A: Heya! Let's get into this, Shall we? But first, I'll answer some stuff!
watchert83: Thanks! I was also baffled by the lack of X-overs on these two franchises despite the constant references to each other. So I made my own, and my sibling told me to post it here.
speedytank878: Ha! True. But I wish to add a reason why they do it. As for your other comment, I won't tell which Frisk this is. But I did leave subtle hints.
mistypattu: Thank you for reading! I'm glad I managed to strike that balance. As for Kaguya, it has to do with Eternalism. I won't elaborate further.
33246dr: I'm glad you enjoyed the incorporated combat system. I still wanted to be faithful to both games, so there will be more Touhou combat as well with Undertale.
A: Now with the questions out of the way, you know what's next. Omake time!
Fun Omake 4:
*You continue running as Flandre flies menacingly behind you. Her manic laughter fills the underground halls as the dread of the situation sinks in. Will you ever survive? Is a single SAVE POINT ever enough? Are you in over your head? Questions that still plague you no matter where you go. The girl catches up, it's about time that combat is going to-
*Ring Ring!*
*You halt in place and hold out your hand towards Flandre. Confused by your gesture, she hovers in place, wondering what you are up to. You switch to a single finger to indicate a minute and your other hand reaches into your pocket. You pull out your phone and answer the unknown number as Flandre crosses her arms.
"Hey, Nitori! Are you getting my signal on your end? How clear is my voice?"
*The name sounds familiar, but you are not the intended receiver. You say this is not Nitori.
"Eh!? Then who the Hell is this? Is Nitori there? How did you get into our phone project?"
*You said that they called your personal phone and you answered.
"Wait, there are others with a phone!? We didn't plan for that. There must have been an error with the signal, sorry for bothering you."
*You say it happens to the best of us and politely tell them to have a good day before hanging up. You look back at Flandre, who was waiting patiently for your call to end. You apologize and say it was a wrong number call.
"Oh, it's okay. It happens to the best of us, right?"
*You nod at her agreement and then the hall lapses into awkward silence.
*...
*The chase resumed.
"Are you certain Frisk has been here?" Marisa asked from her broom, looming over Aunn, who nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I am very certain. They have gone past here and towards the opposite door," the Komainu stated, and all five looked towards the West Wing entrance.
Marisa grinned and said to Patchouli, "Well, why didn't you say that earlier?" The violet mage huffed at the blonde one, curtly answering, "I won't say anything because you didn't win the Spell Card Duel."
"Hey, I would have if we hadn't gotten interrupted!" Marisa yelled, and Patchouli responded, "It doesn't matter if you would have or haven't won. It was interfered with by someone else, that you know personally. So I would have won by your disqualification."
Marisa flies up to get in Patchouli's face. "Oh yeah!? Where does it say that in the rules!? If I went for my Last Spell, it would have blown your pathetic Spell Cards away!"
Patchouli coldly responds with, "Like how you destroyed my skylight? You still have the nerve to barge into my library and damage my books."
"Ya' still on that? Ya' know stuntmen get paid to do that kinda entrance, Ze." Marisa says, slowly slipping into her natural vernacular to mess with Patchouli.
"That's because they have the decency to clean up after themselves!" Patchouli fires back and Marisa answers with a mock apology, "I'm sorry, that is not within my job description. And who are ya' to say what is decent and what isn't when Remilia kidnaps someone?"
As they prepared for another battle, Aunn knew that this conversation was a lost cause. But before the action was underway, the door to the West Wing opened and the surprising form of their target ran through the entrance and past the bookshelves. Frisk was sprinting toward the five combatants and Aunn cheered out, exclaiming "FRISK! You are safe!" She held out her arms and ran forward to meet the child. Marisa sighed in relief while Meiling and Aya ran to catch up to Aunn. One Yokai wanted to embrace them, another to capture them, and the last to interview them. All three will not get that opportunity.
What would have been a touching moment was sidelined as the large doors of the West entrance exploded out into a pathway of debris. Half of the library's centerline is covered in a cloud of dust, splintered wood, and loose rivets.
Looking down from her broom, Marisa tries to spot any of the four that got caught in the blast. She only saw Frisk leave the cloud as they kept on running. When she was going to yell out 'Where are you going?', the maniacal laughter of a demon followed behind. A scarlet vampire flew out like a bat out of hell through the cloud and chased the child through the library.
Marisa let out a trail of expletives that would make a sailor blush, choosing to follow behind the worst person the kid had to run into. 'Flandre. How did they find Flandre?! I have to get Frisk out of here!' The mage thought while trying to catch up to the two, desperately hoping to intervene.
Luckily the East entrance was ajar due to Aunn's intervention, and Frisk slipped through to run up the stairs. The vampire didn't let up their pursuit as they went through the doorway as well. Marisa was about to follow as well, but a barrier of lunar energy barred her from leaving.
Marisa shot a laser at the barrier, but it shrugged off the attack without leaving a scratch. Already having an idea of who is responsible, the witch turns around in anger. "Patchouli! What the hell are you doing!?"
The librarian breathed slowly as she answered. "Leaving so soon? We have not finished our battle yet." The book with a lunar diagram flipped through incantations that sealed the entrance.
Dumbfounded by the petty move, Marisa exclaims, "And let Frisk get killed!? How could you be so heartless?"
Patchouli rolled her eyes at the exaggeration. She knew that if Flandre wanted the child dead, they would be nothing but a red stain before anyone could find them. No, the librarian understands that Flandre was playing, and trying to stop her would make things worse.
"Worry about yourself, Kirisame. Defeat me, and I'll let you go." Patchouli stated and Marisa stared daggers at her. The dust settled and Aunn, Aya, and Meiling were knocked out from Flandre's explosive entry. The library was a total mess and Marisa could not care less at this moment, she had to end this quickly.
"Alright then. You want more of this?" Marisa asked as her magic power surged. Magic circles appeared around her as put her Mini-Hakkero near her chest. "Then don't complain when I put my heart into it!"
*As you run through the red corridor, you hear the sound of laughter from behind.
"Where are you going, Little Toy? I thought you wanted to play!"
Taboo "Four of a Kind"
*Even after leaving her room and running past others, she still pursues you single-mindedly. Three copies of her appear around the original and all four attack, filling the hallway with projectiles. What was an extravagant hall that others would try to keep undamaged was disregarded by Flandre as she blasted everything into shrapnel while trying to hit you.
*You keep evading while fairy maids fly out of the way before they get caught in the bombardment. You look around for a way out but know it is not the time to check if the doors are locked or not.
"Why are you not attacking back? Where was your fighting spirit?! Toys that don't play will get thrown out!"
*Flandre's patience seems to have a limit as her attacks start to ramp up in ferocity. This has to be the second worst tea party you participated in. Why is it so hard to Spare this girl? You wonder what you are missing to find an amicable end to this.
Forbidden Barrage "Clock that Ticks Away the Past"
*Two crosses made of lasers manifest beside you as Flandre fires red bolts. As you dodge her bullets, the crosses spin and you have to navigate around the beams. You decide to double your effort in finding a way out before the girl sends you back to your SAVE POINT. As you gaze around, you notice that a set of doors are left open, and you decide to run through them. Some entrances are left open or knocked down by some unknown force, creating a path that leads somewhere. From your past experiences, the obvious path never led you astray, so you choose to follow it.
*As you wind down the corridors, you see a large doorway, like the library. It was open and you could hear the sound of combat past it. No other way than forward, you sprint past the doorway into a large room. In the middle was someone you were relieved/dreaded to see. Reimu was fighting a person who looked similar to Flandre and both turned to examine you.
"Frisk?"
Destiny "Miserable Fate"
Reimu evaded the lashing crimson chains as they left gouges in the stone tiles of the Ball Room. The shrine maiden knew that Remilia was testing the waters before using her stronger attacks, probing for any weakness in her defense. Not waiting for Remilia to attack again, Reimu takes the initiative.
Spirit Sign "Dream Seal -Spread-"
The shrine maiden's offense was an inordinate amount of sealing talismans. The Spell Card flooded the arena with divine scripture. It lacked grace and accuracy, but it made up for overwhelming the opponent with numbers. Remilia went around the amulets with nimble ease, the vampire showing a calm smile that threatened to crack into something more unrestrained.
"Oh my, you have gotten more barbaric than the last time we fought. Is your spirit unsettled? What did I do to cause such unease?" Remilia remarked, but Reimu did not answer her question. Instead, the red maiden says "My soul will be at ease when I put you into the dirt."
