"So with this in mind magicians are the only ones with any ability to study all types of magic without adverse effects. You mentioned you try to use earth magic and that your skin was being pulled apart to make iron?" I showed my bandanged left hand to her. Unraveling it to reveal the bits and pieces of metal that I've tried to pull off. It doesn't hurt much. Patchouli looks at it.
"Metallurgy reconstruction." Pretty soon the pieces were fully taken out of my hand and turn into a small iron nugget on the table. I flex my hand and it had alot more mobility.
"Thanks Patchouli."
"You're welcome. Now then. About little miss Scarlett's plight." Flandre's face after an hour of our little back and forth was a form of loathing that you could drink.
"Are we finally done Patchy?" The chains disappeared and her eyes finally had some life in them again.
"YAAAAY! I'M FREE FROM THE TORTURE!" She gets up and flies around the room while laughing with pure elation. She landed near us sending loose papers everywhere.
"Now can we play? Please Patchy?" The way she held this type of childish whimsy while sounding demanding is weird to say the least. Other than seeing the reclusive bookworm's fluster reaction of gathering as many fluttering papers.
"FLAN!...Ugh...You...know better. *cough* *cough*." Patchouli was inhaling the dust particles that were now present in the air. Can I just?
"Tsunami Raijin." As it was when I started out experimenting with my abilities I watch as the water surround the librarian in a flash she was dry and the dust particles weren't surrounding her.
"Fascinating...truly a magician at heart aren't you?"
"I suppose I am. Although, couldn't you design a spell to help with dust?"
"You're correct. However, it's hard to get readily available materials. I'm certain you understand how our abilities work better within a proper environment?" She's right. It was easier to have water nearby then making it out of thin air.
"Which is why I made lightning my main element. You know because you just need to grab vacant atoms and then vibrate them super fast and upon collision..." Patchouli was writing something down upon my explanation.
"Do you know science Patchouli?" She stops her writing to think about how to respond.
"I've heard of it and thought it was a form of mathematics you use for magic. However, it seems closer to having rational explanations then trying to just be algebraic equations and formulas." She technically has the gist of it.
"Well that is technically how it works se-!?"
"BORINNNNNG! WHY ARE YOU TWO SO BORING!?"... Ok lil one. I'm done.
"You really want to play that badly huh?"
"Yes!"
"Ms.Knowledge. Isn't it time to make this more practical so that the little lady can have fun?" Patchouli looks at the excitable vampire and sighs. A clear hint of tiredness in her eyes. I can guess Patchy has been at her wits end.
"I'm going to bed...Koakuma?" The little devil appears in a suit and has a reserved smile on her face.
"Patchouli, you called?" The playful hint to her voice.
"We're done for today. You did well today flan now then. I must seek rest, watch over the two of them until they're done."
"As you wish Miss Patchouli." Koakuma waves her hand and soon the books move on their own.
"It's a convenient passive to will autonomy to any object you want." Koakuma can just...bring life to anything she wants? That makes her life easy. Soon the whole area was clear. Patchouli took a slow lazy glide away from us.
"Have fun you two, and Flan?"
"Yeah Patchy?"
"Don't get carry away like last time. It's hard to repair clothing and books." Flandre giggles. Her red slit eyes focus on me like a cat with it's prey. Totally not scary to look at it.
"I won't! I think Venus can keep up."...That depends.
"Sure with you, or me?"
"Oh ho! You think you can?" Flandre's wings fully spread out twice her body length as she took off. The sudden shockwave from this motion seem to stumble Koakuma.
"Easy you two! Don't wreck the Viole I promise to keep it spotless this time." I chuckle as I follow Flandre's movement. She's surprised that I can fly just as fast as she can.
"HAHAHAHA! I'LL GO FIRST!"
CRANBERRY SURPRISE
What happens next is...Well.
*BWASH* *BEWM* *CRRRSH*
FLAN! THOSE ARE RIGHT NEXT TO ME!
A series of explosion meant to force me to crash. The only sign that they'll explode is that each explosion is impoding on air before expelling a blaze of flames. I can redirect these back at her. Flandre though...she's living her best life while I'm thinking about how to do this.
