested now. He thought about it for a moment and added, "So you're some kind of parasite?"
"You remember that battle with the ice fairy? I suppose Yukari already told you that you about it that you can extract my stored mana from the dagger and use it as your own brand of energy," Mima inhaled a deep breath before continuing, causing Rook to wonder how the Evil Spirit gain lungs to breathe, "What she didn't tell you is that you can reach into my dormant power, the power of Reincarnation and my vast knowledge on magic. You can use it to expand the limited space to house power your body can receive for a brief space of time. You can use my power as if you were back in your prime and if you're creative enough, you can create new attacks and spellcards to aid you in battle."
"Yeah, but the only catch is that there's a risk of the darkness consuming me and turning me into an evil nut job. And I have no plans of becoming one," said Rook with his hands raised in defense.
"A small Price to pay for a tremendous power, Yukari was very wise to inform you of this," Mima clicked her tongue while closing her eyes, "Dark magic is something that's very beautiful and yet very dangerous. However if you learn to control it, bend it to your will, then you'll have a greater chance of fighting the darkness and accomplishing in doing good."
Mima opened her eyes and raised her crescent sceptre towards Rook, "All you need is a little willpower and a strong resolve. You have my power at your disposal ad you have the knowledge of its limitless potential. Remain strong while using this gift and you will be unstoppable. Feel free to use it anytime, not that it will do me any good in long run... So what say you, savvy?"
Rook thought about it for a moment. With that kind of power he would be able to take on Patchouli and win, but then again he already knew that from the start, however with Mima now in person, telling him herself of what kind of power he possesses and its potential, it was just... Tempting.
He knew of the consequence if he didn't use its power. It would consume him, but Mima said that he just needed a bit of willpower and resolve to keep it under control. The question is, did he have some kind of resolve by now? Was it strong enough to light his way through the temptation?
Rook thought long and hard. His memories of Yukari's explanation flooding his vision. He could see the illusion Yukari set up against him, how he single handily killed the dummy Reimu without remorse to save Flandre. That was when he was in the influence of the dagger for twenty whole minutes, what'll happen if he somehow used it longer than that? The result would be nothing but catastrophic.
Mima was playing something here and he knew it. She was offering him her own power and said that she can't use it anyway. As paranoid as it sounds, what if she has some kind of other motive? She was still an Evil Spirit, and Evil Spirits do what they do best: mess up anyone's life at the first given opportunity. This was Mima the Vengeful Spirit of Makai; she was a deceiver and a liar, he can't just trust her that easily. He had to rethink his thoughts.
He needed that power, and he wasn't about to walk away from this situation without that power. But then again, it wasn't said that he'll have to use it all the time from then on. Rook could hear the faint echo of Yukari's warning years ago.
"I suggest you limit your use of the dagger and don't completely rely on it, mmkay?"
Don't rely on it...
"Say Mima..." Rook gazed deep into the Spirit's blue eyes.
"Yes?"
"Aren't you supposed to be asleep? Why haven't I met you until now, huh?"
Mima's face broke into a smile, "With all of the commotion and magical disturbances, I couldn't help but stir from my slumber."
"So you were asleep for all of those past years?"
"Yes, but I did catch a few glimpses of your adventures in the Outside..."
"Then you're no more or less than being the Evil Spirit you really are."
The Spirit's face scrunched up in confusion. "What? I don't understand."
"I'll put it simply then; Old Habits Die Hard. Ever heard of that?" asked Rook, though it didn't seem like he was asking for an actual answer, "You have the intention of helping me, but you wouldn't be able resist of taking advantage of whatever mess I do after using your power. It's in your nature to destroy, manipulate, and control. Heck, you might be seeing me now not as Rook, but a tool just like Yukari does. You said you were asleep all the time, right? So it seems like you really haven't changed enough in the course of five years, meaning you're still the same Evil Spirit that annoys the heck out of Reimu during Thursday nights. And from what I see, I'm guessing since I'm the only one you can annoy, you'll be focusing your attention on me by either tricking me or putting me into tight spots."
Rook released a sigh before finally finishing, "Look, I may be taking this the wrong way and I know that even you mean good, I can't just plunge my hand into your candy bowl and start eating since it's too much of a risk for me to take... Just to be safe, I'll be going with what Yukari says and limit the use of your power. Though I'll have to thank you for filling in a few blanks."
The Evil Spirit blinked twice before clucking in disappointment, "Being paranoid cannot be good for your health... But a good precaution nevertheless if I fall back to my unsavoury habits. But ponder this Rook, if I wanted to cause wanton havoc that is beyond anyone's control, do you really think that a seal such as the one I am in now or that I need to influence your actions to do so?"
