Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Stage 1: Human Village (Noon)
Beehive Street Performance
Venomous Action

~

When it came to Reimu, her main priority was to protect Gensokyo from attacks of youkai. Of course, some times she would end up getting help from youkai. Like one time she ventured underground when a geyser erupted, launching a bunch of earth spirits. Or that one time she had a Komainu guarding the Hakurei Shrine when the seasons were acting up. But this youkai known as a 'Kwami' named Tikki? (If she could call her a youkai.) She had some sort of connection to the sight Reimu had witnessed…

Those dark butterflies, or as they are called 'akumas' were turning residents of Gensokyo into villains. Both human and youkai.

However, only she and Tikki were able to stop this mysterious attack as there was only one place that has a connection to the arrival of the Akumas…

…the Palace of Miracles.

~

Reimu and Tikki went in the Human Village, thankfully there was no one in the streets of the village. Well, no one causing chaos in the village. But still, that lead to some fairies attacking the two. To which Reimu dodged very quickly.

This wouldn't have been a problem, but that is when she saw something… strange.

She saw mysterious bee-like creatures that shot yellow and black kunai-shaped bullets in forms of trails or in the shape of hexagons, like a honeycomb.

That is when she saw the person who was responsible…

…or rather the silhouette of the person.

Whoever this person was, summoned a bee that circled around her and launched an array of yellow kunai-shaped bullets clockwise, then an array of black kunai-shaped bullets counterclockwise, and then back to the yellow, and then back to the black.

Once that happened. The mysterious stranger pulled out a spell card…

~

Bee Sign “Stinger”

And soon then, the mysterious stranger summoned four bees that headed towards Reimu, leaving behind a trail of yellow kunai-shaped bullets, that split into two paths, one that went to the left, and the other that went to the right. This happened again for a few times, until Reimu used her bomb.

Spirit Sign “Fantasy Seal”

Now, when Reimu used that bomb, usually balls of light were summoned, but instead… it was a bunch of giant ladybugs… like… like a lot.

And with that, the mysterious stranger left.

~

After that, Reimu continued on her journey, she still those weird bees that attacked her when she fought the mysterious stranger, and they were shooting kunai-shaped bullets like a line of fire works alongside with the fairies.

But still, Reimu avoided them and shot them down, until they got a good sight of the village.

~

“Jeez, I've never fought so many youkai like those!” Reimu said.

“Youkai?” Tikki asked.

“Yep, I exterminate youkai for a living when an incident has started like this… but considering what had happened, I don't know how many youkai I will face.” Reimu explained.

“So… you kill youkai?” Tikki asked. Which caused the Shrine Maiden's eyes to widen.

“Uh… not exactly.” Reimu answered in a state of shock.

“But you said you exterminate youkai, so you technically—”

“Yeah, I know, I technically 'kill' youkai. But I don't, I don't murder.” Reimu answered.

“But speaking of which, those fairies I faced… they were acting… weird.” Reimu said.

“They might've been affected by the Akumas Reimu.” Tikki suggested.

“You're possibly right, but not only that… those bee creatures… Why are they here? And who was that person who summoned them?” Reimu asked.

“That would be me.” A soft-spoken voice said.

Reimu and Tikki were shocked to hear a voice.

“Hide!” Reimu whispered.

Tikki hid in side Reimu's hair, as the Shrine Maiden saw where the voice was coming from…

The mysterious stranger that summoned the bees.

~

The mysterious figure was slender and she had light skin, blue eyes, and shoulder length blonde hair with a black highlight. She wore a hat what was black and yellow, which also bears the resemblance of a bee's stinger. She wore a black jacket which the collar and cuffs were golden yellow and had a hexagonal pattern incorporated in the collar and cuffs. Underneath the jacket was a black and yellow striped shirt. She wore black pants and black sneakers with white socks. And behind her were wings that resembled a bee's wings.

That mysterious stranger… was a fairy.

“Hi, I'm so sorry about that…” The mysterious girl apologized. “I was just directing the bees to safety.” She said.

“Oh! So you're responsible of the bees?” Reimu asked.

