Huzzah! A new chapter! I was really going for a November release for this chapter because Super Robot Taisen L for the DS comes out on the 25th and I won't be able to write much once I get my hands on a copy. So yeah...
Anyway, here's the first part of this world. Please enjoy!
?
The incessant sound of clashing blades between Cirno and Rumia rhythmically echoed throughout the otherwise quiet shrine. I could only stare in disbelief as these two girls completely shattered my preconceived notions about them from the previous worlds. I turned to the oni, Suika, wondering if she had any desire to stop these two from tearing up her shrine.
I guess this is her shrine... I thought since she evidently lives here and the only other shrines I know of are the Hakurei Shrine and the Temple of the Earth Spirits, neither of which look like this.
?Shouldn't we like, stop them?? I asked the obvious question, earning a curious and very drunken gaze from the little oni.
?Nya~! Let them have their fun, I say~! Hic!? The drunk little oni said before taking another swig from her gourd.
It was still morning and she's already plastered? I thought while shaking my head. I turned to the other girl there for help.
?Sorry, this part of the mountain is Suika's territory. None of the other devas can do anything here without her approval.? Kasen shrugged. I sighed and looked back to the duel taking place in front of us.
?Come on Cirno-chan! Combine your swords already so we can really fight seriously!? The older version of Rumia, the youkai of darkness, taunted as she effortlessly swung around the the thick jet-black zweihander at Cirno. The heavily armed ice fairy, was struggling in the duel because she was fighting defensively and her current sword seemed comparatively lighter than her opponent's.
?Stop! I don't want to fight you Rumia! You're one of my best friends! This fight is meaningless!? The ice fairy pleaded with her friend as she blocked and parried strike after ruthless strike.
?Is that so~? Lies! No fight is meaningless! Now fight me, little ice fairy! Fighty time! Fighty time!? Rumia declared as she made her wings of swirling darkness larger. Cirno grunted and her left hand was creeping towards the saw-toothed longsword on her back.
?Dammit Suika! Just make them stop already!? Kasen yelled at her companion who frowned at the sudden aggression displayed by her friend.
?Oh fine~! Hic!? Suika said as she got up and walked toward the two young women. I was starting to get nervous about an oni getting into the mix between two skilled swordswomen. I've fought against another Deva of the Mountain, Yuugi, and I know from experience how strong they are. I gulped and made sure that my buckle would appear at a hair's-trigger if this gets out of hand.
?So...you really are serious...? Cirno grimly remarked as she pulled one of the longswords on her back, the saw-toothed one, and prepared for Rumia's attack.
?Oh yes I am! Are you ready Cirno-chan~?? Rumia asked as she held her zweihander above her head. Neither of the combatants noticed Suika walking towards them like a drunken salary man...it was a bit embarrassing to watch her approach them, really...
?Unya~! He~y! You two~!? The little oni called out to the two. Cirno and Rumia looked at her curiously as she pulled out a very large sake dish out of nowhere. She poured sake into the dish and held it towards the two of them.
?Here~! Have some~! Hic!? Suika said as she set down the dish in front of Rumia.
?Is she nuts?! She's offering sake to them! Rumia might just stab her for that!? I said in panic to Kasen who looked calm despite the seemingly stupid and very drunken move by Suika.
?Don't worry. This is how these fight always ends.? Kasen said in a bored tone while shrugging.
?And some for you too~! Have some~! Hic!? Suika drunkenly offered another large dish filled with sake to Cirno. The two youkai looked at her a second. Cirno put the saw-toothed sword on her back and her main broadsword in between the two long swords, making the broadsword point straight down. Rumia simply made her black zweihander disappear into thin air. I was wondering if the sword was made of pure darkness like her wings when both of them walked towards Suika, took their respective sake dishes, and started drinking.
?What the hell?!? Was all I could say. I looked at Kasen while pointing at the absurdity taking place.
?That is Suika's hidden power. It's legendary that no one can refuse a drink from Ibuki Suika. She even got the Yama herself completely drunk once because of that power.? The pink-haired girl explained while shrugging.
?I...I need to sit down...? I said while feeling like I was having a migraine after what I just witnessed.
?You're too stiff for a miko you know~! Here~!? Suika said while pouring some sake in yet another sake dish.
No! Noooo! I thought as I slowly backed away as soon as she finished filling the dish.
?Have some~!? Those words were the last thing I remember.
?
?Uuurrrggghhh...? I groaned like a zombie when I regained consciousness. I was never able to hold my alcohol well so I never drink except during special occasions. I was a lightweight when it came to drinking and oni sake was really freaking strong! I was probably out like a light after a couple of sips.
?Brain...hurts...? I grunted as I clutched my head in pain. I hate hangovers. So. Much.
I sat up and my head started pounding even harder. Note to self: If Suika starts pouring sake and looks at you, RUN! Run hard! Run fast! Don't look back! FLY if you have to!
?Where am I now?? I said to myself while looking around. I was sleepi--passed out in a futon and the room I was in reminded me of the inside of the Hakurei Shrine. It was similar but something was off...
?You don't drink much, do you?? A familiar voice said from behind me. I turned around, earning another few thumps from my brain, and saw Kasen walking into the room.
?No. In fact, it's been nearly a year since I got drunk. I've completely forgotten how painful hangovers are. How does Suika keep drinking that stuff like it's water and not die from alcohol poisoning?? I said to her while massaging my temples.
?She's an oni. There'd be something wrong with you if you couldn't drink that much if you were an oni.? Kasen explained.
?Thank goodness that I'm not then. Where am I?? I repeated my original question while taking another glance around the room.
?My shrine. Suika would have left you and those two for dead after you all passed out, so I carried you all here.? Kasen said with yet another one of her shrugs.
?Those two? Cirno and Rumia are here too?? I inquired, standing up and stretching out. God, I was sore all over! Did Kasen stuff us all in a suitcase?
?Yes, they are. I made sure to keep them as far away from each other as possible. The stiffness should wear off after a few hours. Happens all the time to non-oni that drink Suika's sake.? The bandaged girl said. I nodded in acknowledgment before glancing at her right arm.
