~Hakurei Shrine~ > Kosuzu's Grand Bookstore
A New World: Book 1 Completed
Iced Fairy:
Yukari made me do it.
This came about from the what Maribel = Yukari thread, though my thoughts on the matter at slightly different, as will rapidly become evident. I warn everyone though, this isn't my normal writing set, and I'm really not certain where I'm going for the middle, so this one's going to be updated... sporadically. More sporadically then normal even for me. And with that warning out of the way.
***
Maribel stared at the moons reflection in the pond. The ripples in the pool seemed to flow out across her vision. Her mind seemed to blur, pushing the boundaries of her own thoughts. She reached out and took her friends hand. "Well, Renko. If the Moon Tour is too expensive, shall we go there another way?" And then she stepped forward into the pool, towards the vision of the true moon that only her eyes could see....
There was a dark field, one that seemed to be full of red eyes. But Maribel wasn't scared. She knew they weren't looking at her to judge her. They were looking at her to tell them what reality was.
Then they were outside.
Maribel could only stand in awe. Fortunately Renko managed to pull herself together quickly. She stared at the sky for a few seconds before turning to her friend. ?How did you do that? We're actually on the moon!? Looking around she said, ?But this moon seems...?
Different was probably the word her friend was looking for. Behind them a pure blue sea lapped at the beach. In front of them was a grove of peach trees. The gravity seemed to be the same, and there was no lack of air. Yet Maribel's heart and Renko's eyes both agreed, they'd crossed over to the moon.
?I think this is the real moon Renko. The one where the rabbits pound mochi and the celestial maidens live.? Maribel walked towards the orchards edge looking around. ?Though I don't see anyone here.?
Renko looked back over the ocean, then towards the sky again. ?Hm... I guess I wouldn't be able to know the difference between the moons without having been to both. Still, how did we get here? And how will we get back??
Maribel paused. She tried to think about what had happened. Her memory seemed to swirl around her actions. It was like trying to think about walking, it was so natural your brain didn't remember it. The only thing that popped into her head was, ?...the boundary of truth and lies.?
?So up to your old tricks again?? came a stern voice from between the trees.
Striding from amidst the trees was a woman is fine robes. However unlike the celestial maidens of her boarder visions this woman was not dancing happily but frowning while carrying a sword openly. To make the scene even more surreal there were a number of rabbit girls standing behind her armed with even stranger archaic weaponry. It looked like they'd pulled rifles out of a museum. It was wondrous, humorous, and terrifying all at the same time.
Still they couldn't just stand there. They should explain who they were at least, even if they could explain why they were there. Maribel wondered if she'd run into this woman in one of her boarder hopping dreams. ?I'm sorry, my name is Maribel Hearn. I don't think we've met before??
Renko moved to stand somewhat in front of Maribel. ?And I'm Renko Usami. We're sorry to drop in on you, but we were talking about taking a trip to the moon and...? Renko looked at me and shrugged.
The lady frowned deeper, but lowered her blade. ?You seem to be human. And the old Yakumo is supposed to be dead. Hm...? She seemed to think a bit then sighed and shrugged. ?A little stranger then the normal spiriting away but whatever. I'm afraid I cannot let you stay on the moon. I'll take you to my estate, and my sister can send you back.?
The two friends looked at each other. It seemed strange to have their hopes dashed once again after accomplishing the impossible. ?Excuse me, but why can't we visit here? Is it dangerous for humans?? Renko asked cautiously.
The noble looked at them with a surprised expression. ?Because you are impure humans. We left the Earth because of the deadly impurities that infest it. If you stayed here too long you would bring death to our lunar capitol.? Maribel saw Renko's face twitch. It was really quite annoying to hear those words said so matter of factly. ?Besides, with your tours and colonies on the fake moon humans aren't being viewed too favorably right now. You're lucky me and my sister Toyohime are used to sending people like you back to Earth. Now if I could just find her quickly...?
