Reimu and Marisa once again gathered in front of the Human Village to prepare for the trip to the lake.
Reimu: Now then, will the great magic user Marisa Kirisame show us what she has up her sleeve?
Marisa: C'mon, you're makin' me blush. Anyways, I'll get it started right now.
She first took to the skies, and pointed herself at the direction of the lake.
First things first, the lake's definitely this way, right?
Yes, definitely.
We've been goin' in the right direction, but somehow keep gettin' lost and endin' up where we started. And that's all the work of a few fairies who can manipulate sound and light. Got that so far?
Uh huh. So, what do we do about it?
Don't rush me, genius takes time, ya know. Give it some thought, how do ya "sense" light and sound?
Through my eyes and ears, obviously...What kind of question is that?
Yep yep. That's why the answer's real simple.
Marisa then alighted from her trademark broom to stand next to it, leaving it pointed at the direction of the lake.
Now, meet our special guest, the world's one and only mysterious flying broom.
Accompanied by the only person in the world who would ride said broom.
This ain't the time for jokes. Now, one last question. Does this broom have eyes or ears?
For all I know, it may be some monster broom...But as far as I can see, no it doesn't.
We have a winner! This is indeed a normal flying broom. It doesn't have eyes or ears...So.
Ah...I see. This broom certainly won't be affected by sounds or the scenery.
Alright, this broom's headin' straight for the lake. We're gonna follow right behind it and not look away for even one second! Let's go!
At Marisa's signal, the broom began moving forward, with Reimu and the rest following behind it. The area became bewildering and soundless, but they pressed on, following the broom. And then, finally...
I can see the lake!
The lake spread out before their very eyes. And right nearby were three fairies shocked speechless.
Sunny: Ahh, no way...!
Luna: Our special trick...
Star: Was solved so simply...
So, this was your work, huh? I'll admit that the trick was surprisingly effective, but in the end, it's still just a prank from some simple-minded fairies.
Looks like some punishment's comin' right up!
Ooh...At desperate times like these, we have to show them what we're made of!
You'll pay for looking down on us fairies!
.......
Star, c'mon, say something inspiring!
Uhh...I kind of want to go home and rest...I can't, huh?
Obviously! Let's go! We'll make sure not a single strand of your hair will go unruffled!
Somehow, this feels a little underwhelming...Well, whatever. Prepare yourselves!
**********
Finally through with that detour, we dig in eagerly against the fairies. The three mischievous ones aren't so tough in battle, although proper attention to position is necessary to defeat them.
Even after defeating them, though, we still have enough characters left, so we hit the lake again, intending to take it on this very turn. Cirno and Letty step out to defend it, but even they aren't much of a challenge to us. Poor Cirno doesn't even have her own boss theme, unlike almost every army leader in the game (and some significant non-leaders too).
The Strongest Fairy Army has been pestering us for long enough. It's time we put an end to this nuisance once and for all.
Cirno: Uuuugh~~~~! This is all a lie! A lie, I say!
The so-called "strongest", the youkai of winter, Daiyousei, and the three mischievous fairies fought valiantly against the Reimu-led Hakurei army, but bravery was never going to be enough.
Letty: Ahh, it's over...I can finally go back to sleep.
Letty, do something!
Don't be unrealistic, I can't do anything at this point.
Reimu: Yes yes, you all have lost, alright?
Ahh, how could this be, impossible, et cetera...Happy? I'll be going now.
Marisa: Hey, where do ya think you're goin'?
Where? I'll be sleeping for a little while longer until winter arrives.
Did you not read the rules? The losers will have to serve under the winners. In other words, you're all our prisoners.
What did you...Cirno, what's the meaning of this!? You never told me about that!
I didn't know either!
Pleading ignorance isn't going to work with us, I'm afraid. Well, if you want to sleep, you can certainly "sleep" forever.
I-If you're talking like that, you mean...
Doncha know? Those who participate, then break the rules will be punished by a scaaaary youkai. So scary that you'll practically melt away.
Ooh...Ahh, how did it become like this...
...Er, why does it seem like there's less of you all than there's supposed to be?
Hey, now that you mention it...Ah!
Daiyousei: Wah! How did you find me!?
A quick look around the surroundings discovered Daiyousei, trying to sneek away without anyone noticing. She became flustered upon Cirno finding her.
You tried to run away by yourself!? That's so mean!
Eh, uh...Ahahaha...
That isn't all of them still...There!
???: Ow!
