Waking Up from the Dream - Welcome Home - Story Thread

[Orphea.Russ]

10:28 PM, Day 3, Kamisuiwa, Japan - Tourist Helpers - Outside Rear Entrance

It was simple to describe how Aiko felt right now.

Her head hurt.
Not only had she just seen another person nearly fade away, perhaps for good, she'd witnessed someone else use what apparently was magic to try and save her. Best of all, it actually worked. It was... so confusing. And all this talk of being caught by soldiers... It sounded too strange.

... Maybe that's why she believed it. Either way she made her way towards the back exit, which seemed to be the way to whatever way out they were going to be taking. It still didn't make sense, but sometimes you had to hold on to what you could grasp. Not that it was usually much.

...still hard to believe I can help someone like that, though...

[GuardianTempest]

10:21 PM - Kamisuiwa Town Central - Tourist Helpers Shop

   After spending an entire day in the room, by himself, like old times, Neil quietly makes his way to the front of the shop after hearing some commotion. He quietly fades from the view of others, since the sudden presence of so many new people frightened him. He thinks he has seen this before, like the part in an OCT where everybody meets up first before the action begins.

"It's that girl, hi...uh...whoever-you-are!" he gleefully thought, whilst looking like a nobody in the sidelines. Hiding in public was what he does best, whether intentionally or not, and he can still do so today.

   Many thoughts are running through his head, could this be it? Was this the part where reality breaks and fantasy flows free? Is this an introduction to some tournament where we have to fight each other to the death in a steampunk setting? From what he has been hearing, there seems to be a casualty, and there's something else. He attempts to get a better view of the situation and sees something straight out of some obscure Fantasy MMORPG.

--

"I think I'm late to the party. Either that or I need an explanation."

"And you're going to spend like an hour and a half daydreaming on the possible shenanigans we could be put in, huh?" Kimia assumes.

--

Neil decides to come along with the group, this being it, his adventure, fame, grandeur, whatever he wants. Then he notices someone gesturing him to come over and asks him where he came from and if he was involved or anything.

"O-oh me? I'm from the Philippines, and most probably so, I mean, I did take the opportunity so I may have a hand into it." he answers, admitting that his sense of adventure may or may not have contributed to his situation. Then this person realizes two things: He is a Filipino, just like him, and a former client.

"Uy, Pinoy ka rin?¹" He notices his gloves and remembers that he made it, asking "How are your gloves?"

Neil smiles and answers that he is, "Though spending forevers² indoors does this to me." pointing towards his face, being a light shade of brown.

   The person picks up his pace so they won't get left behind while Neil ponders as to why he asked him that question. It's not like they've already met earlier or something, then it hit him. Like...like...if only he could find a better analogy. The person is none other than Danao Madarang, the cosplay-tailor who made him his custom-made gloves and completed his 'main outfit'.

"(Oh!) Hey! It's you! Yeah, I took good care of it, though you may or may not like this..." Neil shows off the 'cat-claws' hidden in his right glove, remarking that it looks slightly different than before.

"There was this guy who makes exotic modifications and stuff, I had to sign a waiver to make sure I won't use it for evil. Like I'm even gonna do that." Neil added, Danao is impressed and sort of surprised at the addition.

He laughs, "May ganun?³ Don't worry, it's fine. So, how did you get here? You look a bit too young to be traveling by yourself."

"I saw an ad, thought I could use a vacation, an international vacation. 'sides, I was encouraged to go outdoors frequently, y'know, lifestyle habits and all." he answers, retracting the claws back. "Yeah, I get that often. I should be worried, but hey, I felt pretty confident going abroad-"

He bumps into someone, apparently he got carried away with the conversation and forgets to pay attention to his direction.

"Whoops, woah, sorry 'bout that."
_{1 "Uy, you're a Pinoy, too?"
2 I tend to say forevers like it's a reeeaallyy long unit for time.
3 "There's that?" (That's how bad my translation skills are)}

[Amraphenson]

10:30 PM, Day 3, Kamisuiwa, Japan - Tourist Helpers - Outside Rear Entrance
He nods and heads back in, deferring to this persons advice. The blonde girl follows quietly.

For the best, he tells himself. Listen to whoever is in charge. Trust him. He returns to the room, strange girl still in tow, and leans against a wall. Breathe. In, out. Stay calm, collected, ready. Keep watch. When the white-haired girl returns, he asks something that's been bothering him.

"Exactly what should we be expecting?" he ventures, glancing at her features. Truly amazing. She didn't look a year older than her second decade, but that hair was a stark, brilliant white.. "Armanents, training...abilities?" he guesses, wondering if these soldiers were as extraordinary as the gathered women here. "It'd be great if I had an idea of how to defend myself."

A flex of the knuckle, clenching of the hand. A few bobby pins to get the hair out of his eyes. Sleeves roll up. Actions he'd always do while preparing.

This time it wasn't for art.

"Of course, it'd also be great to know if I even have a chance of defending myself. Should I just leave that to you all?" he quips honestly. Not meant in a sarcastic manner, no; he's honestly curious if he should even bother getting prepared like this. There was a sense of power around this white-haired girl, and strangeness around the one at his side. Mabel, he reminds himself. Their presence, and the fairies and lavender haired girls and other strange women, were all putting him on edge. "To be honest though, I'd try anyway," he says, glancing at Mabel with a smile.

[Kakyoin]

10:31 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)

"Uh," Zach stated cautiously. "Is now an okay time to talk?"

Fujiwara no Mokou, carrying the limp Hatate Himekaidou in her arms, turned to look at the same young man who had begun to ask her about the situation earlier. She gritted her teeth, but softened her expression. She couldn't afford to frighten anyone, after all. "I guess so, kid. I bet you have loads o' questions."
    He carefully put his camera down. She seemed like a very dangerous but loyal woman, completely unnatural in the crowd of humans he had come to know momentarily before this incredible story unfolded before his eyes. "Just...where are we going? What's happening? Who exactly...are you?" He took a breath and realized that his speech had become quickened unnecessarily. "And what's wrong with the woman in your arms?"
    "Hmm. Lotsa questions, as anticipated." She looked ahead fiercely for a moment, possibly in thought. "Where to begin..."

-----

"Great. I'm glad that's taken care of."

Ken exchanged glances of slight amusement with Patchouli. "You seem to be just fine."
    "Oh please, that's the second time you've asked me! I feel fine, you know." She ran her open hand through her long hair. "But knowing you, you're overly concerned."
    His countenance met her typical frowning 'Patchyface' as he had designated it. "You aren't tough and in-shape like Mokou is, or even myself, if I dare say so."
    "Well, it's fine. Really." She sighed massively. "So now that this strange Forte character has been taken care of..." She paused to glance over at Mokou, who was carrying Hatate and glancing suspiciously at Forte and Yuyuko nearby. "...wait, what's going on now? I see some familiar faces there."
    He squinted his eyes. "Oh, is that..." Looking near them, he saw the man, Xuezheng, some man carrying a camera and the blonde-haired woman again from before. He guessed from how Mokou was moving her mouth that they were conversing with her. Looking down at Patchouli's hand for a fleeting moment, he glanced up at her. "Hey, let's go."
    "What? Go wh--hey!"
   
-----
   
    Patchouli gasped as Ken took her hand and pulled her over as he hustled over to the situation. Yuyuko was still talking to Forte, so he settled on catching Mokou's attention. "Yo."
    "--should be apparent that you'll get someone strange like me to tag along, like how I hang around Ke--eh?" Interrupted, the one carrying Hatate looked to her side to see her mana partner. "Oh, speak of the devil. Maybe you can do a better job explaining to these Zach and Zoo-Zinga...or whatever this guy's name is."
    "It's Xuezheng," the one in question replied calmly in return. "I was curious, Ken...many of these people, these...women...don't seem like normal."
    Zach thought of speaking up, but decided to stay quiet and listen for a while. He was probably about to get some answers.
    "If I may?" Patchouli spoke up. After Ken nodded, she answered swiftly. "Simply put, we are not human. I understand if you have a hard time believing that, but perhaps my near-death provides at least a somewhat convincing reason. Am I correct?"
    He nodded and turned around, looking at the woman with the long blonde hair behind him. "That sounds about right...right, Mabel?"
    "Um...sure," she replied hastily.
    Ken's eyes narrowed as he stared at the woman. Mabel was her name? he wondered to himself. That's the same name as...I swear it's the same name...I'll have to check with Mayli but I'm almost certain that's--
    "Anyway," Patchouli continued after clearing her throat, "we are not humans. We are...well, hmm. How to best explain this..."
    "Is Ken a human?" Mabel suddenly asked.
    Xuezheng froze momentarily. He hadn't considered that everyone here could be inhuman. Were they aliens, or some hidden race from beneath the earth? Ken had bled to save this Patchouli character; he clearly had blood flowing through his veins. He decided to wait until the question was addressed by them.
    "I'm as human as a human can get," Ken said with a quick raise of his hands, lifting Patchouli's in his as she took the opportunity to wrestle it free from his grip. "Although I can see why you'd think otherwise." He concluded by holding his hands out.
   
    "Ken has the ability to heal with his hands."
   
    "What?" Ken looked around. "Who said th--"
    Smiling cheerfully, Mayli bounded up and grabbed his left hand. "This hand helped heal my aching chest earlier when Diamond attacked~"
    "Diamond?" Zach finally voiced his thoughts. "Who's that?"
    "Eh..." the magic swordsman turned away in embarrassment. "Diamond...we'll talk about him later." He looked back at Mayli. "Don't--please don't elaborate too much on that, what I did was only in emergency..."
    "Oh, don't worry. But it's true," Mayli said with a wink. "He learned how to use magic in a place we're about to go to. A place full of youkai and wonderful spirits come to life." She coughed before concluding. "Though it's just a replica of where they all used to come from...oh, I sure hope Sanae is okay though."
    "I...I see." Xuezheng took another breath. Healing arts? Wasn't that just something of fantasies? Then again, he had seen this man's hands light up not but ten minutes ago. "And yet you are a human..."
    Ken shrugged and tried to think of a reasonable explanation. "Well, that..."
    "It's because he had some inhuman assistance." Patchouli said abruptly. "He had help from me, of course."
    Mayli caught on. "Oh...yes, that's right! Patchouli is a magician, she's very very strong!"
    "Magic, huh." Xuezheng rubbed the tops of his palms together, He was feeling antsy but excited. "So magic is real...and that sword is probably more than just for show too."
    "For better or worse, that's correct." He rested a hand on his sword at his side. "Well Xuezheng, Zach, Mabel...you're probably wondering what you're all about to do. In truth, I have no way of knowing if you can gain fighting powers like I have, but you see these lovely ladies here?" He pointed his thumbs at Patchouli to his right, and Mayli at his left. "They both depend on me for energy to survive now. They used to not need it...and now we need you too, all of you, everyone who Amarillo gathered, to help us with others like them."
    "Energy?" Mabel seemed curious, but remained firmly behind Xuezheng with a determined look on her face. The painter himself seemed more surprised with the need for such a responsibility than confused.
    Ken almost regretted saying what he had said since there was a misunderstanding of sorts, or rather, since he had stated it ambiguously they had not a clue what he meant exactly. Still, he could use it to his advantage to explain anyway. "They depend on me for mana...well okay, Mayli is a special case, but you see Mokou here? Patchouli as well, both of them come from a different world. One that used to exist, but was destroyed somehow." He looked at their amused yet incredulous faces. "It all sounds like some crazy video game plot, but it's true. They're the proof. Heck, now I'm proof as well...just watch."
    He closed his eyes and concentrated on Mayli's face, her being. He pictured a magical pair of electricity-charged shears, the first cutting tool he could imagine, moving along the wires that connected the two of them. Suddenly, all but a few wires were severed.
    Focusing back on reality, he heard Mayli gasp and fall to the ground, clutching her bare shoulder before clattering down like a marionette cut from its strings. Anticipating her fall, he stooped ahead of time to catch her with his arm, grunting as he pulled her back up to a standing position.
    Mayli seemed completely disoriented and stunned. "Wha...K-Ken...w-what happened to m-me...?" She gulped with all her effort. "Why...s-so weak suddenly..."
    He grimaced as he studied the reactions of all in the area. Zach, Xuezheng and Mabel were wide-eyed with mouths agape; Mokou had her head down looking at Hatate's unmoving head, but he could tell she had seen what happened; Patchouli seemed slightly unnerved but otherwise calm with her eyes closed.
    "Mayli," he said slowly as he felt her regain her strength, "I'm...I'm sorry."
    "Ken! You...you did that?" She could now stand on her own, and staggered a few steps forward before steadying her body, holding her head with one hand. "Hahhh...y-you can--"
    "That's right. I can control how much mana you receive from me. I can make it so you can't even stand." He looked at her shocked, terrified face. "But of course, this was only for demonstration. I would never do that to you to make you suffer on purpose." He lowered his face and stared up at her from between his bangs. "Ever."
    Mayli nodded slightly. "I-I understand..." So this is what she was left with. Tethered to her best friend, left to his own command and at his disposal. She knew he would never betray her, but the fact that she could be at such a mercy in the hands of another...
    Patchouli let out a small sigh and looked first to Mayli's fear-filled face, and then at Zach, Xuezheng and Mabel. "This is unfortunately our fate...what do you think, humans? What do you make of what you have seen?"



10:32 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)

"Um."

Kaguya turned to see a girl with amazingly white hair. She tensed up. "Mokou?!"

"Eh?"

The Hourai princess did a double-take. Mokou wouldn't wear headphones, and her hair wasn't as long. She relaxed and smiled. "Oh wait, I remember...you're one of those--I see. What is it?"
    Aiko stepped closer and fell mostly in step with her. "Ah...you're with the man who saved that purple-haired woman...is that correct?"
    Kaguya nodded. "I was standing near him, and you are correct with your assumption. What's up?"
    Aiko paused and twisted her mouth slightly. She had a lot to think about, but she might as well try to figure out what the heck was going on. "So...can I ask you some things?"



(Conversation members in order of occurrence in this post:
1. Zach and Mokou
2. Ken and Patchouli
3. Ken, Patchouli, Mokou, Mayli, Zach, Xuezheng, Mabel
4. Aiko and Kaguya

Please act accordingly. I hope this is what everyone wanted!

Keep in mind that someone needs to find the entrance to the underground path at about 10:35pm!)

[Amraphenson]

10:32 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)
He feels it. Stands there, silently, watching as Ken demonstrates the nature of the symbiosis between him and Mayli. And he does nothing but clench his fist and frown.
'Unforgiveable.'
'Unnecessary cruelty.'
'Uncalled for.'
Then logic tunes in. Would he have really understood fully without seeing the true potential of this bond? What it meant for the bonded? No. He wouldn't have. And if he was to help more these people in the same way, that wasn't something he could leave to uncertainty. Mayli's face...so similar. Memories unwanted.

Inspiration didn't always come without...assistance. Friends sometimes couldn't handle the 'assistance', had to get help. Had to depend on someone entirely for their own safety. Xuezheng had seen that face before.

He closes his eyes, breathes, and looks at the purple haired magician. "Now's not the time for me to be thinking, is it? As much as I want to pinch myself, this is all...very real, isn't it?" he half-asks, answer already known. "...Until we're all safe, the questions can wait," he says finally, happy to let the subject die.

Even the ones about Mabel...no, perhaps those needed to be asked. Quietly. He saw the look on Ken's face; with all his year in artwork, he'd have to have been some sort of idiot to not have seen that furrowed brow whenever Mabel spoke up. So he walks up to Ken and whispers, barely even loud enough for himself to hear.

"Who is Mabel?"

[IdiotsOpposite]

10:32 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)

The first thing that came out of Zach's mouth was a joke. He really couldn't stop it, but after Patchouli asked in such a serious tone, he almost felt guilty for saying it.

"Well, I didn't expect to be tethered to a woman this early in my life, heheh..." His laugh trailed off as he thought for a moment how stupid he must sound. Then he thought about the implications of what Patchouli had said. He voiced his thoughts out loud, mainly because in the shock of what he had learned, he hadn't quite regained full self-control yet. "So... if I'm not mistaken, you all depend on Ken for, um, life energy I suppose, and... where we're going so we can save wi--" He stopped for a moment as he considered a possibility. "That's what the visions were about, huh? So that we'd know whom we're supposed to... save, I guess. And... but I'm talking too much," he muttered, looking around. "I can ask these sorts of questions later, I suppose." Zach sighed as he lifted up his camera, snapping a quick shot of the group around him. He needed evidence of this, so that if he DID wake up, he could ascertain whether it was real or not. Pictures on his camera would help with that. He began to list the events of what just happened in his mind, trying to make sense of them.

So Patchouli, and Mokou as well I suppose... was that their names? I think so. They're not human, so what are they exactly? I think the girl... Mayli? She said a magician, I think. ...Is magician a race, though? I'd think that a profession, and Ken as well, but he's human... but a magician, so clearly there are human magicians... but what does that make Patchouli then? A nonhuman magician? I suppose that'd make sense... he gave a small sigh as he watched the purple-clad magician girl. So many questions... once they got to where they were going, he'd have to ask for answers.

[Kakyoin]

10:33 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)

"Well..." Patchouli began to answer Xuezheng, but was interrupted by his dismissal of the subject for the moment. She looked at him, almost as if studying his behavior. She was still not quite used to the odd, hesitant behaviorisms most humans held to their species. And yet that exact same behavior is what piqued her curiosity. No doubt what Ken had demonstrated just then was shockingly against self-preservation, but sometimes a little bit of ruin forged significant forewarning.

She watched as Xuezheng seemed to finally come to a mental conclusion and walk up to her new mana provider. Unable to hear what was spoken, she frowned slightly but decided to keep her distance for now. Perhaps she could ascertain why Mokou was carrying Hatate as such.

"Well, I didn't expect to be tethered to a woman this early in my life, heheh..."

Patchouli's eyes scanned until she found the source of the comment. "...what? Oh, you."
    Zach seemed to have realized that what he said sounded uncalled for, since he promptly grew silent.
    Sighing, Patchouli closed her eyes and frowned. Everyone was all worked up, perhaps there should be room for some error here and there, she thought. Especially since they had no clue what they were getting themselves into aside from what they had been told. "It's much more than that..."
    "So... if I'm not mistaken, you all depend on Ken for, um, life energy I suppose, and... where we're going so we can save wi--" He seemed to stop prematurely in thought.
    Patchouli held onto her book with both hands. "Save what?"
    After a moment, he continued. "That's what the visions were about, huh?
    "Visions?" she asked, unaware of what he meant.
    He seemed equally surprised that she didn't know what he was mentioning. "So that we'd know whom we're supposed to... save, I guess. And...but I'm talking too much. I can ask these sorts of questions later, I suppose."
    Before she could respond, he had turned to check out his surroundings. He had pulled his camera device out, as well. She couldn't help but smile and think momentarily to herself.
   
    Humans are so...hasty, yet inquisitive.
   
-----

"What? Mabel?"

Ken blinked as he stood face-to-face with Xuezheng, who seemed slightly troubled. "What about her?"
    "Well...who is she? Is she--I'm sorry. Let me start over." Xuezheng closed his eyes for a moment before finishing his thoughts. "This woman nearby, who has been hanging around me..." He paused to look behind him to make sure she wasn't eavesdropping, then turned back and continued whispering. "I see you looking at her strangely, as if she's someone you may know or something like that."
    He pursed his lips briefly, then decided to answer. "Oh...I don't really...well. I have an idea, but until my suspicions are confirmed..."
    "Is she...dangerous?"
    "No, I think she's fine. Just keep an eye on her here and there." Ken wiped some sweat from beneath his sideburns and stepped away closer to Mayli. "I need to, uh...take care of something really quickly."
    "Oh, that's fine." Xuezheng scratched his head as he watched Ken walk away. So Mabel was safe to be around, at least. But he still wasn't quite sure what else to do...he decided to look around for the woman in question. Glancing around, he couldn't see her long blonde hair, only several others speaking to each other.
    "Well then," he breathed out mostly to himself. "What else can I do on the way to this tunnel place..."



10:34 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)

Ken notched his head down and walked towards Mayli, who was holding the side of her head.

Looking over, she noticed him approaching. "Oh...hey."
    "Mayli. We need to talk."
    She stared at his face, the face of a man who had seen much more than his age had deserved. His eyes were reddish, perhaps with fatigue or...was he crying? "Ken...are you all right?"
   
BEGIN: PAIN AND SORROW BGM
   
    "I...well, no." He swallowed and felt his throat seizing up, and his chest constricting. He was on the verge of tears. Perhaps he could afford to cry now, in front of his best friend. Then again, he hardly ever cried even if he felt like doing so. "About earlier..."
    Her facial expressioned softened and saddened. "What? Is it about what you did to me? Don't worry, that was nothing! I'm fine now, you see?"
    "Mayalissa, I'm...s-so very sorry..."
    She smiled slightly as she brought her thumb up to her lip. "It's been a long time since you called me that. The last time I remember hearing that from you was when we left for Japan to study abroad in Japan."
    "Yeah. This is...I'm sorry." He collapsed to his knees with a gasp that matched hers, ignoring the pain as his knees hit the pavement below. "I hurt you. I actually--without even thinking, I..."
    "Ken..." For a moment she only stood looking at his hunched form on the ground. "Don't...stop that..." Looking around to make sure others weren't going to bother them, she realized that most of them had gone ahead. Perhaps more time had passed in that instant than she had estimated. "Ken, stop...don't--we've been through a lot..."
    "No!" He choked. A tear, first one, then two hit the ground beneath him. "It's...this is too much...I can't--"
    "KEN!" she snapped. Looking into his eyes as he gazed up at her, she saw his helplessness, swam in the pool of hot wetness plaguing his eyes. "Stop...don't punish yourself more...you only did what was req--"
    "NO!" he half-screamed, half-sobbed. He gazed back at the ground. "I...I fucked up. I fucked up...I didn't have to do that. I didn't have to--your face when I...when I made you feel powerless, I--"
    While he had been interrupted and silenced by a sniff, she felt his suffering in the silence that followed. He was so worn out. He had done so much for everyone. It was so much for him, and he couldn't handle it. Was she just feeling sorry for him, or was this...no, this was beyond normal...this warmth, this sadness...she could almost envision what he was thinking, how he was feeling. But this was no time to try to figure it out.
    She gulped and felt her eyes watering, but tried to remain calm. She kneeled down next to him. "You are...forgiven, or approved, or whatever you need to be validated."
   
