Hikari had a hard time sleeping. 'This is better than the floor, at least…'
Her sentiments were especially true, because the floor was kempt, yet rough, stone. Not entirely suitable for sleeping…
"Aaa~h…" Osamu yawned. "This rock sucks. I'd rather be on the shrine's wooden floor."
His fluffy robes provided him cushioning, so that the rocks weren't completely uninhabitable.
Meanwhile, Hiyori's sturdy bed housed everyone else. The western styled bed had legs of a precariously strong metal, likely to attempt delaying the inevitable moment an oni will break their bed.
Hiyori never really got that rowdy, but she figured that if it did break, she could just use the mattress on its own.
'...I'm hardly on the bed, anymore.'
Hikari precariously hung off the side of the bed, the blanket she was wrapped in trapped under Hiyori. Thus, she was resting on the side of the bed, instead of in the bed.
'...This is cool.' Hikari took pride in that fact.
Marigold fought against Hiyori, but found herself trapped in her arms. "...Hmph. Wake up, you."
Hiyori was out like a light.
"Le-let me go…" Marigold squirmed, but failed to escape. "...Too wa~rm…"
'...She's right. Why did we even decide on blankets? It's probably seventy, down here…'
Hikari began struggling to escape, but found she was bound by the blankets.
'What? No…!'
Hikari began flailing her limbs, but after awhile, she gave up.
'...Well, this is what friends are for.'
"Marigold?" Hikari tried.
"Ye-yes…?" Marigold exhaled, finding it hard to breathe in the bed, between the heat of the blankets and the heat Hiyori exuded from her body.
Hikari makes her request. "Can you free me?"
Marigold giggled. "Uhh… can you free me?"
'Uh oh.'
…
"Osamu." Hikari swore she heard him earlier…
"Sawin' logs." Osamu sat and observed. "Wake me up when this stops being funny."
'You're kidding me…'
"Help." Hikari tries again. "We're stuck…"
Osamu put a hand to his chin. "...I might."
'...What's that supposed to mean?'
Osamu tried Offense Up α!
…
Hiyori didn't notice the power inside her building, because she was asleep.
Marigold whined. "A-aah… So tight…"
"That didn't do anything…" Osamu walked around the bed.
'What's he doing…?' Hikari began thrashing around again…
Osamu focused… "There's gotta be something…"
…
Osamu tried Offense Up Ω!
Everyone felt strength well up in their muscles…!
"A-ah, aah…" Osamu froze up.
'...That helps, I think.' Hikari begins thrashing about anew, and finally-
Thud. The blanket slid out from beneath Hiyori, and Hikari rolled onto the floor.
"Haa~h…!" Hikari took a deep breath. 'Fresh air!'
Marigold's situation didn't improve. "I-I'm being squeezed…"
"I-I gotta not do that again…" Osamu decides. "Dude… Marigold, can I have some of yer mana?"
"If you free me, first…!" Marigold whines, before sighing. "I'm burning up, over here…"
Hikari moves to help her, navigating around the bed to latch onto Hiyori's arm. With Marigold and Hikari's force, the arm of the slumbering oni begins to move, and Marigold slips out.
Free of the warm form of Hiyori, Marigold scrambles out of the bed, and onto the cool, stone floor. "Ye~s… Relief…"
Osamu tried PSI Magnet α!
Purple rectangles traveled to Marigold, running up her body, before traveling back to Osamu.
"...Better." He wiped his forehead. "Damn. Never felt that kinda backlash before…"
'Did he strength up all of us at once?' Hikari realized. 'That's probably the first time he seriously dented his mana pool in one go.'
Osamu tried PSI Magnet α!
The purple rectangles traveled beside Marigold, and ran up somebody. They traveled back to Osamu, who tilted his head.
"...The hell was that?"
'Hmm?'
Osamu pointed beside Marigold. "Did ya guys see that?"
Marigold looked up from the floor, at the air. "...No. Did you steal the mana from the wall, or something?"
"...I guess." He shrugged. "Weird."
'Probably.'
Marigold climbed from the floor, and moved for her backpack. The party had slept in their clothes, as Hiyori had little in spare clothes aside from a chest full of gis and robes.
With the three up, they turned to Hiyori…
'She's probably not gonna get up for awhile.'
"...Should we let her wake up on her own?" Marigold pondered aloud.
'I think so.'
Osamu looked out the window…
A large section of walling that wasn't there the day before sat there, cracks running up along the side.
"...No." Osamu smiled. "I think it's, uh… it's dangerous to go alone."
Hikari nodded. 'Yeah, on second thought…"
Marigold reached into her backpack… "I know just the way to wake her up…"
She pulled out the Counter-PSI Device, and looked around… "Why are there no tables…?"
'...You know, that's a good question. Considering oni, though, I wonder if they'd just get smashed. Hiyori's pretty tame, though. I dunno why there's no tables.'
Osamu's eyes widened. "Oh, fuck. Yeah, that's gonna wake her up."
"...Plug your ears. I don't know if it'll help, but you can try." Marigold instructs her friends, as she sits down on the floor.
Hikari did so. 'Please work.'
Phhsshhh-zz',;.';,';.';',;.';,.,'.;...
'It-it's not working!' Hikari mentally cursed the noise. "Wh-why…?"
She slowly slid to the floor, clutching her head. 'I-I, my, hurt…'
…
==== GENSOKYOBOUND: MARIGOLD'S VIEW ====
"Sh-shit…" Osamu backed up to the wall, and leaned against it. "I-I hate… that…"
'Sorry, guys…' Marigold cringed at her friends all becoming crippled around her.
Hiyori, however, was still fast asleep.
'...Well, then I'll have to do this the hard way. I don't want this to be for nothing.''
Marigold takes the Spectrum Shotgun from the floor, marches up to the bed, and climbs onto it. Then, she stands above Hiyori, pointing the barrel right at her face.
Marigold chuckled nervously. "E-eheh…"
'If this doesn't wake her up, I don't know what will…'
...Marigold closes her eyes, and pulls the trigger.
'I-I'm sorry about this!'
==== GENSOKYOBOUND: HIKARI'S VIEW ====
"Now, I know I am a heavy sleeper… and I can understand why that might be awkward, when we travel all at once for safety…"
Hiyori stood before Marigold, who was kneeled before her. Osamu and Hikari stood along the wall across the room…
"But what possessed you, to believe shooting me in the face would be a good idea!?" Hiyori snapped at her.
Marigold appeared indignant. "W-well, I…" She deflated. "I'm sorry."
Hiyori nodded, calming down. "...Well. I forgive you. Just… think twice before shooting me in the face. That took two healing spells just to get my face back to normal, never mind the residual magical sting."
'It like, melted.' Hikari blinked idly. 'It was scary, and surreal. Scary mostly because I was pretty positive it wasn't going to get better, but apparently healing can fix faces, too.'
'I'll, uh, be… more careful." Marigold blushed. "I… yeah."
Hiyori smiled. "I can tell you are sincere. Do not strain yourself."
...Osamu decides to snipe from across the room.
Osamu tried PSI Magnet α!
Rectangles shot from Osamu, and traveled up the form of somebody.
Osamu pointed to Hiyori's side. "Dude! Over there!"
Marigold and Hikari's eyes widened as they stared at it travel up nobody at all, before returning to Osamu.
...Hiyori furrowed her brows, and reached out for the space that was affected. She felt nothing but air.
"...Peculiar." Hiyori looked around, eyes narrowing.
Marigold glanced around, as well. "...Can you sense them?"
Hiyori shook her head. "That is not a talent I have."
'It could have just targeted air, or something…'
Marigold developed the same idea. "How much ambient mana is down here?"
...Hiyori nods. "I see your point. Considering the unkempt pockets- and rampant destruction- this cave is likely alive with mana. I would not be surprised if you somehow targeted the air itself."
Osamu agrees. "Yeah, sounds 'bout right. No way someone could just be invisible and, like, completely undetectable."
'I think that kappa's camouflage is the most we'll see.'
Hiyori shrugged. "Well, there are invisible phantoms down here, but they're not subtle. To us oni, they're simply a nuisance, but they might get some nasty blows on you guys."
Osamu rolled his eyes. "Aa~h, whatever. What's a few stab wounds to breakin' your legs, huh?"
'Stabbing hurts. Breaking your legs hurts, too, but stabbing also hurts.' Hikari stares at him dryly.
"Neither of those are good options." Marigold comments. "Can we avoid both of those?"
"We could." Hiyori looks pensive. "Except, we'd have to cut through the city."
Osamu smiled. "Alright! Stabbing, or cities? Pickin' cities."
"By 'city' I mean 'perpetual oni battleground', right now." Hiyori corrects. "Did you forget that display the other evening?"
"...Oh, right." Osamu's face fell. "...On second thought, stabbing's good. Totally fine with that."
"We should be fine." Hikari decides. "You said they weren't subtle, right? We should be able to defend ourselves."
