The Bittersweet End of a Forsaken Lover (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,5649.msg422336.html#msg422336)
よくもここまできたものだ。
貴様等はわたしの全てを奪って
しまった。
これは許されざる反逆行為
といえよう。
この最終鬼畜兵器をもって
貴様等の罰に私自らが込罰を
与える。
死ぬがよい。
I'm Sapz, the Bee Hunter, and I have come for you!
I've been waiting for this moment for years.
I will be back, Hibachi, and I will get you!
Several days had passed... And there was no sign of the dreamy Brit who had smitten her heart that fateful day... That forlorn encounter. A duel that seemed out of the ordinary, almost phantasmic in nature. Hibachi had never experienced something of the kind. Ever since then, she continued to face the same old Japanese players who had shown no sense of care for the battle, no sense of emotion, just like robots raging against the system, with only one goal in mind: their score. Every single instance, Hibachi had wondered to herself... When would he come back? Would he come back? Oh... He SAID he would...! Hibachi thought to herself with each passing moment, as every single robotic challenger had systematically dismantled Hachi's being, with all the time to mull over her situation... It was betraying her artificial nature. Her body was overheating each moment she incurred a battle, and though she remained stoic in her fights with these emotionless Nippon-folk... She could not help but feel that there was a single... empty VOID in there...
...
...
And then... Some time later... On a Saturday night... Hibachi thought she heard something... Something familiar. Something... heartwrenching. Was it really him? Hibachi kept thinking as the curtain of white faded out once more, and the player's ship rushed into the fray. Hibachi did not waver for a second, instantly she let loose a barrage of deadly bullets, hoping that the ship would approach her very being and attempt for a courageous display of shotgunning... And indeed, that was what she got! The familiar ship rushed forward once again, already familiar with the initial barrage of bullets. "That's right, Hibachi! I'm back for you, once again! It takes two to tango, you know?!" boomed a very familiar and very attractive voice. The pincers inlayed within the piece of Hachi that was all too familiar to this Sapz was quickly taken down with deft movements and good placement of the laser, balanced with the normal shot.
Oh... Oh my...!
Hibachi could feel that Sapz was very much serious. Hibachi then felt obligated to return the favour - she had released a pattern that had completely betrayed the young Brit's expectations... Instead of curving inwards and patterning itself after that of a sine wave, it instead spread out and patterned itself after that of a cosine wave, as if signifying that she too, had prepared herself for this momentous and monumental occasion. Sapz himself smiled. "I see, you too, have decided to return the favour." he exclaimed, after quickly letting loose a well-placed bomb that rendered the change useless, and once again, the shrapnel had seared itself into the workings of Hachi, and yet again, Hibachi got to take a glimpse once more at Sapz's handsome features. The great lifebar that represented Hibachi's strength to fight had diminished at an even faster rate than before.
Who... is this man, really?!
I want to... I want to...!
"What... what a burst of energy! Can this be... 'determination'? (まさか、このエネルギーとは？これは．．．「自信」？)" Hibachi had exclaimed in her rather distorted synth voice, in Japanese, corrupted by the overflow of "human" emotion that had filled her mind... As if on cue, Sapz had somehow determined the meaning of Hibachi's unnatural words... Inside the ship, Sapz smiled to himself. "That's right, Hibachi! This flaming passion in me! It's all for this moment!!" he exclaimed boldly, effortlessly weaving through the barrages Hibachi had prepared in return, and searing into her an imprint she'll never forget.
For... for me? Ohhh...! What is this...?!
Hibachi had never felt this much before, in her entire existence. As if on cue, the sinews that held Hachi together had by now been destroyed long ago, torn asunder by the passion that empowered Sapz's being, his laser! Far more than one half of that lifebar had been drained by now, and it was time to release the final form, yet again. That trademark cackle, once again. Hibachi also noted that Sapz had only lost precisely ONE of his remaining fighters. He still had two left... And several bombs. The slowdown was far more evident than ever, as Hibachi irrationally filled the screen with more and more waves of weaving bullets in an attempt to wall in Sapz - but time and time again, with utmost precision, he would avoid this with bomb usage.
