After three weeks, your body has mostly recovered. You decide to go to the Scarlet Devil Mansion (with displeasure from Reimu) to meet with Meiling. Now, you're inside the library. You're sitting down on a chair, a table in front of you. On the opposites, sits the resident librarian (with piles of book), Patchouli.
Patchouli Knowledge, the witch of the library. Similar height to Marisa, she has purple eyes and hair. Her hair is long that it almost reach the ground. There are many ribbons tied to various parts of her hair and clothe. She wears a pink clothing (that looks like a pyjama) and on her head, a pink night cap with a gold crescent moon on top. One time, you ask her why she's walking around in her pyjama all day. In which she respond with "It's not a pyjama. It's a normal dress. It's comfortable and easy to move in. It's a perfectly normal everyday attire. Also, there's no rule that a cap is not allowed indoor, is there? I feel comfortable wearing it and that's what matters. And no, it's not a pyjama," Patchouli explain as she wraps every part of your body and head in bodily water. After the incident, let's say that you were afraid of water for a few days.
"So," Patchouli starts, "Why is an injured person sits in front of me today?" she asks while flipping the page of her book. You reply that you missed your favourite magician in the world.
"Flattery won't get you anything," she curtly respond, not looking away from her book, "Remember our deal; bring me my books, then I'll teach you. No book. No teach." You lay your head on the table and asks if there's no discount for injured people, to which she reply with,
"No," she flatly says. She then sighs, "Honestly, that Marisa has been a real influenced on you." You don't think that Marisa changed you at all. Patchouli continues, "Of course the person himself won't notice. Anyway, my final answer stands. We made a deal, and we stick to it. Now, if there's nothing else, I would love to continue reading this book," she continues flipping the page. You call Patchouli name several times but no respond. Feeling bored, you stand up and tell Patchouli that you're taking one of the books. Patchouli made a 'un' sound and you walk to one of the many bookshelf.
You look at the long arrays of books, lay on the bookshelf. None of it catches your eyes. You're not much of a reader and the books that do fancies you are fictional story books. Most book that are in the library are technical books or history and that's not your cup of tea. You look around, to find the perfect book when in the corner of your eyes, you spot someone, pushing a book cart: it's Koakuma. Seeing that you have nothing to do, you go and greet the devil. Koakuma hear you calling out to her, and she greets back.
Koakuma is a devil that works in the library. She has long red hair and red eyes. On the sides of her head are two small black bat wings, while on her back are similar wings but much bigger. She's wearing a black dress with white sleeves.
"Hello," she waves her hand, "How are you today? Is your injury okay?" she asks. You say that you're fine and ask her what she is doing right now. "Hm? Oh, I'm just placing the books back to their place," she points to the book cart and books that are on it, "Lady Patchouli sometimes forgot to put the books back because she is focused with the thing that she reads. And not to mention, the books that Marisa borrows too…" she scratch her head. You, again, says sorry on Marisa's behalf.
"Oh, you don't have to! It's my job. Besides, Lady Patchouli has become slightly happier after you start to bring back her books. So, I have to say thanks for bringing the books back," she give a slight bow," Anyway, is there anything you need? Water? A book?" she asks you. Seeing that you have nothing going on right now (and you're bored), you ask if you can help her with her work.
"Are you sure?" she asks, "Weren't you here to meet with Lady Patchouli?" Originally, you were supposed to meet with Meiling so that you can start training for real, but she pushes you away because of your injuries. With nothing else to do, you head to the library to learn magic but was turned down.
"Well, in that case, I- wait, did you not come here with Miss Marisa?" No, you came here alone today. Why does she think that? "You always come here with Miss Marisa, it's just a surprised to me. Ehem, anyways. I'll take you on your offer then," she smiles, "Follow me. We'll sort out the book on this cart first. We can talk along the way."
You follow the devil, sorting out the books that are on the cart. You pick up the books and she gives you the place to put it. You do the ones on the lower bracket while she does the upper ones (because she can fly up there). She also sorts out the heavier, hard cover books because of your injury. Along the way, you make small talk, such as: the weather, food, books, anything really. Without realizing, we finished placing back all the books to their original place. Koakuma stretches her arms upwards.
"That went faster than when I was doing it alone. Thank you for that!" she smiles, "If only you could help me every day, work wouldn't be so long and tiring." You say to her that if she needs any help, you are willing to help. "Really? I would love that~" With the job finished, you say to Koakuma that you're going back to where Patchouli is, but before you do so, she stops you.
"Wa-wait. Before you go, I have something to tell you." You stop and wait for her. She slowly moves towards you. In front of you, she lowers her head and put her mouth right next to your right ear (you can hear her breathing), then she whispers,
"I think you should be wary of your surroundings when you're flirting with Marisa," she removes her faces from yours. It takes you a few seconds before the words registered inside your brain.
H-huh? Wh-what are you talking about? you hastily say.
"Hm? Aren't you and Marisa dating?"
No, we're not! What gave you that idea?
"Well, before..."
You were picking out some books from the bookshelf as per Patchouli's order when Marisa came stands next to you.