Hiyori nods. "Mmm."
Marigold held up her Spectrum Shotgun. "I know I'll be able to defend myself…"
"Just don't hit us." Hikari grins.
Marigold pouts.
==== GENSOKYOBOUND ====
As the party continued outside, they eventually developed mixed opinions on which way to go.
"Trust me, guys, I know a thing or two 'bout sneakin' through buildin's." Osamu argues.
"You do not know a thing or two about sneaking through collapsing rubble." Hiyori counters idly.
"...I feel like the city's not that bad." Marigold decides. "If we keep a low profile, we might be alright."
"I don't want to risk fighting oni." Hikari gives an honest opinion. "...Also, when have we ever managed to keep a low profile?"
Hiyori sighed. "I'll tell you what. We'll walk along the edge of the oni city. Or, not even; we'll walk along the outskirts, just so you can see how bad of an idea cutting through it would be."
The ground trembles, as violence roars in the distance.
'On one hand, I want to see what's wrong with the city. On the other, I don't want to die, which is a lot more important, I'm sure. Hiyori said she knew somewhere safe to get snacks, though. If I can't think up a good way into the city after that, we'll just have to leave it be.'
Hiyori lead the way, as she knew the underground better than the other three by multiple decades. Keeping them a good distance from the city, she led them on a trail that allowed them to catch some good glances at it.
Bam!
'The amount of buildings is significantly less than it used to be…' Hikari was able to tell the city had gotten remarkably smaller since her previous observations from the other night.
'I think it was night, anyway. I can't really tell, down here.'
"Are we too late?" She questions.
…
"For?" Osamu didn't follow.
"Saving the city…" Hikari was somewhat crestfallen.
"Oh. Yeah, the place is totally boned." Osamu agrees. "No goin' back now."
'Oh…'
Hiyori shrugged. "It's not a problem."
'Sure it's not.'
...Hiyori noticed Hikari's skepticism. "We're oni. The city dwellers practically tear the place down and rebuild it every week. I would've thought it a Friday, with the state of the city."
…
'I completely forgot about that fact.' Hikari felt silly. 'I mean… a city literally falling apart is usually something to be worried about.'
As the party continued down the path, shady figures moved to intercept them…
"I think we've got ghosts, here…" Marigold raises her Spectrum Shotgun.
Hiyori's gaze had already snapped to them. "You'd be right. That number is alarming, however…"
A scythe-handed, foggy figure marched towards them, along with two caster phantoms. Behind them were two black, floating cloaks, which had sharp, glowing red eyes.
'Spooky in person.' Hikari notes. 'Hopefully not as spooky in combat.'
The gaseous, scythe-handed specter flung itself towards Hiyori, who had marched forward to soak up damage and draw attention to herself.
Hiyori guarded with her arms, the scythes producing small, inconsequential cuts along the length of them; at least, on the exposed portions.
"Back the fuck up!" Osamu's eyes widen at the spectre.
Osamu tried PK Thunder ß!
Thwaa~sh!
One of the armless caster phantoms is struck, to little effect.
Thwaa~sh!
One of the piercingly red-eyed wraiths was struck, dissipating on impact.
Hiyori's face hardened. "Enough."
Hiyori tried PK Freeze γ!
KaKaKa~...
A snowflake pattern of ice crystals froze and thawed around the scythe-handed figure before her,
Boom!
The icy blast dissipated the figure, rendering it a harmless cloud of black smoke.
Hikari brandished the ofuda she actually remembered to pack, this time. 'Fighting ghosts is right up my alley…!'
She flung the ofuda towards one of the caster ghosts.
Thwam! Thwam! Thwam!
The ofuda slammed into the ghost like bullets, each one attaching upon strike. They glowed brightly, and the ghost was violently ripped apart, the ofuda expending themselves and dissipating into holy energy once the job was done.
'Wow.' Hikari blinked. 'That was more effective than I expected.'
Caster Phantom B tried PK Freeze ß!
KaKa-KaKaKling!
A pattern of ice crystals materialized around Hikari, beginning to freeze and thaw rapidly…
'Not again!' Hikari braced herself.
Kra~ck!
The resulting frozen blast left Hikari slightly frozen.
"A-aah…" Hikari's arms and legs were able to move, but only with immense stiffness and effort.
'Co-cold…'
Turning to Hikari, Hiyori acted. "Hikari!"
Hiyori tried Healing ß!
...Hikari was still very chilly, but her arms and legs moved fine, now. "Th-tha...nks."
She took this moment to hug herself. 'I-I wish I was back in bed, now…'
Marigold furrowed her brows, glaring at the ghosts ahead of them. "Let's see how they like this…"
Holding up her Spectrum Shotgun, she charged towards the remaining wraith…
"...Heeaah." The wraith held out a translucent, clawed hand, pressing a newly generated magical circle in the air. The magical circle was black, and glowed red when pressed.
A circle formed under Marigold, and glowed a deep purple, before shifting to an earth green. Then, it faded.
Marigold froze, and looked around slowly… "Whaa~t… waa~s… tha~t…?"
'Uhm…?'
"Hit this time!" Osamu instructed his magic.
Osamu tried PK Thunder ß!
Thwaa~sh!
In the distance, two oni were locked in a struggle, both attempting to grapple one another.
Bam!
One of them was struck by lightning, but the battle remained an iron stalemate.
Thwaa~sh!
Again, the remaining caster was struck by the bolt, nothing productive happening as a result.
"Come on!" Osamu danced in place, frustrated. "Stupid random ass magic!"
...Marigold sluggishly grinned, turning to Osamu slowly.
…
Very slowly…
Hikari gingerly stared at her. "...What happened to you?"
...Marigold paused.
Hikari tried Healing γ!
"Very- What do- woah…" Marigold suddenly caught up to speed, motions returning to normal. "That was… weird."
The wraith did similar motions, this time to Osamu. The glowing magical circle formed under him, and he tensed up.
"Hey, no, no, no~...!"
The circle faded.
"...Daa~mn… i~t…"
'Pffft.'
Hiyori focused on the caster. "Can somebody take care of that magical ghost? It's resistant to magic attacks, and as you might expect, immune to physical…"
"On it." Hikari brandished three more ofuda, and flung them at the caster.
Fwam! Fwam! Fwam!
The caster suffered similar obliteration at the energy-driven smacks of the ofuda, its dark form being ripped apart.
'Forty-four ofuda left…'
Hiyori tried PK Freeze γ!
KaKaKa~...
Once again, a snowflake-shaped pattern of ice crystals was formed, enveloping the wraith. It froze and thawed rapidly…
Boom!
The icy blast disrupted the form, somewhat solidifying it. The wraith glared at Hiyori.
'Not that these things can make any different facial expressions.'
Hikari ran up to the wraith, and struck a large chunk of ice.
SMAAAA~SH!
The ice broke, and the wraith wailed. "Haa~uuuh!"
It dissipated.
…
"Leeaa~ve… so~me… foo~r… meee~…" Osamu began slowly running towards where the wraith used to be. "...Noooo~..."
Hikari tried Healing α!
…
Osamu slowly shook his arms, frustrated.
'Darn. Waste of energy…'
Hikari tried Healing γ!
"I wanted to- Why am I- ho-holy…" He stumbled about a bit, thrown off by the speedup. "...That's so fuckin' weird, dude…"
Marigold grinned. "Why don't any of you guys have a slow down spell? It'd be funny."
'Come to think of it, we really don't pick and choose our abilities, do we? Beggars can't be choosers, I guess…'
Shink!
Osamu froze, a gash opening in his stomach. He looked down, and nodded. "...Fuck."
Hiyori tensed up. "It's that phantom type I warned you about…"
Behind Osamu, the naked form of a bald, green-skinned individual flickered in and out of existence. It appeared similar to the scythe-armed phantoms, except it wasn't gaseous.
It drew its scythe from Osamu's gut, allowed his blood to spill out. "Fuuaa~h!"
'I better not have to heal us more than I have to. I find most of my energy being poured into healing, these days…'
Hiyori tried Lifeup ß!
...The gash in Osamu's stomach and back healed, and he looked around. "Where's that asshole!?"
The naked 'phantom' bolted for a nearby rock wall, and began running up it. As Osamu ran after it, like an intelligent person, the figure did a leap from the wall, descending to strike him again.
Hiyori moved up with him, and intercepted, leaping into the figure.
Bam!
She tackled it into the wall, crushing the being into it and forming an indent.
"Ghchkchkchk…" Blood gurgled in its throat, as it lashed out at Hiyori, attempting to stab her.
Satisfied with the damage, Hiyori leapt from the wall, leaving the figure. As it flickered, the blood that ran down its flesh didn't.
...It fell from the wall, and writhed on the floor.
"...I was afraid that would happen." Hiyori brushed the blood from herself- what she could, at least. "I knew we could heal it off, though."