Aaah... Oh dear, oh my! This is too much... I've no choice...
The constant release of bombs, a representation of the determination Sapz has been so displaying, had driven Hibachi to the limit. She had never felt so invigorated before, even in her first, fateful encounter, she had been driven to even further distances than that. The dwindling lifebar was indication that Sapz was going to take this soon... And out of obligation, Hibachi was not going to let that happen... Not so easily, that is. She realized, while on the fly, that she could... indeed, release a sign... A single sign, that she had hoped, would truly deliver the message once and for all.
"It's... It's over... I'm sorry. (終りだ．．．ごめんなさい)" She had given up trying to show emotion, already having experienced the aftermath last time... But now, today, this moment, things would be different. Totally different.
"Do your worst." Sapz responded simply.
A scream followed, and suddenly, streams of bullets in a straight line, had positioned themselves to line the outline of a heart... However, Hibachi had failed to consider a fatal flaw... She had revealed a safespot... Right in front of the center of her very being. Sapz had quickly taken advantage of this after receiving warning of the danmaku, sat his ship right in front of the true form of Hibachi, and simply shot... The whole way. There was no need for bombing. No need for streaming. No nothing.
...I... I didn't... Do... Is this...?
Hibachi had not anticipated this at all. As the remaining parts of her lifebar slowly dwindled down, she reflected on the events that had transpired since her encounter with Sapz. This feeling... could it be... Love?
She could not answer her own question as Sapz had ticked down the remaining inch of the lifebar... And all that remained was the flashy show of an explosion. With the last, remaining inch of her will, Hibachi exclaimed...
"THANK YOU!!! (ありがとう！！！)"
Sapz swore he heard the sound of a lady crying.
The aftermath rolls in...
Sapz had attained his 1cc. He had attained a high-score on the leaderboard, too. It wasn't a high one, but Sapz didn't care. He got to show off his shiny 2-ALL. When asked to input his initials, Sapz put in his trademark ANT, and smiled.
"Thank you, too, Hibachi. I finally attained it."
At that moment, Sapz again, swore he heard the sound of the same lady from earlier speaking, this time.
"I... I love you."
***
Fin
Annotation:
Once again I, _______, take up pen to chronicle an event of importance to my beautiful master Patchouli, and more directly to me her appreciative servant. While I must admit that this event was not as demanding or dangerous as the previous incident, it was only by the grace of the Heavens (should such a thing be even applicable to a being such as I) that it was not much worse. Thus I write these journal entries as a warning to myself.
But on to the event in question.
Entry 1:
Day Y, Month Y, Year YYYY
Partially Cloudy
The first sign that something was amiss was when my mistress informed me she was intending to leave the mansion.
At this time of the year Patchouli leaving the mansion was expected. In fact, since the cherry blossoms had come into bloom, Miss Patchouli was quite frequently out of the library at one of the hanamiru festivals. However, it was highly unlikely that a flower viewing festival would bring such a fierce scowl to my masters face. And she would never go to a festival without a book to read.
I questioned where she was going, and when to expect her back. She hastily informed me that she was heading to the house of our frequent visitor, Miss Kirisame, and that she would be back, ?as soon as she retrieved the damn book,? in her own words. Miss Patchouli then flew off, leaving me to wonder which book Miss Kirisame could have stolen to make my mistress so upset.
My curiosity increased when my mistress returned, both empty handed and still in a poor mood. I inquired as to whether I should request assistance in retrieving the lost book. However, my mistress stated, ?That won't do any good this time.? It seemed, as unlikely as it sounded, that Miss Kirisame was not the culprit in this theft.
I wondered aloud if the other occasional visitor to the library, Alice Margatroid, might have been responsible this time, as strange as that seemed. Miss Patchouli stated firmly that this was impossible, as she had possessed the book after Miss Margatroid's last visit.
