Chapter 17: An Increasingly Insurmountable Wall
What started as a heroic charge to rescue their captured friend has turned to cowardice in the face of Yukari's bizarre and forced transformations towards Byakuren and Miko. Only Tenshi could stand before those twisted, nightmarish behemoths without feeling the desire to retreat. They did not speak beyond their puzzling introductions as 'Shadows', but they still let out the occasional moan.
These cruel, agonizing moans echoed through the foggy realm, and Kyouko, who could hear these down to the finest detail, fell over with hands grasped tightly against the sides of her head while her body broke into a cold sweat.
"AAAAAAAAAAH!" Her scream drowned out the moans and brought on tears, as she feverishly denied these events with a violent shake of her head "T-This isn't happening…M-Miss Hijiri is…!"
Ichirin went to comfort Kyouko as best she could, swinging her head to glare bitterly at Yukari, who loomed between the twisted Byakuren and Miko with a pale, emotionless expression. Tenshi drew her Hisou no Tsurugi at the witch and proclaimed "Goddamn you, what do you get out of all this?!"
"Did I not make it clear you would not be privy to the truth?" Yukari replied near-instantly, laying her parasol atop her shoulder as she held her arms aloofly towards the 'Shadows' and continued "Is this proof of punishment for defiance not enough for you? Do you truly need even more reasons to understand how futile this struggle is?"
"Answer. The. QUESTION!" Tenshi's frustration towards Yukari's dodgy behavior was beginning to reach a boiling point, and for once the witch cracked a tiny grin before responding "You believe you are worth something so great that I would dare to give you even an iota of the truth. One person is just a speck in the world, and not even a subatomic particle in the scheme of the universe."
Brazen as could be, the witch did not stop there as she continued to pound the meaning of insignificance into the Celestial's mind, and in doing so the group as well "Even a gathering of specks only succeeds in making them an easier target. It's vexing to imagine the mentality it must've taken for you to decide this…"
"We're doing this to save Kokoro! Are you so depraved that you don't understand that?!" Tenshi was very belligerent, bordering on a point that her throat could've gone hoarse at a given moment. Yukari again smiled, this time loftily gesturing as she said "Says the Celestial who quaked the world just to cure her boredom. And you don't even question how your mentality could've possibly shifted from that behavior to being someone who truly cares for this menreiki."
"I don't need to question anything! Kokoro has been my friend…She tolerated someone like me even after what I did to her." Tenshi thought back to the times she shared with Kokoro, calming until the bitterness rose back up and brought on a couple tears, which wetted her next words "S-She's like a sister to me even! Not that someone like you, who beats her subordinates, would understand what family and friendship is!"
Tenshi could not notice the twinge Yukari had as she heard that, but there was a slight chuckle that led into her response of "That was not the point I was getting at, but thank you for that anyways. What by that is something else…None of you truly grasp the oddity of what is at work here. Does it not seem weird to you how the state of Gensokyo almost seems to be warped to make these recent events occur? A paper suddenly delivered to the Celestial to send her off on a quest? The normally docile monk beating down the vampire and an oni?"
"Coincidence…favoritism…I suppose you could chalk this up to the world going on as it wishes. However, the way the world is going is certainly peculiar. It is said that the Earth may be, in some degree, sentient, and going on that theory it acts much like the human body does. When threatened, it has defense mechanisms to save itself. Gensokyo, however, takes that theory and makes it a reality, so I believe…"
"All of you are being prepared for something major that'll approach this world. An incident that cannot be solved, perhaps. So I am just working with these circumstances, making sure that we will not be made extinct."
Tenshi grit her teeth and said "So that's what this is about…You are once again discarding all morality, trying to play God under the pretense of 'preparing' us for something! Like hell you are!" Yukari, winded from her long speech, let out a sigh and shook her head.
"'God'…you say I am playing. I am neither 'human', nor 'God'…Even 'Youkai' might be a rather inaccurate term. To say I have a sense of morality is almost laughable, Celestial. Yet, make no mistake about it…I love Gensokyo. It has been my home longer than you know. I am as much a part of it as it has been a part of me. That is why, as much you deem me a monster, I will defy your labels and offer you one final chance."
Yukari looked to the 'Shadows' and explained "If you leave here now, I will return these two to normal. However, you have to also accept and believe in the fact that I will do right with the menreiki. At this point, it is your safest resp-" A screech rang out in a cylindrical form, smashing Yukari in the face and pushing her back a few feet. Then, Unzan rushed in and grabbed the 'Shadows' by their faces, slamming them against the ground with a hesitating grunt.
