Kaguya's lunar nature causes a massive crush on sight of the solar giving Eirin a migraine as she plans to seduce the solar.
[Touhou/Exalted] The Tourist
- Thread starter sasahara17
- Start date
Olive
Silent Princess
Kaguya and Eirin are ~1300 with Mokou being somewhere around 1000 if memory serves.
- Location
- Land of the Midday Sun
Eirin age is very uncertain, there are various hints that she is older than she lets out (and a drunk ZUN said she's 100 million years old, take that as you will).
Isn't being drunk ZUN's natural state?
- Location
- UP!
That reminds me of my favorite Touhou quote:
"The more you know about Touhou, the more obvious it becomes how much ZUN drinks"
I've had this running through my head for the last week as I try and beat PoFV.
Feng Lengshun
Z-Program Researcher
- Location
- Indonesia
The more drunk ZUN is, the more sane he is. As shown by how much easier he compose musics when drunk. Though I do hope that he tone it down after getting a wife, since I don't want him to have an early death.
jwolfe_beta
Semi Genre-Savvy Overlord
- Location
- Canada
Fixed that for you.
There is only one true embodiment of the sun in gensokyo and she goes unyuuFixed that for you.
jwolfe_beta
Semi Genre-Savvy Overlord
- Location
- Canada
I like to imagine that the poor Hell Crow has gotten better over time as I always saw her as more ignorant/innocent as opposed to just stupid.
Besides after the initial power high got beaten out of her by Reimu she seemed to have more sense.
You know if Renko goes in to limit break and does the master ninja moves to find out all the secrets.
Koishi going to catch hell for stuff she for once didn't do.
Koishi going to catch hell for stuff she for once didn't do.
Spectrum
Tell me a secret~
- Location
- Behind you~
No you didn'tFixed that for you.
Hmm. Wonder if Renko knows how to make Starmetal. There's an appropriate threat for uppity Gods in Gensokyo. *laughs*
Ehh....it didn't work for cirno and the two were of comparable intelligence.
jwolfe_beta
Semi Genre-Savvy Overlord
- Location
- Canada
Different cases in my opinion. Fairies normally don't worry about things like consequences etc that much because they don't stay dead.
Utsuho on the other hand seemed to be a low powered mook before getting all the power of a dead god stuffed into her. Not exactly something one can mentally prepare for. Not that she seemed to really know what she was getting into in the first place.
But as with most of Touhou, canon is almost entirely up to each person.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
Well, if anywhere is going to have a solution to the Great Curse (giving the Neverborn the true death they crave in exchange for a cure being the most likely one), Gensokyo would be a good guess.
jwolfe_beta
Semi Genre-Savvy Overlord
- Location
- Canada
Yuyuko Saigyouji perhaps?
"About as old as Yukari."
I didn't think Solars really lived to 1,200+, or am I wrong?
And when it comes to Eirin...well, one of the mangas I think mention that she's older than most of the Japanese pantheon and the Japanese islands themselves and founded the Lunar capital together with Tsukuyomi. So I think it's safe to say that Eirin is ridiculously old.
I didn't think Solars really lived to 1,200+, or am I wrong?
And when it comes to Eirin...well, one of the mangas I think mention that she's older than most of the Japanese pantheon and the Japanese islands themselves and founded the Lunar capital together with Tsukuyomi. So I think it's safe to say that Eirin is ridiculously old.
Olive
Silent Princess
Solars have a projected lifespan of ~3000 years, it's just that everything else in the setting tries their damndest to gib them before they get potent enough to live that long.
And re: Eirin, she's taken the elixir, is older than Kaguya and is probably younger than the universe. Go figure.
"About as old as Yukari." Which mean she is 17, not 1200+ or something.
sasahara17
Just Another Random Author
- Location
- Brisbane City
Note: This snippet has not been proofread yet. It will be when the chapter is completed, compiled and properly beta'ed. However, it is still readable. Enjoy.
-=-
"Welcome to the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
"Why thank you very! It's a pleasure to be here!"
The pair were sitting at a table with the mistress of the mansion in the outdoor gazebo in the main gardens, with Meiling and Sakuya standing at attention not too far away from them just waiting to be of service. They had been very fortunate to catch Remilia while she was still awake, a real rarity given that the noble was something of a night owl for obvious reasons.
Well what was there to say about Remilia Scarlet? She was the mistress of the eponymous Scarlet Devil Mansion, home to a number of very particular group of supernatural beings. She was a powerful vampire of considerable age, along with all that entailed. Despite her appearances as a young girl, Remilia possessed with bearing and charisma of the old European nobility she had descended from.
With the ability to manipulate fate itself on a whim, it was clear the elder of the Scarlet sisters wasn't one to underestimate. It was an ability that even Reimu and many of the more powerful denizens of Gensokyo had learned not to underestimate.
It was for this reason that Reimu, despite being Remilia's friend, was on guard.
"So as I understand it, Reimu here is giving you a tour of Gensokyo on Yukari Yakuko's personal request," Remilia surmised as she sipped from a cup of tea, "And your first destination happened to be my humble abode."
"Yep," Renko replied with a smile, "I honestly couldn't pass up the chance to see your library. That isn't to say that the rest of your mansion is boring, but the treasure trove of knowledge you have there is just something I have to see for myself. I must say though, this garden of yours is impressive."
Off to the side, Reimu could see Meiling puff out her chest with pride.
"Indeed," Remilia nodded, "I am very honoured that Yakumo's honoured guest chose my home to see first, before all the other places in Gensokyo. Sakuya? Please prepare one of the guest rooms for Miss Usami here."
Sakuya dipped into a bow, ready to fulfil her mistresses request. "As you command, Mila-"
"Actually could you make that two rooms?" Reimu cut in quickly, "I need to stay with her to keep her out of trouble. I'm her tour guide and all."
"Oh-ho?" Reimilia raised a curious eyebrow, "What about your shrine Reimu? Don't you need to get back to taking care of that? I could have Sakuya and Meiling take your place as a tourguide for the short duration of Miss Usami's stay in the Mansion. They are much more familiar with the premises than you, after all."
As logical as that sounded, Reimu shook her head. "As much as I appreciate the offer, Yukari's paying me good money for this. She's even getting Ran to tidy up the shrine while I'm gone. Can't afford to slack when she's putting so much faith in me, y'know what I mean?"
Reimu wished she could outright warn Renko of just how dangerous Remilia was instead of tiptoing around the fact. However, doing so in front of Remilia would be the height of ill manners and was a step too far even for the easy going shine maiden. All she could do to was try and steer the conversation towards 'safer' waters and make sure that Renko didn't end up staying at the mansion on her own without an escort.
Remilia may have been Reimu's friend, but like all old youkai who had moved to Gensokyo, the vampire liked playing the lives of shorter lived mortals to alleviate their own boredom. As a strange new person who had seemingly arrived out of nowhere, Renko was a very appetising target for the old vampire's schemes
If Renko were to be left alone in the mansion for any length of time, who knows what would happen to her? Worse, if something did happen to the tourist, Yukari would most definitely not be happy. This could cause an incident, or worse, cause Yukari to take back the money she'd paid out!
"Hm, indeed," Remilia tapped an idle finger against her teacup, clearly digesting this new titbit of information, "What does Miss Usami think of this?"
Renko gave a lazy smile. "Hey, the more the merrier right?"
"Well then, that's settled," Remilia set her teacup down and turned to her head maid, "Sakuya, see that two of our spare guests rooms are prepared and stocked with all the appropriate amenities for our two guests here."
"As you command, mistress." With a snap of her fingers, Sakuya disappeared, clearly off somewhere fulfilling her mistress's command.