Osamu shrugged. "Yeah, as soon as you mentioned stuff about stabby people, I was like 'yeah that's gonna be me'. No big deal."
...He looked down at his robes. "Aw, shit, my robes're ripped."
Marigold snorted. "I should be the one complaining about damaged clothes."
Osamu grinned. "Dude, this stuff's brand new. Someone messes up my new duds, I mess them up."
'Because it totally looks new after we went on that rock descending adventure. The thing became a frayed mess in the blink of an eye.'
Hiyori pressed forward. "We're lucky we haven't seen any oni yet. Near us, I mean."
The ground vibrates, as another stone tower crumbles in the city.
Marigold whistled. "That was the last tall one…"
'I don't think I wanna hang around here much longer…' Hikari smiled at the scene ironically.
Pressing forward, Hiyori beckoned for the teenagers to follow her. "Come. We're a third of the way there."
'How far away is this place…?'
Osamu groaned. "A third? For cryin' out loud…"
==== GENSOKYOBOUND ====
As the party moved away from the oni city, Hikari's curiosity flared…
'What locations could there be away from the city? All I see in the distance are ruins… which is probably what the city's going to look like, in a day or two.'
…
Hikari acted on this feeling. "Where are we going?"
"They call it the Palace of the Earth Spirits." Hiyori elaborates. "A friend of mine lives there."
Osamu jerks to look at her. "Earth Spirits? Does she control all these assholes?"
Hiyori shakes her head. "Not really. The spirits fear her abilities. She keeps them in line, I guess. Unlike us oni, she's an accomplished magician, giving her little trouble when it comes to dealing with spirits. I'm not sure what it was like before, but she said the spirits down here used to be a lot worse."
"...They don't seem very in line." Marigold comments.
"She doesn't really care about the ones we saw." Hiyori explained. "I mean, she only deals with the big ones. I personally haven't seen any, myself."
Osamu snorted. "Big ones? Geez…"
…
The vibrations from the conflict of the city faded as the party made their way onto a proper path.
'This is a pleasant change.'
Bam!
From a large rock nearby, a blonde, long-haired oni charged out, blowing up the entire rock as she did so. "Hraa~h!"
Rubble fell across the nearby rock plain.
Hiyori tensed up… and then relaxed. "She doesn't look affected."
The oni had two small, green horns on the sides of her head. She turned to the party, and glared. "...Whaddaya you buncha weaklings lookin' at?"
Osamu furrows his brows. "Hey, we're not- mmph!" Hiyori quickly blocks his mouth offhandedly, looking patient. "We were simply startled by you, because you moved in our way."
The oni grinned. "You'd best be startled. One of these days, I'm'onna be a deva!"
Hiyori scoffed. "...I see."
"...When that bastard Yuugi stops sending me into outer space, that is. She just gets fuckin' lucky, I tell ya." She shakes her head, grinning.
"Well, don't let us stop you." Hiyori tries to see her off…
"O~h, don't worry. No way I'm lettin' you stop me!" She pounds a fist into an open hand, cracking her knuckles audibly.
...Hiyori sighed. "We don't want to fight you."
"What the hell kind of attitude is that!?" The oni roared. "Yellow-bellied coward. I'll practice on you, and then Yuugi'll be round two!" She began stomping towards the party…
...Turning to the party, Hiyori quickly addressed them. "Keep your distance. I'll handle all the physical attacks."
'Sounds good to me.' Hikari began backing off the path, the rest of the party following…
The blonde oni crouched, and then darted forward, blowing open the floor as she flew towards Hiyori. "You're not getting away from me!"
Hikari tried Shield ß!
Hiyori was protected by the power shield of light!
Hiyori guarded with her arms, as the oni's fist flew towards her…
Bam!
She flew backwards, onto her back, before rolling back onto her feet. A beam shot from the shield, and the other oni attempted to punch it, to little success.
"Gh… The fuck? This magic shit…" The oni grimaced, shaking her hand after the beam struck it. "You some frilly magician, or what?"
Hiyori's face hardened. "If that's how you want to perceive it."
'I don't wanna use much more energy… I only get so much a day, and using them unnecessarily might leave me without it when I really need it. I wanna help Hiyori, though…'
She looks at the oni…
Hikari tried Hypnosis α!
Energy rippled around the oni…
…
Nothing happened. The oni moved to grapple with Hiyori, the two struggling with one another.
'Darn. I feel stupid…'
Osamu tried Defense Down α!
The other oni's strength falters, and she grimaces. "Wh-wh-"
Hiyori lifted her off the ground, and threw her. The oni landed on her feet, backpedalling slightly as she did so. "Damn it…!"
Hiyori was surprised, herself, but didn't comment.
Osamu tried Offense Up α!
Hiyori felt power well into her body!
She realized what was going on, and shot a brief thumbs up to no one in particular. Osamu grinned, though.
The gesture pissed off the opposing oni, however. "You motherfucker…"
Hiyori confidently marched towards the opposing oni, who in turn marched towards her. They both moved to punch each other in the face, each brandishing a right hook…
Bam!
The difference was palpable. The other oni spun away, stumbling back, where as Hiyori was only sent off balance for a moment.
"...Wh-what the fuck…?" The oni narrowed her eyes at her. "How are you-"
Bam!
Hiyori slammed an arm into the oni's head, sending her to the floor.
Thud.
"Y-you…" The oni scowled up at Hiyori.
"This fight is over." Hiyori announces. "...Come."
She gestures to her friends, who approach from the nearby trail…
"I wanted to shoot her in the face…" Marigold pouted.
Hiyori snorts. "She probably wouldn't have let you."
With that, the party begins walking away…
…
The oni sits up off the floor, a red mark on her face quickly fading. "Wh-who the hell…?"
She held out her hand, clenching the air multiple times.
"...Fucking cheater!"
==== GENSOKYOBOUND ====
Hiyori blushes as she hears the roar of the defeated oni in the distance. "...I can't say I'm proud of that, but I told her I didn't want to fight."
'I remember Suika said something about honesty being very important to oni… I assume that applies very much to combat as well.'
Osamu shrugged. "Who cares? You win you win, right?"
Hiyori scoffed at him. "...It's not as simple as that. It is, but it isn't."
"Basically, magic's cheating down here, right?" Marigold summarizes.
"Pretty much." Hiyori nods compromisingly. "...That's part of why I went back aboveground."
'I didn't hear much about that whole event…' Hikari reflected. 'The mountain wars that happened long ago. I heard words of them, but I never really learned much.'
...
"We should be coming up on the palace." Hiyori points ahead, as they began moving uphill…
At the top sat a mansion-esque structure, with two large, double doors. Tall, stained glass windows lined the walls.
'Big place… and significantly better kept than the rest of the underground.'
Marigold nodded in approval. "Another mansion, huh…?"
Osamu grinned. "Yeah, of course there's a mansion down here. Why not?"
They approached the front door, passing by a red-haired girl with cat ears who sat at the side of the path, next to a cart…
'...Wait…' Hikari turned to her. "Where'd you come from?"
The cat girl was snapped out of her train of thought, snapping her head to Hikari. "Nya- uh, whuh? Reimu? You arrived just on time!"
Osamu perked up. "Oh- hey, it's you! Can I pet you, this time?"
Her face fell. "Y'want me to bite you, again?"
...Osamu shrugged. "Dude…" He approached the cat girl…
…
"Yeeoow!" He shook his hand, furrowing his brows at the bite marks on his hand.
Marigold gingerly walked up to her. "Is… is that a cat girl?"
Hikari nods. "You missed her, earlier. While you were with that kappa."
"Aawwh!" Marigold squeed, glomping her. "I always wanted a cat gi~rl!"
"He-hey!" The cat girl struggled, before blushing. "Ge-get off!"
Marigold began scratching under her chin.
"G-get…" She sighed. "Nyaa~n…"
Hiyori grinned. "How's things, Orin?"
Orin froze. "Wh-what…?"
Marigold released her from her grasp, as Orin walked up to Hiyori.
…
"Oo~h, yeah! It's you!" Orin stared up at Hiyori, wide-eyed. "Last time I saw you was when I was- well I wasn't a kitten, but-"
"You were a kitten." Hiyori smiled.
"Well- yeah…" Orin gave a half smile. "Yeah."
'Cats are cute.'
"...Why were you sitting out here?" Hiyori inquires.
Orin's smile lowered to a neutral look. "It's Satori-sama…"
"Hmm?" Hiyori pauses.
"I think she's… possessed, or something. I didn't sense a spirit in her, but…" Orin fidgeted. "Something's wrong… She kicked me out of the palace, and some of the other pets are acting strangely, too. Something happened, while I was gone…"
Hiyori processed this information…
'Even down here? This Giygas person really gets around…'
Osamu grins. "Don't you worry, pretty kitty. Osamu's here to make it all better…"
…
Orin leaned over, speaking to Hikari in a hushed tone. "Reimu… do you know this creep?"
