Gensokyo - The Scarlet Devil Mansion Outside Entrance
In front of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Hong Meiling stood with trembling hands, struggling to bear the weight of the immense energy sphere floating above her. Its sheer magnitude resembled a mountain, casting a terrifying shadow over the nearby lake. The pulsating power flowed through her fingertips, filling her with awe. It was a power she had been entrusted with for some reason by a deranged male intruder, but she knew she couldn't handle it alone.
She initially attempted to employ the Preta Path of her Rinnegan to absorb the energy. However, despite her relentless efforts for over half an hour, she could only absorb a mere 15% of its immense power. Any further absorption would risk her Ki pathways bursting, leading to a loss of control over the sphere. She had no doubt that it could easily obliterate Gensokyo if not the entire planet with it.
Overwhelmed and disappointed, Meiling made the difficult choice to deactivate her Rinnegan. Stepping back, she allowed the colossal energy sphere to hover ominously above her hands, crackling and pulsating with an otherworldly intensity. She realized her own abilities were insufficient to handle such an overwhelming force of Ki, and she desperately needed assistance.
"My young lady!" Meiling's voice carried a blend of urgency and desperation as she called out to the younger vampire nearby. "Please, I need your help! I cannot handle this energy alone."
"..."
To her dismay, Flandre seemed lost in her own world of sorrow. The young vampire sat pitifully by the mansion's gate, tears streaming down her face. Meiling's heart ached at the sight of Flandre's anguish, but she couldn't let her own despair consume her.
With a trembling voice filled with distress, Meiling called out to Flandre. "My young lady! I understand you are going through a difficult time, but right now, we must set aside our troubles and work together. This energy sphere threatens the entire world, and if we don't act swiftly, everything we hold dear could be destroyed!"
Fortunately, those last words caught Flandre's attention, and she slowly lifted her head to look at Meiling.
"I... I'm sorry," Flandre stammered through her sobs. "I didn't mean to ignore you. I just... I couldn't find him. I couldn't find Killua."
Meiling's heart sank upon hearing Flandre's words. She had hoped that Flandre would assist her in this dire situation, but it seemed that Flandre's fear and sorrow over Killua's disappearance had consumed her. Meiling understood the depth of Flandre's attachment to that terrifying man and the fear his absence instilled in her.
"I know how much K-Killua means to you, Flandre," Meiling spoke hesitantly, her voice filled with empathy and sudden fear. "But right now, we need to focus on this energy sphere! It poses a grave threat, not just to Gensokyo, but to the entire world! We cannot let our fear and sadness consume us."
Flandre sniffled, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "But... I don't know if I can help, Meiling. I feel so powerless without Killua. I want Killua…"
Meiling bit her lip in frustration and continued to persuade her, "My young lady, you may not realize it, but you possess incredible strength within you. With your power, we can overcome this challenge. You just need to believe in yourself."
Flandre looked up at Meiling, her eyes reflecting deep despair. "Alright… I'll try…"
Meiling nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. Now, let's face this together. We'll combine our strengths—"
"..."
Ignoring Meiling's continued attempts to lift her spirits, Flandre slowly rose like a lifeless corpse and dragged herself towards Meiling. Once she stood beside her and looked up, the young vampire frowned, shielding her lifeless eyes from the brightness.
"Ouch… Too bright…"
"My young lady, are you alright?"
"Annoying!"
Finally, with a surge of determination, Flandre opened her eyes, her crimson gaze fixed on the energy sphere. She extended her small hand, and with an incredible display of power, she clenched her fist, aiming it towards the sphere.
A shockwave rippled through the air as Flandre's powers connected with the energy sphere. The immense power crackled and struggled against her grip. But Flandre's determination held firm. With a cold glare, she exerted her strength, pouring every ounce of her willpower into erasing the irritating glowing thing.
The sphere of doom trembled, rapidly diminishing in size as Flandre's grip tightened. The crackling energy began to dissipate, fading away like smoke in the wind. Meiling watched in awe as Flandre's power consumed the sphere, erasing it from existence.
