System Hint:
Character status and abilities carry over across scenarios.

[X] Status
Koakuma - A
Sakuya - A
Patchouli - A
Remilia - C
Flandre - C
Meiling - D

Epilogue

THIS PLACE IS CURSED.

I am writing this in the hope that someone would uncover the truth. I don't have much time left. If you are reading this, I may have been killed. Who or what would do so, I am still unsure.

The inhabitants of this place may seem strange to Outsiders - they certainly have strange appearances, abilities, and seem to be non-human. But they allowed me to stay during the night. Gensokyo is lethal during the night.

If you can leave, get out. Don't stop at the nearby Human Village. Go on, as far as you can. Hope has no place in this Mansion, or anywhere near it.

I must stay and do what I can. Hopefully, I can delay the inevitable nightmare, at the very least. She saved my life. I must try to return the favor.

I have left some notes in this drawer as well. I hope they may be useful. I will write again if I have the chance.

~

After reading it a few more times, Remilia finally puts down the letter. She takes a sip of her tea as she gathers her thoughts. On the table are a few other items: a small black notebook, a small ballpoint pen, a digital watch, and several sheets of stationary paper. She quickly turns back to Patchouli.

"This is his writing," she says quietly. "And these things belong to him."

The magician takes a sip of tea before speaking.

"Koakuma surrendered these along with Grey's clothes from the Outside," says Patchouli.

"She had Grey's clothes?" asks Remilia.

Patchouli nods solemnly.

"Interesting," says Remilia. "That explains the connection between them."

"There is something else," says Patchouli. "Koakuma said that there was a third person in her dreams."

"A third person?" repeats Remilia.

The magician looks down upon the items on the table. Her eyes are focused on the watch.

"I understand," says Remilia. "He must still be alive."

"What do you want to do?" whispers the magician.

The vampire slowly puts down her teacup before looking up at the magician.

"I need some time to think," she says finally.

Patchouli gives a small nod before she heads for the door.

"..."

Remilia waits patiently until the magician leaves. Then, she takes something from inside her desk drawer. She examines the item for a few minutes before sighing to herself. The vampire stands up and looks out of her window. The lake seems so peaceful at this time of the day.

"He is still alive," whispers Remilia.

She holds the item close to her chest as a single tear rolls down her cheek. After a few moments of silence, she quickly wipes her face and returns to her desk. The vampire carefully puts down the item on the desk. She takes a few moments to stare at it thoughtfully.

Upon her table is a cracked pair of silver-rimmed glasses.

A familiar voice interrupts his reminscing.

"Have you decided?" asks Remilia.

Grey looks up at the vampire girl. The expression upon her face is completely neutral. However, she doesn't put down the teacup. She seems to be waiting for his answer.

"Yes," says Grey. "Yes, I believe I have."

He takes the pen and pulls the contract closer. Then, he begins reading through the terms of employment carefully. He says nothing as he examines it.

"Anything wrong?" says Remilia. "If you aren't sure, I can give you some more time to think. I understand that this is a difficult decision, so -"

"No need for that," interrupts Grey.

He looks up at the vampire girl and stares her straight in the eye. She gaps silently in surprise, and she almost spills her tea. This time, she fails to hide her anticipation.

"You should already know the answer, Lady Remilia," says Grey.

The vampire frowns at him, but she doesn't say a word. Honestly, he didn't really read through the contents of the contract. None of that really matters, anyway. He just wanted to watch Remilia like this a little longer. He smiles gently at the girl, carefully enjoying this rare and delicious moment. She looks pretty cute when she is confused.

"Like I said earlier," he says. "I already decided."

"..."

Without another word, he quickly signs his name on the contract.

"I'm staying," says Grey. "After all, I've still haven't earned the title of Earl."

Remilia sighs in relief at his decision. She smiles as she looks at him with her deep crimson eyes.

"Very good," says the vampire. "I hope that you won't regret this decision."

Remilia clears her throat before continuing.

"In any case, there is much work to do. I believe that Sakuya can give you further instructions. Go see her immediately."

"Yes, my Lady," he replies with a bow.

"I believe that she is waiting for you right outside," whispers Remilia mischievously.

At those words, someone gasps audibly from behind the door.

"W-w-what?" mumbles Grey.

"Don't think about it too much," says Remilia. "She isn't the only eavesdropper anyway."