"Hey, hey. What are you doing?" Marisa asks. You say to Marisa that you are picking the books that Patchouli asks you and that Marisa should know that since she was there as well.
"What, is it wrong to make small talk now?" Marisa pouts, "For making me sad, a punishment is in order," she locks hands with yours, "Your punishment will be to hold hands with me." You say to Marisa that you need both hands to carry back the books but she just laughs it off. You held her hand for a while before she closes in and lay her head on your arm.
"I wish time would stay like this forever…" she mutters. You pretend not to hear her, and coincidentally, you also wish the same. You stay like that for a few seconds before she let go of your hand, and you both went back with the books in hand.
"… like that. You didn't see me because I was watching from above, sorting the books."
AAAAAAAAAA you internally scream. You didn't know that someone was watching you during that time. Koakuma continues,
"And wow, hand holding, how lewd," she blushes and put her hands on her cheeks, "Well, it's not like it's the first time. You done that plenty of time. Like that time when…" before she can continue her story, you stop her. You don't want to hear it. You ask the devil if she has told the story to anyone else, where she shakes her head no. You put your hand together, lower you head and says,
Please don't tell anyone about this. I'll do anything! Silence fell in the library. The silence breaks when Koakuma says,
"Anything?"
Yes, anything. you reply to her. You don't want the thing with Marisa to be publicized, and you certainly don't want it to come out from someone else's mouth. If they're going to find out that you're dating anyone (which you aren't) then you will be the one who tell them. You hear the slow footsteps of the devil in front of you, getting closer and closer, before she's directly in front of you. Then, you feel a finger is place on your chin, and your head are raise to meet with hers. You look at Koakuma's face and can see that she has a mischievous smile on her face.
"Then, you'll do anything I say, right?~~" the mischievous devil smiles.
Well, anything within boundary.
"No take back! Fufufu," she giggles, "Then, come to the library tomorrow. And don't think of not coming! See you tomorrow.~~" the devil then flies off. Looks like you got a date with the devil tomorrow.
"Hello? Are you listening" the devil (with her back turn) in front of you asks. It's tomorrow and you're back at the library. You meet again with the promised devil and help her around the library and now, she asks you for a massage.
"Muuu, you know, girls don't like it when you're not listening to them" she pouts, "We're all creatures that crave attention." You say sorry to Koakuma. "Fufufu. Anyway, I'm ready with the massage now~~," she moves her body left and right, eager for you to start. You crack your knuckles and promptly place both your hands on her shoulders. You start slow and put small amount of pressure, finding the spot that has a lot of stress on it.
"Ahhh~~, that feels great~~," Koakuma let her voice out, "You're really good at this~~". Well, you have done this before for Reimu. Whenever she's tired from her work (which is rarely) she asks you for a shoulder massage. It seems that this skills is useful somewhat. During the massage, you notice that her shoulder has a lot of stress on it. Probably from all the books that she carries all day. Because of this, you strengthen your presses on her delicate shoulder, illicit an approval voice out of her. Finishing the shoulder massage, you proceed towards her back. You pressed around her waist near her spine at around her tailbone. She shifts her body to get into a more comfortable position. You do this a few times before finishing. You forgot that Koakuma has this pair of wings on her back. You asks her if you need to massage her wings. Before Koakuma can say anything, you move your hand to her wings and touch it, then Koakuma let out a scream,
"Kyaah !" her body shudders and she moves her wings away from you. You also abruptly move your hands away. A couple of silence pass, then Koakuma slowly turns her head around to face you,
"Pervert ~~" a flushed devil says. You apologize to Koakuma for your insensitivity.
"Hmmm~~ What should I do, I wonder?~~" the devil says in a sing song manner. "Well, I forgive you. If, you hug me."
Huh? Hug you? you ask. She nods. Isn't there anything else you wa-
"No. Hug." she adamantly says while spreading her arms. Having no choice, you slowly walks up to her and give her a big hug. She reciprocate your hug. You're currently holding her. You can feel her heartbeat pound in her chest. Doesn't that mean she can hear mine too… you wonder. Looking at her head, you can see her little bat wings moves up and down. You stay like this for a minute before she moves away from you. The devil gives a smile and says,
"You're forgiven~~," she giggles, "You should have seen your face, your red as a tomato~~. Ahahaha," Well, you never hug someone before. "What, really? Then, doesn't that mean… I'm your first~~?" Phrasing woman. Phrasing. She laughs again. "Ahhh~~ Today has been fun. Sadly, I think that's all we have to do today. Well, let's meet again tomorrow," Wait, you have to do this again? "Hmm? Of course. Unless…" she points to her mouth. You agree to the devil's term. Looks like you have another date with this devil.
The next day and forth, you keep on going to the SDM library to meet with Koakuma. You mostly help her with the sorting out the books. After finishing with that, it's time to follow the devil's order: giving her a massage, getting pranked by her, and doing a bit of skinship. Koakuma intent of having a filled of fun out of you.
