"HAA! ITAI!" Another day of physical training the difference was now we're enhancing our physical attributes while sparring. I'll say that Meiling's attacks were thankfully deliberate enough to follow and the constant back and forth allow a more relax and flexible feeling than Astergo or Taro.
"My."
*Thwip*
"You two."
*Crack*
"Are quite lively thi-.
*Fwip*
"ENOUGH!" We stopped our back and forth that's been going on for 30 minutes to see Remilia observing our session with Sakuya holding a parasol to shade her mistress. A quite annoyed look was upon her face.
"Anyways, good morning to you two. I see you took up her offer from last night to learn chi while enhancing your abilities during combat." It certainly helps to understand enhancement magic and how it works.
"Mistress Remilia, It's just." Remilia raised a hand to stop Meiling.
"I know Meiling. If you was given an equal partner instead of Flan and me you'll be too busy training all day with them to guard. I don't mind your diligence, but save it for when you're off duty you two." I prefer if you worded that differently.
"Partner?... Well it's just fun to spar with someone who wants to learn." It's a good change of pace to experience without needing to feel threatened.
"You're smiling." Meiling was looking at me. I blink and checked my flush face. For the first time I had actual fun fighting someone. It wasn't just a fight to teach or because someone was bored.
"You two must been having fun. Now we must prepare for the Christmas Party and New year's eve." I look at Remilia in confusion til I saw she was in an evening gown color crimson with accented greens.
"We also have something prepared for you too Venus." I hope to god it's not a sweater.
"It's not something garish just something to hide the farm boy look until after the party is done."
"Butler?"
"It's a surprise. Do you not like surprises?" When there's clearly a catch to it? Yes.
"Alright Remilia. So tonight everyone will be here?" She shook her head.
"Just the surface really. It's rare for the underground and New hell to show up. I met, the goddess of hell recently and she was...pleasant to say the least." Her pause must of been from seeing Hecatia. Her outfit when I glimpse at her during the Festival, it was a funeral gown. I didn't see Junko until Bofeng appeared. Regal woman she is.
"You must have tons to say about them?" I was that lost in thought?
"I just found it odd she decided to wear funeral dress to a autumn festival is all." She laughs.
"I hope you get outta that shell sooner rather later." Meaning?
"I'd rather not get that comfortable. I get that being silent means I can barely relate to everyone. So let's just keep this between us and Satori. I was like this in my old life." She had appalled look to her.
"What?"
"Us and Satori?"
"I'm a mute by choice. I rarely speak. Even among my family. And the few times I did speak, it was mostly me screaming. Not much to say if my actions are clearly enough. So enjoy it while you can vampire. Even Yukari doesn't get the pleasure to hear me speak." Remilia seem to be in thought about my response.
"Us and Satori?" Ok, why?
"Is it my wording or, are you that in shock that I said that?"
"It's just...well don't you think it sounds...intimate with how you said it."
"Talking is already personal just for the fact that two people are sharing individual thoughts and opinions. The difference is that you can't read my mind and I can't read yours."
"You're certainly more oriented to rationalizing everything rather than letting things be open."
"Aren't you all incredibly blunt about your motives though? The incidents have been quite easy to understand and avoid."
"Oh really? Only Reimu knows of my motives." Right, during that time Aya wasn't yet around like she is now.
"Called it a hunch is all." Remilia narrow her eyes at my answer.
"Keeping secrets is unbecoming of a guest." Can't really tell her where I learned this can I? Remilia put on a thinking pose mulling over her next response.
"Either way you're a surprisingly calm individual if a little aloof at times."
"I had to hold my emotions alot. It feels good to not be like that anymore. Though it does bleed through to my interactions."
"Well anyways, Meiling; you must get cleaned up for today and that goes for you too Venus. The guests will be arriving later today to this evening." We both nodded and head inside to prepare and only now I notice the Christmas decorations every where. The bustling fairies working diligently and with happy smiles on their faces. It's odd to find out not all fairies look like children. Some were more adult size helping out their shorter groups even with clear maturity differences too.
"Admiring the greater faes?"...Shit.
"It's just...odd to find out that not all fairies are like...children size." I look at Koakuma who had a sly smirk to her face as she look at me like I was a deer in headlights. Just prey to an eventuality.
"I think I get why the mindreader was the first to strike. You're actually quite cute. A man's body but such a boyish face."...Christ.
"I appreciate the compliment. The older women were always into my supposed "cuteness"." Looking back at it maybe I'm glad I ended up with someone my age and not an older woman. Koakuma guffawed before flying off towards the Viole.
"Welp, good morning or whatever." I better get back into my routine. It'll be awkward and jarring to everyone if I started talking nonchalantly with SDM and the Garden. Reimu and Aya would breathe down my neck at the chance to get me to talk.
"How's everyone this morning?" Eirin had a bit of a chipper pitch to her voice as today she'll be able to announce that she was a mother officially. She looks over at her guest nurses who each had different expression, from happy to clear tired disdain. Her eyes settled on the adopted youkai who was force into Tewi's tricks again judging by the pestering Inabas running around the irate pre-teen.
"Today you're not allowed to refuse Arasaka." He gave her a look of confusion.
"No."
"But you must."
"I don't like people."
"You can't stay here without some social skills."
"Why can't I?"
"Would you prefer to be here with the patient's and nurses or, would you like to be with me and see the children vampires?" He mull over her words.
"Just this once alright." If she could giddyly jump and pick him up she would...instead Eirin gives him a soft smile and nods.
"I have something for you wear instead of just village boys yukatas."
"I'm very much comfortable in what I'm wearing right now." Of course Eirin left without saying a word with her heels klacking to a storage room.
"Which reminds me. Do you three have anything to wear for winter outings?" Reisen looked at her three stand in nurses as they began going through their few belongings. Three heavy wool dresses with linen undergowns, scarfs and some hand knitted mittens embroidered with a Pisces. Reisen sigh at the sight. It was fairly normal to see this set up as she herself had it as well.