With the simple leads gone, the only option was to search the library for clues. Thus, I asked Miss Patchouli which book was missing. I should have known to worry when my mistress hesitated.
The answer frightened me more then I care to admit.
?The __________.?
The very book that my mistress had used to summon me.
Entry 2:
Day Y, Month Y, Year YYYY
Clear
Our search of the library was fruitless.
To be clear. The act of searching itself was not as hopeless as one might suspect, given the massive size of the library my mistress had created. She had also developed several spells to help keep the library in order, and I had dutifully learned them as well. With those, we were able to scour every shelf and floor for the missing __________. That we were unsuccessful indicated clearly that the book was definitely nowhere within the library's confines.
At this point I must confess I was very worried. While it was highly unlikely another magician would be able to summon me with the lost work, a failed attempt could possibly break the contract between me and my mistress.
Those who read my previous journal entries will recall I find that incredibly distasteful.
Fortunately my mistress was thinking far clearer then I was. She narrowed down the possibilities to the following:
1. The book had been misplaced within the mansion itself. While unlikely it was possible that Lady Scarlet's younger sister or one of our uninvited library visitors had done so.
2. The book had been taken outside the mansion by one of the fairy staff, either due to ignorance or as a prank.
3. An unknown party had stolen the books for their own reasons.
The third possibility was the most distressing, but almost impossible to check. However, Miss Patchouli had a few sources of information she could tap on the matter. Unfortunately I would be near useless in that hunt, unless the matter progressed to levels that were disastrous.
As for the first possibility, Miss Izayoi could search the grounds of the mansion faster then either my mistress or I could. While there were still some places she might miss, with a full week of searching it became statistically impossible that she would not find the book, were it within the mansion.
Thus it was decided that I would investigate the possibility the book had been taken by one of our fairy maids. In this matter I actually had an advantage. The fairy maids consider me a servant of similar level. While slightly insulting, this camaraderie would allow me to gather information much easier then any of the other members of the household.
I started my investigations at the dressing rooms, where those fairies leaving and returning to the mansion tend to congregate. While Lady Scarlet was very strict in person, in general the fairy maids had little supervision and many frequently left and rejoined the mansions cadre of maids at whim.
On my arrival I found two fairies reacquiring their maid outfits. These two were known to me as maids who usually stayed in the mansion, so they were a good starting point.
They greeted me cautiously. ?Oh hello. We don't usually see you around here.?
I did my best to keep my questioning level and dispassionate. Fairies were creatures of air. Easily frightened and scattered. ?Indeed. I'm searching for a book that one of your number might have taken in error.?
?Huh, did it have runes on it's spine and leather binding??
My heart sped up slightly at the description. That very well may be the lost book. I asked them the title that was on the face of the tome.
The two fae creatures considered the matter for a long moment. ?I couldn't read it.?
I mentally castigated myself for the mistake. While the fairies who served as maids were bright enough to read Japanese at a fairly competent level, the intricacies of the language of the ___________ would be beyond them.
Still a small lead was better then what we had before. I asked them if they knew who had taken that book and where to. At this point they both began answering at the same time so I have summarized the explanation.
They claimed that there was a 'war' among the fairies between two factions, one from the forest of magic, and the other being the ice fairy that lives nearby the mansion. While mildly intriguing their descriptions of the events were abbreviated, piecemeal, contradictory, and included several events which were impossible. I made a mental note to mention the matter to my mistress in case she cared enough to investigate that matter further.
The important part of the story was that several maids from the household seemed to have joined in the 'war' on an impulse. One of their number had apparently brought the book in question to the battlefield. I questioned them as to the whereabouts of their comrade.
While at the time I had difficulty believing this, apparently the ice fairy, who they referred to as Cirno, was victorious in the war. Specifically they claimed she had defeated every other fairy that entered the field, and had claimed the title of ?commander of the fairies.? The maid that had taken the book had chosen to stay under her command.