As the last traces of the energy sphere vanished, Meiling and Flandre stood in a moment of silence. The threat had been neutralized, and Gensokyo was safe once again.
Meiling turned to Flandre, her eyes filled with admiration. "You truly did it, my young lady! Your powers are incredible! Thank you for believing in yourself and for saving us all!"
"..."
Flandre remained silent, her gaze fixed on the now empty space where the energy sphere had once been. The weight of her actions, the immense power she had just wielded, left her feeling hollow. Despite her success in neutralizing the threat, she couldn't shake off the sadness that had engulfed her.
Meiling approached Flandre cautiously, sensing the young vampire's lingering sorrow. She placed a gentle hand on Flandre's shoulder, offering her support. "You did something amazing, Flandre. You saved us all. But I can see that you're still sad. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Flandre's shoulders slumped, and she let out a long, weary sigh. "I don't know... I just... I miss Killua so much. I thought he would always be there for me, and now he's gone. I feel so alone."
Meiling's heart ached for Flandre. She understood the depth of her attachment to that man and how his absence had left a void in her life. "I can't replace K-Killua, Flandre. But I can be here for you, as a friend. You're not alone. We'll get through this together."
Flandre suddenly looked up at Meiling, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and irritation. "You are not Killua."
Flandre's words pierced through Meiling's attempt to console her, and a flicker of anger crossed her face. She took a step back, her hand slipping off Flandre's shoulder. It was clear that Flandre's grief had transformed into frustration, directed not only at her situation but at Meiling's futile efforts as well.
"I never claimed to be Killua, my young lady," Meiling responded, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. "I understand that you're hurting, and I can't replace him. But I'm here, offering my support and friendship. I'm not going anywhere, even if you push me away."
Flandre's slitted crimson eyes narrowed, her anger evident as she clenched her little fists. "I don't need your pity! I don't need anyone! I just want Killua back! Why can't you understand that?!"
Meiling's expression softened, her voice filled with compassion. "Flandre, I know you're in pain, but pushing away those who care about you as you do now since that day won't make the pain go away. You don't have to face this alone. We can help each other heal."
Flandre's anger wavered for a moment, replaced by a mix of confusion and vulnerability. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "But... what if he never comes back? What if I'm left alone forever?"
Meiling took a step closer, her voice gentle yet firm. "We can't predict the future, my young lady, and it's natural to feel scared and uncertain. But you're stronger than you realize. You faced that horrifying Ki energy sphere head-on and saved us all. You surely have the power to overcome this too."
Flandre's anger faltered, and tears welled up in her eyes once again. "I don't know if I can..."
Meiling reached out and embraced Flandre, offering her a comforting hug. "You don't have to know right now. Take your time, grieve, and lean on those who care about you. We'll figure it out together, step by step—Ah."
Flandre's body tensed as Meiling embraced her, and she pushed Meiling away, breaking free from her grip. The young vampire's eyes burned with a mix of frustration and sorrow as she took a step back, creating distance between them.
"I said I don't need your help!" Flandre's voice cracked with emotion, her words laced with defiance. "You don't understand what it's like to lose someone you love. You don't know the pain that gnaws at my heart every single day!"
Meiling's expression softened, her own eyes welling up with sympathy. She understood that Flandre's grief ran deep and that her attempts to offer solace were not being received as she had hoped. Meiling took a deep breath and spoke with a calm sincerity.
"You're right, my young lady. I may not fully understand the pain you're currently experiencing, but I can see how much it's hurting you. My lady Remilia and even Sakuya, we all want to help you. We can see your struggle, and we all want to be here for you, even if it means giving you the space you need."
Flandre's shoulders shook with a mix of anger and sorrow. She turned away from Meiling, facing the mansion's grand entrance, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want space. I just want Killua back."
Meiling stepped forward, her voice gentle but determined. "I can't bring Killua back, Flandre, but I can be here for you. I can listen, support you, and help you find a way to move forward. You're not alone in this, even if it feels that way."
Flandre's body trembled, her emotions overwhelming her. She turned back to face Meiling, tears streaming down her face. "I... I don't know if I can trust anyone anymore. Killua promised he would never leave me, but he's gone. Everyone deceives me! You! Onne-sama! Sakuya! All of you... you're nothing but liars!"