Knowing Sakuya and her ability to stop time, she wouldn't be long.
Curiously, Reimu couldn't help but notice Renko's wide eyed, shocked stare when Sakuya suddenly disappeared. It was the first time, in the short time they had known each other, that Reimu had actually seen Renko this unguarded!
"Do either of you need help bringing your luggage or clothes to the mansion?" Remilia asked them, "I can have my fairy maids visit the Hakurei shrine to retrieve them for you, and save you the return trip to get them."
Reimu quickly held out her hands and shook her head vehemently. "There's no need! I'd much rather borrow some clothes from you, Remi!"
The last time Reimu had taken up Remilia on this offer a year ago, she'd come back after a weekend visit to the mansion to find her house completely ransacked. Nothing had been stolen of course, because only a true fool or Marisa Kirisame would dare steal from the Hakurei maiden, but it took days for Reimu to get everything back in order. She had later discovered that the maids dispatched to retrieve Reimu's clothes weren't very good at finding things at all and had wrecked her home trying to find spare clothes for her.
Never again.
"Hm, what about you, Renko?"
"Yeah. I think if that's what Reimu is going for, then I'll take her advice. Besides, a place like this ought to have some awesome clothes to try on!"
"Indeed. My mansion used to be frequented by the social elite, and many of them left their effects here over the years. I have some of the finest clothes of the era in storage, and I will be happy to let you try some of them on." Remilia replied proudly.
Reimu resisted the urge to sigh. It didn't take a genius to know that Reimila was trying to win Renko's favour now, possibly as a way to win some points with Yukari.
Whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, she had no idea.
Gah, the old women of Gensokyo and their politics.
"In any case, while your rooms are prepared, which should not take very long knowing Sakuya, might I propose that the two of you take a tour of the garden while it is still day? It is now past midday, and I must be getting to sleep soon," Remilia suggested helpfully, "Once I wake in the evening, we can talk more over dinner. I can introduce you to Patchouli Knowledge, a close friend of mind who is effectively our librarian. In the meantime, Meiling has put much effort into making our ground the finest garden in all of Gensokyo. With the weather being as perfect as it is, I am sure she will be happy to show it to you."
"Um, I'm not sure if Kazami-san will agree with the 'in all of Gensokyo' bit…" Meiling began, only to be quickly silenced by an admonishing glare from Remilia.
"Why I think that's a splendid idea!" Thankfully, Renko's quick reply drew Remilia's attention before punishment could be doled out. "What do you think, Remiu?"
"I think that's a good idea myself."
Plus it would be a great way to get away from Remilia and have a little chat with Renko in private about the need to be much more careful around the vampires.
"Very well. Meiling, see to it that you assign one of the fairy maids to guard the gate in your absence, and then show our guests around the grounds." Remilia ordered, prompting the redheaded gatekeeper to give a respectful bow.
"I know I've said this before, but thank you very much for accommodating us." Renko said sincerely.
"It really is not trouble at all," Remilia replied with a smile that sent shivers shooting up Reimu's spine, "Once again, I bid you welcome, to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Renko Usami. I hope you will be enjoying your stay with us."
-=-
A/N - Kinda busy, so I've had to make a much shorter snip this time, mainly to set up Renko's stay in the SDM. The next bit will be of Renko getting to know Meiling, one of my all-time favourite Touhou characters. It's going to be fun for sure.
Speaking of Meiling, I'm actually going to stick another WIP story I have about her on this thread to back it up as well.
FYI, I'm also messing about on the Anathema program to determine Renko's stats. Right now all I have is Renko starting out in creation (before she even learned one spell from Terrestrial Circle sorcery), but hopefully I'll have something more for you guys soon.
Anyway, thanks for reading. I hope this was enjoyable!
-=-
"Welcome to the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
"Why thank you very! It's a pleasure to be here!"
The pair were sitting at a table with the mistress of the mansion in the outdoor gazebo in the main gardens, with Meiling and Sakuya standing at attention not too far away from them just waiting to be of service. They had been very fortunate to catch Remilia while she was still awake, a real rarity given that the noble was something of a night owl for obvious reasons.
Well what was there to say about Remilia Scarlet? She was the mistress of the eponymous Scarlet Devil Mansion, home to a number of very particular group of supernatural beings. She was a powerful vampire of considerable age, along with all that entailed. Despite her appearances as a young girl, Remilia possessed with bearing and charisma of the old European nobility she had descended from.
With the ability to manipulate fate itself on a whim, it was clear the elder of the Scarlet sisters wasn't one to underestimate. It was an ability that even Reimu and many of the more powerful denizens of Gensokyo had learned not to underestimate.
It was for this reason that Reimu, despite being Remilia's friend, was on guard.
"So as I understand it, Reimu here is giving you a tour of Gensokyo on Yukari Yakuko's personal request," Remilia surmised as she sipped from a cup of tea, "And your first destination happened to be my humble abode."
"Yep," Renko replied with a smile, "I honestly couldn't pass up the chance to see your library. That isn't to say that the rest of your mansion is boring, but the treasure trove of knowledge you have there is just something I have to see for myself. I must say though, this garden of yours is impressive."
Off to the side, Reimu could see Meiling puff out her chest with pride.
"Indeed," Remilia nodded, "I am very honoured that Yakumo's honoured guest chose my home to see first, before all the other places in Gensokyo. Sakuya? Please prepare one of the guest rooms for Miss Usami here."
Sakuya dipped into a bow, ready to fulfil her mistresses request. "As you command, Mila-"
"Actually could you make that two rooms?" Reimu cut in quickly, "I need to stay with her to keep her out of trouble. I'm her tour guide and all."
"Oh-ho?" Reimilia raised a curious eyebrow, "What about your shrine Reimu? Don't you need to get back to taking care of that? I could have Sakuya and Meiling take your place as a tourguide for the short duration of Miss Usami's stay in the Mansion. They are much more familiar with the premises than you, after all."
As logical as that sounded, Reimu shook her head. "As much as I appreciate the offer, Yukari's paying me good money for this. She's even getting Ran to tidy up the shrine while I'm gone. Can't afford to slack when she's putting so much faith in me, y'know what I mean?"
Reimu wished she could outright warn Renko of just how dangerous Remilia was instead of tiptoing around the fact. However, doing so in front of Remilia would be the height of ill manners and was a step too far even for the easy going shine maiden. All she could do to was try and steer the conversation towards 'safer' waters and make sure that Renko didn't end up staying at the mansion on her own without an escort.
Remilia may have been Reimu's friend, but like all old youkai who had moved to Gensokyo, the vampire liked playing the lives of shorter lived mortals to alleviate their own boredom. As a strange new person who had seemingly arrived out of nowhere, Renko was a very appetising target for the old vampire's schemes
If Renko were to be left alone in the mansion for any length of time, who knows what would happen to her? Worse, if something did happen to the tourist, Yukari would most definitely not be happy. This could cause an incident, or worse, cause Yukari to take back the money she'd paid out!
"Hm, indeed," Remilia tapped an idle finger against her teacup, clearly digesting this new titbit of information, "What does Miss Usami think of this?"
Renko gave a lazy smile. "Hey, the more the merrier right?"
"Well then, that's settled," Remilia set her teacup down and turned to her head maid, "Sakuya, see that two of our spare guests rooms are prepared and stocked with all the appropriate amenities for our two guests here."
"As you command, mistress." With a snap of her fingers, Sakuya disappeared, clearly off somewhere fulfilling her mistress's command.
Knowing Sakuya and her ability to stop time, she wouldn't be long.
Curiously, Reimu couldn't help but notice Renko's wide eyed, shocked stare when Sakuya suddenly disappeared. It was the first time, in the short time they had known each other, that Reimu had actually seen Renko this unguarded!