"ARE YOU REALLY STRONG! CAN YOU MISTER!? HAHAHAH!" ...This is the younger sister of the Scarlett household name. She really is...
"Heh. OK FLAN! YOU REALLY WANT TO SEE WHAT WHAT I'M CAPABLE OF!?" ...I gather the flames up until they turn blue...The hottest physical flames there is.
"HERE GOES!"
AZURE CYCLONE
Considering my pension to create hurricanes causing a massive tornado of fire wasn't impossible for me.
*FWOOULLLSH*
"WHOA!...THAT'S REALLY PRETTY!"...Pretty dangerous cause it's made of very explosive materials. I surround Flan until she's trapped.
"HEY! THAT'S CHEATING!" On the battlefield you have to think smart. Clearly this isn't the end. Her confidence was still there as she raise her hand. 2nd stage is go.
"NOW THIS IS...FUN!"
LAEVATEIN:VAMPIRE'S WILL
There it is. The staff that can destroy anything it touches. It's a black rod with a spaded end to its curled design. She spins it around and...SHIT!
*Shrewwwwwnn*
Y-YO! CAREFUL! I WANT TO BE IN ONE PIECE!"...The spinning lasers that shot from the rod disrupted the rotation of the cyclones around her. She finally stops her twirling and had a fanged smugness to her.
"Come on. I'm just getting started."...Maybe, I don't have to hold back.
"JIRAI!"...It felt different. Like less weight was on me. Guess I'm getting used to it. I pull out my knives. It's only fair if she pulls that out. I want a way to block it that isn't my arms. She seems enamored of the odd knives.
"Those are cool? What they do?"...
"Not quite sure beyond the usual catalyst like other magic items." She groans.
"NOOOO MORE...BORING...STUFF!"...I can guess she got frustrated not being able to go all out.
"let's go then!"
"HERE I COME!"
Such a child at heart.
"Sir open your mouth, you gotta drink this." Shion was tending to the sick and while the obvious fear in his elderly eyes he reluctantly accepted the medication.
"See?... Now sleep tight and you'll be better when you wake up."
"You're taking the stares admirably Miss Yorigami." Eirin eyed the poverty god in her nurse uniform of Eintei. Shion gave a bow in thanks.
"I used to help the sick in the alleyways of the outside world and at the village...It usually ended poorly. But, now I can really help them." Shion was in a really good mood and her radiance of her smile was clearly showing.
"Thats good. Now then I must attend my reports for this morning. Ah! Arasaka!" The youkai child pops his head inside knocking over a vacant Inaba with his horns.
"Ma'am?"
"Tsk...We must do something about those horns young man."
"Please...no."
"Anyways, you're done with your chores?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Good, now help our celestial organize the beds and come to my office. That goes for you too Miss Melancholy." Medicine look at Eirin confused.
"Ms.Yagakoro?"
"It's nothing serious. Its just a discussion of the future." Eirin look at Arasaka with worry.
"Ma'am you okay?" She lightly chuckles at his question.
"Yes, thank you for your concern...You should've came with us at the Festival."
"Sorry, but I don't like crowds of people." Eirin sighs as he hurried away.
"We're a crowd of people. I wonder if he'll accept?" Medicine looks at the mumbling doctor.
"Ms.Yagakoro?" She snaps her attention at Medicine.
"It's nothing. Ahem...Back to work all of you." The confusion that follow on Shion and Medicine's face was clear as day.
"...You don't think?"
"Eirin might be looking to for Yuuka to take him in."
"We don't have the space. Hell, we just got settled here. I think she just want my opinion on him."
"Well...I better tend to the next room. They need some warm soup to get better."
"Is it carrot soup?" Shion chuckles.
"Rice and chicken actually."
"We have chickens?"
"A nearby farm grows and tends to most of the meat here. It's hidden away by bamboo." Reisen butts into the conversation.
"Ahh no wonder people can't find it."
"Right. Now then, Ladies?"
"Yes?"
"Get moving!"
"Right away Ms.Undongien!"
"Another good morning."
We've came to a stalemate within a solid hour of dodging and out smarting clever usage of our powers.
"Hah! Hah!... I'm gonna win!" Flandre had spunk, but even I can tell she's spent. Her haggard breathing and unsteady flight. She's used too much of her power. She reaches out with a vacant hand...Flan?