Meiling's heart ached for Flandre's pain, and she approached slowly, giving Flandre space but remaining nearby. "It's understandable that you feel that way, Flandre. Losing someone we love can make us question everything. But there are people who care about you, who want to support you. Don't let the fear of being hurt again keep you from finding solace."
Flandre's gaze met Meiling's, her tear-streaked face a mix of vulnerability and defiance. "Why should I believe you? Why should I trust anyone again?"
Meiling's voice held an unwavering conviction as she responded, "Because shutting out everyone won't make the pain go away. It will only isolate you further. Trust is a risk we all take in our relationships, and sometimes it leads to hurt, but it also opens the door to love, connection, and healing. We are here, Flandre, whenever you're ready to take that risk."
Flandre's defiant façade wavered, and she looked down, her voice barely audible. "I... I don't know if I can let go of the pain."
Meiling reached out and gently took Flandre's hand, her touch offering warmth and reassurance. "You don't have to let go of the pain all at once, Flandre. Healing takes time. But by allowing others to support you, you can find strength in their presence. Together, we can face the pain and slowly start to mend the broken pieces."
But Flandre was overwhelmed with emotions and shook her head, tears streaming down her face. She jerked her hand away from Meiling's grasp, unable to bear the well-intentioned touch in her fragile state. "No! I can't... I can't let anyone in," she cried, her voice choked with anguish.
Meiling's expression softened, understanding the depth of Flandre's pain. She respected her boundaries and took a step back, giving her the space she needed. "I understand, Flandre. It's okay to take your time. Just remember, we're here for you whenever you're… ready…"
Meiling stopped talking when she saw that Flandre has already left. She sighed tiredly and was about to sit on the ground before she suddenly remembered 'something' very important.
"Wait, t-that intruder… Isn't he inside—?!"
Gensokyo - The Scarlet Devil Corridors
Flandre's sobs echoed through the mansion's empty halls as she ran aimlessly, seeking solace within the familiar surroundings. Her heart felt heavy, burdened by the weight of her past and the isolation she had imposed upon herself. She couldn't bear the thought of burdening others with her pain or risking their rejection.
As Flandre wandered through the dimly lit corridors, her steps became slower, her breathing steadier. A faint glimmer of curiosity replaced her anguish, drawing her towards a distant room where a soft light emanated from beneath the door. Tentatively, she pushed it open.
Inside, she discovered a cozy study bathed in the warm glow of a crackling fireplace. Books lined the walls, and comfortable armchairs invited relaxation. A figure sat by the fire, engrossed in reading. It was Patchouli Knowledge, the resident librarian and one of the few people Flandre had never felt betrayed by—despite being the most fearsome.
Patchouli looked up from her book, her purple eyes blinked as she noticed Flandre's tear-stained face. Without a word, she gestured towards the vacant armchair beside her, inviting Flandre to join her. The young vampire hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should do that. But something about Patchouli's calm demeanor reassured her.
Flandre slowly made her way to the armchair and sank into its comforting embrace. The fire crackled softly, casting dancing shadows upon the walls. Patchouli closed her book and turned to Flandre, her voice gentle yet firm.
"You don't have to face your pain alone, Flandre. We all have our burdens to bear, but there is strength in unity. The Scarlet Devil Mansion is not just a home for you; it's a sanctuary for those who understand and accept you. We want to help you heal, but we will respect your boundaries. When you're ready, we'll be here..."
"?"
Flandre's attention had drifted from Patchouli's words, captivated by a girl sitting on the other side of the table, casually munching on cookies. Curiosity ignited within her as she pointed towards the girl, interrupting Patchouli's heartfelt speech.
"Who is she?" Flandre asked, her voice laced with a mix of intrigue and surprise.
Patchouli followed Flandre's gaze and smiled. "Ah, that's Ophis. She's an old friend of mine from the Outside World," she explained. "Don't let her innocent appearance fool you. Ophis holds immense power, but she's also one of the gentlest beings I've ever known."