?No need for that Yorihime. I'm right here.? Another well dressed woman carrying a fan walked out of the treeline. ?Though I can't send them back just like normal.?
Yorihime raised an eyebrow. ?Why not? We can't keep them here.?
Maribel blinked as Toyohime pointed her fan directly at the girl. ?Because I'm quite sure that the young lady there did get here by her own power, and because they know they've reached the moon.? Toyohime sighed. ?So while I'm fairly sure these two girls wouldn't be able to convince anyone they actually found our home, they do have the ability to return with more people. And you know that we'd come under suspicion for letting them go.?
Yorihime seemed to be struck by that reasoning. ?Hm... So then. Do we have to kill them?? The casual tone in the lady's voice stung Maribel. Then she realized the lady was serious and she began to shake. Were they really going to kill them just for accidentally stumbling onto the moon? Perhaps they would. There had to be something she could do? Her eyes fell on her friend who seemed to be similarly panicking.
Maribel dropped to her knees. ?Please. I'm the one that has the power that worries you so much. I brought Renko here without telling her, so she's innocent of any crime. I beg you to let her go.?
Renko whirled on her in surprise. ?What! I'm not going to just leave you alone here! Neither of us have committed any crime!? Her friend pointed at the two Lunar nobles. ?You're the ones plotting to kill us for something we might do! How is that not 'impure?'?
Yorihime had the decency to look embarrassed at Renko's rant, but Toyohime just laughed. ?You don't need to be so dramatic. I can't return you to your world. However dropping you in Gensoukyo should be fine. It's borders are sealed much tighter then our own these days, and you're unlikely to make an alliance with the youkai. That should do nicely.?
?Hm... Some people won't be happy with that either,? Yorihime commented.
Toyohime shrugged. ?Some people are never happy with our work these days. Anyways if you two would like to leave this place...? She glanced at the girls.
Maribels breath caught. At this point the emotional roller coaster of the day finally hit her and she teared up. She couldn't tell how much was from relief that they wouldn't be killed, anger over their helplessness, and happiness over finally reaching Gensoukyo, but she wasn't going to hesitate now. She moved up and grabbed Renko's hand again before nodding her acceptance. Renko looked more angry then relieved, but she nodded quickly as well.
There was an odd feeling, like they were moving very quickly despite not moving at all, then they found themselves in front of a wrought iron fence. In front of the gate in the center of that fence was a woman wearing chinese garb. Her hair was silver, and her eyes green. At their abrupt appearance she dropped into a fighting stance, but before Maribel could even worry about being violently rejected again, the woman relaxed, then bowed.
Renko and Maribel hesitated for a moment then bowed politely in return. The woman straightened up, then said in a low, calm voice, ?Greetings honored travelers. I am Izayoi Huian the Gatekeeper of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. I offer you sanctuary in my lady's name.?
Sana:
More fiction with Renko and Maryberry in it! YESSSSS
* Sana stamps with seal of approval
Dizzy H. "Muffin" Muffin:
... heh. Oh dear, this is going to be interesting.
(So, uh ... actually, I'll head to the Wiki to bring up my "Han/Hearn" concerns.)
Alfred F. Jones:
I am interested in this! Yorihime and Toyohime need to show up more often in fiction, imo. I will look forward to more. :3
Iced Fairy:
I said this would take a long time, and I was right! I'm actually surprised at how long this ended up. I was expecting to have made it to the next revelation. This bit of confusion should be good enough though.
--- Quote ---I am interested in this! Yorihime and Toyohime need to show up more often in fiction, imo. I will look forward to more.
--- End quote ---
Er... Well, it'll be a while before we see those two again, especially given how much time writing this eats up. Though they do have a part to play.
Anyway, onward....
-----------------
Renko blinked. ?Wait, Scarlet Devil Mansion? That doesn't sound all that safe.?
Maribel had to agree with her friend at first. However something stirred at the back of her mind. ?Renko, I think this is the place where the maid gave me those cookies. When I visited in my dreams.?
