"An oomukade?"

Reimu and Marisa were standing in front of another woman in the Human Village. She had short, pink hair with two white bun-holders on either side of her head. One of her arms had a cuff with a chain, the other was wrapped in bandages from fingers to shoulder. She wore a white dress with a red cloth running down the front, and a green skirt. Her name was Kasen Ibaraki, and she was a hermit that typically checked in with Reimu to see if she was training. Right now though, her arms were crossed as she stared at Reimu. "An oomukade. Here, loose on the surface in Gensokyo. Who told you this?" She asked suspiciously.

"The people over at the Scarlet Devil Mansion." Reimu replied. "From the sound of it, it's not something I can just ignore or walk away from, much as I'd like to let someone else handle it." She closed her eyes, crossing her own arms. "I don't fully buy their story. There's something wrong. Off. They're keeping something from me but I don't know what. But I'll find that out later. For now, if this youkai is as powerful as they suggested, we need to handle it, soon."

Kasen sighed. "And you believed them? That there really is an oomukade out here somewhere? Really, Reimu?"

At this Reimu's eyes opened, and she asked "What?"

Kasen shook her head in disbelief. "There haven't been any oomukade spotted here in Gensokyo for thousands of years. They are immensely powerful, yes, but wherever they are, IF they even still exist, it's not here. I believe they're playing a prank on you."

At this, Marisa snorted, trying not to laugh. Reimu glared at her. "What? What's so funny?"

"Oh, just the thought that ya really are gettin' played for a fool by those Scarlet people. It'd be pretty funny if they sent you on a wild goose chase just ta pop in at the end and say 'Sorry, we lied! Gotcha!"

Reimu glanced back and forth between Kasen and Marisa. "W-well— I mean, they sounded pretty serious! And besides, why would they even do that?! If I do find out they're lying to me, they know I'll come down on them pretty hard!" She insisted. "It's not like I'm an idiot!"

At this, Marisa couldn't help but break out into laughter, and Reimu ignored her, and growled to Kasen "Even if they WERE lying, I'd be able to tell, anyway."

At this, Kasen narrowed her eyes. "And how's that, exactly?"

"Intuition. And while that may not sound like much, I'll remind you that my intuition has never failed me yet in an incident." Reimu replied.

"Woah, woah, woah, WHAT?" Marisa stopped laughing. "Scuse me, but I believe that in the first incident with Eientei, YOU attacked me? On yer 'intuition'?"

Reimu groaned. "That was ONE TIME! God, Marisa, we figured it out anyway, didn't we?" She turned back to Kasen. "Look. Their story smells rotten, but the one thing I'm sure they're telling the truth about is the oomukade. If they wanted to send me on a snipe hunt, that's fine, but something about that doesn't add up. Why would they use so much magical protection on their mansion just to pull an elaborate prank?" At this, Kasen closed her eyes, deep in thought. "Also, even if that WAS the reason, the only person in that mansion capable of that level of magic, that I know of, is Patchouli. And, reminder: She's vitamin-deficient and asthmatic." Reimu pointed out. "The level of strain those defenses placed on her body would, if not kill her, take her out of action for a long while. All this, just to play a prank on me?" She shook her head. "Say what you will about the Scarlet people, but at the very least, I've seen they wouldn't just overexert one of their people for a laugh. They care too much about each other to do that."

Kasen was silent for a time, then replied "Even if what you say is true, we have no idea where to even start looking. And if this oomukade DOES exist, we don't have time to search every nook and cranny of Gensokyo. It's a threat that has to be dealt with, swiftly. How exactly do you propose we locate such a youkai?"

Reimu sighed. "Much as I don't like it, I'm going to request the help of a lot of major figures in Gensokyo. Eientei has Tewi, and she knows every rabbit in the Bamboo Forest. Their information network isn't exactly small. Same with the tanuki — Mamizou has scouts everywhere, so if either the rabbits or the tanuki have seen something, we need to know. I'm also getting Sanae and Moriya, Youmu and Yuyuko, Eientei, and Marisa, here, to help. I did have one other thought on the way here, and I'm going to head over to Myouren first."

"Myouren?" Marisa inquired. "How come? How're they gonna help us?"

"Most of them can't. However, there's a certain rat I have in mind..." Reimu grumbled.

"Nazrin? I mean sure, she can find things pretty quick, but if it really has been that long, do ya think she'll actually be able to dowse fer a youkai that ain't been seen in ages?"