    More silence, accompanied by occasional shudders racking his body.
   
    Her desire to cry had subsided. Perhaps he just needed some encouragement. "Ken, stand up. We all need you. It's okay...please." She heard the sheathed sword at his side grind against the pavement beneath them. "Gonna be like that? Okay, let me help you out, then. Get up...c'mon! Up!" She moved backwards slightly and then threw her arms around him, tugging at his body to try to pull it up.
    Releasing his breath in surprise, he looked up at her, vision slightly blurred. "Maya...you..."
    "I'm glad you got to cry a bit. But we need you...please, know that everyone is here for you." She stared pleadingly into his eyes. "I don't wanna rush you, but...please? C'mon, for me. We'll be okay. You'll be okay"
    Upon hearing those final words escape her lips, he miraculously felt better. His chest was expanding back to normal. Perhaps he did need to release, for that brief moment. It stung him that he had cracked, but now there wasn't anything he could do about it. Earlier he wanted to crawl away and never be seen again, he was tired of being the center of attention. But she was right.
    "Okay. I'm fine enough now...thanks, Maya."
    "...yeah. Let's keep going and catch up with the others."
    "Right." He sniffed and wiped his eyes. "Thank you...I feel fine, thank you though," he uttered as he felt her lifting him up. Choosing to stand by himself, he caught sight of Patchouli ahead of him. "There's Lady P--that's Patchouli."
    "Ken...look at me."
    He stared dumbly at Mayli upon hearing her command. She wore an expression that seemed to say 'relax and look at me'. He suddenly realized what had happened. She was strong when he had been weak. All this time he had endeavored to protect her, and now...
    It was so overwhelming to him...perhaps he needed to simply calm down. Taking several breaths, he nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine now."
   
END: PAIN AND SORROW BGM
   
    Her expression hardened. "Good. I won't let you go down like that, not on my watch." Turning to look ahead, even in the dim space on the street between lights she saw Patchouli's purple presence getting closer. "See, someone else came back to check up on you. You have friends, okay?"
    The lump in his throat subsided. "Yeah. Let's go, Mayli."
    She grinned. His use of her nickname seemed to establish that a better mood had returned and balance was restored. "That's the spirit!"



(Conversation members in order of occurrence in this post:
1. Patchouli and Xuezheng, then Patchouli and Zach
2. Ken and Xuezheng
3. Ken and Mayli (real full first name 'Mayalissa')

Keep in mind that someone needs to find the entrance to the underground path at about 10:35pm! Don't be afraid to use other characters [ones that aren't under your immediate jurisdiction/control] in your posts, don't leave it to GMs to respond to EVERYTHING asked!)

[Marokuu]

10:27 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Front Room)

Kristian's mind was bouncing back and forth, frantically trying to arrive at a conclusion he could accept.

"Circle of blood? From the guys wrists. No shit but why? She was... fading into nothingness. That just brings up the next point of strangeness. Uuhm, hologram! You heard the guy who ran up to her. Err,maybe he was a plant? Now you're just trying to have it make sense for the sake of it. It has to in some way! Maybe it doesn't... Maybe you should stop arguing with yourself. Maybe you shoul- ah, they're leaving!"

Kristian cut his internal debate short and hurried after the crowd of people that were leaving through the rear entrance. There he spotted Zach talking to someone with incredibly long white hair, and being told they didn't have time to talk. "Gueh, are we really in that much of a hurry?" He thought before hurrying after the cameraman, shuddering slightly at the cool air as he reaches forward and taps Zach on the shoulder.

*Snap* The flash of the camera blinded him and almost made him back up headfirst into a wall. "Aah, what the- do you always do that to people Zooc? Or whatever your name was?"

Zach lowers the camera before answering. "It's Zach. And not always, only when I'm surprised."

"A wonder you could hold it back when all that stuff was going on then." Kristian responds, still rubbing one of his eyes. He leans in closer before continuing. "So what do you think even happened back there? I mean... stuff, words, I'm kind of at a loss here."

Zach drops his camera, letting it hang from the lanyard around his neck. He looks up towards the sky, making a few faces as if thinking hard about the question before responding. "Well, someone clearly almost died. That much is certain. Too real to be fake, you know? And... you know, I have no clue. I'm as lost as you are."

Kristian rubs his forehead for a moment. "Yeah but... how does stuff like that just happen? I mean, that guy ran up and touched her and... I still just can't convince myself that it's actually real. Y'know, whatever actually happened." He looks around and spots the white haired person from before and gestures with his thumb towards her.

"You were trying to talk to that girl right? She doesn't look too busy now." "I'll just tag along and see what they have to say." He thinks before falling in behind Zach as they approach their subject of interest.

"Uh, is now an okay time to talk?" While Zach got the attention of Mokou, Kristian stood a few steps behind him, listening intently as he hoped to get some clarity in this mess.

10:31 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)

"A magical place, magicians and supernatural races..." He kept quiet throughout the explanations, uncomfortable with interrupting when people were speaking. The mention of some sort of mana dependency intrigued him.

"Does sound like something out of a game, yea-AH!" He almost called out as Mayli collapsed before stopping himself when he saw Ken catching her. He clamped his mouth shut, trying to process what had just happened until the purple person asked what they thought. "C-Can you reall-" His mellow attempt at a question was cut short by the questions posed by Xhuezheng and Zach.

"Tethered to a woman... I sure wouldn't have thought of it that way." He couldn't decide how serious Zach's statement had been but when he pulled out his camera again Kristian decided to step forward, maybe a bit too much as he ended up almost face to hat with the girl. "S-Sorry but, how much do you need this mana? Do you like, die right away if it's not there or something? And how does it work for the mana... giver or whatever you'd call it, c-can it hurt them or something?" The prospect of someone's life being placed in his hands with possibly a risk to himself had him rather worried.

Kristian followed Zach along outside and is now standing among the group which includes Patchouli.

[IdiotsOpposite]

10:35 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan - Outside an Innocuous House

Zach had been lost in thought for some time now. Without any real idea as to where they were going, he could only speculate as to what he had seen - and furthermore, what he would see when he got to where they were going. So those girls in the visions... the cat girl, the black-haired girl with the camera, the peach-hatted girl... it?s my responsibility to, what, save them, or maybe... but then, it doesn?t seem like... or what if... His thoughts were interrupted by a quiet, but clear voice from ahead.

?We?re here. Hey, Ken, stop lagging behind and get up here!? Mokou?s voice rang out. Out the corner of his eye, Zach could see the navy-haired sword-wielder speed up to catch up to where Mokou was standing, which looked to be a cellar door shrouded by brush next to a small house. When Ken caught up, Zach could see but not quite hear him exchange a short conversation with Mokou before she handed over the unconscious Hatate to him. Turning back to the access point, she pulled the doors open with a grunt as Zach moved closer, camera at the ready. Unfortunately, he didn?t really see anything but a steep drop a good 15 feet down. Mokou grinned, flashing a look of ?what did you expect?? before jumping down the pit, disappearing into the darkness. With nothing better to do, Zach took a picture of the pit... not that it would really help much. A few moments later, muffled cursing could be heard from the darkness.

?Shit, where?s the damn ladder?? Mokou?s voice could be heard before the floor at the bottom of the tunnel lit up. The good-sized flame in her hand illuminated her form in the pit, and more importantly, illuminated the ladder resting at the side of it. With a sigh, the white-haired girl maneuvered and lifted the ladder until it could be used to access the tunnel without any substantial injuries. Once that was accomplished, she climbed up in a few seconds and grinned at the rather large group, gesturing down into the tunnel.

?So who?s gonna go first??

(Tunnel located!)

[Grimarg]

10:35 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan - Outside underground entrance

Look with your eyes.

His mind was clear. He wasn?t dreaming, nor hallucinating.

A hum.

That wasn?t a trick either. As a man who made a living out of trickery and deceive he could spot out any and all deceptions possible.

But what he witnessed was not an illusion, nor a trick. It actually happened right before his eyes.

So that?s why he could not understand it. The inconsistency was too big for Andreas Jaeger to accept it.

And the words he had heard from his uncle long ago kept ringing inside his head.

?Sometimes opening your eyes is all that you need. The heart lies, and our minds plays tricks on us. But the eyes see the truth. First look with your eyes, and hear with your ears. Afterwards comes the thinking, and with it, comes the truth?

A miracle, huh?

As he silently followed the group he kept thinking about how little information he had. He only knew that something that should?ve been impossible had occurred in front of him, but little else.

He reached to the inside pocket of his jacket and took out the silver cigarette case. While he took one cigarette out, he noticed that the group had already reached its destination.

?Oh, right?? He only remembered that his lighter was out of fluid after he tried lighting the cigarette in his mouth. He put it back inside his case and walked closer to the group. This wasn?t the time to space out.  Ten minutes had just passed without him doing nothing at all.

With a sigh, he closed the distance and caught up with the rest, standing around what it looked like the entrance to a basement.
He needed to get more information, and it looked like they still had a long way to go, so he decided to ask somebody when he saw the chance to. Maybe then he could accept what he had seen before?

[CrowCakes]

10:22 PM - Kamisuiwa, Japan - Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)

With the back of the group beginning to thin out as another exit soon became apparent, there was really no time to dilly-dally with apologies. Danao's mind had now set itself to getting to the front. Lightly grabbing Neil's sleeve, the man whispered, "Kid, get moving. We're at the back of the line already."

What he did next was a blur in his own memory. The tailor tightened his grip on the boy's sleeve and began to pull him in his march forward. Complaints rang loud, but Danao couldn't seem to make heads or tails of it; it was too loud. Staying up late did make a young brain go a bit fuzzy, since Neil's voice continued to remain too loud. Thankfully, the boy could not reach for his gloves.

Sandals were like slippers. No matter how properly they were worn, they made footsteps egregiously loud, like rubber slapping against something- anything, really. All Danao received for walking that fast was an aside glance from every person that he passed by, but trying to get the attention of one particular person in front of them was proving harder than he thought. Considering how close the blonde-haired fairy-winged girl was to the front, it was an opportunity to start asking all the questions he wanted to unload.

"H-hey, what are you doing?" Neil asked, still flustered from the sudden grab.

Danao gave him two quick pats on the shoulder he pulled. "I'm going to ask some questions. No one seems to be swarming her-"

From behind, it looked like no one was swarming the girl, but, upon closer inspection, an entire posse of fairies hung around her. There were six of them, to boot, all with differently shaped wings buzzing in quick motion. That would have been enough to scare him from approaching any closer, but he had no intention of that.

"-yeah, forget about that. You can either follow me or go ahead." Not waiting for a reply, Danao walked towards the group of fairies.

Of course, fairies were not flies. They did not disperse when the man approached, and two alert fairies noticed him coming. Particularly, the one in blue seemed to be looking in his direction even before the few others did. One rushed blabbing and pointing later, the blonde-hair had her sights on Danao.

But not before he was close enough to start asking.

"Hello, miss, I'd like to ask you a few questions," Danao said almost threateningly; he was a bit angry, after all. "For one, where are all of you from, and what do you want from us?"


OOC: Danao has approached Amarillo with QUESTIONS, nearly dragging Neil right smack-dab into it. I'll be waiting for Nemo's reply, but if there's none, I will collab with her to make a continuation of this post. Ciao.

[Marokuu]

10:33 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)

"Ahem." Patchouli puts a finger on Kristian's chest and backs off a few steps. "We are wholly dependent on mana, which is not readily available in the outside world." She says. "It's to the extent that if our supply is cut off what happened to Mayli just now occurs... followed by death."

Kristian gulps. "D-death?" Patchouli nods and continues. "Yes, this bond we're using for it now is also limited by proximity, at least initially. As to the dangers for the provider, over-usage of mana from the receiver will cause the provider to experience intense pain and possibly cause him or her to faint." She states simply.

"Can it-" She precedes Kristian's question. "It won't cause permanent damage but it's highly... inconvenient when it happens."

The magician looked over to where people seemed to be gathering around a cellar door. "It seems like they've found the tunnel, you can get more answers while we travel." Kristian nodded before they both headed over to the tunnel entrance.

"So who's gonna go first?" Kristian hears Mokou ask the group.

"Might as well. He thought before taking a step forward, peering down into the darkness. "I-I'll climb down but I can't really go further in until someone brings a proper light," he says hesitantly before pulling out his mp3 player and setting its brightness to max.

"That should hold you over long enough," Mokou said before swinging herself up out of the hole, leaving space on the ladder for him.

"Well, here I go." He muttered and stepped onto the ladder making his way down it and ending up at a long unlit but fairly spacious tunnel. "I can't see two meters ahead of me with this thing, hope you've got more light than I do." He called back up the hole.

[Amraphenson]

10:36 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Tourist Helpers (Outside Rear Entrance)
"I don't have a light, but I'll head down next." He's still wary. Secrets were never secrets for very long, and who knew what was down there.

It was damp, a little musky, and above all a little unsettling. Even if it was spacious, he couldn't help but feel a little cramped with the weight of dirt above him. "...Jeez, you weren't kidding," he quips, trying to squint further down the tunnel. He looks back up and cups his hands around his mouth. "We could probably all fit down here before we start moving. Next person bring a flashlight or something, I don't trust MP3 batteries...no offense."

He flashes a smile at Kristian. It's less an attempt to calm the other man down and more one to keep himself focused.

[Nemo★Ma]

Around 10:30PM - Kamisuiwa Tourist Helpers

"For one, where are all of you from, and what do you want from us?"

As Amarillo is wandering where Koishi would be, she heard someone asking.
"Amarillo is a warrior from the fut-" as Lily White tried to say something, Amarillo quickly turned around and folded her hand over the fairy's mouth.

"Ahem, don't tell others information they would never need." Then she turned to Danao, "you are... Danao Madarang, right?"
"Yes, and I'm asking you - what exactly are you? what are you planning? and-"
"Hmm, okay, my name is Amarillo Viridian, as of now, we are on a mission to protect people."
"Protect?"
"Mister, you sure knows that in our real world, they-" she pointed at Lily White, who is listening, "really shouldn't exist, correct? fairies and all."
"Ahh, yes. But what does that mean? She is standing right here."
"Now imagine, a world where your imaginations are reality, and what we call reality are simply, someone's imagination." Amarillo looks down and collected a pile of sand and a pile of dirt from the ground. "let's just say, the reality that you and I in, is this little pile of dirt, while outside of that, this pile of sand is a whole new world."
Amarillo then rise her hands, and with a swoop-
"Then somebody did this, they mixed the sand with the dirt, resulting in the world we see now. Entities in our imagination becomes an reality, and the border between them collapsed, destroyed."
"So you're trying to tell me, these fairies right there, are all my imagination?" asked Danao.
"Obviously not, they come from another world, and they cannot live in our world either." Amarillo picked the now sand covered dirt, and lift it up as the sands are flowing down from her hand. "see, the sands cannot merge with dirt, at least physically. However concrete is made from connecting the two elements, what do you think on that?"
"So we need to combine the worlds? for what?" Danao is still confused.
"So we can give whoever disputed the worlds a good spanking! like punishing the kids who mixed dirt and sand-Ouch!" As Lily White delivered a precise knock on her head, "and see, I got punished by doing just that, ahaha~"
"Then in short, you people are trying to save worlds by taking refugees and connect to them, eventually return them to their homes? I sort..of... understands." He stepped away.
".....saving worlds...? Will it really be that easy?" seeing Danao walked away, Amarillo thought.

At the same time, Unknown Area
"So you fight to save others, huh?"
The man known as Diamond, who hacked into the Town's police cameras and is watching Amarillo,  took out something from his pocket.
It's a locket, he slowly opened that, in it is a girl's picture.
"I once fought for others, " he looked at the picture, "and what did I get? the girl leaves me because of some "Justice"."
"Such Justice, there is no real justice in our world. If you want something like that, you may as well shape your own justice." He closed that locket. "I hope you could agree with me on that, Ayase. "

"Mr. Diamond, our experimental air fortress is ready at your command!"
Diamond turned around to see the soldier that's just hurried in.
"Great, everybody now board the ship!"
"Erm, that's actually a fortress, you see... and you sure it won't broke up on us? You know, these scientists..."
"Hah, with ME on the board, nothing will break! If it breaks, that's when I step down this sh- oh whatever- fortress!, now go prepare!"
"Yes Sir!" The soldier run out of the lone room.

[Kakyoin]

10:36 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Outside Underground Tunnel Entrance

Ken peered down the tunnel entrance, Hatate in his arms. "Um...are you sure I shouldn't lead?"

"No one's stoppin' ya, dude."

Mokou and Ken stood conversing outside while others were climbing down. He looked around and then back down at Hatate in his arms. After a momentary pause, he sighed and looked back up at Mokou. "I know."
    She flicked her outstretched right hand towards her body several times, motioning with her middle and index finger. "Well then, what're ya waiting for? Gimme the girl."
    "Mokou..." He felt the urge to scratch his head, but had no free hands for it. "Er...well, there's something that's bothering me."
    She raised her eyebrow in both interest and surprise. "What would that be?"
    "Uhm. You know, we didn't actually make a mana pact."
    "Yeah...so?"
    He cleared his throat. "Are you really okay with that?"
    "What's wrong with it? What're you tryin' to say, man?"
    "I think," Patchouli stated as she approached them, "that he is referring to how you two are illogically and miraculously chained together. He has to provide for you, and all that good stuff."
    "Oh." Mokou licked her lips. "Well, I never really thought too much about it until we had our...accident happen. I don't mind it, but I kinda hope Keine can come along too...if that's the case then I don't really care who I'm bound to, I suppose."
    "Really now?" Ken remarked. "Is that so..."
    "Uh...I mean, no offense to you or anything, but it kinda just...happened, y'know?" Mokou reached over and grabbed the tengu from his grip, putting her carefully on the ground.
    He nodded. He understood what she meant. It was completely unexpected that that would happen. Perhaps Yuyuko was right in assuming that their closeness in the virtual world before escaping into reality had played a large part in the fateful hand he had been dealt. "Yeah I gotcha. Same with Kaguya, too...and Yuyuko as well." He moved closer to the underground entrance and then turned back around. "I hope we can rescue Kasen from the virtual reality soon, I really miss her..."
    "Hmm?" Patchouli stared inquisitively back and forth between them. "You mean Kasen isn't here? How is that possible? I had just assumed she was around the area, perhaps scouting or keeping watch..."
    "We don't know," Mokou replied, hands on hips. "Well, we can discuss it later on. Point is, we gotta set this straight. I don't know about any technology stuff, but it sounds complicated. I'm sure the kappa can set it all straight, she's great with that sort of thing." She motioned to Ken. "Well, I'll fly down with her later. Go on ahead."
    "Yeah, I will." The swordsman turned to walk down, only to hear Mokou continue.
    "Take Patchy with you too, that way if she falls off the ladder you can catch her."
    "Excuse me?" The magician seemed offended, and frowned emphatically. "I'm not a child, I can climb down a ladder just fine. It's not even that far down."
    He grabbed Patchouli's hand and pulled her along, despite her initial protest. "We don't really have time to argue, and we all gotta get down there regardless. Let's go."
    "All right, all right." The magician felt slightly embarrassed being given special treatment often. "But I'm not--"
    Ken abruptly released his grip on her and turned to look her straight in the eyes. "Okay, look. For my sake, and everyone else's sake...you nearly died in front of us." Seeing her eyes widen in surprise at his response, he continued. "Not only that, but you're not known for being able to run faster than a speeding bullet or leap tall buildings in a single bound, if you know what I mean. No one is trying to baby or belittle you, we are just showing our concern for you."
    She looked away towards the ground. "Yeah...all right."
    "I understand," he expressed with a gesture of his hand for emphasis, "that you feel fine now. But I don't, not quite yet. I'd rather not worry about anything else. Am I clear?"
    Patchouli stood shocked, not by his boldness but by his development. Years back in the virtual world, she didn't see him having a lot of leadership potential despite his nice guy attitude. Clearly she was wrong. I suppose when one is put in a leadership position, she thought, one develops natural organization and composure. Yes, it makes sense.
    He took another look at her and realized that he had been too harsh. "I'm sorry, okay? There's just--a lot happened recently. I'm kind of..." he motioned in a gyrating fashion with his hands. "Shaken up, I guess. Wound up. Something like that."
    "Yeah, I saw the results of that earlier." She ran her left hand through a few locks of her hair. "Okay then, Ken. I'll go down after you."
    He grinned for the first time in a while. "All right, then. Thanks, Lady Patchouli."
    She coughed lightly. "Just don't look up when I climb down."
    "What?" He stood surprised for a split second. "Hey!"
    "Well, it's common knowledge that males enjoy seeing such private things." Not about to tell him that she mostly had just read about such instances in several human-youkai relationship volumes back in Voile, she gave him a gentle push on his arm with her left hand. "But let's not turn this into a complete fanservice spectacle. So, after you."
    "Ah...yes, indeed."



10:37 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Inside Underground Tunnel Entrance

Patchouli put her feet down on the ground inside the tunnel below the ladder and released her grip. Turning around, she saw the familiar area around her.

Actually, I can't really see anything in here. But any moment now...

She walked up to the others who had gone ahead. Were they afraid of the darkness?
    "Er," Kristian said hesitantly. "Do we just walk in? There's nothing in there, no real lights. I don't think we have enough to light this cave..."
    Ken stepped up next to her. "Don't worry, everyone. This place lights up by itself."
    "By itself?" Xuezheng felt against the wall for any light switch, then pulling away. "What do you mean?"
    "Observe." Patchouli walked straight ahead into the darkness.
   
