Of Rainbows, Dolls, and Sparks. (Me and Felix)

[ShadesofGrey18]

Marisa smiled; one that went ear to ear. "He wasn't lying at all; c'mon guys, I think a little demonstration is in order."

They all went outside, Marisa standing across from Patchouli. "Alright then! She's probably already seen some Danmaku play, but this oughta really impress her. Ready, Patchy?"

Michael prepped a song to play when the match started. He snapped his fingers and it started playing.

Michael shouted "BORDER OF DUEL! ROUND ONE... FIGHT!"

And it began.

[Felix Falora]

Patchouli didn't bother arguing. She learned well enough that, when it came to Marisa, there was no winning. Besides, she wanted to see if she could finally beat the witch. She had been working on her tactics. She intended to see them through. She looked at Rainbow, however, and internally sighed. She'll want to see the Master Spark. I'll have to give her that much, and I haven't yet perfected dodging it. So I'll have to build up a strong defense. She then turned around to face Marisa upon hearing the witch ask if she was ready. She nodded, but then heard Marisa's theme music play. Fair enough; hers was the more fast paced battle music then Patchouli's soothing, harmonious beat. Maybe she could ask for a song change before releasing her own ultimate card.

Marisa is headstrong. I'll have to use that to my advantage if I want to win. But this isn't all about winning at the moment. So I'll play it safe for a while and then... well I'll give my best in the end. Michael called the beginning and Patchouli quickly opened up with a flurry of water bullets before setting out a spray of fire that would hopefully keep Marisa on the move.

[ShadesofGrey18]

Marisa jumped backwards a little ways, then threw her hands forward, calling her attack; "Meteonic Debris!" A flurry of star-shaped bullets shot towards Patchouli, but she wasn't done yet. Marisa activated a Spellcard, calling in a loud voice, "Magic Sign: Stardust Reverie!" Marisa hopped on her broom and shot towards Patchouli herself, a trail of stars launching from her broom's bristles.

Michael looked on, also gauging Rainbow's reactions. What could he say? It was kinda fun watching her responses to Danmaku battles.

[Felix Falora]

Rainbow was in awe. The fight between Aya and Michael was inspiring, but this was two magicians at their finest. Unfortunately, the only way it could get better was if Alice jumped in to make it a three way free for all.

Patchouli, meanwhile, was able to dodge the other bullets easily, but noticed Marisa coming for her. Now, unlike the real world, dramatic flair was added to the characters of this Patchouli's universe. Time seemed to slow as she prepared her counter.

A combination of metal and wood, the nurturing wind of life tempered with man's bold steel. Let these clockwork constructs defend from an army.

"Metal Wood Sign: Elemental Harvester." Patchouli spread her arms out and gear shaped circling saw blades began to orbit around her. If Marisa didn't swerve out of the way, she would find herself cut through. The nature of danmaku would keep her from being cut to ribbons, but Rainbow didn't see it that way.

"What's she doing?! Those look really sharp!"

[ShadesofGrey18]

Marisa's eyes shot open. "Oh, sh-" but she didn't have time to finish it. Marisa was juggled in the air for a sixteen hit combo as her broom was knocked away. Fortunately, Marisa's clothes were barely even damaged as a result of the attack. Make no mistake, it hurt like hell, but there was nothing permanent.

Michael turned towards Rainbow and said, "Don't worry; even Spellcards are kept from doing permanent damage. Trust me, if a raven Youkai that can fling miniature suns at you can't burn you to a crisp, those blades are nothing.

Marisa jumped back again, grabbing her Mini-Hakkero reactor from under her hat. 'I was hoping to save this for a little later, but... ah, well. 'Least she'll get a kick out of it.'

Marisa held up another Spellcard; she tossed her Hakkero up into the air as she started chanting. "Focus your mind, whisper spell to Mini-Hakkero tenderly, aim at someone you don't like, and share the love! LOVE SIGN!" The Hakkero dropped down and Marisa caught it, aiming it straight at Patchouli. Holding her hat down with her left hand, Marisa finished declaring the Spellcard. "MASTEEEEEER SPAAAAAARK!"

The gigantic rainbow-hued laser fired; it was a thing of beauty to behold.

