Loading User Commands:
Youmu - [X] Deal with Vincent and the ghouls
Remilia/Grey - [X] Deal with Yuyuko and the evil spirits

---

Grey lands on the ground. He takes a moment to examine his things. The violin seems unharmed, so he carefully takes it out. He might not be strong enough to break the control spell on Yuyuko or Vincent, but he can definitely use his ability on the weaker minions. At the very least, this would lessen the number of enemies they need to face head-on.

"Hey you!" cries Remilia. "Keep those ghouls off me. I'll tear that man's throat off myself..."

"Eh? But we don't really need to -"

"He'll pay dearly for hurting Flandre!"

Suddenly, the half-ghost lands beside them. By the time he realizes it, her blade is already at his neck again.

"Don't," she whispers. "D-don't hurt either of them."

She slowly looks at them, her eyes slightly damp. She must be using all of her willpower to stay calm in this despairing situation.

"Stupid half-breed!" cries Remilia. "They aren't your friends anymore! Those two are nothing but puppets!"

The half-ghost bites her lip and turns away silently. Slowly, she lowers her weapon. Grey watches her for a few moments. Then, he sighs to himself. There is another way, but it will be difficult.

"Guess we don't have a choice," he says with a shrug.

Remilia turns to him and raises an eyebrow, but says nothing.

"We will just have to save them both."

~~~

"Obsessor, 「Slash of the Eternity」"

Youmu pierces right through the ghouls with her blade. She tears them apart with her technique without hesitation. The ghouls cry out in pain and rage as her weapon runs them down one by one. In a split-second, her surroundings are filled with the filthy remains of the cursed dead. Then, she takes a moment to shake the blood off her swords before looking up.

Vincent is standing in the distance with his arms crossed. He seems to be watching her patiently as more ghouls rush forward to attack. His face is expressionless, and his eyes are empty. Somehow, in this chaos, he seems even more lifeless than the undead troops he leads.

"..."

The half-ghost tightens her grip on her blades. She doesn't understand how Grey could have known, but that young man was right. The answer was already in her hands. It had always been with her, all of this time. Something that she has with her that could save them.

[i]Hakurouken.[/i]

With this, she has a chance to bring Vincent back. But she will need to get to him, first.

"Vincent..." she whispers.

At those words, the ghouls start to close in on her.

"... stupid idiot!"

Youmu pauses as she readies her next attack.

~~~

The sky is filled with colorful rain as the two of them clash. Remilia Scarlet and Yuyuko Saigyouji begin their duel high in the air. The vampire and the ghost pay no mind to the hundreds spirits gathering around them as they battle. In fact, the spirits themselves seem to be getting destroyed one by one in the crossfire. Minions of these level have no place in a battle between those two.

Grey watches them safely from the ground. He can't fly, and he has no way of contributing to a fight of that level. However, he has another task. He takes out his instrument and starts whispering to it gently. Then, he starts playing a familiar piece.

"Now for my part," he whispers.

As the battle continues, spirits start gathering around him. Vengeful wraiths or just lost souls, he can't tell. But soon enough, a number of spirits start swirling in a great circle. Attracted by his elegy, they continue increasing in number. Soon, he collects several dozen spirits with his music.

"..."

He looks up as he continues playing. Remilia seems to be having difficulty keeping Yuyuko at bay. The vampire pants heavily as she prepares her next attack. The ghost princess, on the other hand, seems to have no trouble pushing forward with even more powerful spells. At this rate, Remilia won't be able to weaken Yuyuko enough for his command spell to work.

Grey grits his teeth as he thinks. He needs to create an opening so that Remilia can turn the tide of the battle. Then, after weakening the ghost princess enough, he can try using his ability to subdue her.

~~~

Youmu...
[ ] Rush straight at Vincent; ignore the advancing ghouls.
[ ] Move forward slowly; cut down the ghouls as you move.
[ ] Stand your ground; wait for them to come to you.
[ ] Custom

Grey...
[ ] Continue gathering more spirits.
[ ] Order the spirits to support Remilia.
[ ] Attempt to break the control spell now.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Hurry after Lady Remilia and Grey. You can't waste time.

---

Komachi is still lying unconscious, her weapon several feet away. For a moment, the half-ghost hesitates.

"..."

There isn't enough time. If Youmu delays any further, she won't be able to catch up to the others. After muttering a prayer for the unconscious shinigami, she flies off after them. The cold wind blows harshly against her face as she hurries.

~~~

Halfway to the Saigyou Ayakashi, she finally catches up to the other two. However, they can go no further.

"Nya! The guests have finally arrived. Isn't it interesting~"

A cloaked figure floats calmly in mid-air. From the voice, it sounds to be a young girl. However, the hood of her costume hides her face completely.

"However, the preparations for the party aren't complete yet~"

Suddenly, they hear growling sounds from below. From the shadows, dozens of ghouls start lurching into view. Some of them seem to be carrying weapons. At the front is something different. It doesn't look like a ghoul at all. A human. With his longsword in his hand, Vincent leads the company of the cursed dead.

"Damned human," hisses Remilia. "He'll pay for hurting my sister!"

Then, from the mist, hundreds of wisps start swarming wildly. As she looks closer, she recognizes them as vengeful spirits. And at the front of this cloud of death is another familiar face. Approaching slowly, her fan covering her mouth, is the ghost princess herself, Lady Yuyuko Saigyouji.