"Do either of you need help bringing your luggage or clothes to the mansion?" Remilia asked them, "I can have my fairy maids visit the Hakurei shrine to retrieve them for you, and save you the return trip to get them."
Reimu quickly held out her hands and shook her head vehemently. "There's no need! I'd much rather borrow some clothes from you, Remi!"
The last time Reimu had taken up Remilia on this offer a year ago, she'd come back after a weekend visit to the mansion to find her house completely ransacked. Nothing had been stolen of course, because only a true fool or Marisa Kirisame would dare steal from the Hakurei maiden, but it took days for Reimu to get everything back in order. She had later discovered that the maids dispatched to retrieve Reimu's clothes weren't very good at finding things at all and had wrecked her home trying to find spare clothes for her.
Never again.
"Hm, what about you, Renko?"
"Yeah. I think if that's what Reimu is going for, then I'll take her advice. Besides, a place like this ought to have some awesome clothes to try on!"
"Indeed. My mansion used to be frequented by the social elite, and many of them left their effects here over the years. I have some of the finest clothes of the era in storage, and I will be happy to let you try some of them on." Remilia replied proudly.
Reimu resisted the urge to sigh. It didn't take a genius to know that Reimila was trying to win Renko's favour now, possibly as a way to win some points with Yukari.
Whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, she had no idea.
Gah, the old women of Gensokyo and their politics.
"In any case, while your rooms are prepared, which should not take very long knowing Sakuya, might I propose that the two of you take a tour of the garden while it is still day? It is now past midday, and I must be getting to sleep soon," Remilia suggested helpfully, "Once I wake in the evening, we can talk more over dinner. I can introduce you to Patchouli Knowledge, a close friend of mind who is effectively our librarian. In the meantime, Meiling has put much effort into making our ground the finest garden in all of Gensokyo. With the weather being as perfect as it is, I am sure she will be happy to show it to you."
"Um, I'm not sure if Kazami-san will agree with the 'in all of Gensokyo' bit…" Meiling began, only to be quickly silenced by an admonishing glare from Remilia.
"Why I think that's a splendid idea!" Thankfully, Renko's quick reply drew Remilia's attention before punishment could be doled out. "What do you think, Remiu?"
"I think that's a good idea myself."
Plus it would be a great way to get away from Remilia and have a little chat with Renko in private about the need to be much more careful around the vampires.
"Very well. Meiling, see to it that you assign one of the fairy maids to guard the gate in your absence, and then show our guests around the grounds." Remilia ordered, prompting the redheaded gatekeeper to give a respectful bow.
"I know I've said this before, but thank you very much for accommodating us." Renko said sincerely.
"It really is not trouble at all," Remilia replied with a smile that sent shivers shooting up Reimu's spine, "Once again, I bid you welcome, to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Renko Usami. I hope you will be enjoying your stay with us."
-=-
A/N - Kinda busy, so I've had to make a much shorter snip this time, mainly to set up Renko's stay in the SDM. The next bit will be of Renko getting to know Meiling, one of my all-time favourite Touhou characters. It's going to be fun for sure.
Speaking of Meiling, I'm actually going to stick another WIP story I have about her on this thread to back it up as well.
FYI, I'm also messing about on the Anathema program to determine Renko's stats. Right now all I have is Renko starting out in creation (before she even learned one spell from Terrestrial Circle sorcery), but hopefully I'll have something more for you guys soon.
Anyway, thanks for reading. I hope this was enjoyable!
sasahara17
Just Another Random Author
- Location
- Brisbane City
Just a little backup for the other TH story I had been writing. To clarify, this takes place in a separate continuity from the Tourist. Besides, It takes a very different interpretation of many of the characters in in the Tourist… mainly because the ones here are slanted towards a view for humour. Enjoy.
-=-
The Gatekeeper Who Knew Too Little
Touhou/The Man Who Knew Too Little Crossover
Chapter 1
-=-
"Theatre… improv?"
"It's a relatively new thing that Myorenji is running with the village," Reisen explained happily as handed the brochure to Meiling, "I did it myself last week and had loads of fun!"
Meiling had been dutifully and reliably taking a short nap at her post just outside the gates when a friend she had met a while ago, Reisen the Lunar Bunny, had come by. The pair had met accidentally met in a bar on the outskirts of the human village one day and had quickly bonded due over the ups and downs of their jobs at their respective households.
Since then, Reisen would occasionally drop by to talk to Meiling on her off days to show the gatekeeper interesting things to spice up the gatekeeper's otherwise boring day… and today, it was this odd attraction.
"The idea is that you'll be star in a live action role-play that lets you take up the role of a passing incident solver who gets caught up in adventure and eventually gets to save the day. This is, like, the complete opposite of our day to day boredom, Meiling!" Reisen recounted excitedly, "I really felt like the star in one of those action movies that Princess Kaguya likes to watch. You should try it yourself sometime!"
"Hm, this does seem kind of interesting." Meiling mused as she flipped through the brochure to see everything it had to offer.
It seemed that Myorenji's latest attempt to get humans and youkai to live together in harmony was a little unconventional. Sponsored and endorsed by Byakuren and 'directed' by Mamizou, they had created a 'live action spontaneous production' where a number of the temple's followers were actors in some kind of improvised stage play.
One lucky chap, the client, would be able to act out a fantasy of a hero to foil a dastardly plot that could destabilize the balance of power in Gensokyo. This client would meet all the interesting people along the way, including many of the big power players (well, actors of them at any rate) like Yukari Yakumo, Kanako Yasaka and Kaguya Houraisan, as well as shaping the destiny of Gensokyo itself.
For a fair price, which honestly seemed a little low for this kind of production and certainly quite affordable on Meiling's generous wage, she too could take part in a 'once in a lifetime' adventure that spanned the whole of Gensokyo and live out their wildest fantasies as a badass hero.
All make believe of course, pure escapism from the dreary day to day mediocrity… but the idea that, for even a little moment, she could feel like she was more than the 'ineffectual gatekeeper' of the Scarlet Devil Mansion did have an odd appeal.
"They even have different scenarios for you to choose," Reisen pointed out as leaned in and turned the brochure to the appropriate page, "I personally went for the 'Stolen Treasures of The Lunar Princess'… for obvious reasons, of course. It's a new scenario that only premiered last week. That's how I heard about it. In fact, I was one of the first customers. I even got to play as myself!"
"Yourself?"
"Yeah, it's all improv. The actors can literally change their 'script' on the fly to make the story more suited to the character. You won't even know it's happening when they're doing it: I actually had to talk to Shou to find out what the original script was because they'd crafted the story so well it really felt like I was the one doing it!"
"Wow, really?"
"Yep. Just tell them that you want to be yourself and they'll take care of everything for you. No script, no prep, no nothing. Just fork over the money, show up on the day, and everything's gold."
"So, they do everything? I just show up and they'll take care of everything for me?"
"That's what I said, my good friend!" Reisen nodded enthusiastically, "It's only going to be for one night, but it'll feel nice to be someone again instead of just your lady's gate guard and groundskeeper, won't it?"
Meiling's mind was flush with all the possibilities. This didn't just sound like a good idea: It sounded like a GREAT idea. This was especially true since Meiling could literally act out her fantasies as someone in Gensokyo worth a damn.
Meiling Hong, respected hero of Gensokyo instead of 'China', the gatekeeper that nobody outside the Mansion respected, took seriously or even remembered her name!
The best part was Meiling wouldn't have to do anything. All she needed to do was show up and the day and act like the awesome kung-fu heroine she'd always been, at least before Marisa Kirisame's break ins and Aya Shameimaru's expose had ruined her reputation.