“Indeed, I am so sorry if they were causing you some trouble.” The mysterious girl apologized.

“Oh no need to, it's not your fault.” Reimu answered. “But what is causing me some trouble is the Akuma Outbreak.” She explained.

“Akuma… Outbreak?” The mysterious girl asked as her eyes widened. “Was anybody affected?” She asked.

“Yeah. These butterflies have been turning people into villains. And I'm on my way to find out the cause!” The Shrine Maiden explained. “Why did you ask?” Reimu asked.

The mysterious girl's eyes sunken at the question.

“I know how it feels like.” The mysterious girl explained.

“Yikes, guess you are familiar with them.” Reimu said.

“I am. Oh, by the way… what's your name?” The mysterious girl asked.

“I am Reimu Hakurei.” Reimu said as she introduced herself. “And you are?” The Shrine Maiden asked.

“I am Zoé Lee.” The mysterious girl said as she introduced herself.

Zoé Lee (ゾーイ・リー)
Director of the Beehive

“Well it's a pleasure to meet you Zoé.” Reimu said. “I might've had a run-in with your bees. Sorry.” The Shrine Maiden apologized.

“Hey, no worries. You weren't bothered by them in the first place.” Zoé said. “If anything, you made me want to test something out.” She said.

“Test… what out?” Reimu asked.

“I have a few of these 'Spell Cards', which I think are called. And I used one of them.” Zoé said as she showed the Shrine Maiden her spell cards.

“I've had experience with one of yours.” Reimu answered.

“Really? I never thought that they would work.” Zoé said in a surprised tone.

“Of course they do.” Reimu said. “You're not from here, are you?” She asked.

“Nope, I'm actually from Paris.” Zoé said. “And these cards? I've never saw them in my life.”

“I see.” Reimu responded. “Well then, I have a question to ask…” Reimu stated.

“What is it?” Zoé asked.

“Do you think you can show me some of your spell cards?” Reimu asked.

Zoé's eyes widened, and she closed them…

“Well then.” Zoé said.

She opened her eyes, she smirked a grin, which now had her face showing a confident look.

“I'm willing to show you what me and the bees can do!” She shouted with confidence.

~

Zoé first started by doing what she did when she first saw Reimu… albeit, it was different.

She summoned two bees instead of one. Two bees circled around her and summoned yellow kunai-shaped bullets clockwise, then two more bees summoned black kunai-shaped bullets counterclockwise. This kept going until Zoé pulled out a spell card.

~

Wasp “Hive Invader”

Zoé summoned a line of seven bees that left behind a trail of yellow kunai-shaped bullets towards Reimu. Those Reimu dodged the bullets quickly. Then, Zoé summoned a nother line of seven bees that left behind another kunai-shaped bullets to which Reimu dodged again. This kept happening until Reimu shot at Zoé.

~

After that, Zoé then summoned five bees that circled around Zoé clockwise while shooting waves of yellow and black kunai-shaped bullets around her until they flew away from her. This happened again but counterclockwise.

Reimu dodged Zoé's attacks. Until Zoé pulled out her last spell card.

~

Action “Venom”

Zoé summoned a bee, that quickly charged towards Reimu, leaving behind a set of three spirals of yellow kunai-shaped bullets.

But Reimu dodged her carefully. But still Zoé was determined.

Zoé then summoned another bee, that quickly charged towards Reimu again.

But Reimu dodged again.

Zoé then summoned one last bee, that quickly charged towards Reimu.

But Reimu successfully dodged Zoé's bee. And successfully defeated the Fairy.

~

“Huh, I never expected you to be that determined to use your spell cards.” Reimu said as she was catching her breath.

“Well, I was acting. I never thought that I had such power!” Zoé said as she was also catching her breath. “Well… not from here to be exact.” She corrected. “But that was fun.” She added.

“Well, it's a danmaku battle. Listen, do you know where I can find the Palace of Miracles?” Reimu asked.

“Palace of Miracles?” Zoé asked.

“Yeah, it risen from the Misty Lake, do you know where it could be?” Reimu asked.