Hikari shook her head. "No."
Marigold and Hiyori turned away, walking towards the palace…
Osamu folded his arms indignantly. "Oh, c'mon! What'd I say!? That was pretty good, c'mon!"
'No. Think about what you've done.' She began following the rest of the party, and Orin tagged along behind her…
==== GENSOKYOBOUND ====
"I think I should scout ahead." Hiyori offers herself.
Hikari tilted her head. '...I'm not sure how to feel about that.'
Marigold and Osamu seemed neutral about her decision, not offering comment.
"...What would I have to give," Marigold began, addressing Orin, "to have you as my familiar?"
Orin smiled. "Sorry. I serve Satori-sama alone."
Marigold appeared crestfallen…
...Hiyori noticed Hikari's uncertainty. "I don't want what happened with that factory to repeat, here. If I go ahead first, I can at least come back and warn you all about what we're to face."
Hikari nods. "I guess. Don't get your face melted, or anything, alright?"
Hiyori grinned. "I'll try not to."
With that, Hiyori pushed open the large double door with ease, and navigated inside…
==== GENSOKYOBOUND: HIYORI'S VIEW ====
...The door creaked shut behind her.
Hiyori stepped into the lobby. 'What could have happened to her? It's not like her to simply be bested by some possessor spirit…'
Stepping over to the stairs, she moved through the quiet lobby. Cats and birds quietly watchd her, propped strategically along the upper shelves, all keeping a keen eye on her. They moved not an inch from their gothic ledges, standing silent vigils.
'...That's awfully unlike them.' She remembered the animals either doing work on Satori's behalf, or generally being playful and friendly. These ones seemed…
'Disciplined. Poised. Waiting…'
Hiyori narrowed her eyes at the stationary animals.
'Watching.'
Snapping her head away from them, she hastily continued towards the hall that lead to Satori's room…
'Satori had multiple rooms, but I'm assuming she'll be in her study. She was never into thrones, or anything so pretentious.'
She moved through the still, quiet halls until eventually coming to the door she was looking for. Then, she knocked.
Knock, knock, knock.
…
"Come in." Satori's voice came from the other side.
Slowly opening the door, Hiyori went inside, and closed it behind herself.
She turned to face Satori, who was seated in a comfy, cushioned chair.
Satori smiled at her. "Welcome back, old friend."
'...Warmer than normal.' Hiyori considered.
...Satori blinked. "Hmm?"
'Nothing seems different about her…'
"...Because nothing is?" Satori leaned forward, resting her arms on the desk. "What has you so paranoid, today?"
Hiyori blinks back. 'Orin told- aah…' She sighed. 'Mustn't think of that, it'd be seen as suspicious.'
Narrowing her eyes, Satori tilts her head. "Those are some… peculiar thoughts. You can be honest with me, can't you? Secrets are not your strong suit, Nori."
'I-I don't go by that anymore!' Hiyori blushed. '...Hiyori.'
...Satori shrugged. "Very well. It'll take some getting used to, though. For what reason did you make this change?"
'Because I didn't like- this isn't what I came here for…' Hiyori shook her head.
"Oh, right, right. I seem to have pushed you off track." Satori grins. "Continue…"
'Orin… is saying you've been afflicted with something, like possession. You don't seem-'
Satori smiled. "She is simply having a rebellious phase. Nothing to be worried about. I don't care what my pets think of me."
'That's a lie.' Hiyori felt confusion strike her immediately.
...Satori didn't respond visibly.
'...?'
"Nothing to be concerned about." Satori stresses, still smiling.
'Weird.'
...Satori gave no reaction, which further confused Hiyori. 'She usually reacts to being thought of as weird…'
"Why would I?" Satori seems bemused. "After all, the only thing that matters is…" She shakes her head. "Well, you wouldn't be interested in that."
'She's freaking me out, here, a little… This isn't like you.'
A sigh emanates from Satori. "You're beginning to annoy me, with thoughts like that."
'Sorry.'
"...What else did Orin have to say?" Satori fished for answers.
'Not much. After that, I decided to scout ahead for Hikari and-" Hiyori cut herself off. 'St-stop thinking.'
...A wide smile was shown by Satori. "Oh, Hikari?"
'The shrine maiden's daughter- ack...' Hiyori cursed herself for thinking of the subject matter.
"...Well, with this silly incident aside, why don't you invite Hikari and her friends inside?" Satori offers her friend. "I'll be sure to properly discipline Orin for her disobedience. Dissenting opinions are not allowed."
'There. That last sentence. That's not you. And-' Hiyori froze in realization.
...Satori glared at Hiyori. "Unfortunately, you are wrong."
'I never told you Hikari had any friends- Osamu, Marigold, and- and… nobody else, actually.'
…
"I simply pulled them from the rest of your… subconscious. Yes." Satori smirked.
'That's not how your ability works.' Hiyori steeled her mind for the next question…
"Who are you to tell me how my ability works?" Satori stood, scowling at Hiyori.
'How long have I known you? Don't think, don't think, don't think...' Hiyori knew the answer, but barred herself from thinking it.
…
"Easy." Satori relaxed, but still appeared annoyed. "Hundreds of years."
…
'That's- how many?'
…
'Oni live a long time.'
"Five hundred." Satori gives a smug smile.
'Ninety one. You were close.' Hiyori stared at her, unamused.
…
"How awkward." Satori states casually.
'Very.' Hiyori stands up. 'I'll be going, now.'
"...Take care." A neutral expression monitors Hiyori as she gets up, and moves for the door.
Hiyori shuts it, sighing.
'I'll… need a moment, to think about this.'
She moves across the upper level of the foyer, sparing a glare at the immobile animals, who all followed her movements as she moved to the other side of the foyer.
Closing a door, Hiyori stood up against it. She was now in a large, empty hallway, with a big green carpet and aquamarine walls.
'...I think she really is possessed.'
As she glanced around at the hall before her, contemplating on her next plan of action, she paused upon noticing somebody.
A short girl with green hair stood before her. A black hat with a yellow ribbon sat on her head, complimented by her yellow and green dress.
…
'Ko-Koishi… Koishi Komeiji. Wh-...' Hiyori gaped. 'I-I can't believe I forgot about her…'
"You're hurting."
...Hiyori blinks.
Koishi stares up at her, expression flat. "I can tell it."
'She… can read emotions. Right…' Hiyori takes a deep breath. "...You could say that."
The short girl blinked. "...I'm hurting, too."
'...Satori's her sister. I see…'
Hiyori smiled, kneeling to level with her. "...Don't worry. Me and some friends of mine, we'll-"
"That's why I want you to help us! Me, I mean! Us, me… yeah!" With a sudden burst of energy, Koishi grabs Hiyori's shoulders. "I was watchin' you, yeah? Up at the temple! You did great!"
Hiyori was taken aback by the sudden tone and mood change. "A-aah…?"
'I-I forgot about that, too…'
Bouncing with energy, Koishi continued. "And then I saw you, and your friends, and they all, like- they manhandled those sad ghosts, which was kinda mean- but they were really good at it! You did, too!"
"Ye-yeah. I suppose we did." Hiyori smiled awkwardly.
Koishi moved closer to her face. "...I want you to help sister. Something's not right. Sh-she doesn't want this."
Caught by the jarring tone change, Hiyori paused. "...Don't worry. My friends and I will take care of it."
Koishi beamed. "That's great!" ...Then, she sighed. "Please don't hurt her…"
…
Hiyori was alone in the hallway, kneeling.
'What…?'
...Standing up, she felt her shoulders for a moment, before looking around.
'I know what to do, now.'
Leaping down from the foyer-
Thud.
-She bolted towards the front door, and swung it open…
==== GENSOKYOBOUND: HIKARI'S VIEW ====
"Get! Back! Ellen! You! Rookie!"
Orin had emptied her cat cart of tengu corpses, and was using it to beat the enraged form of a smaller, blonde cat girl into submission.
'I've realized where those corpses came from. I'll be honest, it's slightly disconcerting.'
A red-haired bird youkai flew overhead, occasionally firing a spread shot of danmaku towards the party. Hikari, Osamu, and Marigold had psychic shields at the moment, to prevent danmaku damage from overwhelming them.
Hiyori's eyes widened. "What's going on, out here?"
"Fuckin' birds!" Osamu summarized.
"Pain." Hikari amended.
Orin glanced at the door. "Just go! I can take these kittens any day!"
As she said that, the smaller blonde cat girl leaped onto her, knocking her over.
"Reeoo~w!" Orin's expression flared, and she flipped the other cat onto her back.
Hiyori gestured for the party to get inside, which they did.
On the inside, the cracks of breaking masonry echoed throughout the foyer…
Bam! Bam, bam, boom, bam!
All six of the gothic ledges were snapped off their places, embedding themselves in the foyer floor. Cats agiley landed upon them, and ducked behind them, as bird youkai flew overhead.