For one night, Meiling could be somebody again!
"I am all over this!" Meiling said with a giggle, "Where do I sign up?"
"You know what? As a favour, I'll do all the paperwork for you since you seem so busy," Reisen offered with a grin, "The catch is you do the adventure that I just went though. In exchange, I want to compare your experience against mine after you're done."
Meiling had been looking at 'The Vile Kidnapping from the Human Village' scenario, but Reisen's idea didn't seem too bad either. Plus since Reisen introduced it to her, it was the least she could do.
"Okay, Reisen! Take it away."
This was going to be great!
-=-
"Are all the pieces in place?"
"Yes, Ma'am," The Tengu reported, "The operation is set to go off at the appointed time and all our agents have completed their preparations. We're as ready as we can be ma'am."
"Good, good." Kanako Yasaka replied with satisfaction. "Very good, indeed."
Standing at the in a secret location under Moriya-Ken, illuminated only by the dim florescent lights overhead, Kanako looked down upon was on the map of Gensokyo laid out on the table before her.
This was her most elaborate plan to date. Even the plot with the hell raven and the sun god paled in comparison to the play she was about to make. If this worked, the balance of power in Gensokyo would shift immensely in her favour, and there would be nothing anyone, even Yakumo Yukari herself, could do to stop it.
However, she had to be cautious. Experience showed her that those meddlesome incident solvers would always interfere with the plans, so she had spent months crafting the most elaborate and foolproof plan she could think of that would ensure absolute success.
All the major players she had identified would be preoccupied on the day itself due to her agents distracting them, thus leaving the prize open for the taking. Kanako had managed to find a willing turncoat within Eintei, a young earth rabbit of below average intelligence, who could commit the theft. An untraceable, foolproof way to transport the stolen package to her hands had been established…
The treasures of Kaguya Houraisan, the Lunar Princess, would be Kanako's, and with it control over Eintei and everything that entailed.
Every variance had been accounted for, every eventuality planned well in advance… there would be no stopping this when it happened.
"Ma'am, I can't help feel like something might go wrong," the tengu noted with a slight undertone of worry, "There are a lot of things that could happen on when transporting the treasures once they've been stolen…"
"Not to worry. That stupid scenario that our agents inside the Myoren Temple have managed to convince both the Mamizou and Eintei to play along with should buy us a few hours at very least." Kanako assured the other woman.
Kanako had learned of that stupid improve theatre from Sanae, who had naturally found it an exciting new development in Gensokyo. She had been dismissive at first, right up until she'd realized that it would make the perfect smoke screen for her attempt on the treasures. If she played her cards right, the role-play buy time for her agents as no one would be sure if the treasures had been actually stolen or not.
Even if it was a few short minutes of confusion, likely longer given the average IQ of an earth rabbit, those short minutes would be more than enough for the package to be handed off to her most important assent in this plot.
"Aya Shameimaru is the fastest being in Gensokyo. Not even the Ordinary Witch has been able to catch her," Kanako assured him, "Once the treasures are in Shameimaru's hands, there will be no getting them away from her."
When Kanako had entered into an alliance with Tenma, one of the greatest assets she'd managed to gain access to his the spy network and, more importantly, the spymaster herself.
Kanako had been quite surprised to learn that Aya Shameimaru, for all her outward appearances, was in fact a very dangerous individual who might even be as old as Yukari Yakumo. The Bunbunmaru newspaper, regarded as nothing more than trash tabloid, was in fact the front for the most intricate spy network Kanako had ever seen. Aya herself, once she was alone and didn't need to put up appearances, a dangerous cold blooded spymaster that was second to none.
As long as Kanako could figure out how to make one of her schemes as beneficial to the Tengu as it was to the Moriya, the Aya's services were as good as hers.
Forcefully marrying Kaguya to Tenma was one such plot, as both the influence of the Tengu and her own religion would spread.
It helped that the old coot did find the princess rather attractive.
"Once the package gets to Shameimaru, it's as good as ours."
"But what if it's intercepted before then?" The Tengu pointed out, "There is a small window where that Earth Bunny will be looking to give the package to our agent, and she's so dumb that the only instructions she's been able to remember are 'someone not from Eintei'. What if it's intercepted?"
For a moment, Kanako did feel the small strands of doubt nag in the back of her head.
She had identified this point as a weak link in her planning days ago. The loyalty of every other Earth Rabbit was rock-solid, aside from this one fool every single one of them was beholden to Tewi. Finding an alternative had been impossible: this was the one point in the plan where it could all come tumbling down.
But that was why Aya had personally taken up that aspect of the mission. The ancient tengu had given her word to both Kanako and Tenma that that the handover would happen exactly as planned. The word of a thousand year old crow tengu was not one to be taken lightly.
"Don't worry, Inubashiri," Kanako assured her underling, "With Shameimaru on the case, there is no chance that we can possibly fail."
The only way to intercept the package, that person would have to have foreknowledge of the plan and the skill to successfully outsmart the greatest spymaster in all of Gensokyo.
Nobody was that good.
-=-
Meiling sneezed.
"Bless you." Remilia said offhandedly from her throne, too busy reading to do anything else.
"Thank you, ojou-sama." Meiling bowed shyly as she remained at attention before her lady.
"So you tell me that you want an off day to take part in this… improve theatre event?" Remilia mused as she paged through the brochure Meiling had given her carefully.
"Yes ojou-sama. I would be very grateful if you would let me attend this event."
"You do know that I do provide you with vacation days right?" Remilia shook her head tiredly, "You don't need to come to me every time you want to take a day off. Just be sure to delegate the job to someone else beforehand, and I'm fine with it. It's not as if vampire hunters are trying to kick down my front door anymore."
Contrary to popular belief in the village, Remilia Scarlet was not a heartless vampire who treated her underlings poorly. She was in fact the very model of a good, caring employer who even went as far as to treat everyone in her household as a member of her own family. Nor was she a power-hungry megalomaniac out to conquer Gensokyo and unleash an eternal darkness. She was in fact, a retired ex-power-hungry megalomaniac who just wanted to live out the rest of her un-life in peace with her family. Nor was she an arrogant aristocrat who was too aloof to mingle with everyone else in Gensokyo. Remilia did have friends and was a regular guest at the Hakurei Shrine…
Really, there were a lot of misconceptions of Remilia Scarlet.
Remilia, while by no means a saint, was also not as horrible as the Gensokyo grapevine would suggest. She didn't have underground rooms full of devious plots to conquer the land. She didn't work Sakuya and fairy maids to the bone out of her own amusement. She knew the horrible rumours of her gate guard's incompetence were just that.
Most importantly, as a respectable employer who valued her wellbeing and welfare of her house servants, Remilia did give every single one of her servants off days.
Of course, despite this, Meiling Hong always came directly to Remilia to ask her permission to take a day off, something that Remilia found to be bothersome since was a waste of time… even if she was happy that Meiling was so loyal that she always sought permission first.
"I thought it would be prudent to let you in advance," Meiling admitted, "The gate isn't as well guarded without me there, and even if there isn't any real danger in Gensokyo, we do get occasional intruders. I thought it would be prudent to give you forewarning since intruders other than Marisa could get in."
Despite the widely held myth that the gate of the Scarlet Devil Mansion was about as impenetrable as a paper wall due to its 'lazy, inattentive and ineffective' gate guard, Meiling actually was quite good at her job of keeping out the riff raff like random fairies and mischievous youkai.
It was only beings of immense power, like Marisa Kirisame, who could consistently get past Meiling. For all of Meiling's eccentricities, and her propensity for afternoon naps, Remilia was well aware her gate guard was actually very good at her job.