"K...K...K-yu."SHIT!
*KRWASH*
I dodge the implosion effect as Flandre finally pass out from overexertion. I flew quickly under to catch her.
"Annnnnd...GOTCHA!"...Well she tried to kyu me just then. However, she's light and sleeping soundly. She's clearly more happy than before. Landing down gently. Koakuma came by flustered at the display.
"Sir! You aren't hurt are you?" Not really. I offered her the sleeping vampire child and she accepts.
"I'll put her to bed right away." The clacking of her heels on the wood floor echo throughout the giant library. I stretch a bit, cause flying gives me some stiffness if I float for too long.
"Hey Sakuya. How'd I do with Flandre?" I turn around to see the head maid waiting.
"You've survive her onslaught and with minimal damage. The way you use your powers."
"Yeah, I prefer to make it a spectacle than to actually hurt anyone. I even learn a new trick." I turn on my passive and this time I didn't feel the heaviness in the air.
"Yes, it was very pretty. Never seen fire of that color. Then again, you chose some unorthodox colors for your powers. How did you make invisible fire?"...Not telling her the alchemical properties.
"My actual ability is closer to Patchouli. The difference is how we accomplished the elements we control. I have atomical control, she can control the basics while mine are fine tune. We compliment eachother in terms of abilities and thought process." I look at Sakuya who had her mouth agape.
"What?" She shakes her head.
"To think that sir can be so brazen to a confession."...I'm sorry what?
"It's not a confession...it's an observation of what I've notice within my short time. In other words. Patchouli's and my own knowledge work in tandem torwards a common goal." It's not a form of love or anything. I certainly respect Patchouli's well, knowledge on magic. She had hundreds of years to perfect her powers.
"I see...It's just odd to find someone that can explain in full detail what they've notice. Humans here aren't...the most intuitive like our dear ordinary magician or the Shrine Maiden."Yeah that tracks. To keep the balance we must also keep them ignorant to some things...Except one problem.
"Aren't humans taught magic?" Sakuya nods.
"Thanks to Mr.Kirisame yes. Magic is taught regularly in the village. We're not that inept or proud to withhold such information to the very people that keeps my mistreses alive. I'm certain there is some ignorance is bliss especially with the farmers. However, the majority are quite good at magic just not the best at it." Right, can't have people blowing holes into people's houses or worse.
"Are there...Youkai hunters?" Sakuya stops her walking and there seems to be this glass eyed look to the maid.
"Sakuya?"
"Yes, there was...during...We should eat with Remilia." She hurries away with less elegance than usual and her veneer was broken as the flustered maid made her way out of the Viole.
"Another sour topic. This time I was just curious." With everything that happen this summer it leads me to one conclusion. Don't speak of it, don't explore it. I can't help it.
My will to learn everything there is still burns on.
"Ms. Yagakoro?" Eirin had a office with the only computer on Eintei grounds staring at the screen as she type away while not paying attention to the new additions of her room.
"Ma'am?" Eirin stops typing and swivel her chair to meet the two young youkai.
"As per your request Melancholy. Wood polish and rust removal will be given to you when you leave our humble establishment." Medicine nodded as Eirin turn her sights on Arasaka.
"I've been wondering Arasaka. Do you know what adoption is?" Arasaka nodded.
"The Inabas explained it well enough. But, youkai aren't...Well we're not well like by most people." Eirin checks her desk drawer and takes out a piece of paper and writes on it.
"Ma'am? What is this about?" Eirin smiles.
"For now on you're apart of Eintei. Arasaka Yagakoro. I've been secretly setting this up to make it official, but I wanted your opinion. Arasaka do you want to stay here with us?" Arasaka had a long lost look as he gazed at the room around him. Eirin offered to show him that he was now under her care. As he read it.
"Why?"
"I'm...If I'm honest. I'm in need of parenting skills. We won't be the most conventional family. But, you'll have Tewi and the other Inabas. Undongien and Kaguya for support. And...well me as your adoptive mother. I just wanted to know if you was ok with this?"
"I can call you mom?"
"If you wish?"
"Momma."
"That too." Eirin was wondering if he was in shock until he ran around hug her. He was quite strong for a young youkai.