From behind the pillars, the cats peeked out with human heads, having transformed into their youkai forms themselves while out of sight.
'We're totally surrounded.' Hikari blanched.
...Hiyori quickly shut the door behind them, to keep the other battle on the door's other side.
"Holy fuck." Osamu gaped. "We're boned."
'Um…'
…
Hiyori moved ahead of the party, somewhat. It was as if she was daring the youkai to make their move.
They decided to take the opportunity.
The cat youkai poked out from around their stone blockades, sending streams of green danmaku from their hands out towards the party.
Osamu tried PSI Magnet α!
Purple and cyan rectangles traveled to and from the leftmost cat girl, stealing her mana.
"Hope ya guys can dance!" He had an incredulous, fear-induced grin as he ran into the center of the foyer with Hiyori.
Marigold aimed her Spectrum Shotgun up at the two bird youkai. "Enough with the air assault, already…"
She fired, the seven beams of light stretching into the air before her. A deafening roar came from the shattering of stained glass windows up above, as she backed up to the door preemptively.
'Ugh…' Hikari shielded herself from the glass, retreating to the door as well. Danmaku streams pegged her as she did so, dissipated marginally by the psychic shield.
"Haa~h!"
A bird youkai spiraled to the floor, caught in the midst of one of the beams.
Thud.
The cat youkai all focused on Marigold, moving from their cover to attempt to melee her.
Osamu looked up from his glass-laden robes. "Those fucking- gah…!" He wriggled at the minor sensations of glass becoming embedded in his robe. "Here!"
Osamu tried Offense Up Ω!
The party felt strength well up in their muscles…
Not that it'd help Osamu, whose eyes began unfocusing. "Wooaa~h… S-so that's… what mana de-dep...rivation feels like…"
Hiyori moved to protect Marigold's other side, while Hikari took one.
Hikari tried Shield ß!
Hikari was protected by the power shield of light!
'There. Here we go…'
The brunette cat girl before her licked her lips, beginning to show personality as she closed in on Hikari… "Oo~h? You think you're bad, cutie?"
Holding her gohei tensely, she readied herself to move at a moment's notice…
The cat suddenly flung herself forward, swiping Hikari's face with her claws.
Swish!
'Aaa~h!' Hikari stumbled back into Marigold, her eyes rendered inoperable.
A beam shot from her light shield. The cat girl attempted to weave out of the way, only for it to hit her in the side of the head.
"Woh…!?" She clutched the side that was struck, and continued to weave away from Hikari…
Meanwhile, the condensing beams of energy jerked about in the air, surprising the remaining bird youkai.
"Shh-aaah~!"
She flailed her wings, before plummeting.
Thud.
Satisfied, Marigold let the gun's beam lower, blemishing the wall and stairs as it moves down…
Hikari tried Lifeup α!
'...Th-there.' She shuddered. 'That felt so wrong…'
A blue-haired cat girl was weaving back and forth in place, until the brunette one neared her. She then abruptly leapt towards Hikari, who jerked her gohei up to defend against it.
'Aah!'
The gohei accidently jabbed the cat, forcing her to retreat via pivoting in the air, and using Hikari's face to propel herself away.
'...Ow.' Hikari was only mildly disgruntled by that, however.
'Th-this better work…'
Hikari tried Hypnosis α!
Energy rippled around the brunette cat girl…
…
With a yawn, the cat girl suddenly climbed atop the nearest stone rubble, switched to her cat form, and fell asleep.
'Finally.'
Clonk.
Hiyori, having finally caught the two cat girls pestering her side, had smashed their heads together, knocking the both of them out.
The final blue-haired cat girl glared into Hikari's eyes…
Hikari glared back. 'I'm going to get you back. I don't like cats jumping off my face.'
...The two moved to skirmish. The cat girl jabbed at her stomach-
SMAAAA~SH!
Hikari jerked her Miracle Gohei across the side of her face, sending her sprawling.
'Gh…' Hikari grimaced at the gash on her stomach. A light shot from her power shield, striking the falling cat girl in the bum.
'Well, justice has been served, I guess.'
Hikari tried Lifeup α!
The gash in her side began to heal…
'...Wow. That took some doing.'
...Osamu stood up off the floor.
Osamu tried PSI Magnet α!
He stole mana from Marigold, using floating blue and purple rectangles.
Hiyori sighed. "...I didn't like doing that."
...Marigold finally let go of the trigger, ceasing her beam's drilling into one of the walls. "I did."
Osamu grinned sloppily… "I… did not very not…"
Osamu tried PSI Magnet α!
Marigold stared at the rectangles, as they traveled up her body, and back to Osamu.
…
Osamu tried PSI Magnet α!
'There's something comforting about the blue glow those shapes make.' Hikari reflects.
"Soo~... tired…" Osamu slouched. "Maa~n…"
Footsteps were heard on the stairs.
Hiyori's face hardened. "...Satori."
Satori's eyes were on Hikari.
'Another one, huh?' Hikari readied her gohei…
Satori smiled. "Indeed. Another one."
'Huh?'
Glancing at Hiyori, Satori continued. "I would've said you fell into my trap… but it seems you anticipated it, and even overcame it. It would seem… I am right." Satori's face grimaced as she finished her sentence. "Do not even think of… 'saving' me."
Osamu tiredly turns to her. "Aaa~h, shut up. You brainwashed bozoes are all the same…"
With a snort, Satori scoffed. "...I suppose I'll simply have to show you, then."
Between Hikari and Satori, somebody appeared.
...Hikari blinked in surprise. 'Where'd she come from?'
Hiyori gasped. "A-ah… Koishi! I…"
Koishi turned to Hiyori, smiling. "I thought I'd lend you guys a little hand, here! Like, I'll be honest, you're, uh, not quite as good as I expected. I dunno."
'Hey.'
"Like, I expected you guys to just walk in here, and like… 'pop the top of a can of whoop ass', as they say." Koishi put a finger to her chin. "...Do people say that?"
…"No." Satori decides.
Koishi turns to her, frowning. "...Sister."
…
Satori shakes her head. "Let me show you, all of you… what being a magician is really all about." With that, she begins floating into the air.
Koishi silently watches her…
Satori tried PK Hydro ß!
A shuriken of water formed over Hikari, soaking her.
'Wh-what!?' Hikari froze, feeling the water soak her. 'Osamu!'
Osamu glanced at her. "What the hell? I di-didn't cast that!"
...Marigold stared at the smirking form of Satori.
"Indeed, magi." Satori answered her thoughts. "I have your powers… all of your powers."
Satori tried PK Thunder ß!
Thwaa~sh!
Hiyori tensed as the bolt struck her, but the electricity traveled into her gauntlet, becoming nullified. Or, at the very least, mitigated heavily.
Thwaa~sh!
The sleeping cat was struck. "Mrooo~w!" She turned back into her youkai form, sliding off the rock. "Aa-aaauu…"
"Bullshit." Osamu grimaced.
Osamu tried PSI Magnet α!
This time, the rectangles stole from Satori, adding to Osamu's mana.
"Hmph." Satori looked smug. "Such a strategy would leave you crippled of old age."
Hikari began running towards her, weaving past Koishi to move towards Satori…
Satori floated back slowly. "Do you really think that's going to work…?"
Satori tried Shield ß!
Satori was protected by the power shield of light!
Hikari froze. 'M-my shield…!'
"...When all your magic is binded to mental functions, it makes replication… trivial, really." The smugness of Satori continued. "You four really are simpleminded."
Koishi's hands began shaking…
Koishi tried HK Anger ß!
...Suddenly, Osamu began gritting his teeth. "...Fucking…"
Satori giggled. "Getting frustrated, already? This must be the first time you've been challenged…"
"I need some fucking mana!" Osamu roars!
Osamu tried PSI Magnet Ω!
Vrooo~m!
Lines of rectangles raised to the top of the room, and rained down.
'Wo-woah…' Hikari felt herself blink a bit. 'He stole some of mine…'
The shapes traveled from everyone in the room, back to Osamu…
He pumped his arms in the air. "Yeaa~h! It's fuckin' go time, baby! Your ass is grass!"
Satori tried PSI Shield α!
Satori was protected by the pale blue, psychic shield!
"Foolish." Satori shook her head…
Thwack!
"Hmm!?" Satori lifted her legs, flying higher into the air. "Annoying Hakurei…!"
'Darn it… I didn't hit high enough.'
Satori scoffed. "You won't get another chance."
Satori tried PK Fire ß!
Fwoo-Boo~m!
A blast of flames at Hikari's location instantly plunged her into terror.
"Wha-aaa~h!?" Hikari began flailing wildly.
'Not again! No~!'
"Shit!" Osamu acted.
Osamu tried PK Hydro ß!
The resulting water shuriken combatted the inferno, preventing it from spreading further.