Armed with this knowledge I set off into Gensoukyo. Time was of the essence, as fairies got bored quickly. If I wanted to catch the book thief, I would have to confront the ?commander of the fairies? myself.
Entry 3
Day Y, Month Y, Year YYYY
Windy
While my investigations had been fruitful, my quest was still frustrated. I had not moved any closer to the object my mistress and I desire.
Working off the information given to me I scoured the Misty Lake for signs of the ice fairy that usually flew about it. When the fairies in the area began to act hostile towards me I realized I was near my target.
I had little trouble dispersing the crowd of fairies immediately in front of me, so I used the time to check to see if any of the creatures was carrying the book. I was hoping to be able to check magically, but I could not do so and defend myself adequately at the same time.
My defensive actions quickly drew the attention of the ice fairy herself. She ascended from the lake challenging me. I did not understand her line of thought, so I shall quote the words for later review. ?Hey! Just because I beat a human doesn't mean I want to fight a youkai right away! Get lost!? Still, she followed that statement with a shower of icicles, so I considered the battle joined.
Expecting to deal with this matter quickly I found myself surprised when my usual opening danmaku was frozen solid. In addition, when the ice shattered I received some small cuts. Deciding sticking to the water based spells I used in the library would be unwise, I cast one of my fire spells.
This had a much better effect. The ice fairy spent the next few seconds dodging and insisting that using such attacks early in the fight was unfair.
As further conflict would only be likely to drive the fairy I was searching for away, I stopped my barrage and apologized for my hasty reaction. I informed the fairy that I was merely looking for information, and had no intention of challenging their status. Fortunately, this strategy was very successful.
When they heard the particulars of my case, Cirno told me the fairy that I was searching for had grown bored and left the group already. However, said fairy no longer had the book, as she dropped it after being defeated in the 'war.' While the ice fairy of the lake did not recall where this fairy had been defeated, one of her lieutenants stated with some certainty that the incident had taken place in the forest of magic, near her house.
Once again armed with a clue, I thanked the fairies, and headed to the forest of magic.
To my great embarrassment however, I had forgotten how confusing the forest was, even in early spring. The trees twisted together, and even those absent of leaves had plenty of moss and fungus to aid them in concealing the sun. To put the matter simply, I became lost.
While it would take no effort at all to simply fly away, I could not bring myself to do so. Somewhere in the dark maze of trees was an item that could shatter my happiness and leave it broken for all time. To allow such a threat to continue was unacceptable. Thus I searched for many hours, even as the dim light of the forest began to wain. I was unwilling to give up, even though I had no real clue where in the huge forest to begin my search.
Finally I realized that my continued absence would only inconvenience my mistress, and keep valuable information from her. While finding the book by myself might bolster my pride, such a desire was unworthy of a familiar. Especially if it came at the mistress' expense.
With this realization, I forced myself to return to the mansion.
However, my journey was interrupted. For as the nightingale began it's song, I saw a glint of light in the forest that should not be there. And as I stared at the light, I was certain that I felt the magical signature of a powerful grimoire.
Thus I stopped my journey home, and sped towards the strange light. It seemed fortune had smiled upon me after all.
Or perhaps fate was playing a game with me.
Entry 4
Day Y, Month Y, Year YYYY
Unknown
I had finally reached the object of my search, but I was further away from success then ever.
The place I had entered was as alien to the world of Gensoukyo as the surface of the false moon. Thus I did me best to commit each scarce detail to memory. Everything was in grey metal, even the doors, with only tiny signs or striking yellow and black paint stripes to designate their function. Lights smaller then my finger lined the halls, each color designating a different pipe or wire.
The only things that stood out were the glowing blue capsules that illuminated the area. Each was big enough to hold a person, and I hoped that I was merely being paranoid in assuming that was one of their functions.
Everything was at a level of technology beyond that of the world outside of Gensoukyo, and I found myself marveling at it. Thus I was startled when a voice rang through the large room. ?Welcome!? Then the room filled with light.