The Human felt a chill run down his spine as she said that. What was she implying?
"I am your guardian angel, and I'm also your devil, choose wisely if you wish to listen to me~" sung Mima, twirling her sceptre before tossing it into the air and catching it with her left hand.
"Alright then... All I need to do is absorb power from the knife, right?" asked Rook, suddenly feeling unsure.
"Yep~ Remember and try to limit your use of it since you're still lacking on two factors," The Evil Spirit held out her index finger, "One is that you lack resolve, the darkness will indeed consume you past the six minute mark," she then raised her middle finger along with her index, "Two is that your body still can't accommodate that amount of power, so until you release the energy stored, you don't have to worry about fatigue taking over."
"I see, thanks."
"Now hurry, Reimu's a strong girl but I doubt she can win without your help," the Evil Spirit muttered spell under her breath and soon a circle surrounded Rook's boots. "Good luck and I'll be watching..."
Reimu clashed against Patchouli's shield and was sent back a couple of feet. Dashing from left to right, she managed to dodge two yellow bullets headed her way. Raising her right hand in the air, she summoned her Ying Yang orbs and began to fire a continuous stream of paper charms. The Magician answered with purple bullets being fired at machine gun speed. Reimu was holding out well on her own, but she can tell that this bean sprout was a tough cookie.
She reached deep within her dress pocket and drew a fistful of violet ofudas before tossing them into the air. The charms flew, all homing towards the Magician while leaving a trail of violet behind. Patchouli acted accordingly and shot upwards, the charms hot on her tail. She spun around to face the missiles behind her and fire a couple of chaffs to send them off.
It worked and now aside from the ofuda bursts from the Miko's orbs, there wasn't anything she should be worried about for the moment. Wait... The Ying Yang orbs were hovering all by themselves, then where was—
SMACK
Patchouli was sent crashing into the ground like a dead fly. Lifting her head up, the Magician ran a finger through the thick red line across right cheek and winced at the pain. She gritted her teeth and gave the flying Shrine Maiden a glare that could freeze blood in place. Reimu didn't seem to be impressed by the look she was being given, and instead seemed a little bored at the lack of challenge.
"Stupid Deus Ex Machina, coming out of nowhere..." The Magician's dark muttering slowly descended into a spell chant.
Reimu ripped her gohei tightly as her opponent slowly rose back into the air. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as five strange stones of different colors appear out of nowhere and start circling the chanting sorceress. Whatever was happening, Reimu only had little time to stop it before—
"Five Elements~ Philosopher's Stone!"
Shit! Cursed Reimu as five books were conjured from thin air and began firing five different bullet patterns at the same time. The Shrine Maiden bobbed and weaved through the attack, struggling to find an opening for her to shoot and break the spellcard but everything was too hectic. There were flying red stones, green stones, yellow stones, blue stones, and white stones all headed in random directions.
With a strangled yelp, Reimu back flipped in mid-air and crossed her arms in front of her as a green stone impacted with her skin. The Shrine Maiden was pushed back, her forearms taking the brunt of the hit and experiencing the most pain, but it didn't stop Reimu from activating her spellcard at the last minute.
"Divine Spirit~ Fantasy Seal!"
Five multicoloured orbs burst into existence and circled Reimu, vaporizing any stones that were coming her way. Sending a single thought through the orbs, they all flew towards Patchouli, hitting her one at a time in a grand explosion, eradicating any bullet that got in their way.
The dust cleared and Patchouli was still whole and intact, albeit a little exhausted and dishevelled.
"Geez, at least the maid had some decency to give up," growled Reimu as she had her Ying Yang orbs at the ready while she slowly descended to the ground. She was going to watch the Magician charge up for another attack when something caught both their attention.
Lying with his back against the floor, Rook was finally showing signs of regaining consciousness. There was one problem though.
Rook pushed himself into a sitting position while placing a hand upon his temple. He gazed at his left hand and watched as red electricity coursed through his fingers. Reimu glanced at Patchouli and saw that her face was paper white from shock; the Shrine Maiden couldn't help but smirk at that. It was kinda funny.
Apparently the whole point of the battle was to distract the librarian long enough for the idiot to recover. Still, Reimu couldn't help but be wary of the red lightning racing through Rook's body. It was horribly familiar, exactly the same power that he displayed five years ago when she first implemented the Spellcard Rules. A power that can tear her barriers apart with ease.
That was when the Magician chose to attack, sending a pillar of fire and ice running towards Rook. The Human's instincts kicked in and he dodged, thrusting his arm out and sending a crimson lightning bolt to counter. There was a deafening bang and the bolt took a chunk of the bookshelf a few meters away from where Patchouli was hovering. It was clear to everyone that the Human intentionally missed his mark.
A warning.
