Nicolas Notes: Obligatory first chapter, LAUNCH! ALL HAIL PURPLE HEART. Woops, wrong fandom, ehehe.
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CHAPTER 17: Loose Ends.
Year: 2005
12:57 Anti-meridian
Mayohiga, Outskirts, Gensokyo
To say that the walk to Mayohiga was uneventful would be a bold faced lie. Nothing beats starting your afternoon by getting chased by a rabid youkai.
"I don't have time for this!"
Rook burst through the clump of bushes and landed in a roll. He fired off a couple of lightning bullets at whatever was chasing him before breaking into a run. An unearthly shriek sounded behind him, followed by the appearance of a partly burnt, furiously barrelling, and gut wrenchingly stinky bat youkai. It crawled on its uneven legs, leathery wings flapping behind it while most of its dull colored clothing was still smoking.
The Human fired off a couple of lightning bullets behind him in hope to lose his hunter, however such strategy refused to work for the last twenty minutes. He started focusing more energy into his bullets however doing so was causing him to falter in his steps, a thing which would prove fatal for him. Right now, he decided to only release minute type bullets to slow down his hunter. This tactic only made the youkai angrier than causing it to give up. Not to mention he just blew a hole in its now bleeding wing.
The only reason why the youkai wasn't flying, was that the forest was densely populated by trees with thorns the size of a human finger. It wasn't taking chances on losing its prey here. Not after what Rook did to it.
And here I was thinking it was going to be a good stretch for my legs with a peaceful walk and all of a sudden this bastard comes out of nowhere trying to bite my head off, he thoughts as he athletically leapt over fallen logs, splashing water as he landed on a creek. He made a random turn to his right, looking back for a fraction of a second just to see the bat youkai shrieking bloody murder. He gulped as he kept running downstream.
Karma's a bitch, ain't it? Chuckled a woman's voice in his head.
SHUT UP, AND IT'S ONLY NOW YOU CHOSE TO TALK! Rook mentally roared, sprinting faster as he felt the air behind him tickle his neck. Something told him he almost got his head chopped off.
Mhmm, this wouldn't have happened if you didn't take your money back from Kourin.
OH DON'T YOU FREAKING MAKE THIS ABOUT ME! Wait, you're saying Rinnosuke sent this bastard?!
It's a theory. Maybe he has an antique that could control things. Try opening your mind a bit, anything's possible.
You're not helping!
Rook planted his right foot in front of him and in one quick motion, spun around with a hand crackling with power, shooting the youkai square on the chest. The monster was blown off its feet, falling flat on its back while sporting a large burn on its chest. The Human sighed in relief and went to give the youkai a light kick to see if it was unconscious. Unfortunately it wasn't, sitting back up to claw at Rook's face. Fortunately for him, he managed to jump back the last minute.
The beast lunged again, leaving claw marks on a tree's bark as it slashed.
The water made the Human's shoes moist, making him uncomfortable. Dodging another strike, an idea was born. Sidestepping a clumsy tackle from the bat youkai, Rook quickly got out of the stream. He pelted the youkai's skin with more sparks and electric bullets, drawing its attention towards him. Predictably enough, it charged towards him, splashing water everywhere.
Cheater.
Ignoring Mima's words, Rook smirked as the youkai was just seven feet away from him before shooting the clear water with electricity. The monster stopped in its tracks and became rigid, just before electricity began to climb all over its body did it begin to convulse. A low hiss of pain escaped it before it fell on the electrified waters, dead.
"Hehehe, you like that, huh? Just remember to come back for seconds," Rook grabbed the dead body by its arms and pulled it away from the water.
Why are you even touching that disgusting thing...
"Couldn't just leave a dead body on fresh water, can't I?" replied the Human out loud, "Don't want anyone catching a disease or something the other..."
How noble of you...Sad that your gauge won't go up since this is part of the plot.
"My what won't go up, now?" he asked in confusion, "What nonsense are you spouting out now? And what do you mean plot?"
Rook blinked a couple of times as Mima failed to respond. He decided to let the topic drop and be on his way. The chase with the youkai caused him to get sidetracked, causing him to take a few minutes longerto reach Mayohiga's edge. Dead leaves crunched under his foot while he was careful not to come near the trees to avoid getting pricked by the thorns. A few exotic plant life managed to enter the border once they went extinct decades ago. Rook tried asking Yukari if everything that was lost in the Outside could be found in Gensokyo.