"Momma!"
"Yes, Mother got you now. No more waiting, no more judgement. I had talks with my peers and we best thought to let it go. I couldn't however. My life is much too short to not let you be happy. Now then off you two go. Oh and Arasaka?"
"Yeah?"
"Welcome to your new home. Be sure to welcome your new aunts."
"Will do."
"Kids...I think I get why Yuuka has so many to looked after. So Medicine future plans?" Medicine shook her head.
"Not that I know of. What was the real reason for this?" Eirin just puts her finger to her lips.
"I've promise your mother not a soul will know. If anything Winter is tough for her the most."
"But, we can handle it. I'm strong enough to do so."
"Are you? The cold plays many tricks on those with no blood to keep them warm. You're a reptile in a unnatural state. I'm mearly making an observation of the situation. Besides, she was due for a bit of rest a week ago."
"How come you don't?"
"I don't get sick, I'm a doctor. Now, shoo. Go play or help the Inabas little one." Eirin waves her hand in an away motion.
"Alright Ms.Yagakoro."
"So you just prefer not to talk?"
"Yes. I'm not the best at explaining myself with my voice. How's your sister, feeling better after our little play session?" Remilia scrunched up her face probably in an attempt to look down at me.
"To think a great vampire would be beaten by the likes of you." Yeah, I expected that.
"I didn't win. It was even until she tried to "kyud" me to death." Remilia stops drinking her tea and looks at me like I'm crazy.
"You're certained? She..." Remilia mimics the action I saw from Flandre and kept her outstretched arm pointed at me and was doing a open and closed motion with her hand.
"Yep."
"You're still here in one piece though."
"I have no reason to lie. You can ask Koakuma and Sakuya about it."
"Sakuya?"
"From my account of our conversation and Koakuma's testimony everything lines up with his story. Little Misstress tried to use her ability on him and from Koakuma's personal report. "He dodge his eye being crushed." You're a youkai like the others except me. Yet, you physically dodge the inevitable."...Actually from my fight with her, her ability was more like a timed explosion. If you move away from the spot she aimed, you can avoid it. She probably wasn't focus enough to do it instantaneously.
"There seems to be some issue with how it works... Have you've seen this before? I copied the air being suck in and then a puff a smoke appeared to push out.
"Yes, many times. But what does that have to do with Flandre's powers?"
"Because it isn't instantaneous. It's timed and while it's unexpected for most, you guys must have fought the "kyu" in real time? Right?"...I can't be missing any of the details. My experience with what she did was an implosion effect. Her ability to destroy anything with Laevatein's own atomization of living things makes her the most dangerous one here. If she can control it however. It all might be just another form of imperfection from childish error.
"My hypothesis is that Flandre's ability hasn't mature enough to where she can do that on a whim."...A fair assessment of the fight.
"I'll give it some thought. If she did try to kill you then I fully apologize."
"Nothing to apologize for. It was fun to not hold back against someone of her caliber."
"You must find death amusing."
"No, I just knew that it didn't matter what happen cause I expected this when coming here." Sakuya and Remilia shared a look of caution.
"We've barely got the chance to talk to you at the Festival. You were with the mindreader right?" I nodded.
"Anything you wanted to say about me? You're a rare guest inside our grand abode."...That's a toughy.
"I think Lady Remilia...is a great hostess. Though childish, I think you're the best fit as the head of the Scarlett household." She mulls over my wording.
"Anything else?"
"I...think I've said enough as...well being honest can get you hurt." Too many times I said exactly what I thought and most people can't handle it.
"I very much like to hear it still."...Really? Alright.
"Lady Remilia is a cute and funny girl who thinks way too highly of herself instead of embracing her flaws and just live her life with her family." I meant this with full clarity. I breathe out in fear of the few silent seconds drone on and then I see her smiling...she isn't mad? She relax her posture before getting up and walking over to me.
"Is that the truth?"
"Yes."
"The feeling is scary when it comes from a man you know."
"What?"...!
She tries to pulled on the collar of my shirt.
"If that mindreader didn't get to you first. I would've had you to myself. Hell, I let all of us have our fun."...Noted and sealed away forever.
