Remilia: I'm going out!

A fuming Remilia walked towards the mansion gate, allowing Meiling to turn around and grow nervous from the sudden pressure.

Meiling: Eh? What about the others?!

Remilia: Leave them be. It's become apparent that this enemy has grown powerful by taking the life from our fairy maids. Besides... I'm not going to let him get away by hurting our family.

The gatekeeper couldn't help but feel amazed by the vampire's words as she watched her walk away into the fields. Luckily, the sun has nearly finished setting to allow enough shade for Remilia to walk comfortably.

Hakurei Shrine

Reimu: *sigh* Yup, that idiot went out on his own!

Marisa: Eh?! Does he really think he can win this?

Patchouli: Admittedly, it's quite dangerous for him to take on this adversary.

Patchouli took a small sip from the tea that Reimu has prepared for her. The silver haired maid walked inside of the shrine to inform the others of your plan.

Sakuya: I'm worried myself however, we need to stay alert. I know it's been difficult considering our losses but rest assured, he doesn't intend to fight alone.

Youmu: So he had a plan?

Sakuya: Yes... Whether or not this escalates into another fight, we need to be on the lookout for his signal.

Reimu: I see...

Alice: If only we knew of Luci's family...

With You

You were currently resting in the darkened woods with night to illuminate your path however, the blood flowing on your veins granted you the ability to see clearly in the dark. The previous event has left you shaken but the need to end this current incident has kept you moving forward.

(Y/N): I don't even know where the hell I'm going...

As if someone sensed your loneliness, you felt the familiar presence suddenly appear.

(Y/N): ... I'll admit that I went ahead on my own just to have some time to myself... I'm not sure if I'm fully aware with what I'm doing right now... It feels as if I'm losing the ones I loved before I came here... My best friend, my ex... I still had some feelings for her but I only wanted the best for her while we were here in Gensokyo.

Your hands were shaking as you sat in your makeshift seat and slowly began to cry. Without warning, you felt the warm embrace of Yukari wrap around you, allowing you to cry on her shoulder.

Yukari: I'm so sorry (Y/N)! If only I wasn't so careless...!

After a brief moment, you eventually separated in order to regain your thoughts.

Yukari: At the time, we were shocked by the sudden surge that I ended up lowering my guard... I'm so sorry!

(Y/N): Don't be... Nobody was expecting for everything to happen.

Fortunately, your emotions were back in order however, you were still stricken with grief.

(Y/N): I don't know what the hell this guys even wants. I'm only trying to put an end to this so nobody else ends up in the same situation.

Yukari: ... Very well... He's currently waiting at the top of a cliff overlooking the human village... Please, be careful.

Your only reply was a simple nod before too flight and flew towards the human village.

The blonde youkai quickly stepped inside a portal and returned to her home.

Ran: How is he?

Yukari: I'm sure he'll be fine. If he needs help then I'll be the one to bring reinforcements towards his direction.

Ran: I see...

Yukari: Once this is over.... I'll try to strike a deal to help with Lucius... I'm still unaware of her past but for her to sneak around Hakurei Shrine and retrieve her weapon from Reimu's puzzles, undetected, is quite impressive to say the least...

Ran: Striking a deal with the Yama? Wouldn't it be easier to-

Yukari was quite serious as she spoke since she had some connection to Lucius, more specifically her mother.

Back With You

(Y/N): *in thought* He's definitely up there... Strangely enough I can actually feel his presence this time...

After a short flight, you had arrived in the middle of a mountain that was not too far from the human village. In fact, there is a cliff that overlooks the village with a gorgeous view that would be visible during the day. However, it is currently dark with the only source of were from the moon and the fireflies that were in the area.

With one deep breath, you began to finish the rest of the journey by walking up the mountain side. After some time have passed, you eventually reached your destination and felt the presence of your enemy on the cliff side.

???: I'll admit, this is definitely much more peaceful than the other side... I'm also quite curious as to why the strange creatures of this land stay from this village... Then I noticed a few of these creatures walking amount those humans... Either passing through or simply protecting them... Well not that it matters, doesn't seem as if I'll be staying here for long.