As Remilia dodged the swarm of amulets, she pondered on the cold response. 'Is she that attached to an outsider? Such anger and savagery, I love it!' The Scarlet Devil thought, deciding now is the time to get serious. "You want to strike me down, Hakurei? I dare you to try."
Scarlet Sign "Nightless Castle Red"
Remilia's magic aura flared, causing all the amulets around her to burst into scarlet flame. The vampire was not done after Reimu's Spell Card turned to ashes. An orb of light encompasses Remilia and the red maiden knew what was coming next.
God's Punishment "Young Demon Lord"
A lattice of luminous laser beams covered the room in superheated light, boxing in Reimu as waves of projectiles headed toward her. She breathes deeply and enters into focus. The shrine maiden floats around the aura bullets as if the attacks are slipping past, leaving no mark for their efforts. Remilia went through three repetitions of the Spell Card until it ended with a flicker.
Reimu once again took the initiative and activated the Yin-Yang Orbs, which had been concentrating power during the battle. The mirrored divine treasure split into eight, their divided power unleashed.
Spirit Sign "Deam Seal -Concentrate-"
The shrine maiden uses a simple strategy: 'Have a problem? Throw Danmaku at it. Is the problem still there? Throw even more Danmaku at it!' Truly a method without flaw. As Reimu threw homing talismans, the go-shintai fired out bolts of spiritual energy, causing Remilia to focus more on evasion. The Scarlet Devil flies away from the homing tags with her inhuman speed, escaping into the room's darkness. Reimu looked around the dark ballroom, stained glass light danced in the center while the hostess was absent.
A shadow darts past a few of the windows and Reimu could only glimpse the silhouette of the bat-winged yokai. While trying to find where Remilia was going to appear, the paper streamers of her Gohei swayed unnaturally. The Hakurei maiden suddenly swung towards her left. A shocked Remilia that pounced from the darkness was knocked to the side, making her claws barely miss the maiden.
A few brown hairs fell to the ground as Remilia questioned "How did you know? Did anything give me away?" Reimu only shrugged and answered, "I just guessed." There was silence in the room as Reimu's voice bounced off the walls.
Treasure Sign "Yin-Yang Treasured Orb"
Certain Kill "Heart Break"
Like lightning, both activated Spell Cards for close-range combat. The Yin-Yang Orb glowed to empower Reimu's palm strike while Remilia threw a magic spear to pierce through any attack. The sphere of radiant light was perforated and the spear exited the other side, revealing that Reimu was gone. Remilia instinctively ducked while covering her head as a Yin-Yang Orb flew past from behind. 'That was close.' The vampire thought as both attacked back and forth. "This is exhilarating! Do you feel it as well? The blood pumping through your veins, the beating of your heart in your ears, and the chaotic dance of your fate undetermined?" The Scarlet Devil announced as she flew up to create another spell circle.
Hell Sign "Mountain of a Thousand Needles"
Remilia flaps her wings and a barrier of bloody needles appears, then the needles split off to descend upon her foe. Reimu strafed around the flying needles while trying to figure out what the crazy vampire was on about. 'No matter, she will tell me where Frisk is after I beat some sense into her.'
After an exchange of Danmaku, the attack ended as Remilia looked distracted. "Someone is approaching," the vampire stated and when the Scarlet Devil spoke, Reimu heard footsteps.
Reimu turned around and saw someone she had initially been looking for. Frisk ran into the room and stopped to stare back at the shrine maiden. "Frisk?" Reimu questioned as if the child before her could be an illusion. Their young face froze with relief and apprehension, but they ran towards her with eagerness. Reimu forgot Remilia and ran up to meet the kid, the vampire floated down to observe at a distance.
"There you are! Frisk, are you hurt? What did that horrible maid do to you?" Reimu scanned the child for injuries but was relieved that not much damage had accumulated. Remilia was also curious. She expected the child to escape, but it is hard to predict someone unshackled from fate. What did they do to cause this divergence?
A voice came from the entrance of the Ballroom, calling out, "Reimu Hakurei?" The person in question paused at the curious voice. When Reimu stared past Frisk, her eyes widened at the unexpected guest. Flandre Scarlet stared back, her red eyes glowed in the dark room. The vampire looked between Reimu and Frisk, and her confused face slowly morphed into elation. "Miss Reimu, you're here! I shouldn't have doubted you, Little Toy! You were leading me here to play with Reimu, right? What a good toy!" The vampire praised and the Hakurei was baffled at the words.
"Little Toy? Frisk. Explain, right now!" Reimu demanded as her previous relief was replaced with irritation towards the child. They were alone for only a few hours, and they brought in this amount of trouble? What god did Frisk anger to have such rotten luck? The kid wisely stated nothing.
Flandre looked all too happy to see Reimu as she said, "Now that you are here, we can play like you promised!" Remilia rolled her eyes at her excited sibling, stating "You can wait your turn, sister. I was fighting Reimu first."
Reimu watched as two psychotic vampires bicker over who gets to play with her, and she started to rethink her life choices, lamenting how it got to this point. The shrine maiden had made the promise to Flandre so she wouldn't follow her home like her sister. Reimu got tired of waiting and interrupted their argument with, "Can you both wrap this up? I don't care if I have to fight both of you. I want this to end."
Remilia and Flandre stare at Reimu and silently come to an agreement. "Miss Reimu is right! Why don't we all play together?" The younger sister stated, and the older sister nodded. "A great idea, indeed. But would it be unfair without a fourth?"
As Reimu was about to state that there isn't a fourth and she doesn't need a partner, Flandre confidently declared, "There is a fourth! Are you blind, sister? Little Toy is right there!"
All three stared at Frisk, and Reimu was horrified at the implication. "No, wait! Time out! They are just a child!" The shrine maiden tries to reason, but unsurprisingly, the sisters don't follow reason. Remilia answered calmly with, "So? They are an outworlder, Hakurei. They are not protected by Spell Card Rules to begin with. Don't worry your little head, they can handle a Spell Card Duel if they survived this far."
Flandre nodded along as if this logic was sane and not psychopathic. "Yep! Little Toy is resilient, they can join the Danmaku play!" she cheerily said. Reimu glared at the younger vampire, demanding, "What do you mean by that?"
The younger vampire points her weapon forward, saying, "Time for talks is over! It's time to play!" The older sibling adds, "Yes, let us resume our dance." Both start summoning projectiles without input from the opposite party, Reimu picks up Frisk as the Team Spell Card activates.
Scarlet Devil Sign "Bloody Catastrophe"
Remilia fills the room with a tide of red blades while Flandre fires out an exploding projectile directly at the opponent, one focused on direct and the other on indirect. As the bolt landed behind Reimu and exploded into smaller projectiles, the shrine maiden let out a rare "Damn it!" as she tried her best to dodge attacks while carrying a small child. 'Why I had to open my mouth!? I shouldn't have said anything to these lunatics! Stupid, Reimu. Stupid!' Reimu doesn't have much of a filter in a normal battle when she back-talks with her opponents. But she is usually alone with no chance of a bystander getting hurt. Now her reckless words have put Frisk in danger. She could do nothing but eat the bitter consequence of her actions.
After finding a space between the Danmaku, Reimu places Frisk down and states "Stay behind me!" Now with no child occupying her hands, the shrine maiden starts using her spiritual energy for a room wipe.
Dream Sign "Duplex Barrier"
Two distorted barriers appear in the space between Reimu and the projectiles. When the Danmaku makes contact with the borders, their paths are warped and they fly away from their intended target. The shrine maiden takes the opportunity to throw more ofuda through the Spell Card and back toward the two vampires.
As they dodge, Remilia looks over to her sister. "It's been a while since we worked together, dear sister. How about we switch it up? One of us will take the lead. I'll go first."
Scarlet Bat "Vampirish Night"
A swarm of crimson bats dive into the arena and morph into blades, flying around the room with steady precision. Reimu continued to move around the attacks, but the process became much more difficult when Frisk needed to be guided. It didn't help that they wanted to go their own path, but there was no way Reimu would let them leave her side. Flandre giggled and added her obstacles to the fight. A bunch of crosses appeared around the area, making navigating the Spell Card more challenging.
As it started to end, Flandre scoffed at her sister. "That didn't do anything. It's my turn! Three, two, one." The girl counted down, then disappeared into the darkness.
Secret Barrage "And There Will Be None?"
