AN: Okay, Operation Alexandria already finished months ago, and seeing many of FF authors that I PM'ed with already churn out new fics, well, I can't help but reminded about my early days. Now, after securing Omega E The Reader's permission last December to create alternate version of Kyomu and Onajima, I decided to write this as a Pilot Arc for the Current Event slot I established in my profile's head-canon timeline. This time, I'll use Omega E's Void Incident as basis, and expand it further to include other realms in the Union. Safe to say, this will be another Incident, except it will be done in Sengoku Gensokyo style. Then, without further ado!
Challenge from Kokusho to Gensokyo, Netherworld, Makai, and Abendrot
With the recent victory your Union achieved over yet another inter-dimensional invaders, we from Kokusho feel obligated to see for ourselves just how strong you really are. Who are we, you ask? Don't concern yourself with that yet, since we haven't decided whether to join the Union or not. I have to admit though, we did show such interest since the Alliance formation. From there, you all showed us many times that you're willing to fight to defend your homeworld, and we find that admirable. I'm sure that your 'Shitenno' already have an idea of who we are, since two of them sometimes ended in our place during what I assume as their usual duels. In order to properly made our entrance, we decided to replicate what Makai and Abendrot did in 2006 and 2021 respectively. Let the incident begin!
Goddess of Kokusho, Kyomu Kuroshin'en
Date: September 7th, 2065
Location: Hakurei Shrine/Headquarter of Gensokyo Union Fighters, Gensokyo
"I take that everyone already got this letter." Someone started the current meeting by showing the letter that became a major topic in the Union.
"Indeed. The fact that they even sent me one is a major concern." Another one of the participant shows another letter with the same content.
"I wonder how they're even able to locate Pandæmonium..." A certain Makai goddess made her comment.
"Or Schloss Traumbrunn, for that matter..." And the ruler of Abendrot follows suit.
In case you wonder who are currently meeting, in order of appearance, they are Reimu Hakurei, one of GUF Guardians and the current Hakurei Shrine Maiden; Yuyuko Saigyouji, one of Gensokyo Sages and Netherworld Princess; Shinki, the Creator Goddess of Makai; and Sonia von Auersperg, the Devil Queen of Abendrot.
"Still, I kinda have a good idea of where this Kokusho is, since this letter did say that two of the 'Shitenno' sometimes ended there. And yes, I'm the one half of the puzzle. You all already knew who the other half is."
As Reimu said that, she then looks at her right, and sure enough, a quantum portal appears, and it's accompanied by a familiar gap. Not a moment later, two person emerges from their respective dimensional holes.
"I suppose this is expected. To think someone actually sent you a letter, Yuyuko..." The person who came out from the familiar gap commented about the current situation.
"This confirms it. She finally made her move. And yes, I'm the other half." Said the person who emerged from the quantum portal.
Then everyone looks at the letter once again, and realized that the writer is preparing an incident to test whether the Union is as strong as they claim or not. As of who appeared just now, they are Yukari Yakumo, Leader of Gensokyo Sages; and Yasei Sugaku, Zen Captain of Gensokyo Union Fighters.
"So, what do you all think?" Reimu resumes the meeting by asking how they should respond. There's no doubt in her mind that the Union are prepared to face this challenge, but she just want to make sure.
"We'll do it. These are normal occurences, nowadays." Yuyuko said with resolute look, prompting both Shinki and Sonia to nod as well. "I'll let Yumeko know." (Shinki) "I'll tell Kleine about this." (Sonia)
"Alright, I'll call in the Resolvers. And I'll also try to call Yuuka to cover for your slot, Yuyuko. How about you, Yasei?" Reimu then asks her Outsider counterpart. Both she and Yasei are leaders of their respective factions.
"Count me in. We might as well do a proper visit to her place." Yasei nods as well and materializes sheathed Onikiri and Hizamaru.
"It's settled, then. I'll warn everyone about a possible invasion. With the recent wars in mind, I think they'll be more vigilant." Yukari said as she created a gap and leave immediately. Yuyuko, Shinki, and Sonia follows soon after.
Then the two most active 'Shitenno' in GUF looks at each other before nodding in resolute manner.
"Let's do this, Yasei!" Reimu equips her gohei and holds it tightly.
"You got it, Reimu!" Yasei grips Onikirimaru in response.