You watched as the tall figure stand on its two feet and look in your direction.

???: Back on the other side, everyone there is willing to tear each other pieces for their own selfish desires. It's almost... quite similar from my own time, however I could care less for them. My days of shaking their spirits are over, all that's left is to wait and see what happens. *small laugh* Years of being called a god only for me to reduce myself into stirring up trouble for my own amusement... I'm sorry about your friend. Truly. Nothing can change what happened.

You were only silent as he spoke, your anger never vanished but you still heard the anguish in his voice.

???: *small laughter* If only I found this place sooner... The peace is very relaxing...

(Y/N): ... Who are you?

???: ... A name I'd rather not share.

He finally stood up from his seat and turned towards you to reveal a cloak of feathers on his head. The rest of the body was still shrouded in darkness so you were quite unsure of his true identity.

???: That's if you can best me.

You stood your ground as the tension between the both of you continuously grew. You tried your best to relax your mind for the incoming battle that would occur.

Just as you closed your eyes, you felt movement quickly approach without warning. Your instinct forced you to quickly side step to avoid a deadly attack from a spear and you jumped away.

(Y/N): ... I'm not going to call for backup... *In thougt* Not just yet...

???: Do as you wish.

Your power began to rise as the both of you began to approach each other.

(Y/N): *in thought* I'm still new to these spell card duels set in this world but I'm sure this guy doesn't give a damn! Good thing I'm better off to close quarters...

You attempted to make the first move and appear in front of him to deliver a swift quick to his head. Luckily, he blocked the attack with his hand and thrust his spear for a counter attack. This forced you to dash backwards, with a quick manifestation of glowing wings. You were able to avoid a powerful thrust of his weapon, that seemed to shake the ground from his power.

(Y/N): *in thought* Lucky me...!

Unfortunately, the enemy did not allow a moment to breathe as he immediately charged forward with his weapon in front, practically widening his attack with a release of powerful energy. With last minute thinking, you placed a magic circle in front of you before leaping to the side in order to barely dodge a powerful attack. The enemy accidentally made contact with the trap and was nearly blown back from a burst of blue light.

(Y/N): Gotcha!

You reappeared above his head and prepared a heavy axe kick only for it to be immediately deflected.

???: Nice try!

You were quickly trying to adjust yourself in mid air only for you to feel a set of kicks that sent you slightly higher in the air. As you were struggling to recover, the enemy quickly jumped in mid air with his weapon more outwards in order to spin his body at a blinding speed in order to deliver a barrage of attacks within seconds. You felt every bit of the attack as they quickly came to a halt and you were struck back with a strong swipe of his spear.

Fortunately, you recovered onto your feet just as you hit the ground. Your body was in pain however you pressed forward as you began to unleash some of your vampire half.

(Y/N): Come on, that all you got?

You only heard a small hum from him as he responded in kind with his oattack. Unfortunately, a set orbs appeared beside him as they began to charge up their own attacks.

???: I was very curious about this world's form of battle so I decided to create my own ranged attacks.

(Y/N): *sighs* It's never this easy!

The orbs then fired an overwhelming amount of magic bullets towards your direction, as well as the surrounding area to hinder your escape.

With quick thinking, you began to leap to the side in order to avoid the incoming attacks. The amount of bullets that were being fired were so much that you even took flight in order to dodge the barrage. Eventually, you slowly made an approach as you followed a strict pattern.

Much to your annoyance, the enemy notices your approach and unleased an invisible force that prevented you from getting closer.

(Y/N): Oh come on!

Even as you were drawing closer, the force immediately knocked you back and sent you sprawling across the wave of bullets. You were unable to recover as you practically being knocked back and forth by the bullets until you eventually hit the ground. The magic quickly ceased and you were quickly struck in the arm by a spear as your opponent appeared by your side.

???: I've been waiting for a long time for someone to finally put me to rest...

He quickly removed the spear from your arm, much to your dismay as you screamed out in pain.

???: I don't doubt that the others will arrive for your aid.

He drew closer and knelt beside you in order to speak in a much more quiet voice.