"I meant for special occasions." The trio shooked their heads.
"Wait here." Reisen then left the rest in confusion as her feet thump to an unknown part of Eientei.
"Welp, guess we're going to the party." Tenshi looked at her mittens.
"I know that Iku made them for me but...Here." Tenshi offered the mittens to Shion who now was taken aback by this gesture.
"Hold on, shouldn't you keep those?" Tenshi push the mittens closer to a now very apprehensive Shion with her hands now up in not wanting to touch them as she knows how precious they were to Tenshi.
"You need them more than me." Shion cups the mittens slowly in her hands as they heard two different rhythmic steps to their location.
"Here." In unison Eirin and Reisen now had odd clothes in their hands.
"Well that beats wearing heavy wool for a day."
"I'll be careful of these momma." Arasaka carefully takes them from Eirin and swiftly moving past all of them.
"I'm certain he'll love them."
"I uhhhh...thanks I guess Remilia." Talking to myself and looking at what she is suggested was a surprise. It's a classic butler style outfit. The twin coattails immaculate in design. It is a perfect jet black color suit with the red bow tie.
"How original." Putting it on with the new gloves and accessories, and I left the jacket hanging near the entrance door coat rack. When I open the door to the hall I was surprise to see Meiling with the same shock expression. I see she went with a traditional green Chinese dress that show off her tone but scarred legs.
"You scared me there. I didn't know we resided on the same ground floor." I was about to reply until I notice a certain giant witch hat nearby. I subtly nodded at Meiling. She was confused.
"Something wrong Venus?" I look directly at Marisa who had a surprise look towards us. Meiling finally turned her attention to the magician thief.
"You!?"
"Oi!? I thought ya was about to talk there ya ol mute." Yeah, you ruined it.
"Return those stolen books."
"When I'm dead." Hey Sakuya.
"Christmas is about giving. I would like for you to consider giving back Madam Patchouli's books back." It's kinda spooky to see Sakuya walking so composed before swiftly pulling out one of her knives to Marisa's back which cause Meiling to flinch from her just appearing in front of her.
"N-Now ha-hang on there Sakuya." She's probably not used to this kind of aggression.
"I'm listening."
"I didn't come to steal as you can see I don't have my bag. I wanted to talk to Patchy but she was busy getting wash." Even I admit this lie was pretty solid as she seem to have only her broom and giant witch hat with her.
"Then why stalk around the mansion's first floor?"
"Hehehe."...Wait that wasn't Marisa.
"Man your thoughts are quite juicy." There's not alot of mindreaders so that leaves...
Before long. Green long hair emerge in front of my face until the whole figure left my chest cavity while looking at me mockingly.
"SURPRISE!" Mima.
"What the!?"
"Another thief!"
"Wrong! I came to see my student." Mima the vengeful spirit. Shit, she can read minds.
"Well thanks for the ride kid. I actually learn some stuff from that subtle possession." How long? Mima floats over to Marisa and without looking at me to answer back.
"Long enough."
"Mima! I-I...How are things in Makai ze?" Marisa had this childish wonder to seeing Mima again. Mima immediately hug Marisa and lifted her up slightly and usually the brash girl was now struggling in Mima's arms.
"Come on, can't a surrogate mother get a hug? Makai has changed alot since that incident with that Monk."
"Mom ze! Since when?" Mima twirl around with the very embarrassed Marisa.
"Who else ze? You! How's your old man been since I've been gone?"
"Ehhh? I've been trying to smooth things over with him, but he's getting older than I can keep up ya know." Mima stopped her teasing and set down Marisa.
"Yeah, it's hard to tell time by the season. Even harder with Makai being the way it is."
"Now can ya quit embarrassing me da ze?" Mima put on a thinking pose before finally setting sights on me. What I do?
"You think pretty highly of me."...Satori atleast kept that stuff secret. I can't react even with everyone looking at me...I want to be alone so bad.
"If it wasn't for Satori, I would've eaten you up last night." The light blushes that appeared on the humans and youkai was now obvious. I make a heavy sigh and walk past the group in growing annoyance. She put that image in my head and I want to just run away.
"Hey kid. It's just a joke." Judging by the other's expressions that's not exactly a joke that was comfortable to make. Though I guess with someone with Meiling her heart is on her sleeve so seeing an outgoing woman kinda stumble around this discussion was an 180.
"H-how long were you attach to him?" Meiling had her fist clitch in expectation.
"I wasn't around the boy all the time. You have some interesting thoughts about him as much as he does for you." The next action was a swift strike that phase through Mima and because I was in front of it I reacted soon enough to correct Meiling's balance so she didn't just fall.
*Paf*
"Thanks." She straighten up and face Mima again. I gave them space as I saw Remilia and Patchouli float over.
"Ladies?" That certainly spook the others.
"Mistress!" Meiling quickly bow in her master's direction only this bow was custom to two combatants with her fist and flat of her palm together.
"I believe you should go be on guard outside Meiling. As for...I don't think we've met." Remilia study the smirking ghost as she gently glides over.
"Mima, power of the moon and stars. The one and only mindreading vengeful spirit, and teacher to Marisa." She basically forgot the whole mother moment.
"Mima and Marisa...well then I would gladly allowed you two to stay as long as you two kleptomaniacs keep to yourselves." She looks over to me.
"I suppose you went back to your silent nature?" I nodded.
"Well you cleaned up nicely and dressed sharply for the occasion. Please bare in mind this is your last day here." Right, I should pack. I nodded and headed off to finished up today.
"Quite the energetic one he is?" Patchouli watched as Venus move swiftly from the front end of the mansion and into the kitchen.
"Well I think he keeps himself quite lock away."
"What exactly do you think of him?" Remilia eyed her staff and guests for an opinion.
"I think Yuuka just wanted to have kids. I mean she's all about nature and stuff. He certainly has knowledge of plants just like her. He wouldn't be here if not for that ze." Remilia hums in thought.
"Is it so wrong to think of them as a family? I mean we're apart of own allegiances here."