Tenshi blinked twice and looked back, seeing a teary-eyed Kyouko with her mouth wide open, and Ichirin holding a ring out defiantly. The yamabiko closed her eyes and screamed "We-We're not giving her up to you, you stupid kidnapping jerk! Kokoro is m-my-no…OUR friend! She's part of OUR family, not yours! So if you want her…You're going to have to go through all of us!"
Ichirin looked to the Celestial and proclaimed as she quivered "Y-You can handle Yukari! W-We'll beat whatever's possessing Miss Hijiri and Lady Miko and get them back to normal ourselves!" Tenshi had her mouth agape for a little, turning to look as the 'Shadows' pushed themselves back up inorganically and sliced through Unzan's hands through unknown means.
"GO!" Ichirin proclaimed, and with an approving nod followed by a gulp Tenshi leaped between the 'Shadows' and readied to slash at Yukari. The witch, as the blood leaking from her ears retreated back in, cracked a curious smile and murmured "So, battle is what you choose. Very well then…" As the sword was swung out Yukari created two gaps that caused Tenshi to hit herself with the slash and get knocked to the ground.
As Tenshi quickly rose up Yukari grinned and said "Then I will play your game again. How very, very interesting…" The Celestial leaped up and tried to cut at the witch with a few rapid slashes, but Yukari floated back to dodge them while her eyes were closed. She kept Kokoro safely behind her at all times, and commented on that almost jovially "You are welcome to attack me from behind."
"Screw you!" Tenshi proclaimed as she widened the blade of her Hisou no Tsurugi and went for a more powerful swing than before. Yukari sunk back into a gap, and Tenshi quickly halted before harming Kokoro. Tenshi thought to attack the hands holding her, but the sheer blankness in the menreiki's eyes brought enough hesitation that the Celestial could do nothing as Yukari appeared behind her and grabbed her by the neck as she turned.
But it was not Yukari's actual hands that touched her, but the same type of cold ghastly limbs that were lodged into Kokoro's brain. Yukari held Tenshi up a bit and forced her head to look at the battle going on between the two religious groups and their monstrous leaders. Flashes of light brought on by "Miko's" sword cut through the fog and ripped apart the ground as a team of Murasa, Futo, and Tojiko worked their elemental attacks together to bring Miko down. Twirling streams of water were ignited by Tojiko, and Futo bathed the 'Shadow' in fire when it's skin was cracked.
Futo laid on the fire rather thick, paining herself as the 'Shadow' let out gargling, agonizing cries. "Crown Prince, I shall not fail-eth you! F-Fight back damn it! This cannot consume-eth you!" Her pleas came out vigorously, every ounce of her devotion culminating in the actions she took to try and save the person she considered most important to her.
With the other group, consisting of Nue, Ichirin, Unzan, Kyouko and Kogasa, they had to focus more on holding back the 'Shadow' of Byakuren's impressive strength. They would not falter, not be pushed back, and most certainly not let fear work against them. Loyalty and appreciation towards this person, this saint who gave them a purpose beyond what was expected of them, was far stronger than the darkness cast through this suffocating realm.
Yet even with everyone's cooperation in these desperate times, the 'Shadows' barely slowed and continued to attack. They lashed out violently and without focus, as though their base primitives desires were brought to the forefront. Without mercy or regard towards their comrades they kept on fighting, bringing devastation to the realm as Tenshi was force to watch, choked by the hand Yukari had gripped onto her neck.
"I want you to understand something, Celestial…I cannot be blamed for these events." She spoke without emotion and closed her eyes, cracking a docile smile despite her next words dripping with vile "After all, those two chose to lead their followers to my realm. Even knowing I was not one to be trifled with. That's because, like all beings, they are imperfect, and make mistakes. This could've been a learning experience, a chance for them to realize a grand folly and come out of it stronger."
"But…I suppose there's no helping it sometimes. One cannot truly determine how much it takes for someone to learn a lesson. One could be cruelly mocked by their peers, battered and beaten by mindless thugs, or wallow in their own self-doubts…Yet despite one or all of these things, they would continue their venomous mindsets. Truly the stubborn are those that poison the universe, but of course there is one truly final way to teach the blind and idiotic. A simple bout of death will do the deed right, above all else."
"So when you wondered what I am, I repeat again…I am not 'human', I am not 'God', I am barely even 'Youkai'. I am a teacher…I am Death." Yukari then slammed Tenshi against the ground and allowed her the chance to stand up, opening her eyes to a piercing glare.
