Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

     It had been a few months since Keine and Mokou had moved out. They had now reached full maturity and had stopped growing. It was strange seeing them at their original height and build after they had been so little for so long.

     Kaguya sat in a log chair outside of Mokou and Keine’s house, feet crossed and hands behind her head. She let out a relaxed sigh and breathed in a breath of smokey summer air. Above cicadas hissed and cried out. Summer was in full swing. Kaguya wore a light sundress that was patterned with hydrangeas. She had on a large brimmed hat that covered her eyes from the sun.

     Beside her, chopping at a large log was Mokou. She had a cigarette stuck between her teeth as she chopped away. The smell of it filled the air. The ember on the tip of the cigarette burned hotly in the blazing sun.

     Both Keine and Eirin had gone off to work, leaving the two women to meet up as they tended to nowadays on weekdays. It was nice to be together, even if they never really said much. Mokou had turned into her old brooding self and had grown quiet as she had aged. It wasn’t a bad thing so to say, just something that naturally happened, but Kaguya found herself missing the little rambunctious kid that she had grown to love.

     “It’s too damn hot.” Kaguya groaned more to herself than to Mokou.

     Mokou grunted and wiped at the sweat on her forehead. She had been working hard all morning cutting wood to prepare for charcoal. Her charcoal business hadn’t necessarily been booming as people didn’t need to heat their houses in this weather. This season Mokou typically sold her charcoal to vendors and restaurants who wanted to cook their food over charcoal. Her main source of income during these months was working late nights at the lamprey stand. It would have left a lesser person tired, working between two hard jobs, but Mokou was tough and wasn’t phased much.

     Kaguya adjusted her hat and turned to Mokou. “You know those things stink.” She said, motioning to the cigarette. “You’re lucky we’re both immortal, or I’d have scolded you for having such an unhealthy habit.”

     “ Yes, Kaguya-Mama. ” Mokou said, rolling her eyes. Still she didn’t put it out. Instead she huffed a long drag and blew it out through her nose.

     Kaguya frowned at her yet didn’t say anything else. Instead she went back to lounging.

     She listened to Mokou chop her wood for a long while… Chop, chop, chop… That and the sound of the cicadas drilled into her mind, sending her into a heat induced fog. She began to doze. Her eyes fell shut and her head began to droop.

     “If you’re tired go home, old lady.” Mokou said. As she paused from chopping. She balanced the ax on the chopping block and leaned against it, putting her chin on the handle.

     “Eh?” Kaguya blinked open her eyes. She glanced at Mokou who was staring at her. Her cigarette had burnt down nearly to the filter tip.

     “ If you’re tired go home.” Mokou repeated, a bit annoyed.

     “Nah, I’m fine.” Kaguya stretched in her chair.

     Just then there was the sound of a snap in the surrounding bamboo forest. Both Kaguya and Mokou stiffened and looked out into the stalks. They fell silent, eyes wide, ears perked. 

     “Dammit…” Came a voice from not too far away. It was a woman’s voice, gruff with aggravation. 

     “Mokou tossed her spent cigarette on the ground, stamped it out, and stood up straight. She looked over at Kaguya who glanced back. They both nodded.

     Kaguya got to her feet and both of them headed in the direction of the noise and voice. It came from just off the path. They made their way through the bamboo until they came across a woman. She had long brown hair and a pair of sharp ears atop her head. It was Kagerou. She was crouched over something, and mumbling to herself.

     Upon seeing her, Kaguya’s stomach fell. She knew exactly what that snap had been.

     “Hunting again?” Kaguya said.

     Her voice made Kagerou jump. Her tail stood up on end as she swung around to look at the two women behind her.

     “You nearly scared me to death.” She gasped. She put a hand on her heart as she tried to calm her breathing. Then, she frowned. “I’m not close to Eientei, leave me alone. That was the deal…”

     Something in her voice made Kaguya pause. She looked at the woman, really looked at her. There were blue bags under her eyes and her face was pale. She looked almost sick.

     “What’s wrong with you?” Kaguya asked.

     Kagerou made a face and turned back to what she was working on, a snare trap. 

     “Nothing. Just leave me alone.”

     Kaguya looked over the woman’s shoulder and saw, luckily, the trap was empty.

     “You look terrible.” Mokou said bluntly. She put her hands on her hips and looked down the bridge of her nose at the woman.

     “Thanks.” Kagerou said sarcastically. She finished setting up the snare trap then stood up to her full height. She turned to Mokou and Kaguya. “Listen, I’ve got to go-”

     “To check your other traps?” Kaguya said sourly.

     “Yeah… as if they’d have caught anything…” Kagerou mumbled to herself. She cast her eyes down low.

     “Wait, what?” Kaguya asked.

     “It’s nothing.” Kagerou tried to wave it off, but Kaguya pressed her. “Fine, so, no rabbits- no nothing- have been showing up in my traps down here. That’s why you’ve caught me up at Eientei recently… It’s just, nothing is biting. I’m getting kind of desperate here.”

     “Do you know why?” Kaguya asked, suddenly intrigued by this.

     “Every damn night those damn Prismriver sisters and their drummer have been playing at the foot of the forest. The music scares the animals off.” Kagerou said with a sigh. “I’ve asked them to stop, but they don’t listen to me.

     “Prisimrivers?” Kaguya frowned. “Why are they in the forest?”

     “Dunno, but I’ve heard them though.” Mokou said, “When I work the stand at night I hear music from within the forest. I never knew where it came from though.” Mokou said.

     “Yeah, they’ve been going at it every night for a few months. I can’t get them to stop. I haven’t had any meat in forever. I’ve been surviving off of rice and generous donations from my friends.” Kagerou frowned. Her tail drooped down between her legs.

     “Well… if it keeps you out of Eientei, I can try to talk to them for you.” Kaguya said. It’s not like she had anything better to do now that the girls had moved out. And, hell maybe she could get some quality time in with Mokou with this. Kaguya found herself smiling.

     “Really?” Kagerou’s ears perked up. “Do you mean it.”

     “Yeah, Mokou, you come with me too.” Kaguya said, nudging her.

     “I have the stand to work!” Mokou objected.

     “Not every night .” Kaguya said. “We’ll do it on a day off. Come on, you’ll help, won’t you?”

     “Ugh, don’t just volunteer me for things.” Mokou said, folding her arms.

     “Please, Momo!” Kaguya said putting her hands together.

     Mokou blushed deeply at the nickname. It spread across her face and to her ears until she was completely red. “If it’ll stop you from calling me that…” She said, averting her gaze.

     “Good!” Kaguya nodded. “Fine, Kagerou, but if we do this you need to promise to keep the hell away from Eientei and my bunnies.”