Much to his chagrin, she only answered him if he saw any dinosaurs walking around. From there he concluded that the Barrier only accepted things that disappear in the present, not the things that were long forgotten in the past. Explains the Dodo bird he cooked fifty years back.
After passing by another peaceful grove, Rook finally came to a halt before a blur in the landscape. The path before him was there, however it seemed like it was part of a faulty image or corrupted picture one would get in the outside world. It was moving like that of a mirage, so it was obvious from there that the 'thing' in front of him was an illusion.
"Home sweet home..." he muttered as he walked ahead. The moment he entered the illusion, he was greeted by a surreal landscape.
The sky was covered by a veil of crimson clouds, much like the Scarlet Mists, only that they were in the sky. The ground had a maroon like color and looked sticky if one were to attempt to step on it. Houses left and right were made out of cookies and had candy canes for mailboxes. A face made out of icing seemed to be melting, forming an expression of despair as it slowly crawled down the chocolate walls.
There was no sun, and the whole place looked completely deserted. Not to mention that there were these eerie corpse like hands stretching from the floor and into the heavens, like they were hanging from the grounds. There were numerous of them sprouting everywhere, on the floor, the roofs, and freaking candy canes. There was an abandoned looking Ferris Wheel at the distance, and to make matters worse, a carnival themed music played at the background accompanied by scratching noises, like claws being dragged through a chalk board.
Rook grunted in pain as a headache came out of nowhere, causing him to grab his face and fall on one knee. He clasped his hands on his head in an attempt to lessen the pain. Not only that it wasn't working, he was starting to see things. It was like seeing the vision of a deranged carnival worker. Balloons with a wide smile and eyes that seem to pierce through a human's soul, circus freaks walking the streets of the candy alley, licking lollipops with their barbed tongues.
Rook. They're not real. Whatever is happening, they're not real.
I know, I know. With this stupid headache I can't focus, he mentally responded, Can't have enough willpower to dispel the illusion...
He tried again to force his will on the village, only to make matters worse. Now he was seeing a certain blonde girl dressed in scarlet, sitting on top a chair made out of what looked like human skin. Rook resisted the urge to be sick. She was a good distance away, but he knew he heard her.
"Waiting... For you~"
Rook closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
Once he opened them, he was in the abandoned village of Mayohiga. Releasing a shaky breath, he slowly rose to his feet while trying to regain his balance. He just realized that his hands were trembling so he immediately clenched them into fists. Without further ado, he began his trek into the heart of the village.
So...What was that about? Quite an illusion that was... Must've been an Arch-ranked spell if a Magician did it... Or was that all in our head? Projected to become reality, thus transforming the landscape? Certainly interesting thought, no? Now if I only had my notebook.
I...don't know. Certainly not the first time I've experience this, but that was... Way too vivid. Last time something like that happened was five years ago. It's just as screwed up as last time.
Hmm, Rook, what is it that you fear?
... What are you getting at?
There are rumours in the past that this village is actually a youkai village. However there is no substantial proof to prove this. However if that were the case, then in theory, this village projects one's inner most fears and uses it against potential intruders as a security system. Reason why most humans and youkais go mad if they set foot in this place. Occasional victims would be greedy treasure hunter, correct?
Yeah, but like you said, there isn't any proof that this village turned into a youkai. Now even by Gensokyo standards, that's crazy. I've lived here more for two centuries on and off. There aren't any signs that indicate that this place is actually a big sleeping youkai like thingy... I just figured that it's just... well... you know...Magic.
Or it could be the Yakumos' doing. We're in the Border, you know? The Boundaries here are thin, very so...
Heh, forgot you haven't been to this place. Probably the reason why you're making theories out of nowhere.
It's simply my nature as magician.
Right...
The Human came to a halt at the foot of the village statue and looked around. The golden eye that lit up the village remained unblinking and focused its ever alert gaze down upon the village, overseeing the lone man walking along its streets. He gazed intently at the deserted alleyways and abandoned houses before cupping his hands over his mouth and calling in a loud voice.
"Yukari! It's me, Rook! Show yourself!"
The village remained silent as ever; apparently the person he was calling for didn't seemed to be interested to come out.
"Come out here or I swear I'll blow your statue apart!" he added loudly, aiming a crackling hand at the Yukari statue behind him.
That did it. A horizontal rip came into existence with a small 'pop' before spreading apart like the maw of some hideous creature. There were two red ribbons tied on each end of the gap, though it didn't reduce the effect the toxic looking smoke that seeped through the portal. A moment later a pale white hand akin to that of a person's who might have drowned grabbed the edge of the gap for support. A deep growling noise could be heard from within the void.
