Scarlet Soaked Sympathy

~Hakurei Shrine~ > Patchouli's Scarlet Library

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Zer0Axiom:
"Arg! Why can't I get this right?!"

My frustrations piled and clouded my concentration. I was at the limits of my talents, and felt the heavy burden of inferiority shackle me from my energetic self. As persistent as I usually am, I simply couldn't handle the stress. I needed a break.

It's been a week since the stationary rain hung around the vampire's place, or rather, vampires' place. Imagine my surprise to hear there were really two of them all along. To cap off the shock, turns out the one I met was the older and weaker of the two. It makes one wonder "Just how much stronger is the younger one," but that isn't what I'm hung up on.

During the incident, I took it upon myself to test out a new potion of mine. The efficacy was greater than any before it and I was feeling quite proud of myself. However, little more than a day later, that dreary librarian concocts a remedy specifically for it, and I ended up outdone.

Even without my new potion to employ on my endeavors, I can still manage to capture a few books, but that's beside the point. My pride and skill had been challenged by her, and I wasn't going to back away! Even so, I still couldn't manage to one-up that remedy. Maybe I'd been thinking too hard on the problem and couldn't see the answer, but whatever the reason, I needed a break.

Being upset wouldn't make things easier, if anything, it was holding me back. On such days, the simple answer would be to go and spend some time with Reimu. It might not have been much for a solution, but it was the most reliable one I had. She's my friend, and that's what friends were for. Right? Carrying on in my typical habit, I flew over to the shrine for a visit of my good friend.

I'm not sure why, but something about her just helps me to calm myself. Maybe it's being away from the forest, maybe it's the aroma of the tea, maybe it's being with another person my own age; whatever the reason, I always looked forward to visiting Reimu, and today wasn't an exception. Although it ended very exceptionally.

Approaching my destination, I called out, "Reimu!"

Having drawn her attention, Reimu looked over to me and asked, "What is it, Marisa?"

Although it was normal for her to be a bit negative with her reception, she seemed more far gone than usual. Confused as I was, I asked her directly, "What's with the dead gaze? You not well, or something?"

With a grumble under her sigh, Reimu sipped her teacup and didn't bother with an answer. I was ignored and that was very aggravating. Already in a crossed mood, I continued the conversation on my own, "Well, sitting around won't help you get better. How about-"

"I'll pass," Reimu interrupted.

Suddenly cut from my thoughts, I chided, "You didn't even let me finish!"

With the pause that filled in afterward, I started to feel a bit concerned. Shuffling around my doubts, I spoke my concerns, "If you're really not well, then maybe you should go inside for a bit."

Again, silence, and I felt my grief fill my head. Unable to restrain my discontentment, I demanded, "So you're just going to ignore me, is that it!? I'm not so useless that I can't help out! I can-"

Shaking her head to stop my rant, she simply said, "Just give it time; I'll be fine."

It was the ultimate rejection. To be turned away by a "friend" during her time of need rather than being asked for assistance. I was already upset and now this? It was more than I could take.

"Yeah, whatever," I sneered, "I've got better things to do than catch you germs. Later."

Turning away, I didn't wait for a reply. I just left, and in my dismay, I pondered, "What now?"

Without a solution in sight, I grumbled, "Guess I'll go there..."

There weren't too many places in Gensokyo that I'd really frequent so my choices were already limited. Since that place had been on my mind for some time now, it was actually the place that I wanted to go to: the library in the mansion. Although it was one of the places I most wanted to visit, it was also the one place that I was least likely to want to visit with my current mood.

Apart from it being abundantly accommodating, the resources were redundantly convenient. Shelves stacked with numerous volumes of any, and possibly every, subject I would ever need. Magics and alchemy on levels I could only imagine existed with materials and formulas for creations that I never realized possible; such things could be found in the books there. There wasn't a topic I couldn't find a book for when I went, and that was the exact reason I wanted to go.

At the same time, she was there as well: Patchouli Knowledge. Being the resident librarian, she was constantly in the library, and as things stood, I just didn't feel up to another encounter just yet. She was far more impressive than I cared to admit, being reputed for having written all of the books that populate that library. Although the texts were all very beneficial to my magical development, I realized that I was merely growing off of her talents and not my own.