Marigold raises her Spectrum Shotgun at an awkward angle. "I think I've got an idea…"
Satori turns to her, grinning. "I see. Go ahead."
'This sucks…'
Hikari tried Lifeup α!
Koishi pensively stared at Hikari, as she stumbled back on the upper level of the foyer…
Koishi tried HK Fear α!
...Suddenly, Marigold dropped to her knees. "I-I…"
...Satori blinked. "...Oh?"
Hiyori leapt through the floor of the foyer's upper level, appearing next to Satori.
"Huh!?" Satori darts back quickly. Hikari leaps to intercept her.
SMAAAA~SH!
"Guaah!?" Satori twirls in the air, hands writhing as her back quivers… "...H-hahaha…"
Satori tried Lifeup α!
The bruise on her back healed… "Inconsequential."
'I could've sworn that was a good hit…'
Marigold sighed in relief. "Th-thank gods… Hikari… she's alright…"
'...Uhm?'
Koishi frowns at Satori, seemingly growing frustrated as she bounces in place…
Koishi tried HK Rage ß!
...Hiyori slouched, as she slowly began shaking. "..."
'Everyone's beginning to act weird…'
"I need someone to drop her shield!" Hikari announces to the room.
"On it!" Marigold and Osamu affirm at the same time.
Marigold draws her Shield Killer…
Osamu tried PK Thunder ß!
Thwaa~sh!
Satori weaved out of the way of the bolt. "Predictable."
Thwaa~sh!
Bam!
Koishi jittered, as the electricity ran up her body…
Osamu frowned. "Ah, shit…"
Hiyori rocketed off the foyer's upper floor, soaring towards Satori…
Satori's eyes widened. "You…!"
SMAAAA~SH!
Satori twirled in the air, remaining stable after the punch. "...Hahaha… Hahaha~!"
...Calmly stepping towards Osamu, Koishi gave him a teary-eyed glare.
...He shrugged sheepishly. "Sorry?"
Koishi tried HK Turmoil Ω!
"Stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid!" Koishi began battering him weakly with her fists.
Hikari felt her eyes tear up, as she dropped her gohei. "...I-I wanna go ho~me!"
...Thud. Landing from the indent she made in the wall, Hiyori facepalmed. "Sa-Satori… I-I'm sorry…"
Marigold dropped her equipped guns. "...I-I don't want to do this, anymore…"
Clutching her head, Satori shook in the air… "Ko-Koishi…" She slowly floated towards the floor…
Koishi turned to her, as Osamu began crying behind her…
"He-help me…" Satori's lips quivered. "This… th-thing…"
"I'm trying, sister!" Koishi wailed. "Ju-just hang on!"
Koishi tried HK Hope Ω!
...Satori regained her domineering leer. "The time of your demise is nigh… This includes you, troublesome sister."
Shaking herself from her stupor, Hikari grabbed the railing of the foyer's upper floor. "Marigold! Now!"
Snapping from her depression, the magi fumbled for the Shield Killer, holding it up towards Satori. "Sc-screw your shields…!"
The dim glow of the arrows pumped into her shield, before shattering it, forcing it to dissipate into fragments.
Satori's eyes widened for a moment. "...Trivial."
Satori tried Shield ß!
Satori was protected by the power shield of light!
She looked down at the party, appearing superior. "...Can't touch me."
Hiyori rose from the floor… "Satori…"
...She turned to her. "Yes, Hiyori?"
Hiyori tried PK Starstorm α!
...The unbroken stained glass windows become broken ones, once the neon stars began soaring through them.
Satori's eyes widened. "What!?"
Yellow stars spiralled into her form, drilling into her.
Bam, boom! Bang, bam, blam!
"Huuuaaooo…!" Satori let loose a throaty yell, flipping backwards towards the floor.
Bam! She slammed into it, hard.
Osamu attempted to approach her, but she hovered into the air before he could do anything.
'She takes a beating…' Hikari grins. 'I know the perfect way to finish this…!'
... Satori let loose a ragged sigh. "I-I'm sorry, Hakurei…" Then, her expression became positively mirthful. "But I'm afraid I cannot let you do that!"
Satori tried PK Fantasy α!
Hikari's eyes widened, as she recognized the familiar barrage of colors.
'Wait…'
Fizzle!
'Aaaaa~h!'
Fizzle!
"Fuuu~ck!" Osamu roars…
"Eeeaaah~!" Marigold shrieks…
"Da-damn it all…" Hiyori slowly marches through it, entire body jittering with energy along the way…
"N-no…" Crying, Koishi kneels, the pain tearing through her body…
Satori closes her eyes… and her third eye glows.
Bwaa~sh!
Hikari wanted to move everything. She wanted nothing more than to dilute the pain that coursed through her muscles, the dread pounding at her heart, and the tears welling in her eyes.
'I-I'm sorry, Mom…'
...Hikari dropped to her knees.
...Satori looked around the room idly.
As Hikari fell, her face meeting the side of the foyer's upper floor, she looked across the lower floor. She saw Marigold and Osamu lying, as well, and she saw Hiyori standing still, stiff as a statue, her head down…
'...Th-there's still… there has to be…'
...Satori glances at Hikari. "...You Hakurei really are pests, aren't you?"
Hikari tried Lifeup γ!
...Hiyori cracked her neck.
Satori loomed over Hikari. "Ever able to persevere, no matter whom I send knocking at your door…"
Hikari tried Lifeup γ!
'I-I can't see…'
"Vampires. Machines… Your people…" Satori propped her shoe against Hikari's head, grinding it into her hair…
Hikari tried Lifeup α!
'I'm… out…'
"...But, now… I'm happy."
Hikari felt herself doze off…
'Happy…'
…
…
…
==== GENSOKYOBOUND: HIYORI'S VIEW ====
Hiyori tried Lifeup ß!
...Koishi reluctantly stood.
"Get your stupid ass down here!" Osamu began sprinting up the stairs, moving to engage Satori the hard way.
Marigold reached into her backpack…
"Come on, Koishi." Hiyori walked up to her… "Let's finish this."
'I'm getting dizzy…'
…
Satori tried Offense Up α!
She felt strength welling up within her muscles…
…
Osamu flew down the stairs, landing on his back. "Holy fucking shit…"
Satori floated down, still clad in a power shield of light. "A meaningless effort. Koishi… the heart is no different."
Hiyori tried PK Freeze γ!
KaKaKa~...
The familiar snowflake pattern froze and thawed around Satori, who tensed up…
Boom!
Satori gritted her teeth, as the icy wind rocked her body.
She continued to float towards Koishi… "Hate sprouts within it. Grows, consumes it… Such is its nature."
Satori tried PK Hypnosis α!
Marigold rose her Counter-PSI Device…
...Then, she fell to the floor, the device tumbling beside her.
Satori rested her arms on Koishi's shoulders… "All hate… comes from the heart."
Koishi stared into her eyes…
…
Hiyori punched Satori in the face, reaching through the power shield of light to do so.
'Don't even try it.'
Thwack!
Satori stumbled back a bit. A beam of light soared from the shield, and struck her.
Bam!
'Th-that hurts that much!?'
...Undeterred, Satori continued towards Koishi. "Sister. I know you hurt. But, please…" She smiled. "Who do you trust more? These simple, foolhardy troublemakers… or me?"
…
"That's not true…" Koishi looks away.
Satori tilts her head. "Hmm?"
"That's not true!"
Koishi tried HK Anger α!
...Osamu flailed his limbs, unable to do much. "Raaa~h…"
"I know you! I know my sister! I know she'd never say things like that!" Koishi stomped towards Satori, reaching into her power shield… "She'd never hurt people for, like, no reason!"
Hiyori slowly trudged up the foyer stairs…
"M-My… My sister cares about me!" Koishi bawls. "Yo-you're not my sister!"
...Satori simply stands there, not moving a muscle. She doesn't bother to blink, frozen in place.
…
'This better fucking work, or so help me…' Hiyori gave a stressed sigh…
She leaped off the upper level of the foyer, aiming her elbow down…
"Hyaa~h!"
Bam!
...Thud, thud.
Satori's head was struck dead-on by the elbow, knocking her out cold.
Hiyori landed on the floor a few feet away, launched by the shield.
A beam shot from the power shield, striking her.
"Oo-ooh…" She groaned.
…
Koishi looked around, then looked down at her sister. Before her eyes, she saw a deep, red mist slowly flow out around her…
She glared at it, and dove for it. "Get out of my sister!"
Koishi tried HK Rage α!
...Marigold fidgeted in her sleep.
Danmaku flew wildly from her swings, as she randomly frayed magic in her attempts to destroy the mist. It began slowly dissipating, before reforming…
"Get out, get out, get out! She's my sister!"
Koishi tried HK Love α!
With a flash of yellow energy, Satori's form glowed, and the mist rapidly flowed out, floating into the air…
...It sat there idly.
