--
In the tranquil surroundings of the Hakurei Shrine in Alaya, the shrine maiden found herself in a state of leisure, reclining on the ground and indulging in snacks while observing the distant swamps and their croaking inhabitants.
Unexpectedly, the serenity was broken as the back door swung open, revealing a familiar figure—Marisa Kirisame, the blonde girl who had previously challenged her to a duel.
Reimu's curiosity was evident as she spoke, her voice laced with intrigue. "First question, why? And the second question, how?"
Marisa's characteristic determination shone through her response. "I'm here to duel, and I followed you back here."
Perplexed by the notion of another duel, Reimu sought clarification. "Duel again?"
Without hesitation, Marisa affirmed her intent. "Yes!"
In a surprising turn of events, Reimu extended her hand toward Marisa. "Grab my hand."
Bemused yet compliant, Marisa reached out and took Reimu's hand. In an instant, the world around them shifted and transformed, teleporting them to the sandy expanse of the sand continent, where their destined duel was about to unfold.
Marisa's curiosity surfaced once again as she inquired, "You know teleportation?"
Reimu's response was casual yet honest. "Nope, but I can teleport to different shrines."
Marisa's skepticism was evident as she surveyed their surroundings. "There's no shrine here though."
Reimu's gesture drew Marisa's attention, leading her gaze toward an unexpected sight—a modest offering box and a makeshift shelter that protected it.
Marisa's incredulous reaction was met with Reimu's matter-of-fact explanation. "That may not fit the traditional definition, but I consider it a shrine."
Left momentarily speechless, Marisa could only muster a resigned statement. "Let's just fight!"
With determination in her eyes, Marisa summoned six shimmering blue orbs that orbited around her, forming an impressive display of magical prowess.
--
Marisa lay unconscious once more, a small bump forming on her head where she had taken a hit.
Meanwhile, the shrine maiden relaxed nearby, sipping on a refreshing coconut juice. Her trusty gohei leaned against the side of her chair, a testament to her combat-ready demeanor even in these tranquil moments.
--
Marisa's protest echoed through the air, her voice carrying a mixture of frustration and indignation.
"Why?" she exclaimed, her expression contorting into a pout.
The shrine maiden, reclining nearby and taking a casual sip from a coconut juice, raised an eyebrow in response. "Why not? It's the most efficient course of action."
Marisa's retort was swift, her tone laden with exasperation. "It's a magic battle, Reimu! We're supposed to use magic!"
With a resigned sigh, Reimu relented. "Fine, fine," she conceded, her patience showing.
"Don't act like I'm the unreasonable one here!" Marisa shot back, her arms crossed in a display of defiance.
In the end, their argument settled into a peaceful resolution, and they both enjoyed a well-deserved meal and refreshing coconut juice, the serene atmosphere of the sand continent enveloping them.
--
"Can we take a quest together?" Marisa's voice held a note of eagerness, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Reimu glanced at her with a faint smile. "I'm fine with it," she replied casually, her easygoing demeanor evident.
"Then let's go!" Marisa declared, her determination evident as she swiftly moved to grasp Reimu's hand.
The two of them took to the skies, their figures silhouetted against the horizon as they embarked on another adventure, bound by a newfound camaraderie and a shared goal.
--
Marisa confidently entered the bustling guild hall, her voice carrying a hint of excitement as she announced their new quest. "We got a quest—it's an alpha rock drake," she proclaimed, her eyes alight with determination. "Let's go now."
Outside the guild, Reimu stood calmly, her gaze fixed on the horizon. As Marisa emerged, the two of them shared a nod of understanding before taking to the skies once again.
--
Navigating the rugged terrain of the mountain base, Marisa took the lead, her eyes scanning their surroundings intently. "We should find some traces of the drake here," she whispered, urging Reimu to remain silent.
Reimu, however, gave her a bemused look, as if questioning the need for secrecy after hours of quiet exploration.
"Shh, quiet," Marisa persisted, her attention suddenly drawn to distant sounds.