"I don't know. But I'm not ruling out any options or allies. We need all the help we can get."

"And if you DO find this oomukade?" Kasen pressed. "You couldn't win against the Lunarians. How, exactly, do you expect to defeat a youkai that hunts and eats dragons?"

At this, Reimu and Marisa turned to Kasen, their eyes growing round. "They... what?" Marisa murmured.

"Oh, gods." Kasen sighed, putting her hand to her head. "They didn't even tell you that much?" She glared at them. "Listen up. Oomukade are likely one of the most powerful youkai in existence. They are able to hunt, kill, and eat dragons because their power is so ridiculously obscene that most lesser dragons can't measure up. And the greater ones have a really hard time. You couldn't stand against the Lunarians. You most certainly will NOT be able to stand against an oomukade."

"That's not true!" Reimu interjected sourly. "I won against Lapislazuli, didn't I?"

"Because she was toying with you, Reimu!" Kasen shot back. "She would have absolutely destroyed you, and anyone who came against her, had she been completely serious." Reimu was silent, and Kasen growled "And NO, we're NOT calling the Goddess of Hell just to help us out with this."

"Why not?!" Reimu retorted. "It's a good plan!"

"Because of all the things she has on her plate, the last thing she needs on TOP of that is a dragon-eating youkai to kill."

"Alright, so what's your plan?!" Reimu jabbed at her. "If I'm so weak and I can't beat it, and you're not gonna let us talk to Hecatia, then who exactly are you planning to get to beat this youkai?"

"That's-" Kasen started, but then paused, putting her hand to her chin. "Um. Well, I mean-"

"Oh-oh, looks like the student's become the master, eh?" Marisa taunted.

Kasen glared at her. "Fine. If you're bent on this then there's nothing I can do. Go talk to the people you're gonna talk to, but just be ready for what you're up against. I'll contact Eientei and the tanuki. They'll probably be more willing to listen to me, at least." With that, Kasen flew off.

Reimu groaned. "Ugh. Why is everyone such a pain recently? Why is it so hard to just do the things we need to do?" As Marisa laughed again, Reimu added "That includes you, you know!"

"Me? Hey, I'm just followin yer lead. Yer the one with the 'intuition', yeah?" Marisa mocked.

"Oooh." Reimu growled. "I'm gonna give you a danmaku battle you'll never forget after this. Just shut up and follow me." She flew off, and Marisa, getting on her broom, chuckled "Yes, ma'am."

As they disappeared, a figure watched from behind a tree. "Oh? This could get interesting." The figure said smugly. "Perhaps I'll give them a helping hand." With a snicker, the figure slunk away.

---

As Reimu and Marisa landed at the Myouren Temple's courtyard, they looked around. "Nothing goin' on here, as usual. Myouren is at least content to keep to themselves." Marisa said with a smile.

Reimu rolled her eyes, and began walking towards the temple, but before she could get very far, from behind a stone pillar, a girl jumped out at her. "URAMESHIYAAAAA!" She shouted.

Reimu sighed in exasperation. "Hello, Kogasa."

"No fair! You were supposed to be surprised!" The girl complained. Her hair was a light blue, and she wore a teal vest with white sleeves underneath, as well as a blue skirt. On her feet were geta sandals. Her eyes were heterochromatic, with one being red and the other being blue. In her hand, she held a purple umbrella with a single eye on it and a wicked smile. Protruding from the mouth of the umbrella was a long tongue. She pouted, glaring at Reimu.

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Reimu rolled her eyes. "Is Nazrin here?"

"Why should I tell you?!" Kogasa whined. "You didn't get scared when I jumped out at you, so I don't wanna help!"

Reimu pulled out some long, sharp needles from her dress, and growled "Just answer the question."

Kogasa squeaked, then yelled "Fine! Yeah, she's here! Just go talk to her and leave me alone!" With that, she ran off, crying.

"Cold as ever, Reimu." Marisa grinned, stretching her arms behind her head.

"Whatever. We don't have time for this." Reimu replied, stowing the needles away. "Let's go." With that, she strode up to the sliding doors and pounded on the wall. "Open up! I know Nazrin's here, I need to talk to her!"

There were a few moments of silence, then the doors slid open. In front of them stood a tall woman with purple and yellow hair. She was clad in a black and white dress and boots, and in her hand was what looked to be a blue scroll of some kind.

"Hijiri! How are things?" Marisa asked cheerfully.