Pouting at it, Koishi motioned for it to shoo. "Go away. I don't like you."
...The red mist floated out of one of the many open holes in the roof.
…
…
…
She looked around at all of the fallen people. "Wow. Uhm… I dunno whether I should set up the beds, or go get Orin…"
...She looked over at the cat girls, who were drowsily getting up…
"Oh, cool."
With that, Koishi vanished.
==== GENSOKYOBOUND: HIKARI'S VIEW ====
…
'Ou-ouch…' Hikari winced as she tried to sit up.
'Bed…'
…
'Wh-what even happened…?'
…
The door to the room she was in opened, and some cat girls walked in.
"Nyaa- aa~h!"
"Masae, you shmuck!" A deeper, womanlier voice spoke, not necessarily elegantly.
'Ah…' Hikari tried to move her muscles, only finding herself marginally successful.
Masae, a blue-haired cat girl, walked in carrying a wood basin full of water. She stumbled about as she entered the door,
"Woaa~h!"
The brunette, buxom cat girl moved to stop her from splashing water everywhere. "Give me that…"
Pouting, Masae stops wobbling about, the basin now having exchanged hands. "Aww… You're no fun, Ashes."
"Don't call me 'Ashes'." 'Ashes' snaps back, as she approached Hikari's side with the wooden basin. "It's Cinderweather Supreme, to you."
"...Pffft!" Masae grinned. "Ci-Cinderweather Supreme!? What happened to 'Ashley'!?"
'Fluffy cat people…' Hikari sighed. 'It seems the conflict is over, at least…'
Ashes blinked. "O-oh, she's awake!"
Masae tilted her head. "Alright…?"
"...You know. She's awake." Ashes stares at her expectantly.
...
"Uugh…" With a groan, Ashes moved towards Hkari. "It means go tell Satori, you bozoe! Y'know, the instructions she gave us!?"
Masae's eyes widened. "She gave instructions? I was still pissed about that red mark on my face…" She proceeded to rub it where it used to be. "How the hell'd I even get that?"
"Do I look like I care?" Ashes placed the wooden basin next to Hikari, and folded her arms.
"...Y'seem to be gettin' pissed, so yeah." Masae decides.
"Just go tell Satori that the girl with the stick thing is awake."
'The girl with the stick thing.' Hikari grinned. 'Well, that's the most humble description, so far…'
"Alri~ght, alright…" Masae turned to leave. "Don't grope her boobs while I'm gone, or anything."
'Wh-what!?'
Ashes huffed. "Just get out of here!"
Masae scrambled out of the room.
...Shaking her head, Ashes turns to Hikari. "Alright, girlie. Can ya move yet?"
...After a brief struggle, Hikari lifted an arm.
"N...no."
'Actually…'
Hikari tried Lifeup γ!
…
Hikari sat up, stretching…
Cr-cr-crack…
'Woah.' An incredulous grin creeped up Hikari's face… 'Hehehe…'
Ashes snorted. "Jeez, kid, ya sound like you're gonna snap in two."
...She leapt from the bed, finding herself clad in an unfamiliar pair of pajamas…
'So stiff…' Hikari began doing some stretches…
Crack! Cr-crack!
"U-uhm…" Ashes winced. "If you really do break in half, Satori-sama's gonna be having cat for dinner, y'know…"
Cr-cr-crack… Crack!
'...Let's just do this the easy way. Stretching only feels good in the moment.'
Hikari tried Healing α!
…
"Aa~h…" She sighed in relief.
…
"So…" Ashes lifted a small, green rag out of the wood basin. "Still want me to wash you?"
Hikari wasn't sure what to make of that.
...A figure walked through the door, and Hikari turned to look at her…
Hikari tensed up. 'It-it's her…'
Satori winced. "...Hello."
'...Is she alright, now?'
"...Yes." Satori nods. "I'm… better, now."
'Considering she can still read minds, I'm not sure about that.'
"...It's part of my species, as a youkai." Satori explained. "...Additionally, your friends are across the mansion, resting themselves. No-Hiyori and I were… making amends while you were unconscious." She sighed. "I am deeply apologetic for everything…"
'Oh. It's just a species trait, then. She's not trying to lynch me, and the cat girls seem normal, so…' Hikari nods. 'Everything checks out.'
Masae peeks out from around Satori… "Satori-sama's really, really sorry…"
"Follow me…" Satori gestured for Hikari to follow.
The two moved through the following hallway, and into the foyer…
Hiyori stood on the lower level, holding a broken chunk of masonry, staring at the debating youkai before her…
"No- look, all we have to do…" Ellen, the small blonde cat girl, lifted up a blow torch. "Is weld it back on!"
A red-haired bird seethed. "...You can't weld stone!"
'Seems like everyone's fine… How long was I out?'
"Three days." Satori provided.
'Oh. What.'
"You were out the longest." Stepping forward, Satori moves towards the other hall across the foyer… "Everyone else is up and about."
The door across the foyer slams open, and Osamu rushes out. "Nope! No~pe! No way!"
He runs past Hikari and Satori, barreling down the foyer stairs.
Orin slams it open, again. "Get back he~re!" She pushes out her cat cart, and hops into it, riding it. Somehow, she steers it to start bumping down the stairs after him.
'...About what I'd expect.'
Marigold stepped out behind her, a vain expression on her face…
She noticed Hikari. "Oh, you're awake."
"Yeah." Hikari nods.
A sigh emanated from Satori. "I'm simply glad I didn't leave any permanent damage on any of you four… I never would've forgave myself."
'I think I can safely say that's the closest we've come to getting wiped out, so I have to give you credit for that.'
Satori smiled awkwardly. "Uhm…"
'I don't even know how we won. I guess it doesn't matter.'
"That's… a rather worrying level of willful ignorance." Satori shook it off. "In any case… How are you feeling?"
Marigold snorted, and Satori shot her a raised brow.
'Can't you just gauge it, or something? Mind reading, and all?'
Satori debunked the notion. "My abilities have limits… I'm not particularly great at reading the mood, either, but that's unrelated. For the most part, I can only read what you're currently thinking."
'Oh. How did you learn our abilities, then?'
...She blushed. "Well… At first, I only used ones you considered at the moment. Then, I boasted about knowing them all, and you all started thinking about those ones, as well…"
'Oh. Wow.'
"That apparition that affected me… it was vastly beyond my expectations. It was no phantom, either."
'It's something that makes red mist and can control people. Giygas.'
"...Mmm. You fought the Scarlet Devil, along with numerous beasts…" Satori seemed aware of fragments of Hikari's adventure. "This… Giygas, who controlled me relied heavily on specific information, and impulse. There was very little I could take away from an individual like that, and very little I could do to fight back… The feeling was overwhelming. It was terrifying."
Marigold stared at Satori.
"...Yes, yes. As compensation, the four of you have free reign to our sum of snacks. It's the least I could do." Satori negotiated. "...Though, I must ask a favor of you."
'It's a little soon to be begging us for things…'
"...True." Satori sighs. "I will wait until you've all recuperated-"
Bam!
"Oh, fuck! Not the cat cart! Anything but the cat cart!" Osamu's voice was heard below.
…
Bo~ng!
A wheel rolled out into the main foyer. Hiyori and the nearby youkai turned, observing the scene.
…
"He's fine." Satori assures everyone.
"I-I'm fine!" Osamu shakily calls from somewhere Hikari can't see.
'...I've been out for three days. Stomach needs snacks badly.' Hikari stares at Marigold, who notices, gingerly staring back.
…
'Right, only Satori's the telepathic one…'
A grinning Satori answered her unspoken inquiry. "The snacks are down at the back of the leftmost hall. You'll be directed right, and there will be a large kitchen. The pantry is full of snacks."
Hikari and Marigold began moving in the direction of the kitchen casually…
…
Hiyori plopped down the masonry. "Until you guys decide what we're doing, I'm taking a break."
The two youkai watch her walk towards Satori, before turning each other and resuming debate...
Observing the oni walk up the steps, Satori spoke before she could say anything. "That favor? Well… there's a location of particular interest to Hikari nearby."
…
"A sanctuary, is it?" Satori nods, soaking in the information. "...I see."
==== GENSOKYOBOUND ====
END OF CHAPTER 20
Protagonist: Hikari Hakurei, Disciple of Paradise
-Inventory-
Weapon: Miracle Gohei - Ability to whack stuff really hard. Amplifies whacking power, too! Able to deal magical damage. Adds an increased chance to deal critical hits.
Arms: Iconic Hakurei Arm Sleeves - Keeps arms warm. A Hakurei tradition. How they stay on is a Hakurei family secret.
Body: Combat Miko Outfit - A black leotard and hakama combination worn by the previous-previous Hakurei miko. Designed to be suitable for excessive physical activity and close combat, it slightly improves physical combat prowess. Now with less sideboob!
Misc: Royal Red Ribbon - A ribbon made with rich materials, with a floral pattern.
