The Gensokyo Hat Heist

Remnants II

                                                                     - {Alice's Pov} -

The evening light pours through my window as I refine the doll on the table, the fairy I brought home stirs in my bed. I watch as she slowly sits up, pinching the bridge of her nose.

She wipes her eyes as she looks around the room confused. When she spots me she jumps, obviously startled by my silence.

Alice:"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. I found you passed out in a ditch, I feared that if I left you alone you would perish."

Fairy:"O-Oh... th-thanks."

Alice:"It's quite alright. Would you like some tea?"

Fairy:"...Y-Yes please. I-If that's ok."

I sit up and walk over to the kettle, preparing to make two cups of tea.

Alice:"How well mannered. Most other fairies aren't so polite. What's your name?"

Fairy:"My friends call me Daiyousei."

After mentioning her friends, her expression sours. Ah, something must've happened to them.

Alice:"Do you wish to tell me why you were in such a precarious situation?"

Daiyousei slowly shakes her head, giving me a firm no. But a few seconds later, she nods her head weakly.

I place the freshly brewed tea on my table, shifting my doll making supplies in order to make room for the two of us.

Alice:"Come, sit down. I'll listen to your story."

Daiyousei:"W-Well I-."

Suddenly, we're cut off by a knock on the door. Daiyousei seems frightened as she shivers at the sound. I motion for her to hide, and she ducks under the covers of my bed.

I walk to the door, opening it. At the other end is a disheveled woman I recognise... slightly.

Alice:"Meiling, right?"

At the mention of Meiling, Daiyousei stirs a little.

Meiling:"Yeah... yeah... you're Alice, right?"

Alice:"Yes. I am indeed. Do you need something?"

Meiling:"Have you seen or heard from Patchouli recently? I remember her saying that you talked every once in a while... I-I just... nah, forget it."

Meiling turns to leave, but I stop her. She seems far beyond her limits, I have no idea what she's been doing but going out and continuing to do it would be dangerous.

Alice:"Come in. You don't seem well."

Meiling:"...Alright."

I bring Meiling into my home, sitting her in front of the tea I was about to drink.

Meiling:"Can I?"

Alice:"Help yourself."

Meiling:"Thanks, I really appreciate it."

As Meiling takes a sip of her tea, Daiyousei peeks her head out to get a look of the person I brought in.

Alice:"You're from the scarlet mansion, right? What brings you here?"

Daiyousei retracts back into the covers, a fearful expression on her face.

Meiling:"It's a long story... I wouldn't wanna bore you."

Alice:"Please, it's alright. I have more than enough free time."

Meiling:"Yeah... alright. I should probably tell somebody at this point."