The Gensokyo Hat Heist

The Crimson Mansion

The only way I'm getting into that mansion is by sneaking past the guard. I'd love to fly over the gates but without Marisa's broom that isn't an option.

I look around to make sure that the fish woman isn't around and then swap to Sekibanki. I make my head float over the wall in the hopes that I might find something to help me.

I float over the grass, still not used to the sensation of my body being so far from my head. Flying through the garden, all sorts of scents flow through my nose.

Lavender, roses, sunflowers... I'd stay longer if I had the time.

As I'm admiring the flowers, a small insect lands on my cheek. I feel its legs scatter across my nose as I try my hardest to keep quiet. Even the smallest sound could alert the guard.

S-Sekibanki:"(Sh-Shoo, J-Just g-) OWWW!"

Its stinger embeds itself into the bridge of my nose, it flies off immediately after as my head drops to the ground.

S-Sekibanki:"Son of a-!"

I remember that I'm supposed to be quiet and close my mouth, slowly turning toward the guard as my eyes begin to water.

Surprisingly, the guard hasn't moved at all. ...Actually... hold on... she... isn't moving at all? What's going on here?

Maybe it's just because my vision is blurry, I navigate back to my body, reattaching myself to it.

I try to switch to Marisa but for some reason nothing happens. I still don't know all the intricacies of my ability but there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to switch.

I trot over to the guard, attempting to switch every step of the way. Just as I'd thought, she isn't moving an inch, it's unnatural.

...her eyes are closed... i-is she dead? Should I get someone?!

Guard:"Z...Zaguya...heheh..."

A creepy smile forms on the guard's face, it seems like she's just asleep... and rather immersed in her dream. I guess it must be a peaceful neighborhood if guards can nap like this.

I sneak by her, walking toward the main door. Just as I reach for the handle, the pain from my sting disappears, at the same instance I morph into Marisa.

So is it pain related? But I switched just fine after I fell out the window. Though that transformation was sparked by capturing a new form, I myself didn't initiate it. Yeah, that must be it.

New rule, when experiencing pain, changing forms is impossible. Unless you capture a new one. ...I think

I keep this in mind as I push open the front door. Walking inside, I step on an immaculate carpet, probably cleaned thoroughly every day. My feet sink into it a little.

I feel sort of bad as Marisa's muddy boots sully its crimson color, so I kick off my shoes at the entrance and continue on my way.

I wander off, looking for somebody with a hat. As I round a corner, I lock eyes with a woman wearing a lilac gown. She looks exhausted, dragging a large burlap bag behind her.

Her hair is a deep shade of violet, her eyes too. Really, there's a lot of purple going on with her, but the most important piece of clothing is the one resting on top of her head.

???:"Marisa? Strange of you to walk through the halls. I thought you would've just broken a hole through the library's wall. And... where are your shoes? Did you finally learn some manners?"

Damn, everybody seems to know my forms, this is going to complicate things.

S-Marisa:"Haha, yeah sorry 'bout that. How've ya been?"