[Felix Falora]

Patchouli heard Marisa calling out her Master Spark attack. Early. So early. Guess I'll have to use this now. Patchouli grimaced, pulling out a different card.

All enveloping water. Shield the controller of your powerful tides and protect her from any that would aim to damage her.

"Water Sign: Jellyfish Princess!" As the laser came towards her, a bubble of water formed around her, absorbing a great deal of the attack. However, it was not enough. The Master Spark would break through and nearly blow Patchouli away. Such an attack could not be stopped. Only stalled.

[ShadesofGrey18]

Marisa was already pretty weakened from taking a full-on hit of Elemental Harvester, so she decided to try and finish the fight quickly. She didn't dare try a Final Spark after using her Hakkero not even a minute ago, so she decided to try a different method. "Light Blast: Shoot the Moon!"

Marisa jumped on her broom and flew up; several magic circle familiars launched downward towards Patchouli; when they would hit, they'd launch a laser in an indiscriminate (because the battle wasn't taking place completely in the sky) direction. Marisa also launched herself downward, trying to finish the match. She only had one hit left in her...

[Felix Falora]

Patchouli could see the lasers coming and could barely dodge them all, but managed to dodge the majority. However, Marisa came down and hit her hard. She was coughing hard, but she wasn't done yet. Pulling out one card, she looked at Marisa. "Might as well show off my big card as well," she said. "Michael, change the music to my theme, would you?" And then began the spell.

Spirits of fire... water... earth... wood... metal... Listen to my voice.
I call upon the great power of fire. As fire as used to incinerate one's enemies, it is also a source of warmth, a beacon of hope for the lost, a shining light for those in the unfortunate darkness.
I call upon the great power of water. As strong as the tides are, though they may take life, water also gives life, the source of all of life, for all humans are made of water and are destined to return to it.
I call upon the great power of earth. The earth that we stand upon, ever moving, shift beneath my feet and show your unawakened power. Though it may move and swallow, all will return to the earth to nourish the world.
I call upon the great power of wood. As ever blowing and powerful as the wind can be, it can also be a sign of comfort, a bastion for all to fly upon and unroot themselves into the neverending sky.
I call upon the great power of metal. Tampered steel forged by blazing, powerful hearts. As metal can be forged into weaponry, designed to destroy, it can also be used to structure powerful bastions of defense and protection.
All elements of power and life, combine into one force. Listen to my beckonings and come. Show yourselves in your most powerful of forms for I require your aid to protect myself from my enemy. Come now into your final power.

"Five Elements: Philosopher's Stone!" Patchouli did not plan to lose that easily. Five stones appeared around her and began to shoot a neverending steam of bullets from all five Japanese elements at Marisa. Rainbow, having been staring in awe this entire time, felt her jaw dropping even further then it had after the Master Spark.

[ShadesofGrey18]

"Okay, then, Patchy." Michael's responded and shifted the music. 'Wait a minute... which version does she want? ...Ah, well. Can't go wrong with this one...'



Now, Marisa was a headstrong and proud person, not unlike a certain cyan Pegasus. Even so, she knew her limits. She was never able to beat Philosopher's Stone without taking a hit; the only one that ever did in their world was that girl with the Erhu that disappeared after that incident.

Marisa tried her best to dodge, but to no avail; it was just too much. Marisa was pummeled by the elemental onslaught and collapsed on her right knee. "Ugh... you win, da ze..."

Alice went over and helped Marisa up.

Michael said to Rainbow, "So, Rainbow, whatd'ya think?"

Alice said to Michael, "I have a few Spellcards of my own I'd like to test; would you care to have a match with me, Michael?"

Michael replied, "Sure!" He jumped across from Alice and started another song playing.

They both shouted, "BORDER OF DUEL! ROUND TWO! FIGHT!"

[Felix Falora]

Patchouli may have won the battle, but it cost a great deal of energy. She was on her knees as well. Seeing as Alice decided to go help Marisa, Rainbow went and provided Patchouli with some support. But as she took Patchouli back towards a supposed sitting area, she couldn't just keep her mouth shut. "That was so cool! I thought it couldn't get better after that huge laser, but then you pulled that out and... wow!"

"Yes... that tends to be the general reaction from people who see the Philosopher's Stone," Patchouli replied with a chuckle as she sat down. "But it's not over yet. I suggest you watch this as well. Alice can work quite a lot of magic with her dolls. It's rather riveting if you ask me."