"Consider me forewarned," Remilia said with a nod, "Very well, your leave is approved."
"Thank you, ojou-sama!"
"…Although, I may say that do find this event quite interesting," Remilia mused as she turned the brochure over in her hands, "I've seen a lot in my long life, and I don't think I've ever seen an idea this novel in a very long time."
Indeed, being a person of refined taste, Remilia loved theatre and performance. She had grown up watching theatrical productions and had many fond memories about it. To see the concept take on an entirely new form was heartening to the vampire, and she was eager to see how Myoren Temple had managed to organise such an elaborate roleplay.
"You must let me know how this goes," Remilia said, interest in her eyes, "If it's really worthwhile, I may try it out myself sometime."
"I'll be sure to let you know, ojou-sama." Meiling nodded.
"And Meiling, just one thing."
"Yes?"
"I know you're probably already planning on doing this, but remember you're a member of the Scarlet Devil Mansion household," Remilia grinned, the well neglected mischievous aspect of her personality appearing for once. "I'm rather tired of people underestimating my gate-keeper and bodyguard. Even if it's only for one night and make believe, please do impress upon those 'actors' the true might and power of the Scarlet household, will you? An agent of my house should be a force to be reckoned with, and I will not settle for anything less."
"I will remember to see it done!" Meiling beamed, "I will do this in your name, ojou-sama!"
-=-
With Remilia's go ahead, Meiling quickly let Reisen finalise the details for her big night out.
Unfortunately, as the popular weekend sessions had been booked out, Meiling's turn would be held on a Monday night, hence the need for permission. However, with Remilia's permission, this wasn't a problem for her anymore.
The event would begin after the sun had set, and would go on until the following morning. The scenario, as agreed before between the two friends, would be the theft of the 'Stolen Treasures of The Lunar Princess'.
To say Meiling was ecstatic would be an understatement.
Already, Meiling was thinking up cool lines and poses she could employ on the day itself to milk this rare experience for all it was worth. Her mind was rife with the fantasies of acting out her wildest dreams of being a powerful agent of her Lady Scarlet, walking Gensokyo to right injustice like the wuxia stories of old that had captured Meiling's imagination since her earliest memories.
It wasn't widely known among Gensokyo's population, but Meiling had always idolized the concept of the wandering wuxia hero. The Chinese equivalent of the knight errant in chivalric romance, these passionate heroes of fiction were chivalric allies of justice who walked the earth righting wrongs and fighting evil wherever it took root.
This ideal was in stark contrast to the boring tedium of Meiling's real job as a gatekeeper, who never went anywhere and was forced to remain at her post day in and day out. Instead of taking the fight to evil, Meiling was stuck watching the grass grow and trying to keep the occasional miscreant out of the mansion. It wasn't the same thing.
But for one night, it would be different. For one night, she would be Meiling Hong… elite agent of Remilia Scarlet, defender of justice and all round unrivalled martial arts badass. She could finally act out the role an invincible martial artist like she'd always wanted to.
It gave her weird tingly feeling just thinking about it!
And so the days passed, as Meiling continued to dutifully fulfil her normal mundane job by daylight and dreaming about the upcoming fantasy made reality by night. The wait was almost agonizing, so much so Meiling could have sword that Sakuya's time-stop ability was slowing her down, but before she knew it, the night she had been anticipating and dreaming of for so long was finally upon her…
-=-
"Oh, I am so excited!" Meiling said happily as she and Reisen walked down the stone path through the bamboo forest to the appointed meeting place. "I've been waiting for this! I'm getting pumped just thinking about it!"
"So you've been telling me all evening." Reisen grinned.
Both girls had taken time off their respective jobs that night, with Meiling aiming to take part in the event and Reisen to see her friend to the start point and celebrate a bit. The pair had eaten dinner together at Mystia's joint, talking animatedly and having fun in general.
"Man, I didn't know Mystia took part in one event herself!" Meiling recalled with a warm smile.
"Yeah. 'The refugee from Egypt' is a very popular one among the youkai," Reisen explained, "Most of the people who fall though the border are humans, so I heard Byakuren Hijiri herself came up with the idea of having one scenario that flipped the situation around."
The night sparrow had overheard their conversation and, having also had an adventure herself, had quickly joined in their conversation to compare notes.
The night sparrow had recounted a fun adventure where she ended up protecting an innocent Egyptian youkai, called a 'mummy', who had fallen into Gensokyo from the outside world and finding her a sponsor (which was naturally Byakuren).
While it hadn't been the same adventure as the one Meiling had been about to go on, the sheer enthusiasm Mystia had about her own adventure made Meiling all the more certain that this night would be definitely one to remember.
Eventually the pair reached a red painted wooden sign next to the stone path with read 'Myorenji event, Start point' in bold letters.
"This is the starting point." Reisen announced.
"Wow, this sign really does stand out. I'm surprised that the rabbits haven't done anything with it." Meiling noted, remembering that Tewi liked playing pranks on people.
"This scenario was the idea of the Earth Rabbits. Some kid that recently managed to get a body came up with it," Reisen explained, "Tewi may be many things, but she loves all those rabbits like her own family and it's their idea. Besides, even Tewi has enough sense avoid getting on Byakuren's bad said. Touching this sign is a no-no."
"I guess so."
"Well, I'd better be going," Reisen said, "don't want to hang around here and accidentally be mistaken for the client. Besides, master wants me back to help her, urgh, help her with an experiment tomorrow, so I'd better get a good night's sleep while I still can."
"Wow, she really works you to the bone huh?"
"That's master for you."
Them much to Reisen's surprise, Meiling turned to her and bowed, "Thank you very much for recommending this to me! I am very grateful to you!"
"This is kinda premature… and over the top isn't it?" Reisen rubbed the back of her head bashfully at the earnest gratitude Meiling was showing.
"Not at all! You took the time to come and introduce me to this improv and even took the time to come and see me out here when you are so busy. You're a good friend, Reisen." Meiling's innocent, honest smile was one of the cutest things Reisen had even seen, so much so the lunar rabbit had to avert her head slightly to avoid taking a lethal dose of cuteness in the face.
The gatekeeper really did wear her heart on her sleeve. How on earth did such a gentle soul become the (formerly) fearsome gatekeeper to the Scarlet Devil Mansion anyway?
"I'm, very happy to hear that, Meiling. You have fun, okay?" Reisen replied as she turned to leave.
"I will!" Meiling declared, "Thank you so much Reisen!"
-=-
Meiling was still a little early, so she had to wait a while before the event started. During that time she mentally ran through the checklist of everything she needed to properly play the character she wanted to play.
"Right, I am a fearsome master martial artist," Meiling recited quietly under her breadth, "I am a loyal and brave agent from the Scarlet Devil Mansion here to fight evil with kung fu. I must always remember that I am a representative of Milady Remilia Scarlet and will fight evil in her name."
Yes, that was who she was now. Not Hong Meiling, humble gatekeeper of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, but Hong Meiling, undefeatable warrior and the trusted agent on behalf of her lady, just like a wuxia story or something out of chivalric romance.
"Uh, hello!"
Meiling gave a start at the unexpected words that broke her musing. She had been so engrossed and lost in her thoughts she had not noticed the small Earth Bunny girl carrying a small locked box that had snuck up in front of her. "Um, are you the agent I'm supposed to meet?"
It took mere moments for Meiling to realize who the girl was. Quickly putting on her best smile Meiling crouched down to look at the sky little thing at eye level. This little kid was so cute!
"Why yes, I do believe I am, little girl. Are you the girl who's here about the Princesses' Jewels?" Meiling asked happily.