"L-Lady Yuyuko!" cries the half-ghost. "B-but what are you -"

"Puppets," whispers Grey. "So that's why my ability isn't working on them. They are already being controlled by a much more powerful force."

"Have fun~" says the cloaked figure, laughing.

The stranger disappears into the mist, leaving the three of them in the middle of the cursed dead. From the distance, the Saigyou Ayakashi glows even brighter and more ominous. There is no choice.

They will have to fight.

Youmu should...
[ ] Deal with Vincent and the ghouls.
[ ] Deal with Yuyuko and the evil spirits.
[ ] Custom

Remilia and Grey should...
[ ] Deal with Vincent and the ghouls.
[ ] Deal with Yuyuko and the evil spirits.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Head down immediately. Try to talk to Vincent.

---

The wind blows against the man, and some of the bandages around his head fly off. Youmu gasps in horror as she recognizes the attacker.

It's Vincent.

The half-ghost swoops down immediately. She lands between the unconscious Komachi and the strangely dressed Vincent. A pause to catch her breath - she looks at his face and confirms that this person is definitely their ghost hunter guest. But what is he doing here? Why is he wrapped in those bandages? And why did he attack Komachi?

"Vincent!" cries Youmu. "I-Is that really you? What are you doing out here?"

The man stops walking and looks at her blankly. Slowly, he cocks his head to the side, as if inspecting something he has never seen before. His eyes are empty and lifeless. However, his grip on his weapon is tight.

"It's me! It's Youmu! D-d-don't you recognize me?"

The man only continues staring. He hesitates. His face twitches a little. Then suddenly, his lips form a very small smile.

"Vincent?" she whispers hopefully.

In that moment, she remembers his gentle smile from yesterday. That was a mistake. By the time she realizes it, the man already has his weapon raised high above her head. Youmu closes her eyes in reflex. With one swift motion, he brings it down upon the defenseless half-ghost, and in a split-second, it -

"..."

Slowly, the half-ghost opens her eyes. She gasps silently when she sees it. The longsword glints brightly through the morning fog, only an inch from her head. The man stopped his blade at the last second. She glances at his face. There is something different in his eyes. Something familiar.

"It's alright," she whispers softly. "It will be alright, so just -"

He lowers his weapon. Then, without warning, he grabs her shoulder and shoves her roughly to the side. She loses her balance and falls on her behind, painfully. After a moment of shock, the half-ghost sits up, rubbing her back.

"W-what are you -"

"Divine Spear, 「Spear the Gungnir」"

A bright flash of red fills her vision. In the next moment, the vampire's destructive weapon flies through the air toward Vincent. She watches in horror as it impales him right through the chest. It must have been only an instant, but it felt like an eternity. The cold steel, embraced closely with the Scarlet Devil's power, pierced right through him. It skewered his soft flesh. It shattered his bones as it drove its way through. And it continued flying into the distance as his body slowly fell.

"Vin... cent..?" she whispers hollowly.

Then, her eyes widen in shock. The body vanishes into thin air. An... after-image?

"Damn it! I can't believe I missed! Fast-moving bastard!"

Her eyes follow the loud shouts. Lady Remilia is already high in the air. Her spear is already back in her hands as she complains angrily. As she follows the vampire's gaze, she spots someone standing a good distance to her left. Vincent seems to be standing beside a broken tree stump. He looks unharmed.

"..."

He turns to her for just a single moment. Then, he runs off into the fog behind him. With his weapon in hand, the ghost hunter disappears in the direction of the Saigyou Ayakashi. Shortly after, Grey steps out from nearby. He seems to be panting heavily. The vampire lands right beside him.

"What happened?" she demands. "Are you really that useless?"

He shakes his head.

"It's different," says Grey. "It felt like I was straining to pull him away from something else."

He has a spell card in his hand. It seems to be different from the one he used earlier.

"Who cares about that?" cries Remilia. "I'm not letting my prey get away that easily! Now hurry up! We're going after him!"

"W-wait, what about -"

The vampire grabs him roughly by the arm and drags him with her as she takes off into the air. They immediately head after Vincent. As the half-ghost watches them leave, her gaze turns toward the Saigyou Ayakashi in the distance. The purple glow seems to be getting brighter, and even more spirits are gathering around the tree.

"Lady Yuyuko," she whispers.

She stands herself up and looks around. Komachi is still lying unconscious. Her scythe is several feet away from her. However, the shinigami seems to be moaning softly in her sleep.

"..."

[ ] Hurry after Lady Remilia and Grey. You can't waste time.
[ ] Examine Komachi for injuries. Try to wake her up.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Agree to the truce. Leave for the Saigyou Ayakashi immediately.

---

"You can call me Grey," says the young man.

He offers his hand to the half-ghost. After a moment of hesitation, she shakes his hand reluctantly.

"Y-Youmu Konpaku," she says. "Guardian of Hakugyokurou and personal retainer to Lady Yuyuko Saigyouji."

"Pleased to meet you. I'd like to know you better over some tea and biscuits, but unfortunately, we don't have much time..."

Youmu nods to herself as she sheathes her weapons.