“Well, I don't where I am currently, but I think it's far from the this village.” Zoé answered.

“Ok, got it.” Reimu responded. She turned to see that the Kwami of Creation was peaking out of Reimu's hair.

“That girl… I know her!” Tikki said.

“You do?” Reimu asked.

“Yeah, she's a Miraculous Holder, like mine's.” Tikki said.

“A 'Miraculous Holder'? You mean she must have a Kwami?” Reimu asked.

“Exactly.” Tikki responded.

“Are there more Miraculous Holders like that girl, Ladybug, and Cat Noir?” Reimu asked.

“You bet!” Tikki said.

“Well… if that's the case… Tikki, is it possible that we'll possibly meet your Miraculous Holder as well?” Reimu asked the Kwami of Creation.

“We might.” Tikki said. “And judging by Zoé's answer, we need to leave the village.” She explained.

“Well then Tikki, what do you think? Shall we find the Palace of Miracles?” The Shrine Maiden asked.

“Let's go!” Tikki said as she and the Shrine left the Human Village, and headed to the Misty Lake…

Chapter Text

Stage 2: Misty Lake
A Bale of Kappa and Turtles on the Misty Lake
Sheltered Protection

~

After fighting against the 'Miraculous Holder' Tikki knew, Reimu arrived at the Misty Lake.

The Shrine Maiden and the Kwami took notice that even more fairies and youkai that were akumatized.

She dodged bullets that were sent towards the Shrine Maiden herself.

She dodged the bullets left…

She dodged the bullets right…

Was it possible that the Palace of Miracles was here?

That girl Zoé said that it was possible.

But that answer had to wait.

As she saw mysterious turtle-like creatures slowly trotting from the water of the Misty Lake. Shooting cyan and green ball-shaped bullets with every step they took.

That is when she shot them down, but saw something coming up…

…another silhouette.

The silhouette shot six green lasers that circled clockwise around him, changing into the shape of a hexagon made by ball-shaped bullets of the same color, that aimed towards her.

Reimu quickly dodged the attack as soon as she could.

This kept happening until the silhouette pulled out a spell card.

~

Bubble Sign “Captive Bubble”

When the spell card was activated. The mysterious stranger summoned bubble-shaped bullets that were colored white, cyan, and blue.

When ever Reimu got close to one, she shot a bullet, resulting in the bubble-shaped bullet to pop, releasing smaller ball-shaped bullets.

The bubble-shaped bullets kept popping whenever Reimu got close to them.

As if they had some sort of defense mechanic whenever Reimu got close.

Whatever it was, she managed to end the spell card. Resulting in the mysterious stranger to flee.

~

After that, Reimu made her way closer to the Misty Lake, closer to the center.

She still saw akumatized fairies using their powers from their respective natural basis as attacks, until she came across something above the lake…

Above the lake was a giant red cube, decorated with black spots, hovering above the lake itself.

“What… is… what is that?” Reimu asked.

“I don't know…” Tikki responded as she popped out of the earrings Reimu had. “But it might be something…” she added.

“Do you think it might be the Palace of Miracles?” Reimu asked.

“I don't know… but whatever it is… it might be… useful.” Tikki suggested.

That is Reimu felt like she heard something…

“Quick, get down!” Reimu told the Kwami of Creation in a hushed voice.

“Woah, do we have a special guest arriving at the party?” A male voice asked in an energetic tone.

Reimu saw what was in front of her.

Coming up from the bubbles was what she saw when she arrived at the Misty Lake with that Spell Card…

The mysterious stranger…

~

The mysterious stranger was a medium to dark-skinned boy with black glasses. He was thin and wore something similar to a Kappa. He wore a long-sleeved green shirt, green shorts that have pockets on them, and a brown backpack with a silver key on the strap in front of him. His footwear included brown boots, and one his hat was something that looked like a hexagon, but was made from six diamonds.

That mysterious stranger… was a kappa.

“Woah, never thought I saw someone like you, you're not Akumatized, are you?” The mysterious boy asked.

“No, but that's why I'm here. A lot of the people here have been akumatized.” Reimu responded. “I just came from the Human Village, I don't know what's going on, but I have to solve it.” She explained the situation.

