Chapter Text
The sun had fully risen over Youkai Mountain when the first human villagers arrived at Moriya Shrine late that morning. Many had been there before, often just wanting to enjoy the sights from up on high, others with some genuine faith to offer the gods. And per usual, there were a slew of kids that just wanted to see the Shrine Maiden perform some “cool miracles”.
However, to the confusion of many arrivals, there was neither a shrine maiden nor goddess in sight. Stray leaves and petals also littered the grounds, a rare sign of disorder for the hardworking shrine. Many kids began to whisper wild speculation to each other, while most adults simply paid their respects and went on with their day.
Finally, some movement came from the front of the shrine. Three figures emerged, with two of them being recognizable as Kanako and Suwako. The third was likely Sanae, but many onlookers had to double-take to be certain.
The alleged Sanae was wearing a baggy white t-shirt adorned with small, green drawings of frogs and lily pads. For legwear, she had donned some dark blue pants of some foreign material, decorated with white snake patterns for good measure. Only her shoes remained largely the same.
The real surprise however, and the cause of the many people’s confusion, was Sanae’s lack of her signature hair ornaments.
Sanae sounded anxious as she spoke, “And if you have the time, I’ve been meaning to check for any bird nests on the onbashira-”
“Sanae,” interrupted Kanako. “It’s fine. Don’t forget who taught you most of your job! Now go have some fun!”
“Try to actually leave the shrine grounds this time,” added Suwako.
Kanako nodded in agreement, “I know! How about you take the ropeway? You’d be surprised how different things look below when you aren’t flying at full speed.”
“I really haven’t given any thought on how to spend the day,” Sanae held her chin in contemplation. “Our shrine has been busier than ever, so I still feel bad about taking time off this year.”
“If you won’t budge on this, then I’ll launch you straight off the mountain!” said Suwako with a cheeky grin.
Sanae raised her hands in surrender, then bowed, "Alright, I guess I'll be off then." She began to walk away
"Take your time! Don't worry about dinner either. I've got a special something planned that can be prepared in a jip," Kanako called out.
"Oh?” Sanae perked up. “Now I’ll be too curious to dawdle!”
"Doubt you’d have been late otherwise!" Suwako scoffed.
Sanae could only give an embarrassed smile and continued on her way.
Nearing the edge of the shrine grounds, she still struggled to reach a decision on how to spend her day. Wandering through the human village was always an option, or perhaps visiting her friendly rival shrine.
When it came to something more personal like this though, Sanae didn’t want to go out and parade around. She tried to keep this special occasion a rather quiet celebration for the past several years. Sometimes, she even forgot all together until her goddesses reminded her.
As people continued to walk to and fro around her, an odd sight passed the corner of her eye. A large, black witch hat sifted through a crowd. There was almost certainly just one person that such a hat could belong to. Sanae quickly followed after it, brimming with curiosity.
She soon found herself down along a mountain trail that was largely ignored by any human visitors, or youkai for that matter. Even calling it a trail was a bit of an embellishment. On its jagged cliff edge, there stood Marisa Kirisame in her usual witch attire with a bag slung under her shoulder.
She was hunched down and leaned forward, gazing along the cliff face with intense study. As Sanae drew closer, Marisa seemed to spot something of interest and reached down to grab it.
“What are you doing?” Sanae casually called out.
“Whoa-!” Marisa jolted and slipped forward over the cliff, arms flailing.
“Marisa!” Sanae charged forward and managed to grab one of Marisa’s hands and braced to pull her up. However, she was met with no resistance.
“What’s the big idea scaring me like that, Miss?” Marisa shouted as she floated above the chasm. “Wait a sec- Sanae?”
Marisa slowly drifted back on to solid ground.
“What are you doing here, Marisa?” Sanae asked.
“Lookin’ for herbs,” Marisa eyed their interlocked hands. “You can let go now.”
“Oh, uh, right!” Sanae quickly let go with a sheepish chuckle. “I know you can fly, but why come up here for them?”
“Eh, well, I needed stuff that grew in high places. I’m not about to barge into tengu territory for it either,” Marisa scratched her head. “Your place seemed the best option.”
“I see,” Sanae nodded. She didn’t actually get it.
Marisa took a moment to reach back over the cliff edge and retrieve the plant she was after.
“What’s with you, though?” she asked as she tucked it in her satchel. “That’s some odd clothes. Kinda reminds me of that one Hell goddess.”
“W-What?!” Sanae looked down in panic at the outfit she had chosen. “You really think it’s like that weirdo?!”
Marisa began to backpedal, “Er, I mean, yours is better, at least! The animal designs are cute and suit you!”
“Ah, you really think so?” Sanae stared at Marisa expectantly.
“Yeah! It’s a little less, uhh, ‘avante-garde’ I think was the phrase,” Marisa avoided her eye contact.
