>How well did we get along with her, anyways. Is she likely to beat the shit out of our youkai?
You all have a passably pleasant relationship with Reimu. Mystia was the only one of you who had a serious problem with her before, and she got over that a long while ago, during the flower incident. Rumia should refrain from eating humans around her though.
After a moments thought you nod. "We should indeed speak to Reimu. And we should do so before she goes to Morpheus' realm. I fear the changes have clipped our wings old friends, so we need to take the back road."
"Huh? You can't fly?!" Luna cries out. The three fairies look at you all in mild pity. "Well, uh, okay. We'll meet you there then."
The journey to the shrine is silent and quick. When you arrive you are surprised once again. The shrine is exactly the way you remember, without a single change from the invasion. You consider this in your mind as you head towards the donation box, but you can think of no explanation.
"You plan to offer money to the priestess?" Mystia asks as you fish around in your money pouch.
"I do. Rarely did I have money in the past, and who knows what the future brings. This is my first chance to try such a deed." You toss in a gold coin, and clap your hands twice.
There's a rustling from inside the shrine, then the sound of a screen door opening and then Reimu is before you. She seems to be the same woman as before. Perhaps more full in body as the years work more upon humans then they do your kind, but the only thing out of place is the happy shock on her face. "What? How?" You can not help but smile as her gaze runs over your party, once, then twice, then a third time. Finally she regains her composure. "What is with those outfits?" Your party can't help but burst into laughter at her question. While her relief must be greater it is a wondrous thing to see unsullied land.
After some initial greetings and explanations (during which the three fairies arrive and then get bored and start playing in the courtyard) you sit down with some tea and begin serious discussion. "How did this place alone avoid the fate of the rest of Gensoukyo? I would imagine this would be the first place the invaders struck."
"I don't know about that," Reimu replies. "But it was definitely the first place Yukari defended. She set up a barrier within the barrier in order to keep any outside influence out of this place. Remember if the shrine goes away so does the Hakurei Barrier. And then all of us go poof." Reimu sighed. "Unfortunately that took a lot out of her. She's been pretty much comatose since. Ran and I have taken over holding up the barrier, and that's been most of my time. Chen's here too guarding the place. If you hadn't tossed in some money to show you still were faithful to Gensoukyo you probably would have had a fight on your hands."
"I will say though that not all the new people are bad. Apparently some," Reimu pauses to think of the word, "right
alchemists plopped into the Taoists place, then apologized for their rude entrance and asked to rent some space. They seem to be getting along fine. Seiga drops by every now and then to keep me company and check the wards. If you want to arrange a meeting drop by during the day."
"This could be a right fine aid. I hear alchemists have some might magics that any youkai can use. They may be able to give us stronger weapons to battle with," Wriggle says.
You nod. "That is fine news."
Reimu shifts uncomfortably for a moment. "Now, if you don't mind, can I ask you some questions?"
"We will gladly answer, Shrine Maiden of Paradise," Daiyousei says with a smile.
Reimu nods, closes her eyes and asks, "Sakuya?"
Your expressions all fall. Finally Rumia speaks up. "We don't know. I have braved getting close to Castle Dracul, and I can tell you Meiling still guards the gate. It is possible Sakuya was spared the purge as well."
"I see.' Reimu's voice holds only the faintest of hopes, but she continues on. "Sanae?"
"Fear not priestess. She stands bold and proud a warrior as any beside her goddesses," Mystia replies. "If time allows I can tell you her saga against the Valkyries."
A smile slips across Reimu's face. "I'm sure she'd be upset if she didn't get to tell me herself. But thank you." The smile fades as she asks the question that was truly on her mind. "Marisa?"
"I can not say," You reply. "I visited the home of the witch, but it stands empty. Still there is no sign of struggle or loss. And the forest of magic has become a strange place, even for fairies. I would not count her a victim."
"Of course." Reimu's words are hopeful but her spirit seems weaker. You overhear her mutter, "Damn it Marisa, you spend all that time playing witch and it still doesn't do you any good. What was the point."
After a few moments she sighs. "Well I can't offer much in return since I'm stuck here keeping everyone from dying, but if you do think of anything I can do please ask. I want Gensoukyo back."