Both of them then leave to gather their respective groups in preparation for expedition to Kokusho.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Timeskip: 3 days later
Date: September 10th, 2065
Location: Shore of Misty Lake, Gensokyo
Sure enough, there is a widespread invasion of Gensokyo a day after the letter received, but thanks to the Union's vigilance, they made it relatively unscatched, even though they must endure it for two days. As of now, they are currently gathering at that one wormhole that haven't disappeared yet, as if the one who instigate the invasion expects them to find it. And true enough, once they arrived, said wormhole is heavily defended. As to made this historic, said portal is placed near Vaati's apartment!
"We got a brigade-sized garrison there." Yasei said as he uses his Living Radar to scour the perimeter around the portal, and he came with this result.
"Okay, we'll do one last check, and then we strike." Reimu then told everyone present about the plan.
As of who will participate in the expedition to Kokusho, they are as follows.
Top Outsiders:
- Yasei Sugaku (数学野生) (C)
- Lucy Thesda (ルーシー・テスダ)
- Izayoi Sakamaki (逆廻十六夜)
- Iseya Sugaku (数学伊勢谷)
- Vaati Star (ヴァーティ・スター)
- Shion Yorigami (依神紫苑)
Incident Resolvers:
- Reimu Hakurei (博麗霊夢) (C)
- Marisa Kirisame (霧雨魔理沙)
- Sanae Kochiya (東風谷早苗)
- Sakuya Izayoi (十六夜咲夜)
- Youmu Konpaku (魂魄妖夢)
- Reisen Udongein Inaba (鈴仙・優曇華院・イナバ)
Makai Expedition:
- Shinki (神綺) (C)
- Yumeko (夢子)
- Angra Menog (アンラ・メーノーグ)
- Xia Zhuli (霞朱麗)
- Chloe Gripper (クロエ・グリパー)
- Otoha Shijuukara (四十雀音羽)
Abendrot Expedition:
- Sonia von Auersperg (ソニア・ヴォン・オーアースパーグ) (C)
- Kleine Gluttony (クライネ・グラトニー)
- Serpentis Mundus (サーペンティス・ムンドゥス) (Codename Jörmungandr)
- Leaena Alatus (レアエナ・アラトゥス) (Codename Sphinx)
- Volucris Cretae (ヴォルクリス・クレタエ) (Codename Daedalus)
- Lilium Nigreos (リリウム・二グレオス)
Moushuuden Retro: (aka PC-98 United)
- Yuuka Kazami (風見幽香) (C)
- Mima (魅魔)
- Hana Kazami (風見花)
- Yumemi Okazaki (岡崎夢美)
- Chiyuri Kitashirakawa (北白河ちゆり)
- Rika (里香)
"How do you know it's safe to enter that realm?" Yuuka asks Reimu regarding Kokusho.
"Both me and Yasei sometimes ended there when we fought each other with our dimensional travel capabilities enabled." Reimu said almost nonchalantly, making Yuuka sweatdrops. (AN: How couldn't she? Those fights involves inter-dimensional travel!) "And you two are coming too?" She then asks both Shinki and Sonia.
"Well, Gensokyo and Makai are basically sister realms by this point, so I think it should be obvious why I'm joining." Shinki shrugs and then grins. "Besides, I won't let you guys left me out of this." This made both Reimu and Yasei sweatdrops, because the reason Makai invaded Gensokyo twice (2006 and 2011) is because Shinki is annoyed that she's being left out, and it took Reimu and almost all of Gensokyo Elites come crashing into Makai and beat her to made her stop.
"Also, thanks for the heads up. I didn't expect that Lechat was going to go to Makai after one of your Sages told her that Gensokyo can't provide her with that power obsession she has." Sonia snorts as she recalled Gensokyo-Abendrot skirmish in 2021. "At least with the three-way connection, we in Abendrot can still go to Makai." She certainly didn't expect that there will be two groups from Gensokyo coming after her. She actually owe one of them for letting her reclaim the throne of Abendrot.
Reimu looks at Yasei, who gives her a thumb, signaling that it's time to go.
"That's our signal. Move!" That simple command reminds everyone why Reimu is the First Sengoku Gensokyo Champion. And sure enough, once they met the garrison, a battle erupts. The 30-man strong unit easily overpower Kokusho wormhole garrison due to their war veterancy. Even Abendrot group managed to give a Kokusho company a Curb-Stomp Battle, showing why Abendrot is among the first realms of the proposed Gensokyo Union (via three-way connection) alongside Makai and Gensokyo itself. And the Outsiders shows why they're currently the strongest faction in the Union, since 5 of them are part of Historia Alliance Top 10.