I wonder why she has her entire right arm bandaged like that? I wondered as I stared at her arm.
?It's a long story. One I'd rather not recount, especially to a stranger.? She stated while narrowing her eyes at me and putting her left hand on her right arm, as if trying to hide it. Looks like she doesn't like people prying.
?Sorry...and thanks for taking me in.? I bowed to her in thanks.
?No problem. It would have been heartless to let you three rot out in the middle of Suika's shrine. That would have made a very bad image for us devas.? Kasen explained just how helpless we were after we got plastered by Suika's alcoholic tendencies.
?Are you so sure? I mean fine, Suika looked a drunken bum, but I don't think she'd leave anyone to die on her front yard.? I skeptically retorted. Surely, the other deva was just being a bit mean towards the little oni.
?No. This is fact. Suika would never willingly do something for someone else. She's the laziest youkai in Gensokyo.? The deva pointedly insisted. Yes, again with the shrugging. I was starting to wonder if her shoulders might pop off if she kept doing that all the time.
?Fine, I'll take your word for it. I hope I wasn't out for more than a day though...? I changed the subject while scratching the back of my head. I was really praying that I wasn't knocked out as long as I was in the previous world.
That would mean that drinking Suika's sake has the same effect on me as an all-out battle with Yuka at the Garden of the Sun. I thought, a thought that disturbed me greatly.
?Don't worry. Since you only drank a couple of sips, you were only unconscious for a few hours. The ice fairy and the darkness youkai will take a bit longer to recover though.? Kasen explained.
?Good. At least we don't have to deal with them so soon. Any idea why they're fighting?? I asked.
?Not really. They've been like that since they arrived on the mountain months ago. One time, I stopped by to make sure that Suika wasn't drowning in her sleep and saw them swatting metal at each other in the premises. Every time that happens, Suika eventually gets them drunk in order to stop them from fighting. It takes a lot of coaxing to make her do that much though...? The pink-haried girl said, surprisingly without shrugging this time.
?Usually, either Yuugi or I take care of them while they were knocked out. Although, it has been just me lately since Yuugi has her hands full with that jealous troll, Parsee. I swear, just talk to your fellow deva once in a while and the next thing you know, you have a pointy eared, green eyed, blond bitch in your face yelling about how envious she was of you or whatnot.? She added, spoke too soon about the lack of shrugging too.
Parsee and Yuugi are in this world too huh? I thought, resisting the urge to shudder after remembering what the Parsee I encountered in Imperishable Night did.
?And you never had any chance to ask either of them about what was going on?? I wondered, I had the strangest feeling that was I turning into a private investigator with all the questioning I've been doing.
Tack that alongside life counselor and motivational speaker for possible future career choices after this is all over. I thought before I shook off the odd feeling and waited for her answer.
?I never had the chance to. They usually just sneak out or run away once they regain consciousness. Besides, their welfare isn't my responsibility. I just want to make sure they don't die like animals in one of the shrines of the four devas.? Kasen said, waving off any accountability in the matter. At least she didn't shrug.
?That makes sense. But why are you and Yuugi so insistent about making sure Cirno and Rumia don't die in the premises of Suika's shrine?? I asked the strange question while tilting my head.
?Would you want two dead youkai rotting on your front yard?? Kasen posed with a raised eyebrow.
?Point.? I nodded in understanding.
?Besides, this is our mountain. We don't like the dead littering the place but a healthy duel every now and then is nice to see. It assures us that the youkai beyond the mountain haven't gotten weak because of peace...Suika on the other hand...? She added for good measure. It was at that time that my stomach decided to greet Kasen. The bandaged girl gave me a curious look after my stomach growled before closing her eyes and nodding in understanding.
?I shall at least serve you a meal before sending you on your way. You are still a guest in my shrine after all.? Kasen said before walking off. I wanted to stop her but I was too hungry to turn away a free meal. I arbitrarily remembered that the intoxicating effect of alcohol kicks in faster if your stomach is empty, not that a full stomach helped against oni-grade sake.
?Might as well read up on what mess I'm supposed to be in this time.? I muttered to the empty room before taking out Akyu's scroll and sitting down. I opened it and started reading up on what kind of incident this mess originally was.
Greatest mesmeric mist of all time! This magic mist is missing power! The Immaterial and Missing Power!
?What the hell?!? I exclaimed as I read the overly exaggerated title of this world. Usually, it'd just be a strange combination of words but this...this is different. I shrugged and kept reading...I wonder if Kasen's shrugging is contagious?
After the longest winter in Gensokyo's history, Reimu decided to celebrate with a feast in her shrine. The extra donations wouldn't hurt.
?Wait...longest winter? Hmmm...I guess this game happened soon after Perfect Cherry Blossom then.? I noted before continuing.
While making preparations for the feast three days away, Reimu is distracted by a strange and powerful mist that is covering Gensokyo. She and many other inhabitants of Gensokyo, such as Alice, Marisa, Sakuya, Youmu and Patchouli, go to investigate.
?Oh great! This makes it the fifth time where Reimu and Marisa weren't the only ones who decided to find out the cause of the problem! I can only hope that they worked together like in Imperishable Night and Perfect Cherry Blossom instead of trying to beat the tar out of each other.? I sarcastically said while--dammit! Kasen's shrugging is contagious!
Suika Ibuki is an oni. Although legends say all the oni are gone, Suika has decided to reunite the humans and oni by attracting them through partying. Using her special ability to spread across the land, she causes the humans and youkai to have feasts and parties. The more drunk she gets, the stronger she becomes, and she carries a gourd treasured by the oni, which never empties of sake.
The protagonists took turns fighting Suika, while taking care of each other along the way, in order to bring an end to the partying incident.
?I knew it!? I yelled out as it turns out that I was right about everyone trying to beat the tar out of each other before facing the real cause of the problem. I also noticed that the number of participants this time was fewer than during Phantasmagoria of Flower View or Scarlet Weather Rhapsody, at least Tenshi and Iku weren't involved this time. I shook my head before continuing, only to see that there wasn't anything else.