“Uh-huh,” Sanae didn’t quite understand, but was just glad if her fashion was still better than that Hell woman.
“You still haven’t said why you’re in that, though,” Marisa raised an eyebrow.
“This is what I wear on my days off!” Sanae said with a bit of pride.
“You seem to always be working when I see you, then,” Marisa smirked.
“That’s what Lady Kanako and Lady Suwako are bothered by,” Sanae paused. “Today actually is a special occasion though. It’s also my Birthday.”
“Oh, why didn’t you say so sooner? Congrats, then!” Marisa gave a wide grin.
“I don’t even know when yours is either, Marisa!” Sanae laughed. “But I usually don’t venture far from the shrine for it, so I suppose you’d have no reason to know by now.”
“Exactly. Guess we’re both a bit dodgy even outside of danmaku, eh?” Marisa shrugged. “Got any parties and drinks planned for it tonight?”
Sanae shook her head, “I don’t really have anything planned, and couldn’t stand to drink for such an occasion!”
“Right, right, sorry,” Marisa nodded while thinking over Sanae’s words, then perked up from a realization. “Say, if you’re looking for ideas, how about I show you around?”
“Huh? Around where?” Sanae cocked her head.
“Dunno, anywhere! We could take my broom and go on a scenic flight! That sorta thing! If you’re not working the goddess gig today, may as well have someone else do all the flying.”
Sanae took a moment to contemplate this. She couldn’t remember if she had ever spent some 1-on-1 time with Marisa. At most, it would have only been during Incidents in the past. Perhaps this was long overdue.
“Alright then, I’ll be in your care, Marisa!” Sanae bowed.
“Heh, just leave it to me! I’m sure you’ve flown around Gensokyo plenty before, but there’s nothin’ quite like the Kirisame Broom Ride!”
At those words, Marisa snapped her fingers and left her hand outstretched. Her broom quickly zoomed into view and landed right in her grasp.
Sanae was mildly impressed by this spectacle, but it also reminded her of a longtime question.
“Say, Marisa. Why do you ride a broom anyway?”
“Because it’s the Magician Style!” Marisa replied matter-of-factly. “Plus I’m faster with this. Gives me some edge, ya know?”
“R-right, of course!”
Sanae refrained from mentioning that no other magician around rides a broom, or dresses as festively as Marisa does.
Burying that thought, Sanae mounted the broom with Marisa, taking a seat behind her.
“Alright, ready when you are!” she said.
“Better hold on tight! We ain’t doing a pleasure cruise!” Marisa flashed a cocky grin.
Sanae nodded and wrapped her arms around Marisa’s waist and squeezed tight.
“Gck-!” Marisa gagged. “L-little less!”
Sanae relaxed her grip and tried not to laugh. Marisa took a moment to restore her breath and bravado.
“Alright! Let’s show this youkai mountain how a human flies!” she declared dramatically.
At those words, the broom shot off the cliffside with great force upwards. The girls were immediately met with a turbulence. Sanae tried to maintain her grip without choking Marisa, who for her own part kept a firm hand on her fluttering hat.
The air quickly turned piercing cold as clouds trailed past them. It was certainly far more intense than an average flight, even for a veteran like Sanae. Just as she was ready to close her eyes, the broom slowed down and leveled out.
Sanae eased her grip and looked around her. All of Gensokyo was laid out below. The forests, lakes and mountains all seemed so small and close to one another from such a high view. Sanae quickly eyed her home from the peaks and could just barely make out the crowds still gathering around the shrine.
Just as Sanae began to relax from the view, Marisa let out a small chuckle, and the broom quickly began to nosedive.
“Wha-” was all Sanae could yelp out before the wind picked up around them. She felt like she’d get flung off the broom and clung to Marisa for dear life. The fact that she could easily fly on her own was completely overtaken by the rush of adrenaline.
Through the wind and Sanae’s death grip, Marisa slowly steered the broom back towards the mountain, aiming for a valley of jagged rocks. As Sanae noticed their target, fear finally took over and she let out a scream.
In the last moment, Marisa eased up on the broom and avoided splattering on a cliffside. Even if she had planned the maneuver from the start, she couldn’t help but let out a small “Phew!”
Sanae stopped screaming and tried to catch her breath, but her surroundings kept her tense.
Rocky peaks rapidly passed them by, all within arm's reach but never once grazing either girl. Marisa began to duck, weave and twirl the broom around the cliffs for extra flair. Sanae felt like she was playing danmaku directly against the mountain. Being that she wasn’t in control of the flight however, it was far more dizzying.
As they reached the end of the rocky valley, the edge of a waterfall came into view.
"Are you alright taking on a little water?" shouted Marisa.
"Would anything change if I said No?" Sanae laughed nervously.
Marisa merely turned back to her to give another grin.