    *CLICK*
   
    Before anyone could react, a series of lights flickered on in the corners of the top of the cavern walls, revealing that the interior grew further refined, and the ground had in fact dissolved to reveal well-crafted, smooth lining, almost like interior household tiles. A set of tracks on the ground were in the distance.
   
    Ken had his arms folded across his chest. "This is what we're going to take to get to our destination."
    "Um...take?" Kristian seemed as confused as he'd ever been. "There's nothing here." Rubbing his eyes, he stared beyond Patchouli and Ken standing in front of him. "Are those train tracks? Don't tell me there's a train down here beneath the city..."
    "Not a train." Ken kept walking forward, closing in on the rails on the ground. "We'll wait until the others get down here, but it's more like...a minecart."



(Ken and Patchouli have made it into the entrance as of the second timestamp in this post. The rest of Ken's team is above-ground and will soon follow in the next minute or two. Window 1 of riding MINECART is soon approaching! It will take 15 minutes of in-story time.)

[Forte Blackadder]

10:36 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Outside Underground Tunnel Entrance

It was less than a minute later that I was fully awake again. Some did say that  when your mind is filled with positive thoughts it will be hard to peacefully rest, regardless the place you're currently laying on. Of course, I'd like to meet a person who was able to shake the tenderness of one of the most miraculous creations of God, reads 'a beauty's bosom', out of his mortal mind. I was curious, why such a princess at her level fell to the barbaric nature which allowed her to use those kinds of moves.  I seriously worried about her matrimonial opportunities and wished not to see a girl like that to live lonely. So, I forced myself to stand up and walk towards where she went. 'Mokou', the name I heard, should belong to her.

"Oh, you're up. Here, here, let me ask you a question."

The ghost lady in pink looked extremely lively, if lively was the right word. She floated around me and tried to poke me with a stick.

"Yes, how may I help you?"

"I'm hungry!"

Though alcohol had been known for damaging human's braincells, but the effect was scientically guaranteed to be not taken in a night. I was not that drunk, so I could assure myself that the sentence was in fact a statement, and not a question. However one can't be calling himself a gentleman if he picks on every little thing a lady does.

"I fear most shops are closed in this hour, ma'am. I hope you won't mind a stranger's cookie." I handed to her a Danisa that I took from the club earlier. A traditional butter cookie has the power to melt hearts. Even if this girl didn't have one anymore, she would still prefer it over my flesh.

"Oh..." Looking surprised, the ghost took it. I didn't know how she was able to interact but when the cookie was brought onto her cherry lips, I felt somewhat happy at the sight. "You're a good guy."

"That remark was not often heard, thank you very much indeed."

"Well, since you can be fine around me, you are promising. Do you want to go with us?"

"Ah, no, that avenue of happiness should be locked down and kept away from me... Ma'am I wasn't born yesterday and haven't seen a thing or two. I know rather clearly that I must refuse all invitation from the dead..."

"I'm not telling you to die." She said calmly.

"I'm sorry?"

"There are lots of stuffing happening, and we're in need. All the young, beautiful ladies of Gensokyo are going to be harmed... Only ones with potential can save us. You are that rare! I'm not asking for help, but if you're to join us, at least... at least our chances will improve."

Gentlemen, I wasn't  a man without heart. I knew then, my life of idleness and aimbitionlessness will be no more. Who would be evil enough to cast away the tears of a fair maiden? Who wouldn't push himself more than most to rescue the female of such profiles? I, Forte Blackadder, told myself that the day will surely arrive when I am to embrace an alluring goddess in my arms and accept her passtionate confession under the sunset. I agreed in my heart to join this Yuyuko lady's cause. A lady in need is a lady... indeed.

So, we curtailed our conversation and traveled quickly to a tunnel. Yuyuko, whose last name was Saigyouji, was very kindly telling me to call her by first name, Never before yours truly had engaged in such farmilarity, thus I was somehow nervous. But no, the ghost meant nothing but friendship, let you search no further in the way of addressing each others and lose your cool, Forte.

10:38 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ?  Inside Underground Tunnel Entrance

"It seems someone's before us."

Yuyuko crouched down and hid behind a pillar. I naturally copied her. The group of people in front of us looked familar, as if I saw them somewhere before.

A silver hair.

It's the plump-breasted princess whom I admired. I almost called out for her but a memory of being gripped kicked in. Then...

"Follow them, and be sneaky!"

Yuyuko's voice was somewhat excited. The big lady looked like a child joyfully participating in a detective game. Oh well, who was I to deny her? We steathily tailed the group where Mokou was in, patiently waited for something to happen.

[Kakyoin]

10:38 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? Inside Underground Tunnel Entrance

"Yes, a minecart."

Upon hearing Ken's affirmation, Zach dropped his hands and arms lower and focused on the tunnel depths before them. "You mean...like one of those trolley cars operated by hand?" He reached up and scratched his head. That couldn't be right. "Or wait, no...you mean..."
    "Yes, it's exactly what you think it is." Patchouli stated matter-of-factly. "It's quite literally a massive cart with nothing else in it. Well, except for us when we climb inside."
    Kristian coughed. "If so, that's great and all...but where is this mine cart, anyway? There are rails on the ground, but no cart in sight so to speak."
    A small thud echoed nearby. Everyone looked over to see Amarillo making her way over with Sunny Milk, Star Sapphire and Daiyousei floating around her, the other fairies soon to follow.
    "No problem, they aren't supposed to be very visible," the fairy leader stated on her way to the ground rails. "However, when you become like us you can do things like..."
    Sweeping her arms to the side, she raised her hands up and brought her arms vertically upwards. There was absolute silence as everyone else watched on.
    "Oh, excellent." To Ken's right, Mokou appeared and disturbed the quiet with a series of sarcastic remarks. "The old summoning of the cart, eh? Quite a spectacle. I bet it would be a big tourist attraction if the public knew about it. Whadya think, Miss Magician?"
    Patchouli stared at her blankly in disapproval. "Very funny. Just let them all witness it, it's an impressive feat if you haven't seen much magic."
    "Oh, look!" From behind them all came the sound of Yuyuko's more motherly voice, and with her was Forte. "See, now you'll know we're magical!"
    Several moments later, Amarillo opened her eyes and thrust her arms out as if to cast a spell. Nothing happened at first.
    "Wait, that didn't seem very--" Forte was cut off as a green glow shimmered from above the rails on the ground. A low humming noise overtook the silence as more emerald-colored swarms of magical-looking energy began gathering around.
    Amarillo stepped to the side to reveal the ball of energy hovering in place, sweeping her left hand majestically towards the radiant entity. "...things like THIS!"
   
    *SHING*
   
    From the orb came a small square-shaped object that rapidly grew in size until it filled up the length of the two tracks on the ground, even surpassing and widening to form...a minecart.
   
    *THUD*
   
    The cart fell down to the ground but hardly made a sound as it bounced several times before settling, leaving not a trace of magic behind.
   
    Everyone who had never seen it before seemed to have their eyes locked on it.
    Zach's mouth dropped open, then closed yet immediately reopened. "So, let me get this straight. You just...made a giant empty cart. You made a cart..."
    Kaguya walked up and firmly patted the side of the cart. "Yeah. Want to feel it? It's very real."
    Xuezheng had already stepped forward to rub his hand along the side of the cart. The rear had a symbol etched into it that he had never seen before. "Well, I'll be. It certainly feels like actual material. This is just...amazing."
    Ken unfolded his arms and walked closer, stooping down to examine the cart for a moment before motioning to Amarillo. "It seems to be working just fine."
    "Good." Amarillo finished combing through her hair with her right hand and strode over to the front of the cart. Giving a small tug and associated grunt, a side portion of the front gave way and lowered until it was completely horizontal. "There's no time to sit and chat, so we'd best be going." She looked around to assess the number of people filing in. "Ken, I'll go on ahead. By my estimate, we'll probably need about three more of these, so stagger them."
    "Sounds like a plan to me." Ken looked behind him at what seemed like a suddenly large group of people, everyone having made it down into the tunnel now. "Hmm...hey Mayli."
    "Sup?" The young woman stood up and looked attentively over.
    "Do you mind going with Amarillo ahead of us? Judging by how many we have here, we can probably fit about seven or eight people per cart, so..."
    "Oh yeah, sure. That's fine." She skipped over to the front of the cart. "All aboard! Hehehe..."
    "If a few of you don't mind," he continued as he now addressed the others unfamiliar with the cart system, "would you ride with them? We'll summon some more carts, so no rush." He could tell that they were still stymied at the fact that a cart had appeared out of thin air, literally. "Heh, if you think this is impressive just wait until we get to our destination..."



(Cart ride sequence now initiated. The first cart will travel 30 minutes [~10:40pm to ~11:10pm] before reaching the Saniwa Shrine end. Window 1 for posting is the first 15 minutes of this ride [~10:40pm to ~10:55pm], and Window 2 is the second 15 minutes of this ride [~10:55pm to ~11:10pm]. These two windows for posting are intended to allow for structured interaction between people on each cart. See this post for more details about which cart your character is riding in, etc.)

[Kakyoin]

Posted on The Duke's behalf.


10:45 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan - Underground Tunnel (MINECART ride)

Andy was puzzled.

After all his deliberation time he could muster up three possible explanations. Either they were from the future, another dimension, or he was facing a group or sorcerers.

He also pondered on the possibility that he had lost his mind and fallen into insanity. That seemed the most likely cause, but he dismissed it almost immediately.

More important, if what that girl had said served as any indicator of what was happening, they were being chased by those suspicious soldiers.
Things were starting to fall into place for him. Whatever it is that they were being chased for, it had to be related to what he had witnessed.

He clenched his fist. He still didn't understood a lot of what was happening, and he didn't liked that. Things were looking dark, and he needed more information.

In front of him was a young woman. Andy thought he had seen her before, talking to the man from before...

Hmm, this could be an opportunity...

And so he opened up his mouth.

Excuse me, miss. I agreed to come with you, but I still need a bit more of information to comprehend the situation a little better. Could you help illuminate this man's mind??



(Andy talking to Mayli in the first cart. I will have a response up sometime in the future for this.)

[Kakyoin]

And now for my own post.

11:30 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan ? RAI Graveyard base (Virtualization Lab)

*SLAM*

Sword in hand, Ken entered the room in a crouching stance of caution and awareness. Since they had no clue what else would happen, being wary always paid off.

"Oh, you."

He looked past the rows of virtualization pods and saw the source of the voice: a youthful, cute face staring back at him with innocent blue eyes.
   Lowering his sword hand, he blinked several times. "Nitori..."
   "Yeah, it's me!" Standing up off the chair near the computer desk, she walked a short ways towards the other side of the room. "Surprised to see me?"
   "No," he responded as he wiped a single bead of sweat from his forehead. "Not really. More relieved than anything, to be honest."
   "Wow, she's really cute." As Zach raised his camera to take a picture of the odd blue-haired girl, she immediately hid behind Ken. "Eh?"
   "Nitori is a bit...shy," he said with a bit of a laugh. Looking back at her, he stepped aside. "Don't worry, they're all going to be our friends."
   "Eh...okay." She shrugged and fumbled with her hair bobbles. "So are we executing the plan now?"
   Ken looked back at Amarillo. "Well, are we?"
   "Yes," she responded decisively. "It's time to go back inside that place. We can at least aid some more..."
   "All right!" Nitori grinned. "I'll get everything set up. I cracked the system and now with this rescanned ID card..." She held up a RAI identification card for everyone in the vicinity to witness. "...I can access the system with my own information!"
   "Leave it up to Nitori to do stuff like that," Mokou muttered. "So when can I check up on Keine?"
   "Give me about three or four minutes." Nitori placed a finger in her mouth. "Do they all know what to do?"
   "No," Ken replied with a shake of his head. "But they're about to find out. Thanks, kappa."
   Fixing her hat, she turned around and waved a hand casually over her shoulder in acknowledgment.
   
   "She's a kappa?"
   
   Ken turned to face Zach after Nitori had walked away, as did Patchouli, both responding to him in unison. "Well, yes."
   Zach looked to both of them. "Um...but she's not a monster at all..."
   The swordsman scratched his head. "Yeah, uh...yeah."
   "We'll explain everything eventually." Patchouli walked over to the first row of virtualization pods. "First, take a look inside."
   Aiko was already staring into a neighboring pod. Her face seemed twisted with confusion and curiosity. "There are people in here. Are they alive?"
   Andy tapped his right foot several times on the ground. "Looks to be so. I can see breathing, as light as it is." He looked up at Ken. "What's the deal here?"
   He set his sword down and turned to face everyone else. "These people, our friends, they're trapped inside of a virtual world. A world that almost perfectly imitates their former home."
   "Yeah," Mayli added. "Poor Sanae, I hope she's okay..."
   "Sanae's gonna be fine, girly." Mokou bit gently at a fingernail as she walked by, stopping at Keine's pod. "No way can they get rid of us so easily."
   Ken sighed. "Agreed. Anyway, the organization based here, they're trying to run some experiments on us. They know there's something special about us, and they probably know all about the mana too based on what happened to La--Patchouli."
   
   "Regardless, let's get ready to invade again."
   
   Everyone turned to see Amarillo as she opened an empty pod, climbing in. Lying down, she kept the pod open as she decided to sit up instead. "Okay, I'm fairly certain there are enough empty ones to fit everyone." Her countenance suddenly intensified. "Listen up, we have to make this quick! You all saw visions of various persons in Tourist Helpers. It's now your job to go inside this world and save them. They need your faith. You will need them as well."
   "Wait," Patchouli interjected. "They don't know how to perform the ritual."
   "Nah, they saw what I did with you," Ken mentioned. "What I did, it's a blood pact. You have to spill some of your blood and announce your intentions to help and support them."
   "Uh," Kristian said with a light grimace. "Do we have to...you know, slice ourselves?"
   Patchouli shook her head. "No, but it is the quickest method we know. You can also get close to them, and I mean quite physically close. It's definitely less messy, wouldn't you agree?"
   Neil looked around before speaking. "Yeah, I'm all for a hug of sorts or something...what's the downside of being close instead?"
   "Let me clarify this." Ken raised his hand to obtain focus. "What we're describing is just the initiation process."
   "Oh, so there's more to it than a kiss on the cheek?" Azrul said slyly.
   "Heh...but of course. You didn't think it would be that easy, would you?" He grinned back momentarily. "Once that happens, you'll both find yourselves in--well, let's just say it's a mysterious place. You'lll know what to do when you get there. Just stick to your desire to help others, and you'll know what needs to be done to wake them up from this horrible nightmare."
   Xuezheng, having lost track of Mabel for the time being, frowned. "Let me get this straight. All of these slumbering people--"
   Lily White raised a finger. "Not slumbering, more like their minds are in virtual space."
   "...okay then, all of these dormant people stuck in the transparent chambers. They're trapped in a virtual world? This sounds like something out of a movie, but I guess given what we've already seen I can go along with it."
   Ken picked his sword up again. "You'll have to see it to believe it, and trust me, you will see it." He turned to look down at Amarillo. "I hope you accomplished everything you set out to do, to make this happen..."
   "You worry too much, of course it's all taken care of," she replied smoothly. "Let's get this started."
   "Yeah, okay." He turned back to the still mostly clueless audience. "Everyone find an empty pod, please. You're all going on a wild, magical ride, so enjoy the show." Brushing his bangs aside, he grinned again. "Oh, but do make sure not to come back empty-handed."
   As everyone walked, flew or ran to a vacant pod, he felt a light punch on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw that he was face-to-face with Mokou. "What?"
   "I need to have a quick talk with you." She seemed unusually serious. "Listen, I'm still bothered about what I told you earlier."
   He put a hand on her shoulder expecting her to pull it off, but he was wrong. "What about earlier?"
   "It just...bugs the crap out of me, that I'd say such a thing."
   "Don't worry about it. You think I hate you or want you gone, or something?"
   "No I--listen to me. I...I liked being around you while it's lasted." She bit her lip. "There, I said it."
   His eyes widened and eyebrows raised in slight surprise. "Wow, no kiss?"
   "Sh-shut up." She looked away unamusedly, her face reddening. "I'm just worried that--well, make sure Keine gets out."
   "Wait...Mokou, what are you saying?"
   "Don't get me wrong...I'll get out too. But, you're Keine's friend...make sure she gets out, you know what I'm saying?"
   He gulped. Mokou was taking a gamble. Perhaps it wasn't too late to talk to someone else, to ensure that both of them could get out--
   "Okay, see ya." She flashed a quick smile, then walked away. She talked back to him as she left. "Do the right thing."
   He sighed. Mokou was being complicated, as usual. He'd pay a visit to Keine to see what was going on, but--
   
   Wait.
   
   Hold on a minute, he thought. Yuyuko...Kasen...Hatate and Medicine. Who else had been affected by the supposed 'glitch' in the RAI memory system? The virtual world server obviously had some way to identify who should be paired with whom, and it clearly was not 100% accurate.
   
   "Hey."
   
   He rubbed his eyes and pulled an about-face, seeing Patchouli staring kindly at him. "Something happened?"
   "Yeah, but it's nothing." Staring to the side, he pointed past her. "Two empty pods there. You and me, then?"
   She nodded, adjusting her grip on the spell book in her left hand. "Sure."
   "Great, it's a date."
   Her eyelids dropped. "Ken..."
   He threw up his hands in mock despair. "Gosh I was only kidding, take it easy..."
   "Humph. Just because you saved my life, doesn't mean you should expect a thank-you kiss and a cuddle." She opened the transparent top hatch of the closer pod and gestured. "Ladies first."
   He paused out of surprise. Looking at her then bursting out into a chuckle, he decided to take her offer. "Ha! Well played, I needed to hear that. Love you too, Patchouli."
   "Don't try to be a hero, Ken." She wore her exclusive Patchyface frown. "Let us help you out every so often."
   "I know I'm not a hero," he said softly. "Just trying to lighten the mood..."
   "Fair enough," she stated curtly. "Get in and I'll tuck you into bed...dear."
   He groaned. "Okay okay, I get it. Enough with the harsh jokes, I just want to get away from this place and I know you do too."
   "Sure. Sorry I almost died, by the way. I could use a little bit of a lightened mood myself." She coughed seemingly for emphasis. "See you soon."
   Before he could respond, she closed the hatch on his pod. Clearing her throat, she walked to its empty neighbor and sat down inside. Placing her spell book nearby in the cramped space, she pressed the blue button on the interior wall of the machine. This better not go wrong...

-----

Nitori surveyed the area once more. No one seemed to be having trouble or last-minute issues. This was their chance to free more of their poor friends trapped in that fake world. "Okay, let's do this!" she mused to herself, pressing a green switch and raising a switch handle to its maximum, locking it in place. "Starting transportation procedure 364/.AC to project #GENSOKYO...now!"



(Everyone is now entering the virtual Gensokyo space. Minds will be separated from real life bodies, and placed in the "fake" Gensokyo. Assume the time of day when first arriving in the virtual Gensokyo is 5:30pm on Day 3, as time progresses differently in virtual reality. Expect the Virtual Gensokyo inhabitants to be up and about due to the widespread disappearance of many important people, the latter being all who had previously escaped it.

It is now your job to locate and make pacts with your destined partners in the virtual world. Wake them up from the dream, and leave no one behind! Most importantly, be creative! You may interact with other participants, or do it entirely on your own using just your OC and his/her soon-to-be partners. Remember that this will all take place inside the virtual Gensokyo, and thus all of Gensokyo's locations are mimicked perfectly in the virtual space.

See this post for more information on how to form pacts with soon-to-be partners. Further points and questions will be addressed in the Discussion Thread, so please inquire there. Thanks!)

[Sonae]

Timestamp - Day 3, 11:05 P.M., Inside Saniwa Shrine, Kamisuiwa.
The interior of the shrine was pitch-black, like that of windowless room, only when the door was opened, did light reach into the thick darkness.
Nikolas peered into the shrine, sighing once he determined he couldn?t see. The young man frowned as he shifted his gaze around the room. Slowly, he made his way towards the nearest wall. Once there, he carefully lowered to the ground and leaned Koishi against the wall. The faint light of the moon shone outside like a dull streetlight, its beams reaching for them, only to be thwarted by the shadows. After he had set Koishi down on the floor, he rose to his feet.
The youkai girl looked at the boy with curiousity. ?What are you doing??, she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Nikolas turned his attention to the girl. After a moment, he gave her a reassuring smile.
?I?m going to see if I can find a flashlight or something.? Nikolas said as he gazed at the wall of darkness that stood in his path, ?Don?t worry, I won?t go too far.?
Koishi was silent. She gazed at the young man?s determined stance. Hesitantly, she nodded. ?Okay.?
Nikolas smiled at her once more before marching into the darkness.

Okay?a flashlight?maybe the kitchen?
The boy trudged through the shadows, taking small steps so as to not run into anything. His eyes had only adjusted a little bit, making it possible for him to see the blurry forms of large objects and doorways. Feeling his way around, eventually he had managed to find the kitchen.
Nikolas rummaged around in the dark, to no avail. After what felt like a few minutes, he decided to give up.
The boy let out a dissatisfied sigh as he reluctantly closed the drawer. Having found nothing of use, the young man trekked back the way he came.
?Hey.?
Nikolas perked up and gazed in the direction of the girl?s voice. ?Hm??
??Sorry.? Koishi said solemnly.
Nikolas slowed to a stop as he processed the girl?s words.
?I sort of forced you to help me, didn-? Koishi began, only to be cut off a moment later.
?What are you saying?? Nikolas started. ?I helped you out of my own free will. You didn?t force me to do anything.?
?But?? Koishi mumbled, her eyes fixated onto the ground.
The next thing she felt was a firm but gentle grasp on her hand.
She instinctively raised her head and found herself face to face with him. She silently gazed into his violet colored eyes. They shone with a brilliant energy, as if nothing could destroy the boy?s determination.
After a few seconds, Nikolas realized the strange situation, and, in embarrassment, averted his eyes. He released the girl?s hand and stood up again. ?I g-guess I should continue looking for a flashlight?? the boy said, slightly flustered.
??Mhm.? Koishi mumbled with a small nod.
?Phew. I thought I screwed up there for a moment? Nikolas thought to himself as he breathed a sigh of relief. After looking around the room a bit, he spotted a desk in the corner of the room. He made his way over to it and began his search again.