"Not really, Ya'll have servants. Yuuka's situation makes the kid her son. Granted their interaction aren't really odd. Maybe Yuuka felt compelled to keep him close to her until she felt he had no more uses da ze." Now that possibility was thrown into the mix. The mansion's occupants thought about their limited time around the reserve Master of the four seasons.
"Not possible, that would ruin his entire will and resolve if that was the case. Honestly Marisa, that notion would be horrific."
"Yuukarin's many things, but she has never been about emotionally scarring children and humans. She always wore her heart on her sleeve and was deathly devoted to those she cares for. If she was like that; wouldn't you think the flower shop wouldn't sell her flowers? Mima confronted this idea with her thoughts of her run in with Yuuka back in Makai and Higan. She shook her head.
"I know Yuukarin is crazy strong...possibly stronger than I am with magic against her physical strength. I genuinely believe that the kid loves her like a son. Judging from his thoughts he highly respects Yuuka. Though, that's a given with how obviously the two of them aren't hiding their feelings."
"Ok...let's see what they're making." I'm talking to myself as I examine the kitchen and went into fridge to see...meat galore. specifically smelling of beef. Big gathering right?
"I should do the cooking for today Venus." I couldn't just ignore the opportunity though.
"Ya got cheese?She huff but nodded.
"Tomatoes, onions, a meat grinder?" She look confused until I saw a familiar manuel grinder bolted on the other side...completely spotless and look like it was never used.
"Perfect." I grab a few cuts of the steaks and began my cutting of cubes and while this meat isn't the most frozen a new grinder and a egg will keep it together.
"Let me guess, you're making another thing from your hometown as you put?" I was busy with my cuts so a quick hum was all that Sakuya got from me.
This is about...2.7 lbs of meat given the roster if anyone shows up...I need 8lbs more.
"What exactly are you making?" A surprise as I grab more beef chucks and carved more while trimming the fat along the way. I'm forgetting...bread, sesame seeds. I check around until I found pre made bread dough and promptly began rolling it with flour below my work space. I soon found a bottle a looked inside to see sesame seeds. Quite a far away place to have them. Found her bread pans an carefully laid out the seasoned dough and sprinkle the seeds on top. Sakuya finally stepped in.
"I'll handle the baking you do...whatever it is you was doing." I shrugged as I was basically done with the buns. I put the meat in the grinder pan and found a narrow rod to stuff the meat as I grounded it into chuck.
"Is that how you use that thing?"
"You actually never use it?"
"No point to, I had other things to worry about." Packing another 2 pounds of cuts into the grinder and the bowl underneath could hold another 3 pounds.
"What is all this?"
"A thank you as well as I wanted to share my skills with you guys." I checked the cupboards for another bowl while I notice...fresh herbs and an onion?
"Why is there a onion?" Sakuya appear right next to me as I grip the vampire repellent and sniff it. It's clean and I need that oregano for the meat.
"Seriously what requires all this?" Something I haven't had in years.
"How long until they all get here?" Sakuya check her silver clockwatch.
"In an hour." I look at the work size... 30 minutes is all I had time for.
"Bread nearly ready?" She nods.
"About 30 minutes is all I can spare for all this, but it's my father's herb recipe." We both heard a ding and she already rested the freshly baked sesame seed bread. Eh flavor and I'm not a baker.
"I'll finish the grinding for you."...
"20 minutes then." We both nodded and switch places as I began my cutting and mixing while I heard chatters of bowls.
This won't take long.
"Oooooh!" Reisen was beaming seeing the three she wrangle for this past week. Seeing the temporary trio in proper winter get up must of gave Reisen a nostalgic memory.
"It reminds me of my PT days. Even ran a 50 kilometers on the moon for 20 laps?" The three showed their horrified expressions. Tenshi found her words from the shock.
"I'm so glad that I'm doing this or dealing with plants. What's with you guys?"
"Come on it wasn't all bad." Pretty soon they focus on the bull horns that went past them. Eirin's face try to stay neutral at the sight of Arasaka's new outfit. However, even she'll admit it sticks out.
"I'll admit that is quite...unique." Arasaka look at the ensemble and how he kinda doesn't look like the rest with his extremely modern set.
"Eh? You're fine kid. Let's just get this over with. You got the invites for this year?" Tewi looked at Eirin who held a few parchment envelopes with a bat holding a spear in it's mouth insignia stamped unto it.
"Let us make more memories for the years to come." The girls nodded before slipping behind a waiting Arasaka who wasn't paying attention.
"Huh?"
"It's only polite for the man to lead his maidens safely." Before he could say anything, Medicine and Tewi took him by his arms as he trudge forward by force.
"HEY! THIS WASN'T IN THE PLAN!" The others laugh as they headed towards the Scarlet Mansion.
"These are?" My past.
"Oregano and rosemary with onions in the hamburger itself and well they're from my father."
"The egg was for?" Keeping it together.
"The glue that keeps from being too dry also can I have the grease?" Sakuya shiver at my question.
"For what purpose?"
"To cook with at home. It's good for taste as well."
"Sure, help yourself. I grab a vacant jar and quickly gather the fat and quickly seal it. It was basically full from this massive meal.
"Are those for me and my guests?" I had other surprises during making this and eye the glass bowl filled with thick cut french fries. I already made my own plate to eat as I watched them load the huge haul for everyone else. I quickly ate as Sakuya gave me the stink eye. What? I made this.
"Isn't it impolite to indulge during work hours." I offer my other burger and fries and she scoff before quickly eating it in stop time before going back to cleaning our mess.
"I'll admit this is delicious. Just how many were cooks in your family?" Three mostly.
"Myself,Father, and my grandmother." I thought back to that taste and it was juicy as it was crunchy with the onions in it. Herbs made it quite strong without needing to season it too much. It's a nice alternative to onion powder and meat tenderizer. Ok, time to be quiet so that no one else hears me. Grabbing the extra plate of my messy masterpiece and heading to the main hall. Whoa!