Suddenly, Grey feels painfully aware of several hurried footsteps, creaks, and squeaks coming from several directions. He laughs weakly before giving the vampire a bow. Then, he makes for the door. He almost trips on his feet as he walks.

"Oh, and one last thing," whispers Remilia.

Grey turns around to see her smiling at him mysteriously.

"Welcome home," says Remilia.



TRUE END

---

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---

"From this point onward, you are free," says Remilia. "You are no longer my Servant, and you are no longer bound to this Mansion."

"I... don't understand," says Grey. "Are you kicking me out?"

The vampire shakes her head. She pulls out something from her dress and places it on the table together with a pen. It takes Grey a few moments to recognize the object.

"A contract?" he says.

"I won't deny that we could still use your help," says Remilia. "However, I can't force you to stay here. Not anymore. I owe you at least this much. That is why I am giving you this choice."

Grey looks at the contract thoughtfully.

"You can leave and find your own destiny," she says. "I'm sure that you can find a way to recover your memories and return home. I can even point you in the right direction."

Remilia pauses for a moment.

"Or, you can stay here and continue working with us," whispers Remilia. "I'm sure that I'm not the only one who is grateful for your help."

Grey pauses to think.

...

"- with me."

He scratches his head, puzzled.

"Excuse me?" says Grey.

"I asked if you would have a match with me," says the red-haired woman. "I am Hong Meiling, the gatekeeper of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, and I would like to see what you are capable of."

"Well, I dislike unnecessary violence..." mumbles Grey.

"It's just a friendly match," says Meiling as she approaches. "Since you're human, you can even use weapons if you like..."

...

"I like interesting things. Your stories are interesting. They make me laugh. Falling stars are interesting. I just go 'kyu' and they go boom! Danmaku is interesting. I like the bright colors and sounds. Let's see what else..."

Flandre pauses for a moment before continuing.

"Sweet things are interesting. I like strawberries, manju, and visitors. They make me feel warm inside. Except for ice cream; it's cold, but I like that too."

"I like ice cream too," says Grey, though he doesn't really follow.

"Two? I guess I can have two ice creams, but big sister says it isn't good to eat too much. I hear that you can die if you eat too much, but what does gambling or painting have to do with it? I tried painting before, but the brush broke and I was sad..."

"But you aren't sad now, are you?" he says.

"I'm kinda happy," says the girl with a smile. I like being with big sister. I also like playing with Sakuya and China. Patchy is fun too when she isn't giving a lecture. One time, Marisa came to visit and we played all over the house! She disappeared after a while, but she didn't die, so that makes me happy."

"Err... that's interesting," mumbles Grey nervously.

For a moment, Flandre stays silent as she looks at him closely. Then, she smiles brightly.

"I think I like you, too!"

...

"A hand mirror?"

"W-w-what the -" stammers Sakuya as she turns around.

The chief maid trips on her feet in confusion, but Grey manages to grab her hand before she falls.

"Careful!" says Grey.

For a moment, the two stare into each other's eyes. Then, Sakuya's eyes widen. She quickly pulls her hand away.

"I-I-I can take care of myself!" cries Sakuya.

She looks away from him quickly.

"B-but thanks, anyway," she whispers.

Sakuya slowly takes his hand and walks a few steps forward. Grey blinks stupidly as he lets her lead the way. Then, without warning, they find themselves standing in front of the entrance to the Scarlet Devil Mansion.

"I have a lot of work to finish, so I'll leave you here," whispers the chief maid.

"Eh?"

Before he can reply, she vanishes from sight.

...

After telling her everything, he lowers his head in shame. Is she going to torture him, or is she going to kill him where he stands?

Patchouli raises one hand over his head as she examines the book in her other hand. She starts chanting some words in an unintelligible language. Grey closes his eyes as he braces himself. Suddenly, a bright flash of light erupts from her hands.

"..."

A few moments later, Grey opens his eyes. After finding himself uninjured, he looks up at the magician, puzzled.

"This spell should protect you from most attacks," says Patchouli. "It isn't perfect, but it should last long enough."

"Wait... what? I-I don't understand," mutters Grey.

"I think I can believe Remilia now," whispers the magician. "If it's you, then maybe -"

Exhausted and drained, Patchouli suddenly falls forward into his arms.

...

"I-I won't let that happen again!" cries Koakuma. "I won't let it happen to you! Even if it means that I have to fight as well!"

"I don't understand," says Grey.