"That... sounds kinda weird."

"Makes more sense in hindsight."

[ShadesofGrey18]

Alice started off the battle by launching three dolls, one behind Michael to fire a flurry of bullets at his back, one at his legs to try and strike him with a hammer it wielded, and one above herself to launch a laser at him.

Michael dove over the low doll, grazed the laser, and managed to avoid most of the bullet flurry. He hadn't fought Alice in a while, so he had forgotten about their sword trap. Alice activated it, and Michael took four hits from a spinning, sword-toting doll. "Agh!" Michael activated a Spellcard. "Shriek Sign!"

Marisa stuffed her hat over Rainbow's head and clapped her hands over her own ears.

"Nails on Chalkboard!" He dragged his hand in a downward motion, causing a sound that was exactly as he described. He shot a few bullets, catching Alice as she was stunned.

Alice recovered, dashed towards Michael and activated a Spellcard at point-blank range. "Sword Sign: Crusaders!" A small group of dolls shot around her in a circle, spinning with swords outstretched. Compared to the last time she used it, her success rate was far higher. Michael was knocked away by the dolls. Alice prepared to end the match with one final Spellcard. "Automaton: Doll Battalion!" Alice summoned an army of dolls. Sword wielders, spear wielders, bow wielders, bomb dolls, Axe and hammer wielders, two Level Titania dolls, and the Goliath Doll (Which had a doll with a Sniper Rifle on its shoulder)

Michael's jaw dropped in shock. Closing it quickly, he activated two Spellcards in rapid succession. "Sound Sign: Subsonic Backblast!" The sound wave blew some of the dolls away, giving Michael enough space to active his other Spellcard. "Staccato Sign: Danmaku Desperado!"

The more powerful version of "Danmaku Gunfire," Danmaku Desperado gave Michael a Chi-induced speed boost to his shooting. His handguns, which he jokingly called "Love" (The one with Rainbow's colors) and "Tolerance" (The Wonderbolt/Soarin' colored one) appeared in his hands, and he started firing wildly. "Go, go, go! Yeehaw!" One could've said that he sounded a little like Applejack's cousin Braeburn then. Michael took down a lot of the battalion before they could get close enough to attack, but it wasn't quite enough. As he fired two large blasts (one from each gun) at the Goliath Doll, it swung its giant swords, Spellbreaking Michael, sending him flying, and ending the match.

Michael landed right next to Rainbow and Patchouli. "Ooowww... dang... what a rush!" Michael slowly pulled himself up. "Nice work, Alice!"

Alice curtsied, saying "Thank you, Michael. You did quite well, yourself."

[Felix Falora]

Rainbow listened to Patchouli when she was told to watch the fight between Alice and Michael. What can dolls do anyway? Girls play with dolls all the time, so I bet this girl's gonna do something laughable. Thought like a true noob. The minute the battle begun, Rainbow's jaw dropped once again as she noted how fatal the dolls looked. Even Patchouli couldn't stiffle the laughter this time; the pony, to her, looked like Remlia when finding a delicious cake at the market. Only that purity wouldn't be replaced by a sudden sense of dread when she realized the cake would have to be properly dressed for a vampire to enjoy. Well not all of it, of course; the other residents of the Mansion, save for the useless fairies of course, would get their own piece. Even Meiling would get one if she did a good enough job watering the plants.

Where did all that thought of cake come from? Either way, the minute Patchouli heard Michael's card, she covered her ears. After the attack, she pulled Marisa's hat off the pegasus and handed it back to the witch. Rainbow blinked, but noticed how stunned Alice seemed to be... right before she recovered and proceeded to unleash all hell. The soldier dolls were bad enough, but then a whole army, including one giant doll that, Rule of Comedy allowing, caused Rainbow's jaw to hit the floor. Patchouli proceeded to pick the mare's mouth back up. "You wouldn't want to swallow a fly, right" she asked in her usual soft voice. The moment she let go, Rainbow's mouth remained shut... for around five seconds. It didn't hit the ground again, but how could she not like awed, especially when Michael proceeded to unleash hell as well, despite the odds...