My eyes quickly adjusted to the massive floodlamps, and my wonderment increased. While the vastness of the room didn't add any new interesting details, the space I was in could not possibly have been contained in the forest clearing I had seen. While altered space was not impossible, as the library I lived in can attest to, it is incredibly difficult to control.
A distance away two figures stood. Both were young, but had a confident demeanor. One was dressing in a sailor uniform, and to my distress, pointing an object that looked decidedly lethal in my general direction. The other was dressed in red, with a mantle.
In that woman's hands lay the book I was sent to retrieve. The one that contained the spell that could bind my essence.
The lady in red spoke first. ?I apologize if our ship distracted you. We were merely collecting some research items. Don't worry. We have no real interest in live specimens currently, so you are free to leave if you wish.?
Seeing as they had greeted me politely I felt compelled to respond in kind. ?There is no need to apologize. After all, I did come aboard your ship without your permission. However, you are holding a book that was stolen from my care. I would be most grateful if you could return it.?
The red woman frowned at my request, while the sailor suited woman replied, ?What? That's the item we were hunting for all day! There's no way we're just going to hand it over.?
?Indeed,? continued the woman who had first spoken. ?This item contains a great deal of data that will assist in our study of magic. In fact, it could prove my thesis directly to the public, forcing the scientific community to actually look at my work. I can't just hand it over to anyone who claims they happen to own it.?
It seemed this would be more difficult then I had been hoping. Still I pressed on. Conversation was the safest way of acquiring the work, given the weapon pointed at me. ?Forgive me, but the book that you have there is very dangerous. Especially to those who are new to magic. That is why my mistress wishes it returned to her quickly.?
The red dressed woman's face clouded with suspicion. ?I can believe it's dangerous. But you seem a little too eager to get the book back. What aren't you telling us??
The woman was very perceptive, but I was not going to reveal my weakness to these two strangers. No good could come of that. ?Forgive me, but that knowledge would only be detrimental to both of us. Perhaps we could discuss possible alternatives Ms...??
?Professor Yumemi Okazaki. My assistant here is Chiyuri Kitashirakawa,? the woman stated in a cheerful voice. ?Yumemi will do.?
?You can call me Chiyuri,? the other woman added. Sadly her weapon remained pointed at me.
?Thank you. You may call me _______.? I considered the situation. They obviously were not from within Gensoukyo, which meant that if they left the book could be lost forever, along with my current life. However I saw little chance of being able to overpower them. ?Perhaps I could assist you in finding a more suitable book in exchange for the tome you currently hold. This would allow both of us to achieve our aims.?
?Hm...? Yumemi seemed to consider my suggestion for some time. ?This sounds reasonable, but you must forgive me if I don't immediately trust someone who looks like a devil. I have a counter offer.?
?I've been here before, and I recall you had rules for dueling. How about a wager? If I win I keep the book if I lose I return it and you find one better suited for us??
?This doesn't exactly seem like a fair wager,? I pointed out. ?You stand to gain no matter the outcome.?
Yumemi smiled, ?That's true, however I have the outcome I desire. I see no reason to lose everything after I've already won.?
As much as it pained me, her words were correct. I had no leverage in the matter. I was not a strong fighter, but I had no choices left. My journey could not fail here. ?I agree to your terms. Which one of you will I be facing??
Chiyuri stepped forward, but Yumemi put her hand on the other woman's shoulders. ?Chiyuri, go get the sensors all warmed up. I'll do the fighting this time.?
As Chiyuri left I took to the air. To my surprise Yumemi did as well. Apparently I did not manage to conceal my amazement, since the professor answered my unspoken question. Or perhaps she just liked lecturing. ?You are wondering how I can fly without magic? It's simple really. Using the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle, and my knowledge of your magical universes, I have created a machine that grants me a personal reality. This allows me to simulate magical effects.?
?Now if you are ready??
I nodded, lest my voice reveal my lack of confidence. With that we exchanged our opening shots, the simple danmaku that allows one to judge their opponents strength. Yumemi's attacks were dense, but simply patterned. I felt a glimmer of hope at this revelation.