It was part of the reason I haven't really studied the new books I've collected, and even now, all I managed to do was deepen the rift between us. It was on a fleeting whim, but I continued my approach to that place; if only to spite her grandiose collection. I wasn't feeling very pleasant at all.

Since their "barrier" was still completely ineffective, I could enter through the back entrance. From there, it was a dead approach through the southern corridor. After I got into the library, I would get what I needed and be on my way back out. As I wasn't in a lingering mood, I wanted to get in and out quickly.

That was what I had planned to do, at least.

Zer0Axiom:
In the receding tide of the energetic day, one can begin to feel the accomplishments of time. How far one has progressed, how much farther one has yet to go, how much harder the following day may be. As I take notice of my steady progress, I am stunned at how little I have changed. Renewing my resolve at each passing day, I looked forward to the achievement of tomorrow.

How is it, then, that I have become Mademoiselle Flandre's companion for the day?

The only reason this task was given to me was, "Flandre doesn't want to impose onto those that are already her sister's. As it so happens to be, you are the only one here that qualifies to that one condition."

Without a say of any sort one way or another, I was seated in the Professor's library across from the honored guest, Madame's younger sister Flandre Scarlet.

The stagnant air strangled my mind as I smiled uncomfortably and asked myself, "What am I supposed to be doing?"

"May I offer you some snacks?" came a voice that saved the atmosphere from its ailing state.

"Is it snack time already, Sakuya?" Mademoiselle asked.

"No, it's just before lunchtime," Sakuya calmly replied, "But I thought you might like some snacks now. Am I mistaken, Mademoiselle?"

"Ah, it's fine by me," Mademoiselle casually stated, "How about you, Other One?"

With a light smile, I assented to the suggestion and then gleamed at the surprisingly large platter of cookies that Sakuya placed upon the table. A variety of six different flavors were present and briefly introduced to the receptive guest.

"There's a lot, isn't there?" Mademoiselle appraised.

"I don't think we can finish this all," I complained as I shifted my glance between Mademoiselle and Sakuya.

"There is no need to worry. The remainders will be offered to the maids as fitting," the ever smiling maid explained.

"Well, if that's the case, we should save some for them, right?" Mademoiselle asked as she pondered over the quantity of the pile.

Shaking her head in disagreement, Sakuya argued, "That will not be necessary; too many might spoil the maids."

"Then, we'll just have our fill," Mademoiselle calmly announced, "Which ones do you like, Other One?"

With little consideration, I responded, "I don't have one."

"Even though there are so many?" she persisted.

With the situation pressed against me, I laughed lightly as I truthfully replied, "They taste the same to me so I don't really like one any more than the other."

"How can they taste the same when they clearly taste so different?" Mademoiselle demanded.

"They taste the same to me because I can't taste them," I explained, "Although I've read about all the different flavors and masterful creations, I can only feel the textures and never the true taste of the meal."

Realizing only too late what effect my words had, I was shocked by what Mademoiselle said, "Then I won't have any either. It wouldn't be fair."

"That isn't necessary, Mademoiselle," I remarked, but failed to conjure a reason when encountered with Mademoiselle's pouting glare.

Sensing my struggle, Sakuya calmly resolved the situation with a simple explanation, "Even if we can't enjoy your favorite foods, we can take joy if we can watch you enjoy them."

Fending off Mademoiselle's doubtful stare, I added, "When I'm with someone that's enjoying their food, I feel as though I can taste what their eating as well."

Shifting her eyes between the two of us, Mademoiselle declared with a subdued roar, "Then, I'll enjoy enough for all of us!"

Confused by her announcement, I was stunned when she proceeded to shovel handfuls of cookies into her mouth. With my terror filled instincts taking hold, I tried to stop her before she ultimately chocked on the mouthful of partially chewed cookies, "You shouldn't eat so quickly!"

"A-i h-a?" Mademoiselle sputtered while glaring dauntingly at me.

Though asked directly for an explanation, I couldn't formulate one. I was overtaken by the sight of Mademoiselle's crumb covered cheeks that puffed out as her two hands, overburdened with more cookies seemingly on the ready to be thrown rather than eaten, floated nearby. As I struggled internally to keep from exploding with laughter, it was Sakuya that came to my rescue.