     Kagerou drew an x across her heart and nodded. “Promise.”

     “Mokou, when do you have off next?” Kaguya asked.

     Mokou tilted her head up and away from Kaguya, leaving her face unreadable. “Tonight…” She said.

     “Oh, perfect! Let’s meet up tonight then.” Kaguya said.

     “Wouldn’t it be easier for you to just stay over?” Mokou asked.

     “You’re inviting me to dinner with you and Keine?” Kaguya asked, eyes bright. Mokou and Keine had come over plenty for meals at Eientei but never the other way around.

     “Sure? Why would it matter? We’re family, it’s not like you can’t just stop by whenever.”

     “But I’ve never been formally invited.” Kaguya nudged Mokou, “Because you’re too much of a stubborn brat to say you want to see me.”

     “Bleh, old lady.” Mokou said sticking out her tongue.

     Kagerou stood there awkwardly observing the exchange. “So… you’ll do it?”

     “Yep.” Kaguya said, folding her arms. “To keep you the hell away from me.”

     Kagerou gave Kaguya a very forced smile and nodded. “Thank you. But, don’t get your hopes up. They wouldn’t listen to me.”

     “They’ll listen to us.” Kaguya said. “We’ve got muscle.”

     “ I’ve got muscle.” Mokou corrected her. “You haven’t won a single fight in months.”

     “Eh, I let you win.” Kaguya said. She then turned back to Kagerou, “You said they play at the foot of the forest?”

     “Yeah, just follow the taiko beats. They’ll lead you right there.” Kagerou’s ears twitched slightly. “Can’t miss them.”

     Kaguya and Mokou looked at each other and nodded in understanding. They would solve this small incident together.

     Kaguya had sent word out to Eientei that she wouldn’t be joining Eirin for dinner. It almost made her feel a little guilty, but the excitement of actually solving an incident overshadowed it. She hadn’t had some serious action since her and Reisen had broken into Heaven, and she yearned for a little bit of trouble.

     Keine had been surprised yet delighted to see Kaguya stick around for dinner. The two of them had remained incredibly close throughout the past few months and it seemed their relationship was only strengthening as time went by and they began to be able to relate to each other as adults.

     “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” Kaguya asked as she clung onto Keine’s arm. Keine was a head taller than her now. She sighed and shook her head.

     “Sorry, Kaguya-Mama, I have papers to grade tonight. You two have fun though.” Keine said, offering her an apologetic smile.

     “ Fun. ” Mokou said, rolling her eyes. “Yeah, why take a day off when I could go around solving incidents with my mother.” Mokou huffed, although there was no real bite in her words.

     “It’s for the rabbits, Momo.” Kaguya reminded Mokou. “I’m not letting that woman up at Eientei near my bunnies.” Kaguya said jabbing a thumb into her chest.

     “Yeah, yeah.” Mokou waved it off. “Should we get going?” She asked, sliding open the front door.

     Outside the night sky was a deep navy blue. There wasn’t a cloud in the horizon; above there were only stars. It was a moonless night, leading to it being darker than usual, but that just made the stars shine brighter. A warm breath of air blew in through the door and circled the women at its threshold. The wind smelled sweet and full of life, like any good summer night should smell.

     Mokou stepped out onto the engawa porch and lit up a cigarette with her fingertip. She puffed at it then turned and offered Kaguya one.

     “Bleh, no thanks.” Kaguya said putting her hands up.

     “Suit yourself.” Mokou mumbled with the lit cigarette between her lips. She tucked the box back into her pocket.

     “She’s making up for lost times with those things.” Keine whispered to Kaguya.

     “As if you’re not downing sake like an oni.” Mokou said back to Keine.

     Keine blushed, caught, and simply shook her head.

     “A-anyway, don’t stay out too late. Eirin-Mama will start to worry about you.”

     “I’ll be fine.” Kaguya said, patting Keine on the shoulder before she also stepped out the door with Mokou.

     “No starting fights. With others or amongst yourselves.” Keine said wagging a finger.

     “Yes, dear.” Mokou took the cigarette out of her mouth and pecked Keine on the cheek. “I’ll be back soon. I promise.”

     “Good. Stay safe.” Keine said as she slid the door closed behind them. Kaguya and Mokou heard her footsteps disappear back into the house.

     “So, taiko drums?” Kaguya asked.

     “Yep. Follow me.” Mokou said as she took to the air.

     Kaguya jumped up and began flying too.

     They headed around the foot of the bamboo forest, just on the edge. Above, the stars sparkled brightly. The galaxy stretched up across their heads unabashedly, unconcealed from any bright lights of the city or otherwise. Only their silhouettes were visible as they flew through the inky blackness of the sky.

     Below, the occasional crow and night sparrow cried out. When Mokou and Kaguya swooped too close overhead, they would caw away at them, flutter, and fly away, jostled. There were dots of light that speckled up through the bamboo below, fireflies. They swayed and danced between the bamboo completely oblivious to the world outside the forest. Their master, Wriggle Nightbug, must be somewhere nearby, to account for the sheer number of them.

     Kaguya looked up ahead at Mokou and where she was being led. In the very far distance, there was a campfire. It blazed brightly against the backdrop of the night and cut through the darkness harshly.

     Even from this distance, the sound of the taiko drums’ rolling beats echoed over. It sounded like thunder as it echoed out across the night sky. Kaguya understood now why so many animals must have been spooked by this. It must be deafening over near the source if they could hear it from here.

     Mokou glanced behind her and Kaguya and pointed ahead, “The culprits.” She said.

     Kaguya simply nodded.

      Boom. Boom! BOOM! The drums echoed louder and louder as they neared.

     Soon, the sound of music carried over, it was loud in its own right, but not nearly at the level of the drums. The sound of strings, a trumpet, and a keyboard filled the air in the beats between the drum booms.

     It was ear-splitting, the closer and closer they got to the campfire. Soon, they were upon them.

     There was a group of four sitting around the campfire. One woman and three younger  girls. All of which were playing away on their own respective instruments. The drummer, the woman, was redheaded. She wore a white suit and blazer. Her eyes were intent and she slammed her bachi drumsticks down upon the face of the drum. She didn’t even glance up as Kaguya and Mokou landed in the small clearing where they had set up.

     The three girls, on the other hand, did. They stopped their playing and looked curiously at the two women who had approached them.

     “HE-” BOOM “ -LLO!” BOOM. Kaguya called. “CAN YOU-” BOOM. “ STOP PLAYING FOR A MIN-” BOOM.

     “Raiko, give it a rest!” Shouted the brunette prismriver sister, Lyrica. 

     Raiko looked up from her drum as the last resounding BOOM resonated out through the area, shaking the ground. She was sweating hard and looked aggravated to have been stopped. 