They zoomed off towards the waterfall and began to fly straight downwards alongside it. Marisa spun the broom until the waterfall was directly above their heads. Sanae looked on in awe from this odd perspective, almost convinced they were flying by an upside down river.
As they approached the bottom of the waterfall, Marisa turned them right side up and pulled away before they were completely drenched from the mist. She finally slowed down the broom as they began to fly over the forest along the foot of the mountain.
“Well, how was that?” said Marisa.
“You certainly know how to put the excitement back in flying!” replied Sanae. “It beats out any roller coaster I’ve been on.”
“Roller… what?” Marisa was puzzled.
“Ah, they have them at parks in the outside world.”
“You have parks with flying brooms in the outside world?” Marisa turned back toward Sanae with bewilderment.
“Ah, no, they’re sorta like carts all lined up!” Sanae struggled to think of something she could relate it to.
As Marisa nodded in confusion, something caught her eye behind them.
“Oh boy.”
“What’s wrong?” Sanae looked back.
A large swarm of fairies had emerged from the surrounding woods and ravines. Every last one of them looked amped up for a fight.
“I guess all your showing off made us a big open invitation, huh?” Sanae sighed.
“Heh. No such thing as a leisurely flight in Gensokyo!” said Marisa. “Did you want to take ‘em on with me, or do you wanna see how I fight firsthand?”
“I- We have fought before, Marisa! I know exactly what you’re going to do!” Sanae chuckled. “Besides, I’m really not dressed or equipped for a fight right now.”
“Gotcha! Guess I’ll have to do my best to protect my dear passenger!”
A glint filled Marisa’s eyes as she turned the broom around to the oncoming mob.
Taking this as a declaration of battle, the nearest fairies began to open fire. Marisa easily swerved around their miniscule barrages and snapped her fingers. Two orbs appeared at either side of her broom and began to fire back. Several of the smaller fairies were immediately shot down, but another line took their place just as quickly.
The ensuing fight continued greatly in favour of Marisa, even with her extra efforts to avoid grazing any bullets. After several smaller waves of opposition fell, three larger fairies appeared and fired fast, dense patterns of bullets. Sanae grew nervous as they rapidly approached her.
“Tch! Not much way around these ones!” muttered Marisa as she retrieved her hakkero. She aimed it forward and shot off a giant laser, effortlessly blasting away both bullets and fairies alike.
Sanae gave a loud sigh of relief as the laser dissipated. Not a single fairy came into sight as she looked around.
“That was close,” Sanae said. “It would have been a nightmare finding the right material to fix torn jeans-”
“Ayaya, so it’s the magician attacking the mountain again?” came a shout from above.
Aya Shameimaru quickly descended into view, creating a blast of wind as she skidded to a halt.
“And who’s that with you?” she continued.
Sanae leaned to the side to bring her face into better view.
“Ah, hello, Ms. Reporter!” she waved nervously.
“Oh, the Moriya Shrine Maiden, right? Well now,” Aya retrieved a pen and notepad from her shirt. “I was just here on orders, but now I may have to do a proper investigation!”
“We were just sightseein’. Don’t go writing some bold accusations!” said Marisa.
Aya showed little interest in this claim as she scribbled in her notepad.
“My report will have to depend on the outcome of this duel then, won’t it?” she put her writing tools away and drew out a large fan.
“Since you have the numbers to your advantage, I won’t just be putting on a sham for my superiors!”
Sanae frantically tried to shout, “W-wait! I’m not fight-”
Without warning, Aya unleashed a flurry of danmaku in ringed patterns. Marisa sharply steered the broom around them. Sanae was caught off guard and struggled to stay on.
After several dozen fast waves of rings, Aya stopped firing and began to prepare a spell card.
“You’re awfully fast today, Kirisame! But it’s time to put you in your place!”
Aya dramatically casted her spell card.
“Peerless Wind God”
“Oh, not this one!” Marisa groaned.
Aya began flying back and forth at superhuman speeds, merely a blur to Marisa and Sanae’s eyes. In her wake, hundreds upon hundreds of small bullets rained forth. Marisa tried to remain calm and searched for any large blind spots in the oncoming barrage.
Just as she carefully made her way to a clearing however, another wave quickly approached. Aya’s blurred form continued to pass back and forth, spawning more bullets by the millisecond. Marisa knew she wouldn’t be able to manage this without some close calls, and certainly some that would be too close for her passenger’s comfort right now.
As she braced for the worst however, several large lights appeared in front of her.
The lights quickly joined to form a large spinning pentagram that advanced on Aya’s danmaku. The small pellets were quickly vaporized from the giant sigil.
Then with a great flash, the pentagram dissolved, along with any of Aya’s remaining bullets in view. Before anything more could be shot, the spell card expired and Aya immediately came to a halt.
Marisa was confused by the sudden intervention, but merely needed to look behind her as the culprit gave a sigh of relief.