?Wait...that's it?!? I said in surprise as I saw the end of the entry. I tried to make sure that I didn't miss anything by reading through the whole thing one more time.
?Well, that's straightforward. Not much of a back story though.? I commented before putting the scroll away.
Since Suika was the cause of the original incident, that means I have to help her this time. I thought. I then wondered what exactly it was that I was supposed to help her with. She didn't exactly have any obvious proble--
?Alcoholism intervention? Nah...she's an oni, they're supposed to be like that.? I hand waved my own reflexive inference.
?Advent Cirno and Rumia...? I moved on to the next likeliest culprits. They've been tearing up Suika's shrine and only her shrine whenever they fight, as far as I can tell. Plus, they don't seem to have a reason to fight...not one that would make sense anyway.
?I need to talk to them, or at least Cirno. Less likely to stab me with a big sword.? I muttered before my stomach started grumbling again when I caught a whiff of a meal getting cooked.
?As soon as I'm not starving to death anymore...?
?
?This is where she is?? I asked Kasen after lunch. She's a really good cook by the way. I can't imagine anyone turning frogs and mushrooms into something that tasty!
?She is. The darkness youkai is in a different room at the other end of the shrine.? The pink-haired girl said. Mandatory shrug? Check. I slid open the door and saw Cirno asleep in a futon similar to mine, her five swords were lying neatly next to each other a short distance away.
?She's a lot nicer to look at when she's not swinging around those swords...? I muttered before approaching the sleeping ice fairy. I smiled when I got a good look the older version of the ice fairy.
Jeez...this is what that little runt in Perfect Cherry Blossom will look like someday? I thought back to the smash-happy Cirno a couple of worlds back. She's gonna grow up into a pretty nice looking young woman...wait...
Youkai age over a period of hundreds of years so...how old is this Cirno exactly? I added to my thoughts while tilting my head to the side.
?I honestly hope that you are not planning on stabbing her in her sleep or anything.? Kasen spoke up sarcastically. She was behind me so I couldn't see if she shrugged after saying that, she probably did.
?Don't be silly. I'm just a miko passing through, I wouldn't do that.? I deadpanned at the deva.
?Mikos exterminate youkai for a living...? She deadpanned back. Damn! She had a point!
?I'm not gonna kill her okay! Or anyone else...unless they gave me no other choice and believe me, I have a lot of choices before considering that option.? I shot back irritably.
?Fair. Are you going to wait for her to wake up?? Kasen asked when she saw me sit down next to Cirno's futon.
?Yep. Like you said, they either run away or sneak away after they wake up. This is the best plan if I want to talk to either of them.? I explained, consciously repressing my urge to shrug. Kasen could very well be the goddess of shrugging or something.
?So be it. I have things I need to attend to, so I'll take my leave.? Kasen said before walking toward the door.
?Thanks.? I said as Kasen stepped out.
?If it means you can stop those two, it's no problem.? Kasen replied with yet another shrug before sliding the door close.
?I guess all I can do is wait then...? I said while looking at Cirno's sleeping face.
...
After what seemed like a good couple of hours, Advent Cirno still hasn't woken up. I chose to designate her as Advent Cirno in order to separate her with the other Cirno, it gets too confusing otherwise.
?I hate parallel worlds...? I muttered in irritation. Yesterday's enemy could be tomorrow's friend and vice versa. Sometimes friends stay as friends...just different versions, also applies to enemies.
I should just stop thinking about that... I thought after everything started to make less and less sense when I tried to make more sense of it.
I passed the time looking at Advent Cirno's swords. I emphasize the word 'look' because I'm not dumb enough to think that I can pick those things up without killing myself. Advent Cirno had five swords in total, each seemingly unique -aside from the twin short swords- and made for a specific purpose. Why she would need five swords is beyond me. Each blade looked like finely polished silver even though they've obviously seen a lot of action. I recognized each sword from the Final Fantasy movie but seeing each one up close was a whole different experience.
I thought there were six of them though? I wondered about my vague memories of the film while tilting my head to the side. A tired groan, reminiscent to my own when I woke up, and shuffling noise from the futon alerted me to Advent Cirno's awakening.
?Merede...what hit me?? Advent Cirno muttered with a groan as she sat up and clutched her head.
?A lot of things. But the last was Suika's sake.? I pointed out. The blue-haired girl slowly turned to me and stared at me curiously.
?Who...? She started by clutched her head again from the pain.
?Just a miko passing through. Hang overs are a killer huh?? I said catchphrase and changed the subject while walking toward the girl, earning a wince.
?Not so loud...? Advent Cirno replied while slowly shaking her head.
?Sorry...here...? I whispered before handing her a glass of water that Kasen left behind.
?Thank you, Miss Miko.? The ice fairy accepted the water and downed it in one swig. She must have been dehydrated after all of that.
?The name is Tama. And you're welcome, Cirno.? I said after she handed me back the empty glass.
?You know who I am?? She said, gazing at me questioningly.
?I know a lot of things, whether I want to or not. Who you are is one of those things. Don't worry, I'm not a bad guy.? I explained with a shrug -dammit Kasen!- and circumventing any assumptions that I'm a 'demon'. I am forever thankful that I was the first one Advent Cirno met and not Sanae. It would be hell trying to resolve everything without nearly killing me otherwise.
?I understand, Miss Tama. Being given extraordinary powers and responsibilities without your prior consent is something I'm well aware of.? Advent Cirno solemnly said. Wow, the way she's so collected and mature...
This can't be Cirno! Not the one I'm used to anyway! I thought while clutching my own head.
?Is something wrong Miss Tama?? Advent Cirno asked in genuine concern despite her own discomfort.
Yes, you're being way too mature. It creeps me out a bit... I thought before taking a deep breath and smiling.
?No worries, Cirno. So, any reason why you were fighting Rumia this morning?? I got to the point, one that made the ice fairy flinch. Advent Cirno sat in silence for a few moments, probably gathering her thoughts, before looking at me and speaking up..