"I will cooperate with you two," she says. "But know this - if either of you so much as lays a finger on Lady Yuyuko, I'll slash you without hesitation! My blade does not distinguish between friends and foes."

~~~

"Useless servant," says Remilia loudly. "I should drop you down right now for troubling me like this!"

"I-isn't that a bit too much?" cries Grey. "I'll die if I fall from this height!"

"Then just save yourself with a spellcard or such nonsense! Really, I don't know why I put up with you..."

"W-well I did say that you should have took Sakuya instead -"

A moment of silence passes.

"I can't take her this time," whispers the vampire. "She will definitely do something unreasonable if she finds out."

"So.. I'm just a replacement?"

"Of course not," she says cheerfully. "You are my human shield, in case things get dangerous. Be thankful that you can be useful to me."

"..."

Youmu says nothing as they fly towards the Saigyou Ayakashi. None of this has anything to do with her, after all. On the other hand -

"Lady Yuyuko," she whispers softly.

~~~

Something seems to be happening below. Their odd party of three - half-ghost, human, and vampire - slows down to investigate. The trees around the area have been torn to pieces, and the ground is filled with smoldering craters. At the center of the destruction, they can see two figures standing.

"Haa... haa.. haaa..."

The one on the left is a familiar face. Bright red hair tied in two places and a distinctively shaped scythe, it can be no one else but Komachi. The shinigami is panting heavily as she holds her weapon. From the damage on her clothes, it looks like she has been fighting a battle.

A losing battle.

"D-damn it!" she cries out. "What the hell are you doing! Aren't we friends?"

"..."

Youmu turns to the right. Wrapped completely in bandages from head to toe, a strange man steps into view. Even the man's eyes are covered, though he acts as if he can see Komachi clearly. He seems to be holding a long weapon in his hand. A sword of some kind, though she can't see it very well from here. Slowly, the man steps forward toward the shinigami.

"Looks like I'll have to knock some sense into that hard head of yours. I don't want to do this, but..."

Komachi draws a spellcard from her dress. But the man is faster. Before she can declare her spell, the man suddenly vanishes. Her eyes widen in surprise. In the next second, the man is already standing a few feet in front of her. The man raises his weapon and brings it down upon Komachi. The shinigami manages to block it with her scythe, but the sheer force of the blow pushes her back. Then, the sword starts shining brightly.

"Restless Delusion, 「Nirvana Soulbreak」"

Both of the figures are engulfed in a blinding explosion. Youmu and her party take a few seconds for their eyes to recover. As the dust clears, they can see the two figures standing in the middle of a huge crater. One of them isn't moving.

"Komachi," she whispers.

The shinigami is lying unconscious on the ground. Her weapon is several feet away from her hand. She doesn't seem to have any serious wounds, though her body is full of scratches and cuts.

"Is that him?" says Grey.

Remilia nods carefully. She seems to be hesitant, for some reason.

"He is very powerful," says the vampire. "Grey, I want you to support me from a distance. The half-ghost can do whatever she likes, it doesn't matter."

The man wrapped in bandages starts walking toward Komachi slowly, his sword still in his hand. The wind blows against him suddenly, and some of the bandages around his head fly off. Youmu gasps in horror as she recognizes the attacker.

It's Vincent.

[ ] Head down immediately. Try to wake Komachi.
[ ] Head down immediately. Try to talk to Vincent.
[ ] Head down immediately. Protect Komachi.
[ ] Head down immediately. Protect Vincent.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Custom

---

"That air-headed ghost princess must have run off somewhere," Remilia says.

The vampire cracks her knuckles as she takes slow, deliberate steps toward her. This is the worst possible situation. If what the vampire said is true, then Lady Yuyuko isn't even within the grounds. That would mean that she is alone.

Youmu grits her teeth. Calm down! She can't let Remilia intimidate her. The vampire's power is certainly above her own, and it even rivals that of Lady Yuyuko. In a head-on battle, it would only be a matter of time before she would be taken down.

"Guess that I'll have to take my frustrations out on you, instead."

She swallows nervously. This looks really bad! But the half-ghost still has one advantage. Even if it is against her principles, she doesn't have a choice. Slowly, she shifts her position so she can see both the vampire and her hostage. Then, she lowers her blade directly at the young man's neck.

"Y-your 'property' is trespassing on Hakugyokurou grounds!" she cries out.

The vampire stops walking. Youmu puts on her best menacing face as she continues.

"And so are you," says half-ghost. "E-even if it is the Scarlet Devil herself, I won't back down! What is your business here?"

Lady Remilia doesn't say anything in reply. Instead, she only watches them, as if she is waiting for something. The three of them stand still in a stalemate. The silence is excruciating. Youmu glances at the young man. He seems to be looking at her sadly.

Then, without minding her weapon at all, he slowly raises his hand and puts it on her shoulder. She shivers involuntarily in surprise. I-is he crazy? Doesn't he understand his situation? She could end his life in a split-second right now. Yet this man is looking at her with an expression full of pity. And kindness.

"You aren't this kind of person, Youmu," he whispers.

How? How does he know her name? Has she met this person before?

"W-what are you talking about?" she says.

"You don't really want to hurt anyone."

Suddenly, the young man smiles at her. For some reason, she starts blushing. She doesn't understand this at all! She has no idea who this person is, but why? Why is he smiling at her so kindly? This just doesn't make any sense! But if he looks at her like this, she can't -

"Y-you... stupid idiot!" she cries out.

Before he can react, she grabs him by the neck and tosses him at Lady Remilia. The vampire's eyes widen in surprise.

"N-nyu!"