“Wow, so I guess we have the same situation.” The mysterious boy responded.

“Same… situation?” Reimu asked in a confused tone.

“Yeah, we want to stop the akumas like you.” The mysterious boy responded. “But… I might have a problem…” He added. “Only Ladybug can help and she's… out of comission.” He muttered.

“Out of comission? As in, she can't help?” Reimu asked.

“Sadly yeah, but hey… I'm doing the best I can.” The mysterious reassured. “I've been shielding people for safety from this outbreak.” He added.

“I guess that you also shielded those bullets that you attacked me with?” Reimu grumbled.

“Yeah… sorry about that.” The mysterious boy apologized. “I thought you were some sort of villain. But I guess we can start with our introductions?” He added.

“Ok, we might… my name is Reimu Hakurei.” The Shrine Maiden greeted. “And you are…?” She asked.

“Nino. Nino Lahiffe.” The mysterious boy introduced himself.

Nino Lahiffe (ニノ・ラヒフ)
DJ Outside the Ravine

“So Nino, you said that you were shielding people from the Akuma Outbreak, how did you manage to do that?” Reimu asked.

“Well, it's simple.” Nino stated. “I made some very big bubbles that carried people away to safety. So that they don't end up Akumatized.” He explained. “What are you doing here?” The boy asked.

“I'm on my to find this 'Palace of Miracles', do you know where it is?” Reimu asked.

“If you're talking about the giant cube up above, then yeah it's right above you.” Nino said.

That is Reimu looked up at the cube in the sky, and said one thing…

“So that's the Palace of Miracles?” Reimu asked.

“Yep, I'm actually sent here to be on guard duty.” Nino said. “Just in case if anyone wants to enter the place.” He explained.

“Well if that's the case… is it ok if I can enter?” Reimu asked.

“Of course you can.” Nino said. “But on one condition…” He added.

“What's that?” Reimu asked.

“You must prove me that you can handle me.” Nino responded.

“Through danmaku?” Reimu asked.

“Dan-ma-what?” Nino asked.

“Danmaku. You've done it already when you used that spell card.” Reimu explained.

“Oh, so that's what it's called.” Nino muttered. “Very well then… prepare to battle in this 'danmaku battle'!” He shouted as he pulled out a few spell cards.

~

Nino summoned six green lasers that formed into a hexagram clockwise. And when the lasers exploded, they summoned white bubble-shaped bullets that have cyan and blue ball-shaped bullets that circled around the bubble-shaped bullets. After the bubble-shaped bullets arrived, they were aimed towards Reimu, to which the Shrine Maiden dodged. This kept happening until the boy pulled out a spell card…

Starting the first round of this Danmaku Battle.

~

Great Shield “Jade Shield”

Nino summoned six green bubble-shaped bullets that were connected by a green light, forming a hexagon, acting as a shield, slowly circling around Nino, as the bubble-shaped bullets shot waves of white and green ball-shaped bullets.

Reimu shot down one of the bubble-shaped bullets, causing an opening to attack.

However, Nino summoned a bubble-shaped bullet to replace the old one, but no matter how many bubble-shaped bullets he tried to replace, Reimu was still able to take them down.

~

After that, Nino then summoned six green lasers again, but this time they left trails of green and cyan circle shaped bullets, and they were summoned in a counter-clockwise matter.

But Reimu had managed to dodge them.

That is when Nino pulled out his second spell card.

~

Dam “Waterfalling Pororoca”

Nino then summoned a lot of mysterious turtles, the same ones that she saw when she arrived at the Misty Lake.

Nino summoned blue flame-shaped bullets that looked like water, as it was pouring down on the mysterious turtles that he summoned, which were blocking the way for the bullets.

Reimu was able to dodge, but she grazed through it easily when she across two turtles, but didn't manage to get herself hurt.

She kept shooting at Nino, until the spell card ended.

~

After that, Nino summoned twelve white bubble-shaped bullets that exploded into green lasers that aimed at Reimu, to which she quickly dodged.