?I don't know...? She plainly stated while shaking her head.
Somehow, I should have expected that. I thought as I knew from experience that these things are rarely so simple.
?For whatever reason, whenever the two of us meet, Rumia immediately starts attacking me without any provocation or warning. And inexplicably, we always end up at the shrine of that oni. I can't really explain it. It's like we're compelled to bring our battles to that shrine...? She continued while staring at her gloved hands.
?It doesn't matter where or when we start fighting. Even if we meet at the foot of Youkai Mountain, the middle of the Garden of the Sun, the outskirts of the Human Village, or deep within the Bamboo Forest of the Lost. It's useless...it's all useless. No matter what, we always end up in that shrine without realizing it.? Advent Cirno explained as she closed her hands into trembling fists.
?Something like that can't be coincidence. One way other another, someone or something is manipulating us...and I hate being manipulated.? She added as she narrowed her eyes to the distance, as if staring at some unseen foe. Her eyes then widened in sudden realization of something.
?Where is Rumia right now?!? Advent Cirno hurriedly asked. As if on cue, a loud explosion could be heard in the distance. I was assuming that Rumia has just woken up and was currently experiencing a nasty hang over.
?My swords!? The ice fairy quickly re-equipped herself with her five swords, keeping her favorite double-edged broadsword in hand and securing the rest in their respective sheaths. She quickly made a dash out the door and into the hallway, presumably in the direction of the earlier explosion.
Something is manipulating Advent Cirno and Rumia into fighting and they always end up in Suika's shrine for some strange reason. Mind control? Nah! Koishi already did that and this is far to vague. I wonder what was cau-- My thoughts were cut off by another explosion, one that was strong enough to cause the floor to rumble all the way out here.
?Okay, things are getting out of hand. I don't think that Kasen will appreciate them wreaking her shrine. I guess I get to try out Tenshi this time.? I said with a bit of a smile before running out the room and summoning my buckle.
?
?Too slow~!? EX-Rumia taunted as she made her zweihander disappear and reappear in her hands while dodging, keeping Advent Cirno off-balance.
?Why do you keep fighting me Rumia?!? The ice fairy yelled out as she parried an overhead slash with her broadsword.
?Is that so~? Last time I checked, you attacked me this time.? The darkness youkai said and used her sword to smash through the wall beside her and go outside. Advent Cirno gritted her teeth and followed her out to the shrine grounds.
She's right. When I came in the room, she was just thrashing around complaining about how much her head was aching. Then...then...I lunged at her and tried to run her through! When I saw her, I just had the unstoppable urge to strike her down! It was like fighting her was something I was supposed to do no matter what! What the hell is happening to us?! Advent Cirno's thoughts raged on as she continued to clash with her friend.
?
?Whaao!? I yelled out as I almost bumped into Kasen. The startled deva quickly backed away from me and quickly settled into a fighting stance, not realizing who I was because I was transformed into Reimu.
?Another miko?! Are you working with Tama or are you her to exterminate youkai?! Did you cause that explosion just now?! Depending on your answer, I may have to kick your ass!? Kasen started asking questions as she prepared to pummel me into mush. I immediately put my hands up and started backing away like a kid who was just caught with her hand in a cookie jar.
?No! No! Wait! It's me, Tama!? I immediately stated before she decided to start splattering me on the wall. Kasen narrowed her eyes at me before giving an amused chuckle.
?Don't think you're fooling anyone! You look nothing like her!? She responded while tensing up.
?No! It's my power! I transform into other people! It's what I do an--? My panicked explanation was interrupted by another explosion, coming from outside this time.
?...and I'm obviously not the one who caused that explosion just now. I'm assuming that Advent Cirno must have found Rumia.? I stated as I put my hands down.
?Advent Cirno?? Kasen gave me a curious look when I referred to Cirno with the extra word 'Advent'.
?I'll explain later...I'll explain a lot of things later. Right now, we have to stop those two.? I replied. I wasn't even going to try to stop myself from shrugging, damn Kasen and this world for forcing that habit onto me.
?So be it...? Kasen tentatively gave me her trust as the two of us made our way outside where we saw the two in question doing what they've been doing best, trying to kill each other while destroying private property.
?This is troublesome...? The deva muttered before giving me a sidewards glance.
?...I'm sorry to trouble you with this...Tama, but you don't have to fight. This is not your problem.? She stated as she tried to push me out of this whole thing. Not really a good thing since I'm here because I have to fix problems.
?Don't worry about it...I've had plenty of that. ? I retorted before shooting a few needles at Rumia. That managed to get their attention, particularly the darkness youkai.
?Don't interrupt! Lest you want to face my wrath, miko!? Rumia snarled at me, making her wings of darkness bigger and holding her jet-black zweihander above her head, trying to intimidate me.
?Don't come any closer! It's too dangerous here!? Advent Cirno yelled as she pulled out her straight-edged longsword from her back and attached it to her broadsword with a few clicks, creating a much more potent weapon. I stared at the two and sighed. One was threatening me. The other was trying to make sure I don't get hurt. If I hadn't already gone through what I did, I'd listen to them...I really would. The thing is...
?See, Kasen. I've been through a lot. Being caught up in absurd incidents one after another, I just flat out have a lot of problems.? I said to all three of them with a shrug. I pulled out Tenshi's card and opened my buckle before putting the card in.
TOUHOU RIDE!
?Luckily, I'm more than willing to share my problems.? I declared before closing the handles, ignoring the collective confusion brought about by my words and my belt's declaration.
HINANAI TENSHI!
All of a sudden, the clouds gathered above me before a very large crimson lightning bolt struck down and consumed me. The bolt dissipated to reveal me completely transformed into the blue-haired celestial. This has to be my fastest transformation to date!
?See? Now we all have problems...? I muttered with a smile and a tip of a hat, Tenshi's hat. I still had no idea now those two peaches stayed attached to it though.
?Don't think that little show impresses me!? Rumia yelled out before flying right at me, sword ready to chop me to pieces.