One day, when you're at the SDM library, helping Koakuma sorts the books out, you overhear Patchouli talking to someone. It is someone that you know too well. You peek at the table where Patchouli is and you spot the iconic magician and her broom: it's Marisa. You thought of greeting Marisa but then,
"Oh come on Patchy? Is there really no books on that?" Marisa asks, seemingly annoyed.
"For the last time, no. And for the subsequent future, no. You came here and you have ask me that again and again, and my answer will always be, no, there isn't. Also, return the books that you stole from me," Patchouli respond.
"Then, there's must be a spell for that. You know: a love spell."
You stop on your tracks and hide behind the bookshelf. A love spell? you wonder. Although eavesdropping is wrong, you curiosity wins against you.
Patchouli sighs. She closes her book, "Marisa, there isn't. And if there was, I would have…" Patchouli mutters.
"Huh? What was that?"
"Nothing. Also, a spell that would made a person falls in love with you is unethical. It would probably be in the dark arts. Why don't you start there?"
"I did. I already read it at home and there's nothing. I took it from here too…"
"Oh, so you took another one of my book?!"
"That's not important right now!" "Yes it is!" "Anyway, I thought this library holds all the books that I need… Man, what a waste". Patchouli stays silent. She then asks,
"Why are you so adamant on this subject?"
"W-well, you know, this and that" Marisa gives a non-answer.
"Marisa." Marisa scratches her head and look away.
"I'm… scared."
"Huh? You? Scared? Marisa is scared? The Marisa that act first, think later? The Marisa that despite the many danger of this library security system, went in and steals anyway? The Marisa that says whatever on her mind without filtering her words no matter who it was and gets in trouble for it later? The Marisa that whenever there is an incident, goes head first? That Marisa is scared?"
"Alright, alright, enough already! I get it!" Marisa scratches her head, "You don't have to say it like that. I'm human too you know!"
"No, it just… baffled me… Well?"
"It just… I'm afraid of change."
"? What does that have to do with a love spell?" Marisa looks down, her face has a tinge of red, "Ah. Ehem, continue."
"Right now, everything is fine. When we hang out, it's always been a blast. Every time we have to part ways for the day, it feels painful. Lately, my heart keep beating faster whenever we're together. The days that we don't meet, I longed for 'em. And when he's hurt, I was scared of losing him. I'm not sure if it's because I... you know, but if I have to say 'it' to 'em. I'm scared that he won't return my feeling the same way."
Patchouli stays silent. She takes a deep breath.
"Marisa," Patchouli says. Marisa looks up to Patchouli. "You're an idiot."
"H-huh?" says the stunned Marisa.
"Idiot: Dummy. Dum dum. Stupid. Half-wit. Imbecile. Moron. Dolt. Dunce. Dumba-"
"I know what idiot means!"
"Then I will say this: everyone change. If they're still alive, they will change. Nobody stays stagnant forever. Nobody will stays a 17 year old, no one walks the same path over and over again. Everybody will change. Even now, you've changed, Marisa.
"Huh? I have?"
"Of course you do. Before, I see a thief who only thinks for her own personal gains and will do anything by herself but now the same thief is talking about her problems instead of keeping it in," Patchouli points to herself, "Even I've changed, Marisa. And that's all because of you." Patchouli smiles. "Also," she point to Marisa, "If the guy can't love you for who you are, then they don't deserve you. The Marisa I know is someone who's annoying but helpful, crude yet honest, a thief who cares for her stolen goods. And also, a friend. You have your own charm and if that guy can't see that, hah, it's their loss."
Marisa sits there, dumbfounded. A few seconds later, she lets out a laugh.
"Ahahahaha, I see…" Marisa smilingly says, "Ahh~~, that's a weight of my shoulders. Thank you, Patchy. I didn't realize you know me that much~~" Marisa teasingly says.
Patchouli blushes, "I-I only says that because you moping around isn't something that I want to see. It's distracting to me. While you're at it, return back my books," she picks up a book, open the book and hid behind it, hiding her face. Marisa smiles.
It seems like you eavesdrop on something personal. You half-heartedly place the books in one of the bookshelf as you make your silent retreat. However, due to your half-heartedness, the book that you place before is falling. You try to catch it but fail to do so, as when the book fall to the ground, it was further away from the bookshelf, and now you're out in the open. You look to the two magician and see that they are looking at you. You smile (awkwardly) at the two and you pick up the book. Then, Marisa rushes to you and stands in front of you.
"H-hey, I didn't know you're here today," an out-of-breath Marisa says, "Patchy didn't tell me… Hahaha…" she awkwardly laughs. Then, she stretch out her hands and puts it on your shoulder, she asks if you hear her conversation with Patchouli and you shake your head, lying to her. She breathes a sigh of relief and lets you go.
"So, what brings you here today? Were you trying to learn magic from Patchouli again? You know you could learn it from me too…" Marisa asks. Before you have a chance to reply, a voice rings out from the distance,
"Heeeeeyyyy, where are you? We still have many books left to sort," Koakuma calls out to you. You say to Marisa that that's what you're currently doing. Patchouli responds,
"Oh, is that what you were doing with Koakuma?" Patchouli stands next to Marisa.
"Wait, you knew he's here?!" Marisa asks, bewildered.