Wiping away the mounds of crumbs from Mademoiselle's face, Sakuya calmly asserted, "You shouldn't eat so quickly because if you do, we can't share in your enjoyment."

"We-i?" Mademoiselle quietly asked with her cheeks still stuffed.

Containing myself to a simple smile, I tried to literate, "It's in the way you eat that we can take pleasure in. If you eat so quickly, it feels like you're forcing yourself to eat, and that feels painful for us."

Receiving a nod of confirmation from Sakuya, Mademoiselle and I were able to take our time in enjoying several more of the cookies until a sudden shift in mood occurred.

"This isn't right! I have to talk to Sister."

With a short hop, Mademoiselle was out of her chair and passing through the doors. As Sakuya and I looked blankly about the scene, the severity of the situation dawned upon me as I chased after Mademoiselle.

Zer0Axiom:
No sooner had it happened, did it end. In the void from thought the ensued, I wasn't concerned with what went wrong, nor why. My mind was wrapped around one fragile detail: these cookies suck.

After I realized the very real danger of what Mademoiselle meant, I panicked. Should I pursue her? Wouldn't that be improper? Should I asked directly what was wrong so I could correct it? What should I do?!

As my feet carried me after her, I was caught at a loss over how quickly she moved. When I reached the doors, Mademoiselle was no longer in sight. Left to wonder over what to do next, I shifted around the halls in hope of encountering her. With what little luck I had, I found her on my first try. Unfortunately, I ended up directly in front of her, causing both of us to jump back from shock.

With Mademoiselle before me, I lost my composure and tried to piece together some conversation, "Um-"

"It was you!?" she declared.

"Me?" I thought, "What did I do?"

"That hurt, you know!" she continued to my confusion.

Taking notice of her posture, I stepped back and bowed as I apologized, "I'm so sorry, Mademoiselle. I didn't mean to hurt you." Raising my vision to check her expression, I continued, "Is your head feeling better?"

Turning her eyes away, Mademoiselle responded, "Well, i-"

"Mademoiselle, please enter!" interrupted a voice from overhead.

Startled by the interruption, Mademoiselle murmured, "Ah, I shouldn't keep Sister waiting on me..."

Even though she said so. It was very evident that she wasn't going to be going anywhere. Her anxiety must have been overwhelming if she was frozen stiff. Feeling her depression spill into my head, I shook away my fears as I nudged her forward. Uncertain of whether I was overstepping my boundaries, I was startled when Mademoiselle turned and said, "Let's go."

I don't know if "idiotic stupor" or "terrorized panic" would better describe my expression since I was feeling both quite strongly. Despite that, we both pressed on and entered the Dining Hall where Madame awaited.

The accumulating pressure that choked the surrounding space which blurred my sight, the reverberations of each heartbeat that poured across my chest and fueled my anxiety, the majesty that commanded my to genuflect at her feet, such was Madame's overwhelming presence.

I tried hard to contain my childish whimpers from the crippling fear. Drooping my shoulders down and relaxing my arms into a passive state, I felt my rationale fitter incoherently as I doubted my choice to chase after Mademoiselle. Then, with a sting of shock, I felt a warmth grasp at my hand. With a stifled shiver, I looked closer to see that it was Mademoiselle that was holding my forearm.

"What's wrong?" I reflexively whispered. Receiving silence in reply, I tried to solidify her resolve. With confidence I was unaware of, I assured her, "That's right, there's nothing wrong."

Locking eyes with her that's-not-funny glare, I continued my speech, "You're here to talk to you sister, and there's nothing wrong with that. Right?"

Having broken her death glare, I felt her grip tighten around my arm. Leaning closer, I pressed her along, "Go on. You don't want to keep her waiting, right?"

Slowly, Mademoiselle released her hands from my arm and inched forward. As thoughts of "Where did I hear that all from before?" filled my attention, I snapped back to reality when Madame's booming voice called, "That will be all."