"Sakuya! What are these!" Remilia was waving a hamburger with it messily landing unto her carpet while taking big bites out of an intentionally undercooked burger to satiate our more blood thirsty guests. Sakuya was breaking composer to clean Remilia's face. I could tell you that the main suspects of being here are also enjoying my piece of culture.
"You should probably thank the person who made these." Sakuya looked over to my direction. Remilia messy face was in shocked.
"If you weren't already taken. I would force my hand to have you for this."...I try to smile but really I gave her a ehhhhh face. She realize she said it outloud and the obvious guest like Marisa and Reimu who are gluttonous in their own ways finally took notice of me awkwardly setting down the rest of the food prepare. The next few seconds was a bum rush to the table as I side step the two girls who are quick to scarf down the fries. Reimu looked over at me wide eyed, but apparently grateful as she took a hard swallow that made me cringe.
"Thank you again. Not just for last time, but you're generous donations." I give her a shrug as money here is almost...useless. Reimu did her shinto prayer with her gohei just like before. Doesn't really do anything to me that I can notice.
"May the gods bless you with good fortune." Right. I look around and while it's clear I was gonna need way too much beef and blood to break even I'd say its a MASSIVE SUCCESS!
"These are really great but are quite messy." The kid with Urumi hair and the biggest set of red bull horns wearing a pretty modern get up. A black zip up hoodie with accented flames on it, with a plain black tee underneath was eating his own oversized burger. I look to the right of him to see...Eirin fretting over the little dude?
"Arasaka you shouldn't talk with your mouth full." Eirin did a quick look over at me before doubleling back to make sure she was seeing things.
"You're!...Oh my. Have you switch allegiances to the vampires. Before I could answer Flandre jumps unto my back and points to a random crowded direction.
"THATTAWAY STEED!" Great.
"Scuse us. Sorry. Outta the way. Move or get trample! Hahaha!" Flandre unlike many like her, embraces her childishness to its fullest. As Youkai I met look at us in surprise. Flandre didn't mind acting out her whimsy until we stopped in front of a very particular group. Hey Byakuran.
"Stop!" She hops off of me and I recognize the bowler hatted Koishi going up to her and they both hug eachother like lifelong friends. Byakuran went over to my right side to glance at them both before turning to look at me. Now what?
"You're quite good with children too? Also, I'm a vegetarian is there any-!?"
I pointed to where the fries where and like an overly excited mother held arms to her side upward and I could hear giggling from her group.
"She only gets like that when something catches her eye. I should've known it was you who made this." I gave a butler bow to Nazrin and while being this formal isn't my style she is correct.
"We would've love to have you stay at the Myouren Temple." Thanks Ichirin. Despite the fact the way Unzan is looking at me...oh right we're both basically selective mutes a cloudy thumbs up and I return the gesture. Nice, more bros. As I turn around, I did a double take at seeing myself looking at me with the same wide blue eyes. However, I took notice of the tanuki tail and green leaf in my hair. Mamizou. I quickly sent a grounded shock to touch the clearly unprotected feet underneath the illusion. She quickly dispell the illusion hopping on one foot.
"Eeeow! What just touch me?" I lightly chuckle at the leader of the Tanuki in Gensokyo.
"Little trickster eh?" A bit, yeah. She found her footing and smirk at me.
"It was certainly fun to try to imitate you despite the fact all I can do is creepily laugh at people and stare." Hey I don't do that all the time. I give her a skewed look as I really don't know how to be that offended or admire the fact she thinks being mute is creepy. I just remember that my friends should be here too. I quickly saw the familiar red ribbon and Shion who was indulging in the oversized burgers as I couldn't make smash burgers with my limited stuff. I also notice...Jo'on.
"I'm going to be living at the Temple for a while. I don't wish to be forgiven just know that I love you." Shion seem to smile before offering an second burger to her little sister.
"After this, I'll be returning to Eientei to learn more about medicine and helping the wounded." Jo'on didn't seem sad from this fact as she took the greasy food and ate it. They both laugh lightly as if the wrong doings were water under the bridge.
"Just don't forget to visit me when you can ok little sister?" Jo'on nodded and I realize she was in a buddhist get up because I kinda...burned her original clothes to ashes...I'm not saying she wasn't good looking or anything, but there was more pressing matters than decency was concern.
*Wap*
"Git those thoughts out yer head boy." I looked down to see Suwako has hit me in back of my head. Sorry bout that. She flaps her sleeve arms childishly.
"What about Satori?" I haven't forgotten. I just feel bad that I basically unintentionally stripped a woman who attacked first, but what I did was not ok. Suwako just sighs.
"She had it coming. She shook the hornets nest and got the consequence for harming a perfectly harmless person who hasn't slighted many people." Fair enough.
"Also it seems you're little creation has spark some fires among the younguns." Nothing like getting inspiration via someone's stomach.
"Well, ya ain't wrong in that regard."
"Venus!" Sister, what surprise me more than the modern winter coat was her wanting a hug.
"Come on don't leave me hanging its awkward." I scoop up Medicine and heard her jovial laugh as she tried to return the tight hug. I set her down gently.
"You're still just as brutish as ever." I shrug as there isn't many ways to be not gentle with a living doll. Still the girls are in that modern winter overcoat style instead of heavy down petticoats and dresses. Medicine look around before looking down trodden.
"Yuukarin isn't here." Yeah, but it's just the afternoon. I'm certain she's fine. I looked to my right to see Mima looking at me oddly. Her ghost tail flicking to one side and then to the other.
"Ugh ya really are the most boyish looking man around."...Thank...you? I think? She then extended a hand and I realized what she wanted.
Really?
"I don't bite kid." I only took notice of the music playing and I'm not much of a fan of it so listening to the prismrivers play slow melodic sounds...oh right it's their theme.
"Come on, it's impolite to keep a lady waiting." Medicine nudge me and I basically had to as she offered her hand. Very well, you may take the first dance. It's been awhile since I ballroom dance as I kept my hands in respectful places to keep the two step rhythm.