"Of course. He's been coming here to meet with Koakuma for the past few days," Patchouli explains, "Koakuma seems to be happier whenever you come around."
"Heeeh, is that so?" Marisa turns to you, "You're helping Koakuma, huh? Why? Is it because you're trying to curry favour from Patchouli?~~" she nudges you on the side using her elbow. To not let the secret out, you nod.
"I appreciate it. But our deal still stands."
"I never know what the 'deal' is, what is it really?"
"Nothing that concerns you, Marisa."
"Eeeehh…" Marisa playfully pouts, "Well, now I know that you're here. You want to hang out? It's been a while since we've been together and we haven't hang out much because of your injury. We can read books together here, and-". You cut Marisa off. You say that you need to return to help with Koakuma. Hearing that, Marisa replies with "Oh, then, I could help you. We can slack of- uh, sort the books together so that you can finish faster an-". You cut her off again. As much as you would like that, you and Koakuma are fine. Marisa came here to meet with Patchouli and it would be rude to leave like that.
"Oh it's fine. Patchouli would be more happy if we leave her alone," she turns to Patchouli" Isn't that right, Patchy?"
"Do whatever you like. Just don't cause a scene in the library and Marisa, keep your hands to yourself," saying that, Patchouli walks back to her seat.
"Geez Patchy, I know! Geez, why only me?" Marisa playfully says. "Well, let's go th-" by the time she turns back to you, you already went back to Koakuma.
You return to a displeased Koakuma. "Muuu, you're late!" she pouts, "You know, girls don't want to be wait upon." You apologize to Koakuma. "Well, it's not like you did it on purpose. You were just meeting with our guest. Isn't that right, Miss Marisa?" You turn around and see that Marisa is right behind you.
"Yo, I heard that you and this guy was sorting the books, and the kind-hearted Marisa here wanted to help. That won't be a problem is there?"
"Not at all!" Koakuma replies, "It's just that it's rare that Marisa here wanted to help clean the mess she created."
"We-well, you know, sometimes you got the mood to help, you know? Anyway, let's go, there's no time to waste. Go, go!" an embarrassed magician says. Koakuma giggles at the magician antics.
And so, the three of you put back the book to their original bookshelf, making small chatter on the way. You thought that it would go without problem but the world doesn't work like that. During your work, Marisa would occasionally tries to get close to you or talk to you but whenever that occurs, Koakuma would always calls on you, maybe placing books or showing you some of the books that she finds interesting, leaving Marisa alone. It happens every time Marisa tries getting your attention, leaving the magician frustrated. On your work, you can slowly see that Marisa becoming agitated. You can see that she has a cute pout on her face whenever you leave her to attend to Koakuma.
Soon, the work is done, all the books in the cart has been placed in their respective book shelf. Koakuma stretches her arms upwards.
"Ahhhh~~ that was even faster than before~~. And it's all thanks to you, and you too, Miss Marisa," she smiles to the both of us.
"Ah, um, yeah…" a crestfallen magician says. No energy comes out of the magician.
"All that work has made me thirsty. Why don't I brewed us some tea? We can drink it together with Lady Patchouli. I'm sure she misses us right about now," she outstretch her hands and hold it with yours, "Let's go". You follow the devil but then, you can feel a tug on you shirt. You turn to see that Marisa is pinching your shirt. She doesn't move.
"Hm? What's wrong?" the devil in front asks you. She look behind you and see Marisa, tugging your shirt. "Marisa, what's wro-" before she can finish, Marisa cuts her off,
"Can I talk to him alone?"
"Hmm, but isn't it better to be toge-"
"Please". Koakuma waits for a few seconds before agreeing to Marisa request. She winks you goodbye and walks the path where Patchouli sits. You're now alone with the (face-down) magician. You turn to her and wait for her to say anything. Suddenly, she holds you in an embrace, her face buried deep in your chest. This catches you off-guard. You call Marisa a few times but no responds. The one thing she said was "Shut up" and you do so. You and her stays like that for a few seconds. You place your hand on your side, as you don't know where it's appropriate to put. You look around the place, awkwardness setting in. Then, you can hear that she mumbles something. You can't make out what she says, so you ask her again.
"… my he…" she mutters. You ask her again.
"Pat my head." You stand there, dumbfounded by the request. Then, you slowly and carefully place your hand on top of her head, touching her witch hat. You then slowly move your hand side to side, similar to how you do it to Aunn. You do it a few times before she says,
"Do it raw". Huh? What does that mean? It seems that she notices your confusion, as she removes her hat from her head. You resume rubbing her head, now directly touching her hair and scalp. Her head feels rough and there's some kind of wetness to it, probably moisture that's trap from her hat. The citrus smell that you once smell came back. You continue this for a while, Marisa unmoving from her embrace. You scan the room, scared that a certain devil is snooping around. You ask her if this is enough but she didn't respond. Soon after, she starts,
"Say that you love me".
… I like you, you shyly says. She doesn't move.
…I lo-love you, your face flush saying that.
"Now say that you want to live with me".
… No.