"Looks like we managed to clear our perimeter." Yasei said as he looks at the Outsiders' area. He dual wields Onikiri and Hizamaru during that battle. Lucy, meanwhile, dual wields her Remington M870 and Benelli M4, both upgraded. Izayoi is unarmed, while Iseya currently uses her Pandora Arsenal in its rifle form. Both Vaati and Shion hovers above them to see the other groups' progress. Gensokyo and Makai groups obviously able to hold their own due to their long rivalry since the First Sengoku Gensokyo in 2006. What made the Outsiders intrigued however, is Abendrot group.
Yasei, Lucy, Vaati, and Shion already knew about Sonia, Kleine, and Lilium's battle prowess while Serpentis, Leaena, and Volucris didn't made many appearances despite being Kleine's companions since the cat devil is often seen alone. The Outsiders leader can roughly guess their combat style by looking at their designated codenames. And they didn't disappoint. Serpentis thrashes her surroundings, Leaena uses her sphinx physiology to her advantage, and while Volucris didn't have her peer's strength (though she's still strong), she has a brilliant mind, and she's also Abendrot's tactician.
Soon enough, they managed to clear the area and secure the wormhole. Reimu and Yuuka take the lead while Yasei, Shinki, and Sonia follow them. Just before they enter the wormhole, they sense multiple spatial disruptions around them.
"It seems we will got another brigade from Kokusho trying to prevent us from entering this wormhole." Yasei told Reimu, as he once again uses Living Radar.
"And I can tell they will have larger number as well. Prepare for another battle!" Reimu said as she and the Resolvers take off while Yuuka and the Retros gathers around Rika's new tank, Shrine Flower. She created said tank by tracing UN Military's Grand Overlord tanks, which is actually designed by Neo GUF Guardians. Yasei and the Outsiders take the front while Shinki and Sonia take the flanks alongside their respective groups.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Location: Castle of Emptiness, Kokusho
Kokusho, a realm inhabited by void creatures and familiars. In some way, it resembles both Makai and Abendrot since these realms have one dominant races with one supreme leader. Currently, there is a huge force preparing to disembark just outside a castle. Said castle is where the Goddess of Kokusho, Kyomu Kuroshin'en (黒深淵虚無), resides. She's the one who issued the challenge to Gensokyo as well as creator and leader of Kokusho Void Legion, the same force that was repelled by GUF days ago.
Satisfied that she managed to get a reaction, she then gives a command to the leader of said huge force, Enjin Sekigai (赤鎧円陣).
"They have captured the wormhole near the lake. On my signal, go strike the Union's unit. I want to see just how determined they are in finding me."
"As you wish, Master." Enjin salutes Kyomu and returns to her force, lining up the formation in preparation to disembark to Gensokyo.
"Now, let's see how you will deal with this, King Incognito." Kyomu grins as she create three huge wormholes in front of Enjin's force.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Location: Misty Lake, Gensokyo
"Here it comes!" Yasei exclaims as he sees three huge wormholes surrounding their position.
From those holes, thousands of void creatures surrounding the Union's expedition unit. From the center hole, the leader of this void force emerges. Said leader is a red-haired woman clad in red armor. She has yellow eyes, dark silver skin and wields a pair of huge red claw gauntlet on her hands and wears a huge pair of red sabaton on her legs. Both Reimu and Yasei can't help but being reminded about a certain someone they knew. The new wormholes closes once all of void creatures emerged.
Silence fills the shore as GUF unit and KVL force stare at each other.
"First Champion Reimu Hakurei..." The void leader looks at Reimu, before then looks at Yasei. "And Zen Captain Yasei Sugaku."
"Void Brigadier Enjin Sekigai..." Yasei replies, seeing that the cover is already blown. He inwardly glad that the usual protocol for Outsiders is to support the Resolvers and only intervene when thing is out of control. The reveal that he's GUF Zen Captain to Kokusho Void Legion doesn't concern him, since it's public knowledge. He then continues. "That was never a secret to begin with. I'm merely following Reimu here in finding your Master."
"What a coincidence. She actually sent me to test your unit. That letter should tell you enough about our motives. My Master and Marshal Onajimi are interested to see how far you will go for your Union." Enjin said as she raises her arms and took brawler stance.