     “What?” She said, eyes squinting.

     Lyrica motioned over towards Kaguya and Mokou with wide annoyed eyes. 

     “You blind?”

     “We shouldn’t stop for every nobody that comes knocking. We’d never get any practice in.”

     “ Excuse me, I’m no nobody. I am Kaguya Yagokoro of Eientei.” Kaguya said, tilting her chin up and puffing out her chest.

     “Great. And I should care, why?” Raiko asked.

     “This is a princess , idiot!” Called the lilac headed girl, Merlin. 

     “So? I heard she’s nothing but a doctor’s trophy wife these days.” Raiko huffed. She wiped the sweat dripping down her forehead with her blazer’s sleeve. 

     Kaguya stamped her foot. “How dare you! ”

     Mokou took a drag from her cigarette and put her hand on Kaguya’s shoulder. 

     “Relax, old lady. I got this.” She said. “Hey, all of you, keep it the fuck down!”

     “Fuck off!” Raiko said, then she caught the scent of Mokou’s cigarette. Her nose twitched. “Oh, can I have one?” Raiko said feigning smoking.

     “If you’ll give us a damn minute of your time.”

     “...Fine.” Raiko said.

     Mokou nodded and retrieved the carton of cigarettes from her back pocket. She opened it and moved over to Raiko’s side.

     Raiko reached over and took one. She put it in her mouth and held up one finger to the tip of it. Suddenly, a small burst of lightning extended from her fingertip. It hit the tip of the cigarette and lit it instantly with a small crack . Raiko took in a long drag and exhaled the smoke through her nose.

     “Damn, thanks.”

     “Great, now you all have got to get the fuck out of here.” Mokou said bluntly. 

     Raiko took another drag and this time blew it out in Mokou’s face.

     Mokou gritted her teeth together and grabbed Raiko by her tie. 

     “Listen here, you bitch. My family owns this forest, and you’re messing up the natural order of things here.”

     Raiko rolled her eyes and put her hand over Mokou’s.

     “Listen, you don’t want to fight me . I’ll let you off with a warning. You leave me the fuck alone, and I won’t beat you to a pulp.” Mokou growled.

     “Cocky for a lousy tsukumogami.”

     Raiko raised an eyebrow and grasped hard on Mokou’s hand. Mokou grimaced at her tight grip. It seemed Raiko wasn’t bluffing at being rather strong.

     “Let. Go.” Raiko said.

     Mokou let out a gruff sigh and let go, though she still stood inches from Raiko’s face. Both of them adjusted their cigarettes between their lips as they stared one another down.

     “Can we not get into any fights for one night, Raiko?” Asked the blonde Prismriver, Lunasa.

     “I’m not the one starting them.” Raiko said.

     “Listen, let’s just talk. What do you guys want?” Merlin asked as she set down her trumpet. She looked at Kaguya, sensing she was the more reasonable of the two.

     “We want you to leave. You’re upsetting the animals.” Kaguya said.

     “Well, no one was here. We claimed this clearing fair and square.”

     “Why are you here to begin with?” Kaguya asked as she glanced at Mokou. Mokou had taken a step back from Raiko and was now looking at Merlin and Kaguya as they spoke.

     “Well… we had to move from our old practice area by Hakugyokurou.” Merlin admitted. 

     “Why?” Kaguya asked. Mokou’s ears perked up at this; she took yet another step back from Raiko and put her hands on her hips.

     “Yeah, why?” Mokou asked.

     “Well, our lady hasn’t been in the mood for music…”

     “Saigyouji?” Kaguya asked. “Why not?”

     Lyrica nudged Merlin at this. “Hush don’t speak so freely about her.”

     Merlin nodded and shook her head. “Um. I’m not really at liberty to say.”

     “Since when is she your lady ?” Mokou asked, squinting her eyes.

     “Since she appointed us to her council as the official musicians of Hakugyokurou.”

     Mokou whistled, “Good for you. But, why would she appoint you if she doesn’t want you to play for her.”

     “It’s just the mood she’s been in.” Lyrica said, “...I can’t go beyond that.”

     “So, if we get her to accept you back you’ll leave the forest?” Kaguya asked.

     “Sure.” Merlin shrugged. “I like it better there anyway. This place is so… dirty.”

     “Watch your mouth, kid.” Kaguya snapped. “This is my home.”

     “No disrespect.” Merlin said, putting her hands up defensively.

     Kaguya turned to Mokou and shrugged. “Do you feel like making a trip up to Hakugyokurou?” 

     Mokou groaned and put her head in her hand. “I guess. If it’ll get this over with.” Mokou then turned back to Raiko and gave her a once over. “We’ll be back.”

     “Oh, I’ll be waiting.” Raiko said with a roll of her eyes.

     Mokou and Kaguya found themselves up and over the border wall that led to Hakugyoukorou. They flew over it and continued up the excessively long stairway that led up to the mansion at the top. 

     All around little wisps of spirits fluttered here and there. They hovered, darted, and swayed together. They glowed faintly in the dim night. Above, the lanterns of Hakugyoukorou lit up the night sky. It seemed the princess was still awake. The pale red lanterns glimmered warmly as the candles within them flickered.

     Mokou and Kaguya flew up the stairway at a quick speed, not taking any time to take in their surroundings. It’s not like they, as immortals, would ever come to reside here. The feeling of being surrounded by the dead was slightly off putting to them, yet still they continued on.

     “Hey! Stop there!” Called a voice from up above.

     Youmu Konpaku stood at the top of the stairway yelling down to them. She wore a set of dark green patterned pajamas and her hair looked slightly ruffled.

     “Hey,” Kaguya called back up. She landed where she was on the steps and looked up at the gardener and guard. Mokou watched Kaguya land and did so as well.

     “Who goes there?” Youmu called, her voice irritated.

     “Kaguya Yagokoro and Fujiwara no Mokou.” Kaguya said.

     Youmu paused, confused. Her ghost half swirled around her silently as she thought.

     “...Why?” She asked, not knowing what else to say.

     “We need to talk to Lady Saigyouji.” Kaguya said. “It’s important.”

     “At this time of night? No. Leave.” Youmu said.

     Mokou took a few steps up the stairway and shook her head.

     “Listen, we’re not really asking.” She said.

     “Don’t be such a brute.” Kaguya said to Mokou.

     Youmu squinted and drew one of her swords.

     “You immortals aren’t even supposed to be here. It’s not natural. Leave.”

     “We just need a moment of her time.” Kaguya said.

     Youmu shook her head. “Lady Saigyouji is indisposed. She’s not taking any visitors. Especially at this time of-”

     “Youmu, who are you talking to?” Called a light voice. 