-Skills-
Attack: Quickly! Swing your gohei at them for massive damage!
PK Fantasy α, β - Bombards the enemy with pain in the form of flashing colors. Deals magical damage. Heavy mental strain that increases with each tier.
PK Flash α, ß - A bright flash that distributes very random status effects to enemies. Usually makes people cry. Higher tiers increase chances, and introduce possibilities of fainting or dispel.
Hypnosis α, Ω - Puts weak enemies to sleep for a short time. Works better on tired or exhausted foes. Can also be used in a far more costly form that works on multiple opponents.
Shield α, ß - Halves damage the target takes. Only works against physical attacks, and enough strikes, or powerful strikes, will dispel it. Higher tier turns it into a power-shield that protects even better and even reflects a fraction of protected damage.
Lifeup α, ß, γ - Heals target a little. Higher tiers heal more grievous wounds, like bone fractures.
Healing α, ß, γ - Heals basic status ailments. Higher tiers can cure more dire effects, like burning alive.
Teleport α - Allows instant transport to the general location of an area remembered by oneself or one's party members. Requires a long, fast run-up to execute, however.
Ofuda Toss - Throw a holy ofuda that does massive holy elemental damage to youkai and dark elemental foes. Effect lessens the more holy the thing you're attacking is, to the point of healing holy things. Only works if you actually have ofuda, though.
β-β-β-β
Mage: Osamu Katsumi, the Wannabe Mage
-Inventory-
Weapon: Fisticuffs!
Arms: Nothing
Body: Dated Village Magician Robes - An old robe from the days when the village respected the medium of magic. Now actually looks navy blue, instead of black!
Misc: Yukkuri Beanie - Resembles a really tacky tablecloth, made in the Yukkuri theme. Lime green and has tons of fun yukkuri decals!
-Skills-
PK Thunder α, ß - Very random thunder attack that deals limited damage. Higher tiers increase number of bolts, and sometimes power.
PK Hydro α, β, γ - Gets everyone wet. Usefulness with PK Thunder and PK Freeze depends on whether you hit yourself or not! Creates whirling water spirals at higher tiers.
PK Freeze α, β, γ - Generates ice crystals at the target's location. Medium damage and effect; may freeze some targets, especially wet ones.
Fireball - Manipulate mana to make a shoddy fireball. Low damage and effect.
Static Hands - Not a real spell. Result of a very undercharged PK Thunder that can accidentally go off.
PSI Telepathy α - Speak to friends you haven't met yet! Unstable connection and only works if they have the skill or are asleep.
PSI Shield α, Σ - Halves damage from magical and psychic attacks. Thunder spells fry it instantly, and harder blows dispel it. Second tier applies basic shield to entire party at higher mana expense.
PSI Magnet α - Costs no mana to use, and steals a very tiny amount of mana from the enemy. Enemy has to have mana in the first place for it to work, though.
Offense Up α - Get pissed! Boosts strength and confidence depending on caster's power and receiver's power.
Defense Down α - Throw the enemy off their game. Makes them slightly more vulnerable to physical attacks.
β-β-β-β
Inventor: Marigold Knowledge, the Tri-Magi Love Child
-Inventory-
Weapon: Spectrum Shotgun - A Marigold Knowledge invention. Filled with foil chip bags to conduct the mana, and it is transmitted into a wind stone. Upgraded to draw mana from a simple wooden block filled with immense magic reserves, giving it virtually unlimited ammo. The addition of a battery and a prism allow it to fire seven rainbow colored beams at a wide spread, which deal non-elemental damage. Firing long enough allows them to focus and deal incredible damage, at the cost of insane recoil and instability.
Arms: Nothing
Body: Custom Adventure Dress - A custom dress made by Alice. Provides slight defense against magical and psychic attacks. Now allows freer movement with a shorter skirt, and a more flexible material.
Misc: Swirly Glasses - Lets Marigold not be blind.
Backpack - Allows extended inventory. Aged relic from the Kourindou.
Unnamed Lock Opening Device - Opens locks very precariously. Made with steel, burnt cloth, packaging peanuts, thumbtacks, string, and wooden wheels. Don't even ask…
Ruler - Lets you measure the world around you!
Protractor - Lets you find the angles of anything ever. Totally overpowered.
Scotch Tape - Transparent adhesive from the outside world. Weak, but handy!
Deck of Cards - Allows Marigold to play Strip Poker with the party. Just kidding… or am I?
Shield Killer - Electrical device used to subdue harassers. Has settings ranging from Tickle Torture to Arse Blaster. Fires electrical projectiles, of unknown Burst Gun - A Marigold Knowledge invention. Uses a Pop Gun as the base, but amplifies its power with an array of random batteries jammed into the base with the Pop Gun. The more batteries, the better, but the typical yield is about five bullets per trigger. Spamming the trigger doesn't make it go any faster, unfortunately. Has no foreseeable ammo limit, and the batteries are only there for mana circulation, meaning their power is really inconsequential.
Holmes Brand Designer Hat - Village swag! A retro village hat that ceased production ten years ago. Sells for a pretty penny nowadays, but it's pretty useless otherwise.
Slime Generator - A bulky box that shoots a small splat of slime. Doesn't seem good for much.
Counter-PSI Device - A weird device Marigold found from a flying saucer. Works in strange ways, and seems to disrupt everyone's concentration. Marigold is immune to its effects.
Charm of Sleep - Grants immunity to sleep while equipped. Can be equipped to Arms or Misc.
Microwave Gun - A Marigold Knowledge invention. Constructed with a controlled flame crystal and metal parts, it fires a beam of sustained microwave energy that cooks biological foes alive. Fire-elemental at its core, it's also very inefficient against machines.
-Skills-
Had A Charm Of Sleep but Didn't Equip It for The One Battle An Enemy Could Cast Sleep - Aaaa~h, aaaa~h!
Always Wanted a Cat Girl Familiar - She thinks they're cuddly.
Cleared Halo on Legendary - Shotguns are love, shotguns are life.
Maintains a Relatively Fluffy Appearance - Huggable, basically.
Dunks Oreos In Water - Actually a solid substitute for milk!
β-β-β-β
Fighter: Hiyori Hashimoto, the Buddhist Oni
-Inventory-
Weapon: Fisticuffs!
Arms: Shackle of Devas - The first of the four treasures held by the Devas of the Mountain. Grants immunity to sleep-inducing magic. Grants fifty percent resistance to wind and thunder magic.
Body: Runed Gi - Enchanted to not get blown away by battle damage.
Misc: Nothing
-Skills-
PK Starstorm α - Summons forth the stars from the night's sky to rain down upon enemies. Hits all enemies, and deals high magical damage, at the cost of being highly mentally taxing. Can hit allies if they're in the effective area, as the white stars don't have homing properties. Power proportional to amount of enemies, as well.
PK Fire α, ß - Creates an igniting blast of flames at the target's location. More impact comes with higher tiers.
PK Freeze α, β, γ - Generates ice crystals at the target's location. Medium damage and effect; may freeze some targets, especially wet ones.
Shield α, ß, Σ - Halves damage the target takes. Only works against physical attacks, and enough strikes, or powerful strikes, will dispel it. Higher tier turns it into a power-shield that protects even better and even reflects a fraction of protected damage. Highest tier applies a basic shield to the entire party.
Lifeup α, ß - Heals target a little. Higher tiers heal more grievous wounds, like bone fractures.
Healing α, ß - Heals basic status ailments. Higher tiers can cure more dire effects, like burning alive.
Teleport α, ß - Allows instant transport to the general location of an area remembered by oneself or one's party members. Requires a long, fast run-up to execute, however. Higher tier is largely automatic and requires little room to execute.
Martial Arts - Skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
β-β-β-β
Author's Note:
hello friends
hopefully the satori fight didn't feel TOO DRAWN OUT; i also didn't want it to end the sorta typical "PK FANTASY WAHAHA" way, and with satori being able to copy spells, it was the perfect opportunity to TIP THE SCALES.
the satori copying spells thing was somethin' considered by me and my proofreader quite a time before, and i LOVE mirror match-esque fights, so this was perfect for me
also koishi using heart and emotion based attacks instead of mental based ones because fun (though i felt like i shoulda made her inflict them on satori a bit more; just gonna call it earthbound RNG)
...she doesn't copy marigold's weapons, 'cause those ain't psychic, they's-they's material.
i also agree that hiyori scene the previous chapter was a tad rushed; i'm considering adding a bit of elaboration and updating the chapter, but hmm; the main reasoning behind her appearing was to coincide with that time poo suddenly appeared in the second master belch fight. i still agree that it coulda been better executed with a pov switch or somethin'...
although, now that i think about it, an entire pov switch would mean either a sorta clunky brief one (something i also debated over at the time), or changing the rest of the scene to be the switched pov; i'd have to take a look at it to really decide which'd be more appropriate
as always, see you all next time!