"Kleine-san, may I?" Serpentis asks the Abendrot Champion, and received a nod in return. "Very well, then." The silver-long-haired woman then walks forward and looks at Enjin.
"There's no need to bother Lady Sonia and Captain for this. I am Serpentis Mundus, Bearer of Jörmungandr's Shard. And I'll be your opponent, Enjin Sekigai." Serpentis said as she takes boxing stance, much to Gensokyo and Makai groups' confusion. Yasei, Sonia, and Kleine grins upon realizing why Serpentis assumes that stance.
"If that's what you want..." Enjin said as her gauntlets detach themselves, much to Lucy and Marisa's surprise. "Then I suppose..." She then hovers, and now her sabatons detach themselves. "I must oblige." After that, she lands and took brawler stance again.
'Okay, what the fuck? She went Guard Armor on us?' Lucy blinks as Enjin has her gauntlets and sabatons hover around her.
"You heard them, guys." Yasei speaks, broke Lucy out of her stupor. Then GUF unit prepare themselves for the inevitable battle.
As it turns out, neither GUF or KVL needs a verbal signal, since Serpentis and Enjin charging to each other is more than enough.
Seeing that there's no need to worry about the result of the battle, Yuuka grins and decided to use the Shrine Flower to her advantage. Both she and Hana are currently perched at the top of the twin cannons besides the shrine tower, while Mima hovers above the tank's flower cannon placements that is placed between the twin cannon barrels. Just like in Grand Overlord, these parts are merged into one huge rotatable weapon body placed above the huge tank chassis. The one currently inside are Rika (driver and main controller), Yumemi (flower cannons), and Chiyuri (shrine turret). "You can go now, Rika. Clear out anyone who's in our way."
"Finally! Here I come!" Rika said as she drives Shrine Flower to find huge concentration of void creatures that hasn't been cleared by other groups. Once the tank arrived, the Retro group immediately opens fire, with Yuuka and Hana taking off to join Mima.
Yumemi and Chiyuri fires at the large group in front of them until Rika starts rotating the weapon body. During the rotation phase, Mima and Kazami sisters deal with any creatures that attempt to attack the tank by firing lasers at them. Sometimes, Yuuka charges forward and went physical before then resume shooting. Hana, meanwhile, prefers to stay on high elevation to fire precision strikes by firing large lasers from her parasol, taking out many groups one by one. Mima, on the other hand, just casually picking off any stragglers that is separated from any large groups.
"I'd say this is enough reason for me to accept Reimu's call." Yuuka said during one of her 'physical phase' moments. She's one of the current Gensokyo Sages, and is the representative from the youkai side. As said by Reimu previously, she's here in place of her fellow Sage Yuyuko since Netherworld doesn't have enough notables to create a proper group of Elite Fighters, and Youmu is already part of Incident Resolvers in the first place.
"You don't say. I keep loitering around because events like this means I can keep measuring just how much I progressed. That, and the fact that I even managed to surprise Reimu, Marisa, and Sanae, their miko friend, that time." Mima chuckles as she reminded about that one time when she tested the aforementioned trio to finally resolve the Falling Meteor incident that happened 48 years prior. She already made her comeback during the First Sengoku Gensokyo tournament.
"If you two already done with the banter, I suggest we move to assist the others. There are still more of them." Hana interrupts and points at their current area. Sure enough, the heavy firepower from Shrine Flower and Spark Trio (Marisa is part of Magus Trio alongside Alice and Patchouli) decimated a large number of void creatures. Hana made her debut by impersonating Yuuka during the First Gensokyo Soccer Tournament, with only few aware about it. Lucy only found out when she jogs Luke's memories she inherited.
"Fair enough. Let's see how Reimu and the others doing." Yuuka shrugs, then she rejoins Mima and Hana. With that, the Retros move to the Resolvers' position.
Not far from there, Reimu and the Resolvers are currently fighting hundreds of void creatures. Brandishing their signature weapons that has been constantly upgraded by Chiyou/Shuu Yasogami since late 2020, they split and take care of their respective areas.
Reimu fends off many of them by firing both talismans and persuasion needles. Not only that, she also blocks many attacks using her trusted gohei. Said gohei was provided by Rinnosuke Morichika and has been upgraded to give it stronger attack power, more durability, and ability to change its length. And Reimu makes good use of its features by extending it to block multiple attacks at once, then shrinking it to caught them off guard before then strikes with her Yin-Yang orbs. Taking advantage of her gohei's attack power and durability, she then proceeds to go melee by using it like a sword! There's a reason she's called 'First Champion'.