     “N-nobody, Lady Saigyouji.” Youmu sputtered.

     Yuyuko appeared at the top of the steps and looked down at Mokou and Kaguya. She too wore her pajamas, a set of traditional pink and purple robes. Her hair was tied back into a high ponytail and her eyes were tired. She looked down at the two women before her.

     “Oh, visitors. We were just about to go to bed, but… Oh, is that you Yagokoro?” Yuyuko asked, eyes lighting up with curiosity. 

     “Yeah, hello.” Kaguya said, giving her a slight bow. She put her hand up over her mouth as she looked up at Yuyuko.

     Yuyuko was a pretty woman. She was tall and plump. Her cheeks were full and so were her lips. Her eyes, although they looked tired now, were always alight with life, ironic seeing as she was dead. She had pink ringleted curls that twisted around her face lightly. She smiled beautifully down at them.

     “Hello, there. How can we help you? Please, come up.” She invited them.

     Youmu balked and frowned. “Really?” She asked under her breath. 

     “Youmu, can you please fetch us some tea?”

     “Yes, M’lady.” Youmu said with a bow. She disappeared into the mansion behind them.

     Kaguya and Mokou climbed the remainder of the stairs and came to the top. The mansion came fully into view as they stepped up. It was massive, nearly as big as Eientei, and lit with a ghostly light. The roofs were high and slanting, vines grew across the sides of the mansion and clung to the windows and wooden pillars. 

     “Please, come in. What can I help you with?” Yuyuko said with a small tired smile.

     “We’d like to talk to you about your new musical council.” Mokou said, jamming her hands in her pockets. Her cigarette had burnt out a long time ago, yet she still reeked of the smell of it. As she moved, the smell of it wafted off her clothes.

     “Oh?” Yuyuko said. She opened the door for them and stepped inside.

     They all kicked off their shoes at the threshold before moving further inside.

     The halls of Hakugyokurou were tall and wide. The floors were well polished and glimmered in the dull light of the red lanterns. The walls were papered with images of cherry blossom trees, and were old and exquisitely well preserved.

     Yuyuko led them into a sitting area with a low polished kotatsu. She lit a lantern on the side of the wall to light up the room and had a seat at the low table. She motioned for Kaguya and Mokou to join her as well.

     They did just that and took their seats across from Yuyuko. She looked at them expectantly for a moment before anyone spoke.

     “So, how can I help you? I’m guessing you’re not just popping in for tea at this time of night.”

     “Your musicians…” Kaguya began, “They’re causing a ruckus in my bamboo forest. They’re scaring the animals away.”

     “Oh, is that where they’ve run off to?” Yuyuko said with a sigh. She put her chin in her hand and propped it up on the table. “Oh, dear.”

     “They’ve said you haven’t wanted them around.” Mokou said, frowning. “What’s that about?”

     Just then Youmu came in with a platter of tea cups. She set it down on the kotatsu and passed the tea out to the women.

     “Thank you, dearie.” Yuyuko said to Youmu. She took a sip of her tea before she continued. “I… haven’t been feeling up to music recently. Lately it’s been all noise that gives me headaches. I apologize though if they’ve been causing any trouble.” Yuyuko said rather politely. She put her cup back down on the table and swirled the tea around in it a little.

     “Why is that?” Kaguya asked.

     Yuyuko looked up and gave her a sad smile. “You see, I’ve been a bit depressed recently.”

     “I’m sorry to hear that.” Kaguya frowned. “And that’s why you don’t want them around?”

     “Yes, you see… my best friend, she hasn’t been around much. It’s made me rather gloomy.”

     “Yakumo?” Kaguya said bluntly. She hated saying that name. It left a bad taste in her mouth.

     “Yes…” Yuyuko sighed. She cast her eyes down low and averted Kaguya and Mokou’s gazes. “She’s been busy lately, and I’ve been rather lonely with just my Youmu here.”

     “I’m sorry to hear that.” Kaguya said. With Mokou and Keine moving out recently, she too had come to know the feeling of loneliness. She frowned. She truly felt for the woman.

     “Ah, it’s none of your concern. I’ll instruct my musicians to move back here. Maybe their music will cheer me up now.”

     “Do you…” Kaguya began, regretting what she was going to say already, “Want us to talk to Yakumo for you?”

     Yuyuko’s eyes lit up at this. She pouted cutely as she thought. “Really? You would do something like that for me?”

     “Kaguya-Mama…” Mokou groaned. She nudged Kaguya from under the kotatsu. “This really isn’t our business.” 

     “You’re right…” Yuyuko said, frowning. “It truly isn’t… but, I haven’t had the heart to confront her about it. Maybe having someone else do it for me would work.”

     Kaguya looked at Mokou and mouthed please to her.

     Mokou sighed and put her face in her hands. She looked up tiredly at Kaguya from between her fingers.

     “Fine. But in the morning.”

     “Sounds good.” Kaguya said.

     “You’ll do it for me? You’ll ask her why she hasn’t been to see me?” Yuyuko asked chipperly.

     Kaguya nodded reluctantly. She hated Yakumo, but the thought of someone being so lonely resonated with her. She thought back to how quiet Eientei had been without Mokou and Keine being there with her.

     Mokou let out a grunting moan next to her. She frowned. Kaguya gave her a stern look. Mokou sighed through her nose and nodded too.

     The next day, they thought they knew where to go to find Yakumo. If she wasn’t at Hakugyokurou she would almost definitely be at Hakurei’s. Those were here two most common haunts at least. Kaguya and Mokou reasoned that she must be there harassing Hakurei. Or, at least they hoped she would be, because they had no other means of contacting her otherwise.

     Kaguya and Mokou stood at the door of Hakurei’s shrine. Kaguya again wore another long flowing sundress today. The weather permitted nothing but airy clothes as it was muggy and humid. Mokou on the other hand simply wore a tank top with a pair of black baggy shorts that came down to her knees. She had her hands crammed into her pockets as Kaguya knocked on the door to the shrine.

     There was a pregnant pause of silence as they listened for a reply and heard nothing. Then, footsteps on the other side of the door echoed out. 

     “Good, someone’s home.” Kaguya said as she turned to Mokou. Mokou looked a little disappointed. It seemed she wanted to get this whole adventure over with. She must have been hoping for an empty house which would simply allow them to give up to go home and relax.

     The door slid open and inside stood Suika Ibuki. She grinned up at them dizzily, apparently already drunk even though it was before 10am. Her hair was messy and her clothes were rumpled. She blinked, one eye then the other slowly.

     “Hey, the pretty princess… Oh, and the lamprey saleswoman.” Suika said, turning to greet both of them. “Whadda ya want?”

