FOREST OF MAGIC - SELECTION 4 (current w.i.p., unfinished dialouge ahead! not to be used in final):

[Post-Selection map screen Blurb 4]

With everything that she's still tried to do for me, it would be remiss of me not to at least check on Marisa after everything that happened last time at Suzunaan. Maybe the trouble that seemingly goes right along with being involved with her this closely wouldn't be too terrible in the end...

What's a little risk every now and again in the big picture, right?

[Fade to black]


[1.4.0 - Forest of Magic, Wooded Thickets, evening]

I take one carefully planned step after another as the normally foreboding foliage of the Forest continues to surround me further. I suppose, after enough exposure, the inherent fear factor that comes with the naivety held by plenty of others towards places like this starts to wear off. Even the twists and turns along these apparently well-trodden paths are starting to become that much more recognizable. Maybe that's at least partially why I felt bold enough to try a visit over to the KMS this late in the day.

It does help that I have quite a bit of determination behind following through with my outing this evening. It's only natural after the stunt Marisa decided to pull last we saw each other, though I guess I don't entirely hold anything against her in a funny way... in a broader sense anyways.


Have things ever been as eventful for me as they are now since I've been spending more & more time with a girl like her? Getting myself out there overall is one thing, sure, but even the small handful of moments that we've shared between the two of us so far have stirred up much more on both of our ends than I would've figured otherwise.

My mind can't help but reflect on that proposal she offered last we spoke. Even if it was on sudden terms, it seemed to carry a weight I can't say I was fully expected to face this soon... if at all. As long as I'm not looking into it too hard that is.

This is one of the top Incident resolvers in Gensokyo we're still talking about here. She may carry herself a lot more casually than the others but... having a legitimate interest in someone like me? Even a small or casual one?


I'm glad to be here all the same though still don't quite know what to make of it, I was the one that wanted to experience something new for myself after all. I can't even fathom what my parents might say if they knew the full situation... let alone myself just a few years prior!

Sure, it might not have all been 'ideal' up to this point, but you can't exactly plan for each and every little thing when you're getting yourself to commit to something new, right? Some people might say as much anyways, though it's still hard to tell if this'll ultimately end positively or negatively for me when it comes to still having anything to look forward to with Marisa.

For all her ups and downs, Marisa really has been just as charming as she holds herself to be. How fortunate I've been able to stumble into her life this way... though I shouldn't be getting too starry-eyed already.


[Fade-in; Ext. - Kirisame Magic Shop, evening]

It'd be a shame to lose what I've managed to scramble together with her over these past few days, especially with how much could potentially lie on our horizon if... whatever we have becomes more regular.

That probably does have to do with why she's finally wanted to have a good talk with me, I can't imagine a girl of her nature would so blatantly and bashfully invite me over under these kinds of pretenses otherwise. She really is a lot more keen than she's willing to let on sometimes.

If we were a lot closer as friends then... /maybe?/ I won't get anywhere just wrestling with myself over this anyways. I'll know exactly what it's over when she tells me and that will be that.


As long as I'm at least able to check and see that things are alright with her if nothing else, then that ought to be more than enough for me. 

Just in case. Who knows what could come of a girl as 'spontaneous' as Marisa when her dues finally catch up to her?

I walk right up to the door, shadow cast upon the frame, and a few swift knocks are all I need before I hear a quick response come from within.


(MK:) "Just a sec..! Tryin' t'finish up somethin' here... "

A few clangs echo from the other side while Marisa no doubt tries her best to scurry around quietly and finish whatever she could be up to. If she didn't still have those boots on, maybe she actually could've pulled off whatever she's up to silently.

A few thumps & muffled mumbles of frustration later and the doorknob finally starts jiggling as locks are undone.

[Marisa enters]

(MK:) "Heya [Anonymous]. Showin' up kinda close t'sundown, ain'tchya?"


Her hair looks a little frazzled but, either than that, she's her same casual self as always. I notice her gloves are off too while looking down at her, revealing a surprisingly complementary set of black-painted nails, though that alone is enough to keep me from noticing something else striking with her usual attire for a moment.