In the momentary gap of my shifting attention, I heard Mademoiselle's retreating footsteps clatter away at a hastened pace. With the disbelief that filled my head, I was compelled by some alien force to speak my mind only to have Professor appear behind me and say, "Flandre's waiting for you so you shouldn't keep her waiting."

With the confusion of a millennium rolled into a second's time, I excused myself and shifted into the library. There, Mademoiselle was seated at the table in front of the platter of cookies. Taking notice of my arrival, she stood up and complained with a pout, "You're late!"

"Late for what?" I shyly asked, feeling lost in all my confusion.

With a wide grin, Mademoiselle loudly replied, "For something fun!"

Zer0Axiom:
From the peaceful tide of midday, a new concern appeared. The Hakurei Miko received an invitation to the home of two recent incidents: the Scarlet Devil's mansion. Feeling heavy burdens throughout the morning, she arrived while wondering about the looming dangers to threaten Gensokyo: the next incident that would take place there.

After Reimu climbed the central stairwell in the center of the foyer, she followed her escort's instruction and waited by the southern doors. Before her stood two exquisite doors that featured an intricate arabesque design. With roaming eyes, she gazed across the foyer and passed short glances at the tapestry over the stairs and the banister guiding the path.

Flawed but still majestic, the tapestry showed several shades of fading colors as the materials bled across one another. Emblazoned with symbols and shapes that could barely be recognized, it hung from the wall for whatever assembly gathered therein to be able to marvel at it.

Likewise, the banister was showing its age. Along the edge of the upper floor, the polished railing was covered with imperfections. Splintered edges, charred paint, and newly replaced supports were littered throughout the view as the memory of the recent battle returned to Reimu's mind.

Shaking away the displeasure, she was startled as a body burst out from the doors. Turning her attention to the sudden distraction, she recognized the retreating shape to be Flandre, the younger Scarlet. The blurred mass hopped along the steps at an impressive rate, and as her eyes followed after, she heard a voice behind her from the other side of the now-open doors.

Adjusting her sights past the doors, she caught sight of a blacked cloud fade away from view. As Reimu wondered about the cloud, she had her attention broken by a loud coughing sound. Patchouli intended to announce her arrival, but was waiting for Reimu to enter as well. Finally remembering that final piece to her instructions, Reimu hurriedly made her way through the doors.

With the guest's entry, Patchouli cleared her throat as she continued with her task, "Presenting, Hakurei Reimu of the Hakurei Shrine."

"Welcome, dear Reimu!" Remilia greeted as she rose from her seat, "I trust the journey here wasn't too bothersome."

"No trouble at all," Reimu courtly replied as she gestured a bow to her hostess, "And thank you for the warm welcome. It's an honor to be invited; even on such short notice.

"But enough of that! Come! Have a seat! There is much I would like to speak with you about!" Remilia urged as she gestured her hand to a nearby seat with a cup of tea already set in place.

Reimu felt resistant at the suggestion and hesitated. The sensation was akin to awkwardness as she had twice intruded upon the home as a force of opposition. Now, as a formally invited guest, she felt unprepared for the reception.

The feeling of reluctance increased with the grand scene that stood before her. Although its spacious abundance was left largely empty, there was an eloquent majesty about it that was more overbearing to her than it should have been. As her wandering attention returned to her hostess, Reimu realized the rudeness in her delay and proceeded to respond only to stop with another realization: they were alone.

In the short moment that passed between the reception and Reimu's fluttered reaction, Patchouli and Sakuya had received Remilia's dismissal. With expert execution, both servants exited from the Grand Dining Hall without drawing notice from Reimu. Addled beyond comprehension, Reimu slowly made her way to the tremendous table to take the seat offered by her hostess.

The awkward air hung around them as Reimu smiled uncomfortably. With things as they were, she felt that being tactful was an insignificant concern. Expelling her hesitation with a sigh, she asked, "So, what did you need to speak with me about?"

"As you may already know, part of the reason I invited you was to express my gratitude," Remilia replied, "There has been such a change in my sister, and I am gladdened to know things will be better; all thanks to you."

"You may say that, but I didn't really do anything," Reimu complained, still confused about the youkai's ramblings.

Bearing a small frown, Remilia complained, "And that's the most infuriating part! Try as I have, time and again, there has been no progress or change. Then you come along, do nothing, and now, she's like a whole new person; it makes no sense!"