"You're actually quite good." Pirouette.
"Woo! hahaha."...Stop and reverse pull in and lean. Mima was quick to spin back into my arms and into that classic arch you've seen before. I don't know dance terms beyond what a spin is. I steady ourselves and it seemed Mima was more than merrier to finally let me go after embarrassing myself.
I took notice of the little dude being coerce by Eirin to dance, but the height difference was too extreme to tango, but to square dance? Yeah sure.
"Hey! Now it's my turn hotshot!"WHA!...
"To think ya get to dance with my teacher. Then ya better dance with me ze." Marisa. I realize like last time I was being stared at as being the few guys around an appropriate age group. I basically have no choice...
Fuck me.
Medicine watched Venus reluctantly accepted Marisa proposal to dance as a few others were expectant to do the same. Shion and Tenshi couldn't hold back their laughs as Flandre soon cut through the crowd to steal Venus from Marisa's grasp.
"Now this is interesting. I'm glad I'm sober for this moment."
"Hey girls." The trio looked over at Aya who couldn't also hold in her belly full of laughs at the poor boy.
"Ayayaya. Guess he's real popular with the younger ones. I mean look. Even Remilia is waiting for her chance to dance with him." She snapped some faraway photos as Byakuran was quicker on the uptake before promptly burying him in her bust before he gave her hints to let go so Venus could lead. His mortified face said it all that this was not what he was hoping for.
"I gotta get up there!" She took off to get more of this charade.
"So you're really ok with being at Eientei?" Medicine ask Shion who nodded in response.
"Mh-hm. I want to help people. That's what I want to do." Tenshi gave Shion a half hearted squeeze of confidence.
"Well, you did much better than I did. I just..." Tenshi tried to find the words to say.
"I'm certain you'll find what you're looking for Tenshi. Besides, you have two other friends and Yuuka to help you now." Medicine whip her head from the Venus ventricle hour of pain to looked directly at Tenshi.
"Me and her? Friends?"
"Yes, or you wouldn't be so close." Now Tenshi found a retort to this notion
"This...freak of nature isn't my friend." Shion shook her head.
"That...just proves my point." As she watched Remilia and Venus do a proper ballroom dance to switch cleanly to a tango.
"Even though he's hiding his discomfort he's actually pretty good." Shion's warm smile at the scene before her. Even after switching to a much faster tempo dance Venus kept up and with his extreme amount of stamina didn't look exhausted either.
"I think that has to be everyone right? Jeez, I kinda wish the shopkeeper was here." Medicine frown as Suwako with a big grin on her face force him to square dance which was slower, but was a 4 step style forcing him to follow the music which now match this wildly familiar dance of his youth.
"Ya're a natural child." Suwako why?
"It's only fair." Fair for what!? 3 step to right to match her left step. Suwako just shook her head.
"Ya are way too much fun to see without your calm expression. Ya don't get to complain besides its for fun." This isn't fun. I wanted to indulge only one person, not all of Gensokyo! Suwako clap to mix me up and quickly jump towards me. The hell lady!?
"Nice catch."Ya'll have problems. She only giggle as the gauntlet was finally over. While it wasn't bad, I could finally slink away from this event. I slip into the kitchen only to see Sakuya was expectantly there as well. She curtsy at me. While her head was bow. Oh God.
"May I have this dance?" Butler and Maid bowed and I return to that familiar slow dance.
"Even after all of that? Why?" Good question.
"He...hehe. I guess it's my way to say thank you for the hospitality. I'm not comfortable with just telling them. Still Byakuran's inclusion worries me to no end. And given Aya's pension." I huffed as it was easy to get lost in work and lose sight of some fun. Besides, there isn't many gifts to give during winter. Sakuya's giggle caught my attention.
"I suppose, I get to have the last dance." Yeah, after this one I'm done for tonight. Sakuya hums.
"I bet you wish it was Satori? Fair assessment, one issue.
"I can't play favorites when you guys are trying to just let off some steam. I get things get hectic around here and being able to let loose for a few moments helps ease stress." I just wish I wasn't the stress relief ball.
"Whose bigger?"...
"What?"
"Byakuran or Mima?"...Jesus christ.
"Mima is...technically bigger, but Byakuran is more perky and firmer." I really hope Satori doesn't give me hell for this. I didn't think I would be dancing for nearly an hour.
"So you notice even though you mostly kept a straight face." Hard to when your face is bury in it like a stuff animal.
"I notice alot of things. Besides, you must admit that there is a certain charm to dance with people you barely know." Sakuya lets go and I do the same to curtsy again at eachother. I heard claps soon after and look at the front kitchen door was...Remilia? Oh good.
"What a marvelous display and you even played with my sister as well. Though out of everyone who would you have taken in hand?" That's a trap if I ever saw one.
"Sure stay silent. Just remember Aya has the photos." Aware of that and I can't catch her at full speed.
"You can just point at who gave you the best experience." Ironically I point with a thumb at Sakuya as I went past her to check the dessert options.
"M-Me? I'm flattered."
"Hmmm." I felt indifference as I look through everything only to stop at left over cakes.
"Whats with these cakes?"
"They're a not exactly my proudest work." I took a small slice of chocolate and took a bite and it wasn't awful or nothing. Just kinda sweet.
"These will do after all, a party needs desserts. Taking few out and going back to the crowd. I look at the bowl of fries and it was empty so I switched it out and went back into the kitchen and let the fairy maids clean it for me. I had more made in advance that were cooling so it all works out.
"I might write down this recipe for prosperity. May I?" I gave Sakuya and nod and she quickly writes in a what I assume is a recipe scrapbook judging by how much was written in it by hand. Most of the recipes are approximates with no measures, mine was no different in that regard.
"You guys know algebraic equations yet you write without much precise measurements." I then remembered that I didn't exactly see any measuring cups or anything likethat since I got here.
"Is that a problem?"
"Not particularly, yet I understand why that is now." It wouldn't take long to explain but...I think she does fine.