Not to be outdone, Marisa uses her strengthened broom to sweep the charging enemies while also throwing a group of Magic Bombs in a formation called Milky Way. She then presses a button on her broom, and it changed to Master Blade. Due to her constant training and learning Earth's chemistry science, she managed to improve her Magic Potions. Currently, Marisa is the only human in the Resolvers' group ever since Sakuya became a Lunarian following the end of Scarlet Spring Snow War, but her persistence paid off, since she's recognized as one of Touhou Top 4. In fact, she retains her position as Reimu's second.
As of Sanae, she became a full-fledged goddess shortly before First Gensokyo Great War started in 2032. And now that she fully in touch with her divinity after learning from Kanako and Suwako, not only she keeps her miracle powers, she's even able to make natural disasters, if she so desire. Right now, she's throwing small tornadoes at several groups of void creatures, before then slams her haraegushi to the ground, causing many rock pillars to rise and hit the airborne enemies. Despite still unable to best Reimu and Marisa except in few Spell Card duels, she's not to be underestimated due to her numerous war experiences under GUF banner.
Just as stated before, Sakuya is now a Lunarian after merging with her Blitzkrieg counterpart following the end of Scarlet Spring Snow War. She already noticed that Lucy managed to survive the beatdown delivered by Marisa mere days after she received both Eirin's DNA and Remilia's blood, showing how resilient the brunette is despite the fact that she's only part Lunarian. And Sakuya now has regeneration capability almost on par with that of Hourai Immortals! Despite that, she still prefers to use her temporal powers, further augmented with UNM's chrono technology, allowing her to clear large forces at near-instantaneous pace, just like now.
While majority of the Resolvers have very good ranged damage capabilities, Youmu placed much trust in her pair of katana and wakizashi, Roukanken and Hakurouken. Roukanken is confirmed to be longer than both Onikiri and Hizamaru by few centimeters, thus making it unwieldy by normal specs. Hakurouken has the power to dispel confusion of those it cuts. Normally, Youmu have to be careful when using the latter since it can send phantoms to Heaven unconditionally, but due to the nature of void creatures she currently faces, she's no longer restricted, and proceeds to use Roukanken's long reach and Hakurouken's power to her advantage.
Among the Resolvers, Reisen has the honor of actually holding a commanding position as the High General of the currently dormant United Rabbit Front. The focus this time isn't on the Front, however. Though she didn't has many incident resolving under her cap, she compensated for it by being a tough adversary in Sengoku Gensokyo tournaments. After Earth-Gensokyo reunification in 2020, Reisen decided to learn both military planning and weapon manufacturing, in which it pays off during all of Gensokyo Great Wars. She currently shoots down many void creatures using a self-made assault rifle after rendering them immobile with her abilities.
All in all, GUF unit actually doing pretty fine, but it's clear that the two consecutive battles with brigade-sized forces made them slightly tired. Even the Resolvers are feeling it.
"What's the status?" Reimu asks her fellow Resolvers about the situation of their designated areas.
"They're so relentless. It feels like Star Patchouli Conflict all over again." Marisa answers as she finally uses her Mini-Hakkero.
"I don't think Sakuya-san have much trouble, though..." Sanae says as she noticed that Sakuya already finished clearing her area.
"I learned a trick or two from that combat shinigami." Sakuya replies as she decided to help the rest of the resolvers.
"Komachi-san? Isn't she among the first combat shinigamis that formed after Tenshi-san's open declaration?" Youmu joins the conversation while facing multiple void creatures.
"I'm more surprised about the fact that she actually renounced her celestial status..." Reisen makes her comment as well.
(AN: Tenshi's still celestial here, but Yasei already told her the real reason why she became bored in Bhava-Agra. For those who don't know, she's originally called Chiko before assuming her current name after the ascension. And she became Celestial as a kid! See the problem? She lacks maturity. Sengoku Gensokyo tournaments does help in curbing her haughtiness, but she needs a final push. And that's where Yasei's Challenge Agenda came in. With Shion in Gensokyo, it's safe to say she'd rather stay after her exile. This is just my head-canon story regarding Tenshi.)
"You Resolvers, take off! We're going to clear this area." An unexpected voice booms, followed by sounds of cannon fire.