Blue missiles form as they chase Reimu around the room, leaving a stream of orbs that linger in the area. As they move to intercept the shrine maiden, she enters into focus again. Reimu weaves past the homing bullets, the Danmaku slipping by and targeting- she dives to push Frisk out of the way. The shrine maiden realized that if she dodged all the attacks, they would go towards the child in her place. 'I can't retaliate with Frisk here. I have to focus on getting them out of the fight.' She thought and ground her teeth in frustration.
If Reimu prioritizes fighting back, then Frisk would be the one to pay. If Reimu prioritizes saving Frisk, she will spend precious energy protecting them, which would be better used to end the fight. This is not a good situation either way she chooses. 'If only there is an opening for them to escape.'
When Reimu is in the middle of a dilemma, Flandre's Spell Card changes as the Danmaku appears from all sides to meet in the center. When Reimu's attention was on evading the Spell Card, Remilia flew in to add their attacks into the ring. The vampire throws crimson spears to target the duo, threatening to pin them into the stone hall.
A spear was aimed directly at Reimu and she once again attempted to evade it by instinct. As the spear was about to pass her, time slowed down as she remembered that Frisk was close behind. She turned her head to see Flandre's projectiles surrounding Frisk. The child gazed at the spear with shock, knowing they were boxed in with no way to escape. Reimu used the last drops of her reserved energy to unleash her Spell Card. "Please make it!" She begged as the spell circle formed.
Dream Sign "Evil-Sealing Circle"
A wave of purifying light emanated from Reimu, causing the Danmaku to burst into energy. The room was wiped into another clean slate, knocking Flandre out of invisibility and causing Remilia to shield her eyes. Reimu's brow was damp with sweat, and her breaths labored with over-exertion. The red maiden turned to see that Frisk was knocked away from the Spell Card but was relatively unharmed. A few spears were littered throughout the ground, knocked away from the attack, or were too far to be destroyed by the sealing light.
Reimu saw Frisk was near the doorway, and she shouted "Get out of here!" The child looked up and nodded, getting up to leave. Reimu sighed in relief, now she had one less thing to worry about. Remilia, on the other hand, thought about the kid and their helplessness during the fight, concluding that she overestimated the young human. 'Could the change of their fate have been a fluke?' The Mistress hypothesized, but she stared at a tired Reimu and smiled. "Aw, that's sweet. How heroic of you to save the child from the evil vampires. How… Formulaic." Remilia stated in a bored tone, but Reimu readies up for another bout. "Now that Frisk is gone, I can-"
"-get serious now, pera pera. I can win even with two opponents, pera pera." Remilia childishly interrupted Reimu's speech and added "It's all empty blusters, Hakurei. I know you can't win this fight with the energy you have left."
As Flandre got up from being knocked down, Remilia landed and a large spear appeared in her hand. "Let's continue playing. The day hasn't ended yet, and my thirst isn't sated!"
Divine Spear "Spear the Gungnir"
As Remilia threw the lance of concentrated energy, it moved as fast as a laser, streaking across the room at blinding speed to meet Reimu. The Hakurei stared at her incoming doom with defiance, as if her glare could send the powerful attack away, but it continued unabated. 'This is going to hurt.' She thought, bracing for the inevitable impact.
Suddenly, a small body appeared between the spear and Reimu. She freezes at the sight of Frisk, not standing behind or running away. They stood in the way of the Spell Card, the rest of the fighters stunned by the suicidal act. When the spear met Frisk, Reimu saw through her mind's eye that the scarlet weapon was going to pierce through the poor child, completely bisecting them as it continued its path unabated. She wanted to do anything to save them, but she had no Spell Cards to aid them. She watched as the spear landed on the child that she cared for… and it stopped.
Frisk grunted as the spear pushed them back with force, but before they lost their footing, the child shifted their body. The spear ricocheted off to the side, landing at the Ballroom wall with a thundering boom.
They breathed as Reimu saw that they hadn't come back empty-handed. "Is that… one of mine?" Remilia asked incredulously as Flandre laughed at the scene. Frisk held one of Remilia's red spears. Its baleful aura almost looked out of place in the unassuming child's hands. The strangest part is that instead of dissipating into energy, it held against its original owner's attack and deflected it.
Frisk spins the spear forward and points it at the two vampires as a challenge, then they turn their gaze behind them. They stared at Reimu with their closed eyes and grinned happily.
*You admit to yourself that was too close for comfort, even by your standards. Luckily, a few magic spears were lying around, but these are different than what you are used to. Its color was blood red instead of aqua blue. When held, they don't give off the feeling of reliable weight and rigid simplicity, the spear vibrates with anticipation and crackles with unrestrained power. It's like grasping a lightning bolt that has been given the vague definition of a spear, and it chooses to cosplay one with materials it found at the dollar store. It's weird to hold, to say the least.
*After getting control of the spear, you were just as surprised as the others that it didn't shatter in your hands after blocking a single attack. The vampire lady sure knows how to pick them, these spears are quite sturdy. You assume she wouldn't mind if you borrowed one for this fight.
*As you stand between Reimu and the two opponents, you check on Reimu to see if she wasn't harmed.
*The dust settles in the Ballroom.
[Act]
Check: Reimu Hakurei
*Your friend! The only affliction she gained in this fight was fatigue. She stares at you, as if silently thanking you for assisting…
"What in the Old Hell are you doing!?"
*...Or not. You say you wanted to help, but that ignited Reimu's rage further.
"You are NOT helping, you're getting in the way! This is my fight and I can handle this on my own!"
Divine Art "Vampire Illusion"
*As the next attack starts, Reimu steps in front of you. Large, purple orbs shot out, leaving a mirage of red orbs that shift slowly off course. When Reimu fires back, you focus on blocking projectiles that get too close. You run around your partner, parrying and deflecting the crimson orbs that threaten to hit you or Reimu. She sees you blocking and pulls on your collar to put herself in front again.
"Stop that! Stop doing… whatever you are doing! You promised me to stay safe, do it by running away from the battle, not towards it!"
*You shook your head, knowing that holding a spear meant you had to stand your ground. When your SOUL is green, you are unable to Flee. But it's not like Reimu would want to hear excuses. She already was not reacting well to you shaking your head. Her hand threatened to snap her Gohei in half while her other hand turned into a claw, making throttling motions away from you while cursing under her breath.
*You hear laughter as your attention shifts to Flandre, who is closely watching the interaction between you and Reimu. She seems to be enjoying the show.
"You're funny, Little Toy! Older siblings are meant to be teased! Plus 10 points!"
"Please don't infect others with bad habits, Flan."
*After hearing her statement, something clicks into place in your head, and the gears start turning. A plan forms as you look at Reimu.
*Then you got an idea. An awful idea. You got a wonderful, awful idea!
[Act]
Challenge: Scarlet?
*You point your spear towards the vampire, confidently smiling that she can't do anything. An amused grin twitches on her face.
"Oh, you dare point at me with my own weapon? Time for a difficulty increase."
Scarlet Sign "Scarlet Meister"
*The Mistress fired off a barrage of bullets towards both you and Reimu. As the maiden starts to ready her attack, she sees you eye the flood of projectiles. Her brows furrow as she stares at you venomously.
"Do not…"
*You give the most innocent smile you can muster. You run forward. Reimu tries to impede you, but you dance around her, deflecting the Danmaku in the way. She groans in frustration as she steps around you again.
"I don't understand why you are like this! Are you that eager to die!? It's my job to protect you, not the other way around!"
*You state that you don't want Reimu to get hurt. You block another set of attacks as Reimu commands one of her Ying-Yang Orbs to shove you behind. She continues her rant.
"Do I have to tie you to my back? Don't think I wouldn't try!"
*You say that is a great idea! You can protect her back from ambushes.
"That's not the point!"
*You continue this dance of protecting the other from danger. When Reimu pulls you back, you run forward. When she blocks you, you evade and continue. When she takes a single step in front, you take one as well. Soon enough, you both take turns attacking and deflecting. It became a competition of one-upping the other on who needs to save who. The vampires watch this chaos unfold with different reactions. Flandre is laughing as you butt heads with the shrine maiden, while her sister watches silently.
"Are you fighting us, or the child, Hakurei? No matter. If you both survive this, I can take this Danmaku Battle seriously."
*A big attack is imminent!
[Act]
Prepare: Scarlet?
*You plant yourself to ready for the next onslaught. But a hand is placed on your shoulder.
"Don't try. You will be annihilated in an instant. Follow me closely, understand?"
*You were surprised to hear Reimu suggest something that isn't just 'run away,' and you nod to follow her. She steps forward to take the lead but her eyes linger on you for a second.
"This is not an invitation to join me in fights. After this is done, you are in deep trouble. I will exact my punishment, later."
