Kasen and Yukari stood on the outskirts of the Human village. Kasen had her arms crossed and her expression was one of frustration, but Yukari hid a smile behind her fan.

"You couldn't have acted sooner? Before this thing got way out of hand? Before Reimu's life was in danger?" Kasen asked angrily.

"You are almost as stupid as that oomukade if you really believed I would let the Hakurei shrine maiden perish." Yukari responded. "There was never any danger. Even if I hadn't come, any number of various youkai could have taken her down." She gazed up at the sky, then closed her eyes. "It is astonishing how humans can continually blow things out of proportion, decade after decade."

Kasen uncrossed her arms and stared at Yukari. "How so?"

"The only reason everyone here, in Gensokyo, was afraid of her, was because they'd only heard stories. Never seen one for themselves, never actually watched them work or attack dragons. It should be common sense that nothing is going to dethrone the dragons as the supreme rulers of this world." Yukari shook her head in disbelief. "Yet for some reason, everyone in Gensokyo was fooled. I don't know when people started becoming so unintelligent, but I can only hope it doesn't get worse from here."

"Wait, so she actually was weak?" Kasen questioned incredulously.

"Oh, no. Make no mistake, she was strong." Yukari affirmed. "Very powerful. I'd say as powerful as one of the devas of Youkai Mountain." She cast a glance at Kasen, who sullenly looked away. "As strong as an oni... but that is all. Weak dragons would be easily killed by oni, of course. Such as the one that escaped from Motoori's shop?" She added.

"If that's the case, why did her mere presence make Reimu so sick?"

"Because normally, youkai don't go around announcing and showing off their true power to others. Even the rowdy oni, such as Ibuki and Hoshiguma, don't just let their aura swallow everything around them." Yukari closed her fan with a snap. "By giving off such an obvious beacon of power, I was able to find her within minutes. It was quite the stupid move, actually."

"Alright, and what about her claims? That there's a dragon here in Gensokyo?" Kasen pressed. "If that's true, aren't we all still in danger?"

"Not at all." Yukari replied. "Even if there is such a dragon here, if they wanted to destroy Gensokyo, they would have done so already. If such a dragon exists, I think it simply wishes to be left alone. In peace." She turned and smiled at Kasen. "As long as it remains amicable, I don't care whether there is or isn't one here. And if it turns violent — there's nothing I would be able to do anyway."

Kasen was taken aback. "What? Seriously? Even the most powerful youkai here—"

"—Would fall like twigs before such a being, yes." Yukari finished. "Once a dragon decides to destroy something, it essentially becomes universal law. Nothing can stand against them. But as I said to Himemushi, all of the powerful and most ancient dragons aren't here." She pointed up. "They're in the Dragon Palace. Among Heaven and the oarfish. We are so insignificant to them that they can't be bothered to attack us. It would be like getting enraged at ants — a waste of time and energy. Even the royalty of the Lunar Capital, even the goddess of Hell — Once a dragon enters, their lives would be forfeit."

Kasen took a shaky breath. "And...you still don't see a problem with letting one stay here?"

"Aren't you listening?" Yukari smiled wider. "If there is one here, it is beyond all of our ability to control or contain it. What would you have me do? I have more pressing matters at hand, in any case." Her smile faded, and she turned in the direction of the Hakurei shrine. "I have information that Reimu needs to hear."

---

Reimu groaned as she sat up. Looking down, she saw her torso had been wrapped in bandages, and then noticed she was lying in an unfamiliar room. "Where am I?" She muttered to herself.

"Eientei's medical room." A voice answered. Reimu turned to her right, and saw a woman, clad in a red and blue dress and a nurse cap, standing there. Her hair was long and silver, tied in a braid. Her expression was warm as she entered. "After being contacted by the gap youkai's shikigami, we took you in and gave you medical attention." Her name was Eirin Yagokoro, the doctor and nurse of Eientei.

"Medical attention, huh..." Reimu mumbled. "Guess I really was out of my league."

"I don't know all the details, and frankly, I don't believe I have the permission to ask. All I need to know is how you feel." Eirin asked, taking a seat and smiling at her.

Reimu touched her sides, then winced. "I've definitely felt better." She sighed.