Then she unleashed another attack and I involuntarily flinched. For the cross shaped shot bore the Shield of David, with the seven names of the angels inscribed upon it.
I am a daughter of fire and sin. Through powerful rites I have been bound to a mortal, my powers locked away, lest they turn on my mistress. But I am still a creature of the Netherworld, and I could no more stand against that symbol then a fence could stand against a tornado.
I retreated from the blast as more of my enemies bullets flew through the air. Both simple danmaku and more of David's symbol.
As I moved to dodge, once again the fiery cross blossomed into existence, cutting off my movement. I managed to retreat and still pass through my foes barrage, but as I reoriented myself I saw yet another attack heading in my direction. Forcing me to evade again.
I cannot say how long this lasted. I fired blindly as I dodged, hoping my shots would somehow strike my enemy, but I could not spare any effort to look for her. Everywhere I turned there was another Shield of David, blocking my movement. I had to focus on dodging and nothing else.
Thus I didn't notice the bullets that grazed me, tearing my dress. Nor did I notice the pain from when one of the Shield bearing crosses burned my wing. I did feel the burn on my leg when I let my guard down, musing about how the very bindings I was attempting to protect were making this difficult. But most of my thoughts were about dodging. Reveling each time I passed through the attacks, despairing when my means of escape were cut off.
Then the barrage ended. This confused me. Seeing no threats, I allowed myself to sink to the floor.
At some point I realized someone was speaking to me. ?That's enough!?
My eyes focused on Yumemi, who had a serious expression. I wondered if perhaps one of my shots had struck her, granting me the victory. Her clothes and cape looked unharmed, but I admit I was not as clear headed as I liked to be. ?Did I win?? I asked.
I noticed that Chiyuri had returned when she began speaking. ?Technically you lost five minutes ago. But you kept going even after that. We called off the fight when your vitals started getting out of whack.?
?I see....? I felt too drained to contemplate the enormity of my failure.
Yumemi stepped forward. ?However, since I won the book, I can trade it back. In light of your sincerity, I accept your original deal.? She presented me the book, which I took, then held tightly to my chest. The familiar residual magic emanating from the work helped me find my focus.
?I thank you greatly,? I replied. After a little more time I felt almost back to normal. ?If you would be so kind, could you accompany me back to my abode to return the book and inform my mistress of my success? I'm afraid my absence might disturb her. I will happily find you another book after that is done.?
?Sure. In fact I think I'd like to meet your mistress.?
Entry 5
Day Y, Month Y, Year YYYY
Light Rain
With that, the incident concluded. The book that we had searched for was, once again, back in its' proper place, guarded by heavier wards.
Yumemi and Miss Patchouli seemed impressed at each other's knowledge in their respective fields, and agreed to an exchange of knowledge. Thus I found my search for a more suitable magical tome to be much shorter then I had expected, and in return I received several interesting documents from Chiyuri, which I have filed in Section Z, Row H.
After the negotiations and lectures between the two scholar had finished, and Yumemi had taken her leave, Miss Patchouli came to speak to me about the events.
?You should have informed me earlier. I would have been able to solve this quicker, and you nearly damaged yourself during the fight.?
Her words were true. ?I'm sorry mistress. I was worried about a repeat of the last incident.?
Miss Patchouli looked at me sternly for a moment, then sighed and to my relief smiled. ?Ah well. At least the incident ended without anything terrible happening. Next time however inform me when you learn valuable information like that. Good familiars should tell their masters everything they need to know.?
I nodded in return, happy that my mistake had caused no harm. ?Of course mistress. I'll be more careful in the future.?
I then asked the question that was part of my being. ?What is it that you wish, my Mistress?"
Patchouli turned from me and picked up the notes she had acquired. ?I've been feeling pretty good physically, so I'll stay up a bit and read these notes. Get me some coffee for while I read.?
As a good familiar, I obeyed.
***
As promised.