The woman, Byakuren Hijiri, glared at Marisa and replied "Nazrin is currently practicing her faith. She won't be available today."

"That's not an acceptable answer." Reimu retorted. "We need her to find something for us."

Byakuren's eyes narrowed, and she responded "The answer is no. Good afternoon." With that, she slid the door shut.

Marisa groaned and asked "Well? Now what?"

"Now? We're not asking anymore." Reimu said ominously, taking out her purification rod. She swiftly slid the doors open and strode inside. Byakuren, who had begun to walk down the hall, turned and saw Reimu there.

"What are you doing?! You can't just barge into the temple like this!" She shouted. "Leave at once!"

Ignoring her, Reimu walked down the hall, checking every room. At the end of the hall, she heard voices, and she walked over, sliding the doors to the room open. There, sitting at a table, were six people, with sake cups and what looked to be cutlets of pork on a plate. As Reimu opened the door, all of their eyes went wide, like a deer caught in headlights.

One of the people spoke up, a woman with a white sash between her arms and a tiger-print dress. Her hair was bright yellow with black highlights. Her first words were "Don't tell Lady Hijiri. Please."

"Don't tell me WHAT?" Byakuren asked, rounding the corner. As her eyes fell upon the scene, her expression turned to one of anger. "WHAT?! Where did all this come from?!"

Another girl spoke up, one with black hair, in a sailor cap and uniform. "Hijiri, listen, we can explain—"

"Explain? There's no explanation for this behavior! Meat and alcohol are strictly forbidden at this temple! You all know this!" Byakuren screeched.

"HEY!" Reimu shouted. All eyes turned to her. "I don't have time for your arguments! Pay attention!" She pointed to one of the girls, who had grey hair and a brown dress. On her head sat two mouse ears, and a tail protruded from her behind. "You. Nazrin. We need your help."

Byakuren turned to Reimu and replied "As I SAID, Nazrin is practicing her faith—"

"She's havin' a rulebreakin' party with her friends. I don't think ya can use that excuse anymore." Marisa grinned, speaking in a mocking tone. At this, Byakuren gritted her teeth, but fell silent.

"M-me?" Nazrin spoke. "Why? What for?"

"We need you to find something for us. Or rather, someONE." Reimu responded. "There's a dangerous youkai in Gensokyo right now and we need you to help us track it down."

"Oh, I don't think that'll be necessary." A sickeningly sweet voice chimed in. Everyone turned to look, and there, in the hallway, stood a girl, wearing a white one-piece outfit with a green ribbon and socks. Her hair was a dusty blonde, and fox ears protruded from the top of her head. She was throwing a vial full of blue liquid up and down, twirling it between her fingers. She had a grin on her face that spread from ear to ear.

"Who're you?" Marisa asked.

At this, her face grew annoyed. "It's Tsukasa Kudamaki!" She grumbled. "We met before, several months ago."

"Don't recall." Reimu said flatly.

"Argh!" She grouched. "Whatever!" Her smile returned and she continued "I believe I can help you with your oomukade problem."

At this, Byakuren's eyes widened. "An oomukade? You were going to send one of my disciples out to find one of the most dangerous youkai alive?"

Reimu, again, ignored Byakuren. "How do you know about that?" Reimu questioned, crossing her arms.

"You really remember nothing, do you?" Tsukasa sighed. "Listen. Do you remember the incident with the dragon gems and the market cards?"

Marisa stroked her chin, then replied "Ehhhh...vaguely."

"I was the one helping the god, Chimata Tenkyuu, do her work. I was the one who set the whole thing up, remember?" Tsukasa said, a silky tone to her voice.

"Get to the point." Reimu responded, her patience growing thin.

"Of course. You see, I believe I can not only tell you the oomukade's name, but also where she is at this exact moment." Tsukasa snickered. "But! I'll only tell you if you do me a favor."

Reimu hefted her purification rod. "I don't make deals with youkai." She growled.

"You can exterminate me if you'd like, but you'll be left chasing your tails like mangy dogs." Tsukasa replied sharply. "Without me, you'll be too late to stop the oomukade's rampage. ...Well. Her actions, anyway. The rampage is a fabrication."

"It's what?" Marisa interjected.

"Oh yes! Didn't you know? The oomukade came up to the surface for one reason and one reason alone— she was hungry," Tsukasa cooed. "The idea of her going on a rampage is completely made-up — once she had eaten, her plan was to go back underground for quite a while."