Eirin nodded. "I'm sure. However, I'm pleased to announce that after a good night's sleep tonight, all your wounds will be fully healed by morning."

"Woah, wait, by morning? But I took a gutshot from a youkai!" Reimu said, stunned.

"You did. However, I have medicine that amplifies and accelerates the body's natural healing process. I also ensured all of your organs were still intact, which they were. So there was really nothing for me to do other than give you the medicine." Eirin nodded.

"Eirin, I wanted to ask about—" Another voice started, its owner standing in the doorway. As her eyes fell onto Reimu, she grinned. "Ooooh~! The shrine maiden's awake after taking her beating, huh~?" It was a girl in a pink dress with black hair, and lop-style rabbit ears hung from her head. Around her neck was a necklace with a carrot charm. She put her mouth to her hand and snickered. "You must have been off your game, huuuuuh~? Found someone out of your league~? Got too cocky~?" she drawled, giggling.

"Tewi." Eirin said sternly. "Don't be rude."

The girl, Tewi Inaba, groaned. "Fine. Anyway, I wanted to—"

"Actually Tewi, before that, I have a favor to ask." Eirin interrupted.

Tewi scowled, but answered "What?"

"Please guide the shrine maiden out of the Bamboo Forest."

"Ugghhhhh." Tewi moaned. "Can't she just fly out?"

"Not in this state." Eirin replied shortly. "Guide her out, then come back, I have other tasks for you."

Tewi glared at Eirin for a time, then growled "Come on, then." With that, she walked out.

"I apologize for Tewi's behavior—" Eirin started.

"It's fine. I don't care. I have more important things to think about." Reimu waved her away. Slowly, she slid off the table and got to her feet. "Where's my top?" She asked.

"It'll be waiting for you at Eientei's entrance, along with your purification rod, needles, and ofuda." Eirin reassured her. "From what I understand, the gap youkai would like to speak with you at the Hakurei shrine, so, best not keep her waiting."

Reimu grunted, then put on her socks and shoes and began to walk out, but she paused. "Um...Thanks. I guess." She mumbled.

Eirin smiled warmly. "It is my pleasure. Come back any time you'd like."

Tewi tapped her foot as she stood on Eientei's veranda, waiting impatiently. As Reimu emerged, she snapped "Well, come on! I don't have all day!" Reimu rolled her eyes, and put on her top, as well as her hair tubes.

"Lead the way, then." Reimu grouched.

---

"So, then, Reimu's gonna be okay?" Marisa asked. She, Aunn, and Yukari were standing outside the Hakurei shrine, and Aunn had a worried look on her face.

Yukari nodded. "She'll make a full recovery, is my guess. But, she and I need to have a discussion about the oomukade. I'll reveal everything to her, and you, when she arrives." Marisa grumbled and sat on the veranda, with Aunn sitting next to her.

There was silence for a time, and then Aunn began quietly "Um...Miss Marisa?"

"Yeah?" Marisa sighed.

Aunn laid her head in Marisa's lap and asked "Will you, um — will you rub my belly?" Aunn asked hopefully.

Marisa sat there, stunned. "R-rub yer...belly?" She asked uncomprehendingly.

Aunn nodded. "It's just that, I've seen Miss Sekibanki do it to Miss Kagerou, and Miss Aya has done it a few times to Miss Momiji, so I wanted to know what it's like. I-if you don't mind?"

Marisa blushed slightly. "Uh. I mean, yeah? I guess?"

Aunn's ears perked up and her tail wagged. "Thank you, Miss Marisa!" Aunn said cheerfully.

Marisa paused for a few moments, unsure of where to start, but after a few moments, she gently placed her hand over Aunn's stomach and began to rub.

Aunn's eyes widened and she let out a sigh. "This feels so nice!" She breathed. "I understand why Miss Kagerou and Miss Momiji like it! Don't stop!" She said excitedly, closing her eyes in pleasure.

Marisa's face got redder, and she paused, shaking her head in disbelief. However, she continued to give Aunn belly rubs, as Aunn sat there with a contented smile on her face. Marisa was starting to wonder if this had been a good idea or not, but luckily, Reimu suddenly appeared underneath the shrine's torii. Marisa got up quickly, and Aunn was tossed to the ground with a cry of surprise. "Oh! Reimu! Gosh, I'm so glad ta see yer okay!"