For a while, an awkward silence hung over the room. Nikolas, feeling pressured by the lack of communication between them, spoke up.
?H-hey?you said you?re a youkai right?? He began as he continued rummaging, ?But doesn?t youkai refer to any supernatural creature??
?Yeah, it does.? Koishi replied.
?So uh?? he mumbled, unsure of how to ask his next question. ?Which??
?What type of youkai am I?? Koishi interrupted simplistically.
Nikolas was quiet for a second before nodding. ?Yeah.?
?I?m a satori.?
?A satori?? Nikolas ceased his futile search and turned towards her. ?What?s that??
?It?s a youkai that can read minds.?
Nikolas came to a halt. Read?minds? He thought as he stared at her in disbelief.
?Ah, no no, don?t worry, I can?t read your mind.? Koishi said, quickly debunking the young man?s suspicions. ?I?? she muttered, her head lowering slightly as she placed a hand on the indigo object that hovered before her chest. ?I can?t read anyone?s mind??
Nikolas was silent, not comprehending the satori?s words. She can?t read minds?? But she just said she?s a?
Another silence took hold of the room.
Nikolas, lost in his daze, just stared ahead blankly, unable to say anything in response.
A satori?that can?t read minds?

Finally, Koishi let out a breath and began to move, struggling to get to her feet.
This sudden movement snapped the boy out of his reverie and caused him to react.
?W-wait, what are you doing? Aren?t you still-?
Koishi fell to her knees in the next moment.
?Koishi?!? Nikolas blurted out as he instinctively rushed to her side.
??Oops?? She mumbled audibly as she looked at the boy.
?Here, I?ll carry you.? Nikolas said.
Koishi nodded and complied, climbing onto the young man?s back.
After making sure she was secure, Nikolas rose to his feet. ?What?s wrong? Why did you get up??
Koishi was quiet for a second before speaking. ?I was seeing if I could walk yet.?
?Eh?? the boy muttered, a bit confused.
?We need to continue moving.? She stated.
?Eh?? Nikolas?s confusion increased.
?We should get going.? She repeated.
?W-what? Going to where?? He asked, his confusion apparent from his tone of voice.
?To Graveyard.?
By now, Nikolas was completely dumbfounded and opted not to question it anymore. With an exhausted sigh, he trudged deeper into the darkness of the shrine.


Timestamp - Day 3, 11:07 P.M., Inside Saniwa Shrine, Kamisuiwa.
?Okay, there should be a staircase nearby.? Koishi said as she peered ahead into the shadows that obscured their path.
?Okay.? Nikolas muttered as he slowed his pace and carefully searched the ground for the first step. Eventually he felt his foot go downward. Going further revealed the hole to be a staircase. ?This is it??
Koishi leaned her head over the boy?s shoulder and tried to see where the path led. She frowned and pulled back. ?Umm?I think so??
Nikolas stopped. ?You think so??
?This might be the right staircase.? Koishi spoke in an unsure tone.
The young man heaved out a sigh, reluctantly continuing on into even deeper darkness. After descending a few steps, Nikolas placed a hand against the wall, only to find that it was cold.
?Where does staircase lead?? He asked, his head turned slightly to the side.
?It leads to a tunnel. Of some sort.? She replied.
??Of some sort??
?I?m not really sure if this is the right tunnel or not.?
Nikolas let out another sigh, continuing on through the darkness.
?This would be much easier if we had a flashlight?? he muttered aloud.
?Oh!? Koishi piped up.
Nikolas stopped. ?What is it??
?I can fix that!? She chirped.
Nikolas looked confused again. ?You can?? As he spoke, he felt Koishi reach her arm over his shoulder.
In the next second, light flared up from Koishi?s extended palm, dispelling the surrounding darkness.
?Whoa!? Nikolas?s eyes widened and his body flinched in surprise. ?Wh-what is that!?? He unknowingly shouted. The young man squinted at the sudden burst of light. A faint, strange sensation emerged within the boy?s body, but he pushed the realization of this aside for the moment.
Koishi blinked, dumbfounded by his sheer surprise. ?It?s danmaku.?
?And what is danmaku??
Koishi?s face shifted into a small frown. ?Well, it?s?danmaku.? She says plainly. ?It?s the thing we use for fighting in Gensokyo.?
?F-fighting?? Nikolas repeated, looking slightly fearful of the glowing ball of light.
?Yeah!? the girl chirped.
?Then it?s dangerous?!?
Koishi tilted her head as she thought about it. ?Umm?I don?t think it is??
?You think??
?Well,? Koishi began as she returned to her original position. ?I?m pretty sure it?s not dangerous at all.?
?Are you sure???
?Yep.? Koishi said cheerfully. ?Anyways, we need to keep going.?
Nikolas let out yet another sigh. He glanced at the floating light uneasily as he continued on down the stone staircase.

After seemingly a minute, Koishi spoke up again.
?We should be almost there.? She said. ?Though this staircase feels longer than I remember?? She muttered to herself.
?Okay.? Nikolas replied without much thought. Koishi said that ?Graveyard? was at the end of this tunnel? What does that even mean? He thought as he glanced over his shoulder at the satori. He frowned momentarily. Well, I guess I?ll have to wait and see?
?Oh, look it?s a door? Koishi?s happy tone rang out, bringing Nikolas back to reality.
?Eh?Is this where we?re supposed to be?? The young man asked.
?Umm?? Koishi mumbled.
Just then, the door?s handle turned.
?Ah!? Koishi sounded.
The door swung open with a loud creak. There, before them stood a young girl with long blonde hair. Silence hung over the three as looked at each other. Then, Koishi spoke, a bright smile on her face.
?Amarillo!?

[GuardianTempest]

"Whatever it is, it sure is late" PM - "I think it's still in Kamisuiwa" (MINECART ride)

   Neil is excited, though he may not look like it since he's sleep-deprived, he's full of enthusiasm. It's similar to the feeling when you're sleepy and going to take a plane ride to some other place. He didn't expect that he'd go on some kind of secret journey. It's a cliche/trope in fiction, but he never thought it would be real. He used to fantasize about interjecting himself in fiction and causing a great ruckus, just to call for fame, and now the opportunity's here. Right before his eyes! But he is too tired to act like a happy kid, at least-

"Keep yourself awake! You are NOT going to let this slide!" Milican warns, if he falls asleep then he'd wake up to an ordinary event and he will miss his frame of opportunity.
"Relax, I can keep myself busy...enough." Neil assures, his baggage is practically suffocating the cart he is on, well, that's what he thinks. He pulls out his laptop from his backpack and starts reviewing a really good gem he found online, every single scan of it downloaded. Milican doubts whether he can really pull these off should the situation call for it, but any preparation is good if he's going to end up fighting.

"Edge-of-Hand, Chin Jab, Release held wrist, Sentry Hold..."
"11-something, maybe." - Some Laboratory

"This is gonna be big! I can't wait to do me some commando stuff!" Neil thinks to himself, still reviewing various miscellaneous information in his laptop. Someone tells him to hurry up to which he loudly replies "Yes, I'm on it, just give me a sec!" while hurriedly scribbling down various notes and reminders on a sheet of paper, some of which he may forget or not even need. Afterwards he stockpiles his belongings beside the pod, then he gets inside. There, he struggles to stay awake, thinking that falling asleep might hamper his chances of going wherever he's supposed to go.

"Woah, shit, everything's drifting around me!"

The experience is comparable to entering a 'dreaming state' during those afternoon naps, except that he's experiencing it very vividly, this is no mere dream, or is it? He doesn't know, but what he does know is that it has begun.

[Orphea.Russ]

10:28 PM, Day 3, Kamisuiwa, Japan - Tourist Helpers - Outside Rear Entrance

"Well, I guess. What's on your mind?"
Aiko dropped her headphones down to her neck, more out of politeness than anything else. She was marginally curious about who this Mokou person was, but something like that wasn't exactly important right now. "Well... more than I can handle, to be perfectly honest. I don't even know what I want an answer to, much less what the more important questions are." She shook her head, breathing a frustrated sigh before continuing. "I just... don't know where to start, with all of this. It's all so strange, and yet at the same time, it's almost believable."
"I suppose that for humans here the existence of magic and such things would be difficult to believe."
"... Things like this are difficult, is all. I already know so little, and then all of this comes into play..."
"What do you mean by that?"
"To think that the stuff of myths and fairy tales are true.. it's a bit hard to realize, if that makes any sense."
"Hm.. I suppose it does, to an extent. All I can say is that if you truly believe in what you've seen, things will be easier for you on the road to come."

Somehow, Aiko remembered something from long before. "The first law of magic: You have to truly believe in it for it to work. If you don't really believe, it won't come to you." She paused her thoughts and tried to place the voice; she knew that it was someone's she knew before, but she couldn't tell who. As with most of these things, she couldn't see through the heavy fog. The pause, however, must have given Kaguya some reason to have some concern, for whatever ends.

"...Are you alright?"
"Um.. I think so. We should... probably catch up to the others."
"Ah, yes. That would probably be best."

--- (Notes: Skipping minecart ride, nothing of interest to write anyways.)

11:32 PM, Day 3, Kamisuiwa, Japan ? RAI Graveyard base - Lab

Her hand ran over the cool, metal outer surface of the pod. In a way the temperature of it was almost welcoming; it wasn't freezing to the touch but just slightly chill. She remembered the vision she'd had the first time she'd visited the Tourist Helpers building... and indeed, the pink-haired woman from it. whom, apparently, she was supposed to find and form some sort of link with... with no idea where to begin looking.

Nothing was to be accomplished by standing there like an idiot, though; so without further stalling, she pulled herself up into the pod and laid back inside of it, the lid sliding into place after her.

"Time to go..."

[Amraphenson]

11:35 PM, Day 3, Kamisuiwa, Japan -RAI Graveyard Base - Lab

Something about the capsule was chilling. Disturbing. Unsettling. He felt scared of it for reasons beyond his comprehension; there was a sense of apprehension, as if he was afraid of the uncertain future that lay ahead of him. A shiver ran up his arm, up his spine, shaking him. He was lost, unaware of the others going in at their own pace around him.

A part of him wondered where Mabel had wandered off to, but...he was too enraptured by the pod. Too mystified. He was afraid, certainly, but that made it all the better. Sweeter, even. He grinned crookedly and lifted the lid as the image of the green haired girl, the apparent 'goddess' flashed into the forefront of his mind.

'If you're waiting...then you won't be waiting much longer. I swear.'

The lid closed over him, and then he knew nothing.

??, ??, A River Somewhere, Virtual Gensoukyo
Cough, cough.

Washed up on a shore. All he remembered was a swooping sensation, as if he was taken into a tornado, and now he was here, waterlogged and disoriented.

He felt stranded. Even though he was on land, he felt surrounded by an alien substance, like a haze or a fog. He felt choked, felt sluggish, but in actuality he wasn't at all.

The sense of unease he felt earlier but ignored suddenly had a name and reason to it. He thought it was just a natural reaction, but this...this was too much.

'Is this what mana feels like?' he wondered hazily.

It felt unnatural. There was so much of it, too much of it in this world for him to even comprehend. If he didn't-

No. He had something to do. Xuezheng had to find her. If Ken was telling the truth, if Ken wasn't lying, then that girl's survival depended on him. The artist struggled to his feet, stood, and walked. He didn't know where, he didn't know how, but he'd find her. Without a doubt.

[CrowCakes]

11:31 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan - RAI Graveyard Base - Lab

The whole fact that he'd never seen anything like these was making Danao shiver. He'd only shivered when he absolutely knew he was in trouble, or did something incredibly stupid. Maybe he had done both.

Danao wasn't sure the blue-haired, green-capped girl- if she did look that young-  really was operating the system of pods around the room, and if she really was a monster out of Japanese folklore. He could have guessed if he wasn't so sleepy. The pods did look inviting, for all their coldness and cramped space. 

So he went inside an empty one- Ken had already given the instruction to get in- and stared as the pod hatch dropped down, its hydraulics hissing. 

That was when he began to panic again. He wanted to get out, but he was already falling asleep.

Late afternoon - Day 3 - - Virtual Gensokyo

Several problems were already coming up as Danao regained consciousness. Thankfully, he felt the familiar weight of his messenger bag by him.

For one, he had no idea where to go, since all he knew was that he'd seen a shrine in that vision. Every other background detail was hazy, and though he knew there were surroundings, he just couldn't remember what they were.

Another problem was that he seemed to be at the end of a forest, with a waterfall roaring to his side, and a tall rocky mountain before him. In simple terms: the middle of nowhere. As he lay down on the leafy ground beneath him, he could not make out anything on the surface of the mountain. But as his eyes adjusted to the light, he could make out something- like a villa- near its peak.

And a third problem were the surroundings itself. Something in the air made his hair stand on ends. Sitting up, he felt it hanging heavily around him. Fantasy land shtick or not, he needed to run.

Shakily, Danao stood up. His eyes darted everywhere. Then, when he was sure enough, he headed for the mountain. If there was something up there, then there had to be something below.

[Marokuu]

Get that post started!

11:31 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan - RAI Graveyard Base - Lab

"This must be the strangest thing I've ever done..." Kristian mutters to himself as he stares at the pod in front of him. "Here we go I guess." he puts a foot in the pod before changing his mind and sitting down at the edge of it. Changing his mind one more time he walks over to the other side of the pod and stares at it for a moment. "Damn it man, just get in the damn thing!" Feeling a tight knot in his stomach he leans against the pod next to his, turning his head so that he ends up face-to-face with its inhabitant. "I could end up stuck in there just like you couldn't I?"

"Though I guess they've got a handle on us from out here somehow..." He stares at her features for a moment, her jet black hair, the green bow tied in it... the wings folded behind her.  "But you people need us huh? And I could get you out of there..." He spends another moment admiring her face before his view unconsciously slips downwards towards her chest. 

"That's..." He immediately looks away, his cheeks turning slightly red. "Come on man, that's not okay. He glances back towards it, this time meeting the glare of the large red eye located in the middle of her bosom. "Lots of extra eyes staring at me as of late." Kristian turns back to his own pod, suddenly filled with a new-found vigor. "I'll get you out, just you wait." He finally steps into the pod, hitting his head against the lid on the way. "Ow..." He looks around, hoping no one saw him before finally laying down, closing the hatch, putting in his earbuds, and shutting his eyes.

5:35 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo, Youkai Mountain, forested area.

Leaves, moss, a rock digging into his back. "Uhn..." Kristian pushes himself off the ground into a sitting position and blearily rubs his eyes. "Bugger, almost hoped I'd wake up back in my bed at home." He picks up a leaf from the ground and crumples it in his hand as he stands up and looks around. "How in the world am I supposed to find anyone like this?"

Looking around the immediate area he can see nothing but trees. "Really quiet, a bit too quiet... He looks around the surroundings again. "Hold on a second." He puts his hands to his ears and finds that the ear-buds he put in before going under were still inside.  "You idiot." He pulls them out and hangs them behind his ears.

"Though I didn't expect them to stay in after the whole virtual thing..."  With his ears empty he's able to hear a waterfall in the distance as well as several other ambient sounds like chirping birds, branches rustling in the wind and some twigs snapping inside a bush. "Hold on..." He turns towards a bush behind him. "Twigs don't just snap on their own." Kristian cautiously approaches the bush, feeling very tense all of a sudden. "It's just a squirrel, please let it be just a squirrel." He carefully reaches into the bush, rustling around in it for a moment before backing off and wiping a bead of sweat off his brow.

"Okay it's cool, calm down and we can get back to-" He turns around as he speaks only to cut himself short as he finds the tip of a sword held against his throat. "Eep-!" He yelps as he stumbles backwards, tripping over the bush and hitting his head against a rock. His vision goes blurry, he desperately tries to refocus but only manages to catch a glimpse of white hair and a red hat before the world starts to darken. "Tripping over a bush, that's just dumb." He mentally chides himself before passing out.

[Kakyoin]

Part II is the post below. Enjoy!


11:35 PM - Day 3 - Kamisuiwa, Japan – RAI Graveyard base (Virtualization Lab)

Ken closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This time they were entering the mock Gensokyo with good intentions and a much better driver behind the wheel, Nitori. Still, he couldn't help but feel that something would go wrong one way or another.

Peeking his left eye open, he stared at the hollow, relatively bare interior of the cell.

Ken?

"What?!" He nearly sat up in surprise upon hearing a voice echoing nearby. Was he just hearing things? Eyes wide, he glanced around in the cramped space around where he was lying. Was there a hidden intercom inside of the pods? It didn't sound like Nitori's voice, and yet...
    Ken, can you hear me?
    He gulped. The voice wasn't coming from anywhere visible. Perhaps he was just hearing things in his mind.
    I wonder if this works, it worked with Jan...hello? Ken?
    He let out a short breath. Patchouli? Is that you? He was hearing her in his mind...now this was just a bit creepy, if not cool at the same time.
    Oh...you can hear me. That's good. Listen, I have to tell you more about what happened earlier.
    What do you mean? It suddenly hit him that he was communicating telepathically with Patchouli. He opened his mouth, but then instantly closed it upon hearing the initialization sounds around him. The pods were preparing for mind transfer. Make it quick if you can...
    He heard her sigh as she continued. I don't trust this system that RAI has. They have a mana machine, mana devices and now we're going inside to have everyone form mana partnerships?
    So she had suspected it too. He rubbed his slightly greasy face. You're right, it doesn't sound like a picnic. What are you proposing?
    If you can, prepare an alternate escape route once we get back inside this virtual world so we can escape like we did last time. I don't trust this technology given what it can do, even under Nitori. Understand?
    The urgent tone in her voice in his head solidified his answer. Yeah, we'll see what we can do. He closed his eyes and relaxed as best he could, although his left hand was still shaking slightly as it gripped his sheathed sword. See you soon then.
    Yeah.
   
    Before he knew it, he was drifting away...fading into silence as the pod's quiet inner hum grew more mellow and silent with each passing second.



5:30 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo – Moriya Shrine Outskirts

"Ugh..."

Head spinning, he opened his eyes. His vision seemed sharp and stable, and he had his wits about him. Lifting his right arm, his body seemed to be in good condition too.
    Staring up at the sky for a brief moment, he sat up and looked around. They were definitely in Gensokyo...or at least, the caricature of what used to be Gensokyo. Judging by the location, he was near Sanae's shrine.

    "Ooogh..."
   
    He swiveled to see Mayli holding her head, also sitting upright.
    "Man...I don't know about you," she quipped, "but I wasn't too happy about coming back in here again..."
    "No kidding." He stood up after leveraging himself upwards using his empty hand, sword in the other. Well, he thought to himself, this proves that we can take items into and out of this place...how odd.
   
    "Hey slackers, rise and shine!"
   
    The two looked to the left of several nearby trees and saw Mokou walking towards them casually.
    "I'm up, I'm up..." Kaguya groaned as she fiddled with her hair. "I never was asleep anyway, what the heck am I saying?"
    Yuyuko gave a tremendous yawn and stretched. "It looks like we're all okay, that's good~"
    "Yeah." Ken wasn't surprised that they were all together. It seemed almost too convenient, but when an ally was at the controls everything went much smoother. "So, we're near the Moriya Shrine..."
    "I'm going to find Keine," Mokou stated immediately. "So I'll see you all around soon, maybe."
    "Mokou, wait!" He reached out to grab at her.
    She stopped mid-flight and turned around. "What? You're coming too, right?"
    "I..." he bit his lip. "Yeah, I'll be there soon. But first I think we have some business here to take care of."
    Mayli nodded, and having also gotten to her feet began to walk towards the Moriya Shrine. "I gotta check up on Sanae!"
    He looked around. "And I have to track down Kasen..."
    "Say," Kaguya said. "Let's stick together for a bit longer, help these two out and then we'll go our separate ways for the time being. Sound like a plan?" She stared up at Mokou. "Right, Mokou?"
    With a sigh, Mokou grounded herself. "Fine, as long as we find Keine and help her get outta here, anything works for me."
    Ken couldn't help but smile. "Thanks. Mokou, you're on me. Yuyuko, do you mind going with Mayli?"
    The ghost princess blinked once. "Sure, that's fine. I can haunt another place for a while, ehehe..."
    Kaguya raised her hand. "I haven't seen Sanae in a while myself, so I'll tag along too." She winked in Ken's direction. "Gotta leave the two lovebirds alone together, yeah?"
    "You...!" Mokou prepared to leap at her, but closed her eyes tensely and took a deep breath. "No, I'm not sinking that low."
    Ken removed the hand he had put in front of Mokou in hopes of dissuading her from going on the offensive. "All right, we can't assume we have a lot of time...eh?" He suddenly realized that something was wrong. "Wait a minute..."
    Mayli looked worried suddenly. "Wait, where's Patchouli? She did come in with us...right?"
    "She did," he affirmed. "She was in the pod next to mine, and yet...oh no, don't tell me..."
   
    "I'm here, I'm here."
   
    The magician herself came floating gently down to ground level. She looked extremely disgruntled. "Of course I would get stuck up in a tree...my poor robes probably got torn, too. Ugh..."
    He gave a laugh of relief. "I thought you could be in much more trouble, thank goodness it's just something like that."
    Patchouli pursed her lips. "I guess. I'm going to the Mansion, I need to see what Remilia and Sakuya are up to."
    Mokou folded her arms across her chest. "What about Meiling?"
    The magician tilted her head. "Who's Meiling?"
    "Um..." Ken started. "She's, you know...your gate guardian?"
    Patchouli put a hand on her hip. "I was making a joke, silly. You all have plans, I assume?"
    "Well," Mayli interjected, "Ken and I have business here, and after it's taken care of we'll split up for a while to make sure everything is accounted for here."
    "Okay then. I'll head to the Mansion after your business is done, if that's all right with you."
    Ken nodded. "Sounds okay to me." He motioned to have Patchouli follow him. "Let's go, a hermit awaits."
    Mayli turned back towards the Moriya Shrine in the vicinity. "And hopefully a wind priestess too!"
   