"They knew," whispers the bat-winged girl angrily. "All of them knew, but they did nothing to stop it. But I understand everything now."

Suddenly, Koakuma runs up and embraces him. Her delicate fingers shake nervously, but they hang on to him with determination. Her wings tremble slightly, and he can feel her tiny heartbeat as she pushes herself into his arms.

"I will protect you," she whispers.

A single tear drops down to the floor as she speaks.

...

"Have you decided?" asks Remilia.

Grey looks up at the vampire girl.

"Yes, I have."

"This tea is quite good," says Remilia. "Earl Grey, isn't it?"

"I thought you might like it," says Grey.

The vampire girl takes a sip from her tea cup before putting it down.

"Yes, it is quite good," says Remilia. "You have quite a few useful talents, dont you?"

The vampire takes a long look at him before speaking again.

"I have no doubts now," she says finally. "Your arrival here was not a coincidence."

"You know why I'm here?" asks Grey.

"Not exactly," says Remilia. "But I see that you have an important role. Perhaps even larger than I first thought."

The vampire girl takes a biscuit and nibbles on it for a bit.

"That power of yours," she says. "At the Outside, it's the sort of thing that could change history. Such a power could only be found in legends."

Grey nods slowly. He can become a whole other person, if he wanted to.

"Isn't it a strange fact that legends always have ways of finding themselves in Gensokyo?"

"Eh?"

Remilia takes another sip of her tea before looking back at him.

"Well, let's forget about that for now," says the vampire girl. "First, we must conclude our business before day's end."

"Our business?" repeats Grey.

Remilia gives him a small nod before continuing.

"I had you stay here for my own selfish reasons," says the vampire girl. "I needed a catalyst to spark change. You were that catalyst."

She closes her eyes solemnly.

"We were lucky that this ended well somehow," says Remilia. "You could have been killed several times during the past few days. And it would have been my fault."

Grey pauses for a moment before speaking.

"Everything went fine," he manages. "We're all still alive, aren't we?"

Remilia opens her eyes and stares at him carefully. Then, she nods to herself.

"Yes, we are," she says. "And that's why I'm going to do something against my own nature right now."

She looks at him straight in the eye before speaking.

"From this point onward, you are free," she says. "You are no longer my Servant, and you are no longer bound to this Mansion. You are free to leave this place and discover your own destiny."

"I... don't understand," he manages. "Are you kicking me out?"

Remilia shakes her head. She pulls out something from her dress and places it on the table together with a pen. It takes Grey a few moments to recognize the object.

It looks like a contract.

"I won't deny that this Mansion is still in danger," says Remilia. "But I can't force you to stay here. Not anymore. I owe you at least this much. That is why I am giving you a choice."

Grey picks up the piece of paper and begins studying it. It seems to be discuss terms of employment.

"You can leave and find your own destiny," says Remilia. "I'm sure that you can find a way to recover your memories and return home. I can even provide a few leads for you to start with."

The vampire girl pauses for a moment.

"Or, you can stay here and work with us," whispers Remilia. "I'm sure that I'm not the only one who appreciates your presence here."

"..."

Grey pauses to think.
[ ] "My Fate is here."
[ ] "I have my own destiny."
[ ] Custom

"What happened to the others?" asks Grey. "Is everyone alright?"

Sakuya nods as they walk along the hallways.

"The damage is significant, but nothing permanent," says Sakuya. "We lost several of the fairy maid staff, but they should reincarnate in a few days. The Mansion should be fully staffed again soon. You don't need to worry about it."

"How about that gate guard?" says Grey. "Meiling, was it?"

"Oh, that one?" says the chief maid. "She got a few scratches, but she'll be fine. That girl is lazy and careless, but when it comes to fighting, she is quite capable."

"I see," he says.

Sakuya frowns for a moment before continuing.

"Don't be fooled," she says. "Even I don't really understand what Meiling is capable of. She should be working inside the Mansion with Patchouli and I, but she insists on staying outside as a simple gate guard."

"..."

Grey never expected Sakuya to mention something like that. But then again, everyone in the Mansion seems to have their own secrets. He doesn't need to push the subject any further.

"How's the little sister Flandre?" he asks.

"She's resting in her room," replies Sakuya.

"Did something -" says Grey.

"Don't worry, she isn't hurt." says the chief maid. "The little sister is just tired from the ordeal. It isn't everyday that she is forced to fight seriously like that. Lady Remilia gave instructions to give her some time to take it all in."