The black, pointed upper-portion of her hat seems to have been set aside somewhere, revealing a plain white frilled cap as the only modest covering atop her head. It makes her feel that much more homey, if also carrying some resemblance to the outfit of a Western-style maid. If it wasn't for the visible wear against the felt of her usual vest, she could've almost looked a lot fresher than usual.

"Well, I didn't want to immediately rush myself over here after the invitation you offered. Had to give you a little bit of space, figured that was enough of a courtesy."

(MK:) "Ya ain't exactly wrong about that but, t'be honest, I had a good hunch tonight was gonna be the night for ya anyways."


"I mean, I also wanted to make sure things were alright after everything with those books and seeing Kosuzu. You haven't... run into any more trouble with her since, right?"

(MK:) "'Trouble'? Hah! It's not like that kid has goons t'send after me or somethin'. But yeah, I've been fine enough. Unlike you if ya just keep standin' out here 'til the moon's overhead."

"I know that much! Look, I just... I'm glad to hear things are okay. Sorry about getting in your way like I did last time, that's all really. At least on my end."

(MK:) "Hmph. 'n I thought /I/ was the one bein' put on the spot last we talked."


(MK:) "Don't let what happened back there in the Village drag ya down too much, certainly ain't the state I'm tryin' t'leave ya in right now and I've handled worse. It's still pretty funny seein' how far you'll go t'get a point across though."

(MK:) "I-In the best'a ways. Trust me."

She chuckles a little as she says that. It probably helps that actually isn't the first time I've been told that...

(MK:) "Anyways, I know you're also here cause I promised ya a little talkin' to, yeah?"


She calmly takes in my nod in response, waiting for me to say something... even though I'm already waiting for /her/ to continue. All I do in the moment is stare back gormlessly, down into a striking pair of golden eyes that highlights her sun-kissed features perfectly... 

A crow caws in the distance before Marisa breaks the lingering silence.

(MK:) "Well don't just keep standin' there now, ya gettin' inside or what?"

"O-Oh, right, yeah... "

The sun really was starting to set quickly, which made it much harder to tell if Marisa also happened to be blushing before she moved aside to let me in. At least I won't be the only one without much experience in these sorts of situations for once.


[Fade-in; Int. - Kirisame Magic Shop, evening]

"Wow. Have you... actually been cleaning up a lot of the usual messes around here on your own?"

There were still plenty of stray book stacks or small clusters of miscellaneous trinkets around the furniture pieces, but Marisa's place actually looked far more put-together compared to the state it was in when we had been going through everything. I'd almost call the presentation a bit much for her standards but I'm sure she has a lot of pride in going so far with something so out of the ordinary for her.

She even pulled a table out in front of the modest kitchen area, setting it up with what I assumed to be the few clean dishes she currently had access to. The empty space in the middle is practically begging for a candle to fill it.

It's simple, but still cute.


(MK:) "Yep. I've been at this for a little longer than just tonight but, like I said, figured ya might show up soon 'n didn't want ya t'think I just had more for ya t'take care of for me."

(MK:) "It is gettin' a little late out there, I thought we still might be able t'have a nice enough chat at that table I had t'wrangle out though."

"No catch to this or anything then? Nothing in particular I should 'know' about beforehand..?"

(MK:) "What's with the tone? All I'm askin' ya for is a little time t'hash some things out. I was even plannin' on breakin' out some tea, I ain't got nothin' funny t'pull on ya! Honest."


What would the catch even be in a situation like this? I can't say Marisa on her own has ever felt terribly threatening towards me but I guess this whole get-together already has me on-edge anyhow.

Remember [Anonymous], just take it easy... 

"Alright. This is what I've decided to do with my night anyways, not that I resent being here or anything."

(MK:) "Yeah yeah, better watch yourself! Ya might get snatched up by the /scary witch in the woods/ after all come sunrise~"


I roll my eyes while she laughs out loud to herself earnestly, taking my seat at the table not wanting to seem rude as she strides into the kitchen to grab what she's been boiling.