I wouldn't think so... I thought as I pulled out another card. Since Tenshi was the one who originally caused Scarlet Weather Rhapsody, not Yukari, I had imagined that she'd have this all along. I pulled at the handles one more time and put the card in.
ATTACK RIDE!
?Rumia! No!? Advent Cirno called out to her opponent who was speeding towards me. It was nice to see that this Cirno was still willing to jump in to save others, regardless of the world I was in, but I'm no slouch anymore either. I closed the handles to show them how much I've grown though my journey...
SWORD OF HISOU!
The scarlet sword appeared in my hands just in time to block Rumia's zweihander. The darkness youkai was startled for a moment and that was all I needed. In Yakumo Yukari's hands, this was the sword that defeated Kazami Yuka. Mine was just a copy, but still...
?Ggghhh!? I gritted my teeth as the Rumia tried to push me back. Her sword was still heavier than my Hisou Sword and was slowly gaining the advantage in our clash. That was when I noticed that her zweihander was starting to smolder. Rumia suddenly had a shocked expression and backed away from me like I was on fire or something. Her sudden retreat halted the advance of Kasen and Advent Cirno as well.
?You...? Rumia muttered as she continued to glare at me, her sword still smoldering from our clash.
What the? Why is her sword smoking? I wondered as I maintained my guard and pointed the Hisou Sword at her defensively. Rumia hissed and used her hand to block the red glow from the sword to her eyes.
?That's weird...? I muttered to myself before I saw Advent Cirno run up to Rumia and tried to chop her in half with an overhead slash.
?No! Cirno!? I yelled out to the ice fairy. Rumia managed to notice her foe's advance and block the combined broadsword-longsword strikes with her zweihander. I then noticed something while they were trying to overpower each other with their blades.
They were both grinning...the kind that Yuka would have when she's fighting someone strong...
?No way...why are they...? I muttered in disbelief as Kasen reached me and was saying something to me. I didn't notice what she was trying to say because I was too confused about what was going on.
One way other another, someone or something is manipulating us. Advent Cirno's words echoed in my mind as I watched their frenzied dueling. If this keeps up, they'll end up at Suika's shrine again.
?Tama!? Kasen finally got my attention as she stood in front of me, shaking my shoulders, and face inches away from my own.
?Ha? Whawawa! Too close Kasen!? I said in a fluster as grabbed one of her arms with my left hand, my other hand was still holding onto the Hisou Sword, and leaned back to get some space between us.
?Thank goodness! I thought you were being possessed by some otherworldly force as well.? The deva said with a sigh of relief before releasing me.
?What? Oh no! I was just wondering about those two. What could be causing them to go postal on each other like that?? I said while staring at the clashing youkai.
?I don't know, hey could simply be each others' natural enemies for all I know. But I'm not about to allow them to continue to do so in my home!? Kasen declared as she prepared to battle both youkai.
?I'll help. I'm not too fond about senseless fighting like this. Especially since I'm not sure if they really wanted to fight to the death in the first place.? I replied, tightening my grip on the treasured sword.
?They seem rather enthused about battling each other...? Kasen pointed out.
?Let's stop them first, we can worry about the rest later.? I said as I watched Rumia fling Advent Cirno into the distance. The ice fairy managed to land on her feet and wasted no time as she charged back at her foe.
?Agreed.? Kasen replied before we both went after the two youkai.
?
Good...
Advent Cirno could not comprehend what was causing her to fight against the girl in front of her. She couldn't even think anymore. Her last shred of rational thought eroded away like a mound of sand in the face of merciless waves. In the end, there was only one thing she knew for sure. Fighting Rumia. Trying to kill Rumia.
It felt good...
She had never felt like this before she started fighting against Rumia. It was like intoxication. Getting drunk with her own bloodlust! It wasn't premeditation. It was instinct! The desire to strike down your foe. It was pure! The need to draw blood. It was right!
Each sword swing. Each clash of steel. Each wound inflicted. Each wound endured. Each strike. Each counterstrike. Each block. Each parry. Each slash. Each thrust. Each attack. Each attack. Each attack. Each attack! Each Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack!
It felt really freaking good!
?
?Cirno! Knock it off! Gaah!? I screamed at Advent Cirno who was doing her best to try to cut me to ribbons using her fused swords and her saw-toothed longsword. Kasen and I intercepted them during a lull in their exchange and proceeded to try to stop any further fighting, it wasn't going as well as we'd hope. The problem was, she was going after me with as much fervor as she had when she was fighting Rumia. Her eyes looked glazed over. Her breathing was heavy. Her face was flushed. She was even smiling and licking her lips! Jeez! It was like she was drunk or something!
Drunk? I wondered about that comparison for a moment. A moment I wished I had back as Advent Cirno felt the sudden need to try to run me through with her saw-toothed longsword.
?Dammit!? I cursed as the Hisou Sword got caught in the blade's 'teeth' as I tried to deflect the thrust. I couldn't pull it out and Advent Cirno used that to yank me closer to her, well in range of her fused swords. The ice fairy raised her right hand, which was holding the fused swords, and swung it down right at my head.
?!? I immediately let go of the treasured sword and jumped back to avoid the slash. She didn't miss a beat as she flicked away the Hisou Sword that was caught in her saw-toothed and darted right at me. The Hisou Sword was still flipping around in mid-air so I was effectively unarmed against someone who had two swords and the single-minded desire to kill Rumia and everyone else in the way.
?
?Tell me darkness youkai. Do you still have any shred of rational thought left?? Kasen asked EX-Rumia, who was staring at her with the same flushed, drunken gaze that Advent Cirno had. The oni narrowed her eyes at the lack of response from the girl in front of her.
Intoxication? It can't be. The effects of Suika's sake should have already worn off by now. The deva thought before EX-Rumia smiled at her and charged. The youkai haphazardly swung her zweihander around, trying to keep Kasen off balance. The hardened veteran of countless battles was not about to allow herself to be drawn in by such parlor tricks though.
?Don't think I'd be as easy a prey as your counterpart!? She yelled as she caught the flat of the zweihander's blade between her right elbow and her right knee, her incredible strength as an oni, as a deva of the mountain, preventing EX-Rumia from pulling out her sword.