This kept happening a lot until Nino pulled out his last spell card.

~

Protection “Shell-ter”

Nino summoned a lot of green and cyan ball-shaped bullets that shot out wildly, where he shouted…

“Reach to the safe spot!”

Reimu saw an area with a white border, and when she entered the area.

The green and cyan bullets came close to her, and became lasers that circled outside the 'safe spot'.

After that, Reimu saw Nino shooting more bullets, and another safe spot.

Reimu quickly arrived at the safe spot, and saw the bullets becoming lasers once again.

This kept happening as Nino shot bullets that slowly increased it quanity, while the safe spot started to slowly shrink.

And after a while, the Kappa was defeated.

~

“Woah, you're really good at this 'danmaku' stuff.” Nino complimented.

“Thanks, I am an expert in it when it comes to dodging danmaku.” Reimu responded.

“Welp, anyways, you are free to enter the Palace of Miracles.” Nino said as the Palace of Miracles lowered down to the Misty Lake, with an opening at full access.

“Thanks for the help Nino.” Reimu said as she entered the Palace of Miracles through an opening.

~

And after entering the Palace of Miracles, Tikki arrived as she popped out of Reimu's hair.

“Hey Reimu, remember that girl Zoé?” Tikki asked.

“Yeah, you said that she was a Miraculous Holder like Ladybug and Cat Noir.” Reimu responded. “Is that boy Nino one as well?” She asked.

“Correct! He's also a Miraculous Holder.” Tikki responded.

“Well if he's a Miraculous Holder, then could it be possible I'll meet more of them?” Reimu asked.

“Only one way to find out. Let's explore in this Palace of Miracles.” Tikki said as she and Reimu went inside the Palace…

Chapter Text

Stage 3: Palace of Miracles (Entrance)
The Fox of Reality, in the Land of Fantasy
Modern Illusion

~

Reimu and Tikki had just entered the Palace of Miracles… and there was one thing to note about it…

…

…

…

…it was a lot different and larger on the inside.

For starters, the entrance (which Reimu hoped) had a possibly never-ending staircase in front of them.

The walls inside the Palace of Miracles were a very dark shade of red covered in spots, similar to what the outside was. Except for the fact that the spots were also lights, that were illuminated in a pattern of light pink and light cyan.

Reimu looked at Tikki, and Tikki looked at Reimu…

And both of them knew one thing…

…

…

…

…

…

It was the place they had to find…

…

…

…

…

It is the place they had to be in…

…

…

…

They had to explore inside…

…

…

So they slowly moved towards the staircase… slowly moving their way up…

~

Reimu and Tikki got onto the stairs and saw something odd…

There were divine spirits and phantoms that were appearing in the Palace of Miracles, which was strange because it was possible that she didn't have anyone following her other than Tikki. But whatever it was, she quickly dodged an attack from a divine spirit, and shot amulets towards the youkai.

Was what she saw was strange? Maybe…

But there was something else she saw…

What were charging towards her were various mysterious fox-like creatures.

Of course Reimu shot them down, but it left her thinking…

Why were there mysterious creatures whenever she was getting close to the Palace of Miracles?

First were the bees from the Human Village, which were controlled by Zoé of course. So it was possibly normal…

Second was the turtles from the Misty Lake, which Reimu believed that they were probably from the water of the lake…

But now there were foxes that she was currently facing off…

She wanted to know why there were foxes here as well!

But then again… there were butterflies called 'Akumas' that were turning people in Gensokyo evil. Was there some sort of connection?

She had to find an answer, but it had to wait…

As a mysterious person arrived.

The mysterious silhouette shot two waves of orange amulet-shaped bullets towards the Shrine Maiden.

And did it again, but at a different angle.

It kept happening, until the silhouette activated a spell card.

~

Light Sign “Photo of a Fox's Wedding”

The mysterious silhouette shot four streams of flame-shaped bullets. Two were red flames, and two were blue flames. They were turning around as the mysterious silhouette moved left and right. The streams of bullets were spinning in two different directions…

Both were pairs of red and blue streams, with one pair was turning clockwise with the red flames going upwards then downwards, and the other was turning counterclockwise with the blue flames going upwards then downwards.