Rook allowed energy to course within his fist in case of something bad happening, though he knew this was just Yukari's way of making a grand entrance. Although, he had to admit, this spectacle was considered eerie. He waited for a few more seconds before relaxing his body.
She sure is taking her sweet time to come out, no? Maybe her body's become so fat that—
A door slammed open and Yukari Yakumo strolled into the village square with parasol over her shoulder.
DID SHE JUST COME OUT OF THE GOD DAMNED DOOR?!
Rook ignored Mima's disbelief and protests as he clawed his hand down his face. It didn't help that he was seeing the Elder Youkai's mischievous grin, he hated that grin. Every time he saw that grin something bad was going to happen…. Or she was just poking him for fun.
"Hello dear Chess Piece, it's been so long!" she pleasantly greeted with the same grin plastered on her face, "Is there anything that I might assist you in?"
"Yeah, you could start by answering a few questions," replied Rook, crossing his arms while wearing a scowl, "Where were you and why didn't you do anything to disable that barrier at the Mansion? We could've died for all you knew."
"Hmph, my…. and not even a 'Oh Yukari, how I've missed you my love' before you start interrogating a fine lady such as myself? How rude…" mused the Gap Youkai with a slight tilt of her head. Her smile only grew brighter as she greeted again, "Why hello there Mima~ How are you?"
By the gods if I had arms, I would be strangling you right now, Yakumo.
"Yukari…. Stop antagonizing her, you're not helping…" said Rook staring daggers at the woman in purple.
"But I was only asking her on how she was? So what, can't I even greet an old friend anymore?" Yukari then closed her parasol and crossed her arms in a pout, "Rook's mean… Bleh, I hope you go bald."
"Answer the question, Where. Were. You?" said the Human, putting emphasis on the last three words before aiming for the statue again.
Yukari's shoulder slumped and with a sigh she then began saying, "Weren't you listening to the highly abbreviated explanation your anaemic nemesis while you were in her library? No? Figures that you have a short attention span considering how restless electricity is. Fine. In case you've missed it, the girl was clever making use of her five years to counter my gaps and boundary powers even in a short period of time. I must say that forbidding me from the use of my abilities for six whole hours was quite a feat."
"Yeah, I get that, but I guess I was right that you were somehow watching my every move. If you couldn't use your powers, then how come you knew what was happening there? Or about conversation we had?"
"Rook, if you keep walking around asking stupid questions, sooner or later you're going to get yourself killed~" sang Yukari in a mocking tone.
You know that he just asked a fair question. Both of us know that you can tear down the Hakurei Barrier if you put your mind to it, so why couldn't you break out of a measly second class binding hex? Even I made an attempt to bind you with spells higher than the crap that the bean sprout set upon you yet you still managed to flick them all away.
"But that's just it, Miss Talking Dagger. I didn't put my mind into it since I knew what the outcome was going to be. Besides if I did intervene with the battle that took place in that mansion, then where's the fun to that? Why would I, Yukari Yakumo, will have such a golden opportunity for entertainment go to waste? Rook, don't you have any faith in yourself that you'll survive the night safely?" Yukari kicked off the ground and sat on a conveniently place gap while looking like she was suppressing a giggle.
"You. Are. Twisted," spat out Rook in displeasure, "Oh I don't suppose that you've managed to calculate the results on what happened that night? Not to mention me being skewered by more than a dozen of spear heads while getting cursed and having my fate tampered with."
"Oooh, ooh!" squealed the Gap Youkai, "I simply loved that part! Seriously, you should've seen the look on your face."
"Yukari," growled the Human, the air adapting the metallic smell of ozone.
"Fine. Tell me Rook, if I had intervened your losing battle with Patchouli Knowledge, would you ever had gained the ability to converse with Mima right now? I think not," she then placed her parasol inside the gap she was sitting on where it promptly disappeared, "Explain to me that if I broke the barrier surrounding the mansion, would your little Youkai friend back then have met with a certain person that would've been crucial to future events? Surely things would've turned out worse. Also, what would've happened that if I did help you, Reimu and Marisa wouldn't have the courage to make an attempt to speak with each other right now, hm?"