5:43 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo – Kasen's House

"You are joking, right?"

"No, I swear it's all true!"

As Ken and Kasen argued inside, Mokou let out a sigh of disappointment. They certainly hadn't expected or planned for this. She placed her back firmly against the wall of Kasen's house and listened to more through the open window.

    "We only met once before, how can you expect me to trust you that much?"
    "It's the truth. How come you can't believe me? The others here have--"
    A thumping sound rang out as Kasen presumably slammed her hand down on the table. "What proof do you have? I'll ask it as many times as I need to. I know all about the disappearances, but this whole story seems shady to me."
    "Mokou and Patchouli are here with me, they can vouch for me!"
    "I don't care about that, it means nothing if there's no proof. Do you have evidence of there being a world outside ours? This is Gensokyo, stop trying to play tricks on me. Being Keine's assistant doesn't make you that much more trustworthy."
   
    Mokou shook her head in dissatisfaction, but she couldn't help but find the situation incredibly ironic.
   
    "Please Kasen, we're such good friends in reality! You have to believe me...you don't remember Mayli, either?"
    "I don't know who Mayli is. Now will you please just let me be? I have to go find where Himiko's run off to..."
   
    Moments later, Ken stepped outside the hermit's house looking dejected and frustrated. "I...don't even know what to say right now."
    "Dude she totally just like, dumped you hard!" Mokou said with a slight smirk, but with an incredulous tone. "No but seriously, even I wasn't expecting Kasen to be that harsh."
    Patchouli, who was sitting on the ground nearby, put her book down and looked up at them. "It didn't sound pleasant, I will admit. Why does she not remember you? Is it because Nitori did something to keep our memories intact when we came here, but when RAI threw us all in here they didn't do the same?"
    "Probably," he said glumly. "Man...and everything was going so well too. Kasen doesn't even remember me much from our earlier run-in a while back in here..." He lifted his head back up and stretched his arms. "I guess that's to be expected. Damn you, RAI..."
    "There isn't much we can do about it right now though." Patchouli stood up carefully, wiping her backside of debris clinging to her robe from sitting on the ground. "We can't assume we have a lot of time. Let's go see how Mayli's visit went."



5:50 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo – Moriya Shrine Outskirts

"What?!"

Ken rubbed his chin. "I know, it's pretty stupid..."
    Mayli's mouth was agape. "That's not--so everyone in here has no idea what's going on..."
    Kaguya frowned. "I thought Kasen would be more trusting. Then again, a huge disappearance incident and absolutely no evidence left behind...I would be suspicious of it too, as great of a tale it would be to tell."
    "Well, should we get going?" Yuyuko asked, glancing in the direction away from the Moriya Shrine.
    Ken finished adjusting his belt and looked back at his best friend. "And you're sure Sanae isn't going to come with us, or make a pact?"
    Mayli shook her head. "Not yet, at least. She doesn't want to put too much of a burden on you, either."
    He looked away and muttered. "Can't argue with that."
    "I have a question before we take off." All eyes went to Mokou as she continued. "Speaking of that whole 'burden' thing, at least. Ken, are you planning on taking others with you?"
    The man sighed. He had to face it eventually. "Okay, I guess we need to talk about this now." He sat down on the grass. It felt realistic enough to him, no wonder everyone was fooled. He couldn't forgive RAI for imprisoning them for so long with no basis given, it was incredibly unethical. "So as we know, at least three of you were here with me in our world, the real world, because of...well, because of who knows? For all we know, RAI's hardware or software, whatever is being used to maintain this virtual place, could manage memory."
    "Actually," Patchouli chimed in with, "Nitori did tell me before we came here that she found the memory option in RAI's computer admin program, the thing maintaining and managing this place. So yes, that theory is true." She looked over at Yuyuko. "Nice deduction there."
    "Hehe, thanks." Yuyuko smiled faintly, but her expression quickly faded back to normal. "It's true though. I shouldn't even have come with you, Ken, to reality. I had only just met you a bit beforehand..."
    "Not only that," Mokou added, "but we had actual mana links. I mean, I found that out the hard way myself..."
    Ken laid his sword on the ground and leaned back. "Well one thing's for sure, we have some anomalies going on. Ethically speaking, I should let you all decide what you want to do. There's no need to follow me around now, but I'd hate for you all to be stuck in this place..."
    "At least they're all safe in here, right?" Mayli asked. "I mean, it's not all that bad, I don't think."
    "Yeah," Kaguya concluded. "Sanae didn't seem overly worried, which I was a bit surprised at."
    "I guess they're all just used to living here. I can't really blame Kasen either, but it is problematic."
    Patchouli cleared her throat. "One thing's for certain: we definitely need more help. I have a plan, if you all would hear me out."
    Mokou flopped down on the ground, feeling the grass between her fingers. "Yeah, I'll be down here relaxing. Let's hear it."
    The magician sat down next to Ken. "All right. Based on what Ken told me on the cart ride, there's an inconsistency in 'partner assignment', as I'll refer to it. Ken mentioned it just a moment ago. We've seen poor Hatate and what happens when incomplete or 'torn' mana links are made: it's not safe."
    Yuyuko picked at the nails on her left hand and nodded without looking up. "Yeah, I think I know where you're going with this, but go on."
    "Okay. I won't beat around the bush: the only safe way to make sure cases like Hatate don't happen again, is to have Ken make new pacts with everyone who he hasn't actually made a pact with."
    "I see," Mokou muttered. "Now I see that we all have to make a decision."
    Patchouli shook her head. "No. The decision is already made for you. Don't you see it? We can't risk anything going wrong so--"
    Mokou raised her voice. "How are you so sure of yourself?"
    The magician frowned. "This isn't the time for running experiments, now! Logically you, Kaguya and Yuyuko should not go through with this...the system may make another mistake. We wouldn't want that happening, now would we? Do you want to become a Hatate in the real world, Mokou?"
    She sighed in return. "I suppose not. Well guy," she said in his general direction. "It was nice hanging out and all that good stuff."
    "Now hold on just a minute," Mayli interjected. "I'm the same as them, I never made a pact with Ken before...I had this queasy feeling in my stomach if I got too far from him at first...that's signs that I have a mana link with him, right?"
    Patchouli rubbed the slightly peeled cover of her spell book. "I haven't figured you out yet, but I imagine you're safe. I haven't a clue how you got a mana link despite not needing one before, but I can hazard a guess that that makes you a safer candidate."
    "Why's that?"
    "Because you haven't been involved in the establishment of more than a single link, and it was a random one at that. Your body shouldn't even be that dependent on mana, and I'm willing to bet that you'll be fine in the long run since you're a human who never needed the energy we need in the first place."
    Mayli rested her chin on her hands, kicking her feet behind her in the air from her lying position on the ground. "Hmm, okay. That does make sense. So I should make an actual pact with him, then?"
    The magician nodded. "I think it'll be fine. Now, about this apparent issue of 'association' that led to these illegitimate mana links to be created in the first place...I'm actually not what it's all about. Anyone have any ideas?"
    Yuyuko thought about discussing a mana link with her and how it was still okay, but decided against it for now. She raised a hand. "I was nearby when the gaping hole to reality opened up in the Hakurei Barrier...Ken grabbed my hand and pulled me through, that's what I can recall."
    Mokou sat up. "I found myself running through, I honestly can't remember why I felt like doing so, but I chased after this guy through to the real world."
    Patchouli scratched the side of her face. "I see, so it's not necessarily dependent on physical contact. What about you, Kaguya?"
    "Me?" the Lunarian responded. "Um...if I remember it correctly, I kinda walked through out of curiosity...hehe."
    Mokou half-sighed and half-groaned. "That's just like you, isn't it? Eirin is probably worried sick about you."
    "Perhaps. Speaking of that, I should go looking for her. I wonder where she is right now..."
    Ken stood back up, sword in hand. "How about we all head to the Human Village, then we can split up from there. Sound good?"
    After seeing no opposition, he motioned for everyone to follow. "Okay, let's get going."
    Mayli walked quickly to catch up to him. "Remember, you aren't here to flirt with the women...try to pick ones you know, okay?"
    "Hey! What kind of guy are you accusing me of being?" He gave off a groan of displeasure. "Besides, how am I supposed to go about flirting if you keep getting all up in my face? People are really going to start thinking you're my girlfriend at this rate, is that what you want?"
    "Well...I wouldn't mind." She put her hands behind her back and winked at him.
    "What! Ugh...let's save this kind of thing for when we aren't running for our lives, you hear me? You're probably just playing with me, anyway..."
    She giggled. "Yeah, I kind of am just playing with you. Sorta. I can't help it man, I've been around you for years and we're the bestest of buddies. I know everything you like and dislike, and which buttons to push to get you just riled up enough to not get angry at me~"
   
    "Sorry to crash your honeymoon planning," Patchouli said from behind them as she cleared her throat. "But I see you two really are that close..."
    "We're just friends, Patchouli." He sighed and dramatically threw his hands up in the air. "I'm surrounded by women that think with their bodies..."
    "Excuse me?" Patchouli responded curtly. "Are you lumping me in with human girls like her?"
    Mayli laughed. "Haha, I think he just did!" Ignoring a dead stare from him, she went on. "What's your opinion, Patchouli?"
    The magician's mouth twisted. "Opinion on what?"
    He turned to face them. "Ladies, please. This isn't a field trip...and please ignore Mayli, Patchouli. She's trying to defend her territory."
    "Defend territory? Oh...I see." The magician blinked several times. "Well don't worry, I won't interfere if it's that way...not that I planned to get involved in something like that in the first place..."
    Ken stopped walking. "It's not that way! Argh...but does it really not bother you?" He glared at Mayli. "I find it irritating enough, personally..."
    Patchouli licked her lips. "I'll be fine...it's certainly interesting for me to observe this kind of behavior, it's not really my field of expertise. Still...well, no. I won't ask that right now."
    "Nono, ask." Mayli scratched her left arm and continued. "I'm curious now."
    "Hmm...all right. How do you feel about...erm..." Patchouli's face reddened slightly. "Well...having people like me around you?"
    He finished fastening the sword scabbard to his belt and looked up. "I don't think I can completely answer that yet, since you haven't been around for too long...but I certainly trust you."
    "Oh, all right. That's good then," the magician replied with a soft cough.
    If you really want to know, though...I think I'm finding myself to be more into purple than brown, 'cuz I like what I see." Grinning, he took off running ahead before anyone else could react. Harmless revenge was sweet. I just hope this doesn't come back to bite me, he thought, but it's not really my fault that I'm surrounded by such attractive women...seriously, it's like they're from the moon or another planet or something...thank goodness Patchouli can't read my mind in here...I hope!
    "HEY!" Mayli huffed. Instead of giving chase, she looked at the embarrassed magician. "See, aren't boys complicated?"
    Patchouli looked down at her frontal appearance. She looked back up and ran her free hand through her long purple hair. "I think all humans are complicated and strange...are you sure you don't have a deeper relationship with him?"
    "Do you see us holding hands?"
    "Hmm, good point. Just don't rope me into this, I don't really need--"
    "But," Mayli interrupted her. "I thought you wanted to collect interesting data...you know, findings?"
    Patchouli held her book up to her face to hide. "What are you--"
    "Ahaha! I'm just kidding." She looked away. "I think."
    "You...you think."
    "Yeah...I think. Sorry, I'm pretty excited to be on an adventure like this, it's a dream come true for me. I want to make it memorable and interesting." She turned back to Patchouli. "So you study a lot? I do too, or rather I'm much more of a student and artist than anything else."
    The magician nodded. "Now you're talking my language. There's this library at the Scarlet Devil Mansion called Voile, see..."



6:43 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo – Human Village

Kaguya flew quickly inside the boundaries of the Village ahead of the others. Having heard from Mystia that Eirin was here, she could hardly contain herself. Eirin would probably be angry at her after all, but she couldn't wait to see the look on her caretaker's face when she came back alive. It did bother her to hear that Eirin had resorted to binge drinking after losing her precious Princess, at least according to Mystia, but now she could cheer her up! Finally, it was time for her to save Eirin!

"Kaguya! Haah...jeez, wait up!"

She turned around to see Ken running towards her. It's too bad, she thought. He's a really nice guy and it's interesting, he managed to actually stop Mokou and I from fighting. But we can't really risk the mana issue happening again...
    "Kaguya...you sure Eirin's here?" He looked to both sides before leaning down and resting his hands on his knees. "You believe what that Mystia girl said?"
    "What choice do I have?" She replied in earnest. "I'll have to check all around anyway, no doubt my poor Eirin is frantically trying to locate me or at least figure out what happened."
    "Yeah," he agreed. "It's a shame that everyone here is completely ignorant to the truth...not that it's their fault."
    "Indeed. Well, I will go on ahead then and have a look around..."
    "Sure." He bade her farewell as he calmed himself down. The Village looked fine...but now he didn't know if he should care or not. Were all these people real or fake? Probably fake...he knew Keine was real, and of course Mayli was as well. I'll look around for Keine, I guess.
   
    "YOU!"
   
    Nearly jumping in surprise, he gathered his wits about him and looked around. He saw the threat coming as he turned around, but it was too late. A sudden onslaught of energy bullets sliced up the ground before him, arcing around and finally pelting his body as he tried to dodge. Crying out, he was sent flying low to the ground. Rolling over several times, he finally lay sprawled out face up. His right shoulder ached, and as he tried to get up, he felt numbness in his hands.
   
    "I finally found you, you scum. The game is up."
   
    "Ugh..." Looking up, he saw through foggy blurred vision what he though was a woman in red and blue. Maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him, but as he kept blinking his vision cleared ever so slightly. "W-Wait..."
    "Get up, boy. You had me fooled into thinking you were a good man, but really? You had to take Kaguya for your own? What kind of man are you to call yourself Keine's aid?"
    He finally saw her completely. He had seen her before, the woman with the red and white dress with constellation patterns stitched on. She had seemed like a nurse of sorts with her attire, but now that he saw her with bow and arrow in hand, he saw what she really was: a true lady of war, grizzled determination yet steady, calm focus on the situation at hand.
    "Well?" She lowered her notched arrow and pulled her bow away. "Do you have a broken mouth, or are you going to explain yourself?"
    "I--ugh. I...you're Eirin...right?" He said through a grimace. His body was in severe pain, it felt like his body was hurting more and more exponentially. Something in the initial attack she had made was debilitating him. He knew he didn't stand a chance against her, so he had to play his cards right. "Why are you...attacking me?"
    "Just tell me where Kaguya is now." Her mature voice echoed around them, piercing his ears.
    Ken winced in pain. "Kaguya is here...she went ahead of me...o-ouch..."
    "So you brought her back after all...all right, maybe there's some hope for you." Landing, she walked over to him. "You feel pain. Is this true?"
    He nodded silently. Looking at his body, he seemed unscathed. What kind of plan was she enacting? He thought for sure he was going to die a moment ago.
    "You're actually unharmed. Now then..." She bent down and looked at him grimly. "You're Ken, right? You're the one who stopped Kaguya from fighting her rival the other day."
    So she did remember him after all. "Yes, that's me. Why am I being targeted?"
    "We have a lot to discuss. You remember me, yes? I'm Eirin." She threw her bow and arrow to the ground. "You look uncomfortable, sorry I had to get your attention this way. I have to get you to talk somehow."
    "I'll talk...but I thought--wha?" To his surprise, she was helping him sit up. "Why?"
    "As much as I hated humans in the past, the Princess desires that I be nice to them. Heck, some of them are quite genuine instead of being superfluous and grandiose, and I like those." She glared at him. "You are one of those, right?"
    "Ugh...I don't think it's right for me to judge myself like that..." He put his hands to the ground at his sides for support now that he was sitting up. "But I thought you were drinking your sorrows away after losing Kaguya..."
    Eirin seemed quite taken aback. "What in the name of the moon are you talking about? I've been searching for you and Kaguya, I heard from Mystia that you had stolen her away."
    What?! he thought frantically. But we had just heard from Mystia that Eirin was--no, this wasn't right...
    "Well, is there something you're not telling me, boy?"
    "Mystia has to be lying...she told us what I just told you..."
    "Us?"
    "Myself and Kaguya, we spotted her nearby and--"
    Eirin's eyes widened. "What! What sort of lies--augh! I knew I should have listened to my gut back then..."
    "Do you honestly believe that I--oogh..." his side was hurting suddenly. "I have a feeling you're a lot stronger than you let on if I'm being fooled into thinking I'm this injured..."
    Undaunted, she placed a small capsule in his hand and looked into his eyes. "Here, take this. Trust me, I'm a doctor~"
    "I suppose I don't really have a choice..." he muttered. Throwing the pill into his mouth, he fought the pain in his cheeks, mouth and throat and swallowed it.
    "So it's not true then, that you took her...that's good." Eirin got to her feet and picked her bow and arrow off the ground. "I had a feeling something was fishy, but a disappearance is a disappearance, you know?"
    "Tell me about it." He was surprised that he could get along so well with someone who had for all sakes and purposes tried to intimidate him into surrender. "Well, I am feeling better all of a sudden...thanks."
    She sighed. "Thank me with a story. Come on, out with it."
    "Okay...please, you have to believe what I say. Kaguya is here right now, she went to look for you in the Village so--"
    "Calm down, just tell me. Depending on what you cough up, I don't have all day to sit around here."
    "All right. You were there, you saw that night when the Hakurei Barrier--something was wrong with it. It wasn't working, it was...'glitching', I guess is the word for it. Amarillo and Nitori showed with several power fluctuations that the barrier would start to bend and behave strangely."
    Eirin adjusted her cap. "Yes, I gathered that much. So what's this rumor going on about the giant hole? Where did it--wait!" She gasped. "You're here now...that means you and her came back from wherever that gaping hole went..."
    He grinned. "This is going to shock you: the hole leads to reality."
    "Reality?" She flicked her braid back over onto her back. "Now we're getting somewhere. So you're telling me that this Gensokyo we're in is a farce, an illusion only."
    "As hard as that may be for you to believe, it is. Kaguya and I, and even Mokou and some others, we woke up in a room full of these pods that everyone rests in. Right now, we're both physically in a different place...here, our minds are just...imagining what's going on...no, not even that. We can remember what happens here too. It's more complicated than that, I'm afraid."
    "I see." She seemed to consider what he had said carefully for a long moment.
    He got a good look at her while she was concentrating. "...Eirin?"
    "Hah?" She regained focus on the situation at hand. "What is it?"
    "Can I just say..." He took a small, quiet breath. "You are..."
    "I'm what?"
    "I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on in my entire lifetime."
    Her eyes widened. "Wehhh?! What are you saying, boy...why would you--"
    "Just...being honest. I'm sorry. I've been through a lot lately, I'm probably not thinking straight." But it was true. He had never seen a woman with such flawlessly perfect skin, pure eyes and amazing hair and attire to boot. It seemed that every time he thought he had seen perfection in motion, he was proven wrong time and time again. "Sorry, I probably sound like a stupid--"
    "No, it's okay. Hehehe...what an interesting young man." She brushed her bangs to cover her pink cheeks with her hand. "You don't even know who I really am, and you have the guts to--hahaha! HA! That's great."
    "Um..."
    "Ohohoho...outstanding..." She finally stopped laughing, but she still shook with amusement. "I haven't been this surprised by a human in years! No wonder Keine chose you, boy. You have some great qualities."
    He felt slightly flushed. This was probably his biggest embarrassment of the month, which was saying a lot. "Er, thanks...? So you believe me?"
    "Yeah, I can certainly believe it. I did some research earlier with Keine herself. That waterfall at Youkai Mountain was flowing upwards..."
    Youkai Mountain. That's right, he thought, they had been there when the mystery had been slightly unraveled...
    She continued. "We did some investigation into Amarillo's background and didn't find much, but we did manage to locate Nue. She told us that there was another world out there..."
    "So," he breathed, "you knew about it, but you didn't believe it..."
    She nodded. "I'm sure since you're here now--and I saw you in particular walk through that hole in the Hakurei Barrier--well, everyone else must be around here too."
    "Kaguya's here, and behind me should be several others you might recognize." He got on a single knee and looked around for his sword. "Dang, I'd hate to be on the receiving end if you actually fought..."
    "Don't worry about it. First let me find Kaguya and confirm this."
   
    "No need, she's right there."
   
    "Patchouli, there you are!" Eirin walked over to the magician. "Is it really you? You went missing as well."
    "Of course it's me. I've only been on the brink of death and back." She looked down at Ken standing up and trying to find his weapon, then past Eirin at something else. "But you should be more concerned with who is behind you."
   
    Eirin looked behind herself where Patchouli was pointing. Indeed, there was Kaguya.
   