"Hungry?" Reimu asked swiftly. "What do you mean? They eat dragons, right?"

Tsukasa's grin grew wider. "That's right."

"Last I checked, there ain't any dragons in Gensokyo." Marisa stated suspiciously, her face gaining a rare, somber expression.

"Ahhhh, but that's where you're wrong." Tsukasa giggled. "I know about that too, but unfortunately for you, you'll have to figure that one out on your own! For now, I can at least point you in the right direction, though! As I said, however, you'll need to do something for me in return."

"And what, exactly, could we offer a fox that apparently knows everything?" Reimu snarled.

"Protection." Tsukasa replied, her smile finally fading. "I want my safety ensured for the forseeable future."

"Protection?" Marisa asked. "Sorry, don't think I heard that right. Ya want protection from the Hakurei shrine maiden? Ain't that kinda like askin' a shark to keep ya safe in its mouth?"

"Perhaps. However, I know that she is one of the only ones that might stand a chance against the oomukade, and I want protection from her, in the event that, upon revealing this information to you, she ends up coming for my head."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

"And why is it so important to you to give this oomukade such a bad time?" Reimu asked in irritation.

"Because she's my former boss." Tsukasa responded.

There was silence for a long time, then Byakuren spoke. "Everyone, let's just separate ourselves from this. Come on, down the hall. And know that I WILL be punishing you for these sins at a later date." She added, eliciting groans from everyone at the table, as they got up and followed her.

Once Reimu, Marisa, and Tsukasa were alone, Reimu asked "You served. Under an oomukade? You were her servant?"

"Well, more like lieutenant." Tsukasa grumbled sourly. "But yes. She was my former boss. If I share what I know with you, you must be prepared to ensure that I don't get regret it later."

"And what if ya give us the info, then we dump ya afterward and leave ya to fend fer yerself?" Marisa ventured, grinning again.

At this, Tsukasa had no answer. Reimu glared hard at her for a moment, then sighed. "Fine."

"What is WITH you, today, Reimu?" Marisa turned, her face drawing into a scowl. "You never just go along with whatever some youkai is telling ya to do!"

"I hate it just as much as you think I do." Reimu snarked back, before continuing "But I don't have time for this. That oomukade is out and about, right now. And even if there is a dragon potentially in Gensokyo, and the oomukade IS only targeting them, I have a feeling that letting a dragon get killed and eaten is bad karma. I don't want that on my soul when the time comes." Reimu grumbled. "We don't have any other choice at this point, anyway. Even if what Kudamaki says is true, that the supposed 'rampage' is totally made up by the Scarlet people, that doesn't guarantee that, before heading back underground, she won't go on a rampage anyway. I'm not willing to take that chance. And while I certainly could just drag the info out of her and leave her to her fate—" Reimu glared at Tsukasa. "I'd prefer to just take the path of least resistance and get this over with. After this is over, you have three weeks. Make plans. I'm kicking you out once your time is up. No extensions."

Tsukasa grinned. "More than enough time. Pleasure doing business with you." She said, reaching out her hand to shake. Reimu scowled, then begrudgingly shook her hand once. Marisa exhaled loudly. "Gods, this is such a big ugly mess. I ain't even gonna try ta keep track anymore. Let's just get this over with, already."

"Now. Your end of the bargain." Reimu murmured.

"Of course!" Tsukasa said cheerfully. "Now, listen closely..."

---

A girl stood among the foliage near the Misty Lake, gazing at the Scarlet Devil Mansion, still enclosed in its protective shells. Her hair was a faded blue color, reaching down to her back. In one hand, she held a large yellow pickaxe. Around her arms and legs were many orange bows, and she wore a black top and skirt with yellow patterning. Her feet were bare.

"Damn it. How long're they gonna stay in there? They gotta be gettin' hungry by now, what gives? These barriers should'a come down days ago!"

"Hey, you." The girl's eyes widened, and she turned to see Reimu and Marisa standing there, purification rod and Mini-Hakkero in hand.

Her grin grew wide, and she chuckled. "Well, well, well. If it ain't my sparring buddies from the gem incident. How can I help ya today?" She said, walking out into the light.

Reimu's eyes narrowed. "Wait a second. I know you. Momoyo, wasn't it?"

"Momoyo Himemushi's my full name. Good ta see ya again. If I remember correctly, both of ya gave me one hell of a time down in the caves. I never felt so alive before. I was hopin' someday ya'd both come back for a rematch. I been dying to pay you back."