"Yes!" The girl, seemingly satisfied she'd found the right person, smiled in return and handed the box over to Meiling. "This box contains the treasures of the princess. Take it to the… 'village place' please. Heard people saying go right to shrine place might not be so good, so village place first might be good idea."
"The village?" Meiling tilted her head questioningly even as she accepted the box from the small Earth Bunny. Ah, she must mean the human village.
She had expected a bit more build up though. Maybe the scenario was supposed to start there?
"So where in the village am I supposed to take it?"
The girl seemed to think for a moment, as though confused, before her face lit up with the answer. "Bar place. Bird person find you."
"Ah, I see." Meiling nodded.
So she was to go there with the box and wait for instructions from a 'bird person'. While that didn't narrow it down, Meiling did remember Reisen saying that the actors would seek her out and take care of most of the work. All she had to go there first.
"Okay then! I'll be heading off!" Meiling said as she ruffled the kid's hair, "Thanks for the help, kid."
"Thank you, Miss. Please hurry. Bird person not very patient." The rabbit bowed.
What a cute kid indeed!
So with the box underarm and whistling a happy tune Meiling set off for the human village, completely unaware of what had truly just transpired under her nose…
-=-
"Ah, I sure hope Meiling has fun." The lunar rabbit mused she walked through the familiar gates to the compound… Right into what was clearly bedlam. "What?"
All around her, rabbits were running about in a state of panic, upturning everything in a clear frenzy. Eirin could be audibly hear barking hurried orders to underlings from somewhere further in the compound. Clearly something had happened while Reisen was out!
"What the hell happened?!" Reisen swore. She quickly seized a passing rabbit by the shoulder.
"Miss Udonge!" the rabbit exclaimed
"You! What the hell happened here? What's going on?" Reisen demanded, "Tell me!"
"The princesses' treasures are missing!"
Reisen's blood ran cold.
-=-
A/N - As before, this one is just something I've thrown up for backup purposes. Think of it as an 'omake' as you will that I'll work on once in a while.
-=-
The Gatekeeper Who Knew Too Little
Touhou/The Man Who Knew Too Little Crossover
Chapter 1
-=-
"Theatre… improv?"
"It's a relatively new thing that Myorenji is running with the village," Reisen explained happily as handed the brochure to Meiling, "I did it myself last week and had loads of fun!"
Meiling had been dutifully and reliably taking a short nap at her post just outside the gates when a friend she had met a while ago, Reisen the Lunar Bunny, had come by. The pair had met accidentally met in a bar on the outskirts of the human village one day and had quickly bonded due over the ups and downs of their jobs at their respective households.
Since then, Reisen would occasionally drop by to talk to Meiling on her off days to show the gatekeeper interesting things to spice up the gatekeeper's otherwise boring day… and today, it was this odd attraction.
"The idea is that you'll be star in a live action role-play that lets you take up the role of a passing incident solver who gets caught up in adventure and eventually gets to save the day. This is, like, the complete opposite of our day to day boredom, Meiling!" Reisen recounted excitedly, "I really felt like the star in one of those action movies that Princess Kaguya likes to watch. You should try it yourself sometime!"
"Hm, this does seem kind of interesting." Meiling mused as she flipped through the brochure to see everything it had to offer.
It seemed that Myorenji's latest attempt to get humans and youkai to live together in harmony was a little unconventional. Sponsored and endorsed by Byakuren and 'directed' by Mamizou, they had created a 'live action spontaneous production' where a number of the temple's followers were actors in some kind of improvised stage play.
One lucky chap, the client, would be able to act out a fantasy of a hero to foil a dastardly plot that could destabilize the balance of power in Gensokyo. This client would meet all the interesting people along the way, including many of the big power players (well, actors of them at any rate) like Yukari Yakumo, Kanako Yasaka and Kaguya Houraisan, as well as shaping the destiny of Gensokyo itself.
For a fair price, which honestly seemed a little low for this kind of production and certainly quite affordable on Meiling's generous wage, she too could take part in a 'once in a lifetime' adventure that spanned the whole of Gensokyo and live out their wildest fantasies as a badass hero.
All make believe of course, pure escapism from the dreary day to day mediocrity… but the idea that, for even a little moment, she could feel like she was more than the 'ineffectual gatekeeper' of the Scarlet Devil Mansion did have an odd appeal.
"They even have different scenarios for you to choose," Reisen pointed out as leaned in and turned the brochure to the appropriate page, "I personally went for the 'Stolen Treasures of The Lunar Princess'… for obvious reasons, of course. It's a new scenario that only premiered last week. That's how I heard about it. In fact, I was one of the first customers. I even got to play as myself!"
"Yourself?"
"Yeah, it's all improv. The actors can literally change their 'script' on the fly to make the story more suited to the character. You won't even know it's happening when they're doing it: I actually had to talk to Shou to find out what the original script was because they'd crafted the story so well it really felt like I was the one doing it!"
"Wow, really?"
"Yep. Just tell them that you want to be yourself and they'll take care of everything for you. No script, no prep, no nothing. Just fork over the money, show up on the day, and everything's gold."
"So, they do everything? I just show up and they'll take care of everything for me?"
"That's what I said, my good friend!" Reisen nodded enthusiastically, "It's only going to be for one night, but it'll feel nice to be someone again instead of just your lady's gate guard and groundskeeper, won't it?"
Meiling's mind was flush with all the possibilities. This didn't just sound like a good idea: It sounded like a GREAT idea. This was especially true since Meiling could literally act out her fantasies as someone in Gensokyo worth a damn.
Meiling Hong, respected hero of Gensokyo instead of 'China', the gatekeeper that nobody outside the Mansion respected, took seriously or even remembered her name!
The best part was Meiling wouldn't have to do anything. All she needed to do was show up and the day and act like the awesome kung-fu heroine she'd always been, at least before Marisa Kirisame's break ins and Aya Shameimaru's expose had ruined her reputation.
For one night, Meiling could be somebody again!
"I am all over this!" Meiling said with a giggle, "Where do I sign up?"
"You know what? As a favour, I'll do all the paperwork for you since you seem so busy," Reisen offered with a grin, "The catch is you do the adventure that I just went though. In exchange, I want to compare your experience against mine after you're done."
Meiling had been looking at 'The Vile Kidnapping from the Human Village' scenario, but Reisen's idea didn't seem too bad either. Plus since Reisen introduced it to her, it was the least she could do.
"Okay, Reisen! Take it away."
This was going to be great!
-=-
"Are all the pieces in place?"
"Yes, Ma'am," The Tengu reported, "The operation is set to go off at the appointed time and all our agents have completed their preparations. We're as ready as we can be ma'am."
"Good, good." Kanako Yasaka replied with satisfaction. "Very good, indeed."
Standing at the in a secret location under Moriya-Ken, illuminated only by the dim florescent lights overhead, Kanako looked down upon was on the map of Gensokyo laid out on the table before her.
This was her most elaborate plan to date. Even the plot with the hell raven and the sun god paled in comparison to the play she was about to make. If this worked, the balance of power in Gensokyo would shift immensely in her favour, and there would be nothing anyone, even Yakumo Yukari herself, could do to stop it.
However, she had to be cautious. Experience showed her that those meddlesome incident solvers would always interfere with the plans, so she had spent months crafting the most elaborate and foolproof plan she could think of that would ensure absolute success.
All the major players she had identified would be preoccupied on the day itself due to her agents distracting them, thus leaving the prize open for the taking. Kanako had managed to find a willing turncoat within Eintei, a young earth rabbit of below average intelligence, who could commit the theft. An untraceable, foolproof way to transport the stolen package to her hands had been established…
The treasures of Kaguya Houraisan, the Lunar Princess, would be Kanako's, and with it control over Eintei and everything that entailed.