Yukari's eyes turned golden for a moment before saying in a low dangerous tone, "How… Would you be able to speak to that little vampire without showing her that you were actually sincere in helping her and her sister? To win back their trust by proving yourself? Tell me that if I had assisted you during that time, would she be impressed that you thwarted her by using a powerful ally such as I? I think not. She would deem you as a coward and would only hate you more because of that… She would designate you as a liar and a cheater."
"If you hadn't done everything as you did during that night," the Gap Youkai's face broke into a smile, "Then you would be rotting inside a closet in that mansion."
… Well played, Yakumo… Well played…
"Thank you, Mima~" said Yukari with a grateful smile.
"Well… I did ask her to calculate, but I never expected it to be that deep," Rook shook his head as he turned his gaze back at the Border of Phantasm, "Alright, but what did you mean about Rumia speaking with another person? There wasn't anyone with her."
"Think back Rook... I would explain to you in detail, however I must digress since we're straying far from the topic," Yukari drew out her fan and began to cool herself, "Then again, you did a good job that night. Not only did you resolve the incident with only losing a couple litres of blood and a dejected Reimu, but you also managed to give two bickering friends a chance for reconciliation. Congratulations! You've just opened to a number of windows filled with numerous possibilities."
"I don't think I like the sound of that," commented Rook.
No one ever does.
"Hmm, something tells me that you didn't call me here just so you can reprimand me falsely about not helping you save your skin," said Yukari in a mock thoughtful tone, "Come now Rook, speak your mind. I won't bite, hehehe, much…"
"Right, I was going to ask if there has been anything strange going on around Gensokyo. You know, any strange anomalies or happening I should be aware of?" he questioned bluntly, "Wouldn't want to find myself stuck in something I shouldn't be part of."
"I swear you're getting paranoid…" commented the Gap Youkai.
I suggest laying it off a bit on him. I think you traumatised him with your games, Yakumo.
"I'll put it to consideration," replied Yukari while rubbing her chin, "As to your question, no. Nothing major other than the now resolved Scarlet Mist. The fairies are once again calming down and the Youkai have all gone back to their hidey holes so there won't be much game for you to exterminate should you decided to. However these past few weeks there's been rumours of the vampires at the western mountain ranges and the bat youkais of the Forest of Magic meeting. Probably just a brief discussion about arranged marriages. "
"What about Makai?" Rook abruptly asked, cutting the Elder Youkai off her summarization.
She paused for a moment, thinking up her words carefully before saying, "Sealed as it should be. Nothing's going in or out unless Shinki asks for my permission and vice versa. Is something wrong, Rook?"
The Queen of Hearts card inside his pouch suddenly felt a bit heavier. He managed to keep himself composed and his poker face on as he replied, "It's nothing. Just making sure of things."
I wonder… I almost forgot about her for a second there…
Thankfully, Mima didn't seemed to be interested in voicing out his thoughts with her own seeing as Yukari could hear her well.
"I…see," muttered Yukari with a nod. Though she doesn't seem like she was convinced with his reply.
"Right, so one more thing. Have you heard anything about Marisa?" asked the Human.
This time, a flash of annoyance appeared upon the Border Youkai's appearance, "What am I now, a one stop information center? A receptionist to fill you in with the Intel you need?"
"Yes," deadpanned Rook in a serious tone.
"I refuse to be a plot device!" protested Yukari while childishly flailing her arms in the air. After a few seconds of this charade, she finally recomposed herself and pinched the bridge of her nose, "Fine. I should've expected it after you spoke to both Reimu and Rinnosuke this morning."
"You were spying again?" said Rook with an eyebrow raised.
"I like keeping tabs on that dagger you have," explained the Gap Youkai, "Anyhow, I'm probably just repeating what Rinnosuke told you, but Marisa has become unstable. No, not as unstable as the girl you're trying to save, but she has been a wee bit different. Cuckoo if you ask me. She spends most of her time as always deep within the Forest of Magic, experimenting with potion making and Alchemy. However due to the lack of funds she has to continue her research, I must say that her kleptomania has reach just over tolerable levels. Though it's not like she's not capable of protecting herself, but if she keeps this up she'll probably get herself killed."
"Noted, anymore?" the Human nodded as he carefully studied Yukari's expression.
"Yes," answered Yukari, "Mima, since you're her mentor, I doubt you didn't know that it was inevitable for her to dabble in the Abysmal Arcane, no?"
Let me guess, she managed to secure a copy of one of my old Grimoires?