"Unfortunately, we're not here for a danmaku battle." Reimu murmured. "You are a threat to Gensokyo."

"A threat? Nawww." Momoyo chuckled, casually walking towards them. "Naw, I ain't here to stir up trouble. I just came up for a bite to eat, n'then I'll be on my way. Though I will say, y'all got it pretty nice up here. Beats the toxic gas down in the caves."

"We have been informed that there is a dragon, here in Gensokyo, and you are threatening that dragon's life."

Momoyo's eyes narrowed. "Informed by who?" Reimu didn't respond, but recognition came into Momoyo's eyes. "That damn kuda-gitsune. She's still salty that I ignored her when I fought ya, eh? Disobeyed 'orders'? I don't take orders from weaklings." Reimu merely lowered her arm, purifiation rod at her side, and Momoyo let out a hearty guffaw. "An' just what do ya plan on doin' with that, eh? 'Case that rat-fox didn't fill ya in, I ain't some regular youkai. I eat divine bein's. Bein's that nobody else wants ta take on. But I take 'em on. An' lemme tell ya, dragon meat is delicious. Salted and spiced just right, maybe a bit'a honey? Man, always hits the spot." She grinned, showing her sharpened teeth. "Ya may be the Hakurei shrine maiden, but I'll give ya a warnin'. Yer WAY outta yer league. Ya think dragons just sit there quietly 'n take it? No." Momoyo continued advancing, but Reimu stood her ground. "I wrassle the damn things to the ground. I break 'em in every sort of wonderful way. Bones, organs. I chain 'em up 'n let em sit, then when I'm ready, I cut 'em up 'n dump 'em in a pot."

Marisa grimaced. "Gross."

Momoyo let out a hearty laugh. "Naw, not at all! It's the best damn meal y'all'l ever have! Tell ya what. Ya drop this whole thing, lemme go, an' then, when I'm done killin 'er, I'll split the meat with ya. 40-30-30. How'zat sound? I get the fourty, a'course. I'm the one doin' all the dirty work." She twirled her pickaxe, then planted it into the ground, leaning on its handle, with a grin. "I think that's a pretty fair deal, don't y'all?"

"I think I prefer Japanese food, if it's all the same to ya." Marisa murmured, pulling her hat down, and lifting her Mini-Hakkero.

Momoyo sighed. "Damn. I really was tryin' ta be generous." She flipped her pickaxe upright, and began to glow a blackish-purple. "But I guess I gotta take out the trash before I can sit an' eat. It's nothin' personal, but I AM hungry, after all."

Reimu's eyes widened, and she felt sick, doubling over. Marisa, shocked, asked "Reimu? What? What's up?!" She knelt down next to her, but then quickly stepped back as Reimu lost her lunch. "AY! Watch the dress, watch!"

Reimu coughed, then slowly stood up and wiped her mouth. "Damn it. She was right."

"What? Who was right, what's the deal?" Marisa asked, concerned.

Reimu's gaze hardened, as she stared at Momoyo, rod in hand. "Kasen. She was right. Oomukades' magical strength is disgustingly powerful."

"What? How can ya tell?" Marisa asked frantically.

"Because she made me sick just from sensing her magical abilities." Reimu growled. "Her aura overwhelmed me."

Marisa's gaze slowly turned from Reimu to Momoyo. She raised her Mini-Hakkero. "What the hell are you...?"

"MARISA!" Reimu shouted. "Stop."

Marisa turned. "What?"

"There's nothing you can do. Get the hell away from here as fast as you can. Warn everyone you can find. Get Yukari, get Okina, Kasen, Suika, I don't care who, but make sure we've got powerhouses for backup." Reimu sighed, then glared at her hand, which was trembling. "Damn it. I can't believe I'm afraid of a bug. Am I six years old?"

As Marisa took a step back, and flew off to get help, Momoyo chuckled. "Now, now. Don't beat yerself up." Her voice got dark. "I just ain't yer regular bug."

---

As Remilia looked out the window, she took a sip of tea. It had been a while since Sakuya had gotten Reimu to help out, and afterward, Remilia had insisted that no one go out again. Now, she sat, simply waiting. "I hate this..." She mumbled to herself. "But there's nothing I can do anymore. It's in Hakurei's hands now. Still, I wish I didn't feel so powerless." Then, something caught her attention. From the forest around the Misty Lake, a blackish-purple pillar of energy began to stretch upward. Upon looking at it, Remilia suddenly felt bile rising in her throat, but managed to keep it down. "What the hell is that...?" She managed, staring incredulously at the forest. "That can't be right. That's not the oomukade, is it?"