*After those ominous words, Reimu focuses on the opponent before her. The girl looks down on both of you with crimson eyes, her smile fading for a more resolved frown. She lifts her hands, ready to activate her next Spell Card.
"Scarlet Destiny"
*After raising her arms, the vampire throws them down forcefully. Red energy poured out from her arms like streams of blood, then was pushed out with a beat of her wings. After leaving her, it forms into a ludicrous amount of knives that cascade out with big orbs mixed in to saturate the entire room and bury whoever was in the crossfire. There is no technique or pattern in this attack, only overwhelming force.
*Reimu didn't stand still as she found a path through the attack. You followed behind, impressed by her insight. If you didn't follow Reimu and chose to block it, the projectiles would be too much to handle, leading to an instant GAME OVER. As you shadow the red maiden, she throws out her ofuda and they track the vampire to land on her. Before the constant waves get too intense, the vampire falters as the divine tags cause some sort of damage to her.
"You may have stopped me, Reimu. But I'm not alone, remember?"
Q.E.D. "Ripples of 495 Years"
*Flandre joins the fight and looks at you with manic glee. The air reverberates as Danmaku rings expand like ripples of disturbed water. They form everywhere as Reimu tries to guide you through the Spell Card. The ripples appear faster and faster and you and Reimu had to deflect or dissipate some bullets so as not to get surrounded. Flandre continues to ramp up the rate of attacks as she giggles joyously.
"See, See!? I told you Little Toy can play with the rest of us! Plus 100 points! This is the best tea party I have ever participated in! Isn't this fun!?"
"No, it wasn't."
*Reimu voiced her displeasure as she ended the Spell Card with her own that she had been saving up.
Dream Land "Great Duplex Barrier"
*Two planes of distorted dimensions expand out and cause the projectiles to slow down as they get closer to Reimu. Then they moved past her like they were planning to miss their attack anyway. You only blocked a few that strayed toward you, but the rest were redirected. Reimu stumbled as her energy was tapped out. You try to help her stand, but she pushes you off, choosing instead to use her Gohei to hold herself up.
*You stare at the vampires with anticipation. The next attack won't be pretty now that you can't rely on Reimu's powers.
"You survived unscathed? I'm intrigued by your will to keep going, even with the odds against you. But this fight is now over."
*The Mistress glanced over to her sister, and she nodded. She raises her hand again and you and Reimu tensed at what would come next.
"I forfeit."
*...What the-
[Mercy]
Spare: Scarlet?
*YOU WON!
*You earned 0 XP and-
"WHAT!? That's it? 'I forfeit'? Why give up? What are you up to?"
*Reimu brought up a point and the vampire floated down, brushing paper talismans off her clothes. After some deliberation, she answered the question with one of her own.
"Why do you assume I have some insidious plan? I had my fill of fun, why not end it here?"
*Flandre rolled her eyes and gave the real answer.
"It's because she's tired. My dear sister spent too much energy on her attacks. She would have kept going if the full moon was out, but it's only midday."
*With the mystique shattered, the Mistress huffed at her sister's words and said.
"Well, you are one to talk, Flan. You can barely make a single bullet with what you have left. Speaking of midday, the real reason is that it is almost time."
"Almost time for what?"
*Suddenly, the doors were kicked open as a familiar witch made herself known. Marisa points her Mini-Hakkero at the room, her eyes burning with determination.
"Alright, you damned vampires! I have a Double Spark with both of 'ya names on it! You will stop here and we will take back Frisk!"
"Marisa, it's already over."
"Yeah, it's already over for… What!? I was late!? Dang it, Patchouli took up my time! Wait a moment and start over for me, I didn't get my chance!"
*Reimu's answer was like ice water that drenched Marisa's fiery will. Flandre looked delighted at the edition of the witch, she nodded at you with gratitude.
"Little Toy knows both Miss Reimu and Miss Marisa? You get more interesting by the minute! I can't wait to play with all of you!"
*You nod your head and Reimu shakes her head simultaneously, the shrine maiden stares daggers at you. After Marisa tries her best to avoid the overeager girl, a few more people follow behind. Aunn was covered in soot when she walked in and was tailed by Meiling who was also covered in soot. The last one was a girl you never met, lamenting about something to do with her camera until she locked onto you. Meiling spoke when she noticed you as well.
"You! I finally found you, kid! Get over here before I get in trouble with… Mistress."
*The mansion's owner stared at Meiling, who looked as pale as a ghost after noticing both Scarlet Sisters were in the room. After sweating entire buckets, she breathed a sigh of relief when the attention was off her and towards the whole room.
"You are all here just in time. You all must be hungry, so let's have some lunch! Sakuya, is the table ready?"
*She turned her gaze to a spot beside you and Sakuya occupied it without you noticing. You step away from her, your previous fight with the maid fresh within your mind. The time manipulator raises an eyebrow at your increasingly cautious behavior but is focused on answering her master's call.
"Yes, the dining room is ready to seat any guests now."
"Perfect. Treat everyone here as valued guests. Come, let's celebrate your hard-earned victory!"
*You are about to accept, but Reimu grabs your hand and drags you away from the others.
"It will be much better for us to celebrate back home, away from you. Goodbye."
*Another hand grabbed your opposite arm before you were dragged back to the shrine. You were halted and Flandre stared at Reimu with petulance.
"No, I'm not done with Little Toy! You won't take them away!"
"Frisk is not a toy! Let go, you lunatic!"
*Both pull and you feel very uncomfortable. Flandre refuses to let go of you while Reimu is unwilling to give up. Marisa stared at the two, unsure how to intervene in this situation. Aunn tried to help pull with Reimu but it didn't help, the new lady was busy writing in her notepad, and both Meiling and Sakuya stood by the Mistress, who was watching with mild amusement. You feel your arms are about to be pulled out of your sockets.
"Stop!"
*You yell loudly and both Reimu and Flandre pause, and you take advantage of their shock to give a compromise. You told Flandre you would bake her some sweets if she lets you go home afterward.
"Sweets? Okay!"
Like magic, Flandre releases your arm. Reimu doesn't look all too happy at this deal.
"Stop trying to appease these Yokai, Frisk. You don't even have anything to bake with."
"Oh, baking? I'll let Sakuya show them the kitchen, then! They can use any ingredient they want."
*Reimu's reason got shot down in an instant by the Mistress. You say it won't take long, and Reimu puts up her hands in defeat.
"FINE! Do you want to play cook for the vampires? Do it then! Throw away all your common sense for all I care!"
*After Reimu explodes, she marches off while grumbling under her breath. You want to reassure the maiden, but Aunn stops you and shakes her head.
"I understand what you are trying to do, but let her cool off. This hasn't been easy on her mentally. We were worried about you, so give her some time."
*You paused at that statement. You thought about your actions and felt that you may have been inconsiderate of your friends' concerns. Despite knowing that you would've been alright as long as you stayed Determined, multiple people still broke into the mansion to save you from a dangerous place. You nod and follow the group, thinking of ways to make it up to Reimu when you return to the shrine. As Sakuya waited for you to join and guided you to the kitchen, Marisa added herself. The maid raises a question to the magician.
"Are you also going to bake as well?"
"Nope, I know very little. Just keeping an eye on the kid, Ze."
*Sakuya didn't react to the insinuation that Marisa doesn't trust her with you. It is very strange that the people who tried to capture and harm you have changed instantaneously. It's as if a switch has been flicked; One moment Sakuya and Flandre are chasing you with bloodthirsty zeal, and then the next they are showing you around the mansion like a V.I.P.
*You pass through the large corridors of the mansion, some being destroyed by Flandre's rampage. The Mistress didn't seem worried or upset about the demolished decor, but Sakuya looked dour as you walked by the shattered porcelain or ripped carpets and tapestries. You separate from the main group as you are in the spotless kitchen that you peered into before when exploring. It's a large cooking area with surprisingly modern amenities. There are steel tools, refrigeration, and the most important appliance for baking, an oven.
"I thought there would be lunch? This seems too tidy."
"All of the catering has been finished and the kitchen cleaned afterward. The staff has put all their effort into your and other guests' meals. With my supervision, of course."
*Marisa was satisfied by that answer and leaned comfortably against the wall to watch you look around for different items. As you approach the kitchen knives, you curiously look at them and reach for one.
"I wouldn't do that. They are quite sharp."
*You instinctively move away from the voice, turning around quickly to see Sakuya staring at you with icy, admonishing eyes. The maid sees your tense expression and chooses a lighter tone when addressing you.