So it was probably normal…

Until the silhouette pulled out a phone, and took a picture, and when she did…

The bullets changed.

The red flames became a bunch of orange arrowhead-shaped bullets, while the blue flames became a bunch of cyan icicle-shaped bullets. And they were scattered all around.

Reimu quickly dodged from the bullets.

That is when she saw the the four streams return, but they were turning in the opposite directions. Now the blue flames were going upwards then downwards clockwise, while the red flames were going upwards then downwards counterclockwise.

That is when the mysterious silhouette took another photo, causing the bullets to change again.

Reimu then dodged the bullets once again.

And the cycle began once again, and for a while… Reimu ended the spell card, causing the mysterious silhouette to leave.

~

After that, Reimu saw that there were more divine spirits, phantoms, and even more of those mysterious foxes were arriving, and the more that she shot them down… the more… well…

She felt like she was closer to the end of the staircase, but then she saw more creatures…

But they weren't bees, turtles, or foxes…

In fact…

They were actually…

Ladybugs…

Mysterious ladybug-like creatures appears and shot bullets towards the Shrine Maiden…

It was a long and frustrating time to dodge them… but… she managed to overcome them when she arrived at the top.

~

When Reimu arrived on the last floor, she came across a room that had the staircase she took in the center.

She saw that the room she was in was shaped as a dodecagon, and each side of the room had a red circular door with a black engraving of an animal…

She looked around to see what each of the doors looked like, starting from the one that she was facing, going clockwise…

The first door had the symbol of a large teardrop with a swirl underneath it, looking like a mouse, and surrounding the door was several plants and vines.

The second door had a symbol of a stylized head of an ox, and surrounding the door were several stones.

The third door had a paw of a tiger, and surrounding the door were two torches that were burning. One on the left side, and one on the right.

The fourth door had a stylized head of a rabbit, and surrounding the door were various clocks such as pocket watches, hourglasses, and pendulums.

The fifth door had an image of a dragon, and surrounding the door were swords, hung onto the wall.

The sixth door had an image of a snake that was in a spiral, and surrounding the door were statues of snakes.

The seventh door had an image of a stylized head of a horse, and surrounding the door were holographic statues made out of 1s and 0s.

The eighth door also had an stylized image of an animal's head, but it was that of a goat's. And surrounding the door were several paint splashes.

The ninth door had an image of a trefoil with one small circle for each leaf on it, making it to look like a monkey's face. And surrounding the door were golden-hooped staffs.

The tenth door had a stylized image of a rooster. And surrounding the door were piles of written pieces of paper.

The eleventh door had an image of a dog's head. And surrounding the door were badges and rusted chains.

And the twelfth and final door had an image of a pig. And surrounding the door were pink ribbons that decorated the door.

All of them were in front of the Shrine Maiden…

Circling all around her…

And with that in mind…

She had to say something…

“So, this is what the Palace of Miracles looks like on the inside.” Reimu said as she looked around.

“It's so strange… I never thought that this is what we'll find here.” Tikki said as she peeked her head on the Shrine Maiden's shoulders.

“But we might find Ladybug. I mean, she can get rid of the akumas.” Reimu responded.

“We can, but we need to find out where we are first…” Tikki reminded.

“Right, so… where are we?” Reimu asked.

“You are in the center of the Palace of Miracles.” A voice said, causing the Kwami of Creation to realize something.

“Tikki…? Is everything all right?” Reimu asked.

“That voice… I know who it is.” Tikki said.

“You do, who is it? Is it Ladybug?” Reimu asked.

“No, but it's her friend.” The Kwami responded.

Just then the two saw a figure floating down to where they were…

The mysterious stranger…

~

The mysterious stranger was a girl with medium to dark-colored skin wearing black glasses. Her hair was wavy with a reddish-brown ombre, and had orange fox ears and a mole on the top of her forehead on the right. She wore a sleeveless button-up shirt that was colored orange and white, made to look like a fox's body, long with shorts that faded from black to orange, with a fox's tail on the back of her. She also had black gloves as well as black boots, and in her hands was a cellphone. And on her face was an expression mixed with shock and confusion.