“I don’t have my equipment, but it looks like my power alone is still enough!” Sanae said with a wide smile.
“Y-Yeah, thanks,” Marisa politely nodded, unsure about the inner workings of Reimu’s and Sanae’s “weapons”. She returned her attention to Aya.
The tengu was once again scribbling away in her notebook.
“Please, go on!” she said without looking up from her writing.
Marisa gritted her teeth in irritation and drew her hakkero.
“Just get outta here already!” shouted Marisa as she fired off another Master Spark.
Aya sifted away from the oncoming laser as if she were doing little more than sleep flying. Marisa tried to maneuver the blast back toward her, but it was a slow, wasted effort.
Once the spark ran out, Aya returned fire with another wave of ring danmaku, now even faster and denser with some large, slug-like bullets interspersed.
As Marisa began to dodge the onslaught, an idea hatched in Sanae's mind.
"Marisa," she called out. "How about we try a combination?"
"Huh?!"
"I could try to use my power to bolster your Master Spark!"
Marisa kept her head forward, but there was obvious confusion in her voice, "Can you really do that?"
Sanae tried to speak clearly as the broom rocked her back and forth.
"I won't know until I try, but I channel Lady Kanako and Lady Suwako's power all the time! How hard could it be sending my own power to you?"
"I ain't no shrine maiden though!" Marisa grunted as she continued steering the broom.
Aya stopped her current danmaku and casted another spell card.
Gust “Wind God Girl”
Sanae took the short reprieve to reply.
"I think you've got more than enough potential! Just have some confidence in yourself, and faith in me!" she leaned in closer against Marisa as an attempt at a hug.
Marisa immediately began to feel a strange surge of energy.
“Alright, worth a shot!” she readied her hakkero and concentrated. In that moment, she put all her hope on her friend being able to give her the strength to win this fight.
Marisa could feel an overwhelming force course through her. It was different from her usual magic, much more… warm. She focused on directing it all into her hakkero. A large spell circle formed in front of her, followed by a pentagram over top of it.
“This is it!” shouted Sanae, equally fired up.
Marisa wasn’t sure what to expect, but somehow, she knew just what to call this new spell card. In unison with Sanae, she proclaimed:
Faithful Heart “Miracle Spark”
From each of the pentagram’s five points, an entire Master Spark burst forth. The combined size of the lasers was staggering, to say the least. Aya had already begun to dodge, but was caught off guard by the additional lasers and took a full blast.
The spell remained active for several seconds, then slowly fizzled out with the magic circle. There was no Aya to be seen as things returned to peace and quiet.
“And not a caw to be heard,” said Marisa. She turned the broom away from the mountains and began to idly fly. “Let’s beat it before there’s any more ruckus. That still did a number on me.”
“It was so amazing though, Marisa!” Sanae couldn’t contain her excitement. “That was way stronger than I could have imagined! I told you so!”
“Told me what?” Marisa looked back toward her.
“You’d make a fantastic shrine maiden!” Sanae beamed.
“I- Well, thanks, I guess,” Marisa raised an eyebrow. “You’re not trying to recruit me, are ya?”
Sanae giggled, “Maybe, if Reimu hasn’t yet.”
“Are ya kiddin’?” Marisa laughed. “I’m sure she’d love to fob off some more cleaning on me, but she’s already unkeen as is on sharing the extermination business! ‘Course, I just butt in anyway!”
“Certainly no stopping you there!” Sanae nodded. “But if you ever do want to give things a try, or just have some steady work, I’m sure we wouldn’t mind!”
“Really ain’t kiddin’ huh?” Marisa shrugged. “I think I’m good with just using magic for now though. And speaking of, I think it’s time to refill my reserves!”
“Oh, with what?” Sanae didn’t follow.
Marisa tapped her bag, “Lunch, of course! Care to join?”
“If it’s not a problem!” Sanae’s eyes lit up.
“It’s fine and then some! I always make too much anyway!” Marisa sped up the broom a little and steered it toward the Forest of Magic.
There was a brief silence as they skirted along. Sanae took in the sights for a moment, then remembered something.
“By the way Marisa, thanks for protecting me!” she gave a warm smile.
“Er, uh, do you have to say it like that? I mean, you kinda bailed me out there!” Marisa wasn’t sure how to feel about this sort of attention.
Sanae shook her head, “I noticed you were making an extra effort to keep anything from grazing me. I’m sure it wasn’t easy with an extra passenger on your broom.”
“Nah, it wasn’t too hard! You’re far from the first gal I’ve loaned my broom out to, after all!” Marisa didn’t mean that as a brag, but it wound up coming out that way.
“I-if you say so,” replied Sanae. She stumbled a little as a different response crept its way into her thoughts from places unknown:
What if I were the last, though?
Meanwhile, Marisa tried not to dwell on how snugly Sanae was still clinging to her.