Not waiting another second, the Resolvers take off, and sure enough, Shrine Flower tank barges in, followed by Yuuka, Mima, and Hana. The Retros then proceeds to clear the area with such efficiency, it surprised the Resolvers.
"Yuuka!" Reimu exclaims, and then looks at Shrine Flower tank. "Thanks for the fire support."
"Don't mention it. This should be enough to divert their attention, since we already beat two regiments of them." Yuuka said as she opens her parasol. "Now, it's time to enjoy the main show while Rika clear out the rest."
"Main show...? Oh... That one..." Reimu said as she looks at Serpentis and Enjin fighting each other. "Good point. We need to recuperate, anyway."
Speaking about those two, Serpentis noticed that while the detached gauntlets and sabatons made Enjin a smaller version of Guard Armors from Kingdom Hearts series, said detached limb armors are able to do far more than their source of inspiration. The gauntlets moves in a way that provide the claws maximum damage output, forcing her to dodge. The sabatons aren't idle either. Consequently, this allows Enjin to attack first by throwing two punches. However, Serpentis managed to block it just in time.
"Huh. So you do have the normal-sized one. That's neat." Serpentis remarks as she feels Enjin's punches, even when it's blocked.
"I do. It will be foolish for me to not do so." Enjin grins in return, seeing that Serpentis still stands. "You're pretty tough yourself."
"What can I say? And judging from your rank, I say we in Abendrot made the right call of joining the Resolvers and Outsiders."
"Spearheads of the Union..." Once again, Enjin looks at Reimu and Yasei's position, and is surprised when the latter looks back.
"I told you, Sekigai. I'm merely following Reimu. Your Master is right, though." Yasei folds his arm as he looks at Serpentis and nods. "Though I'm not a monarchist, I actually like that 'King Incognito' moniker."
Knowing that there won't be any interference, Serpentis grins and dashes to Enjin's position, caught the latter off-guard by how fast the former is. Enjin barely managed to block Serpentis' punch in time with her floating gauntlets and sabatons. Even then, the sheer force of said punch actually managed to push the Void Brigadier few feet away!
"Wha-? How?" Enjin blinks rapidly in shock.
"That's a glimpse of my true strength. I've seen many Earth medias that attempted to portray Jörmungandr's strength. So far, I prefer the one with the Ghost of Sparta." Serpentis answers, with the Outsiders sweatdropping upon hearing that. 'Did she just referenced God of War series there?'
"... I almost asked a stupid question there..." Enjin retracts her block and looks at Sonia. "Don't you think so, Her Majesty?"
"It is. Abendrot is located in Europe, so we're naturally aware about Norse mythology." Sonia assumes a thinking pose. "Then there's Greco-Roman and Egyptian mythologies from the days of Rome, although I don't think Abendrot existed back then."
"..." Wordlessly, Enjin wills the floating gauntlets and sabatons to re-attach themselves to her. "Consider the challenge accepted. I'm looking forward for our rematch, Midgard."
"Likewise, Red Armor." Serpentis replies, well aware that the Void Brigadier is holding back, just like her.
Both Enjin and Serpentis grins at each other. Then, the former recalls her forces. "All troops, withdraw. We've completed our objective." That marks the end of the second battle.
Fortunately for KVL force, that one wormhole is still there, so they can use that to return to Kokusho. While GUF unit want to pursue them, their experiences from multiple wars made them knew better, and the letter they got days ago further confirms it. Kokusho is fully mobilized, and the Union will respond in kind.
Before Enjin enters the wormhole, she looks at Yasei and relay a message. "My Master will want to see how you will move next, now that we showed how serious we are."
"Consider that done, and I doubt Kokusho will be hampered with a wormhole captured." Yasei replies and points at said wormhole. Recognizing the hidden meaning, Enjin nods and enter the wormhole to return to Kokusho.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Looking at the assembled group, Yasei told them about the current predicament and their current objective.
"Well, we managed to capture the wormhole. That's something, at the very least. Especially since we can use Vaati's apartment as the outpost hub. Now we need to assemble a force to invade Kokusho. I admit, this will be the first offensive military invasion we'll execute. No words is needed as of why I'm saying this. We all know what happened during Scarlet Spring Snow War."
Many nods in agreement. The only reason why the Union isn't destroyed despite the harsh conditions in Historia Gensokyo during Scarlet Spring Snow War is because Luna Nights project was a success, and many from Fugere Gensokyo Squad and Danmakufu Aces Squad relocated there for the duration of the war, with only Hakurei Shrine remain uncopied to prevent Reality-Breaking Paradox after that one attempt during the second testing. Plus, it also doubles as GUF Headquarters due to its importance.