That mysterious stranger… was a kitsune.

“Tikki…?” The girl said.

“Alya, is that you?” The Kwami responded.

“You two know each other?” The confused Shrine Maiden asked.

“Of course! She's the Kwami of Ladybug!” The girl said. “My name is Alya Césaire, and I'm Ladybug's No. 1 fan, helper, and even best friend!” She proudly introduced herself.

Alya Césaire (アルヤ・セザール)
A Seasoned Internet-Savvy Fox

“Well it's nice meeting you Alya.” Reimu said. “You said that this is the center of the Palace of Miracles. Is it true?” She asked.

“Yep. It's the heart of the Palace of Miracles, and yeah… it looks a lot larger on the inside than the outside.” Alya answered. “So why are you here, and why do you have Tikki with you?” She asked.

“Well, I found her in a box that when opened, inside the box were two earrings that looked like ladybugs.” Reimu said.

“You mean the Miraculous of Creation?” Alya asked with surprise. “Did you come across a black ring with a cat's paw on it?” She asked again.

“Yep, my friend has it.” Reimu answered.

“That's the Miraculous of Destruction.” Alya pointed out. “And speaking of Miraculouses… did you see anyone when you arrived?” She asked.

“Well, I did meet this fairy Zoé and this kappa Nino. Tikki told me that they are 'Miraculous Holders'.” Reimu explained. “Are you one of them as well?” She asked.

“You bet I am!” Alya said. “Although, they aren't really a fairy and kappa… they're actually human.” She added.

“Oh. So I can assume that you're not really a Kitsune?” Reimu asked.

“Nope. I'm just your ordinary girl!” Alya said. “So anyways… I have to ask again, why are you here?” She asked.

“Well… me and Tikki are trying to find Ladybug, hoping she save everyone from being Akumatized by strange butterflies.” Reimu explained.

“Akumatized…? Butterflies…? You mean those Akumas?” Alya asked as changed in a worried tone.

“I'm afraid so, they've started to akumatize people in the Human Village, they even akumatized youkai!” Reimu said.

“Oh no…” Alya muttered. “Did anyone you know get akumatized?” She asked.

“Sadly, I know lots of people who got akumatized when I saw those butterflies.” Reimu answered. “And the only person who can help is Ladybug, so that,s why me and Tikki arrived at the Palace of Miracles.” She explained.

“I see…” Alya said as her tone chaged from worry to interest. “Well, you came at the right place, because Ladybug is right inside the Palace of Miracles.” She said.

“Well that's nice to know.” Reimu said. “And speaking of knowing something… I've ran into strange looking animals… besides those Akumas.” She added.

“Really? What kind of animals?” Alya asked.

“Well… I saw strange-looking bees in the Human Village, I saw strange-looking turtles at the Misty Lake, and I've now seen strange-looking foxes as well as ladybugs in here.” Reimu pointed out.

“Ooh… yeah I can explain those… they're sort of Ladybug's creations.” Alya said. “They kinda act like guides that lead those to safety.” She explained. “But I guess they guided you to here.” She chuckled.

“And I guess it worked.” Reimu responded. “But enough of that. Is it possible that Ladybug is in here?” She asked.

“Fortunately for you, she is.” Alya said. “But you must only see her on one condition.” She reminded.

“A condition? What is it?” Reimu asked.

“You have to defeat me, through what you call 'Danmaku'.” Alya said.

“I guess that when you first attacked me, it was a warm up?” Reimu asked.

“Pretty much.” Alya said. “So… what do you say?” She asked as she pulled out her spell cards.

“…let's do this.” Reimu said.

“That's what I like to hear, bring it on!” Alya responded as she shouted.

It was time to begin.

~

Alya shot three waves of orange amulet-shaped bullets when she moved to the left, and shot three more waves when she moved to the right.

The waves of bullets charged towards the Shrine Maiden, which she dodged from.

This kept happening for a while, until Alya pulled out a spell card.