"I was only warning you. Children could get hurt playing with knives. Everything else is open to you according to Mistress' orders. If you need my assistance, just ask. If you find my presence displeasing, I can make myself absent if you desire it."
*You stare skeptically at her and don't sense any lies. You are curious about the maid before you, wondering if she is even human to begin with. You decide to use Check now that she is standing at attention.
[Act]
Check: Sakuya Izayoi
*Sakuya waits for you to make a decision. A dutiful servant to her master, her SOUL is bounded by INTEGRITY.
*Yep, that's a human SOUL. Now that you know Sakuya isn't secretly a Yokai, you start to rethink her in a different light. Even though very scary and stern, it seems like she follows whatever her Mistress tells her and does so without hesitation. The reason she is standing before you and not reaching for those knives is because she was ordered to help you. There might be a small chance she could be lying, but you decide to take up her assistance.
*You ask if there is flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and cinnamon. After getting a confirmation from the maid, you bounce on your heels in excitement. You know exactly what to make.
Aya Shameimaru writes down what she gathered from talking with everyone in the dining room. She sighs at her notebook, knowing there is one key figure that she hasn't interviewed yet: Frisk! That child was instrumental in what transpired here, and she regretted not taking the chance before they separated to head to the kitchen while she was stuck here at this large dining table.
'They'll be here, I'm positive. My clothes need to be dusted, my wings are still healing, and my camera may have a cracked lens, but I will get that interview, damn it!' The tengu thought resolutely. But for now, she has to suffer through the trial of eating delicious food.
When Remilia announced there would be lunch, it was an understatement. What lay before the table was an entire banquet. The Mistress has gone all out on feeding everyone present, but it is to be expected when the Scarlet Devil Mansion doesn't know the word 'Frugality'. The Temple Gaurdian, Aunn Komano, was eating heartily, grabbing from the many plates to stuff herself full. Hong Meiling was busy distracting Flandre Scarlet by playing card games and dice. Remilia Scarlet silently ate her meal with proper etiquette, seated at the head of the table to gaze upon everyone else. And Reimu Hakurei…
Reimu didn't touch her plate. The maiden looked around the table with obvious suspicion. Aya couldn't blame her for not doing so, the tales about how humans disappeared and turned into pastries and crimson tea are abundant. It got so bad that the reporter even did an investigation on it. It turns out that the rumors were exaggerated, but they did come with a portion of truth. Remilia admitted that she drinks blood tea occasionally, but Sakuya outsources that blood from somewhere. When Aya asked to elaborate, she didn't get a straight answer. As for the pastries, she could not find any evidence of the mansion using human villagers. There was not much of a story for her to make, so she scrapped it and it didn't come back up ever since.
When she thought about it, her previous investigation didn't include Outworlders being a possible target until Sakuya took Frisk, using a loophole within Spell Card Rules to enact their plan. 'If Remilia got her way, would the kid have been turned into a pastry plate?' Aya thought grimly but shook her head. Taking Frisk from the Hakurei Shrine to simply eat them is too much effort.
"What's wrong, Hakurei? Is your mind still on Dreemurr-chan?" Remilia asked offhandedly and Reimu snapped her attention to the vampire. "You mean Frisk? Of course, I am. You did take them in the first place." The red maiden said with an accusatorial glare.
Remilia hummed until she answered, "Oh. I did that." like she just thought about it in passing. Reimu slowly breathed in, visibly trying to hold herself with all her might from jumping out of her chair to strangle the vampire beside her. It wouldn't accomplish anything, but she was very tempted.
Reimu firmly asks, "Why?" Remilia looks over to the human and says, "What?"
"Why did you take Frisk?" The Hakurei maiden demanded again, trying to find a reason behind all this nonsense within the mansion. Aya quickly gathered her notepad and listened carefully. She also wanted to know why Remilia took the human child. Others halted their actions and watched the Mistress think about the question.
Remilia looked back with a confused expression. "Didn't I tell you? I was bored and hadn't seen you in a while," the vampire stated. Reimu needed a minute to process what she just heard. After her brain chewed through the words, she replied exasperatedly. "Wait. You kidnapped someone so I have a reason to visit you more often!?"
The Mistress says, "When you say it that way, yes."
Everyone else stared at her while she continued eating. Except Flandre, who answered with, "That's a clever idea! Maybe I should do something similar to find a playmate?"
"NO!" Reimu, Aya, and Aunn yell simultaneously. As Flandre wondered why her lunatic plan was shot down so viciously, the doors opened. Frisk and Marisa walked through with Sakuya following behind with a dessert trolly. As Frisk was seated next to Reimu, they placed a plate in front of the shrine maiden. She looked at what could be described as a pie. But it didn't have a top crust and was dolloped with whipped cream.
"Did you make this?" Reimu questioned the child beside her, and they nodded. The maiden was hesitant to eat the confection after hearing the stories of Frisk's previous endeavors in cooking, but it looked unassuming. After a few seconds, the kid became impatient, took a spoon to the pie, and hovered the dessert in front of her face.
"Really? I'm not doing that." Reimu stated, but Frisk wasn't letting up. "Ah~" The child intoned, waving the spoon around like it was floating in the air. Remilia covered her mouth, quietly tittering at the antics of the humans before her.
Before Reimu got any more embarrassed, she bit down quickly. After pushing away the spoon, her eyes widened at the taste. It wasn't horrible. Rather, she would admit it was pretty good. The strangest part is that she felt a bit more energized after a single bite. Her fatigue ebbed away like the burden of battle was taken off her body.
Remilia tried her slice but her reaction was subdued compared to Reimu's or even Flandre's, who was currently humming after biting into a sticky bun. "Passable" The vampire declared, and the red maiden rolled her eyes at the utensil still moving to collect another bite. Frisk smiled at the half-compliment but looked between the two sisters questioningly.
"Yes, Flan and I are related. It may not look like it, and I sometimes question it myself. But I…" Remilia explained but noticed something that she might have forgotten. "...I didn't properly introduce myself to you, haven't I?" The Mistress admitted, and Frisk nodded in confirmation.
The Mistress sat up straight and said "I'm Remilia Scarlet. I am the esteemed owner of the Scarlet Devil Mansion if that wasn't evident. I do say, your butterscotch pie and cinnamon rolls are decent for your young age. If you work here for a few years, your cooking could become exceptional." After her clear attempt at employing the child, Frisk shook their head apologetically. Reimu smirked at the rejection and the following frown on Remilia's face.
The Mistress shrugged off the loss and said. "That's a shame. But I do have to apologize for your sudden 'visitation' to our residence. I was simply curious about the outsider that lived in The Hakurei Shrine, it was never my intention for you to come to harm." Reimu narrowed her eyes at her apology, not buying a single lie that left her mouth. 'If you didn't want to hurt Frisk, you shouldn't have left them with Flandre of all people! Let alone kidnapped them in the first place!' The maiden thought vexedly, her Gohei arm itching to smack someone.
Marisa snorted aloud and said, "If you are so sorry, you should compensate for your mistake." Meiling looked up from her cards and said "Compensation? You all broke in and messed up the place! The kid was given a guest room! If anything, you're being a bit too greedy here." The mage stared back at the guard and responded, "Nice bandaid, you got that from running into a wall?" Meiling was sputtering at the change of conversation. After she tried to say it wasn't a wall, Remilia interrupted, "Hong Meiling, you don't have to argue for me. You are correct Kirisame, that's why we are having this feast, to 'compensate' for your hard work."
When Meiling slouched at the chastisement, the Mistress stared back at Frisk and continued with. "I'm impressed that you evaded my staff and survived playing with Flan, I have never seen her so joyful in a while. Your presence brought others to shake things up around here as well. For entertaining me and my sibling, you can ask one thing from us."
Reimu was stunned at the generous offer. Despite the infamy of the mansion, it is still a place full of riches and rare knowledge. Remilia's ability to divine another's fate could be life-changing for most people. But this is Frisk she's talking to, who is not most people.
The child pondered on their gift while Reimu guessed what they would choose. Frisk doesn't need money, they are practically a walking treasury. Would they go with magical knowledge? That is tempting to some, but the child likes having Marisa as their teacher. The divining fate or some obscure cooking ingredient would be a safe bet for Frisk in Reimu's mind.
But… This is Frisk she is thinking about. A grin slowly crept up the child's face as they found their answer. Reimu's mind sent out alarm bells and she realized too late that this is FRISK, who cares only about one thing above all else. They open their mouth as Reimu futilely tries to stop the inevitable. "No! Wai-"
"I want to be friends!" the child proclaimed in a cheerful voice. Reimu smacked her face and muttered, "By The Gods and everything under Heaven, why must you test me?"