Reimu's smile concealed her discontentment from the remark. "Actually, there was a lot of hard work involved," she wanted to mention, but was beaten to the chance.

"There's no point in discrediting yourself," Remilia stated in a pleasantly subdued tone, "Whatever was done was thanks solely to you."

Briefly glancing down to her teacup, Remilia corrected her posture and rose from her seat. Passing the distance between herself and her guest with simple strides, she smiled radiantly as she conveyed herself purposefully.

Gesturing a curtsy, she courtly declared, "Thank you, Reimu, for being you."

Taking humor in the 'serious' display, Reimu failed to contain her giggles as she mused, "It's what I do best."

With the deathly stagnant atmosphere lifted from the room, Remilia returned to her seat. It was her intention to express gratitude to her guest; not smother her with formalities. Sharing a smile in the lightened mood, she received a sudden change.

"What else did you need, then?" Reimu asked, a serious tone in her voice and a stern gaze from her eyes.

"The remainder will be made apparent shortly," Remilia informed while taking a sip of her tea.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Reimu demanded.

With a teasingly auspicious glare, Remilia replied, "It hasn't happened, yet."

Racing to the door, Reimu was stopped when she heard, "That won't be necessary."

Turning with a stern glare, she demanded, "What's you're aim?"

"You'll understand," Remilia mused still gazing at her teacup, "Right... about... now."

As if on cue, a tremendous tremor shook at the foundation of the home. Reimu stumbled as the quake seemed to carry into the air as well. She couldn't idle away when the culprit was still nearby, could she? Resolved to hunt down the cause, she resumed her approach to the exit when more interruptions appeared. From the doorway, Patchouli appeared and smiled suspiciously at the exiting guest.

"What is your report?" echoed Remilia's voice which caused Reimu to hesitate.

"The entire rear entryway is collapsed. Portions of the kitchen and lower dining hall are ruined. The central stairwell is beyond salvageable," Patchouli announced to Reimu's horror, "All within acceptable values."

"What!?" the flabbergasted miko exclaimed, "What crazy plan have you been scheming?!"

With a growing smirk, the savant replied, "Your answer will be along shortly."

Left in more confusion, Reimu's thoughts were interrupted by a suggestion, "Come! Take your seat! The show has only begun!"

Resentment grew within Reimu's mind as her thoughts demanded, "What have I gotten myself into?"

Zer0Axiom:
"Guess I'll go there..."

My target was spiteful vengeance! It was thanks to her that I haven't been able to sleep well for the past few days, and that my work has been making no progress. It was going to be a glorious moment of triumph for me when I repossess some new texts from her library. It was the single reason for my heated approach, my crusade to achieve success.

"I will tolerate none to hinder my path!"

I guess I was feeling a bit hotheaded, but that didn't change much of my reasoning, nor my judgment. I knew full well the dangers of that place and was fully intent on continuing with my plans. I haven't hesitated before, and now won't be any different.

Closing in on my target, I circled around to the back and dove in to an unassuming altitude. I skipped with the touchdown and cast my magic to open the door. With one obstacle down, I rushed through the next set of swinging doors.

To my unfortunate horror, there was someone in my flightpath and I was tossed a distance across the carpeting. Preparing my magic to silence the speed bump, my voice gave out when I realized whom I hit.

Odd wings that were adorn with crystals, long blond hair to one side, red outfit that barely fit her, overwhelming aura that demanded death; it was the other Scarlet vampire, the younger sister.

My body reacted before my head as I lunged forward and took hold of my broom then propelled myself overhead. Away from her scanning gaze, I landed silently on the other side of the large stairwell that centered the room.

Barely able to breathe, I felt my body quiver as she cried out, "Who? Who hit me?! WHO!?"

As the regrets started to form in the corner of my mind, I returned to attentiveness as I heard someone else speak.

"Mademoiselle, are you alright?" asked a voice very similar to that one maid.

Responding to the question, the vampire demanded, "Sakuya, was it you?"

"I heard you calling for something, but I'm uncertain as to what you needed," Sakuya explained to defend herself, "May I be of assistance somehow?"