"What happened down there anyway?" asks Grey.

"The sisters protected the Mansion from some type of undead," she says. "There was that strange man wrapped in bandages, too. There was probably another portal somewhere down there."

"I remember that," says Grey.

"Besides that, I don't know anything else," says Sakuya. "When I arrived, everything was already reduced to ashes. I couldn't even find any bodies."

"I see," says Grey. "How is Remilia anyway?"

"She is fine now," says Sakuya. "But..."

Suddenly, the chief maid stops walking. She doesn't turn around to face Grey.

"When I found her, she was wounded," whispers Sakuya. "Like she was cut with some strange weapon. It took over an hour before she healed completely."

"That's good to hear," says Grey.

"No, it isn't," continues Sakuya. "Even if Flandre attacks her, Lady Remilia can regenerate almost instantly. Normal weapons can't hurt her like that."

"What did she say when you found her?" he says.

Sakuya hesitates slightly before replying.

"Lady Remilia didn't tell me anything," she continues. "All she gave me were instructions to clean the mess up."

"M-Mistress?" whispers Koakuma.

"..."

Grey opens his eyes and watches with mouth agape. The magician is holding the familiar to her chest, embracing her. Patchouli says nothing, only holding Koakuma closer. Her eyes remain closed as she gently strokes Koakuma's hair. The frail wizard then takes one of the little devil's hands and holds it in hers. A single tear falls from her purple eyes.

Slowly, Koakuma returns her Master's embrace. She leans closer to Patchouli and begins crying into her arms. She mumbles almost incoherently as she continues apologizing. Then, Sakuya pats him on the shoulder, bringing him back to reality.

"We're done here," she says.

Grey only manages a nod as he lets the chief maid lead him out of the chamber. He glances once back at the portal, but the runes are no longer glowing. Reluctantly, he steps out of the room, closing the door behind him.

"That went better than I expected," says Sakuya suddenly.

He jumps in surprise when the chief maid turns back to face him. She has a modest, but dazzling smile on her face as he looks at him.

"I-I suppose," he manages, quickly looking away from her.

"They didn't even need words," whispers Sakuya. "You really are something special, Grey."

"I didn't really do anything, I think," replies Grey.

His eyes widen in surprise as he feels something soft press against his cheek. Then, as suddenly as he felt it, it vanishes. By the time he blinks, the chief maid is already walking away without him. Did she just -

"Hurry up or I'll leave you down here," says Sakuya sternly. "Lady Remilia wants to see you."

"W-w-what?" mumbles Grey. "Hey wait!"

Grey leans himself against the wall as he tries to catch his breath. He looks back at the bat-winged girl on the ground. She has managed to sit herself up, but she only stares blankly in front of her. Her eyes are still damp with tears.

What is he supposed to tell her? Don't worry? Everything's going to be alright?

Grey lowers his head and covers his face in his hands. Even if he says those words, he knows that they are nothing but sweet lies. This isn't some fairy tale. When the others discover what happened, they will know that she is a traitor.

Confused or not, this girl will be punished. At the very least, they will probably exile her from the Mansion. And then what? Where will she go? This place is her home. These people are her family. Sending her away would be as good as death for this girl. There must be another-

Suddenly, the door bursts open. A familiar figure steps into the room.

"Grey! Are you alright?" cries the chief maid. Before he can reply, Sakuya reappears right beside him and begins examining him for wounds.

"Sakuya?" says Grey. "What happened?"

"The control spell broke," she replies. "Patchouli explained everything. She is right behind me and -"

"You are a fool," whispers a second voice.

Grey turns to see the pink and purple magician standing over Koakuma. Her face is expressionless and cold as she speaks to the little devil.

"M-Mistress?" mumbles Koakuma. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean for it to end up like this! I only wanted to help..."

Her voice trails off as the magician steps closer to her.

Without warning, Patchouli raises both her hands over the familiar. Koakuma's eyes widen. Sakuya says nothing, but Grey can feel her tense up. This can't possibly end well. He curses himself silently as he closes his eyes. He can't bear to watch.

He can't save her this time.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Break the spell card trance.

---

Something at the back of his mind seems to be whispering something, but he can't understand. Grey is captivated and enthralled. All he can see now is this beautiful creature before him. Her long, crimson hair. Her innocent, kind face. Her deep, clear eyes. Her perfect smooth skin. Her deliciously soft lips. Her everything.

