The Vampire’s Dragon

"An oomukade?"

Reimu and Marisa were standing in front of another woman in the Human Village. She had short, pink hair with two white bun-holders on either side of her head. One of her arms had a cuff with a chain, the other was wrapped in bandages from fingers to shoulder. She wore a white dress with a red cloth running down the front, and a green skirt. Her name was Kasen Ibaraki, and she was a hermit that typically checked in with Reimu to see if she was training. Right now though, her arms were crossed as she stared at Reimu. "An oomukade. Here, loose on the surface in Gensokyo. Who told you this?" She asked suspiciously.

"The people over at the Scarlet Devil Mansion." Reimu replied. "From the sound of it, it's not something I can just ignore or walk away from, much as I'd like to let someone else handle it." She closed her eyes, crossing her own arms. "I don't fully buy their story. There's something wrong. Off. They're keeping something from me but I don't know what. But I'll find that out later. For now, if this youkai is as powerful as they suggested, we need to handle it, soon."

Kasen sighed. "And you believed them? That there really is an oomukade out here somewhere? Really, Reimu?"

At this Reimu's eyes opened, and she asked "What?"

Kasen shook her head in disbelief. "There haven't been any oomukade spotted here in Gensokyo for thousands of years. They are immensely powerful, yes, but wherever they are, IF they even still exist, it's not here. I believe they're playing a prank on you."

At this, Marisa snorted, trying not to laugh. Reimu glared at her. "What? What's so funny?"

"Oh, just the thought that ya really are gettin' played for a fool by those Scarlet people. It'd be pretty funny if they sent you on a wild goose chase just ta pop in at the end and say 'Sorry, we lied! Gotcha!"

Reimu glanced back and forth between Kasen and Marisa. "W-well— I mean, they sounded pretty serious! And besides, why would they even do that?! If I do find out they're lying to me, they know I'll come down on them pretty hard!" She insisted. "It's not like I'm an idiot!"

At this, Marisa couldn't help but break out into laughter, and Reimu ignored her, and growled to Kasen "Even if they WERE lying, I'd be able to tell, anyway."

At this, Kasen narrowed her eyes. "And how's that, exactly?"

"Intuition. And while that may not sound like much, I'll remind you that my intuition has never failed me yet in an incident." Reimu replied.

"Woah, woah, woah, WHAT?" Marisa stopped laughing. "Scuse me, but I believe that in the first incident with Eientei, YOU attacked me? On yer 'intuition'?"

Reimu groaned. "That was ONE TIME! God, Marisa, we figured it out anyway, didn't we?" She turned back to Kasen. "Look. Their story smells rotten, but the one thing I'm sure they're telling the truth about is the oomukade. If they wanted to send me on a snipe hunt, that's fine, but something about that doesn't add up. Why would they use so much magical protection on their mansion just to pull an elaborate prank?" At this, Kasen closed her eyes, deep in thought. "Also, even if that WAS the reason, the only person in that mansion capable of that level of magic, that I know of, is Patchouli. And, reminder: She's vitamin-deficient and asthmatic." Reimu pointed out. "The level of strain those defenses placed on her body would, if not kill her, take her out of action for a long while. All this, just to play a prank on me?" She shook her head. "Say what you will about the Scarlet people, but at the very least, I've seen they wouldn't just overexert one of their people for a laugh. They care too much about each other to do that."

Kasen was silent for a time, then replied "Even if what you say is true, we have no idea where to even start looking. And if this oomukade DOES exist, we don't have time to search every nook and cranny of Gensokyo. It's a threat that has to be dealt with, swiftly. How exactly do you propose we locate such a youkai?"

Reimu sighed. "Much as I don't like it, I'm going to request the help of a lot of major figures in Gensokyo. Eientei has Tewi, and she knows every rabbit in the Bamboo Forest. Their information network isn't exactly small. Same with the tanuki — Mamizou has scouts everywhere, so if either the rabbits or the tanuki have seen something, we need to know. I'm also getting Sanae and Moriya, Youmu and Yuyuko, Eientei, and Marisa, here, to help. I did have one other thought on the way here, and I'm going to head over to Myouren first."