     “Is Hakurei in?” Kaguya asked.

     Suika thought long and hard about this. She put her chin in her hand as she thought. 

     “Don’t… r’member. Uh, come look fer her.” Suika said taking a step back to let them in.

     Kaguya and Mokou entered and kicked off their shoes before they headed into the small shrine.

     They moved through the front hallway, peeking in through the doors as they went.

     “Hakurei?” Kaguya said. “Are you home?”

     “Huh?” Did someone call for me?” Came a voice from out back.

     Kaguya smiled at Mokou who grimaced and rolled her eyes.

     “Great.” Mokou said. “Perfect, she’s here.”

     “Oh, come on, brat.” Kaguya said. She grabbed Mokou by the arm and led her out back to where Reimu was.

     Reimu was sitting on the engawa porch looking out onto her backyard. In the yard was Marisa Kirisame. Marisa looked sweaty and bruised. She huffed and breathed harshly as she looked over at Kaguya and Mokou.

     “What the hell happened to you?” Kaguya asked.

     “Fightin’- with- Suika.” Marisa panted. “Sparrin’.” Marisa bent over where she stood and put her hands on her knees. “Phew.”

     Suika came out and looked at Marisa blearily.

     “Oh, right, our fight.” Suika said blatantly. She moved off of the porch and crossed over to Marisa.

     “Wait- I need a second.” Marisa said holding one hand up.

     Suika didn’t care. She went up to Marisa, grabbed her by the arm, and swung her clean over her head and threw her onto the ground behind her.

     “Come’on, I fight harder to pull on my undies.” Suika said with a gruff chuckle.

     “Ughhh….” Marisa said from where she lay on the ground. “Ow…”

     “She’s trying to fight an oni?” Kaguya said as she had a seat next to Reimu. She let her feet dangle off the porch.

     Reimu nodded.  Her hair had been cut short to accommodate for the hot weather. It hung just above her ears in blocky chops. She looked cute in it. It blew around her face lightly as a wind gusted in.

     “What do you want?” Reimu asked.  Her eyes came up to meet Mokou’s as Mokou took a seat beside Kaguya. “Oh, you got tall.”

     “Thanks, I grew up big and strong.” Mokou said.

     “All thanks to me and Eirin.” Kaguya said with a cocky chuckle.

     Mokou rolled her eyes at this and looked back over to Marisa and Suika. Marisa had gotten up and was in a readied stance as Suika circled her.

     “We want to talk to Yakumo.” Kaguya said to Reimu.

     Reimu frowned, her mouth flattened into a thin straight line. “Why?”

     “It’s a long story.” Kaguya said as she folded her hands in her lap. She looked at Reimu squarely.

     In the yard Suika charged at Marisa. Marisa hollered out a war cry as she readied herself for the impact. Suika dashed, head first, at Marisa. Marisa grabbed her horns and tried to push her back, but Suika was just too strong. Suika rushed her and flung Marisa up and over her shoulders once again. Marisa fell flat on her back with a grunt.

     “And what makes you think she’s here?”

     “Because she’s not at Hakugyokurou.” Kaguya said. 

     “And we know you’re her runner up.” Mokou said.

     “I’m not her keeper.” Reimu said with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

     “But, she’s kinda like yours.” Mokou noted quietly.

     “Ugh, you know I can just ask you to leave.” Reimu said.

     “Come on, Reimu. Please? Is she here?” Kaguya asked.

     “No, she’s not.” Reimu said with a sigh through her nose. “She hasn’t visited in about two weeks.”

     “Really? Is that common?” Kaguya asked.

     “...Not really. But I’m not complaining.” Reimu said. “It’s nice having some peace and quiet around here.” Just then Marisa screamed again as she tried to tackle Suika and failed. “Well, as quiet as this place can ever get.”

     “Do you have a way to contact her?” Kaguya asked, “Can’t you communicate through your yin yang orbs?”

     “I do. But, why should I? For you? You’ve hardly given me any reason to. And I know if I open the gate the flood will wash in. She’ll start sticking her nose in my business again.”

     Kaguya sighed and explained the situation to Reimu, from Kagerou, to the Prismrivers and their drummer, to Yuyuko up at Hakugyokurou.”

     Reimu frowned as she listened. At the end she sighed.

     “That’s hardly a reason to go to all the hassle to contact her.” Reimu said at last as Kaguya finished.

     “Please, my bunnies’ lives depend on this!” Kaguya said, putting her hands together as she begged.

     “ Oh no, not the bunnies. ” Reimu said sarcastically.

     “Listen, Hakurei, do us a solid.” Mokou said. “Come on, I’m done trying to solve this incident.”

     “It’s hardly an incident.” Reimu said with a scowl. “More like an inconvenience.” Reimu huffed. She looked over at Mokou and frowned. “So you two are besties now?” Reimu asked, nodding to Kaguya.

     “Eh, sort of like that.” Mokou said with a blush. She looked away. Kaguya knew she would practically die if Reimu knew she called her Momo.

     “Good, less fires I need to deal with.” Reimu said.

     “See, that’s a good enough reason for you to do us a favor.” Mokou said. “We’re not causing trouble anymore.”

     Reimu sighed and rolled her eyes. “You’re really set on this then?” Reimu asked.

     “Yes, please!” Kaguya said. “Think of my bunnies.”

     Reimu grunted and shook her head.

     “Fine… but only if you two promise to keep this up. I’m really sick of hearing about those fires you used to start.”

     “Promise.” Kaguya said with a nod.

     Mokou nodded as well.

     “Fine.” Reimu said as she got to her feet. “Follow me.

     Kaguya and Mokou got up as well and followed Reimu as she led them back inside.

     Reimu led them through the back doors and entered down a short hallway. They rounded a corner and came upon a room they had never seen before. Reimu opened the door and motioned for them to follow her inside.

     Inside it was dark, the blinds had been closed to block the sunlight from coming in. From the miniscule light that did come in through the cracks in the blinds, they could see it was incredibly dusty as dust particles danced here and there in the thin strips of light.

     In the center of the room underneath a large square glass case was a pair of yin yang orbs, they glowed dully in the dark room and emanated a powerful aura that could be physically felt.

     Reimu sat before the glass case and carefully removed it from atop of the yin yang orbs.

     The powerful energy doubled in the room, the room vibrated slightly as they were revealed.

     Reimu sighed again, apparently annoyed at this hassle before she turned to the orbs. She tapped one with her finger and cleared her throat.

     “Yukari. Pick up.” Reimu said.

     There was silence from the other side. The faint sound of humming filled the quiet air.

     “Yukari. It’s Reimu. Pick up.” Reimu said, this time it was a demand.