He must have her.

"N-No... T-This can't be!" cries the little devil. "Y-You can't be!"

Suddenly, Koakuma breaks down in tears and begins to weep. She seems to be repeating something as she crumples down on her knees before him. It takes several moments before Grey recognizes her desperate words.

"Don't touch me."

Grey's eyes widen in confusion. Immediately, he opens his mouth to argue, but he can't find any words to say. He looks to the side, and catches a glance of his reflection against an old mirror.

He is smiling. He is enjoying this. This power is wonderful, after all.

With this gift, even this world can fall into his hands.

But this person staring back at him.

His malevolent smile.

This is...

"Madness," whispers Grey.

This is not who he was. This is not who he is. And this is not who he chooses to become. Slowly he lowers his hands and closes his eyes. Calming himself, he forces the spell card trance to end. Only after making sure that the spell is over does he open his eyes again.

To see a strange red-haired little devil crying to herself on the ground. Still in shock, Koakuma only continues sobbing on the ground. She doesn't even have the strength to stand up.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Custom

---

"If I do it myself, I'll be leaving a terrible mess for the Mistress," whispers the familiar.

Grey's eyes widen as he realizes that Koakuma is holding something sharp against her neck. A thin trickle of blood is already flowing from a small wound. Is she really going to -

There is no need to think about it. He already knows what to do.

Before he even realizes it, the spell card is already in his hand.

This madness, he refuses to accept it!

"Command Sign, 「Master's Voice」" he says.

Upon declaring the card, his senses become focused and clear. With his own hands, he will change Fate.

"Stand up, Koakuma," he says sternly.

The little devil girl shudders for a few moments before standing herself up from the floor. Her eyes widen as she realizes that her body isn't listening to her. But that doesn't matter now.

In this place, he is the Master.

"W-what's happening?" cries Koakuma.

"Empty your hands," says Grey, ignoring her question.

Her hands shakily let go off the sharp object. It seems to be a broken piece of teacup.

"Now come to me," whispers Grey.

Koakuma takes a few clumsy steps forward, as if fighting against the spell, but even she can't deny this power. Grey smiles as he watches as the bat-winged girl looks up at him, her face full of confusion. The uncertainty in her eyes is delicious.

He must have her.

Suddenly, Koakuma's eyes widen in horror, as if recognizing Grey for the first time.

"N-No... T-This can't be!" cries the little devil. "Y-You can't be!"

Something at the corner of his mind seems to be whispering something, but he can't understand. All he can see now is this beautiful creature before him. Her long, crimson hair. Her innocent, kind face. Her deep, clear eyes. Her perfect smooth skin. Her wonderful soft lips. Her everything.

He must have her.

Suddenly, Koakuma breaks down in tears and begins weeping uncontrollably. She seems to be repeating something as she crumples down on her knees before him.

Grey's eyes widen when he recognizes her words.

"Don't touch me."

[ ] Break the spell card trance.
[ ] Complete the spell card trance.
[ ] Custom

Before Grey can reply, Koakuma flies into the back of the chamber and into a smaller room. She quickly shuts the door behind her. The clicking sound of the lock echoes into the lonely chamber.

His eyes widen in shock as he recognizes the last word she whispered.

"Koakuma!" cries Grey.

He quickly chases after the little devil. As he reaches the door, he grabs the handle. His hands shake the handle vigorously, but this only confirms that the door is locked. After a moment, he steps back and begins banging and kicking the door with his fists and legs.

"Koakuma! Are you alright?" cries Grey.

"..."

The silence only causes him to panic even more. He has a really bad feeling about this. It is as if he knows that something irreversible can happen if this continues. Grey quickly draws the gun from his holster and aims carefully at the lock.

"Hold on, Koakuma!" cries Grey. "Don't do anything stupid!"

He fires several times at the handle and almost empties his weapon before it falls off. After a few more good kicks, the door finally bursts open. Grey steps inside, but the room is pitch-black. It takes a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the darkness.

"Koakuma!" he cries out.

"You really are a kind person," replies the little devil. "But it's already too late. Too late for a horrible person like me."

He can't really see where she is standing yet.

"It'll be alright," cries Grey. "Just come back with us."

"No, not this time," whispers Koakuma. "I can't be forgiven for something like this."

Grey blinks as he begins to make out the little devil's silhouette. She seems to be holding something in her hand.

"Please," he says desperately. "Don't do this."