Reimu fired a needle as she turned, and a pained shriek rang out in an area which looked like it had nothing in it.
Sunny: Ugh, how were we found!?
Luna: I so thought we could run away after they let their guard down from catching the other fairy~!
Wah, that's so cruel!
Alright, y'all behave yourselves now.
I-If it's come to this...
Star: Then...we refuse! Run!
Hey, wait!
At Star Sapphire's command, the three fairies flew off at once. Reimu hesitated to chase them due to their ability to hide their figures and sounds, and soon, the trail was lost.
They're fast as long as it involves running away...Well, anyway, this is the end for you all, and the lake is now mine.
You heartless monster~!
Please, let me sleep...
...And so, the lake covered in mist fell under the control of Reimu's army.
"Strongest Fairy Army" has fallen.
Cirno has been taken prisoner.
Daiyousei has been taken prisoner.
Letty Whiterock has been taken prisoner.
**********
The Scarlet Devil Mansion. Many humans and youkai refuse to get close to it for many reasons, such as having to travel across the Misty Lake, its association with blood, the pressurizing aura and so on...Or so it should be, but since the Scarlet Mist incident, knowledge about the mansion had spread, and with the mistress throwing many parties, even humans with much courage had been known to visit the place. But the fact remained that it was the residence of many fearsome youkai and a vampire, so they normally did not receive many visitors. And guarding the gate against that lack of trespassers was the youkai, Hong Meiling.
Meiling: Whew...Everything's normal today. Speaking of which, it's been all normal for a while now...It's rare, but something one really gets used to.
Ever since the Scarlet Mist incident which brought Reimu and Marisa to the gate, she had not needed to guard the gate from trespassers even once. Meiling's usual tension had become somewhat relaxed.
This is bad, my reflexes will dull at this rate. Well the body slacks, the mind will slack, then my Chi will slack as well...I must train myself...
Having made her decision, Meiling launched herself into a Tai Chi dance-like move. The unique rhythm and breath control forged her Chi further, allowing her to shake the ground with each step...And then...
???: Please excuse me.
......!?
A shiver ran down Meiling's spine as she heard someone's voice. She quickly surveyed the area, but could not find anyone around. yet, for just a moment, she could sense its presence.
It's heading towards the mansion...!?
The feeling of the presence then vanished, leaving Meiling hurriedly looking around in vain. Then, Meiling felt like the presence shot through her bod, leaving her barely able to move.
Ugh...No way...!?
All Meiling could do was watch as the mysterious sensation vanished off into the distance.
**********
The Great Library within the Scarlet Devil Mansion. It was a massive labyrinth of books, with no end in sight. The vast amount of knowledge sleeping within this library could not be absorbed in a single lifetime. It was at that location that the library's head, Patchouli Knowledge, was having an enjoyable conversation with the head of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Remilia Scarlet.
Remilia: Ahh, warm. So warm. So, so warm.
Patchouli: I heard you the first time. You're interrupting my reading time.
My, you're treating me like a nuisance now, Patchy? How cruel of you.
A library is a place for reading books. This place is not a summer resort.
Then make some ice and I'll be quiet.
No, humidity is a book's worst enemy.
Sakuya: My my, the invincible vampire loses to the heat, I see.
As the two continued their idle conversation, the head maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Sakuya Izayoi, approached them with a tray holding teacups, a teapot, and a bowl of ice.
Being invincible isn't the same as having no sense. Both the heat and the cold are such pains. So, do bring that medicine of invincibility now, please.
Sakuya placed the tray onto the table at Remilia's urging, and proceeded to put several pieces of ice into the cups. The tea followed soon after, and Sakuya then placed the cups in front of Remilia and Patchouli.
Please have a drink as well, Lady Patchouli. It is merely a very normal cup of cardamom tea.
That's very thoughtful of you. Thank you.
Hmm, there's not enough iron in this.
Would mine suffice?
Don't bother, it's not like yours does anything for me.
Such words wound me, Milady. I have been keeping my body healthy especially for such a purpose.
...Hm, I seem to have cooled down thanks to you, Sakuya.
It's just a placebo.
Taking in something cold and it not having an effect would make it a fraud...Speaking of which, the mansion appears to have taken in a cold thing as well.
My, you've noticed it, Milady?
This kind of unearthly aura can only occur for two reasons. A certain weakling who can't control her own power, or someone who wants to stand out.