For a moment, everything stands still. The young man landed right on top of the Lady Remilia, almost blocking her completely from sight. The vampire really is quite small, she notes. Then, Youmu watches in shock as the young man receives a kick to the groin. Seems like his hands landed somewhere sensitive. As he crumples in pain, the vampire shoves him away with one hand. Then, Lady Remilia turns back to her, her eyes full of fury.

"Stupid half-ghost," she says. "Now I'm really going to have to teach you some manners!"

The vampire stands up, stretching her wings slightly. She raises her hand, muttering some words under her breath. In the next moment, a dangerous looking spear materializes before her. With this weapon in hand, she starts walking forward. In response, Youmu draws both of her swords and stands her ground in a defensive stance. Even if it's futile, she won't back down from this fight. Her pride won't let her.

But before either of them could attack.

"Command Sign, 「Seal Movement」"

Youmu instinctively tries to dodge, but something is wrong. She blinks a few times as she realizes it. She can't move her arms and legs!

"W-what the -"

"Nice work, Grey," says Lady Remilia darkly. "Even though I don't really need help, this will make things much easier for me."

She glances at the young man. His face is still full of pain. However, he is holding a spell card in his hand.

"Now all I have to do is -"

Suddenly, the vampire stops talking. She grunts for a moment, as if having great difficulty moving. In fact, she doesn't seem to be moving at all. Eh? Seems like Remilia can't move either.

"That really hurt, Remilia," says the young man.

Slowly, he stands himself up. He dusts off his pants carefully, as if that was a more important concern. Lady Remilia stares at him in shock. Then, after a few moments, the vampire finally speaks.

"H-how dare you!" she cries. "How dare you do this to your Master!"

"Don't misunderstand," replies the young man. "I'm doing this to protect your interests. You need Youmu alive, don't you? We will need her help later."

He glares back at the vampire, as if silently adding, 'that really hurt'. Then, he turns toward the half-ghost.

"Besides," he says. "I don't think we have the time for this. If we don't hurry, something really bad is going to happen."

The young man points toward something in the distance. Through the mist, the silhoutte of the great cherry tree Saigyou Ayakashi can be clearly seen. Bright purple energy is swirling around it, and even from this far, she can see thousands of spirits gathering toward the light. For some reason, the scene reminds her of -

"Lady Yuyuko," she whispers.

The young man nods solemnly.

"For now, why don't we call a truce?"

The vampire stares angrily at him.

"Don't worry," he adds. "This will benefit our side as well. If I'm not mistaken, that light will lead us to the source of both our troubles."

Youmu pauses to think. She doesn't have much choice.

[ ] Refuse the offer. You can't trust them.
[ ] Refuse the offer. You don't need their help.
[ ] Agree to the truce. Leave for the Saigyou Ayakashi immediately.
[ ] Agree to the truce. But there is something you need to do first... (Specify)
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Approach the young man first. Forcefully.
[X] Custom

---

The young man sighs to himself as he starts walking toward the entrance.

"Maybe not a 'happy ending', but would it be too much to ask for a break?"

The young man hasn't seen her yet. This is her chance. Youmu quickly opens the door and rushes behind one of the trees outside.

"After all that had happened yesterday, I was really hoping to spend some time with..."

As expected, the intruder hasn't noticed her quick movements.

"... or I could walk around town. I'm sure that I can find a nice gift for..."

Youmu carefully eyes the violin case in his hand. That instrument is dangerous, and she can't afford to take any chances.

"... but instead I'm out here, in the middle of nowhere, fighting for my life against zombies! What the hell? Why the heck does it have to be zombies?"

The half-ghost's eyes narrow. Without hesitation, she steps out and dashes toward the intruder. Before he can react, she draws her sword and knocks the violin case away.

"What the -"

Then, with her other hand, she grabs the intruder and tosses him behind her. The young man lands face-first against a nearby cherry tree. After cringing in pain, he opens his eyes to see an arm pinning him hard against the trunk of the tree. The other arm is holding a long katana right beside his neck. Its owner is staring darkly at him.

"Who are you!" cries the half-ghost. "Are you behind the attacks?

"Huh?"

"For the time being, I'm here to slash you. That's my story."

"..."

His head is still spinning, but for some reason, he doesn't feel at all surprised. This scene seems somewhat familiar. He looks up at his attacker. Short silver hair... a green and white dress that looks a little like a uniform... a sharp bladed weapon...

"Hey miss... are you, by any chance, related to someone named Sakuya?"

"E-eh?"

The two of them stand still like that for a moment. The half-ghost, keeping her blade steady at his neck, and the young man, staring back at her calmly. For some reason, the violent atmosphere has suddenly disappeared, leaving only awkwardness. This isn't at all what she has planned. She needs to get some answers from this intruder before -

"Hey half-ghost."

Youmu keeps her weapon at the stranger's neck as she glances behind her. She bites her lip as she recognizes the person. This is the worst possibility.

"I don't remember giving you permission to touch my property."

"L-Lady Remilia? Ah! This is..."

"That air-headed ghost princess must have run off somewhere," she says. "Guess that I'll have to take out my frustrations on you, instead..."

The vampire cracks her knuckles as she takes slow steps toward them.

[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Entrance

---

"I'm sorry for disturbing your rest," she whispered.

Youmu shook the blood off her weapon before she sheathed it. In the next moment, the four ghouls that were standing behind her shrieked in pain as they fell apart. When she took a glance back, the undead creatures were nothing more than broken pieces of meat and bone.