The shrine maiden's expression remained unchanged, her silence speaking volumes about her thoughts on the matter.
As the two of them continued to observe, Marisa's deduction proved accurate—a confrontation was unfolding before them. A blue-haired girl wielded a sword against an Earth drake, her strikes proving futile against the formidable creature. A second figure, violet-haired and confident, taunted her companion as the battle continued.
"We should watch them for a little more," Marisa suggested, her curiosity piqued by the unfolding scene. Reimu simply nodded, her gaze fixed on the spectacle before them.
With the outcome settled, Selen's victorious tone held a note of triumph. "Now that you agree, you can't take it back," she declared, her amusement evident.
Elira's response came resignedly. "Fine..."
Selen proceeded to reveal the terms of their wager, one that involved a certain Millie. "I and Millie made a bet. If you won the fight, I'd get a favor from her. But if you lost or received help, she'd owe me a date with you."
Elira's eyes widened at the mention of the name. "Millie... you mean the..."
Selen confirmed her suspicions, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Yep, the witch of calamity, and the one who took your first time."
Elira blushed, attempting to downplay the situation. "Don't phrase it like that! It's just a kiss!"
The conversation took an unexpected turn as Elira expressed her discontent. "And also, why do you sell me?"
Selen brushed off the accusation, her confidence unwavering. "I'm not selling you. I have full faith in you, but you disappointed me."
Elira's retort was swift, her frustration evident. "If you're disappointed, then act like you're disappointed, and not doing your best to hold your laugh!"
Selen's laughter erupted, resembling the revving of an engine, a stark contrast to Elira's exasperation.
"Ah, so they're Selen Tatsuki and Elira Pendora," Marisa remarked, her understanding clear. "Sisters by bond."
"Let's go and find the rock drake so we can finish it early," Marisa suggested, eager to proceed with the quest.
As Marisa glanced at Reimu, she noticed the shrine maiden enjoying roasted corn. Reimu offered to share, saying, "You want some?"
Marisa hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Sure, why not."
--
"I saw the alpha drake... do you have a binding technique?" Marisa inquired.
Reimu nodded. Suddenly, two wall barriers appeared beside the drake, effectively sandwiching it and preventing its movement.
"Though I can't move because if I do something else, the binds will disappear," Reimu explained.
Marisa reassured her, "It's okay! Leave it to me."
The blonde Magician unleashed a barrage of yellow magic and missiles at the enemy until the drake was defeated.
"I guess it's a job well done for us," Reimu remarked.
Marisa nodded in agreement, thinking, "You are reliable... except you eat a lot."
"Let's go claim our reward," Reimu suggested.
With that, the duo took to the skies and headed towards the Adventurers guild.
--
"Here it is, 30 palladium," Marisa handed over the reward.
"The quest reward is 60 palladium, so we'll share half of it," she continued.
Reimu nodded gratefully, saying, "I see... thanks."
Marisa suggested, "The day is still young, we should explore around for a bit..."
Reimu hesitated before responding, "I want to go back to the shrine."
Marisa grinned, asserting, "It's not a question, it's a fact. I'm going to take you with me."
The Magician reached for the shrine maiden's hand, and they strolled through the streets together.
Marisa mused to herself, "She feels very similar to Kuro, but Kuro is already gone."
They wandered around the town, with Reimu mainly purchasing snacks while Marisa haggled for prices on antiques. As they chatted, the two of them enjoyed a peaceful and enjoyable time together.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape, Reimu remarked, "I guess it's my time to go home."
Marisa nodded in understanding, replying, "I see..."
Reimu turned to walk away, her figure gradually becoming smaller in the distance. With a smile, Marisa called out, "See you later, I guess..."
Her confident tone held a promise that they would indeed meet again.
--
As the day came to a close, Reimu sighed contentedly, "It's been a great day after all, and I need to sleep."
With that, the shrine maiden settled down, drifting into peaceful slumber once again.
--
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