"Indeed. And with that she's now capable of copying spellcards and modifying them as she desires," the Border of Phantasm replied, "No news of this has reached Reimu yet, however if things get out of hands then it is possible for the two to engage in combat. This I speculate by using the two idiots' personalities as a base."
"But you said that they have a chance for reconciliation," pointed out Rook.
"Of course, however if Reimu were to find out and Marisa is not stopped then chances are things are going to get messy," Yukari's face began to darken, "And I don't like Gensokyo being messy. I presume that you're going to do something about it, Rook?"
"As soon as possible," he said with one firm nod. The Gap Youkai seemed satisfied with this.
"I think that's all for now, no? If you want to know more, she's currently at the same place as I mentioned earlier," she suggested calmly while spreading her paper fan before her face, "Better brace yourselves, the coming winter should be interesting. Would hate to see you dead by that time."
"I'll make sure to stay alive. I'll be all diplomatic, unless she decides to spark me the moment I talk to her, which is not impossible," chuckled Rook, placing a hand in his pocket.
Yukari allowed herself a genuine smile before opening a gap above him where a black box promptly fell.
"Your supplies are in there. Arm yourself so you can save energy, I doubt electrocuting her will allow any space for peaceful talk," she explained, pausing for a few moments as the Human gathered his supplies. Once he was ready she then said, "I'll be dropping you at the Human village, I'm guessing you have one more person to talk to before you head out. Good bye Rook, Mima~"
With that a rip between realities swallowed Rook whole. He fell into the void, gazing for second at the thousands of golden eyes that seemed to stare back. And then he fell into a dirt path hard.
{Saving game}
{Game saved, data board update}
{Good Gauge: 0, Evil Circuit: 2, Brutality Core: 1}
{Spellcards: 2, Unknown: 1}
{Power unlocked: 8%}
{Loading next Checkpoint, please wait warmly.}
Year: 2005
1:29 Post-meridian
Human Village, Main Street, Gensokyo
Gensokyo was strange place, though it wasn't strange enough for people to suddenly fall from the open sky without explanation. A group of onlookers gathered around him, curious to see if he was okay or not. Others simply watched him warily at the distance while a few went to call the guards for assistance. It didn't make any difference to Rook since he was still busy mastering the impact from falling.
He slowly got up, breathing hard and a bit annoyed as he dusted his coat and pants. He looked around to the people around him, blinking in confusion. The Human sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck and with a nervous smile he said, "Um, nothing to see here. Just slipped myself. Come on now everyone, shoo shoo he he..."
Unfortunately for him the guards chose that exact same moment to appear, and judging by their hostile intent, they weren't ones who were familiar with him.
New recruits... he thought to himself as the soldier surrounded him, katana and nodachi swords held aloft.
"Who are you and state your business here, youkai?" one ordered, inching dangerously close. A few of the elder villagers were both looking at the group that surrounded Rook with amusement and worry. They clearly don't know who they were dealing with.
A youkai? My, my, any self respecting youkai would take offence in that. He he he, crossroads time~ chuckled Mima as Rook contemplated a way out of this situation.
Quiet, already thought of something, Rook replied internally as he approached the guard who spoke to him. "Hey there, lovely day we're having?"
On impulse, the guard attacked as if the Human threw the first punch. Eyes flashing, he sidestepped his opponent's clumsy lunge and slid his palm on the blunt side of the katana. Grabbing the blade, he launched his elbow on the young man's chest and yanked the sword blade first. Rook raised the sword above to defend himself from the other guard's strike, promptly kicking him away. He swung the blade with to his left which collided with another sword.
A small smile of pity appeared on his face before he locked the bewildered guard's sword by the hilt. In one fluid motion he twisted his wrist and knocked the other sword off his adversary's hands.
"En guard" he challenged, before spinning around with the katana flying low. Rook managed to send his incoming enemy off balance, causing said guard to fall flat on his back. This of course was performed with the blunt side of the sword. He stabbed the sword on the guard's clothes, leaving him struggling on the ground. Rook turned to the recovering guards and the amazed onlookers and gave them a brief bow.
"That, ladies and gentlemen, is entertainment," he yelled, causing a few people to clap their hands while others ran their palm on their faces or shook their heads in defeat.
{Evil Circuit Increased}
"What do you think you're doing?" snapped a voice behind him and the next thing he knew was his head was throbbing in pain. Apparently someone just hit him with a blunt object. Rook blinked for several moments just to see Keine helping up the stuck guard. After she was finished checking the young man for injuries, she sent him and his comrades off before turning to Rook with an angry expression. "You could've killed them! Do you have any idea what they'll think of you once they get older? No one holds a grudge better than these people, you should know that!"