Flandre laughed at Frisk's decision and stated, "You are so silly! You already are my friend, Little Toy! A friend of Reimu is a friend of mine, remember?" Remilia silently watched her sister enjoy herself and answered, "Is that what you want? You truly are an odd child. But if friendship is your desire, I won't complain."
Afterward, the door opened again for Patchouli Knowledge to slip through. Her clothing had seen better days as she quietly shuffled past the table, making sure to glare banefully at Marisa as she walked by. Marisa smiled and waved casually, knowing their last battle had ruined most of the library. If Patchouli hadn't put any protective wards on her books, they would have been destroyed along with the rest of the archive. Safe to say, Marisa is practically blacklisted from visiting the mansion's library ever again. However, it wouldn't stop her from acquiring books from there.
When the librarian sat down to join the meal, Reimu questioned Remilia on something that was bugging her. "Before Frisk was taken, they couldn't get through the Hakurei Barrier. Was that your doing?" The Mistress stared at Reimu with an unreadable expression, but she replied bluntly, "The child's interaction with the barrier was not my doing. I just foresaw an opportunity and took it. I am as curious about this as you are."
Remilia panned her view to Frisk, who joined in the card game with Flandre and Meiling. "It's my turn. Dreemurr-chan, can I ask you a question?" The child looked over from their cards and nodded.
"Why are you here?" she queried, but Frisk stayed silent. Reimu talks in their place. "What do you mean? You brought them here, do you have the memory of a goldfish?"
Remilia clarified, "My memory is perfectly intact. What I meant is why you are in Gensokyo." Reimu looked over to Frisk, who looked at their cards as they thought of an answer. 'That is a good question. Where did you come from, Frisk?'
"...I found a door and went through it," the child answered. Remilia smiled at the response and said "I see. Well, I hope you will have a painless journey back home."
When the pleasantries were done, lunch was finished quickly. The group returned to the main entrance and Remilia said, "Well, that was a lovely time. Please do visit again. These halls welcome all friends of the Scarlet Devil Mansion." Reimu deadpanned at the vampire and said, "If that gets you to stop looking for my home, I'll do it. If you ever hurt someone under my care again, I'll tie you up and drag you into the sunlight."
Remilia grinned at the threat and curtsied. "I'll look forward to that visit, Hakurei. Sakuya, Meiling, please see our visitors off." As the Mistress said her peace, she turned around and walked away. Then suddenly, she stopped. Everyone watches as Remilia stares at a familiar purple vase, set perfectly on its marble pedestal. She reaches out and gently pushes the vase off center. Satisfied at its less stable position, Remilia continued walking as Meiling, Sakuya, and Frisk stared dumbfounded at the porcelain vessel. All three glanced at each other, a spark of sympathy was shared as they separated and returned to their respective duties.
"See you later, Little Toy! If you don't come by soon, I'll visit you!" Flandre waved from the doorway, shaded from the sun's afternoon light, as all non-occupants of the Scarlet Devil Mansion left through the front gate. "I don't know if that was a promise or a threat," Marisa quipped as they walked towards Misty Lake. Knowing the vampire, it's likely both.
…
Remilia observed the group leave from one of the windows of her mansion, her gaze landing on the child as they made it past the treeline and disappeared from view. The Mistress turns, heading down the hall to her room. She is followed by Sakuya, who walks in lockstep from behind.
"May I be bold to ask why you let Frisk Dreemurr go?" The maid questioned, still wondering why the kid was important to collect and imprison. Remilia spoke as she walked. "Hmm. You may, this time. I felt Fate's Chains shift and wanted to know if the child was the cause of it. After I examined them, they were no use to me anymore."
Sakuya stopped for a step. The child caused The Chains of Fate to shift? A single human child? Is that why they felt so off? "Is that why you wanted to study them? To see if they can change fate, like you?" She questioned and the eyes of Remilia peered into her. "Be careful making such claims, Sakuya. Are you trying to challenge my domain?"
Sakuya bowed and said "I wouldn't dream of it, Mistress. It was a foolish conjecture." The vampire observed her closely but rolled her eyes after sensing no resistance. "They can manipulate their own fate, but it seems to end there. But that leaves a few questions, what is this power? And how do they wield it?"
Remilia had become curious about how they managed to change their fate so drastically and wanted to know how to use it for herself. She may claim to have power over fate, but there are limitations to such power. If the child has something similar, maybe she could learn something new. But after that single shift, it didn't happen again. It seems like whatever the child did, they didn't want to use it again. Or is it that the child only needed to use this mysterious power once? Is there a limitation to using it, or does it need a specific circumstance to activate?
"Could they be a seer?" The maid queried as she went with the straightforward explanation, thinking about how the child managed to avoid her detection. If the kid could divine their future, it would explain some things.
Remilia also believed that was the power they held. But after the battle with Reimu and Flandre, she has some doubts. "Maybe. But it doesn't seem right. Did Patchouli tell you about their magical capacity?" the Mistress questioned and Sakuya responded promptly. "Miss Knowledge said that she sensed no magical power from the child, nor believed that the child knew any magic techniques for that matter."
"How puzzling," Remilia said. She could compare the child to their cooking. The butterscotch pie, for example, was made with common ingredients: Flour, dairy, sugar, and eggs. The outlier would be the cinnamon, but what is life without a little spice? Despite the dish's simplicity, it hid a depth beneath its unassuming facade. Despite how amateurish the execution was, she couldn't help but take another bite. It's like the child captured its warmth… Now Remilia is hungry again.
"Sakuya. Is there more of that pie Frisk made? I wish to have another serving." Remilia commanded, intent on dissecting what spell the child put on the food. The child can do many things that confound her. They predicted and fled from Sakuya before she was ordered to find them. They grabbed one of her spears made of her magic and used it as their own. They played with her rambunctious sister and came out relatively unscathed. All of these feats without a drop of magic in their blood? Where did they come from? Why are they in Gensokyo? They answered 'how' they got here, to which the reply was vague itself. But they didn't answer the 'why.' They completely deflected it, thinking she was not smart enough to notice. 'What are you hiding?'
"Mistress," Sakuya announced her presence and handed her a plate with a fork. Remilia looked down at the slice of pie and laughed. At least there is something that she could understand well, the maid would manipulate time to get her master some dessert. 'That power is so… reliable.'
Remilia looked down at the plate. She looked over to Sakuya, causing the servant to stare back curiously. "What is it, Mistress? Do you need a drink as well?" When she asked for a request, the vampire shook her head and focused on getting back to her room. 'No, it's not possible. Even Sakuya can't reverse time's flow. There are simply too many variables to account for. They can't even make a single spell, let alone do something that absurd.' Remilia thought and the logical part of her brain scoffed at the idea. But the less coherent part of her brain told her to consider the impossible if all realms of possibility fail.
When she got to her room, she was very tired. The pie was enjoyed, but the coffin called to her. "Sakuya, I am going back to sleep. Can you set up playdates for Flandre later? It's about time she gets some interaction." The maid bowed and stated "I will arrange something swiftly. Have a good rest, Mistress."
When the maid left, Remilia stepped towards the coffin and yawned. She looked forward to the coming days, she couldn't wait to see the look on Reimu's face when Flandre and the kid played together. It would be good for Flandre to have a human friend. 'Plus, I get to know more about the mysterious child. A win-win, but not for Hakurei.'
As the Mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion tumbled into the casket, Remilia wondered if she would see that nightmare again. She closed her eyes, hoping it would be a dreamless slumber.
An angel, as red as scarlet, falls from Heaven. What follows is the starless night they left behind and motes of light illuminate the dark. The world shakes as the angel fights to save the realm they fell into…
Or ends it, shattering the border of fantasy.
*You look out towards the clear lake as you walk away from the mansion, birds fly away and the occasional squirrel scurries up a tree as you pass by.
"How far are we from the mansion?"
*Reimu spoke to Marisa, the witch saw her expression and smirked knowingly.
"Far enough for them to not see us, and it's unlikely anyone is following right now."
*The maiden nodded in thanks and then turned to you. Reimu's eyes gleamed ominously and you didn't react fast enough as her hands thrust towards your face. She pinches your cheeks and pulls until they become ruddy.
"What are you thinking!? Running towards a fight, disobeying my orders, and playing with dangerous vampires? Is your head only good for pinching!?"
"Mmmeghebb."