???: Me and that girl were a lot alike... Something very important to us was lost and in turn, created something far worse than your average youkai... You're not too far from it, yourself.

This left you speechless as he quickly backstepped away to avoid a spear created from red energy.

Female Voice: I doubt you would barely pass as an average Youkai yourself.

A familiar voice entered the fray as you felt the spear quickly pulled out of your arm. You recovered to your feet and watched as Remilia shattered the metallic spear without any effort.

(Y/N): ... Lady Remilia?

Remilia: You were really losing to someone like him?

You were a little annoyed by her words since you have thought of a counter during your previous struggle.

(Y/N): I've thought of something to get him off of me...! Didn't expect for you to show up.

Remilia: ... I was bored out of my mind. Besides, this one is the reason why we nearly lost Patchy.

However as the both of you spoke, the enemy only sighed as he simply pointed a finger towards your direction. A small ball of magic manifested at the tip of his finger while keeping his aim towards you and Remila.

(Y/N): Oh fu-

Within seconds, the output of his next attack was greatly magnified as the both of you were swallowed by a massive beam of magic.

Elsewhere

???: Ayaya, I'm getting some good photos here~

A mysterious figure was hiding nearby, followed by sudden flashes of light from a camera.

???: It's just one after another with these incidents!

As the person continued to take photos of your battle, the shots have halted to a stop as her eyes widened.

???: Uh oh!!

She hurriedly flew to the side and barely dodged a massive beam of energy that continued to stretch across the land.

Back With You

A hand shot from the beneath the ground and Remila quickly emerged with ease and rose to her feet. She simply dusted herself and stared down the enemy.

Remilia: Seems you had no trouble in mastering Patchy's technique.

???: It's definitely quite the ability, isn't it? Never in my life would I think that such power exists... This world truly is a lot of things that I never imagined.

Remilia: That may be true however, we cannot exactly let you do as you please.  I am quite upset at the mess that you've created in my home as well as the fact that you brought harm to those close to me but I am willing to let you live if you surrender.

???: ... I'll admit that it sounds tempting however...

He took a look at his hand to find that the black silhouette has begun to show slight cracks of light.

???: Some pieces just don't hold forever...

(Y/N): Couldn't agree more.

You were revealed directly behind the enemy and your arm was directly inside of the silhouette. Your body was heavily injured as some of your clothes were practically torn and your skin was burnt from the previous attack.

???: *light chuckle* Not for vengeance....

(Y/N): It kind of is...! I don't know how many other people you've hurt on the same way but it stops here!

You felt your arm burning as you pulled out the stones from the enemy's chest.

???: I've seen the memories of that magician... Spend as time as you can with your loved ones... There's something bigger approaching...

You smashed the crystals in the palm of your hand and watched as the black silhouette revealed a young man in a form of tribal outfit, turning himself toward your direction. He only lightly smiled before patting  your shoulder and slowly walked past you.

As he disappeared, you grew completely exhausted from the battle as well as the pain slowly settling.

Remilia: Is it over?

(Y/N): *sigh* I would assume so... Why did you show up?

Remilia: I was simply bored.

You could tell she was lying however, you noticed a peculiar aura about her as she stood by your side until it alowly disappeared.

(Y/N): Right, right....

Both arms were in pain as one was practically covered in burn marks while the other was struggling to recover from being stabbed.

Remila: ... I was told about the passing of your friend.

(Y/N): Sakuya?

Remilia: Yukari...

(Y/N): I see...

She drew a little closer as to where she was able to see your eyes.

Remilia: During my visits, there was always a faint scent of blood whenever she was around. Even I'm sure what it was until Sakuya informed me that she seemed to have a harsh cough every once in a while.

(Y/N): ... *In thouht* Was she sick?

Remilia: That's all I have to say, I know it doesn't provide much help for yourself but I'm quite curious as to what else she could have been hiding.

(Y/N): The gun... Reimu mentioned that Luci arrived in Gensokyo with a gun... It was confiscated but Luci somehow got it back...!

Remilia: ... Even more curious... *sigh* Let's get you back, you're already on the verge of fainting.

You slowly nodded as the both of you began to walk toward the Hakurei Shrine. However, as you walked, you were seeing glompses of memories that were not of your own.