Rook seemed a bit taken aback by the teacher's reaction and replied jokingly, "Hey, this happens every decade. Someone has to show them the ropes."
"You idiotic, battle freak of a moron! What do you think you would've gained by antagonizing them?" Keine said hotly with her teeth gritted.
"Okay, I'm sorry," answered Rook, though in his mind he really didn't feel that way, "Anyhow, where you headed? Seems a bit early to start the school right after an incident."
"I was just on my way to... a friend's place when I witness what I would believe was the most one sided brawl I've ever seen," deadpanned the were-hakutaku.
The Human's smile widened, "So, what's the situation here? People seem to be livelier than that of late."
A sigh escaped Keine's lips as she said, "Everything's cooling down. The people are getting out more, though no one's still allowed to leave the village without an armed escort or two. Even if the Mist is gone now, the alert hasn't been called off. We can't be too careful these days."
"Wise choice then," muttered Rook.
"Right. You know you should visit the Elders at the town hall sometime. They may need your advice regarding a few things," said Keine "Thanks by the way. For taking care of the incident. We're already working on something to offer to the Hakurei Shrine. If you don't mind, you can deliver it once we're done."
"I'll take note of that once I'm free," replied the Human, "Say, is old man Kirisame around?"
The teacher seemed to be surprised about that yet maintained her composure, "Oh. Not too many people ask about him. He should be at his shop. You do remember where it is, right?"
Rook gave her a nervous smile and a brief shake of the head, causing her to release another heavy sigh.
"Walk down the southern entrance, turn right and then take the third building," she explained while motioning to the directions.
"Thanks," replied Rook with an acknowledging nod. Keine waved him goodbye before walking off, her silver hair dancing behind her.
Stop staring at her—
Shut up...
Year: 2005
2:00 Post-meridian
Human Village, Kirisame Second-hand Shop, Gensokyo
A bell rang from within the shop, giving off a De javu vibe in the air. Unlike Kourindou, the Kirisame shop was more organized and cleaner. The scent of wood dominated the atmosphere, causing Rook to cover his nose since it came too strong.
"Hello? Anyone there?" he called into the deserted looking shop. It was filled with knick knacks and other used tools, clippers sat on the shelves while shears were propped up the wall. An organized group of kettles rested themselves near the door while the main area was filled with furniture and wooden dining tables complete with chairs. Light entered through the windows, causing specks of dusts to be visible as they floated.
Fanning the air in front of him, Rook stepped further into the shop, examining the items that stood behind glass casings. He wiped the glass' surface to observe a snow globe within. It was fascinating how an object which looked like it was made fifty years in the past could be in such a pristine condition. Looking around, the same could be said for the rest of the shop.
"Kirisame, come out now. I know you're in here," Rook called once more.
Why don't you just blow this place apart like what you did with Yukari? Muttered Mima's voice in a dark undertone.
Hooh, you still mad after what Kirisame did to his daughter? Replied Rook internally as he continued to search the store. It's not my place to intrude into other people's business, so I won't stick my head in. Say, can you do anything do find him?
No. I can't do nothing outside this dagger, remember? Look for him yourself; tell me once you're done.
Wait, Mima! He sighed as he found out it was no use. Rook decided to continue his search when he felt an ominous aura behind him. Before he can even turn around, a hand already had its iron grip on his shoulder. On instinct, he grabbed the offender's wrist with blinding speed and sent a surge of electricity. He was surprised as he saw that his attacker hasn't shrivelled up into a crisp yet.
"You..." he growled as he let go of the hand of Marisa's father. "You could've gotten yourself killed."
The tall man jet black hair in contrast to his daughter's dirty blonde, though his eyes were bright gold while bearing the same confident air as Marisa. A smirk was plastered on his face as he removed his goggles and rubber gloves. This was a man of confidence and purpose. It's a surprise that he would stop and open a shop instead leading a life as something more worthwhile.
Still that wasn't Rook's problem.
"Rook, good to see you!" greeted Mr. Kirisame with a light pat. His muscular body went well with his height along with his black overalls. The man wore a sleeveless tunic that showed off his arms while sporting an olive colored trousers and brown boots.
"How long has it been?" he continued, "Eight years since you dropped by, what you are up to these days?"
Rook rubbed the back of his neck as he replied, "Not much. Taking care of a couple of loose ends here and there, you know the usual."