Flandre's eyes widened as she observed Ophis, taking in her cute demeanor and long black hair cascading down her back. The girl's distinctively pointed ears piqued her interest, though they were obscured by her flowing locks. Flandre couldn't help but notice the reptilian slitted pupils in Ophis' dark grey eyes, adding a touch of intrigue to her enchanting gaze.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Flandre forgot her sorrows for a moment and mustered the courage to approach Ophis. With hesitant steps, she made her way around the table until she stood before the young girl. Ophis looked up, her emotionless eyes meeting Flandre's.
"Um, hello," Flandre greeted shyly, her uneasiness tinged with fascination. "I'm Flandre. It's nice to meet you."
Ophis simply munched on her cookie, looking silently at Flandre without answering.
Flandre's heart skipped a beat as she awaited Ophis' response. The silence between them grew, and Flandre began to feel a pang of self-consciousness. She glanced back at Patchouli, who gave her an encouraging nod. Emboldened by the gesture, Flandre persisted.
"I... I've heard from Patchouli," Flandre continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you... Are you really powerful?"
Ophis regarded Flandre with a neutral expression, her gaze penetrating yet unreadable. Slowly, she finished her cookie and delicately wiped her hands. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft and devoid of emotion.
"Yes. I. Possess immense power," Ophis replied, her simple words somehow carrying an air of otherworldly wisdom. "But. Power alone does not define me. I seek silence and peace. Like. Anyone else."
Flandre nodded, absorbing Ophis' strange words and sensing the sincerity behind them. It was as if Ophis understood the weight of Flandre's own power and the struggles that came with it. It was a connection that Flandre had always longed for—a connection that transcended fear and isolation. Just like how it was with Killua.
"Can... Can we be friends?" Flandre asked tentatively, a glimmer of hope rekindling within her.
Flandre's hopeful plea hung in the air, her vulnerability laid bare before Ophis. As Ophis met Flandre's gaze, her emotionless eyes bore into her, searching for something beyond the surface. The room grew still, tension building with each passing second. Then, Ophis delivered her response with an icy detachment that sent a shiver down Flandre's spine.
"No," Ophis replied, her voice devoid of warmth or compassion.
Flandre's heart sank, her glimmer of hope extinguished in an instant. She felt a rush of emotions—rejection, disappointment, and a pang of hurt. She struggled to find the right words, her voice barely a whisper.
"Oh... I... I understand," Flandre managed to say, her hollow and dry voice quivering with a mix of sadness and resignation.
Patchouli, observing the awkward interaction, stepped forward, her expression a blend of concern and understanding. She placed a comforting hand on Flandre's small shoulder, offering solace in the face of rejection.
"Flandre, it's okay," Patchouli reassured her. "Not everyone is ready for friendship, and that's something we must respect. Ophis has her reasons, and perhaps one day, she may change her mind."
As Patchouli spoke her words of understanding in her usual monotone voice, It unintentionally sounded like a cruel tasteless lie. Flandre's fragile heart shattered further, her spirit weighed down by the weight of her perceived loneliness and the harsh reality around her. The room seemed to grow colder as her now lifeless eyes fixated on the floor, lost in a sea of extreme self-doubt and despair.
With a broken voice shattered by pain, Flandre's words quivered in the air, barely reaching Patchouli's ears. The weight of her despair was palpable as she whispered in a voice tainted with resignation, "No... I know... no one wants to be with me... I'll just stay in the basement like you all want, that way everyone will be happy."
Patchouli's heart sank a bit as Flandre's words echoed in the room, the depth of her anguish piercing through the air like a dagger. She awkwardly reached out to Flandre, her voice filled with genuine concern, but her efforts felt futile against the overwhelming sense of desolation that enveloped the young vampire.
"Flandre, don't ever say that. You know that's not what we actually want," Patchouli said, her characteristic monotone voice trembling slightly with emotion.
But Flandre seemed lost in her own world of despair. Her eyes now mirrored a profound emptiness. Slowly, she turned away from Patchouli and started to retreat, her steps heavy with sorrow.
"I understand," Flandre murmured, her voice barely audible. "I don't belong here… I know… I don't belong anywhere… I... I'm sorry..."