Remi, my anti-trespasser barrier network isn't picking up anything. So whoever the person is, has to be one who can ignore space itself when moving around.
My, that brings to mind a certain someone.
It has to me as well. A very certain someone.
...Shall we reveal who it is, Sakuya?
I'm afraid I do not have any whips or crosses at the moment.
It looks like we're on different pages then. How boring.
...Remi, maybe we should at least give her a decent opportunity, she won't know when to show herself otherwise.
Hmph, how troublesome...Alright, how bout letting us see your face?
???: ...That's a very kind offer.
Remilia called her out, and the space near the table began to distort. Yukari Yakumo then emerged from the gap. She then sat on top of the gap, looking down on the other three.
You need to go through the formal procedures in order to be granted an audience with the master here.
Yukari: My, I went in through the front gate, you know. Would you give me your full attention then?
...Honestly, what do we have a gatekeeper for?
It's fine, her power is certainly nothing to sneeze at. I had given her orders to let through any people that she felt she could not handle. If she truly wanted to attack, she would be launching attacks indiscriminately from above. So, since you specifically came through the front door...
That means that you are broken, in many more ways than one.
Looks like some repairs are needed.
That's too bad, my shikigami never need to be mended. And neither does their controller. Whoops, I don't have much time here, so I'll get straight to the point.
I already know what you're here for. It sounds rather interesting, so we'll do it.
You have been informed about it already?
Information is for the weaker beings to gather. I was informed as such during one of my elegant nighttime strolls.
In other words, you overheard others talking about it.
In that case, you knew about it as well, didn't you? And did I not tell you to make sure I hear about everything important?
What kind of servant would bring trouble upon their master? In other words, please withdraw your consent.
My, that would be disappointing.
Sakuya, Patchy, please begin the preparations. I shall be taking the opportunity to have a grand old time.
*sigh* I had predicted this would happen. That is why I did not want to say anything about it.
It seems Remi has been waiting forever for something like this.
Form is everything to a proud vampire. If I refuse to reluctantly accept a proposal groveled to me so desperately, my prestige will not increase.
You certainly look happy to be doing so.
I'm glad we could get this settled quickly. The strongest army right now is led by Reimu, who's beaten you before. That should be enough motivation.
That does not matter in the slightest. Once I've decided to do something, that's all the motivation I need.
Though it's quick to wilt away as well.
That's why everyone needs to work at it. so it won't wilt. Yukari Yakumo, was it? As you have heard, I will go along with your plotting, so be thankful.
I am truly honoured. Well then, have a good day.
With a tiny grin, Yukari disappeared back into the gap she was sitting atop.
Alright Sakuya, gather me the blood of good, law-abiding humans.
Please don't make such unreasonable requests, Milady. Things will get very annoying afterwards.
Tch, how boring.
Well, let's do this until Remi gets bored of it.
I won't be getting bored of it, so make sure you do your best.
Moderately.
...And so, the Scarlet Devil Mansion led by Remilia Scarlet entered the fray, and added their territories to the map.
"Crimson SDM" has been formed.
SDM Gate placed under control of Crimson SDM.
Great Library placed under control of Crimson SDM.
Clock Tower placed under control of Crimson SDM.
SDM Top Floor placed under control of Crimson SDM.
**********
The sun was shining brightly on the Yakumo Residence. Yukari was inside, writing something or other on a map. She then sat up from her usual flat position on her futon.
Yukari: Watch it burn~, watch it fall~, the territories are now all yours~.
Ran: What kind of song is that?
It's a song deeply rooted in the history of young maidens, of course.
Since when were you a you-Owww! Please stop hitting me with your parasol!
You didn't know? Being a maiden is all in the mind. The moment you stop thinking you are one, is when you become old. One must always protect their feelings.
That's all well and good, but it'll still be nice if you acted with the dignity that your age belies...
The most fearsome are the ones who are always smiling. There isn't a single soul who could look me in the eye and not be uncomfortable.
Here eyes were fixated on the map as she spoke to her shikigami. Her words would sound impressive and threatening if it came from anyone else, but since it was from her, it was hard to take too seriously.
Anyway, that's nothing too important...Ehehe, my plan is progressing nicely.
Your plan, huh? You have been engrossed in that map recently.
Reimu's doing as well as I thought she would. She's already gotten this far...At the rate she's going, it'll be over sooner than I thought.
Wouldn't that be for the best? The longer this drags on, the more likely the people involved in this will become angry about it.