"Can I ask you one last favor?" asks the little devil. "If you don't mind, could you use that gun on me?"

"W-what? Are you crazy?"

"I-I don't mind if it's you," she whispers. "And if I do it myself, I'll be leaving a terrible mess for the Mistress."

His eyes widen as he realizes that Koakuma is holding something sharp against her neck. A thin trickle of blood is already flowing from a small wound. She wouldn't -

[ ] Don't do anything.
[ ] Use the gun on her.
[ ] Run away.
[ ] There must be another way! (Write-in only)

Loading User Commands:
[X] Go after Koakuma.

---

"W-why does it have to be this way?" cries Koakuma. "I only wanted to protect those I cared about. I-I never wanted to hurt anyone!"

"Koakuma," says Grey quietly.

"I only wanted a home," she whispers.

...

The little devil slowly looks up, finding a pair of purple eyes observing her closely. Standing in front of her with a book in her hands is a frail looking girl in a pink dress. Upon the stranger's head is a small cloth hat, and tied to her long lavender hair are several brightly colored ribbons.

"I shall be your Mistress from now on," says the girl. "You will be my familiar."

"M-Mistress?" repeats the little devil, still confused.

"Come and follow me," says the Mistress. "Nameless little devil."

...

"I only wanted to be useful," the little devil whispers.

...

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" cries the little devil.

Patchouli lies on the ground, still buried in a large pile of books. The little devil accidently knocked over a nearby bookcase and caused this little mishap. She quickly helps the anemic magician up to her feet.

"A-are you alright? Can I get you some medicine or bandages?" stammers the little devil.

The magician coughs violently before speaking.

"Third time this week," she says weakly. "Anyway, forget about it. Why don't you make yourself useful and get me a cup of tea?"

"O-of course, Mistress," whispers the little devil as she lowers her head in shame.

A few minutes later, the little devil returns to Patchouli's reading area with tea and biscuits. She carefully pours her Mistress a cup and places it beside her. For a few moments, Patchouli continues reading, completely ignoring her presence. Then, she takes the cup to her lips.

"Looks like you're only good for a cup of tea," says Patchouli.

The pink and purple magician carefully lowers the cup before turning to the little devil.

"It's delicious," she continues. "I'll leave this to you from now on, Koakuma."

"K-Koakuma?" repeats the little devil.

"That will be your name," says Patchouli. "The little devil of the library, Koakuma."

...

"I only wanted others to know my name," whispers Koakuma.

...

"Wait," says the stranger. "I believe that your Mistress is looking for a book. She seems to be searching the all over the library for it."

The little devil sighs deeply.

"I have been looking for that book for hours," says Koakuma. "It's really my fault. Mistress Patchouli's catalogue is flawless. I'm just no good at organizing things, since I'm clumsy and I often mix the books up."

She has been trying so hard, yet...

"I'm so useless..." whispers Koakuma to herself.

Suddenly, she begins to sob openly. The way she is acting is completely inappropriate, yet she can't stop weeping. No matter how much she tries, she is only a burden to Patchouli. A weak and useless burden.

"Excuse me, Miss," says the stranger.

He gives her a little smile before he continues.

"May I know your name?" he asks.

Koakuma stares at him disbelievingly. She opens her mouth to speak, but she can't find any words to say. Did she hear him correctly?

"E-er, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to," mutters the stranger sheepishly.

The little devil quickly wipes her last tears away.

"Y-you may call me Koakuma," she manages. She can't help but smile brightly as she says those words.

"Then, Miss Koakuma, why don't I help you look for that book?"

...

"I only wanted someone to hold me," whispers Koakuma.

...

"I-I'm sorry!" she stammers. "I-I didn't mean to startle you, I just -"

Without warning, Grey holds her close to his chest. Koakuma's eyes widen in surprise. She can feel the gentle warmth of his body. As he strokes her hair gently, she slowly closes her eyes. This feeling is familiar, somehow. She feels safe in his arms.

But this can't last. Not for a nameless little devil like her.

"You're alright!" he whispers. "I thought that -"

Without warning, she pushes him away from her. Grey slams the back of his head on a nearby bookcase.

"G-g-get away from me!" she shouts.

Because she doesn't deserve happiness.

...

"I've done terrible things," she says. "Unforgivable things..."

With the very cup of tea that she held, she had betrayed everyone. Even those she held closest to her heart.

"..."