"Reimu," he called, turning his attention to the Red-White Shrine Maiden, "I'll handle things here, you go up ahead and find the Mistress of the mansion. Do not take her lightly and be careful. She'll tear you into ribbons if given the chance. Am I understood?"
"Wait, since when do you get to—"
"Hakurei. Am. I. Understood?" said Rook with an edge on his voice. A tone he hadn't used on the Shrine Maiden for a long, long time.
"Fine," Reimu turned to leave before saying, "Don't take too long or else you'll miss the party."
"Duly noted," replied Rook.
Patchouli had enough of this charade and decided to speak, "If you think I'm about to let you go then you're wrong!"
A wide purple laser threatened to engulf Reimu when it was suddenly dispelled by a lightning bolt. Rook was slowly making his way towards her with his left hand raised up to his chest, crackling with red electricity lashing out with small tendrils.
"I'm your opponent. This our fight. And I'm not going to let you involve anyone else here," said Rook in a firm steely tone, "I'm going to finish this right here, right now, one way or another..."
The Human then reached within his coat and drew a twelve inch long silver dagger from its sheathe hidden underneath it.
Would you like some assistance? I fear that this is where we hit the crossroads...
Rook ignored the voice as he had a split second to decide. He had the power; he can easily defeat Patchouli and make sure she doesn't get in his way for a long while. This was his chance to end her, kill her so that she'll never bother him again. So that he'll be able to work on retrieving the Scarlet Sister's memories without a hitch, no one will stand in his way and never again would he allow anyone to. Besides, by ending her, he can relieve her of her suffering and shame. He couldn't let a monster like her to live, but would killing her make him a monster himself?
He didn't like the idea of being a murderer, even if the one he'll be killing was the Magician. But then again it was necessary, though he didn't know what kind of consequences will it bring him, but it was just a small price to pay. No, he won't kill her, leave her bruised and battered yes, but not kill her. It's better that way since he'll leave a mark... A warning for her to never dare cross his path.
Or maybe there was another way of dealing with her without hurting her. As twisted as she may be, Patchouli... No, Cynthia was still a person. He had known her or a very long time, and knew who she was. Can he take up his powers and stone her to death as easily as he could to a fly? He would have to leave a mark, yes, but hurting her didn't seem necessary as of now. She was in his way; he needed to get her out of the picture. Indulging in her suffering was nothing but for his personal amusement, and that was not part of resolving an incident. He can chew her out later, but he'll need something to shut her up for awhile.
He'll have to talk to her... With that, he can send her a warning, though much more subtle than the first choice. There's no guarantee that she won't bite back once he'd finished his job.
Your choice, Rook?
Shut up, Mima, he snarled internally before saying out loud, "I don't have time for games and I really need to be somewhere as of now. But then again maybe I can cut loose if you let me speak for a moment. Hear me out on this one, Cynthia..."
{Good Gauge increased!}
{4 gauges! New ability unlocked!}
Patchouli blinked twice for a moment before crumpling her brow in a frown, "If you think that you'll be able to talk your way out of this one, then I'm sorry but you'll be long dead before you'll get to finish."
"I won't attack unless you do," Rook slashed his dagger upwards to cut a Danmaku orb into two, "What the hell is wrong with you, woman?!"
"Fight me..." whispered the Magician, looking absolutely livid.
"NO!"roared Rook, causing Patchouli to go slack jawed in the middle of a chant. "I HAD ENOUGH OF THIS MOTHERFUCKING CHARADE! PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE AND ALL YOU CARE IS ABOUT BEATING THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF ME?! BY THE GODS I'LL LET YOU HAVE A BITE BUT NOT NOW, DAMN IT!"
The electricity coursing through Rook's arms seemed to be affected by his mood, they seemed skittish and agitated at the Human's outburst. "There... Hasn't been a godsdamned day that I haven't thought about atoning for my sins. There hasn't been a fucking year, where I didn't think 'Oh if only I didn't do this and that, things would've turned out swell and pretty' BUT HELL NO!"
Rook bent down and placed his gloved hands on his knees, gasping for breath. "I'm tired Patchouli. I'm exhausted. And I bet those two corpses are too. How can you sleep at night knowing what you're telling them is a lie? How can you sleep at night knowing that behind the mask of a charismatic head of the house and mad vampire of the basement are two scared, confused little girls. Granted that they're well over a century years old but still, they're just a two stupid, idiotic, plain annoying kids. Consequences be damned, I'm not going to let this kind of cycle to go on in the mansion I built."
"You're a fool Rook, are you even using your brain or did you accidentally cook it? Those two are no ready—"
"But they are! What better chance then than now? If not now, then when Patchouli?! One way or another they will find out, hide it as long as you want and I know I've said this before but the fate has a funny way of running things since the truth always surfaces at a bad time."