Reimu stared at Aunn, facedown in the dirt, and then at Marisa, a slight blush still on her face. "What was going on here?" Reimu asked, baffled.

"Nothing! Not a thing. We were just waitin' fer you ta get back, that's all!" Marisa laughed awkwardly. Yukari smiled slyly, but said nothing.

"R-right...Well, um, anyway, I heard you wanted to speak with me?" She asked, turning to Yukari.

Yukari nodded. "Indeed. I extracted some very crucial information from the oomukade before sending her back underground. I think you'll want to hear this."

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Reimu sat down on the veranda, with Marisa joining her. "Then, shoot." Marisa replied.

Yukari took a deep breath, then began "It seems that our intruder wasn't working alone. Someone seems to have tipped her off, telling her there was a dragon here in Gensokyo. Apparently, the informant asked for nothing other than the head of said dragon in return."

"An' just who is this informant?" Marisa asked.

"Iku Nagae." Yukari responded.

There was a long, long silence. Reimu and Marisa stared at her, then glanced at each other. "Iku? Like, Tenshi's keeper, Iku? What could she possibly want?" Reimu asked. "How is she involved?"

"She is an oarfish. They are closely associated with the Dragon Palace, and serve as their scouts and messengers." Yukari replied.

Reimu paused. "And...is there a dragon in Gensokyo?"

"I cannot confirm or deny that as of right now." Yukari stated. "I will certainly look into the matter, but for now, I would advise you to simply keep a lookout for any strange or unusual goings on around Gensokyo at this time, particularly around the Scarlet Devil Mansion."

"The Scarlets? Why? What do ya suspect about them?" Marisa piped up.

"I have nothing concrete at the moment. However, it seems strange that the oomukade's target was supposedly in the mansion. The more likely scenario of the two is that Iku simply lied, and bears some sort of grudge against the inhabitants of the mansion. In which case, the problem has now been definitively dealt with, and the case is closed." Yukari's expression was thoughtful. "However, there is also the other possibility that Iku was telling the truth, and that one of the residents of the Scarlet Mansion is, in fact, a dragon."

Reimu's eyes narrowed. "That's impossible. They've been here in Gensokyo for years. Wouldn't we have picked up on there being a dragon nearby?"

"As I said, it's the less likely of the two scenarios, so for now, we can all breathe easy temporarily until we know for sure. But do not relax your gaze on the mansion." Yukari said sternly. "Because if one of them IS a real flesh-and-blood dragon...we will need to keep constant tabs on them from now on."

"And what if there is?" Reimu asked. "What if one of them is a dragon? What are supposed to do in that case?"

Yukari's expression became dark. "Nothing."

"Sorry?" Marisa replied. "Come again?"

"If there is truly a dragon here, there is nothing we can do but beg for mercy." Yukari repeated.

Reimu folded her hands and glared at Yukari. "I don't beg. I take action."

Yukari gazed at her sternly. "It does not matter who you call or what you do. Even you, the Hakurei shrine maiden, would be like a light breeze to a dragon that they could simply whisk away. This is not on the level of the Lunar Capital's monarchs, nor even the great Goddess of Hell herself, Hecatia Lapislazuli." Reimu gazed at Yukari, unfolding her hands as Yukari finished "If a dragon decides to kill you, you are to be respectful and kneel, accepting your death in a dutiful manner. This will spare its wrath upon the rest of us."

"Like HELL!" Reimu shouted, and stood up. "You're telling me to offer myself up, or any of us to do so, while the dragon does whatever it wants?"

Yukari's stern gaze turned into a sharp glare. "The dragons were here before time itself. They will continue to exist long after the last star has faded away. You are a blip. They are timeless and unending." Reimu clenched her fist, gritting her teeth as she listened. "If you try and kill a dragon, you will bring ruin not just upon Gensokyo, but the Outside World as well. This is my one and only warning to you." Yukari murmured in a lethal tone. "If a dragon sets its sights on you, or anyone else, their lives are now forfeit. For the good of everyone else, I expect their target to sit and wait silently as they accept their death. This is non-negotiable, and if necessary, I will ensure the execution takes place myself." She spun her umbrella around, blocking herself from sight. "Good morning." With that, Yukari simply vanished, as if she had been wiped away, like paint that was still wet.