As Flandre slowly made her way towards the door, her shoulders slumped pitifully in anguish, a random fairy maid entered the room, carrying a tray with a glass of water. Unbeknownst to the two, neither Flandre nor the maid noticed a rug slightly protruding on the polished floor. Unfortunately, fate took a cruel turn as the maid's foot got entangled in the rug's edge, causing her to lose her balance.
The tray slipped from her grasp, and the glass of water cascaded through the air, its icy cold contents splashing onto Flandre's already tear-stained face and drenching her dress. Time seemed to slow down as droplets mingled with her sorrow, amplifying her despair.
The sudden accident shattered the fragile composure Flandre had managed to maintain, pushing her over the edge. The weight of rejection, isolation, and now the humiliation of the situation became too much for her to bear. A sob escaped her lips, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
Unable to hold back any longer, Flandre collapsed to her knees, her body wracked with sobs of anguish. Her shoulders shook with the intensity of her emotions, her cries echoing through the study, punctuating the silence that had enveloped the room.
Patchouli quickly rushed to Flandre's side, her eyes brimming with concern. She knelt down, enveloping Flandre in a gentle embrace, offering solace in the midst of her devastation. The fairy maid, overcome with guilt, also rushed to help, apologizing profusely and trying to offer comfort in her own fluttering way.
In that moment, the room was filled with a mixture of sorrow, regret, and an unspoken understanding. Patchouli held Flandre tight, awkwardly whispering words of comfort and reassurance in her unhelpful monotone voice, while the fairy maid dabbed at Flandre's wet cheeks with a handkerchief, her eyes reflecting genuine remorse.
"..."
Meanwhile, Ophis remained unfazed by the commotion around her, her gaze fixed solemnly upon the plate before her. Engrossed in deep thought, she pondered over the selection of cookies, carefully considering which one to savor next.
"Excuse me, miss," Just as Ophis was about to reach out to pick a cookie, a woman's voice sounded beside her, breaking the silence. The voice carried a tone of authority and familiarity that caught Ophis's attention. She turned her head slowly to find a woman standing next to her, exuding an aura of power and confidence.
She has dark blue eyes and hair, and a white tail with a black tuft of fur at the tip. Her outfit consists of a black and white dress, which is covered in black and white orbs of various sizes. She wears a red nightcap and white socks. She also carries a blue book with the letter D printed on the cover in her left hand and some blob of pink material in her right hand.
The woman's presence did not seem to perturb Ophis, who regarded her with her piercing black eyes. Ophis was well aware of the existence of powerful beings, having encountered numerous formidable entities in her infinite existence. And according to her instincts, this woman can easily rank at the top of that list.
The woman's expression softened as she met Ophis's gaze, an enigmatic smile playing on her lips. "Greetings, Dragon God of Infinity," she said, her voice calm and commanding. "I see you are pondering over these cookies. May I share a piece of wisdom with you?"
Ophis remained silent, her expression unchanged, but her interest sparked within her. She inclined her head slightly, giving the woman permission to continue.
The woman's smile widened as she took a step closer. "These cookies, though seemingly ordinary, hold a unique power," she explained. "Each one represents a fragment of emotion, encapsulating the feelings of those who have savored them. They are a glimpse into the vast tapestry of human experiences."
Ophis's eyes gleamed with newfound understanding. Although she herself was devoid of emotions, she was keenly aware of their existence and their impact on the world around her. The idea that something as simple as a cookie could capture and convey such profound aspects fascinated her.
"Would you like to explore these fragments of emotion, Dragon God?" the woman asked mysteriously, extending her hand toward the plate of cookies.
Ophis's gaze shifted from the woman's outstretched hand to the cookies before her. While she couldn't experience emotions herself, the prospect of studying and understanding the complex nature of human feelings intrigued her. With a subtle nod, Ophis signaled her agreement.
The woman's hand delicately selected a cookie, and as she brought it closer to her lips, a vibrant array of emotions seemed to ripple through her being. Her eyes reflected joy, sorrow, love, and longing, all merging into a kaleidoscope of human experiences.