She had never felt this kind of hype before. The closest to it would be a Wonderbolts show, but even then, there was something about this that just... outblew it! She knew she could never do something like what they did, but oh man would she love to. And when called upon to reflect on her thoughts, she could barely form a sentence at first. "That was... I mean... um..." Shaking her head, she just blurted it out. "That was freakin' awesome! I mean I thought for a minute it was gonna be a joke, dolls being used as weapons, but it was like having a miniature army at your beck and call! I don't even know how you managed to do that!"

"It's her special ability," Patchouli responded. "I told you Alice could work magic with those dolls."

[ShadesofGrey18]

Alice smiled at Rainbow and said, "Surprising, no? Even among the Youkai in Gensokyo, my dolls aren't taken that seriously. Not a smart idea, by any means."

Michael shook his head, trying to clear his slight daze as he stood back up. "Looks like it's starting to get dark. Why don't we head back into the house and relax a little?"

Alice nodded. "Shanghai!" The little doll flew out of the house to Alice. "Would you be a dear and start boiling some water?"

Shanghai nodded and replied, "Yes, Mama." The little doll then flew back.

Michael jaw dropped slightly. "Alice, when did you manage to get that far in animating Shanghai?"

Alice replied, "Not terribly long ago, actually; I've made quite a bit of progress since coming here." Alice started walking back, giving Marisa a bit of support.

Michael started walking back, as well. As he did so, he used his power to project his voice to Rainbow and only her. "I was a foreigner to Gensokyo, but I was able to learn. Would you like me to teach you what I can of Danmaku? Hmhmhm... I saw the look in your eyes; you emote quite a bit through them. Marisa and Alice could help, I'm sure. You can give me your answer later."

[Felix Falora]

Rainbow looked up and noticed the sky starting to darken. When the doll came out, Rainbow didn't think anything of it until Michael was the one who made it sound like a big deal. "Wait, that's new?" she asked.

"Well Shanghai certainly couldn't speak on her own, so it is definently an improvement," Patchouli replied, following Michael. Rainbow clopped lightly behind when Michael's voice invaded her head. Teach her to do those fancy tricks?! With movements like those, there'd be no way the Wonderbolts could turn her down! And to have that kind of power... Rainbow ended up surging through an awesomeness overloard and pretty soon was zipping all over the place, taking Patchouli off guard, causing her to yelp her signature "Mukyu~!" as her dress went up a bit. Purple colored. Either way, Rainbow just flew around up until she wore herself out and then proceeded to crash. "What was with her?"

[ShadesofGrey18]

Michael walked over to Rainbow's crashed body, chuckling then saying "Oh, nothing much; just a little offer that she went nuts over. I'll talk about it over the tea." He picked Rainbow up gently, being careful not to bend her wings at all. 'Huh... she really is pretty light; a lot lighter than I thought she'd be. Well... she is a Pegasus, it kinda makes sense.' He then whispered into Rainbow's ear, "I take that response as a yes?"

Michael then walked into the house where Marisa and Alice were already sitting by the fireplace (A fireplace in a wooden house in the middle of the forest; how did that work without being dangerous, one might ask? It's magic, they don't have to explain shit.), cups of tea in their hands. Michael gently set Rainbow down on the couch.

When Marisa saw Rainbow's collapsed form, she said, "Whoa, what happened to Rainbow?"

Michael said, "I'll explain in a minute; could I have a cup of tea, please? Get one for Rainbow, too, if you would; a relaxant blend."

Alice sent Shanghai to get the cups and blended the tea. She handed Michael his cup and set Rainbow's on the table in front of the couch.

"Now then," Michael said, noting Patchouli entering the room. "I saw how Rainbow was looking at us when we did our Danmaku matches; I offered to teach her how to do it, too."

Marisa said, "...Well, I don't see why not; I helped teach you, how difficult could this be? It's not like she needs to learn to fly or anything, she already has wings."

Alice then said, "Though she might want to learn how to fly without them if she's to learn Danmaku; after all, were a wing to get hit, she wouldn't be able to fly. Danmaku can't kill, but it can cause injuries in bad circumstances."

Michael said, "I'm certain she'll take to it easily. We can start in a few days. ...Would you be willing to help us, Patchy?" Michael asked. Taking a drink of his chamomile tea, Michael thought '...God, am I a lucky man...'