?Hmph!? The oni huffed before deflecting the blade away from her and simultaneously darting right towards her foe. The darkness youkai could only stare in disbelief as the deva of the mountain planted the same knee that caught her sword in between her eyes.
?
?Oh jeez!? I meagerly complained before I started trying to dodge Advent Cirno's attacks. I say trying because I was still getting nicked by her blades.
Dodging is a lot harder without Reimu's intuition screaming at me on when to dodge which attack. I noted as I put my right hand on Tenshi's hat to keep it in place as I ducked and danced around the flurry of strikes. I finally heard the sharp noise of the Hisou Sword landing and, to my relief, it was sticking out of the ground nearby. I quickly evaded a cross-slash from the two blades and made a dash to the scarlet sword. I felt Advent Cirno right behind me and I immediately jumped up after I got my hand on my sword, dislodging it from the ground and jumping away from a horizontal slash from the ice fairy.
I can barely match her toe-to-toe and that's because of Tenshi's natural talent as a celestial. I need a better edge. I thought while narrowing my eyes at irrational look of my opponent. I planted the Hisou Sword on the ground and pulled out a card. I opened my buckle and put the chosen card in.
ATTACK RIDE!
Advent Cirno charged at me as soon as she heard that and I pulled the sword out in response. She jumped up high and swung both her swords down at me. I closed the handles before she reached me.
AWAKENED CELESTIAL BLADE !
The treasured sword's blade immediately burst in flames just as I swung it upwards to intercept the ice fairy's swords. The raging flames suddenly grew much larger and drew an arc of fire at Advent Cirno. She was easily flung away by the attack and crashed on the ground some distance away. She managed to get back up but I was impressed at how the sword managed to do that. I glanced at the sword, blade still encased in flames, then back at the ice fairy. I couldn't help but smirk...
?Fire. Super Effective against Ice.? I muttered to myself while smiling at my childhood memories of playing those games. I then noticed something coming right at me from the corner of my vision...
?
Kasen noticed a change in tactics from her foe. Instead of wildly swinging her blade, EX-Rumia started making short, weaving slashes at Kasen. It was like she was trying carve out shapes from her opponent. Strange as the new attack style was, it neutralized her earlier countermeasure against the large blade.
Interesting...to adapt so quickly. The oni thought as she weaved through the carving slices and delivered an elbow to the sternum followed by a backhand to the forehead. EX-Rumia staggered back and shook her head, trying to get her orientation back. The darkness youkai's attention was suddenly taken by the sound of raging flames and a dull thud in the distance. Kasen turned to see what it was and saw Tama's transformed self wielding a scarlet sword encased in flames who just slashed away Advent Cirno.
Her momentary state of awe allowed her foe the time she needed to change her target and go after Tama. Kasen cursed herself for her lapse in judgment and ran to her comrade.
?
?Tama! Look out!? Kasen yelled at me. I just had enough time to turn my head and see Rumia flying right at me, her zweihander slung above her right shoulder and was about to be swung down at me. I instinctively put the Hisou Sword between me and the darkness youkai and was in for a surprise. The raging fires that wrapped around the blade of the treasured sword suddenly changed into white light and fused with the blade, turning it into a blade of light. Just like with Advent Cirno, Rumia struck the blade and the light shone even brighter. I swung the blade, pushing the darkness youkai back who had a frightened but still intoxicated expression.
I didn't know this sword can do that... Was all the thought I was able to afford as both Advent Cirno and Rumia charged at me. Wait! I thought they were supposed to be fighting each other!
?Ganging up on me?!? I complained as the three swords from the two youkai started swinging at me in tandem with amazing ease.
Have these two fought together before? I wondered as I noticed their impeccable timing when fighting alongside one another. That wasn't the only thing I noticed either. Whenever Advent Cirno swung either of her swords at me, the Hisou Sword erupted into flames. Likewise, the sword was suddenly wrapped in light whenever Rumia attacked me with her zweihander.
?Amazing! The Hisou Sword automatically adapts an element that would be the most effective way to defeat whoever it was going up against!? I said in honest surprise at the convenient ability of the weapon. I guess it wasn't called ?Heaven's Treasured Sword? for nothing! I wasn't given any more time to admire the celestial's sword as I saw the two youkai getting ready for another combination attack...until Kasen decided to make herself known by punching Advent Cirno in the face with her bandaged right fist.
?Don't forget whose shrine you are fighting in!? The angered deva of the mountain yelled out as she went after Advent Cirno who recovered from the sudden strike and was narrowing her eyes at her new foe. That leaves me with...
?Rumia...? I muttered as the darkness youkai floated up and prepared for another attack. I readied my sword just in time for her to fly at me and do a series of rapid thrusts. She was moving the sword so fast that I couldn't find time to parry every strike, only managing just enough to prevent myself from getting skewered by the zweihander. The attack ride still did its job and was wrapping the blade in light but Rumia continued with her assault regardless.
?
Kasen was almost surprised at how quickly Advent Cirno managed to recover from one of her right hand punches, almost. The ice fairy's sudden adeptness in close combat proves what she noticed with EX-Rumia.
?These two...they become more skilled the longer they fight...? The deva muttered to herself and wondered about the ramifications of such an ability. That was the reason why they never had a clear winner in their duels no matter how much or how long they fight each other. Their abilities merely kept escalating to keep up with each other and it kept them at a constant stalemate.
Until Suika gets them drunk again... Kasen thought as she nimbly dodged the now much larger blade that Advent Cirno was wielding. The ice fairy attached her saw-toothed to her fusion swords and created an even larger sword. The increased mass and girth of the weapon did little to hamper the ice fairy's ability to wield it. If anything, she became better at fighting the more swords she fused together.
?Troublesome...? The oni muttered as she leaped over her opponent and landed behind her, putting her left hand to the bandages that wrapped around her right arm. She was about to unwrap her bound right arm when something unexpected happened...
FINAL ATTACK RIDE!
?