"I'm afraid it is." A voice came from behind her. She turned in her seat to find Patchouli standing nearby, with Koakuma gently keeping her arm under her for support.

"Patchy!" Remilia's eyes filled with surprise. "Shouldn't you be in bed? You can't possibly have fully recovered yet—"

"I'm fine." Patchouli interrupted, but Koakuma quietly shook her head at Remilia. "I need to be ready for anything. That youkai is the single biggest threat to Meiling, and to Gensokyo, right now."

"That?" Remilia glanced at the black pillar of energy, feeling ill. "That's the oomukade? That can't be right! That magical aura makes Meiling's outburst the other day look like a firecracker! It has to be a dragon!"

Patchouli shook her head, coughing. "No. Stronger. That's how they take the dragons down."

Remilia stared at her, then slowly turned back to the window. "Did I...just send the Hakurei shrine maiden...to her death?" She whispered.

---

"Damn it. Damn it, damn it, damn it." Marisa repeated, flying as fast as she could. "Where are all the high-and-mighties when you need them?" She spotted Kasen, and quickly flew down, landing in front of her.

Kasen yelled in shock, then, seeing who it was, asked "Marisa? What are you doing here? I thought—"

"No time. Reimu's in danger." Marisa interrupted.

"What?" Kasen's voice rose. "Where?!"

"Misty Lake. She took one look at Momoyo, the oomukade, and threw up. Ya were right, this is worse than the Lunarians. We have ta call everyone. Yukari, Okina, Eientei, Moriya, Myouren, the Netherworld. You, too."

Kasen gritted her teeth. "Damn it! I tried to warn her! I can try, but there's no guarantee Yukari will even be awake. I have no clue where Okina is, but, I can try the others. You go to Eientei and Moriya. I'll go to Myouren and the Netherworld, and see if I can get in contact with Yakumo and Matara. Hurry!"

Marisa got back on her broom and kicked off, heading towards the Moriya Shrine. Kasen stomped her foot in frustration. "Why does she never listen when I try to teach her something?! This could have been avoided! Damn it, Reimu!" She pushed off the ground and flew into the air.

---

Momoyo began to walk toward Reimu, the strain of her magical aura increasing on her every second. Reimu's face went pale, but she managed to keep from getting sick again. "See, I really didn't wanna have ta fight you. I would'a preferred we just had a nice danmaku battle, for fun, then ya leave me alone, I eat, and then head on back ta the caves. But ya insist on doing it this way." She sighed. "'S'a shame, really. I did like ya. And I can see why yer the shrine maiden. But nobody gets in the way of my hunt." She growled.

"If you kill me, all of Gensokyo will come after you. You know that, right?" Reimu gasped.

"Ya think I care?" Momoyo laughed. "Ya got a dragon, sittin' right here, in the middle'a Gensokyo. One'a the most powerful beings alive...Well. 'Cept me, of course. And that's the kicker— No matter who comes after me, even if it's the dragon — I can beat 'em with one hand behind my back."

Reimu managed a smile. "Oh yeah? Do you know what Fantasy Nature is?"

Momoyo grinned, laughing again. "Oh, you mean yer damn 'cheat technique'? Where ya just fly outta reality and become totally 'invincible'? Yawn." Reimu's eyes widened. "Ya see, ya can spend all the time ya like in lala-land. Ya can hit me as many times as ya like — hell, I'll sit an' take it! I'm a good sport! But here's the problem, Hakurei..." She said, taking a step closer. "It don't matter how many times ya hit me. However strong them hits are. I ain't gonna feel anythin' more'n bee stings."

Reimu defiantly growled "That's impossi-" But as Momoyo took another step forward, she had to make a conscious effort not to be sick again.

"Oh, now, listen. Since ya may feel like I'm bein' kinda rude, here — an' maybe I am. But lemme reassure ya. I 100% respect ya. Yer the best damn danmaku fighter I ever seen. Yer skill, and even yer power aren't in question. I heard all yer stories. All the incidents. And I gotta say, I am DAMN impressed. Ya really do deserve the shrine maiden title, y'know?"