[Marisa leaves]

With what lanterns and candles she does have lit, the Shop manages to stay as cozy under encroaching starlight as it'd be during any other day. I really should appreciate what she's set up for me here a little more, things surely couldn't go that wrong in her own house.

Steam rises over her face from where she's pouring some kind of herbal mixture into awaiting cups, ethereally framing her in the dim amber glow of the light around her as she smiles from the smell of it.

I can't help but find myself smirking in response.


"When's the last time you had to set the table up like this anyways."

(MK:) "Oh, not that long at all. About a month or two back I invited Reimu over t'hang out a little. Not that she /needed/ any more excuses t'not be at work but sometimes a lady just needs a right proper break."

(MK:) "It's just a shame she got so upset about there bein' no sake in the house at the time! Not like she holds her liquor the best anyways."

Marisa lets out another warm laugh and, this time, I find myself laughing alongside her.


[Marisa enters]

(MK:) "Careful now, it's still hot."

A slightly-dented silver tray holding the steaming cups is placed upon the table as Marisa squeaks her chair out enough to shimmy herself into place on the other side. Facing me with little obstruction.

As usual, my face apparently says it all.

(MK:) "Correct me if I'm wrong [Anonymous], but ya seem a little tense over there."

Some steam from her tea is blown straight over the table into my face as she goes for her first sip. Guess that warning over the temperature was more for my sake..!


"Me? Tense? W-What a silly notion, what would make you think I'd be tense over a simple talk?"

(MK:) "I dunno, maybe the fact ya had yer moral compass squirmin' around in-full last we did much together. Plus, it ain't hard t'tell you're sweatin' a little just sittin' here."

(MK:) "But what do I know? I'm just yer local Ordinary Magician, a humble vendor for magical goods and extermination specialist."

"Oh please. When's the last time you've been that modest without being so on-the-nose with yourself?"

(MK:) "Eh, everyone's a critic."


(MK:) "If it helps, there ain't even anythin' funny with that tea 'a yers either. Just somethin' I put together from time t'time usin' local plants 'n flowers, good for soothin' the nerves on calm nights."

It does smell far more floral than her matcha tea from before. I wouldn't think she'd go so far as to pull something along the lines of tampering with a drink but I know she's just genuinely trying to get me to relax as best I can.

I finally ease my shoulders and settle into the chair more comfortably after taking a moment for a quick sip. It almost feels as if the warmth of the entire house washes over me not a moment after.

"Thanks for that much at least. You really do know what you're doing when it comes to any sort of brew of yours."

(MK:) "Much appreciated~! If only more 'a the folk I knew were as generous with praise as you've been."


(MK:) "I can pride myself on a job well done, that's for sure."

"Do your other friends really tend to not give you as much credit?"

(MK:) "Well... that's a little tricky t'answer really. It's not like I need that sorta attention t'prop myself up but... /some/ girls I know seem to have it a little easier than I ever did."

I can see moments of somber reflection through the faint shine in her eyes as she wistfully gazes into the bottom of her teacup. Marisa might have plenty of her own self-made confidence, but I guess it makes sense the other resolvers might have a different story to tell when it comes to their own prowess.


Not that I need to pry into something like that anyhow, wouldn't be my place at a time like this.

We both seem to clear our throats with a slight undertone of awkwardness during the lapse in conversation, Marisa more than willing to dial back the scope and keep pushing ahead on our behalf.

(MK:) "Alright, listen. Y'know, ya seem like a pretty okay guy. Maybe a little rough around the edges but who isn't out here?"

(MK:) "Figured ya might like somethin' a little more private, and it's not like ya tore up the place /too/ badly last I had ya over..."

"Definitely helps, I can tell you that much."


Marisa is the kind of girl with a smirk that'll stick with you for years, just oozing with her own little charms that'll linger around in your subconscious without even having to try. It's good to know she's at least that satisfied with what she's tried to do for now.