But the half-ghost's mind was already on something else. As she hurried through the mansion, she could hear the sounds of battle near the entrance. The shrieking and screaming of ghouls as they thirst for human flesh. Explosions that shook the ground violently. Her eyes narrowed as she ran through the hallways.

She paused at the door. This was dangerous. Slowly, she opened it and took a peek outside. Her other hand was ready to draw her weapon. However, she didn't expect to see this.

"Filth! You dare raise a hand against me?" cried a familiar voice.

High in the air, she saw a tiny figure. It was a small girl with short blue hair. She wore a pink dress and hat with bright red trimming, and she had a pair of bat wings behind her. The half-ghost had no doubt that this was the self-styled vampire princess of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. But what was Remilia Scarlet doing here?

Youmu kept her distance and watched as the girl dove down to attack a company of ghouls. She slashed at them with her claws, leaving only shreds of meat behind her. Suddenly, one ghoul rushed out from behind a tree. But it was useless. Remilia stopped it with her hand and grabbed its head. Then, she crushed its skull with her bare hand. The strength of a vampire was truly monstrous.

"So this was were they were coming from," said the vampire. "Hey, you!"

The half-ghost gasped silently. But a moment later, she realized that Remilia hadn't noticed her yet. She seemed to be shouting at someone else.

"Surrounded already? Don't tell me that you expect your Mistress to save you?"

"..."

Youmu shifted her position to look toward the left. It was a strange sight. Ghouls had surrounded someone in a circle, yet they weren't attacking. In fact, they seemed confused as they stared blankly at their surroundings. But stranger still was the person in the middle of the circle.

It was a handsome young man dressed in a simple traveller's ensemble in the style of early 18th century Europe. His face was calm and composed as he stood there, alone among monsters. In his hands was a violin, which he was playing elegantly. He was playing a song that she recognized as an elegy to the dead. Could this person charm the ghouls with his music?

"Ah!"

Youmu gasped in surprise. The person suddenly stopped playing. He lowered his instrument and smiled gently at his undead audience. He raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

In the next moment, the heads of the ghouls exploded! Blood rained around the man, but not a drop landed on him. One by one, the decapitated bodies dropped down to the ground, forming a bloody circle of death around him.

The young man looked up at the vampire.

"Sorry for troubling you, Mistress."

"Took you long enough," said Remilia as she landed beside him. "Anyway, I need you to find the half-ghost. Make sure you bring her to me alive."

"Half-ghost?"

"You'll know her when you see her. I'll check the back and deal with that gluttonous ghost princess myself."

The vampire took a few steps forward before pausing. She spoke without turning around.

"Make sure you don't die," she whispered.

Remilia took flight immediately. The man watched her circle around the side of the mansion. Then, after sighing to himself, he started walking toward the entrance.

He hasn't seen her yet.

[ ] Approach the young man first. Peacefully.
[ ] Approach the young man first. Forcefully.
[ ] Approach Remilia first. Peacefully.
[ ] Approach Remilia first. Forcefully.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Late Morning

---

"Haa... haa... haa..."

The room is filled with the sound of quick ragged breathing. After blinking a few times, a pair of eyes takes in the surroundings. The late morning sun shines brightly through the windows. No one else is in the room.

Youmu closes her eyes and tries to calm herself. She can still feel herself sweating as if she had run a marathon.

"Get it together," she tells herself. "That was just another weird dream."

A dream? It felt like something much more than that. She can still remember the sparkle of his azure eyes. Deep blue, like the sky or the sea. She can still hear the gentle sound of his voice and the softness of his heartbeat. But more than that, she can still feel his warmth and his touch. Even now, she can recall how he had... Youmu quickly opens her eyes. She can't be sure unless she checks, but something feels off this morning.

"..."

She swallows nervously as she lowers one of her hands to check under her dress. The half-ghost turns bright-red when she realizes that something underneath is quite damp to the touch.

"Kyaaaaaah!"

~~~

Youmu looks at herself in the mirror. Even after a quick shower and a change of clothes, she still feels like a mess. But she can't afford to neglect her duties. Carefully, she ties up her hair with a her black ribbon.

"It's just a dream, after all..."

First, she takes the long sword "Roukanken". She was told that this weapon could kill ten spirits in one stroke. Then, she takes the short blade named "Hakurouken". This blade could dispel the confusion of those it cuts, human or spirit, but it could only be used by those of the Konpaku family.

"..."

She pauses by her dresser to pick up one last thing - a small bundle of cloth. This contains the skull that is the container of her ghost core. After looking at it for a minute, she carefully stuffs it into her ghost half so that it can't be seen.

"I wonder if Lady Yuyuko already had something to eat..."

~~~

Their eyes met. In that single moment, both of them stood frozen, not out of fear but of surprise. The half-ghost and the intruder stared at each other. The intruder growled menacingly. Her eyes narrowed. In the next moment, they rushed forward at each other. Both of them were ready to kill.

But Youmu was faster.

Her blade flashed like lightning. In the next second, the intruder blinked, as if shocked. Then it fell apart into seventeen different pieces of meat, each sliced as cleanly as the last.

"Tsk, I cut trash again..."

After sheathing her sword, she turned back at the bloody mess. Youmu frowned as she examined the remains of the creature. It was no wonder that she couldn't sense its presence. This creature didn't have a soul. It was nothing but a "shell". No, it was little more than that - a "puppet". This creature must be what Vincent described from before - a ghoul. But how did such a thing breach the defenses of Hakugyokurou?