After a few moments, the music stops. Koakuma stands herself up and dries her tears carefully before giving Grey one last smile.

"I'm sorry for everything," she says. "Please don't hate me."

"Eh? Koakuma?" mumbles Grey.

"Good bye." whispers the little devil.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Push her away.
[X] Custom

---

"I will protect you," whispers Koakuma. A single tear drops down to the floor as clings closer to him. This gesture is genuine, and the moment she says it, Grey realizes that her concern and kindness is honest.

But something is wrong.

Grey slowly pushes the little devil away and parts from her arms. He smiles at her puzzled expression, motioning for her to stay silent. Grey holsters his weapon and carefully takes the Stradivarius violin from its case. He cradles it gently in his hands and prepares to draw its bow.

[~Make this a good performance...]

He hesitates for a moment and glances around the room. While well-lighted, the chamber seems to lack life. The room seems out of theme compared to the rest of the Mansion. Something is missing. He almost gasps aloud when he realizes it.

There is not enough color.

Grey closes his eyes as he prepares to play. For some reason, the image of Remilia comes to mind. The vampire seems to be smiling at him. Though he hears it only in his mind, her words are clear.

"Let me tell you a secret, Grey," says Remilia. "Fate doesn't exist."

The chamber echoes with sweet music as he begins to play. He has never heard this piece before, but he continues playing as if it is the most natural thing to do.

[~Fighting against Fate, are we? How interesting...]

This music, too, is full of incredible power. He can feel a thick aura spread across the room. But it isn't coming from the spirit of the Stradivarius, nor is it coming only from himself. Somehow, he feels that his hands are being led by several others.

[~The servant of time...]

Sakuya. She must still be battling in the library above. Under that cold and hostile demeanor lies a genuine concern for the inhabitants of the Mansion. Up to now, he doesn't understand why the chief maid trusts him, even when he can't trust himself.

[~The guardian of knowledge...]

Patchouli. Even while she fights against them, he can't help but remember her kindness. She was patient with him, taking time to explain what he needed to know. The magician went out of her way to protect him, even if it risked her health.

[~The keeper of fate...]

Remilia. The Mistress of the Mansion doesn't hesitate to fight where the others cannot. Mysterious and powerful, she entrusted him with the task of investigating this incident. And while it sounds strange, he feels like she, too, has saved his life before.

[~The child of purity...]

Flandre. With her monstrous power, she keeps the intruders at bay in the basement below. The little sister's odd and unpredictable behaviour often discourages him from approaching her, but he can't help but think that she only means good when she acts.

[~The custodian of balance...]

Meiling. She leads the fairies as they defend the gate. He hasn't had much opportunity to speak with her, but she seems to be friendly enough. While a little bit too carefree, she seems to be quite reliable when she is needed.

[~The puppet of friendship...]

Koakuma. This little devil holds many pieces in this game, and she may very well be the main cause of this whole mess. She seems to believe that she is doing the right thing. And while confused, he can't help but feel that she truly cares for him.

He can feel them all. Their combined determination continues to guide his hand as he draws the bow to bring forth music and change into the world. But there seems to be something missing.

[~Your own hand...]

Grey understand now. He is part of this as well. Without hesitation, he puts his own heart into the music as he continues the composition. All together at once, the seven souls form a Septette.

He opens his eyes, and behold! The room is bathed in a multitude of different colors. The place ripples with their will as he continues to play. He can feel the music influence every corner. With this power, even Fate can be defied.

But there is still one thing that hasn't embraced this music of life.

Koakuma has crumpled down on her knees as she struggles against the music. Her face is full of confusion. She still doesn't understand. Tears begin to drip down to the floor as she weeps openly.

"W-why does it have to be this way?" cries the Koakuma. "I only wanted to protect those I cared about. I-I never wanted to hurt anyone!"

"Koakuma..." says Grey quietly.

"B-but I've done terrible things," she continues. "Unforgivable things..."

She continues weeping until the music stops. After a few minutes, the magician's familiar stands herself up. She dries her tears carefully before giving Grey one last smile.

"I'm sorry," she says. "Please don't hate me."

She whispers one last thing to Grey. Before he can reply, Koakuma flies into a smaller room of the chamber and shuts the door. The clicking sound of the lock echoes into the lonely chamber.

His eyes widen in shock as his brain recognizes the last word she whispered.

"Goodbye."

[ ] Go after Koakuma.
[ ] Don't go after Koakuma.