(MK:) "But a girl can't help but notice a few things as time goes on. Not sure if this is just somethin' that happens with ya normally or what, but..."

(MK:) "Notice ya like t'stare every now 'n again. Ya really do seem t'search me out pretty regularly too, no offense."

(MK:) "Wanna talk about that?"

Oh boy.


"Well... I'm not completely sure what you might be insinuating here, but- "

(MK:) "Insinuatin'? No no [Anonymous], ya got me all wrong! I'm simply pointing out a few things I've picked up on during our moments together, that's all. Maybe I just wanted t'hear yer take on these little observations 'a mine, y'know~?"

"Yeah, while teasing me in the comfort of your own house no less!"

(MK:) "Can ya really blame me when you're always makin' it so easy? You're a real funny guy t'hang around sometimes, especially when ya ain't even tryin' t'get a laugh outta me."

I can't help but bleed away a small bit of my enthusiasm after hearing Marisa say as much about me. Is that all I've been to her so far? /Amusing..?/


(MK:) "Hey now... I ain't tryin' to just put ya down here. Nobody said I was any better at this sorta thing than you! Jeez..."

She breaks eye-contact with me by looking off to the side and down at the floor while she takes another sip. Maybe I ought to keep in-mind that we could both probably do with a little more socialization than we usually get up to...

"It's fine, I get what you're trying to say. I'm... sort-of a babe in the woods in more than one regard I guess."

(MK:) "Tch, I'll say! It ain't every day ya come across a Villager that's managed to worm his way as far outside 'a the wood-work as this. It's a decent place, but... most folk just ain't got the kinda ambition I've been seein' from ya lately."


"Thanks. I guess I haven't exactly met anyone as ambitious as you either."

(MK:) "And is that a good thing in yer book?"

I can feel my eyes light up as that very same ambition takes the reigns over what I'd be willing to usually verbalize. I couldn't be more thankful she decided to make this a private arrangement... though I still better not say too much at once.

"Absolutely. I can't tell you how cooped up it can start to feel in there once you've really taken a good look at your surroundings. And I mean a /really/ good look, y'know?"


"There's so much that goes on in Gensokyo! Sure, most of it is pretty dangerous, but how could it not be with all the history this Valley has? And people like you are at the forefront of a lot of that recent history!"

"I struggled to break out of my own cycles and get to something I could just barely call my own for so long, and here you are having already been at it on your own for years!"

"You have something truly special going on for yourself out here in the Forest, at least to someone like me. It's... different. Honest, at least to yourself."

"I-I mean... I get up to honest work in the Village too I guess, but maybe you don't need me to tell you all that."


She really does seem to be making a genuine effort to listen to everything I have to say, even with the few token eye-rolls or little grins to herself she keeps using to punctuate my sentences.

We both take another sip from our drinks before I clear my throat to continue, Marisa readying herself to at least try taking me seriously once again.

"I just think you're... pretty great in general Marisa. You're witty, tough, surefooted, perceptive... I mean, I don't exactly have a list here but... "

The way she giggles could melt my heart right out of my chest if I heard enough of it. Her half-lidded eyes carry unspoken temptations that I dare not dwell on too hard in a moment like this lest I get swiftly escorted out into the night.


(MK:) "Ya really think so? About a girl like me?"

"I do. And... I'd love to see what else I could experience with you. If you're willing. I-I hope I haven't... I just... life could be so much more exciting if I get to spend more of it hanging out with you."

"You just... really don't seem all that bad. You never did, and I couldn't be more thankful for that."

The way she's been staring back contently almost makes me want to start clamming up and double-back on some of what I said, but the worries don't last long.


Marisa puts on a smile warmer than the tea still in the kettle as she slowly takes off her cap with a heartfelt chuckle. She nearly does it under her breath as she stares into the wood grain of the table, deep in thought.

It isn't hard to catch the blush slowly creeping over her cheeks in here, that's for certain. If I had any sort of mirror nearby to look into, I'm sure my face would look just the same.