Her eyes widened. It was then that the half-ghost realized it. It was already late morning, but Lady Yuyuko had not come into her room to complain about breakfast. Did something -

"Ah!"

Youmu quickly closes her eyes to heighten her senses. She can't feel Lady Yuyuko, but she can sense two presences near the mansion entrance. One of them feels oddly familiar. She can't sense anyone else nearby. The ghouls do not have souls, so she can't sense their locations.

She pauses to think.
[ ] Lady Yuyuko's Room
[ ] Vincent's Room
[ ] Dining Room
[ ] Entrance
[ ] Kitchen
[ ] Garden

Loading User Commands:
[X] Stay with her.

---

"I... don't want to be alone tonight."

She kneeled beside him and clasped her hands together.

"I-I know that I'm not that pretty, and I'm clumsy and careless. But ever since you looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes, I just -"

She gasped in surprise. He put his finger on her lips to silence her.

"Stupid girl," he whispered.

"Eh? But I -"

Suddenly, he grabbed her in a tight embrace. Her eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't even move. His heartbeat. She could feel his heart beating wildly against her chest. His warmth. She could feel his warmth spreading into her through their clothes.

"You're beautiful."

He held her even closer. She couldn't see his face.

"Idiot!" he cried suddenly. "I've fallen for you ever since we first met! How could I not fall for you?"

Her cheeks grew red.

"B-but you said -"

Slowly, he pulled himself away. He sighed heavily before looking back at her.

"You really don't get it, do you?" he said, as if lecturing her. "How do you think something like this would end? Love between a ghost and a human? The very concept is already messed up from the beginning! There is no way that this could turn into a happy ending."

He lowered his eyes and smiled to himself sadly.

"I... didn't want to hurt you."

"..."

She shook her head. Even if she was a stupid girl, she already knew what he was saying. She already knew that it was a lost cause from the start. But even so...

"If it's with you," she whispered.

"What?"

She looked at him, her eyes clear and determined.

"If it's with you, then I don't mind a sad ending."

A moment of silence passed between the two. He examined her eyes closely. She did not waver. Finally, he spoke.

"So that's how it is," he said.

"..."

"We're both fools then."

Slowly, he stepped forward. She closed her eyes as their lips met. Not rough, yet not too innocent either. And this time, they did not pull away. Lost in each other's moment, their lips intertwined together. Gently, he pushed his tongue between her lips. She parted them shyly, allowing him to explore her mouth. And as he did so, she rubbed her tongue against the tip of his to encourage him.

Moments later, his eyes widened in surprise as she suddenly took the initiative. She drove her tongue deep into his mouth, almost choking him. Her hand grasped his tightly as she pushed forward with yearning. Then finally, they ended their kiss. Even in the dark, she could see him blushing in the night. Of course, she was too.

Then, she stood up and started loosening her kimono. His face turned beet red and he quickly turned away. He could hear the sound of her clothes hitting the ground softly. Then, before he could argue, she gently put a hand on his shoulder.

She placed her other hand on his cheek and slowly turned his head forward. At first, he resisted. But slowly his eyes turned toward her body. He couldn't help but look at her beautifully curved silhouette. Her modest but delicious chest came into view, entrancing him immediately. She blushed as he continued staring at her delicate breasts. And when she realized that her nipples were already erect..

"D-don't stare like that!" she cried. Suddenly, she covered her chest with her arms.

Her face. At that moment, her face was so cute. In fact, it was too cute. This gesture was just criminal. There was no way he could hold back now. Without a word, he walked up to the girl and picked her up. She flailed her arms and tried to resist, but he just ignored her. He carried her over to the futon before gently putting the girl down. When she realized what he was doing, she suddenly grew silent and looked up at him with damp eyes.

"Hyaaah..."

It was criminal. He bit his lip as he froze. No, this was too much. He can't possibly do anything to her if she looked at him with that kind of face. She was just too cute. But when he had finally thought that it was over, she suddenly gasped, as if realizing something.

"Ah!"

Slowly, she pulled her arms away from her chest and let him look at her naked body freely. She turned her head to the side and closed her eyes. Her cheeks blushed bright red as she surrendered herself. Her breathing grew loud and ragged.

"Haa... haa... haa..."

Shaking nervously, he slowly lowered his hand over her delicate chest. She moaned cutely, "Aaahn~", as he started stroking her. He clasped his other hand onto her left. Her grasp tightened as she continued massaging her chest. Her body quivered at every motion. She continued letting out sounds of enjoyment as they continued.

Then, he lowered himself and gently licked the tip of her nipple. At this gesture, she suddenly jerked up and opened her mouth to let out a silent cry of ecstasy. Her whole body shook violently as she orgasmed.

"... haaa... haaa..."

He stepped away for a moment to let her recover. She lied still blissfully for a few minutes. Then, when he had thought that she was going to fall asleep, the girl opened her eyes and looked up at him. She smiled cheerfully as he started pulling at his pants.

"W-what the -"

He didn't know if he felt happy or annoyed at her clumsy gesture (yet, he was most certainly turned on).

After that fateful night, they would be lovers.

[ ] Early Morning
[ ] Mid Morning
[ ] Late Morning

Loading User Commands:
[X] Kiss her.
[X] Custom

---

He set his weapon aside as he considered her words. This wasn't the first time that she had confessed to him. He had already refused her the first time, as well as the other times after that. After all, they were worlds apart. It would never work out between them. The difference was literally a matter of life and death.