"As of Yuyuko's slot, Yukari told me that the Sages will take that, and Yuuka can remain in her current group. But I still don't think we need to send the rest of the Guardians there." Reimu interjects with a message she got from Yukari.
"Exactly. It will be overkill, anyway. And that's not mentioning Meimu. I'd say even she can best Kuroshin'en in one-to-one fights." Cue the arrival of the aforementioned Sage Leader via her trademark gaps.
Immediately, the Resolvers shudders at the thought, even Reimu. In 2064, Meimu was stranded in an unknown Gensokyo while trying to locate her home universe, and tried to find her way out. While the Outsiders are preoccupied with helping UNM and LCF against Martian Defense Force, Gensokyo and Danmakufu factions are trying to locate her. After few hours, they managed to pinpoint her location, but is shocked to see that this Gensokyo is already considered FUBAR because the boundary of past, present, and future has been altered extensively. Not only that, but Lie also got stranded in that exact same Gensokyo! After an evacuation operation from GUF, Meimu came back stronger than ever, and she even got void manipulation after merging with her counterpart! Fortunately, her main interest is still finding her home universe.
"While I do want to ask for her help, Reimu and Yukari are right. Besides, this is for Gensokyo, Netherworld, Makai, and Abendrot. Us Outsiders already owe Gensokyo for giving us a place to stay in return for our services. We intend to keep our part of the bargain." Yasei contemplates before he reaffirms the Outsiders' stance by tightening his grip on the now-sheathed Onikirimaru.
"They already know you're the Zen Captain, Yasei. What are you going to do about that?" Reimu folds her arms and asks the male Captain. Yasei grins upon hearing it, then he looks at Marisa, Sakuya, and Reisen.
"Marisa, go back to Forest of Magic, prepare your forces, and tell Alice to do the same. Sakuya, tell Remilia and Patchouli about Kokusho invasion plan and that House Auersperg will join. Udonge, inform Eagle Ravi Division about this." He then looks at the leaders. "Yukari, tell Yuyuko it's time to bring her 'sister' in. Shinki, Sonia, you two know what to do." Yuuka caught him looking at her next, and nods. She is glad that he can convey his thoughts in order to not directly anger her, which she appreciates.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Soon after that, everyone leave, but Yasei, Lucy, Vaati, and Reimu stays. It's been decided that Danmakufu and Mutsuigeki factions will stay to defend as usual, while the Outsiders and combined force of Gensokyo, Netherworld, Makai, and Abendrot will invade Kokusho. Reimu already texted Shirei, the Mutsuigeki High General, about this. The leader of Danmakufu faction, Iesua, tells both Reimu and Yasei via telepathy that she's aware about the current circumstances and assures them that she won't hold them for it, since she's also present during Scarlet Spring Snow War and even became a front-liner for once.
'Thanks for the vote of confidence, Iesua. I don't know how to react otherwise.' (Reimu)
'No need to thank me, Reimu. This is but one of the tests we must undertake. I trust that you two will do well.' (Iesua)
'Indeed, and I won't let the expectation down, both from the Union and one potential ally.' (Yasei)
'I agree, and I also wish that outcome will happen. God be with you, Yasei.' (Iesua)
With that dealt with, the four then began the last planning for the day. It's merely a short one to further augment the force that will invade Kokusho, considering that Lucy is the Vice-Leader of Outsiders and Vaati is the High General of Joint Divisions. No further words needed about Reimu and Yasei.
"Sakamaki will join, no doubt. And Iseya even said that she'll bring in a fraction of her personal army. As of myself, I'll ask the veterans about the possibility to participate in the invasion." (Lucy)
"While I can't exactly assemble all of the divisions, I can say that Hotaru and Hiroshi will at the very least spare some of their forces. Cirno undoubtedly will participate if I ask her." (Vaati)
"The tengus mostly keep to themselves, and they see no need to intervene. The kappas and yamawaros on the other hand, will be excited to test their new armors. Particularly Nitori and Takane." (Reimu)
"Well, there's no doubt about that. I already gathered plenty data about the units from two Kokusho brigades we faced today. I just need to look into it further. I'm sure Kuroshin'en expected this." (Yasei)
Nodding to each other, they decided to call it a day and prepare for the upcoming invasion.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Location: Castle of Emptiness, Kokusho
While various groups in GUF assembling their forces, Kyomu receives a report from Enjin regarding the latest engagement. She nods in satisfaction since Gensokyo's reaction is what she expected. With a simple mental command, she summons the rest of KVL Commanders, and then briefs them of the current circumstance.