I may not be used to pouring out my emotions like this in any sort of meaningful way, but I hope above all else that it was enough to satiate her curiosity for now. If I'd kept going on like I was, it wouldn't be long before this situation would start getting... embarrassing. It's just too soon for anything that bold, right..?

I hope I'm about to get my answer as she looks back at me, drawing in a breath while getting ready to continue the conversation.


(MK:) "You're a pretty honest guy yourself, [Anonymous]. Real glad ya ended up so willin' t'talk tonight."

(MK:) "Ya mentioned there was nothin' better for ya t'do tonight besides this, right? Why not stay for dinner while you're here? I'd hate t'just send ya off this early in the night already."

(MK:) "We're already sittin' where we'd be eatin' it anyways! Whaddya say?"

Dinner, eh? That /would/ give us a little more time to talk. Now that she mentions it too, tonight would actually be the perfect night to... 


[choice 1.4.1]: Offer to cook on her behalf.
[choice 1.4.2]: Let her treat you to her own meal.


[1.4.1]

... finally show off my cooking skills to Marisa more properly! I may be a guest but I'm sure she wouldn't mind being treated with a little home-made hospitality. She could even help out if she really wanted, I'm sure that would make the time fly. We'd be sitting back down with some good food to eat before she even knows it.

It really is quite fortunate I've been able to find a comfortable amount of company in a girl like Marisa. Who knows what else could've been waiting for me out there that first time I came into the Forest?

"I think that'd be just perfect actually! But on one condition."

(MK:) "Oh? Makin' things a little more interestin' then, eh?"


"It's nothing too crazy really, but I think it'd be great if I could cook something for the both of us using your little kitchen here."

(MK:) "Oh really? I'm guessing ya got somethin' half-decent in mind then?"

I open my mouth to confirm before realizing I actually don't have anything specific in mind. Damnit! What would be something quick & easy that I could just whip together without much... 

Wait..! I got it!


"I do! But would you be alright taking me back to my place just for a quick second? I only need to pick up a few key ingredients, the rest I can work with via what you have here."

(MK:) "Ingredients such as..?"

"Noodles mostly, at least ones that are still fairly fresh. And some good seasonings of mine."

(MK:) "Oooh, I can smell the broth already... sounds like a plan t'me then. Let's do it!"

"Really?"

(MK:) "Yeah ya big dork! If we stop by now then we might be able t'catch the last bit of sunlight that's out there. C'mon!"


I'm nearly certain I've never had as big of a smile on my face as the one I have right now. I practically leap out of my seat while Marisa's already beaten me to the door. Her toothy grin is just as infectious as her enthusiasm it seems, the freshly cooled air from the outside hitting me before I even realize it.

[Fade-in; Ext. - Kirisame Magic Shop, evening]

Grabbing what I need really shouldn't take long at all. I wonder if I'll even need to tell Marisa to land anywhere when we get back to my place, it would be pretty slick to just hop off and hop back on once I got the foodstuffs.

The last whispers of the evening's twilight bleed through what few clouds still remain to be highlighted in the deep purple light. Marisa's ready to go just a few yards ahead. I laugh at the thought of timing her speed for this simple errand somehow, especially knowing she likely would try as hard as she could to cover the distance in as little time as possible.

If only this was the time to appreciate how scenic the ride together up there would be, just for a little while. I ready myself at the back end of Marisa's broomstick and hope I can eventually get my wish granted after all. 

[Marisa leaves]

Just as long as everything keeps going well with her...

[Fade to black]


[Fade-in; Int. - Kirisame Magic Shop, night]

[Marisa enters]

I wasted little time grabbing what I'd need from exactly where I knew I'd been keeping it, Marisa having us back at her place and ready to cook as quickly as we'd left.

The noodles had been pulled earlier in the week, tightly wrapped in paper and flour to keep them as fresh as they could. They were a little on the thicker side for my usual tastes, but Marisa said she wouldn't mind.

With a few spices of mine, along with some green onions, mushrooms and other minor additions thanks to Marisa