"You should feel proud Sakuya. I can't even baked to save my life and even the cakes you deemed inedible are still pretty great." I think that last comment made her stop to process what was said cause she just stood there unmoving.
"You're words flatter me too much Venus." Remilia laughs at the spectacle before her as her head maid had a bright tinge of red on her face.
"I'm sorry Sakuya, looks like I was right. He does have a way with words." Funny.
"I suppose you won the bet mistress."...
"I did, say he's quite good at playing as an impartial party of praises." Ok, what bet?
"What exactly were you two betting on?" Remilia and Sakuya giggle before heading out of the kitchen...
"Weird. Just weird." I pinch the bridge of my nose to stop an incoming headache.
Sometimes, I forget I'm talking to magical beings. How esoteric can ya be?
Grabbing the left overs and finding a nearby basket and covering it all in linen cloth a making sure it stays.
"Ok, got my stuff for later." Taking it and slipping by the crowd with jirai makes it quite easy to slip by the girls and back to my room I was staying in. Putting the stuff I worn and changing back into my farm boy look. I feel better not being so stuffy. I even cut the fingers off the leather gloves Remilia gave me, they fit right in with everything else that's going on.
I soon reunited with the rest of the Garden.
"Ah. I see you change into something easier to move in. So are ya ready to go?" I nodded at Medicine as we was about to leave until Flandre appear.
"Leaving already?" I huff as I set my stuff down near the door.
"I wanna see those big pillars of fire again." It was just blue fire what's so cool about that? Flandre began dragging me back to the middle of the area. I want to tell her to stopped, but knowing everyone is here I had no choice. Let's see you try to stop the strong little girl pushing with all her might. Her little grunts could be heard.
"Ah!"
"Oh!"
"Oi!"
"Come on show it to me again." Flan! As I stumble to the front end of the place.
"Do it! Do it!" Flan was very excited and the other's were confuse.
"Hey! Need a beat?" Raiko catch me off guard. She then gave me a mic...
"Sakuya." I quickly shook my head and gave her warning glance at the group.
"Just pretend they're not there." That's easy for you to say. I tap it and it yeah it works.
"But we don't know what to follow Raiko!" Leave it to Raiko who quickly was doing a simple beat while the only punk rockers help with the song. Problem is that this is in another language.
I'm so sick and tired of the negative
I'm on the edge tonight, closer to the ledge, you were right
Lost in my head tonight,lost in my head tonight
I'm spinning in circles, and I can't get out
Running from things that I can't say out loud
(Raiko)
Well damn, I guess you're the perfect person
Same day, but a different version
Paint the picture,but you don't deserve it
And colors fading underneath the surface
So wear black everywhere you go
No take backs at the end of the road
No last chance when our caskets closed
Such Silence is worth more than gold
(She change the lines?)
I'm so sick and tired of the negative
Black or white,you're right,we're fucking over it
Patience is paper thin, and something's gotta give
I'm so sick and tired of the negative
(I'm doing it too.)
Time is running out, ITS INESCAPABLE
Staring at the walls, feel like an ANIMAL
YOU CAN'T ESCAPE,YOU CANT ESCAPE
YOU THINK I'M LOCKED IN HERE WITH YOU
YOU'RE HERE WITH ME, AND NO ONE LEAVES
TIME IS RUNNING OUT, IT'S INESCAPABLE
I'm so sick and tired of the negative
Black or white, you're right, we're fucking over it
Patience is paper thin, and something's gotta give
I'm so sick and tired of the negative
'Cause all my life I never knew
Why my mind was turning black,turning blue
But now I know that
Our colors don't bleed the same between us all
(Raiko)
YEAAAAAH
(Venus)
I'VE WATCHED THE WHOLE WORLD GO INSANE
THEY'LL CONVINCED YOU TO BE ADDICTED TO THIS PAIN,I HATE IT
LIKE MOTHS DRAWN TO A FLAME
WE'RE TOO FAR GONE TO BE SAVED, SO GO INSANE
LIKE MOTHS DRAWN TO A FLAME
WE'RE TOO FAR GONE TO BE SAVE
I'm so sick and tired of our negatives
Black or white, you're right, I'm fucking over it
AZURE CYCLONE
Four blue giant pillars of fire engulf the band surprising them.
"YEAAAAH!"
"NOT IN HERE!
"FRONT PAGE! FRONT PAGE!"
"Y-yeaaaah. I knew you had a voice on you." I can't deny when I hear a good beat. I just want to let it go.
"Ahem." Hey Reimu...Shit!
"Faker." Now hold on.
*Whish*
"You're not getting away from my questions." I dodge Reimu's gohei to not get get hit by it like last time.
"Whoa now! Rei Rei ze. Isn't this abit harsh on the guy?" Marisa being the voice of reason.
"I should've known it was you up there at the festival." It's really obvious it was me, this jacket is pretty recognizable. Reimu however, sees it as if I trick people. It's not on purpose.
"If he can talk. He can atleast tell me why the mindreader, why hang out with one of the most dangerous youkai for days on end?" Come on, are they really that bad? I could answer, but after nearly getting hit. I don't feel like it and with everyone's staring.
"Oi!" Suwako? She's flapping her arms to get people's attention by sending frog shape danmaku everywhere. I took the opportunity to get back down to the front door.
Thanks.
Suwako winks at me.
"Finally, we can go home." Tenshi tags along as the night was here now.
"Still, that song felt more personal. Something on your mind Venus?" Not really Medicine. Though, I do feel some frustration from the ordeal. What is with Reimu?
"HEY! YOU'RE LEAVING WITHOUT YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT!"Flandre was quick enough to catch up.
"Lady Flandre is something wrong?" Flandre look between Meiling and me. What now?
"I'm fine Meiling." Before promptly grabbing our arms dragging us back.
"Hey Vampire!"
"LADY FLANDRE!"
"I just want to see you two do your special dance."... I'm confused...Also.
"What!"
"Mi'lady please use better phrasing!" Meiling had an impressive red blush that made her look more like her hat's namesake.