     Again there was silence. Reimu folded her arms as she waited. She turned to Kaguya and Mokou and frowned.

     “Usually it doesn’t take this long.”

     “Reimu, who are you talking to?” Came a voice that emanated off of the orbs.

     “Oh, you answered.” Reimu said, “Hey.”

     “Hello, Reimu. Can I ask why you’re calling?” Came Yukari’s voice. It was pleasant, conversational even. Neither Kaguya nor Mokou had ever heard this tone used before.

     “I have two immortals here looking for you.” Reimu said. “Yagokoro and Fujiwara.”

     “...What do they want?” Yukari’s voice suddenly had a bite to it.

     “Calm down, Yukari. Don’t shoot the messenger.” Reimu said defensively.

     “What do they want?” Yukari asked, a little calmer this time. “I’m sorry Reimu, dear. You know how I feel about them.”

     Reimu blushed at being called dear and let out a grunt. “ Yukari, they’re in the room with me. ” Reimu said, voice cracking.

     “Oh.” Yukari went silent for a minute. “Well. What do you two want?”

     “Long story short, Yuyuko misses you.” Kaguya said.

     “...” The other side of the orbs went quiet. Suddenly a draft of air wafted through the room. A gap had opened behind Kaguya’s head and out popped Yukari’s top half. She had her fan over her face as she looked down. Kaguya jumped and swung around to face her with an undignified yelp.

     “Don’t scare me like that.” Kaguya said roughly.

     “What did you say about my Yuyu?” Yukari asked, eyes glinting in the dark light.

     “I went to see her. She said she misses you.” Kaguya explained.

     “And why should I believe you?” Yukari asked.

     “Fine. Don’t. Don’t believe me and keep her lonely.” Kaguya said, eyebrow twitching. She really hated Yukari.

     “...” Yukari was silent for another moment. She fanned herself as she thought. “What did she say?”

     “Just what I told you. She says she misses you because you haven’t been to see her.” Kaguya said.

     “Oh…” Yukari averted her gaze and glanced over at Reimu. Reimu simply shrugged.

     “This is your mess, Yukari.” Reimu said, putting her hands on her hips.

     “Ugh, this is all because of Matara.” Yukari said while closing her eyes.

     “Matara? What does she have to do with this?” Mokou asked.

     “Hmph, well if you must know, Matara has been positively overworking me. I haven’t had a moment to myself recently. We agreed to split our sagely duties evenly, but she’s up and disappeared on me again. It’s just like it was before she came back. And gods know I haven’t gotten any other help in centuries.” Yukari huffed.

     “It’s not like you even did anything really before Matara was back.” Reimu said.

     Yukari hmph’ ed and fanned herself. “You wound me, Reimu.”

     “So… Matara is behind this whole thing?” Kaguya said, suddenly feeling tired and aggravated. Just how far back did this thing go?

     “Yes. I haven’t seen her in weeks. And all the work has been piling up…” Yukari looked down at Kaguya and Mokou. “I’m not asking for a favor … but if you find her you tell her to get her act together. Then, I can go back to living my life, and seeing my poor Yuyu.”

     “Great.” Mokou said throwing her arms up. “We need to find another sage?”

     “Do you have any idea where she might be?” Kaguya asked Yukari. She couldn’t believe she was actually doing Yakumo a favor now.

     “Probably with the Taoists if my sources are correct.” Yukari said. 

     “Can’t you just go and visit Saigyouji and cheer her up?”

     “I’m afraid I’m tied up at the moment. Even being here is eating up my precious time.” Yukari said. “I’m afraid my lead on Matara is all I can offer you.”

     “Fine.” Mokou grunted. “To the Taoists then. You owe us Yakumo.”

     “Oh, I do believe this is actually you paying me back a favor. You see, I didn’t step in when you were playing with immortality a few months ago, did I now? I could have snuffed that little game you were playing out in an instant. So, you’re welcome that I let it continue.” Yukari said with a twinge of annoyance in her voice.

     Mokou huffed in disbelief and folded her arms. Kaguya also let out a grunt.

     “Listen here!” Kaguya pointed an accusatory finger at Yukari.

     “Ah, maybe another time. I’ve got to go.” Yukari said. She gave Reimu a nod before dipping down into her gap. The next moment, the gap closed, leaving no trace that it had ever been there.

     Mokou looked angrily over at Kaguya. Kaguya sighed just as annoyedly back.

     “What a bitch.” Kaguya said.

     “Told you it was a bad idea to call her.” Reimu said as she replaced the glass case over the two orbs. “More work than it’s worth, that one.”

     “You might be right.” Kaguya sighed. She looked over at Mokou and said, “To the mausoleum?”

     “Yep…” Mokou said with a grunt.

     They made their way down the sloping hill that led underground to the Taoist’s mausoleum. It was a dark damp tunnel that was rocky and craggy. As they descended it became so dark that it was hard to see. Mokou had to light up her hand on fire as a torch to light the way for them. Above, bats cried out and hissed at them as they passed. Stalactites hung sharply down from the ceilings. 

     They trekked through mud and puddles for a long while before they came upon lights at the end of the tunnel, lanterns. The lanterns’ lights swayed eerily against the damp jagged walls of the cave. It gave the appearance that the mausoleum itself was moving.

     The mausoleum itself was enormous. It was more of a mansion than a tomb or a crypt. There were windows, doors, and even a front yard. Outside stood a solitary figure. As Kaguya and Mokou approached they found it was Mononobe no Futo, a rather rude member of the Taoists, although recently they seemed to have mellowed out a little.

     When Futo heard them approaching, they turned, concerned and alert, readying an attack. The telltale steam of a spellcard being readied filled the air.

     Kaguya put her hands out defensively. 

     “We’re not here for a fight!” She called. Her voice echoed off the tall walls and ceiling of the cave.

     Futo narrowed their eyes at them and relaxed slightly. The steam dissipated as Kaguya and Mokou slowly approached them. They entered the front yard and stopped a few yards before Futo.

     “What doth bring ye here?” Futo asked, eyes all but slivers as they squinted tightly at the pair in front of them.

     “We’re looking for Matara.” Mokou said bluntly.

     “This one knows not if Master Matara is present.” Futo said, eyes darting around nervously.

     “Can’t you just tell us if she’s here?” Mokou said exasperatedly. 

     “This one knows not. Have this one’s word.” Futo said. They nervously glanced behind themselves at the mausoleum as if feeling like they were being watched.

     “Can ya check?” Mokou asked bluntly.

     “Um… this one is on a mission of great importance that mustn't be heckled.”

     “Fine, let us just knock on the door.” Mokou said taking a step further.

     Futo held out their hands, their long sleeves flopped with the movement.

     “Outsiders be’th ne'er be welcomed upon this homestead. Leave, say’st this one.”

     Mokou rolled her eyes annoyedly. 

     “Fine, does this one want a fight?”

     “Nay, but if thou insists.” Futo said, again steam filled the air.

     “Woah, slow down, Futo.” Came a warm voice from somewhere. It echoed across the cavern. 

     Suddenly, a backdoor appeared upon Futo’s back. It folded itself open, fold after fold, until it was a full sized door. Then it opened and out stepped Okina Matara. She had an elaborate golden cane that she leaned on when she walked. She came around from Futo’s back and addressed Mokou and Kaguya. As she spoke, the door upon Futo’s back folded itself in half, then again, and again, until it disappeared into nothingness.

     “Just the person we were looking for.” Kaguya said, extending her hands. She shot a glare at Futo who paled and looked away.

     “How can I help you?” Okina asked personably. She took a slow step forwards and gave them a warm smile.

     “We’ve got word that you’ve been slacking.” Mokou said bluntly. Kaguya sighed and nudged her. 

     “Ah, and this word comes from who may I ask?’ Okina said, apparently uninsulted.

     “Yakumo.” Mokou said flatly.

     “Ah, I see.” Okina said thoughtfully. She rubbed her chin with her free hand and shook her head. “Let’s head inside to talk. It’s a bit chilly out here. Futo, as you were.”

     “Aye, Master Matara.” Futo said giving Okina a low bow.

     They all headed inside through the front door of the mausoleum. 

     Inside, through the wide marble doors, was dimly lit, yet beautiful. The entirety of the mausoleum and its walls were made out of granite and marble. The large columns surrounding the outside continued inside as support beams as well. The support beams inside, though, were emblazoned with gold and jewels. Next to every column was a large jade vase as big as a person. They glittered in the low light.

     Through the entryway, Okina led them into a sitting room. The decorations in this room were surprisingly western. They gave off a sense of a rococo design, being so ornate and curled. There was a large wooden oak table in the center of the room with a dozen or so heavy oak chairs surrounding it. 

     Okina moved over to the chair at the end of the table and took a seat in it.

     Kaguya and Mokou moved across the room with her and took a seat on either side of her.

     “So,” Okina said setting her cane against the back of her chair. She folded her hands in front of her on the table. Her eye twitched slightly as she said, “What has Yakumo said about me?”

     Kaguya was surprised at the subtle tone of annoyance in Okina’s voice. Okina had never been anything other than polite to her and her family.

     “She said you’ve been skimping on your sagely duties.” Mokou said. “And that she’s over worked because of it.”

     Okina sighed and recrossed her hands on the table. “Is that what that woman has been saying about me?”

     “ That woman ? I thought you two were old friends.” Kaguya said.

     “More like old coworkers.” Okina said. “Our relationship is… affable most times, but we are far from friends.”

     “Never would have guessed.” Mokou said. “Anyway, so why have you been avoiding her and your duties?”

     Okina smiled at this. She chuckled and reached behind her for her cane. She held it out over the table for Kaguya and Mokou to see. On it, was strung a little keychain of a cartoon mouse head with large round ears. It looked to be made of foam and designed for children.

     “I took Kokoro to the outside world for a birthday vacation. We went to an amusement park together and bonded. That’s where I have been.”

     “What’s an amusement park?” Mokou asked.

     “It’s… hmm, a type of permanent fair. One with machine carts you can ride on for fun.” Okina explained.

     “So you took your kid on vacation and abandoned Gensokyo?” Mokou said with a dry chuckle.

     “Oh, I wouldn’t say abandoned. I always planned on coming back. I just wanted to have a little fun with my Koko.”

     Mokou sighed and put her face in her hands. “All this because of that? I wasted my day off on this.”

     “Well, you’re back. That means you’ll go back to work right?” Kaguya asked.

     “Oh… yes.” Okina said a little reluctantly. “I suppose that is what that means.”

     “Good, problem solved.” Mokou said, clapping her hands. “And all because you went on a little vacay.”

     Okina frowned at this, she seemed a little irritated at Mokou’s tone.

     “You were a lot quieter when you were little.” Okina noted.

     “Oh,” Mokou blushed, “You- saw me when I was a kid? Sorry, I don’t remember.”

     “ As a baby actually.” Okina said with a small smirk. “You were quite cute .” She chuckled.

     Mokou blushed harder and looked at her hands in her lap.

     “Oh,” She said simply.

     “I can understand where Matara is coming from. It’s only natural to want to spend time with your kids.” Kaguya said, a light blush dusting her cheeks as well. “I mean- so I don’t blame her.”

     Mokou looked up at her and opened her mouth, although no words came out.

     “I mean… it’s been a little lonely at Eientei without you, brat.” Kaguya said. “So I understand her… I mean, I was just happy enough to solve this incident with you.”

     “Ugh, you’re mushy, old lady.” Mokou said, averting her gaze, embarrassed. “It’s not like we don’t see you guys every week.”

     “Ah, Koko’s time is split for me as well. She also spends part of her time up at Myouren.” Okina said. “It’s hard on a mother to be apart from her children.” Okina said putting a hand on her cheek. “That’s why it’s important to treasure the time you have together.”

     Kaguya nodded and averted her gaze too. She was suddenly looking intently at a very interesting notch in the table.

     “Ugh…” Mokou grunted quietly. 

     “...Well, now that you’ve promised to get back to work I think that’s the incident solved.” Kaguya said awkwardly.

     “Ha, I caused another incident?” Okina chuckled. “I didn’t mean to this time.”

     “More like a hassle than an incident.” Mokou clarified, still blushing. “So, just next time before you up and leave let your coworker know.”

     “Will do.” Okina said a bit sourly.

     “Perfect.” Mokou said. Then she went quiet.

     Okina then smiled and looked between Kaguya and Mokou. “Excuse me for just one moment.” She said, giving Kaguya a knowing glance. She carefully got to her feet, retrieved her cane, and left the room.

     Kaguya and Mokou sat in a tense silence for a long while. The moment stretched on and on, and yet no one spoke. A clock from somewhere in the mausoleum ticked away. Finally, being able to bear it no longer, Kaguya spoke. 

     “IreallymissyouandKeine.” Kaguya said quickly in one breath.

     “What?” Mokou said, looking up, confused at the sudden gush.

     “I… really miss you and Keine.”

     “We see each other all the time.” Mokou said, frowning. She played with her thumbs awkwardly underneath the table.

     “Yeah… butI’m just not used to not having you right down the hall.” Kaguya said. She felt tears prickle up in her eyes.