"Your blade…It shapes itself to target the weaknesses of those you fight. It is something even I'm slightly weary of."
Tenshi clenched the handle of her blade and held it out beside, proclaiming "Good! Then you DO know fear!" Yukari smiled and said "Weariness is not the same as fear. There is nothing wrong with being concerned of weaknesses. Like how Celestials fear death. Now then, as I was getting at…If a point must be made to you all of the consequences of your behavior, then I will teach that through death. Now then, I have had my fun playing with you. I have more important things to deal with."
With a brush of Yukari's hand, four people suddenly leaped out and surrounded Tenshi. Ran and Chen were expected, but the half-ghost half-human gardener Youmu and the pink-haired ghostly princess Yuyuko were a surprise Tenshi did not need to deal with. Ran hung a claw out with her ferocity manifesting in a wide grin, Youmu drew both of her swords, and Yuyuko waved her fan before her face with a quiet look in her eyes.
"Well Celestial? What shall be your next move?" Yukari asked as she floated over her and pushed Kokoro away from the battle.
"You won't get aw-" Tenshi was stopped when Ran got in front of her and widely swung her claw forth, forcing the Celestial to swing their sword and repel the attack. The other claw swung out and sliced through the chest of her clothes, forcing her back as blood was dragged from the skin. Tenshi quickly turned around and blocked a frontal assault from Chen, but then Youmu got behind and with two broad swipes struck the Celestial with light that sent her flying through the wall of a nearby house.
A luminescent swarm of pink and blue butterflies floats into the house and blows it up in a puff of magical smoke, throwing Tenshi back along the ground, where she rolls into the path of a sprinting Ran, who throws her claws into Tenshi's back as hard as she could. The pain breeched the Celestial's body like an iron hot nail, grasping her so tightly she could only gasp until the kitsune threw her against the ground with all her might.
Ran then licked the blood from her claws and commented "It's rare that I get to let loose and be my old self, but for you…Ooooooh is it WORTH it." Tenshi tried to get up, but Ran stamped right on her back to keep her down.
"Eacch…AUUUUGH!" Tenshi convulses in pain, but fought through it with hands digging into the ground. Yuyuko, Youmu and Chen stood by, but the half-ghost looked away from what was going on with slight disgust in her eyes. Contrasting, Chen was clapping gleefully.
Tenshi looked up, peering through her dampened eyes to see Yukari gently gliding her hand around Kokoro's face, and through anger the Celestial exclaimed "D-Damn dog…! Can't you think for yourself?! How could you do this?!"
"Your attitude is laughable, Celestial…" Ran mocked condescendingly, then harshly told her while wiggling her foot back and forth to grind at the bones "You are the one in the wrong. Lady Yukari is right. What she is doing is saving us. The menreiki should be thankful that she was even chosen for this great task."
"…H-Heh…Bark bark bark goes the dog, repeating the orders of it's master yet again, never once realizing it's blind…" Tenshi laughs and smiles in defiance. Ran glared down with an irritated frown. With a snap of her fingers she gestured for Chen to come over. The cat bent down beside Tenshi's head and forced it up with one hand, using the other to keep her eyelids open. Ran kneeled down and rubbed her claws together.
"I'll show you what it means to be blind, Celestial. After I have sent you to the darkness, then I will send you to the fires of Hell." Pulling back her spread out claws, Ran was all ready to put her all into her attack when suddenly…
"Fire Sign…'Agni Shine'!"
Ran is met by a large fireball that strikes her in the face and sends her flying away. Chen is then hit with another fireball and launched with a pitiful meow. Yuyuko looked to the left, hiding her curious grin behind her oriental fan as she said gently "Yukari, it seems you should have expected more guests."
Yukari pulled her attention towards the spot the group had come in from, and now another one was there. It was the crew from the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Sakuya, Meiling, Patchouli and Remilia. Remilia swung her claws out at the lead of her group and announced her presence laughing, telling Yukari with fangs grit "You're having a party this big and you didn't invite me? Well that's just RUDE, gap witch!"
Yukari grinned and said snidely "Well that's interesting…You appear to have attacked the wrong group, vampire." Remilia gripped her claw out with a ferocious smile and replied "Nah, I think your heads on backwards for this one witch. That'd explain how screwy this whole plan of yours is."
"…Ah, so you choose to ally yourself with someone. How strange for a vampire." Yukari was brushed off by a scoff from Remilia, who with a slight blush admitted "P-Please! You're just messing with the friend of my little sister. That isn't going to fly, so I'm going to have to stop you here and now!"