The gatekeeper raised an eyebrow at that. ?I don't recall meeting you before, and if you are human there's no chance that you could have entered the mansion without me knowing.? She then frowned. ?However, I suppose stranger things have happened. In any case, while the lady of the house is a vampire, she would be terribly bored without the occasional human guest. You have my word that you will be safe from harm all this night, and you will be escorted back to the village. A far better deal then the other youkai are likely to give you.?
Maribel looked at Renko to find her friend gazing back at her. They nodded to each other once. It was a better deal then the last one. Renko stepped forward and bowed again. ?Thanks for your hospitality. Please take care of us.?
Huian bowed again in reply, then opened the gates. ?Please follow me.? The gatekeeper began walking across the gardens towards the mansion. Meribel and Renko carefully followed after her down the path through the rose and lilac bushes.
As the trio reached the doors they swung open seemingly by themselves. The effect was impressive, but it was ruined slightly by the distortion in Maribel's eyes. She paused, staring at the oddity. ?What's wrong?? Renko asked.
Maribel peered at the distortion more. ?The boundary of... space. Yes. Space is wrong in there.?
Huian blinked then gave Maribel an appraising stare. ?Interesting. Most humans from the outside world aren't as in tune with their powers as you seem to be. Yes, the space within the mansion is distorted to make it larger on the inside then on the outside. We need that to house the library.?
The sheer impossibility of that would have normally caused Maribel to start asking dozens of questions, but today seemed to be full of impossible events. Instead she just nodded in acceptance. Renko seemed to be pondering the matter, but she was silent as well.
Huian turned back towards the now open doors. ?The upper floors have been increased in size as well, so please don't wander about too much. I'll show you to the guest room.?
As the trio walked through the doors they quietly closed. This time the girls could see two maids with fairy wings operating them. The mansion itself was well lit, yet still dark because of the crimson wallpaper. The two girls noted that the lights were simple freestanding globes as they followed their guide.
Eventually Huian opened one of the many doors, leading to a sitting room. This room favored white, making it seem far brighter then the hallways. Inside was a woman in a nightgown. The lady had small black bat wings, strawberry blond hair and a languid expression. In her off hand she carried a book. She stood and nodded to the two girls at the doorway, before turning to Huian. ?Who are our guests??
The gatekeeper's calm expression turned to dismay. ?Whoops. Uh...?
?You didn't ask,? the woman said with a grin. She stepped forward towards Huian, then with a sudden move kissed the other woman on the nose. ?You should be more careful, dearest.?
Renko coughed. ?I'm Renko Usami,? she stated to prevent their guide from further embarrassment.
?And I'm Maribel Hearn,? Mary added.
The woman's expression evened out again. ?A pleasure to meet you both. I'm Dinah Margatroid, assistant librarian of the mansion.? She looked at the gatekeeper. ?Will you be joining us Huian??
Huian shook her head. ?No. I should return to my post until the mistress has finished eating dinner.? She bowed first to Dinah, then to Mary and Renko. ?Dinah will be able to show you to the dining room.?
Dinah sighed. ?Oh well. I'll be sure to tell you anything interesting that happens.? She turned back to the waiting girls as the gate guard left. ?I'm sure you two have had a fairly confusing journey. Feel free to converse by yourselves or ask me questions.?
Maribel sighed and sat down on one of the sofas. Renko sat down beside her, while their host sat back down in her chair. There was a long pause as the two girls tried to think of what to say.
Renko acted first. She was always good at getting her bearings even without the stars. ?So, um, are you a vampire??
Dinah blinked, then laughed. ?Oh, no. I'm a magician, though I do have devil blood in me. You'll know when you meet the mistress of the house. She's fairly unique.? She smiled wider. ?So you don't need to worry about me drinking your blood or anything.?
Renko laughed nervously. ?I wasn't worrying about that. Promise!?