"I didn't mean it like that Meiling. Didn't you say that fighting is like a dance?"...Flandre! That's different.
"I'm nervous about showing off to a crowd! Besides, inside isn't good training grounds. The carpet alone is not good fo-!?"
"I WANT HIM TO STAY FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER!"...
"Flandre." Finally she stops dragging us.
"I barely got to play with you. Meiling gets to have all the fun cause you're both martial artists."
"Mi'lady please, we can't keep him here forever."
"Just one more show?Please!?" We looked at eachother a sigh came out the both of us. Meiling looked exhausted and I just wanted to get the day over with.
"Alright."
"Just one more show Mi'lady."
"Yes! Now let's go tell the others."
"Others?"
"M-Milady?"
"FLAN!" But Flandre was back inside by the time we got back to front door and open it as we took notice of her holding the mic flying above.
"LADIES,GENTLEMEN, AND YOUKAI FROM ALL OVER! WE HAVE A SPECIAL TREAT FROM NONE OTHER THAN OUR OWN GATE GUARD, HONG MEILING!" Flan points her signature staff at our direction, and a few fairies shine lights at the embarrassed red head.
"OH, BUT LET'S NOT FORGET OUR NEW ADDITION TO OUR WONDERFUL GENSOKYO, VENUS ROSE!"
"AGHHH!!" IT'S TOO BRIGHT! FAIRIES TURN OFF, CLAP OFF, MY EYES!
Other than getting blinded and again back to the center of attention.
"Flandre? What is the meaning of this? Haven't we've embarrassed staff and guests enough today?" Remilia's annoyance from this new development gave Flandre time to wave the two over.
"It's one more game sis." Flandre then turned her attention to the crowd.
"ARE YA READY FOR THE BEST DANCE OF YOUR LIVES!? CAUSE THOSE TWO ARE VERY GOOD AT IT!" Of course the two began shaking their heads in apprehension of so much attention.
"Lady Flandre, isn't this a bit... much? Sakuya could only watch as the two had a form of stage fright.
"COME ON UP HERE!"
"Are you certain they weren't little trouble makers?" I spoke to snap myself from so much attention. I finally could put on a bit of disdain on my face as Meiling finally found her voice.
"I'm... so many people." Fair reaction.
"I don't like the stares either. But, now I'm in need to let off some steam. I danced for an hour. Watched my step sister get broken twice. While I don't feel any ill will towards you Meiling. However, some part of me isn't satisfied." I looked down at my hands and recalled the light rain...my frustration at being so weak. The fact I had no where to turn to.
I HATE IT!
I shook my head and try to smile lightly.
"Are you really ok?"
"That's a good question."
"Its best to not to fight while emotionally charged. I don't want us both hurt." I breath in deeply and set aside such an issue for later.
"You're right. We're friends so we can take it easy." Meiling chuckles.
"That's the man I know from this morning." Meiling reminds me of myself. Her bright smile amidst this commotion reminds me that we're in fact talking to eachother like no ones watching.
"Venus?"...Right.
"Ahem. Sorry about that just got lost in how simple it is to talk to someone like we're equals."
"Must we ruin the moment between the two of them like this?" Sakuya herself couldn't ignore the light blush appearing on Meiling's face. Venus's face was a lot more lively from before. Despite hiding his mouth its clear the two were in a deep conversation.
"ALRIGHT! WE GOT TWO COMBATANTS RIGHT HERE IN THE MAIN SCARLET HALL! GET THOSE CAMERAS FLASHING, CAUSE THIS WILL BE A SHOWSTOPPER!" This cause the youkai crowd to scramble as Meiling and Venus are push towards the front. Only Meiling was in verbal protest.
"I have a plan." The crowd gave us a wide berth to fight in.
"And its?"
"Just follow my lead like we're sparring from this morning. Just put alittle "Umph" into it alright?" Meiling took her ready stance and I took mine.
"Left straight." Luckily the music was playing and no one could tell I was verbally telegraphing Meiling to judo throw me by my left side.
"Hugh." Up and over landing on my feet nudge her ribs with an elbow so she'll let go to do a side right kick. Granted selling hits is alot harder when you have to actually take the hits a little and leaning into her well place kick would probably knock someone's breath out of them if we weren't youkai. Strong youkai but still.
"HRNTH!"Grabbing the offensive leg and promptly into a pin. Sorry Meiling.
*CRACK*
I think we just impacted eachother jaws.
Meiling reacted fast enough to palm strike my chin, while my punch hit her open mouth. Just hard enough to be convincing, but now both of us are temporarily muted from the dislocation. I got off of her while she knelt to check her own face. It's weirdly fun and not fun to hit an opponent. The sudden popping of bones now that the music stop to observe the sudden aggression must of cause everyone to wince.
"That last strike was way too fast to tell what happened. Sakuya did you?" Sakuya shook her head at the display.
"They're merely sparring, but at a much higher intensity. Byakuran must of seen it too as well." SDM caught a glance at the Monk who was watching with great intrigued at the two. Her eyes glowed slightly as if every movement needed to be assess with painful detail to her. Only to lose that focus as she whips her head at the SDM staring from afar. Remilia quickly looked away from the piercing glare.
Okaaaay. Note to self, pacifism is scary.
I have alot of options to be a show stopper so I loosen up and kept my upper body much more limber. Meiling only spar against my defensive stance. Now it's time for some of that speed.
Flicker jabs into liver punch
"Heaah!"
*Thwip*
*Thwip*
*Thwip*
*THWIP*
"Ugh!"
It matches her own speed but the sudden right side stomach attacks into a left hook liver punch sent Meiling quickly back, gasping for air, however the slight surprise and sudden pain was belayed by her smiling through her destroyed teeth.
"Ptoo. It's nice that you're getting into it...now then." Meiling quickly recover only to turn her right shoulder...shit wait!
Dragon Shoulder Check
*BWASH*
Yep, while it only nick my side from my dodge, the wind pressure alone tripped my footing to cause me to crash and roll onto the carpeted floor.