"Mrgrgrgr," she nuzzles your body. After a while, she look up to you, still hugging. "That's the part where you should say yes!" she pouts. You only laugh at her ridiculous demand. She joins you, laughing as well. "Hah~ this is nice~" she place her head on your body. You both stay there in silence. After that, Marisa is the first to break the silence, "Next time, please don't ignore me…". The only thing that you can say is that you'll try.
"Ahahaha, good enough," she then slowly let go of your body, her warmth lingers. "Well, I have my filled. Why don't we head back to the table? Those two must've been waiting for us. I'll go first though, as to not cause any suspicion," she turns to walk toward the table. But before that, she spin her body back to you, "Oh, before I forgot. Ehem, love ya ~" with her face flushed, she gives the biggest grin and turn back, practically skipping the whole way back. You watch Marisa's back as she walk away from you.
"Wow~~ how steamy~~" Koakuma whistle from behind. You sharply turn towards her, surprise. Has she been watching this whole time? "Well, yeah. I don't want to miss the two lovebirds getting in on the action," she sighs, "And after I gave you that advice you still done it. Has my advice fall on deaf ears?" Well, it's not under your control. "Yeah, yeah," she nonchalantly says. "But this gets me thinking: Why do you push Marisa away so much? You can see that she has a modicum of likeness for you. I just don't understand why". You stay silent for a few seconds, and reply with that it's not the right time for it. "I won't pry further, but you should cherish the people around you. Some people would die to have anyone to be with them". Koakuma lectures. Not wanting to hear anymore, you change the subject: by asking her why she's working here in the library in the first place.
"Muuu, that's not nice you know… Weeell, to answer your question, we have to go back to the beginning," she retells her story. You feel like there's been a lot of flashback this past few days.
It all started many years ago. I was just walking in Makai when, "Ah, Makai is where I live before. It's very, very, very, very far away from here. Anyway," I was leisurely walking when suddenly, a magic circle pop up beneath my feet! I then fell down and teleported here- "Hm? Is this story real? Does that even happen? Excuse me, who's telling the story right now? If you don't mind, please save the question at the end, thank you. Now, where was I… Oh, right," I fell down the magic circle, and then, I was greeted with two individuals. The first one was a vampire, Lady Remilia, and the other is a librarian, Lady Patchouli. They stood there in awe as they see me.
"Look, look, Patchy! A strong, beautiful and graceful devil comes out!" Lady Remilia screamed in glee at my figure.
"You're right, Remy. With such an elegance and strong devil like her, how can we ever compete?! We should give everything that we have for this great devil." Lady Patchouli exclaimed proudly.
"That's a great idea! From this day onwards, all the mansion would belong to the gre-"Huh? Wh-what's with that look? What's with the look of disbelief? What, you say I'm lying? No, it's the truth! W-well, I may have embellish it a little… I mean, it's fine, isn't it? Wa-wait, where are you going? Okay, okay! I'll tell it like it is! Geez…" she frowns.
"Hey Patchy. It works," the vampire non-chalantly said.
"It sure does, Remy," the librarian stoically responds. I was greeted with the vampire, sitting while drinking her tea and the librarian, standing while carrying an open book.
"Hmm… she doesn't look strong."
"It's fine. I just need someone to work around the library. Having the fairy maids handle the books gave me an aneurysm". The two continue talking to each other. After a few seconds of looking at my surrounding, I realize that I was brought to a library of some sort.
"W-where am I? How did I get here?" I ask the two.
"You're in the library right now," the librarian said, "The Scarlet Devil library's to be exact. I needed a familiar to help me around the library, so I summoned one. Didn't expect it to work though. Anyway, what's your name?"
"H-hmph! Why would I need to tell you? Also, isn't the one asking need to give out her name first?"
"Hoh~~ a stubborn one, isn't she?" the vampire adds.
"You're right," the librarian continues, "My name is Patchouli. Patchouli Knowledge. The vampire over there is-"
"Remilia Scarlet. The owner of the Scarlet Devil Mansion and the most charismatic and influential being of all of Gensokyo!" the vampire smugly added.
"Right… Anyway, would you mind telling me your name?" I ignore the librarian question, adamant on not giving my name out. "Hmmm… this is troubling."
"We could always force it out of her~~" the vampire sing songly said. I shiver hearing that.
"No, Remy, I don't want a fight to happen here. Last time you did, the library was turned upside down, and who do you think has to clean that up?" the vampire "Eeehh…" and looks away. "However, this troubles me. I don't like calling you 'you'. Then… how about Koakuma?"
Hearing that name, anger wells up inside me. They brought me here and decided to just make me work? Also, Koakuma? KOAKUMA?! LITTLE Devil?! I angrily stood up and said,
"Huh?! Who're you calling Koakuma?! I'll show you not to call me that!" I charged forward, ready to strike the librarian.
"Hmph, she is weak after all," the vampire boredly says.
The next thing I knew, I was laying down on the floor, the library ceilings is all I see. I was only fighting the librarian, but I didn't know she was that strong. It all happen in an instance. Slowly, the librarian figure came in to view.