"You're asking for something big Rook... "
"I know, we're just re-enacting what happened five years ago. That argument we had, it's just like this one... Things weren't supposed or have to be this way Patchouli. You know that as much as I do. You wouldn't want to wake up one morning to find your limbs floating along a river and the Scarlet Devil watching you slowly die. I've been paying the price for my sins and errors for two hundred years. And I'm tired of doing so. I just want... I just want my family back. Leave them in good hands; I knew you had two until the time you turned and... well...made my life hell.."
"You're right; fate has a funny way of running things... But then again, mankind never allowed it to control his actions, right? People change and most of them do so for the better. We all have our paths to take. I took mine and you took yours. We got into an argument and here we are now, at each other's throats, ready to tear the other person apart."
"So I guess you're still going to kill me..."
"At the end of the day, that is the only thing that I have in mind, Chess Piece. This madness won't end unless you die, or unless I die. We will continue manipulating the people around us to gain the upper hand. Do not deny it Rook, you're more than ready to use whatever resources you have against me..."
The Human was silent for a moment before a sigh escaped his lips. "You know what? Go on..."
"What?" said Patchouli, looking puzzled.
"I don't care anymore. I won't chase you, I won't kill you, but I swear to the gods above and below do as much as hurt anyone I know I will end you. You want to kill me? Fine, kill me. You want to make me suffer, show me my past errors and rub the salt in my wounds? Go ahead make you day. I don't care about you or your vendetta against me, you're a lost cause and I really thought all of this time that I might be able to beat some sense into you. Right now... Right now just proves that you're hopeless. I shouldn't be wasting all my efforts on arguing with someone so impossible."
The Magician stared at him with her mouth hanging open. Was he really giving up just like that?
"You're a waste of space, go read book or something," said Rook as he walked past the purple mage as if she wasn't a threat at all, "If you want to continue our little game then I already have the Mad Queen at my side and the Pawn convinced. Your Scarlet King's about to be castled and you... You're all the way at the other side of the board with no one around you. You already lost. Your allies are breaking apart from within."
"It was a good game," he continued, "You just didn't try hard enough..."
"Don't... You dare turn your back on me!" Patchouli walked towards him and swung her black book on his head. Except she never hit her mark.
Rook disappeared in a thick curtain of mist before materializing behind the Magician, grabbing her by the hood and sending her to the floor. She struggled to get back on her feet only to be stopped as the Human placed a heavy boot on her stomach. Rook drew his gun and pulled the slide. He took his foot off the Magician so that he can get a clear shot of her, lying there helpless too shaken to block the bullet.
"It's not over yet... It's not over yet, Corvi—"
BANG
BANG
BANG
BANG
BANG
BANG
Rook calmly placed his gun back on its holster and walked away. He didn't kill her; just put her to sleep till everything came to pass. It was for her own good, the girl could get herself into trouble if she continued.
"I'm sorry... Not sure if I meant that..." he whispered, red electricity still coursing through him. And then he was gone...
For a few minutes, there was silence. It wasn't long when a figure walked out of the darkness and knelt beside Patchouli's dart riddle form. Koakuma affectionately ran her fingers down her mistress cheeks, eventually finding their way on the first dart on her shoulder and yanking them out.
"Ahh, my poor, poor mistress..." she crooned, placed her fingers around the next dart on Patchouli's forearm, "You poor, sad little girl. Don't worry. He may have made a deal with two Devils, but you'll always have me, right?"
The little devil's left hand to glow a dark blue aura as she placed it on her unconscious mistress' forehead.
"It is my pleasure to be your servant; it is my pain to watch you suffer. You should've let me help you. I know you care for me, but I will always protect you from everything. I know you mean well, but you are foolish. Koa will unlock you, don't worry... You'll get him, I'm sure you will..."
Nicolas Notes: Patchy had it coming, you all know that. Yeah, yeah, I should've got this at the first day of the month as schedule but the internet had to screw up and leaving me in the dark for the past ten days. As much as I wanted to post the chapter, I ha to wait. But the wait was worth it, since during my time of internet drepivation, I managed to work on three fics at once.
Good news, I managed to right most of Endless Echo's next chapter. Things are gonna go a dark turn, but we'll be back in the light sooner than you can say the longest word in the english language.
Good news, I managed to progress in the Parsee fic I've been staring a the whole year. Here's to hoping I finish it.
Good news, Laevateinn 18 is well under way! I'm gonna make it the best of the best! Or maybe not...
Well that's all for now, don't forget to rate and review, comment, and tell me your thoughts!
I'll see you all in the next chapter, See ya!
Yahoo~!