"Myouren?" Marisa inquired. "How come? How're they gonna help us?"

"Most of them can't. However, there's a certain rat I have in mind..." Reimu grumbled.

"Nazrin? I mean sure, she can find things pretty quick, but if it really has been that long, do ya think she'll actually be able to dowse fer a youkai that ain't been seen in ages?"

"I don't know. But I'm not ruling out any options or allies. We need all the help we can get."

"And if you DO find this oomukade?" Kasen pressed. "You couldn't win against the Lunarians. How, exactly, do you expect to defeat a youkai that hunts and eats dragons?"

At this, Reimu and Marisa turned to Kasen, their eyes growing round. "They... what?" Marisa murmured.

"Oh, gods." Kasen sighed, putting her hand to her head. "They didn't even tell you that much?" She glared at them. "Listen up. Oomukade are likely one of the most powerful youkai in existence. They are able to hunt, kill, and eat dragons because their power is so ridiculously obscene that most lesser dragons can't measure up. And the greater ones have a really hard time. You couldn't stand against the Lunarians. You most certainly will NOT be able to stand against an oomukade."

"That's not true!" Reimu interjected sourly. "I won against Lapislazuli, didn't I?"

"Because she was toying with you, Reimu!" Kasen shot back. "She would have absolutely destroyed you, and anyone who came against her, had she been completely serious." Reimu was silent, and Kasen growled "And NO, we're NOT calling the Goddess of Hell just to help us out with this."

"Why not?!" Reimu retorted. "It's a good plan!"

"Because of all the things she has on her plate, the last thing she needs on TOP of that is a dragon-eating youkai to kill."

"Alright, so what's your plan?!" Reimu jabbed at her. "If I'm so weak and I can't beat it, and you're not gonna let us talk to Hecatia, then who exactly are you planning to get to beat this youkai?"

"That's-" Kasen started, but then paused, putting her hand to her chin. "Um. Well, I mean-"

"Oh-oh, looks like the student's become the master, eh?" Marisa taunted.

Kasen glared at her. "Fine. If you're bent on this then there's nothing I can do. Go talk to the people you're gonna talk to, but just be ready for what you're up against. I'll contact Eientei and the tanuki. They'll probably be more willing to listen to me, at least." With that, Kasen flew off.

Reimu groaned. "Ugh. Why is everyone such a pain recently? Why is it so hard to just do the things we need to do?" As Marisa laughed again, Reimu added "That includes you, you know!"

"Me? Hey, I'm just followin yer lead. Yer the one with the 'intuition', yeah?" Marisa mocked.

"Oooh." Reimu growled. "I'm gonna give you a danmaku battle you'll never forget after this. Just shut up and follow me." She flew off, and Marisa, getting on her broom, chuckled "Yes, ma'am."

As they disappeared, a figure watched from behind a tree. "Oh? This could get interesting." The figure said smugly. "Perhaps I'll give them a helping hand." With a snicker, the figure slunk away.

As Reimu and Marisa landed at the Myouren Temple's courtyard, they looked around. "Nothing goin' on here, as usual. Myouren is at least content to keep to themselves." Marisa said with a smile.

Reimu rolled her eyes, and began walking towards the temple, but before she could get very far, from behind a stone pillar, a girl jumped out at her. "URAMESHIYAAAAA!" She shouted.

Reimu sighed in exasperation. "Hello, Kogasa."

"No fair! You were supposed to be surprised!" The girl complained. Her hair was a light blue, and she wore a teal vest with white sleeves underneath, as well as a blue skirt. On her feet were geta sandals. Her eyes were heterochromatic, with one being red and the other being blue. In her hand, she held a purple umbrella with a single eye on it and a wicked smile. Protruding from the mouth of the umbrella was a long tongue. She pouted, glaring at Reimu.

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Reimu rolled her eyes. "Is Nazrin here?"

"Why should I tell you?!" Kogasa whined. "You didn't get scared when I jumped out at you, so I don't wanna help!"

Reimu pulled out some long, sharp needles from her dress, and growled "Just answer the question."

Kogasa squeaked, then yelled "Fine! Yeah, she's here! Just go talk to her and leave me alone!" With that, she ran off, crying.