"You mean, WE will, right?" Another voice called out from behind the gap, and with something wrapped up in a mythical cloth on her back Mamizou stepped up beside Remilia as the vampire sarcastically said "Yeah yeah tanuki, the only reason you even got here in time was because that odd green-haired Youkai told you."
"Oh, and she didn't tell YOU either? That's not what I reca-"
"Look are you going to keep ruining my entrance or will you do what you said you could?"
"Hehehe, only if the self-proclaimed Queen of the Night can do her job." Remilia licked her lips and then smiled blood red, pointing a claw at the group surrounding Tenshi and saying "Sakuya, take care of the gardener. Meiling, you handle the kitsune! Patchouli, you get rid of the cat. I'll handle miss pretty in pink over there!"
Remilia immediately charged forth at Yuyuko, who swung her fan in defense of the vampire's glowing claws. The two were pushed away, while the rest of the Scarlet Devil Mansion crew got into a scuffle with their assigned partners. Beside Mamizou, Shou and Nazrin looked out and saw the battles with the 'Shadows' going on still.
"I-Is that Lady Hijiri…?!" Shou said in absolute disgust and shock. Mamizou brushed at the two and said "Thank you for the assistance. I'll handle this from here. Go, save the one you cherish most."
The tiger and mouse were off, with Mamizou strolling towards Yukari while reaching for the object on her back. Yukari grinned, gazing upon Mamizou with little care as her words carried the same tone "The tanuki once again comes crawling out. What boldness do you have in mind for today?"
"Hmmm…I don't know. Perhaps I'll let actions speak louder than words this time."
"Ohohoh…You plan to kill me?" Yukari humorously brushed a hand out, but Mamizou smirked as the cloth of the tall object began to unravel. Only a little had to come off for Yukari to react with a slight grimace. In the tanuki's grasp was something that could be described as a spear, but it's form warped around uncontrollably and took on many forms all within the same millisecond. No one variation was the same as the others.
"Kill you? No…I plan to erase you absolutely from this world, Yukari." Mamizou firmly swung the spear in front of her body, and all manners of time and space distorted until she pulled back. Yukari paused, face stiffened with what appeared to be mild concern, and she cracked a grin while replying "I must admit, I didn't expect you to be so foolish as to follow through on your little claim."
"What can I say, tanuki's are great deceivers. Even the great Yukari was fooled into thinking I'd hold back. No…This time around, you're not getting away from me. This spear, the first Hakurei's fabled 'Spear of Phenomenon Purging', shall be your end."
"A spear intended to rend phenomenon from the world…Even something as powerful as concepts falls in it's wake. To think the first Hakurei had intended to use that against me the whole time…I must say, it's strange to feel betrayed by an over thousand year-old corpse." Yukari expressed herself with little emotion, but quickly snapped her fingers and proclaimed "Ran! Forget the gatekeeper! Deal with the tanuki!"
The kitsune sprinted right over, leaving an already scarred Meiling confused. Remilia just directed her at Youmu in turn. Ran got in front of Mamizou and slashed both her claws out to blaze the sky with red streaks, but Mamizou drew her sword to block the attack and then flip around to slice Ran in the back.
"Come on kitsune, you want to play again? I'll be able to beat you back with one hand." Mamizou playfully stated, but briefly nudged over at Tenshi while proclaiming "Hey Celestial! Get up! You got a chance to save Kokoro, so take it while I deal with this mangy mutt!" The Celestial was halfway up, but seeing the others fighting so bravely across this realm brought light through the darkness and in turn inspiration enough for her to fight through the pain in her back and leap forward. With a soft landing she drew her sword at Yukari and boasted "Got anymore reinforcements to waste my time with?"
Yukari surveyed the battlefield and saw things differently. Fools defying the darkness in their false leaders' hearts and managing to slowly push it back. A misguided vampire and her crew fighting for the sake of nothing of significance to her. A tanuki who was surely deceiving all for her own reasons. And finally a lone Celestial, who had the tenacity capable of defying death and the gods themselves, fighting for something as simplistically naïve as 'friendship' and 'family'.
With gaps opening up all around her, Yukari snidely looked down upon Tenshi and stated "No matter your boasts…No matter the armies you send against me. I am the wall you cannot overcome. Even if you brave it, you will be met only with the fires of destruction incarnate. The fate I offer you, this simple, painless death, shall be liberation from this folly you choose to make. Enjoy your final moments, Tenshi Hinawani…For they shall be drenched in blood."
Next Time: Farewell to the Heart