*You made a retort, but it was ineffective. Reimu's retribution continued as everyone else stood aside, clearly entertained by the humorous scene before them. After a single minute passed, Reimu was satisfied and stopped pinching when your face started to ache. The maiden then gently places her hands on your shoulders. She spoke again.
"I was worried. You knew that, right?"
*You nod silently as her words weigh on your mind. Why wouldn't she? From her perspective, you disappeared without a trace and were held hostage by strangers. Stressed is an understatement in this context.
"I'm sorry."
*Reimu's eyes slightly softened at your genuine apology and responded calmly.
"Most of what happened is not your fault, but you should prioritize saving yourself. You don't know how relieved I was when I saw you running towards me. You could have died back there."
*...
*You nod again and Reimu's hands are released. After that fiasco, the black-haired girl walks up to you.
"Well, that was something. I'm Aya Shameimaru, head reporter for the Bunbunmaru Newspaper! After that whole kidnapping thing is over with, I want to ask you some questions!"
*You thought about it and shrugged. You don't mind answering questions.
"Excellent! Now, the first question. Is it true that you played with Flandre Scarlet for an extended time?"
*You nodded and stated that she is rough around the edges, but means well. Everyone looked at you with disbelief while Aya wrote down your response.
"That is the most favorable interpretation of Flandre Scarlet I've heard. She is not very popular, and for good reason. When Scarlet plays, she can get… destructive. Anything in her grasp tends to end up broken. How did you manage to survive an encounter with her?"
*Thinking about it, you answer vaguely that you ran away when it got too intense. Aya quickly jotted down and spoke.
"Huh, that's why she busted through the Library. You were very lucky that you found Hakurei then!"
"Yeah. Very lucky..."
*Marisa commented, examining you with inquisitive eyes. She seems to be thinking of something, but Aya pulled you back to the interview.
"Okay! Next Question. What were your thoughts on your place of captivity?"
*You continued to answer Aya's questions as Aunn, Marisa, and Reimu added some context. Aya was never pushy with her queries, choosing to keep to relevant topics and exuded professionalism. She can practically match you in making quick friends with her outgoing personality and approachable demeanor. While answering her, you got to know that she is a Yokai, a Crow Tengu to be exact. You asked if there are other forms of Tengu, and Aya was all too eager to talk about the different castes and their function within Tengu society.
*After hearing about the different Tengu types (and some grumbles about working in a caste system), you wonder if Yokai are like Monsters or are they more Human. You decided that some Checking will help in that regard.
[Act]
Check: Aya Shameimaru
*A Crow Tengu that acts more young than she is. Aya's soul is white, indicative of a soul full of magic. A cyclone of energy surrounds the soul, held back until its power is needed.
*Not surprisingly, the soul is similar to a Monster's soul, but a bit more powerful. Could it persist after death? Curious, you Check on Aunn's soul.
Check: Aunn Komano
*The goodest of guardians. Aunn wonders why you're staring at her, she frantically checks her face. Her soul is also white but has less of a presence. It feels like the soul can split into two.
"Hey, enough talking. We're going to fly the rest of the way back. Get on, Ze."
*Marisa motioned for you to ride her broom. You comply and surprisingly, Aya joins you. The broom feels a bit more cramped. The witch stares at the tengu with annoyance.
"You know that you can fly without your wings, right?"
"I know, but I wouldn't be as fast without them. I am starting to get used to riding along."
"More like getting used to being a freeloader. Get off."
*Aya flew along with a pout while Aunn giggled at her expense. As you pass over the trees, you head past Marisa's house to get you back to the shrine first. You asked if that's fine with her, and she reassured you that your safety was more important and she could fly back without much problem. You nod and she focuses back on flying. Your curiosity grew again and decided to peak at her SOUL.
Check: Marisa Kirisame
*Gensokyo's number two problem solver. She solves problems by blowing it up, that's probably why she's number two.
*Ready to face any foe, her SOUL burns with BRAVERY.
*You snort at the description. Her SOUL absolutely fits her, it explains her bold actions and casual attitude towards danger. After seeing Marisa's SOUL, your gaze wanders over to Reimu. The maiden flies beside you and that gets you to question what her SOUL looks like.
*One last time, you Check on Reimu.
[Act]
Check: Reimu Hakurei
*Beats vampires, a true Belmont at heart.
*Reimu's SOUL is… gray? You feel no Determination within its depths.
*You stare intently at the anomaly before you. A Human SOUL without Determination. You wonder, what keeps her soul intact if not for the will to refuse death? Reimu looks over at you, noticing your attention on her.
"What's wrong, Frisk?"
*When the maiden asked that question, her muted SOUL sparked with purple and then green. Perseverance, the assurance that they can keep going, and then Kindness, the willingness to help those around them. It seems like her Determination is there, but there is no defining trait that can hold it.
*You ask if she is mad that you befriended Flandre and Remilia Scarlet. Reimu's face scowled as her SOUL angrily sparked yellow and orange, but then cooled to cyan and blue before the sparks guttered out.
"No, I'm not mad. Just... why them? They tried to hurt you, yet you're so quick to forgive them. They are not good people, Frisk. What possibility is there for the Scarlets to have any positive qualities?"
*You ponder the question, but ultimately you shrug. You say anyone can do good or bad, one simply has to hope another can do good. Marisa snorts at that.
"Either you are painfully naive or hopelessly optimistic. Can you at least try thinking before befriending a bloodthirsty Yokai? Here's the shrine, I'm going to head back home. I still need to do some research."
*After landing, you get off the broom and look out towards the Hakurei Shrine. It hasn't changed much the past few hours, but seeing it causes you to release a breath. This place may not be home, but it is close to a place of safety as Toriel's House back at The Ruins. Aya stated that she got enough information for her topic and excused herself to go back home to get to the editing process (And to crash on a bed after days of no sleep.) When both Tengu and Mage flew off, it was you, Reimu, and Aunn that is left.
*You look at Reimu and innocently smile. She gazes back ruthlessly.
"No. Whatever you are thinking, you're not going anywhere. Consider yourself grounded until further notice."
*Figures. It seems like she is still upset about you joining the Danmaku Battle. You say you will but want to wait for something tomorrow morning. Reimu initially looked upset at you speaking back, but when you stated your reason, she relented after seeing your pleading face. She says that you can wait at the shrine gate, no farther than that. You thanked her and went inside, deciding to do the brunt of the chores to hopefully lighten your punishment.
*After the afternoon passed, you went to bed as Reimu and Aunn took night shifts to watch the Shrine for any unwanted visitors. When the morning sun crests the horizon, you get up and do your morning activities in record time. Afterward, you stand at the gate to wait.
*You waited and waited. Your hand habitually runs through your hair out of worry, avoiding the scar on your temple. Over an hour elapsed and your nerves became tense. You think that what you were told was a lie, and the only way to fix this is to Reset. But you decided to wait some more, even when the beat from your chest deafens your hearing.
*Wait. You can't hear at all…
*Puff!*
*At that moment, a ball of leaves hit your back after your hearing returned. A fairy in a red dress with orange pigtails laughed from behind as you turned to see them. Sunny saw your stunned face and laughed harder, Luna and Star appearing beside her.
"Look at your face, Frisk! You looked like you saw a ghost or something!"
*You ignored her comment and started to walk up to her, the summer fey noticed your approach and looked uneasy.
"Hey, hey. It's just some leaves! Nothing but a harmless prank, ya? Wait, get back-"
*You lunge and hold a wide-eyed Sunny. Your arms shake as she doesn't know how to react.
"Hey, uh… Are you okay? I was only gone for a bit."
*You keep holding her as she pats your back awkwardly. Luna caught on to how you were feeling and pushed Star into a group hug. Knowing they are alive, your worries melt away as if yesterday's events were behind you. Aunn and Reimu watched from the Hakurei Shrine. Aunn sat on the steps, quietly smiling at the touching reunion. Reimu leaned against the awning support and contemplated the scene before her with a neutral expression.
*Being surrounded by your new friends fills you with Determination.
"And so, the child reunited with their fairy friends. Truly a heartwarming tale." A voice intoned from the treeline, far from the Torri and the people by it. A rift in space is open, only big enough for someone to peer through to observe Reimu and the child that currently is heading back to the Hakurei Shrine.
Yukari Yakumo watches the child trying to embrace Reimu while she holds her hands out to keep them at bay. The Witch Between Borders chuckled at how the duo are both so different in personality yet similar in ideals. It is almost worth letting the child go and allow the fairies to take them to Reimu.