Yet here she was, sneaking into his room. If anyone else saw this, he would never hear the end of it. This wasn't funny or cute anymore. She was forcing herself into his life. Doesn't she understand how troublesome this is?

Doesn't she understand how painful this is?

"..."

The girl lowered her head slowly at his silence.

"I-I'm sorry if I keep troubling you like this. If tell me that you hate it, then I'll stop. This will be the last time."

"..."

"But please," she whispered. "Tell me the truth."

A single tear fell as she spoke those words. Then he realized, at that single moment, something that would change him. He looked at the girl before him and understood. Why didn't he see it before? All this time, it was in front of him.

That it was painful for her too.

"I don't hate..." he mumbled.

"Eh?"

The girl looked up at him. He looked slightly away.

"Stupid girl. I said that I don't hate you, alright?"

She stared back stupidly. That confused expression was just so irritating. He had to do something to wipe it off her face. Then, he got an idea. He rushed up to her and planted his mouth upon hers. The girl's eyes widened in surprised. With his tongue, he forced her soft lips open. He drove it inside her, deep and rough. If words could not convince her, then maybe he could shock these stupid thoughts out of her system. After all, he didn't mind playing the villain every so often.

But that was a mistake. Because this girl didn't struggle at all. In fact, she seemed to be opening herself up for better access. When he noticed it, he stopped moving his tongue. The girl responded by closing her eyes. Then, she started gently rubbing against his tongue with her own, as if to encourage him. Wait a minute... she was enjoying this?

He quickly pulled away. D-damn, that was close. No matter how he looks at it, this must be a trap!

"..."

She opened her eyes and stared at him with longing. Then, it was she who moved forward. Before realized it, his back was already at the wall. There was no escape. He had no weapons, and every route was already blocked.

By this enchantingly beautiful girl.

"I... don't want to be alone tonight."

[ ] Stay with her.
[ ] Stay with her.
[ ] Stay with her.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Leave it.

---

Before he realizes it, his hands are already reaching for the weapon. The sword is drawing him toward it, extending a promise of safety once he holds it. This blade will protect him against anything. Even the world will bend before its power. Those that can resist the will of this sword are next to none.

"..."

As his fingers touch the weapon's hilt, something flashes in his mind. A single image. But that is enough. Immediately, he pulls himself away from the weapon, as if it were a hot coal.

"No..." he says. "This is another trick..."

Hmm? Why do you hesitate?

He hears the voice, but he knows that it isn't coming from the person standing in front of him. This one is only a puppet. And if the owner of the voice was able to capture this person so easily, he has no chance of resisting. There is no escape from this. But still...

"I won't hurt anyone," he cries. "I won't listen to you anymore!"

Eh? But the game isn't over yet.

The puppet steps closer. He draws himself back.

"I won't fight," he whispers.

Hmm. Now if you do that, it won't be fun for anyone.

"Even if you kill me, I won't fight!"

Heh. This is starting to get boring.

"..."

Just go to sleep. I don't need you to use you.

"I... won't... hurt anyone..."