Dammit! Just when I thought I finally had the advantage! I thought in frustration as Rumia was starting to push me back. She suddenly stopped for a moment and floated back as she spun around and slashed the zweihander upwards, creating a wave of darkness that was barely able to block. I grunted as I skidded a few feet backwards because of the force. That wasn't very nice for me but it gave me a bit of distance so I can counterattack once I get my footing in p--
?Where?!? I cried out as the darkness youkai suddenly vanished from sight. I then had a sinking feeling as I was suddenly under some shade. I looked up and saw Rumia, up in the sky, diving straight at me with her wings of darkness spread wide. That was what was blocking the sun above me! I pulled out Tenshi's final attack card and opened my buckle but the descent of the darkness youkai was much faster.
No! I won't make it! I thought in panic as Rumia was almost right on top of me.
FINAL ATTACK RIDE!
My eyes widened as I realized the only way that declaration could have been made. I turned to the source of the voice and saw my suspicion realized.
Aoko! I thought as I saw her stupid smirk as she pointed her gun at Rumia and pulled the trigger.
MA-MA-MARISA!
The Master Spark caught Rumia in mid-air and blasted her in the direction where the laser was fired at. I turned to where she could have landed and saw Kasen leaning away from the line of fire with a troubled expression. Her left hand was clutching part of the bandages that covered her right arm.
?
MA-MA-MARISA!
Kasen wondered about the strange sound before she felt an intense amount of energy being expelled in the distance. She barely managed to lean away as a large laser beam swallowed Advent Cirno and blasted her away from the shrine.
?Hmm?? Kasen absentmindedly hummed as she thought she had heard EX-Rumia's voice as well. The deva shook her head and turned to whoever it was that did that attack.
?
?Howdy ze~!? Aoko greeted as she walked up to me. Okay! First thing's first!
?Yukari's pissed that you stole her favorite parasol. Better pray you don't end up back in Scarlet Weather Rhapsody any time soon.? I said with a shrug, earning a curious look from the thieving witch before she shrugged herself.
?The hazards that come with the job ze~? She casually replied.
?Job. Right...? I deadpanned before turning to Kasen who was walking towards us.
?You okay?? I asked the deva, who nodded and glanced at Aoko.
?Her name's Aoko. Don't worry about her, she's just a thief.? I joked, earning a sour look from Aoko.
?That is reason enough to worry about her by itself. Thanks all the same, thief.? Kasen replied with one of her shrugs.
?I'm just an ordinary magician, okay? Anyway, it's a bad idea to fight Advent Cirno and EX-Rumia for very long. Better to blast them away from you and run if you don't have anything that can beat them in one shot ze~? Aoko started explaining. EX-Rumia? That's a new one on me.
?How come? We were doing pretty well against them just now.? I replied...up until Rumia nearly sliced me to pieces that is.
?Because their combat potential keeps escalating the longer and the harder they fight. Their skill increases in proportion to their foe's as they exchange blows. How they managed to achieve such prowess is beyond my comprehension.? Surprisingly, Kasen was the one that explained why, not Aoko. I noticed her look away and sigh after the oni finished.
?What's wrong? Miffed that someone else managed to explain things before you did?? I teased the girl beside me, who suddenly narrowed her eyes at me while pouting.
?Shut up ze~? She muttered as my transformation ended, Aoko's still stayed.
?So that's why they suddenly got harder to fight against after a while.? I said while tilting my head, recalling my exchanges with the two youkai.
?Umm...yes...so you really can transform...? Kasen halfheartedly replied while staring at me.
?Oh right...I have to explain everything to you first.? I said to the rather confused deva who slowly nodded at my words.
?Indeed...a proper discussion about these current events is in order. Let us go back inside and I will prepare tea for us.? The oni said before going back inside the main shrine building. Aoko's transformation suddenly ended as well and she seemed to be wearing the same clothes as she always does.
I wonder why I'm the only one who gets a wardrobe change every time I hop worlds? I thought for a second before Aoko leaned in closer to me.
?So that's Ibara Kasen huh? Anything notable about her?? Aoko asked.
?Huh? Shouldn't you be the expert when it comes to Touhou?? I asked back with another shrug, confused at her actions.
?Kasen is a character from the new Touhou manga, Wild and Horned Hermit. Unfortunately, only the first chapter came out before this whole mess started. Because of that, I don't know anything about her except that she seems to know Suika, Reimu, and Marisa.? Aoko admitted while shaking her head.
?I see. Well, from what I gather so far, she's an oni and one of the four devas of the mountain alongside Yuugi and Suika. Anything beyond that, your guess is as good as mine.? I explained what little I knew about the pink-haired girl before shrugging again.
?So she is a deva huh? Score one for the internet...and what's with all the shrugging?? Aoko muttered while furrowing her eyebrows at me.
?Habit I picked up from Kasen. Be careful, it seems to be contagious.? I sarcastically answered. Aoko just looked at me funny, probably wondering if shrugging could even be contagious. You'll learn Aoko, you'll learn.
?Where are you two? We have much to talk about!? Kasen's voice echoed from within the building.
?Better not keep the super-powered oni waiting huh?? I muttered before walking inside, Aoko following close behind.
?
?What a troublesome responsibility...? Was all Kasen could say after I explained what was going on in the different Gensokyos and what I was doing about it.
?Tell me about it.? I said. I could only agree with what she said but I can't really stop either. Aoko was just sitting there throughout my explanation and drinking tea.
?Still, I wonder what could have caused a cataclysm such as ripping an entire realm apart into nine different ones? And simply because two individuals did not exist.? The deva mused before taking a sip of her tea.
?It was Magic. It was a Moriya Shrine Conspiracy. It was Eirin's shady new drug. Yukari did it. Pick one.? Aoko suddenly spoke up.
?What the hell are you talking about?? I asked, thoroughly confused at the girl's odd choice of suspects for the cause of this whole mess.
?Nothing. Just remembering that templates like that are forbidden.? Aoko answered with a shrug before grimacing at the realization of what she just did. I told you it was contagious.