    The Lunarian princess grinned. "Miss me?"
    Eirin swiftly enveloped Kaguya in a hug. "Miss you? I was worried sick about you! Don't do that to me, you know every time something like this happens I lose a few more years of my life. I'm really old, you know, not much left to go and all that."
    "Funny." Kaguya pointed a robed finger at Ken. "A little birdie told me and him that you had resorted to spirit consumption in a depressed slump when you couldn't find me. That's not true, is it?"
    "It's as true as the story a little birdie told me about how he had stolen you away to take you as a bride, never to return again."
    "Not a good chance of being true then, I take it." Kaguya pushed Eirin back. "You didn't feather anyone with those painful-looking arrows in frustration, did you?"
    "No, but I did scare this poor kid." She gestured towards Ken. "And get this. As he's lying there at my mercy, he had the guts to tell me I'm the most attractive woman he's ever laid eyes on."
    Kaguya burst out laughing immediately. "HAHAHAHA! That's funny."
    Patchouli sighed. "I should have known that might be the case..."
    Ken walked over to where they were standing, sword in hand. "Hey Patchouli, where are the others?"
    "They all went to try to find Keine, but I doubt Yuyuko will stick around for too long, myself included." She turned to the Eientei duo. "So what's going to happen here?"
    "Mystia," Eirin growled. "That one will be roasted over a nice warm fire for deceiving us. But aside from that, I found Kaguya, so that's taken care of. Now I apparently need to be convinced that this is a fake world, and that there's a reality outside of this place."
    Kaguya clapped her hands together. "Great, that saves us a lot of explaining. You don't know anything about the world outside this one though, do you?"
    Eirin shook her head. "I know absolutely nothing about it, other than the fact that it very likely exists. Any way to show me that it's real?"
    A small smile spread across Kaguya's lips. "Oh yes. There's a very good way to prove it."
    Ken's eyes widened. "Kaguya! Wait a minute, don't tell me--"
    "Oh come on, we all know you wouldn't say no to the most attractive woman in the world."
    Eirin's eyelids dropped. "What's going on here? What underhanded schemes are you plotting out?"
    Patchouli stepped forward. "Well...to reach reality and survive, you have to have a mana link with someone who can provide energy to you."
    The pharmacist's face looked unsatisfied. "Okay, that sounds much too simple. Anything else you want to tell me? What, do I have to kiss him and dress as a handsome princess?"
    Kaguya grinned. "You could."
    "I could, but I won't do th--wait, you're serious?!" Eirin began to yell. "Kaguya, this is no time for jokes!"
    "If I may," Ken interjected with a raised hand. "I'll explain how it works."
    Eirin smiled, flashing her perfect white teeth. "Good, someone with a nice head on their shoulders. I like this guy already. So, please enlighten me."
    He knew he had to make this as quick as possible. "Basically, I need to gain your trust. I need to have faith in you, just as you must show faith in me."
    She lifted her left foot off the ground and shook it momentarily, digging the toe of her shoe into the ground. "That's it? All right, how so?"
    He walked closer to her. His heart was beating fast, as she was still very intimidating to even look at. "Just trust me to lead. You have to realize, this will bind us together in reality..."
    Eirin glanced over at Kaguya, looking doubtful. "This is the truth, right? What does this imply?"
    Kaguya chewed at her sleeve. "Well, um...it's like that game I always play, the one where all the party members stay together and fight turn-based battles and go from one dungeon to the next..."
    The pharmacist rolled her eyes. "Okay...I can put two and two together."
    "Eirin, are you sure?" Patchouli asked. "We don't know what this entails yet, it could be a lifetime commitment for all we know..."
    "If that detail was a problem, Patchouli," she replied calmly with a wink, "I'm sure you would be the first to let me know."
    Patchouli held back a gasp and promptly frowned. "Hmm...so you already deduced that I was in a similar situation. Very perceptive, as expected."
    "Just a guess, really. Honestly, if the outside world does exist, it's much better than wasting my time away in a place that doesn't exist." Eirin's face grew serious. "But of course I'll have to see it to believe it. Don't mess this up, boy."
    Ken sighed. "Trust me, I've been through some pretty harrowing situations..."
    Patchouli groaned. "He saved me from the brink of death when my mana link failed...I do not want to feel that icy cold grip of death again, ever."
    Eirin seemed satisfied. "Well then, I guess there's hardly anything to worry about. Do what you have to do, then. Free me from the shackles that bind!"
    The swordsman once again felt bold and empowered. He was trustworthy. He couldn't let Eirin down either, but she first had to know what the extreme implication of the process was. "One more thing. You'll be separated from Kaguya for...quite some time."
    She seemed to take it reasonably well, although she hesitated before answering with a question of her own. "And why is that?"
    "Basically," Patchouli stated, "there have been several mishaps in the past. Kaguya for some reason was given a mana link with Ken upon exiting this virtual world, despite having never officially made a pact together."
    Eirin put a hand to her chin. "Is that true, Princess?"
    "Unfortunately that seems to be the case." Kaguya frowned. "But the organization that trapped you and me and everyone else here, we have to stop them...they're keeping us against our will in this place. We have to do what we can to stop them from trying to do...well, whatever it is they're planning on doing, and it can't be good."
    "I see your point," Eirin replied. "But I had a thought...suppose these mana links, as you called them, were needed to live in reality as you claim. Where do we draw the line on safety versus trying to get everyone free? What if it's safer for most of us to stay in here anyway, until a few of us can help secure and get more control over such an environment?"
    Ken rubbed the fingers on his left hand together. They hadn't considered that aspect very carefully. "That's true. Kaguya told me though, you're supposed to be incredibly strong. What if we enlist your aid, Eirin?"
    Eirin finished rubbing her eyes. "If it will help bring about an era where we can live peacefully in control of our own lives, then sure. It sounds to me like this RAI organization is dictating what happens to us, if they're capturing and confining us." She turned to him and smiled slightly. "Plus you're not a bad guy if you took good care of Kaguya."
    He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Er...well, thanks for that, I guess. So you're okay with this, for sure?"
    "Yeah. Be a good girl and stay out of trouble, okay Kaguya?"
    "Hey!" The princess shouted. "I'm not a little child, I can take care of myself..."
    Eirin chuckled to herself. She was just glad to have Kaguya back safe and sound. She would do what she needed to do, and at the least get the chance to see if reality really was outside of this world. "Okay then. So, what do I have to do?"
    Ken quickly stepped forward so their bodies were nearly touching. To his satisfaction, she didn't budge an inch. "Just trust me, please." He couldn't feel the same way himself though, he was intimidated by her presence. Perhaps it was his pride keeping him antsy. "I'm going to...hug you. Please accept it, Eirin."
    "Sounds innocent enough to me. I half-expected a kiss or something petty." She gave a short reserved laugh before opening her arms. "Come on, boy. Come try me!"
   
    In an instant, they locked themselves together.
   
    Feeling her soft body pressing against his, his anxiety vanished. He whispered urgently, but so all in the vicinity could hear his words. "Please...I need you, everyone needs you. Please have faith in me, Eirin!"
   
    Before she could respond, she felt a warm freezing feeling in her chest that quickly spread to her appendages. She thought she heard Kaguya's and several others' shouts, but all quickly became muffled and silent in her ears. Unable to move, her vision was blinded by an incredibly bright glow. Crying out in surprise, she felt herself drifting away...


6:43 PM - Day 3 - ?? – ?? (Destroyed House)
WARNING: TIMESTAMP CONTAINS POTENTIAL KAGUYA NIGHTMARE FUEL. DON'T READ BEFORE BED.


When Eirin regained her senses, she was in a place she had never seen before. Her head hurt, and as she looked around she saw that she was indoors.
    "What...wait, what's this?" she breathed upon seeing the sun's raw rays shining down onto the floor nearby. Looking up, she saw that there were no windows in the house. "Strange..."
    She turned around and gasped, backing up on the floor. The entire front portion of the house was completely demolished.
   
    "What happened here? Why am I...hmm." The entire rear of the house was intact. Was there a struggle or battle here? She could only wonder as she set her eyes on the ruined entrance.
   
    On the ground near the rubble was a small portrait. Looking around once more to make sure nothing else was around the general area, she crawled over to the picture. Taking it into her hands, she blew the debris off and rubbed the dirty exterior on her shirt. Holding it up, she examined the picture. A man and a woman, perhaps a couple, occupied the photo. The man she did not recognize, but the woman...
    "Kaguya. That's strange, what was she doing here? And for that matter, what am I doing here..." she mused. Standing up with a sigh, she walked over to the table against the side wall and opened the stand on the portrait. Come to think of it, she thought, this picture was near the wreckage...how did it stay intact?
    Placing it upright on the table, she took a step back and placed her hands on her hips. Smiling, she wondered who the lucky man had been Someone amazing enough to get Kaguya to leave Eientei...was such a thing possible? Maybe I've been blind my entire time on--
   
    She was interrupted in thought by a sudden deep growl. It sounded very close. Her mind accelerated and she cautiously eyed the interior. Hold on, why is this house only a single room? Where the heck am I? she thought. There's nothing around here, and yet...
   
    Another growl reached her ears. She turned her head quickly towards the entrance.
   
    Nothing.
   
    "Maybe I should take a look around." She thought about what could make such an evil sound. It sounded far too deep for a typical dog, and there were no signs of movement. Sighing, she looked at the ground beneath her feet. Her shadow, born of the sun at her back calmly shining light inside the house, extended out in front of her. She took several steps back and felt the table edge at her back. She closed her eyes and hummed anxiously. I'm probably only hearing things. Lifting her head, she reopened her eyes.
   
    Her shadow had moved.
   
    "What...?" she breathed softly. Was this house haunted? "How can that--"
    She was interrupted by the sight of her shadow mutating...no, it was expanding, peeling off from her own on the floor in front of her. Her body pressed against the edge of the table in surprise. "What!" Hearing a hissing sound behind her, she turned around. A large ghostly visage of Kaguya grinned back at her, showing amazingly sharp teeth. For a moment she looked into the whites of its eyes, only to see no pupils.
   
    Eirin screamed and fell back onto the floor. "K-Kaguya?!"
   
    The head pushed itself closer towards her, and now she could see that it was coming out of the portrait she had set upon the table earlier. Slowly, the entity grew...
   
    "Kaguya...!"
   
    The demonic monstrosity was climbing out of the portrait, expanding slowly to accommodate sharp claws that pushed the rest of its body out. It floated disproportionately, its arms not succumbing to gravity. The display of sharp teeth, the wicked grin, stared back at the frightened pharmacist on the ground.
   
    Heart beating fast, Eirin quickly stared at the portrait. Kaguya was gone, her entire presence had deserted the picture except for a trail of darkness tethering it to her legless body. Choking down a whine of fright at the sight of her princess so disfigured, she finally spoke several words. "W-What...are you?!"
   
    "HELLO EIRIN." The phantom creature spoke without moving its mouth, and seemed to take delight in her jumping in surprise at hearing it speak. "SEE WHAT I'VE BECOME?"
   
    "Who..." Eirin gulped. "Who did this to you...h-how..."
   
    "HUMANS." The abomination floated closer to her, brandishing its knife-like fingers at its sides.
    "S-Stay back...don't get any closer!" Eirin felt desperation, the feeling of her heart sinking in her chest. No, it can't be... She felt hopelessness and sorrow, but also raged at herself for initially thinking of repelling Kaguya on instinct.
    "THEY CAME, EIRIN. THEY DESTROYED ME."
    "G-Get back!" Eirin squirmed on the ground and looked away, trying to cleanse the vision from her mind.
   
    When she saw its face again, she saw Kaguya's pure, gentle countenance.
   
    Breathing quickly, she looked into her Princess' eyes. "Kaguya...? Are you okay?"
    "Eirin..." she moaned, tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry...I don't know what's going on..."
    "Kaguya! Oh thank the Moon you're okay..." she sighed heavily with relief, wiping sweat away. "What happened to you? Why are you...like this?"
    "I-I don't know...I'm so confused...Eirin, please...please, let me see your face...please come here...I can't move..."
    "Princess..." She nearly felt moved to tears herself. What had befallen her? Still, her only desire was to aid her liege lady. "Okay...I'm coming over...just stay there."
    Kaguya's face had tears sliding down the sides. "T-Thank you...I'm so sorry you have to see me like this..." Her eyes closed tightly. "Eirin...please let me see you one more time..."
    The pharmacist's heart felt like it was tearing in two. To see Kaguya suffering so much...so ruined, so destroyed...without a defined body...it was almost too much for her. "I'm coming, Kaguya..." Sitting down in front of the floating face, she felt tears welling up in her eyes. Her body quivering with fright and anger, she squeezed her eyes shut. "How could this happen to you..."
    "Eirin...look at me."
    Heeding Kaguya's words, she reopened her eyes.
   
    She stared back to see soulless eyes and rows of sharp teeth. They were moving closer, opening slightly in anticipation...
   
    She screamed again and tried to push it away with her hand instinctively. To her dismay, her hand got stuck inside of its body. Grunting, she tried to pull herself free. "What are you doing?! LET ME GO!"
    "I TRUSTED HUMANS, EIRIN. THEY TRAPPED ME HERE. THEY TURNED ME INTO A MONSTER WITH THOSE AWFUL EXPERIMENTS. THIS IS MY NEW HOME...MY PRISON." The ghastly face nearly pressed against hers. "THE MAN I RAN AWAY WITH TRICKED ME. HE SAID HE LOVED ME, EIRIN. HE LOVED ME SO MUCH I BECAME HIS TOY."
    Eirin gasped and gritted her teeth, only to let out a moan of pain as her hand began pulsing with sharp, damaging forces. "I-I'm sorry, I couldn't do anything to help you..." She felt burning agony coursing through her body as she rattled off those empty-sounding words. This wasn't Kaguya, she had been deceived, lured in. She had failed her Princess in the end.
    "YOU COULDN'T DO ANYTHING? YOU ABANDONED ME. YOU TOLD ME I COULD FINALLY TRUST THEM." Pulling its lower body further away, she gave out a yell as it tugged her forward. "SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TRUST HUMANS?"
    Struggling, Eirin tried to unleash her powers. Danmaku, spell cards, anything. But it was too late. She felt something draining her strength. Her body shook in panic, a feeling she had not felt for years. "What...ugh! What's happening to me...?"
    "I CAN'T LEAVE THIS HOUSE. I NEED SOMEONE TO TAKE MY PLACE." It gave off a hideously foul, demonic laugh of triumph as it sunk its sharp fingers into her sides. "TAKE MY PLACE SO I CAN HAVE REVENGE ON THE PEOPLE YOU TOLD ME I COULD TRUST. SERVE YOUR MISTRESS ONE LAST TIME, WILL YOU? HEH HEH HEH...HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
    Eirin cried out as she felt her power withering away, her body becoming enveloped by the creature. "NO! STOP THIS! KAGUYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Amidst all the laughter, she groaned feebly, her body shaking as she tried to wrestle herself free. She felt so very old. Was this her destiny? "UGH! Let...me...GO!"
    "YOU FOOL, YOU CAN'T ESCAPE IT. GIVE IN, SERVE ME LIKE YOU PROMISED. ARE YOU AFRAID OF ME, EIRIN? AFRAID TO SERVE YOUR MONSTER MISTRESS?"
    "Kaguya, don't! DON'T!"
    "LOOK AT YOU, YOU CAN'T EVEN DEFEND YOURSELF. WHAT A WASTE. GIVE ME YOUR POWER, THEN AT LONG LAST I--"
   
    "EIRIN! No!"
   
    "WHAT?" the Kaguya apparition hissed, pausing momentarily to examine its surroundings. "WHO'S THERE--"
   
    A blinding flash of light caused the two of them to cry out in shock. When it subsided, Eirin blinked several times and held up her free hand to catch a glimpse of what had happened. She thought she had heard a man's voice yell out her name...
   
    "Eirin...Eirin? Eirin!"
   
    She felt her body being shaken. The voice was like a normal man's voice, not of the dreadfully butchered demonic representation of her Princess. "Wha..." she managed to leak out of her mouth hoarsely. Looking around with her vision now restored, she saw no signs of the beast that had nearly taken her down. Instead, a man was shaking her shoulders and shouting her name.
   
    "Eirin! Are you all right? Please...talk to me."
   
    Looking up, she saw a familiar face. "Ken? I..." She paused to cough twice. "Did you--"
    "Yeah, you're okay now. Eirin..."
    Feeling the heat of the sweat on her body at last, she took several gasping breaths. "Kaguya...what happened to Kaguya...w-why was she in that--"
    "Eirin!"
    She widened her eyes in shock and looked up at him. "What is it?"
    "It's not real. That wasn't Kaguya, trust me."
    "It...wasn't." She chanced a look at the table top above her, feeling him help her to a standing position as she leaned forward on the tucked-in chair back for support.
   
    The portrait was cut cleanly in half.
   
    Moaning in relief, she smoothed out her dress and examined her body. She seemed to have suffered no harm at all. "Ken...I was...I felt scared for the first time in hundreds of years...Kaguya was--"
    "Kaguya is okay." He smiled at her as she hugged him for support. "We have to do this together, remember?"
    Blushing slightly, she felt strangely comfortable and decisive. "Together...yeah. For Kaguya's sake, I'll do whatever I need to do."
    "That's great to hear." He patted her on the back, and still noticing her shaking he sighed and frowned. "You don't seem okay..."
    "I'm...I'm fine. It wasn't real. I'll be back to normal soon." Looking at him, she saw that he was also breathing heavily. "You were worried about me?"
    "I just happened to be in the area. I expected to see you in plain sight outside, but when I didn't, I got worried."
    "Expected?" She asked. "What are you implying?"
    "Oh, nothing. Eirin?"
    "Yeah?"
    "Wake up from the dream, Eirin."
    "Huh?" She stared strangely at him. "What do you mea--UGH!"
   
    Suddenly, she felt as if she had been knocked on the head with a blunt object. Her body was falling to the ground, but the ground no longer existed...she fell into the maw of blackness below, losing all sense of orientation.



6:45 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo – Human Village

"Um...are they okay?"

Patchouli moved over to Ken and Eirin who were lying on the ground. She gently kicked at his leg and saw him stirring. She sniffed and looked back at Kaguya, Yuyuko and Mayli. "Yeah, they're definitely alive."

"Ugh..."
"Uhn..."

The four observers watched as Ken and Eirin both sat up. Both of them looked dazed and were breathing abnormally quickly.
    "So, uh..." Mayli started as she walked closer. "So, how did it go?"
    "Oh jeez," Eirin said with slight urgency and lightness of voice. "If it's like that every time, I don't know if others would want it..."
    "Sorry about that," Ken breathed. "I didn't expect it to be so painful for you..."
    "No, it's okay. I'm fine, it just left me breathless for the first time in years."
   
    Mayli's face lit up and her mouth dangled open. "Oh no, don't tell me..."
    Patchouli looked completely horrified as she closed her lips in a frown. Ken, what on earth did you do to her?!
    "Oh my," Yuyuko said dreamily, not entirely sure what had happened. "Sounds very...exciting, to say the least."
    Kaguya seemed complacent, and she hid her expression with a well-placed sleeved hand. "Sounds like there was some drama involved."
   
    "You don't know the half of it." Eirin slowly got to her feet, but was greeted by four stares. "What?" She looked at Kaguya and flinched. "Princess...let me see your face."
    "Huh? Okay." Kaguya lowered the sleeve covering her mouth. "So...is that satisfying enough for y--"
    "Open your mouth. Let me see your teeth."
    Baffled, the Lunarian princess eventually obeyed. Eiri

[Kakyoin]

    Kaguya shrugged as she closed her mouth. "I thought I wasn't due for a dental checkup in a while..."
    Eirin sighed. "You're better off not knowing why, trust me. Now as for you all..." she turned to face Mayli, Patchouli and Yuyuko. "Why the surprised faces?"
    "Probably," Ken stated from behind her, "because what we said sounds horribly wrong if taken out of context. So just to make it clear," he continued in a firmer voice, "it wasn't anything that you think it was. Especially you, Mayli..."
    The one in question grinned. "Ehehe..."
    "In fact, it was quite the opposite," he continued. "There was a bit of a...struggle, we'll say."
    Patchouli seemed relieved. "Oh okay, that's good...well, it's nice to see that it worked out again."
    "Yes, and I think I have a good understanding now of what I'm getting myself into," the pharmacist replied. "So now what? We're still in this supposedly fake world..."
    Yuyuko placed a hand on Eirin's shoulder. "Don't worry, Nitori is going to help us escape. We still have some things to accomplish though...and I have to go check on Youmu now. Okay?"
    Ken nodded, still feeling shocked at what he saw in the pact dream. He couldn't let anyone else know what had actually happened. "Most of you have places to go, I assume, so by all means, don't let me keep you any further. Just remember, we have to meet up in about two hours, so keep an eye on the time." He sat down for a moment to gather himself. "So, go ahead!"
    Patchouli gripped her spell book. "Right then, I'll be off. Expect me back within the hour."
    Watching Patchouli fly away, Yuyuko bit at her fingernail. "I'm going to Hakugyokorou, so I'll see you all later too."
    "So," Kaguya asked after they had left, "What are we going to do? I already found you, Eirin..."
    Eirin smirked. She had gotten a genius idea. "Ken, you need help, right?"
    He looked up at her. "What do you mean?"
    "Well, since Kaguya can't come with you, I was thinking that maybe Reisen could."
    "Oh, Reisen?" He seemed entertained with the idea. "Reisen's the one with bunny ears..."
    "Ha, so you know her. Of course you would, I had her clean up that mess that--" she stopped to clear her throat and throw a dirty glare at Kaguya. "--a certain someone helped make. So, how about it? Reisen is my apprentice, but she's quite strong herself."
    Ken gave it some thought for a moment. "Okay, I know you're coming with me, Eirin, and so is Mayli and Patchouli. Mokou is leaving, Kaguya is...staying behind, unfortunately, and Yuyuko...well, I don't think she'll be coming along either."
    Mayli looked disappointed. "We're losing all our comrades, dude. Wouldn't it be nice to have some more?"
    "I suppose," he stated offhandedly. "I didn't really have many plans when I came back in here, especially now that Kasen isn't coming along...man, I'm still bummed out about that."
    Eirin smiled. "Here is what we'll do, then. The Princess and I will return to Eientei for now, and I'll come back with a rabbit in tow. She can go through with what I just did, and we'll help you out."
    "Well, that was certainly easy," Mayli said with a look of relief. "I was a bit worried for a moment."
    "All right then, thanks Eirin." He stared at Kaguya grimly. "I'm sorry, Princess..."
    She waved her hand nonchalantly. "Not a problem. It's probably better that it be this way anyway, Eirin and Reisen are very capable, so you're in good hands. But don't you have to visit Keine now?"
    He snapped his fingers and stood up. "Dang, I forgot! Okay, let's go to Keine's place. We can rest at my place too, if we need to. I need to go find Reisa and tell her all about this ridiculous shit that keeps happening..."