Reimu walked over to a tree, and punched it, hard. "Damn her! How can she possibly say a thing like that?! Isn't she the one who's constantly supposed to have everything under control? How is she so casual about throwing lives away, including my own?!"

Aunn and Marisa stared at Reimu, their faces worried. "Reimu..." Marisa tried. "We don't even know that a dragon IS here. There's no point in worryin' about it until it happens—"

"I don't care!" Reimu shouted. "The very thought of just laying down and dying makes me want to throw up! How can we possibly be so powerless that even Yukari is telling us to die?!"

"It's just...the way it is, Reimu." Marisa said. "The dragons rule everythin', an' like Yukari said, they made the universe the way it is now. The Dragon God himself created Gensokyo. If he did that, they can't be all bad, don't ya think?" Marisa tried to reassure her.

"I know!" Reimu yelled. Quieter, she repeated "I know that, I know how it is, I just..." She sighed. "Damn it. I hate feeling like this. I felt the same way with the Lunarians, knowing that I basically can't do a damn thing to protect Gensokyo if it comes down to the people with real power."

"But they left us alone, didn't they?" Marisa responded, trying for a cheerful tone. "They don't wanna attack us, they just want to be left alone, too. An' Hecatia, I mean— She's the Goddess of Hell. There ain't much we can do about that. But we might not see her again until we die. That's a long way off fer you an' me, an' longer fer the youkai that live here."

Reimu sighed. "Yeah. I know. ...For now, let's just — do what she says. We'll keep an eye on the Scarlet Devil Mansion." Then she had a thought. "Actually...We should at least tell them about Iku."

Marisa put her hand to her chin. "I guess so. It's pretty important to know that Momoyo wasn't doin' it on her own. I'm okay to head over if you want."

Reimu nodded. "We need to tell them that Momoyo's gone too, so that they don't have to keep those barriers up anymore. Let's get going." She said, about to take off, then remembered her wounds. "Damn it. I can't fly like this, Eirin told me not to. Can I hitch a ride on your broom?"

Marisa grinned. "What's the magic word?"

"Marisa—" Reimu growled.

"Ah ah ah, that's not how we ask people fer things. Say the magic words, and I'll let ya on." She taunted.

Through gritted teeth, Reimu asked "Can. I. Please. Ride. With. You. On. Your. Broom."

Marisa grinned wider. "That's the way! Sure thing, buddy! Hop right on!"

Reimu resisted the urge to yell something insulting, and straddled behind Marisa on her broom.

"Off we go!" Marisa laughed.

---

Remilia was watching the window. The black pillar of energy had ended hours ago, but she still had no intent to let down the barriers. "Do we have any idea if Hakurei is still alive?"

"No, Milady." Said Sakuya, standing beside her. "So far we have, in fact, received no information about the oomukade or the state that Hakurei is in. Normally I would venture out to collect information, but at this time I don't feel it is safe to do so. We will have to wait until we know for certain that the coast is clear."

"Urgh. This is so frustrating. If the Hakurei shrine maiden got killed and I'm the one who sent her to do it—"

"I don't believe that is plausible, Milady." Sakuya interrupted. "It is highly unlikely that, regardless of the strength of the oomukade, Yakumo would allow Hakurei to perish in battle. I would not assume anything until we are certain."

Remilia sighed. "Yeah, I know, Sakuya, I'm just...concerned." She muttered, turning her gaze back to the window.

Suddenly, there was a bang from outside, similar to the one that had happened all that time ago.

Remilia's eyes shifted to the direction of the sound, and she merely said "Come, Sakuya."

"Yes, Milady."

They strode down to the basement, and Sakuya guided Remilia through the tunnels, just as she had before. As they exited to the surface, their eyes widened to see Marisa and Reimu standing outside the domes. "Oh, you're alive!" Remilia said in shock. "Wow, you're stronger than I thought!"

Reimu glared, then muttered "It was Yukari who took down the oomukade. I didn't do anything besides get sick and break my ribs."

"A-ah. I, uh, see." Remilia said awkwardly. "Well, um. How can we help you today?"