"Well it's a good thing you won't try anything?...Right?" She lets go and the look she gave wasn't a children's stare...it was the fire of wanting something you couldn't have. In that moment her maturity was at full bloom despite her body.
"Quite right, Mr.Rose. What a disappointing loss. Just how many women were coherse into your arms?" Not many when I was alive. I also didn't really care for relationships.
"An easy answer. 2. One in my first life, and the 2nd is Satori. I thought you girls would set your sights on the human men to satiate such needs." Remilia chuckles as she saunters back to her seat.
"Humans...are fragile. Youkai...are strong. If a strong youkai male can sweep me off my feet one day. I'll be the happiest gi-woman around." She slip her facade a tiny bit there.
"Any reason why there are so few youkai males like me. I just saw a wolf Tengu a few days ago?" Remilia groans in frustration.
"Youkai that look like humans are rare, but not uncommon. Recently there is a surge of half youkai running around. Half of them female the other male. It'll take awhile to even think about going after those sprouts. Yes, we're only human for so much. I'm certain you've seen how youkai act...while in heat?"...
"You girls?"
"Yep."
"For how long?"
"Until spring is over."
"...Oooooohhhh."
"Now you see why we wanted to get close?"
"Is this collectively all youkai?"
"It's worse for animal base youkai...like the Satoris."...
"So, not only are you girls mass virgins."
"HEY! Called us pure. We prefer pure."
"But like...Rinnosuke exists."
"...You think I have the time to go out of my way to convince a shopkeeper?"Yes actually.
"In what way do you any of you do out here? You go through the motions like the rest of us and never truly changed cause like humans...You dislike it deep down." That seem to be a step too far judging by her expression.
"I've allow you to speak freely for too long. You're a guest who's about to see just what I'm capable of. I won't deny the notion that we all should go out more. But, I'll won't be called lazy by a gardener's son." I smirked a little cause quite frankly...I like this side of girls more. Them being angry at me. Treating me like I don't get it.
"Stop smiling over there! This is serious."
"You have a great angry face Remilia. It certainly brings out my point."
"Your point?"
"That you still have much to learn about charisma." Oh there it is...That red face the crease eyes. The focus tint of anger. I should stop teasing.
"I'LL BURY IN MY GARDEN!"
"Ok. Ok. You win Lady Remilia. Lighten up." She sighs and goes back drinking tea.
"So Sakuya any questions if I'm about to be kick out?"
"I'd best focus on reconciling with Mistress for the time being."
"Good point."
"Okay, that should finish that up. Arasaka you look happier. What happen?" Arasaka took a hesitant step until he ran into Reisen arms.
"Auntie Reisen."...She had a flustered look to her. With her footing becoming unbalance from the sudden weight.
"Careful there!...Auntie? Since when?"
"Momma adopted me." Reisen tried to figured it out until the silver hair woman finally appeared before them, absolutely beaming at the display.
"Master! This better not be a cruel joke from Tewi."
"I assured you. He's my little doctor in training along with you."
"Your...You're certain?"
"I always wanted kids just couldn't do it the natural way." Arasaka let's go of the confused moon rabbit.
"How are our new nurses?"
"They did well enough. Especially Shion. She's quite good to the sick children. Speaking of... You need a bath Arasaka." Reisen watch him run away from them both surprising Eirin as she jolted in surprise.
"Oh! No running in the hospital!"
"Catch me if you can!"Reisens ears turn crooked as a tired expression was plastered on her face.
"Again...Ushi onnas are too excitable. GET BACK HERE MISTER! THAT'S AN DIRECT ORDER!" Reisen took off after him in blinding speed as the girls were finally done for today.
"So, what just happened?"
"I think your good luck gave them the answer they needed Tenshi." Tenshi looks at Medicine in confusion.
"The Inaba, Tewi is already lucky doll."
"Well officially Arasaka is now Ms.Yagakoro's kid."
"That's wonderful. A child should never be alone without parents."
"Yeah, but...I don't know about this."
"What? Worry that the good doctor could be lying?" Medicine shook her head.
"I guess it's just we don't know the full story. He's been here for months. It's nice to have a home and a loving family. But this is a hospital. Not a home." Medicine look at the other two for some form of answer.