(Ken acquires Eirin as a partner through the spirit bond pact process. Note that the pact dream sequence does not need to be that scary or intense, I just pulled it out of my ass for the sake of interest.

At the current time: Yuyuko is heading to Hakugyokurou, Eirin and Kaguya are heading to Eientei, Patchouli is heading to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Mayli is staying with Ken, Mokou is staying with Keine in the Human Village at Keine's house.)

[GuardianTempest]

"4-5-ish" PM - Virtual Gensokyo - High in the sky

"So, you're just gonna be satisfied falling out of the sky and falling flat on your face like every dipshit protagonist ever?" Kimia taunts.

"Well, can't fancy a glider, what do!?" Neil loudly yells to himself. It doesn't matter if you're talking to yourself or not when you're high above the sky, falling to the ground at speeds that would normally frighten him to oblivion. Then he tries an idea in his mind.

"Fuck! THIS! SHIT!" he swears, if a fancy ritual can cure a wizard from fading out of existence and a minecart can form from a single glob of shiny metal then he gets to believe in whatever the hell he wants. He adjusts his posture and pretends to be using a parachute, and it actually works!

"That was more of a fluke, I assume whoever's at the controls is just merciful and let you get your paradrop going so you don't end up like an egg salad by the end of it all." Milican sighs. At that point he has landed in a forest, with the ethereal parachute disappearing. He notices he still has the paper he made earlier and keeps it in his pocket. He spots a caterpillar climbing up a tree near him and, unsurprisingly, makes a dash out into the field. Afterwards, he considers setting the forest on fire but Milican thinks otherwise.

"Don't even try, setting the forest on fire would bring unwarranted attention. I know we have no leads as to where our objectives are located, but I don't think they would be lured out by this. The sun's going down at some point and staying in a forest like...wait... why didn't you freak out during your camping trip some time ago!?" "Because there weren't any eeensects at the time. Anyways, Milican is right, we're not going anyway if we camp out here (much less now that we don't have our baggage), so you better start walking." "And don't aimlessly wander around, walk in a straight course, eventually we'll hit something, somehow, someway. "Just don't fall into a hole, that just sucks."

Neil shrugs and agress, then walks towards anywhere in a straight line, that is if he can keep it straight.

[Kakyoin]

6:49 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo ? Human Village

Blonde hair flapping in the breeze that rushed by, the woman watching the young man and his group walking over to the were-hakutaku's house sighed heavily. She couldn't help but be curious and envious of such charisma and friendly nature. The man's run-in with the powerful pharmacist from Eientei had caught her attention, and she had never seen such a magical procedure in her life. She carefully followed them from a reasonable distance in the air.

"Great job, man!" Mayli said with a laugh, patting Ken on the back. "Keine's gonna be pretty proud of you. I just hope she believes our story."
    "Well," he began to respond as he scratched his left arm, "let's hope we can make this 1 for 2, at least..."
    "That's too bad about Kasen," Mayli said glumly, following closely behind. "Then again, I can't really blame her if she doesn't know any better. RAI certainly loves to pull the strings around here."
    Ken stopped and looked around. "Yeah. We can't really do much about it yet, but I can't help but wonder why they're doing all this..." Spotting the woman in the air watching the two of them out of the corner of his eye, he assessed her threat level. "Still...hmm. That's..."
    The blonde-haired woman floating above gasped. Was this the man who served under Keine? Curiosity gripped her. Now that I've been spotted, she thought while descending closer to the ground, I guess I need to do something about that.
    "You're right, I guess we should just focus on--Ken?" Mayli halted and turned slightly to check on him. "What's--" She shifted her gaze upwards towards his. "Oh. Is that...a friend?"
    He looked to his best friend. "I don't know, I don't think so..."
    Parsee twisted her mouth as she flew closer. This truly was a time for strange occurrences, so why should this be no exception? Still, after coming up from the Underground to partake in the strange festival, only to have it gone awry, she had to get something out of it. Perhaps toying with some humans would make it all worth it.
    Ken eyed the blonde-haired, pointy-eared woman as she reached a standing position on the ground and walked over. He felt an unsettling feeling in his chest just from staring at her, and it definitely wasn't due to her unique appearance. He had felt it near someone else in the past, but at the moment he couldn't put a name to a face. "Who are you, exactly? You don't look like any human I've ever seen."
    The jealousy monster glared at him. "Nice observation, wise guy. How charming of you. What else do they teach you in human school besides manners?"
    Taken aback, he took a step backwards. "Hmm, this one bites back."
    Parsee continued in a huff. "Introduce yourself before asking for someone else's identity, why don't you. And a lady too, at that."
    Mayli took a step forward in preparation for protesting, but Ken held her back with his right hand. "It's okay." Since she hadn't attacked or shown otherwise dangerously hostile behavior, he didn't see a need to mirror her angry behavior. "So you want names? I'm Ken and this is my best friend, Mayli."
    The hashihime smirked and stroked her right ear. "So you know manners after all."
    "How ironic," Mayli muttered under her breath.
    "Mayli!" He shouted. "I'm sorry. What is your name, miss?"
    Parsee's face grew concerned. To her surprise, some of the humans didn't completely disregard her. Her lips opened to deliver her response swiftly. "Parsee."
    Mayli sighed. "Sorry Parsee, we're quite on edge right now. A lot has happened to us recently."
    "We have that in common then." Parsee took to biting the thumbnail on her left hand. "Okay."
    Ken leaned in expectantly. "So...is that it? We have business to take care of, then..."
    "Wait." The hashihime called to them as they moved to continue their journey to Keine's house. "What did you do just then?"
    He was puzzled. "What do you mean, what did we do just--"
    "Not you two. I mean you." She pointed to him. "You did that weird magical thing with Eirin..."
    Mayli looked to both of them several times. "Are you sure you two don't know each other?"
    Ken sighed. "I'm sure if we did, it would be quite noticeable. Look, Parsee. I don't have a lot of time, okay? I need to go talk to Keine then I can fill you in while we wait for--"
    "I'm sorry?" Parsee asked snappily. "I guess Keine's more important, then."
    Mayli put her hands on her hips. "You don't know what's going on here, so maybe if you tag along you can find out for yourself. Just be nicer about it, please."
    Rubbing her arm warmer, Parsee frowned. Her eyes began to glow. She didn't like it when people ignored her, especially bratty girls who thought they knew what was best. It was time to turn the tables.
   
    "What was that all about?" Mayli asked gruffly as they walked away. "Is she a youkai? She doesn't look like one, and yet..."
    "Well," he said as he quickened his pace to get to Keine's house faster. "Keine doesn't look like a youkai, now does she?"
    Mayli shivered slightly. Her fear of youkai was returning slightly, being back in this world. She had to take a deep breath and remind herself that this was only a virtual place. "Keine is really nice though...I guess she isn't scary when the moon is...full...um, Ken?" She stared at him as he slowed to a standstill. "Ken, what's wrong? Why are you stopping? Keine is--"
    Suddenly he collapsed to his knees and groaned multiple times, uttering no comprehensible words. "G-Guhhh..."
    "Ken?! KEN!" Mayli yelled as she threw herself to the ground, trying to pull him up. Was he having another breakdown right now? "Hey! C'mon man, get up! Ken!" Gasping, she kept trying to pull him to his feet, but he seemed to not only stay still but resist her efforts. "Come...ON! Ugh! Urgh...wah!" she cried out as her grip slipped and she fell on her backside.
    Ken turned from his kneeling position the exactly opposite direction away from Keine's house and reached his hand out, shuffling on the ground slowly.
    "Ken! Hey, what's h-happening?" the baffled yet concerned young artist eeked out as she got to her feet. "Answer me! Please?"
   
    "How does it feel?"
   
    Mayli jerked towards Parsee, who was standing not more than ten feet away with flashing, glowing green eyes. "What? Parsee!" She shouted at her. "What are you doing to my friend?!"
    "You treat me like you don't care about me, so I do the same." Parsee took several steps towards Mayli. "Do you like seeing your friend suffer?"
    Feeling anger ignite inside her body, Mayli stood tall and clenched her fists. "No! Now ANSWER ME! What are you doing to him?!"
    "No 'please'? You humans are indeed rude." The hashihime grinned maliciously. She was perhaps enjoying this far too much. "Do you know, dearie, how jealousy works? How it makes people..." she paused to look down at Ken crawling at her feet. "...do things they normally wouldn't go out of their way to do?"
    Mayli face blanched. "You..." Her arms were shaking with rage as she stepped up to face the pointy-eared woman in close proximity, staring into her intense green eyes. "I'm only going to say this once. You let him go, right now...or else..."
    "Or else what?" Parsee said with a cheeky grin. "What's a normal human wench like you going to do to me?" She giggled maliciously. "Really now, it's cute how the princess tries to defend her prince. How about--"
   
    *THWOP*
   
    "UHHH!" Parsee cried out as she was sent flying backwards, tripping over her own feet as she staggered away. Her body spun around as she crashed to the ground face-first. Her right cheek ached tremendously as it felt the welcoming cool feel of the grass around her. "Ahhhh...ungh..." Groaning spectacularly, she slowly pushed herself up as she felt the raging jealousy in her body dying down. The woman had actually hit her. She didn't think young human women were so violent.
   
    For a fleeting moment, the two women stared up and down at each other, one holding her fist and the other lying sideways on the ground.
   
    "Ken..." Mayli seized control of her body again as she quickly but carefully ran to his limp form on the ground. "A-Are you okay? Please, get up..." She threw an angry stare at the pointy-eared woman on the ground to try to intimidate her, although she was masking the pain in her hand after unleashing a blow to her face.
    "Not...not bad," Parsee uttered in a growl, sitting up and rubbing her cheek. "Hah...not bad indeed."
    Ken groaned and opened his eyes. He stared at his body, and then up at Mayli. Eyes widening, he quickly looked over to Parsee, who was getting to her feet, and moved away from her. His left hand flew to his sword hilt. "You!"
    "Enough...I won't do it anymore." Parsee coughed, spitting a tiny amount of blood onto the ground. "Your woman has a hell of a right cross..."
    Mayli stared incredulously at her own fist, and then the tremendous red mark blotting the area of the pointy-eared woman's cheek. "I...well, shit. I'm s-sorry..."
    "No, I deserved it." Parsee walked slowly towards them. She winced as both of them moved away from her. "Not bad. I'm somewhat impressed. I didn't think such a pretty human girl would have the guts to fight back."
    "M-Mayli?" Ken stared at her, then at Parsee's face. Her eyes were no longer glowing. "You..."
    Mayli swallowed. Her hand was hurting. "Okay, look. What is it that you want?"
    "Mmm...maybe I'm just jealous."
    Mayli stared at the hashihime. "Jealous? Why would you be jealous? I'm not--look, he and I aren't--"
    Parsee frowned. "Not that. What was such a high-level person as a Lunarian doing around a human male?" She paused and glanced over at Ken. "There must be something special about you."
    Ken took a deep breath before responding. "Okay, hold on...just what exactly did you do to me? I...I couldn't even move, my body was moving on its own..." He hesitated to explain his sudden desire to be around this Parsee person in that moment, instead of Keine or Mayli, in the presence of his best friend.
    Parsee looked down at her extended open hand. "Jealousy...let's just say it knows little bounds in my hands."
    Ken flinched. He knew that Keine had a fearsome power, and he had rarely seen it before. But this woman had the ability to control feelings of jealousy? He felt his legs quivering. He was afraid of her, with an ability such as that.
    Parsee sighed. "You look lost, kids. We all have desires, big and small. If I were to take just one desire..." she signaled with a gliding motion of her outstretched hand, stepping forward and pressing it against the man's chest, noting his small retreat in doing so. "...and amplify it a thousand times over..."
    He nervously moved away from her. "That's enough!" His hand instinctively flew to his sword at his side once again. He felt his pulse rising dangerously. His heart still felt that slight heaviness.
    The hashihime sighed. "Look, just answer my damn question and I'll remove my pathetic self from your sights."
    "Don't you dare keep talking like that," Mayli growled. "I don't like your attitude. If you had just been nice this whole time, there wouldn't have been a fight at all."
    Ken looked impressively at Mayli. After all, she had basically saved him from whatever it was that he had experienced in that minute. Not bad for a studious schoolgirl, he thought. "So you want to know what I did with Eirin back there. How long were you watching us?" He looked at the bruised area on the woman's cheek while waiting for her reply.
    "About ten minutes, from a nearby rooftop." Parsee rubbed her left arm warmer with the heel of her right hand. "So are you going to make this worth my time and effort, and tell me what really happened?"
    "Sure. But first," he mentioned as he stepped closer. "Be quiet and sit still."
    Parsee became confused. "What?" As he got closer, she backed away, looking partially distraught. "What are you--"
    "Shh. Just be quiet and watch." He lifted a hand up to her cheek and pressed onto the middle of the bruising area. He heard a gasp, presumably from Mayli. Closing his eyes, he let the magic come to him. He had no restraints in the virtual world, only his very own primitive training to hinder him. Her cheek felt unnaturally smooth and hot, the heat mixing with the feeling of coolness from his palm as he focused his healing powers in his mind. Please, he muttered in his head, heal this woman's injury.



7:06 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo ? Human Village

Parsee sat looking unhappy on the ground, cross-legged. She daintily felt at her face, touching the spot the woman had struck her on. It felt like new. "I see. I have just one more question, then. Why did you help me?" she asked in a harsh yet quiet tone.
    "Probably the same reason why you stopped using your bewitching on me." he replied succinctly, rubbing his aching head. He still couldn't even heal without feeling the slight pain. He'd have to ask Keine about it as soon as they got there.
    She shook her head. "Actually, it was more like I got...interrupted." Her eyes seeping with slight hatred, she stared at the woman to her right and grunted slightly.
    He put his hands together. "Look...Parsee, right? Does that story make sense to you? Do you believe what we're telling you?"
    "I don't know," the bridge princess said warily. "It still sounds suspicious to me. But I--well..." she crossed her arms and put on a pouting face, turning away. "I guess...you aren't bad humans. Maybe. I 'spose it makes sense to me."
    Mayli smiled. Perhaps even the harshest of youkai just wanted to be treated equally. Then her smile vanished, as she couldn't help but remember the horrifying sharp teeth tearing into her flesh years ago in this very world.
    "We understand," he continued, "if you don't believe us. But right now, all of your friends are--"
    "I don't have any friends."
    He paused. "Er...you don't?"
    Parsee shook her head. "Nope. No one likes me. I'm sure it's obviously to see why. Don't you see how much trouble I can cause~?"
    "Do you..." Mayli hesitated before asking her question. "Do you have much control over it?"
    "Sometimes, but not often." A little white lie here and there never hurt anyone. "Erm...wait."
    Mayli took to biting her thumbnail, only to stop immediately upon noticing that the hashihime was doing the same thing. "What?"
    "I'm..." the woman seemed disturbed. "Well, I'm not used to talking to humans like this..."
    "We're not all lies and deception, Parsee." Ken scratched his forehead. "Just like how youkai are not all sharp teeth and claws." Looking over, he thought he saw Mayli shake after he had stated that. "Anyway, that's our story, take it or leave it. We were on our way to see Miss Keine and inform her about what's going on. We have to save her and wake her up too, but we are only so many..."
    Parsee brushed her bangs. It confused her. The idea that Gensokyo was fake, that her Underground home, the bridge, the city beneath the soil and all of its inhabitants--or at least most of them--were all just virtual projections. That there was a whole other world outside, a world where youkai like her depended on humans like them for energy that Gensokyo was supposed to provide them. But then again, she had been informed by these two that the female human depended on the male human. It didn't sound like their stories were full of holes, but they weren't sounding too sure of themselves regardless. Nevertheless, she still trusted them somewhat, for some reason. "All right, let's say I buy into this craziness. What then?"
    At that point Ken got an idea. "Parsee...you're quite strong, being able to do what you can. Aren't you?"
    She smiled softly, mischievously. "Are you trying to sweet-talk me?"
    "No, I want an honest answer."
    Parsee frowned sadly. "Aww, I wanted to feel special for once..."
    He froze for a moment. "Um...well..."
    "Ken!" Mayli hissed. "She's pulling sorcery on you, don't fall for it!"
    "No I'm not," the hashihime said hastily. "There are...good humans here. A few. I can see that now. I am from the Underground, so I rarely interact with humans, but the ones I've seen for the most part have been...not very friendly towards me."
    He sighed. "It probably doesn't help that you can inflict such--" he shook his head. "Well anyway, my point is...would you trust a human like that, Parsee?"
    Parsee curled her lips. "Not initially, no. But I don't see you two in that light, necessarily. Still, if I had a choice I would not want to have my life depend on a human."
    Mayli looked glum and disappointed. She knew what Ken was trying to do, and it looked like it wasn't working. But she knew he wasn't about to give up just then.
    As if on cue, he continued. "What if I told you that this world you're in now was not just a complete lie, a false image, a fictitious home for you to live in...but you would be trapped here at the mercy of other humans?"
    "Oh...those RAI people, or whoever you said they are?" Parsee closed her eyes and thought for a moment. "So you're telling me that no matter what I choose, I'm at the mercy of humans."
    "That's right." He looked into her now open eyes and saw danger, beauty, entrancing pools of rapture for his own to peer into. "Would you rather be controlled by those who don't have your interests in mind, or place your faith in people like me, humans who want to try to help you live in a world full of humans where you are free?"
    "I don't know," she said lightly. "To me it sounds like an easy choice. Of course I would want to side with you people. But that's too easy. There have to be more complications than that."
    "Parsee."
    She looked at him with intrigue. "What?"
    "Would you like to see reality for yourself?"
    The hashihime blinked as she uncrossed her legs. "You...what are you implying?"
    "Do you want to come along with my friend Mayli here, and with others you know like Eirin and Keine?"
    "I think," Mayli added, "He's asking you if you would trust us if we have others like them coming along with us."
    Parsee let out a small sigh. "Hmmmmm...living here has been nice, or at least familiar and comfortable enough that--well, I can't easily describe it. But I do admit that." She tapped her thigh with a forefinger. "What to do, what to do..."
    "And just think," Mayli concluded. "If you get to go on a journey and impress everyone with your strength, wouldn't others be jealous of you?"
    Jealousy, Parsee thought. I can't live with it, and yet I can't live without it. It's my energy, my purpose in life now. I'm not stupid, I can see through their attempts to convince me that I can be important...but the fact that they're spending so much time on me, a youkai they've never met before, is undeniable. And it's true that I wouldn't have much to be jealous of if I could help others escape this supposedly fake world.
   
    "Fine," the pointy-eared woman stated as she clasped her hands around her thighs. "Given what happened during the Hakurei Barrier disappearance and what you've told me just now, I admit I'm intrigued. I'm curious enough to want to see what this is all about, especially if it will get me out of a fake world where I'm wasting my time away."
    "Parsee," he started. "Are you sure you'd so easily leave the Underground behind, though? You'd be willing to be tethered to me as I described earlier?"
    She stared into his eyes with a piercing glare of seriousness. "Do I look like someone who has a lot to lose? And besides, do you think a world where a waterfall flows in reverse seems realistic?"
    "That...those are good points," Mayli said with a slight nod of her head. She seemed to recall that she had indeed heard that the waterfall at Youkai Mountain was flowing up instead of down, something she still wanted to see before leaving the virtual world this time.
    "And besides," Parsee continued. "As annoying as it is to admit, I'm rather foolhardy. When you baited me with the chance to spread my powers everywhere so all can come to appreciate my ability and be jealous of me...it's tantalizing. VERY tantalizing."
    "I think it's safe to say that your power is indeed strong, if you can take control of people like that." He scratched his back then quickly stood up. "So, you'll trust me then?"
    She shrugged. "How many times do I need to say it? Out with it, human. What did you do with Eirin?"
    "I made a pact with her. When we leave this world, she and I will share a bond of energy, and she and I both must respect it."
    Parsee nodded silently. The more she considered their words and compared their accounts to the meager amount of evidence everyone in Gensokyo had retrieved of the disappearance incident, the more believable it sounded. "And what does this pact involve?"
    "Well..." he started. "It's--there are two ways to do it."
    The hashihime looked around, remembering that she was inside the Human Village. She came to the conclusion that she looked human enough to not warrant any problems. Look at me now, she mused to herself. Now I'm worried that I'll cause trouble for humans? What's this world coming to? "And those two ways would be...?"
    "Either I cut myself open, or I don't." He looked at her grimly. He had just performed a blood pact with Patchouli and didn't look forward to slicing himself again so soon. "Which one do you think I'd prefer?"
    "Sounds like a trick question."
    "It is a trick question, because the first one is the tried and true method." Mayli rolled over, feeling anxious to visit her teacher. "The latter takes more closeness..."
    Parsee perked up. "Closeness, you say? You saying I have to do...things with a human?" She shuddered. "No way. Humans are disgusting. Get ready to cut yourself up, then."
    He drummed his hands on his opposite crossed arm, staring at her.
    She heaved a tremendous sigh. This entire situation was getting ridiculous. "Well...wait, what do I have to do otherwise?"
    "Just a hug or something, not a big deal. Look, Parsee, we're kind of in a hurry. Sorry if I have to make this quick, but if you don't decide soon then we've got to get going." He picked his sheathed sword up off the ground and began fastening it to his waist again. "So, what's it going to be?"
    "Eh..."
    Mayli smirked. "I think she's scared to trust a human."
    Parsee glared at her. "What did you say? Bah, I'm not falling for that. Fine, just some hug or whatever, that's hardly a big deal."
    He stared at the hashihime incredulously. "I gotta give you props for being able to ditch your life here so easily. I guess I feel kinda bad for you if your life here is so easy to leave behind."
    She had on her serious face all of a sudden. "If you knew what my life has been like, you'd understand. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm tired of being bottled up in that place...watching people miserably. I hate it. I came up here when I heard something interesting was happening, and I'd hate to have to go back now...even though the Underground is my home."
    Mayli's eyes lit up. "Oooh, a rebel! Ken, there's no more time to waste."
    He nodded. "Okay Parsee, no more beating around the bush. You want to come with us, then..." He paused. He felt sorry for her, even though he didn't even know what her job was, or her life in the past had been lived out. "Then come here."
    She looked towards him with interest. "Not bad, you certainly know how to keep someone busy." She put her right hand on her hip as she tried to swing her body gently with each step forward. She flashed a closed smile as a chaotic idea suddenly took hold. "So what's it gonna be?" Her eyes lit up gently, a dull hue of green masking them.
    He gulped as he stared at her up and down. "W-Well, uh...if you would, could you come close...please?"
    Parsee smirked. "Oh I will. Just close your eyes, human."
    He was unsure of what to do, but Mayli was nearby and Keine and Mokou were presumably around the area. Closing his eyes, he felt antsy. But he had to lead this through regardless. "Parsee, do you put your faith in m--MMMMMPH?!"
   