"Judging by how you react, you either incredibly strong, or incredibly brash. Maybe both. Either way, a different environment can affect people differently. Anyway, I will employed you as the library assistant. Is that okay, Remy?"
"Do whatever you like. She doesn't interest me the slightest," the vampire stood up and walked away, leaving the librarian and me alone.
"Then it settles. From tomorrow morning, you will be the librarian assistant. After you're done resting, come meet with me, I'll show you where you'll be staying from now on. Tomorrow, I'll show you the scope of your job. See you later, Koakuma," the librarian adds, she then leaves. I can only lay there, and curses to no ears, except my own.
After that, I started working in the library. I learn where to put back the books, how to care for it, cataloguing, make tea. Whenever there's a chance, I try to sneakily attack Lady Patchouli but always falls flat. I use every chance I get to get back at the person who imprisoned me to this place: frontal, sneak, poison, trapping. Any chance I get. However, the more that I stay here, the more I learned about the resident of this place, how eccentric they are, and I learn more about her. How that she has a weak constitution. Or how she always compliment me whenever I did a good job. Or how she sometimes forgot to bathe- "Uh, ignore that last part," Then, more and more people comes in. First it's the shrine maiden and her magician friend. Others, then flock in. I got to meet with lots of people, and I can see the difference faces of Lady Patchouli. Something inside me changed. The place that I called prison, has now become my home. I'm even happier here than I was at my hometown. And it's all thanks to Lady Patchouli.
One day, after pouring tea to Lady Patchouli (she thanked me~~), I start sorting out the books near her table. Then, Lady Patchouli began speaking,
"Hey, Koakuma."
"Yes, Lady Patchouli," I stopped what I was doing, and listen.
"Have you ever thought of your hometown?"
"Hmm? Well… There are times when I think about it, but I'm happier to be here. With you, Lady Patchouli." I answer her with utmost confidence.
"Then, would you like to go back?" she looked straight at me.
"H-huh?"
"When I summoned you here, I never thought of the implication. For example, I don't know if you have a family, if there's anything that you need to be done there. I bring you here out of my selfishness. Sometimes, I think about it. Whether you hate being here or not. Before, you showed relentless animosity towards me, but now you mellowed out. I'm afraid that you're just tolerating this. So, I'm asking you again: Would you like to go back?"
Go… back? True, before I did make it my priority to return back home and take revenge on her. But now, I don't even remember what I was doing before I came here. I do remember the place but not what I was living there for. Even if I rack my brain, I couldn't see anything that I do there. However, when I think of this place, many things come to mind. I already know the answer to this question, as there's only one answer,
"Lady Patchouli," I take a deep breath, "Right now, my home has always been in Gensokyo, inside the Scarlet Devil Mansion, working at the library, and being next to you, Lady Patchouli. So, don't think that I ever want to return back, okay?" I wink at Lady Patchouli.
Lady Patchouli smiles, "Is that so? Then, resume your work," she picked up one of the books on the table and started to read.
"Yes, Lady Patchouli!" I enthusiastically said. Before leaving, I could hear out an audible 'Thank you' came out from her mouth. Thus, I started the day, with a spring in my steps. "And that's how I started working at the Scarlet Devil Mansion as the assistant librarian. The End," she took a bow. Being swept by the mood, you clap at her story. "So, so? What do you think?" You say that her story is good and her head bat wings flutter.
"Eheheh~~" her smile loosen. There're a few seconds of silence before Koakuma adds, "Hey, you remember our secret?" How could you not? That's the only reason why you're helping her in the first place. Although, it has been fun being with her, but you're not going to say that to her, "I want to revoke it. I think it's time that I held my end and I have my fill of fun," Koakuma smiles. You thank Koakuma for keeping with her promises, but then, she adds, "However, I have one favour. You don't have to do this if you think it's a hassle," Well you're here already, and listening to a request won't cost you, so you let her speak, "I want you to bring Lady Patchouli out of the library." And now it turns impossible.
"Hahaha, that look on your face says it all. I know it looks impossible, but there are some instances where she gets out of the library. For example, on Hatsumode at the shrine, she went out with Lady Remilia. Again, you don't need to do this, but I would be happy if you're able to convince Lady Patchouli to go out once in a while," Looks like she really cares about Patchouli, "Also, I think it would be funny to see the Unmoving Library leaves her cave, "… Well, at least she cares. You say to the devil that you'll try, but to not count on it. Koakuma nods. With that, you both make your way to where Marisa and Patchouli is.
Tomorrow comes, and you head to the SDM library. Your mission for today: to get Patchouli out of the library. The plan: there isn't one. You're simply going to ask her to come out with you. And that's what you did.
"No," the magician quickly responds, her eyes glued to her book. Well, that's not going to stop you. You pester her over and over again until finally, she (Koakuma) kicks you out of the library. Well, there is still tomorrow.
Tomorrow comes again, but this time, you thought of a plan: food. Nobody can resist food. The shrine maiden can attest to your statement. You tell Patchouli about the many delicious food that is made at the Human Village, and that it's only available for a limited time, which is today!