"Mhm," hummed Mr. Kirisame with a slow nod, "Well, what can I do for you today, good sir? Been a long time since we spoke, eh?"
"Right, I don't suppose you've forgotten about this language after all this time?" mused Rook with a small smile. Mr. Kirisame raised an eyebrow as the Human switched his speech.
"Indeed. Well, pardon me if my English is rusty. Haven't gotten the time to practice it's use," replied the shopkeeper with a bow.
"Good. Gensokyan Japanese kind of gets too you if used for a long time," said the blonde while crossing his arms, "Look, I'm afraid that I'm going to make this visit short so I'll go straight to the point."
"Really now?" responded Mr. Kirisame, perplexed at the man before him, "Alright then. Speak your mind."
Inhaling a lungful of air, Rook began, "It's about your daughter. Marisa."
The shopkeeper's eyebrows raised at the mention of his daughter while his back immediately tensed. In a low, firm voice he asked, "What is it? Did something happen to her?"
"No harm has befallen her, at least not yet. Kirisame, I don't know anything else to phrase this but; I need your permission for me to stop her," said Rook, his eyes resting upon the taller man's own.
"Stop her? Is she doing anything dangerous?" he asked, almost in a cold growl. Now this was the hard part. Yes, this was the same father whom Marisa left and griped of being irresponsible and reckless. However despite this, the man still deeply cared for his daughter despite all the things she did, going as far as pretending he didn't exist once she found a place with the Evil Spirit Mima. The man regretted his actions by neglecting his daughter as he grieved over his wife's death, causing the equally depressed girl to run away a few weeks later.
"There's the possibility. Given Marisa's nature, there's the chance of her coming in contact with some unsavoury characters," continued Rook, he suddenly felt his sheathed dagger grow heavy. He chose to ignore this and go on, "That's why if worse comes to worst, I'll have to restrain her in case she does anything to put her surroundings to in harm."
"And...Why are you exactly asking for my permission to restrain her?" questioned Mr. Kirisame.
"I know how you are. If word reaches your ears that Marisa is in trouble or anything, you wouldn't hesitate taking a few weapons with you and hunt the bastard who did her harm," Rook smiled while responding, "Now that would only prove your recklessness as your daughter has complained about the many times I've worked with her. Now I wouldn't want to be the poor bastard to suffer your wrath, my friend. I know what you're capable of, and you also know me."
"I see..." The shopkeeper then approached his counter and went behind it, kneeling down as he searched for something within the drawer, "I understand you, Rook, and it sure is smart of you to tell me first. I wouldn't know what I could've done, but at least I know Marisa's safety is in good hands now."
He stood up, lifting what looked like a small wooden crate with green liquid swimming within the vials. "However even if she isn't here, I know my daughter better than anyone. That's why I'm going to make sure you stay alive on your encounter with her."
Mr. Kirisame took three vials and offered them to Rook, "Please take care of her."
"I will," replied Rook in Gensokyan Japanese, taking the vials and stuffing them in his pouch.
"Now is there anything else you'd like to discuss?" asked the shopkeeper while stowing away the crate.
"Apparently, yes. The cause of Marisa's dangerous behaviour," answered the Human, beginning in a new topic, "Would you like to hear about it?"
"Go on, I don't seem to be doing anything else today so tell me the story," said Mr. Kirisame. Rook made a mental note that he was older than this man, however the 'Mr.' Seemed to be hard to erase since the shopkeeper obviously looked older than him.
"Alright. Five years ago if you can recall, the Hakurei Barrier almost collapsed," began Rook.
"Ah, yes. I had to help the village evacuate in the Hieda household since the town hall back then was crushed underneath a sky shard," nodded Mr. Kirisame.
"Marisa was the first one to notify me of the incoming incident, so the both of us set out to solve it," continued the blonde as he recalled that fateful night, "The center of it was the Hakurei Shrine, where we were met between a battle between the Hakurei Shrine Maiden and the Evil Spirit Mima."
At that, the shopkeeper slammed his fist on his counter, "I knew she couldn't be trusted!"
"Wait, please let me finish," requested Rook as the dagger slowly became warm, "Reimu was possessed at that time!"
"Only proves that damned Spirit had something to do with the Barrier's collapse," answered the shopkeeper with an edge in his tone.