"Cold as ever, Reimu." Marisa grinned, stretching her arms behind her head.

"Whatever. We don't have time for this." Reimu replied, stowing the needles away. "Let's go." With that, she strode up to the sliding doors and pounded on the wall. "Open up! I know Nazrin's here, I need to talk to her!"

There were a few moments of silence, then the doors slid open. In front of them stood a tall woman with purple and yellow hair. She was clad in a black and white dress and boots, and in her hand was what looked to be a blue scroll of some kind.

"Hijiri! How are things?" Marisa asked cheerfully.

The woman, Byakuren Hijiri, glared at Marisa and replied "Nazrin is currently practicing her faith. She won't be available today."

"That's not an acceptable answer." Reimu retorted. "We need her to find something for us."

Byakuren's eyes narrowed, and she responded "The answer is no. Good afternoon." With that, she slid the door shut.

Marisa groaned and asked "Well? Now what?"

"Now? We're not asking anymore." Reimu said ominously, taking out her purification rod. She swiftly slid the doors open and strode inside. Byakuren, who had begun to walk down the hall, turned and saw Reimu there.

"What are you doing?! You can't just barge into the temple like this!" She shouted. "Leave at once!"

Ignoring her, Reimu walked down the hall, checking every room. At the end of the hall, she heard voices, and she walked over, sliding the doors to the room open. There, sitting at a table, were six people, with sake cups and what looked to be cutlets of pork on a plate. As Reimu opened the door, all of their eyes went wide, like a deer caught in headlights.

One of the people spoke up, a woman with a white sash between her arms and a tiger-print dress. Her hair was bright yellow with black highlights. Her first words were "Don't tell Lady Hijiri. Please."

"Don't tell me WHAT?" Byakuren asked, rounding the corner. As her eyes fell upon the scene, her expression turned to one of anger. "WHAT?! Where did all this come from?!"

Another girl spoke up, one with black hair, in a sailor cap and uniform. "Hijiri, listen, we can explain—"

"Explain? There's no explanation for this behavior! Meat and alcohol are strictly forbidden at this temple! You all know this!" Byakuren screeched.

"HEY!" Reimu shouted. All eyes turned to her. "I don't have time for your arguments! Pay attention!" She pointed to one of the girls, who had grey hair and a brown dress. On her head sat two mouse ears, and a tail protruded from her behind. "You. Nazrin. We need your help."

Byakuren turned to Reimu and replied "As I SAID, Nazrin is practicing her faith—"

"She's havin' a rulebreakin' party with her friends. I don't think ya can use that excuse anymore." Marisa grinned, speaking in a mocking tone. At this, Byakuren gritted her teeth, but fell silent.

"M-me?" Nazrin spoke. "Why? What for?"

"We need you to find something for us. Or rather, someONE." Reimu responded. "There's a dangerous youkai in Gensokyo right now and we need you to help us track it down."

"Oh, I don't think that'll be necessary." A sickeningly sweet voice chimed in. Everyone turned to look, and there, in the hallway, stood a girl, wearing a white one-piece outfit with a green ribbon and socks. Her hair was a dusty blonde, and fox ears protruded from the top of her head. She was throwing a vial full of blue liquid up and down, twirling it between her fingers. She had a grin on her face that spread from ear to ear.

"Who're you?" Marisa asked.

At this, her face grew annoyed. "It's Tsukasa Kudamaki!" She grumbled. "We met before, several months ago."

"Don't recall." Reimu said flatly.

"Argh!" She grouched. "Whatever!" Her smile returned and she continued "I believe I can help you with your oomukade problem."

At this, Byakuren's eyes widened. "An oomukade? You were going to send one of my disciples out to find one of the most dangerous youkai alive?"

Reimu, again, ignored Byakuren. "How do you know about that?" Reimu questioned, crossing her arms.

"You really remember nothing, do you?" Tsukasa sighed. "Listen. Do you remember the incident with the dragon gems and the market cards?"

Marisa stroked her chin, then replied "Ehhhh...vaguely."

"I was the one helping the god, Chimata Tenkyuu, do her work. I was the one who set the whole thing up, remember?" Tsukasa said, a silky tone to her voice.