Ophis observed the woman's uncanny and rapidly shifting facial expressions intently, her analytical mind processing the interplay of emotions with detached fascination. It was as if she were studying an intricate puzzle, finally piecing together the complexities of the human psyche that has eluded her for so long.
After savoring the cookie, the woman turned to look at the crying Flandre and the others who somehow still didn't notice her presence, "This particular cookie," she began, her voice filled with a hint of nostalgia, "contains the essence of unrequited love. It's a bittersweet flavor that lingers on the tongue, a reminder of the depth of human longing and the complexities of the heart."
Ophis acknowledged the woman's words with a nod, intrigued by the depth of emotions she described. She reached out and selected a cookie of her own, analyzing its form and texture before taking a calculated bite. The taste was mere data to her, devoid of any personal sentiment, but now she could perceive the echoes of the emotion contained within.
As Ophis savored the cookie, her mind delved into the intricate web of human experiences associated with it. She recalled the rise and fall of relationships in her memory that she had witnessed in the past throughout her eternal life, the yearning for connection, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartbreak. Doing so, her previous simple definition of a mating partner branched out into many different paths like a friend, a lover, and a husband.
When she finished, Ophis's expression remained unchanged, her gaze fixed upon the woman. She acknowledged the profound nature of the emotions contained within the cookies, even if she could not truly experience them herself.
The woman's eyes met Ophis's, and she nodded appreciatively. "Emotions are a vast and powerful force," she said. "And through these cookies, you can gain insight into the intricacies of the human condition. They are a lens through which we can understand and empathize with one another."
Ophis absorbed the woman's words, processing the newfound understanding within her boundless knowledge. While she herself may remain detached from emotions, she recognized the significance of studying them, for emotions shaped the world in which she existed.
With a nod of acknowledgment, Ophis returned her attention to the plate of cookies, ready to delve deeper into the vast tapestry of human experiences that they held. But she stopped herself when she realized that she still didn't know who that woman was.
"..."
Ophis's eyes darted around the empty space beside her, searching for any trace of the woman who had just offered her valuable wisdom. But to her surprise, the woman had vanished without a trace, leaving no physical presence behind.
Confused by the sudden disappearance, Ophis instinctively turned her attention back to the plate of cookies. It was then that her dragonic sharp gaze caught something unusual—a name written delicately on one of the cookies. The name read "Doremy Sweet, Ruler of Dreams."
Name: Doremy Sweet
Age: Unknown
Height: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
Gender: Female
Origin: Touhou Project
Classification: Baku, Youkai, Ruler of Dream World
Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Baku Physiology, Flight, Magic, Danmaku, Regeneration, Immortality, Incorporeality, Non-Physical Interaction (Can harm spirits and ghosts with her attacks), Homing Attack, Teleportation, Portal Creation, Matter Manipulation, BFR (Can banish people into the Dream World and trap them within dreams), Life Manipulation, Power Mimicry and Summoning (Can summon the Dream World's counterpart of a character which has the same abilities and skills albeit with amplified feelings), Space-Time Manipulation, Sleep Manipulation, Shapeshifting, Forcefield Creation (Can create a forcefield to block incoming attacks), Reality Warping, Dream Manipulation (Can create and control dreams as she is the ruler of the Dream World), Existence Erasure (Can eat and erase dreams), Soul/Mind/Empathic/Law and Physics Manipulation, Lunar Empowerment, Creation, Duplication, Past Manipulation, Invisibility, Resistance to Mind Manipulation and Insanity Inducement
Attack Potency: Multiverse+ Level (Is the ruler of the Dream World, who controls all reality and all inhabitants of Gensokyo have a Dream World counterpart which are logically below Doremy, including the likes of Yukari Yakumo)
Speed: Immeasurable
Lifting Strength: Unknown
Striking Strength: Multiversal+
Durability: Multiverse+ Level
Stamina: Limitless
Intelligence: Unknown, likely Above Average (As someone who manages the dream world, she has a wide knowledge of dreams and can observe anyone's dream inside the dream world. As such, she can also gain knowledge of a character through their dreams alone)
Weaknesses: None Notable.