Maribel smiled and shook her head. Turning to her host she asked, ?Is this really Gensoukyo? I'd dreamed of this place, this mansion before, but it was slightly different.?
The magician blinked. ?Yes this is Gensoukyo. I'm surprised you speak of 'before' though. The borders have been tightly bound for the last three hundred years, ever since the Yakumo died. I doubt a dreamer would be able to pass through. Perhaps you were displaced? Tell me, do you have any powers related to time??
Maribel shook her head. ?No. I can see boundaries though. Renko's the one who can always tell what time it is.? She glanced at her friend. ?Though she still manages to always be late.?
Renko shrugged. ?I'm bad at judging how long things will take.? She frowned. ?But are you sure you can't do more then that now Renko? You somehow sent us to the moon. And not our moon either?
Dinah carefully shut her book. ?You managed to travel to the true moon??
Maribel and Renko nodded. ?Though we almost got killed because of it,? Maribel said sadly.
Dinah stood. ?I see... Forgive me, but would you mind telling me about it? We youkai don't exactly have favorable relations with the moon, and the Scarlet Devil Mansion more so. I would not expect them to send humans here.?
?Sure,? Renko replied. ?There's not much to say though.? The girl proceeded to explain their desire to visit the moon, and the disastrous success that followed. Maribel added what she could to the tale.
?So,? Renko finished. ?We don't really know ourselves what's going on. At all. We were hoping to find someone that might be able to help us.
Dinah thought for a moment. ?I should inform my parents about this. They'd know more about the moon, and about such powers, so they'd be better suited to answer your questions.? She waved her hand and a pitcher and two glasses appeared. ?Feel free to have some water while you wait. It shouldn't be too long.?
The winged magician glided out of the room leaving Maribel and Renko to their own devices.
Now that they were alone Mary turned to her friend. ?I'm sorry Renko. I shouldn't have dragged...?
?You should be sorry.? Renko said poking her friend in the chest. Mary flinched back as Renko continued. ?What the hell was with you trying to sacrifice yourself for me back on the moon??
Maribel gaped in confusion. ?But... but I dragged you into that mess! You almost got killed because of me!?
?But we didn't get killed.? Renko said. ?Besides, I would have jumped for this chance even if you had explained it to me beforehand. So don't you dare try to leave me behind again. We're in this together. Alright??
Maribel blinked for a few moments. Then the tears broke through, and she embraced her friend tightly. She tried to apologize, to explain herself, but only sobs came out. Renko simply held her close. ?Shh... It's okay. I understand.?
After a long while Maribel managed to recover. ?I'm sorry.?
?It's fine.? Renko managed a weak smile. ?Just be there to catch me when I crash, okay.?
Maribel smiled, and wiped away a few more tears. ?Sure.?
?Here.? Renko handed her friend a napkin from next to the water pitcher.
Maribel nodded her thanks then wiped her face and blew her nose. She then poured two cups of water. ?So now that I've had my breakdown for today, what should we do??
Renko thought a bit. ?We need to find out where we can go after today, and then how we can survive. After that we need to figure out if there's a way to get back home.?
Maribel managed a weak laugh. ?We finally make it to Gensoukyo and the first thing we think to do is run away.... How strange.?
?We're not running away,? Renko protested. ?We're keeping our options open. Besides, maybe we can find a passage back and forth. We haven't even started our explorations on this side of the border!?
?Very well then.? Maribel said. ?Today's sealing club mission is 'learn how to live in Gensoukyo.'?
?That's the spirit,? a voice said from the doorway.
The two girls turned to find a woman, apparently in her 20s, wearing what could only be described as a witch costume standing there. ?Yo,? the witch said. ?The name's Marisa Kirisame. Dinah told us about your situation, so we're going to have a meeting to see how to help deal with it.? Marisa smiled broadly. ?And so you and the lady of the house don't get bored if it goes into magical esoterica, we'll have dinner too.?