~

Phone “Motorola Dyna-Attack”

Alya pulled out her phone and took a total of three pictures, creating six frames of orange and white-amulet bullets, forming into a hexagon with a hexagram inside.

After that happened, all of the bullets started spreading out in different directions. Scattering like fireflies in the night.

Reimu quickly dodged them all.

This happened again, as Alya took three more photos, and created six more frames of bullets that scattered.

Reimu dodged once again.

This kept happening until the spell was over.

~

After that. Alya then shot four waves of orange amulet-shaped bullets that charged towards Reimu as the kitsune moved left and right.

The Shrine Maiden quickly dodged the bullets.

This kept happening once again, until Alya pulled out another spell card.

~

Fox Spirit “Fox Leaf Arrowheads”

Alya then summoned five of the foxes that were in the Palace of Miracles.

After that, she then took a photo of each of them, turning them into rings of white flame-shaped bullets that spiraled out.

Reimu quickly dodged them as they grazed her.

This kept happening for a while, as Alya took photos of the foxes that become flames. Reimu kept dodging them, although… it was a bit much to handle.

In fact… Reimu nearly got hit with death, so she had to use a bomb.

Spirit Sign “Fantasy Seal”

After that, the spell card was done.

~

Alya then shot five waves of orange amulet-shaped bullets that charged towards the Shrine Maiden.

Fortunately, Reimu dodged.

This kept happening, until the next spell card arrived…

And that spell card… was a bit familiar to the Shrine Maiden.

~

Photo Shoot “Reality Dominance”

Alya quickly went left and right, shooting orange amulet-shaped bullets…

But she was also taking pictures of them that become bright blue flames that aimed towards the Shrine Maiden.

Reimu felt like the spell card was a bit familiar to her, as it belonged to a Tengu… who's most likely affected by an Akuma.

But she quickly got her mind off of it.

And ended the spell card. As Alya pulled out a new one.

~

Illusion “Mirage”

Alya summoned four foxes, as a giant camera frame took a photo of her and the foxes. Resulting in the four foxes taking Alya's shape.

Reimu was stunned, as the five Alyas circled around, shooting bullets that aimed at her.

Reimu tried to shoot one down, but it disappeared.

That is when Reimu realized one thing…

The bullets that Alyas were shooting.

While most of them were shooting white amulet-shaped bullets.

One Alya was shooting orange amulet-shaped bullets.

That is when Reimu had an idea.

She focused on the Alya that was shooting orange bullets.

And after that, it was over.

~

“Woah… that was cool!” Alya said. “And I even got a photo of that thing you did!” She said as she showed Reimu the photo of the 'Fantasy Seal'.

“Well… I appreciate the compliments. But we have to get to the main subject.” Reimu responded. “Is there a way I can see Ladybug?” She asked.

“Of course.” Alya said. She then presented the doors behind her to the Shrine Maiden. “Behind all of these doors… is where you'll meet Ladybug.” She explained.

“Really… but there are twelve of them!” Reimu responded. “Do all of the doors lead to Ladybug?” She asked.

“You betcha!” Alya said. “Once you enter one of these doors… you'll find Ladybug.” She explained. “However… you'll also find another Miraculous Holder like me.” The girl warned.

“You mean… there's more Miraculous Holders?” Reimu asked.

“Yep. One is hidden behind each of these doors.” Alya explained. “And they'll take you to see Ladybug.”

Reimu was confused. Was it possible?

It had to be… she made it this far… and will end it with the help of Ladybug.

“Well… I have to get help from Ladybug somehow… I'll take your word and enter through one of the doors.” She said.

“Ok then! That's what I like to hear!” Alya said.

And with that, Reimu and Tikki got close in the center, and looked at each of the doors one more time…

The door with vines…

The door with stones…

The door with torches…

The door with clocks…

The door with swords…

The door with statues…

The door with holograms…

The door with paint…

The door with gold…

The door with paper…

The door with chains…

And the door with ribbons…

All of them were in front of her…

But she could only enter one…

She looked at Tikki, who only asked her a question…

“So…”

“Which way are you going to go?”