One Week Later

It was a bright afternoon, for you, as you walked across the human village to gather some ingredients for dinner. Much to your slight annoyance, the local guardian/school teacher was still her usual self as she was reluctant in allowing you to enter since you were involved in the previous incident. Luckily, you were able to convince her to let you pass as she noticed a slight difference in your personality. At the moment, you only wore your usual pair of pants, shirt and shoes along with sunglasses to keep your eyes from practically burning. Your jacket was lost from the previous battle since you practically took the blast head on to surprise your opponent.

As you walked along the path, you noticed a small building that made you stop in your tracks.

(Y/N): Geidontei, huh? Maybe next time...

You continued walking in the village until you came across a second hand shop.

(Y/N): Hmmm... Wonder if I can find a replacement coat in there.

Unbeknownst to you, a hummingbird accompanied you by gently resting itself on your shoulder.

Hakurei Shrine

Ran: How is he doing?

Reimu: I'm the one that should be asking you the question.

Ran: I apologize but... I just want to hear your side.

Reimu only sighs in her spot as she begins to think about any recent changes. Directly behind her, a certain oni can be seen taking a nap although she somehow seems to be aware of her surroundings.

Reimu: He's still in pain...

Ran: I can easily tell... I tried speaking to him about it but he simply brushes it off and claims that he's fine.

Reimu: So it's the same with you...

Ran: Lady Yukari blames herself for not keeping an eye throughout the event however...

Reimu: I know... I'm surprised she even helped us get to where we needed to go in the first place...

Ran: I'd rather not get into details about it...

Reimu: Nothing to really worry about at this pont... *sigh* I wonder what happens now.

Ran: Who knows?

Reimu: I just don't want it to become a habit, everything happened so quickly...

Suika: *snore* How about a festival...?

Reimu: Now isn't the time!

Scarlet Devil Mansion

Hours have passed ever since your visit to the human village so, after dinner, you decided to make a stop to your former home.

Remila: What brings you here so suddenly?

(Y/N): I want a match with you.

The fairy maids in the area suddenly froze in place from your request since it could mean the destruction of the room.

Remilia: Quite the strange request given our difference in strength.

(Y/N): Doesn't matter to me, I've been in a bit of a slump and I need to clear my head.

Remilia: I see... Very well, I'll amuse you.

The vampire stood from her seat and jumped down to place herself a feet in front of you.

Remilia: And what if you don't find the answer you're looking for?

(Y/N): I've had my answer a few days ago... For now, just want to cut loose in a good match to clear my head.

Remilia: I'll be more than willing to oblige.

You felt her power surge in the large room as she readied herself for battle. The maids present in the room were frightened and decided to quickly exit the room before the battle began.

(Y/N): Heh, alright!

You responded with your own power surging although, Remilia quickly noticed that only one of your eyes was red while the other began to glow blue.

Remilia: Not unleashing your fullest potential?

(Y/N): Just you wait!

In a matter of seconds, the both of you quickly charged towards each other at a blinding speed. However, at the last second, your body began to quickly split to reveal a copy of yourself emerging with a pair of glowing red eyes while your current form began to only glow blue.

Remila: Interesting! Your own magic is evolving!

The End of Within the Shadow

...
...
...

Lucius: ... Wha-...

Lucius was able to easily tell that she was currently seated as she began to stir awake. Her eyes slowly opened but her vision was quite blurry as she attempted to look around.

???: Yes... Rage has definitely consumed your mind before you ended up in Gensokyo...! No matter, your sentence will be the same as the other one!

The white haired woman was still groggy as she tried to look at the source of the voice only to find a blurry figure in a blue outfit and presumably, green hair.

???: Lucius se#$%@[, I hereby sentence you to hell!

???: If I may! Is there any way to change her sentence?

Lucius recognized the second voice as she recognized a familiar shade of blonde hair.

Lucius: Lady... Yukari?

Unfortunately, it was too late as she felt herself fall through the ground and into complete darkness.

Lucius: ... Yes... I remember everything now...! Hell is where I belong...

To be continued...