"But Mima was trying to save her by holding her off while Marisa went to get my help," countered the blonde, silently cursing himself for his poor choice of words. "Here's what happened. Shortly after leaving Makai, a wayward spirit latched itself unto Reimu without her knowledge. Mima and Marisa noticed the Hakurei Maiden's strange behaviour so the opted to observe her in secret. They continue to do just that until the spirit that possessed Reimu finally snapped and went into a rampage, nearly causing the Barrier's fall. Mima fought her, however the spirit's power was more than we could've ever imagined. Marisa and I went next, only to be defeated the same way."
He paused for a second as he allowed his words to sink in.
"It was losing battle either way since the Spirit held the power of the Hakurei Maiden herself. We knew that we had to work fast lest Gensokyo fell," continued Rook with a heavy sigh, "Mima devised a plan to coerce the Spirit out of Reimu. However the Price of it was to relinquish control of her own form to it, buying as time to we can seal her."
Another gap of silence.
"She sacrificed herself? With the Spirit inside her?" The shopkeeper seemed to be loss for words "Is that even possible for her? She is an 'Evil' Spirit after all."
"Change is constant, Kirisame," replied Rook with a sad smile, "At that time, Reimu and I didn't hear what Marisa had to say since she was knocked out cold. Once she woke up, Mima was gone and she thought I was the one who vanquished her."
"Is... that so?"
"Yes. After that, she broke down. Her friendship with Reimu became strained. Fortunately it was still salvageable, unlike my case where she really wants to rip off my head."
Rook gazed deep into the shopkeeper's eyes and said, "After I meet up with her, I want you to talk to her. She could really use some fatherly support... Heh, sorry but it's not my job."
The shopkeeper looked somewhere on his right and sighed. Apparently, the blonde just gave him a lot of things to think about. Rook glanced outside the window and found that the sun was beginning it slow descent behind Youkai Mountain. Now that he thought of it, he hasn't eaten a bite since he left Reimu's home. The thought of food suddenly made him hungry.
Unfortunately that will have to wait.
"Alright," came Mr. Kirisame's voice. He had his confident smirk back on his face while giving Rook the thumbs up, "I'll do just that. Besides, it's only proper to pay my debts you know? For the thing that you're going to do for me. Thank you, Rook."
"No problem," replied Rook with a dismissive wave of his hand, "I think it's best to get going now. Wouldn't want to walk through the forest after dark."
"Yes," said the shopkeeper as he led the blonde man towards the door, "Just remember not to underestimate my girl. She can be a tough cookie sometimes."
"I'll remember that, but now..." Rook paused as he recalled something else.
"Is something wrong?"
"An old friend wants to talk to you too. He wants forgiveness."
With that the Human set off into the main street, disappearing among the crowds of busy shoppers yet the shopkeeper was framed on his doorway, a look of surprise on his face. A few moments passed and his face turned into an amused smile. He went back in his shop, closing the door behind him.
Nicolas Notes: Alright so can I comment on this chapter now? Good.
So here I managed to tie (as the chapter title says) some loose ends. Here I get the chance to flesh out Rook's persona a bit aside from the warrior we've been seeing these past chapters (sans the chapter before this and a few chapter way back). Seriously guys, even to me, Rook's an enigma. I have no idea what kind of person he'll end up as, and that's coming from me THE AUTHOR. I mean the bastard has unlimited routes to take.
The story seems to write itself...
We get an update on the situation in the Human Village, so far so good. And now I've introduced Marisa's unnamed father! WHO'S STILL UNNAMED :D.I took the liberty on his appearance (please don't hurt me) and his personality as well a bit of backstory (again please don't hurt me).
Aside from the general view of him being a negative prick who hurts his daughter (Please don't hurt me, I was just basing on the things I've been seeing around the fandom) I think there's a bigger reason to that so I decided to take advantage of it. Mima still hates him though.
I love gathering infos, you guys love gathering infos? 'cuz that's all Rook's been doing since the last chapter. I was planning not to add action until the Marisa fight, yet I still did the intro to this chapter with the bat youkai. Blame Infamous 2.
Finally, references, REFERENCES EVERYWHERE! FIND THEM ALL IF YOU DARE. A couple memes, a work from a funny artist, go ahead, review them if you spot them.
In my opinion I didn't really feel this chapter. Feels like something's missing. Not exactly my best, but what the heck XD
Anyway, please continue Laevateinn. I'll be sure to work on more chapters and excel. Read, Rate, Review, and share your thoughts~
Be sure to tell your friends too if they can stomach this story, heh.
See ya~
YAHOO~