Every variance had been accounted for, every eventuality planned well in advance… there would be no stopping this when it happened.
"Ma'am, I can't help feel like something might go wrong," the tengu noted with a slight undertone of worry, "There are a lot of things that could happen on when transporting the treasures once they've been stolen…"
"Not to worry. That stupid scenario that our agents inside the Myoren Temple have managed to convince both the Mamizou and Eintei to play along with should buy us a few hours at very least." Kanako assured the other woman.
Kanako had learned of that stupid improve theatre from Sanae, who had naturally found it an exciting new development in Gensokyo. She had been dismissive at first, right up until she'd realized that it would make the perfect smoke screen for her attempt on the treasures. If she played her cards right, the role-play buy time for her agents as no one would be sure if the treasures had been actually stolen or not.
Even if it was a few short minutes of confusion, likely longer given the average IQ of an earth rabbit, those short minutes would be more than enough for the package to be handed off to her most important assent in this plot.
"Aya Shameimaru is the fastest being in Gensokyo. Not even the Ordinary Witch has been able to catch her," Kanako assured him, "Once the treasures are in Shameimaru's hands, there will be no getting them away from her."
When Kanako had entered into an alliance with Tenma, one of the greatest assets she'd managed to gain access to his the spy network and, more importantly, the spymaster herself.
Kanako had been quite surprised to learn that Aya Shameimaru, for all her outward appearances, was in fact a very dangerous individual who might even be as old as Yukari Yakumo. The Bunbunmaru newspaper, regarded as nothing more than trash tabloid, was in fact the front for the most intricate spy network Kanako had ever seen. Aya herself, once she was alone and didn't need to put up appearances, a dangerous cold blooded spymaster that was second to none.
As long as Kanako could figure out how to make one of her schemes as beneficial to the Tengu as it was to the Moriya, the Aya's services were as good as hers.
Forcefully marrying Kaguya to Tenma was one such plot, as both the influence of the Tengu and her own religion would spread.
It helped that the old coot did find the princess rather attractive.
"Once the package gets to Shameimaru, it's as good as ours."
"But what if it's intercepted before then?" The Tengu pointed out, "There is a small window where that Earth Bunny will be looking to give the package to our agent, and she's so dumb that the only instructions she's been able to remember are 'someone not from Eintei'. What if it's intercepted?"
For a moment, Kanako did feel the small strands of doubt nag in the back of her head.
She had identified this point as a weak link in her planning days ago. The loyalty of every other Earth Rabbit was rock-solid, aside from this one fool every single one of them was beholden to Tewi. Finding an alternative had been impossible: this was the one point in the plan where it could all come tumbling down.
But that was why Aya had personally taken up that aspect of the mission. The ancient tengu had given her word to both Kanako and Tenma that that the handover would happen exactly as planned. The word of a thousand year old crow tengu was not one to be taken lightly.
"Don't worry, Inubashiri," Kanako assured her underling, "With Shameimaru on the case, there is no chance that we can possibly fail."
The only way to intercept the package, that person would have to have foreknowledge of the plan and the skill to successfully outsmart the greatest spymaster in all of Gensokyo.
Nobody was that good.
-=-
Meiling sneezed.
"Bless you." Remilia said offhandedly from her throne, too busy reading to do anything else.
"Thank you, ojou-sama." Meiling bowed shyly as she remained at attention before her lady.
"So you tell me that you want an off day to take part in this… improve theatre event?" Remilia mused as she paged through the brochure Meiling had given her carefully.
"Yes ojou-sama. I would be very grateful if you would let me attend this event."
"You do know that I do provide you with vacation days right?" Remilia shook her head tiredly, "You don't need to come to me every time you want to take a day off. Just be sure to delegate the job to someone else beforehand, and I'm fine with it. It's not as if vampire hunters are trying to kick down my front door anymore."
Contrary to popular belief in the village, Remilia Scarlet was not a heartless vampire who treated her underlings poorly. She was in fact the very model of a good, caring employer who even went as far as to treat everyone in her household as a member of her own family. Nor was she a power-hungry megalomaniac out to conquer Gensokyo and unleash an eternal darkness. She was in fact, a retired ex-power-hungry megalomaniac who just wanted to live out the rest of her un-life in peace with her family. Nor was she an arrogant aristocrat who was too aloof to mingle with everyone else in Gensokyo. Remilia did have friends and was a regular guest at the Hakurei Shrine…
Really, there were a lot of misconceptions of Remilia Scarlet.
Remilia, while by no means a saint, was also not as horrible as the Gensokyo grapevine would suggest. She didn't have underground rooms full of devious plots to conquer the land. She didn't work Sakuya and fairy maids to the bone out of her own amusement. She knew the horrible rumours of her gate guard's incompetence were just that.
Most importantly, as a respectable employer who valued her wellbeing and welfare of her house servants, Remilia did give every single one of her servants off days.
Of course, despite this, Meiling Hong always came directly to Remilia to ask her permission to take a day off, something that Remilia found to be bothersome since was a waste of time… even if she was happy that Meiling was so loyal that she always sought permission first.
"I thought it would be prudent to let you in advance," Meiling admitted, "The gate isn't as well guarded without me there, and even if there isn't any real danger in Gensokyo, we do get occasional intruders. I thought it would be prudent to give you forewarning since intruders other than Marisa could get in."
Despite the widely held myth that the gate of the Scarlet Devil Mansion was about as impenetrable as a paper wall due to its 'lazy, inattentive and ineffective' gate guard, Meiling actually was quite good at her job of keeping out the riff raff like random fairies and mischievous youkai.
It was only beings of immense power, like Marisa Kirisame, who could consistently get past Meiling. For all of Meiling's eccentricities, and her propensity for afternoon naps, Remilia was well aware her gate guard was actually very good at her job.
"Consider me forewarned," Remilia said with a nod, "Very well, your leave is approved."
"Thank you, ojou-sama!"
"…Although, I may say that do find this event quite interesting," Remilia mused as she turned the brochure over in her hands, "I've seen a lot in my long life, and I don't think I've ever seen an idea this novel in a very long time."
Indeed, being a person of refined taste, Remilia loved theatre and performance. She had grown up watching theatrical productions and had many fond memories about it. To see the concept take on an entirely new form was heartening to the vampire, and she was eager to see how Myoren Temple had managed to organise such an elaborate roleplay.
"You must let me know how this goes," Remilia said, interest in her eyes, "If it's really worthwhile, I may try it out myself sometime."
"I'll be sure to let you know, ojou-sama." Meiling nodded.
"And Meiling, just one thing."
"Yes?"
"I know you're probably already planning on doing this, but remember you're a member of the Scarlet Devil Mansion household," Remilia grinned, the well neglected mischievous aspect of her personality appearing for once. "I'm rather tired of people underestimating my gate-keeper and bodyguard. Even if it's only for one night and make believe, please do impress upon those 'actors' the true might and power of the Scarlet household, will you? An agent of my house should be a force to be reckoned with, and I will not settle for anything less."
"I will remember to see it done!" Meiling beamed, "I will do this in your name, ojou-sama!"
-=-
With Remilia's go ahead, Meiling quickly let Reisen finalise the details for her big night out.
Unfortunately, as the popular weekend sessions had been booked out, Meiling's turn would be held on a Monday night, hence the need for permission. However, with Remilia's permission, this wasn't a problem for her anymore.
The event would begin after the sun had set, and would go on until the following morning. The scenario, as agreed before between the two friends, would be the theft of the 'Stolen Treasures of The Lunar Princess'.
To say Meiling was ecstatic would be an understatement.