    He felt something soft and warm pushing against his lips. Opening his eyes wide, he saw Parsee's face tilted sideways against his. His heart skipped a beat as he felt his breath gently suppressed. Standing as tall as he could, he felt his body become wrapped and hugged tight. Looking down, he saw nothing but her closed eyes.
   
    "PARSEE!"
   
    He heard Mayli yell in surprise, her desperation sending a chill down his spine. He wasn't quite sure what he was experiencing, but his entire body felt a wave of heat surging through his body. His face felt immensely fiery and his lips smoothly slid along the warm that was the woman in front of him. What is she doing kissing me?! he thought wildly, his mind racing. Why am I--

    A white flash engulfed everyone in the immediate area, robbing them of all senses.



?:?? ?? - Day 3 - Unknown Location ? Mountainside Cave

"Parsee?"

Hearing her name, she sat up and rubbed her eyes. Feeling slightly wet, she noticed that her clothes were quite damp. Her arm warmers were missing and her body shook slightly in the coldness of her surroundings. Gazing about, she squinted as her eyes homed in on several well-lit areas on the rocky wall. They were in some sort of cave...was this the Underground, a pocket closer to the surface she had never visited before?

"Parsee, come here."

    "Hahhh..." Hugging her arms around herself, she shivered and tried to find the source of the voice. Nothing moved but a small puddle of water nearby, leaking water from the ceiling occasionally dripping down to cause a quiet rippling disturbance. Reaching a hand up to her forehead, she felt much more drained of energy than usual. Her fingers trailed up to her hair, and she felt dirty wet bits of her bangs clinging together. Running her whole hand through the rest of it, she brought it back down completely wet.

    "Parsee."

    "What?" Her voice echoed helplessly off the solid rock walls, unanswered. "Who's t-there?" Her teeth started to chatter and she huddled up against a large rocky incline at her back, bringing her feet up and hugging her trembling knees. "C-Cold..." Feeling alone and depressed, she felt her ears sink slightly lower. Where the hell am I?
    That kid. She remembered it in an instant. She had kissed that man to disturb his female companion, but where was he now? Was he the owner of the voice she had heard earlier? She wanted to try to locate him, or at least discover the source of the voice, but her body refused to comply.
    "Hahhh..." She tried to see if her breath was showing in the air, but her tired eyes didn't see much save for fuzziness. Her strength was all gone. She closed her eyes and gave the heaviest sigh she thought she had ever given in the years of her lifetime. As her right leg twitched, she wondered why she was in a cave. Her ears picked up the soft, muffled roar of continuous rainfall. Looking up, she took a huge breath before opening her eyes once more.

    In front of her stood Yamame Kurodani, bent down with her hand extended.

    "Wha--spider, what are you doing here?" Parsee whispered blankly, her body wrestling with lack of warmth. She hadn't seen Yamame for at least several days, and couldn't understand why she was here with her in this cave.
    "I'm here to get you out, Parsee." Yamame's red eyes glowed warmly. "Come, together we can both escape this dungeon the humans put us in. Okay?"
    Parsee was taken aback. She looked down at her bare, shivering legs momentarily. "H-Humans did this? Are you telling me that--"
    "That's right. Humans trapped us in here, Parsee. They don't like monsters like you and I." Smiling grimly, Yamame bent down further and held her hand close to hers.
    Parsee could see the dirt smudges on her face, and her fingers looked cracked and bleeding. "Wait...what happened to you?!"
    The spider frowned. "I...well, I ran out of strength to use danmaku so I had to dig by hand...but I got us a way out, so..."
    The hashihime felt her ears droop slightly. Yamame and herself, they had been trapped here? "But the voice I heard earlier, it was--"
    Yamame chanced a look behind them, and when she turned back her face wore an expression of urgency. "I think there's someone else in here. Maybe a human trying to make sure we're behaving in our prison. Come on, hurry!"
   
    "Parsee!"
   
    Both of them brought their attention to the man standing behind them. He had a sharp-looking sword in his left hand. Looking down at her on the ground, he grimaced and started walking forward. "Parsee, I finally found you..."
    Yamame stood her ground and spread her arms, staring grimly at him. "What do you want, human?"
    He seemed bewildered and shocked. "What? I'm here to protect Parsee..."
    "And you would protect her by trapping her in a cave with me, letting us die of loneliness and starvation?!" Yamame yelled. "You humans are all the same."
    "What the hell--?!" He yelled as he threw himself to the ground, dodging an array of magical danmaku released from the spider's outstretched hands. "No! Listen to me, I didn't--"
    Yamame ran a shaking hand through her disheveled hair, looking at the ground. "I kept telling myself that I should be nice to humans, that they all don't want to leave me alone or throw objects at me." When she jerked her head back up, her eyes were glowing as fiercely as the grin on her face signaled danger. "So what do you want to die from? I hope you're familiar with diseases, otherwise you won't get a choice."
    "Yamame, wait!" Parsee coughed several times as she held her hand up. This was the man who had promised to help her, and she didn't want any trouble. "Don't--hold on. How do you know he's one of them?"
    "Don't you see that sword in his hand?" she hissed back in response, watching him as he slowly got back up on his feet. "Humans with weapons are dangerous. They're the ones who got Yuugi and Kisume too, with their guns and swords."
    "Parsee, please!" He pleaded. "You have to trust me, I'm not like that!"
    As he took a step forward, Yamame took an abrupt step forward to match him. "You won't get in our way. We're escaping and there's nothing you can do."
    The hashihime's mouth hung open. Of course Yamame was trustworthy...but what had happened to Yuugi and Kisume? She didn't know what was going on, but she strangely desired to have them not fight. "Wait, don't do that...s-stop..."
    "I'll have you out of here soon, Parsee." Yamame growled and turned back to their human company. "You have five seconds to put that sword down and get away from us, or you're going to wish you stayed in one piece."
    He raised his sword and assumed a fighting stance. "I don't think so. I came here to help Parsee, not hurt her!"
    "Then you leave me no choice." Yamame immediately lunged at him, tackling him to the ground. The two rolled several times, grunts coming from both of them. Yamame bared her sharp teeth, but he managed to push her away from him.
    Tumbling to the side, he placed himself against the nearby rock wall to steady his body and stood up as quickly as he could. "Stop this right now!" He protested loudly, turning to scout out his opponent. "Don't make me do this!"
    Before he could move, she was all over him. Spider legs hooking menacingly around his body, he felt a hand at his throat as he was pressed hard against the wall.
    Yamame chuckled evilly. "Any last words, boy?"
    Choking, he reluctantly felt his arms go limp. "You...I want to help Parsee...you can't stop me, it's my j-job...urgh!" He coughed violently as she dropped him to the ground with a release of her grip.
    The spider laughed haughtily. "That's a good joke. Why should I believe you?"
    "Because," he groaned, "I'll do what it takes to help her. She trusts me, and I won't let you..." he suddenly swung his body out, sweeping his leg at her. "...get in MY WAY!"
    Yamame tried to dodge, but she was a split second too late. Letting out a cry as his foot sunk into her side, she fell roughly to the ground. In her haste, her hands scrambled at the ground to get to her feet. A shiny object was thrust near her face and she stopped in her tracks.
    Standing over her panting, Ken held the sword point close to her nose. "D-Don't...make me do this...I won't let you interfere with this!"
    "Ken, stop!" Parsee exclaimed towards them.
    "Parsee, this woman is trying to get between us. Don't listen to her, it's not real!"
    "N-Not...real?" She said through chattering teeth. Yamame looked real enough to her. "Yamame isn't real? But--"
    "Don't listen to this lying mongrel!" Yamame barked, freezing up as he shook his blade in front of her face. "You don't scare me, human...you can't--"
    "Oh yes I can." He raised the sword as if to plunge it into her.
    Parsee stifled a scream. He was going to kill her! "KEN, STOP!"
    With a furious cry, he thrust his sword downwards.

    *SHLUNK*

    "NO!" Parsee's body felt numb as her voice coarsely yet hopelessly rang out. The sight of a youkai she wanted to call friend with a weapon buried in her chest made her cold suffering give way to a newfound fiery rage. He had killed her! He had lied to her!
    "I'm sorry, Parsee." He wiped sweat from his forehead and walked as calmly as he could over to her, making sure to not look at the body of the spider woman he had impaled. "It's not real, you have to trust me..."
    "Y-You..." her voice shook with rage as much as her body did with uncontrollable rage. She no longer felt cold, and her body staggered and fell over itself several times as she attempted to stand up. "YOU...you LIED to me! Human scum!" Her teeth gritted together, she felt her powers of jealousy roaring to life within her chest. This human was going to suffer a long torturous life before dying on her watch.
    "Parsee," he said slowly, hands raised in the air. "She's not real. None of this is real, but you and I need to--"
    "DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO!" she screeched blindly, Her knuckles were gripped tightly, and they were almost as white as chalk. "YOU LIAR! TRAITOR!"
   
    *CLANG*
   
    In her distress, she jerked her head towards the sound of something metallic. His sword had fallen to the ground. Its resting medium had vanished.
   
    Yamame was gone.
   
    Parsee covered her mouth with both hands, holding back crying sobs. She was gone. No blood, no body, nothing. Yamame had vanished. All traces of her had disappeared.
    "Do you see now, Parsee?" He put a quivering hand over her shoulder, feeling his shaking intensify as he did so. "I'm...sorry. It's not real. Please..."
    Falling to her knees, the hashihime took several deep breaths. Closing and reopening her eyes thrice, she stared at his sword lying on the ground. She wasn't seeing things. There was no one else there.
   
-----

    After several minutes, the two of them had both taken to sitting down besides each other. Neither of them had said a word. His voice broke the silence first.
    "Sorry, Parsee."
    She looked over at him, still hugging her legs to her body. "You're..." She paused as she gulped nervously. Her heart was still racing at what she'd seen. "...okay. It's fine. I believe you now."
    Another moment of silence followed. This time she broke the silence.
    "I kissed you earlier."
    As he heard the words escape her lips, his fingers were trailing across his own in remembrance. "Y...Yeah."
    She bit at the nail on her right thumb. "This is just...I don't know what's going on here. Why am I here in a cave? I was with you and that other girl."
    He nodded. They had discovered that it wasn't uncommon for those participating in a pact to remember details outside the pact situation itself. But now that the thought had crossed his mind, he had to say it. "Why did you kiss me?"
    She chuckled haughtily and looked at the ground between her slightly spread legs. "To cause trouble. It's practically my job to get between people like that, you know?"
    "Hey. You believe me now, right?"
    She stared up at him next to her. "What do you mean?"
    "Well...that spider lady, she wasn't real...what do you think it meant to have her appearing in front of you?"
    Parsee thought for a moment. "I...don't know. I don't think I'm supposed to know. But you were right, she was an illusion. Even though she did seem real enough to me."
    "Our minds are playing tricks on us, probably." He wrapped himself up with his own arms, placing his hands on his shoulders. "Jeez, it sure is cold in here."
    "I-Indeed." Her ears felt numb. "Can't we get out of here, or are we trapped?"
    He sighed. "Parsee, do you really trust me? I just killed your friend..."
    "We weren't...friends. But I knew her from before, in my home." She rubbed her hands together in an attempt to warm herself up. "Okay, enough. Even if it's just an illusion, I don't need to see any more." Turning away, she went back to biting her thumbnail for a few seconds then abruptly stopped. She stared at him. "You aren't an illusion either, are you?"
    "In here, everything is an illusion. This is just a part of the process. It's up to your mind to choose what to do based on what you see." His thoughts trailed off to Patchouli. Sometimes you have less of a choice, sometimes more."
    "Well I'm sick of these illusions," she said with a huff. "Show me the real thing, then."
    "So you trust me still?"
    She suddenly didn't feel cold at all. "I don't really have a choice, but I suppose I do. Besides," she echoed hollowly, "there's no one else I have. No one deserves me, I'm just a disaster waiting to happen."
    "That can't be true." He put a hand on her arm, taking note of its frigid smoothness. Looking into her eyes, he saw the modest beauty she exuded. "Look, I need people like you. We need you. We all need you to trust us and help us, for everyone's sake."
    Parsee nodded dumbly in response.
    "I know what's going through your mind right now. You don't like the idea of sharing yourself with someone else, regardless of the reason. But trust me, you won't be serving me or anything, it's a team thing. If anything, you're leagues stronger than me. You're capable of doing things I couldn't do. I only have you here like this because you're willing enough to at least listen to me. If I didn't do this, myself and the others, well, we would be in great trouble." He blinked and lost himself in her deep eyes. "I'm not as strong as you think I am. To be honest, I'm scared of doing this. I don't know how it will turn out in the long run, I don't want to force people to be with me for the rest of their lives if that's how it ends. I've just experienced this for long enough that I've gotten used to it."
    "Mhmm..." she felt slightly better...no, more understood and understanding. "No one's perfect, but if you need me as you say I need people like you, well...okay. Fine, human. You win. I believe it now, so show me more."
    Smiling after a sigh, he felt much more relieved. "Then Parsee, could you do something for me?"
    "What is it?"
    "Please wake up from the dream, Parsee."

    "Whaaa!" She cried out as a pit opened up beneath her, a vortex that was dragging her away. The cave was dissolving. She wildly reached out to try to grab him, but he was too far away, flying further away. Or was she falling? Panicking, she looked around her surroundings only to find nothing but darkness. She was tumbling into a void...



7:07 PM - Day 3 - Virtual Gensokyo ? Human Village

"KEN! Ooooooh!"

"Wha...?" He blinked several times, realizing that he was now back in the Village. His head was slowly evening out, the spinning feeling was dissolving. On the ground near him was Parsee, who was sitting up and fixing her hair. He had no idea what had happened while they were lost in that imaginary cave.

"Hey, buddy, what the hell was that all about?!"
    He scratched his head and looked up at Mayli. "Mmm...well, I--uh oh." He gulped upon remembering what had happened before the pact was formed. "Mayli, wait...urgh!"
    She grabbed his shoulders and shook his body. "Why did you let her do that?!" she said with a moan of frustration. "You could have just hugged her!"
    "Mayli! I didn't have any control over it, I--"
   
    "That's enough, you two."
   
    Mayli looked over at Parsee and let her friend go. "You wanna explain why you think kissing him was a good idea?"
    Parsee smiled sweetly, flashing a row of very white teeth. "Are you jealous? Just thought I'd stir the pot a bit."
    "You..."
    "Oh, calm down. I'm not a human, I don't have to abide by this 'code' you seem to have." She clicked her tongue and licked her lips. "Live a little sometimes."
    "Well," Mayli said angrily. "You...you...stop that kind of behavior! Ken doesn't like such forwardness."
    Parsee smirked. "And judging by your reaction, you don't either." Her expression faded to seriousness. "Besides, he said we had to get close to each other and there isn't much time, so that's my excuse."
    "Okay, knock it off, you two." Grunting as he stood up, he stared at the two ladies in front of him. "Yes, she kissed me, but it's clear that she isn't trying anything funny otherwise." He glared at Mayli. "Are we clear?"
    Mayli blew air out of her mouth and returned his unamused expression. "Yeah, whatever. Just don't do it again." She could tell that her cheeks were flush. It wasn't embarrassing to witness, but it did irritate her.
    Parsee gestured with her thumb over at his best friend. "Is she always this boring and uptight?"
    He sighed. "No, she's jealous and angry at you for doing that. Anyway, thanks. How did it feel?"
    "It was--"
    "Terrible, I hope." Mayli turned away after interrupting with that comment.
    "Mayli! Come on, there isn't anything meaningful in it. It was just a kiss, and it made the pact work." He didn't want to admit that it felt wonderful, so he continued. "So, Parsee?"
    The hashihime had her arms folded under her breasts. "It was...interesting, I'll say. I can't help but feel that there was a lesson for me to learn after experiencing that. You humans are weird."
    "All right, now let's all play nicely." He rubbed his left eye and started walking towards Keine's abode.
    "Wait," Parsee blurted out. "So...what now?"
    Mayli scratched her leg, still feeling uncomfortable about what she had been witness to. "We have a few more things to take care of before Nitori helps us exit this place."
    "Nitori, eh? That's right, she was involved in that barrier thing." Parsee yawned. "So I gotta follow you people everywhere now, I take it."
    He nodded, feeling slightly woozy. "Yeah, that's the only sure way to secure the mana link when we exit this place. If you don't mind, of course."
    Parsee nodded. She watched as the two of them started to walk away from her. The impulsive behavior, the pact formation, these things still hadn't truly sunken in yet. She was going to be bound to a human, stuck outside in the real world. Stuck outside the Underground, her home. Well now, she mused to herself. Let's see what else is in store for this poor green-eyed monster. I do hope it'll be entertaining.



(Through spirit bond pact, Ken acquires Parsee as a partner. Ken, Mayli and Parsee are heading to Keine's house.)

[Amraphenson]

, Unknown Time
Fists flash. Feet lash out. She dodges a lunging punch, he follows with a backhand. She redirects it and flips him over, sending him sprawling into the water.

He'd been at this for what felt like hours, sparring with this green-haired goddess. The pond they fought atop seemed so deep, but it acted like a shallow puddle when he stepped on top of it. He was reminded of one of those floating shrines he had heard of a long time ago, but that wasn't his concern. Her spinning, so much like a dance, made her impossible to touch. And that went without mentioning the saplings that had a disturbing habit of blocking his way and protecting her. He wasn't even sure why he was fighting her anymore; he remembered stumbling into the forest, and now this.

"You're so quick to violence," she laughs out, ribbons trailing behind her. He grins and rises, then stomped once as he returns to his stance.

Water rises up in a torrent and falls around him in response. He's already soaking wet anyway. "It's all I've ever known," he mutters.

In an explosion of movement he dashes in, low to the ground with fist drawn back. His rising punch was deflected, his elbow dodged, his jumping roundhouse ducked under. Xuezheng tries to backhand again, but she simply ducks into his blow, grabs him by the wrist and upper arm, and slams him into the ground over her shoulder.

"Really?" she asks.

"Yes," he answers without question.

Suddenly he's not on the floor. He's not fighting. He's standing over the water, staring right into her eyes. She's smiling demurely, hands folded over her lap. "No," she says back. "It's not. Don't you remember?"

Shapes rise from the water around him. Canvases. Paintings. Sculptures. Familiar images...his work. But something about them isn't...quite clear. He steps back for a moment, shocked. But then he smiles. "Yeah. My art...it's what I am now, isn't it?"

She shakes her head. The curse goddess steps forward and cups his cheek with a hand, bringing his sight to meet hers, and he's amazed at how warm her slender fingers feel. She smiles sadly. "It's not. You're not one or the other. You're both. Both are beautiful."

His eyes widen as the veil over his eyes lift and the true contents of his art finally reveal themselves. Warriors during morning practice, the taut muscles of a man mid-punch, and most significant to him: the twin monks sparring in front of the shrine. "Don't you agree?" she asks.

Xuezheng stares at her for a while, mouth slightly ajar, but eventually he reaches up and grasps her hand in his own. "I guess," he answers, finally.

----
Great Youkai Forest, Unknown Time, The Pond of Misfortune
His eyes shoot open. The magic circle at his feet, the ankle-deep water he's standing in, the girl he's reaching out to. They're standing a little more than an arm's length apart, bodies slightly tilted away from each other and one arm outstretched to the other. He remembers it all and grins. "Was that part of the ritual?"

Hina smiles back as the blood from their sliced palms drips down into the water. "I can't help it if I take in misfortune, and I certainly can't help it if most of yours is stuck in your latent personal problems."

He can't help it. He laughs. "Alright, that's my fault."

The slightest amount of concern lights up her features. "Are you sure now? With how little mana you have naturally, I'll have to use whatever mana you have to draw in misfortune, but unless I have a storage and until I can convert it to mana myself, well...," she starts, but her worries are silenced by his confident smirk.

"Bad luck won't stop me. So long as you live, I'm fine with it. Store as much misfortune inside me as you want. How did the Japanese say it...?" he trails off, making her smile. "Ah, right."

Both of them clasp their outstretched, bloody hands together. The circle glows radiantly as she rests her head on his chest.

"I'll be in your care then, Hina Kagiyama."

"And I yours, Xuezheng Mao."

The wounds close. The link finishes. The deed is done.

----
OOC: For some odd reason, Xuezheng has an abnormally low mana pool, to the point where he's finding it hard to support Hina, which is why he was feeling so odd upon entering the Virtual Gensokyo. An odd form of mana link was thus formed after Hina noticed this; he provides her just enough Mana to use her misfortune absorbtion ability, which is now the pair's main source of mana. However, Hina needs time to convert misfortune to mana, and thus Xuezheng's luck has now decreased dramatically. The first scene was feedback from having his own misfortune, which was lodged within his own split feelings towards his two main skills, out. Having all that repressed dissonance pulled out caused him to have a minor hallucination so that he could come to terms with it, and thus let go of his misfortune for Hina to utilize to kick start the process.