"You can take down the barriers." Reimu responded. "The oomukade is gone, so there's no need for—" she gestured to the exterior of the mansion. "—all this."

Remilia considered, then replied "And how I know you're telling the truth?" Reimu pulled down the collar of her top, showing the bandages that encased her upper body. Sakuya and Remilia stared at them, then at Reimu. "Are you, uh. Okay?"

"I'll be fine." Reimu snapped. "Eirin told me I just need a night to recover. Take down the barriers, because we have something important to tell you. All of you."

After a brief moment of hesitation, Remilia said "Go to Patchouli and ask her to dispel the barriers, as well as purge the water and toxic miasma from around the domes."

"Yes, Milady." Sakuya bowed, before vanishing.

After about fifteen minutes, the toxic miasma and water around the mansion began to dissipate and sink back into the lake. Then, one by one, the domes around the mansion shimmered and vanished. Remilia grinned, gesturing to the front door. "Please. Come in and make yourselves at home."

Reimu and Marisa gave each other a look, before following Remilia inside.

---

As Marisa and Reimu sat down on the nearby couch, Sakuya said "I shall prepare some tea for everyone. I won't be long." She strode off towards the kitchen. Meiling, Patchouli, Remilia, Koakuma, and Flandre sat opposite them, with varying expressions on their faces.

Remilia was the first to speak. "So, then. What brought you here today?"

Reimu sighed, and responded. "I have good news and bad news."

"What's the good news?" Flandre spoke up.

"The good news is, the oomukade is no longer a threat. Yukari took care of it." Reimu grumbled.

The SDM crew looked at each other, breathing sighs of relief.

Marisa narrowed her eyes. "The bad news is, she was just a scapegoat."

At this, Remilia spoke. "What are you talking about?"

"The oomukade didn't just come up and find this place on her own." Reimu growled. "She had help. Someone pointed her in the right direction."

"Who?" Meiling asked sharply.

Reimu turned to her, her face somber. "Iku Nagae."

There was silence, and then Remilia whispered "Are you here to tell me...that a messenger of the Dragon Palace set an oomukade loose on us?"

"Yeah." Marisa affirmed. "She told Momoyo — the oomukade — that there was a dragon here. And apparently, the only thing that she asked fer in return...was the dragon's disembodied head."

At this, Remilia and Meiling both began to glow, red and rainbow, respectively. "How dare they." Remilia seethed. "How dare they come after us after all these years, after all our time spent in Gensokyo!"

"If they wanted to attack us, why did they wait so long?!" Meiling shouted. "Why? To give us a false sense of hope? Of security? Just to make me—" She caught herself, and realized she just might have said too much.

Reimu leveled her gaze at Meiling. "Make you?" She asked quietly. "Make you what? What the hell do you have to do with the Dragon Palace?" Everyone on the opposite felt their hearts collectively drop into their stomachs. Nobody spoke. "Well?!" Reimu suddenly shouted, standing up and slamming her hand on the table. "Answer me! How the hell are you related to the Dragon Palace? Why was the oomukade targeting this place? Why did you need so many barriers..." Reimu's glare sharpened. "And why did Momoyo refer to the dragon as a 'her'?"

There was a pause, then Flandre murmured "Didn't we promise, guys? We promised Meiling, right? We said we were gonna do it."

Remilia felt her heartbeat speeding up. Flan was right, they had all agreed. There was no excuse to hide it anymore, and yet-

"Because." Meiling spoke, in a desolate tone.

Remilia's eyes turned as big as saucers, and she started "Meiling—"

"No, Milady. She deserves to know. She's been my friend for a very long time, and she invited me over to her shrine for so many wonderful parties." Meiling smiled weakly. "It's time."

At this, Reimu backed off, sitting down. "What the hell are you about to tell me?" She breathed nervously.

Remilia sighed, and responded, to Meiling "If that is what you wish to do, I shall not stop you. Please proceed at your own pace, Meiling."

Meiling nodded, and then took a deep breath. "The truth is..." Her eyes closed. "The truth is—" She opened them, and gazed sadly at Marisa and Reimu. "I'm the dragon she was looking for."

For a long time, Reimu and Marisa sat in stunned silence. Then, together, they shouted at the top of their lungs. "WHAT?!"