"Get to the point." Reimu responded, her patience growing thin.

"Of course. You see, I believe I can not only tell you the oomukade's name, but also where she is at this exact moment." Tsukasa snickered. "But! I'll only tell you if you do me a favor."

Reimu hefted her purification rod. "I don't make deals with youkai." She growled.

"You can exterminate me if you'd like, but you'll be left chasing your tails like mangy dogs." Tsukasa replied sharply. "Without me, you'll be too late to stop the oomukade's rampage. ...Well. Her actions, anyway. The rampage is a fabrication."

"It's what?" Marisa interjected.

"Oh yes! Didn't you know? The oomukade came up to the surface for one reason and one reason alone— she was hungry," Tsukasa cooed. "The idea of her going on a rampage is completely made-up — once she had eaten, her plan was to go back underground for quite a while."

"Hungry?" Reimu asked swiftly. "What do you mean? They eat dragons, right?"

Tsukasa's grin grew wider. "That's right."

"Last I checked, there ain't any dragons in Gensokyo." Marisa stated suspiciously, her face gaining a rare, somber expression.

"Ahhhh, but that's where you're wrong." Tsukasa giggled. "I know about that too, but unfortunately for you, you'll have to figure that one out on your own! For now, I can at least point you in the right direction, though! As I said, however, you'll need to do something for me in return."

"And what, exactly, could we offer a fox that apparently knows everything?" Reimu snarled.

"Protection." Tsukasa replied, her smile finally fading. "I want my safety ensured for the forseeable future."

"Protection?" Marisa asked. "Sorry, don't think I heard that right. Ya want protection from the Hakurei shrine maiden? Ain't that kinda like askin' a shark to keep ya safe in its mouth?"

"Perhaps. However, I know that she is one of the only ones that might stand a chance against the oomukade, and I want protection from her, in the event that, upon revealing this information to you, she ends up coming for my head."

"And why is it so important to you to give this oomukade such a bad time?" Reimu asked in irritation.

"Because she's my former boss." Tsukasa responded.

There was silence for a long time, then Byakuren spoke. "Everyone, let's just separate ourselves from this. Come on, down the hall. And know that I WILL be punishing you for these sins at a later date." She added, eliciting groans from everyone at the table, as they got up and followed her.

Once Reimu, Marisa, and Tsukasa were alone, Reimu asked "You served. Under an oomukade? You were her servant?"

"Well, more like lieutenant." Tsukasa grumbled sourly. "But yes. She was my former boss. If I share what I know with you, you must be prepared to ensure that I don't get regret it later."

"And what if ya give us the info, then we dump ya afterward and leave ya to fend fer yerself?" Marisa ventured, grinning again.

At this, Tsukasa had no answer. Reimu glared hard at her for a moment, then sighed. "Fine."

"What is WITH you, today, Reimu?" Marisa turned, her face drawing into a scowl. "You never just go along with whatever some youkai is telling ya to do!"

"I hate it just as much as you think I do." Reimu snarked back, before continuing "But I don't have time for this. That oomukade is out and about, right now. And even if there is a dragon potentially in Gensokyo, and the oomukade IS only targeting them, I have a feeling that letting a dragon get killed and eaten is bad karma. I don't want that on my soul when the time comes." Reimu grumbled. "We don't have any other choice at this point, anyway. Even if what Kudamaki says is true, that the supposed 'rampage' is totally made up by the Scarlet people, that doesn't guarantee that, before heading back underground, she won't go on a rampage anyway. I'm not willing to take that chance. And while I certainly could just drag the info out of her and leave her to her fate—" Reimu glared at Tsukasa. "I'd prefer to just take the path of least resistance and get this over with. After this is over, you have three weeks. Make plans. I'm kicking you out once your time is up. No extensions."

Tsukasa grinned. "More than enough time. Pleasure doing business with you." She said, reaching out her hand to shake. Reimu scowled, then begrudgingly shook her hand once. Marisa exhaled loudly. "Gods, this is such a big ugly mess. I ain't even gonna try ta keep track anymore. Let's just get this over with, already."

"Now. Your end of the bargain." Reimu murmured.

"Of course!" Tsukasa said cheerfully. "Now, listen closely..."