"I think... that I want to learn how to treat people better...so that there suffering isn't as bad. If Arasaka was even a slight bit down. I think he deserves to have someone to kiss him good night."
"Forever an optimist eh Shion?"
"...It's good...to be positive...even when the...world hates you." With that Shion went to the bed in the far right corner and lay down on it.
"Well it came from the mouth of the most misfortunate person alive. This isn't even the weirdest thing to happen so far Doll." Medicine sighs and went to her own side.
"Good night you two."
"Mmmph."
"Yeah, good night."
"So what did you think of our desserts?" After the whole smoothing over process with Remilia we had simple delights like a vanilla cake mixed with blood...from animals apparently. So really any blood can satiate her hunger. No, it didn't make the cake red that was the strawberries in it.
"I think it tasted great. I really love the fresh food here. It's a taste you'll never forget. It's an experience I've grown to love the authenticity of it without a hassle. I should go now before it gets late." However, Remilia gesture me to stay seated.
"The others should be here soon to give their own opinion."...Really?
"Sister! there was this really good sandwich in the kitchen. Kinda gooey, but it was so good." Remilia looked between her maid and me.
"Well, if you want an answer. I was the one that made it. It wasn't soggy or poorly made was it?" Flandre shook her head.
"There was blood in it. But not really wet...it was more like toasted butter and with cheese." Yeah it's a simple. I prefer simple.
"Well I'm glad you like it."
"There was a 2nd one though,who was it for?" For anyone really.
"If Sakuya got hungry she could have it as a snack." The maids calm demeanor belayed her blush.
"Lady Flandre, Mistress Remilia. I'm done guarding for today." Meiling look slightly exhausted. The beads of sweat that formed on her face...What happened out there?
"Please tell me it wasn't more ferals from before?"
"Yes, sadly they're increasing in numbers. So how's everyone today?" Meiling takes a harsh seat at the end of the table and takes her hat off and waves it in a fanning motion to cool off.
"Remilia you seem more chipper than usual."
"Well, my dear Patchy. How is he magic wise?" Patchouli thought it over.
"He has the spirit of scholars and the will to be a great magician. His power output though...needs fine tuning like a certain little vampire." Flandre had this look of astonishment on her face.
"Hey! The library didn't get scorched. Also, I want a rematch. You cheated by tiring me out."Oh, we moving the goal post are we?
"I assured you Flan that it was fair. I didn't even use my passive ability the whole sparing session until you try to kyu me to death." The look of shock and the subsequent coughing from Patchy was what I got as a reaction.
"FLAN! YOU...*COUGH* *COUGH*..." Yeah maybe focus on breathing there Patchy.
"Flan!...You talk! Since when? Also, how are you alive?" Flan's ineptitude and not having the strength to direct it accordingly.
"It wasn't a real fight.Just a sparing match that got out of hand." This didn't relax the other two who now found out.
"Flandre?"
"Yeah?" I pick up a wine glass.
"Can you destroy this?"
"Hah! That's easy!" She does the motion and...
"Kyu!"
*KRRSHT*
I lifted my arm away from the implosion that happen in front of me. The wine glass fully intact.
"Huh?"
"See?" Even Remilia was confuse.
"You're not hurt?"
"Nope."
"How does that happened."
"She grabs the air around the object...not the actual object itself."
"What, what about the meteor?"
"The explosion was widen to such a degree that she broke it into pieces that burn up in the atmosphere." The Meteorite wasn't fast enough to escape it as it pass into Gensokyo. This is the best demonstration of her power.
"Ever broke a lock before Flan?"
"Yep, plenty of times."
"That answers that."
"WHAT?"
"What I'm saying is that her ability is clearly not as fast as it could be. It'll come with time, however there's the chance to surprise someone with it." After all my talking I feel exhausted.
"You're far too astute for someone reincarnated and from the outside world." I got up and headed to my room to go to sleep.
"Some of us, aren't completely braindead. I couldn't play the fool cause of my love discovering all types of new things." It's the best answer I could give as I got out of the dining hall.
Author Notes: Yeah I'm late on the update. Just had a few hiccups writing this one. Enjoying it so far? I hope so. I'm hoping this one isn't too word salad for some folk.