His eyes. So heavy. What is this? As his consciousness fades, he looks up and stares at the person before him. The puppet only smiles back. But still, even for a puppet, that smile is quite entrancing. With that as his last memory, Vincent falls into the darkness.

~~~

He opened his eyes slightly. There was a sound from outside. He kept still and pretended to sleep as he waited. An intruder? But he did not sense any killing intent. Perhaps his sword had grown dull during these peaceful days.

"..."

His hand slowly made its way toward his waist. Inch by inch, it crept until he had it in his grasp. A dagger of pure silver. He had hidden it within the folds of his clothes. Just in case he was attacked at night. Like this night.

The door slid open. The footsteps of the intruder were barely audible. But the shadow crept closer and closer. He tightened his grip on the knife. He would have only one chance to attack. He must wait for the most opportune moment.

Suddenly, the shadow stood right above him. He froze. How did it move so quickly? He didn't even feel its presence. Slowly, as it lowered itself closer, he opened a single eye. The intruder was too close. He won't be able to strike a fatal blow at this range. Then, he has only one other option.

"E-eh? Kyaaah!"

He quickly tackles the shadow to the ground. Then, as he held the dagger at its neck, his eyes blinked in surprise. The first thing he recognized were her deep brown eyes. The intruder quivered slightly as it stared back at him, her long silver hair splayed carelessly against the floor. Carefully, he pulled his weapon back and stood up.

"... what are you doing here?"

The intruder, flustered at his calm response, quickly bows apologetically.

"I-I'm so sorry!" she cried. "I didn't mean to startle you."

He sighed in exasperation.

"Then don't sneak around at night," he said. "It doesn't really matter, but when I strike, the things that I cannot kill are next to none. You understand that, right?"

"Yes! B-but..."

"There was something you wanted to tell me?" he said. "If it's that again, I already told you that I'm not interested. Besides, it would be too much of a hassle to -"

She interrupted him without warning. With a kiss. Innocent and inexperienced, she rubbed her lips against his. A few moments later, she pulled away and looked at him.

"Liar," she whispered. "I saw the way you looked at me. And even now, you are looking at me with those eyes the same way. With those crystal blue eyes."

He opened his mouth to argue, but in the end, he couldn't say anything back.

"I.. have also been watching you," said the girl. "Watching.. and waiting."

"Well.. err, that is.."

"Please," she whispered. "If you don't hate me, just this once.."

His eyes widened at her last words.

"Kiss me back."

[ ] Kiss her.
[ ] Refuse.
[ ] Custom..?

Loading User Commands:
[X] Stay awake.

---

An unfamiliar room. Four gray walls and a heavy steel door. Two torches flicker gently as they light up the place. The shadows dance at the side of his eye. Vincent jerks back in reflex.

"..."

The jangle of his shackles echo loudly. There is no other answer. In this place, he is alone.

"Haa..."

Sighing heavily, he leans back and stares at the ceiling. It too is painted a dull gray, as if to remind him harshly that this is not a place for guests. Komachi herself had said so, though only in passing.

...

"This place?" she said. "Ah, I think that this was used as a holding facility for humans and youkai that had wandered to the Sanzu River. In the past, the rules were fairly strict. Intruders where either thrown out or disposed of, depending on the case. The old shinigami prepared places like these to interrogate their prisoners."

"Thrown out... or disposed of?"

"That's what I heard anyway," she said. "There was this funny story that a colleague told me some time ago. Apparently, the prisoner that she caught was noisy and annoying, so she left him in one of these cells to calm down. But then, the spirits waiting to cross over started rioting, so she had to leave him here. Soon, she forgot about the prisoner completely."

"... what happened?"

"Well, by the time she remembered," she said cheerfully. "The prisoner was nothing but a pile of rotting meat. The stench was absolutely awful, and when the Yamas learned of it, she was demoted to cleaning duty for several decades! Ahahahaha! Don't you think that was hilarious?"

"Err..."

...

Vincent opens his eyes. This is no time to rest. He has to get out of here.

"Click!"

He turns toward the door. Only then does he become aware of a presence standing behind it. He did not hear any footsteps. Nor did he hear Komachi's voice. But, chained to the walls like this, there isn't much he can do apart from staying still and waiting. So he waits.

"..."

The heavy steel door opens silently. A familiar silhouette walks into view. It seems to be holding something it its arms.

"Found you~"

Before he can react, the newcomer throws something at his feet. Even without a glance, he knows what it is. How this person obtained this item, he can only guess.

Lying in front of him is his longsword. The cold steel glints menacingly in the torchlight.

[ ] Take it.
[ ] Leave it.

The man named Vincent continues staring at the empty grey walls. Watching and waiting patiently. Yet what is he waiting for?

"..."

He blinks as his mind draws a blank. The last few hours... he can't remember a thing! For a moment, panic starts to creep closer.

Then, a powerful breeze blows into his hair, interrupting his thoughts. There are no windows in this prison cell. But he doesn't notice the inconsistency. Almost instantly, his memories are filled up, almost too conveniently. But of course, he can't realize it.

"Ah.."

Komachi had come in only a few minutes earlier, bringing a tray of food and drink. She said that the others at Hakugyokurou seem to be calm about the situation, and that both Youmu and Yuyuko are investigating on their own. None of the three believe that he acted freely, and they have treated this as an incident. Yuyuko was especially worried, and she said that she would spend this evening to search for clues.

Of course, they only discussed this after Chen had fallen asleep (with the help of a little alcohol). Youmu had insisted that they not involve her, though the half-ghost seemed to be hiding something. In any case, they all agreed to reconvene in the morning. Youmu was to watch the mansion for now, while Yuyuko was to return before daybreak. Komachi was tasked to stay here and watch over him (wherever "here" is supposed to be).

"Protective custody," she had said.

In any case, everything seems to be going fine.

"..."

[ ] Go to sleep.
[ ] Stay awake.

A Tremor

Darkness.

I fell once more into the truth that I had forgotten. All around swirled the lost memory... the fragments of ebony. Like picking up the pieces of a broken mirror, any effort was futile. It was pointless to ponder; pointless to comprehend. The endless days of searching and seeking had finally come to an end. After living like Sisyphus for a moment and an eternity, I found it.

I didn't know if it was a curse or a miracle.

Each time I closed my eyes, I remembered that wonderful dream. Of friends and family I never met. And of whom I never will, now that I have found the truth. But I don't mind. I had always believed that the truth was preferable to lies, no matter how painful it was. Perhaps, deep inside, I had always known. Childlishly, I refused to accept it, as it was something I could not understand. Something beyond the experiences and imagination of an ordinary person.

Yet, from the beginning, I knew that it wouldn't last.

I always felt that something was strange. If I were to describe it, I felt like there was always a loose thread in this fabric called reality. A place, a person, a series of events - it didn't matter which. At times, it would be the smallest of coincidences. But then, even the simplest of things can give birth to doubt. A doubt that grew into the realization of truth.

That I was standing at the end of the world.

So I fell once more into the truth that I had forgotten. Yet I had no regrets. Because I knew that the truth would always be preferable to lies. And everything would turn out fine, now that I had returned here, to the end of the world. I closed my eyes and smiled. The memory of a passing dream is enough for me. I can rest now.

Or so I had thought.

Without warning, a single ray of light flashed upon me from the heavens. As if to wake me... no, as if to mock me. I cringed and struggled. I waved my arms in defiance. Yet that light would not give up. Despite my refusal, I found myself drawn to it. This was a disaster... no, a catastrophe. Everything I had sacrificed would be for naught. Yet, I could not resist. Or rather, it only took one more push.

She called out my name.

And the world trembled.