That shouldn't be a problem. They all joined of their own will...Though there's a few who've figured out what I've been aiming to accomplish.
By the way, I've been wondering for a while now...This game that you got all of Gensokyo involved in...Isn't it just your way of having some fun?
My, just what do you take me for? Such belligerent words from my shikigami, mm?
Owwww! I'm sorry, I'm terribly sorry, so please stop hitting me~!...But Lady Yukari, if there's something deeper, you haven't explained it at all.
I would expect my shikigami to be able to figure it out by herself. For convenience's sake, I labeled this as a game...but it is much more. Just how much more, you ask...? It's important enough that it might well affect the future of Gensokyo.
That's ridiculous!
T'is the truth. Well, if it doesn't work, I suppose things should still be fine.
Err, Lady Yukari, if it concerns Gensokyo, is it really okay to treat it so lightly?
Yes. It's partly just my wish as well, anyway...Now then, Ran, please call your own shikigami over.
You mean Chen...?
We need as much help as we can get. It won't be long before Reimu makes her way here, so we must prepare for her now.
I don't think Chen will be as helpful as you would think...
Ran, you always try not to make use of your shikigami. The best way to optimize a shikigami is to give them orders to follow. The reason why you're such an excellent shikigami is because I make use of you very often, don't you see?
O-Ohh, I see. I had thought you were just incredibly audacious to make me do the things you ordered me to, but now I know why!
...Did I hear something that I may not have wanted to?
It must just be your imagination, Lady Yukari. Anyway, I shall go and call Chen over.
Very well. I'll be taking a nap then, so please handle the rest~.
Ah, Lady Yukari...Good grief, as soon as she's said what she wanted, she just goes and falls asleep...Anyway, I suppose I'll try to use Chen a little more.
Yukari always make sure to keep the important parts unclear. But she has her reasons for doing so...Or at least, that's what Ran hoped.
"Yakumo Clan" has been formed.
Yakumo Residence placed under control of Yakumo Clan.
Turn: 48
Ouki: 13055
Ryumaku: 62/89
Actions Available: 2
Our Territories:
Hakurei Shrine
Defense: 250/250
Cost to Develop: 24 RES
Night-Blind Road
Defense: 160/160
Cost to Develop: 27 RES
Faintly Dark Path
Defense: 175/175
Cost to Develop: 33 RES
Magic Forest Entrance
Defense: 180/180
Cost to Develop: 33 RES
Magic Forest Border
Defense: 160/160
Cost to Develop: 33 RES
Magic Forest Interior
Defense: 210/210
cost to Develop: 9 RES
Road of Reconsideration
Defense: 190/190
Cost to Develop: 27 RES
Muenzuka
Defense: 215/215
Cost to Develop: 6 RES
Human Village
Defense: 310/310
Cost to Develop: 24 RES
Garden of the Sun
Defense: 175/175
Cost to Develop: 9
Nameless Hill
Defense: 205/205
Cost to Develop: 6
Misty Lake
Defense: 225/225
Cost to Develop: 6
Enemy Territories:
Lost Bamboo Forest
Army: Eientei Forest
General: Reisen Udongein Inaba
Defense: 205/205
Eientei
Army: Eientei Forest
General: Kaguya Houraisan (leader)
Defense: 230/230
Blossoms Barrier
Army: Hakugyokurou Hades
General: Prismriver Sisters
Defense: 220/220
Hakugyokurou Stairs
Army: Hakugyokurou Hades
General: Youmu Konpaku
Defense: 200/200
Hakugyokurou
Army: Hakugyokurou Hades
General: Yuyuko Saigyouji (leader)
Defense: 235/235
SDM Gate
Army: Crimson SDM
General: Hong Meiling
Defense: 230/230
Great Library
Army: Crimson SDM
General: Patchouli Knowledge
Defense: 195/195
Clock Tower
Army: Crimson SDM
General: Sakuya Izayoi
Defense: 210/210
SDM Top Floor
Army: Crimson SDM
General: Remilia Scarlet (leader)
Defense: 225/225
Yakumo Residence
Army: Yakumo Clan
General: Yukari Yakumo (leader)
Defense: 310/310
Special Events:
War Declaration: Eientei Forest
Costs 10 NEG to declare war.
War Declaration: Hakugyokurou Hades
Costs 12 NEG to declare war.
War Declaration: Crimson SDM
Costs 9 NEG to declare war.
War Declaration: Yakumo Clan
Costs 10 NEG to declare war.
Prisoners: