Scene #2907: Alice decides to take a visit to Makai to see Shinki.. and to bring along a guest.

Owner	Pose
Alice Margatroid	In front of the Hakurei Shrine stands a lone girl with eight dolls encircling her and another two floating near her head. Alice, the Dollmaker Magician waits in front of the shrine patiently, a folded up cloth embraced in her arms as she waits the one person she allowed along. She told her guards that she'd bring her back with not but a single thread out of place and she was going to do it. "Odd that we share so much in common... I'm surprised she wants to meet Shinki." Alice looks to Hourai, a frown upon her face, "You, Shanghai and these dolls are tasked to keep her safe. Makai knows me... but her? They may treat her like Reimu or Marisa." with a soft nod, Hourai and Shanghai give a confirming thumbs up before the three face the gate where outsiders enter. "I wonder what she'll think of the place... I wonder what Mom will think..."
Tomoyo Daidouji	Punctually, Tomoyo and her four bodyguards emerge from a nearby warpgate, quickly approaching. Tomoyo is actually wearing the dress Alice made for her again today too, accessorising it with a matching blue purse! The five approach, Tomoyo waving politely as they get close. "Hello Alice. Thank you for inviting me along," the tailor says, bowing her head to the dollmaker. Though seemingly as passive as ever, her bodyguards do seem to fidgit a little more than usual. One of them, with black hair cut short, says, "We remember your promise, and we will hold you to it," to Alice, her voice cool and clipped. Tomoyo turns to look up at them, that serene smile not slipping in the slightest. "I trust Alice, don't worry~" Quickly, she runs into the shrine and... actually tosses a donation into the box, putting her palms together to pray for a safe journey before rejoining Alice. "Okay, I'm ready!"
Tenshi Hinanai	MEANWHILE Makai, The Demon Realm Akumakami Castle Cast in shadow, a figure reclines upon the great throne of Makai's ruler, chin resting on a fist while the other hand holds up a sheet of folded paper. Glowing crimson eyes wander from side to side, scrolling through the content. Those eyes close and the letter is discarded, captured by a lesser demon before it can touch the floor and then held to the handmaiden's chest while she awaits the Mistress' word. "So she is returning," the Queen's voice is low. Those eyes appear again, narrowed, while fanged teeth show in the dim light, a sinister smile, "Curious about the Restoration, that wonderful human child has finally seen fit to return to us." The figure rises, fanning out wings that glow with elegant crimson arcs, "I am going out. Do not follow me." "Y-yes, my queen!"
Alice Margatroid	Alice's concerns are melted away as she gives a light wave to Tomoyo and the bodyguards, and the outfit... she's actually wearing it. A brief, contented smile is given towards Tomoyo before a bow is given. "I am glad you came, I did not expect you to come admittedly." a look towards the bodyguards then a wave over her dolls. "You'll forgive me if I assumed you four would talk her out of it. These dolls are specifically made for defense and along with Shanghai and Hourai, you will have no worries." Besides, Alice can sew up any missing thread... That aside, Alice gives a bit of a nod and sets out the blanket she made, a blue blanket with stars and various patterns of danmaku she's seen. "I... hope this actually flies. Just sit on it and concentrate and it should lift itself into the air. Dolls, surround her." The eight dolls salute in kind and suddenly are equipped with body length tower shields and lances, forming a circle phalanx around Tomoyo with Hourai and Shanghai moving to sit on the blanket already, Hourai and shield in front, Shanghai and sword in the rear. Alice moves towards the four bodyguards, "Marisa is watching my house. I'll inform her that you four will be on the way. Reimu does not care for loiterers upon her shrine. The same youkai in the village can show you where my cottage is and I'll bring her back once we're out." the last bit seems a bit more pointed and suggested as a recommended action than an optional thing. HOpefully they'll understand. Hopefully...
Tomoyo Daidouji	While Tomoyo is making that rare donation, another guard-one with greyish hair in a bobcut-says, "When the little miss has decided to do something, we cannot stop her. Not even her mother can." Looking at the dolls that would serve to protect their charge, they seem to be satisfied with it. As Tomoyo returns, she looks at the magical blanket and gasps with delight, eyes sparkling. "A magic carpet! Oh, thank you Alice!" She takes a seat on it, carefully folding the skirt under her to keep it from creasing. Looking around at the adorable phalanx that protects her, she seems quite pleased with the arrangement! As Alice offers her guards advice, Tomoyo nods along with it. "Please listen to her. And don't be afraid to take some time to explore the village a little!" The four bow to Tomoyo and Alice both, still a little reluctant to be leaving their charge with someone else. "Be safe little miss, Miss Margatroid," a rust-haired guard says before the four depart. "So, concentrate right?" Tomoyo closes her eyes and focuses her thoughts on the carpet, willing it to lift her into the air!
Alice Margatroid	The carpet rises into the air steadily, partially from the power Tomoyo gives it and a bit of power her dolls have to stabilze it and with Tomoyo now flight capable and can defend herself... Alice takes a steady rise. "I see, strong willed." she gives a bit of a soft laugh, "I know a few that way." and with a nod, she turns towards the rear of the Shrine. "I gave you my promise and many here will tell you I can keep them." And with the four guards departing, she gives a bit of a nod and once they're out of earshot, "They have willpower, I will give your guards that." she nods, "But willpower alone won't help in Makai. It's been years since I've been... I'm not sure how it is right now. Now, to move it, just... think where you want to go but do not go ahead of me, I don't want anything to happen." It's true, Makai is ... a really different place compared to when Alice last was there and who knows what has changed. "Come. We enter." And with this, Alice takes flight towards the portal in the back... entering Makai.
Tenshi Hinanai	The best approximation of Makai right now, at least this part of it, brings up memories of the East. It's a hot, desert-like place with reddish stone and sand literally everywhere. A closer inspection would show that there are buildings carved into the stone as well, and that this is in fact some kind of city. It's not abandoned, either. Various characters, mostly human but clearly not, scatter at the arrival of newcomers in a flurry of pettycoats and bat wings. The sky overhead is either still scarred from the horrific battle ten years ago or (more likely) just a regular cloudy day in the Demon Realm. Reddish-black clouds with rumblings of lightning here and there. What stands out the most isn't the terrain, the weather, or the scattering locals. Rather, it's a figure in a long dress, obscured by shadow and held aloft by three pairs of wings shot through with glowing crimson crescent markings. Adding to the effect, the eyes also glow that same scarlet color, and a voice like a thousand angry snakes hisses forth: "You would dare return to this place?" A heartbeat later, the figure leans forward, becoming much better lit: A woman in a red and white outfit, silver hair done up in a side-ponytail, eyes closed in a warm smile. The voice is also considerably more... normal, when she speaks, "You've come too soon, Alice! I only just got your letter, the cake hasn't even finished baking yet!"
Tomoyo Daidouji	"Oh yes, they're very brave~ But I don't want them coming with me to deal with... Elite stuff. They're not getting paid enough for that!" Tomoyo says, waving as the guards walks off towards the village. "Just think where I want to go?" Tomoyo practices that a little bit, willing the carpet to go left and right, up and down. She's clearly just trying to get a feel for how it moves, how best to sit on it and all that. Please ignore the massive smile on her face as she defies gravity. "Don't worry Alice, I'll be right behind you~" With that, she extracts a video camera from her purse and points the lens at the dollmaker. "To make a record of our journey~" she explains, just in case Alice didn't know what a camera was. You never know with these Gensokyo types. The sudden shift from the temperate Gensokyo to the hellish Makai takes the tailor by surprise. She was expecting it to be different, but this... but still, with careful pans of the camera, she takes in the immediate area, filming the scattering locals, the burning sky... the shadowy figure with bad intentions towards Alice.
Alice Margatroid	... Makai is still how she left it. The clouds... the scarred world blow.. The devils that inhabit the place scattering from a now newcomer. "Welcome to Makai..." she whispers... "Welcome home, Alice..." a frown supplants her face, though Tomoyo's cheer at actually flying seems to mitigate that, "Ah, so it makes pictures like Aya's camera then." Alice isn't TOTALLY clueless, but... The lightning crack has her face forward again, keeping herself steady as she guides her charge and herself forward. What was Alice even looking for anymore. Ten long years have passed and it still looks the same as when she left... "No change..." however, when the angry voice speaks, Alice freezes in place and holds her arm back to stop Tomoyo's advance. "I am not Reimu or Marisa!" she shouts back at the angry voice, the scarlet eyes catching her own.. "Wait.. is.." and when the figure leans forward. "S...Shi..shinki. Mom..." a brief smile slowly appears upon her face... "I'm glad you got my letter. I know it's been a few years since I decided to write to you. Forgive my lateness for this one. It's... it's good to see you again." Alice is holding back some emotions here, even Hourai and Shanghai are noticing it as she slowly floats forward. "I... I brought along a visitor. She wanted to meet you too, Mom."
Tenshi Hinanai	Sickle-like wings flutter just briefly while the Queen of Devils maintains her altitude. Leaning back, though, she props an elbow in her hand and taps her cheek, "Mm~. You did say you were bringing a visitor, but I didn't expect an ordinary human." Hands shifting, she touches her fingertips together to form a steeple, "But how splended! So you've brought a girl to your mother to be raised as a little sister. How charming~!" It's unclear if she's joking. Shifting her posture again, matching pace with the floating girl and the one on the enchanted blanket, the Queen tugs up the edges of her skirt and dips herself into a courtsey, "Allow me to introduce myself, young lady-- The Queen of Makai and ruler of all Devils, Shinki." Rising, she winks with her tongue sticking out, "And~ Alice's mother, after a fashion. Don't be fooled; still available!"
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo audibly sighs with relief when all the tension drains from the reunion. Nobody wants to be at ground zero for that kind of drama, especially when disputes are resolved by replacing all the air with bullets. Carefully, she stands up on the carpet, putting the camera down to bow to Shinki, giggling softly at her little 'joke.' "Oh, I already have a mother. But judging by how Alice turned out, I'm sure you're a wonderful one." When she receives such a formal greeting from royalty, what can Tomoyo do but return one in kind? She too, curtsies to Shinki and introduces herself. "A pleasure to meet you. I am Tomoyo Daidouji, a perfectly normal tailor~" She wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Shinki, but she seems far more exuberant than her daughter. The difference between the two is plastering a pleased smile on her face.
Alice Margatroid	Alice shakes her head, "I did mention bringing someone, but yes, I failed to mention she was just human." a pause, the possible joke and Alice's eyes go wide, "No no no, I didn't bring her for that! And her bodyguards would have my head if that happened." her hands out in front of her, shaking the palms in a 'no' fashion, the grimoire still attached to her side. Alice gives a light sigh and beckons Tomoyo to approach as she does so herself. "Mom, I didn't intend on her to come to Makai to be made my sister..." made? "It's just.. her and I seem to share a lot in common. Powerful mothers that we barely get to see, magicians that we're friends with, a love of our crafts.. and a large willpower." she nods, "Plus I doubt she would listen if I said no."
Tenshi Hinanai	"Well," Shinki teases, "You'd see me more often if you visited more than once every ten years." Resting her hands on her hips, the demon queen leans forward, "I mean~. You're a youkai now, so time is less important, but don't forget about your dear mother, now." A wink is provided to Tomoyo, "Boo, so you don't want to? Think about it~!" She floats backward and twirls, throwing her hands out to either side as she does so, and it's clear the wings are not actually attached to her body. With more distance, she returns her attention to the two girls, "As you can see, the reconstruction is going nicely! The Badlands were the first to be fixed--" Covering her mouth with a hand, she adds, "Though some say it couldn't have gotten much worse anyway..." Hand moving, she tucks both hands into her sleeves, "And the Akumakami Castle is fully rebuilt as well. I haven't even accidentally levelled it since it was finished! How about that?" Leaning forward, Shinki teases, "Your mother is learning! Going all out against intruders means more work for overworked devil queens."
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo can't help but laugh a little at Alice's reaction. The dollmaker is usually so calm and serene, watching her gasp and fluster is a delight. Quickly, she picks up the camera and gets that on video. She nods along with Alice, adding "She gets material from me, and made me this dress. Turns out we have a lot in common~" She clenches a fist when Alice adds that Tomoyo wouldn't take 'no' or an answer. "Of course not. A beautiful reunion like this must be recorded, so it can be remembered forever! I'll be sure to send the both of you a copy... and something to watch it on." She giggles, and nods her head to Shinki. "I'll keep that in mind~" she says, though no doubt she never plans to accept it. Her own mother is wonderful, if a bit overly busy. While filming, she wills the carpet to go closer to Shinki along with Alice, making sure to get a shot of everything. "It's lovely. You've done a wonderful job" she says, in that voice that always sounds so sincere, even though the words are in stark contrast to the environs.
Alice Margatroid	"Yes, I .. I know. I'll try to visit more often." Alice comments, "And I know time is less important as a youkai but still, It only felt like two years." she comments back, making a pouting face, though with the mentions of reconstruction, "The Badlands never was a good attraction spot but I'm glad that the castle is fully built." a pause... "Yes, going all out is something that Marisa would do, you taught me better than that." Alice lets out a soft smile again and a nod towards Tomoyo, "Tomoyo helps out a magician friend of hers, she makes such wonderful clothing. And... I thought she would look nice in the outfit you made for me long ago..." a pause, "I hope you are okay with it." She turns to Tomoyo, "You wanted to come along with me, I presume you had things you wanted to ask of Mom, didn't you?" she questions the tailor friends, the dolls around her still in the phalanx pattern... you never know in Makai.
Tenshi Hinanai	"Mm, yes!" Shinki floats slightly from side to side as she leads the procession. In the distance, amidst some dagger-sharp mountain peaks is what is clearly an Evil Overlord Castle full of ominous towers and jagged rooftops. "A tailor, much like Alice's dollmaking. You know~," Shinki's eyes close, "I always did adore those with the will to create. It's a talent I share as well, as you can see!" "I had thought the dress a coincidence," the devil comments, "But it's quite cute, isn't it? A simple dress better brings out a complex girl's beauty, I feel." With the Akumakami Castle looming in the background, Shinki slows and turns once more, head tilting, "Hmm~? Questions about me, little Tomoyo?" Hands raising, she cups her cheeks and wiggles, "Oh my, but I couldn't possibly answer anything so embarassing~!"
Tomoyo Daidouji	Behind her camera, Tomoyo looks concerned as mother and daughter talk about going years without seeing each other like it was only months. Quietly, she says, "Sometimes adults give good advice and then don't follow it. My mother taught me grace and a calm temperament, but there's some things that make her really fly off the handle. I think part of growing up is recognizing what lessons your parents gave are the ones worth remembering..." Ah, but the conversation turns back to her dress! Never one to pass up talking about fashion, Tomoyo gives a quick twirl to show off the front and back. "It's a lovely outfit! Alice just invited me to her house and gave it to me. It's the first time ever that someone made clothes for me. A wonderful change of pace~" She smiles at Shinki at her comment about creators, and blushes lightly at her compliment. "You're very sweet to say that~" Tomoyo nods at Alice's question, urging the carpet on to go after the two youkai. When the super evil-looking castle comes into view, Tomoyo zooms in to the max to take it in. "You have an amazing home Miss Shinki~" she says quietly, audibly a little awed by it. "Actually... a question occurred to me just now, one for both of you," she says, her tone rather sullen, especially when compared to Shinki's merriment. "You talk about going years without seeing each other like it's not that big a deal... does immortality do that to you? If I could live that long, I would spend every day with the people I cared about... is it just a change in how you think about time? Or do you just start caring about others less?" Behind her camera, she blinks, as if just realizing how harsh that sounds, like an accusation. "Oh, I didn't mean anything offensive by that. I'm sorry..."
Alice Margatroid	Alice listens to Tomoyo's comment. "Mom seems to do that a lot." she comments, a light chiding remark to Shinki, "But Mom... well made me into the woman I am so." she gives a light shrug before the blush at the compliment from both Shinki and Tomoyo's comments. "I can't create something like Makai but I will fill an area with life." she smiled a brief smile. Then the question... "I... used to be like you, Tomoyo and No, I don't think about time like that but it does seem to go faster without a reason to have to worry about a life span." Alice looks along Makai... "I cannot speak for Shinki but... I still care about the people I deal with. Be it mom... Reimu, Marisa, Patchouli and you too, Tomoyo." A dismissive wave is given, "No offense taken, it's natural to be curious about something one doesn't understand. Even I have to ask about things that seem common to you that are distant to me."
Tenshi Hinanai	"Hmm~?" Shinki tilts her head as she considers Tomoyo's question as well as the way Alice answers it. Her eyes close and she nods a few times with a little "Mm, mm~.." of thought, "From a human perspective, our sense of time may seem strange, or even callous.. But as Alice said. When your lifespan is so long, it becomes less noticeable over the short term." Her head bobs from side to side, "Alice.. has only been a youkai for a short time. When I first adopted her, she was a human girl. For me, the ancient demon god of Makai, time is even more immaterial." Helplessly, she shrugs with her eyes closed, "It's all perspective~. When your life ends in seventy to eighty years, each day feels more important. When you've lived for thousands with no end in sight~..."
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo listens closely as the two older women give their answers. Her eyes are closed, and the hand not manning her camera is placed against her cheek. "Hmm, I see. Thank you," she says, in a quiet, noncommittal tone. Exactly what she's taken from that is hard to gauge. But there are some things that came to light in that discussion. Like Alice's formerly human nature, and the fact that Shinki just took her in. "Oh, I didn't know that! Alice, how did you become a youkai? Miss Shinki, what possessed you to take in a human child?" Her voice contains no trace of that quiet gloominess she was feeling before. Either she's really good at hiding it, or it really takes something as little as getting to talk about this kind of stuff to make her cheer up.
Alice Margatroid	Alice looks towards Shinki at the question... 'how did you become a youkai...' it's been years since that day. "I tend not to say anything about it.. but yes, I used to be human like you, Tomoyo. Then mom found me." Alice doesn't give more than that, however, looking towards Shinki for that answer. Hourai and Shanghai are listening as well, there's so much that Alice hasn't told them.. "Alice used to be human?" "I didn't know this.. why didn't she say anything?" "I don't know Shanghai."
Tenshi Hinanai	The devil queen closes her eyes, "How does a human child ever enter Makai, the demon realm? There are dozens of methods both intentional and accidental." Leaning closer, she reaches out to adjust Alice's headpiece with both hands, then pats the girl on the head with a smile, "I found this girl as a little thing wandering the Carnivorous Forest-- Nice place, great for picnics-- and took her in. Unable to return her to the human world, I raised her as my own." To the dolls, she states, "Humans can do it~! It just means my little Alice has become a powerful witch, doesn't it?" Leaning, she covers her mouth and mutters to the dolls, "Though if you ask me, she was always a little strange~." Straightening up, Shiki claps her hands together. The trio's flight path has taken them right over the Doom Castle, "Now that we've reached my home, miss Tomoyo, would you like a slice of cake and perhaps some tea? I'd be remiss if I didn't at least offer such to my daughter and her friend during a visit!"
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo reaches out to put a hand on Alice's shoulder (gently, so as to not disrupt her flight). Don't worry Alice, I won't tell anyone~" She winks, and puts a finger to her lips. Shinki's explanation though, has her covering her mouth in horror. "How awful! Alice, do you remember how you got there?" Though, while the idea of a child being lost in a place called 'Carnivorous Forest' has Tomoyo appalled, the fact that what was once a normal human has reached the heights that Alice has gives her hope. If she can do it, surely Tomoyo can... but she's not sure about transcending her humanity. Oh well~ Even a human lifespan can be a long time, especially for someone her age. Shinki's offer though, snaps her mind back to the present, away from thoughts of the future. "Oh! That sounds lovely; if you're sure I'm not imposing." Her carpet had actually begun to dip a little because she was distracted, but she makes it look deliberate by starting to descend properly.
Alice Margatroid	Alice gives a light sigh, looking at Shinki in a state of 'you're embarrasing me...', though Tomoyo's question gets her. Alice places her elbow in a hand and taps her cheek, just like Shinki did... "Let's see. It was...how long? But no, I don't remember /how/ I ended up there.. but Mom saw me and took me in. I don't have any regrets about it either." She looks towards Shinki, the offer of cake and tea.. "It's been a while since I had your tea, Mom." a look towards Tomoyo, and a smile, "Mom offered, so I do not think it imposing to accept. Despite the area, she's probably the nicest person here in Makai." and that's saying something... "At least, if you're not trying to beat her up..." "Would it... be okay to spend the night too? I.. want to talk more, Mom." Alice shuffles her foot in mid air, "Tomoyo's bodyguards /should/ be at my house in Gensokyo... they'll be fine for a day."
Tenshi Hinanai	Shinki nods twice, "Hmm, hmm~... And that's the tale of my little lost Alice in Wonderland." Her wings dissolve as she descends, leading the way to a particular veranda that would make a nice spot for a tea service, "Tea and cakes are a staple for visitors, I don't mind in the least, though I hope you enjoy chocolate cake." Pausing at the door, she casts a look over her shoulder with a wink, "They call it Devil's Food for a reason~!" "As for staying the night, I don't mind at all." Turning back to the doors, Shinki opens them with a flourish, "After all, your room is just the way you left it~!" Even after the effective end of the world? How did she pull that off? Shinki Power. The rest of the evening is spent over tea and chocolate cake, telling stories and jokes and weathering Shinki's own unique form of teasing. In the end, though she's the queen of devils, it's clear that she's at least halfway decent as a person and quite playful, almost immature and definitely a little absent-minded.
Tomoyo Daidouji	Tomoyo inclines her head when she is reassured that her intrusion was no problem. "Thank you Miss Shinki~" Inside, she's still a little worried about Alice. She had to have come from somewhere, right? But, she doesn't seem regretful on what could have been, so... "Oh, I can certainly stay the night~ My bodyguards won't come for your head until at least 36 hours have passed," she adds teasingly to Alice as she hops off the carpet to land on the veranda, getting in one more shot of the view before putting the camera away. "Chocolate cake sounds wonderful, thank you!" During the tea service, Tomoyo remains quiet for the most part, letting mother and daughter play catch up. Occasionally, she chips in with stories about some of the more extraordinary things she's been involved in. A witch youkai and a demon queen would have no interest in the mundane things that happen at school, after all~