"Ah. There you are, you sneaky witch. Watching the young human doesn't help your image. People might think you'll snatch them and spirit them away." An Oni stated while walking out of the forested woods and into a small clearing.
Yukari looked over to Suika Ibuki, who looked more sober and at attention, staring down the witch with a gimlet eye. "Oh? But what if I did spirit them away? I have a reputation to live up to, after all." Yukari spoke with a mischievous grin.
Suika refuted, "If that was your intention, you would have done it days ago. Spill it, what is going on with the child?" Yukari sees the Oni take a swig from her gourd. She answers, "They can turn back time." Suika mists the area with sake and coughs, looking at the witch as if she is insane.
"What!? That has to be a joke, stop lying." Suika said incredulously. Yukari blinked and said bluntly "I'm afraid to say it's not a joke. Frisk can turn back time, and just did so recently."
Suika looks into her gourd and sighs, stating, "I knew Fris-chan was different, but this is… Hold on a second. If the kid turned back time, how did you know they could?" Yukari looked at the Oni with golden eyes and said, "Well, isn't it obvious?" Suika was unimpressed at the non-answer but continued the conversation.
"Sure. Whatever, you cheater. Did anyone else figure out about their power? Did Reimu figure it out?" Suika brought up the shrine maiden's name and Yukari looked back through the gap. "No, not yet. Others are feeling the effects, and whether they can follow the thread back to Frisk is up to them. The child caused a wonderful stir with their little stunt."
Suika deadpanned at Yukari's comment. By the sound of her eagerness, it must have been bigger than a 'stir.' The Oni says, "Of course, you would encourage something like this. Is there anything else you want me to do, or are you going to hold up your end of the bargain?" The witch opens a gap and reaches an arm through it. The Oni caught the bottle of spirits that was tossed to them. She looked at the imported booze within her grasp with anticipation and pulled the stopper to sip the contents. "Whew~! That's a kick! I'm off to meet a friend. Go easy on the kid, will ya'? I grew fond of them!"
As Suika left, Yukari rolled her eyes at her casual behavior. "An Oni judging someone on kidnapping? What a strange world we're in." Suika was supposed to have a closer look at the shrine to learn something of the child's soul. But that plan was discarded because Frisk seems to have a way of befriending everyone they meet. They have been in Gensokyo for over a week and they have already left a mark on this world.
'Both metaphorical and literal.' Yukari closed the gap and entered a new one. She ended up in a secluded area of the forest, not that far from the Hakurei Shrine. It is the place of origin, where the child landed in from their descent. The witch stared at a small patch of budding flowers, a species that she had never seen before. The child must have carried a seed that clung to their clothing and was rooted here on their landing. 'It looks similar to the Ranunculaceae family, but the flowers can't compare to what is above them.'
The Sage flew up into the sky until she was above the tree line, she came across something hovering in the air. A rip in space that leads into a deep, dark void. She reaches out and gently grasps the tattered edge and 'feels' the border between worlds. Yukari knew that Frisk was from somewhere very far… But a different world altogether? The idea is very intriguing. An alien flower from another world, a rip into an endless void, and a soul that has the power to defy eternity. What else can happen? She can not wait to see!
With a tug, the rip slowly closed itself until a thin hairline was left, too small to observe with the naked eye. To her slight concern, it did not fully seal. Yukari guessed that it would fully mend if the child returned to this void. But for now, it's not doing anything harmful to the surrounding area or the barrier. Mending it would have to wait until she learns of this void and how the child managed to traverse it. Until then, she will closely watch this scratch upon the Hakurei Barrier. 'Or,' Yukari thought, 'a scar.'
The Witch Between Borders turns around and opens a portal home, but before she heads back, she opens a window into the Hakurei Shrine. She sees the child sitting at the kotatsu sharing some sweets with their friends. The Three Fairies of Light made sounds of enjoyment while Reimu read the scroll on opening the barrier. The child smiled at the comment made by the Komainu and their bright red soul glows within them, its true power concealed. 'How long are you willing to put up with your act, young one? How long until your friends see what you really are?' Yukari thought and then moved the window so she could snatch a plate with a pie slice. The child might have spotted the tail end of her stunt, but she paid no mind, she took her necessary toll.
"Get your rest in, Hakurei. There are incidents yet to come." Yukari stated as she thought about the waves of change cascading through the world and the bordering realms. 'Go on, Little One. Play your game, and make this place a bit more interesting.'
She scooped a bite while floating through the gap to her home, leaving the scar into the void to hang in the air while birds sang their morning melodies.
…
Mysterious Shrine Maiden Defeats Scarlet Mansion!
The shrine child is kidnapped by, rescued from, and then befriends the Scarlet Sisters.
On X on the Xth, around 9 am, the young outsider residing in the Hakurei Shrine was swept away by a maid of the infamous Scarlet Devil Mansion. The guardian of the shrine and their Yokai companion chased after the maid and battled through the mansion to rescue the child. Fortunately, no significant harm has befallen the victim, despite their terrifying circumstances. The maiden of the shrine has dealt with the owners before and resolved the situation relatively amicably.
"The Scarlets have been nothing but trouble. They act all nice, but they are wicked to the core. Give them an inch, and they would cause chaos in a heartbeat. They took them and I did my job as a guardian to get them back. All I want is for the vampires to stop bothering me!"
I was on an investigation on another matter on the mansion, and luckily took part in the rescue beside one of the Yokai Exterminators. After taking a major part in the rescue with costly resources used by yours truly, I managed to get a comment from one of the residents of the mansion as to why they kidnapped the victim.
"Oh, that brat? Mistress wanted them, and I was supposed to watch them. They did not try to escape… At all. Nope, not a single moment."
Despite the captor's claims, there have been many other reports that contradict that image. The victim apparently fled the room, avoided their recapture, and even partook in a Danmaku Battle and won against the owners of the mansion, Remilia and Flandre Scarlet. For whatever reason, the sisters decided to let the captive go and return to the care of the maiden.
"Little Toy (victim) was fun! They played without complaining. Many toys would break, but not this one! I hope to play with them again!"
Through the nonsense, I got that the owners had made an unexpected connection with the captive. Even with the little time spent on the mansion, the captive gained the respect of the owners. I tried to get an interview with the victim to ask how they felt about this kidnapping, and they answered in a unique way.
"The kidnap was efficient and the room was comfy. But there was no presentation! Where were the moss-covered walls, the hanging chains, and the iron bars? They didn't even have the decency to give me dog food. 6/10 kidnapping."
Clearly, the victim was shocked and delusional after their incarceration, and that may have affected their view on events. Despite this position, they managed to overcome improbable odds even though they were a young human. The child is Frisk (No last name given), a possible outworlder with an unknown origin.
There have been rumors circulating about the child pacifying Yokai before. Walking around in a shrine outfit, in the presence of the maiden, Reimu Hakurei. When I asked for a comment, the maiden declined to answer. But Frisk gave a hint to their relationship.
"We are very close!"
Along with their statement, there has been a report of a celebration for a new member of the Hakurei Shrine being spread throughout the underworld. I'm not one to draw conclusions, so make of this information as you will. Even if the incident was harrowing to some of the individuals affected, it shows that the Hakurei maiden stakes her claim and will vent her mighty wrath on anyone who messes with the ones she protects. I suggest giving any offerings to spare her vigilance.
-Aya Shameimaru
…
"Well, what do you think?" Aya stood before a reading Reimu. The fairies and Aunn tried to hold in their chuckles as Frisk read their own copy.
Reimu's eye twitched as she crumpled the sides of the Bunbunmaru Newspaper. She looks up at Aya and states, "What do I think? I think I'm going to wring a crow's neck." The maiden in red steps towards the Tengu and gives chase when the crow flees. Frisk continues looking for the crossword, unbothered by the Yokai around them collapsing on the floor in a fit of giggles and uproarious laughter.
"Why did you word it like that!? You are making me look like a roosting hen!" Reimu yelled while pursuing Aya around the courtyard. "It is to build a connection! People like relatable situations, and Frisk practically lives at the shrine!" The Tengu reasoned and the shrine maiden screamed out in response.
"We Are NOT Related~!"
A: Silly Frisk, you can't read! Seriously though, this chapter took a bit because some areas were unsatisfactory to me and were rewritten many times. I tried my best to iron out the bumps, but I know I'm not infallible. So let me know in the comments what y'all think.
That's the Scarlet Mansion Arc done! I can't wait to see what shenanigans are on the horizon. Once again, thanks for reading and I'll see you soon. :)