"We already confirmed that many groups in the Union are well-armed, and they responded swiftly. And I can tell that they're holding back. If the Great Wars were any indication, we can expect a huge force come knocking at our outskirts. Onajimi, you can take over from here."
"Yes, Mother." The Void Marshal of KVL, Onajimi no Rei (御馴染零), then continues the briefing.
"As we all know from our previous intels since the Alliance formation in 2040, GUF already participated on many Inter-Dimensional conflicts and always prevailed, despite the odds. The driving force of the Union, or as Sekigai puts it, spearheads, are what we all expected, Zen Captain Yasei Sugaku and First Champion Reimu Hakurei. However, that doesn't mean we can dismiss the others, as our probing strikes proved. The fact that they even used modern technologies only proved it further. It's very unlikely for us to be able to force the Captain and Champion to fight seriously, except maybe Mother. Even then, I can't see them using their true powers anytime soon. And that's not mentioning the Messiah and Orochi."
The rest of KVL Commanders fell silent upon hearing that. What Onajimi meant by that is: the Captain (Yasei), Champion (Reimu), Messiah (Iesua), and Orochi (Shirei) are part of GUF Shitenno, the four strongest Fighters in the Union. And they're roughly at the same level when compared to each other, especially since the end of Scarlet Spring Snow War.
"Fortunately, we don't have to fight all of them at once. However, Mother is correct. We must prepare for the inevitable invasion. Makai and Abendrot already routed in the past by a handful of Gensokyo Fighters, and we must at the very least slow them down. There's little doubt that the Captain and Champion will take part by bringing a large portion of Gensokyo forces and Outsiders, which is why I have no delusion of us pushing them back. Combined with Makai and Abendrot forces, this will be a hard one. Regardless, the objective stays the same. We are to test the Union's strength. But this will be a test for us as well. We'll be facing war veterans, and I expect no less than our best. Which means, I'll be on the frontline when the invasion happens."
Now everyone except Kyomu is shocked hearing it. In fact, the Goddess nods in agreement.
"An astute deduction indeed, Onajimi. We never bothered to look beyond Kokusho until 2035, when the Messiah decided to test the Union to prove their worth. Yes, I'm talking about what GUF called as their Second Great War. I believe that's when military vehicles start being developed after they proved to be effective, including helicopters and jets. 30 years has passed since then, and I believe this is the time to show ourselves. Us joining the Union is pretty much inevitable, but we'll show them how we fight. Gensokyo already have some creator deities, and that's the reason I should do my part, too."
This time, even Onajimi is shocked. But she quickly composed herself. "I'm grateful for this, Mother. But are you sure?"
Kyomu replies with a resolute nod. "I've already decided since I sent that letter three days ago. Now, we prepare."
All of KVL Commanders straighten themselves and salute Kyomu before leaving the castle. Now alone in the throne room, Kyomu decided to increase Kokusho's manpower in order to increase their chance of giving GUF a hard time.
"That wormhole is but a start. The true challenge will start once you all go inside. When that happens, the battlefield will be of our choosing. And what I want is a massive scale battle that rivals the Great Wars. Prepare your forces, Gensokyo Union Fighters, for we, Kokusho Void Legion, will be ready to meet you."
After that monologue, Kyomu began drafting plans for KVL restructuring, since she's aware that GUF already have a massive head-start via the coordination between Joint Divisions and local groups' forces.
The skirmish between Gensokyo Union Fighters and Kokusho Void Legion is coming near.
AN: I actually submitted my own version of Void Team's line-up to Omega E for checking, and even asked his opinion about it. Once he approves the line-up, I decided to ask if this story plan is a go, and he also green-lighted it. So here you go, the skirmish between Gensokyo and Kokusho. Next chapter will discuss the preparation from both GUF and KVL in more detail.
For note, to differentiate my version of Kyomu and Onajima from Omega E's original version, I decided to rename them.
Omega E's original: Kyomu Burakkuabisu and Onajima no Zero
My version in KVL: Kyomu Kuroshin'en and Onajimi no Rei