Reimu chuckled weakly, trying to raise her purification rod. "Flattery...will get you...nowhere." She wheezed.

Momoyo tilted her head and shrugged. "Hey, fair 'nough. But I just wanted ta make sure we're on the same page here: ya got nothin' but my respect. Which is why, when I'm done, I ain't gonna hurt or maim yer body anymore. As an act'a good will, I'm gonna walk ya to the Human Village, 'n lay ya down gently, so they can give ya a respectful burial."

"How thoughtful." Reimu growled as Momoyo took another step.

"Ain't it though?" Momoyo chuckled. "I'm too damn nice for my own good. But it's the least I can do."

"I'm afraid that won't be necessary. Reimu is a valuable asset and it would be a headache trying to find a replacement." A voice spoke sternly.

Momoyo looked past Reimu, and grinned. There behind them stood a woman with long blonde hair, a white mob cap, and an umbrella. She wore a white dress with a purple banner down the front. Accompanying her were two others: a woman with nine yellow foxtails, dressed in a pointy eared hat and a similar dress with a blue banner. Her face was stern. Alongside her, a short girl with two long black cat tails protruding from behind her, dressed in a red top and skirt, with a green mob cap, short brown hair, and slitted eyes. She wore a playful expression.

"Well. I'll be damned." Momoyo breathed. "I must be pretty important if yer willin' to come outta hidin', Yakumo."

The woman holding the umbrella, Yukari Yakumo, didn't crack a smile. She simply glared at Momoyo, and said "You are a problem."

"Naw, I'm just here for some grub! I ain't gonna hurt Gensokyo!" Momoyo laughed. "Y'all can do whatever ya want, I don't care! This girl just got in the way of my food. That's all."

"You misunderstand. Your very presence, here, now, is a problem. You upset the balance that we are trying to maintain. You are too powerful to be here, or frankly, to even exist at all." Yukari stated, her tone scathing.

"Oooh! I'm shakin'." Momoyo mocked. She kicked Reimu out of the way, and into a tree. Reimu cried out in pain as Momoyo started walking towards Yukari. Instantly, the other two girls, the catgirl and the fox, stepped in front of Yukari.

"We will not allow you to hurt our mistress." The fox woman spoke. Her name was Ran Yakumo, and she was Yukari's shikigami, a type of familiar that served under her.

"Sorry~! You're gonna have to get through us first!" The catgirl spoke. She was known as Chen, and served under Ran, being a shikigami herself.

Momoyo sighed, in exasperation. "Mistress, this. Milady, that. Yer the same as those Scarlet folks. It was so annoying seein' that stupid maid and her co-staff runnin' around as that crappy kid vampire barked orders at 'em. Don't it get tirin' bein someone else's doormat?" Momoyo grinned again. "Actually, it don't matter. I don't care."

"You need to leave, now." Yukari stated flatly. "Go back to the underground, and never return."

"Or what?" Momoyo shot back, showing off her sharp teeth once more. "Like I said to this one—" She kicked Reimu in the stomach, and Reimu coughed and gagged. "You got a dragon here, and even that ain't enough to stop me. How exactly are ya gonna make me leave?"

At this, Yukari didn't respond.

"Oh no. Oh no, hahaha!" Momoyo laughed. "Ya didn't come here without a plan, surely? Mastermind? Grand Sage? Royal pain in my ass?" She clapped her hands. "This is too good. I got to beat up the Hakurei shrine maiden an' I caught the almighty Yukari Yakumo with 'er pants down?! My luck must be off the charts right now! Is there a god watchin' over me? I gotta thank 'em later!"

"Truly, you are as idiotic as they come." Yukari said tonelessly.

At this, Momoyo's grin faded, and she glared at Yukari. "You wanna run that one by me again?"

"You seem to be under the impression that I intend to frivolously play danmaku with you." Yukari glared at her. "That I, along with all of Gensokyo, won't use the fullest of our abilities to shut you down and destroy or seal you."

Momoyo stared at her. "I don't care what ya do." She said darkly. "Danmaku or not, you ain't winnin' against me."

"I beg to differ." Yukari responded. "Perhaps you are not fully aware of the scope of Gensokyo's residents and their abilities, of the land you invaded so rudely, so let me tell you." She advanced toward Momoyo, Chen and Ran falling behind. "We have people here who can control fate. Time and space. Who can destroy anything just by clenching their fist. We have people who can grow to an immense size at will, who can cause insanity, alter the senses. Blind you, deafen you. Controlling eternity, controlling luck. Unending, and unrelenting immortality."