?Whatever. What we need to worry about right now is how Advent Cirno and EX-Rumia keep getting stronger the more they fight. Wait, how'd you figure out their ability anyway?? I asked Aoko who simply chuckled.
?The hard way. I was exploring, trying to get a lay of the land. After a while I found EX-Rumia wandering around and saw an opportunity to meet my thieving quota for this world early.? Aoko started to explain.
?What were you planing on stealing from her? That giant sword?? I asked while raising an eyebrow.
?Nope. Zweihander was made out of condensed darkness just like her wings. No point trying to steal something I can't hold on to. I was gonna go after the red ribbon floating above her head.? She continued before pointing at the space above her head where EX-Rumia's 'halo' was located.
?EX-Rumia was a fan concept that worked under the premise that Rumia was, in fact, an extremely powerful youkai instead of just a measly little stage one boss who blinds herself with her own darkness. Theory was that her ribbon was sealing all her latent power away. Remove the ribbon from her hair, say hello to a youkai with enough power to match EX-bosses like Yakumo Ran or Fujiwara no Mokou. Hence the name EX-Rumia.? Aoko pointedly explained before taking another sip of her tea.
?Okay, so you tried to steal the ribbon of a youkai that can match Ran and Mokou in raw power. Are you an idiot?!? I almost yelled at her for trying to face off against EX-Rumia on her own like that.
?After what happened, I probably am. Anyway, I transformed and summoned Scarlet Meiling and Scarlet Sakuya and let them loose against the Unleashed Incarnation of Darkness. Guess what happened...? Aoko deadpanned with a crooked smile.
?You got your asses handed to you on a silver platter with a side of fries?? I jokingly asked with a smirk.
?Not at first. It was still three on one, and you know from experience how formidable the China and the maid from that version of Embodiment of Scarlet Devil were.? She continued, choosing to go on with her story rather than take my bait turn this into another sarcasm spat between us.
?China on close range with me and the maid on ranged support. It was a pretty nice and safe setup. My plan was to wear her down and snag the ribbon once she couldn't fight back anymore. That was when I noticed that she was starting to gain ground against China even through all the knives and bullets the maid and I were throwing at her. The rest, you should be able to figure out on your own. She eventually overpowered and cut down China and quickly dispatched the maid in the same manner. She almost got to me too. I was glad that I made it a point to always have my optical camo card in my sleeve at all times.? Aoko said, finishing her story and continuing on drinking her tea.
?Okay, Sakuya I can understand calling 'Maid' but 'China'? Really? I mean, her name is Chinese but calling Meiling 'China' is a bit much don't you think?? I pointed out.
?Blame the fandom. Meiling is more famous for being called China than her real name, more of a nickname really.? Replies the expert with a hand wave.
?Regardless, do you have any theories on why those two act that way or why they have such permeating abilities?? Kasen decided to speak up after hearing Aoko's encounter with EX-Rumia.
?No clue. I was just as surprised as you were when I first noticed it. I'm not even sure what world this is supposed to be because of all the characters that got thrown into the mix.? Aoko admitted, to my own surprise.
?It's supposed to be Immaterial and Missing Power...? I told her, putting down my empty cup.
?Seriously?? Aoko asked me, not believing what I just said.
?Seriously.? I flatly confirmed.
?Could have fooled me...? She said with a shrug before clearing her throat.
?Since this is Immaterial and Missing Power and those two are influenced into fighting each other and always ending up at Suika's shrine, I think you know the best place to go to try to end this right?? Aoko pointed out.
?Yeah. Suika's the clearest lead we have to get to the bottom of this mess.? I concurred with what Aoko was saying.
?Does this mean that Suika is the cause of her own problem?? Kasen asked as she started to understand the implications of our words.
?I'm not sure. It wouldn't make sense that Suika is the culprit since she's the one I'm supposed to help in this world in the first place. Maybe its something absurdly delicate and complicated like Tenshi's situation?? I inferred.
?I doubt it. Just because you need to help her doesn't mean that you have to just help her fight against some foe. Remember, you helped Kaguya by making her reconcile with Mokou.? Aoko pointed out.
?Yeah, by beating the crap out of Mokou. But I get what you're trying to say. What I don't understand is why Suika would even want the two of them to keep fighting each other and anyone else that crosses them. As Kasen already said, Suika is a really lazy oni. Why would she bother with all this if she's a bum?? I stated the conflict in the reasoning we currently have.
?Boredom.? Kasen answered solemnly.
?What?? I asked the standard question.
?Nothing has really happened much in the mountain in the past few decades. Suika is too lazy to go to other places to be able to find anything else interesting so...? Kasen trailed off, making a complex expression.
?So she decided to bring the excitement to her.? I picked up Kasen's trail of thought, to which the deva nodded in confirmation.
?That makes sense. The original incident was her influencing everyone around her to start partying until they passed out. It's not really impossible for her to influence them to do something else entirely but along the same lines.? Aoko knowingly said, nodding to herself.
?I guess we know where to go next then.? I stated, looking at Kasen who nodded in agreement. I turned to Aoko when I noticed her stand up.
?Yeah, you do that miss miko. I still have things to do.? She nonchalantly said as she made her way to the door.
?Off to steal something again, thief?? I flatly asked, knowing her answer already.
?Make sure not to steal anything from here. I know exactly where everything is supposed to be and if I find something missing...? Kasen plainly stated as a clear threat.
?Don't worry, I don't know you well enough to figure out what's valuable or not to you.? Aoko said before closing the door and leaving the shrine.
?Aren't you going to stop her?? The oni asked me.
?I won't bother. She won't stop until she gets something out of this, meaning we'll probably run into her eventually.? I replied, basing it from past experience.
?If you say so. I recommend that we set of in the morning though. Traveling through this mountain after dark is counterproductive. Besides, you never know if we suddenly run into those two again.? Kasen proposed.
?I see what you mean. Fighting Advent Cirno and-or EX-Rumia in the dead of the night sounds like a terrible bad idea.? I agreed and we decided to set out tomorrow morning and get some answers from the little oni.
...