"Certainly, that does sounds delicious. I'll ask Koakuma to buy it for me," the magician speaks, eyes to her book. You say to her that Koakuma is busy with her duties today. By a stroke of luck, Koakuma walks by. You ask her if she's busy, winking at her. She gets the clue and follow along. "Really?" Koakuma nods. "Then, I'll just ask Sakuya. Sakuya, Sakuya."
"Yes, Lady Patchouli," Sakuya comes up behind Patchouli.
"There is something that I want at the Human Village. Would you mind fetching it for me? You can ask the Outsider for what it is."
"Certainly, Lady Patchouli," Sakuya gives a slight bow. You then walk out of the library with Sakuya, and you explain to her that you lied about the thing in the Human Village. You were scolded heavily by Sakuya.
You did everything that you could to get her out of the library: dragging her out by force, threaten to take the books out of the library, and explain the benefit of going outside and touching grass, to which you are met with Patchouli's wrath every time. It gets to the point where Patchouli questions,
"I don't know what you're trying to accomplish here, but if you did this again, I'll… [redacted]" she angrily stomps off.
It has been five days, you're body has mostly recovered, and you're having a strategy meeting with Koakuma.
"I think we should stop this. I know I'm the one who asked you to do this, but Lady Patchouli doesn't seem to be happy about this." No! We've already started so there's no way we stop now. You ask Koakuma if there's anything that we can lure Patchouli out with.
"Hm… Lady Patchouli usually keeps it to herself…," Koakuma thinks. Then, "Oh right, there was that one time," Koakuma tells her story.
One day, when I was working, I walked past Lady Patchouli. She was muttering something.
"Marisa. Marisa. Kill. Kill. Marisa. Marisa. Never forgive." I thought it was the usual spiel after Marisa came over. But then, Lady Patchouli asked me,
"Hey, Koakuma?" I stopped what I was doing and asked her what's wrong. "I need your opinion on something, and I want you to be truthful to me." The way that she asked me sounds very serious, so I was nervous, waiting for her to continue. "Do I... look fat?"
… Huh? Lady Patchouli reiterates, "I'm not fat, am I?" I was flabbergasted by the question. Lady Patchouli is not one to care for her appearance. I mean, there's times where she came out to the library wearing her pyjamas. I might have taken too long to answer, as Lady Patchouli's face turn to a worry. I say to her that she's fine as she is.
"Really?" Lady Patchouli asked, "Really, really? Are you sure? You don't go around and call me 'Piggychouli behind my back, do you?" 'Piggychouli?' I ponder. I said to her that I wouldn't dare do that and asked why she's concerned of this.
"… Yesterday, Marisa came over…" Lady Patchouli begins.
| After a bit of tussle with Marisa, we both enjoy the tea and dessert that was brought over by Sakuya: butter cookies and black tea. We talked about random things. Then, Marisa asked me a question.
"Hey Patchy. Have you ever exercised?" It was a sudden question, but I rationally answered that I don't need to do something like that as I was fine right now. However, I asked Marisa why she imposed that question to me. "Well, you know, whenever I came over, you usually put out lots of sugary things for me." Of course, even though she's a thief of the library, she's still a guest. It would be incredibly rude to not serve anything. It was only obvious. "Oh, so that's why you're a bit chubby lately."
… I asked Marisa what she means by that. "I mean, you sit in this library for ever, and the only activity that you do is flipping over book pages. It's no wonder you got fatter," she drones on. I was almost at my limit when she kept on going, saying that I gained weight, fatter and other similes, but her last comment, "If you don't cut out with the sweets, sooner or later, they're going to start calling you 'Piggychouli'," was what broke me. |
"… and that's what happened," Lady Patchouli finished. That's why she was cursing Marisa to high heavens. "So, you're sure, right? I'm not getting fatter, right, Koakuma?" I told her that I didn't notice anything different at all. Lady Patchouli gives the biggest smiles. "I see… You're right. I haven't gained weight. Marisa was just teasing me, that's all. Thank you, Koakuma. I knew I can count on you." I smile when she's shown me her happiness. It is worth noting, that on the table, there were slices of cake, ready to be eaten by the worried librarian.
You hear Koakuma's story. She was worried about her weight? You couldn't even tell, with how her outfit really hides her figure. Also, girls should really have more meat on their body. You wished that Reimu has more meat to her than she is now.
"Huh, so that's what you preferred…" Koakuma mutters, but you're unable to make what she says. However, with this new knowledge, you devise a new plan. You tell Koakuma the details and begins researching.
Three days later, you arrive early at the SDM library. You hide with Koakuma behind one of the bookshelves and wait for your target: Patchouli. Finally, your target arrived. She starts walking towards her usual chair and desk, carrying a book with her. She gets ready to sit down, but before she does, she sees a book lay on the table. The book that you made in three days, The Ez Way to Lose Weight. Even a bookworm can do it! You go around, asking the many housewives of the Human Village, the skinny shrine maiden, and Meiling. You also collaborate with a certain tengu, so that you can enhance your writing, to make it more pop. Patchouli is an avid reader. When a person sees something that aligns to what she wants, they're more likely to pursue it. You bet your three days for this to work, and you hope that it does. Patchouli looks bewildered when she sees the book, but then she slams her hands on top of the table.