     Mokou sighed. “You know… me and Keine want privacy, and-”

     “I know.” Kaguya said, wiping her eyes. “That’s understandable. You’re a married couple afterall.”

     Mokou blushed deeper at this. “It’s not like… Idon’tmissyoutoo.” Mokou mumbled the end. “I actually… reallylikehavingyouaroundonweekdays.”

     “You do?” Kaguya blinked.

     “Course…” Mokou said with a grunt. “I guess I just never said it.”

     “Maybe that’s why I've been feeling so lonely… Because you’ve been so closed off.” Kaguya said, surprised at this truth.

     Mokou nodded and scratched the back of her head. “Sorry, my bad I guess.” She still didn’t have the nerve to look Kaguya in the eyes.

     Still, Kaguya smiled weepily at her. She sniffled and wiped her eyes dry.

     “Geez, stop crying, old lady. Will you stop crying if I promise to be more open from now on?” Mokou said while staring into her lap.

     “Yes... I’m sorry, I’m just so happy now.” Kaguya said.

     Finally, Mokou looked up at this. “You are?”

     “I… guess I feel like I have you back now.” Kaguya said. 

     “Ugh, so mushy, old lady… Fine… I’m happy too.” Mokou said turning an almost purple color with her blush. She looked faint.

     Kaguya let out a happy giggle and put her hands together. “Good that’s all I could ask for.”

     Just then Okina came back into the room. She held a tray of sugar cookies. They were iced clumsily, but still looked delicious. “My Koko and I made these together. I’d like to share them with another mother and daughter. I only feel it’s appropriate.”

     “How sweet. Thank you.” Kaguya said, taking one. She bit into it and found it was a little hard, but still good.

     Mokou took one as well and silently munched on it, ignoring Okina’s embarrassing comment.

     Okina took a seat again with a contented sigh and leaned back in her chair, feeling accomplished in her doings.

    At that time the sound of the front door opening filled the quiet dining area. There was a brief moment filled with the sound of footsteps when the door to the room they were in was creaked open. In stepped Miko, with all her golden glory. She wore a long purple hanfu with a golden sash and a long violet and scarlet cape. The hanfu looked priceless and ancient. It hung off her thin frame softly. She unclipped her cape, belt, and golden sword and slung them over the back of a chair, all while looking at Kaguya and Mokou inquisitively.

     “Futo informed me we had visitors.” Miko said at last, after taking them in for quite some time. As she spoke a second pair of footsteps resounded through the mausoleum, this time lighter and quicker. 

     In came Kokoro, she trotted quickly over to Okina’s side and threw herself into her arms.

     Okina chuckled and rubbed Kokoro’s head. 

     “Did you have a good day at Myouren, Koko dear?” Okina asked.

     Kokoro looked up with her Ko-omote mask, joy, circling above her head.

     “Yes.” Kokoro said blankly as her mask vibrated happily, “Mama let me play with Murasa’s ladle in the hot sun.” Kokoro said.

     “I can see that, your hair is still wet.” Okina chuckled.

     “You know that thing used to kill people. I disapprove a little of her letting a child use it.” Miko said, folding her arms.

     “You disapprove of everything Byakuren does with this child.” Okina said giving Kokoro a noogie. Kokoro let out a laugh through a blank face. It was a little disconcerting. 

     Miko simply huffed and turned to Kaguya and Mokou.

     “You two, why are you here?” Miko asked, then, realizing she had been a little blunt, she corrected herself, “I mean, how can we help you?”

     “We’ve already settled it.” Kaguya said. She cast her eyes over to Kokoro and grinned. The way Kokoro clung onto Okina… it reminded her of when Keine and Mokou were little. Her smile turned wistful.

     “Ah, I see.” Miko said. Then she turned and looked at Mokou, “You’ve gotten big, haven’t you?”

     “Ugh, you saw me too? Kaguya-Mama, how many people found out about me and Keine?”

     Kaguya laughed and said, “Oh, just a hundred or so. We took you to the cherry blossom festival. Don’t you remember?”

     “Oh… I do now… kinda.” Mokou said thinking back. “I just remember it being crowded. Are you really telling me all of those people saw me and Keine?”

     “Well, yes.” Kaguya shrugged. Mokou blushed once again and glared up at Kaguya.

     “Didn’t you think it would be better to hide me and Keine away? Remember what Yakumo said? She could have put an end to all of that in an instant.”

     “Don’t trouble yourselves with Yukari Yakumo’s threats. She’s far too lazy to act on any of them.” Okina said with a sigh. “And children need some enrichment. I think it was good Kaguya and her wife took you out to celebrate with us.” Okina said while patting Kokoro’s head.

     “ Enrichment. ” Mokou huffed. She continued to glare at Kaguya. Kaguya stiffened and thought of ways to cool her back down.

     “Yes, and if we hadn’t gone we wouldn’t have found out about the heavenly peaches that expedited your growth, you know? So it was all for the best we took you.”

     Mokou closed her eyes and sighed at this.

     “I guess…” She said as she reopened them. Her gaze was no longer a glare. Instead it was just simply a little annoyed.

     “Ah, I did hear about your little excursion into Heaven.” Miko said with a small smile. “Caused quite the ruckus up there.”

     Kaguya chuckled and shook her head, “Just doing what I had to for the kids.” Kaguya said.

     Okina smiled at this and said, “I understand, but it seems they’re still on high alert because of this. You might want to go and apologize to your informant, Shion, as she hasn’t been able to sneak in to see her beloved in quite some time.”

     “Oh, really?” Kaguya said, frowning.

     “No, no way. No more meddling. I’m done for today. If you want to trudge back up to Hakurei’s to apologize, fine. But, leave me out of it.” Mokou said waving her hand before her.

     Kaguya laughed at this, “Fine, fine. I’ll do that on my own time eventually.”

     “Good.” Mokou said, folding her arms. “Now, can we head home?”

     “Sure…” Kaguya looked around at Miko and Okina and offered them smiles. Then her eyes traveled down to Kokoro, it truly warmed her heart to see her. She thought back to when Mokou and Keine still hugged her like that. It hurt to know that time was gone, yet she felt a renewed sense of love knowing that their relationships would only continue to evolve. “Thank you for having us… Really.”

     “Your company is most welcome.” Okina spoke before Miko had the chance to. “Next time you visit, please simply tell our guard dog, Futo, that you have a prior appointment with me.”

     “Thank you, Matara.” Kaguya said with a bow.

     By the time they packed up and began to say their goodbyes everyone was in a cheerful mood with bellies full of cookies.

     Kaguya and Mokou bid goodbye to Okina, Kokoro, and Miko as they began their trek back home. Kaguya linked arms with Mokou and put her head on her shoulder as they made their way up from the mausoleum and back home together.