Momoyo yawned. "Yeah? So what?"

"Your only abilities are immense magical power and strength." Yukari continued. "Both of which have childishly easy counters."

"Yeah? If that's so, why is my species able to attack and kill dragons? How come I can overpower 'em and chop 'em down like weeds?" Momoyo inquired, still grinning.

"Because not all dragons are created equal." Yukari answered.

"Beg pardon?" Momoyo growled.

"Your species are capable of eating dragons, this is true. And your power is considerable." Yukari smiled for the first time. "But every dragon that has been eaten by your kind in history have been a lesser dragon. Weaklings, newly hatched dragons. Dragons that weren't fit to remain with their own kind." Momoyo's fist clenched. "The reason you are able to kill 'dragons' so easily...is because they're the rejects." Yukari's smile faded, and she stared Momoyo dead in the eyes. "Any dragon worth eating wouldn't even bother slaughtering you. You...are beneath them."

"You...are really gonna regret that ya said that." Momoyo snarled.

But Yukari wasn't done. "The only dragons you've eaten have been the ones mortals have seen, in person. And dragons don't just stay in the mortal realm unless they're defective. Dragons, once their affairs are in order, leave. In fact, the only reason you are so feared is because of the word-of-mouth...of mortals." Yukari whispered with a smile "But here's a little secret — mortals don't know what true power looks like. Tell a lie long enough and loud enough, and eventually it becomes fact. THAT is how oomukade like yourself came to be perceived as powerful. That...and your species bragging endlessly..." Yukari pulled out a fan, flicking it open and hiding her mouth, as she closed her eyes. "Like you've been doing. All this time. And while your magical power is considerable, and may have made our shrine maiden ill..." Momoyo gritted her teeth, letting out a low growl as Yukari finished "Your magical power is a single drop in the bucket...compared to a real dragon."

Momoyo couldn't take any more, and screamed loudly, dashing at Yukari. Out of nowhere, holes in reality began to open, gaps filled with eyes, swallowing Momoyo's arms and legs, immobilizing her. She snarled in frustration, and Yukari took another step toward her. "And here's another little secret." She whispered. "The power of all those weak, pathetic dragons? Mere drops in the bucket themselves...compared to the power we've collected here in Gensokyo. Sorry you had to find out that you were so pathetic this way, but at least you no longer have to live a lie, right?" Yukari giggled childishly.

"You BITCH! I'LL KILL YOU!" Momoyo roared. "I'LL CUT YA TO RIBBONS AND SERVE YER BODY TO FILTHY PIGS!"

Ignoring her now, Yukari walked over to Reimu. "Get up, Reimu." She ordered, grabbing Reimu's arm and lifting her to her feet. "Can you stand?" Yukari asked.

"Y-Yeah, I think." Reimu, said, but as she spoke, she coughed, and drops of blood appeared on her palm.

Yukari's eyes narrowed, and she called "Ran."

Ran stepped forward. "Yes, Mistress."

"Take Reimu and move as fast as you can to Eientei. If the rabbit asks why you're here, tell her it's an emergency order from me."

"Yes, Mistress." Ran answered, gently picking Reimu up.

Yukari turned to Chen. "Chen."

Chen bounced forward, a wide smile lighting up her face. "Yes ma'am!"

"Find out where Ibaraki is and tell her the threat has been neutralized. We don't need a panic running through Gensokyo."

Chen nodded, bouncing on her heels. "Yes, Lady Yukari! Be back in a jiff!" She purred cheerfully, before dashing away, with Ran following shortly afterward.

Yukari turned back to Momoyo, whose eyes were wild, her hair a mess. Spittle dripped down her mouth, her fangs clenched tightly together. "Take heart. I have no interest in killing you. Frankly, there would be far too much of a headache trying to explain to the underground how you went missing, though truthfully, they might not even care. However, I cannot take that risk. So, I will send you back."

Yukari's expression grew unreadable. "But I am going to extract every last bit of information from you until you serve no use to me."

"I ain't tellin ya a damn thing!!" Momoyo barked, struggling to get free from Yukari's gap restraints.

Yukari's face moved inches away from Momoyo's, and she gulped. "Thank you for giving me the go-ahead." Yukari murmured. A large gap enclosed Yukari and Momoyo, and after swallowing them, the gap disappeared entirely.