"That Koakuma," she loudly speaks, "So she does think that I'm fat. If she comes in front of me right now, she'll get what she deserves." A dark aura looms over the librarian. Koakuma shiver behind you. You tell her that it will be fine. Koakuma says that if this plan failed too, she'll bring you out as the mastermind of the operation. Now you really need the plan to work. Even though Patchouli is in enraged right now, she still opens the book and read it. She takes her time to read the piece you put out. You wait until she reaches halfway of the book before you begin the second part of the plan. You walk out from hiding and greet Patchouli.
She looks up from her book before continue reading, "Oh, it's you. Hey, have you seen Koakuma? I need to have a word with her". You say that you haven't seen her all day today. You ask her what she's currently reading. "Hm? This? It's a book on dieting. A soon-to-be dead devil played her tricks on me," her eyes glued back to the book.
Is that so? you say. Oh yeah, that reminds me. You know how I'm training with Meiling right now? Well, she tells me about the benefits of the exercise. Such as, increase metabolism, the ability to think clearly and… weight. lost. you enunciate the last part. No response from the librarian, Looking how you show an interest on that, how about we exercise a bit? It won't do you any harm. You wait for the librarian to respond. Sadly, she answers with her usual: no.
Shame. Well, the offer still stands. If you want to burn some calories, the root of weight lost, meet us at the front entrance, you wave Patchouli goodbye. Before leaving the library, you see in the corner of your eye, a pleading devil, wishing that the plan work. You also silently wish for it to work.
You're now outside and meeting up with Meiling. "Oh hey, you're here!" Meiling greets you. "I hope you're finished with what you're doing. So," she looks around, "Where is the mystery guest?" You look behind you, sadly, the aforementioned guest did not come. You say to Meiling that she has something comes up and she's unable to attend. "Oh, is that so…" the gatekeeper gives a weak smile, "Well, if she's busy, there's nothing that we can do. Well, let's begin with warm up an- Oh, Lady Patchouli, what are you doing her today?" You turn back to see the frumpy librarian, "It's rare to see you out. Are you heading somewhere?" A silent accompany the place. Then, Patchouli speaks,
"No, I have a request for you today, Meiling," Meiling stands ready, ready to follow the Lady's request, "I want to follow along your exercise for today. Would that be alright?" Another silent. Then, Meiling starts tearing up. "Wh-what's wrong, Meiling?" the librarian worriedly asks.
"N-no, it's just… I'm… I'm just so haaappppyy~~" Meiling says between tears. She wipes her tears away with her right hand, "Alright! Since Lady Patchouli is here, I have to give it my all!" Meiling enthusiastically says. In the corner of your eyes, you can see that Patchouli is having seconds thought already.
By the end of the training, Patchouli is sprawl on the floor, her breath is heavy and she sweats like an open faucet. You're also tired from Meiling training. Odd, usually she's a bit easier on you. Maybe it's because Patchouli is here that she takes it up a notch, to impressed Patchouli. But what she did, however, evoke ire to the heart of the exhausted librarian. Meiling, however, looks as she has fulfilled one of her life-long dreams. "Aaaahhh~~," Meiling stretches her arms, elation writes on her face, "That has been the best experience~~ Isn't that right, Lady Patchouli?" Patchouli didn't say a word - rather, she can't, because her throat is as dry as the Sahara Desert(?). You give Patchouli some water and she drink it like she hadn't have it in forever. In an instance, the water is gone.
"Oh my, now this is a rare scene~" you hear a voice from behind, and you turn around. A vampire, the head of the house, is outside the mansion, with an opened parasol. "Is that Patchy I see? Does our Unmoving Library find a book outside~~?"
"Shut… up…" the Unmoving Library says between exhausted breath.
"Now, now, this is a special occasion. One that needs to be celebrated. Sakuya, Sakuya~~"
"Yes, my lady?" Sakuya pops up behind the vampire.
"Bring the table and tea outside. Today, is a celebration for our residence librarian."
"Certainly, my lady". With that, a table, some chairs, tea set, and a dessert stand with various sweets, are materialized out of nowhere. The vampire takes a seat while the maid pours her her tea. "Hm? Patchy, what are you still laying on the ground for? Come, let's partake. This is a special day for you. You too, Meiling."
"M-me too? Thank you, Lady Remilia!" she bows down and one of the seats. You look at Patchouli and she still hasn't move. You give one of your hands to assist her.
"Thank you," she's still unmoving, "But, if I eat that now, all my hard work will be fruitless." Although there's some truth to it, you say to her that to think of it as a reward, for taking the first step. She looks unconvinced at first, but she takes your hand, and you hoist her up. "You're right," she smiles, "A reward. It's fine if it's a reward," she convinced herself. You slowly walk with her to the table. Suddenly, you feel a chill. You look to one of the windows of the mansion. There's nothing there. Despite that, you feel like something is watching you. Although, it could just be your imagination, so you brush it aside, and enjoy the dessert with the resident of the Scarlet Devil Mansion.