A Stay in Gensokyo

Chapter Twelve - Warding off the Curse

To rely on an invisible figure and place our faith in them to somewhat make a positive impact on our lives. I never quite understood that, however I don't dislike that belief. It may put others at ease and it's somewhat related to karma in a way. To do good deeds will result in positive karma, whilst doing the opposite will result in the negative. We can't justify that there is an immaterial power in work however there's no harm in believing.

"Marisa..?"

We left the Scarlet Mansion without word to the owner let alone the others; the only one we did bid farewell to was Meiling. She expressed her relief in seeing me up and about; however she was upset that we couldn't stay longer.

"Hmm, what is it, Yuuki?"

Sitting behind her on her broom, Marisa has only mentioned that we're heading to the Hakurei Shrine to cure me of my 'curse'. The curse being my fate where I end up as Remilia's plaything.

"Shouldn't we have said something to Remilia at least?"

I don't want to end up residing within the Scarlet Mansion no matter how grand it is, however it doesn't sit well with me leaving without saying anything to her, let alone Sakuya who saved me and Flandre who may still be worried about me.

"It's fine, she'd know you'll slip away one way or the other."

"I suppose... But what do you mean by finding a cure to my curse?"

"Heh, you just have to wait and see.~"

It's not like I have much leads to go on, whilst I do want to return home as soon as possible with Renko-senpai, I have to locate her first, but I can't freely scour this world for her if I'm bound to Remilia.

...

"Reiimooo!~ Are you awake?"

We stand before the sliding doors leading to that very room in which the party occurred in last night. It took a few moments as I could see Marisa becoming impatient but we soon hear slow footsteps as though she just woke up.

"...Can't you keep it down?"

With a yawn, she ruffles her messy hair.

"Weren't you here already yesterday? I'm not so sure about you but I can go a week or two without seeing you again."

"Now don't say that, I'm here on business! Business in which will result in perhaps an offering."

"An offering? Hm, okay. What business are you talking about?"

Stretching her arms upwards, she rubs her eyes as she focuses on Marisa. It took her awhile to wake up on our first visit but now it seems she has energy.

"Yuuki here- Hmm wait, we should discuss this inside."

"Hahh... Suit yourself, come in."

Accepting her invitation, Marisa steps in as I follow behind her. Well at least that was my intention however she asked for me to stay outside.

"It's better if I were to discuss this alone with Reimu, it won't take long but maybe you should take a stroll around and come back."

"Umm, sure I guess..."

Sliding the door close, I was left walking around the shrine for a while as I soon sat by the pond of koi fish. I don't particularly think there'd be any trouble with me overhearing them, but I'll trust Marisa's judgement. If she's offering her assistance willingly, I should listen without complaints.

...

It took faster than I thought as Marisa came to tell me Reimu was ready in front of the shrine.