"Um, I was gonna go talk to Sister, but then my head started hurting and i-nn"

"Ah, then allow me this intrusion," the maid suggested, "A trick to cure your pain."

I couldn't hear what they did, but I knew it was over when Sakuya asked, "Are you feeling better? Good. Then, shall I go and announce your arrival to Madame?"

There was a break from the following silence as I heard footsteps climb up the central stairs. My chance to charge was stalled as I noticed light steps from the other side of the stairwell, someone was still there. Inching along the opposite rail, the footfalls were uneven and disorganized. If it really was one person, then it was as if that person was shuffling to and fro indecisively. Wanting to go, but rejecting the chance, the distance began to increase back and decrease forth until there was a sudden yip and clatter.

"Um-" "It was you!?" called two voices.

"That hurt, you know!" complained the vampire.

"I'm so sorry, Mademoiselle. I didn't mean to hurt you," responded the newcomer, "Is your head feeling better?"

The first voice was interrupted from her reply as "Mademoiselle, please enter!" echoed from overhead.

Without a moment's delay, one of the two murmured, "Ah, I shouldn't keep Sister waiting on me..."

Following a short pause, she proceeded to command the other with a "Let's go!" and they proceeded up the staircase; affording me an opportunity to slip by.

As I rushed along, I contemplated what I encountered. It was unusual and conversely unexpected. I faced more dangerous odds than that and not quivered, but to feel the chilling shakes of fear and to cave under its urges to hide from a single glance, it boggled my mind. It wasn't from her power, it couldn't be from her physical shape, she wasn't holding anything particularly special, and she was alone; so what was I reacting to? Unable to find an answer, I arrived at the destination and resumed with my scheme.

After a brief moment of repossession, I had a modest collection of books in tow when I heard a voice call out, "You're late!"

Taking the voice as my cue to exit, I secured the luggage and made my way to the ceiling so I could avoid wandering eyes. As I got closer, I managed to identify the ones present: the younger sister and the clumsy assistant. Keeping myself out of their view, I hovered ever closer to the door when I heard, "There's something here!"

With a jolt, the baggage collapsed and spilled its contents downward as the vampire continued her rambling, "And the winner is the one that--"

Buried under a piled of magical texts, she was stopped mid-statement as attention was drawn to me. Reacting immediately, I declared a bomb and disabled the red-haired pest before the situation could become more complicated. Throwing the loose sac over my back, I raced away with what little I could lay claim to.

"Careless," I grumbled, "How could I be so careless?"

Rounding the last doors to the exit, I encountered another obstacle: the maid.

"Careless, indeed," she parroted as the rear entryway was filled with razor sharp knives.

I didn't get the chance to blink before a voice roared from behind me, "Taboo: L?vateinn!"

Caught in a cross of metal and magic without a chance to react, I felt my body be thrown off of my broom and into a wall. With a heavy quake, the blast cut through and exposed us to a faint ray of sun. My head was still spinning as I tried to collect my composure and loot.

"I'm seeing things right?" my thoughts asked as I looked at the books, or rather, the lack of books.

There were a few bindings and several loose pages, but the collective as a book was nonexistent. "Aren't they protected by magic?" my thoughts continued.

Lifting one of the empty bindings left ash in my palm as the cover crumbled to dust. Lost in my confusion, I simply sat there as a question crept into focus: What's going on?

"WHERE!? Where did you go!?" demanded the culprit to the destruction. With her eyes shielded and metal bludgeon overhead, she was like a lit fuse waiting to explode as the energy gathered into her weapon.

"You've captured her, Mademoiselle!" the soot covered maid replied as she glanced sternly at my blank expression, "Isn't that right?"

"Don't lie to me," she commanded after the silent pause, "Where is-"

"I'm being truthfully," the maid retorted before repeating, "Right?"

"Eh-heh-he..." was all I could manage as a response; given my mental state.

"Then, I really caught it?" the small girl asked, now trying to hide from the glaring light.

"Yes, you did," encouraged the maid, "Right?"

"I-I, um," fumbling over my words, I just gave into the charade, "You, ah, got me..."

She was eventually ushered away as a single thought continued echoing in my mind, "What just happened?"

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