Ow, really?
"Hup." Granted it's actually not that hard to quickly get back on your feet by kicking off the ground, I just haven't done it years. Of course by the time I got up Meiling already had outstretched fist near my chest.
Overkill.
"Checkmate." She mouthed the word through her own still regrowing denture plan.
"Funny." She looked confuse until she look at her feet.
Yep. Shocker.
SLIPSTREAM PARALYZER
*BZZRT*
*CRACK*
OW!
I fried her for her one inch punch that sent me careening into the upper main hall stairs. Meiling herself looked abit too out of it before-.
*Thud*
Collapsing unto the floor.
"Pugh." I myself can barely feel my chest. I think we both went overboard. Problem is that I'm awake to feel the pain that is swaying through me. I lightly chuckle as I quickly got up and readjusted my jaw to fit well again and made sure I was able to walk.
I looked over at her downed position and felt bad to do that, but I thought back to a small conversation from Patchouli.
"It's possible to create a fast reacting rune to cause an desire effect or outcome."
"You're saying that I can non-verbally cast a spell at my feet for a split second to create an advantage?" She nods.
"It'll be highly dangerous and unstable, but if you want to downed someone with your set of skills, trap setting and out smarting your opponents would be best."
"PATCHY!"
I walked over to check to see if she breathing and yeah she is. Out like a light and...Well...
Let's just get you into a bed so you can rest.
I huffed as I picked her up bridal style. I sigh in relief that the girls are light.
"WELL! THAT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! GIVE IT UP FOR MR.ROSE! Flandre clapping to a very silent room as Venus's silent steps could barely be heard. Even with the extra weight he move quickly and silently towards Meiling's room.
"Sister wasn't that cool?"
"Flan we need to talk, now."
"But-!?
"I payed you to play so play!" This snapped the band to play music again drowning out the silence. As Remilia dragged Flandre to her dining room for privacy.
"Flan! You don't!...You just don't pit two combatants like that as if it's like some sort of blood sport. Now I'm down one guardsman."
"But they were smiling and Meiling got hit with much worse." Remilia groan as she felt the presence of her head maid.
"Sakuya, you may leave us in peace until this matter is resolve." Somewhere in the darkness her voice could be heard.
"Very well Milady. And Flandre you need anything little one?" Flandre sat down in one of the vacant chairs and put her knees up to her chest.
"I just wanted to play is all. I rarely get to, especially after the big disaster this summer. I'll take one of those outside world drinks, if we've had any left."
"A fair choice." In an instant a glass filled with red liquid appeared and Flandre took a sip.
"Is it to your liking?" Flandre nods. With no other response could be heard or felt.
"It's ok to be frustrated at me Flan. I know you don't care about the how's or whys of things. Much less the results. I thanked my existence to still have family and for you to call us as such." Remilia could see that the shell of feigning innocence was cracking.
"I hurt Meiling pretty badly back then huh? I didn't know who it was at the time. I know I get overwhelmed by emotions. But, when I get to finally be a hero sometimes people don't notice." Flandre remember meeting Yuuma and Okina. Her ability countered anything Yuuma could do and yet.
"Am I a bad friend?" Remilia's eyes widen.
"No, but the point is that the two of them are probably hurt more emotionally than physically. Whatever, was going through their heads. I can only control a desired fate and neither of them wish for my interference in their personal matters."
"You was hoping they would be like this morning?" Remilia is exasperated, however there was no denial.
"This morning vs what happened just now confirms that the two of them are equal in ability which makes them quite capable for extreme harm. Hell, that last attack was so instantaneous it might as well been akin to a camera flash." Remilia never seen Meiling so focus and yet. Even she'll admit that the two of them were beyond your average youkai.
What the crowd saw was two fighters knock down and then quickly got up before a sudden red flash and sound of crashing on the far end. It was quicker than human's brains could process and only a few youkai could accurately saw what was a split second of Meiling looking down where her foot came in contact with a electric rune. Before finally accepting her lost by lifting off little to deliver her final blow.
"You ok now?" Meiling was quick to get up despite her injuries.
"O-oh-oh man. That was something else. Whoo! Still so sore from those gut punches." We played our part well enough, but I think we've convince them of too much. Watching Meiling stretch before finally laying down on the bed to start laughing to herself while I try to ignored the painful gears turning myself.
"Was the one inch punch necessary at the end?" My ribcage man.
"Aw, lil baby...owww. Was it necessary to shock my entire being like I was a lightning rod in a storm?" Touche.
"Fair enough."
"Not exactly how you would envision your christmas huh?" It could be way...you get the idea.
"In comparison to everything else atleast you're not trying to kill me."
"That bad?"
"It was."
"You take hits pretty well. Sturdy as all hell too. It was like hitting the mansion walls back when I try to teach the little mistress."
"So, Flandre used to spar with you?" She laughs before clutching her side.
"Yeeeep. Didn't work out. I love playing with them, but when it gets too rough something's gotta give and it was usually me first. You're lucky. You didn't get brought into a family squabble then you'll see how rowdy the two of them get." Noted.
"I better get going with Medicine."
"Bring me some, hehe-ow-ow. Seriously, you're style is brutal on the body."
"I'm certain Sakuya will bring you some pain relief. Take care Meiling and...thanks."
"Not a problem. Come by when you can. We'll be the best sparring buddies." I might be able to get magic lessons from Patchouli too.
"I'll try, but work comes first before playing." Meiling raises a weak thumbs up before proceeding to pass out while laying halfway on and off the bed.
Well, there will be consequences for this in some way. After showing off that I don't quite know what else is there.
"You're ok?" I checked my stuff and myself. Yep, I'm perfectly healthy,happy, and ready to get outta this place Medicine.
"Good. Let's go home."
Author notes: 2 months is a little too long for this. Anyways, I own nothing and the song use was by I Prevail: The Negative.
I have no clue if I got better at explaining fight scenes or worse. But,considering the other shenanigans. Please expect faster uploads.