Already, Meiling was thinking up cool lines and poses she could employ on the day itself to milk this rare experience for all it was worth. Her mind was rife with the fantasies of acting out her wildest dreams of being a powerful agent of her Lady Scarlet, walking Gensokyo to right injustice like the wuxia stories of old that had captured Meiling's imagination since her earliest memories.
It wasn't widely known among Gensokyo's population, but Meiling had always idolized the concept of the wandering wuxia hero. The Chinese equivalent of the knight errant in chivalric romance, these passionate heroes of fiction were chivalric allies of justice who walked the earth righting wrongs and fighting evil wherever it took root.
This ideal was in stark contrast to the boring tedium of Meiling's real job as a gatekeeper, who never went anywhere and was forced to remain at her post day in and day out. Instead of taking the fight to evil, Meiling was stuck watching the grass grow and trying to keep the occasional miscreant out of the mansion. It wasn't the same thing.
But for one night, it would be different. For one night, she would be Meiling Hong… elite agent of Remilia Scarlet, defender of justice and all round unrivalled martial arts badass. She could finally act out the role an invincible martial artist like she'd always wanted to.
It gave her weird tingly feeling just thinking about it!
And so the days passed, as Meiling continued to dutifully fulfil her normal mundane job by daylight and dreaming about the upcoming fantasy made reality by night. The wait was almost agonizing, so much so Meiling could have sword that Sakuya's time-stop ability was slowing her down, but before she knew it, the night she had been anticipating and dreaming of for so long was finally upon her…
-=-
"Oh, I am so excited!" Meiling said happily as she and Reisen walked down the stone path through the bamboo forest to the appointed meeting place. "I've been waiting for this! I'm getting pumped just thinking about it!"
"So you've been telling me all evening." Reisen grinned.
Both girls had taken time off their respective jobs that night, with Meiling aiming to take part in the event and Reisen to see her friend to the start point and celebrate a bit. The pair had eaten dinner together at Mystia's joint, talking animatedly and having fun in general.
"Man, I didn't know Mystia took part in one event herself!" Meiling recalled with a warm smile.
"Yeah. 'The refugee from Egypt' is a very popular one among the youkai," Reisen explained, "Most of the people who fall though the border are humans, so I heard Byakuren Hijiri herself came up with the idea of having one scenario that flipped the situation around."
The night sparrow had overheard their conversation and, having also had an adventure herself, had quickly joined in their conversation to compare notes.
The night sparrow had recounted a fun adventure where she ended up protecting an innocent Egyptian youkai, called a 'mummy', who had fallen into Gensokyo from the outside world and finding her a sponsor (which was naturally Byakuren).
While it hadn't been the same adventure as the one Meiling had been about to go on, the sheer enthusiasm Mystia had about her own adventure made Meiling all the more certain that this night would be definitely one to remember.
Eventually the pair reached a red painted wooden sign next to the stone path with read 'Myorenji event, Start point' in bold letters.
"This is the starting point." Reisen announced.
"Wow, this sign really does stand out. I'm surprised that the rabbits haven't done anything with it." Meiling noted, remembering that Tewi liked playing pranks on people.
"This scenario was the idea of the Earth Rabbits. Some kid that recently managed to get a body came up with it," Reisen explained, "Tewi may be many things, but she loves all those rabbits like her own family and it's their idea. Besides, even Tewi has enough sense avoid getting on Byakuren's bad said. Touching this sign is a no-no."
"I guess so."
"Well, I'd better be going," Reisen said, "don't want to hang around here and accidentally be mistaken for the client. Besides, master wants me back to help her, urgh, help her with an experiment tomorrow, so I'd better get a good night's sleep while I still can."
"Wow, she really works you to the bone huh?"
"That's master for you."
Them much to Reisen's surprise, Meiling turned to her and bowed, "Thank you very much for recommending this to me! I am very grateful to you!"
"This is kinda premature… and over the top isn't it?" Reisen rubbed the back of her head bashfully at the earnest gratitude Meiling was showing.
"Not at all! You took the time to come and introduce me to this improv and even took the time to come and see me out here when you are so busy. You're a good friend, Reisen." Meiling's innocent, honest smile was one of the cutest things Reisen had even seen, so much so the lunar rabbit had to avert her head slightly to avoid taking a lethal dose of cuteness in the face.
The gatekeeper really did wear her heart on her sleeve. How on earth did such a gentle soul become the (formerly) fearsome gatekeeper to the Scarlet Devil Mansion anyway?
"I'm, very happy to hear that, Meiling. You have fun, okay?" Reisen replied as she turned to leave.
"I will!" Meiling declared, "Thank you so much Reisen!"
-=-
Meiling was still a little early, so she had to wait a while before the event started. During that time she mentally ran through the checklist of everything she needed to properly play the character she wanted to play.
"Right, I am a fearsome master martial artist," Meiling recited quietly under her breadth, "I am a loyal and brave agent from the Scarlet Devil Mansion here to fight evil with kung fu. I must always remember that I am a representative of Milady Remilia Scarlet and will fight evil in her name."
Yes, that was who she was now. Not Hong Meiling, humble gatekeeper of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, but Hong Meiling, undefeatable warrior and the trusted agent on behalf of her lady, just like a wuxia story or something out of chivalric romance.
"Uh, hello!"
Meiling gave a start at the unexpected words that broke her musing. She had been so engrossed and lost in her thoughts she had not noticed the small Earth Bunny girl carrying a small locked box that had snuck up in front of her. "Um, are you the agent I'm supposed to meet?"
It took mere moments for Meiling to realize who the girl was. Quickly putting on her best smile Meiling crouched down to look at the sky little thing at eye level. This little kid was so cute!
"Why yes, I do believe I am, little girl. Are you the girl who's here about the Princesses' Jewels?" Meiling asked happily.
"Yes!" The girl, seemingly satisfied she'd found the right person, smiled in return and handed the box over to Meiling. "This box contains the treasures of the princess. Take it to the… 'village place' please. Heard people saying go right to shrine place might not be so good, so village place first might be good idea."
"The village?" Meiling tilted her head questioningly even as she accepted the box from the small Earth Bunny. Ah, she must mean the human village.
She had expected a bit more build up though. Maybe the scenario was supposed to start there?
"So where in the village am I supposed to take it?"
The girl seemed to think for a moment, as though confused, before her face lit up with the answer. "Bar place. Bird person find you."
"Ah, I see." Meiling nodded.
So she was to go there with the box and wait for instructions from a 'bird person'. While that didn't narrow it down, Meiling did remember Reisen saying that the actors would seek her out and take care of most of the work. All she had to go there first.
"Okay then! I'll be heading off!" Meiling said as she ruffled the kid's hair, "Thanks for the help, kid."
"Thank you, Miss. Please hurry. Bird person not very patient." The rabbit bowed.
What a cute kid indeed!
So with the box underarm and whistling a happy tune Meiling set off for the human village, completely unaware of what had truly just transpired under her nose…
-=-
"Ah, I sure hope Meiling has fun." The lunar rabbit mused she walked through the familiar gates to the compound… Right into what was clearly bedlam. "What?"
All around her, rabbits were running about in a state of panic, upturning everything in a clear frenzy. Eirin could be audibly hear barking hurried orders to underlings from somewhere further in the compound. Clearly something had happened while Reisen was out!
"What the hell happened?!" Reisen swore. She quickly seized a passing rabbit by the shoulder.
"Miss Udonge!" the rabbit exclaimed
"You! What the hell happened here? What's going on?" Reisen demanded, "Tell me!"
"The princesses' treasures are missing!"
Reisen's blood ran cold.
-=-
A/N - As before, this one is just something I've thrown up for backup purposes. Think of it as an 'omake' as you will that I'll work on once in a while.
